Your Own Ark: What can we learn from the recent active hurricane season?

September 29, 2017 | by Jamie Mowery Lewis

Subway Cafe, exterior, and interior showing the high-water maek from 1972.

Recently, we’ve all seen pictures and videos of the terrible flooding in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean due to hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Neither hurricane affected the Harrisburg area, but many of us were probably reminded of times when tropical storms led to severe flooding in Pennsylvania. .

As recently as 2011, Tropical Storm Lee inundated large swaths of central Pennsylvania, and no one who lived through Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 will ever forget it. If you weren’t alive then, just pop into Subway Café on Herr Street, and you will see the flood line above the front door.

With extreme natural disasters comes the opportunity for growth and learning. Many people are on high alert, and our office has been deluged with inquiries regarding flood insurance. Many assume that they have flood insurance with their homeowners’ insurance, but that isn’t the case.

Most standard homeowner’s policies cover damages incurred when winds blow off your roof, a tree falls on your house or flying debris breaks your windows. Most policies also provide protection from fire, lightning, hail, vandalism, explosions and theft. However, homeowner’s policies typically do not cover flooding.

U.S. law requires people to purchase basic flood insurance if they buy a home in a designated high-risk flood area with a federally backed mortgage. But Hurricane Harvey showed that flooding also can damage properties outside the highest-risk zones and affect homeowners who weren’t required to buy the additional coverage.

Homeowners can buy a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or through private companies that provide a conduit to purchase the coverage through a local insurance representative. This provides coverage of up to $250,000 to repair your home and $100,000 for personal possessions. If you are not in a high-flood hazard area, the full amount can be purchased for less than $500 a year with lower limits available. It is important to understand that you have a 30-day waiting period before the flood policy takes effect, except if you are closing on a mortgage.

What else should you know? Well, the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is especially true for home insurance. Before a disaster strikes, take pictures of your property and valuables. This is the best way to show the condition your items were in prior to a loss. Some companies, such as ours, have a free home inventory app that you can download, which allows you to upload pictures of your items, attach receipts and more.

Having flood insurance in times of disaster, such as hurricanes Harvey and Irma, helps everyone by reducing the reliance on the federal government and our tax burden of those who are affected and don’t have coverage. Working in the insurance industry, we are often reminded by the quote from the late economist Howard Ruff—“It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”

By learning from past events and being proactive, you are building your own ark.

Jamie Mowery Lewis is marketing executive for Gunn-Mowery LLC, a community publisher for TheBurg. The people of Gunn-Mowery would like to extend their thoughts and best wishes to everyone affected by this year’s hurricanes.

“Rebel” Without a Focus: J.D. Salinger biopic lacks structure, voice.

September 29, 2017 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

“You failed to turn it into a narrative.”

So says Whit Burnett (Kevin Spacey), a Columbia writing professor, to a young J.D. Salinger (Nicholas Hoult) in writer/director Danny Strong’s “Rebel in the Rye,” a story that spans Salinger’s career from budding student to reclusive iconoclast. While the line is meant to peg Salinger as a novice before he starts to hone his craft, it also neatly describes the biographical nightmare set before us—a story about the beloved author of “Catcher in the Rye” has no structure or voice.

Based on Kenneth Slawenski’s account, “J.D. Salinger: A Life”—the first fresh perspective the world had of Salinger, which portrayed his life through the lens of the war—the film adaptation can hardly be called “fresh.” For those who already know the details of Salinger’s life, there isn’t too much to offer in terms of injecting vitality into the plot. There is an over-abundance of events that shaped his life, and the film tries to fit most of them into the narrative: his mentorship with Burnett, his quibbles with his publishers, his multiple marriages, etc. For a biographical story, one expects a certain amount of plodding through history, event after event. But the beauty of a film adaptation is that you can give it shape and structure and, hell, even focus—things that this film seemed to skip over.

This isn’t the first time Strong has made this mistake. His work in Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” holds the same egregious claim to flat plot structure. Perhaps Danny Strong should focus on the stories that won him Emmys and steer clear of real-life stories.

There were some meaningful scenes, however bereft of connection they were, and, for the most part, Hoult and Spacey really pulled through and made the film worth sitting through. In one especially endearing moment, Spacey says, “Are you willing to devote your life to stories, knowing you’ll get nothing in return?”

This challenge will hit any aspiring writer in the audience square in the heart and is the semblance of a focus for the film. If your purpose in writing is for fame or money, then maybe you shouldn’t be writing. I’ll at least thank Danny Strong for that sentiment.

“Rebel in the Rye” starts on Sept. 29 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

OCTOBER EVENTS
AT MIDTOWN CINEMA
www.midtowncinema.com

National Theatre Live
“Yerma”
Monday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.

Slasher Lock-in
Friday, Oct. 13, 9:30 p.m.
(including Down in Front! screening)

Down in Front!
“Bloody Murder”
Friday, Oct. 13, 9:30 p.m.

A Vidjam of Horror screening
Sunday, Oct. 15, 5 p.m.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show”
Saturday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

Everything New Again: Seniors start the move into the renovated Jackson Towers.

September 29, 2017 | by Diane McNaughton

A newly transfigured, 13-story high-rise, vacant for 13 years, now bears two signature “JT” monograms on its beige and brown façade.

Inside, the building has the aroma of newness, the look of a chic hotel, and the grateful smiles of dozens of senior citizens.

After years of waiting and work, the 159 like-new units of Jackson Towers are filling with residents aged 62 and older, who were eagerly waiting to call 1315 N. 6th St. “home.”

First built in 1960, just blocks from the Capitol Complex, Jackson Towers has stood lifeless and languishing since being vacated in 2004. After a 2011-12 gutting and a long bidding process, renovations began in earnest in September 2013.

Fast-forward four years. After the Labor Day weekend faded into the rear-view mirror, the moving vans started pulling up to the covered portico. Seniors began sitting on the outdoor benches, and a lonely, tranquil building sprang to life.

After the total makeover, many residents are moving from its next-door neighbor, Lick Apartments. Both towers are located across from the Broad Street Market, adjacent to Ben Franklin School, near the Bethesda Mission and the proposed site of the new federal courthouse.

Among those moving in is 80-year-old Arthur Jefferson, who sat outside Lick Apartments in a wheelchair on a sun-soaked August afternoon. Fred Banuelos, vice president of the Harrisburg Housing Authority, called “Jeff” the unofficial “mayor” of Lick Apartments, a man who knows everybody by name and is a friend to all.

Jefferson reached into his back pants pocket to produce his folded white paper bearing his room assignment in Jackson Tower. It was his ticket to a brighter future.

He confessed that a stroke often interferes with his ability to express his thoughts easily, but his eyes and face told the tale. While health complications will prevent him from using the library and gym, he is looking forward to the conversation rooms and group areas.

“I like it,” he said enthusiastically about his new home.

Live in Dignity
When visitors walk beneath the covered entranceway of Jackson Towers, past the benches and precise landscaping, they enter an open, airy two-story lobby. The color palette is a sea of taupe, terra cotta, russet and chocolate brown. The lobby has a security station, open steps and three elevators, one of which is handicapped accessible.

Plush new carpets, tile floors and faux stone walls give the structure a look of sophistication. The first floor, which still had slipcovers protecting the carpet in late August, is non-living space, loaded with amenities. Rounding out the first floor are a library, game room for board and card games, community room with rich, faux cherry cabinets, group dining room, fitness room and resident relations office, where people can get help with medical issues, transportation and employment. Hamilton Health Center has a presence, as well, complete with examining rooms and a spacious waiting room.

“It has the appearance of high-end, but it was done at an economical rate,” Banuelos said.

Room keys work on a high-tech fob system to avoid lost keys and lockouts.

The renovation, which cost $25 million, reduced the building’s units from 240 to 159, so they’re fewer but bigger.

“This is how housing could and should be,” Banuelos said. “If you are low-income, you don’t have to live in an institutionalized setting. They deserve to live in dignity and in something nice as well.”

Great Support
Jackson Towers is part of a vast public housing spectrum.

Banuelos said that there are 1,641 public housing units in Harrisburg, and, of those, 420 are for seniors. In addition to Jackson Tower, Morrison Tower has 120 and Lick has 144. The balance is for families, including Hall Manor, Hoverter Homes and William Howard Day Homes.

At JT, every resident is age- and income-qualified, Banuelos said.

Resident income must fall at 50 percent or below the median income in metropolitan Harrisburg to qualify. A waiting list for housing continues, but the authority is working to shorten it, both in terms of names and waiting times, he said.

He added that residents are charged 30 percent of their income for rent, so it is always affordable.

Banuelos said that he gets the same reaction from virtually everyone who tours JT: “It looks like a hotel!”

Family members of residents are especially thrilled. “I’m so happy my mom can live in such a nice place,” is a common refrain, he said.

“We knocked down walls and made new configurations,” Banuelos said. “We got great support throughout the community. That makes us want to come to work every day.”

The building has four styles of apartments. There are nine efficiencies, which have no private bedroom for “very simple living.” The second style is a one-bedroom apartment, with a galley-style kitchen and long countertops. Pocket doors allow for added space, and walk-in showers and closets offer ample storage and easy movement.

The third style is an L-shaped kitchen, with almond-colored walls. The fourth is handicapped-accessible. Floor-to-ceiling heights are tight. New Energy Star windows help with the energy retrofit of the building.

Banuelos said the intent was to move seniors from Lick to JT, but “the funding environment is making it prohibitive.”

Many residents had their hopes up and were disappointed, he said. The housing authority decided to make the move voluntary, leading about 80 to 85 of Lick residents to move.

Admittedly, coordinating the logistics of the move for many frail residents was tough. It was also like fitting together a jigsaw puzzle—some wanted the top floor, others the first. Some wanted the front and some the back, Banuelos said.

He said almost every preference was accommodated.

Moves began Sept. 5 in the morning, then two waves in the afternoon. Twenty moves each week are expected, until all are resettled.

“It’s a Herculean effort,” he said, even though the residents are only moving about 100 feet.

Much Potential
Jackson Towers and Lick Apartments have a long, proud history in Harrisburg.

Lick was named for Alton Lick, a former commissioner on the Housing Authority. Jackson Tower was named for C. Sylvester Jackson, a community activist and member of the Harrisburg Authority. The old plaques from the original, nondescript brick buildings and timeworn renderings are framed behind glass in the second floor administrative offices.

Lick Tower is being redeveloped also, but at a much slower rate, Banuelos said. Renovations will be done while residents continue to live there.

Denny Shelley served as the project manager with Dillsburg-based eciConstruction for the Jackson Tower overhaul. Involved in all three phases of the project, he said it took longer than expected, which is typical for projects of this magnitude, but it was done within the original construction budget.

He thinks the best part of the building is the architectural design, the lobby area and the Exterior Insulation Finishing System. This water-resistant surface is designed to be more durable and better at thermal and moisture control than traditional brick, stucco or siding.

He said the old building looked like “the public housing of old,” but, with this “new aesthetic,” JT “looks like market-rate apartments.”

Shelley saluted KD3 Design Studio of Lemoyne, led by Dale Hair and Kurt Oravecz, for the architecture and interior design services.

Beyond the project are the residents. Banuelos knows his people well.

“I have 144 grandmothers who are always asking me how my day is going,” he jokes.

But then he turns more serious.

“The city of Harrisburg has so much potential,” Banuelos said. “This is proof.”

When Shelley drinks in an aerial view of the downtown region, his eyes naturally gravitate to Jackson Towers.

“I believe this building stands out in the view of the cityscape,” he said.

Jackson Towers is located at 1315 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. For more information on the Harrisburg Housing Authority, visit www.harrisburghousing.org.

Happenings: Our October Calendar of Events

September 29, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museum & Art Spaces

3rd Street Studio
1725 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-385-3315; Facebook: 3^rd Street Studio

“Just a Painter,” works by Steve George, through Oct. 7.

“Nothing Pretty,” group exhibition of local art, Oct. 17-Dec. 2; reception: Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m.

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

The Tucker Torpedo, first public appearance, Oct. 4-10.

“Camaro & Firebird 50^th Anniversary Exhibit,” through Oct. 8.

“Garage Finds: Unrestored Treasures that Survived Time,” through Oct. 8.

“Spirit of the Season,” showcasing black and orange vehicles and hearses for Halloween, Oct. 16-Oct. 31.

Lory Lockwood Art Display, through Oct. 29.

“Dynamic Duo—AACA ‘Most Awarded’ and ‘Most Traveled,’” through Nov. 1.

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Yellow Fever,” fall membership show, through Oct. 12.

“Metamorphosis,” five-artist invitational exhibition featuring the work of Candy Delaney, Joanne Landis, Thomas J. Norulak, Samantha Sanders and Barbara Passeri-Warfel, Oct. 20-Nov.22; reception: Oct. 20, 5-8 p.m.

Brain Vessel Gallery
4707 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-2306; bvcargo.com

“Exploit | Explore: Then to Now,” oil and cold wax paintings by Michele Taber, through October.

Carlisle Arts Learning Center
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

“Concha Correal and Joan Wolf—Journeys,” through Oct. 7.

“8 Looks at Architecture” with Howard Batchelor, Robert Cavenagh, Jonathon Frazier, Patricia Walach Keough, Michael Lahr, Susan Nichols, Kimberly Stone and Leon Yost; Oct. 13-Nov. 11; reception: Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Artist of the Month: John McNulty

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

“Hanging by a Thread,” needlework exhibit showcasing handmade needlework, through Dec. 23.

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
galleryatsecond.com

Works by Joanne Finkle and Ted Walke, through Nov. 11.

Works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Oct. 18-Nov. 14, at Café 1500.

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

“Four Generations of Stutzmans,” featuring the artwork of four generations of the Stutzman family, through Oct. 7.

Historical Society of Dauphin County
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
dauphincountyhistory.org

“Uncle Sam Calls: Dauphin County in World War I,” an exhibit of historic posters and artifacts, through Dec. 22.

Landis House
Perry County Council of the Arts
67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Enhanced Thrift Art,” a group exhibition of salvaged thrift store or attic artwork with creative makeovers by local artists, through Nov. 4.

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

Paintings by Tara Chickey, through Oct. 6.

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; Facebook: Metropolis Collective

“Dark Rooms,” a group art and music tribute to David Lynch, through Oct. 31.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

New works by Kristen Fava, Andrew Guth, Julie Iaria, Judy Kelly & Caleb Smith, through Oct. 15.

Works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Yachiyo Beck, Elaine Brady Smith and Christine Goldbeck, Oct. 17-Nov. 12.

National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
717-260-1861; nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

“Reconstruction: The Unfinished War,” examining the unfinished issue of equality among races in the reunited states, through Dec. 31.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Quilts by Sue Reno, a textile exhibit composed of brilliantly patterned quilts, Oct. 1-Jan.1.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Works by Charlie Krone, through October.

PCCA Gallery
Perry County Council of the Arts
1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Two Journeys,” an exhibition of children’s picture book illustrations by Kuen Kuen Liu Spichiger, through Oct. 7.

“Artisan Marketplace of Perry County,” showcasing unique local art and handcrafted items for holiday gift-giving that supports regional artists and crafters, Oct. 13-Jan. 6; reception: Oct. 13, 6-8:30 p.m.

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history.

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

“Artifacts,” photography by Owen Butler, through Oct. 11.

“Virtual Reality Reorganized,” drawings on wood by Denise Stewart Sanabria, Oct. 17-Nov. 17; lecture Oct. 17, 5:30 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Pennsylvania at War: World War I Posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives,” through Nov. 12.

“Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania,” through Dec. 30.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; sqart.org

“Ansel Adams: Early Works,” Oct. 7-Jan.21; members preview opening Oct. 6, 5-7 p.m.

“Earth and Tide: Connected Through Place,” featuring a group of Central PA artists who gather to exchange ideas and expand art communities, through Oct. 29.

“New Geometry,” abstract invitational featuring Matt Allyn Chapman, Nick Hollibaugh, Brittany Nelson, and Rosalyn Richards, through Nov. 5.

“In the Vault,” featuring small works on magnetic templates to hang on the museum’s bank vault walls, through Dec. 17.

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“Painting on Clay,” pairing early post-WWII era abstract painters Robert Motherwell, Franz Kline, Helen Frankenthaler, Esteban Vicente and more, with ceramic works of Toshiko Takaezu, through Oct. 15.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; wildwoodlake.org

“Art in the Wild,” nature-inspired art, through Oct. 31.

Yellow Bird Café
1320 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-635-8991; yellowbird-cafe.com

Works by Brian Bastinelli, through Nov. 12.

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Works by Dan Kalbach, through Oct. 19.

“Vision Ink & Demonspeak” by Morgan Shay, Oct. 20-Nov. 16.

Read, Make, Learn

Absolute Pilates
3940 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-585-0354; absolutepilates.com

Oct. 28: Breaking Down Barriers to Exercise, 10-11 a.m.

Carlisle Arts Learning Center
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Oil Painting, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 12: Gourdaments, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 16-Nov. 20: Monday Night Wheel Throwing, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Oct. 19, 26: Play with Clay at the End of the Day (ages 10-18), 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Oct. 22: Tree of Life pyrography, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 24-Nov. 27: Advanced Photography, 6:30-8 p.m.
Oct. 26: Open Paint Studio, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30-Dec. 4: Fundamentals of Photography, 6:30-8 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Oct. 5: Oktoberfest & Beer Pairing, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 11: Bounty of the Fall, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 19: Tour of Europe, 6-9 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

Oct. 1: Mindfulness Matters, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 3: Curl Up with the Classics—“The Invisible Man,” 10 a.m.
Oct. 3: Storytime Yoga, 4 p.m.
Oct. 5: Young Adult Book Club for Adults, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 7: Traditional Chinese Painting, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 10: The Page Turners Writers Group (ages 12-14), 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
Oct. 14, 21: Get Started with Crochet, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: Chocolate Make and Take for Teens, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 16: Math Meets Music, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Estate Planning, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18: Cooking Club, 4 p.m.
Oct. 20: Family Movie Night, 4 p.m.
Oct. 24: Fredricksen Reads, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25: Story time at Country Meadows, 10 a.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

Oct. 5-Nov. 30: Improv Level 1

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St, Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

Oct. 3: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 3: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 4: Cyber Security Tips, 7-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 5: Learn to Knit, 7-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Coloring for Adults, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 9: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 10: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 11: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 12: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Oct. 16: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 17: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 18: Intermediate Excel, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 19: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10–11 a.m.
Oct. 24: Tea & Stitches Extended, 10-5 p.m.
Oct. 25: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 25: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 26: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Oct. 31: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

PCCA Gallery
Perry County Council of the Arts
1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Oct. 7: Drop-in Art, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The LBGT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Oct. 3: Men’s Group, 6 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Oct. 10: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
Oct. 12: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
Oct. 17: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.
Oct. 24: LGBT Parents, 6 p.m.

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Oct. 23: Ballroom Dancing, 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Manada Conservancy
717-566-4122; manada.org

Oct. 1: A Walk in Penn’s Woods at Detweiler Park, Dauphin

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Café
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Coffee, Cake and True Islam, 5-7 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 5, 19, 26: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 6, 27: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 18: Watch the Skies Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 19: Camp Curtin Toastmakers, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28: Greg Huber Book Signing, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 28: Dan Wakefield—Kurt Vonnegut’s Complete Stories, 4-6 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

Oct. 6: Fluid Art Painting, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 21: Textured Play—Talk & Demo w/ Sarah Pike, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 22: Beer Soap w/Lyes and Lathers, 2-4 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Oct. 2, 11, 16, 25: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 5: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 5: Pumpkin Book Craft for Adults, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Fun Friday at the Library, 3-5 p.m.
Oct. 10: Book Review—“Rose Under Fire,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 14: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 19: STEM Club, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Oct. 21: Saturday Morning Art (ages 7-10), 10:30-12 p.m.
Oct. 21: Couponing For Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 23, 30: Preschool Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
Oct. 23, 30: Toddler Storytime, 11 a.m.
Oct. 24, 31: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.
Oct. 25: Pennwriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

Oct. 2-6: Weekdays Archaeology at Fort Hunter, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 20: Learn at Lunchtime—Constellations, 12:15 p.m.
Oct. 26: Nature Lab—Creatures of the Night, 11:30 a.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; wildwoodlake.org

Oct. 3: Bird Walk—Migration, 8:15-10:15 a.m.
Oct. 8: Tree ID Walk, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 14: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 19: Detweiler Park Hike, 9-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 21: Wolf Boy Scout Workshop—Paws on the Path, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 25: Preschool Storytime, 10-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 28: Night at the Nature Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Oct. 1: Wess Cooke
Oct. 8: Gene Watson & The Bellamy Brothers
Oct. 11: Stephen Stills & Judy Collins

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Oct. 6: Hurricane Irma Relief Concert
Oct. 7: Willie Jack & the Northern Light
Oct. 13: Particle and Catullus
Oct. 14: Mountain Road
Oct. 20: Blind Owl Band
Oct. 22: 5th Annual Bacon and Brew HaHa
Oct. 27: The Larry Keel Experience
Oct. 31: The All Mighty Senators, Hexbelt

Appel Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; mystrandcapitol.org

Oct. 13: Joan Osborne
Oct. 14: York Symphony Orchestra
Oct. 21: Organ Society Gathering
Oct. 28: Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

Oct. 7: Eaglemania—Eagles Tribute Band

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

Oct. 1: Issues, Summoned Souls x SNXP
Oct. 6: You Bred Raptors?
Oct. 9: PnB Rock, Ages and Ages
Oct. 14: Serencia, The Black Dahlia Murder
Oct. 18: CKY
Oct. 19: 10 Years Red Otherwise
Oct. 20: Pissed Jeans
Oct. 21: Racquet Club, The Obsessed
Oct. 24: Citizen

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Oct. 6: Emily Lynn Wilkins
Oct. 7: Hard Travelin
Oct. 8: Jeff Judy
Oct. 13: Antonio Andrade
Oct. 14: Joe Cooney
Oct. 15: Dan Zukowski
Oct. 20: Mike Banks, Kevin Kline
Oct. 21: Doug Morris
Oct. 22: Kirk Wise
Oct. 27: Dominic Cicco, Michael Arthur & Kristina
Oct. 28: Machusiak
Oct. 29: Shine Delphi

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Oct. 28: Spooktacular Glamour

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Oct. 7: Alash Ensemble, Tuvan Throat Singers
Oct. 8: Jesse Smith & The Holy Ghost, Tonka Tuff, Flesh of the Lotus, Voidhiddem
Oct. 12: Wednesday 13, Eyes Set to Kill, Repulsur, Suicide Puppets, Dead Bird Pie
Oct. 20: Lenore
Oct. 21: “Halloween Is DEAD”
Oct. 23: Rickie Lee Jones
Oct. 28: Motograter

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

Oct. 7-8: October Masterworks
Oct. 28-29: Classical Mystery Tour Celebrates Sgt. Pepper

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheyentertainment.com

Oct. 27: Hershey Symphony
Oct. 29: Ray LaMontagne

Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
717-469-2211; hollywoodpnrc.com

Oct. 6: Shea Quinn’s The Band Who Sold The World
Oct. 6: JJ Rupp
Oct. 7: DJ Magic, Mystery Machine
Oct. 13: Sapphire
Oct. 14: DJ Ray Rossi, The Luv Gods
Oct. 20: Radio Neon
Oct. 21: DJ Dave Styles, Smooth Like Clyde
Oct. 27: Light Up The Moon
Oct. 28: DJ Ray Rossi, Time Traveler, Restless

Keystone Capital Chorus
717-350-5712; kccsing.com

Oct. 15: Barbershop Concert at AACA Museum

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-421-1512; keystoneconcertband.com

Oct. 14: Concert at Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren

Landis House
Perry County Council of the Arts
67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Oct 8: Trio Caprice

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Oct. 5: The Spinners & Little Anthony and the Imperials
Oct. 19: Heart By Heart
Oct. 26: Josh Turner

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

Oct. 13: Vienna Boys Choir

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Oct. 1: Mendelssohn Piano Trio & Central PA Youth Ballet
Oct. 21: Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble
Oct. 27: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Café
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Oct. 20: Indian Summer Jars

The Mill in Hershey
810 Old West Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-256-9965; themillinhershey.com

Oct. 7: Roy Lefever
Oct. 14: Lucas Gienow
Oct. 21: Conrad Fisher

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
rivercityhbg.com

Oct. 3: Steve Rudolph, Steve Meashey
Oct. 6: Emmanuel Nsingani
Oct. 7: Sun and Rain, Medusa’s Disco
Oct. 10: Kevin MacConnell Duo
Oct. 14: Lovers of Music Band
Oct. 17: River City Big Band
Oct. 21: Muningu, Soul Solution
Oct. 23: Central PA Friends of Jazz Jam

Rusty Rail Brewing Company
5 N. 8th North St., Mifflinburg
570-966-7878; rustyrailbrewing.com

Oct. 6: Eilen Jewell

Sand Trap Grill & Pub
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-691-5335; thelodgeatlibertyforge.com

Oct. 5: Silver Bright Sound
Oct. 12: Nate Myers Trio
Oct. 16: Open Mic—Roy Bennett & Friends
Oct. 19: Shea & Len

St. Thomas Roasters
5951 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-526-4171; stthomasroasters.com

Oct. 6: Crossroads Duo
Oct. 7: Vaughn
Oct. 13: Channalia
Oct. 14: Paul Zavinksy
Oct. 20: Cotolo
Oct. 21: Joe Cooney
Oct. 27: Rhoads & Putt Trio
Oct. 28: Just Dave

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

Oct. 6: Cruise Control Trio
Oct. 7: DJ Ray Rossi
Oct. 13: Swisher Sweets
Oct. 14: Noel Gevers and Friends
Oct. 20: Natalie Ness
Oct. 21: DJ Downtown Penny Brown
Oct. 27: Shea Quinn and Friends
Oct. 28: Music Thru Science Lite

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

Oct. 7: Open Mic
Oct. 8: October Jam Session
Oct. 15: Corn Potato String Band
Oct. 28: Fall Coffee House

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; millersville.edu/muarts

Oct. 1: Allegro Core Concert—Firebird
Oct. 7: Shayna Steele
Oct. 8: Allegretto Fall Concert
Oct. 10: Alash Throat Singers
Oct. 13: Xun Pan & Dana Weiderhold
Oct. 15: Jeremy Davenport
Oct. 28: Mexico Beyond Mariachi

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Oct. 6: Skribe
Oct. 13: Some Hands
Oct. 15: Josh Dominick
Oct. 20: Tim Cook
Oct. 27: Halloween Spooktacular w/His & Her Music

The Stage Door

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Oct. 15: “The Price is Right Live!”

Appel Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; mystrandcapitol.org

Oct. 19: Brian Regan

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

Oct. 20-29: “Frankenstein”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Through Nov. 11: “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story”

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

Oct. 11-28: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” w/Popcorn Hat Players

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S Eisenhower Blvd., Middletown
717-939-9333; hbg-cpac.org

Oct. 27-29: “The Addams Family” w/The Victory Players

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Open Mic
Oct. 6, 7: Valerie Storm and Johnny Lee Dam
Oct. 8: Oxymorons
Oct. 10: Ray William Johnson
Oct. 13, 14: James “Bodacious” Dobson
Oct. 20, 21: Larry Reeb and Quinn Patterson
Oct. 27, 28: Mike Gardner

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-798-6973; hbgimprov.com

Oct. 6: Name That Tune/Ferd Majelly, Jam
Oct. 6, 20: Oppositional Defiants/Hawkward
Oct. 7: Love Triangle, Last Resort, Bandito/Fours Company 2: In Addition Too
Oct. 13: HAI/Brainwave Aftershave, Phlegminism
Oct. 13, 15: Level 1 Class Show
Oct. 13, 15: Level 2 Class Show
Oct. 13, 27: What’s the Matter with Henry?
Oct. 14: Table for One/Bandjob, Spacework, Ferret Prom/Solo Sleepover
Oct. 20: Images, Alamo City Improv
Oct. 21: JohNathan, Spank’d, Tony Stanza
Oct. 27: Tiny Town, Hit Bits
Oct. 28: Table for One/The Fourest, Introduce A Self, The Actor’s Craft/Pillow Talk
Oct. 29: Magic Fairy Pirate Monkeys

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Oct. 22, 26, 29: “Topdog/Under Dog” w/Narcisse Theater Company
Oct. 27, 28: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

Oct. 5-15: “The Curious Savage”

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

Oct. 6: “Peppa Pig Live”
Oct. 28: Lewis Black

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Oct. 7: Terry Fator
Oct. 28: Rita Rudner & Brad Garrett

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Oct. 5-8: “Kindertransport”

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Oct. 6-29: “Fun Home”

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Rd., Camp Hill
717-737-6768; oystermill.com

Through Oct. 8: “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”

The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; allenberry.com

Oct. 28: “How I Became a Pirate”

Rose Lehrman Arts Center
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Oct. 11: “Catapult”

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

Oct. 12: “Unthinkable” (at Zeroday Brewing)

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Oct. 18: “Goodnight Gracie”
Oct. 21-22: “Purple Cries for Blue Skies”

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

Oct. 3: Champions of Magic
Oct. 4: Rob Schneider
Oct. 5: Harrisburg Story Slam
Oct. 21-22: “Hansel and Gretel” w/Central PA Youth Ballet

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Oct. 12: “Untitled” live storytelling

Never Settled: Hagir Elsheikh may have finally found a home, but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped moving.

September 29, 2017 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Hagir S. Elsheikh conducts her life like a well-choreographed dance, gracefully managing myriad projects with an air of calm confidence and conviviality.

The electrical engineer-turned-registered nurse juggles life as a single mother with two daughters while running HSE Staffing Agency, which pairs healthcare providers with skilled employees. She also teaches at HACC as a clinical instructor and advocates for victims of violence through Tomorrow’s Smiles, her nonprofit organization.

During her “spare” time, she creates podcasts on topics like human trafficking, while studying for her master’s degree, working on her memoirs and shuttling her daughters to New York as they pursue acting careers.

For her work in the community, Elsheikh recently was recognized by the Central Penn Business Journal as a “Woman of Influence.”

“Based on her outstanding contributions to the community, it’s no surprise that Hagir won,” said Associate Publisher Shaun McCoach.

Stronger

As a young girl, Elsheikh lived in the small Sudanese village of Tandalti, where her father was a physician’s assistant.

“Because of his passion for his work, he traveled from place to place,” said Elsheikh. “We would share our water with others, and the line at our faucet was long, but we, as kids, took advantage of it. The little girls and boys who would come with their families played with us, and we learned how to ride donkeys. I also remember being sad when they left.”

Life was simple back then for Elsheikh, whose family eventually left the village to reside in Khartoum, the sprawling Sudanese capital. Then the country fell to a military coup.

“Life started to get more difficult,” she said. “They began dictating what we wore, how we lived, when and where we were permitted to speak. Life as we knew it had changed.”

As Elsheikh grew older, she became an activist, paying a high price for organizing protests in high school and college, where she studied to be an electrical engineer. At one point, government officials beat her for about 10 hours, she said.

“I could smell my own blood, but couldn’t feel my body anymore,” she said. “Close to sunrise, they threw me in the back of a pickup truck and pitched me out in front of my house like a bag of trash.”

Elsheikh described her harrowing struggles as difficult, but just temporarily debilitating. “It only made me stronger,” she said.

Elsheikh later married, became pregnant and moved to Egypt, where she applied for refugee status, living in a tiny, closet-sized apartment, surviving on little money and often walking miles to get to a part-time job.

Opened My Eyes

Eventually, Elsheikh was given entry into the United States. She said that she breathed a sigh of relief, but first had to survive a sleepless, 12-hour flight to Philadelphia while seven months pregnant.

“The packed flight was full of refugees, and my feet kept getting more and more swollen,” she said. “I tried walking, but nothing helped.”

After a month in the states, Elsheikh visited friends in Harrisburg and subsequently fell in love with the area.

“Those friends were kind enough to take us in and help me find work at a nearby daycare,” she said, starting her job just four months after arriving in the states and six weeks after giving birth to a healthy baby daughter.

Determined to make a good life for herself and her family, Elsheikh brushed up on her language skills, passed her driving test, began studying nights at HACC and soon became a certified nurse’s assistant. By this time, she was the family’s sole provider as her former husband lost his job, which escalated to a cycle of domestic abuse.

“It opened my eyes to ways I could help others going through this tragedy,” she said.

Greatest Reward

Today, Elsheikh concentrates on living life to the fullest and wants to help others do the same. Her HSE Staffing clients and staff appreciate the fact that she has worked in healthcare.

“We worked together when I was a new nurse, and we clicked at the onset,” said Bobbi Lehman of Enola. “Then I started working for her agency. She knows what it’s like, and, when she sends me somewhere, I trust that she has checked out the place to see how they treat staff. Because she worked in the field, she knows what it’s like, and, therefore, has compassion for her employees.”

Ezekiel Lemiso also worked with Elsheikh and said she took him under her wing.

“We shared common challenges in life,” he said. “I’m from Kenya, she’s from the Sudan and we’re both single parents. She helped me adapt quickly on the job.”

Lemiso admires Elsheikh’s ability to fit so many projects into her days.

“Hagir has been through hell and back, but managed to become a successful nurse, a business owner and an advocate for civil rights, while working for victims of domestic violence,” Lemiso said.

Then, chuckling, he described her work ethic.

“Her day is 96 hours,” he said. “I sometimes tell her to relax and enjoy the fruits of her hard work. She is just amazing.”

Elsheikh returns the compliment, saying she gains inspiration from others every day, which fuels her motivation to work harder to help.

“The greatest reward for me is to see people around me succeed and help them reach their full potential,” she said. “It brings joy to my heart, and what keeps me going is my ability to inspire others through my stories.”

Student Scribes: 2 Poems

September 29, 2017 | by Sara Stevenson

2 Poems

Inconceivable

When I first saw you,

you were a small dot on the

screen, an idea

I could not fully conceive

Becoming reality.

Drifting Out to Sea

Pen to paper.

The expressions of life

and all its intricacies.

A winding,

shifting

tale.

A memoir.

A vessel.

An anchor

to tether you to reality

you feel yourself

drifting.

An escape.

Sara Stevenson is a graduate student in humanities at Penn State Harrisburg.

Student Scribes: “Palace of Art”

September 29, 2017 | by Austin Shay

“This is the handsomest building I have ever saw.” – Theodore Roosevelt, at the 1906 Dedication of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

I have been deemed the handsomest

building that the President

has ever seen. My walls carry the history

of this great Commonwealth,

but they also bare the struggles

of former years. I am a palace

of art and culture. The gardens

that surround me are ordained

with sculptures of the people

who allowed us to grow and prosper.

I am proud to have 377 mosaics

plastered around my rotunda

representing what it means to be

from Pennsylvania.

I am a palace of art and culture,

and I am the handsomest building

you will ever see.

Austin Shay is a graduate student in humanities at Penn State Harrisburg.

September News Digest

September 29, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda and Lizzy Hardison

Madsen Named to Council

Dave Madsen is Harrisburg’s newest council member, as City Council last month appointed the Midtown resident to a four-month term.

Madsen takes the seat vacated by former Councilman Jeffrey Baltimore, who resigned in August.

Six city residents applied for the position, and City Council named four finalists: Madsen, Brian Ostella, Jennie Jenkins and Joshua Burkholder. In the end, Madsen, Ostella and Jenkins received nominations from council, which selected Madsen, a technician with the state Department of Revenue, by a 4-2 vote.

Also last month, the Democratic Committee of Dauphin County selected Madsen to appear on the November ballot as its nominee for a two-year council seat to fill the remainder of Baltimore’s term.

In that committee contest, Madsen narrowly bested city official Devan Drabik after Jenkins withdrew her name from contention and threw her support behind Madsen.

Civil War Museum Accord Reached

Harrisburg’s mayor and a city museum have put aside their contentious past in a deal that would give the museum ownership of its permanent collection.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse and board members of the National Civil War Museum last month outlined an agreement in which the city would sell the collection to the museum for $5.25 million and begin to charge the museum rent.

“My goal has always been to reach an agreement in the city’s best interest, and I believe this is in everyone’s best interest,” Papenfuse said.

After becoming mayor in 2014, Papenfuse strongly objected to deals reached under former Mayor Steve Reed that allowed the museum to display the city-owned artifacts at no cost and that charged the museum just $1 a year in rent for the city-owned building. The new agreement, which must be approved by City Council, addresses both those issues.

First, the city would sell the artifacts to the museum for $5.25 million. In turn, the city would put $1 million into a reserve fund to pay for capital improvements to the building, which the city would continue to own. The other $4 million would pay for improvements to Reservoir Park, where the museum is located.

Under the deal, the museum has five years to raise the $5.25 million to purchase about 25,000 artifacts. If it fails to raise the money within that time, the city would be allowed to sell 20 percent of the museum’s collection.

The agreement also outlines a graduated schedule for the payment of rent.

For the first five years, the museum would pay the city $45,000 per year in rent. However, no money would change hands, as the cumulative amount over that period almost equals the amount of money that the museum is owed by the city for unreimbursed building repair costs dating back to 2009.

“It took us a long time to be here, but I think we realize that this made a heck of a lot of sense for both (parties),” said Gene Barr, a museum board member.”

Harrisburg Finances Praised

State officials last month offered an optimistic forecast for Harrisburg’s 2017 finances, but the city’s ability to maintain a balanced budget through the end of the year remains uncertain.

Members of the city’s Act 47 team appeared before City Council to give a mid-year assessment of the current budget.

Praising the “exemplary” leadership of Mayor Eric Papenfuse and City Council, the team summarized the city’s 2017 finances through June and offered recommendations for the second half of the year.

While the team commended the city’s financial vigilance, Harrisburg will see some challenges looking into the second half of the year.

For example, the city doesn’t yet know if it can count on its annual payment from the state. In past years, the state has made a single, lump-sum payment to Harrisburg to cover the costs of supporting the state Capitol complex.

“Not getting $5 million from the state is a little concerning,” said Bruce Weber, city finance director. “Even though we may be in good financial position now, it’s tenuous.

Term Limits Proposed

Former Harrisburg Mayor Steve Reed served seven full terms, leaving financial devastation in his wake when he left office after 28 years.

City Council President Wanda Williams says she now wants to prevent a future mayor from staying in office too long, thus endangering the welfare of the city. So, she has introduced an ordinance that would limit future Harrisburg mayors to two terms.

“I don’t want that to happen again,” she said.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that, in general, he supports term limits for officeholders and might even consider them as part of a new Home Rule charter. However, he does not support this proposal because, he said, one branch of government cannot use term limits “to control” another.

In contrast, he said he might support a proposal that subjects all municipally elected officials to term limits. Williams said that she might go for that.

“If he wants to consider council members, that’s fine with me, too,” said Williams, who, with 12 years on council, is the longest-serving elected official in the city government.

Hamilton Health to Expand

A planned expansion at Hamilton Health Center in Allison Hill will increase pre-K access for children in that neighborhood, while also providing additional parking for the facility’s patients and employees.

Last month, Harrisburg City Council approved Hamilton Health’s application to add a new parking lot and a 25,000-squre-foot building to its facility on S. 17th Street. The building will house classrooms for Capital Area Head Start and another childcare facility.

Jo Pepper, executive director of Capital Area Head Start, said that the Hamilton Health expansion will allow her organization to direct more resources to its highest-need area, adding 80 slots starting next year.

“Every year, one of our biggest problems is finding safe, age-appropriate facility space in our areas of need,” Pepper said. “We’ve been looking for additional space in Allison Hill for five years now.”

Capital Area Head Start will occupy five classrooms in the new Hamilton Health building.

“We are a one-stop shop for families to access what they need,” said Jeanine Peterson, CEO of Hamilton Health. “Co-locating with Head Start eliminates a lot of the barriers that a lot of families have in ensuring that their kids get quality health care.”

New Office Building Planned

Downtown Harrisburg may soon get its first new office building in several years, as Harristown plans to clear and develop a narrow space off of Market Square.

Asbestos remediation work began last month on 21 S. 2nd Street, a small, three-story, dilapidated brick building that once housed the Coronet restaurant on the ground floor. Demolition will follow, said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises.

“This building was beyond repair,” Jones said. “Rehabilitation is always our preference when working on an old building, but, unfortunately, this former restaurant had severe water damage and asbestos and couldn’t be saved.”

Harristown hopes to construct a new, six-story office building next year, with retail or restaurant space on the first floor, once demolition is completed in February 2018. It expects to combine the space with a renovation of the historic SkarlotosZonarich building next door.

Home Sales Continue Rise

Area home sales resumed their upward trend in August, rising 4.4 percent year over year.

Sales totaled 989 units versus 947 in August 2016, while the median price rose to $184,900 against 169,900 the year earlier, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors.

In Dauphin County, 325 homes sold compared to 311 homes in the year-ago period, and the median price was $169,900 versus $157,500, GHAR said. In Cumberland County, sales increased by 10 to 346 units, and the median price rose to $204,950 compared to $178,450 in August 2016.

Perry County had sales of 36 homes, down by two units, while the median price decreased to $159,450 versus $162,250 a year ago.

GHAR covers all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

So Noted

Amanda Arbour last month was named the new executive director of the LGBT Center of Central PA. Arbour replaces Louie Marven, who served for more than five years in the post.

Beau MacGinnes, gallery curator for Zeroday Brewing Co., captured the first-place prize for “Windows of Perception,” his entry into Wildwood Park’s annual “Art in the Wild” competition. Eve Gurbacki and Adrianne Zimmerman took second place with “When Trees Dream,” and Sean Rafferty and Katlyn Goodyear won third for “Equus Cabullus.”

Boo-Boo’s Barbecue held its grand opening last month at 912 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. The new eatery, which features barbecued meats and homestyle sides, is owned by Litho “Boo Boo” Ware, a former city police officer.

Harrisburg Bike Share plans to launch this month with 10 city locations downtown, Midtown and on City Island. For a $25 annual fee, users will be able to use the bike-sharing service. For details, visit www.bike.zagster.com.

Meeka Fine Jewelry last month held a ribbon cutting at its location at 2135 Market St., Camp Hill. Owner Monika Kroll co-locates her studio in the renovated space, which features products from eight independent artisans.

Rep. Lou Barletta (R-11) last month announced that he would run for the U.S. Senate in 2018. Barletta, who is in his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, would vie for the seat currently held by Sen. Robert Casey Jr.

Sam Jordan has been promoted to vice president, commercial banking, for S&T Bank. He previously served as assistant vice president, commercial banking.

Timothy Reardon last month announced his retirement as executive director of Tri-County Regional Planning Commission following a seven-year tenure in the position. The commission provides planning services and expertise for the greater Harrisburg area.

Zeroday Brewing Co. last month celebrated the grand opening of the Zeroday Outpost inside the stone building of the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. To mark the occasion, a “community ribbon cutting” was held, with patrons cutting small pieces of ribbon.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2249: N. Townsend to T. Bui, $48,000

Berryhill St., 2338: M. Ortiz to PA Deals LLC, $30,000

Berryhill St., 2432: PA Deals LLC to E. Shelly, $63,500

Boas St., 421: B. Andreozzi to M. Berlin, $115,000

Boas St., 433: D. & D. Dreher to S. Rives, $120,000

Brookwood St., 2619: B. Sweger to J. Torres, $65,200

Buckthorn St., 223 & 225; 1208 Walnut St.; 1468 Zarker St.; 2144 N. 4^th St.; 1835 North St.: LMK Properties LLC to RT Propertiez LLC, $86,867

Calder St., 102: K. Goodling & K. Shepherd to C. Hommel, $164,900

Derry St., 2435: PA Deals LLC to J. Tucker, $64,000

Fulton St., 1408: J. Bancroft to K. Black, $109,900

Fulton St., 1413: A. Beasy to C. Wilson, $118,000

Herr St., 214: Leonard J. Dobson Family Limited Partnership to P. Dee, $58,000

Green St., 800: J. & S. Wesley to D. & C. Seltzer, $219,900

Green St., 922: M. Roan to S. Winkeljohn & D. Black, $184,900

Green St., 1201: Equity Trust Co. Gordon Trump IRA to D. & L. Butcher, $189,900

Green St., 1417: B. Williams to L. Santos & O. Labinjo, $173,000

Green St., 1926: W. O’Brien to M. Stier & D. Gottlieb, $210,000

Green St., 2014: H. & S. Johnson to R. & J. Tilley, $135,000

Green St., 2137: N. Morrison to T. Sangrey, $51,000

Green St., 2138: C. Ly to Round Rock Investments LLC, $87,000

Green St., 2340: E. & K. Woolever to J. Clmens, $184,000

Green St., 3240: J. Mueller to M. Sangrey, $115,000

Hamilton St., 232: T. Gagnolet & M. Barth to A. & M. Fretz, $165,000

Harris St., 238: D. Leaman to W. Davis & T. Helwig, $194,824

Harris Terr., 2483: H. Nguyen to HT Properties LLC, $35,000

Lenox St., 1910: M. & J. Bryant to RTD Properties and Management, $40,000

Lexington St., 2600: M. Sink to Harrisburg Properties LLC, $38,500

Logan St., 2000 & 2001 N. 3^rd St.: Otterbein Evangelical & Z. Haverstock to New Day Way of the Cross Church in Christ, $85,000

Logan St., 2246: Dobson Family Partnership to S. Powell, $42,294

Maclay St., 219: Kusic Capital Group LLC to Good Management LLC, $105,000

Mercer St., 2424: L. Barber to R. Murphy III, $50,000

Mercer St., 2455: MidFirst Bank to D. Pham, $32,500

Moore St., 2122 & 2122A: 3 Anvi LLC to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $50,000

Nagle St., 120: J. Piglacampo to J. & D. Griffin, $168,500

Naudain St., 1522 & 1524: H. & C. Myers to ERD Small Property LLC, $40,000

N. 2^nd St., 1105: K. Brett to Hamr Second Street LLC, $112,000

N. 2^nd St., 1331: E. Benion to S. Mimm, $70,120

N. 2^nd St., 1714: R. & N. Walborn to Harrisburg Redevelopment Group LLC, $325,000

N. 2^nd St., 1909: PA Deals LLC to S. Jusufovic, $35,000

N. 2^nd St., 2527: S. & A. Andrus to GRSW Stewart Real Estate Trust, $193,500

N. 2^nd St., 3031: J. Ritchie to D. & M. Main, $96,000

N. 3^rd St., 1620: K. Reimer to J. Reimer, $90,000

N. 3^rd St., 2010: R. Blumenstein to N&R Group LLC, $31,000

N. 3^rd St., 2204: R. & M. Zeigler to P. Ford, $146,000

N. 4^th St., 1701: R. Steinmetz to S. Biray, $129,000

N. 4^th St., 1703: D. Hopkins to S. Bradley & R. Daman, $123,900

N. 5^th St., C. & M. Enoch and S. Pollard to S. Jawhar, $35,000

N. 6^th St., 1316: A. Kraft & B. Kephart to T. Jones, $92,000

N. 7^th St., 2612: Great Foods Inc. to V. Galasso, $50,000

N. 18^th St., 112: Bigfoot Properties to Amiracle4sure Inc., $52,500

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 208: I. Valeo to S. & L. Weitzman, $115,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 511: A. & C. Yastishock to S. Sulecki, $200,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 601: A. Prashar to J. Devine, $174,900

Penn St., 1706: W. & M. Fontana to C. Harris, $132,000

Race St., 612: C. Pinto to D. Amaguayo, $180,000

Rudy Rd., 2492: My Neighbor LLC to HT Properties LLC, $33,600

S. 2^nd St., 21: D. Bratic to South Second Associates LLC, $150,000

S. 17^th St., 209: K. Lawson to M. Khan, $60,000

S. 17^th St., 447: O. & Y. Han to C&P Property Management, Inc., $60,000

S. 28^th St., 726: R. McClure to P. & L. Brown, $35,000

S. 29^th St., 712: C. Kiscadden to M. Gill, $92,900

State St., 234: G. & L. Martin to Harrisburg Buildings & Grounds Co., $163,000

State St., 1508: 1508 State Street LLC to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $40,000

Woodlawn St., 2511: T. Hoa to PA Double Deals LLC, $130,000

Harrisburg property sales for August 2017, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

Slate Set: Harrisburg ballot firm for November general election.

September 28, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

A polling station on State Street in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg voters will face an almost entirely Democratic field in the upcoming municipal election, as the final slate is firm for the Nov. 7 ballot.

Incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse appears to be a shoo-in for a second term, as activist Chris Siennick, who insisted earlier in the year that he would run as an independent and even asked to be included in the primary election debates, never filed for the general election. So, his name won’t appear on the ballot.

Siennick confirmed last night that he failed to turn in nominating petitions for an independent run and added that he might consider a write-in candidacy.

Papenfuse, a Democrat, also will appear on the Republican side of the ballot, as he gained that nomination by getting enough Republican write-in votes in the primary.

For Harrisburg City Council, Councilman Dave Madsen will run unopposed, as the Dauphin County Republican Committee failed to nominate a candidate for the two-year seat, which opened up after the unexpected resignation of former Councilman Jeffrey Baltimore in August. County Democrats nominated Madsen earlier this month.

Incumbents Wanda Williams, Shamaine Daniels and Ben Allatt and newcomer Ausha Green all won their Democratic primary contests in May for four, four-year council seats. They face no Republican opposition.

Harrisburg school board is the only municipal body with a contested election. In that race, voters will choose among Democratic nominees Danielle Robinson, Judd Pittman, Carrie Fowler and Brian Carter and Republican nominee James Thompson for four, four-year seats. In the primary, Thompson, an incumbent, cross-filed as both a Democrat and a Republican, but lost the Democratic race. Democrat Percel Eiland is running unopposed for a single, two-year seat on school board.

Other unopposed candidates in Harrisburg include Democratic incumbents Dan Miller for city treasurer and Charlie DeBrunner for city controller.

For magisterial district justice in Harrisburg, incumbent Barbara Pianka is running unopposed in District 12-1-02, as is David O’Leary in District 12-1-04. In District 12-1-05, Democrat Hanif Johnson will face off against Republican nominee Claude Phipps, who cross-filed in the primary.

In Dauphin County, the open seat for prothonotary pits Democrat Diane Bowman against Republican Matthew Krupp. For coroner, incumbent Graham Hetrick is running unopposed, having gained the nominations of both major parties.

For Dauphin County judge, voters will have a choice of four candidates for three seats. Judge Lori Serratelli will be on the Democratic side and Republican attorney John McNally on the Republican side of the ballot. County District Attorney Ed Marsico and attorney Royce Morris will be listed on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.

“We’re behind” on community policing, Harrisburg councilman says

September 28, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Panelists at Wednesday’s “Know Your Rights” panel sponsored by Harrisburg Hope. From left to right: Brandon Flood, Harrisburg Hope organizer; Chris Siennick, Andy Hoover, Cornelius Johnson, Robert Martin, Anthony Minium, and Steve Zawisky.

How does Harrisburg stack up to its neighbors on community policing initiatives?

Law enforcement officials, legal experts and activists discussed this question and others at Wednesday night’s “Know Your Rights” forum hosted by Harrisburg Hope. The event drew about 60 community members to the Highmark meeting room at Hamilton Health Center.

Councilman Cornelius Johnson, the only city government representative on the panel, thinks Harrisburg has some work to do.

“The honest truth is that we’re behind,” said Johnson, chairman of City Council’s public safety committee, while responding to a resident who asked him about the city’s community policing initiatives.

Johnson identified a few limitations for Harrisburg’s police bureau. He said the city’s financial distress reduced the manpower of the police force, and a nationwide police shortage makes it hard to improve its high vacancy rate.

Harrisburg police also process a higher volume of calls than smaller, neighboring townships, he said.

But according to Johnson, the city needs to ask what else it can do to improve police and community relations. For example, police should be visible in communities when they aren’t responding to calls, he said.

“Within the urban community, there’s a lack of kids who want to be police officers based on lack of interaction with police in Harrisburg,” Johnson said. “When we are only seeing police officers come to the scene of robberies, we are not seeing them in a positive light.”

Johnson also spoke about solutions that the city is considering to bolster community relations. For example, council hopes to use federal Community Development Block Grant money to start an internship program for young adults interested in criminal justice. Eligible youth would have roles in the police department and get scholarships to attend HACC.

Council is also considering legislation that would create a citizen task force to discuss policing initiatives.

Multiple audience members expressed disappointment that Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse and Police Chief Tom Carter did not appear on the panel.

Carter and Papenfuse could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Susquehanna Township Police Chief Robert Martin and Steelton Police Chief Anthony Minium both appeared to speak about community policing initiatives they implemented in their forces. They said that the goal of community policing is to increase positive contact between police officers and community members.

Martin described programs that have been ongoing in his force since he took over as chief. For example, the “Honorable Endeavor” program requires officers to interact with children when they see them on their patrol. Another program, called “Stand in the Gap,” requires officers to enter schools on their foot patrols and talk to students about a “Word of The Month,” such as “respect” or “devotion.”

Martin said that officers must write a report when they perform a community policing task and undergo quarterly evaluations based on those reports.

In Steelton, police officers interact with local youth through athletic programs and a junior police academy, according to Minium.

“We wanted to make officers more of a social worker on the street,” Minium said.

Johnson, Minium and Martin were joined on the panel by Andy Hoover, communications director for the ACLU of Pennsylvania; Stephen Zawisky, senior deputy district attorney for Dauphin County; and Chris Siennick, a local activist and victim of a 2015 police brutality incident.

City Council President Wanda Williams was scheduled to appear but had to leave town for a family emergency, said Brandon Flood, president of Harrisburg Hope.

Wednesday’s panel was the first event organized by Harrisburg Hope since its dissolution several years ago. The grassroots organization was founded by former Harrisburg resident Alan Kennedy Shaffer and reincarnated by Flood and Harrisburg Councilwoman Destini Hodges.

Flood said that the group will continue to organize forums on a regular basis and will choose future topics based on public input.

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like