As Harrisburg finalizes its 2018 budget, officials hear a forecast for Act 47.

December 12, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Harrisburg City Hall.

Harrisburg is likely to spend another three years in the state’s Act 47 program for financially distressed municipalities, according to a state advisor who oversees the city’s finances.

Marita Kelly, Harrisburg’s Act 47 coordinator for the state department of Community and Economic Development, appeared at tonight’s budget hearing to offer an assessment of the city’s proposed 2018 budget. State law requires Act 47 cities to have their budgets reviewed by state coordinators for compliance with Act 47 provisions.

Praising the city’s “many achievements” since it entered Act 47 in 2011, Kelly said that the current administration has smartly managed the unrestricted fund balance, neighborhood services funds and debt payments. She acknowledged that the small budget surplus and healthy cash reserve balance were due to the augmented taxing authority allowed to cities under Act 47 and believes that the city will not be able to afford to exit the program at the end of next year.

Act 47 grants municipalities exemptions from the state tax code by allowing them to levy higher tax rates. City finance Director Bruce Weber said that $13 million of the city’s $65 million budget comes from taxes levied under Act 47.

“People say Act 47 is like a roach motel – you can get in but you can’t get out,” Weber said.

The city stands to lose that $13 million in revenue if it exits the program next year. It would regain independent financial oversight if it did leave the program, but Councilman Ben Allatt said that lone incentive isn’t enough.

Kelly said that Harrisburg has avoided some of the problems that plague other third-class cities across the state, such as difficulty financing legacy payments – healthcare and benefit payments for current and retired employees.

Weber reported that two of the city’s pension accounts are fully funded, but a third fund for police pensions is causing some concern.

“We only have one that’s slightly in distress,” Weber said. “We are contributing to it every year.”

Kelly will make a formal recommendation for Harrisburg’s Act 47 status in March. The only condition that would enable the city to exit the program would be a change to the third-class city code or a set of special taxing provisions for the city.

Kelly said that she did not expect any legislation to come quickly, but that the state Municipal League was working with legislators to propose changes to benefit third class cities.

City Council recently authorized a 12-month, $60,000 contract with a Harrisburg-based lobbying firm to represent the city in the state Capitol. Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that one objective of the lobbying effort will be to annualize the state’s annual $5 million emergency services payment to the city. He also hopes the firm might help enact legislative change to grant the city more taxing power.

Harrisburg will hold the second day of its annual budget hearing tomorrow night.

Displaced by storms, students from Puerto Rico, Florida enroll in Harrisburg Schools

December 12, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney shared details about the district’s enrollment spike on Tuesday.

The Harrisburg School District is losing teachers and enrolling hundreds of new pupils, but administrators deny any problems accommodating a growing population of under-resourced students.

Since Sept. 25, the school district has enrolled 193 students who were displaced from Puerto Rico, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands by Hurricane Maria. Of those students, 113 qualify for ESL programs and 120 are considered homeless.

The new students represent a 3 percent increase to the district’s student population, which was approximately 6,400 in 2015, according to the district website.

The rush of enrollments came as the district struggled to retain teaching staff in the start of the school year. By the end of November, 45 teachers had resigned from the district, according to the Harrisburg Educational Association.

Union reps claimed that the attrition was compounded by a rising number of disruptive and violent students, who teachers say have mental health needs they cannot meet with standard training. Teachers who appeared before the school board on Nov. 20 asked the district for more resources to help troubled students.

District Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney agreed at that meeting to the formation of a task force to address violence in schools. She could not comment on the status of the task force on Tuesday, but said the district was doing all it could to accommodate children after the “devastating event” of Hurricane Maria.

A coalition of administrators, teachers and social workers appeared with Knight-Burney in a press conference at the district’s Administration Building on Tuesday. They said that the district is working to give each child an uninterrupted education.

Saundra James-Goodrum, a social worker for homeless students, said that new students have received donated hats, gloves, uniforms and school supplies, as well as referrals for mental health and medical services.

“The services they get are no different from other students in the district,” said Monica Chisolm, and ESL social worker.

The new student population has put particular strain on the district’s ESL resources. ESL Supervisor Kathy Ames said that the district began the year with 50 students and two teachers in its ESL program and has hired four long-term substitutes to accommodate the 113 new ESL students.

Ames said that the cost of educating an ESL student is the same as the district’s normal spending-per-pupil, which was $16,709 in 2011. The district does not receive additional state funding to accommodate the new students.

Pennsylvania school districts are required by the McKinney-Veto act to enroll homeless students, including those who move into the district after being displaced from their homes.

In remarks after the meeting, Knight-Burney said that the district is committed to providing a safe environment for displaced students. She said the district is prepared to hire more ESL instructors based on need among staff and students.

Knight-Burney also said that the district is working to replace teachers who have resigned from the district, including those who left after altercations with violent students.

“We constantly post on the website and encourage applicants to apply,” Knight-Burney said.

Since HEA representatives are responsible for organizing the task force, Knight-Burney declined to comment on its objectives or timeline for achieving them. She said that the district is receptive to teacher demands and has planned a lecture about the neurological effects of trauma in January.

Capital Region Water Set to Start 5 Projects in Harrisburg

December 12, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Capital Region Water at work installing new pipes on Green Street in Harrisburg last winter.

Capital Region Water will begin a new round of sewer replacement and improvements next week, affecting several neighborhoods in Harrisburg.

Andrew Bliss, community outreach manager, said CRW will stagger the $700,000 project through the end of January. In all, CRW will repair more than 800 feet of aging and broken sewer mains and manholes at five locations.

The individual projects are:

Mid-December to early January
S. 13^th Street, between Market Street and Howard Street
New manhole, 18 feet of new sewer pipe

End of December to early January
Cameron and Market streets
Spray on concrete liner, 18-inch sewer pipe

Early January to end of January
Magnolia Street between Cameron and 12^th streets
New manhole on Cameron Street, pipe lining

Mid-January to end of January
Derry Street between 13^th and 14^th Streets
New manhole, 13 feet of pipe, pipe lining

Mid-January to end of January
Fulton and Hamilton streets
New manhole connection

Construction hours will be Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Potential impacts of the construction include street closures, parking restrictions, construction noise and temporary sewer service interruptions. When the pipe replacement is complete, the road will be temporarily patched until final street restoration is completed in the spring of 2018, Bliss said.

“Every business, office and resident in Harrisburg relies on our sewer system every day,” said CRW board Chairman Marc Kurowski. “These critical repairs will help ensure reliable wastewater service for the next several decades.”

Customers with questions can contact Capital Region Water by phone at 888-510-0606 or by email at [email protected].

Papenfuse Pitches Composting Facility to City School Board

December 7, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

The site of Harrisburg’s proposed composting facility in Susquehanna Township.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse has renewed a quest to build a city composting facility in Susquehanna Township, but still must return to that municipality for final approval of the project.

Papenfuse appeared tonight before the Harrisburg School Board to present the city’s newest proposal for a composting site on 13 acres of school district property.

Though the proposed site is owned by the school district, it is located in the Edgemont neighborhood of Susquehanna Township, where residents rallied to oppose the project when it was first proposed last spring. Papenfuse and the city’s Public Works Department agreed to limit the scope of the project to placate residents, announcing over the summer that they would not pursue plans to compost food at the facility.

The city now proposes to build a site that composts just leaves and yard waste on five acres of the land. The facility will also serve as an “outdoor learning laboratory” for students in area schools, Papenfuse said, since the land is bound by a covenant saying it must be used for educational purposes.

Papenfuse and members of Public Works presented an informational video, filmed at the site, which explained the composting process and described the proposed facility. The facility would accommodate all of Harrisburg’s leaves and yard waste and produce nutrient-rich topsoil for residents.

School Board Director Percel Eiland said that the school board has always been supportive of the project as long as it pleases Susquehanna Township residents.

“We were pretty much sold the first time we heard this presentation,” he said. “We just want the residents to be satisfied.”

City officials will face a tougher audience later this month, when they make the same presentation to Susquehanna Township residents at a Board of Commissioners meeting. Papenfuse previously told TheBurg that he is optimistic that the scaled-back proposal will get their approval

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 7, 2017 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

Please excuse the abbreviated Weekend Roundup. I have a pretty good reason.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

TheBurg Podcast, Dec. 1: Times, they are a-changing.

December 1, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

A lot happened at City Council this week, and it’s all covered all in TheBurg’s newest podcast.

Burg editor in chief Larry Binda and city reporter Lizzy Hardison offer a preview of the 2018 budget, consider the city’s options for exiting from Act 47 next year, and sit in slack-jawed wonder at Harrisburg’s peace treaty with National Civil War Museum. They end with a discussion about community policing techniques, which Lizzy writes about in this month’s issue of TheBurg.

Stream this week’s episode on SoundCloud, or download it in the iTunes or Android podcast apps.

Read coverage of the issues we discuss in this podcast:

HBG Budget: 2018 plan shows growing revenues, no new tax hikes.

Exit Strategy: Harrisburg seeks assistance as it eyes leaving Act 47.

Peace in Our Time: City, Civil War Museum finalize accord over artifacts, rent.

New Cops on the Block: How one police department built public trust with a community-centered approach.

Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music. Check out his podcast, the PRC Show on iTunes.

Exit Strategy: Harrisburg seeks assistance as it eyes leaving Act 47.

December 1, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

State Street in Harrisburg

As 2017 draws to a close and Harrisburg officials negotiate next year’s budget, they’ve already set their sights on another deadline: the end of 2018, when the city’s Act 47 status expires.

The city recently enlisted the help of a lobbying firm to craft an exit strategy, which might include new laws specific to the capital city.

Harrisburg entered Act 47 in 2011. Cities and townships under Act 47 are designated as “financially distressed” by the state Department of Community and Economic Development and given special provisions for consolidating debt and setting tax rates.

Without those provisions, city officials say, it would be impossible to balance Harrisburg’s budget and maintain basic local services. Exiting the program would require them to lower current tax rates – unless legislators amend state laws.

“My general gut tells me unless there’s legislative change, I don’t think it’s possible for us to leave Act 47,” said Ben Allatt, a City Council member and chair of the budget and finance committee.

The need for new tax laws led the city to hire local lobbying firm Maverick Strategies, which they will pay $60,000 for services in 2018. While the deal won’t guarantee a specific legislative outcome, officials hope that Maverick will convey to lawmakers the unique challenges of funding a capital city.

“I don’t think that the leaders in the House fully understand what it means for a city to be in and leave Act 47,” said Allatt. “We think if they are fully informed, it could lead to legislative change that could affect Harrisburg or other cities across the commonwealth.”

Harrisburg’s status as the state capital simultaneously drives up its expenditures and reduces its revenue base. The daily influx of commuters means that the city infrastructure serves a large population of commuters who do not pay income or property taxes. What’s more, the city cannot tax state land.

Act 47 allowed Harrisburg officials to set earned income tax and local services tax rates higher than what is allowed under the state’s constitution.

Currently, Harrisburg taxes every individual working in the city $156 a year, or $3 a week, for local services such as police, road and traffic signals, and utilities.

The $8 million annual revenue from the local services tax helps maintain the city’s infrastructure and emergency services. If Harrisburg exited Act 47 today, it would have to adjust its tax rates according to the state constitution and third-class city code.

Harrisburg finance director Bruce Weber said lowering the rates would be impossible.

“It’d mean massive layoffs,” Weber said. “We wouldn’t balance the budget.”

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that the city will seek an exemption from these tax codes due to its capital city status.

“We’re certainly in solidarity with other third-class cities across the commonwealth that are struggling, but we’re a third-class city that is also the state capital city,” he said.

Papenfuse could not say whether the lobbyists would seek amendments to the third-class city code or the creation of new laws entirely. He did add that legislative changes could provide Harrisburg an alternative to a home rule charter, which would let the city create set its own rates on income and property taxes.

Papenfuse also confirmed that one objective of the lobbyists will be annualizing the state’s yearly payment to Harrisburg. Since the city cannot collect taxes on state property, the state has routinely made an appropriation to Harrisburg for emergency fire and police services, which, in recent years, has amounted to $5 million.

That payment is subject to debate in each round of state budget negotiations and has fluctuated in size. Papenfuse hopes that legislators, with prodding from Maverick lobbyists, will make the $5 million appropriation a requirement by state law.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

November 30, 2017 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

Please excuse the abbreviated Weekend Roundup. I have a pretty good reason.

By the way, last week was the first time I missed the WR in like seven years — seriously. So my apologies, but you know, new baby + holiday, blah blah blah.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Another Big Catch: Acclaimed author George Saunders to visit Harrisburg.

November 30, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Another big literary name is about to hit Harrisburg, as Man Booker Prize winner George Saunders is slated to make a February visit.

Alex Brubaker, manager of Midtown Scholar Bookstore, said today that Saunders, author of “Lincoln in the Bardo,” will pass through Harrisburg on Feb. 9 for a reading and book-signing.

“We’re thrilled to welcome an author of this caliber to the Midtown Scholar Bookstore,” he said. “After winning the 2017 Man Booker Prize, Saunders has solidified himself as one of the most renowned American writers working today. It’s an honor to host him.”

This past year, Saunders made his debut as a novel-writer in an emphatic manner as “Lincoln in the Bardo” became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller and subsequently won the Man Booker Prize, one of most prestigious international awards in literature. The novel blends historical realism with supernatural elements to tell an original and moving American tale.

Saunders’ visit caps off for an exciting year locally, as many acclaimed writers, including Salman Rushdie, Masha Gessen and Ibram X. Kendi, have all visited Midtown Scholar over the past few months. Moreover, the bookstore hosted the 2017 Harrisburg Book Festival, which featured four days of author talks, signings and events.

George Saunders will present “Lincoln in the Bardo” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9 at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.midtownscholar.com.

For Alex Brubaker’s gift ideas for the book-lover, visit our story in the December issue.

Community Corner: Notable December Events

November 30, 2017 | by Events Editor

December Community Corner

Elegant Progressions
Dec. 1-2: Historic Harrisburg Association and Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania will host its 26th annual “Elegant Progressions” black-tie progressive dinner at three country estates in Bowmansdale. Enjoy chauffeured service to the mansions for hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs, a formal dinner and dessert. Visit elegantprogressions.org.

Toys for Tots
Dec. 1-8: National Civil War Museum and the U.S. Marine Corps are collecting toys for Harrisburg’s children in need. Drop off unwrapped toys valued at $12 or more at the museum and receive one free museum admission for the day of donation or two coupons for 50 percent off a future visit. For details, visit nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

Holiday Concert
Dec. 1-9: Kick off the holiday season with the Harrisburg Singers’ traditional concert of carols. Tickets are $25. Visit musicbytheriver.org for concert and venue information.

Holiday Lights
Dec. 1-Jan. 1: Take a mile-long drive through a Christmas light display, with more than 300,000 lights synchronized with holiday music, at Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Rd., Lititz. For all the details, visit ChristmasSpiritLights.com.

Mini HBG Flea
Dec. 2: Explore the HBG Flea Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Strawberry Square, Harrisburg. Shop for local art, handmade gifts and vintage wares. Visit hbgflea.com for vendor information.

Diversity Luncheon
Dec. 2: Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network hosts “Celebrate the Holidays with Diversity” at the State Museum, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate with music, singing, dance and food from around the world. Bring a cultural dish to share. Visit pairwn.org.

Yule Ball Extravaganza
Dec. 2: Celebrate Harry Potter’s 20th anniversary with a Yule Ball Celebration at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a feast, Hogwarts classes and dancing. Wear a wizarding robe or your best fancy dress. Admission is $10 per guest, 11 years of age and older. Visit fredrickenlibrary.org.

White Christmas
Dec. 2: Carlisle Theatre, 40 W. High St., will host its annual showing of “White Christmas,” at 7 p.m. with a singalong. The 1945 classic will be shown with lyrics so that audience members can follow along. For details, visit carlisletheatre.org.

Festival of Trees
Dec. 2-17: Christmas trees trimmed by local garden clubs and decorated with handmade ornaments are displayed at the Fort Hunter Tavern House, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, on Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Trees are available for raffle and ornaments will be for sale. Visit forthunter.org.

Train Display
Dec. 2-30: Elizabethtown Public Library and the Train Guys model train club present the 2017 model train display at the library, 10 S. Market St., on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit etownpubliclibrary.org.

Market of Curiosities
Dec. 3: Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb presents the annual Market of Curiosities at Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This circus of imaginative holiday gifts features independent artists, vintage dealers and DIY creators. Relish the tastes of micro-brews and food and enjoy live music. Visit marketofcuriosities.com.

Local Lunch
Dec. 3: Join Friends of Midtown at its monthly community lunch, which will be held at Note Bistro & Winebar, 1520 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, 12 to 2 p.m. Contact [email protected] or visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Champagne Brunch
Dec. 3: Civic Club of Harrisburg will host a holiday champagne brunch at its historic headquarters, Overlook, 612 N. Front St., with music, entertainment and catering by Stock’s on 2nd, 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Details can be found at civicclubofharrisburg.com.

Polish Tradition
Dec. 5: Join Friends of International House, 312 Chestnut St., Harrisburg, for a 12-dish Christmas Eve supper in Polish tradition, beginning at 7 p.m. Enjoy Polish Christmas carols and a display of hand-painted ornaments. Admission is a suggested donation of $50, benefitting Friends of IHouse. Contact [email protected].

Deck the Halls
Dec. 7: “Deck the Halls,” Historical Society of Dauphin County’s fundraising event, features hors d’oeuvres, craft wines and beers, dessert bar, jazz music, silent auction and a photo booth at Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 6 to 9 p.m. Details are at DauphinCountyHistory.org.

Holiday Gala
Dec. 8: Harrisburg Young Professionals will host its holiday gala, 6 to 9 p.m., at Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg. Join HYP in celebrating the end of the year, while exploring the museum and enjoying refreshments. Visit hyp.org.

Dickens Concert
Dec. 8-17: The Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus presents “A Dickens Christmas” concert at the First Reformed United Church of Christ, 40 E. Orange St., Lancaster, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Visit harrisburggaymenschorus.org.

Holiday Tour
Dec. 8, 22: Brighter Living Adult Day Care, 979 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, will host a community event at 6 p.m. with tours of its adult day programs and holiday movie screenings. Refreshments provided. Bring clothing and toys to benefit the Harrisburg YWCA. Visit the Facebook page.

Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 9: The Bach Choir of Baltimore visits to perform “Handel’s Messiah,” 2 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Tickets are $25. For more information, call 717-236-4059 or visit musicbytheriver.org.

Holiday Soiree
Dec. 9: Art Association of Harrisburg will host “A Dickens Holiday Soiree” at a private New Cumberland home, 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy “A Christmas Carol” decorations, appearances from the four ghosts and a themed menu. Dress in Victorian or holiday attire. Reservations are $50. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Christmas Celebration
Dec. 9-10: Bethesda Mission will host a Christmas celebration at Italian Lake, Harrisburg. The festival includes a tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Santa’s grotto, carriage rides, local choirs, food vendors and a holiday market with local artisans. For all the details, visit christmasitalianlake.com.

Selfies with Santa
Dec. 9-24: Visit Santa at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., and take a photo in front of the beautiful Christmas tree. Santa will be in Center Court on Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24, 2 to 5 p.m. Free admission. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

Santa in Midtown
Dec. 10: Meet and get your picture taken with Santa, enjoy a free snack and get a museum tour at the Friends of Midtown event, Santa in Midtown, 1 to 4 p.m., at the PA National Fire Museum, 1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Candlelight House Tour
Dec. 10: Historic Harrisburg hosts its 44th annual Candlelight House Tour, 1 to 6 p.m., highlighting homes and businesses in the Capitol neighborhood. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Visit historicharrisburg.com for more details.

Holiday Market
Dec. 10: Historical Society of Dauphin County presents its annual Holiday Market, 1 to 6 p.m., with heritage, folk and contemporary artists from Central PA at Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Shop for gifts and visit with Santa. Details at DauphinCountyHistory.org.

Teen Gingerbread Houses
Dec. 10: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, invites teens ages 12 to 18 to the annual Gingerbread Extravaganza, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Make a gingerbread house, enjoy holiday movies and sip hot cocoa. Cost is $3. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Holiday Carols
Dec. 10: Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg will host the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 4 p.m., featuring the Sanctuary Choir and the Market Square Ringers. Visit marketsquarechurch.org.

Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 10-11 & Dec. 16-17: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet will present its annual holiday production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, on Dec. 9 and 10, and Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, on Dec. 16 and 17. Visit cpyb.org.

Polar Express Party
Dec. 11: Children of all ages are invited to meet the train engineer from “The Polar Express,” who will lead a special reading of the classic Christmas story at New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, 7 p.m. Children can wear pajamas, enjoy cookies and milk and get their picture taken with the engineer. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Sustainability Talk
Dec. 12: Join the U.S. Green Building Council Central PA for a continental breakfast, presentations by local leaders in sustainability and a discussion on community-based carbon offsets, at Widener Law Commonwealth, 3800 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, 8 to 10 a.m. Visit usgbc.org.

Holly Luncheon
Dec. 12: New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will host its annual Holly Luncheon and Musical Holiday Musings, 10:30 a.m., in the library’s Foundation Hall. Reservations are $10. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org for details.

Locomotive Works
Dec. 12: National Railway Historical Society Harrisburg Chapter hosts “The Baldwin Locomotive Works and its Connection with the Pennsylvania Railroad,” with Albert Giannantonio at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. Speaker starts at 7 p.m.; dinner begins as early as 5 p.m. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

Photography Contest Display
Dec. 12-Jan. 27: Visit Wildwood Park’s Olewine Nature Center during regular business hours to view photographs entered in the Friends of Wildwood annual photography contest. Visit wildwoodlake.org for details.

Foreign Policy Address
Dec. 13: Lynn Tabernacki of the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corp. will speak on “Addressing Foreign Policy Through the Private Sector” at Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 7:30 p.m. Dinner precedes the talk. Visit fpa-harrisburg.org.

Fair Districts PA
Dec. 14: Progressive Jewish Voice of Central Pennsylvania is sponsoring a program at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Harrisburg, 3301 N. Front St., at 7 p.m. Fair Districts PA will present information on the status of redistricting in Pennsylvania. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided. For more, please contact Randall Tenor at 717-763-1804.

3rd in The Burg
Dec. 15: 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. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.

Candlelight Concerts
Dec. 15-17: Susquehanna Chorale will hold its Candlelight Christmas concert series, with traditional and contemporary carols and a pre-concert recital by harpist Elizabeth Asmus. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $5 for students. Visit susquehannachorale.org.

Christmas Ring
Dec. 16: Join The Great Christmas Ring—a ringing event held in venues throughout the world—at Lancaster Marriott, 25 South Queen St., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Experienced hand bell ringers should contact [email protected] to participate. Visit thegreatchristmasring.com

Winter Discovery
Dec. 16-31: Visit Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, where exhibits will highlight animals in winter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Radio Theater
Dec. 17-18: The Not Ready For Drive Time Players brings its Christmas show to the Center Street Grille, 4 Center St., Enola, 7 p.m. Actors read from scripts like old-fashioned radio theater performers, with an SNL-like spin. Contact 717-732-8167 or [email protected].

Noon Year’s Eve
Dec. 29: State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., welcomes the New Year with its annual “Noon Year’s Eve” for young children and families, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-friendly event is included with general admission; planetarium fees apply. Visit statemuseumofpa.org.

New Year’s Eve Countdown
Dec. 31: Celebrate the new year throughout the day at the Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can make some noise with Hershey characters and “bubble-wrap stomps” at 11 a.m., 1.p.m. and 3 p.m. Visit hersheystory.org.

Children’s New Year
Dec. 31: Children count down to a noon balloon drop at the Popcorn Hat Players’ 25th annual New Year’s Eve party at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the event begins at 11 a.m., including a performance of “The Ugly Duckling.” Tickets are $12 per person. Visit gamuttheatre.org.

Harrisburg New Year’s
Dec. 31: Harrisburg will ring in the new year with fireworks and a celebration at the MLK Government Center, 10 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. Watch the strawberry drop at midnight, followed by fireworks. Visit harrisburgpa.gov.

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