Tag Archives: harrisburg

Making Friends, a Difference: Junior League of Harrisburg: Women building better communities.

August 5, 2012 | by Jessica Lowe

When a group of passionate women commit to improving their community, great things can happen. If you are a woman, over the age 21 and searching for a way to give back to the community while working with a motivated group of women, look no further.

Through August 31^st, the Junior League of Harrisburg is accepting applications for 2012-13. A social for prospective members is scheduled at 6 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St. Any one interested is invited.

The League’s mission is simple and noble.

“We are committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers,” League President Nicole Kaylor said.

The League has a proud tradition of training women to be effective leaders who go on to serve other organizations. Present and sustaining members can be found on the boards of many of the region’s best run non-profits.

Since 1929, the League has made Harrisburg a better place to live. It is one chapter of the Association of Junior Leagues International. New members spend their first year getting acquainted with the League’s rich history and learning what it means to be an effective community volunteer.

Throughout the year, the League organizes its own community events as well as supporting a wide variety of area non-profits, such as the Ronald McDonald House, the YWCA, Caitlin’s Smiles, and the United Methodist Home for Children. The annual “Run for the Health of It” 5K, which will be held this year on Nov. 3, raises money for the League’s grant and scholarship programs. Every December, the League hosts a holiday lunch for families going through tough times. The seminal spring event, Bargain Box, has a long tradition and is consistently referred to as one of the best rummage sales in the area.

For the upcoming year, the Junior League plans to work with its 2012 grant recipient, the Harrisburg Police Athletic League. Members will have the opportunity to get involved with PAL, and, in particular, its program, Positive Images, that focuses on building girls’ self-esteem.

Additionally, members have the opportunity to serve on a League committee where they receive training and gain hands-on experience with fundraising, event-planning and selecting grant recipients. Skills women learn in the League carry over to the business world and have a long-term, positive impact on the members’ lives and the community.

For these reasons, many women have found that the League is the perfect platform for launching a lifelong commitment to volunteer work. It offers members the opportunity to familiarize themselves with an assortment of local organizations so that they can go on to serve niche groups armed with the experience gained by being a League member.

Last, but certainly not least, Junior League of Harrisburg is a foundation for creating life-long friendships. For that reason, women who have recently relocated to Harrisburg are especially encouraged to attend the August 15^th social.

To RSVP for the August 15^th event and to download a membership application, please visit www.jl-hbg.org. Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

Poking around Shipoke: Join the celebration at the annual flea market.

July 24, 2012 | by Lawrance Binda

Gently used clothing. Office equipment. Records. Lamps. Bric-a-brac. This and that. Trinkets, knick-knacks, baubles, gewgaws.

For 30-some years, browsers, bargain-hunters and serious used good buyers have flocked to the Harrisburg waterfront each July for the Shipoke Flea Market.

They know that rummaging the tables and boxes set up along Riverfront Park could yield unexpected treasures, new-to-you items or just some really good deals.

How long have you been yearning for those vintage rainbow suspenders? You just may find them here!

Bill Renz, who spearheads the annual event on behalf of the Shipoke Neighborhood Association, said that this year’s flea market holds special meaning as the historic, quaint neighborhood continues to recover from last year’s devastating flood. It’s a chance for residents to celebrate the renaissance and endurance of their lovely community.

“The flea market offers a great way for our neighbors to once again come together as a community to sell their wares,” he said. “It is also a great way for folks from outside the community to find values and to spend a wonderful day along the river.”

On July 14, Renz and his team of committed neighbors will start at daybreak, preparing for the arrival of more than 80 local outside exhibitors, some as far away as Johnstown and Baltimore.

At 7 a.m., the shopping begins, with flea market veterans, many who return year after year, already eager to unearth what they believe are the choicest goods.

For early-morning sustenance, residents and visitors alike grab the fresh-brewed coffee and homemade baked goods made by neighbors and available on site. A little later, the grills get fired up for hot dogs and sausages, “We’ve been told that our grill masters are some of the best in the business,” said Renz.

The flea market coincides with the Annual Pump Primer event, where vistors can watch antique fire trucks pump water into the Susquehanna River.

“Folks absolutely love the neighborhood as well as the setting,” said Renz.

All proceeds go toward beautifying Shipoke, which lost many trees and suffered severe damage in the flood.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy this special little gem in our fine city,” said Renz.

The Shipoke Flea Market takes place Saturday, July 14, 7a.m. to 2p.m., at Riverfront Park in Shipoke, rain or shine. This year, parking has expanded to include the PinnacleHealth parking garage nearby on N. 2^nd Street.

Smooth Ride for Pride: This year, no hitches for festival, parade.

July 24, 2012 | by Lawrance Binda

Brad Martin doesn’t especially like to talk about the controversy surrounding last year’s Pride Festival, but, if asked, he will.

Mostly, he stresses the positives that came about following days of publicity over butting heads with the city over a permit and the eventual cancellation of the parade.

This year, he stresses, the process couldn’t be smoother.

The festival received a permit from Harrisburg in less than a day. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Enrichment has been a dream to work with, he said. Relations with the city have never been better. In addition, the dispute brought new attention to the festival and many new volunteers.

“We’ve had no problems this year at all,” said Martin, president of the Pride Festival of Central PA board of directors. “We’re really eager for the parade, and we have a lot more people who are excited about it.”

The experience also has helped change Martin’s own thoughts on the area and the organization he now heads.

Martin, 35, considers himself lucky. He long has been accepted by his family, his co-workers and his customers at UPS Store in Palmyra. He also is in a long-term relationship with his partner, Adam, who, in turn, is supported by his family.

The stressful situation last year—which had media calling him at all times of the day and TV news crews setting up outside his workplace—solidified those relationships, he said. It also showed him that traditionally conservative central Pennsylvania had become more tolerant over the years.

“It’s slow, but it’s happening,” he said. “This area is much more accepting than it was just five years ago.”

This acceptance has led Martin to consider new paths for Pride. He would like to ally the organization with other groups, both gay and straight, and become more visible in the community—perhaps participating in other area parades and festivals.

“We want to do that, but want to feel comfortable enough and welcome enough to do that,” he said.

Martin also would like Pride to be known for other events beyond the festival, as Pride’s calendar is filled with events and fundraisers throughout the year.

The festival, though, will continue to be the highlight of the group’s year, an annual summertime celebration of diversity marked by music, dancing, joy and color.

Martin would like to expand it to a two-day event, perhaps as early as next year.

A single day is just too short, he believes, and prevents Pride from attracting some bigger names to its stage. He also would like the festival to be more like Harrisburg’s larger Riverfront Park events, such as Artsfest and Kipona.

“I want everyone to feel that they can attend our event: gay, straight, bi, transgender, whatever,” Martin said.

“I just enjoy serving the community, and this is the best way I feel that I can serve the community.”

The Pride Festival of Central PA takes place July 28 in Riverfront Park, Harrisburg. It starts with the parade down Front Street at 11a.m. The festival runs noon to 5p.m., with an $8 admission fee. For more information, including an events schedule and other PrideWeek activities, and to sponsor, donate or volunteer, visit www.centralpapridefestival.com

Hop on Over: Bunny burgers, topped with nostalgia, served up at Red Rabbit.

July 12, 2012 | by Kermit G. Henning

The restaurant business ran deep in the Snyder family. Sam Snyder, along with brothers Dick and Ken, were co-owners of the former BBQ Cottage on North Front Street in Harrisburg in the early 1960’s.

Sam ran the kitchen of this popular hot-spot, a favorite hangout for area teens, known for its great burgers and fries. Sam’s wife Maggie worked for the commonwealth at the time. After the couple bought and settled on a piece of property in Duncannon, their daily drive down Route 322 every day to Harrisburg took them past the former Distelfink Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop, sitting empty near the Clark’s Ferry Bridge.

Eyeing the opportunity to have their own place, and work a lot closer to home, the Snyders bought the place, did some slight renovations, and opened on Mother’s Day, 1964, as the Red Rabbit. Their slogan: “Make the Red Rabbit a habit.”

Although there was no particular reason for the name, it stuck and became a most popular destination for locals. Nearly 50 years later, they are still serving up hundreds of their signature Bunny Burgers every weekend. The Snyders turned over operations to their daughter, Cindy, and son-in-law, Sam Berger, in 1988.

The Synders changed little of the Distelfink shop, keeping the popular curbside car hop service. Pull in, blink your lights and your server is right at your window to take your order, then brings it to you on a tray that hangs on your side window. Picnic tables are available, if you would rather not eat in your car. It has no inside seating.

Four servers are on duty at all times, making service quick and efficient. The Red Rabbit employs 25, mostly teenagers. The majority of the employees started out as part-timers; most of the long-time employees started there as teens.

The Bunny Burger was Sam Snyder’s creation. Served on a sesame seed or poppy seed bun, it includes a ground beef patty, hickory smoked bacon, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions, topped with their special sauce (Snyder’s original recipe).

When the Red Rabbit opened in ‘64, fast-food restaurants were just starting to emerge, serving pre-made food, every order precisely the same as the last. Snyder, on the other hand, held on to the strong conviction that food should be made to order, and that continues today.

Most popular dishes, besides the Bunny Burger of course, are the ham and pork BBQ, the fish sandwiches and the fried chicken, fish and shrimp dinners. The dinners come with French fries, home-made creamy slaw and a roll. Ice cream, including floats, shakes and sundaes, are also offered.

The family has always insisted on good quality food and good service. Despite rumors to the contrary, Sam and Cindy Berger intend to serve burgers as long as possible, feeling blessed to have the opportunity to continue the nearly half-century old tradition.

“We appreciate our customers, many of whom are regulars who have been coming for years – be it every weekend or every few weeks,” Sam Berger said.

Red Rabbit benefits from a great location along busy Route 322. Penn State football weekends bring heavy traffic past the drive-in; Mother’s Day is their busiest day. They end up serving more than 3,000 burgers on a busy weekend.

Five decades is a long time (the Bergers plan on something for the drive-in’s 50^th anniversary in 2014), but times change as development along Route 322 is beginning to crowd things. Yet, the Red Rabbit is more popular than ever.

The Red Rabbit is located in Duncannon along Route 322, ¼-mile east of Rts 11/15 and ½-mile west of the Clark’s Ferry Bridge. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, closed the rest of the week. Call 717 834-4696 or visit www.redrabbitdrivein.com.

Healing Foods: HealthyWay will fix you up with a tasty, good-for-you meal.

July 12, 2012 | by Peter Durantine

Her husband’s illness, requiring him to follow a strict diet to regain his health, compelled MaMa Chef Grace Yong Lee to learn how to prepare “healing foods,” which are mostly organic and whole grain.

Now, 10 years later, her husband, Joon, full of vim once again (he bragged that at 61 he could out-run men half his age), the couple decided to share what Yong’s travels to Asia taught her about healing foods.

In late May, they opened HealthyWay, a restaurant and grocery at 405 Walnut St. in Harrisburg. It features all natural foods that Lee said is fresh, mostly local, and 65 to 70 percent organic. She makes soy milk daily.

“I prepare all natural, mostly,” said the Korean native who once had a restaurant in Seattle. She lives by the German proverb printed in their menu: “Man is what he eats.”

Yong said it is difficult to find organic in all foods (she’s trying, though) but some of the items they sell such as vegetables and chicken are 100 percent organic. She uses no preservatives, artificial ingredients, white flour or sugar in her cooking.

“I studied healing foods,” the 59-year-old chef said. “I went to Japan, Korea, China and India – learning how to make healing foods.”

She takes the macrobiotic approach to food preparation. Yong said it resulted in returning her husband to full health, which moved her to open the restaurant so the public could get in on this healthy way of eating and living.

“I wanted to share,” she said, smiling.

Joon is a macrobiotic believer. He said people should know that “besides exercise, they need good food.”

They serve breakfast and early dinner, their hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Some of their dishes include Soy waffle, naturally sweetened, grilled organic chicken, sweet potato noodles, fruit or yogurt smoothies and chicken soup.

They can accommodate vegetarians and those who desire meat, said Solomon Lee, the couple’s 19-year-old son. The challenge for HealthyWay, though, is making sure the products they use and sell are free of preservatives and additives.

“It’s really hard to get organic food so sometimes we have to make it ourselves,” Solomon said. “That way we can make sure it’s healthy for you.”

MaMa Chef, who wears a red apron with her smile, wants her customers to enjoy not just her food, but her hospitality; she enjoys meeting them and becoming friends. “I treat all my customers like family,” she said.

HealthyWay, 40 Walnut St., is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Sun. 717-234-7010 or visit them on Facebook.

Protecting Harrisburg: Defense of important city was sudden, ad hoc.

July 11, 2012 | by Jason Wilson

From its beginnings, Harrisburg’s location astride the Susquehanna River and Appalachians made it a significant hub for transportation from all directions. This significance was even more evident when the Pennsylvania canal, and later Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania and Northern Central railroads constructed bridges around the city.

Owing not only to its stature as the Capitol of the Commonwealth, but also to this network of roads, railroads and canals, it was a logical location during the Civil War for Camp Curtin, the largest mustering and training camp in the north during the war. Despite the location, importance and presence of Camp Curtin, Harrisburg was scarcely defended when compared with other important military targets.

One reason for this might be the initial consensus that the war would be short, therefore there was no real hurry to fortify the bluffs across the river. After this myth was dispelled by the First Battle of Bull Run, military resources were largely focused southward and no one believed the city could be a legitimate target, until the north’s military set-backs of July and August 1862.

By early September 1862, Robert E. Lee’s army was on the move northward. Quickly, Pennsylvania emergency militia troops were formed to help repel the invasion. Fortunately, Lee’s army was fought to a draw at the battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single day in American history. Ideally, this dramatic and bloody battle, in which the Union claimed victory, should have alerted state and city officials to the need for increased forts and earthworks west and south of Harrisburg, but again, nothing was done until early June of 1863.

In June, victorious after smashing the Union army at Chancellorsville, Lee’s rebels again marched north. This time there was little to impede their march. Harrisburg, like the rest of south-central Pennsylvania, was in turmoil and stood open to invasion. President Lincoln called for another 100,000 emergency troops, but only 30,000 responded. General Darius N. Couch, head of the newly created Department of the Susquehanna now at Harrisburg, finally began creating a series of earthworks opposite the city. It also prepared to fire or dynamite most of the bridges crossing the Susquehanna River near the city. As the Confederate’s approached and captured York, the bridge at Columbia/Wrightsville was burned on June 28^th. The next day Lee’s army was ordered to concentrate around Gettysburg, saving Harrisburg from potential capture.

After Gettysburg, the Department of the Susquehanna moved back to Chambersburg and Camp Curtin returned to the business of sending troops and supplies to the front. It also was used as a prisoner-of-war camp. Some of the Confederate POW’s who died as laborers are buried in Harrisburg Cemetery, as well as other cemeteries around Dauphin County.

The Gettysburg campaign was the last time during the Civil War that Harrisburg was in peril as the war continued to rage in southern Virginia. Camp Curtin lasted until November of 1865 when it was officially closed.

On Safari, Midstate-Style: Into the wild at Lake Tobias.

July 11, 2012 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Just 25 miles north of Harrisburg, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, with its hundreds of animals from around the world, celebrates its 48^th season this year. It remains a popular destination for locals and out-of-staters alike.

“We attract approximately 150,000 visitors from May through October,” said Jan Tobias, director of public relations and advertising.

The park appeals to both young and old who arrive in anticipation of getting up close and personal with a whole host of wildlife, including African lions, alligators, bears, Bengal tigers, ostriches, two-toed sloths, poison dart frogs, camels and peacocks, to name just a few of the creatures that call the 150-acre woodland their home.

Jan’s father, the late J.R. Tobias, was always fascinated with wildlife, initially planning a career path that involved studying animals and agriculture, but that path veered off into a little detour when he was drafted into the marines.

After serving in the military, he founded Lake Tobias on his childhood homestead near Halifax and was finally able to indulge his passion for wildlife, a hobby that morphed quickly into a business.

Since 1965, millions of visitors have streamed through the entrance to the park anticipating a great animal adventure. People of all ages usually consider the educational safari tour a highlight of the trip. Riding along with a tour guide in a converted open-air school bus, passengers are given a birds-eye view of approximately 500 head of mammals and flightless birds.

“The 50-minute safari tour is the favorite attraction for everyone who comes to the park and we usually add a few new animals each year,” Tobias said.

Dauphin resident Shawn Marie Mann, a fan of the park and a blogger at amusementparkmom.com, takes her family there often. “My three children love it and it’s very affordable. My oldest daughter spent her last five birthdays there,” she said.

And apparently she’s not alone; in 2011, Central Penn Parent Magazine named Lake Tobias the best party facility and the best place for a picnic.

Mann likes bringing her own food to the park. “It saves money and our family suffers from allergies, so if we can bring our own, it’s one less thing to worry about,” she said. For those who would rather purchase food, there is a concession stand on site where hungry visitors can order picnic food like burgers, fries and chicken.

Halifax resident Mary Gualtier worked at Lake Tobias for several years during her retirement. “They hire retirees before the kids are off school,” she said. “I liked everything about working there. It’s in a beautiful location.”

Those who haven’t visited the park in several years may be surprised at the changes.

In 2006, a new tiger and black bear exhibit was added; two years later, an African lion and baboon exhibit; and last June, a new reptile and exotics building with a 15-minute educational program offered several times a day.

“Local people don’t realize how much we have changed throughout the years,” Tobias said. “When they come back, they are amazed at how advanced the park is.”

So grab the kids, get out of the house and prepare to spend a day enjoying the great outdoors in the beautiful countryside. Your adventure waits.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, 760 Tobias Rd., Halifax, 717-362-9126 or www.laketobias.com. Open May-Sept., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat. & Sun.; Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat. & Sun.; Oct. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. & Sun.

Want to Help City Schools?: Donations could save threatened programs.

July 11, 2012 | by Paul Zavinsky

In response to one of the many questions the Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation has recently received regarding the critical financial situation facing the Harrisburg School District next year, an annual fund has been created for contributions.

Many concerned citizens have asked how they can contribute money to offset the severe deficit in the state’s public school budget. The answer is through gifts to the foundation, which operates as a means for contributions to be received, recognized and channeled to support the school district.

All gifts, at all levels, are appreciated and are handled respectfully as the contributor intended, with full public transparency and accountability.

The foundation is a non-profit, community-based organization that was launched in 1998. Its board of directors works in partnership with the school district leadership, the school board, and the business, political and community leadership to improve public education in Harrisburg.

The foundation’s mission is to improve academic achievement, support programming and promote leadership and personal development of students within the school district by facilitating community participation and bringing together resources, financial support and volunteers.

The school district is predominantly low-income; approximately 80 percent of the students qualify for the state subsidized school lunch program. The foundation understands the importance for all Pennsylvania public school students to be given equal educational opportunities and strives to create opportunities that will contribute to greater academic equality.

Through the efforts of the foundation, the school district has received more than $4 million from private contributors, foundations, businesses and service groups. The Educational Improvement Tax Credit, established by the General Assembly in 2001, encourages corporate contributions.

EITC money supports innovative educational programs that meet established criteria and are provided by approved organizations by the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The incentive – a tax credit of up to $300,000 per fiscal year – has allowed the foundation to provide more than $1 million for such programs as the school district’s former early childhood education program.

The foundation offers a variety of state-approved EITC programs, and other programs that contributors may designate as the recipient of a financial gift such as the Capital Area School for the Arts; the School of Business and Industry; the Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation; and SAT Prep courses.

However, contributors may also give generously to the annual fund for the foundation and the school district, with no restrictions. These non-designated gifts allow the foundation and district to delegate how and where the contributions can be used most effectively to meet the greatest needs; these gifts are critical to the foundation’s day-to-day operations.

The school district’s deficit for the next academic year will only be overcome through the cooperative efforts of the state’s elected officials, businesses and community members. Every contribution counts. And the district and the foundation count on you to participate with your financial support to the annual fund.

To donate, please make checks to Harrisburg Public School Foundation and mail to: P.O. Box 0054, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0054. For more information on the foundation, visit www.hbgsf.org.

Paul Zavinsky, Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation executive director, worked in public broadcasting for more than two decades including 10 years at WITF as the on-air, radio and television fundraising manager.

Takeover Redux: Receiver also possible for city school district.

June 18, 2012 | by Lawrance Binda

State Sen. Jeff Piccola is due to retire in a few months from a long legislative career, but not before setting the stage for a possible third takeover of a Harrisburg entity.

Piccola is the primary sponsor of SB1450, which allow the state to assume control of a school district deemed “distressed.”

The bill, which spent much of last month in the Senate’s Education Committee, would set up an “Office of Financial Recovery” headed by a chief recovery officer, who would draft and implement a financial recovery plan. The officer would report directly to the state’s secretary of education.

If the school board refused to cooperate with the chief recovery officer, the state could appoint a receiver, who would directly run the district.

The bill potentially could apply to many school districts, but Harrisburg is one of the few districts in the state that could set off one of the triggers for a takeover, which include an inability to pay teachers on time, a request for an advance on state basic education funding and a default on a bond.

The Harrisburg school district is deeply in debt, with a budget deficit for the 2012-13 school year estimated at $12.9 million. The district currently is considering a number of unpleasant choices to close the gap, including possibly ending its kindergarten program. Athletics, band and some faculty cuts are also possible, as it is a tax increase.

The school budget is slated to be acted on by June 30.

In 2000, Piccola engineered another takeover of Harrisburg’s schools, which then were placed under the control of former Mayor Stephen Reed. The 10-year mandate expired in 2010, leaving the district with a debt load that is estimated to grow to more than $500 million by 2020.

Last year, Piccola also sponsored legislation that led to a takeover of the city government, which now is overseen by a state-appointed receiver.

The new schools legislation is similar to that bill, as it appoints one person to head a financial recovery office, which then would draft and implement a recovery plan for district.

A Central Space: LGBT Center now has a visible Midtown home.

June 18, 2012 | by Lawrance Binda

The LGBT Community Center Coalition has a new home, moving into the heart of Midtown Harrisburg this month.

As of June 1, the center will call 1306 N. 3^rd St. its home. The space was last occupied by Mantis Collective Gallery, which disbanded and closed.

Increasingly, small professional organizations are setting up shop in Midtown. Recently, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center moved in nearby at 1230 N. 3^rd St., a historic bank building now owned by the Historic Harrisburg Association.

The LGBT Center is a community center that is a unifying location for the area’s large, diverse LGBT population. Several affiliated groups also will have office and meeting space there.

The center is relocating from space at 221 N. Front St.

Board member Stuart Landon said he’s excited both about the move to Midtown and about having a visible, centrally located storefront.

“We enjoyed being downtown, but Midtown is more like a village, a place where you can walk around,” he said. “There’s a vibrancy there, and we want to add to the spirit.”

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