The Painted Word: Get schooled in art this spring.

February 28, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

“Whale Bay Antarctica No. 4” by Zaria Forman.

Over the past year, I have pursued art in all its forms for TheBurg.

I could be found at galleries and museums, art associations, festivals, restaurants and even tea and coffee emporiums for craft week and poetry readings. I have attended salons in artists’ homes and viewed great art in cathedrals and churches. I even found art in the great outdoors, right above our eyes, gazing upon majestic murals throughout our fair city.

The focus of “The Painted Word” has been to highlight upcoming art shows, events and opportunities to meet artists creating their works. This has been achieved primarily through TheBurg’s print issue on a seasonal basis. My alter ego, “Bob’s Art Blog,” pops up semi-monthly in TheBurg’s online daily edition, where I truly get to be myself. To gain a fresh perspective on the art shows of spring, I plan to venture to exhibits at local colleges and universities. Now, I can actually say, “Class is in session.”

There are two distinct themes, front and center. Franklin and Marshall and Lebanon Valley College are joined in addressing an ongoing national forum through two riveting exhibits. The black-and-white photos from revolutionary photojournalist, Danny Lyon, followed the 1960s-era civil rights movement. Meanwhile, at F&M, artist Sonya Clark’s “Finding Freedom” uses the objects found in the everyday to create mixed media works that promote a dialogue revolving around racism, violence and “who owns history in the United States.” And, speaking of topicality, climate change and its impact are explored at both F&M and Bucknell.

As you may have deduced, the settings for the spring column are college campuses, which feature an eclectic mix of exhibitions, all within an hour’s drive of Harrisburg.

Bucknell University, Lewisburg, The Samek Art Museum
What better place to start than with Bucknell’s renowned Samek Art Museum? This past fall, “Guerilla Girls” ran riot in the upstairs gallery, featuring guest lectures from a troop of marauders, revealing their histrionic happenings of art activism. New this spring is “Against Time: Climate Calls From The Ice Archives,” through March 22, which portrays history’s view of mankind’s ongoing climate change crisis.

Franklin and Marshall, Lancaster, The Phillips Museum of Art
In the Dana Gallery, “Sonya Clark: Finding Freedom” highlights Lancaster as a key location along the Underground Railroad and the use of the night sky to guide those seeking freedom. This exhibit runs through April 30. Of special note, an Underground Railroad tour with the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania will take place on April 25 starting at 10 a.m.

At the Rothman Gallery, “What a Wonderful World” runs through March 29. The exhibit features four artists—Binh Danh, Rena Detrixhe, Ryan Hoover and Marion Wilson—who share a common concern over the environment and the future of our planet.

Through March 29, the Gibson Gallery is showing “Containing the Muse: Artists’ Books As Expression & Form.” Artists’ books are a form of creative expression that offer an opportunity for multi-discipline communication. Moreover, the Phillips Museum of Art celebrates its 20th anniversary this spring with special events such as a jazz night with the F&M Jazz Combo on March 12.

Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Schmucker Art Gallery
“Split Void” is an exhibit featuring the work of Julie Wills, associate professor of art at Washington College in Chestertown, Md. She is an interdisciplinary artist who works in the mediums of sculpture, collage and architectural interventions. She’s an artist with no ceiling on what she creates. Case in point: the mixed media schematic “Radical Geometry,” which marries art to the sciences, informing its own blueprint for tomorrow. Her exhibit runs March 27 through April 18. In addition, Wills will judge the works of students for the concurrent “Juried Student Exhibition.”

Lebanon Valley College, Lebanon, Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College features an exhibit from renowned civil rights photographer Danny Lyon, which runs through March 22. These black-and-white photos from the 1960s captured the history of the civil rights movement as it unfolded. Of special note, a photography workshop takes place on March 21. Afterwards, a student art thesis exhibit opens on April 23.

Messiah College, Grantham, Aughinbaugh Art Gallery
“Night, Desert, Garden: Matthew Doll Exhibition,” which runs through March 13, examines the relationship that coexists within landscapes that intersect Jerusalem and Rome. The exhibit seeks a commonality amidst strife, striking a balance between harmony and dissonance. “Messiah Senior Show I” and “Senior Show II” follow, both featuring works from senior students in the BFA Studio Programs, caps off the spring semester.

Millersville University, Millersville, Eckert Art Gallery
“Marc Chagall, Etchings and Lithographs,” March 12 to May 1, features 10 etchings and over 40 brilliantly colored lithographs from renowned artist Marc Chagall’s “Bible Suites” series. According to the gallery, Chagall stated he did not see the Bible but dreamed it as a child. His vision incorporates his Jewish heritage and his painting aesthetic as a modernist. Chagall’s works inform viewers with his poetic interpretations of the meaning of life.

For more information on these exhibits, visit the colleges’ websites.

Tech Traction: Ben Franklin Technology Partners helps promising start-ups get up and running.

February 28, 2020 | by Don Helin

When you think of high-tech hotspots, central Pennsylvania may not be the first place to come to mind.

But maybe it should rank higher.

John Sider thinks so. Sider works for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, one of the nation’s longest-running technology-based economic development programs.

“Ben Franklin CNP [Central and Northern PA branch], has been investing in tech startups and small manufacturers located in our 32-county footprint for more than 30 years,” Sider said.

In sum, Ben Franklin helps promising technology companies get off the ground by providing funding, expertise and resources.

“We are looking for people who have an intellectual property-based solution for a problem we believe someone will pay for,” Sider said.

Founded in 1982, Ben Franklin was chartered by the state to assist research universities support technology businesses, with a goal of helping to launch companies and, ultimately, create jobs. There are four regional offices throughout the state, with the State College office covering the central Pennsylvania area.

“The purpose of this is to diversify and grow our region’s economy and ensure its competitiveness in the future,” Sider said.

The partnership, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and a number of corporations around the state, is designed to give a boost to promising tech startups that may need seed capital and expertise.

“Banks make their lending decisions based on quantitative data,” Sider said. “But early-stage technology companies have not yet built a cash flow or hard assets for collateral. So, we look more at qualitative data.”

Once a founder provides a summary of the business concept and financial projections, the staff of Ben Franklin CNP develops a market analysis. Each prospective company then makes a presentation to the Ben Franklin team.

In addition to its financing program, Ben Franklin CNP offers a 10-week entrepreneurial training program so prospective entrepreneurs can run their ideas through an evaluation process before launch. As part of the program, companies make a pitch to a panel of outside judges for prizes, including a cash grant.

“For example, we recently hosted six startups from Lancaster County, and the winner was Boostpoint, whose business is to assist home services companies develop their own Facebook and Instagram ads, thus increasing the value of their marketing program,” Sider said.

Lancaster-based Boostpoint won a $7,000 prize and has recently been approved for a $100,000 loan from Ben Franklin CNP to grow its business. The company is working closely with Andy Long, the director of business development and entrepreneur-in-residence for Ben Franklin CNP’s Lancaster/Lebanon region.

“When the company repays the investment, we will use the returns to fund future startups,” Long said.

Companies that become members of the Ben Franklin CNP program can, upon request, receive business consultation from a staff of subject matter experts in such areas as human resources or accounting to help them with challenges they may encounter as they grow. The partnership offers their portfolio companies support services free of charge.

Ben Franklin has also launched university and industry partnerships that accelerate scientific discoveries and has seeded regional initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial community.

“When I see friends at parties, I’m often asked what we do,” Sider said. “It’s pretty unique. So, I summarize by saying that we provide venture capital, funded by the state, to support technology companies that will help create jobs in our community.”

For more information about Ben Franklin Technology Partners, visit www.benfranklin.org or call 717-948-6763.

Women in Business: Neighbors & Smith

February 28, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Women in Business: Neighbors & Smith

Leanne Walls
Owner
Live in Color Boutique
www.liveincolorboutique.com
717-695-6391

Why did you start your business?

Opening a furniture and décor boutique never really occurred to me. In fact, I found my passion before I realized I could turn it into a business. I began painting when I picked up a set of end tables that were sitting by the curb and decided I wanted to try using chalk paint. Selling those freshly painted end tables, immediately, just sparked a fire. I have always loved crafting, and now I was adding painting to my repertoire! Soon a lot of friends were requesting my pieces, and I realized there was a huge need for a cute little boutique that provided the community with great artistic talent and gorgeous refinished furniture, décor, and gifts—all at very affordable prices.

What makes your business unique?

Live in Color is very unique, because we not only combine the skills of refinishing furniture, but we showcase the talents of other local artisans. You’ll find handmade pottery, grapevine and floral wreaths, American Girl doll clothing, handmade quilts, spoon jewelry, silk arrangements, wooden crafts, dog bandanas and collars, dog coats, bird baths, succulents, and wall signs. We are a destination for surprisingly special gift ideas and a treasure trove of handcrafted décor. We also carry baby gifts and candles from well-known designers. Tucked beneath Little Black Dress and next to Underneath It All, we help you turn every day into a special occasion.

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

Making new friends and bringing smiles to our shoppers are gratifying to our entire team. It truly is heartwarming to see the delight on a shopper’s face when she is picking up a custom piece. Many of our customers bring a piece of furniture from their home or an heirloom they inherited, and we transform it into a beautiful furniture piece again. I love to see clients’ faces light up when we give great-grandma’s furniture new life!

Kim Miller
Owner
Underneath It All
https://underneathitall.net/
717-761-7474

Why did you want to start your own business?

While raising three daughters as a single mom, I wanted to do something that provided me flexibility to be very involved in their lives while still providing an income. I had the opportunity to purchase Underneath It All back in 2005, and it allowed me to do just that, while also making a big difference in the lives of other women.

What makes your business unique?

Underneath It All caters to women (and men too) of all shapes and sizes. Whether you need undergarments that are practical or lingerie that is incredibly sexy, we’ll find what you need. We specialize in bra fittings and take the time to truly find the undergarments that fit correctly and are comfortable for every customer. Breasts are uneven and are different shapes, and we know that not one body is like any other. Unlike your big box stores that carry a small variety of sizes, we carry over 220 sizes of bras (everyday, strapless, longlines, sports, nursing, bralettes, etc.) and carry lingerie and shapewear from sizes petite small through 6x.

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

Having someone walk in our store who needs a bra fitting and finding them something that fits and is comfortable—the look on their face when they see and feel the change we’ve made, it’s beyond rewarding. In some cases, we even have customers who look like they’ve lost weight just by wearing the right size bra! It’s also so special helping our brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride/groom find what they need for under their special gowns, or for the honeymoon—or helping that new mom with her nursing bras, or just helping someone find that special something to wear for their partner or spouse. We are involved in so many loving moments!

Lisa DeCavalcante
Owner
Little Black Dress
https://littleblackdresscamphill.com/
717-525-7488

Why did you start your own business?

I usually refer to myself as an “accidental entrepreneur.” Owning my own business was not something I aspired to, but as my eldest daughter went off to college, I realized that I needed to get back into the workforce full time so I could afford to give the same opportunity to my youngest, age 7 at the time. I had worked in retail at a boutique in Camp Hill for the previous nine years so that was my most current profession. I didn’t want to work evenings and weekends at a mall store so my family encouraged me to use my experience and open my own shop. The intent was to build a business and sell it in 10 years’ time, but heading into year six, I’m in for the long haul.

What makes your business unique?

When I opened Little Black Dress, I wanted to address a niche I felt the area lacked. We have beautiful stores addressing the high end of the market, we have some middle-of-the-road department stores but we had nowhere locally to get casual, affordable, on trend clothes combined with great, personal service. That is the point of the name Little Black Dress—we give you the “LBD’s” of your wardrobe; things you go to time and time again that always strike the right note.

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

Hands down, the best part of owning Little Black Dress is the relationships I’ve built along the way. I have an unbelievable staff—two who have been with me since before opening. I have been luckily enough to develop a loyal and supportive clientele, some of whom I now count among my friends. I love helping customers present the best version of themselves and express themselves in a very personal way. The best compliment we can receive is when a customer thanks us for the honest suggestions we make in helping them find exactly what they need and what flatters their shape the most.

Michele Koch & Mechelle Webster
Owners
One Good Woman
www.oncegoodwoman.com
717-975-8101

Why did you want to start your own business?

We had wanted to purchase a business together in order to create an opportunity to learn and grow as entrepreneurs and have more control over our schedules. We had worked together for 10 years prior to purchasing One Good Woman in February 2016. As customers, we fell in love with the charm and uniqueness of One Good Woman and jumped at the chance to purchase it when the previous owner, Holly O’Connor, was ready to retire. We wanted the store to continue to flourish so that we could build on her legacy.

What makes your business unique?

The history of our business and the variety of products are what make our business unique. One Good Woman was started in 1996 to deliver fresh-roasted coffee to local businesses. It has grown to what it is now by constantly adapting to emerging trends and our customers’ shopping styles. We have one of the largest selections of fresh-roasted coffee and loose-leaf teas in the area, in addition to food and gift items. In our new location at 1801 Market St., we have added a café so that our customers can purchase a cup of coffee or tea before they buy the coffee or tea in bulk to enjoy at home.

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

Staying on top of retail trends and finding new and unique gift items for the store is very gratifying. A large part of our business is creating custom gift baskets for individuals and businesses. Customers come to One Good Woman to find one-of-a-kind gifts for special people and special occasions. It’s fun to help people find their new favorite coffees and teas while they explore the constantly changing products we have to offer. We are proud to be a part of Camp Hill’s family of women-owned businesses and hope that we can inspire other women to follow in these footsteps!

Serenity Now: For Alice Brewbaker, passion, persistence lead to a lovely result.

February 28, 2020 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Alice Brubaker, Marianne Baker-Platt & Wilson

Psychologist Angela Duckworth believes that grit is a key ingredient to success.

In a 2006 book, she described grit as “passion and persistence” and believes that resilience, ambition and self-control are key elements in the equation that adds up to long-term success.

One could argue that Alice Brewbaker, owner of Serenity Skin Care in Camp Hill, possesses all of those traits.

Where many individuals benefit from the guidance of one, or both parents, Brewbaker was left to her own devices to find her path in life.

“My parents passed away when I was young, and I lived in foster homes and dropped out of school at age 16,” said the Enola resident, who would earn her GED. “So many people use their childhood as a crutch, but I’m proof you can overcome and move forward to become a positive person.”

The businesswoman would go on to marry and raise two children before entering into an aesthetics training program for nail and skin care in 1997.

“Skin care is my passion,” said Brewbaker, who started her business with a modest space above Salon 2020 on Market Street in Camp Hill.

It didn’t hurt that her husband Jim gave her his full measure of support in her endeavor.

“We had three rooms, and he did all the work preparing the space,” she said.

As the business grew, Brewbaker began mulling over a move and, as serendipity would have it, a property that she had her eye on just down the street suddenly became available.

“I would drive by the house at 1930 Market and think that it would make a great salon,” she said. “Then, one day, I saw in the newspaper that it was for sale by owner.”

A tour sealed the deal, and once again, her husband pitched in to do much of the remodeling work, this time in a space that was double the size of the former place.

“I knew that this was where I was supposed to be, and everything fell into place,” she said.

Gentler

I learned about Serenity Skin Care after a trip to Saint Petersburg, Fla., where I signed up for a treatment called a hydrafacial.

Afterwards, my skin felt soft—fantastic. My makeup even glided on better for weeks afterwards. After a few months, I decided to schedule another and had a difficult time finding someone who offered it in this area.

“We’re one of the only salons in the area to offer this service,” said Brewbaker, adding that she was hesitant to purchase the machine until she, herself, experienced the treatment.

A kinder, gentler alternative to microdermabrasion, the hydrafacial uses water, not grit.

“It cleanses, hydrates and infuses antioxidants into the skin,” Brewbaker said.

Additional skin services at Serenity Skin Spa include glycolic peels, traditional microdermabrasion and custom facials.

The multi-service salon also offers manicures, pedicures, haircare services, waxing procedures, lash tints and “body care wellness” services like back facials and ear candling. Injectables, like Botox and dermal fillers are administered by a nurse practitioner.

Wigs for Kids

When asked how long it takes to do her hair, Dolly Parton quipped, “I don’t know, I’m never there.” That line might give some a chuckle, but for most, thinning hair is no laughing matter. This is why Brewbaker decided to hire Marianne Baker-Platt, who touts 36 years of experience working with clients on everything from haircuts to custom hairpieces and extensions.

Baker-Platt also specializes in a non-surgical hair integration system.

“We start out with a plaster casting of their head and end up with a custom look that stays bonded on the head 24/7,” said Baker-Platt. “Once every two years, we re-bond it.”

She also works with Pink Hands of Hope in Mechanicsburg for those who are dealing with the loss of hair due to chemotherapy.

“I send them there to get their free wig, and they bring it back to be styled around their face at no cost,” she said.

Baker-Platt is also certified with “Wigs for Kids,” a worldwide organization that helps children with alopecia.

“The company sends me the wig and supplies like shampoo and conditioner,” said Baker-Platt, adding that children can apply annually for wigs made of unprocessed hair until they are 18. Baker-Platt also forwards donations to the organization.

“Anyone with 12 inches of unprocessed hair can donate,” she said.

For Baker-Platt, working with children is extremely rewarding.

“I enjoy helping kids in need at no cost because when it comes to your hair, that’s your image,” she said.

Brewbaker said that she feels grateful that everything has worked out so well, despite, in her words, “starting on a wing and a prayer.”

“I love talking to people, making them feel beautiful, even cleaning out their skin gives me self-satisfaction,” she said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Serenity Skin Care is located at 1930 Market St., Camp Hill. For more information, call 717-612-1630 or visit www.SerenitySkinCareSalon.com.

February News Digest

February 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Gaming Grants Awarded

More than 80 projects in Dauphin County will receive gaming grants this year, as the Dauphin County commissioners last month approved $6.3 million in awards.

Harrisburg-based companies and organizations will receive a number of grants, the awards originating each year from the county’s share of gaming revenue generated from Hollywood Casino at Penn National.

In Harrisburg, many of the projects are geared towards either removing blight or offsetting redevelopment or construction costs. These include:

Jackson Rooming House and Swallow Mansion: $75,000 to Vice Capital for renovating the buildings on the 1000-block of N. 6th Street
Midtown Cinema: $50,000 for a major lobby and façade renovation
Open Stage: $50,000 for phase three of its renovation project
com: $60,000 for demolition of two blighted buildings on the 1400-block of N. 3rd Street
Whitaker Center: $100,000 for updates and improvements to its STEM learning gallery
The Nativity School: $50,000 for new school facility renovation
Homeland Center: $24,000 for security infrastructure improvements
Stephen’s Episcopal School: $20,000 for school safety and security improvements

Harrisburg city will receive two grants:

$250,000 for purchase and installation of new bay floors at the city’s two operational fire stations
$$75,000 for design of the city’s proposed extension of the Urban Meadow in Midtown

Other Harrisburg-based projects include:

Capital Area Transit: $96,500 for transportation services for veterans
The Salvation Army: $25,000 for a new generator
Dauphin County Library System: $40,000 for patron computer upgrades
Keystone Service Systems: $43,000 for Capital Area Head Start outdoor education space
Harrisburg University: $75,000 for HUE Invitational security services and technology
Downtown Daily Bread: $10,000 for installation of air conditioning in day shelter
Midtown Action Council: $5,000 for historic marker revitalization expansion project
National Civil War Museum: $16,000 for reduction of debt
Sankofa 21 Institute: $6,000 for student technology initiative
Dauphin County Industrial Development Authority: $100,000 to administer the Foundation for Enhancing Communities/IIPT Harrisburg Peace Promenade Commonwealth Monument Project

Each year, the commissioners make these awards based upon the recommendation of the county’s five-member Gaming Advisory Board. Last year, the county awarded $6.4 million in grants to about 60 projects.

More Downtown Apartments OK’d

More apartments are headed to downtown Harrisburg, as a split City Council has approved Harristown’s latest building plan.

By a 4-3 vote, council approved a proposal to convert a Market Square office building to residential use.

South Second Associates LLC, a development group led by Harristown Enterprises, plans to build out 30 one- and two-bedroom units from the former home of the Skarlatos Zonarich law firm, which has relocated to Strawberry Square. Rents are expected to range from $1,100 to $1,400 a month, depending on square footage and the numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms.

The developers originally planned to retain the building for offices, but couldn’t find an anchor tenant, which led to a change to residential use.

Council President Wanda Williams objected to the project and voted against it, joined by council members Ausha Green and Danielle Bowers.

Williams said she that, for years, she has urged Harristown to meet with the city or with such entities as the Harrisburg Housing Authority to include units that would meet some undefined standard of affordable housing.

“I informed you three or fours years ago that I want to see a percentage for inclusionary or affordable housing,” Williams said.

Council member Shamaine Daniels, however, said that the city shouldn’t expect a specific developer to provide affordable housing when the city itself lacks an affordable housing statute. In fact, she placed blame on council itself for inaction.

“The leadership really comes from council or the mayor,” she said. “I think it’s unfair to hold individuals responsible for lack of leadership on our own part.”

Williams has said that she expects to introduce an affordable housing ordinance later this year.

Over the past several years, Harristown has invested tens of millions of dollars to convert substandard, often vacant, downtown office space into new, market-rate apartments. It currently is signing leases for two newly renovated apartment buildings on Pine Street.

Jones said that he expects the renovation of the Market Square building, located at 17 S. 2nd St., to begin this spring and be completed early next year.

Arcade Debated

Harrisburg City Council last month introduced a resolution that would transfer ownership of the Strawberry Square arcade.

Harristown Development Corp. is asking council to transfer the arcade—the elevated walkway that connects Strawberry Square to the Hilton Harrisburg—to the Strawberry Square Condominium Association.

Neal West, Harristown senior vice president and president of the condominium association, said that they would like a permanent solution for the 66-foot-long enclosed pedestrian pathway. The city is supposed to pay for maintenance of the arcade, estimated at $70,000 per year, but Harristown has been footing that cost for decades.

Moreover, Harristown has invested some $500,000 over the years to reconstruct and upgrade portions of the arcade, and more costly improvements are needed now, West said.

In 2015, Strawberry Square became a condominium, co-owned by Harristown and the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority, which has transferred its board seats to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as state workers occupy the majority of office space in Strawberry Square.

If council approves the transfer, ongoing expenses would be split between Harristown and the commonwealth, West said. Because the arcade generates no revenue, yet has expenses, its value is negative, he said.

Currently, Harristown has a month-to-month agreement with the city to maintain the arcade, so could exit it at any time.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that his administration believes it’s in the city’s interest to be relieved of potential maintenance and upgrade expenses.

“The liabilities associated with maintaining the arcade properly are more than the city is in a financial position to want to bear,” Papenfuse said.

Several council members wanted assurance that the arcade would remain open to the public if the city no longer owned it.

“The public use would remain in place,” West said. “People would continue to have full use and benefit of the arcade.”

CASA Expansion Ahead

The Capital Area School for the Arts is moving on up—to the third floor of Strawberry Square.

Starting next academic year, CASA will expand by one floor, into space once occupied by Gamut Theatre.

“The move is exciting for us,” said CEO and Principal Tim Wendling. “The improvements will allow CASA to support additional STEAM learning opportunities as well as sustain our academic needs well into the future.”

More than four years ago, Gamut relocated from its long-time home in Strawberry Square to the former First Church of God across N. 4th Street in downtown Harrisburg. Strawberry Square owner Harristown Enterprises has been searching since for a tenant for that third-floor space.

“It’s an ideal space for CASA to cement their future in Strawberry Square,” said Brad Jones, Harristown president and CEO. “Over time, they’ve really grown to find this to be a unique and opportune space for their campus.”

A public charter school, CASA offers full-day high school education for 200 students from 30 central Pennsylvania school districts.

According to CASA, the new, third-floor space above the food court will add classrooms, a science lab and several other academic spaces, bringing the school’s footprint to about 25,000 square feet over the first and third floors of Strawberry Square.

For the past several years, CASA has been leasing additional classroom space from Temple University Harrisburg, which is located on the other end of the office, residential and retail complex. The expansion should eliminate the need for that space.

Work on the new space, totaling about 10,000 square feet, is expected to start soon, with completion in time for the 2020-21 school year. To pay for the lease and the build-out, the CASA Charter School Foundation has begun a campaign to raise $1.6 million.

To contribute to the CASA Charter School Foundation’s capital campaign, visit www.CASAFound.org.

Monument Receives Funds

A monument honoring voting rights and Harrisburg history is a step closer to reality, as the project last month received more than $100,000 in new funding.

At a city hall press conference, the Commonwealth Monument Project received several large checks and pledges that will enable work to begin on critical aspects of the multi-part statue.

The city, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) and philanthropist Peggy Grove all announced additional support for the monument planned for the lawn of the Capitol’s Irvis office building at N. 4th and Walnut streets.

“It’s a wonderful and incredibly important day,” said Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “The monument, which has been a vision for so long, will become a reality.”

In its 2020 budget, the city pledged $25,000 to help build the base of the monument if organizers could raise a $25,000 matching grant. TFEC now has provided that match.

The $360,000 monument, called “A Gathering at the Crossroads,” consists of three distinct aspects, all crafted by Lancaster-based A.R.T. Enterprises.

The first, the orator’s pedestal, depicts scenes of Harrisburg’s old 8th Ward, which was demolished to expand the Capitol complex. It already has been completed.

The second consists of life-sized figures of four important figures in Harrisburg history: civil rights activist William Howard Day, journalist and lawyer Thomas Morris Chester, musician and restaurateur Jacob T. Compton and abolitionist and suffragist Francis Ellen Walker Harper.

In addition to honoring the demolished 8th Ward, the monument is a tribute to voting rights—specifically, the U.S. Constitution’s 15th and 19th amendments, which secured the vote for African Americans and for women, respectively.

The project’s third aspect is the base of the monument, which the $50,000 donation will fund.

Grove, who had already helped fund the monument’s pedestal, then announced additional support by the Grove Family Fund for two of the four statues.

Besides raising money, the monument’s executive committee has succeeded in receiving legislative approval to site the monument on the grounds of the Capitol complex.

Festivals on Tap for March

Two celebrations, just weeks apart, will mean a busy March around downtown Harrisburg.

First up, on March 7, the city will host its third annual Ice and Fire Festival. The one-day event closes down a portion of N. 2nd Street for free ice skating in the street, children’s activities, music, food trucks, fire dancers and other fun events, capped off by a dozen or so ice sculptures.

Two weeks later, on March 21, downtown again will spring to life with a number of St. Patrick’s Day events.

Activities begin at noon for what’s become the start of the long race season in Harrisburg, with the Lucky Charm 5K/10K. At 2 p.m., the run becomes a slow walk as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade begins to wind its way through the downtown.

The parade will feature six Irish pipe and drum bands, fire trucks, floats, Irish dance groups and other entertainers, in addition to numerous food trucks.

“We are pleased to be hosting this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and are excited to show off more of our downtown business community,” said Todd Vander Woude, executive director of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District. “We invite you and your family to join us for a great day downtown.”

Several downtown streets will close for the Ice and Fire Festival and St. Patrick’s Day events, which both occur on Saturdays. Four hours of free parking are available in downtown metered spots by using the Parkmobile app with code “LUVHBG.”

Home Sales, Prices Up

Harrisburg area home sales and prices rose significantly in January, with strong sales data from both Dauphin and Cumberland counties.

Overall, housing sales in the three-county region climbed to 494 units versus 350 in January 2019, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR). The median sales price increased to $182,000, up by 7.1 percent year-over-year.

In Dauphin County, sales surged to 240 housing units compared to 179 in the year-ago period, while the median sales price rose to $171,000 versus $152,500, said GHAR.

Cumberland County also had a strong month, with sales rising to 229 units versus 154 in January 2019, according to GHAR. The median sales price increased to $196,900 from $182,500 in the year-ago period.

In Perry County, sales also were up, totaling 25 units versus 17 a year ago, but the median sales price decreased to $138,000 from $170,000, GHAR said.

According to GHAR, average days on the market in its coverage area dropped substantially, standing at 42 days in January, down 28.8 percent from the year-ago period.

So Noted

Downtown Harrisburg last month was hit by a substantial water main break. About 200 customers were either without water or had to boil their water for several days after a large crack developed in an 82-year-old pipe.

Harrisburg University has announced two more major outdoor concerts in Riverfront Park. Alt-rockers Cage the Elephant are slated to play on June 18 and DJs Steve Aoki and Deorro on June 26. In January, HU said that Riverfront Park also will be the site of a June 4 concert by the Icelandic band, Of Monsters and Men.

Just Baked Cakes & Pies held its grand opening last month inside of Midtown Scholar Bookstore in the former space of P&R Bakery. Owner Tammy Worthy-Jones heads up the eatery, which specializes in cheesecakes and also offers cookies, puddings, pies, sandwiches, soups and breakfast items.

Matthew Herren last month was named the new executive director of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Herren, originally from Lancaster, will replace Jeff Woodruff, who is retiring after 17 years in the position. Most recently, Herren served as executive director of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas.

Changing Hands

Boas St., 221: R. Sabo to S. Hart, $119,000

Briggs St., 221: G. Dori to D. Thomas, $187,000

Chestnut St., 2015: A. & G. Griffith to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

Chestnut St., 2312: P. & J. Vander Kraats to A. & L. Myers, $140,000

Croyden Rd., 2968: A. Snyder to M. Cabrera & R. Gonzalez, $70,000

Derry St., 2345: Charles A. Sterret Investments & W. Klinger to SNB Real Estate Solutions LLC, $42,000

Derry St., 2503: S. & A. Cornick to J. Cornwall, $50,000

Division St., 507: H. Fox Jr. to A. McKonly, $44,500

Duke St., 2435: J. Smith & Genesis Opportunity Development Corp. to Genesis Opportunity Development Corp., $45,000

Emerald St., 231: Federal National Mortgage Association to H. & B. Reyes, $72,000

Forster St., 1927 & 1929: R. Mosley to K. Santamaria, $75,000

Girard St., 745: American Escrow & Closing Co. to SPG Capital LLC, $47,500

Green St., 910: J. Foreman to D. & L. Williams, $197,000

Green St., 1615: J. Scott to B. Kerstetter, $150,000

Green St., 1910: C. Reinhold & K. Hurst to D. Greenstein & M. Feldman, $219,900

Green St., 1928: J. Hardie & T. Craven to M. Stilegman, $225,000

Hale Ave., 453: KDW Real Estate Holdings LLC to Z. Garba, $31,000

Harris St., 236: Hari Group LLP to K. Kinyua, $135,000

Herr St., 1408: L. Proctor to E. Canchani, $45,000

Kensington St., 2357: J. Liddick to J. & M. Ranck, $58,700

Linden St., 109, 111, 113, 115, 117, 117½, 119, 119½ and 100 & 112 N. 13th St.: CPenn Patriot Properties Midtown LLC to G. Radon, $135,000

Lewis St., 210: T. Keller to Smith Della Porta Investments LLC, $72,500

Logan St., 2247: D. Mitchell to CR Property Group LLC, $30,000

North St., 2022: FBTB Group to D. Watson, $60,000

N. 2nd St., 817: HCH Investments LP to N&R Group LLC, $180,000

N. 2nd St., 1013: M. Weiss & M. Marsico to V. French, $105,000

N. 2nd St., 1503: J&S Estates LLC to C. Carlsen, $184,000

N. 2nd St., 1622: J. & M. Quigley to Three Bridges Holdings LLC, $67,500

N. 2nd St., 1624: J. & M. Quigley to Three Bridges Holdings LLC, $67,500

N. 3rd St., 1116: Tang & Perkins Property Management LLC to Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC, $330,000

N. 3rd St., 2317 & 2319: Sam Hill Properties to DAG EKG Properties LLC, $187,000

N. 3rd St., 2333: 2333 N. 3rd Street LLC to S. Linder, $133,000

N. 3rd St., 3115: M. Bhatti to Equitable Rentals LLC, $97,000

N. 3rd St., 3200: Riverside Methodist Church to Kesher Israel Congregation of Harrisburg Pennsylvania, $176,000

N. 5th St., 2630: CitiMortgage Inc. to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $45,600

N. 13st St., 116: C. Castagneto to T. Gilmore, $35,000

N. 18th St., 73: B. Boyer & J. Hoover to E. Morris & C. Perez, $38,000

Norwood St., 919: H. Greene to D. De Jesus, $85,000

Park St., 1939: K. Lewis to L. Long Jr., $60,000

Paxton St., 1621: E. & Q. Rivera to L. & L. Morales, $35,000

Penn St., 1707: M. Carson to J. Becker & K. Talada, $126,900

Penn St., 2231: O. & N. Banting to T. Astuto, $105,000

Radnor St., 403: BJ Cvetko to T. Brown, $110,000

Radnor St., 630: 630 Radnor Street PA LLC to T. Gassert, $30,000

Radnor St., 631: H. Yellets Jr. to J. Fernandez, $32,000

Rudy Rd., 2130: Derry Street Evangelical Church to G. Brown, $100,000

S. 15th St., 922: PA Deals LLC to S. Chatman, $118,000

S. 19th St., 231: P. Trustey to HBK Properties 1 LLC, $41,000

S. 24th St., 608: D. & A. Hoyt to S. Welch, $160,000

S. 25th St., 438: CR Property Group LLC to M. Anwar & B. Sakina, $82,500

S. 25th St., 640: D. Hoffman to J. Regalado, $42,000

S. 27th St., 661: R. Bowser to SPG Capital LLC, $85,000

Susquehanna St., 1330: Frog Hollow Associates LLC to Green Scapes Investments LLC, $55,000

Verbeke St., 208: C. Malloy & K. Sica to J. & J. Weaver, $99,900

Vernon St., 1409: Tang & Perkins Property Management LLC to Green Book Enterprise LLC, $107,999

Woodbine St., 222: I. Sweets to K. Robinson, $36,000

Woodlawn St., 2201: Harrisburg Lodge 12 Order of Elks Assoc. to Full Circle Music Inc., $230,000

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

Cold & Hot: Harrisburg gears up for third annual Ice & Fire Festival

February 27, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse speaks at today’s Ice & Fire Festival press conference.

The first week of March is forecast to feel more like spring than winter, but that’s OK with the organizers of the city’s Ice & Fire Festival.

In the lobby of city hall today, conversation already centered around the weather forecast for the March 7 festival, which will feature ice sculptures, an ice slide and an ice skating rink.

But, for city officials, nice weather is just fine, if it means strong attendance.

“We are expecting tremendous crowds this year,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “We’ve seen this festival grow every year.”

This will be the festival’s third year in the heart of downtown Harrisburg, which runs along 2^nd Street from Pine to Market streets.

But the festival isn’t confined to cold-weather events. The “fire” portion includes fire dancers, a fire-eater and a fire pit lounge. There also will be entertainment such as choirs, musicians and other performers.

An ice-creaming event, sponsored by Urban Churn, will combine both elements of the theme, as it will feature the red-hot “Carolina Reaper” pepper, to see if anyone can finish a bowl.

Other highlights include food trucks, art and craft vendors and glass-blowing workshops. Up Market Street, the HBG Flea will set up shop in Strawberry Square.

Numerous streets close for the event, including:

2^nd Street, between Market and Pine streets, which will close at 10 p.m. on Friday
Walnut, Locust & Pine Streets between 3^rd and Front streets, which will close at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7
Market Street between Front & 2nd streets, which also will close at 7:30 on March 7

All roads will reopen on Sunday, March 8 at noon.

For parking, the Market Square Garage will offer $10 special event parking from 10 a.m. to midnight. Also, attendees can park for free at the city’s lot on City Island and can use the ParkMobile App to get up to four hours of free street parking using the “LUVHBG” code. Street parking is free after 5 p.m.

The 3rd annual Ice & Fire Festival will take place March 7, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in downtown Harrisburg. For more details, visit the event website.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

February 27, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

Raise your hand if this week got you … Yeah, I’m ready for the weekend too. Fortunately, there is plenty to do, whether you’re looking for local theater, live music, great food and drink or some yoga to find some balance after a hectic week.

And hey, why not turn your luck around by entering to win this free PRESS seltzer swag? Or register for our upcoming Morning Mixer or Pop-Up at The BenMar?

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Harrisburg files lawsuit against state oversight board, demanding greater participation; mayor accuses board of “overreach”

February 26, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Board members Doug Hill, Ralph Vartan and Audry Carter at a previous ICA meeting.

Comity appears to have broken down between Harrisburg and its state financial oversight board, as the city has filed a lawsuit to force the board to fully include Harrisburg’s board representative.

On Feb. 14, the city filed a lawsuit in Commonwealth Court claiming that the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) has systematically excluded Bruce Weber from participating in executive sessions and other ICA business.

Weber, Harrisburg’s budget and finance director, is the city’s non-voting representative on the seven-member board.

Following the meeting, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that Weber has been routinely excluded from executive sessions and other ICA matters.

“He has every right to participate in the deliberations of the ICA,” Papenfuse said, following the meeting. “They have refused that from the very beginning.”

The lawsuit set a tense tone for Wednesday’s ICA board meeting, which Weber and Papenfuse attended.

The ICA and Harrisburg last year passed a draft five-year financial recovery plan for the city, designed to allow the city to exit Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed cities. They’re now in the process of making updates to it.

“The ICA expresses disappointment over the current litigation initiated by the mayor,” said ICA Chair Audry Carter, in a statement. “The lawsuit is a needless distraction from the important work of removing Harrisburg from Act 47.”

Her statement further asked Papenfuse “to abandon this frivolous lawsuit.”

“The ICA calls upon the mayor to restore our shaken confidence in his ability to work cooperatively on our joint mission, which is to assist the city of Harrisburg in achieving financial stability,” Carter said.

Later in the meeting, Papenfuse objected to two other issues, which he called examples of ICA “overreach.”

The first regards a proposed “Economic Development Symposium” that the ICA plans to hold in May at the Hilton Harrisburg in conjunction with CREDC. The event includes a $20,000 expense to hire authors James and Deborah Fallows as keynote speakers, the fee coming from ICA funds.

The total ICA budget, funded by state tax dollars, is $100,000 per year.

ICA members said they hoped to offset the event expense with ticket sales and potential corporate sponsorships.

“I’m strongly in opposition to this,” Papenfuse said at the meeting. “I would recommend a greater discussion, especially with the city, before you put tax dollars at risk with a plan for a symposium, which really is a matter for the private sector.”

He added that the administration first learned about the proposed economic symposium at Wednesday’s meeting.

“I think it speaks to the larger mission creep of the ICA,” he said. “I think we should focus on what the charge is under the law.”

Carter disagreed with this criticism.

“We feel that it is an amazing opportunity to pull together the best and the brightest to help pull together members of our community to engage in a discussion of community and economic development,” she said.

Carter added that the ICA was “fundraising for partnerships” and that it “would not distract” from other ICA business.

Carter next explained that, in April, the ICA plans to launch “listening sessions” with Harrisburg residents. As part of those sessions, ICA members plan to ask residents for three things they like about Harrisburg and three things they would like to improve.

“These are efforts to go out into the community and listen to how they feel about Harrisburg,” Carter said. “An attempt will be made to go into the city hosted with nonprofit community partners.”

Papenfuse also objected to this proposal.

“I do not feel that listening sessions are in the domain of the ICA,” Papenfuse said. “It’s another example of not really understanding your role. It’s confusing to the general public. I think it is indicative of a fundamental misunderstanding of what the role of the ICA is.”

He said that the ICA was undertaking activities that should be the role of elected officials, not the ICA board.

“I think they’re wholly appropriate personally because we do have a mandate to help the citizenry of Harrisburg,” Carter responded. “We think there is good reason to be out there.”

ICA Vice Chair Ralph Vartan concurred.

“I think it’s very important for appointed members of the ICA to have face time with members of the public, and only good things can come from listening and talking to people,” he said, adding, “I think it’s a noble venture.”

New home planned for Kesher Israel, as congregation purchases former Riverside Methodist church

February 26, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Rabbi Elisha Friedman stands in front of the future home of Kesher Israel Congregation in Riverside.

Last year, the Susquehanna United Methodist Conference closed many of its churches, and now one has been bought by another religious organization.

Kesher Israel, an Orthodox Jewish congregation in Uptown Harrisburg, is moving from its home of 72 years to the former Riverside United Methodist Church on the 3000-block of N. 3^rd Street.

“It’s really exciting,” Kesher Israel’s Rabbi Elisha Friedman said. “People feel like we’ve got the perfect building.”

Friedman explained that they’re moving because members felt the old synagogue on the 2500-block of N. 3^rd Street was not located centrally enough for their community.

Most families live anywhere from one-half to two miles away from Kesher Israel, he said. That may not seem far, but for a congregation whose observation of Shabbat, the Sabbath day, restricts driving on a Saturday, it entails a lot of walking to and from services and prayers.

“Walking a mile with two or three little kids on a Saturday can be really difficult,” Friedman explained.

Kesher Israel was interested in the location of the church building for a while, but the sale and consolidation of the Methodist Churches in Harrisburg allowed them to begin negotiations. The synagogue purchased the church building last month for $176,000.

The new building is significantly smaller than the current synagogue, so Friedman believes the congregation will save money in the long run. However, with a congregation of about 125 families and individuals, some members are concerned about the size and have proposed an addition.

Other renovations may include work on heating and air conditioning, electricity and bathrooms.

And what about their current building?

Friedman explained they have received offers for it, but have not yet decided when to sell. He is also not certain when the congregation will move into the new building, but hopes to at least transition Friday evening and Saturday afternoon services to the space soon.

The new building will place Kesher Israel in close proximity to another synagogue, Chisuk Emuna, which is just next door.

“One of the nice things is we are going to be close to this conservative synagogue,” Friedman said. “We are hoping that the relationship will develop a little more.”

Kesher Israel also is working heavily to market their congregation and the Jewish community generally in Harrisburg. Friedman believes the community they built in Harrisburg is unique.

“We are really trying to grow our community,” he said. “We are the only legit small town in the U.S. where you can live a full Jewish life. Our hope is that this move is going to contribute to that.”

Kesher Israel is located at 2500 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg, and is moving to 3200 N. 3^rd St. For more information, visit https://www.kesherisrael.org/.

Residents voice concerns over parking, contracting, environment as developer explains proposed Uptown office project

February 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Jonathan Hudson of Hudson Companies (left) speaks to Harrisburg residents at a community meeting at Camp Curtin YMCA.

Parking, traffic and local contracting were among the concerns of Harrisburg residents on Monday night, as the builder of a proposed state office building presented an overview of the project.

About 50 people attended the community meeting at the Camp Curtin YMCA, where Jonathan Hudson of Hermitage, Pa.-based Hudson Companies offered an overview of the three-story office building planned for the 2500-block of N. 7^th Street.

Several residents asked pointedly about opportunities for disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) contractors, including Harrisburg-based companies.

“I want to know about accountability as far as dealing with jobs,” said one resident. “A lot of developments have come here, and there’s no accountability to the local contractors.”

Hudson said that his company, which is the general contractor, planned to reach out and try to connect with local subcontractors and vendors, including at a March 18 meeting specifically for this purpose.

“The entirety of that is working and connecting with local vendors, minority-owned businesses, women-owned business enterprises and other distressed business entities,” he said. “That’s a very special, important task for us. We’re taking it very seriously.”

Hudson Companies plans to construct a 130,000-square-foot office building on the former headquarters site of D&H Distributing, which last year moved to a new location in Lower Paxton Township.

The company will build and own the building, Hudson said, for a single tenant—the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which plans to locate about 850 Department of Human Services and Office of Administration workers there. Most employees will move from offices at the former Harrisburg State Hospital grounds, which the commonwealth is trying to sell.

Hudson plans to demolish the existing, low-slung building and construct a modern-style, mostly brick-and-glass building in its place. The company then plans to retain ownership, leasing it to the state for 20 years, with potential lease extensions.

A slide shows artist’s renderings of the proposed building.

Demolition, he said, would take place in late March. The project would wind its way through the city approval process in April and May, with groundbreaking expected in June. Construction should be complete in the third quarter of 2021.

Many other questions from neighbors in the largely residential Uptown neighborhood concerned parking and traffic.

“Do you plan to widen the road?” asked one resident. “Will you have street parking?”

Hudson said there were no plans to widen 7^th Street, but that enough parking would be built on site to accommodate more than 1,000 cars. He further said that he expected no more traffic than was generated by D&H, which had about 750 workers at the location.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse, who attended the meeting, said that the city would like to make road improvements to the N. 7^th and Division Street area.

He also said that the city hopes, at some point, to be able to build a bridge to connect Division Street with the Farm Show complex area, which might alleviate some of the traffic concerns. The city has been trying to obtain state funding for this project.

Other residents had questions about environmental issues.

“Will you be incorporating green infrastructure in your building, like a permeable parking lot, taking care for the solar array and a green rooftop garden, for instance?” asked Garvey Presley, secretary of the board for Capital Region Water.

Hudson said that the plan doesn’t include a rooftop garden or a permeable parking surface, but that the company plans to reduce the current percentage of impermeable surface on the 10.5-acre site from the current 99 percent to about 75 percent.

The site also houses a vast solar array farm put in place by D&H. Hudson said that the project would not utilize those panels, but Papenfuse said that the city hopes to repurpose the panels, potentially raising them in places such as the city’s Public Works property and on City Island.

Hudson said that the building would meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standards.

“It will perform to LEED standards,” he said. “We’re just not pushing for buying the LEED symbol. We’ll perform just like a LEED building, only without certification.”

The building, he added, would be set back on the site, not near the street like the current D&H building. That would make the property more aesthetically appealing, he said.

The other main area of discussion involved the economy and taxes. Because the building will be privately owned, Hudson Companies will pay property taxes on the site, Hudson said.

Papenfuse added that the 850 workers would pay a total of about $125,000 a year in local services taxes to Harrisburg. That revenue would be new as most of those employees currently work in Susquehanna Township, not the city. Hudson and Papenfuse both mentioned that they believed that businesses in the area would benefit, including at the struggling Uptown Plaza.

“We know this is a big project in the city, a big project in the neighborhood,” Hudson said. “We want to make sure we’re good stewards of our development.”

For more information about Hudson Companies, visit www.hudsoncompanies.net.

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Happy Weekend!

What are you doing this weekend?

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