Daily Devotion: Lonely Monk remains devoted to a heavenly cup

November 30, 2020 | by Diane White McNaughton

“It’s been a long journey for me.”

That’s how Josh Willits characterizes his unlikely road from globetrotting engineer to the owner of Lonely Monk Coffee, a new coffee roaster shop in Lemoyne.

But, for Willits, it’s also been a long taste journey, which included stops along the way through the “big three” of mass production to-go jolts: McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.

At one point, he tasted some truly spectacular coffee and instantly saw the benefits of fresh-grinding his own beans. When he began to travel internationally for a private equity company to the French Alps, Amsterdam and the United Kingdom, his coffee palette became even more refined.

Then about 14 years ago, Willits met Leon Miller, the founder of Lonely Monk Coffee in Lancaster and still its brewmaster. Miller, a Mennonite minister, also had seen the coffee light while in Europe and, upon returning, had made it his mission to recreate that fine flavor in the United States.

Willits quickly became a true-blue fan.

In fact, he became such a fan that, earlier this year, when Miller began inching toward retirement, driven by the pandemic and health issues, he bought out the operation and moved it to Lemoyne.

The Lonely Monk baton was passed. Happily, Miller remains the roastmaster at Lonely Monk, named because, like Willits and Miller, monks are singularly devoted to a cause.

“I was definitely excited to bring this to the West Shore,” Willits said.

Lonely Monk Coffee has been served in Lancaster for about 15 years. Caffeine lovers still can buy it at Pop & Perk, Lancaster Sweet Shoppe and Rachel’s Crêperie in Lancaster.

With catchy options like Nun’s Habit and Holy Grounds, the coffee also can be ordered online for $14 for a 12-ounce bag.

Lonely Monk employs fluid bed roasting, which, according to Willits, offers a smoother flavor in contrast to the more-popular drum roasting method.

“It’s all very artisan for us,” he said.

Family Affair

Lonely Monk is not a sit-down or quick-serve coffee shop, though it may turn into one in the future.

The site, on Herman Avenue next to Grace United Methodist Church, was once Asana, a lime-green yoga studio that closed in July. In less than a week, it was transformed into a cozy home of hardwood, stained glass, stainless steel, lush green plants, statement pillows and pithy coffee-quote plaques for once-a-week private tastings of the aromatic roast. It also serves as home base for local deliveries.

Red and white plastic drums at the front of the shop and a large metal roasting machine are the heart of the operation.

Willits still works full-time for a web company. His wife, LaShae, a schoolteacher in Mechanicsburg, helps, as do his two kids, ages 12 and 8. They all assist in packaging the beans and delivering. His dad helps, as well.

“It’s a real family affair,” he said.

He offered a private tasting of three cups—one each from Peru, the Costa Rica/Guatemala region and Ethiopia, where coffee originated. His tastings become upper-level courses in all-things coffee.

For his tastings, the coffee has a thick crust that looks like browned crème brûlée. When the crust is broken with a spoon, Willits encourages patrons to dip their head down to drink in the aroma.

Slurping is encouraged, he said, because it wets your whole palette.

Part of Willits’ coffee course includes recounting the tale of St. Vitalis, a monk in Alexandria in the 600s who was reviled for patronizing brothels. However, after his murder, it was discovered that he was really entering the brothels to pay the women to stay off the streets. That story lies at the heart of his social consciousness, as he quietly helps others.

Willits said that, this month, Lonely Monk is supporting Polaris Project, a national nonprofit that runs a human trafficking hotline.

He hopes that you will join him in his good works and in indulging your, um, habit, making Lonely Monk part of your daily devotions. Amen.

Lonely Monk Coffee Roasting is located at 303 Herman Ave., Lemoyne. For more information, call 717-473-9607 or visit www.lonelymonkcoffeeroasting.com.

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Signs of the Times: As COVID broke, the commonwealth quickly pivoted to get vital health information to PA’s deaf community

November 30, 2020 | by M. Diane McCormick

Cren Quigley & Cindi Brown

The call came while Melissa Hawkins was in a staff meeting. Gov. Tom Wolf needed a sign language interpreter for a news conference. On that day in March, reporters were crammed into the PA Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) media room.

Hawkins wonders now: How did anyone survive?

“Nobody even had a sign for COVID,” said the director of the Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. “There was nothing. Nobody really knew much about it. The rumors were going around. The deaf community had no idea. They had no idea what was going on. We were not prepared for the escalation of how quickly it was going to happen.”

COVID-19 has ushered in a new age for sign language interpreters. In Pennsylvania, a complex machine whirs away behind the onscreen interpreters who communicate health messages to the state’s 1.2 million deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens. In the process, they have raised public awareness of the role interpreters play and the challenges faced by the deaf.

As Debi, the now-familiar interpreter with the long hair and expressive face, puts it, she used to get shocked looks at the store when trying to explain to people that she is deaf, and they needed to find another way to communicate. Now, people know “that they should be gesturing with me, as opposed to speaking louder.”

“I think it actually makes it easier for the deaf community to interact with those other members of society who are not deaf,” she said.

Again and Again

On a brisk Monday morning, a door in the PEMA media room opened, and Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine stepped to the podium. Cren Quigley took his socially distanced place beside her. Behind the cameras, another woman stepped onto a kind of soapbox built into the industrial-carpeted floor. She faced Quigley.

You’ve seen Quigley. He is the male half of the state’s two COVID-briefing interpreters. But the unseen woman on the soapbox is integral to the process. This is Cindi Brown, and she is the hearing interpreter in the room.

Quigley and Debi (who asked that her last name not be used) are deaf. They are also Certified Deaf Interpreters. Among all interpreters, CDIs are the elite—highly trained professionals, certified with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and skilled in communicating to deaf people of all comprehension abilities. Some, but not all, deaf people use American Sign Language. Others use an English-language amalgamation known as pidgin sign English. Some read lips. Others don’t. Some have limited vision.

“If you only communicate in sign language, you don’t get a lot of what is said, or if it’s just captioning, you might not see the captioning that’s put on TV,” said Hawkins, who is deaf and who spoke answers to questions translated by Brown via Zoom call.

All deaf interpreters qualified to work on state, court, health care and other certain business must be registered with the state, proving their training and capabilities under a law known as Act 57. Of the 601 state-registered interpreters, only 11 are CDIs. When that first news conference turned into briefings “again and again and again,” Hawkins realized that a CDI was needed to reach the full scope of the deaf community. Quigley and Debi answered her call.

Brown, a state-registered interpreter, became their hearing translator for briefings. From her spot on her box, she puts the speaker’s words into pidgin sign English, which the CDIs instantly turn into their universally recognizable, and very expressive, translation.

Pennsylvania’s interpreters “are really putting that message out there beautifully and professionally,” said Hawkins, whose office is in the Department of Labor & Industry.

Expressions

Why do the interpreters wear black? With light-skinned interpreters, it’s for contrast with the hands.

“It’s just much easier for deaf people to see the hands and facial expressions,” Debi volunteered, also speaking through Brown. “I know. Black is boring, and my closet is full of boring black clothes, but it does help make it easier for the deaf people.”

Hawkins jumped in.

“You can always tell when we’re not working because we wear colors,” she said.

Debi affirmed with a “yay” gesture of upraised fists and a seated Snoopy dance.

Why are CDIs so expressive? CDIs employ the full vocabulary available to them—ASL, regional dialect and the vivid facial expressions that make the message accessible to deaf viewers with limited language skills. Raise the eyebrows for a yes-or-no question (“Are you coming with me?”). Furrow the brows for a who-what-where-when-why variety (“When are you coming?”).

“I’m very expressive because I am from a family who is deaf,” Debi said. “I went to a school for deaf people. So, my expression seems to be more obvious than some other people’s. Some people love to watch my expressions.”

Here’s irony. Debi studied biology in college. Her favorite subject? Viruses.

But an aunt who was an interpreter encouraged her to give it a try, so she did a bit on the side. After graduation, an interpreter referral agency called, and she figured it would make a nice summer gig. That was about 25 years ago.

Brown’s brother, 12 years her junior, is deaf. She became his interpreter when the family couldn’t find one, “and here I am, 22 years later.”

“Thank goodness for both of you,” interjected Hawkins.

She is this crew’s teambuilder. Every day, they park at PEMA headquarters, ready—black outfits at hand—to interpret for last-minute briefings. Occasionally, they enjoy a break when a briefing is canceled.

Each endures the pressure cooker with help from family, friends or pets, including Debi’s three dogs, and Hawkins’ menagerie “from an iguana to horses.” When Brown praised Hawkins for her hard work in obtaining CDIs for the briefings and keeping communications flowing, Hawkins was near tears.

“We’ve gone through a lot in the past few months, and definitely, it’s been challenging, taking us away from our families, taking us away from our pets,” she said. “We’re definitely a really tight team now, all of us, and I consider them my family.”

Part of the Team

Language evolves, said Debi, “and the same thing happens with American Sign Language.” The deaf community doesn’t invent new signs as much as form different ways of conveying information through movement and expression.

Of course, a sign for COVID-19 has materialized. Make a fist with one hand and spike out the fingers of the other. Place spiked hand on top of fist in a kind of, well, corona, and what do you have? The spiky ball of the COVID virus.

The briefings continue. Hawkins praises Wolf and Levine for their support.

“We’re not just people standing in the back of the room,” she said. “We’re part of their team.”

Commonwealth Media Services, producer of the broadcasts, keeps the lighting noticeably bright in the PEMA media room and created the innovative two-camera format that puts the interpreter beside the speaker on the screen, although they are socially distanced in real life.

Sometimes, Debi is recognized in the grocery store, but she won’t accept the “celebrity” tag. Family and friends know her, and the deaf community is proud to see CDIs on stage. Some mornings, the drive to Harrisburg from her home in Chester County looms like a chore, but then she remembers the why.

“In the back of my mind, I’m always saying, ‘Yes, yes, the deaf people are depending on you to provide them with the message,’” she said. “And I know that I want deaf people to know what’s going on, so I’m here to provide information for deaf people. It’s not my choice to be here. I’m here so deaf people understand what’s going on.”

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Silver and Gold

November 30, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Festive window displays popped up quickly last month as Thanksgiving wound down and the holiday season began in earnest. We were so impressed that we decided to put together a photo feature of some of our favorite decorated shops in the Harrisburg area.

Thank you so much to our local shopkeepers for keeping this time merry despite the challenges we face. At TheBurg, we hope that this page serves as a reminder to patronize and support locally owned businesses, many of which are struggling this year. Please remember the essential role that local businesses play in our community, how much we need them to be here for us. Happy holidays!

Happenings: Our December Calendar of Events

November 30, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Museum & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Look . . . They Gave Me a Map,” an exhibit examining the enduring appeal of free road maps, through April 23

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through April 23

“Yeah, It’s Got a Hemi!” an exhibit focused on Hemi engines, through April 23

“Yes, We Drive These Cars!” an exhibit of the earliest automobiles, through April 23

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Annual Holiday Show,” featuring an eclectic display of unique and affordable art and crafts for sales, through Dec. 31

“Observations & Experiences,” featuring the works of Peg Belcastro, Carden Holland, Maureen Joyce and Julie Riker, Dec. 4-Jan. 7

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

December artist: Jessica Pietro

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

“Christmas at Fort Hunter,” a holiday tradition with new safety precautions that features traditional decorations of fresh greens and fruits, dried materials and fresh flowers, Dec. 1-23

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

“Annual Holiday Show,” an eclectic display of unique and affordable art and crafts for sale, through Dec. 31

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St.; Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

Holiday group exhibition featuring the works of in-house Millworks artists, through Dec. 31

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“6^th Annual Juried Exhibition,” held virtually with the opportunity to view in person at the Veterans Memorial Building, New Bloomfield, and a chance to vote for the People’s Choice award winner, through Jan. 22

Perry County Council of the Arts
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Artisan Marketplace,” featuring original and unique local artwork and handcrafted gifts for holiday gift-giving, through Jan. 9

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

“Virtual Student Honors Photography,” through Dec. 3; Zoom reception and awards: Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

“The Modernists—Witnesses to the 20^th Century,” featuring works by a variety of Modern artists from around the world, through Jan. 17

“Sun + Light,” works from the series “Everyone Loves Sunshine” by visual artist Charles Edward Williams, through Feb. 14

“Country Charm” examines artist Sanh Brian Tran’s experience as a queer Asian man living in rural America, through Feb. 21

“Once A Future Kingdom,” sculptured materials and imagined relics by Anthony Cervino, through March 14

“Project Pattern” multimedia display, through August

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“Achievements and Aspirations” virtual exhibition highlighting virtual learning experiences the gallery has provided students over the last decade, through Dec. 13

Stone Gables Estate
1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown
717-902-9791; stonegablesestate.com

Third Annual Christmas Light Drive-Thru at Stone Gables Estate, Dec. 4-31

Read, Make, Learn

Carlisle Arts Learning Center
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

Dec. 3, 10, 17: Thursday Art Club, 3-5 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Dec. 1: Animal Crossing with The Library, 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 1: Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
Dec. 2: Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
Dec. 2: Banned Book Club, 4 p.m.
Dec. 2: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 6 p.m.
Dec. 4: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m.
Dec. 5: Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
Dec. 10: Winter Wonderland, 6 p.m.
Dec. 17: Media Literacy Workshop, 6 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

Dec. 1: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics—“Babette’s Feast,” 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Career Exploration Workshop, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 2: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 3: Peaceful Poses Children’s Story Time, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 3, 17: Zoom—Teen Book Club, 5:45-7 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25: Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25: Get That Job! Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: Easy Craft Grab and Go Bag (ages 3-11), 1 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12: Grab & Go Bag—Gingerbread Painting, 1 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Teen Grab and Go Bag, 9 a.m.
Dec. 7, 21: Zoom—Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 7, 21: STEM Grab & Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Dec. 9: Virtual Mock Interview, 2 p.m.
Dec. 10, 17, 24, 31: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 11: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2 p.m.
Dec. 14: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 16: Zoom—Write On, 8-9 p.m.
Dec. 17: Zoom—Plot Twisters (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Dec. 24, 31: Resume Writing Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

Dec. 5: Virtual Workshop—Good Person-Prov, 2-4 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

Dec. 5: SPLAT Studio for kids (ages 2-6), 2 p.m.
Dec. 5: SPLAT Studio for kids (ages 6+), 3 p.m.
Dec. 3: Virtual Between the Lines Book Group, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 5: Virtual Kids Carry & Craft Ornament Edition, 10 a.m.
Dec. 5: Virtual Carry & Craft: Teen/Adult Ornament Edition, 11 a.m.
Dec. 10: In-person Fear of Commitment Book Group at Cassel Vineyards & Winery, 5 p.m.
Dec. 10: Virtual Evening Contemporary Book Group, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 12: Friends Virtual Program: Colonial Christmas: Winter with Washington’s Army, 2 p.m.
Dec. 12, 14: In-person Christmas Wreath Making Class with Andrea Beitzel, 6 p.m.
Dec. 15: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 20: Virtual Christmas Special Trivia PJ Party, 2 p.m.
Dec. 29: Virtual Kids Carry & Craft Bullet Journal Jr. Edition, 10 a.m.
Dec. 29: Virtual Teen/Adult Carry & Craft Bullet Journal Edition, 11 a.m.

Historic Harrisburg Association
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

Dec. 5: Elegant Progressions virtual celebration, 7 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St, Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

Dec. 1: Teen Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25: Story Time (ages 3-6), 1:30-2 p.m.
Dec, 4, 11, 18: Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m., 6 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Rhyme Time (18 months and younger), 10:15-10:35 a.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m., 6 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Family Story Time at the Park, 6:45-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 8: Tween Scene, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 11: Dungeons & Dragons, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 15: Zoom STEM Club, 6-6:45 p.m.
Dec. 19: Kindergarten Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 19: First Grade Club, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 19: Trivia at Home—Ugly Sweater Party, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 21: Virtual Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.

The LBGT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23: Common Roads Youth, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Common Roads Youth via Zoom, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26: Passageways Transgender & Non-binary Group via Zoom, 2-4 p.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20: Common Roads Young Adult, 4-6 p.m.

Leadership Harrisburg
3211 N. Front Street, Suite 105, Harrisburg

Dec. 8: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Racial Justice Workshop, 8-9 a.m.
Dec. 10: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Racial Justice Workshop, 12-1 p.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Café
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Dec. 1: Live with Fredrik Logevall and Michael Neiberg, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 2: Live with Philippa Gregory, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 8: Live with James Patterson, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 10: Live with Yaron Weitzman, 7-8 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Dec. 5: Wreath Making Workshop, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Dec. 3: Ruth’s Mystery Group via Zoom, 10:15 a.m.
Dec. 8: Grab-and-go STEAM Kits—Mini Zen Garden, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10: Librarians Around Town Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m.
Dec. 14: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 6-8 p.m.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; sqart.org

Dec. 16: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 19: Art Moves + Accompaniment, 10:30 a.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; wildwoodlake.org

Dec. 1, 2: Wreath Workshop, 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m.
Dec. 5: Project FeederWatch, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 6: Natural Ornaments, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 pm., 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 12-Jan. 16: Winter Discovery at Wildwood Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 13: Natural Ornaments, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 15: Winter Walk at Detweiler Park, 2-4 p.m.

Live Music

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

Dec. 5: The British Invasion Years

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd., Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

Dec. 4: Cold Spring Union

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

Dec. 6: Artists to Artists—A Virtual Residency Exploring Jewish Music Traditions
Dec. 13: John McCutcheon

The Stage Door

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

Dec. 1-27: “Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Dec. 1-Jan. 3: “Elf”

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

Dec. 4-13: “The Adventures of Little Red Riding Hood” (live shows are TBD, depending on pandemic situation)

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

Dec. 4-6: “Moana”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

Dec. 4: J Bliss
Dec. 11: Shaun Jones

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Dec. 4-20: “A Christmas Carol” (live-streamed)

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High-End Holiday: Put something nice—very nice—under the tree this year

November 30, 2020 | by Steve Juliana

“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane.”

Are you someone’s Santa? If that person is a wine lover, you are in a perfect position to make their holiday a memorable one.

Discounting gadgets, which are usually cute and trendy, oenophiles value and appreciate gifts of wine above all else. To find the perfect gift, one need look no further than the Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores with the Premium Collection designation. Most of these have a wine cellar, where their finest offerings are available in a climate-controlled environment. Once inside, it becomes obvious that this is where you will find treasure. Many major wine regions, and others more obscure, are represented by the offerings within.

California here is front and center with Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and pinot noir all in attendance. Meritage blends, which are New World wines blended in a more traditional, Bordeaux style, also make an appearance. Russian River Valley in Sonoma/Napa and Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County are other California regions with high-quality quaffs that will delight your gift recipient. While we’re talking West Coast, check out the offerings from Oregon and Washington.

If the subject of your gift giving loves the wines of France, a quick glance will show a variety of bottles from the regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. The noble grapes of cabernet sauvignon and merlot dominate the blended, age-worthy wines of the Bordeaux, one of the greatest regions in the world.

Burgundy relies on only two noble grapes, red pinot noir and white chardonnay, arguably the finest on Earth. The noble grape of the Rhone Valley is the red syrah. In the southern part of the valley, it is blended with grenache and reaches its zenith in the city of Avignon with chateauneuf du pape. North of the ancient city, the grape is bottled singly, becoming an amazing wine of balance and nuance unlike many other syrahs you may encounter. Also in the northern part of the valley is one of the few places where you can find viognier, a unique white grape that is the only one allowed in the area of Condrieu.

Those in your social circles that like Italian wine are not to be left off your gift list. The nebbiolo grape makes a heavy red wine that is renowned in the Piedmont region for its bold complexity and the ability to age. It takes many names in its native land, although the two biggest are barolo and barbaresco. A worthy gift for anyone.

We can’t talk about Italy without talking about amarone. This blended wine from the Veneto region has the distinction of having the grapes dry on straw mats until they become raisined before crushing in a process known as appassimento. One of the richest quaffs that anyone can find, it has an explosion of fruit on the palate and a dusty finish.

These are just some of the high-end wines that will work as a gift for any wine lover.

Keep sipping,
Steve

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December News Digest

November 30, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

Police Advisory Committee Approved

After months of debate, Harrisburg City Council has approved creating a new citizen’s body that will focus on police accountability.

At a virtual council meeting last month, council approved Bill 8, which establishes a Citizen’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee to review actions of the Harrisburg Police Bureau.

After hearing hundreds of public comments and then making amendments to the bill over nearly five months, council voted in favor of it, six to one. Council President Wanda Williams did not support the bill.

“I am in full support that there needs to be a process to reform,” Williams said. “But we cannot weaken the very system that protects us.”

What began as a proposed board to improve relations between the bureau and city residents was modified, since June, to reflect some community members’ desire to have more of a check on police.

Through lengthy meetings and public hearings, residents continuously asked that the board be given more power and independence. Council granted administrative subpoena powers and removed the requirement that board members participate in a police ride-along and undergo police academy training.

For some, the changes weren’t enough as council was unable to grant everything they asked for. For example, some residents advocated for changing the advisory board to a review board. City Solicitor Neil Grover said that Harrisburg doesn’t have the authority to do that.

In related news, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced last month a proposal for the city to create 12 new positions in the bureau for “community service aides” to assist the police.

The aides would fall under the community services department of the bureau and would work alongside officers to engage with residents, assist the police with low-level calls, and help with report writing, among other duties.

These positions must still be voted on by City Council as part of the 2021 municipal budget. Papenfuse said that applications wouldn’t go out until at least January.

Fit on Market Debuts

Downtown Harrisburg has a new place to break a sweat.

Fit on Market opened last month in Strawberry Square as a “boutique” fitness center, according to building owner Harristown Enterprises.

“We are very excited to have a fantastic new downtown fitness facility to serve both our workforce and residential populations here in the city,” said Brad Jones, Harristown’s president and CEO.

Strawberry Square’s previous fitness studio, Fitness U, closed in June.

Fit on Market is located on the Market Street side of Strawberry Square and is accessible both from inside and outside, allowing members to enter the facility even when the building isn’t open.

Fit on Market offers new, state-of-the-art Matrix cardio and strength training equipment, in addition to newly constructed locker and shower facilities. Harristown has installed bipolar ionization equipment to continuously disinfect the air and surfaces, Jones said.

According to Harristown, memberships are limited in number, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $45 per month, billed quarterly.

The facility is unstaffed, but safety systems are in place to protect members, including connections to on-site security and emergency responders, as well as personal safety devices that can be used while working out, according to Harristown.

Members are issued their own access cards to allow entry to Fit on Market, located at 312 Market St., during facility hours, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

“Tiny House” Community for Veterans Proposed

A nonprofit group took a first step last month towards creating a “tiny house” village aimed at helping homeless veterans.

Veteran’s Outreach of Pennsylvania presented its plan to the Harrisburg Planning Commission for a five-acre site in south Harrisburg.

“This model for homeless veterans is popping up all over the country,” said Tom Zimmerman, the group’s president.

Under the proposal, 15 detached houses would contain basic necessities—a sleeping area, a half bath, a desk, a small sitting space, etc. A community center would have meeting space, a dining area, activity rooms, a laundry and other amenities.

“The idea behind it is that veterans don’t succeed when you put 30 or 40 of them in a room in a big, communal setting,” Zimmerman said.

Harrisburg philanthropist Peggy Grove and her son, Michael, under an entity called the Green Chair Trust, own the land, but have agreed to donate it to the organization, according to Zimmerman and Planning Bureau documents.

Currently, the Capital Area Greenbelt runs through the land in the area commonly known as Phoenix Park, where industrial ruins from a steel mill still are visible.

Grove would be willing to move the Greenbelt trail to just north of the site, a plan supported by the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, according to the Planning Bureau.

The bureau has recommended project approval, but with conditions. It would like to see several significant changes to the site plan, including a more grid-style configuration, a smaller parking lot and a smaller overall footprint.

At the Planning Commission meeting, the issue was tabled until the January meeting so that Veteran’s Outreach can consider the city’s desired changes, Zimmerman said.

Catalyst Winners Announced

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Joe Arthur is among a half-dozen recipients this year of the Harrisburg Chamber’s prestigious Catalyst awards.

Arthur, the food bank’s executive director, is being recognized for his work locally and nationally in fighting hunger, especially responding to unprecedented demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic crisis.

Arthur will receive the Catalyst of the Year award, which each year honors a person or organization that serves as a catalyst for positive change in the greater Harrisburg area.

Other 2020 awards and winners include:

Athena Award to Sharon Ryan of Dasher Inc. for mentoring women in all stages of their careers.
Business Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award to George Fernandez of Latino Connection for his service and dedication to Pennsylvania’s Latino communities.
Corporate Citizen of the Year Award to Highmark Blue Shield for their response during the COVID-19 crisis.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Todd Phillips of True Legends Barbershop for his dedication to the community and mentoring of Black youth.
Small Business of the Year Award to Viscul Creative for their innovation in the field of food and beverage in response to the pandemic.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC will host the Catalyst Awards virtual ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Tickets are available at www.HarrisburgRegionalChamber.org.

Residential Sales, Prices Strong

The local housing market continued to show strength, as both residential sales and prices rose in October.

For the month, 789 homes sold in the Harrisburg area, compared to 710 houses in the year-ago period, while the median price increased to $206,100 from 190,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, sales totaled 369 housing units, compared to 309 last October, as the median price rose to $182,000 from $170,000, said GHAR. Cumberland County saw sales rise to 374 homes versus 343 a year ago, as the median price increased to $230,165 from $218,900 in October 2019.

Perry County also experienced gains, with 38 homes sold, an increase from 37 last year, while the median price shot up to $197,800 versus $179,900 in the year-ago period, according to GHAR.

Meanwhile, it took less time for houses to sell. GHAR reported that the average house was on the market for 31 days, a drop from 46 days a year ago.

In GHAR’s coverage area, the housing market has been consistently strong following the expiration of a pandemic-related business suspension in the spring.

So Noted

Dauphin County Library System last month received a $750,000 state Department of Education Keystone Grant to help renovate the historic Haldeman Haly House. Last year, the library acquired the 208-year-old Front Street building, located next door to the main McCormick Riverfront Library in Harrisburg, and is raising funds for the $3.5 million restoration.

Deborah Sibbering was hired last month as Harrisburg’s new diversity officer. According to the city, Sibbering has a background in human resources and local government.

Harrisburg University has added a venue to its popular HU Presents concert series. Starting in 2021, HU will also host shows at The Englewood, a new music venue, restaurant and brewery located just outside of Hershey. HU is also rescheduling many of the shows for 2021 that it had to cancel this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harrisburg University’s e-sports team, the HU Storm, has won the Tempest Award for “Best College Esports program” for a second straight year. The annual program honors the e-sports industry’s most innovative companies and executives.

Mary Kuna has been named the new executive director for the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. Kuna returns to Cumberland County having served since June 2018 as the deputy executive director of the Redevelopment Authority of Pittston, Pa.

The Millworks reopened last month following a lengthy closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sprawling restaurant/brewery/art space in Midtown Harrisburg first closed in March for two months, but then closed again in July after a worker tested positive for the coronavirus.

Riverfront Park in Harrisburg has been named a “2020 Great Public Space.” The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Planning Organization bestowed the honor on the 4.5-mile long linear park along the Susquehanna River, as well as on two other designees—the Arboretum at Penn State in Centre County and the Allegheny Commons Park Northeast Fountain in Pittsburgh.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2464: S. Moll & J. Wilson to NHP Real Estate Developments LLC, $45,672

Allison Ct., 4: J. Adams to Lemoyne Land Corp. Inc., $57,000

Balm St., 36: Super Fun Real Estate Yes LLC to C. Salazar & J. Vega, $35,000

Balm St., 37: A. & M. DePietro to Shutter Real Estate LLC, $35,000

Bartine St., 929: S. Binner Jr. to 608 N. Third LLC, $73,000

Bellevue Rd., 1940: V. Rivas to J. & J. Lugo, $40,000

Benton St., 605: B. Neiss to D. Candelaria, $100,000

Berryhill St., 2447: B. Moody to M. Serpe, $66,000

Boas St., 110: A. Seig to D. & E. Schmotzer, $150,000

Boas St., 219: A. Moyer to J. Nicholson, $162,000

Boas St., 235: D. Kergick & A. McHugh to M. Ruiz & K. Hillman, $194,900

Boas St., 421: M. Berlin to J. & E. Hojnacki, $159,000

Briggs St., 205: A. Brett & T. Granada to Trip Aces LLC, $126,000

Calder St., 108: W. Nattress & F. Hummert Jr. to B. Yasin, $165,000

Camp St., 635: T. Fenderson to Integrity First Time Home Buyers LLC, $30,000

Capitol St., 1202: P. Clymer to O. Levine & B. Brace, $110,000

Carnation St., 1613: S. Hite to A. Pachero, $38,000

Chestnut St., 1844: 4880 East Prospect LLC to R. Emeregildo, $46,000

Chestnut St., 2113: J. Dos Santos to J. Rawls & J. Caesar, $250,000

Croyden Rd., 2951: A. Smith to B. Krahn, $100,000

Cumberland St., 209: L. Brush to M. & C. Ritchey, $132,500

Cumberland St., 1319: G. Domon to D. Mota & L. Rodriguez, $75,000

Curtin St., 628: NVNG Properties LLC to A. Matai, $44,000

Derry St., 2341: W. & T. Cassel to M&D Express LLC, $37,000

Dunkle St., 554 & 556: D. Brooks to GFG Properties LLC, $47,500

Forster St., 123: Heit Holdings LLC to 123 Forster St. LLC, $540,000

Forster St., 1818: V. Rivas to B. Estrella, $60,000

Green St., 1713: M. Banks to S. & A. Hyder, $199,900

Green St., 1907: G. Buchen to W. & M. Cusick, $152,000

Green St., 1932: M. Roos to A. Quick, $235,000

Green St., 3228: D. Schwab to S. & D. Kaplan, $104,000

Hale St., 405: D. Washington to J. Espinosa, $89,900

Hamilton St., 426: J. Tang to JMR Ventures LLC, $80,000

Harris St., 207: K. Clark to M. Haragan & M. Erford, $174,900

Herr St., 405: T. & M. Ziegler to R. & G. Ziegler, $80,000

Herr St., 1509: R. & K. Lehman to D. Boyle, $38,000

Hoffman St., 3205: H. Novinger to A. Winch, $130,000

Hudson St., 1152: Amboy MAA Properties LLC to D. Jones, $119,000

Hummel St., 434: D. Quigley to Rumers Corp., $53,500

Jefferson St., 2243: C. Brannon to K. Moulds, $76,000

Jefferson St., 2714: D. Henry to Jhonleo Home Renovations LLC, $41,000

Kensington St., 2310: M. Williams to C. Grant & M. Rinaldi, $65,000

Kensington St., 2403: A. Nguyen to T. Dinh, $47,000

Kensington St., 2432: G. Ravenel to K. Murray, $79,900

Lenox St., 1910: R. Do to R. & A. Ortiz, $103,000

Linden St., 135: E. Green to K. Leslie, $70,000

Logan St., 2029: D. Carrero to Dream Property Group LLC, $43,000

Logan St., 2035: CR Property Group LLC to C. Baltazar, $135,000

Market St., 1151: Twin House Real Estate Associates LLC to B. Paulino, $46,500

Mulberry St., 1919: Bigfoot Properties LLC to R. Emeregildo, $46,000

N. 2nd St., 607: DelPenn Partners LLC to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $485,000

N. 2nd St., 920: Tang Liu Realty LLC to AON LLC, $365,000

N. 2nd St., 1513 & 1515: S. Cooper to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $375,000

N. 2nd St., 1523: Mussani & Co. to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $112,500

N. 2nd St., 1908: J. Benson & F. Felbaum to S. Jusufovic, $130,000

N. 2nd St., 2308: E. & A. Cyrtyn to A. & K. Moyer, $216,000

N. 2nd St., 2327: B. & S. Rash to C. & J. Clabaugh, $138,500

N. 2nd St., 2731: T. Schmitt to M. Martin, $264,000

N. 3rd St., 1608: J. Tang to JMR Ventures LLC, $130,000

N. 3rd St., 1712: J. Yonker to L. Heisick & C. Chang, $160,000

N. 4th St., 1725: T. & V. Williams to D. Moore Sr., $152,500

N. 5th St., 2216: CR Property Group LLC to C. Menches, $109,900

N. 6th St., 2426: D. Leaman & JD Investments to Eden Bridge Foundation, $95,000

N. 6th St., 2439: Iglesia Dedios Pentecostal & S. Castro to Archie Group, $155,000

N. 6th St., 3218: D. Herr to B. Finley, $95,000

N. 14th St., 1217: A. Rodriguez to J. Minaya, $90,000

N. 15th St., 1301, 1500 Boas St., 2446 Rudy Rd. & 2515 N. 5th St.: Donegal Properties to Capital Realty Guild LLC, $1,100,000

N. 16th St., 1315: Blandy Family Trust to A. Murphy, $155,000

N. 16th St., 1318: J. Alvarado to Y. Cruz, $139,000

N. 18th St., 40: J. Holmes to M & Sons LLC, $38,500

N. 20th St., 37: American Rental Homes LLC, OJK Enterprises LLC & C. Texidor to E. Jacox, $57,500

N. Front St., 1323: P. & A. Ballantine to DM155 Enterprises LLC, $217,500

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 509: E. Cimbala to D. Kyle & D. Holland, $175,000

Norwood St., 945: J. Gilmore to M. Serpe, $66,000

Park St., 1821: Robert Rothbard LLC to C. Asare, $40,000

Parkway Blvd., 2437: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to KMM Development LLC, $85,000

Paxton St., 1619: NAR Investments LLC to C. Barboza, $195,000

Penn St., 814: E. Derricks to Senior Parking LLC, $134,900

Penn St., 1405: KAB Rentals to C. Halpert, $68,500

Penn St., 1526: M. Dodson to Heinly Homes LLC, $52,600

Penn St., 1622: E. & J. Mallory to V. Kauffman, $178,000

Penn St., 2211 & 2213: PA Deals LLC to N. Seneviratne, $99,900

Penn St., 2411: D. Wendt to B. Carter & D. Ramsey, $110,000

Pennwood Rd., 3210: Lexicon Government Services LLC to Z. Huynh, $137,100

Radnor St., 682: K&F Property Investments LLC to S. & G. Rodriguez, $50,000

Reily St., 339 & 341: J. Webb & J. Sorzano to N. Luong, $142,000

Rolleston St., 1123 & 1125: J. & C. Bowker to O. Lujan & K. Ramos, $100,000

Rudy Rd., 2115: C. Fratelli to C. Jackson, $145,000

Rudy Rd., 2343: E. & L. Gutierrez to T. Orr, $184,900

S. 12th St., 1519: R. Do to 1&H LLC, $70,000

S. 13th St., 30: Lynn & Ryan Investments Properties LLC to DAG EKG Properties LLC, $195,000

S. 16th St., 540: A. & C. Burgos to B. Ortega, $40,000

S. 16th St., 802: Sutliff Enterprises to Shannon Investments LP, $1,000,000

S. 16th St., 939: C. Kearney to T. Carter, $118,000

S. 19th St., 1101: Ambay MAA Properties LLC to J. Espinal, $110,000

S. 19th St., 1338: Q. Ly to N&R Group LLC, $60,000

S. 25th St., 710: I. Green to N. Rijo, $98,000

S. 27th St., 653: E. Dale & D. Housel to T WY Enterprise LLC, $45,000

S. 27th St., 655: S. Sullivan to B. Dehning, $100,600

S. Cameron St., 712, Units A, A1, A2, B, C, D & E: N. Perakis to Boas Street LLC, $650,000

S. Cameron St., 724, Units A, B, C & D: N. Perakis Trust to Boas Street LLC, $350,000

S. Cameron St., 1160: Lindawn Partners to AT Properties LLC, $299,900

S. Front St., 615: C. & E. Conner to M. Sensenig & J. Wilshire, $210,900

State St., 231, Unit 503: G. Shook to A. & B. Pasechnyk, $147,500

State St., 231, Unit 705: Crist Property Management LLC to Nye & Golub Rentals LLC, $144,000

State St., 1516: KBT Enterprises LLC to M. Jiminez, $42,000

Valley Rd., 2311: P. Garland to I. Kucukaydin, $215,000

Walnut St., 132: J. Howett & S. Parker to Second and Locust Investors LLC, $275,000

Walnut St., 1810: I. Druker to VV Real Estate Developments LLC, $46,000

Wiconisco St., 632: D&F. Realty Holdings LP to F. Romero, $35,000

Woodbine St., 334: CR Property Group to R. Kumar, $105,000

Woodbine St., 622: J. Bryan to CR Property Group, $31,000

Harrisburg property sales for October 2020, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Unwrap a Roast: Give porchetta a try for an Italian twist to the holiday meal

November 30, 2020 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

The holidays are coming, despite the lingering sadness and frustrations of the pandemic.

Christmas dinner for our family will be a very small gathering and, most likely, I will be cooking our traditional prime rib with crispy roast potatoes, sugary glazed carrots and something “green.” It’s the same every year.

But, recently, during a rare lunch out with a good friend, I asked her what she makes for Christmas dinner. Honoring her husband’s Italian heritage, she said they always make “porchetta,” and that it is wonderful. Now, I am a veteran of roasting pork—it’s a great Sunday dinner. And, for my family, it wouldn’t be New Year’s Day without pork and sauerkraut. But neither I, nor my mother, have ever made authentic porchetta.

I know that porchetta is a popular “street food” in Italy, especially in the area around Rome, where it is sold from vans and often as a sandwich (panini). A whole pig, sometimes stuffed with garlic, fennel and other herbs, is roasted on a spit with all its skin and fat. (Maybe we could bring a porchetta food van to Artsfest on the river when it returns. It might challenge “chicken on a stick”!)

I asked my friend if she would share her recipe with me. She and her son have been happily working together on their Christmas porchetta for some time now. They know the routine so well. Buy a large, fresh bone-in pork shoulder weighing anywhere from seven to 10 pounds. They tell me that the pork must have a bone and that, with it, the flavor is better. From there on, the directions seemed to get a little “loosey goosey.” So, what I did was combine my friend’s recipe with what I found in my old “Soprano’s Family Cookbook” and came up with a hybrid process for “Tony Soprano’s Roast Pork Sunday Dinner and Annie and Chris’s Holiday Porchetta.”

The first step, of course, is to find a pork shoulder roast. I went searching. The nicest ones I found were at Wegman’s—very fresh looking, pink, plump and streaked with marbling (nicer than saying “fat”). You can search other places, as well. Try the farmers markets (Broad Street or West Shore) or even places like Costco and BJ’s.

Roasted Porchetta

Ingredients

7 to 10 pound bone-in pork shoulder
8 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place the garlic cloves, rosemary, sage, and basil (if using) in the bowl of a food processor and chop finely.
Drizzle enough olive oil into the food processor to form a paste.
With a small, sharp knife, score the pork skin, cutting a quarter-inch deep crosshatch pattern over the roast.
Poke deep pockets into the surface of the pork with the knife. Rub the paste into the cuts and over the entire roast if there is any remaining.
Place the pork in a large roasting pan, preferably over a rack, and add a small amount of water to the bottom. Cover the roast loosely with aluminum foil.
Roast the pork for about 3 hours.
After 3 hours, tip the pan carefully and remove the excess fat.
Continue roasting until the skin is crisp and a deep nutty brown, removing the foil during the last hour of roasting. Remember, total roasting time will depend on the size of the pork shoulder, but anticipate at least an additional 1½ to 2 hours.

My friend promises that, at the end of long, slow roasting, the pork will be succulent and slice easily. She serves it with her red sauce over pasta. But how wonderful it would be with creamy polenta or served on rolls for a holiday buffet.

I suspect that turkey, roast beef and ham will grace most Christmas tables. But Italian porchetta would be a fun way to welcome in the New Year.

Thank you, Annie and Chris for sharing your recipe. And Buon Natale to all our readers.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 27, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

Craig Ward opened Ward of Health in the Broad Street Market.

We at TheBurg hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! While you enjoy your leftover food, catch up on any news you may have missed this past week, below.

Bob’s Art Blog reviews the Susquehanna Art Museum’s exhibit, “The Modernists: Witnesses to the 20th Century.” He also has the scoop on artists to support by visiting the Millworks gift shop and studios this weekend.

Capital Region Water passed its 2021 budget and new rates, our online story reported. Utility bills in Harrisburg will be slightly higher as drinking water and wastewater rates will increase.

Christy Hoover strives to make her boutique inviting and welcoming for all. Christy Concept Jewelry at the West Shore Farmers Market has an inventory of fashion and fine jewelry. There’s something for everyone. Read more in our magazine story.

COVID-19 cases rose again this past week with an average new case count now exceeding 6,000 per day. To see the numbers by the county, read our weekly pandemic reporting.

Dauphin County introduced its $191.4 million preliminary budget on Wednesday. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the county does not expect to raise property taxes for 2021, our reporting found.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed the fiscal code bill passed by state legislature last week, our online story reported. Under the bill, Harrisburg is able to keep its current earned income tax (EIT) and local services tax (LST) at rates higher than typically allowed for third-class cities in Pennsylvania.

Harrisburg found a long-term solution to its structural financial problems, our online story reported. State legislature passed a bill that allows the city to retain an elevated local services tax (LST) for 15 years and permanently extend its 2% earned income tax (EIT) rate.

Harrisburg-area retailers were hit hard by the pandemic, but have managed to stay afloat. Our magazine story tells of the creative ways some have found to survive.

Harrisburg’s Police Use of Force General Order was evaluated and revised over the past five months. Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced the changes, including a requirement for officers to intervene when a fellow officer is using excessive force, our reporting found.

Local businesses struggling during the pandemic have another chance to receive assistance, our online story reported. A second round of the “Neighborhood Business Stabilization Grant” that directs funds to businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is coming.

Many small businesses in Harrisburg have found a unique niche during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out our magazine story that features a food truck owner, a pair of plant lovers, a face mask artist and the owner of a food delivery service.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced the proposed 2021 Harrisburg general budget this week. The plan would increase expenses but does not include a property tax hike, our online story reported.

The former M&T Bank on N. 7^th Street in Harrisburg may become the new headquarters for the city’s engineering and traffic departments, our reporting found. While City Council approved purchasing the building, funds for the renovation are within the 2021 budget, which will face a vote in December.

Paxtang and Penbrook boroughs’ trash may be soon collected by The City of Harrisburg, our reporting found. Mayor Eric Papenfuse proposed entering into an intergovernmental agreement with the boroughs—a move he says will pay off for the city.

Sara Bozich has your list of weekend fun! As COVID continues to spike, she encourages people to enjoy outside events or virtual ones at home.

TLC Construction & Renovations plans to build eight apartments on a vacant lot on Kelker Street. The project will provide much-needed housing to the Uptown area, our online story reported.

Ward of Health opened in the Broad Street Market, offering vegan food with a twist, our online story reported. Owner Craig Ward puts his spin on lo mein, burgers, mac and cheese and tacos, to name a few.

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Harrisburg introduces rent relief program to help tenants in debt

November 27, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A sign at N. 3rd and Kelker streets.

For many Harrisburg residents, staying on top of rent or mortgage payments during the pandemic hasn’t been easy.

However, the city offered some hope recently as officials announced a rent relief program to help prevent evictions and assist struggling tenants and homeowners.

“If you’ve gotten yourself in a hole and you’re behind on your rent […] this could be an opportunity to use grant money to get caught up,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said in his weekly Facebook Live event.

Through federal Emergency Shelter Grant COVID (ESG/CV) funds, Harrisburg has a total of $500,000 for residents in need.

The funds can go towards six months’ worth of back rent, future rent payments, mortgage or utility payments, said Lillie Williams, interim director of the Department of Building and Housing Development. Residents can receive up to $5,000 in funds.

She said that the program will also help with teaching residents how to budget and get on track with rent payments.

“This could make a big difference in the city,” said Caleb Cossick of Greater Harrisburg Tenants United, an organization that seeks to educate and advocate for renters.

The Centers for Disease Control’s moratorium on evictions expires on Dec. 31. So, many Harrisburg tenants could face immediate eviction and piles of debt, Cossick explained.

“This could be the difference between the eviction happening and the debt being settled,” he said. “Anything that can be done to eliminate debt is encouraging.”

Cossick said that he and his team are looking into ways of getting word about the program out to residents in need.

All that is needed to qualify for the program is proof of residency in Harrisburg and paperwork that shows payments for rent, mortgage or utilities have not been met.

Residents will need to apply for the rental assistance and landlords can decide to comply by completing a W-9 form. Payments from the city will be made directly to landlords, mortgage companies or utility companies.

Williams said that the program will likely kick off the second or third week of December.

DBHD also plans to roll out a food assistance program to provide people with funds to purchase groceries. Williams said that they are looking to partner with local churches and nonprofits to administer the $300,000 in total funds. This program is expected to launch around the same time as the rental relief program.

For more information on the Department of Building and Housing Development in Harrisburg, visit https://harrisburgpa.gov/office-of-building-housing/.

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New COVID-19 cases rise again in PA over past week, exceed 6,000 per day

November 27, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

COVID-19 cases and tests, over time. Source: PA Department of Health

COVID-19 infection rates continued to surge over the past week in PA, with the average new case count now exceeding 6,000 per day.

Since last Friday, the commonwealth recorded an average of 6,429 newly diagnosed cases per day, according to the state Department of Health.

This compares to an average of 5,914 new daily cases last week and 4,348, 2,633, 2,134 and 1,641 new cases per day for the prior four weeks, respectively. This week’s totals are the highest new-case counts in PA since the pandemic began in March.

The department also reports that testing has increased substantially over this time (see chart).

Locally, diagnosed cases are now as follows since the pandemic began:

Adams County: 1,908 cases (prior Friday, 1,636)
Cumberland County: 4,831 cases (prior Friday, 4,017)
Dauphin County: 7,481 cases (prior Friday, 6,637)
Franklin County: 4,262 cases (prior Friday, 3,582)
Lancaster County: 15,890 cases (prior Friday, 13,564)
Lebanon County: 5,105 cases (prior Friday, 4,444)
Perry County: 649 cases (prior Friday, 553)
York County: 10,604 cases (prior Friday, 8,875)

Today, the department reported 7,360 newly positive cases throughout Pennsylvania for the past 24 hours ending at midnight. The positivity rate statewide now stands at 11.1%.

With today’s update, 343,614 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus, an increase of 47,828 over the past week, according to the health department. Active cases number 134,171. Currently, 4,087 people are hospitalized in PA with coronavirus, compared to 2,952 last Friday.

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 59,738 total cases. Allegheny County ranks second with 26,821 cases, and Montgomery County is third statewide with 21,071 cases.

The health department also reported an additional 595 deaths since last Friday, meaning that 10,234 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March. Fatalities totaled 465, 249, 191 and 159 over the prior four weeks, respectively.

Around central PA, COVID-19 fatalities now stand as follows since the pandemic began:

Adams County: 46 deaths (prior Friday, 45)
Cumberland County: 130 deaths (prior Friday, 102)
Dauphin County: 214 deaths (prior Friday, 211)
Franklin County: 104 deaths (prior Friday, 91)
Lancaster County: 513 deaths (prior Friday, 504)
Lebanon County: 106 deaths (prior Friday, 95)
Perry County: 9 deaths (prior Friday, 9)
York County: 241 deaths (prior Friday, 233)

PA nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 6,459, or 63.1 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there have been 33,947 resident cases of COVID-19, and 6,553 cases among employees, for a total of 40,500 at 1,249 distinct facilities in 63 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 14,336 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 3,129,689 individuals have had coronavirus tests, with 2,786,075 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Last Friday, the state reported that 2,944,656 people had been tested for the virus.

The state reports a total of 5,458,940 PCR tests, which includes many people, such as health care workers, who have been tested more than once.

Of the patients who have tested positive to date, the age breakdown is as follows, according to the health department:

About 1 percent are aged 0-4
Nearly 3 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 6 percent are aged 13-18
Nearly 13 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 37 percent are aged 25-49
About 21 percent are aged 50-64
Nearly 20 percent are aged 65 or older

Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, as are most of the reported deaths, according to the state. However, the health department has emphasized that, increasingly, younger people are being diagnosed with COVID-19.

The health department continued to emphasize that Pennsylvanians should do the following:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
Clean surfaces frequently.
Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
Wear a mask whenever out of your house.

For more information, visit the PA Department of Health’s COVID-19 website.

Currently, we are providing a COVID-19 update weekly, each Friday, or as breaking news warrants.

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