Harrisburg extends trash collection to Penbrook, Paxtang

December 11, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Harrisburg trash cans

Harrisburg’s neighboring municipalities will soon see new faces on trash pickup day.

At a special legislative session on Thursday, Harrisburg City Council approved two resolutions to begin collecting trash and recycling for Paxtang and Penbrook boroughs.

In total, the city now has intergovernmental agreements with three boroughs for waste pickup. Since June 2019, Harrisburg has handled Steelton’s refuse.

“I really believe that this regional approach to the delivery of services is particularly well suited for Pennsylvania where we have so many different municipalities in close proximity,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said during a previous council work session. “We don’t all need to be duplicating services.”

Over the next five years, the city will gain over $2 million in annual revenue from the agreements, Papenfuse said during his budget presentation on Nov. 24.

Services will begin on Jan. 1, according to Isaac Gaylord, deputy city solicitor. Trash containers will be distributed by the end of the month, Papenfuse added.

Both Penbrook and Paxtang will pay Harrisburg directly, and according to Papenfuse, the cost is less than they would’ve paid to a private hauler. Residents in those boroughs will pay for trash collection as part of their property taxes. Papenfuse said that this guarantees the city will receive the full amount due because they aren’t relying on individual households to pay their trash bills.

An additional six sanitation workers and one sanitation manager will join the city’s Department of Public Works to assist with the new routes.

“I totally agree with the vision of shared services within municipalities as a benefit to the entire region,” council member Dave Madsen said.

In other council action, Harrisburg will continue a professional services contract with Maverick Strategies for lobbying-related services. The resolution passed with a 4-3 vote. The contract will last one-year at a cost of $5,000 per month.

Additionally, council voted to apply for a Driving PA Forward—Level 2 EV Charging Rebate. If granted, the amount of $36,000 would go towards installing four electric vehicle charging stations on City Island.

Council also chose to continue an agreement with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area to provide services to Harrisburg’s Animal Control Program for another year.

To watch past Harrisburg City Council meetings, visit the city’s YouTube channel.

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Departing 2020, with Art: The Burg Podcast, December 2020

December 10, 2020 | by Karen Hendricks

In this special holiday edition of TheBurg Podcast, we wrap up 2020 by unwrapping some creative “gifts” from an artistic lineup of guests.

Artist Amie Bantz explains her inspiration behind TheBurg’s December magazine cover.

Megan Caruso, co-founder of Sprocket Mural Works, previews the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival—an expansion of our magazine story, “Walls of Hope.”

Three of the Yams, from Harrisburg band Yam Yam, stop by with an exciting holiday gift: They debut a new song from their upcoming album, on the podcast.

Bob MacGinnes, who writes Bob’s Art Blog for TheBurg, paints a picture of “the year in art.”

And editor Lawrance Binda pops by with his “most Harrisburg thing” for December.

TheBurg Podcast is hosted 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.”

Restrictions re-imposed on restaurants, gyms, gatherings through the holiday season

December 10, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Gov. Tom Wolf during the virtual press conference on Thursday

Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday tightened restrictions once again on certain businesses and on indoor gatherings as we head into the height of the holiday season.

In a virtual press conference, Wolf said that an unrelenting surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths in PA forced him to re-impose restrictions not seen since the initial statewide lockdown in March and April.

“The work we do now to slow the spread of COVID-19 is not only crucial to keeping our fellow Pennsylvanians safe and healthy,” said Wolf, who recently tested positive for the virus. “It will help all of us get back to normal, and back to all of the things we’ve missed, faster.”

The new restrictions begin at midnight on Saturday and are slated to last more than three weeks, through Jan. 4.

The newly imposed restrictions include a ban on indoor restaurant dining and the closure of gyms and entertainment venues, such as theaters, museums and casinos. Outdoor and takeout dining and takeout alcohol sales will still be allowed.

Most other businesses may remain open at 50% of maximum capacity.

In addition, indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 people are prohibited. Religious observances are an exception, though religious groups are “strongly encouraged” to find alternatives to indoor worship. Outdoor gatherings and events are limited to a maximum of 50 people.

All K-12 and youth sports will be suspended, though collegiate sports can continue according to CDC and health department guidelines.

“With these measures in place, we hope to accomplish three goals: First, stop the devastating spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth. Second, keep our hospitals and health care workers from becoming overwhelmed. And third, help Pennsylvanians get through the holiday season—and closer to a widely available vaccine—as safely as possible,” Wolf said. “This is a bridge to a better future in Pennsylvania.”

Coronavirus cases have been growing steadily since late September and now are at their highest levels since the pandemic began in PA in March.

Just today, the commonwealth announced 11,972 new cases and 248 newly reported fatalities from the disease. This brings total diagnoses to 457,289 and deaths to 12,010 in PA.

“Each of the last two days we have reported the highest number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic,” Dr. Rachel Levine said.

The testing positivity rate has also surged over the past two months and now stands at 14.4% over the past week. It was below 5% through much of the summer, but has risen steadily since. COVID-19 hospitalizations have also soared and now stand at 5,852 patients.

“We know that COVID-19 thrives in places where people gather together,” Wolf said. “Therefore, these mitigation measures target high-risk environments and activities and aim to reduce the spread of this devastating virus.”

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 10, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

If for some reason you need things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, we have some below. Recommended: virtual or outdoor events only. Things on my agenda this weekend: virtual SB holiday party (read: Me and Jimi FaceTime with some snacks), holiday decorating, and gift wrapping.

For your weekend planning:

#ShopLocal Gift Guide is here
The perfect gift for your favorite home cook.
Gifts for everyone (plus dinner)
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are ample options for your weekend.

Weekend roundup | Things to do in Harrisburg and Central PA

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Top Weekend Recs

Plan your holiday feast with RG Hummer
Book a massage, give a massage at Polished Spa & Salon
Get wine delivered to your door (not a club! Discount with code BOZICH!)
Give an outdoor experience this holiday with Adventure Explorations
Upgrade your mise en place with Mangia Qui Pantry Pick-up
Drink Boneshire Holiday Reserve IPA
Drink PA cider! Ploughman Cider delivers to your door.
Binge Poured in PA: The Series
Shop online with Meeka Fine Jewelry.

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.

Residents push back on significant increase in proposed Police Bureau budget for 2021

December 9, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Harrisburg’s mayor on Tuesday defended his proposal to add positions to the city Police Bureau, despite numerous public comments critical of increasing the department’s budget.

At the city’s first budget hearing on Tuesday night, Mayor Eric Papenfuse and members of the bureau explained how new non-uniformed positions would improve community relations, but numerous residents who submitted public comments disagreed.

Papenfuse has proposed investing more than $1 million in new civilian positions within the bureau. This would include the creation of a dozen “community service aides” who would assist the police with routine tasks, as well as foster relationships within the neighborhoods where they are assigned.

“One of the things we focused on, especially over the past months, was listening to the public and the feedback we received,” Papenfuse said during his previous budget presentation. He said that his administration wants to “restructure” the police department with a more robust community services department.

However, on Tuesday, some Harrisburg residents argued that the positions actually would be detrimental to the community.

“They may be civilian positions, but within the police department they would still uphold and carry out the violent and racist work of policing,” resident Amanda Arbour said in a public comment.

Other residents expressed similar sentiments, suggesting that funds would be better allocated to creating affordable housing or assisting tenants facing eviction due to the pandemic. Some demanded that the Police Bureau should make public certain documents, including ones with demographic information on those arrested and the police contract, before receiving any funds.

Deputy Chief of Police Deric Moody said that the bureau is preparing a new system that will make sharing police documents more accessible.

A proposed records management system manager position, part of the new funds proposed for the bureau, would also help with handling reports, Moody said.

In another effort to increase accessibility, the budget accounts for purchasing cell phones for each officer, as well as business cards, so that they can be directly contacted by residents.

In addition, the city hopes to hire two co-responders to work alongside officers who would bring greater expertise on mental health disorders. These city-funded positions will add to the one co-responder, already in the city, who works through a Dauphin County program.

While council members didn’t necessarily object to the proposed increase in spending for the Police Bureau, some expressed concerns. For instance, they wondered if it would be beneficial to have a more balanced number of co-responders and community service aides.

“I feel like a lot of people in the community feel like we need more people to co-respond,” council member Ausha Green said. “The [community service aides] sound more like police liaisons.”

Other proposed positions in the bureau include:

Technical Services Manager
Director of Community Relations and Engagement (Community Policing Coordinator Blake Lynch would likely fill this roll)
Body-Worn Camera & In-Car Video Manager
Community Policing Substation Manager
Captain-Community Services Division (Lt. Milo Hooper would likely fill this roll)
Captain-Technical Services Division (Lt. Todd Abromitis would likely fill this roll)

Adding to the increased budget for the bureau are 20 officer positions that are currently vacant.

“We are budgeting for those positions to be filled even though we know full well that we are not going to be able to fill all those positions,” Papenfuse said. “That’s just proper budgeting.”

Council members questioned whether those funds could be reallocated to other community needs, knowing they will most likely go unused.

“I don’t think it’s an either-or,” Papenfuse said. “I think we can address community needs in the budget, we are, […] but it doesn’t necessarily have to be redirected in that way.”

City Council will continue its two-day schedule of budget hearings on Wednesday night. A vote on the 2021 budget will follow later this month.

To watch the first City Council Budget Hearing, visit Harrisburg’s YouTube channel.

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HU Presents adds Portugal. The Man to three-day concert blitz for 2021

December 9, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The Riverfront Park stage last year during a concert by Death Cab for Cutie

Harrisburg—are you ready to rock?

Harrisburg University Presents today added Grammy Award winners, Portugal. The Man to a long weekend of shows slated for September 2021.

First up will be Cage the Elephant at the outdoor stage in Riverfront Park on Thursday, Sept. 23. The next day, Sept. 24, Dawes will appear at XL Live. Portugal. The Man then will play in Riverfront Park on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Cage the Elephant was slated for a 2020 concert, but, like most events, it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HU Presents has rescheduled several other cancelled concerts for 2021, including Young the Giant, MisterWives and Jason Isbell.

These concerts will go forward only if permitted by CDC guidelines, according to HU Presents.

For more information and to purchase tickets for these shows, visit concertseries.harrisburgu.edu.

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Tree lighting, seasonal songs to bring holiday cheer to Italian Lake

December 8, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Italian Lake in Harrisburg

The Christmas season may seem like a shadow of its normal self this year, but a local nonprofit is bringing some of the traditional holiday spirit to Harrisburg.

On Saturday, Bethesda Mission will host a tree lighting ceremony, along with seasonal music and cheer, at Italian Lake.

“We are glad to be able to host the Christmas tree lighting and offer a bright spot in what has been for many, a tough year,” said Cindy Mallow, Bethesda Mission’s director of development. “It expresses everything that Bethesda truly stands for: family, relationships, bringing our community together, and of course, celebrating and sharing the true meaning of Christmas.”

For the past few years, Bethesda Mission has hosted “Christmas at Italian Lake,” a fundraiser that has featured an entire weekend of events, including sleigh rides, a Christmas market, a petting zoo and food trucks.

Due to the pandemic, mission officials scaled back the event significantly to a 90-minute ceremony, which will feature Christmas carols from the Brookfield Bible Church, in addition to the tree lighting. Cookies and hot beverages will also be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the mission’s work of helping the homeless in Harrisburg.

According to Bethesda Mission, the event was made possible through gifts from numerous sponsors, including Wendell Hoover of Iron Valley Real Estate, Good’s Tree and Lawn Care, Larry and Mitzi Means, HB McClure Co., Walter’s Services and Klock Entertainment.

“What a better time and place to both give hope to those who need our help, while enjoying the holiday together with our own friends and families,” Mallow said.

Christmas at Italian Lake takes place Saturday, Dec. 12, 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Italian Lake Park, N. 3^rd and Division streets, Harrisburg. For more information, visit ChristmasItalianLake.com. Donations can be given at BethesdaMission.org/Donate.

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Harrisburg Council race begins to take shape as Allatt declines run for 2021

December 8, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

City council member Ben Allatt, center, speaks during a meeting last January.

The political season in Harrisburg is off to an early start, as another office-holder has announced his intentions for 2021.

In a statement, two-term City Council member Ben Allatt said that he would not seek another term.

“After careful consideration, I have made the decision not to run for re-election to Harrisburg City Council,” stated Allatt, vice president of the seven-member body. “This is not a decision I make lightly because of my genuine love for this city and all of its residents.”

Previously, council’s long-serving member, President Wanda Williams, has told TheBurg that she does not intend to run for re-election in 2021.

In all, four, four-year council seats will be on the ballot for the May primary, including those held by council members Shamaine Daniels and Ausha Green, who have yet to publicly announce their intentions.

The race for mayor is also starting to take shape.

Online and in an ad in TheBurg’s December issue, David Schankweiler, the former publisher of the Central Penn Business Journal and the former chair of the state-appointed Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, said that he plans to challenge two-term Mayor Eric Papenfuse for the Democratic nomination. According to sources, former city council member Otto Banks also is weighing a run.

In his statement, Allatt, who currently serves as chair of council’s budget and finance committee, said that he was stepping back from public life to focus on his “personal life” and that we would continue to serve on the Governor’s Commission for LGBTQ Affairs.

During his council tenure, Allatt stated that he was most proud for being a “steward for fiscal responsibility” and cited the commonwealth’s recent decision to allow Harrisburg to retain its extra taxing authority as a major victory for the city.

“I would like to thank the residents of the city for the honor of serving you over the past seven years, and I look forward to my final year on City Council,” he said. “I am grateful that you entrusted me to guide the city toward a brighter future.”

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Over 600 kids will receive free Christmas gifts, thanks to Harrisburg-based nonprofit

December 7, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Ralph Rodriguez (right) at last year’s Holiday Donation Drive.

With the way 2020 has gone, some of us may be expecting nothing more than coal in our stocking to top off this unconventional holiday season.

But Ralph Rodriguez of the nonprofit All You Can Inc. is determined to spread holiday cheer to Harrisburg families through gift giving.

“It’s a different Christmas, but it’s still Christmas,” Rodriguez said. “We still must show our children hope is still here.”

On Dec. 19, Rodriguez and his team plan to distribute toys and hot meals to over 600 children and their families.

This will be the 8^th year of their “Holiday Donation Drive” and it will be held at The Neighborhood Center of the United Method Church in Harrisburg. However, this year will look different than others, as Rodriguez said that the event will be grab-and-go style due to COVID-19. Families will stay in their vehicles and volunteers will load the food and gifts into the cars.

Each child will receive two presents, stuffed animals and stocking stuffers, along with a meal for their family.

“As a child, I faced neglect. I know how it feels to go without,” Rodriguez said. “If we can prevent a child from feeling this way, it’s worth it.”

Sponsors for the event include Boost Mobile, VILLA, Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse on Union Deposit Road, among others.

Registration for the event has closed, but Rodriquez said that community members may still sign up to help at the event and make donations.

All You Can Inc. has been around since 2012, providing resources to at-risk families in central PA. In addition to their Holiday Donation Drive, they hold a winter coat drive, Thanksgiving community dinner, an Easter event and Father’s Day cookout, among other events.

For more information on All You Can Inc. or to get involved in the Holiday Donation Drive, visit their website.

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More grant money available for small businesses, nonprofits hurt by the pandemic

December 7, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The Dauphin County administration building in downtown Harrisburg

If you have a small business or nonprofit in Dauphin County, you may be eligible for another round of grant money.

The county commissioners have announced that another $1.15 million is available through the Dauphin County COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant Program.

Through the program, funded with federal dollars, applicants are eligible for up to $20,000 or three months of operating expenses, whichever is less.

“We are thankful that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided the second round of grants to help small businesses and nonprofits, who are still struggling,’’ said Commissioner Mike Pries.

The application deadline is Dec. 31.

Eligible businesses or nonprofits must be located in the county and have 100 or fewer employees. Applicants must also serve a low-to-moderate income area or employ 51 percent or more low-to-moderate income workers.

While applicants that received previous coronavirus-related assistance can still apply, the amount of funding previously received will be considered in awarding grants, according to the commissioners.

“The pandemic continues to be a hardship, especially for smaller businesses and charities,’’ said board Chairman Jeff Haste. “We appreciate how important their services and jobs are to our community and want to do what we can to help them keep the doors open.’’

In the spring, the commissioners awarded $10,000 and $20,000 grants to more than 70 businesses through an initial HUD funding round. Additionally, in October and November, the commissioners presented $17 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act grants to 20 municipalities, 190 small businesses, and 71 nonprofits.

“We especially encourage those businesses and nonprofits that have not already received some assistance to apply,’’ said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III. “While we cannot replace all the losses and expenses caused by the pandemic, we hope the relief we provide can keep them going until everything is at least somewhat back to normal.’’

Click this link to view online application for the Dauphin County COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant Program.

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