Lots of police, few protestors at PA Capitol, despite security concerns

January 17, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Police stand guard outside the PA Capitol on Sunday

Thomas Duran walked over to the PA Capitol on Sunday to see what was going on.

His assessment: “Not much.”

Duran, who lives in New York, was in Harrisburg visiting friends. So, against the advice of his hosts, he decided to check out what he thought could be a big protest at the state Capitol building.

Instead, he saw just one protestor on the Capitol steps, a man carrying a sign with racist and anti-Semitic scrawl. Otherwise, there was a heavy presence of state and local police, PA National Guard troops and mounted police positioned around the Capitol complex. Occasionally, a surveillance drone buzzed overhead.

“It looks like [the protestors] stayed away,” Duran said.

Mounted police gather in front of the State Museum.

Earlier in the week, the FBI warned that armed militia members had chosen Sunday for a rally in state capitals, perhaps including Harrisburg, in anticipation of President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.

In response, the state activated more than 400 National Guard troops, surveillance aircraft were placed on standby, and bomb squads were deployed.

Police also broadcast their intention to block streets and heavily fortify the Capitol complex, hoping that protestors who might have violent intentions would stay away. It appears that the strategy worked.

The state Capitol in Harrisburg on Sunday afternoon

By late afternoon, a few protestors had come and gone, including one man yelling into a megaphone and another carrying a gun fixed with a crossbow. Several counter-protestors also stayed for a short time then left.

But all protestors were vastly outnumbered by police, by members of the media and by curious onlookers.

Trish Seaborne took a detour to the Capitol in late afternoon while walking her dog. She said that she had been following a few local social media pages but didn’t see much information on the protests, so went to look for herself.

“I’m surprised, but glad that all seems quiet,” she said.

By 4 p.m., the security ring around the Capitol had been disbanded, and the closed streets were reopened. State police have said that they will continue to be vigilant this week leading up to the inauguration on Wednesday.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 15, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

The West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland is getting closer to renovation.

Much of the news lately has been stressful and, honestly, just a downer. But not all of it has been bad here in the Burg. As you mentally prepare for whatever may or may not come to the city this weekend, catch up on our local news coverage listed and linked below.

The Art Association of Harrisburg debuted a new exhibit last week called “Observations & Experiences.” Our art blogger Bob MacGinnes previews the exhibit that is a commentary “on life and its celebration of,” as seen and experienced by a quartet of female artists.

Harrisburg-area home sales rose considerably last month, our reporting found. For December, home sales totaled 744 units compared to 611 units in December 2019 for the three-county region.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced he will require all city employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, our online story reported. He said that widespread infection would “cripple” the city’s abilities to serve the residents of Harrisburg.

Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC boards of directors announced their board chairs and officers for the coming year, our online story reported. Meron Yemane of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management will serve as board chair for the Chamber, while Mike Funck of Wohlsen Construction will serve as the chair of CREDC.

Harrisburg residents are bracing for possible protests, hunkering down and hoping for safety, our reporting found. The community has witnessed rallies in their neighborhoods for months, but what could be coming this weekend is especially concerning to them.

Harrisburg University sold $100 million in revenue bonds to finance the construction of its 11-story academic building in downtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. HU President Eric Darr said this was a major step for the project.

Jane Elliot, a prominent race educator, will be a panelist at Sankofa African American Theatre Company’s virtual film festival, our reporting found. Executive Artistic Director Sharia Benn said that she hopes the festival will reach a diverse audience and teach people not only how biases are created, but how they can be changed.

Open Stage’s rendition of “Kafka’s Shorts” will take you on a bizarre, frightening ride, according to our theater writer. The play features six of Franz Kafka’s short stories, three of which you may miss if you blink, but all-powerful in the telling.

The PA National Guard plans to deploy troops to Harrisburg in preparation for possible violent protests leading up to the presidential inauguration, our online story reported. Local and state law enforcement said they will be ready for whatever comes their way, with aircrafts, drones and bomb technicians on standby.

Sara Bozich has a list of weekend activity recommendations, including a custom picnic experience and a private screening at Midtown Cinema. Check out the full list, here.

“Voices of the Pandemic” is a recently published anthology written by healthcare workers, educators, writers, entertainers and others, our magazine story reported. Lancaster-based author Don Helin, who edited the book, believes that this will serve as a way to look back on the emotions that accompanied the pandemic.

The West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland is getting closer to opening its doors once again, after being closed for six years, our reporting found. Nonprofit Friends of the West Shore Theatre announced large grants and donations that will fund the renovation project.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg residents brace for possible protests, some fearful for their community

January 15, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

The city closed downtown streets during protests over the summer.

When Kevin Maxson led a Black Lives Matter rally in June at the state Capitol, it was important to him that it was peaceful and centered on unity and healing relationships.

Hearing of a possible armed gathering at the Capitol this weekend, Maxson was disinclined to compare it to the type of event he held.

“These are not really considered protests, in my opinion,” he said. “They’re rebellions. This is an angry mob. Nothing gets done if you react violently and negatively.”

It’s yet to be seen what will happen in the days leading up to the presidential inauguration on Wednesday, but, according to a memo from the FBI, things could get volatile.

The memo stated that evidence led them to believe there would be protests in all 50 states, especially at state capitals, and that some protestors planned to come armed.

For months, Harrisburg has seen protests, one after another, whether it was Black Lives Matter, Reopen PA, or post-election marches. Most were peaceful, though a few had tense moments.

On Thursday, local and state law enforcement officials announced their plans to curb potential violence with the upcoming protests.

Superintendent Jo Jacob of the Capitol police said that special response team members are patrolling the Capitol building. Additionally, he said that there are over 400 PA National Guard troops ready to be sent throughout the state. Pennsylvania State Police Deputy Commissioner of Operations Scott Price said that aircrafts, drones, mounted units and bomb technicians will be on standby.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse confirmed on Friday, during a Facebook Live conversation, that the city plans to close 3^rd Street in front of the Capitol, the 200-block of State Street and Commonwealth Ave on Sunday.

“I’m well aware of the anxiety many residents have, including myself,” Papenfuse said. “We will make it through this together.”

Protesters are expected to include far-right extremists, like those who raided the U.S. Capitol last week. However, long-time Allison Hill resident Beau Brown said they are not representative of his party.

“There’s a general depiction that, if you are registered with a certain party, you are in agreement with what’s happening at the Capitol,” Brown said. “But I wholeheartedly disagree with what they are doing.”

Brown said that he is a registered Republican and a gun owner who supports the Second Amendment, yet he believes protesters bringing guns to the Capitol will only do harm.

“Please do not take them; do not inflame this,” he said, speaking to other gun owners. “People in this city are afraid.”

Many residents of Harrisburg, especially those living near the Capitol complex, have experienced fear this year.

Some past rallies, including a Reopen PA gathering in April, bled into the surrounding neighborhoods and gridlocked streets, and, in late May, the initial Black Lives Matter protest saw several clashes between police and people marching through the downtown neighborhood, though later protests were peaceful.

Then, last week, the day the U.S. Capitol was stormed, a group of armed men, some wearing “Proud Boys” jackets, walked the neighborhood streets around the Capitol, chanting slogans that included, “Who’s Streets? Our Streets.”

One person even posted on a Midtown Harrisburg Facebook page on Friday, offering up a spare room in her Mechanicsburg home for anyone afraid to stay in the city.

Pam MacNett, head of the Capitol Area Neighbors group, reflected on protests from the past spring and summer.

“There’s security camera footage from my house of someone walking down the street with an assault rifle,” MacNett said. “This is interfering with all of our livelihoods.”

She also recalled seeing another armed person walking past the elementary school in her neighborhood.

In the coming days, she said she plans to hunker down at home. She advised others to lay low as well.

“I hope people will respect everybody and get through this safely,” McNett said.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

PA National Guard to deploy troops to Harrisburg, local, state police prepare

January 14, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A pro-Trump rally at the PA Capitol in November.

The FBI recently released a memo stating that there were plans for protests in all 50 states this weekend, with concerns that some people might try to storm government offices.

State and city law enforcement officials spoke today on their preparations and how they plan to keep the Capitol and the city safe, guarding against any potential violence.

“The PA Capitol police are now forced to take the necessary actions to make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Superintendent Jo Jacob of the Capitol police.

Jacob said they already have special response team members patrolling the Capitol building. Additionally, he said there are around 400 PA National Guard troops ready to be sent throughout the state, though he didn’t know yet how many would be in Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania State Police Deputy Commissioner of Operations Scott Price added they will be providing aviation support, including fixed-wing aircrafts, helicopters and drones, as well as mounted units, if necessary. Bomb technicians will also be on-site, he said.

Harrisburg Police Bureau Commissioner Thomas Carter said that the different levels of law enforcement have teamed up.

“We are well prepared to take on anything that may or may not come our way,” he said.

Carter said that they are prepared to shut down Harrisburg’s city hall, if necessary, and that the bureau plans to block off streets in the area surrounding the Capitol. He declined to say which ones.

He stated that police would work to protect nearby residential areas from being affected by any protests.

“Nothing will get into the neighborhoods,” he said. “We are going to do everything we can to make sure residents are safe.”

Price could not give an exact timeline for how long the increased security measures would be in place. He noted that the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center is based in Harrisburg and will continue to analyze the situation.

Jacob said that they are expecting the most activity on Sunday. He said that they have seen postings online calling for those who can’t make it to the U.S. Capitol on that day to protest at their state capitols.

He added that they still have not received any requests for permits to protest.

“We are facing never before experienced situations, but we have extensive experience among the Pennsylvania Capitol police and the partnering agencies,” Jacob said.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

January 14, 2021 | by Sara Bozich

Need something NEW to do?

Check out Pennsylvania Picnic Co. for a custom picnic (my review here) or book a private screening at Midtown Cinema and watch one of 50 ‘Movies to watch before you die.’ Susquehanna Art Museum has resumed normal hours. Boneshire Brew Works now offers pizza to go along with great beer.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Potty training. Send wine.

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

? If you have two minutes, please consider taking our brief reader survey — you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card to the local biz of your choice!

For your weekend planning:

↬ 5 Ways to Support Local Restaurants Right Now
Our local Restaurant Directory
Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
The perfect hockey season snack
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Things to do this weekend in Harrisburg and Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Some ideas for self-care
Get wine delivered to your door with WTSO
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!

Sunday

Open Stage presents Kafka’s Shorts (Streaming)
Farm Store Drive Thru Sale at Wyndridge Farm
Songs & Cider at Grand Illusion Cider
Free Estate Tastings! at SpringGate
Totally 80s Family Skate Party at Twins Pond

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

Prominent race educator Jane Elliott to speak at Sankofa film festival

January 13, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Sankofa African American Theatre Company is ready to discuss how to move forward as a country, and they’ve landed a big name to help.

For their annual Reel2Real Film Festival, being held virtually this year, the Harrisburg theater company booked renowned race educator Jane Elliott as a speaker.

“We are so excited about bringing Jane [virtually] to this area and audience,” Executive Artistic Director Sharia Benn said.

Elliott is known for her “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” exercise that she first conducted with her third-grade students in 1968. The exercise was intended to teach children about racism and bias by telling them one group of students was superior based on eye color.

Since then, Elliott has remained a prominent speaker and diversity trainer.

On Monday, Sankofa will screen “A Class Divided,” a PBS documentary that showcases Elliott’s exercise and follows up with her former students as adults.

After the documentary, Benn, Johntrae Williams, a Sankofa board member, and Otto Banks, a former city council member, will join Elliott for a panel discussion.

“It felt like Jane would add so much value and also help reach a target audience,” Benn said. “We are hoping we will get a good attendance for this.”

Benn said that she hopes the festival with reach a diverse audience and teach people not only how biases are created, but how they can be changed.

The film festival already had four other days of screening films in December, which included movies “Driving While Black,” “A Time to Act” and “Tell Them We Are Rising.”

Benn said all the films circled around the theme of biases.

“The purpose of the film fest is amplifying the Black experience on stage and creating safe space for a diverse audience to explore, dialogue and change for the better,” she said.

Dauphin County was a sponsor of the event, and WITF partnered with Sankofa, as well.

The screening on Monday at 7 p.m. featuring Elliott is free to the public, though registration is required. Benn said that donations are welcomed.

Because of the positive response to the screenings by the community, Benn said Sankofa is considering holding more events like this throughout the year.

“The conversation has been really good,” Benn said. “People are sharing they have really been enlightened on the issue of race.”

For more information on Sankofa African American Theatre Company or to register for the Reel2Real Virtual Film Festival, visit their website.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Yemane, Funck to chair Harrisburg Chamber, CREDC for 2021

January 13, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC boards of directors on Wednesday announced their board chairs and officers for the coming year.

For 2021, Meron Yemane of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (pictured) will serve as board chair for the Chamber, while Mike Funck of Wohlsen Construction will serve as the chair of CREDC.

“We are fortunate to have bold leaders that step up to serve our organization and push it forward in the face of new challenges,” said David Black, president and CEO of the Chamber and CREDC, in a statement. “We know Meron and Mike share our visionary mission of building a better region, and they will help us move toward that goal in 2021.”

The Chamber and CREDC also announced their officers for the year.

For the Harrisburg Regional Chamber:

1^st Vice Chair: Greg Gunn, Gunn-Mowery
2^nd Vice Chair: Karen Gunnison, Capital BlueCross
Treasurer: Zachary Khuri, Orrstown Bank
Secretary: Kara Beem, Greenlee Partners
At-Large Member: Alisa Harris, UGI

For CREDC:

1^st Vice Chair: Casey Khuri, NAI/CIR
2^nd Vice Chair: Wade Becker, RKL LLP
Treasurer: Katie Clarke, LeTort Trust
Secretary: Shawn Leppo, McNees, Wallace & Nurick
At-Large Member: Beth Peiffer, Ralph E. Jones

Among the issues facing the Chamber and CREDC this year is the appointment of a new president and CEO, as Black plans to retire in mid-2021 after two decades in the position.

“I am proud to be involved in the Chamber and its advocacy of our community’s people and businesses, which is the true fabric of our region,” Yemane said. “The chamber remains steadfast in its commitment to be a catalyst for a more equitable community, enhance quality of life, create business opportunities and provide necessary and innovative resources to its businesses and individuals throughout the region.”

For more information about the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC, visit their website.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

With funding secured, West Shore Theatre moves towards restoration, re-opening

January 13, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

West Shore Theatre on Bridge Street in New Cumberland

Dan Burke remembers going to the West Shore Theatre as a kid to see his first movie, “Bambi,” with his mom. In his teenage years, it was where he took the cute girl in class on a date.

Now, decades later, he’s working to restore the landmark theater in New Cumberland to its glory days.

On Wednesday, Burke and other members of the Friends of the West Shore Theatre gathered under the building’s signature marquee to celebrate significant progress in fundraising.

“We realized the value of trying to restore and keep this theater here in New Cumberland,” borough Mayor Doug Morrow said. “The funding is in place. We are moving forward.”

The West Shore Theatre opened in 1940 with 25-cent tickets. It remained a beloved, small-town theater for years before its doors closed in 2015. Friends of the West Shore Theatre eventually acquired it and began planning to bring it back to life.

Morrow announced that, with several new grants, the board has raised $1.4 million of the $2 million needed for the renovation.

The most significant chunk of funds was $650,000 from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The PA Department of Community and Economic Development also awarded the board a $250,000 grant. Other local foundations provided grants, as well.

Friends of the West Shore Theatre launched a capital campaign with hopes of receiving the remaining $600,000 for the project from the community.

The money will go towards the renovation, which includes adding seating and a standing lounge area, stage improvements, purchasing equipment and other upgrades.

Inside the theater

Additions to the back of the theater, such as green rooms and classrooms, will likely happen a year after it opens to the public, Burke said.

Morrow said that they intend to use the theater for showing movies, live performances, theater classes and for community group meetings.

“This is just a little theater in a little downtown area,” said state Sen. Mike Regan (R-31). “But to rally this many people to care about this project […] to restore the grandeur of the centerpiece of this community is something very special.”

Renovations have not yet begun, but The West Shore Theatre will likely be up and running by the end of the year for holiday movies and events, Morrow said. He projected that, in early 2022, the facility would have a full schedule of movies and events.

“It’s not just about nostalgia,” Regan said. “It’s about economics, it’s about growth. We need things like this to bring people to the downtown.”

For more information, visit the Friends of the West Shore Theatre’s website.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg University sells $100 million in bonds to finance new downtown building

January 13, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg University has completed the sale of $100 million in revenue bonds to finance construction of its 11-story academic building in downtown Harrisburg.

HU President Eric Darr announced on Wednesday the successful sale of the tax-exempt bonds, which were issued through the Dauphin County General Authority and marketed and sold to institutional investors by RBC Capital markets.

“This is positive economic news for central Pennsylvania,” Darr said, in a statement. “HU was founded to prepare people for family-sustaining careers in technology and science fields. The bond sale is a major step forward in meeting that mission.”

The building, under construction at S. 3^rd and Chestnut streets, is slated for completion in 2023 (rendering pictured).

When finished, the building will have nearly 170,000 square feet of finished educational space and another 40,000 square feet of unfinished shell space. The facility will include student service offices and spaces, advanced manufacturing educational and experiential learning spaces, health sciences educational and experiential spaces, interactive media educational and production spaces, as well as general purpose education offices and facilities.

The project is expected to support more than 150 construction jobs over the next two years. Baltimore-based Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. is the construction manager, and Stantec, based in Butler County, is the architect and engineer.

“This investment represents confidence not just in Harrisburg University but in the city and the region’s future,” Darr said.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg mayor requires COVID vaccine for city employees

January 12, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center

Harrisburg is taking a shot at decreasing the spread of the coronavirus in the city.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse signed an executive order on Tuesday that requires all city employees to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

“It’s crucial that all city staff become vaccinated for COVID-19,” Papenfuse said in a statement. “We need to do whatever is possible to curb the spread of the virus, and the vaccine is the best protection against this disease.”

According to the order, employees must receive and show proof of receiving the vaccine as quickly as they can, in accordance with their phase as designated by the state. Phases are determined by age, profession and pre-existing conditions.

“Widespread infection of COVID-19 amongst management and non-management municipal employees will curtail and cripple the city’s ability to effectively respond to threats of public safety and public health and to provide city services to the residents of the city of Harrisburg,” a section of the order reads.

In the order, the mayor stated that the vaccine is safe and the best way to protect people from the spread of the coronavirus, as stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the state is currently in the first phase of the vaccine rollout, which includes long-term care facility residents and health care personnel. The city’s first responders, such as members of the police and fire bureaus, will get their vaccines in the next phase. Other employees will likely fall under the last two phases.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

For your weekend planning:

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like