Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 18, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Okay, now we’re all in the green (tonight at midnight I think). What does that mean? You can probably get a haircut, a sugaring, a facial, continue to shop locally (but now in person, where you can), and dine inside and out! NOTE: For the love of god, can you people PLEASE be kind, follow the rules, and cut employees everywhere a break? Honestly. Everyone is doing the best that they can. Don’t forget Sunday is Father’s Day! I always recommend consumables as gifts — local beer, cheese, wine, spirits, pastries, coffee. Hiya, Are you on the email list? In addition to getting this weekly update 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.

Top Picks:

Book your appointments at Bronzed Bunny now (I went yesterday)
Visit R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market for all your grilling needs
Need something pretty? Meeka Fine Jewelry is open!
MoMo BBQ Co. is OPEN for outdoor and indoor seating!
ABC Mechanicsburg is OPEN! Check Facebook for details!
ABC Harrisburg is OPEN! Check Fa c ebook for details!
All Tattered Flag locations are open! Check Facebook for details!
Enjoy outdoor and indoor beers at Boneshire Brew Works all weekend!
Check out Midtown Cinema’s full list of on-demand films!
Grab some local brews and binge-watch Poured in PA: The Series free on YouTube!
Midtown Scholar Bookstore now offering curbside pickup.
The Millworks is now open Tuesday-Sunday at 4 p.m.

Sunday

Top picks 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
Ways to give back

Black Lives Matter protest focuses on next steps: photo gallery

June 17, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Black Lives Matter protesters gathered at the state Capitol on Wednesday evening, the rally led by local activist Brent Lipscomb. The focus was on maintaining the momentum of the movement and working for national and local change. Community leaders and members spoke, and a march around downtown Harrisburg followed.

Protesters march down N. 3rd Street.

Co-founder of Harrisburg’s Young Professionals of Color Kimeka Campbell speaks at the rally.

PA Auditor General Eugene DePasquale speaks at the rally.

Protest organizer Brent Lipscomb speaks.

Shaq Glover, community development manager at the Central PA LGBT Center, speaks.

The march continues down N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg groups to hold Juneteenth celebrations, encourage people to take day off

June 17, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Harrisburg Young Professionals of Color’s Juneteenth event last year.

It was just last year that Gov. Tom Wolf passed a bill officially recognizing June 19 as a state holiday celebrating freedom from slavery, known as Juneteenth.

In the wake of the death of George Floyd and other black men and women at the hands of police, Juneteenth takes on special meaning this year in the midst of protests and calls to action.

The Harrisburg Young Professionals of Color, La Cultura, Capital Rebirth and The Bridge are joining forces to host festivities in Harrisburg this Friday.

“It’s a celebration,” Mikell Simpson, founder of the nonprofit Capital Rebirth, said. “We have gained a lot of momentum. Now, let’s take a break for a day and celebrate.”

Young Professionals of Color will host events during the day, including time for rest and wellness activities, a cookout and a Juneteenth affirmation.

“We are encouraging people to take the day off,” co-founder Kimeka Campbell said.

In the evening, Capital Rebirth and The Bridge development group will hold a parade starting at The Bridge’s building (the former Bishop McDevitt school) that will continue to Market Street over to Herr Street and end at Sunshine Park.

There will be over 25 vendors, including healthcare providers, retail shops and businesses present, Simpson said. He added there will be no shortage of food as they plan to have enough hot dogs and hamburgers for over 700 people. Free T-shirts are available for the first 300 people, as well.

In addition to food and shopping, speakers will present on the history of Juneteenth and black culture in Harrisburg.

“Juneteenth isn’t something that is taught in schools,” Simpson said. “We want to get people educated.”

For the city’s weekly “Community Conversation” at noon, Simpson will join Mayor Eric Papenfuse along with representatives from All You Can Inc. and Harrisburg’s Peace Promenade to discuss the holiday.

A packed-full day, events will continue with the leadership of La Cultura at 3rd in the Burg. They will host pop up vendors in their storefront on the 200-block of Verbeke Street.

Closing out the Juneteenth celebrations, Capital Rebirth is showing Marvel’s “Black Panther” on their inflatable movie screen outside

“Everything is going to be black culture,” Simpson said. “That day is for us. All races are welcome, but it’s for us to celebrate.”

Simpson explained that mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be enforced, and anyone who doesn’t comply will be asked to leave.

Even with the COVID-19 crisis complicating things, Juneteenth celebrations will continue, allowing time for people in Harrisburg to take a break, reconnect with friends and commemorate the important holiday.

“Police shootings are traumatizing, celebrating Juneteenth helps us remember black people have overcome before and we will overcome again.”

Juneteenth celebrations in Harrisburg will take place on June 19. Harrisburg Young Professionals of Color events will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hurston Manor on Front Street. For more information on YPOC, visit their website. Capital Rebirth and The Bridge’s parade will take place at 5 p.m., starting at The Bridge Eco Village on Market Street. For more information, visit https://www.capitalrebirth.com/ or https://www.thebridgeecovillage.com/. La Cultura’s pop up shop at 3^rd in The Burg will take place from 7-10 p.m. For more information, visit https://laculturahbg.com/.

New coronavirus cases in PA affirm lower level, fourth day below 400

June 17, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

An image from the PA Health Department lab in Exton

New coronavirus cases in PA continue to gradually diminish, as the commonwealth again record fewer than 400 newly positive diagnoses.

The state Department of Health today reported 335 new positives for the 24-hour period ending at midnight.

The department has reported sub-400 new cases since Sunday.

Cases peaked in early April at nearly 2,000 daily new cases. Since then, cases have shown a gradual decline, despite increasingly greater testing levels for the virus.

With the additional cases, 79,818 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Locally, total diagnosed cases are as follows:

Adams County: 300 cases (yesterday, 298)
Cumberland County: 751 cases (yesterday, 746)
Dauphin County: 1,693 cases (yesterday, 1,674)
Franklin County: 852 cases (yesterday, 849)
Lancaster County: 3,830 cases (yesterday, 3,802)
Lebanon County: 1,200 cases (yesterday, 1,193)
Perry County: 76 cases (yesterday, 73)
York County: 1,195 cases (yesterday, 1,183)

Overall, 13 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

The department also reported an additional 43 deaths, meaning that 6,319 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

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

Adams County: 10 deaths (yesterday, 9)
Cumberland County: 61 deaths (yesterday, 61)
Dauphin County: 111 deaths (yesterday, 108)
Franklin County: 42 deaths (yesterday, 42)
Lancaster County: 336 deaths (yesterday, 333)
Lebanon County: 40 deaths (yesterday, 40)
Perry County: 5 deaths (yesterday, 5)
York County: 34 deaths (yesterday, 32)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 20,184 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 7,990 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,518 and 769, respectively.

“With more than half of the state now in the green phase of the process to reopen, it is essential that we continue to take precautions to protect against COVID-19,” health Secretary Rachel Levine said. “The commonwealth’s careful, measured approach to reopening is working as we see case counts continue to decline even as many other states see increases. But the virus has not gone away.”

Much of the Harrisburg area is now in the “green” phase of reopening, which means fewer restrictions on businesses and gatherings. Dauphin and Perry counties are slated to enter the green phase on Friday.

Nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 4,331, or 68.5 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 16,774 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,966 cases among employees, for a total of 19,740 at 649 distinct facilities in 47 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 6,060 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 612,832 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 533,014 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 603,092 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:

Nearly 1 percent are aged 0-4
Nearly 1 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 2 percent are aged 13-18
6 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 37 percent are aged 25-49
Nearly 25 percent are aged 50-64
28 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.

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.

“Each of us has a responsibility to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently,” Levine said. “Together, we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

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

New COVID-19 cases in PA continue to show downward trend

June 16, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

An image from the PA Department of Health lab in Exton

The coronavirus pandemic seems to be taking another step down in PA as the commonwealth today reported a third straight day with new cases below 400.

The state Department of Health today reported 362 new positives for the 24-hour period ending at midnight.

The department has reported sub-400 new cases since Sunday, though today’s data may be more significant because, in the past, new cases have spiked on Tuesdays following lower reporting to the department over weekends.

Cases peaked in early April at nearly 2,000 daily new cases. Since then, cases have shown a gradual decline, despite increasingly greater testing levels for the virus.

With the additional cases, 79,483 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Locally, total diagnosed cases are as follows:

Adams County: 298 cases (yesterday, 296)
Cumberland County: 746 cases (yesterday, 738)
Dauphin County: 1,674 cases (yesterday, 1,655)
Franklin County: 849 cases (yesterday, 843)
Lancaster County: 3,802 cases (yesterday, 3,777)
Lebanon County: 1,193 cases (yesterday, 1,190)
Perry County: 73 cases (yesterday, 72)
York County: 1,183 cases (yesterday, 1,162)

Overall, 13.2 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

The department also reported an additional 33 deaths, meaning that 6,276 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

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

Adams County: 10 deaths (yesterday, 9)
Cumberland County: 61 deaths (yesterday,60)
Dauphin County: 108 deaths (yesterday, 107)
Franklin County: 42 deaths (yesterday, 42)
Lancaster County: 333 deaths (yesterday, 331)
Lebanon County: 40 deaths (yesterday, 40)
Perry County: 5 deaths (yesterday, 5)
York County: 32 deaths (yesterday, 32)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 20,096 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 7,950 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,518 and 769, respectively.

Nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 4,268, 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 16,720 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,955 cases among employees, for a total of 19,675 at 650 distinct facilities in 47 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 6,033 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 603,092 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 523,609 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 593,030 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:

Nearly 1 percent are aged 0-4
Nearly 1 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 2 percent are aged 13-18
6 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 37 percent are aged 25-49
Nearly 25 percent are aged 50-64
28 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.

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.

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

For second straight day, new coronavirus cases in PA sink to lowest level since March

June 15, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

An image from the PA Department of Health lab in Exton

New COVID-19 diagnoses hit another long-term low in PA today, with just over 300 new positive cases.

The state Department of Health today reported 323 new COVID-19 diagnoses, 13 fewer than yesterday. This represents the fewest newly reported cases for any 24-hour period since late March.

Cases peaked in early April at nearly 2,000 daily new cases. Since then, cases have shown a gradual decline, despite increasingly greater testing levels for the virus.

With the additional cases, 79,121 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Generally, data tends to be lower on weekends due to less reporting to the state health department.

Locally, total diagnosed cases are as follows:

Adams County: 296 cases (yesterday, 290)
Cumberland County: 738 cases (yesterday, 728)
Dauphin County: 1,655 cases (yesterday, 1,634)
Franklin County: 843 cases (yesterday, 843)
Lancaster County: 3,777 cases (yesterday, 3,752)
Lebanon County: 1,190 cases (yesterday, 1,182)
Perry County: 72 cases (yesterday, 72)
York County: 1,169 cases (yesterday, 1,162)

Overall, 13.3 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

The department also reported an additional 28 deaths, meaning that 6,243 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

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

Adams County: 9 deaths (yesterday, 9)
Cumberland County: 60 deaths (yesterday, 59)
Dauphin County: 107 deaths (yesterday, 107)
Franklin County: 42 deaths (yesterday, 42)
Lancaster County: 331 deaths (yesterday, 329)
Lebanon County: 40 deaths (yesterday, 40)
Perry County: 5 deaths (yesterday, 5)
York County: 32 deaths (yesterday, 31)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 20,007 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 7,930 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,509 and 764, respectively.

Nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 4,268, or 68.3 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 16,612 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,936 cases among employees, for a total of 19,548 at 642 distinct facilities in 45 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 5,996 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 593,030 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 513,909 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 583,233 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:

Nearly 1 percent are aged 0-4
Nearly 1 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 2 percent are aged 13-18
6 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 37 percent are aged 25-49
Nearly 25 percent are aged 50-64
28 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.

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.

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

Bethesda Women’s Shelter faces renewal project, construction begins

June 15, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Director Shelley Brooks (far right) and other staff at Bethesda Women’s Mission take sledgehammers to the old building.

Not too long ago, a car hit the main Bethesda Women’s Shelter building on Forster Street.

Director Shelley Brooks ran out to check the damage. Not even one brick had come loose, but to her, that was bad luck.

“I always tell everyone who visits, when they leave to take a brick with them,” she said.

Brooks finally saw her dream for renovation come true as demolition began today for the shelter renewal project.

Bethesda Women’s Mission has occupied the 120-year-old former pair of school buildings for 37 years. Brooks has worked there for 35 of them.

The 120-year-old buildings sit on the 1900-block of Forster Street.

“The buildings served us well for many years, but over the last decade, we saw deterioration,” Executive Director Scott Dunwoody said.

The shelter offers long-term and transitional living for women in crisis to seek restoration and personal growth. Many of these women have faced abuse and addiction. The buildings house 25 beds for women and their children.

Brooks explained the growing need in the Harrisburg area for young women’s support as a motivating factor in the expansion.

“It’s time to spread out a little because the need is great,” she said.

The transitional living building will be demolished and rebuilt first, followed by the main building. Once completed, the half-acre site will hold a new four-story building with 51 beds, the new transitional living building and outdoor garden and park space.

“The shelter has given women who have been in crisis a whole new opportunity for a different life,” Dunwoody said.

Within the past two years, Bethesda has raised over 85% of the $4.2 million price tag on the project through grants and private donors. They are now looking for community donations to meet their goal.

The project, taken on by Pyramid Construction, is expected to be completed by the fall of 2021.

With excitement, Brooks and other staff members took sledgehammers to one of the old brick buildings this morning.

“I feel very privileged to be where I am,” Brooks said. “This has been very much a home, and I will miss that. But I won’t miss calling the maintenance person a lot.”

Bethesda Women’s Mission is located at 1933 Forster St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit https://www.bethesdamission.org/take-action/womens-mission-renewal/.

New COVID-19 cases, deaths hit multi-month lows in PA

June 14, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

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

New coronavirus cases notched another multi-month low today, and newly reported fatalities also fell substantially.

The state Department of Health today reported 336 new COVID-19 diagnoses. This represents the fewest newly reported cases for any 24-hour period since late March.

Cases peaked in early April at nearly 2,000 daily new cases. Since then, cases have shown a gradual decline, despite increasingly greater testing levels for the virus.

With the additional cases, 78,798 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Notably, data tends to be lower on weekends due to less reporting to the state health department.

Locally, total diagnosed cases are as follows:

Adams County: 290 cases (yesterday, 289)
Cumberland County: 728 cases (yesterday, 725)
Dauphin County: 1,634 cases (yesterday, 1,606)
Franklin County: 842 cases (yesterday, 843)
Lancaster County: 3,752 cases (yesterday, 3,719)
Lebanon County: 1,182 cases (yesterday, 1,162)
Perry County: 72 cases (yesterday, 71)
York County: 1,162 cases (yesterday, 1,157)

Overall, 13.5 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

The department also reported an additional four deaths, meaning that 6,215 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

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

Adams County: 9 deaths (yesterday, 9)
Cumberland County: 59 deaths (yesterday, 59)
Dauphin County: 107 deaths (yesterday, 107)
Franklin County: 42 deaths (yesterday, 42)
Lancaster County: 329 deaths (yesterday, 329)
Lebanon County: 40 deaths (yesterday, 39)
Perry County: 5 deaths (yesterday, 5)
York County: 31 deaths (yesterday, 31)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 19,933 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 7,898 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,505 and 763, respectively.

Nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 4,268, or 68.7 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 16,578 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,929 cases among employees, for a total of 19,507 at 638 distinct facilities in 45 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 5,982 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 583,233 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 504,435 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 575,051 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:

Nearly 1 percent are aged 0-4
Nearly 1 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 2 percent are aged 13-18
6 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 37 percent are aged 25-49
Nearly 25 percent are aged 50-64
28 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.

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.

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

Coronavirus cases continue downward slope with fewer new positives in PA

June 13, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

An image from the PA Department of Health lab in Exton

New COVID-19 cases have again dipped below 500 in PA, concluding the week on a promising note.

The state Department of Health today reported 463 new cases for the 24-hour period ending at midnight. Except for Friday, every day this past week had fewer than 500 new cases in PA, a trend not seen since March.

Cases peaked in early April at nearly 2,000 daily new cases. Since then, cases have shown a gradual decline, despite increasingly greater testing levels for the virus.

With the additional cases, 78,462 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Locally, total diagnosed cases are as follows:

Adams County: 289 cases (yesterday, 284)
Cumberland County: 725 cases (yesterday, 709)
Dauphin County: 1,606 cases (yesterday, 1,587)
Franklin County: 843 cases (yesterday, 837)
Lancaster County: 3,719 cases (yesterday, 3,682)
Lebanon County: 1,162 cases (yesterday, 1,140)
Perry County: 71 cases (yesterday, 70)
York County: 1,157 cases (yesterday, 1,141)

Overall, 13.6 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

The department also reported an additional 49 deaths, meaning that 6,211 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

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

Adams County: 9 deaths (yesterday, 9)
Cumberland County: 59 deaths (yesterday, 58)
Dauphin County: 107 deaths (yesterday, 107)
Franklin County: 42 deaths (yesterday, 42)
Lancaster County: 329 deaths (yesterday, 325)
Lebanon County: 39 deaths (yesterday, 39)
Perry County: 5 deaths (yesterday, 5)
York County: 31 deaths (yesterday, 31)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 19,856 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 7,865 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,502 and 763, respectively.

Yesterday, three local counties—Cumberland, York and Adams—entered the “green” phase of reopening, which means fewer restrictions on businesses and gatherings. Dauphin and Perry counties are slated to enter the green phase on Friday.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 16,546 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,920 cases among employees, for a total of 19,466 at 637 distinct facilities in 45 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 5,965 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 575,051 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 496,589 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 566,384 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:

Nearly 1 percent are aged 0-4
Nearly 1 percent are aged 5-12
Nearly 2 percent are aged 13-18
6 percent are aged 19-24
Nearly 37 percent are aged 25-49
25 percent are aged 50-64
28 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.

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.

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

Bob’s Art Blog: The Threads that Bind

June 13, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

A display wall at Modern Rugs in Harrisburg

Art knows no boundaries in the many ways it presents itself to the world.

Beyond the usual mediums of painting, photography and sculpture, there is the ancient art of rug making. Historically the province of “exotic” Eastern lands like the Orient, Persia, Turkey and India, known for their reputation for making the most beautiful rugs in the world, the art now finds itself encompassed under one roof in Midtown Harrisburg at Modern Rugs. No one appreciates this legacy more than the owners and curators, Zachary Nitzan and Tahirih Alia, who hold the art form near and dear to their hearts.

Their professional relationship and personal lives are as intertwined as the exquisite rugs they sell. I recently visited their headquarters, and, in the most serene and sincere way, they divulged the ancient tales of rugs and romance, of exotic locales and enchanting people. From the very first moment, we were “hooked.” It was a privilege to go on the journey with them. Rugs tell a tale with no two alike. In fact, Nitzan shared that “ancient rugs tell the story of life.”

Dyed-in-the-wool purists, both embrace the mysteries and rich history of how rug making became elevated to the art form it is today. Their journey together echoes the tantalizing tapestry of textiles woven to create horizontal works of art. What evolved out of necessity for protection from the elements thousands of years ago has transcended mere functionality to become the main focal point in a room. Originally created for comfort from the hard ground, rugs became a crucial element in completing the look and feel of beauty in home furnishings. It’s an art form as old as time, dating back to the caveman and his depiction of hunt scenes on walls and animal hides on the floors. The original weavers were the shepherds. Centuries ago, they started knotting wool into heavy woven cloth that was later developed into rugs.

Zachary and Tahirih, inveterate world travelers with a love of beauty, speak often about their never-ending search for sourcing the finest materials to provide inspiration for the latest in design technique. An expert like Nitzan knows instinctively, after a quarter-century in the business, what intricacies go into the manufacturing of rugs and the workmanship involved in artisinally hand-wrought goods. In fact, he is a member of the International Society of Appraisers. Generally, the more tightly a rug is woven, the more detailed the design can be. The elements that determine the value of a rug are attributed to materials used, density of knots and the rarity of the design. Silk and wool fabrications aid in the absorption of the organic dyes. As rug connoisseurs, both Nitzan and Alia hold a tremendous appreciation for the labor-intensive process involved in one-of-a-kind creations. Their exclusive in-house rugs, Christopher Fareed Design Collection, allows for maximum customer input with selection from a grouping of over 40,000 choices. These rugs have adorned such ornate residences as palaces in Dubai and can also be found in boutique hotels around the world.

Co-owner Tahirih Alia in the showroom at Modern Rugs.

Given the distinction of being an international force in the industry, their love affair with Harrisburg and, specifically, Midtown, is all the more remarkable. Four years ago, Zachary and Tahirih uprooted their established business in Washington, D.C., to move the entire operation to the city and never looked back. The team’s core group, including sales director Tara Clugston and marketing director Brad Moody, made the move from D.C. The design director, Kayla Reimold, operations manager, Cherri Parks-Taylor and graphic designer Blen Asres complete the front line of key players crucial to the success of Modern Rugs. The trio hails locally, bringing homegrown talent to the mix. It is no wonder that the staff has become an extension of family, as personal relationships are the threads that bind. That strength is made permanent by forging an investment in the people they work with so closely.

There is nothing quite like seeing and touching the rugs in person. With vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, the showroom reflects an aesthetic that is more an art gallery than a rug store. An entire expansive room is dedicated to one-of-a-kind rugs hanging like the works of art they are, from floor to ceiling. It sets the stage of a museum exhibit in the art of rug making.

The online business at Modern Rugs is a global one. Rugs make statements of personal style and taste reflecting clientele preferences for color, patterns and texture. With the collection’s ability to shift gears for custom work, the sky’s the limit. The design is limited only by the imagination in terms of the creative process. In fact, their rugs have been made from rough sketches on a napkin. One example is an historical script from a Civil War soldier lifted from a poignant letter home to his wife and replicated in rug form. If you can dream it or draw it, the rug becomes your personal tale.

Opening their flagship location was the first step to help turn Midtown into even more of an art destination. For Modern Rugs, “collaboration and community” go hand-in-hand in that the entire area benefits from a collective of likeminded entrepreneurs. Restoration, revitalization and renaissance join their vernacular in the next breath.

They shared future dreams of expansion, already well underway in the next building. With ample space on the second and third floors, the owners see endless possibilities ahead. The build-out is already in progress. The couple envisions a presentation combining the artistic components of rug making to networking with neighbors and friends like the Susquehanna Art Museum and other merchants on the block. An overriding goal is to be able to develop production of all rug manufacturing in Harrisburg, creating 100 new jobs. Nitzan and Alia flipped over one of the showroom sample rugs highlighting The Modern Rugs label as the last step in the process, their forever business card, ensuring the rug has surpassed every facet of inspection. The owners look forward to the day when the “green light” is given to reopen their doors. In the meantime, they are happy to meet by appointment following the guidelines outlined by the state.

One may view Modern Rugs as a lush garden in terms of nurture and care. From a deep appreciation of their staff’s contributions, Nitzan and Alia plant seeds in rich soil to produce a product that stands above the rest. And for the artists worldwide, that same philosophy applies, like helping to fund an orphanage in India. Civic and community-minded, they are good friends and neighbors both on a local level and a global stage.

In the space of two hours, we had sailed the Seven Seas to the Orient, strolled serpentine byways to Byzantine bazaars and traveled in “a passage to India,” all in a quest for a deeper appreciation of antiquities brought into the 21st century. We gained invaluable insight and came away richer from the experience. We were entertained, enlightened and enveloped in the very best of ways—like being wrapped up in the most special rug of all—we had shared in their story of life.

Modern Rugs is located at 1404 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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