Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

November 25, 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: Making time to zoom/Facetime/call family, drop off food/beer to friends/neighbors, plan holiday shopping.

Oh, and stay tune for my SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE dropping later today.

For your weekend planning:

The perfect gift for your favorite home cook.
Drink this Thanksgiving-perfect cocktail.
Check off some items safely from our Fall Bucket List.
Passionate about Pa. food? Support PA Eats on Friday during the Extra Give.
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are ample options for your weekend. Moving forward, virtual and takeout-type events will be highlighted at the top of each day’s list.

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

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Top Weekend Recs

There’s still time to pick up a turkey (and other treats for the table) from RG Hummer
Drink PA cider! Ploughman Cider delivers to your door.
Check out Tattered Flag‘s In-Law Survivors Kit, which btw, ships anywhere in PA.
Speaking of Pennsylvania beer, 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.

Harrisburg rolls out more funding for local businesses

November 24, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Screenshot from the virtual City Council legislative session.

Struggling Harrisburg businesses received good news on Tuesday.

A second round of the “Neighborhood Business Stabilization Grant” that directs funds to businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is coming, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced at a City Council legislative session.

“It’s intended to provide emergency operating funds to businesses that are closed or have their foot traffic significantly decreased,” he said.

Businesses can apply for up to $10,000 for expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, payroll, real estate tax and vendor invoices. Businesses that received money from the first grant are not excluded from the second round, Papenfuse said.

The grant comes through a partnership with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. The $500,000 in grant money is sourced from federal CARES Act funding.

Papenfuse said this round of the grant funding is different from the first, this being more “forward-looking.” For example, he said that these funds could be used for paying rent in the coming months. The previous grant was focused on immediate needs, he said.

“This is a grant to help businesses make it through to spring and summer when we expect to hopefully have a vaccine and hopefully have a much safer business climate,” Papenfuse said.

The application for the grant program will be available Dec. 1 on the Harrisburg Regional Chamber’s website.

Papenfuse also announced a proposed program that will be discussed as part of the 2021 general budget.

The “Microenterprise Grant Program,” if passed in the budget, would provide up to $20,000 in grant funds to start-up businesses with five employees or fewer. In addition to the financial help, the grant would provide technical support as well.

The source of $200,000 in funds would be Harrisburg’s portion of hotel tax revenue. The city’s economic development team will head this program.

“This is for businesses that were going to start up, but decided not to start during the pandemic,” Papenfuse said. “It’s a potential help for businesses in the early stages of their development.”

If approved by City Council in the budget, businesses can begin to apply early in 2021, he said.

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

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Eight apartments coming to Uptown Harrisburg, TLC Construction providing much needed housing

November 24, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

TLC Construction & Renovations plans to build on these empty lots on Kelker Street.

Coming in the spring, a few vacant lots in Uptown Harrisburg will get a little “TLC.”

On Tuesday night, City Council approved a land development plan for the consolidation of three vacant lots on Kelker Street and the construction of eight residential apartments submitted by Tarik Casteel of TLC Construction & Renovations.

“This will bring more stability to the area,” Casteel said during a phone call. “We still have people looking for housing in the area—it’s still a need.”

The apartment building will sit at 440 Kelker St., near other TLC projects including The Harrisburg Uptown Building (HUB) and HUB Veterans Housing.

The three-story building will contain four one-bedroom apartments, about 900 square feet each, and four two-bedroom apartments, about 1,200 square feet each.

In addition, the complex will provide affordable housing to the area. Two units will be for low-income individuals with a price point around $700 per month, while the others will be market value, Casteel said.

“The Planning Bureau feels this is a good project, said Geoffrey Knight, director of the bureau, at a council work session on Nov. 17. “It will bring affordable housing to the neighborhood and it will develop vacant lots.”

In the way of parking, Casteel said he will provide eight spots for residents in his adjacent parking lot at the HUB building.

He plans to extend the existing sidewalk on Kelker to the front of the building’s property, as well. There will also be some landscaping done on the 10,214-square-foot property and two new street trees added.

Also on Tuesday, council approved the vacation and striking from the city’s map a portion of Kent Alley that intersected Casteel’s property on the map. Kent Alley used to be a grocer’s alley between N. 5^th, Fulton and Kelker streets, but became a “paper street,” meaning it only existed on the map. Since it was still considered a public right of way, Casteel needed it to be vacated in order to develop there.

The apartment building project will cost an estimated $1 million to construct, Casteel said. Daniel Wise of RJ Fisher Engineering is the site plan designer.

Casteel said he hopes to use local and minority-owned businesses as contractors for the building project. However, before construction begins, Casteel is waiting for construction material costs to go down. He said due to COVID, they are “through the roof.”

The pandemic already delayed TLC’s progress on the apartment building, but Casteel said they will likely break ground in March. Once they get started, it should take around eight months to build, he said.

To learn more about TLC Constructions & Renovations, visit https://tlchbg.com/.

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Harrisburg mayor proposes more spending on debt reduction, civilian police personnel in 2021 budget

November 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A screen shot of Mayor Eric Papenfuse during the virtual City Council meeting

Harrisburg proposes to spend more money on public safety and debt reduction in 2021, drawing on the city’s accumulated savings to fund the expenditures.

During a virtual City Council legislative session on Tuesday night, Mayor Eric Papenfuse delivered his 2021 budget presentation, a spending plan that would increase expenses but does not include a property tax hike.

Early in the hour-long presentation, Papenfuse characterized the current, 2020 budget as challenged by a loss of revenue due to the pandemic.

By year-end, Harrisburg will take in about $5 million less in revenue than it had anticipated, largely from a loss of parking revenue, Papenfuse said. A portion of that loss was offset by $2.8 million the city received in federal CARES Act funding.

“We’re expecting a long recovery to get us back to where we were in 2019,” Papenfuse told council members.

The proposed, $79.5 million general fund and capital improvement budget for 2021 exceeds the authorized 2020 budget by about $5.2 million. Actual spending for 2020 is expected to come in far below budget, at about $66.9 million.

The city does not expect to raise its portion of the property tax in 2021, but proposes to increase expenditures by tapping its considerable fund balance, savings accumulated by years of under-spending its budget.

Under his plan, Papenfuse would draw down the fund balance from about $25.3 million currently to about $10.2 million over the course of 2021. This amount still would exceed the city’s fund balance policy, which is 5% of annual operating expenses, he said.

“The fact that we begin drawing some of that down is exactly what a fund balance is for,” he said.

Papenfuse said that he wants to use the $15.2 million to pay down debt, bolster public safety and address some infrastructure needs.

Through an agreement with the city’s bond insurer, Ambac Financial, the mayor wants to accelerate repayment of its stadium bonds and its forbearance liability, money that the city owes after defaulting on loans during its financial crisis. Doing so would save the city substantial money over the long term and also would help it refinance existing debt at a lower interest rate, Papenfuse said.

“You spend a lot of money paying down debt in 2021, but we have it,” he told council. “And then you start rebuilding that fund balance.”

On the public safety front, Papenfuse is proposing spending about $1 million to add 21 new civilian positions, including 12 new community service aides, non-uniformed personnel who would assist with “quality of life” issues and relationship-building within the community, he said.

In 2021, the city also would invest in community policing partnerships with neighborhood groups and would spend about $103,000 for the “South Allison Hill Safety Project,” a new initiative focused on such items as improving lighting, addressing blight and increasing security, the mayor said. Infrastructure priorities include replacing the failing, 60-year-old HVAC system in the city’s rundown Public Safety Building.

Notably, Harrisburg plans to expand its regional trash and recycling collection service in 2021. Last year, it began serving Steelton and, with council approval, wants to begin to collect refuse and recyclables in Penbrook and Paxtang. This would result in $2 million in annual revenues, as well as several new hires in the Department of Public Works, Papenfuse said.

On the economic development front, Harrisburg is proposing four new programs to help small businesses and residents:

Beginning Dec. 1, the city and the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC will launch a second round of its Neighborhood Business Stabilization Program with grants of up to $10,000 per small business, money derived from $500,000 in remaining federal CARES Act funding.
In early 2021, the city will begin a “Microenterprise Grant Program,” offering grants of up to $20,000 to help fund start-ups, using $200,000 in hotel taxes.
Starting next month, a “Rental Relief Program” will assist with rental, mortgage and utility assistance.
A food assistance program would use $300,000 in CDBG funds for people who qualify.

In his address, Papenfuse lauded the recent fiscal code bill, which lets the city continue its enhanced tax rates. The state legislation allows the city to continue its 2% earned income tax, double the usual statewide rate, indefinitely and its $156 annual local services tax, triple the normal rate, for 10 years.

“These changes to the fiscal code resolve the most serious long-term budget issue facing the city,” Papenfuse said. “The benefit cannot be overstated.”

Lastly, Papenfuse offered a litany of road and infrastructure projects that will take place next year, which are already funded. These include substantial projects on N. 2^nd Street, N. 7^th Street, State Street and Mulder Square, as well as paving in South Allison Hill.

“It is going to be an exciting time to be in Harrisburg,” he said. “You’re going to see infrastructure investment throughout the city.”

Currently, the city plans two budget hearings, one on Dec. 8 and the other on Dec. 9, with a final vote expected during a special legislative session on Dec. 10.

Click here to view Harrisburg’s proposed 2021 budget.

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Local organizations give away food at Nativity School, supporting community after loss of teen

November 24, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Volunteers distributed boxes of food to community members in need.

In just a few weeks the Nativity School has witnessed acts of both violence and unity right in its parking lot.

Following the shooting and subsequent death of a Harrisburg teenager outside the school, community groups came together on Tuesday to reclaim the space and spread positivity through a food giveaway.

“We picked this location for a reason,” said Jennie Jenkins, an organizer of the event and the owner of La Voz Latina Central, a local publication. “We wanted to support the community, especially the Nativity School that was plagued by violence.”

The Black Wall USA, a nonprofit fighting against racism, hosted the event to help those in the community that are in need of food.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture donated 1,300 boxed meals, each containing 30 pounds of food, for The Black Wall to distribute to local families.

“COVID is real, people are suffering, food is needed,” said Martin Harris of The Black Wall.

A large crowd of city residents waited in lines as volunteers from over 18 different organizations hauled boxes out of a packed truck. People could take as many as they needed for their family, volunteers explained.

Numerous boxes were also taken to those in Harrisburg who may not have been able to get out to the event. Jenkins said they distributed to places like the East Shore YMCA, Paxton Place Apartments and the Presbyterian Apartments.

Harris said The Black Wall USA plans to do food giveaways like this bi-weekly.

The Black Wall USA formed this past summer to solve issues around racial injustice in the Harrisburg area. Harris’s father, Earl Harris, a retired pastor, lawyer and civil rights activist, founded the organization.

Harris said the organization, under his father’s leadership, considers themselves the “evolution of Black Lives Matter.”

“We get past the point of just holding a rally,” he said. “We make a plan and execute it.”

The organization is especially interested in using politics to make a change, but also through caring for the community on a local level, like through the food giveaway.

An ambitious group, The Black Wall has many projects in the works, Harris said.

“If there’s a gap we will fill it,” he said.

For more information on The Black Wall USA, visit https://blackwallusa.org/.

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Bob’s Art Blog: “The Modernists: Witnesses to the 20th Century,” an Exhibition Review

November 24, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

“Moon Forms” by William Baziotes, 1947, oil on canvas

The landmark exhibit, “The Modernists: Witnesses to the 20th Century” at the Susquehanna Art Museum at the Marty breaks new ground in revealing a modern point of view felt worldwide in its approach to art.

When the curtain was raised on the 20th century, dramatic transition was under way in virtually every facet of life. During the first half of that century, inventions would include the automobile and the airplane. Revolution and political upheavals became commonplace, and the world bore witness to two major wars as well as the pandemic of 1918, which took a huge number of lives all over the globe. A blanket of pathos covered the earth over the loss of those lives.

The arena of art proved to be no exception and was rife for bold new means of expression. The realism that had pervaded for nigh on 200 years was supplanted by abstraction in its use of shapes, color and form to achieve its effect. Abstract impressionism produced a zeitgeist all its own, pushing new territories that later led to cubism, Dadaism and surrealism. These avant-garde branches of art defined the new era. Art opened avenues for political discourse and civic engagement crossing geographical divides.

Lauren Nye, director of exhibitions at SAM, has collected a survey of art from the dawn of the 20th century and pushes that forward to the early 1960s, stopping short of postmodernism in its presentation. Nye has assembled an international grouping of acclaimed artists that includes Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and encompasses Americans Albert Bloch, N.C. Wyeth, Alma Thomas and Felrath Hines among others.

Serving as prime example is artist Hines, with his oil-on-canvas work entitled, “Church” (pictured, photo by Greg Staley). In this painting, he adeptly straddles the worlds found between realism and cubism with an overlapping of the two. The subject, a church, is recognizable as such, but cubist elements encroach in the rendering of the sun rising on the horizon. Hines came to prominence in the New York art scene both as an artist and conservator.

Pittsburgh-born William Baziotes, a painter of abstract expressionism and surrealism, was fascinated with the element of mystery found in many of his works. “Moon Forms,” an oil on canvas from 1947, tackles an icon, the moon, but his take pushes abstract interpretations to a whole new level, depicting the night sky friend as a pastiche of color, shape and intrigue. Baziotes immersed himself in both forms of art, often blurring the lines between the two in creating a universe purely of his own making.

Art exhibitions are often scheduled two years in advance, allowing lending institutions the necessary time to wrap and ship major works of art to a specific destination, albeit the museum in receipt of the materials. In addition to the art, guest speakers and consultants to the exhibit need to coordinate specific dates for in-house panels and dialogue with museum patrons. Given that Alice Anne Schwab, the executive director, and Nye could not have guessed that a global pandemic would have the world in its grip just months before its latest offering makes “The Modernists” all the more timely. The exhibit runs through May 16 in the Lehr Gallery.

Rewind the clock to 100 years ago, and the Spanish influenza of 1918 created the same deadly results the world is faced with today. These international idealists addressed social injustice on a grand scale and a global stage, much like what is now occurring. You have the basis for what artists faced then and now. History has a certain way of repeating itself. “Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos” wrote Stephen Sondheim. Who knows, maybe 100 years from now, there will be a new exhibit with fresh art created set against the backdrop of this pandemic, just as powerful and poignant as “The Modernists” is today.

Millworks Artists Return – Shop Small Saturday for the Holidays

It is said “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Sometimes, you don’t know how much you miss something until you don’t have it. It was with great joy when the announcement was made that the Millworks would reopen on Nov. 11. A major draw, outside of eating and drinking as well as socializing, the Millworks holds a haven of artists housed within its interior. Tara Chickey, art director, now has a full roster of 41 artists that reside in 17 studios, including five new artists to welcome to the fold. New to the Millworks mix are Amie Bantz and Tristan Bond, joining Lauren Castillo in Studio 322. Phil Wells moves into Studio 213 with Lyes and Lathers. Over in 318, Reina Wooden (R76) joins artists Andrew Guth and Erik of Owl Greek Supply. Art of the Earth finds rich soil with Rachel Lowe in 214.

Artist Amie Bantz in her Millworks studio

What better time of year than the holidays to shop local, support homegrown talent and to tell these artists on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, that they mean the world to you. And while you are supporting them, stop in and relax at the Millworks with its new fall menu of food, drinks and brews. Starting on Small Business Saturday, the Millworks gift shop, brew shop and studios will be opening at noon every Saturday through Christmas.

And if you are on the West Shore, two more veteran galleries are perfect for holiday shopping. Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) at 38 West Pomfret St. is a veritable, visual and tactile feat of art with gifts galore from its members for its “Art For the Holidays” shop, which runs through Dec. 30. Be sure to stop in and meet Curator Cathy Stone and Director Becky Richeson on your visit.

Village Artisans Gallery in Boiling Springs has become an institution at 321 Walnut St. in the heart of the village. It is the dream child of P.J. Heyman. The gallery represents over 200 artists with gifts artistic and unique.

Shop local, shop small and stand tall. Happy holidays to all.

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Gov. Wolf signs bill that allows Harrisburg to retain elevated tax rates

November 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg’s MLK Jr. Government Center

It’s official—Harrisburg will be able to retain its current, elevated levels of taxation for years to come.

On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the fiscal code bill that was approved on Friday by the state legislature.

Under the legislation, Harrisburg is able to keep both its current earned income tax (EIT) and local services tax (LST) at rates higher than typically allowed for third-class cities in Pennsylvania.

Harrisburg now can retain a 2% EIT, its local income tax, indefinitely. That’s double the typical statewide rate of 1%.

In addition, the city can retain an LST of $156 a year ($3 per week), triple the normal, statewide rate of $52 a year ($1 per week), for 10 years. The city then can assess double the statewide rate ($2 per week) for another five years, through 2035.

The LST, a tax to support city services, is charged to wage earners with jobs located in Harrisburg.

Before the legislation passed, city officials worried about an impending “fiscal cliff,” when the city’s extraordinary taxing authority would expire.

Harrisburg was allowed to tax above the normal statutory rate due to being in Act 47, the state’s program for distressed municipalities, and then from an extension that runs out in 2025. If the extra taxing ability had expired, Harrisburg would have lost about $12.4 million in annual revenue, or nearly 20% of its general fund.

According to Mayor Eric Papenfuse, Harrisburg should now be able to exit Act 47 after a decade in the program. Papenfuse is due to make his budget presentation for the city’s proposed 2021 spending plan during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

On Monday, the city’s state-appointed financial oversight board, the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA), also expressed support for the state legislation.

“The ICA thanks the General Assembly for its extraordinary support of the City of Harrisburg’s fiscal recovery,” said Chair Audry Carter, in a statement. “In fulfillment of our mandate, we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders on initiatives to strengthen the city’s finances, pursue operational excellence and promote economic development.”

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2020 HYP 20 in Their 20’s

November 23, 2020 | by Admin

Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) is excited to announce the 20 honorees of the organization’s second annual 20 In Their 20’s class. Meet 20 rising stars from business, culture and civic life who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and workplaces.

Join the Harrisburg community on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 for a virtual awards ceremony to celebrate 20 of Harrisburg’s greatest “doers”. The event is free to attend, but registration is required and donations are encouraged if you are able to contribute. All proceeds support HYP and the Emerging Philanthropist Program. This year’s event is sponsored by Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Hershey’s Ice Cream and Startup Harrisburg.

Autumn Anderson

Passionate about Harrisburg and all it has to offer, Autumn loves giving back to the community. As vice president of Friends of Midtown, she spearheads DEIJ issues and helps the organization support local businesses; she also works to improve the lives of young women in Dauphin County through her role as director of the Junior League of Harrisburg’s Community Impact Council. During the day, Autumn is a public-sector management consultant, helping governments better serve citizens. She earned her MPA from the University of Pennsylvania and recently graduated from the Emerge PA program, which trains women how to run for office. You might see her biking around the city, hiking on a nearby trail, or sipping kombucha on the front porch of her Midtown rowhome.

Coryann Catalano-Alexandre

Coryann recently took on a new role as an Account Manager at Reilly Insurance. Born and raised in Harrisburg, Coryann has a passion for giving back to her hometown. As a co-chair for HYP’s Outreach Committee she has planned several volunteer opportunities around the city. When not volunteering with HYP she can be found volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Central PA with the Red Shoe Crew. The key to Coryann’s success is her dedication to her clients and her willingness to learn new facets of her industry.

Jordan Dandy

Jordan is a full-time musician in the band Dandy, which consists of his brother and him. Most of his days are spent practicing and/or writing music. One of Jordan’s favorite accomplishments was being a part of the Boys and Girls Club volunteer crews to help box and distribute meals for families in need. He believes that it’s very important to give back and to walk out kindness to the community around us. He’s always looking to get into more volunteer work with Bethesda Mission, as well as trying to make a positive impact on people’s lives with his music. You may have seen him standing on the corner of Front and Forster streets with a message of positivity. TheBurg wrote about it here: https://theburgnews.com/news/jordan-dandy-has-a-message-for-harrisburg-i-value-you

Justin Eberly

Justin Eberly, MPA, CTO, EMT is an Education Specialist for VFIS, a subsidiary of the Glatfelter Insurance Group. VFIS is a leading provider of insurance, education, and consulting services to emergency service organizations.

Eberly is an active Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and volunteer firefighter in Cumberland County. As an educator, he has served as adjunct faculty for multiple EMS programs serving the South-Central Pennsylvania region. Eberly received the designation of Chief Training Officer (CTO) from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

He is a proud Eagle Scout and was recently recognized with the District Award of Merit for service to youth in scouting.

Eberly has earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Information Technology for Business Education from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and Masters in Public Administration, with an emphasis in Emergency Services Management, from Columbia Southern University.

Kimberly Elter

Kimberly is determined to recognize the brilliant minds and organizations that Harrisburg has to offer. Early in her career, Kimberly initiated and piloted 6 Degrees, the first speed networking and mentoring event with Harrisburg Young Professionals. With inaugural success, 6 Degrees has become an annual event connecting top CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business owners with young professionals in the Harrisburg area establishing long-term relationships that will further enhance and expand the prosperity of this region. In addition to connecting others to resources in the community, Kimberly focuses her time on strengthening the voices of young professionals in the Harrisburg area with HYP Toastmasters, a local club within Toastmasters International that advances the communication and public speaking skills of its members. Amidst her role as President and previously as VP of Public Relations for HYP Toastmasters, Kimberly helped increase membership by 50% within four months of hosting an open house while also sharing the accomplishments of each young professional through her marketing and design skills. Kimberly is passionate about continuing to bring the best to Harrisburg with her events, creativity, and vision.

Corinne Foster

If there is one word to describe Corinne’s impact on anti-hunger efforts in Harrisburg and statewide, it is engaging. As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Feeding Pennsylvania, Corinne advocates, communicates, and organizes efforts to support Pennsylvania’s food banks in their effort to address food insecurity. She has used her social media savvy and creativity to create awareness and inspire action among thousands of followers. Her mission-driven enthusiasm has attracted many more advocates to the cause of fighting food insecurity. Her skills as a communicator invite people in, educate them about a serious issue, and prompt them to speak out about food security policies.

In addition to her day job at Feeding Pennsylvania, Corinne runs a food blog based on promoting the best dishes and drinks under $15 in Central PA. What started as a fun side hustle, grew quickly into something she was truly passionate about. In less than two years, she has developed over 80 partnerships and gained over 4,000 followers to become a top influencer in the Harrisburg region. Through her blog, she has collaborated with local events like Harrisburg Beer Week, Harrisburg Restaurant Week, and 3rd in the Burg, and has been featured on notable accounts like PennLive, PA Eats, Explore HBG, Visit Hershey Harrisburg, and more. In addition to sharing her posts, she has had a feature article in TheBurg and has been named one of Susquehanna Style’s “16 Must-Follow Local Bloggers.” Most recently, she has partnered with a local restaurant to create the “Fosterthefoodie Fried Chicken Sandwich” to raise funds for Feeding Pennsylvania.

Cody Gehman

Cody Gehman, CPA, has served as Practice Manager at Stonebridge Financial Group since 2017. His hard work and focus help him foster growth in the industry to improve the financial health of individuals and small businesses. Before joining Stonebridge, the Shippensburg University graduate worked as a practicing CPA at RKL LLP and as Financial Controller at Allenberry Resort during the transition period from its renovation to grand reopening. An avid volunteer, Cody currently serves on the board of Girls on the Run of the Capital Region and as a “big” to a “little brother” at Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also serves lunch at Downtown Daily Bread in Harrisburg.

Maddie Conley Gittens

If you haven’t been interviewed by Maddie, you may be next! As a reporter for TheBurg, she is always on the hunt for a good story. Maddie graduated from Messiah College in 2020 and took on a full-time position with the news organization after working there part-time for a year. She loves using stories to help people feel more connected to their neighbors and community in Harrisburg. Maddie has helped bring to light stories that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. She won two first-place 2020 Keystone Media Awards for her magazine stories. When she’s not reporting, Maddie is a youth leader and mentors a group of high school girls. She recently married her college sweetheart, Jamar, and they live in Old Uptown. Maddie’s key to success—lots of chai lattes.

Rebekah Harriger

Rebekah Harriger serves as the Experiential Learning Coordinator at Harrisburg University of Science & Technology. Rebekah’s work is fostering the skills and confidence necessary in students to participate in internships and applied projects. These experiential learning opportunities help create a pathway to STEM careers.

Rebekah’s passion for higher education began at Shippensburg University. Her participation in the John L. Grove College of Business Internship Program ignited a desire in Rebekah to pursue a career in Higher Education focused on Internship Program Management and Career/Professional Development.

This past year, Rebekah was excited to serve on the Women in Technology Awards Committee with her hand in planning the fourth year of the Women in Technology Awards presented by the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania. This event celebrates the women in technology who have impacted the central Pennsylvania region.

Her most significant professional achievement is an article she wrote that was selected for publication in the book: Intern Bridge Inc. guide Total Internship Management – The Employer’s Guide to Building and Sustaining the Ultimate Internship Program (3rds Edition) by Dr. Robert Shindell. Rebekah’s article, “Career Connected Commuter,” was among few chosen to help employers enhance their internship program.

She views her work and accomplishments in higher education as significant and relevant for fellow educators and employers to help them adapt to an ever evolving and competitive world by learning about student groups/populations to better accommodate and enhance their internship experiences at their companies.

Most importantly, she views her work as a way to help students know that no matter what career they choose, they know that they matter. Their story, experiences, and futures matter.

Jim Holder

A graduate of the University of Dayton with a degree in Professional Selling, Jim’s background in sales is what has led him to enjoy working with people. From sales to training, and from training to Human Resources, Jim has been the Director of Learning and Talent Development at Hershey’s Ice Cream since late 2016. In his role, Jim is working to stand up the Creamery’s first dedicated HR department, focused on employee onboarding, performance management, and supervisor development across the organization. “I found a passion for helping others improve themselves and their teams, whether they are long-time managers or brand-new employees,” Jim said. An avid reader of history, he finds himself happiest when exploring a new city – especially when the tour includes craft breweries or a baseball game! Jim serves as a member of the Capital Campaign Committee at his alma mater, Trinity High School in Camp Hill, as well as on the board of the Ray Tyo – St. Ferdinand Scholarship Foundation. He looks forward most to serving the city of Harrisburg as a new director on the Board of Directors for Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts.

Brittany Luzik

Britt Luzik believes there is no secret to success, it’s all about consistently performing the small tasks correctly. She is driven to unveil potential in those around her by encouraging scary and exciting goals and supporting the work involved to make them a reality. Britt serves as a volunteer youth swim coach at Northern Dauphin County YMCA, was the youngest elected president of Millersburg Rotary Club, and is employed as a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Penn State Health Holy Spirit in Perry County.

She has served as a teaching assistant at Misericordia University in Applied Physiology, an academic tutor in Healthcare Management and Philosophy, and has taught countless learn to swim lessons, all while remaining competitive as a triathlete and active Millersburg Velo Club member. She values athletics as a catalyst for developing confidence, leadership, health, and a growth mindset which are components of a successful personal, academic, and professional lifestyle.

Ty Marshall

Ty Marshall gives all of the credit for his accomplishments to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). Without God he could do nothing. When he was in his late teens, he developed mental health issues. After having a prolonged manic episode, he had to leave his job and seek help. Once returning back to the job market he put in his resume everywhere. After much frustration, and at the end of his rope, he sat down in a Barnes and Noble bookstore and picked up a book about Bruce Springsteen to distract himself. Then a man came up to him and told him, “you are going to think I’m crazy, but God is telling me to tell you that you have been waiting a long time for something and the waiting is over.” He also told him that his name was Gabriel. Ty gave the man a hug and sat down in bewilderment. He went home and thought about this but didn’t believe that it would happen as the man said. The next day Ty was offered a job at a nonprofit drop-in center for adults with serious mental illness. Ever since that day Ty has been working to help people with disabilities, particularly mental health issues. He is currently in graduate school for special education, served as department liaison for the History department, started a music club for at risk teens, and was recently promoted to a case management position. He wants to encourage everyone to praise God for their blessings and also their thorns, because sometimes thorns are actually rungs on a ladder taking you to new heights of meaning and purpose.

Cristina Meads

Cristina Meads is a Technology Consultant at Accenture specializing in Business Transformation and SAP. She has seven-plus years of experience in the consulting, treasury management and public accounting, having previously worked at Hershey and Deloitte. In her current role, Cristina is responsible for managing her clients’ system integration from Oracle to SAP and leading change management efforts to facilitate the transition of internal control and financial processes. Besides attaining both her CPA and CFE licenses, Cristina’s biggest professional accomplishments was having the ability to utilize her bilingual skills while running an audit internationally.

In her spare time, Cristina volunteers as a coach for Girls on the Run in the Harrisburg area. As coach, she spends time leading exercises, encouraging positive self-worth, and serving as a mentor for the girls as they all work towards the common goal of completing a 5K at the end of the running season. Also, Cristina is in the process of developing and leading a holiday gift program focused on providing children within the welfare system presents for the holidays through the Accenture Philadelphia Women’s Resource Committee. Lastly, Cristina volunteers as a basketball coach through Upward Basketball in Camp Hill.

Peter Megoulas

Passion, charisma, charm, and humor. These are just a few of the words to describe Peter Megoulas.

The man is like a Swiss army knife, ready to attack any issue head on and with the full commitment of a rock star. His ability to go above and beyond for his members is unparalleled and he is deserving of all the accolades he will inevitably earn throughout his career. So, what makes Peter so great? To answer that we need to go back through Peter’s history.

First, he graduated from La Salle University in Philadelphia as a Political Science major. This background was crucial into helping Peter see beyond what was being said by members and to tackle their problems full steam ahead. This isn’t to say that Peter is all business, far from it. His laughter is contagious and lights up the room. He uses his delight for golf to forge relationships that help Member’s 1^st to develop lifelong business partners. And, when you’re not finding him there, you can find him either accomplishing his duties at Leadership Lebanon Valley or crushing it as the co-chair of the Arts & International Committee for Harrisburg Young Professionals. Peter has come into Members 1^st and set the company ablaze with accomplishing all of his goals as well as taking the time to serve members and his community. What goals specifically are we talking about? Peter has exceeded his goals in the following categories: business lending, Visa card approvals, Visa card limit Increases, new business created, loans, and business lines of credit. And he’s accomplished this during a pandemic! Absolutely astonishing!

In conclusion, Peter’s energy, drive, charisma, servant’s heart, and ability to self-motivate truly set him apart. He is always striving to do better and has a laid a sustainable foundation for his future. He will go as far as he wants to and deserves everything that he earns in his career. Personally witnessing him accomplish his work, achieving his goals, and still laughing along the way is a testament to the man Peter is and the example we should strive to imitate. His business acumen and personal savvy have been a wonderful journey into the realm of infinite possibilities. This is what ultimately defines the man that is Peter Megoulas.

Olivia Edwards Rindfuss

Everyone deserves an advocate. Olivia Edwards Rindfuss is a problem-solver, change maker, and compassionate connector. She’s worked for both the U.S. House of Representatives and PA House of Representatives, specializing in economic development and trade policy. Now, she works as public affairs professional at Triad Strategies LLC, serving clients in healthcare, innovation technology, education, recreation, and the arts.

Olivia has lived in three capital cities, including Raleigh/Durham, N.C., Washington, D.C., and now Midtown Harrisburg. She believes Harrisburg is a beautiful mosaic of city living, with ample room for opportunity. She is a Board Member for Harrisburg Young Professionals and co-chairs the Economic Development Committee. In her role, she leads professional development and entrepreneurship seminars to enhance young professionals’ career skills.

Olivia recognizes Harrisburg’s success is not possible without addressing its economic disparities. Throughout her life, she’s been a tireless advocate for the homeless, hungry and underemployed. Currently, she serves as an advocacy committee member to the Central PA Food Bank, working toward a bold goal of ending hunger in Central PA. In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, trails, and trying new eateries around Harrisburg.

Brittany Snyder

With a story very different to most Harrisburg residents, Brittany grew up on a dairy farm in Berks County, but moved to Harrisburg to lead comprehensive dairy education programs with the Dairy Excellence Foundation. Her love of the dairy industry, education, and drive to promote dairy nutrition, guides her work with the Dairy Excellence Foundation to new heights. This year, Brittany leads an initiative called the Adopt A Cow Program which not only engages 4,000 classrooms in Pennsylvania, but reaches a total of 72,000 classrooms from every state in the U.S. and 45 other countries, directly impacting more than 1.8 million grade-school students. Brittany’s goal for the program is to educate and inspire all ages about the critical importance the dairy industry has to our diets, our communities, and our economy, while engaging in fun dairy activities. The program has brought on an opportunity of a lifetime for Brittany to share the REAL dairy story with people around the world.

Aside from her labor of love for the dairy industry, Brittany enjoys dedicating time to local volunteer opportunities with the local food bank, New Hope Ministries, the Grange, and the Dairy Princess Program. Brittany’s combined passion for the dairy industry, a heart to give, and a deep faith in God, propels her continued success in dairy advocacy.

Olivia Surry

Olivia Surry currently serves as the Communications Specialist for Members 1st Federal Credit Union. In this role, Olivia collaborates with all levels of leadership to execute corporate communications, develops press releases and other various media communications to promote credit union initiatives and oversees the Financial Education Program within the communities the credit union serves as an extension of public relations. Olivia is extremely grateful to work for an organization that values family, consistently delivers unparalleled experiences and has made such a significant mark on the Central PA community.

Before her current role, Olivia held the position of Community Engagement Coordinator for Dauphin County at Members 1st. Prior to joining Members 1st, Olivia was an Events Coordinator for the Central Penn Business Journal and the University at Buffalo.

Olivia is a member of the DUE (delivering unparalleled experiences) Committee within Members 1st and is currently participating in the STAR Program as a mentor to fellow associates. She is a member of Harrisburg Young Professionals and currently serves as a co-chair on the Marketing & PR committee. In 2019, Olivia completed the Harrisburg Regional Chamber’s Lean In Program. Olivia also actively supports fundraising efforts for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation alongside her loving (and quite large) extended family.

In her free time, Olivia can be found curled up with a good book, attending a Zac Brown Band concert, or spending time with her friends, family, and sweet beagle pup Annie. She is a 2016 graduate from Ithaca College where she earned two bachelor’s degrees in Integrated Marketing Communications (B.S.) and Theatre Studies (B.A.). Olivia is a Central PA native and Trinity High School graduate.

Miranda Viehman

Miranda Viehman is the owner of Hello Gorgeous Boutique. Hello Gorgeous is located in Camp Hill but all has an online store. Miranda has built her following all across the U.S. and Canada. She works with Silver Spring Police Department to help organize a yearly local mentoring event with local high school girls in need and police officers called Shop with a Cop. During this event, the officers and the girls come into the boutique and they get to shop for clothing and shoes but also, they get to get a prom dress. Miranda has also donated materials and masks to over 6,000 first responders, front line employees, and military personal. She has also won three years of Simply the Best, including this year, Simply the Best Clothing Boutique, and runner-up for formalwear.

Danielle Williams

Juggling two professions is not for everyone, but Danielle is up for the challenge. During the day, Danielle Williams is a hospice social worker at Homeland Hospice. Her role in hospice is to provide support and resources to individuals with a prognosis of six months or less. She loves the opportunity to enhance her patient’s quality of life, so this is why she is also a contributing member on the company’s 5K committee. The 5K event is held annually to raise money for services such as massage therapy, music therapy, and beautician services. In the evening, Danielle can be found in her workspace creating polymer clay earrings for her small business, Earrings by Dee. During quarantine, she gained this interest in creating earrings and with encouragement from her support systems, began selling her work on Instagram. In addition to vending locally, she now sells her earrings and clothing on her online boutique, The Beat Boutique. During her off time, Danielle enjoys traveling outside of the country, running, and listening to the podcast My Favorite Murder. She’ll also watch anything with a “British accent” as her husband lovingly likes to say!

Erin Zakin

Erin Zakin finds her passion in helping brands find their voice through strategic communications. She has experience working with all types of businesses, from non-profits and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, helping them weave stories that leave a lasting impression. As the Communications Director for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Erin directs the Chamber & CREDC’s strategic communications initiatives and manages outreach and promotional efforts for the organization. She is also passionate about giving back to her community through involvement with organizations like HYP, United Way, and Pennsylvania Public Relations Society (PPRS). When she’s not busy professionally tweeting, she likes to do outdoor activities like hiking or hang out with her two chihuahuas, Taco and Hermes.

Honorees were selected in November and will also be featured in the December Print Issue of TheBurg. In addition to honoring 20 individuals, HYP will also be awarding four of them the following special awards: Community Connectors, Emerging Entrepreneur, and Tech Titan.

PA legislature allows Harrisburg to extend extra taxing authority; mayor praises move as fiscal solution

November 20, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The view up State Street in Harrisburg towards the PA Capitol.

Harrisburg appears to have a long-term solution to its structural financial problems at hand, as the state legislature on Friday agreed to allow the city to extend its extra taxing authority.

Today, the state Senate, then the House, passed a fiscal code bill that will enable the capital city to retain an elevated local services tax (LST) for 15 years and permanently extend its 2% earned income tax (EIT) rate.

“Today, the legislature helped to secure a sustainable financial future for its capital,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “With bipartisan support, it extended Harrisburg’s taxing authority, which will now continue even after the city exits Act 47.”

The fiscal code bill passed the Senate on Friday afternoon by a 33-16 vote, later passing the House by a vote of 108-92. It now goes to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature.

Under the legislation, Harrisburg can retain an elevated LST rate until 2035 and its elevated EIT rate indefinitely. The LST applies to all workers who have a job located in Harrisburg, including non-residents. The EIT is a local income tax that applies just to city residents.

The city now will be able to retain the current LST of $156 a year ($3 a week), triple the regular statewide rate, for 10 more years, until 2030. It then can levy double the regular rate, $104 a year ($2 a week), for five additional years, until 2035. Afterwards, the rate would revert back to the regular rate of $52 a year, or $1 a week.

In late 2018, the legislature agreed to let Harrisburg continue to levy an LST of $156 a year, as well as a 2% EIT, double the regular rate, continuing taxation rates it had under Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed municipalities. After five years, in 2023, the city was due to lose this extra taxing authority.

Without the extra tax, the city stood to sacrifice $12.4 million a year in revenue, which constitutes nearly 20% of its general fund.

The city called this its “financial cliff,” which, Papenfuse said tonight, is now no longer a concern.

“This is a monumental achievement that will positively impact the city and the region for generations to come,” he said.

Sen. John DiSanto (R-15), who supported the bill, said the measure eliminates the risk of a possible commuter tax, while allowing the city the opportunity to refinance existing debt and, after a decade, to finally exit Act 47.

“A financially stable Harrisburg is good not only for city residents, but the entire region,” he said. “I’ll continue to support policies that support this objective.”

Papenfuse praised both DiSanto and state Rep. Patty Kim (D-103), who, he said, understood the importance of extending the city’s extra taxing authority to achieve long-term fiscal stability.

“By working together, we accomplished what was once thought to be impossible,” he said. “We have paved the way for a fiscally sound and bright future for our residents and taxpayers.”

Harrisburg revises police use of force order, requires officer duty to intervene

November 20, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Screenshot from the mayor’s Facebook Live.

In June, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse vowed to evaluate and make changes to the Police Use of Force General Order.

After five months of taking public comments and suggestions, he announced the changes the city has made, the main revision requiring officers to hold each other accountable.

Campaign Zero’s “8 Can’t Wait” challenge came out after the nationwide protests erupted after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. The campaign urged cities to look at eight policies they could adopt, claiming they may decrease police-involved killings by 72%.

“When we did that, we discovered that Harrisburg’s use of force policy was very progressive,” Papenfuse said in another edition of Community Conversations with Mayor Papenfuse, the city’s weekly Facebook Live.

The eight policy recommendations included:

banning chokeholds and strangleholds
requiring de-escalation
requiring warning before shooting
requiring exhaustion of all alternatives before shooting
a duty to intervene when excessive force is being used
banning shooting at moving vehicles
requiring a use-of-force continuum
requiring comprehensive reporting

The general order did not previously include a duty for officers to intervene when they witnessed excessive force being used. While Lt. Milo Hooper said it was practiced by officers before, it is now required by the city.

“Now there’s no question,” Hooper said. “If you see something that’s not right, now you have a duty, and you’re going to be held accountable as well.”

Other changes included altering the wording for the requirement of de-escalation, the use-of-force continuum and verbal warnings to make the goal of defusing conflict even more clear. One line was added to say, “the Officer should use the minimal amount of force necessary to reduce the immediate threat.”

“We spent a lot of time talking and thinking about how we can make sure that the general order reflects the language and the message from leadership that we want,” Papenfuse said. “It’s words that translate into action, and words and language are important.”

According to the Use of Force General Order, the city does not ban chokeholds (or neck restraints, as they refer to them) as suggested in the eight policy recommendations. The document does say they should only be used as “a last resort where deadly force would otherwise be authorized.”

The city also chose not to ban shooting at moving vehicles. They did, however, say officers shouldn’t put themselves in the path of a moving vehicle, which could result in a deadly force situation.

“We don’t want anyone putting themselves in a situation where they have no choice but to use deadly force,” Hooper said.

Overall, Papenfuse said he was proud of the changes the city made to the document and appreciated the community input throughout the process.

“I’m glad the challenge was put out there, and I’m glad we rose to that challenge,” he said.

To watch past Community Conversations with Mayor Papenfuse, visit the city’s YouTube channel.

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