Tag Archives: Hamilton Health Center

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 12, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Hamilton Health Center and local officials cut the ribbon on the new Steelton facility this week.

The July heat has been hitting Harrisburg hard, so we hope you’ve been able to find ways to cool off. If you’re heading to the pool or beach this month, make sure to take TheBurg along for a great beach read! While you’re here, catch up on our local news coverage from the week, below.

The Broad Street Market fire was one year ago this month. In his column, our publisher shares some reflections on what has happened in the months since the tragedy.

In a Community Comment, Broad Street Market Board Chair Eric Hagarty discusses the challenges of the past year following the market fire, but also the ways the community has supported the market.

Fourth of July fireworks were cut short in Harrisburg after police apprehended multiple people with guns in the crowd, our online story reported. City officials addressed the incident at a Monday morning press conference.

Hamilton Health Center cut the ribbon on its new Steelton location this week, our online story reported. The health center will officially open to patients on Monday, July 15, offering a full spectrum of family care to men, women and children.

Harrisburg City Council denied a proposed demo for 1511 N. Front Street, our reporting found. Council expressed concerns about taking down a building in the city’s historic district and replacing it with parking.

Home sales were generally lower in June, but prices were up, our online story reported. For the three-county region, 593 homes sold compared to 659 in June 2023, as the median sales price rose to $290,000 from $273,000.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg announced Zach Benjamin as its new president and CEO, our online story reported. Benjamin will officially assume the position in mid-August.

Pride Festival of Central PA returns to Harrisburg on July 27, our magazine story reported. This year, the festival will bring back its Pride Parade after years off.

The Residences at Governor’s Square in Harrisburg has several bidders and interested parties for the apartment complex, but none have yet received required federal approvals, our online story reported. The owner, Uptown Partners, has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, searing for a buyer for months.

“River City Stories,” a film by Harrisburg residents Paul Hood and Wallace McKelvey, highlights the city’s diversity, our online story reported. The movie will premiere at Midtown Cinema on July 19 and 20 as a part of the Harrisburg Fringe Festival.

Road repaving began this week in Harrisburg, our reporting found. Over 25 stretches of road in many of Harrisburg’s neighborhoods will receive new pavement this summer and fall.

Sara Bozich has a list of all the best activities to fill your weekend, here.

The Weekender Festival will return to Hall Manor in Harrisburg on Aug. 9 and 10, hosted by the Harrisburg Housing Authority, our online story reported. The event will feature a range of activities aimed at bringing the community together through entertainment and economic empowerment.

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Hamilton Health Center cuts the ribbon on Steelton location, plans to expand services

July 11, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Local officials cut the ribbon on Hamilton Health Center’s Steelton location.

A new healthcare facility will promote the well-being of Steelton residents.

On Thursday morning, Harrisburg-based nonprofit Hamilton Health Center cut the ribbon on a new 20,000-square-foot location in Steelton, expanding its footprint.

Hamilton Health broke ground on the project in March 2023. The new facility at 120 N. Front St. is the organization’s fifth location in central PA, with other locations in Harrisburg, Newport, Millersburg and Lower Paxton Township.

“Today, the residents of Steelton and the surrounding area now have a healthcare home that’s even closer to their home,” said Terese DeLaPlaine, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Center.

The new center is part of a mixed-use development, The Steel Works project, developed by Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners. The development includes Hamilton Health Center, a retail store and an apartment complex.

The health center will officially open to patients on Monday, July 15, offering a full spectrum of family care to men, women and children.

“This is an exciting time for Hamilton, and it’s all part of our continuing mission to provide care for all in the community who need it,” DeLaPlaine said.

The building comprises two floors, each with 10,000 square feet of space, including nine exam rooms and a designated area for future expansion. Currently, there is one physician on staff, and the center has plans to add more.

In the coming months, the center will add a full-service pharmacy, with a drive-through, and behavioral health services, substance abuse services and a WIC nutritional program office. They will also host Baby Love, Center of Excellence and Healthy Start programs.

Steelton Mayor Ciera Dent emphasized the need for a closer healthcare facility for Steelton residents, stressing its importance as many lack transportation options.

“I am super excited, and I thank Hamilton Health for being here,” Dent said. “We are going to have an amazing time working with Hamilton Health.”

For more information on Hamilton Health Center, visit their website.

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March News Digest

February 28, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Task Force Recommends Uses for William Penn

The William Penn building should be preserved and returned to educational use, says a task force formed to suggest a path forward for the blighted structure.

In late January, Harrisburg School District officials heard recommendations from the 25-member task force, the culmination of several months of meetings that included presentations from groups interested in redeveloping the property.

The task force of residents, local officials and community members was formed in September as a way for the district to gather input on the fate of William Penn. Several months earlier, Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved the demolition of the building, but halted that plan after public opposition.

After wrapping up its meetings, the task force made its final suggestions to Suski, advocating for retaining and strategically utilizing the property.

The task force’s top recommendation was to use William Penn to house a career and technical education program for district students, shared Sheila Dow-Ford, a facilitator for the task force.

“They want to see a skilled workforce,” Dow-Ford said. “Everyone wants viable employment for each and every student in Harrisburg as a goal. There must be career pathways.”

This could include training students for healthcare careers, as well as for first responder careers, as the group weighed a proposal from the Harrisburg Fire Bureau to create an emergency services and public education facility.

Additionally, the task force favored ideas like creating affordable housing for seniors and using outdoor space for sports fields for students.

The task force crafted its recommendations after hearing a handful of proposals from local businesses and organizations. The group ultimately did not recommend such suggestions as constructing a sports arena, an outpatient medical facility and market-rate housing.

In the end, Suski will need to make a decision on what to do with the building and how the district will financially support any construction project.

Bike Share Plans for New Season

Harrisburg’s bike share program is readying for a new riding season with upgrades and additional bike locations.

SusqueCycle, which stations rental bikes around the Harrisburg area, will return in April with bikes in Midtown, downtown, Allison Hill and City Island, according to Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, which administers the program.

“We want to thank all our participants and sponsors for the program’s success in 2023, and we eagerly look forward to the bikes returning in April,” said Steve Deck, TCRPC executive director.

In the coming months, SusqueCycle plans to add two bike stations in Harrisburg at the TransitPark lot at 10th and Market streets and at Commonwealth and North streets.

According to Deck, they will also make “sleeker, more modern” upgrades to bikes. TCRPC also plans to gather better location information to observe rider routes and plan for future expansions.

Additional improvements are dependent on ridership revenue and on the program obtaining more sponsorships, Deck said.

SusqueCycle, which is operated by Michigan-based Tandem Mobility, allows users to rent bikes by paying as they go or by purchasing an annual membership through the Movatic app.

In 2023, its second year, the program grew in popularity, as people took over 2,300 SusqueCycle rides, attracting everyone from commuters to tourists, Deck said.

Approvals for Apartment Projects

A proposal to construct a large apartment building in Midtown Harrisburg has taken a step forward again, over two years since it was first proposed.

At a meeting last month, the Harrisburg Planning Commission voted in favor of zoning variance and special exception relief for a proposed 144-unit building at 320 Reily St., moving the project forward for further approvals.

The proposal received variance and special exception approval from the Zoning Hearing Board in October 2021, but the developer, Harrisburg-based GreenWorks Development, never subsequently filed a land development plan so the relief was revoked, according to Geoffrey Knight, the city’s planning director. Therefore, GreenWorks was required to start the approval process again.

The plan also has changed slightly, knocking the number of units down to 144 from 155 and reducing first-floor commercial space from 3,000 square feet to 2,590 square feet.

Additionally, GreenWorks originally proposed only 86 off-street parking spaces, but now plans to include 160, using space at 1511 N. 3rd St. and 1530 N. 4th St. The developer nonetheless is requesting parking relief, as city code requires 191 spaces for a project of this scale.

The proposed project site is currently a surface parking lot. The project will need eventual approval from Harrisburg City Council in order to start.

Additionally, last month, the planning board heard a proposal for a four-story, 36-unit senior apartment building on land bounded by N. 4th, Clinton, Logan and Harris streets.

The board voted in favor of the land development plan, the consolidation of 19 lots on the project site, and the vacation of several grocer’s alleys on the property.

The project, proposed by developer Midtown Redevelopment LLC, would also include two first-floor commercial units, 30 first-floor interior parking spaces and 12 outdoor, on-site parking spots.

Developers will need approval from city council, as well, before they can break ground.

Free Services for Broad Street Market

The Broad Street Market has some extra help managing day-to-day operations.

At a meeting last month, the nonprofit Broad Street Market Alliance board approved a contract with Midtown Property Management, which offered free services to the market.

The Harrisburg-based management company is providing its services to the market at no cost for an initial term of five years, as the market recovers from a devastating fire last July.

According to Justin Heinly, owner of Midtown Property Management, the group will help with rent collection, financial consulting, day-to-day operations and 10 free hours of maintenance work each month.

“I want to be part of the team,” Heinly shared. “We are here to support day-to-day operations from day one.”

Heinly shared that his company may be willing to assume more of the roles of the market’s executive director at any point, if the market’s board wanted that. However, that is not part of the current contract.

Wildflower Coffee Opens

Wildflower Coffee opened last month inside the McCormick Riverfront Library in Harrisburg.

Owner Lucila Khan and her husband Jalal opened the shop on the library’s second floor, in the space that briefly housed Good Brotha’s Book Café.

Khan, who previously worked at the library, said that she became interested in opening her own business when she saw that the library was looking for a new vendor to fill the café space.

“It’s a dream job, running a coffee shop at a library,” said Khan, an Argentina native who lives in Harrisburg.

Home Sales Down, Prices Up

Harrisburg-area home sales dipped but prices were higher in January, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county area, sales totaled 358 houses versus 389 in January 2023, as the median sales price rose to $258,000 from $245,000, said the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 187 homes sold, an increase of one, as the median sales price climbed to $229,900 compared to $204,000 in the year-ago period, GHAR stated.

Cumberland County had 146 home sales, down from 174, but the median sales price increased to $297,450 versus $290,000 the prior January, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, 24 homes sold, a decrease of three, as the median price rose to $263,450 compared to $191,000 in January 2023, GHAR said.

Houses sold a bit faster than last year, as the “average days on market” stood at 31 days in January versus 34 days in the year-ago period.

So Noted

Ami Zumkhawala has been named the new chief operating officer for Harrisburg-based Hamilton Health Center. Previously, Zumkhawala served as managing director at the Northridge Consulting Group, a national management consulting firm.

Brittany Boyd-Chisolm last month was named chief executive officer for the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania, according to the Harrisburg-based disability and support services organization. Prior, she served several years as an administrator in the homecare field.

Harrisburg Area Food Pantry last month cut the ribbon on its new location at the Camp Curtin YMCA on N. 6th St. The pantry, formerly called the Ecumenical Food Pantry, relocated from Messiah Lutheran Church in Harrisburg.

Heyy Healthy, an alternative health provider, debuted last month at 3950 Tecport Dr. in Susquehanna Township. The company offers “advanced red light therapy” as a tool to help treat and prevent various health conditions, according to the company.

Kenny Young, a veteran Harrisburg police officer, has been sworn in as deputy chief of the Harrisburg Police Bureau, replacing Dennis Sorensen, who retired after 32 years with the department. In addition, longtime officer Tom McGarrity was promoted from lieutenant to captain.

Kyle Snyder was appointed last month as president of Penn State Health’s Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers. Snyder joined Penn State Health in 2020 and has served as interim president of the two medical centers since last July.

Nauman Smith law firm last month merged into Cohen Seglias, expanding that firm’s Harrisburg office. Five Nauman Smith attorneys and their administrative staff joined Cohen Seglias effective Feb. 1. In addition, senior partner Spencer G. Nauman, Jr. retired after more than 62 years with the firm. Founded 153 years ago, Nauman Smith was Harrisburg’s oldest law firm.

Tanis Monroy last month resigned his position as executive director of the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. Monroy cited health reasons for his departure, and the market board stated it would begin a search for a new day-to-day administrator.

Tymia Q. Green last month was named the new executive director of Shalom House, a Harrisburg-based nonprofit that provides shelter and support services to women. In this role, she will provide strategic leadership, program development and collaborative partnerships, according to the organization.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2427: L. Shultz to K. Weldeghebrial, $106,000

Berryhill St., 2424: Pcons Investments to JR Phoenix Investing LLC, $110,000

Boas St., 1812: Cooperwink LLC to MAT Holdings LLC, $85,000

Chestnut St., 1961: D. Trustey to Normans Realty Service Inc., $80,000

Crescent St., 310: C. Patel to M. Olano, $55,000

Crescent St., 404: HE Pressley Properties LLC to KTG Holdings LLC, $102,000

Derry St., 1603½: M. & W. Gomez to N. & D. Williams, $200,000

Derry St., 1954: Malesic Group Inc. to E. & K. Burri, $110,000

Derry St., 2105: Evans Property Rentals LLC to Planet Properties & Investments LLC, $70,000

Derry St., 2107: Evans Property Rentals LLC to Planet Properties & Investments LLC, $70,000

Emerald St., 520: R. Feiler to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $71,000

Forster St., 1847: Tender Loving Care Healthcare Services to D. Henderson, $58,000

Fulton St., 1422: M. Evans to D. Zeigler, $170,000

Green St., 807: H. Wehry to V. & A. Jones, $274,500

Green St., 2432: Mr. Wright Properties LLC to Stoute Housing LLC, $80,000

Hamilton St., 422: SRM Rentals LLC to T. Brandon, $105,000

Herr St., 1334, 1340: Sangrey Properties LLC to Kawity Capital LLC, $350,000

Herr St., 1406: Cooperwink LLC to Savvy Beyond Enterprise LLC, $65,000

Herr St., 1500: Herr Street Trust to M. Lewis, $225,000

Holly St., 1826: D. & W. Bruner to D. Warren, $120,000

Jefferson St., 2242: N. & J. Hoover to Homewise LLC, $65,000

Jefferson St., 2244: N. & J. Hoover to Homewise LLC, $64,000

Jefferson St., 2246: N. & J. Hoover to Homewise LLC, $64,000

Jefferson St., 2514: N. & J. Hoover to Homewise LLC, $64,000

Kensington St., 2123: Cooperwink LLC to 248 S Quince St LLC, $90,000

Kensington St., 2230: Murphy Rentals Incorporated to TM Murphy Properties LLC, $70,000

Kensington St., 2254: Equity Trust Co. Custodian Ray Dunkle IRA to Harrisburg Rentals LLC, $80,000

Kensington St., 2256: M. Mardula to IUGNAP Investments LLC, $70,000

Kensington St., 2360: L. Dyson to G&W Rentals LLC, $91,200

Kensington St., 2435: A. & M. Padua to G. Chambers & R. Ervin, $79,000

Lenox St., 1912: C. Saterstad to A. Rosario & S. Castillo, $70,000

Maclay St., 335: Bill Culwell Enterprises Inc. to E. & D. Tomlinson, $121,000

Maclay St., 1037: P2N2 LLC to Eastern First LLC, $194,000

Manada St., 1913: M. Rodriguez to M. Woolfork & S. Beatty, $177,000

Market St., 1228: Upscale Properties LLC to J. Bonilla & L. Velasco, $235,000

Market St., 1738: G. Ajakaye to JACB LLC, $195,000

Muench St., 404: G. & L. Neff to 248 S. Quince St LLC, $75,000

Muench St., 411: P. & R. Dixon to Figueroa Enterprises LLC, $70,000

Naudain St., 1428: R. Rammouni to Steve Etienne Service LLC, $71,500

Naudain St., 1638: A&K Investments Partnership LLC to Y. Alrosan & A. Hariri, $135,000

North St., 215: C. & M. Schenck to J Beck Properties LLC, $50,000

North St., 1851: Tester Ridge PA LLC to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $149,000

N. 2nd St., 2023: WCI Partners LP to MBS Solutions Real Estate LLC, $575,000

N. 2nd St., 3021: C. & T. Hines to D. Doziar, $200,000

N. 3rd St., 1116: Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC to Green Scapes Investments LLC, $450,000

N. 3rd St., 1600: Fratelli Property Investments LLC to M. Hunsberger & J. Hartman, $270,500

N. 3rd St., 2304: FD Harrisburg Holdings LLC to Almonte Harrisburg LLC, $2,400,000

N. 3rd St., 3100: M. Clark to R. Kilby, $196,000

N. 3rd St., 3317: C. Moore to F. & C. Burton, $290,000

N. 4th St., 2647: SPG Capital LLC to J. Alfaro, $157,000

N. 4th St., 3115: E. & K. Kauffman to C. Hocker, $80,000

N. 5th St., 2211: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to D. Broncano, $50,000

N. 12th St., 29: ILL Holdings LLC to Ali Al LLC, $75,000

N. 16th St., 918: R. Martin to Upscale Properties LLC, $50,000

N. 18th St., 34: D. Boyle to M. Perez & M. Lauriano, $62,500

N. Cameron St., 1603: 1603 Cameron Associates LP to Tunis Express LLC, $1,600,000

N. Front St., 2705: MBS Solutions Real Estate LLC to EI 2709 North Front Street LLC & G. Cipriano

Park St., 1847: LMG Enterprises LLC to Val de Vie Estate Investments LLC, $55,000

Paxton St., 140 & 406 River St.: Above Da Rim LLC to 140 Paxton LLC, $240,000

Penn St., 2349: Best By LLC to Vernon St Apartments LLC, $225,000

Pennwood Rd., 3120: C. Brubaker to J. Hill, $173,000

Pennwood Rd., 3160: T. Wylie to J. Stroup, $230,555

Radnor St., 514: Link Investment Properties LLC to A. Hariri & Y. Alrosan, $85,000

Reily St., 208: R. Bulgarelli to Millie 208 LLC, $285,000

S. 13th St., 1440: SPG Capital LLC to K. Kute, $124,900

S. 16th St., 520: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to B. Pasco, $115,000

S. 18th St., 23: Gilligan Realty LLC to Val de Vie Estate Investment LLC, $57,000

S. 19th St., 533 & 535: Best By LLC to PACC Homes & Development LLC, $200,000

S. Front St., 713: E. Kitzman to C. Rue, $230,000

State St., 1828: W. & D. Griffin to Visionary Investments RE LLC, $105,000

Susquehanna St., 1835: C. Blanco to K. Lourde, $137,000

Sycamore St., 1807: Z. Hailu to S. Redding, $122,500

Vernon St., 1315: M. Nichols to E. Marmolejo, $70,000

Walnut St., 1205: L. Palmer to F. & T. Heras, $134,000

Wiconisco St., 409: A. Kreider to Central PA Buyers LLC, $85,000

Zarker St., 1407: A. Reyes & R. Cruz to Zarker AW LLC, $95,000

Harrisburg property sales, January 2024, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 31, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

City Forester Ellen Roane explains how to build a spotted lanternfly trap.

Our April issue of the magazine is out! If you’re ready for all things spring, check out this month’s special home and garden section. As always, take time to catch up on this week’s local news, here.

Airbnb in Harrisburg was up for discussion this week as city officials pondered options for regulating listings, our reporting found. Officials weighed options such as registering, taxing and inspecting short-term rentals.

April events are lined up for the coming month in Harrisburg and we’ve featured a few, here. For even more happenings in and around the Harrisburg area, click here.

Capital Blue Cross and Variety, the Children’s Charity joined forces to distribute adaptive bikes and strollers to children with disabilities this week, our online story reported. The ceremony was held in conjunction with Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Hamilton Health Center broke ground on a new healthcare facility in Steelton, our online story reported. The new facility is part of a mixed-use development called The Steel Works Revitalization.

The Harrisburg Housing Authority opened its Section 8 waiting list briefly this week, for the first time in two years, our online story reported. Authority officials shared about the challenges of finding affordable housing and the demand for housing that outweighs the supply.

The LAN Center, an e-sports facility, officially opened in downtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. The center will serve as the home for a Harrisburg-based professional e-sports team and will be available to Harrisburg University’s varsity e-sports team and community groups.

“Lights Out Harrisburg” encourages residents and businesses to turn off lights at night to save migrating birds from colliding with buildings, our reporting found. The initiative asks people to dim exterior and interior lights during the migratory season’s overnight hours, from 12 to 6 a.m.

Our publisher is counting his blessings this April, because this time, a few years ago, he was unsure whether business at TheBurg could continue due to the pandemic. In his publisher’s note, he shares how the magazine has survived and how readers have played an instrumental role.

Risotto may not be as difficult to make as you think. In Rosemary’s column, read about how to cook the rice dish and give it a try for yourself.

Sara Bozich has lots of fun ways to spend the weekend. Find some inspiration, here.

The SoMa Sips Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival will take place on April 22 in downtown Harrisburg, our reporting found. The event will feature Pennsylvania craft producers, food trucks and live music.

Spotted lanternflies are headed back to Harrisburg for the spring and summer. In our magazine story, hear from the city’s forester on how to make traps and prevent them from taking over your trees.

Tory Gates has found success as an author, broadcaster, journalist, producer and musician. In our magazine story, read more about the Harrisburg resident’s recent work.

Tree planting will take place this month in Uptown Harrisburg and the city is calling on volunteers for help, our online story reported. The city plans to plant 75 new trees as part of its community tree planting program.

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Hamilton Health breaks ground on Steelton facility, will be fourth satellite location

March 27, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Hamilton Health’s CEO Terese Delaplaine (center) is joined by local, county and state officials at the ceremonial groundbreaking on Friday.

A new satellite location for Hamilton Health Center has begun construction, part of a larger, mixed-used project in Steelton.

Area officials gathered on Friday at the site on N. Front Street in the center of the borough to ceremonially break ground on 20,000-square-foot healthcare facility.

The new facility is part of a 102,000-square-foot, mixed-use development called The Steel Works Revitalization, developed by Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners. In addition to Hamilton, the development includes a retail store and a 41-unit apartment complex with additional first floor commercial space.

At the groundbreaking, Hamilton’s board Chair Michael Harris stated that the expansion positions the organization “to meet growing needs of the community.”

“We all look forward to serving the Steelton area,” he said.

Hamilton’s Steelton location will consist of a two-story steel building with about 10,000 square feet of space per floor.

The first floor of the building will include a clinical space for eight family practice exam rooms, a Women’s Infant & Children (WIC) office, and a space for the future Hamilton Pharmacy location that will include a drive-through for prescription care. The second floor of the facility will house office space for staff and providers. In addition, the roof of the building will utilize green technology with 7,000 square feet of solar panels.

The Steelton facility will mark the fifth location for Hamilton Health, a federally qualified health center. In addition to its main facility in Harrisburg, Hamilton has sites in Union Deposit, Millersburg and Newport.

For more information on Hamilton Health Center, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 10, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will return to Harrisburg this month. Photo from the 2022 parade, courtesy of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District.

It’s looking like a dreary, cold weekend ahead in Harrisburg—the perfect time to get cozy and catch up on our March issue of the magazine or tune into our newest episode of the podcast. For now, take a minute to get up to speed on our daily news, listed and linked below.

Bob’s Art Blog takes readers on the road to York’s Hive Art Space for a unique exhibit. The show, “A Fine Cuppa (Coffee, Tea, Or),” features work inspired by hot beverages.

TheBurg Podcast this month expands on magazine stories that showcase resilience. Click here, to hear from our special guests and learn about resilience as it relates to health issues and climate change.

A Burg View editorial by our publisher applauds Harrisburg for paying off its once staggering, decade-old debt load. He recognizes former and current city administrations and the state for their accomplishments.

Candidates for three seats on Harrisburg City Council include eight Democrats, our reporting found. Find out who’s running, here.

Gamut Theatre and Narҫisse Theatre have partnered to present “Thistle & Salt,” a grim tale from Ireland. Our reviewer praises the poetic language, acting skills and boundary-pushing performance.

Hamilton Health Center announced that it has a new president and CEO, Terese Delaplaine, our online story reported. The organization also recently hired several additional new top officials.

Harrisburg City Council discussed the use of its millions of dollars in federal COVID-relief funds on Tuesday, our reporting found. Council also approved the final payment towards debt the city carried for a decade.

Pursuit Coworking is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, our magazine story reported. As work culture continues to change post-pandemic, the company is growing and finding new ways to adapt.

“The Quiet Girl,” a film about a timid girl who just wants to be invisible, is “devastatingly beautiful,” according to our movie reviewer. The film is playing this month at Midtown Cinema.

Sara Bozich has some early St. Patty’s Day activities to get you ready for the holiday, along with plenty of other weekend festivities, here.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will return to downtown Harrisburg next weekend, our online story reported. The event will include Irish dance and music groups, characters, fire trucks and more.

Trinity High School’s international students have been recognized for their athletic and academic performance. In our magazine story, read about a few of the students, who hail from Ukraine, the Republic of Congo and France, among other countries.

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Hamilton Health Center announces new CEO, other top officials

March 9, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Hamilton Health Center

A Harrisburg healthcare facility has several new chief officials.

Hamilton Health Center announced on Thursday that Terese Delaplaine has taken the role of president and CEO of the organization.

Hamilton Health Center’s new President & CEO Terese Delaplaine

Delaplaine, Hamilton’s former chief compliance officer, fills the position previously held by Jeannine Peterson, who transitioned into a consultant role after 22 years at the helm.

Hamilton has also hired a new chief operating officer, Steve Ho, and chief financial officer, Frackson Sakala. Ho previously served as senior vice president of operations for Chai Urgent Care, which has locations in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Sakala was formerly the CFO at Neighborhood Health of Alexandria, Va.

Additionally, Hamilton has hired Mary Elizabeth Bebe as the new chief clinical officer. Bebe previously served as chief nurse officer at HealthSouth in Lancaster and as a director of nursing for Pinnacle Health System (now UPMC).

“Our new leadership team will continue Hamilton Health Center’s mission to support the needs of our community by providing quality health care to all who need it,” said Michael Harris, Hamilton’s board chair.

Harris also noted that the new leadership team will help to continue to develop the center’s satellite location in Steelton.

The new senior leadership team is “poised to support the needs of our community in a post-COVID environment and thrive in an evolving world of value-based care,” Harris said.

Hamilton Health Center is located at 110 S. 17^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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Numerous Harrisburg-area projects to receive significant state funding, as redevelopment grants announced

April 22, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Dauphin County Library System is slated to receive a $1 million state redevelopment grant for a project that includes renovations to the McCormick Riverfront Library (pictured) and the neighboring Haldeman Haly House.

Numerous Harrisburg-area projects are slated to receive state funds as the commonwealth has announced its latest phase of redevelopment grants.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants announced on Friday complete the state’s 2021 funding round, which was awarded in two tranches—the first in December and the second on Friday.

Many Harrisburg projects denied money last year in the first tranche received funds in the second. These include:

The Dauphin County Library System for renovation of the Haldeman Haly House and expansion of the McCormick Riverfront Library downtown ($1 million)
Harrisburg Events Center for the continued renovation of the historic King Mansion ($500,000)
Harrisburg Scottish Rite Cathedral for renovations and theater preservation ($1.02 million)
400 Reily Street Management for a new apartment building and parking garage at 400 Reily St. ($2 million)

As previously reported, The Bridge Ecovillage also received RACP funding in this round, obtaining $4 million for the first phase of its project at the former Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg.

In addition, the Atlas, a mixed-use redevelopment project at N. 6^th and Maclay streets in Harrisburg, will receive $2 million more, adding to the $2.5 million it received in December for such needs as core infrastructure work, a new sprinkler system, additional green space and more parking.

Another 2021 RACP recipient, Hamilton Health Center, had its $2.5 million grant request fully funded in December for a 20,000-square-foot satellite location as the final component of the Steel Works project.

Elsewhere in Dauphin County, the following projects receive RACP funding in the second tranche:

Hidden Still Distillery in Derry Township for extensive renovation work ($1 million)
Rotunda Brew Pub in Derry Township for renovations and upgrades ($1 million)
Penn State College of Medicine Comparative Medicine Research Facility in Hershey II for construction and renovation ($1 million more, for $4 million total)
Susquehanna Union Green, a mixed-use development in Susquehanna Township ($2 million more, for $4.5 million total)
Swatara Township Municipal Complex Facility for a new public safety building ($1 million more, for $1.6 million total)
West Hanover Township Municipal Complex for construction of a new, 15,000-square-foot building ($500,000 more for $1.5 million total)

“I’m pleased to announce this state support for upgrades to public facilities and economic development,” said state Sen. John DiSanto (R-15), in a statement. “It’s important to me to bring state tax dollars back to our region for critical, but expensive, projects and help ease the burden on local taxpayers.”

For the 2021 RACP round, Cumberland County recipients included the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center ($1.26 million for center renovations); Penn Harris Hotel in East Pennsboro Township ($1 million for interior and exterior improvements); Sadler Health Center in Hampden Township ($2 million for building renovations); and Koloman Development ($1 million for removal of blight and redevelopment of Carlisle Pike intersection).

RACP is a state program for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. It is a match-grant program, meaning that 50% of project funds must come from non-state program sources.

Click here for more information about the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and a spreadsheet of all 2021-round awards throughout the commonwealth.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 4, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Home 231 staff cut the ribbon on their reopened Harrisburg restaurant.

Our March edition of TheBurg magazine came out this week with lots of stories about people doing good in their communities. Pick up a copy while you’re out at the Ice & Fire Festival this weekend. As always, stay up to date on local news, with our recap of the week, below.

The Broad Street Market has some new vendors selling everything from burgers to smoothies to Asian cuisine and skincare products. Read about the people behind the businesses and what they have to offer, in our online story.

In his column, our editor compares the state’s relationship with the city of Harrisburg to having a bad neighbor. He implores the state government to own up to the responsibility that it has to this community.

Dauphin County paused its application process for the state and federally funded Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program as it nears the end of its funds, our online story reported. The county has disbursed over $16 million of the total $18 million that was allotted.

Our editor sets the tone and shares the background of our “Doing Good” special section of the March magazine in his Editor’s Note.

A GoFundMe created by a Dauphin County resident has raised thousands of dollars for Ukrainian families in need, our reporting found. Agata Czopek, organizer of the fundraiser, is originally from Poland, where many Ukrainians are seeking refuge.

Hamilton Health Center received a donation of 150 infant CPR training kits from Capital Blue Cross, our online story reported. Officials there hope that the kits will prevent injury and death due to choking or suffocation.

Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival is this weekend, our online story reported. The event will feature ice sculptures, a street festival, food trucks and entertainment.

Harristown Enterprises announced that the Menaker Apartments would open for tenants in April, our online story reported. Originally constructed in 1906, the building is located on Market Square in Harrisburg.

Home 231 reopened on North Street in Harrisburg after weeks of limited hours, our online story reported. In January, the restaurant suffered extensive water damage, necessitating renovations.

March events are taking advantage of the warming weather and offering fun outdoor experiences. See our monthly Community Corner for nature, art and cultural events happening in the Harrisburg area. For a more extensive list, view our Happenings column.

Sara Bozich has a list of ways to enjoy the weekend locally. Find everything from art to music and theater events happening near you.

StartUp Harrisburg has rebranded to become Pursuit Coworking, a name that, the owners say, better reflects the company’s business model and growth strategy. The owners want to emphasize that they offer co-working space for many different types of businesses and jobs, not primarily for startups, our online story reported.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning to downtown Harrisburg with music, dance groups, floats and more, our online story reported. The parade will start at 2 p.m. on March 19, with a four-mile race kicking off at noon.

A new Susquehanna Art Museum exhibit zeroes in on the rich bounty of American landscapes from the early-19th century through the late-20th century. In our magazine story, read more about the “In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape” exhibit, on display now through May 22.

The Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg is off the sales market, as the fraternal organization has chosen to keep its building, our online story reported. After five years of looking for a new owner, the Zembo Shriners decided to restore the 92-year-old building as an events venue.

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Hamilton Health Center receives donation of CPR training kits to curb sudden infant deaths

March 1, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Hamilton Health Center

Local healthcare providers are taking the initiative to make sure that infants are safe when facing life-threatening situations.

Capital Blue Cross recently donated 150 infant CPR kits to Hamilton Health Center in Harrisburg with the hopes of preventing injury and death due to choking or suffocation.

“In the frightening event of an infant suffering from cardiac arrest or having an airway blocked, prompt recognition and immediate CPR are the keys to survival,” said Susan Hubley, Capital Blue Cross vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility. “That’s why we’re so thrilled to have provided these kits to Hamilton Health Center.”

Capital Blue Cross noted that according to the American Heart Association, out-of-hospital, sudden cardiac arrest affects more than 7,000 children a year. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia reports that it accounts for 10% to 15% of sudden infant deaths, they added.

Infant CPR kit. Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association.

The kits focus on teaching CPR and choking relief for infants, from newborn to 1 year old. They come with an infant CPR manikin, 22-minute training DVD, and two “Quick-Reference Skills Reminders.”

“Many times family members and loved ones feel helpless when they are faced with someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency,” said Hamilton Health Workforce Development Manager Melisa Burnett, who provides CPR certification training. “Providing the training and skills needed to help someone in distress increases the survival rate many times over, as well as helps the rescuer feel a sense of relief.”

Hamilton Health Center is located at 110 S. 17^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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