Developer proposes dozens of townhouses in Midtown Harrisburg

August 7, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of one part of the large residential project.

A Harrisburg developer has plans to construct nearly 100 townhouses on long-empty lots that dot numerous streets just north of the Broad Street Market.

Midtown Redevelopment LLP, a team comprised of developers Chris Bryce, Erica Bryce and builder Harrisburg Commercial Interiors, hopes to build some 96 townhouses, along with off-street parking for each unit.

Plans also include one larger, mixed-used building for “workforce housing” with first-floor commercial space, along with several community parks.

“We love Harrisburg, and we want it to be even better than it already is,” Chris Bryce said. “That’s truly our motivation.”

Chris and Erica Bryce have completed numerous construction projects in Harrisburg, most recently the renovation of a Locust Street building that now houses the firm, Merit Marketing. They also are the owners of City House Bed & Breakfast.

The proposed project would require the team to purchase 189 separate lots, most currently owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (HRA), in the Marketplace and Capitol Heights neighborhoods.

Many of the lots were originally part of a townhouse development proposed by State College-based builder, S&A Homes. S&A began the project about 15 years ago, but then stopped, leaving most of the lots empty.

Last year, the HRA bought back the empty lots from S&A and, in April 2019, named another developer, Seven Bridges Development, as its preferred developer. Seven Bridges has not broken ground and, late last year, said that it would seek additional community input before proceeding with its plans.

The Midtown Redevelopment team would now like to be named HRA’s preferred developer for the lots, an issue that may be on the HRA’s agenda for its Aug. 18 meeting.

Many of the city-owned lots are overgrown, with fences in disrepair

Bryce believes that a strength of his proposal is that it conforms with the current “residential medium neighborhood” zoning for the area. Last year, Seven Bridges asked the city to rezone the area to “commercial neighborhood,” which would allow for greater height, density and mix of uses. It later withdrew that proposal.

“Ours is a comprehensive, shovel-ready proposal,” Bryce said. “We’d be ready to move very quickly.”

He said that the first townhouses would be ready for sale within six months of the team receiving the go-ahead from the city.

The development team had renderings of its proposal available for viewing last weekend at four locations on Reily Street, N. 4th Street and Hamilton Street.

Matt Long of Harrisburg Commercial Interiors (right) speaks with a Harrisburg resident on Saturday about development plans for the Midtown neighborhood.

Bryce said that he’d like to restore the neighborhood to what it once was— residential blocks of rowhouses.

The once-thriving working- and middle-class neighborhood became depopulated and increasingly blighted with the failure of Harrisburg’s heavy industry and the collapse of the railroads. In the 1970s and ‘80s, the neighborhood also fell victim to numerous arson fires.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the city cleared much of the neighborhood, but most of the lots have now been empty for 20 years or more.

“We’re very proud of what we’re proposing,” Bryce said. “We’re eager to share our plans with the community.”

This story has been updated.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 7, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

A Black Lives Matter mural was painted on the Harrisburg Improv Theatre in Midtown last weekend.

These summer weeks seem to fly by. If you missed any of our reporting amid the crash of the waves or the routine of work, we have our week’s stories listed and linked below.

A Black Lives Matter mural was painted in Midtown last weekend, our online story reported. Organizer Mike Fitzgerald hopes it will create dialogue and promote social justice in the community.

“Candles on the Water” promotes peace and harmony through its 75^th annual commemoration of the bombings of the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. In our magazine story, read more about the event and how it connects to Harrisburg’s Peace Garden along the Susquehanna River.

The 2020 census approaches its final two months, and we have an update on response rates thus far. Read about how Dauphin County is encouraging participation and why some fear the Latino community will be undercounted.

Commonwealth Monument Project leaders presented Dauphin County commissioners with a bronze replica of a map of Harrisburg’s Old 8^th Ward. Our online story has more on that, as well as updates on the monument scheduled to be unveiled Aug. 26 on state Capitol grounds.

COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania are finally declining after a month of increasing cases. There was an average of 747 new diagnoses each day last week, our weekly reporting shows.

Harris Family Brewery has joined other local brewers to create a special “Black is Beautiful” beer. They hope the message will spark conversation on racial inequality while enjoying a good drink. Read more about their latest collaboration with Troegs Brewery as well as two other partnerships.

Musicians have taken their tunes to the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guitar teacher Paul Wegmann has done the same with his lessons. Read more in our magazine story.

A proposed citizen’s policing advisory board was the topic of discussion at a Harrisburg town hall Thursday night. Our reporting outlines city residents’ criticisms and frustrations with the lack of power of the board as it stands.

Sara Bozich has a great lineup of events in her Weekend Roundup. Find the list that includes a drive-in movie event, a yard sale and Virtual Beer Olympics, here.

Schools in the Harrisburg area are making plans for the upcoming academic year. Our magazine story tells how brick-and-mortar schools are split on whether to return to in-person classes or virtual. Many students seem to be turning to cyber charter schools for their education.

TheBurg’s editor has what he calls a “mask problem” in his August magazine column. Read about his journey to embracing the mask, despite the discomfort, and additional thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Would you like to support our journalism and get some great benefits to boot? If so, become a Friend of TheBurg!

New coronavirus cases fell in PA over past week, reversing month-long trend

August 7, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

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

New COVID-19 cases dipped in PA over the past week, reversing a month-long trend of increases week to week.

Over the past week, the commonwealth averaged 747 newly diagnosed cases per day, according to the state Department of Health.

This compares to an average 925 new daily cases last week and 870 new cases per day the week before. The department reports that testing has also increased (see chart).

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

Adams County: 497 cases (prior Friday, 462)
Cumberland County: 1,276 cases (prior Friday, 1,203)
Dauphin County: 2,757 cases (prior Friday, 2,640)
Franklin County: 1,328 cases (prior Friday, 1,268)
Lancaster County: 5,822 cases (prior Friday, 5,525)
Lebanon County: 1,594 cases (prior Friday, 1,563)
Perry County: 121 cases (prior Friday, 113)
York County: 2,485 cases (prior Friday, 2,269)

Today, the department confirmed 758 newly positive cases throughout Pennsylvania for the past 24 hours ending at midnight.

With today’s update, 117,279 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus, an increase of 5,231 over the past week, according to the health department.

Overall, 8.9 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

The department also reported an additional 108 deaths since last Friday, meaning that 7,297 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

Around central PA, the COVID-19 fatality data now stands as follows:

Adams County: 20 deaths (prior Friday, 20)
Cumberland County: 71 deaths (prior Friday, 70)
Dauphin County: 158 deaths (prior Friday, 155)
Franklin County: 46 deaths (prior Friday, 46)
Lancaster County: 410 deaths (prior Friday, 406)
Lebanon County: 54 deaths (prior Friday, 54)
Perry County: 5 deaths (prior Friday, 5)
York County: 86 deaths (prior Friday, 79)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 26,419 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 10,015 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,702 and 855, respectively.

“As the state has put in place new mitigation efforts to offset recent case increases, we must renew our commitment to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework,” health Secretary Rachel Levine said.

Nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 4,968, or 68 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 19,860 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,122 cases among employees, for a total of 23,982 at 872 distinct facilities in 61 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 8,573 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 1,316,899 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 1,199,629 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Last Friday, the state reported that 1,216,872 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
1 percent are aged 5-12
3 percent are aged 13-18
9 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 38 percent are aged 25-49
Nearly 23 percent are aged 50-64
24 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.

“Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach,” Levine said. “However, we know the virus has not gone away as we see cases rise, so we must work together to stop another surge.”

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.

At town hall meeting, Harrisburg residents express frustration with proposed police advisory board

August 6, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Members of Harrisburg City Council, which held a virtual town hall meeting on the proposed Citizen’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee.

Harrisburg City Council held the first of three town hall meetings tonight on a proposed Citizens Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, meeting with substantial pushback from residents who attended the virtual gathering.

Around 50 residents participated, and most who spoke did not approve of the legislation, Bill 8, that would create the proposed board.

The most discussed aspect of the bill over the past weeks, which was reiterated on Thursday night, is the lack of board subpoena and independent investigative powers. Some residents believe the advisory board should be a more powerful review board.

“I don’t believe this bill would be a step in towards accountability,” resident Rachel Peacock said. “It seems like a horse-and-pony show.”

Others echoed the complaint that the board, as currently proposed, lacks sufficient power, and some added that residents should have a say in who is appointed to the board. Currently, the bill states that City Council would appoint four members and the mayor would choose three.

The bill also states that Harrisburg’s police commissioner would sit on the board without voting power. Appointed board members would also be required to attend police academy training or participate in a police ride-along.

“I can imagine a chilling effect if the chief of police is sitting on the citizens’ advisory board,” resident Vishal Bajpai said.

One of the most repeated criticisms was the accessibility of the meeting itself. A majority of residents was frustrated by the virtual format, which required participants to watch a live-streamed meeting through YouTube and call in to speak. Many also didn’t think the three-day’s notice of the event was enough lead time.

“It doesn’t seem like City Council is making it easy for people to have their voices heard,” Bajpai said.

There will be two more town hall meetings on the bill, according to council member Ausha Green, the chair of the public safety committee. The next will be held virtually on Aug. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. and the following on Aug. 18 in Reservoir Park.

“It’s important for us to have everyone’s voices as a part of our decision,” Green said. “We will look to make changes through amendments.”

Harris Family Brewery collaborates with local brewers on “Black is Beautiful” beer

August 6, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

The Harris Family Brewery’s “Black is Beautiful” beer is on tap today at Troegs in Hershey. Photo by Antwan Little, Just a Little Photography.

Owners of the Harris Family Brewery think it’s time to talk about racism—over a beer.

The brewery, in collaboration with Troegs independent Brewery in Hershey, released its “Black is Beautiful” beer today.

“We want people to have conversations, and we want to bring these social injustices to the forefront,” Tim White, one of the three Harris Family owners, said. “I’m glad it jumped into the craft beer world.”

With the national spotlight on racial inequality, the brewery owners wanted to do something.

“We are three black men who experience all of the injustices that you could imagine,” White said.

The Harris Family Brewery is on track to become the first black-owned brewery in Pennsylvania. With the “Black is Beautiful” beer, they hope to raise awareness of an issue personal to them in an industry that is majority white.

The “Black is Beautiful” movement in the craft beer world was started by Weathered Souls Brewing Co. in Texas. Once Harris Family Brewery caught wind of it, they jumped to join.

The partnership with Troegs is the third in a series of collaborations to produce “Black is Beautiful,” each with a different flavor. White said the artwork on the cans show people of color’s skin in a range of shades as a pixelated design.

The beer on tap today at Troegs is a brown lager with a flavor inspired by cornbread. It can be enjoyed in a glass on-site or taken as a four-pack to go, White said. There are about 200 cases of the special edition “Black is Beautiful” beer. This is double the amount as the last two times, which sold out within two to three days, White said.

He attributes the popularity not only to the taste, but also the message on the can.

“I knew we would be busier, but I didn’t expect it to be that busy,” White said. “People that were scared to have this conversation are now empowered to have it.”

Harris Family’s first collaboration was with Philadelphia-based Love City Brewery. The black stout with a hint of coconut sold out in three days. The second time around, they partnered with Camp Hill’s Ever Grain Brewery to create a banana nut bread flavored stout.

For each of their collaborations, all proceeds went to organizations fighting for racial justice. The first raised funds for Black Lives Matter Philadelphia, and the second for the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central PA. Their newest “Black is Beautiful” beer at Troegs will support Harrisburg-based Amiracle4sure, a re-entry program for ex-offenders.

Harris Family Brewery is considering continuing the collaborations on the “Black is Beautiful” beer. White said they may try to partner with a Harrisburg brewery next.

“This is not just a right-now thing,” White said. “From here on out, you will see Black is Beautiful beers in the market.”

Harris Family Brewery owners Shaun Harris, JT Thomas and White have had plans for around six years to manufacture craft beer and open a taproom in their Allison Hill neighborhood.

An opening is now finally in sight.

White said that, within three to four months, the brewery should be operating. Struggling previously with raising funds, that’s not an issue anymore.

Within months, the brewery’s GoFundMe page exploded and reached over $36,800 in donations. People were buying their merchandise, cups, T-shirts and mugs like never before.

“That has blessed us so now we can actually have enough money to open up,” White said.

Harris Family Brewery will operate out of an industrial building at 1721 Holly St. on Allison Hill and focus on wholesale brewing.

In order to open a taproom, White said they need to raise another $30,000 to secure a building and remodel. That is in sight, he said.

Harris Family Brewery and Troegs “Black is Beautiful” beer is available today at Troegs Independent Brewery at 200 East Hershey Park Dr., Hershey. For more information about Harris Family Brewery, visit their website or Facebook page.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 6, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend! Hey folks, couple fun things happening this weekend. Mela Kitchen at Jack’s Cider House opens (hit my IG for a preview) on Friday, two small biz Pop-Up shops happening Saturday, and Appalachian Brewing Co. has launched a Virtual Beer Olympics. On Saturday, grab the fam for Carpool Cinema – Jurassic Park with Midtown Cinema and Friends of Midtown. Oh, and my neighborhood is having a yard sale, if you’re into that.

Hiya, 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

Saturday is International Beer Day. Take the opportunity to try some local brews from Boneshire Brew Works, Hemauer Brewing, Appalachian Brewing Co. or Tattered Flag. Plus grab the latest #BlackIsBeautiful collab with Tröegs + Harris Family Brewery (available starting today)
(We have wine + distillery recs below, scroll)
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 the first seven episodes of Poured in PA: The Series free on YouTube!
Browse some new gems at Meeka Fine Jewelry.
Shop for some new masks at Hello Gorgeous Boutique.
Maybe it’s time for a contactless debit card?

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? For serious. Click here.
Wait, what about coffee, kombucha, tea, juice? Got you!
Find Carry-Out options here

Bronze map of Old 8th Ward presented to Dauphin County; Commonwealth Monument Project offers update

August 5, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Members of the Commonwealth Monument Project present Dauphin County commissioners with a bronze replica of Harrisburg’s Old 8th Ward.

Monuments around the country have been in the news recently, many taken or torn down by people who regard them as symbols of racism.

But for over a year, members of the Commonwealth Monument Project have had a plan to erect a new monument in Harrisburg, one that highlights and honors Harrisburg’s African American heritage.

Today, they discussed updates to that plan, as they also honored the Dauphin County commissioners who helped make it possible.

“In other places in our country, we are seeing monuments taken down,” Commissioner George Hartwick said during a public meeting today. “We are putting monuments up.”

Earlier this year, the commissioners awarded the IIPT Harrisburg Peace Promenade a $100,000 gaming grant, indicating their support for the monument project.

Lenwood Sloan, the project’s executive director, phoned in to the meeting to present the commissioners with a bronze replica of the Old 8^th Ward. The replica shows an aerial view of the historic primarily Black and immigrant neighborhood that was demolished to make room for expansion of the state Capitol Complex.

“We cannot bring back the buildings or the ancestors, but we can raise the level of dignity,” Sloan said.

The bronze map models a larger one that will sit atop the “Orator’s Pedestal”—the base of the forthcoming monument.

The bronze replica presented to Dauphin County today is one of a series of four. The first was given to Peggy Grove, a supporter of the Monument Project. The second went to Gov. Tom Wolf, the third to the City of Harrisburg, and the last to the county today.

The four maps were created by the A.R.T Foundry in Lancaster.

“I would really like people to understand the history of the Old 8^th Ward,” commission Chairman Jeff Haste said. “Bringing history a little more alive for folks will make this a better region.”

The Commonwealth Monument Project is scheduled to be unveiled on Aug. 26 on the Capitol grounds at 4^th and Walnut Streets.

On the pedestal, 100 families’ names are engraved, as well as maps of Old 8^th Ward streets. On top of the pedestal will be the Old 8^th Ward map, as well as four historic African American figures from Harrisburg—Frances Harper, Thomas Chester, Jacob Compton and William Howard Day.

Two of the figures will stand on the pedestal when it is unveiled. The other two are being finished and will be installed by Nov. 14.

Land surveyor Melham Associates has already done construction at the site where the monument will be placed. A small plaza, the Irvis Equality Circle, will allow visitors to walk around and view the monument.

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

Census Week of Action launched to educate, communicate importance of being counted

August 4, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

You may be hearing a knock at the door soon.

As the 2020 census approaches its last two months of counting U.S. citizens, collection that has largely been online will now include in-person methods.

For this reason, Dauphin County’s Complete Count Committee is ramping up efforts to get the word out this week. On Monday, they, along with the county commissioners, started the Census Week of Action. The campaign uses social media to educate people on the importance of being counted.

“We are doing well, but the goal is clearly to exceed how we did in the 2010 census,” said committee Chair Steve Deck.

As of July 30, Pennsylvania had a 65.9% self-response rate, according to the U. S. Census Bureau. In Dauphin County the rate is 64.9%, compared to a 2010 final rate of 71.4%. Harrisburg city lags behind at 44.4%, compared to a final rate of 57.6% in 2010, the bureau reports.

Deck is also the executive director of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC), which focuses on economic growth and transportation in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. The organization is one of 62 members of the Complete Count Committee in Dauphin County.

This is the first time that Dauphin County has used Complete Count Committees to aid in conducting the census, Deck said. The goal is for leaders at the county level to communicate Census Bureau information and encourage participation from residents in their communities.

Responding to the census is vitally important in the allocation of federal money to the state and each county, as well as the number of representatives that Pennsylvania has in Congress, Deck said.

He believes that Dauphin County is on track to reach and hopefully surpass its final response rate from the 2010 census.

However, Harrisburg city is currently about 20% below the county’s response rate.

Allison Hill, South Allison Hill and parts of Uptown are the most difficult neighborhoods in the city to count, according to the Census Bureau.

Latino Connection, another member of the Dauphin County Complete Count Committee, has been reaching out to the area’s rapidly growing Latino community.

“I believe Dauphin County will have an undercount of this growing population,” CEO George Fernandez said.

Latino Connection has been funding around 60 digital advertising displays with census information in corner stores, bodegas and small shops in south-central Pennsylvania.

However, Fernandez still believes that fear may keep many Latinos, especially immigrants, from participating. He thinks having more people of color as census workers would help build trust in the Latino community.

“The census committee needs to find more resources to reach communities of color,” Fernandez said. “There needs to be a point of discussion that reaching people of color also has a dollar sign behind it.”

The deadline for completing the 2020 census had been extended to Oct. 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, just today, the Census Bureau moved up that deadline, as Director Steven Dillingham stated that the bureau now planned to finish its “field data collection” by Sept. 30.

Dauphin County’s Census week of Action runs through Aug. 7. For more information, visit https://www.dauphincounty.org/news_detail_T14_R331.php.

New Black Lives Matter mural painted in Midtown to encourage solidarity, dialogue

August 3, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Black Lives Matter mural was painted on the Harrisburg Improv Theatre in Midtown.

Across the nation, cities are finding ways to stand in solidarity with their Black and brown residents, sometimes through art.

Community members in Harrisburg wanted to do the same. This past weekend a Black Lives Matter mural was painted on the side of the Harrisburg Improv Theatre on N. 3^rd Street.

Local artist Mike Fitzgerald organized the mural in an effort to encourage dialogue as well as to spotlight the movement.

“This wasn’t about me, it was about all of us in the community,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s also about the social injustices that are plaguing this country.”

Fitzgerald remembered recently seeing “Black Lives Matter” spray-painted on the Harvey Taylor Bridge, before it was quickly painted over. He believed that, if it had said something else, it wouldn’t have triggered the fast response that it did.

That scene had the artist’s wheels turning, wondering how he could use art to share those three words in the city.

But without a wall, there’s no mural. Fitzgerald asked around on Facebook and, within days, the theater offered their wall and a group volunteered to help paint.

Over the course of two weeks, Fitzgerald and a small team came up with a design, primed the wall and painted the mural, which was completed on Saturday.

“I was very impressed working with people in the community,” he said. “It was a way for the community to be involved in a very physical and tangible way.”

To top off the painting, people wrote affirmations on the wall, signed their names in solidarity and added quotes from civil rights activists and authors.

“We won’t stop until justice is served!” “No justice, no peace” and “Our lives matter forever,” read a few of the notes.

Once finished, people driving by circled back around for another look, some stopped to take photos.

“It’s touching people,” Fitzgerald said. “But at the same time, we’ve gotten threats.”

He explained that, within the mural’s short life, people have already threatened to destroy it and have sent the group negative feedback and hateful messages.

According to Fitzgerald, that only gives him energy.

“Buttons have to be pushed,” he said.

The official unveiling of the Black Lives Matter mural is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m.

Fitzgerald said that he is looking at the possibility of doing another similar mural in the Allison Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg. However, he is still looking for a location.

For now, he’s just glad that he could complete this one successfully.

“I think in my heart and soul that I’ve done something good for us to open up and start dialogue,” he said.

The Black Lives Matter mural is located at 1633 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

Movies will be shown in the parking lot of the PA Farm Show Complex.

This past week featured a lot of news and and plenty of announcements, which you can catch up on below. But the best news of all is that the August issue of the magazine came out today! This month’s special section is education. Make sure to pick up a copy at one of our locations or read it online.

“Carpool Cinema” will give families a chance to enjoy a drive-in movie experience in the Farm Show Complex parking lot. Check out our online story to see what movies Midtown Cinema and Friends of Midtown are teaming up to present.

Cheddar Paws creates portraits of animals in need of homes in hopes that they are adopted. Our magazine article tells the story of connections made through the art and the passion behind the paint brushes.

COVID-19 cases continued to rise slightly again this week. The state reported an average of over 900 diagnoses each day. Our weekly reporting on the pandemic has information on developments in each local county.

Goodwill Keystone Area welcomed Rick Hill on board as the new CEO. Our magazine story tells why Hill left retirement to lead the organization and how it has played a critical role in helping the unemployed during the pandemic.

Harlem Globetrotter Chris “Handles” Franklin is hosting his annual “Ultimate Spin Basketball Camp” virtually this year. The first 100 kids can register for free. Our online story reports on what kids can expect and how Franklin hopes to help the youth in his hometown of Harrisburg.

The Harrisburg School District announced its plan for the 2020-21 school year. Our online story provides the details about the two options—a hybrid or virtual model—families can choose from.

Harrisburg streets continue to face updates as part of the city’s “Vision Zero” project. Our reporting tells which streets will see change next and how officials hope to improve pedestrian safety.

Hot air balloons offer a unique way of viewing Pennsylvania’s breathtaking landscapes. Our magazine story describes the experience and the local places you can go to get an aerial view for yourself.

Kipona Festival in Harrisburg is being held this year, but differently than usual. The Labor Day weekend event will include a day of food trucks and fireworks and three days of virtual performances and activities. Our online story has all the information.

Maternal health is the focus of a new report by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Read our magazine story for more on the increasing rate of pregnancy and childbirth complications.

Sara Bozich took a break last week, but is back at it with her Weekend Roundup. For those ready to head out, check out her list of restaurants, events and entertainment.

TheBurg’s editor welcomed readers to our August issue with his monthly editor’s note. Before you dig into the issue, check out the short introduction that tees it all off.

Yaasmeen Piper reflects on the recent deaths of Black men and women at the hands of police and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests. In her magazine story she talks about the Black community in Harrisburg being forgotten and what the white community can do to help.

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

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