Count Us In: It’s go time for the 2020 census.

February 28, 2020 | by M. Diane McCormick

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Census.

Census who?

It makes “census” to get an accurate head count.

Sorry. Best I could do. It’s just our way of saying the decennial enumeration is hot on our heels. Starting this month, homes across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 census, with instructions on how to respond.

But many localities, including in Dauphin County, are making their own special efforts to encourage voluntary response, before an in-person census taker, beginning in May, does the real “knock-knock” on your door.

From city to countryside, partnerships are the key to reaching every resident in Dauphin County, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

What’s at stake if undercounted communities stay undercounted? About $2,000 in federal funds is lost per year for every person overlooked, according to a George Washington University study. Miss, say, 10,000 people, and that’s $20 million diverted from roads, schools, health facilities, housing and food aid in a single year.

There also are fewer heads counted when legislative and congressional lines are drawn, creating a representational imbalance in Harrisburg and Washington.

The Census Bureau has baseline population numbers, but forging those baselines into statistical data demands accurate counts, said Angela Gregg, Census Bureau partnership specialist within Dauphin County.

“For grant funding, you have to prove that you are servicing that population number in order to back up that the funding will be used in that area,” she said.

Trusted Voices

The numbers give communities and businesses demographic insights that inform planning for housing, commerce and other needs, said Harrisburg Planning Bureau Director Geoffrey Knight.

“Are large households growing? Are single households growing?” he said. “What does that mean for the type of housing we provide? What does that mean for economic development and for our transportation system?”

Dauphin County’s officially hard-to-count neighborhoods are in parts of Middletown and Harrisburg—Allison Hill and South Allison Hill, plus the blocks of Uptown just above Maclay Street. (Find them at www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us and the www.census.gov Response Outreach Area Mapper, or ROAM.)

But a closer look shows other slow spots, including the Hershey area (all those transient medical students) and northern Dauphin County, said Steven B. Deck, executive director of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission.

The Dauphin County commissioners tapped Deck to chair the county’s Complete Count Committee, a voluntary Census Bureau initiative meant to reach every pocket of every community.

Dauphin County fashioned its committee as a “facilitator,” said Deck.

“We’re not trying to do anything on our own,” he said. “The idea was to pull together a good group of organizations and municipalities to get the word out.”

So, there are townships and business groups; Latino organizations and the NAACP; government offices and libraries; faith institutions and colleges.

“The idea was to find groups that people would trust—that if they send out information saying that it’s safe to fill out the census form and why it’s important to fill it out, then they’re more prone to fill it out,” said Deck.

Community partners “are our trusted voices within the community to get the word out,” agrees Gregg. The partners also contribute ideas that help the bureau target its ad buys and media dollars.

Each Complete Count Committee member brings its own network. For instance, Tri County Community Action is partnering with the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness to reach the homeless population. Residents of every community, undercounted or not, should care, said Jennifer Wintermyer, Tri County Community Action’s executive director.

“It impacts how much federal funding is available for LIHEAP (heating assistance) and weatherization,” she said. “The Community Development Block Grant is an incredible pool of money for community resources and physical improvements. We all like to complain about our roads and congestion and bridges being safe. How the federal government determines where that money goes depends on how many people live here.”

Not to mention the vibrancy of congressional representation.

“If Pennsylvania loses congressional representation, then we have fewer people who know about us and care about us standing up and fighting for us in Washington, D.C.,” Wintermyer said.

Use Their Voice

In northern Dauphin County, a robust count will help fight the “big five” of rural challenges, said Bonnie Kent, Dauphin County operation manager and community liaison— hunger, homelessness, transportation, unemployment and health care. She is educating residents “on the whys and the how and the when and the where” of the census.

“I’m planning to cheerlead in northern Dauphin for everyone to be counted, knowing it’s going to have a great impact on our communities,” she said. “We just need to encourage people to use their voice to be counted.”

So, residents visiting the Northern Dauphin County Human Services Center for access to one of 14 human services are met with bonus census messages. Census information will be “visible in public places with high frequency,” such as the Friday night Gratz Crossroads Auction. Parents are being tapped through early childhood events and a support network. The region’s large Amish community is hearing the message through newsletters.

Like others, the city of Harrisburg is employing a “trust the messenger” strategy. Working with places of worship and other groups sends the message to the places where people congregate, instead of expecting them to show up for special events.

“It helps bring it back home a little bit more to the public when you’re hearing it in places and from people that you see on a daily or weekly basis,” said Knight.

Undercounts can result from language barriers, transience or even misunderstandings. Some people mistakenly believe that children and senior citizens aren’t counted.

“Everybody counts, so let’s count everybody,” said Wintermyer.

Safe Place

New this time is an online filing option, created to encourage “self-response,” the term for filing before the Census Bureau needs to send out enumerators. But community groups see a “significant barrier” among those who only access the internet by phone or lack broadband access or lack computer literacy, said Wintermyer.

“There’s a strong feeling that, with the modernization of the census, we’re going to have a strong undercount,” she said.

To avert that possibility, Tri County Community Action, the Northern Dauphin County Human Services Center and county libraries are among those groups offering free computer access in their offices.

“We are a safe place for folks to come and use internet access,” said Wintermyer. “If you’re here, we want you counted.”

As for concerns that the now-scuttled citizenship question could dampen turnout, Deck said, “I don’t doubt that that’s part of the heavy sales pitch.”

Wintermyer agrees the question remains a specter in fears of an undercount, along with concerns over confidentiality.

“That’s part of the message we’re trying to get to the community and community partners—that filling out the form is safe and confidential,” she said.

Gregg said that citizenship-question controversy has not been a hurdle.

“Everyone’s been great about that and realizing how important it is to respond,” she said. “We focus our goal around how safe it is and how important it is.”

City officials urge everyone in the Harrisburg region to “stand up and be counted,” especially because electoral district lines are drawn after the census is final, said Knight.

“The closer we get to a full and complete count of our communities, the better off we will all be,” he said.

For more information on the U.S. Census, visit www.2020census.gov, www.pa.gov/census or the groups mentioned in this story.

Women in Business: Nell McCormack Abom

February 28, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Nell McCormack Abom, Owner
Nell McCormack Abom Communications
Nellmccormackabom.com
717.514.6301

Why did you decide to go into your profession?

Curiosity is an integral part of my nature. I am fascinated by people, places and things, and that innate curiosity about the world led me to my first passion, journalism. I devoted nearly 20 years of my professional life to reporting, anchoring and producing award-winning television news programs around the country. Amid that path, I took a 10-year detour and drove the news as a senior communications advisor to Governors Bob Casey and Tom Ridge. That bipartisan and proactive communications experience deepened my understanding of effective messaging and potent storytelling to bring about behavioral and policy changes. My career has come full circle now as an accomplished, award-winning public relations entrepreneur. Through my PR firm, and in collaboration with skilled partners, we help clients promote their products and services, and better the world through their philanthropy.

What makes your approach to your job different or unique?

We’re small but mighty! When you hire a PR professional, you want to build a trustworthy relationship and see a strong return on investment. We are highly responsive and strive to deliver excellence every day with attention to detail, creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork. Clients benefit from our active listening to their concerns and expectations, and they appreciate our customized, multi-faceted, strategic messaging plans. We keep them apprised and engaged every step of the way. I love the Farmers Insurance tagline, “We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.” As seasoned media training and PR professionals, our team thrives on calming tense situations; making complex subjects relatable to people; and producing visual events that motivate audiences to act. We’ve even overcome international custom and language barriers to deliver world-class results while managing media on government trade missions. Here in Central PA, our talented and experienced team represents a diverse portfolio of nonprofit and commercial clients who trust our character, connections, expertise, judgment, and passion to achieve success.

What’s the most fun or gratifying part of what you do?

Work is a four-letter word, but we make it F U N! I’m most gratified advocating to the media on a client’s behalf; crafting stories and videos; and training individuals how to find and use their voice to bring their vision to life. Whether promoting the protection of children from abuse or flipping the switch on the first local hotel to go 100-percent solar-powered, our joy comes in helping clients make our communities a better place to live, play and work. Together, let’s Be Brilliant in all we do!

Knead More Pizza: Popular market pizzeria opens a slice shop in the shadow of the state Capitol.

February 28, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Terry Hanley & Jennie O’Neil

You might have a memory of that slice you grew up on, the first one you can remember—in the pizza shop your parents took you to or the one you hung out at with friends.

Whatever that flashback looks like, you will always hold that pizza in high esteem, maybe knowing it can’t quite compare to the brick oven flatbreads you’ve tasted since, but still remembering it with fondness.

For Jennie O’Neill, it’s the memory of going to Pepe’s, the pizza shop near her grandparents’ house in New Haven, Conn.

“I loved it,” O’Neill said. “It was the whole family sitting around the table with pitchers of soda. That New Haven style is where I always go back to. But it’s funny because we don’t make that kind of pizza here.”

Three years ago, O’Neill and her husband Terry Hanley opened Knead Pizza in the Broad Street Market. O’Neill had wanted to open her own restaurant for a while. Working at another restaurant, she met cook Bow Phrachansiri and, over the years, they have consistently worked to tweak their recipes and make something customers want to keep coming back for.

For a lot of kids, Knead may become that “nostalgic idea of pizza,” as O’Neill calls it.

“There are kids that we’ve watched grow up since they were babies where we were their first bite of pizza and now they’re like 5 year olds,” O’Neill said. “I hope we are here 20 years from now when they are adults.”

The Knead team now has taken a step in that direction, a path that leads right down 3rd Street, in the direction of the Capitol complex.

Our Way

In January, Knead Slice Shop opened on the corner of N. 3rd and Boas streets in Harrisburg, just a few blocks down from their market stand. Knead is housed in what was formerly Mercado’s Pizza, famous locally for its late-night hours satisfying cravings for a post-midnight snack.

Matt Caylor, a Midtown resident, frequented Mercado’s for years, as he lives just down the street.

“It’s tough to replace Mercado’s, but I think Knead is going to fill that same niche with this slice shop,” he said.

While O’Neill and the team set up shop in a building that housed a pizza restaurant for multiple decades, they were ready to make it their own.

“We were like—we would love to get in there and do the pizza shop thing, but our way,” she said.

The market and storefront locations may be in close proximity, but the pies served are as unique as the spaces they’re in. Each uses different flour to make a dough fit for the environment. O’Neill explained the market-style pizza as Neapolitan. It is hearth fired and has a thinner crust. The slice shop makes a classic New York-style pizza and “grandma pizza,” which has a thicker crust.

No matter the site, Knead cooks have a unique way of crafting their pies, starting from the bottom up.

“A question we get pretty often is what makes you different from any other pizzeria,” Phrachansiri said. “It starts right with the dough.”

For at least 48 hours, dough is fermented and aged to enhance flavor, Phrachansiri explained. Once the dough is made, they use fresh products for their sauce and toppings.

“We get excited about our pizza,” she said.

New Tastes

Last year, O’Neill and the team signed the papers and officially began work on the building. However, this would be no short process.

“It took a lot of time to clean 40 years of a business out of here,” O’Neill said.

They replaced windows and doors, painted and re-worked plumbing and electrical. The only things remaining from Mercado’s are the pizza oven and mixer.

Once a hole-in-the-wall shop that seemed to be lit primarily by the neon beer signs in the windows, the shop became bright and fresh with plenty of places to sit. You can even find a nod to Mercado’s as the marble bar is made from the old shop’s pizza prep station.

“I love the new location,” Caylor said. “It’s a nice addition to Midtown.”

The slice shop is open for lunch and dinner, but the real question on everyone’s mind is— will they open for late-night hours?

The answer is yes. Sometime this spring, those late-night munchers will have their way again.

“It should be a spot for everybody to mingle,” O’Neill said.

Over the years, there have been “dough explosions” and “mixer meltdowns,” a building in need of big renovations and many other challenges, but Knead’s team has stayed focused on their goal.

“We want to serve food to the masses,” O’Neill said. “Pizza is a pretty good way to do that.”

Knead Slice Shop is located at 937 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. The original Knead Pizza is located in the Broad Street Market. For more information, visit www.kneadhbg.com.

Hard Work, with a Smile: PR pro Anne Gallaher makes it look easy.

February 28, 2020 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Anne Deeter Gallaher has a knack for putting people at ease.

With her twinkling eyes and easy smile, it’s hard to conceive of her working in a field other than public relations. Those who meet the affable Gallaher may believe that her success comes naturally, but she’ll tell you otherwise.

“You need grit, resilience, tenacity and a contagious optimism because people respond to how you make them feel,” said Gallaher, CEO of the Camp Hill-based Deeter Gallaher Group,

This year, she celebrates 20 years in the business and feels blessed to have beaten the odds to achieve that milestone.

“Considering that 30 percent of new businesses fail in the first two years, 50 percent fail during the first five and only 25 percent make it to 15 years, I feel pretty good about it,” she said.

Ramping Up

Right out of college, Gallaher put her bachelor’s degree in communications to work and took a job as an editorial assistant, later promoted to director of editorial services at the publishing house of the Christian Missionary Alliance, which was long located on S. 10th Street in Harrisburg.

After five years there, Gallaher took time off to raise her three sons. As her children got older, her thoughts turned again to communications when she noticed a service organization that could use a little community support.

“My brother-in-law, who is a minister at Camp Hill United Methodist, had a youth ministry called Salt and Light,” she said. “So, I pitched the idea of a quarterly newsletter to share all the great things they were doing.”

One of the first moves Gallaher made was joining the West Shore Chamber of Commerce, where she took a seat on the public relations committee.

“That catapulted me into the business world,” she said.

Soon, her business grew from an office in her bedroom and meetings at Cornerstone Coffeehouse to her own Camp Hill office, where she works alongside communications strategist Marisa Corser, who has been with the company for 13 years.

Gallaher was also able to open up an office in Nashville, which she visits about every two months and where her daughter-in-law, Monica Bishop Gallaher, works as a content strategist.

Today Gallaher’s clients run the gamut across every industry, including retail, financial, commercial, real estate development, health care and entertainment.

Resilience

Gallaher said that, as her business grew, she had to make sure that she was staying current and bringing clients along to social media platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

“Back in 2000, when I started, everything was print, direct mail, brochures and newsletters,” she said. “To survive 20 years, I had to be nimble enough to realize that print was struggling and the quicker we ramped up, the stronger and more diversified we’d be.”

Bringing on her first hire was necessary, but not without its worries.

“Now I knew I had to be responsible for an additional person, not just myself,” she said.

And one important thing about being in business for yourself—you can never really take it easy.

“There’s really no rest as in, ‘whew, I made it,’” she said. “You’re always thinking ahead.”

One of the greatest challenges, she said, is trying not to take things personally. Resilience is key.

“Sometimes, I have to re-read my own chapter in the book about that,” she said with a chuckle, referencing a 2013 book she co-wrote called “Women in High Gear: A Guide for Entrepreneurs, On-Rampers and Aspiring Executives.”

The dedication, hard work and talent have paid off.

“She has helped us promote our unique properties and our tenants, which has driven retail traffic,” said Richard E. Jordan III, president and CEO of Smith Land & Improvement Corp. “She has been a great strategic partner for Smith Land and has contributed greatly to our operating philosophy and vision for the future.”

Patricia Husic, president of CEO of Centric Bank, praised Gallaher’s ability to turn a phrase.

“I always joke about her having a ‘magical pen,’” Husic said. “Her writing gift is unsurpassed, and she always makes us feel as if our company is top priority.”

Despite her busy schedule, Gallaher has been able to give back through community service.
“You have to be a community champion,” is her motto. For instance, she has served for 10 years on the advisory board of the Salvation Army Harrisburg.

“You often hear the term ‘servant leader’ bandied about, but Anne defines it,” said Kathy Anderson-Martin, the Salvation Army’s director of resource development. “She willingly lends her time, talent, treasures and heart to the Salvation Army and other organizations to make a difference in the community and provide a voice for those who have none.”

As to her future, Gallaher plans more of the same—growing her client base and contributing to the community.

“I think central Pennsylvania is a fabulous place to start a business and it’s also a great place to grow—you get a lot of the benefits of a big city like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh,” she said. “There’s also access to financing with community banks like Centric. They are completely in tune with female-owned small businesses.”

Gallaher hopes that young women are inspired by her story.

“Some think they can’t make it beyond the tech industry, and I tell them there are so many ways to make it as a female in business,” she said. “One of my favorite quotes is from Jonathan Winters, ‘If your ship doesn’t come in, swim to it.’”

The Deeter Gallaher Group is located at 1822 Market St., Camp Hill. For more information, call 717-525-8042 or visit www.deetergallahergroup.com.

Women in Business: Jane McMinn

February 28, 2020 | by Admin

Jane McMinn, Senior Vice President, Regional Credit Officer
S&T Bank
STBank.com
800.325.2265

Why did you decide to go into your profession?

When I graduated from a liberal arts college with dual majors in mathematics and business administration, it was more about what I didn’t want to do. I knew that I didn’t want to be a math teacher or an actuary, but I wanted to use my math aptitude in my career. As a newly graduated student, like many young and eager college grads, I wanted to move out of the area. Fortunately, the job market in Florida was soft, and I received two offers from banks in PA. Rather than go the retail path, I chose to join a commercial credit training program, which led to becoming a commercial middle market lender, manager of a lending team and now a Regional Credit Officer at S&T Bank. And looking back, I now know that I made the right decision to stay in PA.

What makes your approach to your job different or unique?

I try to put myself in the “other person’s shoes.” As a regional credit officer, my job is to protect the assets of the bank, mitigating risk, but recognizing that loans need to be made, to grow the bank. I’m new to the position, having been on the sales and management side of commercial lending for most of my career. This is a benefit—remembering how competitive the marketplace is—so my approach is to try to reach a compromise. While not every opportunity can or should be approved, throughout the course of my career, I have seen many missed opportunities by the credit officer not listening and keeping an open mind to different approaches.

What’s the most fun or gratifying part of what you do?

Helping companies grow and be successful, which trickles down to their employees and families. Many years ago, I questioned whether I was making an impact and helping society. I’ll never forget when a fellow graduate student and I were having a conversation, in the parking lot at Penn State Harrisburg following class, about the direction of our lives. He was the one who opened my eyes and helped me understand the significance and importance of my career to the local economy and its citizens. This came home during the recession, when I structured loans to help companies survive and keep people employed in their local communities.

Houses & Home: Twila Glenn warmly embraces the term “realtor mom.”

February 28, 2020 | by Diane White McNaughton

Twila Glenn

Twila Glenn is chatting easily on her cell phone in her expansive home in Lower Paxton Township while her 5-year-old son plays video games beside her and she puts last-minute touches on a sleepover party for her daughter—all while working to top last year’s $8 million in real estate sales.

She wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I wanted a career that allowed me to be present in the lives of my kids and to make good money doing something I loved,” she said.

Glenn is part of a group she lovingly calls “The Realtor Moms,” leading the powerhouse team under Joy Daniels Real Estate.

After graduating from Messiah College with a degree in international business 14 years ago, Glenn embarked upon a career in banking as a portfolio manager. She rapidly realized that sitting in front of a computer all day, managing trades, was not her passion.

At that time, many of her friends were buying their first houses and were asking her to come to showings with them, knowing she had always embraced architecture and interior design. It was her husband Ryan who suggested she consider getting her real estate license.

She decided to cross that threshold, working full-time at the bank by day and then attending four-hour classes at night. While most trainees find the classes to be dull, she loved them.

Taking a leap of faith, she quit her day job, opting for a commission-based lifestyle. She started working for Century 21, and after three years, moved to RE/MAX for eight years.

Throughout, she knew she wanted to assemble her own team. Two years ago, award-winning realtor Joy Daniels reached out to her.

Under a new arrangement, agents now work for Daniels’ company, not directly for her. It allowed Glenn to do all she did before, and more.

“The Realtor Moms” are governed by the philosophy, “The relationship is more important than the transaction.” That mindset is working, because referrals have been pouring in, Glenn said.

Her relationship-builder acumen also has earned her a spot on the board of Harristown Development Corp. and drawn offers to join several other boards. She is also a Sunday school teacher at the Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church.

It’s the icing on the cake for a woman who used to play “office” as a child and is a DIY home decorator.

She mentors other realtor “moms,” who often think they have to wait until their children are in school to sell real estate. “You can do this too,” she urges them.

Recently, she earned her designation as a “senior real estate specialist.” While many of her older clients have moved into assisted-living communities and will probably never move again, she still remains in touch, and the referrals still come.

She has succeeded, in part, because she communicates with her clients constantly, and in the form her clients prefer. She knows most of her older clients don’t want emails and texts. She often visits them personally and calls them often.

“The more you stay in touch, the better the entire transaction and their entire relationship is,” she said.

“What sets our team apart is we know our strengths, and we try to bring in team members to supplement our weaknesses,” she said. “As a team, we are strong.”

Glenn estimates that 95 percent of her marketing is event-based, not calendars and magnets. She and her mom-realtors throw “client appreciation parties,” offering, for example, a free showing of “Aladdin” and free concessions, for recent and long-ago clients.

They give away pie at the holidays, do a free “Coffee on Us,” and host housewarming parties for buyers for up to a year.

They now attract four to five referrals a week. Her goal this year is to give out three times as many referrals as they receive and to hit $13 million in inventory.

Personally, she wants to travel more and take her family on a Disney cruise. Her daughter is a fan of “Moana,” and her son is into all things “Star Wars.” Although she admits to some workaholic tendencies, she will readily turn off her phone and be the “force” her kids and husband need.

“At the end of your life, it’s not about the number of transactions you did,” she said. “It’s about the people we impacted and the memories we made.”

For more information on the Twila Glenn Group, call 717-695-3177 or visit www.glenngrouprealty.com.

Community Corner: Notable March Events

February 28, 2020 | by Missy Smith

March Community Corner

Guest Sermon
March 1: Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, 1280 Clover Lane, hosts special guest preacher Rev. Lee Barker, 10:30 a.m. In 1978, he was the church’s full-time minister. A coffee hour and reception will follow. Contact [email protected] or call 717-564-4761.

Maple Sugar Festival
March 1: Enjoy the annual Maple Sugar Festival at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 12 to 4 p.m. Learn the mysteries of maple syrup making and have fun with tree tapping and children’s activities. Taste syrup and shop for Pennsylvania maple products. www.forthunter.org

Soup Cook-Off
March 1: AKT Foundation will host its 11th annual Soup Cook-Off, benefiting children with cystic fibrosis. Held 12 to 4 p.m. at the Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St., the event gathers about 40 local chefs to showcase homemade soups, with attendees voting for their favorites. www.TheSoupCookOff.com

Candidate Forums
March 1, 8: Capital Region Stands Up (formerly Capital Region Indivisible) will host candidate forums at Camp Hill Borough Hall, 2145 Walnut St., March 1, 3 to 4:30 p.m., with a candidate forum for the 10th congressional district, and March 8, 3 to 5 p.m., with a PA General Assembly candidate forum. www.crstandsup.org

Blood Pressure Screenings
March 2: Stop by the food court pavilion at Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., for free blood pressure screenings offered by UPMC Pinnacle. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Decisions 2019
March 2, 16: World Affairs Council of Harrisburg will host “Great Decisions,” a program on world affairs organized by the Foreign Policy Association. Sessions are held every other Monday at 1 p.m. at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. Cost is $10 per session. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

KIDZ Wednesday
March 4, 18: Toddlers and young children and their families are invited to have fun learning with educational hands-on activities at free KIDZ Wednesdays, Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Curiosity Kids
March 5: Kids ages 3 to 6 and their families are invited to “Feed the Birds” at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m., during its monthly Curiosity Kids program. Learn about birds and make your own bird feeder. www.statemuseumpa.org

HBG Flea
March 7: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. www.hbgflea.com

Ice & Fire
March 7: Harrisburg hosts its third annual Ice & Fire Festival downtown near city hall on N. 2nd Street, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy ice sculptures, an ice-skating rink, fire dancers, food trucks, music, children’s activities and more. www.harrisburgpa.gov/iceandfire

Charter Day
March 8: Celebrate the commonwealth’s 339th birthday on the 20th annual Charter Day with free admission to the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 12 to 5 p.m. View the original 1681 charter that granted the land of Pennsylvania to William Penn. www.statemuseumpa.org

State Murals
March 8: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, hosts Prof. Patricia Likos Ricci in a talk about Violet Oakley’s first commission for the state Capitol, 2 p.m. Ricci served as special advisor to the museum’s current Oakley exhibit. www.statemuseumpa.org

Open House
March 8: Drop in at the Circle School of Harrisburg, 727 Wilhelm Rd., 2 to 4 p.m., for an open house to learn about the school. Bring the family to learn about self-directed, democratic education. There will be a student Q&A panel at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. www.CircleSchool.org

Library Auction
March 8-22: New Cumberland Public Library is hosting an online auction to raise matching funds for a new roof, gutters and flooring for the kids’ area. Bids accepted starting on March 8 until March 22. Items can be viewed in the library’s first-floor showcase and online. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Soup & a Bowl
March 9: The 26th annual Soup & a Bowl fundraiser will be held at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, with seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Enjoy soup, bread, dessert, music, pottery throwing and a raffle. Locally crafted Central PA Food Bank bowls can be ordered in advance. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. www.centralpafoodbank.org

Homeschool Day
March 11: Join the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, for Homeschool Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hands-on objects and crafts and presentations from curators, archivists and educators. Cost is $10 per person; members are free. Admission includes all special programs and planetarium admittance. www.statemuseumofpa.org

Spring Fishing
March 13-29: Bass Pro Shops Harrisburg, 3501 Paxton St., hosts its annual Spring Fishing Classic. Take in fishing and boating seminars, food demos and youth programs and talk to local community partners about their services. www.basspro.com

Spring Wreath
March 14: Decorate a wreath with natural materials at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Natural materials like cones, nuts and seed pods will be supplied. Participants may bring additional items. Sip tea or coffee while adding finishing touches. Workshop fee is $15 per wreath. www.wildwoodlake.org

Volunteer Work Day
March 14: Enjoy the outdoors and help with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves provided. Refreshments available. www.wildwoodlake.org

Kids Club Event
March 14: Head to the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., for Kids Club on the second Saturday of each month, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a free, fun-filled event. Each month may feature shows, crafts, interactive activities and more. All kids and families are welcome. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Trivia After Hours
March 14: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for trivia night—“Food TV Challenge”—7 to 9 p.m. Popcorn, corkscrews, bottle openers and prizes are provided. Ages 21 and older, BYOB. Cost is $5 per team. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Networking Meeting
March 17: Career Professional Executive Networking Group hosts a meeting every third Tuesday at Penn State Harrisburg’s Student Enrichment Center, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, 6 to 8 p.m. Members can hone networking skills, meet peers, share job leads and develop opportunities. www.cpengroup.org

Seed Starting
March 17: Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County hosts “Gardening with Nature” seed-starting workshops at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 7 p.m. Learn to create a beautiful garden while preserving a healthy environment. Workshops are $5 each. www.extension.psu.edu

Puppies and Pints
March 18: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals at Midstate Distillery, 1817 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for “Puppies and Pints,” benefiting Homeward Bound Animal Rescue. Homeward Bound will bring several dogs that need a home. www.hyp.org

Nature Lab
March 19: Learn about archaeology, geology and paleontology through hands-on examples at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. This presentation is for general audiences, 7 and older, and is included with museum admission. www.statemuseumpa.org

Benefit Gala
March 19: CONTACT Helpline of Central PA hosts its annual gala at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and reception. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/contact211

Insect Invasion
March 19: Join Penn State Extension Perry County, 8 S. Carlisle St., New Bloomfield, for a spotted lanternfly meeting, 7 to 8:30 p.m., to learn how to recognize the invasive insect and what you can do to help stop its spread. www.extension.psu.edu

3rd in The Burg
March 20: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. www.thirdintheburg.org

Bike Summit
March 21: Bicycle South Central PA’s fifth annual Regional Bike Summit will be held at HACC, Lancaster campus, 1641 Old Philadelphia Pike, 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The focus is on successful programs designed to serve the disadvantaged and those that attract young riders. www.bicyclesouthcentralpa.org

Seed Swap
March 21: Winters Heritage House Museum, 47 E. High St., Elizabethtown, hosts its fourth annual Heirloom Seed Swap, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vegetable, herb and flower seeds collected from the museum’s 2019 garden will be on hand for this community-sharing event. Bring seeds to swap or make a donation. www.elizabethtownhistory.org

Spring Hike
March 21: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals for their first hike of 2020 at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 4.5-mile hike has easy terrain and minimal elevation gain. Meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. www.hyp.org

St. Patrick’s Parade/Run
March 21: Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at 2 p.m. and featuring bands, Irish dance groups and more. “Lucky Charm” 5K/10K precedes the parade, beginning at noon. www.harrisburgstpatricksday.com

Fundraiser for Hope
March 24: Take your family and friends to Friendly’s, 4601 High Pointe Blvd., Harrisburg, to support Hope Loves Company, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support for children and young adults who had or have a loved one battling Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. www.hopelovescompany.org

Books on Tap
March 26: Dauphin County Library System hosts “Books on Tap” book club at Zeroday Brewing Co., 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, 5 to 6 p.m. Dive into new genres and forms while getting to know other readers in a social setting. The club will discuss Michael Chabon’s “Moonglow.” www.dcls.org

Women of Excellence
March 26: YWCA Greater Harrisburg hosts the 31st annual “Tribute to Women of Excellence” awards dinner at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The tribute will honor 25 outstanding women who dedicate time and talent to making a difference locally. Cost is $100 per seat. www.ywcahbg.org

National Defense
March 26: Foreign Policy Association hosts David Ochmanek, former deputy assistant secretary of defense, to discuss U.S. national defense strategy. The free talk is at 7:30 p.m. at the West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill. Dinner precedes the talk. www.fpaharrisburg.org

Art Auction
March 27: Join Harrisburg Habitat for Humanity for their 15th annual Art Auction at the Hershey Country Club, 1000 E. Derry Rd., 6 p.m. The reception includes two free drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, tastings, a silent auction and a dessert buffet. www.harrisburghabitat.org

Job Fair
March 28: Spend the day at Dauphin County’s free annual One Stop Shop Job and Resources Fair at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit a variety of vendor tables to get connected with employment opportunities, resources and programs. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Window to the World: Tina Weyant has helped make central PA an export powerhouse.

February 28, 2020 | by Karen Hendricks

Tina Weyant

When Tina Weyant began her position as founding executive director of the World Trade Center (WTC) Harrisburg nearly 30 years ago, there was no internet.

“Exporting was foreign to everyone,” said Weyant. “We started as an offshoot of the York Chamber, a group of manufacturers around a table—it was revolutionary.”

She spent a lot of time on the phone, building a network. Manufacturing nonprofit MANTEC provided some financial support and hired Weyant. They hit upon the name South Central Pennsylvania International Network, SPIN. A few years later, the state began “beefing up its export development program,” Weyant said.

“Lots of companies had such a big domestic business that they didn’t see the value globally,” she said. “Now, the more that you can diversify, the better.”

The organization morphed into today’s WTC Harrisburg, a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to connect the companies in eight counties of southcentral PA to global opportunities.

Momentum continues to build. Exports from the region totaled $12.2 billion in 2016, ranking it as the state’s third-greatest export region, behind Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, out of the state’s 10 regions. Between 2003 and 2016, southcentral PA’s export market increased by 51 percent, supporting more than 70,000 jobs and representing 19 percent of the state’s total export market.

Exports are tracked in three areas—services, goods and agriculture. Looking specifically at the manufacturing segment, southcentral PA ranks second in the state, just $600 million less than the Philadelphia region.

One of the driving factors behind the region’s success is location.

“We have the infrastructure to import and export, with easy access to the ports of Baltimore and Philadelphia within easy driving distance,” Weyant said. “We also have the railroad infrastructure with the Enola Yard being one of the largest in the country.”

Additional factors include a skilled workforce with numerous technical schools—although “the biggest challenge right now is getting enough workers at all levels,” Weyant said.

But a creative X-factor might be southcentral PA’s greatest attribute.

“It’s traditionally a very independent area, a strong region with really good products—crazy good products made by small to medium companies,” said Weyant.

Each county tends to have one strong anchor company making a product that’s a household name—Hershey’s in Dauphin County; Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster County; York County’s Johnson Controls.

But at the WTC Harrisburg, Weyant works with lesser-known giants in their industries.

Radius, a Berks County company, produces the No. 1 eco-friendly toothbrush on Amazon. Manheim’s Clair Brothers has worked with “every large venue that wants clear audio” around the world, going back to Elvis performances, Weyant said. And who says you can’t build a better mousetrap? Woodstream Corp., Lititz, is the world’s leading manufacturer of mousetraps, along with dozens of other wildlife and pest control products.

Valuable Resource

Weyant never intended to follow in her parent’s footsteps.

She grew up in Germany, where her father was CFO for an American company involved in global trade. Meantime, her mother was an administrative assistant who performed translations for foreign companies. Weyant was 16 when the family moved to the Pittsburgh area.

Armed with a master’s degree in international relations, Weyant originally wanted to work for the World Bank. But the WTC opportunity fell into her lap—“it was fascinating and still is,” she said.

Any regional company can access WTC Harrisburg’s resources at no cost. Similar to a chamber of commerce, WTC Harrisburg has more than 500 active members representing more than 100 member companies to whom it continually offers training. It’s especially important, given constant changes in government regulations. When we met, President Trump had signed an updated NAFTA deal just the day before.

Kerry Woods has worked with Weyant as a member of WTC Harrisburg since the mid-1990s. She’s sales manager for PR Hoffman, a Carlisle manufacturer founded in 1938.

“Without the export market, we would be a shell of a business,” said Woods.

PR Hoffman began exporting processed quartz for radio communications right after World War II. Today, 45 to 70 percent, or $5 to 8 million, of the company’s sales are in exports to Europe, China, Japan and other Asian markets. The company services different industries with electronics, ceramics, glass optics and silicon carbide semiconductors, including those used for 5G networks, satellites, electronic vehicles and autonomous engineering.

Just a few weeks ago, Weyant connected Woods to a state grant that will help underwrite a trip to France for a trade show that is expected to open additional markets.

“WTC Harrisburg is a valuable resource for us as a small business,” Woods said. “Tina has been able to help us make contacts for our needs—from translations to the understanding of foreign contracts.”

One of more than 300 World Trade Centers located in 91 countries, WTC Harrisburg is the regional liaison to the state.

Pennsylvania’s export game is strong—it ranks 10th among all states in terms of exports, which topped $41 billion in 2018.

Jennifer Black, executive director of export development for the state Department of Community and Economic Development, has worked with Weyant since 2001.

“She’s made a difference for a lot of companies,” said Black. “Not only is Tina passionate about her work with companies and committed to helping them succeed, she is supportive of others in the field and has served as a mentor to many of us, in so many ways.”

Perhaps this is all the more incredible when you consider that Weyant only has one full-time staff member, along with a handful of constantly rotating interns.

Weyant points out that nearly every trade office across the state, plus those in neighboring states, is run by a woman.

“I have all sorts of ideas why that is,” she said, with a smile. “Number one, in this job, you have to multitask constantly.”

For more information on the World Trade Center Harrisburg, 1000 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, visit wtccentralpa.org.

At a Crossroads: Last year, numerous Methodist churches closed. Here’s what happened with one congregation.

February 28, 2020 | by Yaasmeen Piper

Pastor Mack Granderson & Pastor Martin Romain

It was the Friday before Easter last year when Pastor Mack Granderson was called into the office of Bishop Jeremiah Park.

Before this meeting, Granderson had already caught wind of the Susquehanna United Methodist Conference decision to close and consolidate Harrisburg’s Methodist churches. What he didn’t know was that his Derry Street church was one of them.

After the bishop told the pastor that the Derry Street United Methodist Church (UMC) was slated to close, Granderson had a series of meetings with the church’s administrative council to mull over the future of their congregation.

They decided to write a letter and distribute it to members of their church. The letter explained that the church had no choice but to close and listed three options. The could join the new Journey church on 29th and Derry streets, join another Methodist church or stay as a congregation and co-worship at the Rock Church on 15th and Market streets.

The congregation voted overwhelmingly to stay together.

“God stepped in. He did not allow us to splinter,” Granderson said. “He gave us a place to worship in this place called the Rock Church, which opened their arms to us in the most loving fashion.”

Now, members of the former Derry Street UMC and some other Methodists who have lost places of worship call the Rock Church their home. Along with a new location, Granderson and his congregation also have a new name: Crossroads Christian Ministries.

“We have a dynamic congregation,” said Granderson. “When you walk through the door, you feel the love here.”

Days after their original meeting, the bishop handed Granderson a letter stating he was no longer licensed as a Methodist pastor. A week later, Granderson was ordained as a Baptist pastor by Pastor Martin Romain of the Crossroads Baptist Church and was able to start worship at the Rock Church.

“Glory be to God and all celebration, we have never stopped worshipping,” said Granderson. “We have never stopped doing our ministries, we have never stopped our Bible study, we have never stopped learning, we have never stopped teaching. We have continued to go forward, and we never stopped growing.”

Heartbroken

Granderson started at Derry Street UMC seven years ago, but the church has been around since the late 19th century. During Granderson’s time, they had a small congregation but many food and clothing programs for their community.

Though the majority of worshippers were Latino, there were members from many countries, including parts of Africa and Asia.

Crossroads Baptist Church was founded in 1989 in Uptown Harrisburg but spent 20 years on the side of the Derry Street property in the children’s chapel. At one point, they moved out of the city to Lemoyne, but Granderson invited Pastor Romain and his congregation back one week for a service. Then another and another.

“Something about Pastor Mack Granderson clicked between the two of us,” Romain said. “The next thing you know, we’re in shared ministry.”

Every week, the two alternated services—one week Romain would preach and then Granderson the next. With two services, the church started growing, gaining more members from different cultures and denominations. One year, they were even recognized by the United Methodist Conference as one of the most inclusive churches out of all 880 churches that were invited.

According to Granderson, the church was just gaining momentum when the conference decided to consolidate Harrisburg’s Methodist churches. Though they are still growing as a new congregation, they lost many original members after moving to the Rock Church.

“I think another thing that was really painful for the congregation was the fact that generations of families were faithful to that church regardless of how the city itself changed,” Romain said. “For many of them, that was their family church, and they were heartbroken when it was closed.”

Join Them

Granderson said the Rock Church has been nothing but welcoming, and they fell into an easy cohabitation. They even collaborated on summer programs together and for the Rock Church’s annual Christmas dinner.

Even though they love their new location and the people in it, some members are still worried about the community they left behind. Claude Phipps was a volunteer for Derry Street UMC’s Meals on Wheels and other food preparation programs. In 2018, the church fed almost 40,000 people.

“Where do they get their food at now?” Phipps asked.

Romain, Granderson and their council even put in a bid for the Derry Street church property not long after they were told they had to leave. They were denied for reasons the pastors still do not know. Recently, they put in another bid, but are also looking at other properties.

But right now, Crossroads Christian Ministries is happy where they are and encourage others who have lost their place of worship to join them.

“God made that possible, us being right here, and he’s not finished with us yet,” said Granderson. “The best truly is yet to come.”

Crossroads Christian Ministries is co-located with the Rock Church, 1501 Market St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Women in Business: Allison Zang

February 28, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Allison Zang
Owner/ Instructor
Absolute Pilates
https://absolutepilates.co/
717-585-2592

Why did you want to start your own business?

I think I wanted to start a business before I knew I wanted to start a business. I went to the University of Pittsburgh and got a business degree thinking I wanted to work for a business. Then I got a master’s degree in exercise physiology thinking I wanted to do research. All along, I taught Pilates for fun! Life brought me home to Harrisburg to be with my then-sick mother, and family has kept me in the Burg. My husband and I bought a home in Walden, and I think I knew then that I would open a Pilates studio in our mixed-use neighborhood, even though I did have what I called a real job. Back in 2008, Pilates was the new kid in the Harrisburg fitness community. I wanted to bring the Pilates that I know and love to this community.

What makes your business unique?

Absolute Pilates has four locations in the Harrisburg area. We bring high-quality instruction to the area. All of our instructors are comprehensively trained, meaning they have done more than 500 hours of training. Most have gone on to get specialty training in areas that interest them, like pre- and postnatal, MS and neurological conditions, traumatic brain injures, back pain, dance fitness and breast cancer. We believe we can help people fall in love with Pilates no matter their current health situation or wellness goals. We help clients look their best on a wedding day or help you move, even though you think you can’t.

What’s the most fun or gratifying part of what you do?

For me as the studio owner, this is a two-part answer. I have been able to help clients feel better, move better and be healthy. I love working with people who think they cannot. I have clients that, due to chronic disease or injury, have not moved in up to 10 years. We get them on the Pilates machines, and it is a game changer. They can build strength and stamina. Currently, the inspiration around the studio is a woman with MS who came in and was headed for a wheelchair. We have been working together to rebuild strength in her legs, and she is strong enough to drive to her own sessions now.

Also, I have been able to give so many people careers. We host an annual teacher training in the studio. This has provided careers to military wives, recent college grads that have no idea what they want to do with their degree, recently divorced moms who need to get back to work, and retirees looking for a fun second career. Seeing the clients and the teachers light up and move in my spaces is the most gratifying part of my day.

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