Dauphin County awards gaming grants, many Harrisburg projects receive funding

February 24, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Dauphin County Administration building on N. 2nd Street

Dauphin County gaming grants will go to over 80 local projects this year, many addressing education, recreation and food insecurity.

At a legislative session on Wednesday, the county commissioners approved just under $6.2 million in awards, funded each year by the county’s share of revenue from Hollywood Casino at Penn National.

Harrisburg-based projects were the recipients of some of the gaming money, which went primarily toward building renovations and improvements. These include:

Harrisburg City: $150,000 for Public Safety Building HVAC system replacement
Harrisburg Rugby Football Club: $50,000 for design and construction of rugby fields and related improvements
The Salvation Army: $69,690 for food recovery, assistance and nutrition services program
Dauphin County Library System: $75,000 for integration of downtown library facilities
Harrisburg Scottish Rite Cathedral and Masonic Theatre: $34,720 for lighting conversion project
Keystone Service Systems, Inc.: $50,000 for Capital Area Head Start service dogs
CASA Charter School Foundation: $75,000 for academic classroom expansion project
Harrisburg School District: $47,500 for John Harris Campus security camera replacements
Gamut Theatre: $45,000 for debt reduction on building renovation
GreenWorks Development: $75,000 for redevelopment of Midtown Harrisburg mixed-use project
Susquehanna Art Museum: $60,000 for replacement recreational vehicle for VanGo! art gallery
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church: $51,000 for renovation, repair and restoration of Church facility
Breaking the Chainz: $35,000 for repairs to apartment building for displaced families working with Dauphin County Children & Youth Services and other agencies
Harrisburg Area Community College: $75,000 for purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus system for public safety training programs
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts: $75,000 for renovations to create Innovation Studio for STEAM education
Harrisburg University: $75,000 for HUE Festival and renovation of academic space
The Nativity School: $75,000 for new school facility phase II renovations
Camp Curtin YMCA: $75,000 for design and construction of affordable housing
The Homeland Center: $56,000 for security infrastructure improvements and visitor management
Capital Area Soccer Association: $25,000 to upgrade Ranger and George Park fields
Catholic Charities: $25,000 for Saint Samuel Center windows and door replacements
Downtown Daily Bread: $20,000 for debt service on installation of air-conditioning in day shelter
The National Civil War Museum: $25,000 for reduction of long-term debt

“I think the leveraging of the money has been great this year and I think the diversity of the projects throughout the county is representative of the communities we serve,” Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick said.

Last year, the county awarded $6.3 million from casino gaming revenue to projects recommended by the Gaming Advisory Board.

The Hollywood Casino at Penn National’s gross terminal revenue was down from 2019 by 41%, with COVID-19 as the main contributing factor. However, a surge in iGaming (online gambling) helped the county maintain its average amount of received funds.

This year’s projects will leverage an estimated $24.8 million in additional investment related to the funded projects and over 11,700 jobs will be created or maintained in conjunction with the projects, said Mark Stewart, counsel for the Gaming Advisory Board.

The following is a complete list of the projects that will receive Dauphin County gaming grant funding this year:

Host & Contiguous

East Hanover Township (Annual road maintenance, fire company self-contained breathing apparatus)—$500,000
South Hanover Township (Municipal complex debt reduction)—$284,000
Derry Township ($157,069 Police and Public Works radios; $68,400 Hershey Volunteer Fire Co. radio replacements; $45,000 Derry Township School District safety and security upgrades and $17,700 Hershey American Legion building roof replacement)—$288,1694
Middle Paxton Township ($124,000 Potato Valley Road Bridge debt; $126,300 Dauphin Middle Paxton Joint Park Authority site development plan and ADA improvements)—$250,3005
Rush Township (Skid steer vehicle) —$74,236

Other Awards

Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Department (repair and restoration of Wildwood Park boardwalk) —$50,000
Dauphin County Sheriff’s Office (replacement of mobile and portable police radios) —$68,000
Dauphin Co. Local Emergency Planning Committee (hazardous materials duty officer response vehicle replacement) —$69,330
Dauphin County General Authority (golf course irrigation system debt payment) —$141,200
Susquehanna Township ($90,000 Uptown infrastructure improvement project debt payment and $60,000 Boyd Park Phase 2 improvements) —$150,000
Penbrook Borough (sewer interceptor replacement) —$85,000
Royalton Borough ($75,000 Borough Hall HVAC project debt service; and $20,000 police radios and police safety equipment) —$95,000
Swatara Township (Bishop Park multi-purpose trail construction project) —$150,000
Hummelstown Borough (Municipal and Public Safety Building debt reduction) —$49,015
Jackson Township/Fisherville Vol. Fire Co. (fire station addition construction debt) —$36,522
Lower Swatara Township ($188,418Annual DCIB loan payments and PennVest loan repayment; and $50,000 Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Co. Tanker 59 debt reduction) —$238,418
Upper Paxton Township/Millersburg Fire Co. No. 1(Fire truck emergency and on scene lighting) —$60,478
Millersburg Area School District (security and accessibility upgrades at schools) —$48,000
Steelton Borough (Brickyard Community Park construction) —$90,000
Paxtang Borough (Municipal Complex improvements) —$150,000
Londonderry Township (sanitary sewer extension) —$140,000
Lower Paxton Township (police department body cameras and mobile vehicle cameras) —$128,387
Harrisburg City (Public Safety Building HVAC system replacement) —$150,000
Halifax Borough (retention wall replacement and storm water line installation) —$75,000
Lykens Borough/Authority ($75,000 Lykens Borough Phase III replacement of water distribution system; $41,000 Liberty Hose Co. No. 2 replacement of hoses and nozzles) —$116,000
Halifax Township/Halifax Fire Department (purchase of brush truck and associated equipment) —$50,000
Elizabethville Borough/Reliance Hose Co. No. 1 (Pierce Pumper Truck debt reduction) —$40,000
Berrysburg Municipal Authority (sewage treatment plant system project) —$34,000
Reed Township (contribution to debt payment on aerial fire apparatus) —$37,000
Harrisburg Rugby Football Club (design and construction of rugby fields and related improvements) —$50,000
Dauphin County Library System (integration of downtown library facilities) —$75,000
The Salvation Army (food recovery, assistance and nutrition services program) —$69,690
Harrisburg Scottish Rite Cathedral and Masonic Theatre (lighting conversion project) —$34,720
Court Administration for Magisterial District Judges (debt reduction on construction of new MDJ facilities) —$170,000
Williamstown Borough/ Williamstown American Legion Post 239 (JFK Hall renovations to bathroom facilities) —$63,560
Wiconisco Fire Engine Co. (debt reduction on new fire rescue) —$40,000
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (Camp Small Valley capital improvements) —$53,000
Keystone Service Systems, Inc. (Capital Area Head Start service dogs) —$50,000
CASA Charter School Foundation (academic classroom expansion project) —$75,000
Harrisburg City School District (John Harris Campus security camera replacements) —$47,500
Gamut Theatre (debt reduction on building renovation) —$45,000
GreenWorks Development (redevelopment of Midtown Harrisburg mixed-use project) —$75,000
Susquehanna Art Museum (replacement of recreational vehicle for VanGo! art gallery) —$60,000
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church (renovation, repair and restoration of Church facility) —$51,000
Breaking the Chainz (repairs to apartment building for displaced families working with Dauphin Co. Children & Youth Services and other agencies) —$35,000
Driven From Within (support for after-school programs, youth tutoring, college tours and classes) —$5,000
D&H Distributing (construction of new training center) —$33,486
Harrisburg Area Community College (purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus system for public safety training programs) —$75,000
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts (renovations to create Innovation Studio for STEAM education) —$75,000
Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (fire Department restroom renovation project) —$21,825
Panther Ram Foundation (Central Dauphin School District Nutri-packs program) —$50,000
Harrisburg University (HUE Festival and renovation of academic space) —$75,000
The Nativity School (new school facility Phase II renovations) —$75,000
Camp Curtin YMCA (design and construction of affordable housing) —$75,000
The Homeland Center (security infrastructure improvements and visitor management) —$56,000
Middletown Volunteer Fire Dept. (pumper Truck debt reduction) —$94,978
Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc. (update existing and acquire new technology resources conditioned upon resources being used in Dauphin Co.) —$74,874
Penn State University (Harrisburg Innovation Park planning project) —$35,000
Ghost Brewing Company d/b/a Rubber Soul (phase II construction of brewery) —$85,000
Hanna Education Foundation (food pantry enhancement) —$25,000
Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (construction of tiny homes community for veterans conditioned upon matching funds being obtained for the project) —$69,000
Capital Area Soccer Association (upgrade Ranger and George Park Fields) —$25,000
Catholic Charities (Saint Samuel Center windows and door replacements) —$25,000
Downtown Daily Bread (debt service on installation of air-conditioning in day shelter) —$20,000
Farm of Hope (improvements to driveways and walkways at farm serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities) —$15,000
The National Civil War Museum (reduction of long-term debt) —$25,000
OC Highway LLC (renovate Opportunity House to provide housing, life skills and vocational training) —$75,000
The Program, It’s About Change (reduction of debt on Phase I renovations of Ray of Hope House) —$50,000
Cyrene Lodge 169 (building repairs and tree removal) —$29,250
Linglestown Baseball Association (Koons Park Baseball Field Upgrades) —$68,500
The Campus of the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg (renovations and upgrades to facilities and purchase of a wheelchair accessible bus) —$75,000
Ecumenical Community of Harrisburg (portico replacement and deck) —$10,000
Capital Region Literacy Council (purchase and distribution of new children’s books) —$20,000
Communities in Schools of PA (renovate local headquarters and establish a youth Re-engagement Center) —$27,000
Devon Manor Pool and Swim Club (infrastructure and facilities improvements) —$25,000
Hospice of Central PA (conference room safety, technology and intake area upgrades) —$25,000
Hummelstown Area Historical Society (restoration of the Parish House building) —$25,000
Middletown Swim Club (repairs and upgrades to pool facility) —$17,167
New Birth of Freedom Council, Boy Scouts of America (Scoutreach Program Dauphin County affordability and accessibility initiative) —$15,000
Pop’s House (debt reduction on acquisition of home for veterans conditioned upon funds being applied to payoff IDA loan) —$30,000
Summit Terrace Neighborhood Association (upgrade and revitalize community building and fund technology upgrades) —$10,000
Dauphin County Industrial Development Authority (administration) —$650,000

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Midtown Harrisburg projects get zoning approvals, inch closer to construction

February 23, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The “Carpets and Draperies” building was one of several projects that received zoning board approval on Monday night.

Several Midtown Harrisburg building projects took steps forward on Monday night, gaining key zoning approvals.

During a four-hour virtual meeting, the city Zoning Hearing Board voted unanimously to approve variances for an apartment building/community center and townhouses in the Capitol Heights neighborhood; an apartment building and parking garage on Reily Street; and the conversion of a dilapidated commercial structure to a small apartment building.

First, the board approved a variance for the “Carpets and Draperies” building on the 1500-block of N. 3^rd Street. A Midtown resident, Nate Foote, wants to convert the blighted, century-old structure to a five-unit apartment building, with commercial space on the ground floor.

Foote has a contract to purchase the 4,800-square-foot building from Schnecksville, Pa.-based Mussani & Matz Co., which has owned it since 2007. However, the purchase is contingent on getting the necessary approvals from the city.

At the meeting, Chuck Heller, a realtor for Camp Hill-based Landmark Commercial Realty, said the building has been on the market for about a decade, with many potentially interested buyers during that time. However, in the end, the building’s blighted condition and daunting rehabilitation costs have deterred offers.

“This is one of my longest listings,” he said. “It’s an amazing building, and there’s been a lot of interest in it, but, once you start digging into it, it’s usually squashed the transaction.”

Board Chair Tom Leonard said that the board had received numerous letters of support for the project from neighbors of the building.

“I think Nate has a great plan in place and will do a great job,” said Doug Neidich, CEO of GreenWorks Development, which owns several properties in the immediate area. “It will be a step forward for the whole Midtown area.”

The project has no off-street parking, but Foote has said that he would lease nearby spaces to satisfy the city’s parking requirement.

Secondly, the board approved a variance and a special exception for the Capitol Heights project, proposed by Harrisburg residents Chris and Erica Bryce, along with Matt Long of Harrisburg Commercial Interiors.

That project envisions building an 18,000-square-foot, three-story apartment building on the 1600-block of N. 3^rd Street. The building would have 12 market rate and affordable units with a 4,180-square-foot community center on the ground floor. The project also includes eight single-family townhomes with built-in garages at the rear of the site facing Logan Street.

The Capitol Heights project includes a new apartment building and community center (left).

Part of the site includes a longstanding community garden, which would be relocated to another part of the property.

“It’s certainly something that will benefit the community as a whole, and I look forward to seeing what you have in store,” said board member Shannon Gority, after she voted for approval.

Lastly, the board approved variances and special exceptions for a seven-story apartment building and parking garage at Reily and Fulton streets, located a block away from the new federal courthouse currently under construction.

This project, by entities called 400 Reily Street Management LLC and KevGar Holdco LLC, proposes an 85-unit apartment building and a 500-space parking garage, with first-floor retail space, which likely would house a grocery store, a restaurant and coffee shop, according to principal Kevin Baird.

The parking garage would serve both the courthouse and the Midtown community, Baird said.

“All roads led to the parking challenge in Midtown, and we all know how much that will be exacerbated by the opening of the federal courthouse in October 2022,” said Baird, describing the origins of the project.

A rendering of the proposed apartment building and parking garage on Reily Street.

Originally, the project included office space, but Baird said that he opted for more apartments because the residential market in Harrisburg is strong, while the office market is weak, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One neighbor objected because, she said, the grocery store, in particular, could lead to parking congestion in the area.

“People are not going to go up into a garage to go to the grocery store,” said the Fulton Street resident. “If I’m just going in for a loaf of bread, I’m not going up into a garage.”

Baird said that shoppers likely would get some free parking time in the garage to encourage its use and that shoppers in other cities often use parking garages to access urban grocery stores.

Approved by the zoning board, each of these projects now needs to have their land development plans approved by City Council before they can begin construction.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Art Party Must Go On

February 21, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Chad Whitaker’s soft sculptures

By their very nature, parties are a celebration and validation of life, friends and the very things that matter most in life—relationships. Man is a social animal, and what are we if we do not have friends?

There was no shortage of those on Friday night at the Civic Club of Harrisburg for a “Winter Art Party” celebrating diversity through art, hosted by Reina Wooden, “R76.”

February’s 3rd in the Burg special event left those in attendance with an “art afterglow.” Basking in the presence of many varied artists, all sharing a positive take on their respective mediums, allowed for a night apart from other 3^rd in the Burgs. It provided the opportunity for collective creatives, mixed in with the night’s guests, to “network and nosh” on some great barbecue by Queen’s BBQ and Southern Cuisine.

Beyond the artists were musicians Ari De Leo, featuring Winter Parks on the upstairs ballroom stage, lighting it up and sharing space with Chad Whitaker’s soft sculptures. A covey of creativity commingled en masse (as much as safety protocols allowed) in the spacious ballroom upstairs, maneuvering six feet apart. Judging by the turnout, dance cards were filled and egos checked at the door accordingly, as partygoers were thrilled to have an art event to attend.

Hostess Wooden and consort Charlie Feathers were over the moon by visitors coming and going all night long and are looking to do more art pop-ups throughout the year. In light of Mother Nature leaving frigid temperatures and some snow on the ground, the elements did not deter the hearty and the brave. The show itself, billed by an art blogger called Bob, name-dropped the artists as the “Maestros of Midtown.” In addition to the host, the Fab Fourteen are comprised of Shawn Maykovich who groomed the grapevine while Nora Carreras and Jonathan Frazier added to the downstairs decor with paintings potent and punctilious. Meanwhile, upstairs, artists Grace Robinson, Beau MacGinnes, Zack Rudy and Garrick Dorsett as a set (pictured), Larry Washington, Jr., Ghost Bae, Jelani Splawn, Claudie Kenion and Bethany Nicholle shared the spotlight.

It was a night to see and be seen. From politicos to gallery owners, the crowd was rabid to meet the artists. The vibe was contagious, and, by all reports, the evening a huge success. So much so that a second chance opening today, Sunday, Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., grants the art-going public another opportunity to meet most of the artists, view the art up close and even purchase. From a one night only to a one day more.

The evening was capped off by Mike Sutherland shooting the scene for posterity. Think of Friday’s party as electric and today’s encore as an acoustic set, stripped down and mellow, easy like a Sunday.

The Winter Art Party continues today, Sunday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St., Harrisburg.

Photos by Beau MacGinnes

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 19, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

Harrisburg saw snow on Thursday and Friday.

With the cold and snowy days spent at home that we had this week, there’s no excuse for not being caught up on the local news. But, if you are behind, we forgive you. Here’s a look at what happened this week in the Harrisburg area.

Bob’s Art Blog previewed the Civic Club of Harrisburg’s art showcase for 3^rd in the Burg this Friday. Visitors can observe the art of local painters, photographers and sculptors, organized by Reina “R76” Wooden.

TheBurg Podcast debuted a special Valentine’s Day edition entitled, “To Harrisburg…Love, TheBurg.” Podcast guests from the past year shared their favorite things about Harrisburg and what makes the city so lovable.

Deborah Sibbering is Harrisburg’s new equal employment opportunity and diversity officer. When she’s not cuddling with her Chihuahuas, she’s providing diversity training to city employees and addressing complaints of workplace discrimination. Read more about her in this month’s magazine article.

Evictions in Harrisburg have been banned for another month, through mid-March, our online story reported. The city found it important to continue the moratorium for health and safety reasons.

Friends of Midtown launched their “One Midtown: Shop Black Owned” campaign to encourage patronage of Black-owned businesses in the city. Residents can send the organization a picture of any purchase they make at a Midtown business, along with the receipt, for a chance to win a prize, our online story reported.

Harrisburg opened the Locust Street Garage to extend free parking for residents during the snowstorm. The service ran from Wednesday night to Friday night, our online story reported.

Harrisburg School District officials announced that they expect to bring some students back into the classroom in April, our reporting found. As long as they meet certain benchmarks related to the decline of COVID, they will start by returning special education and elementary students.

Historic Harrisburg Association will host a webinar on Monday to discuss the Underground Railroad’s history in Harrisburg. Three local historians will share stories from their research, our reporting found.

“Lasagna Love” volunteers in the Harrisburg area are helping their neighbors by cooking up and delivering a favorite comfort food dish, our online story reported. The national organization has a central PA branch that includes over 100 volunteers.

Messiah University launched “Thriving Together: Congregations for Racial Justice,” which will involve 12 Harrisburg-area churches in a two-year cultural education experience, our online story reported. Participants will learn about the history of race and religion in the capital area.

Open Stage theater presents their own take on the haunting “Tales from Sleepy Hollow.” If you like haunted local folklore and scary stories to tell in the dark, then don’t miss this play, our theater reviewer said.

Parks—community, state and national—are reporting surges in attendance amid a worldwide pandemic, our magazine story reported. Pennsylvania, with one of the largest state park systems in the country, shattered recreation records in 2020.

Sara Bozich has your list of virtual and socially distanced activites for the weekend! Check it out, here.

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Messiah University launches program to involve Harrisburg-area churches in racial justice work

February 19, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A new initiative will seek to engage local churches in racial justice work. Pictured: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lemoyne

In a time marked by significant division, a new community program aims to unite local churches on the topic of racial justice.

Messiah University, based in Upper Allen Township, launched “Thriving Together: Congregations for Racial Justice,” which will involve 12 Harrisburg-area churches in a two-year cultural education experience.

“We believe there’s an enormous role churches can play to bring healing and justice to our neighbors in the capital area,” said Dr. Drew Hart, program director and assistant professor of theology at Messiah. “There’s so much work to be done.”

Throughout the multi-year program, pastors and other church leaders will participate in seminars, workshops, field trips and projects related to racial understanding and justice.

Participants will learn about the history of race and religion in the capital region, including information on the east and west shores as racial boundaries. They will also receive anti-racism and intercultural training and study the theologies of justice and peacemaking.

Rev. D. Marie Tribble pastors the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lemoyne and is a community leader in the Thriving Together program. For years, she has educated local faith communities around the topic of race. Many of these conversations have taken place in her own congregation as members have considered the racial dynamics of their church. Tribble, who is Black, pastors a primarily white congregation.

“Conversations about racial inequality and injustice have been more prevalent lately,” Tribble said. “Churches don’t know how to talk about it. If people don’t have an honest knowledge of the history, they won’t be able to move forward.”

Participants will also have the chance to take part in a five-day Civil Rights Bus Tour through southern states held by the nonprofit, The Common Ground Project.

Towards the end of the course, church leaders will be encouraged to design a program or ministry centered on racial justice for their own congregation.

“Our hope is that local churches could have a real presence in our community and that we wouldn’t be known for silence,” Hart said.

Any church in the Harrisburg-area is encouraged to apply for the program, no matter what denomination they are, Hart said. Their goal is to select a cohort of participants that is as racially, politically and culturally diverse as possible. The deadline to apply is March 12.

According to Hart, the program has already received a lot of interest.

The program was funded through a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, a private philanthropic foundation, as part of their “Thriving Congregations Initiative,” Hart said.

“Too often, many of our churches have rejected Jesus’ prayer that God’s Kingdom would be here on earth,” he said. “There’s so much deeper work that the church can do.”

For more information on Messiah University’s “Thriving Together: Congregations for Racial Justice” program, visit their website.

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Historic Harrisburg Association to host discussion on Underground Railroad locally

February 18, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Local historians will discuss the Underground Railroad in Harrisburg. Pictured: The Commonwealth Monument, “A Gathering at the Crossroads”

Just in time for Black History Month, the Historic Harrisburg Association is giving the community the chance to reflect on Black history locally.

On Monday, HHA will host a free webinar on “The Underground Railroad in Harrisburg,” sponsored by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

The program will feature three prominent local historians—Barbara Barksdale, president of the Friends of Midland Cemetery; Calobe Jackson, longtime community leader, historian and author; and Norman Kelker, descendent of one of Harrisburg’s oldest families.

“Barbara, Calobe and Norman have been instrumental in helping Historic Harrisburg Association to expand its role in documenting, interpreting, publicizing and preserving Harrisburg’s rich African-American heritage,” said Dr. Dorothy King, retired professor of American Studies at Penn State Harrisburg and chair of HHA’s Education Committee.

These historians have worked for years on scholarly research and published writings, lecturing, reenactments of historical figures, and preservation of historic sites related to Harrisburg’s cultural heritage, HHA stated in a press release.

Barksdale’s Friends of Midland Cemetery is central Pennsylvania’s oldest known African-American cemetery and interment site of former slaves. U.S. Colored Troops from the Civil War and generations of community leaders are also buried there.

Last year, Jackson, at age 90, was honored by Historic Harrisburg for his lifetime of community service. He played a key role in creating Harrisburg’s first monument to Black heritage, the Commonwealth Monument at the Capitol Complex.

Kelker’s ancestor, Rudolph Frederick Kelker, was a leading abolitionist and operator of a “station” on the Underground Railroad in Harrisburg. Kelker Street in Uptown Harrisburg is named for Norman’s family, HHA said.

The three presenters will share stories from their research on the Underground Railroad in Harrisburg.

Additionally, February is the 48^th anniversary of Historic Harrisburg Association’s founding, Executive Director David Morrison said. To celebrate, they plan to hold a campaign to raise money for the Midland Cemetery and the Commonwealth Monument.

“We are inviting HHA members and friends to honor Barbara Barksdale and Calobe Jackson by supporting their respective key initiatives to preserve African-American heritage,” said Morrison.

For more information, to access the Zoom presentation or to donate, visit HHA’s website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

February 18, 2021 | by Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, we have a handful below, most of which are virtual or outdoor only.

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? Snow Day today. Binge-watch Poured in PA if you haven’t yet. Try Cork & Fork’s Brunch. It’s still Cumberland County Restaurant Month — check out someplace new, like Dalicia! It’s also Black History Month, so check out this list of local Black-Owned Businesses to shop now and always.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: York Restaurant Week (weather pending for me), a virtual baby shower (my first), laundry (because it never ends).

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

For your weekend planning:

WIN free lash extensions here
February is Cumberland County Restaurant Month #CVEats
↬ 5 Ways to Support Local Restaurants Right Now
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

Upgrade your bar cart with these local spirits + fave tools
Some ideas for self-care
Everything to know about lash extensions
Chocolate-Covered February in Hershey
Binge 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!

Thursday

The Obstructed View: sex toy talk w/ Mason Luke with Open Stage
Toward Racial Justice Continues with a Look at COVID-19, Trust and Vaccines with WITF

Friday

Learn @ Lunch with The State Museum of Pennsylvania: PA Whiskey distilleries
Open Stage presents Tales from Sleepy Hollow (Virtual)
Popcorn Pop Up! at Midtown Cinema
Restaurant Week York kicks-off
“Black Men in White Coats” Virtual Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion with Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine and Dauphin County Library System

Saturday

Midtown Scholar Sidewalk Sale
Ashcombe Job Fair
Virtual Engineering Day with Whitaker Center
Popcorn Pop Up! at Midtown Cinema
Open Stage presents Tales from S l eepy Hollow (Virtual)
mini-THON – in Hershey and Online! with Yoga on Chocolate
Restaurant Week York
“Black Men in White Coats” Virtual Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion with Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine and Dauphin County Library System
Black History Month Pop-Up at La Cultura
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series Strum

Sunday

Sunday Brunch To Go from The Circular
Prince and Princess Brunch at Greystone Brew House
Open Stage presents Tales from Sleepy Hollow (Virtual)
Restaurant Week York
“Black Men in White Coats” Virtual Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion with Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine and Dauphin County Library System
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series Strum

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

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Harrisburg opens downtown garage for free parking during snowstorm

February 17, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A view of Penn Street during a snowstorm in January.

As the remaining piles of snow from a few weeks ago melt away, it looks like they may build back up again tomorrow.

With another snowstorm bearing down, Harrisburg has announced free parking for city residents at the Locust Street Garage, beginning Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and extending through Friday at 6 p.m.

In addition, parking restrictions will not be enforced for street sweeping on Thursday, according to the city.

The city’s Public Works Department has 16 slow plow trucks ready to be deployed, and they will begin salting the roads at the beginning of the snowfall. If your street has not been plowed, call 3-1-1.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Harrisburg area. The forecast calls for 6 to 9 inches of snow with a light glaze of ice.

Updated on 2/18/20 to reflect the extension of free parking until Friday instead of Thursday.

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Harrisburg School District hopes to return students to the classroom in April

February 17, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Groups of Harrisburg students may return to the classroom in the spring.

Some Harrisburg School District students could be on track to return to the classroom before summer break.

At a school board meeting on Tuesday, the district offered a new expected date of return to in-person learning, April 6, pushing back what they thought, last month, would be a March return.

“This isn’t just about bringing students back for learning, it’s about re-acclimating our students to a learning environment,” Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer said.

The district would use a blended in-person, online model, Celmer said.

They would first bring back special education students and kindergarten through second-graders for a half-day schedule, he said. If that is successful, a second cohort of third- to fourth-grade students may return on April 18, also for a half-day schedule. Depending on how students are doing at that point, additional cohorts may be added.

However, Celmer stressed that families have a choice—return or remain virtual.

According to a survey conducted by the district at the end of January, out of 2,778 responses, 48% of families said they would send their student(s) back, 38% would not and 17% were undecided, Celmer said.

The school will send out a questionnaire in March for families to state their preferences. Those who don’t respond will remain virtual.

If district officials ultimately decide to bring students into school buildings in April, they will keep classroom sizes around 12 students, require masks, check temperatures regularly, and update HVAC systems.

Celmer said that the district would like to see coronavirus positivity rates in Dauphin County below 10% and incidence rates per 100,000 residents trending downward to a daily rate of 100 or less. As of Feb 12, the county was at a 10.8% positivity rate and a daily incidence rate per 100,000 residents of 184.

“The numbers have come down, which is positive,” he said. “We are going to continue to monitor what the health metrics and other factors are that could impact the date we are putting out this evening.”

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

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Harrisburg bans evictions for another month, hopes to combat homelessness during COVID

February 16, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A sign on N. 3rd and Kelker streets.

Harrisburg residents behind on rent due to the pandemic can take a deep breath once again.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced today that he would extend the city’s ban on evictions for another 30 days into mid-March.

“It is important that we continue this eviction moratorium for the health and safety of our residents during these difficult times,” Papenfuse said in a statement.

This is the second extension the mayor has enacted since the original eviction moratorium declaration on Dec. 16. The first extension took place on Jan. 16.

Under the moratorium, no resident can be evicted for non-payment of rent or lease expiration. This does not include eviction for other reasons, such as property damage or criminal activity.

“We don’t want to make a homelessness situation worse. We don’t want to make it harder for people to have safe and reasonable shelter in the midst of a pandemic,” Papenfuse said on Friday during his weekly “Community Conversations” on Facebook Live.

The original order was adopted after city officials found that there likely would be hundreds of people facing eviction at the start of 2021, since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s moratorium was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020. They predicted that there would not be enough shelter space for the increased number of homeless residents. The CDC’s order has since been extended until March 31.

Harrisburg’s declaration gives the city the power to fine non-complying landlords up to $10,000 or 90 days in jail.

There hasn’t been a situation in which the city had to punish a landlord for non-compliance, mainly because most Dauphin County district justices aren’t processing cases of non-payment of rent, David Patton, codes administrator for the city, said. However, he added that he has received emails from residents voicing concerns related to evictions. He investigates each of those cases, he said.

City Solicitor Neil Grover explained at a City Council meeting in December that the ordinance does not take away landlords’ right to be paid. Residents will be expected to pay any back rent once the string of moratoriums ends.

Organizations such as Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area’s HELP Ministries are busy providing rental relief for residents in debt. Harrisburg is also in the process of distributing $500,000 in federal Emergency Shelter Grant COVID (ESG/CV) funds to tenants.

During an update from Harrisburg’s Department of Building and Housing Development in January, local landlords said that the city’s rental relief has helped them out, taking off some of the pressure that the moratorium puts on them.

Papenfuse said that the city will continue to extend the eviction moratorium while the public health emergency continues.

“It’s gotten better than when the moratorium went in place, but we are still not through the woods,” he said.

For questions or concerns related to Harrisburg’s eviction moratorium, email [email protected] or call the city’s hotline, 3-1-1.

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