Local group will host events to bring Latinos, creatives together during Hispanic Heritage Month

September 8, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Leadership team for Raices Creativas. Photo courtesy of the group.

At an upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, organizers hope that people will embrace their roots and their unique talents.

For the second year, a group of local artists and entrepreneurs will host a month of events aimed at bringing creatives in the Latino community together over shared interests and cultures.

Raices Creativas, which translates to “Creative Roots,” as the group calls itself, will offer free events in the Harrisburg area, from Sept. 13 to Oct. 5.

“We chose the name Raices Creativas as a collective and I think it just encompasses how all of us have creative endeavors and entrepreneurial ideas that connect us to our Latino roots,” said Leslie Avila, an event organizer. “Our goal is to empower each other and inspire each other.”

The events for the month are as follows:

Sept. 13: Los Complicados perform at the LHACC Hispanic Heritage Festival, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 19-21: Latino Film weekend at Midtown Cinema, info for showings on the cinema’s website
Sept. 26: Meet the Team behind Raices Creativas at Source Creative House, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: InspirArte y Cafecito-A Latino takeover at Consciousness Coffee, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Oct. 5: Café con Pan Art Showcase y Familia Cookout at Elementary Coffee Co., 12-3 p.m.

The team is especially looking forward to the movie weekend, as they shared that all of the films will be in Spanish. Finding showings of movies in Spanish is difficult, they explained. Additionally, they will offer special movie snacks like empanadas in place of popcorn.

The InspirArte y Cafecito event will showcase the many artistic talents within the Latino community, as people like Lupe Islas teach how to make tortillas and Magaly Rosado teaches jewelry making. There will also be painting and writing workshops, among others.

“You get to connect with other Latinos that are also in these unique areas of artistry,” Avila said. “We want everyone to feel safe and welcome.”

For Rosado, finding other creatives was important, as being an artist isn’t always as encouraged in their community as other, more traditional careers are. Last year, having just moved from New York, Rosado attended the events to try to meet like-minded people. This year, Rosado is helping to organize the events.

“There’s all types of people at these events,” Rosado said.

Islas is an artist and business owner, as well, and she loves the creative side to the events, but also simply appreciates the fellowship.

“Since immigrating from my country, I never felt like I fit in,” she said. “I felt disconnected. Now I have the feeling of belonging.”

The group invites everyone to participate in the events and hopes to continue expanding offerings in the future.

“We are so excited about everything,” Rosado said.

To register for events, click here. For more information, visit Raices Creativas on Instagram.

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Burg Review: Open Stage’s Beatles tribute is “Something” to celebrate

September 7, 2025 | by Gina Napoli

Open Stage invites you to step inside their underground Cavern Club, opening their 40^th season with musical revue “Come Together: A Celebration of the Beatles.” And their cast can sing.

Led both onstage and backstage by director/vocalist TJ Creedon, Open Stage’s boss cast of musicians regale us with almost four dozen Beatles hits – songs your mother should know. And your mother probably has some of the cast’s costumes in the back of her closet. All the lads and dolls are donned in Fab Four finery: Beatle boots, round glasses, striped pants and Sergeant Pepper coats (Rachel Landon, costume designer).

Even before the first chord, when the Open Stage musicians take their places on the art-deco stage, Brad Barkdoll (vocal director/guitar) emanates a rock and roll Lennon-esque countenance, brooding and distant. Only after he sets his guitar aside to play squeezebox on “We Can Work It Out” does he feel approachable. With recognizable guitar riffs and a more refined technique than Lennon ever hoped to have, Barkdoll’s style meshes well with Anthony Pieruccini’s (band director/guitar) own impressive bravura. With too many favorite guitar-heavy tunes to choose just one, standouts for me were “Day Tripper,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” “Helter Skelter,” “Something,” and “Blackbird.”

But back to our regularly scheduled program. The tribute show starts with early 1960s hits from when the Fab Four premiered on black and white television sets, with the entire Open Stage cast delivering the rollicking “A Hard Day’s Night” to set the mood, complete with audience members twisting in their chairs and shouting at their favorite singers. At about the half-point of Act 1, the band sails the audience into technicolor, under tangerine trees and marmalade skies, through the years when the Beatles matured to create layered, more complex music. Then the cast carry that weight, swirling around the kaleidoscope through to the end.

Crooning along with the guitars, Creedon features in many numbers, and sports the hairdo closest to the early Beatles’ signature mop top. Creedon charms the audience with his heartfelt, emotional “Yesterday,” and a playful version of “Back in the U.S.S.R.” But it’s his rendition of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” that ranks one of my Top Five in the score, moving himself seamlessly through the chunky time signature changes. With his characteristically confident energy, Creedon always finds his own voice in all his numbers.

Although this is a tribute show and not a note-for-note imitation, some of the cast went the Scouser route.

Emulating Lennon the most vocally is Zachariah Roush (vocalist), sweet and raw with a slightly sharp timbre. There is a moment during “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” in which I caught Roush misquoting a lyric. The schoolmarm in me licked the tip of my red pen, ready to give that boy a demerit. And then I thought, how brilliant… Lennon himself forgot lyrics or notably garbled them, played with words and flung them far, making them fit the tune, which he also sometimes improvised. So well done, Roush, for bringing Lennon’s creatively playful disregard for perfectionism and raw vocals onstage with “And Your Bird Can Sing,” “Day Tripper,” and “Help!” Equally impressive is Roush’s go as Ringo, pouring on extra Scouser accent with “Octopus’s Garden.”

Also boarding the Mersey Ferry at the seafaring port of Liverpool, Drew Patti (vocalist) cleverly rolls his tongue over the prominent Northern England cadence to recite “Yellow Submarine.” But the real beauties Patti delivers in this show are his emulations of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Something,” the latter of which ranks as my favorite tune of the entire show. Patti brings an honest humility to his vocal stylings, not unlike Harrison, himself. Patti’s vocals almost sneak up on a person rhythmically, staying steady as Barkdoll and Pieruccini drive their guitars alongside.

While most of the arrangements feel straightforward, sounding semi-familiar from my old vinyls (minus the skips), “Eleanor Rigby” proved to be a nice surprise, fronting with a flirty mashup with Fleetwood Mac, a band just getting its sea legs when the Beatles were getting Yoko’ed. Maggie Haynes (vocalist) belts this out strong, holding that end note remarkably long. All Haynes’s performances feel consistent and enthusiastic, complete with interpretive dancing that injects a mix of modern and retro moves.

Haynes also digs down deep for a duet with Aubrey Kyler (vocalist) to perform “Come Together.” I’m used to Lennon’s concert version where he casually chews gum, “improvises” lyrics, and makes silly hand gestures. So I never imagined this song as an intensely sensuous, feminine powerhouse tune. But these ladies work it on out.

Kyler’s versatile range invites contrast and unpredictability (in a good way) into whatever she sings next. Her rendition of “Nowhere Man” is decidedly soprano, when Lennon’s original is a basic flat line. Her “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is ethereal, and she rocks “Helter Skelter” like a banshee (the good kind.)

Adrienne Connaghan (keyboard/vocalist) peppers the music with a lot of additions that George Martin added with classical instruments. Connaghan often mixed things up by moving beyond her keyboard to take center stage. Her lovely delivery of “Blackbird” still lingers in my mind, one of the best of the show.

If the voice of wisdom had a face, it would look like vocalist Jess Logan. Her throaty alto on “Strawberry Fields Forever,” Lady Madonna,” and “Revolution” felt well-seasoned, and her vocal work on “Golden Slumbers” took me to another place. Logan’s voice sounds like someone famous from Lilith Fair. (If you figure it out, please write me through TheBurg. It’s driving me mad.) Extra kudos for Logan’s flawless kazoo talents.

Jeremy Blouch (bass) and Dani Fiore (drums) lay a solid backing, allowing all the vocalists to bask in the spotlight. And then near the end, Fiore breaks out of the background for a technically correct drum solo on (drumroll, please) “The End.” (That’s some cheeky British humour for you.) And Fiore’s drumming on ‘Let It Be” give the ballad all the extra pop Macca never dared to 50 years ago today.

All the numbers pop with amazing harmonies throughout, with some definite “tingly-skin” numbers. Especially outstanding vocal blends: “Paperback Writer” and “Because.” Both songs made me turn to everyone sitting behind me to exchange that unspoken “WOW” glance.

If you yell, “Encore” at the end, (and even if you forget) the band will play you the grooviest Beatles singalong classic to finish your time at the club, with Connaghan blowing up her microphone. If you don’t know the words, then you must be new to the planet, from whichever side of the pond ye hail.

Doncha go on a bender now, but be sure to visit the Open Stage Cavern lobby pub for a pint or [insert clever wordplay here] cocktail, where you can be havin’ a bevvy with your bezzie.

On my way out of the theater, heading through the jigger underneath the Hilton, I glanced down at the disintegrating Beatles logo on my t-shirt and mumbled to no one in particular, “The older I get, the younger the cast looks.” Following me, producer Wayne Landon replied, “Some of the younger [vocalists] had to learn the songs, some hearing them for the first time.”

Feel old? Me, too. At the same time, you could have knocked this old bird over with a white feather, for the way the musicians captured the zeitgeist of the era. The cast sounded as if they’d been digging on Beatles vinyls for years, adding all the details and mannerisms that make the songs quintessentially Fab Four. Hope you yourself crack on, and get your own ticket to ride to Open Stage to see this revue. This Magical Mystery Tour is really aces.

Open Stage’s “Come Together: A Celebration of the Beatles” runs through Sept. 27. For more information, check their website at https://www.openstagehbg.com/shows/cometogether.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 5, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The scene at Kipona Festival after a van drove through barriers and hit three people. Photo courtesy of Ed Jaroch.

This week was a short one, but there was still plenty of news. We’ve covered it all and compiled our stories for you, below.

Downtown Daily Bread announced its new executive director, Kristen Herman, who will oversee the organization, our online story reported. Harman brings with her more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership.

Governor’s Square now has a court-appointed receiver to oversee operations and improvements at the affordable housing development, our story reported. At a meeting, Harrisburg City Council questioned the receiver and weighed entering an agreement with him.

Harrisburg officials have proposed making changes to the city’s curfew ordinance to address an increase in disorderly behavior by youth, our online story reported. However, City Council, at a meeting, doubted that the change would be effective or fair.

Kipona Festival ended tragically, when a woman drove onto Front Street, bypassing barriers and hitting three people, our online story reported. Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams issued a statement calling the incident “an unthinkable act.”

Live music is in full swing for September, bringing something from every genre. Our columnist has her top recs, here.

Sara Bozich has a long list of happenings this weekend, including jazz, yoga and bingo. There’s something for everyone, here.

September is full of special community events, which are listed in our Community Corner. In our Happenings section, you’ll find even more goings-on in and around Harrisburg.

Theatre Harrisburg launches its 100^th season this month. In our magazine story, read about the history of the community theater and its evolution.

A York Haven woman was charged with aggravated assault and DUI in connection with the incident at Kipona when a van drove into a crowd. The woman faces a dozen charges, our online story reported.

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The Burg Whiskey Festival Elevates Local Spirits & Community This Fall

September 5, 2025 | by Admin

The Burg Whiskey Festival Elevates Local Spirits & Community This Fall

Prepare for an unparalleled sensory experience: The BURG Whiskey Festival returns on Sept 27 at the La Cultra from 6-9 pm. Featuring exclusive access to over 50 craft whiskeys from regional distilleries, this festival isn’t just about tasting; it’s an oasis of premium pours, sophisticated atmosphere, and philanthropic purpose.

Festival Highlights:

️ VIP Early Access & Tasting Lounge — savored by whiskey collectors and enthusiasts
Digital & Press Coverage — amplified via social media, foodie influencers, and local outlets
Community Giving — supports Harrisburg charities with proceeds, focusing on arts and small business initiatives

“We’re amplifying Harrisburg’s craft heritage,” says Trey Clay, Marketing Director. “It’s a luxury tasting experience that gives back by supporting local makers, artisans, nonprofits, and capturing the attention of whisky lovers everywhere.”

Participation Opportunity:
Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are limited and closing fast. Interested brands and businesses should inquire by Sept 15, 2025.

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Welcoming the Stranger: Why our county should pass a welcoming resolution

September 4, 2025 | by Rev. Matthew Best

Rev. Matthew Best

When I walk the streets of Allison Hill, I don’t see abstract issues of immigration, housing, addiction, victims of crime, etc. I say hello to people I know. I call them by name. I know their stories. And they know me.

As people of faith, we are called to reflect the love, justice, and mercy of God in how we treat one another—especially the most vulnerable among us. At the heart of the Christian tradition is a consistent, unwavering command: welcome the stranger. That is why faith, community and immigrant leaders have been calling on the Dauphin County commissioners to pass a Welcoming County policy, one that ensures our local county employees and resources are not spent on immigration enforcement.

Jesus himself was a refugee, fleeing with his family to Egypt to escape violence in Matthew 2:13-23. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded again and again of our responsibility to the foreigner, the outsider, the marginalized. Leviticus 19:34 states, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” And in Matthew 25, Jesus makes it plain: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, of which I am an ordained pastor, has a social statement on immigration that offers guidance to the church. It states, “Immigration, refugee, and asylum policies express who we are as a nation, influence the nation’s future character, and affect the lives of millions of people. We encourage our members, in light of our history and our ministry with newcomers, to join with other citizens in our democratic society to support just laws that serve the common good.”

That is why, as a pastor, I believe our county should adopt a “Welcoming County” resolution—our local government should not spend our limited resources to enforce federal immigration law. This includes prohibiting local staff from sharing data, coordinating, or providing space to immigration enforcement agencies like ICE. Having our municipal governments do this makes as much sense as our federal government using its resources to hash out local public works contracts.

To be clear: this resolution would not prevent federal authorities from doing their job. It simply ensures that our local government and staff are not compelled to be part of a system that has consistently led to racial profiling, family separation, and fear in our immigrant communities.

Why is this important?

Because we have seen what happens when local governments collaborate with federal immigration enforcement. Parents disappear while picking their children up from school. Workers are arrested during routine traffic stops. People are afraid to call the police when they’re in danger, to take their kids to the doctor, or to report crimes—because doing so could lead to detention or deportation. These are not abstractions; they are the lived experiences of our neighbors, many of whom worship beside us in church pews every Sunday.

Our immigrant siblings are not abstract political problems. They are children of God with names, families, and real lives.

When we build systems that value human dignity, we reflect the kingdom of God. A Welcoming County resolution sends a clear message: in this community, we care more about compassion than fear. We believe in due process, not profiling. We see immigrants not as a threat, but as a blessing—a reflection of the beautiful diversity of God’s creation. We see the humanity of people, rather than seeing people as problems. And when we see the humanity of others, we can then see it in ourselves as well.

When local governments entangle themselves in immigration enforcement, it breaks down the fragile trust that exists between communities and public institutions. People begin to avoid schools, hospitals and even churches. Public safety suffers. Public health suffers. But when local governments step back from immigration enforcement, communities begin to heal.

There is a higher law to which we are called to answer: the law of love. When laws are used to dehumanize, to divide families, and to sow fear, we are not obligated to support them blindly. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once reminded us, “An unjust law is no law at all.”

We are all tasked to create a community where everyone—regardless of where they were born—can live without fear. A place where children can grow up knowing they are safe. A county where the stranger is truly welcomed in.

The Gospel calls us to radical hospitality, to stand with the marginalized, and to love without condition. This resolution is a small, but meaningful, way for our county to live out that call. Let us not forget: we, too, were once strangers. Let us now be the welcome that we once longed for.

Rev. Matthew Best is pastor and executive director of Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg and executive director of Christ Lutheran Health Ministries.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

September 4, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

In partnership with

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: I’m pretty excited about Come Together: A Celebration of The Beatles at Open Stage, which opens on Saturday Worth noting: Jazz Walk Friday, Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival Sat-Sun, New Cumberland Music + Film Festival Fri-Sun, Things on my agenda this weekend: Friends of TheBurg Bash, Jazz Walk (and sneak down to the GKV 20th Party I hate I’m missing), baseball game, dog sitting, a wedding, and FOOTBALL. Phew. Glad I’ve been a hermit the last few weekends.

🆕 Quick Weekend Links: Thursday • Friday • Saturday • Sunday

📤 Share this with the friend who always asks, ‘What’s going on this weekend?’ 👨‍💻 Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

New + Noteworthy

you know, ICYMI

Tickets for Berry Bash are on sale now
See what else you missed on the blog
and check out the new “Extras” section at the very bottom

Sara’s Top Picks

for the group chat

Win tickets to Out Fest! Le Dinner En Rosé, Music Festival, and Britney v. Gaga Brunch!
It’s coming soon — start planning your Harrisburg Restaurant Week agenda
Join me for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Nov. 1!

(more…)

Harrisburg proposes increases to curfew hours, fines; council doubts effectiveness, fairness

September 3, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Commissioner Tom Carter and Deputy Chief Kenny Young presented proposed curfew amendments at a City Council meeting. Screenshot from meeting livestream.

Harrisburg police on Tuesday proposed changes to the city’s curfew to deter youth from getting into trouble, but council members weren’t on board.

At a City Council meeting, police bureau officials shared a proposal to make curfew hours longer and fines heftier in an attempt to curb recent incidents, specifically downtown. Council was largely dissatisfied with the plan.

Harrisburg currently has an ordinance that outlines curfew hours for minors in the city, as well as the penalties for breaking curfew. However, at Tuesday’s meeting, police and council officials recognized that curfew hasn’t historically been enforced, due to shortages and officers and resources.

But police Commissioner Tom Carter said that within the past year, the issue of youth causing disturbances and engaging in illegal behavior downtown, around 2^nd Street’s restaurant row, has increased. To address that problem, the city has proposed updating and cracking down more on curfew rules.

The proposed amendments would change curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Sunday to Thursday, during the school year, to 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The current hours of 12 to 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays would change to 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Additionally, the 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew would be in place every day during the summer.

Fine guidelines would also change, changing the current $200 to $500 range, based on the number of offenses, to a $300 to $1,000 range.

The ordinance would, however, introduce a new option for community service as a penalty, which wasn’t in the legislation before.

The changes to times and fines already went into effect downtown when Carter issued a temporary order that took effect Aug. 22. The proposal before council would solidify those updates and extend them to all of Harrisburg.

According to Carter, the measures have already helped lower problems downtown.

“It seemed to have worked since this has gone in,” he said. “We’ve seen less issues with juveniles downtown.”

Council members said that they understood the situation and the need to address it, but were not in favor of more penalties for youth.

Council member Lamont Jones questioned how officers would identify people who are under 18 and expressed concern about increasing negative interactions between officers and youth.

“How is this going to be implemented?” he said. “We want to minimize as much contact with our young people as we can without them being a nuisance or causing any problems in our community.”

Carter clarified that police wouldn’t be driving around looking for young people, but would more likely be interacting with youth if a call came into the police, at which time they may ask their age. Deputy Director Kenny Young added that, in many situations, no citation is even issued because of the time and resources it would take, and officers simply send the kid home.

“We’re trying to get them back home without going through that process,” he said. “If we have no choice then we’re trying to find out other avenues. The citation is absolutely the last thing that, I can guarantee you, that they’re doing.”

Several council members took issue with the increase in fines, stating that it could place a financial burden on parents

“Hopefully it’s meant to be a deterrent, but I’m sure you guys know that our residents—a $100 fine would hurt some of these people,” Jones said. “I would rather see more restorative than punitive.”

Ultimately, Carter said that the ordinance is just a guideline and the amount that someone is fined is up to the magisterial district judges.

“The codified ordinance is just an ordinance; the district justices don’t have to follow this. But we have to put something in place to maintain some sort of law and order with what our young people are doing,” Carter said. “We’re not out there trying to hurt juveniles or juveniles’ parents. We just want compliance and we’re just looking out for the safety of our youth.”

Council member Ralph Rodriguez brought up the fact that the current curfew ordinance isn’t strongly enforced as it is, and questioned why the city needs to update it.

“What would be the difference between enforcing the curfew we already have now instead of raising the penalty? Why couldn’t we just really go hard and enforce it as it is now?” he said.

Deputy Solicitor Tyrsa Cameron explained the amendments as a way to further discourage crime, without giving youth more serious charges. A curfew citation would be a summary offense.

“I think the intention of the amendment was to give the police another tool in their toolbox to handle [the issue],” she said. “I mean, people forget that these teens very easily at their age could get a disorderly conduct criminal charge, so I think the curfew aspect was a way to try to go away from criminalization, give the parents some input and say, because, what is your mom going to say if she gets a fine?” she said.

Rodriguez pushed back.

“Something has to be done, right? I just don’t know if this is quite it, when we already have something on the books that we can’t quite fully enforce to begin with,” he said.

Council member Jocelyn Rawls said that she would rather see thought and resources go to more programming for young people to address root causes of behavioral issues.

“I just don’t think it’s going to work. It hasn’t,” she said. “I think making this amendment isn’t going to make a difference because there’s a bigger issue. We need to redirect our resources in different ways for our youth, we need to give them more opportunities. There are so many more things we could do. And this is just not the answer.”

Carter said that he was open to discussing with council other options to address the issue, if they were not satisfied with the curfew amendments.

Jones moved to keep the bill in committee, meaning it is not scheduled to be voted on at this time.

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Whitaker Center to Host First Annual “The Art of Science Benefit” Gala on September 20

September 3, 2025 | by Admin

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts invites the community to attend the inaugural Art of Science Benefit, a signature gala experience set for Saturday, September 20, 2025. This unique evening of innovation, entertainment, and celebration will support the Center’s mission-driven programs and serve as the capstone event for its milestone 25th anniversary year.

UPMC is proud to serve as the Title Sponsor of this special evening, demonstrating its continued commitment to community health, education, and cultural enrichment.

Guests will enjoy full access to all three levels of the Whitaker Center, featuring interactive exhibits, gourmet food and drink from local caterers, and an open bar. The night’s entertainment will include a special live performance by iLuminate, the electrifying dance group best known from America’s Got Talent, followed by a dance party with a live DJ and decadent dessert offerings to close out the evening in style.

“This event truly captures the spirit of Whitaker Center, where creativity, science, and community come together in powerful ways,” said Mary Oliveira, President and CEO of Whitaker Center. “The Art of Science Benefit is more than just a celebration of the past 25 years. It’s a bold step forward as we continue expanding access to STEM education, the arts, and transformative cultural experiences.”

“Over the past year, UPMC and the Whitaker Center have partnered on several initiatives to educate students and visitors about health careers, including Surgery Live!, which gives local high school students the opportunity to watch a live surgical procedure taking place at a local UPMC hospital,” said Elizabeth Ritter, president of UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic, and UPMC West Shore. “We’re excited to be part of this benefit gala that will further highlight the Whitaker Center’s contributions to our community and ensure these vital educational exhibits and activities continue for years to come.”

Whether you’re planning a one-of-a-kind date night or a memorable evening out with friends or colleagues, The Art of Science Benefit is not to be missed. Proceeds from the event support Whitaker Center’s educational programming, scholarships, and ongoing community impact initiatives.

Tickets and sponsorships are available now at www.whitakercenter.org.

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Harrisburg nonprofit names new executive director to lead homelessness support efforts

September 3, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Kristen Herman

A Harrisburg service provider has a new leader to guide its homelessness assistance programs.

Downtown Daily Bread announced on Wednesday that Kristen Herman would serve as the new executive director, bringing over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership.

Herman most recently served as the director of prevention services at the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, leading statewide initiatives for 10 years. Before that, she directed community-based domestic violence prevention efforts with CHILD, Inc. in Delaware.

A Susquehanna Township resident, Herman received her master’s degree in public health from George Washington University and her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Delaware.

Herman takes the position previously held by Corrie Lingenfelter, who left earlier this year after serving in the position since January 2023.

“I am extremely pleased that Kristen will be leading Downtown Daily Bread,” said Sue Wilson, chair of the DDB search committee. “We conducted an extensive consultant-led search with many excellent candidates, and we are thrilled that Kristen is willing to join us. We are very excited about her leadership skills in moving us forward to expand our services to the hungry and homeless in Harrisburg.”

Additionally, the DDB board promoted staff member Amanda Berman to the role of director of operations. She has worked at DDB for three and a half years, previously serving as client assistant, administrative manager and, most recently, as shelter coordinator.

“Amanda is an extremely productive employee in meeting the needs of DDB clients,” said Jay Himes DDB board president. “Her passion for serving our clients is amazing. We are fortunate to have such dedicated staff at DDB.”

For more information about Downtown Daily Bread, visit their website.

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Court-appointed receiver for troubled Governor’s Square apartments shares plan with City Council

September 2, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Receiver Justin Heinly (left) answered City Council members questions about Governor’s Square, at a work session on Tuesday.

After years of setbacks, a plan to help turn things around at a neglected Harrisburg housing development is in the works.

City Council on Tuesday weighed entering an agreement with a local company that has been appointed by a Dauphin County judge to serve as receiver for the Residences at Governor’s Square. At the council work session, the appointed receiver shared his plans.

Justin Heinly of Midtown Asset Consulting was appointed in an order from a judge of the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday, following a Friday hearing, according to city officials. As receiver, Heinly will work to bring the beleaguered affordable housing community back into a financially and physically stable position.

Uptown Partners, the owner of Governor’s Square, which is located near N. 5^th and Maclay streets, filed for bankruptcy in May 2023. For years, the city issued code citations and condemned properties, and residents complained of quality-of-life issues in units. City officials have previously shared that over half of the 222 units have become vacant and the area has dealt with crime and safety issues.

After unsuccessful attempts to sell the property, and claiming not to have enough money to maintain it, Uptown Partners filed a motion to have a receiver appointed. Heinly said that city Solicitor Neil Grover approached him with the request to take on the project, and the city brought his name forward to the county judge. As receiver, Heinly will step in to control and oversee improvements at the property, while Uptown Partners remains the legal owner.

Heinly, who also serves as the owner of Harrisburg-based Midtown Property Management, shared his plan for Governor’s Square at council’s work session on Tuesday.

“Our mission in our affiliate business is to manage properties with integrity and respect for our tenants, our owners and our community. And this aligns with who we are as a company and as members of our community,” Heinly said.

In March, council approved allocating $250,000 as seed money to help the receiver get started with work at Governor’s Square. According to the resolution, the city will pay the receiver portions of that money monthly and will expect to be reimbursed as money becomes available through rent revenue.

Heinly shared that his plan for Governor’s Square would span 10 years and three phases. The first phase would include securing the property and spending six months evaluating the need and creating a restoration budget and plan. In phase two, the receiver would begin implementing the plan and working to get the property to financial stability, which could take two years. The final phase would focus on seeking grants and funding to make capital improvements, Heinly shared.

His first priority—visiting each occupied unit, making sure residents are safe, and relocating any tenants whose property is not livable.

“Each resident that’s up there, if they’re listening tonight, they are going to have a home,” he said.

As of now, the current property management company, Winn Residential, will continue rent collection and maintenance while Heinly reviews their contract.

The current monthly rent roll at Governor’s Square is $46,382, of which only about $39,000 is being collected. In total, there is $838,000 in delinquent rent payments, Heinly said.

Council members asked Heinly many questions, several voicing concern that the city would get its investment back.

“I’m just concerned about this project, I mean, we definitely know that we need it done […] but financially, this is a huge task,” said council member Lamont Jones.

Heinly assured council that, as money begins flowing into the property, the city will be repaid. He also noted that he would seek county and state grant funding for support.

“This is going to be a very long, very arduous task, but I am confident that we will be successful,” he said. “I am confident the city will get repaid. I am confident that the city residents are going to be served in this evolution, but we just need time.”

Council members also asked about Governor’s Square’s affordable designation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The requirement that the property remain affordable is part of the property deed. Heinly said that he believes that lasts for at least 10 more years, and that he would seek to get that extended.

“I have no intention of this going market rate,” he said.

While council members had concerns, most agreed with the need for action and did not object to Heinly as receiver.

“Some of those properties are beyond repairable,” council member Ralph Rodriguez said. “Some of those homes don’t even have the complete bricks on the outside […] It’s much more than an organization or a company taking this process and these hurdles and just jumping through it as a receiver. There’s a lot of families involved and people that depend on that […] I hate to say this, but you’re kind of the savior at this point.”

The resolution will be on council’s next legislative agenda for a vote.

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