Ready, Set, Build: Harrisburg University marks start of tower project with groundbreaking.

July 26, 2019 | by Yaasmeen Piper

City, Harrisburg University and project officials turned the dirt this morning at the ceremonial groundbreaking of HU’s new downtown tower.

It was all smiles in downtown Harrisburg this morning, as elected and Harrisburg University officials broke ground on HU’s 17-story tower.

Located at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets, the $130 million, 386,208-square-foot building will house HU’s new Health and Science Education Center, which will be home to at least 1,000 health science, advanced manufacturing and interactive media students.

“This project represents a major step forward for the university,” said Eric Darr, president of HU. “Not just because of the facility itself but because it represents a major movement in health care and health sciences for the university.”

The tower (rendering pictured) will also include a separately owned hotel, as well as a restaurant. The 10-story hotel, operated by Hersha Hospitality Management (HHM), will hold 197 rooms and front Chestnut Street. A $1.5 million restaurant will occupy the ground floor of the building. The restaurant operator has yet to be announced.

City Council approved the building’s land development last month, following a lengthy planning process that cut down the height of the tower by about half, as well as some disagreement with the city over the building design. Still, at 265 feet, the building will become the fourth-tallest in Harrisburg.

“These kinds of impactful projects will create a migratory moment and a real reflection of the development of this university,” said Jay Shah, CEO of HHM.

Shah and Darr say the building will not only benefit students but will support economic and workforce development in Harrisburg.

According to Mayor Eric Papenfuse, Harrisburg has more than $1 billion worth of projects planned for the next few years, including the new, $195 million federal courthouse taking shape at N. 6th and Reily streets.

“It really speaks to the confidence which the university and other investors have that Harrisburg is going to continue to grow,” Papenfuse said. “We are emerging from a time of financial distress to a time of great possibility for the city.”

The HU building is expected to open in fall 2021.

Harrisburg considers selling water, sewer system; asks interested parties to respond

July 26, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

A file photo of Capital Region Water replacing a sewer pipe on Green Street in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg is considering privatizing its water and sewer system, asking qualified companies to submit letters of interest to the city.

The “request for information” is designed to gauge market interest and ascertain preliminary qualifications, a first step in potentially selling the system, said Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

“I’m not saying we’re going to do it,” Papenfuse said. “But if it seems beneficial, then we’ll take it to the next step.”

Letters of interest are due to the city by the end-of-day, Sept. 16, potentially followed by interviews and a formal bidding process.

Capital Region Water (CRW) currently operates the city’s water/sewer system, overseen by a five-member volunteer board appointed by the city. The municipal utility was established in 2013 following the dissolution of the former operator, the Harrisburg Authority. If the city sells the system, CRW would be dissolved.

Papenfuse said that the decision to explore privatization was prompted by the city’s dissatisfaction with CRW. He strongly objects to CRW’s proposal to implement a stormwater fee, which would initiate a new fee for most customers starting on Jan. 1. Under the proposal, customers would pay a fee of $72 a year or $6.15 per month, money designed to fund improvements to the city’s aging stormwater system and reduce the flow of toxins into streams and the Susquehanna River.

Papenfuse said that he also considers the Front Street interceptor project, which was delayed several times last year, to be a “complete boondoggle,” and charged that CRW lacks a firm plan to bring the city into compliance with a federal partial consent decree to reduce pollution into area waterways.

“I have concerns about Capital Region Water’s ability to manage the projects they do have planned,” Papenfuse said. “I want to explore if a private company can do a better job.”

Marc Kurowski, chairman of the CRW board, said that he was surprised by the city’s exploration of a sale, which he learned about on Thursday afternoon, just hours before Harrisburg publicly posted the request for information notice on its website. CRW officials and the board now need to discuss the matter and decide what to do next, he said.

“We were not part of the conversation or discussion that prompted this to happen,” he said. “We need to do some homework and figure out what it means and figure out what the next course of action is.”

If the system is sold, the buyer would get access to about 20,300 water customers, primarily in the city limits, and a 17,000-connection wastewater system that serves Harrisburg and several surrounding municipalities.

A buyer also would receive all assets currently owned and operated by CRW, including the stormwater infrastructure, a wastewater treatment facility, five pumping stations and the 6-billion-gallon capacity DeHart Reservoir.

“This is not a bid situation yet,” Papenfuse said. “We are only asking companies if they have an interest and the expertise.”

Click here to read the city’s “Request for Letter of Interest.”

Uphill Climb: Recycle Bicycle must pedal quickly to find new home.

July 25, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

The exterior of the Atlas Street warehouse, the current home of Recycle Bicycle.

Recycle Bicycle has been putting wheels to pavement for over 20 years, but the nonprofit now has to roll out and find a new place to call home.

For the past four years, the community group has operated out of an old warehouse on the 2200-block of Atlas Street in Harrisburg. But the building recently sold, leaving founder Ross Willard with the task of having to relocate–quickly.

“I would like to find a permanent home right away,” he said.

Recycle Bicycle serves the community by giving bicycles to those in need of one and by training people to be able to build and repair their own bikes. They receive unwanted or abandoned bikes and also register them with the Harrisburg Police Bureau. Willard has been retired for years, but he runs the shop like a full-time job, with volunteers from the community to help out.

At Atlas Street, Recycle Bicycle has paid no rent, so was able to save up about $150,000—a majority from donations. However, they were never able to find a suitable building to purchase.

“We’ve been aggressively looking for a new place since 2017,” said Jenifer Donnelly, a volunteer of four years. “We’ve been campaigning for capital.”

It’s been about six weeks since Willard got the news that they needed to move out, and he’s been up and down the city hunting for somewhere to house the hundreds of bikes currently in their shop.

“Are you familiar with every back alley in the city?” he said jokingly. “Because I am!”

Ross Willard stands near a pile of donated bicycles.

They have some prospects right now, like an old post office, a former machine shop and some warehouses, but they’ve been getting a few no’s and a lot of unanswered calls. Willard estimated that he’s toured the insides of about a dozen places.

He hope to find a building ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 square feet and also emphasized the necessity of it being on a slow, safe street for young riders.

Willard has already started clearing out bikes, but you can hardly tell. A mountain of donated bikes fills the first floor. If they don’t find a place before they’re forced to leave, they may have to revert to operating as a mobile repair shop, Willard explained.

In order to clear out the warehouse, Recycle Bicycle is working even harder to find other agencies and organizations to give bikes to. However, all the bikes they give out need to be repaired and ready to use safely, he explained. Because of this, Willard is in need of more volunteers.

The move is no small feat. It took 30 days to move everything into the current warehouse, and Willard expects no less this time around. He is hopeful that he will find a place soon, so he can get back to his main focus—making bikes safe for Harrisburg kids.

“We’ve outlasted a lot of other nonprofits in the area,” he explained. “Now, we need a place that’s going to outlast us.”

Recycle Bicycle is located at 2266 Atlas St. Harrisburg. For more information, visit https://recyclebicycleharrisburg.org/.

Harrisburg Police make plans for National Night Out, hope to bring together community

July 25, 2019 | by Hanna Martin

A girl has her face painted during last year’s National Night Out.

In its beginning nearly four decades ago, National Night Out consisted of people turning on their front lights, sitting on their porches and joining their neighbors in a town watch.

Today, the event has grown to unify communities and law enforcement nationwide in picnics, games and more.

Next month, the Harrisburg Police Bureau will host its second annual National Night Out. This year, the event will be held at the Camp Curtin Academy football field.

“[National Night Out] is really our heart and our passion,” said Blake Lynch, Harrisburg community policing coordinator. “[We want] to reach out to communities that are often forgotten. We want to make sure that we’re interacting in a positive light all around the city and that everyone has access to engage in a positive light.”

Like last year, the event will have free hot dogs, chips, Farm Show milkshakes, Kona ice and Hershey’s ice cream for people to enjoy. Community groups, including the Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army, Friends of Midtown, UPMC Pinnacle, Rite Aid and many others, will have stands with information and giveaways. There will also be games and activities for children, such as bounce houses.

New this year are flyovers from the PA State Police helicopters and armored vehicles from the Dauphin County Community Emergency Response Team.

Last year, the Harrisburg Police Bureau was one of seven police departments nationwide to win the National Association of Town Watch Rookie of the Year award for the event. About 1,500 people attended, which Lynch hopes will grow to 2,000 this year.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said. “We’re looking to make it even bigger and better this year.”

In addition to the citywide event, some neighborhoods will continue to hold their own get-togethers, Lynch said.

Lynch said that he hopes National Night Out will strengthen community relationships, especially with local law enforcement and get neighbors to interact with each other, community groups and the police force.

“It’s about building positive community engagement and relationships,” he said. “The public gets to see the police in a different light. There’s a positive side of policing, which allows people to see that officers are just trying to do a good job, get out and meet people, and grow relationships and build a stronger, positive presence.”

National Night Out takes place Aug. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Camp Curtin Academy football field. For more information, visit the city’s website or the National Night Out website.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 25, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

I’m back! Come see us in SoMa tonight for our SoMa Block Party! FREE to attend; pay-as-you-go! Friday is chill but Saturday we’re working then have a sitter and are heading to Lancaster for a date afternoon/night. Sunday is the Serb Picnic at Jimi’s church, and Bo and I need our çevapes!

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Vegan meal, with a side of personal triumph, on the menu at Bethesda Mission

July 23, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

The serving line at Bethesda Mission during a vegan meal prepared by Animal Advocates of South Central PA last winter.

Seth Dellinger remembers the day he was dropped off at Bethesda Mission.

He was a recovering alcoholic, fresh out of rehab. He didn’t stay long, but his experience stayed with him. Now, he’s going back.

“Being able to go back there and help people in the same psychological place as me is important to me,” said Dellinger, director of community engagement at Animal Advocates of South Central PA.

Dellinger and a small group of five from Animal Advocates (pictured) will be serving a completely vegan meal to around 200 residents of the mission. It will include vegan chili, vegetables and other side dishes. They first served at Bethesda in January and decided to return on Aug. 10.

Animal Advocates is a York-based group with a mission to spread the practice of veganism in the area, Dellinger explained. They do this through outreach at fairs, vegan challenges, coaching and volunteer days at animal shelters and rescue missions.

Dellinger explained that one of the main criticisms vegans face is the allegation that they don’t care enough about people. The meal at Bethesda is one way to show that, while they do focus their attention on animals, they care a great deal about people, as well.

Bethesda Mission communications specialist Jessica Henry was grateful to hear the group was returning, especially during a time of year when volunteer participation can decrease.

“To have them in the summer when people aren’t necessarily thinking about shelters is really helpful,” she said. “We are happy to have them again.”

Although Animal Advocates is serving a vegan meal, the goal is not necessarily to persuade any Bethesda residents to become vegan, Dellinger said.

“It’s more about something we are able to do to help them that is in our own ethics,” he said. “No animals are being killed in that meal.”

He noted that, in January, almost all residents said that they enjoyed the meal.

Dellinger also pointed out that veganism doesn’t mean you have to purchase expensive specialty foods from vegan retailers–that it can be affordable.

“Rice is vegan, apples are vegan, you can eat healthy very inexpensively,” he said. “In a way, [the meal] is to demonstrate that vegan food is for everyone.”

Bethesda Mission is located at 611 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit https://www.animaladvocatesscpa.com/ or https://www.bethesdamission.org/.

Harris Tower Museum is a tribute to local rail history — and to the men who helped preserve it.

July 23, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

John Smith and Dan Rapak stand in front of the large interlocking machine inside Harris Tower.

Rounding the corner onto Walnut Street in Harrisburg, I could see the Harris Tower out of the corner of my eye. It’s one of those places I’d seen before in passing and recognized, but never really gave a second glance.

The tour began as soon as I walked up to the building. John Smith welcomed me and assured me he had turned the AC on over the weekend so it would be cool enough on this day that was already pushing 90 degrees.

As Harrisburg Chapter president of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), Smith knows his stuff, and he wasted no time taking me inside to show off the 90-year-old building.

“Railroads built this country,” Smith said. “Towers like these at one time dotted the landscape.”

Harris Tower once functioned as a command center of sorts for railways in Harrisburg, controlling how track connections moved, allowing trains to pass through safely. During the height of rail travel, more than 120 trains passed through the Harrisburg station each day, Smith explained.

In 1991, the tower shut down, but, a few years later, the Harrisburg Chapter of the NRHS began restoration of the building, with hopes to showcase the heyday of Harris Tower circa the 1940s.

“There were literally foot-long strips of paint hanging from the ceiling when we started,” said Dan Rapak, a long-time member of the NRHS.

The exterior of Harris Tower in Harrisburg.

The main attraction at the small museum is a large interlocking machine, which takes up most of the upstairs space. Rapak was instrumental in getting the machine functioning again as it did years ago—this time as a simulation.

When Rapak and his buddy Jeff Vinton began work on the machine, they had no previous experience. Both were engineers working at a television station in New Jersey at the time, but never touched a piece of equipment like this. All they had was a love of trains and the determination to get the machine up and running.

Smith remembered seeing parts—panels and levers—lying all over the floor. “Guys from the chapter thought, ‘Do these guys know what they’re doing?’” he said.

The interlocking machine has come a long way from a mess of scattered parts on a grease-stained floor. Visitors to the museum can now interact with the machine by guiding simulated trains through a course on the same schedule they would’ve run in years past.

Now it was my turn. With more than 470 indicator lights on the board, Rapak graciously pointed out the ones I needed to pay attention to as I turned the levers, switching imaginary tracks and guiding my train on its way.

To get the Harris Tower back to a functioning state, where visitors could be part of the railway action, it’s taken Smith and Rapak thousands of hours. Not to mention all the time other volunteers have given.

“Anything you see in here that’s brass, I’ve polished it,” Smith said.

A quick scan of the room, and I could see that was no small feat as there were brass knobs, hinges and detail everywhere.

I wondered—why would these guys put in so many hours to this tiny brick building that was just a small part of railroad history? But then Rapak told me the story of Don Rittler, a former train director in Harris Tower who has since passed away.

He painted a picture of Rittler, who was 82 at the time and going in for a double-knee replacement in a couple of weeks. Rapak remembers him hobbling up the staircase to the upstairs room as he started up the interlocking machine. Rittler directed trains just as he had done during his years working at the tower.

“I remember he hung his head and said, ‘I keep looking back [out the window] for the trains,’” Rapak said. “If you can fool someone that’s worked there for 40 years, we’ve got it pretty spot on.”

Seeing visitors, young and old, interact with the tower is exactly why Smith and Rapak are so invested.

“It’s not only about preserving it, but experiencing it,” Rapak said.

The Harris Tower Railway Museum is located at 637 Walnut St., Harrisburg. It is open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through the end of October. Admission is free. For more information, see visit https://www.harristower.org/or https://www.harrisburgnrhs.org/.

Music in the park, on the stage during two Harrisburg Opera performances

July 22, 2019 | by Hanna Martin

For a second year, the Harrisburg Opera Association will feature a free concert in Italian Lake Park.

When most people think of the opera, they probably picture elderly, wealthy folk in floor-length ball gowns and tuxedos, not picnickers lounging in Hawaiian-print shirts. The Harrisburg Opera Association is out to change that.

The Opera Association is returning for a second straight year of free opera in Italian Lake Park and its first full season after a 10-year hiatus. The association will put on two shows in August: “Opera in the Park” and its mainstage production, “An Artists’ Journey.”

“[These events] bring world-class music to Harrisburg,” said Tami Swartz, executive and artistic director of the association. “People who perform with us have major national and international careers.”

In early August, “Opera in the Park,” an educational show for all ages, will take audience members to exotic places, with opera pieces from around the world. Guests are encouraged to dress in Hawaiian-themed dress and bring picnic blankets and chairs for a casual night at Italian Lake, rain or shine.

Two weeks later, a mainstage production, “An Artists’ Journey,” depicts Swartz’s experiences of feeling different while growing up in Harrisburg as a mixed-race person. The 15-song piece, written by Swartz, actually boasts a variety of music ranging from rock to classical. Short acting vignettes supplement songs to move the piece forward.

“I said [to the cast], ‘I want you all to bring your own personal experiences into these songs because I think every single one of us in this cast has felt that we’re different,’” Swartz said. “Whether it’s cultural, racial, or sexual orientation, we all feel different. The composition is actually dedicated to everyone who is different.”

When casting her shows, Swartz tries to hire a diverse cast of local professional artists, hoping to distinguish herself from former artistic directors.

“We’re every color of the rainbow, and I’m hoping to make every production look like the cast of Hamilton,” Swartz said. “We want to share the love.”

Swartz, who works part time in New York City, said that, through opera, she wants to give back to the community that raised her.

“You get to the point where you’ve amassed all this knowledge that it’s time to apply it and give it back in a leadership position,” Swartz said. “You come back to your hometown and you give back what you’ve learned to enrich your home community.”

Opera in the Park is a free event held on Sunday, Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. at Italian Lake, Harrisburg. “An Artists’ Journey” is held on Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Messiah College’s Miller Theatre. Ticket are $25 for adults and can be purchased at www.messiah.edu/tickets. Visit the Harrisburg Opera Association’s website for more information: https://harrisburg-opera.org/season.html.

VeggieFest returns to Strawberry Square, dishing up vegetarian, vegan cuisine

July 22, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

A tray of samples from last year’s VeggieFest.

Strawberry Square may be named after a fruit, but it surely won’t be left out at this year’s VeggieFest, which showcases plant-based cuisine.

For the third year in a row, event coordinator Sara Bozich, in conjunction with Strawberry Square, will welcome local vendors to downtown Harrisburg next month to share their take on vegetarian and vegan lifestyles and diets.

“It is intended to be a very inclusive event that is vegan- and vegetarian-friendly,” Bozich explained.

While not exclusively a vegan event, vendors will distinguish whether their products are vegetarian or vegan.

Vendors will include restaurants like Arooga’s Sports Bar & Grillhouse, giving a taste of its meatless menu, and Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar with its vegan menu options. There will also be plenty of beverages to sample from breweries such as Crook & Marker Spiked & Sparkling, HOLLA Spirits, Ploughman Cider and Tröegs Independent Brewing.

“We are really about showcasing the offerings our area has,” Bozich said.

Vendors will offer samples, and items will be available for purchase. Bozich pointed out that VeggieFest isn’t only for the herbivores, but those who are “veg curious” are welcome as well.

Plant-based skincare retailers and health practitioners will be in attendance along with treats from Cocoa Creek Chocolates, Boom! Crafted Pickles and Sarah’s Sweet & Savory Snacks, among others.

“A lot of times, people stay away from vegan or gluten-free products because they think the flavor experience won’t be the same, but it is,” said Diane Krulac, founder of Mechanicsburg-based Cocoa Creek Chocolates.

At this year’s VeggieFest, these chocolatiers will hand out samples from their all-natural “Luther’s Trek Bars.” The bars are made with vegan dark chocolate and sprinkled with various fruit and nut combinations.

They will also share products from their upcoming veggie collection, which is all plant-based and vegan. The dark chocolate truffles are made with cashew cream, oat milk or almond milk, and some include raspberry, beet, cinnamon or orange flavors.

“You don’t have to be vegan to want to eat them,” Krulac said. “Flavor won’t be compromised.”

The crowd from last year’s event.

A faux burger challenge, sponsored by the Hilton Harrisburg, will give attendees a chance for local grills to serve up their best meatless burger to a panel of judges, letting the audience have a bite, as well.

While perusing the vendors, attendees will hear from His and Hers Vinyl, a duo of DJs.

Tickets are required for VeggieFest and are $20 for an adult, $10 for an adult or minor not including alcohol, and free for children under 12.

Proceeds this year will benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. According to Bozich, the partnership is a perfect fit.

“Our event is about food, and clearly we want to help feed people in the area,” she said.

Harrisburg VeggieFest takes place on Saturday, Aug. 17, 1 to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hbgveggiefest.com.

Unitarian Church of Harrisburg finds new life, new purpose as Shalom House community center

July 22, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

The former Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, which is being repurposed by Shalom House.

Recently, there’s been much discussion over what to do with the numerous Methodist churches that are for sale in the Harrisburg area.

Some say they should be used for their intended purpose—as churches. Others hope to repurpose the buildings for other uses. But what would that look like?

Shalom House in Allison Hill is currently embarking on a project to create a community center from the former Unitarian Church of Harrisburg on Market Street to further its goal of serving single women, mothers and their children.

The nonprofit currently provides a 21-bed emergency shelter, as well as programs to meet the needs of those who are “chronically homeless.” Now, the organization would like to expand its mission by tackling the root causes of homelessness.

“Instead of just trying to address homelessness, let’s try to create a healthy community as a whole,” said Denise Britton, executive director of Shalom House.

On May 1, Shalom House purchased the church, which is located just around the corner from its facility on S. 15^th Street.

Capital Area Head Start (CAHS), part of Keystone Human Services, will serve as Shalom’s main partner through this process, bringing its experience with children and families in the Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry County area. The group signed a seven-year lease with Shalom, and construction began in early May.

“Now, being so close, Shalom can provide services to the adults—and we can provide educational programming to the children,” said Jo Pepper, consulting director for CAHS. “It’s a more efficient use of community resources.”

The new space also satisfies the need that CAHS was facing due to the loss of classroom space for more than 300 kids last year.

Construction workers stand in the former church sanctuary, which is being converted to community space.

The main issues Britton saw that needed to be addressed were the barriers that women with small children have to early childhood education, transportation and childcare.

The building will house both Shalom and CAHS offices and the programs they will work together to operate. In addition to the offices, the multi-phase project will include office space for mothers and single women in the community to use, as well as early learning classrooms for their children. While CAHS professionals meet the needs of the kids, mothers can receive workforce development training in various fields.

In addition, HACC will partner with Shalom to offer an onsite version of its job readiness curriculum. Other colleges and universities, such as Elizabethtown College, Misericordia University and Alvernia University, will bring in occupational therapy interns to provide mental health services.

Centurion Construction Group LLC is the general contractor for the project. First-floor offices and classrooms should be completed in September.

Britton explained that Shalom House currently serves more than 200 mothers and single women every year. With the new facility and partnership with CAHS, they expect to offer services to around 500 families yearly.

The total cost of the purchase and renovation of the building is around $2.2 million, and Britton said that they’re about halfway to meeting their fundraising goal.

But the project doesn’t stop at the building’s walls.

Shalom House has purchased four lots behind the church building for the construction of a playground for the CAHS children. They also would like to purchase more lots in the coming years to add transitional (six-month) living for women and children coming out of emergency shelters, as well as affordable apartments for those who need a permanent place to stay.

With the new housing facilities, Britton would like to cater to women coming out of prison who not only need housing, but support services.

“We know that, as folks are transitioning out of emergency housing, there’s not an appropriate amount of housing for them,” Britton explained.

According to Britton, the total for the entire project, including the community center, playground and housing, is projected at $5 million.

Along with the construction, Shalom is preparing its staff through team-building. The organization uses a mentorship model that provides one-on-one life coaching for those who are part of their program. Some of the rooms in the new building will be used for training these coaches.

“We weren’t interested in a big project that launches and then collapses from the inside,” said Chris Green, a life coach.

Elizabethtown College has been helping Shalom begin working as a social enterprise instead of a nonprofit. According to the College’s Social Enterprise Institute, this is “an organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being, rather than maximizing profits for external shareholders.”

A large-scale project with many different parts, Britton summed up the goal.

“We want people to be able to dream again.”

Shalom House is located at 9 S. 15^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit https://shalomhouse.net/.

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