The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

The Commonwealth Monument Project held an unveiling at the state Capitol on Wednesday.

On Monday, our September issue of the magazine comes out! Be on the lookout for a great issue dedicated to local flavors. Until then, find below our lineup of local coverage from the past week.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region finds support through board member Joe Holston’s upcoming challenge to golf 100 holes in a day. He hopes to raise money for the organization that has helped hundreds of local kids, even throughout the pandemic, our online story reports.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights the signature work of artist Pamela J. Black. Read our online story to see some of Black’s work, which she hopes will inspire peace and calmness among her audience.

The Commonwealth Monument Project was unveiled on the state Capitol grounds on Wednesday. The monument celebrates Harrisburg’s African American history, including the Old 8^th Ward, a historic majority Black and immigrant neighborhood that was demolished, our online story reports.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Dauphin County provide positive relationships to children in the foster care system. Read more about the heart behind this organization in our magazine story.

COVID-19 cases in PA dipped over the last week. There were an average of over 600 new cases per day in the state, our online story reports.

Drew Hart, a Messiah College professor and author, shares his thoughts on the division between white and Black Americans. In our magazine story, Hart talks about the Black Lives Matter movement and the role Christianity plays in racial division.

Harrisburg City Council plans to make amendments to the document proposing a citizen’s police advisory board, our reporting found. After weeks of town hall meetings to solicit community feedback, council member Ausha Green said that council will take residents’ input into account as they make changes.

Harrisburg Opera Association presents its virtual program this weekend. This year, the group focuses on showcasing diversity and featuring Harrisburg locations, our online story reports.

Historic Harrisburg Association this year handed its 2020 Preservation Awards to Elementary Coffee Co. and The Fox on Washington. Our magazine story describes the restoration processes and why they were considered award-worthy.

Lavelle Muhammad seeks to help disadvantaged boys from the inner city as the principal of Nativity School in Harrisburg. In our magazine story, Muhammad shares how his own story shaped his passion for mentoring youth.

Rich Askey is working to ensure quality education and a safer space for every student in Pennsylvania public schools. Read our magazine story to find out more about the president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Sara Bozich has quite the lineup of local events this weekend. If you want to try a new restaurant, stretch out in a yoga class or relax at a drive-in-movie, she has plenty of options for you in her Weekly Roundup.

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New COVID-19 diagnoses dip again in PA over the past week, state says

August 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

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

New COVID-19 cases in PA dipped over the past week, as the commonwealth averaged just over 600 new cases per day.

Since last Friday, Pennsylvania recorded an average of 622 newly diagnosed coronavirus cases per day, according to the Department of Health.

This compares to an average of 669 new daily cases last week, and 810 and 747 new daily cases per day for the prior two weeks, respectively. The department also reports that testing has generally increased over this time (see chart).

Locally, diagnosed cases over the past week are as follows:

Adams County: 599 cases (prior Friday, 561)
Cumberland County: 1,496 cases (prior Friday, 1,424)
Dauphin County: 3,246 cases (prior Friday, 3,073)
Franklin County: 1,499 cases (prior Friday, 1,448)
Lancaster County: 6,623 cases (prior Friday, 6,393)
Lebanon County: 1,705 cases (prior Friday, 1,663)
Perry County: 174 cases (prior Friday, 155)
York County: 3,269 cases (prior Friday, 3,038)

Today, the department confirmed 835 newly positive cases throughout Pennsylvania for the past 24 hours ending at midnight.

With today’s update, 131,991 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus, an increase of 4,358 over the past week, according to the state Department of Health.

Overall, 8.1 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

The department also reported an additional 97 deaths since last Friday, meaning that 7,655 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

Around central PA, COVID-19 fatalities now stand as follows:

Adams County: 23 deaths (prior Friday, 23)
Cumberland County: 72 deaths (prior Friday, 71)
Dauphin County: 163 deaths (prior Friday, 161)
Franklin County: 46 deaths (prior Friday, 46)
Lancaster County: 429 deaths (prior Friday, 427)
Lebanon County: 57 deaths (prior Friday, 56)
Perry County: 5 deaths (prior Friday, 5)
York County: 118 deaths (prior Friday, 112)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 28,755 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 10,912 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,766 and 861, respectively.

“The mitigation efforts in place now are essential as the new school year approaches, and we work to ensure our children can get back to learning,” health Secretary Rachel Levine said. “Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework will help keep our case counts low.”

PA nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 5,175, or 67.6 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 20,937 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,358 cases among employees, for a total of 25,395 at 925 distinct facilities in 61 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 9,526 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 1,620,826 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 1,488,835 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Last Friday, the state reported that 1,527,142 people had been tested for the virus.

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

1 percent are aged 0-4
Nearly 2 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 4 percent are aged 13-18
Nearly 10 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 38 percent are aged 25-49
Nearly 23 percent are aged 50-64
About 23 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, more younger people are being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Levine 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.

“Together, as Pennsylvanians, we each have a part to play in working to ensure that cases of COVID-19 remain low,” Levine said.

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.

Driving Change: Joe Holston to golf 100 holes in a day to support Big Brothers Big Sisters

August 27, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region office on N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg.

How much golf is too much golf? For Joe Holston, there’s no such thing when it’s for a good cause.

On Sept. 2, Holston will take a swing at golfing 100 holes in one day to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.

“Today, many youth are struggling with issues of isolation and loneliness due to the impact of COVID-19,” Holston said in a statement. “Now, more than ever, it is critical to raise funds to support youth mentoring.”

A longtime board member at the organization, Holston was inspired when he read online about someone who completed a similar golf challenge.

“When Joe told us about it, we said this sounds like a fantastic idea,” said Amy Rote, interim executive director.

Holston will spend around 10 to 12 hours at the Manada Golf Club in Grantville, playing up to eight rounds. Sponsors can support Holston per hole or give a flat donation. So far, he has raised over $5,500.

“It’s an opportunity for Joe to speak out and get community awareness of the need for mentorship,” Rote said.

She said this need is especially great during a time when kids have lost access to role models that they typically get in school, church and other programs.

All Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring moved to a virtual platform because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization also streamed a series of educational videos through Facebook Live, including dance tutorials, nutrition tips and bicycle safety information.

With the Harrisburg School District planning a 100% virtual start to the academic year, mentors in the program will be specifically focused on helping students with schoolwork at home.

“We had to recognize what their needs are, and right now, that is their primary need,” Rote said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters serves over 500 kids and assists their families, as well. During the pandemic, they have helped families with their bills and food needs.

Donations from individuals like Holston aid the mentoring program in continuing its mission of helping youth achieve their full potential.

“The intent is that the challenge will be extended to others,” said Krystina Shultz, communications and marketing manager. “We want to grow the fundraiser even beyond his efforts.”

To donate to Joe Holston’s 100 Hole Challenge, visit his fundraising page. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, visit https://capbigs.org/.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 27, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend! As the person who has spoken only of my garden and its bounty all summer, I am highly tuned to the weather right now. It is supposed to rain all day Saturday, and I am FOR IT, and I apologize to all of the folks trying to have safe, responsible events outdoors that day. That said, I have a couple non-tomato-related items I’d love to check off of my list this weekend, like:

Hit up Little Black Dress’s 6th-anniversary event (runs Thurs-Sat)
Donate blood (look for drives near you)
Visit The Midtown Scholar on Saturday for Independent Bookstore Day — outdoor sidewalk sale
Hunting down Tröegs Trail Day because I love hoppy pilsners. Haze heads should hit up ABC for their latest new release — a hazy IPA!

Below are ample options for your weekend, whether you’re laying low (there is no shame in the stay home game!) or venturing out. But if the latter, mask up and be nice!

Oh hey, are you on the email list? In addition to getting this weekly update loaded with things to do each weekend directly in your inbox, I load it with a bunch of other fresh, original content. Sign-up here. I also recommend following me on IG.

Weekend Recs

Grab some local brews from Boneshire Brew Works, Hemauer Brewing, Appalachian Brewing Co. or Tattered Flag.
Pick up HOLLA Spirits at your local state store — OR, if you’re lazy like me, just order online and have it shipped!
Stock up at R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market
Order some great takeout, maybe a BBQ feast for the backyard from MoMo’s
Try something new: Catch The Obstructed View with Open Stage TONIGHT
Binge episodes of Poured in PA: The Series FREE on YouTube!
Browse some new gems at Meeka Fine Jewelry.
Make your Fall Haul at Little Black Dress’s 6th Anniversary Event.

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!

Resources for to-go/delivery

Need wine? Click here.
Need booze? Click here.
Need beer? Click here.
Need cocktails? Kits + premade options here.
Brunch? Click here.
Wait, what about coffee, kombucha, tea, juice? Got you!
Find Carry-Out options here

Local leaders, elected officials cut the ribbon on African American history monument

August 26, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Community members cut the ribbon on a monument celebrating African American history in the state.

As you walk downtown you may see some new faces.

Local leaders, elected officials and community members gathered to cut the ribbon on a new monument on the state Capitol grounds recognizing Harrisburg’s African American history.

For the past few years, members of the Commonwealth Monument Project have been planning and preparing the large bronze monument that now sits at 4^th and Walnut Streets.

“Today’s monument is a long-overdue tribute to the hardworking Pennsylvanians who lived and worked here in the 8^th Ward,” PA Gov. Tom Wolf said.

The project’s Executive Director Lenwood Sloan saw the memorial as a way to pay tribute to Harrisburg’s Old 8^th Ward, a historic primarily Black and immigrant neighborhood that was demolished to make room for the Capitol complex.

The monument is titled “A Gathering At The Crossroads: For Such A Time As This.” The base, or the “Orator’s Pedestal,” features 100 names of families from the Old 8^th Ward. On top sits a map of the historic neighborhood’s streets. Two figures surround the pedestal, African-American abolitionist William Howard Day and suffragist Frances E.W. Harper.

Sloan said on Nov. 14, two more figures will be added, Jacob T. Compton, a sergeant of the 24th United States Colored Infantry (USCT) and local musician, and T. Morris Chester, Civil War correspondent and recruiter.

The A.R.T Foundry of Lancaster is responsible for creating the monument.

The small plaza where the monument sits is being named the Irvis Equality Circle. It allows visitors to walk around and view the monument.

“It is a proud day to be mayor of the City of Harrisburg,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “This has completely changed the streetscape.”

Papenfuse presented Sloan with the key to the city, a significant gesture he said he doesn’t do often.

Leaders, elected officials and others who had a hand in the project gathered around the monument to form a “unity circle.”

“Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” Sloan said.

The Commonwealth Monument Project is part of the IIPT Harrisburg Peace Promenade.

Philanthropist Peggy Grove, Dauphin County and the City of Harrisburg were the top funders of the project. M&T Bank, Giant Company, Highmark and The Foundation for Enhancing Communities contributed as well.

“What started as a vision has come to fruition,” said Phyllis Bennett, a member of the project’s team.

For more information on the Commonwealth Monument Project, visit https://digitalharrisburg.com/commonwealth/. For more on the IIPT Harrisburg Peace Promenade, visit their website.

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Harrisburg to move forward with proposed police board, looks to make amendments

August 26, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Soon enough, Harrisburg residents will see just how much sway they have over a proposal to create a police advisory board in the city.

After weeks of town hall meetings, residents can expect to see changes to the legislation that would create the board, said City Council member Ausha Green, chair of council’s public safety committee.

“We, as a council, can make amendments to craft this bill into something that is more representative of what the citizens of Harrisburg would like to see,” she said.

At a legislative session Tuesday night, Green said that council will discuss Bill 8, which calls for the board, at an upcoming council work session on Sept. 15.

The bill, as it now stands, is focused on improving relations between the community and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.

However, many residents who spoke at three recent town hall meetings said that they wanted the board to have greater authority to hold police accountable.

“We heard repeatedly, the need for the police advisory board to have more powers, including the power to subpoena and the power to make recommendations for discipline of officers,” she said.

At the meetings, city Solicitor Neil Grover expressed doubt that council could effectively grant the proposed board subpoena power. According to Grover, issuing subpoenas could be a lengthy and possibly ineffective process. He added that there would need to be reform on a statewide and national level for that change to happen.

At the town hall meetings, residents criticized other elements of the proposed bill, including requirements for board members to undergo training and to participate in ride-alongs with police, Green added. Some also disagreed with the proposal that police Commissioner Thomas Carter would sit as a non-voting board member.

Green said that town hall participants most wanted a review board focused much more on police accountability.

Council plans to take these criticisms into account as they move forward with making amendments to the bill, Green said.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said he would sign Bill 8 in whatever form council approves.

“We need to seize the moment to ensure we get this bill and the formation of this committee right, and that we continue to bring true public safety reform to our city,” Green said.

To watch City Council’s Tuesday legislative session, visit their YouTube channel. For more information and dates of upcoming council meetings, visit https://harrisburgpa.gov/city-council/.

Diversity, education take center stage as Harrisburg Opera Association mounts virtual program

August 24, 2020 | by Gina Napoli

When most of us think of opera, we might think of the more popular classics: Pavarotti, “La Bohème,” maybe “Phantom of the Opera.” But Harrisburg Opera Association isn’t blowing the dust off any crinkly parchments from traditional classical opera for its 2020 season.

Under the new shifting paradigm of virtual video trending in the arts community for 2020, HOA will present the main-stage program “Outside While Inside – Opera in the Park,” with a special emphasis on diversity.

Executive Director and Artistic Director Tami Swartz purposefully cast the performance “to bring attention to our communities of color […] showcasing culturally and historically relevant topics, places, and experiences of minority artists.”

The cast extends from central Pennsylvania to New York City and Philadelphia – singers, actors, musicians and dancers with professional regional and international credits. (One name you might recognize is Megan Caruso, creative director of TheBurg, as well as co-founder of Sprocket Mural Works.)

Caruso said that some of Sprocket’s murals will be shown in the film, serving as part of the intentionality to highlight local sites of artistic relevance, historical significance and natural settings in Harrisburg.

“Viewers will notice the original cinematography as a visual complement to the auditory experience,” Swartz said.

The video will feature five different segments spanning across the musical genres of baroque classical, African American spiritual, mainstream jazz, classical/pop crossover and Latin jazz. In keeping with fore-fronting diversity, look for light genre-bending when you hear opera tenor (of NYC’s The Met fame) Raúl Melo and bass Jorge Ocasio crooning a jazz number. Many of the numbers will include original arrangements: “familiar and not-so-familiar pieces,” Swartz said.

The African-American experience is brought alive through sing-along songs, a film featuring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in Harrisburg, an original jazz tune and a brief history of jazz in central Pennsylvania. You may recognize the names of Jimmy Wood and Ronnie Waters of the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz associated with this piece.

Opera has its earliest roots in Renaissance Italy, and HOA does give a slight nod to early Italian opera from the Baroque era, with its original arrangements incorporated. I would argue that the Italian way is the best way to present opera, but, given my own background, I am excruciatingly biased.

Before each movement, narrators will provide educational and culturally relevant lessons. These segments will serve as more than just PSAs about the importance of diversity. HOA teamed up with Harrisburg Academy and Messiah University to offer course credits.

The video is geared toward becoming a curricula for kindergarten through high school students. It covers music, art, history and social studies. High school students have a unique educational opportunity to earn credits by participating in this video presentation. (Parents who are stuck homeschooling this year, I’m talking to you. You’re possibly already short on energy and resources, but don’t cut your music program from your home school.)

Michael Gamon serves as both the fine and performing arts chair at Harrisburg Academy and the arts and education officer at HOA. A main component of his mission is to make the lessons relevant and educational for the curricula of local students.

“When we think of opera, it seems so distant — far off locations, times, stories, musical style — but this production really brings the music home,” he said. “Every selection is connected to locations, artists, and stories that are a part of Harrisburg.”

The logo for HOA’s season is worth its own paragraph. Colorburst illustrates a montage of performers in costumes from athletic wear to formalwear to a sun-child hippie dress. The symbolism nods to HOA‘s aim of bringing us a virtual Colorburst of world music with sensory influences that extend beyond solely music.

Sponsors for the program include The David Katz Trust, Fischer Financial Services, Inc., and Arts for All Partnership – a partnership between the Cultural Enrichment Fund and the Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation, a regional foundation of the Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

Harrisburg Opera Association’s video can be found on their YouTube page. The performance will be available on Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The suggested tax-deductible donation is $10.

Bob’s Art Blog: The Signature Style of Pamela J. Black

August 23, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

“Another Story” by Pamela J. Black

Art lovers are no different than film lovers, music lovers, book lovers and the list goes on. No matter the discipline, great artists find their niche and stay true to that vision. It becomes their signature style, immediately recognizable as theirs and theirs alone. Think of Quentin Tarantino in film, Florence and the Machine in music and Edgar Allan Poe in literature (after all, Poe is timeless).

Pamela J. Black, prolific painter of beguiling backdrops that adorn homes and businesses up and down the Eastern seaboard, falls into that category of instantly recognizable. The subdued statement of colors, soft and serene, is immediately identifiable as a Pamela J. Black creation. She works from an ever-changing palette of seasonal colors and often from a select grouping defined by her clientele’s needs in commissioned pieces. It’s easy to lose oneself when looking at Pamela’s paintings. They draw you into the possibilities of what can be in their shades, shapes and subtleties.

The third Friday in August took us to Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill. It marked our first “3rd in the Boro,” where we caught up with Pamela’s exhibition that runs through August before traveling across the river to land at Cafe 1500 in time for fall.

Pamela’s palette takes colors of the summer found within the Great Barrier Reef in Australia–sea foam, coral, aqua and turquoise all awash in the shades of the season reflected on the ocean’s surface. A cohesive grouping of 13 paintings comprises the Cornerstone collection, which includes two larger works. Black’s addition of vibrant colors to the mix expands an otherwise restrained range into one of bidirectional bounty. “Another Story,” an apropos title for a painting that is dramatic with its incorporation of indigo, autumn gold and a softer shade of blue, scatters the three like a storm sweeping across the ocean out of nowhere. One can only begin to grasp its meaning up close, drawn into the eye of swirling symbolism. “Invisible” is built on imagery bold and boundless, balancing red and blue as if on a seesaw to determine which will come out on top. Putting aside their “primary” differences, they join efforts to attain peaceful harmony for the benefit of all.

“Slowing Down #3”

With fluid acrylics, the images appear to float on the paper or canvas as if a leaf, newly wet from rain, fell to the page and remained. Those images start from a “random point, a mark on the canvas” and evolve into timeless tropes. Black acknowledges that the process in creating her art is a natural path of evolvement in that it all comes out in the wash. The “wash” is the application of the acrylic paints once they dissipate in water for a perfect formula that gives her the texture and tones she desires. Her abstract approach to art is anything but. Aspects of movement and expression are conveyed from an intentional point of origin but then take on a life of their own. Her paintings indulge imagination and appeal to a wide variety of tastes. She remains steadfast and true to her vision creating variations on a theme, yet each work is uniquely individual. A sense of calm pervades every frame with a soothing quality that speaks to the viewer’s inner appreciation of beauty. Black espouses a painterly philosophy revealing the heart of a poet when she shares that, “My paintings serve as a reflection of my soul’s landscape.” She is “fueled by the need to find a sense of balance between chaos and control.”

Her caring nature extends beyond that philosophy as she puts thoughts into action. Giving to worthy causes for the good of the community is a priority for Pamela. Proceeds of some of her art sales recently went to aid the YWCA Greater Harrisburg, an organization near and dear to her.

Pamela, with two of her “assistants”

Awards and accolades locally and on a national scale pay tribute to an artist that has achieved the recognition through hard work and loving what she does. Graduating from Kutztown with a BFA in 2007 found her next five years teaching elementary art while attaining her master’s degree in education. For now, Black’s studio at Millworks #322 is temporarily closed, but that does not stop the process of creation. Since the closure, she has immersed herself in her paintings, aided by two assistants at her home studio. Her two young children help her in the meaning and motivation. Pamela is vitally aware of time management as she paints while the kids nap. She recently was part of a juried show at Cerulean Arts in Philadelphia and is the featured artist in the art opus, PIKCHUR Magazine, Vol. 8. In addition, the San Francisco-based design platform, Wescover, showcases her art for sale in its myriad presentations. Society 6 features the gamut from note cards, bar stools, throw pillows, coffee mugs and even credenzas, all with Pamela’s imprimatur of art. Her signature style greatly lends itself to objets d’ art used in everyday life.

Black’s goal is to give her audience the same sense of calm and peace that she feels when she paints. Her work centers her wholly like the gravitational pull of nature in righting itself after a storm, a feeling of renewal, refreshed to begin again. Fall under the spell of the paintings, to write your own story of what you see before you. To fully appreciate her work, one needs to see the paintings in person while they are on the menu for August exclusively at Cornerstone Coffeehouse. For art is subjective by design, and Black provides the necessary ingredients in one complete package always to be savored like a fine wine.

Pamela J. Black’s exhibition runs through Aug. 31 at Cornerstone Coffeehouse, 2133 Market St., Camp Hill. It then runs Sept. 18 to Oct. 15 at Cafe 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 21, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

A cow is groomed at the 2020 PA Farm Show. In 2021, the event will be virtual.

The start of the school year is just around the corner, and fall plans are taking shape. If you missed any of our coverage while back-to-school shopping (or shopping for PPE), we have all of our stories of the past week listed and linked.

A “Community Classroom” program was introduced by Rep. Patty Kim on Monday. Under the program, local organizations will open their doors to Harrisburg students whose parents work outside the home, and volunteers will supervise and help with online classes, reported our online story.

New COVID-19 cases fell substantially this past week in PA, as there were fewer than 700 new cases each day on average. For more information and the numbers by the county, read our weekly online pandemic reporting.

A food truck festival is scheduled for Sept. 19 to support Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley. Check out our online story for more information on the event happening on City Island.

The Harrisburg School District wants to help close the online connectivity gap for students and their families. The district will partner with Tri County Community Action to provide free Wi-Fi for 1,500 families, our online story reports.

Hemauer Brewing Company opened in Mechanicsburg in May. Our magazine story tells of owner Brooks Hemauer’s quest to open his own brewery.

The PA Farm Show will be virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our online story has more information about why the state made the decision to cancel the live show.

Rosemary has a fresh, summery meal for you to try in her August magazine column. A grilled baby eggplant dish is her pick of the month, inspired by chef Bobby Flay.

Sara Bozich plans to take a trip to Paulus Farm Market this weekend. What do you have planned? If you need some ideas, check out her Weekend Roundup.

“Saturday Nights in the City” is being extended through September. Our reporting has an updated list of restaurants participating in the al fresco dining experience in downtown Harrisburg.

The South Central PA Sickle Cell Council plans to hold educational programming for national Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September. They will hold a series of four online seminars to help familiarize people with the disease and inspire them to donate to the cause, our online story reports.

Sports in the Harrisburg School District have been canceled for the fall. Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer said he understands that this will impact student athletes, but feels it would be unsafe to play, our online story reports.

The tourism industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic just as it was looking forward to the typically busy summertime. In our magazine story, hear from Destination Gettysburg, Visit Hershey & Harrisburg and other tourism organizations on how they’ve been affected.

A town hall meeting was held by the city on Tuesday to hear from Harrisburg residents on a proposed citizen’s police advisory board. The discussion focused on who should have the power to choose board members, our online story reports.

The old William Penn High School has long sat vacant, but some organizations have ideas for what it could be. Read our magazine story to learn more about the building’s history and what is happening with it now.

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New coronavirus cases in PA dipped over past week, sinking below 700 per day

August 21, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

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

New COVID-19 cases in PA fell considerably over the past week, as the commonwealth averaged fewer than 700 new cases per day.

Since last Friday, Pennsylvania recorded an average of 669 new daily diagnosed cases, according to the Department of Health.

This compares to an average of 810 new daily cases last week and 747 and 925 new daily cases per day for the prior two weeks, respectively. The department also reports that testing has generally increased over this time (see chart).

Locally, diagnosed cases over the past week are as follows:

Adams County: 561 cases (prior Friday, 544)
Cumberland County: 1,424 cases (prior Friday, 1,353)
Dauphin County: 3,073 cases (prior Friday, 2,940)
Franklin County: 1,448 cases (prior Friday, 1,407)
Lancaster County: 6,393 cases (prior Friday, 6,146)
Lebanon County: 1,663 cases (prior Friday, 1,640)
Perry County: 155 cases (prior Friday, 132)
York County: 3,038 cases (prior Friday, 2,801)

Today, the department confirmed 693 newly positive cases throughout Pennsylvania for the past 24 hours ending at midnight.

With today’s update, 127,633 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus, an increase of 4,683 over the past week, according to the state Department of Health.

Overall, 8.3 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

The department also reported an additional 113 deaths since last Friday, meaning that 7,558 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

Around central PA, COVID-19 fatalities now stand as follows:

Adams County: 23 deaths (prior Friday, 22)
Cumberland County: 71 deaths (prior Friday, 71)
Dauphin County: 161 deaths (prior Friday, 160)
Franklin County: 46 deaths (prior Friday, 46)
Lancaster County: 427 deaths (prior Friday, 420)
Lebanon County: 56 deaths (prior Friday, 55)
Perry County: 5 deaths (prior Friday, 5)
York County: 112 deaths (prior Friday, 105)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 28,052 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 10,607 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,758 and 861, respectively.

PA nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 5,121, or 67.7 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 20,594 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,336 cases among employees, for a total of 24,930 at 910 distinct facilities in 61 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 9,203 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 1,527,142 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 1,399,509 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Last Friday, the state reported that 1,427,689 people had been tested for the virus.

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

1 percent are aged 0-4
Nearly 2 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 4 percent are aged 13-18
Nearly 10 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 38 percent are aged 25-49
Nearly 23 percent are aged 50-64
Nearly 24 percent are aged 65 or older.

Levine 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.

“Together, as Pennsylvanians, we each have a part to play in working to ensure that cases of COVID-19 remain low,” Levine said.

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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