A Shimmering Peace: “Candles on The Water” offers hope on 75th anniversary of nuclear bombings

July 31, 2020 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

In these tumultuous times, an event meant to promote understanding among people may be just what your soul needs.

Enter “Candles on the Water,” an annual program that advocates for peace and harmony by commemorating the bombings of the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

This year marks 75 years since the bombings, and a local group plans a program of music, prayer and public proclamations, concluding with a launch of lantern boats into the Susquehanna River at sunset.

On August 6, 1945, a uranium atomic bomb called “Little Boy” was dropped on Hiroshima. About 140,000 people were killed and thousands of others died within months from burns and radiation sickness. Just three days later, a plutonium bomb called “Fat Man” was dropped on Nagasaki, where 70,000 were killed.

As a member of Pax Christi, a Catholic organization that “rejects war, preparation for war and every form of violence and domination,” Ann Marie Judson has been involved with “Candles on the Water” for about 20 years.

Judson explained that the idea began taking shape in 1982 at a session on nuclear disarmament held at the United Nations. At the time, Mayor Araki of Hiroshima proposed a new program to promote the solidarity of cities toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. Harrisburg was one of the first to sign on. Today, the Mayors for Peace movement totals 7,905 cities in 163 countries and regions.

Judson said that Harrisburg peace activists Deborah Davenport and Milton Lowenthal
held the first event in the 1980s.

“Lowenthal was instrumental in Harrisburg becoming a member city of ‘Mayors for Peace,’” she said.

Judson described the event as an ecumenical effort to help unify people and bring attention to the cause.

“It represents solidarity with Hiroshima and Nagasaki and our common desire for the abolition of nuclear weapons,” she said.

Judson said that Bill Dallam of Mechanicsburg will address the crowd during the event. Dallam was on site just three weeks after the bombings, she said. As a member of the military, it was his job to measure radiation.

“He was told it was a classified, secret mission,” she said. “They didn’t want anybody to know all the damage we caused.”

Judson explained that Dallam encouraged his wife, Mary Lou, to paint a depiction of the devastation. The painting reads, “Never Again,” and has been used on the front “Candles on the Water” program schedule.

Peace Garden

The Peace Garden is another permanent reminder of the bombings and is located above the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River between Maclay and Emerald streets.

“We brought the idea back from Hiroshima after the international conference,” said retired Harrisburg pediatrician Dr. Jim Jones.

The two-block area includes three large sculptures inspired by the destruction in Hiroshima and the hope that followed. The sculptures are the work of Dr. Frederick Franck, a writer, artist and oral surgeon who once worked with Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Africa.

Among the sculptures are flowers, trees and plaques containing sayings that promote peace, hope and renewal. A pole among the brightly blooming flowers bears messages of peace written in four languages.

Jones and Judson are thankful that the city provides the water for the Peace Garden and for the hard work of volunteers who are responsible for the upkeep, along with the dedication of organizations like the Physicians for Social Responsibility, which plant 1,200 annuals every spring.

Judson stressed the importance of keeping history in mind as we move forward.

“I’ve been dedicated to the cause of peace and ‘Candles on the Water’ for many years because it reminds us that nuclear weapons should never again be used,” she said. “We are all brothers and sisters on this planet, and the abolition of nuclear weapons is a critical necessity. Never again!”

“Candles on the Water” will take place on Sunday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m., with attendees meeting in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg across from the John Harris Mansion. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets. For more information, email [email protected].

August News Digest

July 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

Public Hearings Planned

Harrisburg City Council last month held its final regular session of the summer, but council plans to interrupt its hiatus to hold public hearings on two police-related issues.

Council member Ausha Green, who is chair of the public safety committee, said that she planned to hold at least two hearings over the summer on the issues—a revision of the city police use-of-force policy and a proposed Citizen’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee.

“We will continue the discussion for both Bill 8 and Resolution 51 throughout our summer hiatus in a series of public meetings,” she said.

Her comments followed a lengthy reading of messages received by City Council regarding these issues during the last virtual legislative session. Green said that council has received more than 40 public comments in all regarding the legislation.

Many comments, Green said, asked for subpoena power for the committee, currently proposed as a seven-member advisory board that would lack that power.

For example, a group of 31 city residents jointly submitted a letter to council asking that the advisory committee become a community review board with subpoena power to access internal police bureau documents and information.

“The right-to-know request serves as a good tool for seeking information as community members,” the statement said. “However, it doesn’t provide the full scope of documentation necessary to assess any wrongdoing within the police bureau. Administrative subpoena power is needed within the community review board, similar to the administrative subpoena power allowed through the tax board and zoning hearing board both of whom, as stated by [city solicitor] Mr. [Neil] Grover, hold administrative subpoena power to ensure that ethical procedures are followed.”

The city’s Environmental Advisory Council also contributed a group statement, stating that Harrisburg should demonstrate leadership on creating more equality and fairness not only on police issues, but also for food, transportation and education, especially in communities of color.

“This is time to reflect on not only the silence and inaction that has plagued this country for decades and the devastating loss of life from this inaction, but also time to reimagine our communities and call for systemic change,” said the statement.

Other statements said that the police should routinely release more information, and one asked for paths for additional police accountability if subpoena powers—if granted—ultimately were judged not to be enforceable.

“I would also like to thank community organizations that have been holding public discussion to really continue the conversation in our community, such as the Young Professionals of Color,” Green said. “And I look forward to gaining more insight from residents as we continue this discussion.”

Composting Deal Set

Harrisburg’s leaves, grass and branches are headed to Swatara Township, as the city continues a longstanding quest to find a permanent place for its compostable waste.

City Council last month voted unanimously to enter into a two-year intergovernmental cooperation agreement to use the Swatara Township Yard Waste Composting Facility.

“The city is no longer taking any of its woody waste to the incinerator, so we’re looking to make sure we’re disposing of this properly,” said council member Westburn Majors.

Since 2017, the city has tried to get approval to build its own composting facility on land owned by the Harrisburg school district, just over the city line in the Edgemont section of Susquehanna Township. However, township officials have rejected that proposal, a decision the city has appealed to the courts.

“As we are in continued litigation regarding the potential set up of our own composting facility, this hopefully will be a short-term solution as we continue to work through those issues so that the city can finally have a place to dispose of its leafy and woody waste,” Majors said.

City Solicitor Neil Grover said that the appeal could easily take more than two years to wind its way through the courts and come to a conclusion.

In the meantime, the city already has been sending its compostable waste—vegetative material like leaf waste, grass clippings and garden residue—to the facility in the Oberlin section of Swatara Township. The resolution approved last month formalizes that arrangement, Grover said.

Harrisburg will pay the township $2,945.10 per year, starting on Jan. 1. Christopher Nafe, the city’s sustainability officer, said that amount was proposed by Swatara Township, a figure, he added, that the city deemed reasonable.

Also last month, council unanimously passed a resolution entering into a reimbursement agreement with Capital Region Water to fund the installation and construction of ADA-compliant curb ramps, curb extensions and other streetscape improvements as part of CRW’s South Allison Hill Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project. Under the arrangement, the city will provide $150,000 to reimburse CRW for certain improvements it is making as part of its extensive stormwater project in South Allison Hill.

Grant for Greenhouse

Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park greenhouse is a step closer to restoration after receiving a $25,000 “Better Food, Better Access, Better Together” grant from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

“We have been working with a large coalition to restore the Reservoir Park greenhouse for several years now and are encouraged by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s gift,” said Harrisburg Parks Foundation Secretary Zac Monnier.

The 1,500-square-foot greenhouse was built in 1929 and is part of a garden located off of Whitehall Street on the southwest side of Reservoir Park. Unused for 20 years, the greenhouse has been experiencing revitalization from the Parks Foundation and the Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

According to the city’s Sustainability Manager Christopher Nafe, the goal of the greenhouse is to provide an educational experience for visitors to learn about urban farming, gardening at home and healthy and affordable cooking and eating.

Nafe also recognizes that parts of Harrisburg are classified as food deserts and believes that the greenhouse can help provide options for residents, especially in Allison Hill.

“We are hoping to try to fill that void and act as a community resource,” he said.

The food bank hopes, with the help of this grant, that the greenhouse will inspire youth to grow their own healthy food and even encourage them to consider agricultural careers.

“This is us working with our community to end hunger in Harrisburg,” Executive Director Joe Arthur said.

This isn’t the first time funds have been donated to the greenhouse. The Whitt Family Foundation awarded the greenhouse a $25,000 grant, and the Rotary Club of Harrisburg has donated $5,000.

The group working to restore the greenhouse includes the Homegrown Harrisburg Community Gardens Network, Tri-County Community Action, Messiah University Center for Sustainability, Harrisburg Young Professionals of Color, Sustainable Human Environment, LLC and Harrisburg Urban Growers.

The team also hopes to restore the grounds surrounding the greenhouse and possibly renovate the Brownstone Building, which the greenhouse sits behind, for use as a food demonstration kitchen, according to Nafe. The total project is projected to cost around $245,000.

The working group was formed in 2018 and hopes to have the greenhouse functioning by next spring or summer. They are currently in the planning phase.

“Choose Harrisburg” Launched

Harrisburg last month announced a new program designed to promote shopping in the city.

Jamal Jones, Harrisburg’s director of business development, debuted “Choose Harrisburg,” a campaign meant to encourage people to shop small city businesses for the month of August.

“It’s a way to provide businesses with much needed support,” he said.

Participating businesses will be added to a list for the public to see, giving people options for buying local.

“Not only does it give a boost to those local businesses, but, long term, we hope it gives a boost to our local economy,” Jones said.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse explained that taxes from businesses in the city help fund city operations. With those revenues being lower than usual due to the COVID-19 crisis, he believes residents will feel the effects next year. Millions of dollars will be lacking for city services such as the police and fire bureaus.

“When you’re shopping local, you’re not only helping the business itself, you’re ensuring that the basic services which everybody wants and needs in the city are being able to continue well,” he said.

The city will partner with the Downtown Improvement District and the African American Chamber of Commerce.

“For those of us that get take out once a week or so, let’s resolve for the month of August to only get takeout from businesses that are based here in Harrisburg,” Papenfuse said.

People can show their participation in August by using the hashtag #choosehbg on social media.

Stormwater Fee Delayed

Capital Region Water will delay its new stormwater fee for three months, citing the coronavirus pandemic as the reason.

The CRW board voted to begin to impose the fee on Oct. 1, instead of July 1, due to the “economic hardship” resulting from the virus.

“While the delay is intended to provide temporary relief to our customers, it does not diminish Capital Region Water’s commitment to improving local water quality, the associated regulatory responsibility, or the financial cost of system stewardship,” said CRW board Chair Marc Kurowski.

CRW voted last year to begin charging its Harrisburg customers a separate stormwater fee on Jan. 1, a date later moved up to July 1 and now delayed until October.

Under the plan, most residential customers will be charged an additional $6.15 per month or $74 per year. The non-residential rate will fluctuate based on the amount of impervious surface on commercial properties.

Currently, the cost of stormwater service is included in the wastewater fee. CRW has said that customers should see a slower rise in the wastewater portion of their bill once stormwater service is separated out.

CRW plans to spend some $315 million over the next 20 years to slash the amount of wastewater that flows into Paxton Creek and the Susquehanna River during heavy rains. That plan relies heavily on building out green infrastructure to prevent stormwater from overwhelming the city’s combined stormwater/wastewater system.

“Millions of dollars of system repair and maintenance are necessary to address decades of deferred investment in both the combined and separate stormwater systems,” Kurowski said.

Home Sales Down, Prices Up

For a second straight month, residential housing sales fell but prices increased in the greater Harrisburg area.

In June, 505 homes changed hands compared to 849 in the year-ago period, though the median sales price rose to $199,900 from $190,075, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 244 residential units sold versus 423 in June 2019, while the median price increased by $5,000 to $181,000, GHAR said, in its latest housing report.

Cumberland County had 236 home sales in June, a decrease from 384 in the year-ago period as the median price rose to $225,600 from $212,900, GHAR said. In Perry County, 25 houses sold, 17 fewer than in June 2019, but the median price increased to $174,900 from $169,500.

The average “days on market” for June rose slightly to 46 from 41 a year ago, GHAR said.

June’s housing data is similar to the data from May, when residential sales also fell but prices increased.

So Noted

Boneshire Brew Works plans to expand into downtown Harrisburg, with a tasting room planned for the city’s SoMa neighborhood. Boneshire expects to open in the spring at 13 S. 3rd St., space that has housed the temporary Sip@SoMa tasting room since early 2019.

The Englewood, a new music, event and dining concept in Hershey, opened last month after an extensive build-out and renovation to a landmark barn at 1219 Research Blvd. The venue also will feature an on-site brewery and has extensive outdoor seating. For more information, visit www.englewoodhershey.com.

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities and United Way of the Capital Region last month announced that they had distributed another $23,750 to 10 more nonprofit organizations as part of the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. So far, the fund, designed to help support nonprofits during the pandemic crisis, has distributed $169,278 to 74 area groups.

Glitz Soap Co. will move this fall to 1 E. Main St. in Mechanicsburg to expand production and retail space, according to the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. Glitz Soap opened its shop at 58 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg, in February.

Guy McIntosh last month was named executive director of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his appointment, he served as the orchestra’s general manager and as director of marketing and personnel manager for several performing arts organizations throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Pedego Harrisburg is set to cruise into Strawberry Square in September, the area’s first dealership for the nation’s largest electric bicycle company. Harrisburg resident Andrew Soisson, along with his parents, will open in 3rd Street retail space last occupied by the grocery store, Provisions.

Radish & Rye has closed its long-time stand in the Broad Street Market, moving to its new storefront at 1308 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Currently, the produce and grocery vendor is accepting only online orders, with curbside pickup Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.radishandryehbg.com.

Saturday Nights in the City has been extended through the end of August. Originally slated to end in early July, Harrisburg and the Downtown Improvement District extended and expanded the outdoors dining event due to its popularity among restaurateurs and patrons.

Stuart Malina will conduct the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra for at least three more years, as last month he signed a contract extension through the 2022-23 performance season. This year, Malina celebrates 20 years with the orchestra and, besides his role as conductor, often performs as a featured soloist.

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg last month launched the Brew Barons Beer Trail, which links some 20 craft breweries in the Harrisburg area via a mobile app. By downloading the app, beer fans receive information on the participating breweries, details on promotions and events and a chance to win prizes. Visit www.brewbarons.com.

Changing Hands

Bellevue Rd., 2021: J. & J. Trach to G. Amador, $88,000

Benton St., 600: T. Griffin to W. Quezada & M. Cedeno, $78,000

Benton St., 708: Whitland Enterprises to M. Ide, $46,000

Berryhill St., 1948: M. Frater to R. Perrin & D. Rallo, $47,000

Berryhill St., 1954: M. Frater to R. Perrin & D. Rallo, $73,000

Berryhill St., 2154: E. Butler to J. Ranck, $44,300

Boas St., 1930: S. Tippitt to CR Property Group LLC, $49,600

Brookwood St., 2449: D. Tu to K. Tran & T. Doan, $60,000

Cameron St., 117 and 116 & 118 Hancock St.: Pascual Navarro Inc. to RS3 Ventures LLC, $207,000

Chestnut St. 2120: TIAA FSB to JBAB LLC, $155,500

Derry St., 2444: Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to K. Mooney, $45,000

Derry St., 2516: Wells Fargo Bank NA PHH Mortgage Corp. to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $36,500

Duke St., 2447: PA Deals LLC & Rich Steele Realty LLC to A. Graham, $76,900

Grand St., 931: K. Line to J. Greene, $55,000

Green St., 1002: A. Toth to PA Deals LLC, $72,000

Green St., 1702: M. Tramontin to J. & S. Lebron, $219,900

Green St., 1719: H. Neuhaus to The Berlin Group LLC, $100,000

Green St., 2023: J. & S. Douglas to Z. & S. Smith, $210,000

Green St., 2035: Heinly Homes LLC & W. Hoover to N. Jensen, $232,000

Hale Ave., 393: S. Garrett to F. Ramirez & J. Polanoc, $70,000

Herr St., 1020: S. Borne to D. Patel, $154,000

Holly St., 1853: R. Dunbar to C. Dunbar, $42,500

Holly St., 1911: Vision Venture Investments LLC to M. Diallo & S. Camara, $65,000

Jefferson St., 2642: D. Lopez to P. Solis Lorenzo, $30,000

Kensington St., 2233: H. Alcantara & T. Holden to J. & M. Macias, $66,500

Lenox St., 2005: T. & C. Murray to R. Bender, $87,000

Linden St., 125: S. & M. Toomey to CR Property Group LLC, $45,000

Maclay St., 645: Buonarroti Trust to AutoZone Development LLC, $500,000

Manada St., 1916: R&K Realty Group LP to J. Heikes, $75,000

Market St., 1813: W. Cameron to NA Capital Group LLC, $30,716

Mulberry St., 1915: K. & S. Ribble to JOG Investments LLC, $40,000

North St., 1851: Harrisburg Rentals LLC to J. Weber, $119,900

N. 2nd St., 906: E. Neilson to F. Burdell & W. McGee, $215,000

N. 2nd St., 933: J. Matsumoto Holdings Inc. to C. Wise, $84,200

N. 2nd St., 1839: Kirsch & Burns LLC to Trip Acres 1839 LLC, $147,500

N. 4th St., 2104: PA Community Investors LLC to Gold Key Properties LLC, $36,000

N. 5th St., 2610: S. McGowan to E. Chattah & Y. Guhl, $38,000

N. 5th St., 2723: Cama Sidra LLC Thomas Whymark IRA to B. Adzomo & J. Ekani, $68,000

N. 6th St., 2630: KBT Enterprises to L. Paulino & E. Ortega, $46,000

N. 17th St., 1000: D. Robinson to A. Augustine, $75,000

N. 19th St., 47: S&R Estates LLC to M. Trujillo, $35,000

Paxton St., 1612: D. Boyle to G. Olivo, $50,000

Radnor St., 631: J. Fernandez to CR Property Group LLC, $52,000

Radnor St., 680: E. & A. Vazquez to K&F Property Investments LLC, $35,000

Radnor St., 682: E. & A. Vazquez to K&F Property Investments LLC, $35,000

Rudy Rd., 2488: M. Rivera to N. Rivera, $60,000

Rumson Dr., 325: B. Paige to B. Matthews & T. James, $105,000

S. 22nd St., 737: D. Smith to Lindawn Partners, $51,600

S. 22nd St., 748: M. Smith to Lindawn Partners, $378,400

S. 25th St., 615: S. & B. Taylor to I. Yolov, $118,000

S. 25th St., 619: G. Olives to I. Yolov, $107,000

S. 25th St., 702: K. & N. Williams to J. Stump Jr., $124,900

S. River St., 321: J&S Home Solutions to T. Nazario, $122,000

S. Front St., 545: J. Small Jr. to G. Stansfield, $97,500

State St., 223: Harrisburg Fireman’s Relief Assoc. to 223 State St. LLC, $325,000

State St., 231, Unit 704: LUX 1 LP to LUX Rentals LLC, $130,000

Swatara St., 1915: A. De Leon to R. De Maria, $72,000

Sycamore St., 1617: CR Property Group LLC to L. Dalupang, $140,000

Walnut St., 1814: S&T Home Renovations to CR Property Group LLC, $45,000

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

A Mask & a Muddle: How I learned to stop worrying and love the mask (I still hate the mask)

July 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck

I have what you might call a mask problem.

It began with the start of the coronavirus pandemic itself, back in late February. Even before the full fury of COVID-19 hit, some people were already strolling by my office, all masked up.

“Why are they doing that?” I wondered, thinking it was more performance than practical.

At the time, health experts were minimizing the role of masks in preventing the spread of the disease. Some even claimed it was counterproductive.

Since then, the thinking has evolved, with the importance of mask usage rising as we learned more about the virus and how it spreads.

Still, I resisted, and, maybe sometime in May, I began to wonder why. After all, I regard myself as fairly non-ideological. When people ask me if I have a philosophy or ideology, I usually respond, “pragmatist.” In my book, the more facts, the better.

But there I was, not heeding the mounting evidence right before me, trying instead to justify being anti-mask.

Yes, masks are uncomfortable, but in the end, I realized that my greatest issue was this—I found masks to be dehumanizing. Interacting with someone wearing a mask seems incomplete, like a huge piece of his or her face is missing. The person doesn’t appear quite the same, made up of some kind of human/cloth hybrid.

I’ll probably never get over this. When I speak to a person wearing a mask, I find that I want to cut the conversation short, because it just feels off. Until now, I didn’t realize how much I valued the expressive, non-verbal part of human interaction.

However, I’ve also come to realize that I’m just going to have to get over it. Evidently, masks are the price we have to pay if we want life to return to some sense of normalcy until a vaccine (we hope) eliminates the threat.

If faced with a choice between hunkering down again in isolation and a mask, I’ll take the mask.

If faced with a choice between skyrocketing infection rates and a mask, I’ll take the mask.

If faced with a choice between widespread business closures and a mask, I’ll take the mask.

As usual, in the end, pragmatism won out.

But, of course, I’m just one person. In this country, mask wearing has become a political statement, unfortunately. It seems that not wearing a mask has become as performative as wearing one might have been in the pandemic’s early days.

As I gaze ahead into our unknown future, I have several hopes as we eventually emerge from the wreckage of the coronavirus.

First of all, I hope that we’re able to limit the spread of the disease as much as possible.

As I write this column, we seem to be profoundly failing at this goal in much of the country. Lacking a national policy, we have 50 different state responses, which is less of a plan than a wildly out-of-control experiment.

Secondly, I hope for the least possible damage to the economy, especially to our local businesses. So far, in Harrisburg, our small businesses have shown remarkable resilience, particularly our large number of bars, restaurants and cafés. But how long can that last, especially if there’s a second wave?

Thirdly, I’m focused like a laser on ensuring that TheBurg remains viable until we bust out the other side of this. As you may know, the news industry was in dire straits before the pandemic hit, and I fear the virus may be the proverbial final nail for many papers. Already, we recently lost the venerable Press & Journal, a 166-year-old newspaper out of Middletown, underscoring the fragility of this vitally important industry.

These are the reasons that I finally came to embrace the mask. Well, honestly, I still hate it. I still find it profoundly dehumanizing. But I’ve reached the unfortunate conclusion that we’re going to have to mask up to muddle through.

Lawrance Binda is co-publisher/editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

If you’d like to help TheBurg survive the pandemic, please join Friends of TheBurg, our new membership program.

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

August Editor’s Note

July 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Usually, August is “vacation month.” Maybe not so much this year.

Yes, it seems like the “staycation” is back, as people scale back their trips due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re actually lucky here. There’s plenty to do in and around central PA for day trips or quick weekend jaunts, ones that allow for social distancing, too.

Our area has many wineries, where you can sit outside and, often, take in spectacular mountain views. The nearby Appalachian Trail and many other spots offer terrific hiking and, with the extension of “Saturday Nights in the City,” outside dining has gone from rare to everywhere.

This month, we bring back our special “focus” sections, which we suspended after the coronavirus threw our entire story planning process out of whack back in March.

So, for August, we have numerous stories dedicated to schools and youth, as we do every year. This subject couldn’t be more pertinent or timely since, as I write this introduction in mid-July, we’re still not certain how schools, children and parents will adjust to the new pandemic academics. There seems to be only one sure thing—most physical buildings plan to reopen.

This month, we’ve also brought back our “Happenings” section. It’s much shorter than usual, given the continuing paucity of events in and around Harrisburg. However, we consider the revival of this section to be yet another small step back to some state of normalcy.

Lastly, I would like to put into ink something that I blogged about last month. In July, the venerable Press & Journal of Middletown printed its final edition after 166 years in business.

We would like to extend our warmest wishes to the publishers, Joe and Louise Sukle, as well as to their talented and dedicated staff. The Press & Journal was regarded as one the best weeklies in the state, but it nonetheless couldn’t survive the harsh economics of local news, plus the devastation wrought by the pandemic.

The newspaper business gets tougher each day, as we well know. If you would like to support our efforts to deliver a quality news product to the greater Harrisburg area, I encourage you to please join our new membership program, Friends of TheBurg.

With that, enjoy our new August issue!

Lawrance Binda

Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 30, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend! The weekend is here! As usual, I’ve armed you with the top picks for your weekend, whether you’re staying in or heading out (safely). My life feels consumed by daily minutiae, but I think boils down to this big honking garden and The Wire, which I’m watching (obsessed) for the first time. I expect to spend the bulk of the weekend dealing in some fashion with tomatoes (picking, cooking, restaking, not in that order). However, if you’re looking for some things to do — I got your hookup below.

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

Get that grill going this weekend with a stop at R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market
Pick up the Black is Beautiful collaboration with Harris Family Brewery and Wolf Brewing at Ever Grain Brewing. It’s a 9.5% Banana Bread-inspired stout. Proceeds from sales will be donated directly to AACCCPA and to the Harris Family GoFundMe.⁣
We also recommend local brews from Boneshire Brew Works, Hemauer Brewing, Appalachian Brewing Co. or Tattered Flag.
(We have wine + distillery recs below, scroll)
Order some great takeout, maybe a BBQ feast for the backyard from MoMo’s
Binge the first seven episodes of Poured in PA: The Series free on YouTube!
Or, Check out Midtown Cinema’s full list of on-demand films!
Browse some new gems at Meeka Fine Jewelry.
Maybe it’s time for a contactless debit card?
Shop the Little Black Dress Summer Step Up Sale (online)

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

Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival will take place this year, though changed due to the pandemic

July 28, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

A fire-eater and wire-walker performed last year to promote the 2019 Kipona Festival.

How is it almost August already? The end of summer is just around the corner.

What the beginning of school and the fall season will look like during the pandemic remains uncertain. However, Harrisburg’s end-of-season festival, Kipona, will return, though in a substantially altered format.

The event will span for three days over Labor Day weekend, as usual, but due to the COVID-19 crisis, only one day, Saturday, will feature in-person events. Saturday through Monday will feature virtual activities.

“It will still be a very nice event,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said. “You will still be able to see and take part in all your favorite activities.”

Kipona has taken place in Harrisburg for over a century and serves as a celebration of the Susquehanna River and its impact on the city. In the past few years, around 70,000 people have attended Kipona.

“It’s a time for people to come together and appreciate the sparkling water of the Susquehanna,” Papenfuse said.

On Sept. 5, there will be 15 food trucks parked on City Island from 3 to 8 p.m. At night, fireworks will shoot off from City Island.

People are encouraged to enjoy socially distanced picnics along Riverfront Park or City Island. Masks are required in the food truck area.

Front Street will be shut down for the event on Saturday. Parking is $5 on City Island, $10 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the River Street Garage and $10 at the Market Square Garage.

Some traditional events, like the canoe race, may not happen this year. However, others will be streamed online, possibly including the rubber duck race and Native American pow-wow.

While marketplace vendors will not set up in person this year, people can shop an online marketplace of handcrafted items on all three days. Local musicians will perform virtually, and there will be artisan demonstrations as well as children’s activities.

The annual event is sponsored by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG and the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, among others.

The city’s Artsfest and Fourth of July festivals also had to change plans earlier this summer due to the pandemic. Artsfest went fully online with a virtual market and demonstrations, while Independence Day maintained an in-person food truck experience, but halted musical performances and other activities.

“We are building on what we saw as the success of our Fourth of July celebration,” Papenfuse said. “We took that format and are going to do it again for Kipona.”

Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival will take place Sept. 5 to 7. The live food truck and fireworks event is Sept. 5 from 3 to 8 p.m. and virtual activities are from 12 to 8 p.m. on all three days. For more information, visit https://harrisburgpa.gov/kipona-2/.

Two family-friendly drive-in movies planned for Farm Show parking lot

July 27, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

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

The coronavirus pandemic has robbed us of many fun, communal experiences.

Movie-going is among those, but Midtown Cinema and Friends of Midtown are teaming up to bring it back.

In August, the two will partner for a special drive-in movie experience—“Carpool Cinema”—in the parking lot of the state Farm Show Complex parking lot, featuring two family favorites.

First up, “Jurassic Park,” which is slated for Saturday, Aug. 8. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 29, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” will be screened. Both movies will have two show times: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The movies will be shown on a large, bright LED screen, which allows for daytime viewing, according to Midtown Cinema.

Given the pandemic, certain restrictions will be enforced. For instance, screenings will be limited to a 250-person capacity, and facemasks will be required. Portable toilets will be available on site.

According to the cinema, this is primarily a drive-in event, though a “limited number” of non-car spaces will be available for groups.

Ticket prices will be determined per vehicle or group space: $15 for matinees and $25 for evening screenings.

For more information and to order tickets, visit https://www.midtowncinema.com/carpoolcinema.

Driving Change: Harrisburg streets get new look, design as “Vision Zero” projects continue

July 27, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Travel lanes were reduced and bike/bus lanes were added on N. 6th Street.

The name of the program may be “Vision Zero,” but Harrisburg officials have more than a vision to improve city streets–they have a plan.

On Friday’s edition of Community Conversations with Mayor Eric Papenfuse, the engineers behind the projects highlighted the work that has recently been done and the construction to come.

The city released its “Vision Zero” action plan over a year ago and pledged to improve road safety. Their goal is to bring the number of annual pedestrian fatalities to zero by 2030.

“It is a commitment to eliminate pedestrian injuries that result from motor crashes,” city Engineer Wayne Martin said.

Most recently, work was completed on N. 6^th Street, where a “road diet” was implemented between Boas and Reily streets. This means travel lanes were removed, bike lanes and bus drop-off zones were added, and more parking was made available, all to make the corridor narrower and more pedestrian-friendly.

Moving right up, a N. 7^th Street project is in the final stages of design as well, according to Martin. The main element of this plan is a roundabout that will be constructed near the new federal courthouse. This eliminates left-hand turning, which has caused issues in that section of the street, Martin said.

In addition, a center median featuring trees will split the lanes. Street trees provide shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, and better manage stormwater, Martin said.

These features also are expected to have a traffic calming effect, Martin explained.

Once permits are in place, Martin expects construction to begin in the spring of 2021. The N. 7th Street project is fully funded by grant money, Martin said.

The public can expect to see a project finished in MulDer Square even sooner.

Signs of work on the city’s Derry Street project are already being seen as new sidewalk has been laid, ADA-accessible ramps were installed and stormwater management features have been added. But this is just one phase of the project.

“The work that’s happening right now in MulDer Square is a precursor of other things to come,” Project Manager Ambrose Buck said.

Starting as early as September or October, construction will begin on the cul-de-sac at the end of Derry Street, including the stairs that lead down to Cameron Street. A green space will be built, in addition to some paths to make the area more walkable for residents.

“This is a way to revitalize this area and improve quality of life in these neighborhoods,” Martin said.

Construction of a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Mulberry and Derry streets, as well as the transformation of Nectarine Street’s asphalt to green infrastructure, are also part of the project.

Similar work was done not long ago on the intersection at 4^th and Maclay streets. New asphalt was added, sidewalks were replaced, crosswalks were added and ADA-compliant ramps built.

On many people’s minds has been the proposal to transform 2^nd Street from a one-way to a two-way traffic, Papenfuse said.

Martin gave an update, saying design should be completed this year and construction will likely begin in the spring.

“This is a major, major transformational project,” Martin said.

Besides the changing flow of traffic, the city will add pedestrian refuge islands for people crossing the street, mini roundabouts and ADA-compliant ramps.

Martin explained that the street will become two-way at the beginning of construction to test its effectiveness.

Other coming projects include State Street improvements to tighten travel lanes and boost pedestrian safety, as well as proposed changes to Forster Street that would reduce the road width and add pedestrian-friendly features. These are still in the planning stages.

“We have to make sure we are all willing to compromise–the community, PennDOT and the city–on a plan that everyone can see as a step forward,” Papenfuse said.

For more information on the city’s “Vision Zero” plan, visit https://visionzerohbg.com/. To watch past Community Conversations, visit the City of Harrisburg’s YouTube channel.

Harlem Globetrotter puts a new spin on annual Harrisburg basketball camp

July 27, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Chris “Handles” Franklin discusses his upcoming youth basketball camp.

In a time when COVID is wreaking havoc on some traditional summer events, one favorite will go on, with a new spin on it.

Chris “Handles” Franklin, of the Harlem Globetrotters, presented “The Ultimate Spin Basketball Camp” on Friday’s episode of Community Conversations with Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

This is the 18th annual camp that gives youth a chance to learn skills from a professional. Typically an in-person event, the 18th annual camp will be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was important for us to provide something for kids to do, in a positive way, especially during the pandemic,” Franklin said. “We are honored to bring this back to the city.”

The Chris Handles Franklin Foundation is a nonprofit, founded by Franklin in 2014, that provides community outreach to the Harrisburg area, his hometown, focusing especially on youth.

Franklin wanted to make sure all kids had access to this year’s camp and decided to make it free to the first 100 who signed up. Free registration may be extended to more students if there is demand and donations to support it, he added.

The online camp for kids around ages 9 to 16 will run from Aug. 3 to 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will be provided with a kit including a basketball, cones, a t-shirt, mask and hand sanitizer. Franklin explained that, for the first hour of instruction, campers can practice drills from home, while the second-hour drills require access to a court.

“Our camp focuses on a number of things, not just basketball skills, but also building young leaders and putting a positive message into our youth,” Franklin said. “A lot of the kids that have been through my camp through the years, they continue to do positive things in the community.”

The basketball lessons are being filmed at Reservoir Park for campers to stream online.

“If you’re like me and you have kids, they are looking for things to do this summer,” Papenfuse said. “Everything has been so impacted by COVID that there have been fewer options than usual. Well, we’ve got a great one.”

To register for “The Ultimate Spin Basketball Camp,” email [email protected]. For more information about the Chris Handles Franklin Foundation, visit https://handlesfoundation.org/. To watch past Community Conversations, visit the City of Harrisburg’s YouTube channel.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

The Firehouse Restaurant is re-opening under new ownership.

The past week felt like one hot, rainy blur with temperatures in the 90s and nighttime showers. Still, our reporters were out in the heat and humidity covering the local news. If you missed any of our stories, we have them all listed and linked here.

Bob’s Art Blog showcased Kelly McGee, an expressionist whose paintings display her dreams and visions. Read more about McGee and another artist who is using her talents to help feed the hungry in this week’s column.

COVID-19 cases keep climbing in PA, with an average of 800 new daily diagnoses over the past week. Our weekly reporting on the pandemic has the details.

Dr. Kimeka Campbell shares her story of finding joy in justice during a time of nationwide and local Black Lives Matter protests. Read her magazine piece to learn more about why community work brings her peace.

The Firehouse Restaurant is re-opening under new ownership. Much of the downtown Harrisburg restaurant’s character will remain the same with a fresh menu to choose from. Our online story has more information.

The Harrisburg Mile will go on this year despite the pandemic. Our online reporting explains the new modifications to location and rules.

Lenwood Sloan reflects on being a Black historian in Harrisburg and the search to find his “people” in the community. His submission for this month’s “Voices of Our Community” section recounts his efforts to uncover and highlight the city’s African American history.

Maestro Stuart Malina extended his contract with the Harrisburg Symphony for another three years. Our online story tells of his decision to stay and why the symphony feels he is such a great fit.

Paper Moon Flowers is Midtown’s newest flower and décor shop. Owner Shawn Durborow-Bowersox simply wants to make people happy by giving them a local place to buy a bouquet, a candle or a birthday card. Read the story behind the shop in our magazine article.

Peyton’s Law, which seeks to bring awareness to Sudden Cardiac Arrest, including the signs and symptoms, was passed into law. Read more about The Peyton Walker Foundation’s efforts to save the lives of at-risk student-athletes.

The Parkway apartment complex has stood tall for 100 years, still as popular and elegant now as it was when it was built. Read the story behind the landmark building and why it still attracts tenants to this day.

Running has acted as therapy for many people, especially during the pandemic. Our magazine story shows the psychological and social reasons behind that and discusses what running in races looks like during a crisis.

Summertime shrimp is on the menu for Rosemary this month. Fire up the grill and find this “Spicy Calabrian Shrimp” recipe in this month’s issue of the magazine.

A town hall was hosted by activist group The Movement to give Harrisburg residents the chance to ask questions and provide input to city officials. Our reporting discusses the big questions people had and how officials responded.

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