Tag Archives: Sprocket Mural Works

Sprocket Mural Works celebrates new Harrisburg mural in full bloom

September 26, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Sprocket Mural Works and Harrisburg Young Professionals officials, among others, cut the ribbon on the newest city mural.

A new work of art has brought a colorful garden to N. 3^rd Street in Harrisburg.

On Tuesday, Harrisburg arts organization Sprocket Mural Works, along with community partners, cut the ribbon on its newest mural, a sprawling display of bright flowers.

The mural, located at 1205 N. 3^rd St., is inspired by local artist Suzanne Rende’s own garden. The painting, which took her 18 days to create, showcases flowers in bloom, butterflies, bees and other garden critters.

“Murals like this bring communities together,” Rende said. “It’s important to put positive ideas out there.”

The mural, sponsored by Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP), is one of over 80 murals that Sprocket has completed in the region since 2014.

“We believe at Sprocket that murals are so much more than beautiful landmarks,” said Megan Caruso, Sprocket co-founder. “We believe that murals bring people together around a sense of belonging and pride.”

The mural adorns the side wall of a mixed-use building owned and recently renovated by Harrisburg-based WCI Partners.

According to HYP President Olivia Edwards-Rindfuss, the organization wanted to gift the mural to the city in honor of HYP’s 25^th anniversary.

“It’s an honor to provide this beautiful space for all who come to Harrisburg city,” she said.

For more information about Sprocket Mural Works, visit their website. To learn more about Harrisburg Young Professionals, visit their website.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Send in the Artists

August 15, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

Over the years I have made it my mission to cover the wide range of artists housed within Millworks’ three levels. With school starting back in a matter of weeks, I felt mid-August was the perfect time to cover a special group of creatives. Falling in line for roll call finds 10 eclectic elocutionists who speak the language of art with precise articulation and verve. Art class is now in session.

I had the good fortune of catching up with two fresh faces at Millworks during the most recent 3^rd in The Burg event. If one were to combine the finely delicate art of Georgia O’Keefe “Flowers” series, done with a modern-day flourish, you may be admiring Marjorie Taylor’s studies of the same subject matter in Studio 214. Nature serves as a major source of inspiration as she quotes Einstein, “Look deep into Nature and you will understand everything better.” Acrylics and oils on linen panels provide the impetus for her poetic paintings. Breathtaking, “Madagascar Comet Moth,” is enhanced by the addition of gold-leaf while her “Pansy” study speaks to O’Keefe’s most famous works.

Madagascar Comet Moth by Marjorie Taylor

Stained glass by Carrie Shusta

Carrie Shusta of Millworks 322 likes to pick up the pieces as in the stained glass she creates working her magic like a kaleidoscope rotated to perfection, where creativity meets assemblage. Borrowing from “old school inspiration like the Arts and Craft Movement of the ‘60s (like the 1860s).” Carrie bends the rules and pushes the natural boundaries of stained glass to its edge employing the Tiffany Method of “copper foiling.” Shusta is fascinated by the possibilities of what can be within the medium.

Art of the Earth in Studio 102 finds Kate Gambini, a potter with a predilection for surface decoration, adapting her style to build hand slabs or work at the wheel. It is in the combination of textural technique and illustration that make her works stand apart. Rachelle Lowe, a ceramic sculptor, shares the studio in tandem with Kate, finding a common ground in ceramics. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her resume draws on atypical crafting works of art, bridging her love as an entomologist with the fine art of sculpting. Her creations embody an abiding love of nature, specifically her fascination with insects. This passion started as a child, developing into an artistically successful pursuit. Fine Art by Angela Lapioli is for all lovers of nature. Her paintings breathe and live in a portal between this world and the next. Her work has been featured in the atrium of WITF. Angela is a graduate of Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia and has already left her mark as an illustrator, graphic designer and art director. If you appreciate dreamy renderings of the natural world, her paintings may gently awaken you in Studio 214.

April Henbest’s outpost, number 216, is reminiscent of a modern-day “Little House on the Prairie” general store, in that it showcases T-shirts, linens for the home, fanciful cards, all displayed on eye-catching hooks and stands as part of her Tiny Homestead Studio. Breezy and light, its charm lies in its simplicity. Pat Frese of Studio 216 is an enamellist of the highest order, sharing space with fellow compatriot, Averill Shepps. Inspired by the world around her, Pat marries finely ground glass to metal in a kiln at high temperatures. Her work has been featured at the Enamellist Society Exhibition in 2022.

Jessica Cavey of Circe, Studio 213, creates one-of-a-kind pieces as a fiber artist and herbalist. Her “brand” name stems from Greek mythology, referring to a woman of knowledge and power who is rarely recognized for those attributes. Ms. Cavey is ready to change that thinking. Her work is artistically refined in clothing and accessories. Jennifer Skerpon is a unique jeweler who offers permanent adornments in high carat gold, sterling silver and gold-filled, all with links that are welded closed in lieu of a clasp. Found in Studio 212, Jennifer is ecologically conscious, working with only recycled precious metals. In addition, the lapidary elements employed are “in the rough” from ethical sources, then cut, shaped, and polished by the artist. A rare artisan, Jennifer creates jewelry that speaks to the soul, attracting clients of similar tastes.

Charcoal study by Richard Lopez-Hernandez

Perhaps the newest addition to the fray is Richard L. Hernandez (RLO), planting his flag firmly in Studio 215. Specializing in charcoal studies as his medium gives him the latitude to operate in two worlds simultaneously, moving between “shadow and substance,” finding the gray areas not defined by light or dark, comfortable in twilight’s tantalizing thrills. Subjects swirl in surreal seductions, only to segue toward artistic abstraction. RLO deftly demonstrates divergent dreams as the curtain comes down on the drama that unfolds before our eyes.

Over the years, Millworks has turned out a stalwart class of “graduates” that include Amie Bantz, Meg Caruso, Lauren Castillo, Kelly McGee Curran, Mary Gelenser, Jason Lyons and Joan McGuire, just to name a few, as well as Stash Collective. These artists cut their teeth at Millworks before moving on to solo and group enterprises. Half of the early adaptors who believed in the power of art at Millworks have remained steadfast, continuing to thrive under its art director, Tara Chickey. Tara rotates the artists through an annual calendar, with each one contributing to a major show twice a year featured in the downstairs lobby. She shared “that the process brings out the very best in all of them.” I would be remiss not to tip my hat to the original 16 (of 33) led by Tara with her husband, Caleb Byron Smith. They are an art power couple. Apparently, art and marriage go hand in hand, judging by the creative duos of Richard and Marsha Souders, Joelle and Justin Arawjo of Fennec Design, and Robert McCloskey and Linda Benton McCloskey. Independents from the very start include Ann Benton Yeager, John Davis, Yachiyo Beck, Paul Vasiliades, Judy Kelly, Tina Berrier, Julie Iaria and Tami Bitner.

Millworks studio boards (photo: Tara Chickey)

All the above are noted, as well as other current Millwork’s artists I have covered over the past five years that are still roosting in Millworks loft. Beyond the art itself, there is an underlying sense of community connected by more than paintings, photographs and pottery. The thread of continuity speaks to camaraderie where artists share and support, critique and commiserate, all done with a bond of unbreakable bonhomie. Even the “graduates” share a wistfulness about their days at 340 Verbeke.

I could write about the group of artists I’ve covered over the years at Millworks in nine chapters up until today. Pamela Black, Elaine Elledge, Rebecca Adey of Mod Sew, Paul and Alexander Zemaitis of Moonrise Candle, P.D. Murray, Paul Gallo, Phil Wells, Reina R76 Wooden, Kristen Fava of Rexmake, Zack Rudy and Garrick Dorsett of The Hucklebuckle Boys, all have made for great copy as well as those “originals,” the sweet 16. For the moment, time and space does not allow that luxury, and it appears I am now up to date for the fall semester. The artists’ “in/out boards” near the entrance provide up-to-date info as to who is in each studio. With all due respect and reverence for the legacy of modern-day composer, the late Stephen Sondheim, I borrowed a few words from his classic, “Send in the Clowns.” Me paraphrasing Sondheim’s words, (no need to) “send in the artists…they’re already here.”

August Special Events

3^rd in the Burg: LGBT Center of Central PA presents “A Home of Our Own” (soft launch) at their new headquarters, 1323 N. Front St., 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19, Sprocket Mural Works & Parliament Arts Organization present York Mural Fest, Royal Square Arts District, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 19, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Community members and artists painted and hung a mural on Pastorante’s boarded-up window in Midtown Harrisburg.

As fall inches closer, there are several great ways to enjoy the last bit of summer in Harrisburg this weekend. HU Presents is set up for two concerts this weekend in Riverfront Park, Dauphin County’s Cultural Fest will take place on City Island and 3^rd in the Burg is happening tonight! Before you head out, catch up on this week’s news, linked below.

Bethesda Mission celebrated the opening of its new women’s mission on Thursday, our online story reported. The newly constructed building offers a place for Harrisburg women in crisis to find refuge and support.

The Broad Street Market is featured in a new Apple TV series, “Stuffed with Steve Ford,” our online story reported. The show, created by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, will premiere at the market on Friday night, in the courtyard.

Dauphin County’s Cultural Fest will return to City Island in Harrisburg this weekend, our reporting found. The event will include musical and dance performances, as well as ethnic food trucks and other vendors.

The Dauphin-Middle Paxton Historical Society is working to rebuild after a fire destroyed its building and much of its historical artifacts. In our magazine story, read about what’s next for the organization and about its gala planned for next month.

Our editor, in an editorial, shares how despite PennDOT’s new efforts to deter trucks from driving under the Front Street railroad bridge, many trucks are still getting stuck. PennDOT isn’t doing enough to address the issue, he says.

Gamut Theatre honored a former student actor who passed away in 2020 by naming a legacy fund in her honor, our online story reported. “Lily’s Legacy Fund” will support the Harrisburg theater’s efforts to increase its accessibility.

Harrisburg City Council re-opened the application for its Youth Commission, our online story reported. The commission will now include 11- to 18-year old students who will help advise the city on youth-related issues.

Harrisburg’s Keystone Capital Chorus and York’s White Rose Chorus will come together for a “Back to Barbershop! 75^th Anniversary Celebration” at the Scottish Rite Cathedral next month, our online story reported. The performance represents more than just an anniversary, but a newfound unity and a coming together to preserve the musical genre.

Harrisburg and state Rep. Patty Kim will hand out free backpacks and school supplies to 100 students at the city’s final summer movie night on Friday, our online story reported. At 8 p.m., the city will show “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”

Junior Achievement’s BizTown provides a field trip experience to a simulated town where students test-drive a real workday. In our magazine story, read more about the York organization that prepares students for work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Pastorante, a restaurant in Harrisburg, is looking a little brighter after community members and artists hung and painted a mural on the front of the building, our reporting found. The mural covers a window that was boarded up after a shooting incident shattered the window last week.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup is full of music, food and entertainment options for your weekend. Take a look, here.

Sprocket Mural Works recently completed another mural in Harrisburg, capping off the renovation of the “Carpets & Draperies” building at 1507 N. 3^rd St., our online story reported. The bright and colorful mural was painted by local artist Tara Chickey.

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New mural caps off renovation of Harrisburg’s “Carpets & Draperies” building

August 15, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

A new mural from Sprocket Mural Works adorns the renovated “Carpets & Draperies” building.

A soaring, three-story mural in Midtown Harrisburg is complete and ready for public viewing, the latest creation by the nonprofit Sprocket Mural Works.

Painted by Harrisburg artist Tara Chickey, the mural caps off the renovation of the historic “Carpets & Draperies” building, located at 1507 N. 3rd St.

“Using her signature color palette, which is bright and cheery, Tara Chickey’s mural is all about color and shapes, and the way they interplay with each other,” said Meg Caruso, Sprocket’s president and co-founder. “I think it’s important to appreciate art that’s more loose and colorful, which makes this mural stand out from the entire 3rd Street mural corridor.”

The mural, titled “We Are Connected by Rope Bridges,” marks the 15th mural located directly along a mural-dense, mile-long stretch of N. 3rd St. in Midtown Harrisburg, forming the backbone of the Harrisburg Mural Trail, which extends into the Capitol district and Allison Hill neighborhood in Harrisburg, as well as into the neighboring boroughs of Steelton and Penbrook.

“What Sprocket has done on 3rd Street has had a major influence on the streetscape—it’s made a big impact on how Harrisburg feels—and right away, I knew I wanted this building to be part of that,” said building owner Nathaniel Foote, who will soon move into the fully renovated building’s top floor. He’s also leasing four additional apartments, as well as retail space to Broad Street Market bakery vendor, Raising the Bar.

According to Foote, the “Carpets & Draperies” building—known by the remaining portion of its original signage—is the former Gerber’s Department Store, which opened its doors exactly a century ago, in October of 1922.

“This building used to be a showpiece,” said Foote, whose legal firm, Andreozzi & Foote, sponsored the mural’s creation. “It symbolizes what Midtown used to be, 100 years ago, and the potential it still has 100 years later—and the mural is a big part of that.”

The three-story mural, in progress last month

Although the building was vacant for at least 15 years, Chickey added murals to its front windows during Sprocket’s first full-length summer festival in 2017. Those murals were removed during renovations, so Caruso said it only made sense to invite Chickey back to create new artwork, in a full-circle moment.

Additionally, the building has special meaning for Chickey, who had one of her first art exhibits there, in the early 2000s—during which she met her now-husband. Their daughter’s artwork inspired Chickey’s mural design.

“I think murals make a city—make it more welcoming and inspiring,” Chickey said. “So, I’m happy to be part of that legacy by bringing some joyful color to the city.”

This is Chickey’s largest mural to date, and she admits the size and scope of the project was intimidating at first.

“My paintings are always very intuitive and atmospheric, so it was a bit of a challenge to see if I could translate that into a bigger scale,” Chickey said.

She described the process of becoming OSHA lift-certified in order to paint from the ground level, up to the top of the third floor, as “pretty wild at first.”

“We Are Connected by Rope Bridges” is Chickey’s second full-scale Sprocket mural. She previously painted a mural depicting birds in flight, behind 333 Market St., at 28 S. Dewberry St., during the fall of 2020. Chickey serves as art director at Harrisburg gallery, restaurant and brewery destination The Millworks and is a former Central Dauphin High School art teacher.

Sprocket organizes a biennial mural festival (occurring every other summer). The 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival added 10 mural projects to the city landscape. The Carpets & Draperies mural was to have been part of that celebration, but construction delays factored into the timing.

This fall, Sprocket is coordinating with the nonprofit Parliament Arts Organization to produce two murals in the city of York.

See For Yourself

The public can enjoy Sprocket’s murals in several ways:

A downloadable PDF map, plus an interactive Google map, are available on the organization’s website, sprocketmuralworks.com.
Visit Hershey & Harrisburg created an interactive mobile passport, “The Murals & More Trail,” available on their website, visithersheyharrisburg.org/trails/murals.
Sprocket will be offering guided mural tours during the Art Association of Harrisburg’s 34th Gallery Walk, Sept. 11.

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June News Digest

May 31, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Proposes Use of Federal Funds

After months of consideration, Harrisburg announced how it hopes to use millions of dollars in new federal funds.

Last month, Mayor Wanda Williams proposed using the city’s $47 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to support low-income residents, upgrade pools and parks and cover public safety needs.

“It’s not every day we get $47 million to spend to make the city better,” Williams said. “The pandemic has taken so much from us in so many ways over the last two years. This is why it is important we get this right, right now.”

In total, Williams proposed using $42 million of the pandemic relief funds, saving the additional $4.6 million for future uses. Her proposal includes four spending buckets: $14.5 million to help low-income residents, $10 million for beautification, parks and recreation, $9.16 million for public safety and $8.8 million to reimburse the city for lost revenue during the pandemic.

Besides the money that would be used to pay back the city for revenue it lost during COVID, the largest allotments would go to creating an affordable housing program and constructing a water park in south Harrisburg. Williams has delegated $8 million for each.

“We feel that every dollar we requested is certainly necessary,” Williams said.

The affordable housing program would primarily seek to direct financial assistance to nonprofits and developers planning to construct and sell homes to low-income residents. According to city officials, organizations or companies would apply to the program and be evaluated based on standards developed by the Department of Building and Housing Development. The city hopes the money will help build a few hundred new affordable homes, according to city Business Administrator Dan Hartman.

Also for low-income residents, the city proposed allotting $5 million to assist homeowners with necessary home repairs and another $1 million to pay for delinquent trash utility bills. Another $500,000 would fund grants for small businesses affected by the pandemic.

“It’s always been my stance that the people of Harrisburg deserve safe, affordable housing, and this proposal would help that,” said Dennise Hill, director of the Department of Building and Housing Development.

The proposal to create a water park to replace the current Hall Manor pool would constitute another large chunk of funding. Williams said that the park would include a spray area, lazy river, slides, ADA-zero entry points, concessions and community spaces for families. Additional funding would go towards installing ADA-accessible playground equipment in city parks and for tree removal services.

With the funding for public safety, Williams wants to use $5.5 million to upgrade the public safety building’s HVAC system. She also proposed giving $5,000 bonuses, totaling $1.26 million, to police officers and firefighters, using $900,000 to upgrade radio systems for the fire bureau and spending $1.5 million to demolish dilapidated buildings.

The city plans to use the $4.6 million left out of the proposal to possibly cover administrative costs and to act as a buffer in case costs for other projects increase. It may also be used for additional projects, such as repaving city streets, Williams said.

The proposal will now go to Harrisburg City Council for consideration. Hartman said that the administration will formally present the plan to council on June 7.

According to council President Danielle Bowers, council plans to hold additional public hearings on the proposed use of the ARPA funding before voting on a final plan.

State Street Meetings Set

Harrisburg residents this month will get a chance to offer their input on a State Street construction project.

The city has announced three public meetings for residents to review and comment on draft redesigns of the roadway.

“What is clear is we need to give our residents more of an opportunity to voice their concerns on this project,” said Matt Maisel, the city’s communications director.

The State Street Rapid Response project, which began planning in 2018, broke ground in Allison Hill in April. However, only two weeks later, the project came to halt when residents expressed concerns. At a City Council meeting last month, city officials announced that they would go back to the drawing board for a redesign.

The city will bring new drafted designs to the public to gather feedback. Engineers will attend to answer questions and speak to residents.

The meeting dates and locations are as follows:

Wednesday, June 2, 6 to 8 p.m., Harrisburg School District Administration Building, Lincoln School, 1601 State St.
Monday, June 6, 6 to 8 p.m., Kappa Omega Fraternity House, 2020 State St.
Wednesday, June 22, 6 to 8 p.m., Harrisburg School District Administration Building, Lincoln School, 1601 State St.

The meetings on June 2 and 6 will offer residents the chance to comment on draft designs. After those meetings, Dawood Engineering Inc., which provides engineering services to the city, will use public feedback to create a single design. This will be presented to the public at the June 22 meeting, where residents will again have the chance to comment.

Additionally, the city announced a website that will allow residents to send in public comments.

According to Maisel, the process of taking public comment, redesigning the project and resuming construction may take only a matter of months. PennDOT must approve the new plan, as the commonwealth owns State Street.

To comment on the State Street Rapid Response project, visit www.harrisburgpa.gov/state-street.

Harrisburg Council OKs Apartment Building

A developer can move forward with renovating a long-abandoned building in Allison Hill.

Last month, Harrisburg City Council approved the transformation of a blighted building at 100 N. 13th St. into apartment units. Council voted in favor of the resolution 5-2, with council member Jocelyn Rawls and council President Danielle Bowers voting in opposition.

Radon Construction plans to renovate the 11,500-square-foot building, formerly the Church of God/Central Publishing House. The renovation includes creating 12 apartment units, which the developer said should rent for about $1,000 to $1,100 a month.

“I believe that would leave our residents cost-burdened,” Bowers said, explaining her opposition to the project.

At a previous council meeting, developers explained how they had to adjust the planned rental rate to cover the rising cost of construction.

Also at last month’s meeting, council approved a resolution to contract with an organization that will assist the city with gun violence prevention efforts. The Research Foundation of the City University of New York, on behalf of the National Network for Safe Communities at John Jay College, will provide the service. The $210,000 contract is funded through a $500,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The organization will study violence in Harrisburg, determine a strategy to address it and assist with implementation. The contract term is two years.

“I think it’s something that’s needed in the city,” council member Ausha Green said.

Street Name Honors T. Morris Chester

A street in downtown Harrisburg has a new, second name to honor local Black history.

Last month, officials unveiled the designation of part of Walnut Street as T. Morris Chester Way, named after a prominent figure in Harrisburg history.

“We are very excited to be celebrating this momentous occasion,” said Harrisburg City Council President Danielle Bowers.

In October, council approved the street name designation to honor the historic figure. The IIPT Harrisburg Peace Promenade, which installed the Commonwealth Monument on 4th and Walnut streets, is responsible for the initiative.

City officials recognized Thomas Morris Chester on what would have been his 188th birthday. Chester was a Harrisburg native and the nation’s first Black war correspondent during the 1860s. He helped recruit Black men into the Union Army and gave a voice to Black soldiers fighting for rights and equality.

“He never backed down from a fight, and the city will never back down from memorializing him,” Mayor Wanda Williams said.

Chester is also recognized as one of the bronze figures in the Commonwealth Monument.

Walnut Street will keep its name, but, from Commonwealth Avenue to Front Street, it has gained T. Morris Chester Way as a second name.

Home Prices Strong, Sales Slip

Harrisburg-area home prices jumped in April, even as sales dipped.

In the three-county region, the median price of an existing home rose to $250,500, a sharp increase from $225,000 in April 2021, as sales fell to 628 houses versus 704 the prior April, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, the median price rose to $230,000 compared to $197,950 in the year-ago period, with total sales falling to 314 from 380 housing units a year ago, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had a median sales price of $290,950 versus $260,000 a year ago, as sales decreased by 20 units to 268 houses, GHAR stated.

In Perry County, the median price also increased, to $208,900 from $156,000 in April 2021, as sales held steady at 36 homes, according to GHAR.

In April, houses were selling briskly, with the “average days on market” at just 16 days, compared to 23 the prior April, GHAR said.

Mural Passport Debuts

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg (VHH) last month announced “Murals & More—A Walk of Art,” audio-guided tours of two suggested routes that highlight murals, monuments and art.

For the tours, VHH has developed a mobile passport that users can add to their phone’s home screen.

“When you walk through Harrisburg, examples of artistic creativity and collaboration are everywhere,” said VHH President and CEO Mary Smith. “We loved the idea of creating suggested routes that allow visitors to not only see a variety of artwork within a few hours, but also learn about the artists and inspiration for the work through audio clips on the passport.”

The free passport features location information about each stop, along with audio overviews of the artwork, monuments and museums. At each stop, passport users are encouraged to use the check-in feature. After 14 check-ins, they’ll earn an art-themed prize.

Smith praised the work of Sprocket Mural Works, a nonprofit working to enhance communities through art and the organization behind many of the murals featured.

“Murals & More” is the latest addition to a collection of VHH Trails and Experiences designed to package certain themes within the region’s many tourism assets in a way that makes it easy for visitors and local residents to enjoy. Other trails and experiences include:

Brew Barons Beer Trail
Chocolate & More Sweet Treat Trail
Adventure Trail
The Black Travel Experience

“Murals & More” may be primarily centered on free public art, but it’s designed to have a positive overall effect and economic impact for Harrisburg.

“Every project VHH develops is a piece of the overall tourism puzzle in the Hershey Harrisburg region,” Smith said. “By encouraging people to take part in a walking tour, they’ll be passing restaurants, attractions and other small businesses that can also benefit from extra foot traffic in the city.”

For more information, visit www.visithersheyharrisburg.org.

Summer Events Scheduled

Just in time for the warm weather, Dauphin County last month announced its 2022 summer events season.

“We are excited to be back in action this year and here to kick off the 2022 events series,” said Michelle McKeown, the county’s parks and recreation program manager.

The county has a full lineup of seasonal events, including their annual Jazz and Wine Festival, which will take place at Fort Hunter on Sept. 10 and 11. The event will feature eight bands, as well as wine tastings and food vendors. To kick off the weekend, the popular Jazz Walk will return to Midtown Harrisburg.

Dauphin County also has family-friendly events running all summer, from June 3 to Aug. 26. The Sunset Music and Movies series will feature performing arts organizations and movies.

All of these events are free and will take place at Fort Hunter Park Centennial Barn. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic basket. Food trucks will also be on site. Movie showings and live performances will alternate every other Friday.

Proudly PA! is another big event for the county, set for June 11 at Fort Hunter. The event will offer tastings from PA wineries, breweries and distilleries, as well as live music and food.

Other events include BrewFest on July 16 at Fort Hunter, Cultural Fest on City Island in Harrisburg on Aug. 20, Fort Hunter Day on Sept. 18 and Celebrate Wildwood on Sept. 24 at Wildwood Park.

“We wanted to make sure it’s a welcoming experience,” said county Commissioner George Hartwick. “We were intentional about pulling together diverse programming.”

For a full list of events and additional information, visit Dauphin County’s website.

So Noted

Harrisburg University last month announced a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace to support its scholarship program. Under the initiative, people will be able to purchase unique, HU-themed NFTs to help support student scholarships.

MASA Authentic Mexican Cuisine is slated to open this month in downtown Harrisburg at 316 N. 2nd St. Enrique Armas is the third-generation owner of the business, formerly known as Mexico Lindo, which ran as a popular food truck on Market Street in Allison Hill for about two decades.

OurBus is launching a new intercity bus route that will make stops in downtown Harrisburg, the company announced last month. The route begins in Slippery Rock and ends in New York, with additional stops in Pittsburgh, Breezewood and Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.ourbus.com.

Susquehanna Soniqs, a Harrisburg-based professional e-sports team, will open a state-of-the-art e-sports facility on S. 3rd Street downtown, said Soniqs CEO Darren Moore. The LAN Center should open to the public later this summer as a hub for gaming in the area, Moore said.

West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland debuted last month after an extensive renovation, with the grand-opening weekend featuring a variety of film and live performances. The 82-year-old art deco-style theater had been closed since early 2018.

Whitaker Center last month unveiled the new PNC Innovation Zone, a 7,000-square-foot gaming studio that offers children 8 years and older the ability to learn about coding, gaming and related technologies The Innovation Zone also is one of the region’s largest Comcast Lift Zones with free public internet.

Changing Hands

Balm St., 21: Straw Family Trust to D. Boyle, $40,000

Bellevue Rd., 1945: R. Sheffield & L. Adams to 946 S 18th LLC, $64,900

Bellevue Rd., 2024: D&J Properties of Harrisburg to SPG Capital LLC, $58,000

Berryhill St., 1425: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to D. Boyle, $49,275

Berryhill St., 1443: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to C. Wheeler, $144,995

Berryhill St., 1616: Rivera Realty LLC to J. de Grullon, $65,000

Boas St., 107: J. Kundrat to C. Michalopoulos, $182,000

Boas St., 1812: MidAtlantic IRA LLC & C. Raup IRA to Cooperwink LLC, $74,900

Briggs St., 253: 253 Briggs St. LLC to SJL Rentals, $140,000

Briggs St., 1708 & 1712: PI Capitol LLC to J. Stoltzfoos, $107,708

Brookwood St., 2450: V. Nauman to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $66,000

Conoy St., 104: D. Wolf to S. Miller, $175,000

Derry St., 1634: E. Bertot & N. Gaskin to M25 Capital Investments LLC, $144,900

Derry St., 2121: W. Zhang to Y. Rodriguez & J. Savendra, $146,000

Edward St., 260 & 3115 Susquehanna St.: C. & K. Gehman to S. Dunklau & R. Anzel, $430,000

Ellersie St., 2417: R. & D. Edwards to K. Tillman, $185,000

Forster St., 1917: T&E Property01 LLC to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $56,000

Forster St., 1934: M. Gillespie to S. Harrison, $90,000

Fulton St., 1420: V. & D. Poplaski to M. Dean & J. Kost, $130,000

Girard St., 735 & 737: Silver Maple LLC to DIMA Properties LLC, $110,000

Green St., 1616: Vandaleh Real Estate Associates LLC & P. Costa to Green Scapes Investments LLC, $140,000

Green St., 3007: R. & T. Speece to V. Agnone & M. McKee, $280,000

Green St., 3011: M. Palermo to K. Bajracharya, $265,000

Harris Terr., 2481: S. Hill to R. Bachrach, $95,000

Herr St., 1615: D&J Properties of Harrisburg to SPG Capital LLC, $58,000

Hummel St., 343: A. Semanick to D. Montes, $66,000

Jefferson St., 2247: R. Rammouni to Louis Group LLC, $64,000

Kensington St., 2110 & 2116: M. & A. Robinson to NA Capital Group LLC, $60,500

Kensington St., 2261: E. & D. Ward to J. Scott, $50,000

Kensington St., 2314: J. Regalado to E. Brown, $89,000

Lenox St., 2001: We Buy PA Inc. to Global Reach LLC, $105,000

Lewis St., 323: M. Swilkey to E. Cotelo & C. Shell, $150,000

Lexington St., 2710: T. Lewis to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $80,000

Liberty St., 1428: Silver Maple LLC to DIMA Propeties LLC, $59,900

Luce St., 2361: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to J. Tobe, $125,000

Maclay St., 241: B. & J. Myers to E. & C. Onyewu, $85,000

Market St., 1404: San Pef Inc. to 101 S. 17th Street LLC, $125,000

Market St., 1406: San Pef Inc. to 101 S. 17th Street LLC, $125,000

Market St., 1600: Lucas Properties to SDFC PA1 LLC, $475,000

Market St., 1850: C. Texidor to R. Torres, $70,000

Market St., 1935: TLC Construction & Renovations LLC to TRYB Investments LLC, $40,000

Market St., 2046: R. Hood to Twelfth Root LLC, $82,193

Mercer St., 2426: A. & G. Kocevar to B&E Development LLC, $70,000

Nagle St., 123: F. Rubinic to S. Kramer, $186,000

North St., 1611: R. Taylor Jr. to D. Scott, $119,000

North St., 1819A: PA Deals LLC to N. Salgado, $120,000

N. 2nd St., 2986: Pennsylvania Commonwealth c/o Dixon University to Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, $4,560,000

N. 3rd St., 3017: J. Crossett & M. Hochstetler to B. & S. Sisco, $166,000

N. 3rd St., 3021: Innovative Assets LLC to I. & J. Vitale, $214,900

N. 4th St., 1727: R. Moss & J. Stark to E. Timothy & C. Moore, $200,000

N. 4th St., 2106: W. Martin to I. Folkner, $100,000

N. 4th St., 2114: M. Goldberg to W. & M. Hyatt, $90,000

N. 4th St., 2404: F. & R. Scott to D. Boyle, $46,400

N. 4th St., 3211: D. Cameron to Q. Loper, $140,000

N. 4th St., 3225: J. Wright to A. Ramirez & C. Barrios, $90,000

N. 5th St., 1706: J. Hawkins to A. & J. Norris, $200,000

N. 6th St., 3161: P. Freeman to D&A Homes LLC, $66,500

N. 12th St., 56: B. & L. Young to F. Velez, $90,000

N. 15th St., 1202: Y. Griffiths to 946 South 18th LLC, $55,000

N. 15th St., 1314: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to Chand Living Trust, $149,900

N. 15th St., 1340: M. Alvarez to M. Tornay, $87,000

N. 15th St., 1415: E. Mantilla to M. Gomez, $94,500

N. 16th St., 523: R&K Realty Group LP to 523 N 16th Street LLC, $50,000

N. 17th St., 66: Great Row LLC to Bond Wolf & Fox LLC, $44,900

N. 17th St., 80: Wofford Enterprises Ltd. to E. Mendoza, $62,000

N. Front St., 2701: Jonas Rupp House LLC to Dilks Properties of Harrisburg LLC, $875,000

N. Front St., 2909 & 2917: M. & S. Wilson to Benmarsh LLC, $1,400,000

Penn St., 1420: P. & K. Lopushansky to Hobbeze Inc., $40,000

Penn St., 1716: D. Rhodes to K. Bentz, $170,000

Penn St., 1828: K. & Y. Cunningham to Panda Real Estate LLC, $110,000

Penn St., 1925: G. & K. Capoferri to A. & J. Norris, $181,000

Penn St., 2119: Obear Properties to JJC Properties, $55,000

Penn St., 2427: M. & Y. Speece to M. Powell, $67,500

Pennwood Rd., 3209: M. Ramirez to P. Grove, $170,000

Pennwood Rd., 3212: M. Udit to I. Foye, $148,000

Radnor St., 642: D. Webber to Horizon Investments RE LLC, $75,000

Royal Terr., 125: El Pejano Trucking LLC to L. Almonte, $91,000

S. 13th St., 1432: R. Mosley to AP Properties Services LLC, $52,000

S. 13th St., 1443: J. & V. Pettis to K. Quinn, $125,000

S. 13th St., 1541: Y. Al Refae & H. Esmaeil to B. Muzirwa, $72,500

S. 16th St., 11: Lynn & Ryan Investment Properties LLC to HTTRINH LLC, $87,000

S. 17th St., 18: M. Nichols to C. Peguero, $68,000

S. 19th St., 19: M. Goldberg to J. Antoine, $99,000

S. 19th St., 226: Great Row LLC to F. Galan, $68,000

S. 20th St., 624: DMA Rentals LLC to M. Ortiz, $90,000

S. 24th St., 704: C. Allen to A. Jacques, $68,000

State St., 1847: Bridger Investments LLC to Adom Investment Group LLC, $190,000

Susquehanna St., 1637: S. Henry to S. & N. Kelly, $115,000

Susquehanna St., 1703: L. Mayton & A. Quick to N. Hoy, $170,000

Susquehanna St., 2130: Zion Management LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $65,000

Swatara St., 2014: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to Chand Living Trust, $129,900

Sycamore St., 1622: T. Nguyen to C. Coronado, $150,000

Taylor Blvd., 30: JEG Properties LLC to Brethren Housing Association, $130,000

Verbeke St., 120: B. & L. Clemente to LanPro Properties LLC, $130,000

Walnut St., 1220: L. & E. Keefer to J. White, $119,900

Walnut St., 1318: C. Tatum to D. Boyle, $42,000

Wayne St., 1713: D&J Properties of Harrisburg to SPG Capital LLC, $64,000

Whitehall St., 2050: Wheatland Restore LLC to T. & D. Smith, $209,900

Wiconisco St., 618: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Mentzer Gap Holdings LLC, $129,995

Zarker St., 1927: M. Baltozer to E. Ayala & N. Vogt, $50,500

Harrisburg property sales, April 2022, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Walk artfully with new, informative trail that highlights Harrisburg’s murals, attractions

May 2, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Murals along N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg

Over the past few years, dozens of beautiful murals have gone up throughout Harrisburg, and now there’s an easy, informative way to enjoy them.

On Monday, Visit Hershey & Harrisburg (VHH) announced “Murals & More—A Walk of Art,” audio-guided tours of two suggested routes that highlight murals, monuments and art.

For the tours, VHH has developed a mobile passport that users can add to their phone’s home screen. Visitors can sign up for the passport here.

“When you walk through Harrisburg, examples of artistic creativity and collaboration are everywhere,” said VHH President & CEO Mary Smith. “We loved the idea of creating suggested routes that allow visitors to not only see a variety of artwork within a few hours, but also learn about the artists and inspiration for the work through audio clips on the passport.”

Smith praised the work of Sprocket Mural Works, a nonprofit working to enhance communities through art and the organization behind many of the murals featured on the Walk of Art.

“Throughout the process, we worked with Sprocket to identify ways that VHH could incorporate a number of existing murals into a series of walkable routes that would also highlight local art havens like the Susquehanna Art Museum, Nyeusi Gallery and the PA Capitol building,” said Smith. “Sprocket’s done incredible work to leverage both local and nationally sought-after artists to create these sensational public works of art, and we are thrilled to be able to offer a program that helps to raise awareness about murals and other artwork and monuments throughout Harrisburg.”

Brew Barons Beer Trail
Chocolate & More Sweet Treat Trail
Adventure Trail
The Black Travel Experience

“Murals & More” may be primarily centered on free, public art, but it’s designed to have a positive overall effect and economic impact for Harrisburg.

Click here for more information on Murals & More–A Walk of Art.

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Bob’s Art Blog: A Season of Thanks & 3rd in the Burg Preview

November 15, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

The Art of a Cover

After all is said and done, the very best art comes from a community of contributors, as evidenced on the latest TheBurg cover for the November issue. A classic autumnal ambiance is achieved with all the colors of the season.

TheBurg’s November cover, photo by Haley Harned

Gracing the front page, the photo has a “wow” factor, staged and shot by Haley Harned. Behind the scenes, no less than nine artists and local businesses added accessories to the mix, elevating it to a still life masterpiece. Candles light the table from Millworks Moonrise Candle Co as its art director, Tara Chickey, provided the china and napkins. Silverware from the Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne sparkles and shines. Flowers courtesy of Paper Moon Flowers find a home, as well as an artisinal mug from potter Vivian Sterste of Vivi on Verbeke. Pumpkins from Radish & Rye Food Hub, coffee from Good Brotha’s Book Cafe, apple pie from Raising the Bar and fall spices from Callicut’s Spice Co. complete the frame.

Haley Harned is an editorial and commercial photographer, as well as a “staging stylist” for numerous local magazines. Having graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2008 with a BFA, Hailey employs film and digital media to capture her subjects with aplomb. The still life frame featured on the current issue of TheBurg speaks to a level of art obtained by a trained eye turning assignment to an articulated achievement of beauty.

Season of Thanks

A new mural in Harrisburg

In the season of appreciation and thanks, it is a gift to be able to write about the beauty that surrounds us, especially that of seasonal change and the natural landscape that we oftentimes take for granted. For those who live in the city of Harrisburg, there are other special words of thanks.

Over the past five months starting at the end of May and continuing well through the fall, Spocket Mural Works graced the community with myriad marvels of murals now totaling well over 50. The new additions combine with the mix of the previous mural festivals, creating an astounding allure. As before, the thanks are many and far reaching to all who made this third festival so special and meaningful. A thank you to one and all—from the 300-plus volunteer brigade to the artistic vision of the muralists to the generosity of the corporate sponsors and the dynamic duo that founded Sprocket, Megan Caruso and Jeff Copus. The murals are living proof of their commitment to the cause by providing public art that makes a difference, opens discourse and adds beauty beyond measure.

Gallery@2nd Notes and News

It could be the title for a Quentin Tarantino film, “The Grateful Eight,” as there are eight artists in all. The number included gallery owner Ted Walke, who generously offered studio space to a select group of likeminded local artists to showcase their work rent-free, as well as fee-free when art is sold. The original trio of artists came on board when Gallery@2nd reopened in July. They included Chad Whitaker, Keegan Beinhower and Sean Arce. After the initial response to the gallery’s new presentation, more art disciples were afforded space, including Johanna Martin, Rance Shepstone, Angelica Rios and Ashley Russo, all sharing a fervent zeal for the lowbrow art zen of Ted. It’s easy to see why gratitude is part and parcel from the artists’ point of view and, yet, it cuts both ways. The proprietor was grateful to be in a position for all of this to occur after being closed for almost three years. Gallery@2nd would like its clientele to know that the 3rd in the Burg event on Friday, Nov. 19, will be the closing night for the year, with the gallery reopening sometime in April.

HBB On the Road Saturday

Art of the Huckle Buckle Boys

A Saturday road trip to Easton on I-78E will be well worth the while for a Nov. 20 date to see the Huckle Buckle Boys’ “Wondering Ox” exhibit opening and reception party at the Hemlock Art Place for a 6 p.m. kickoff. Garrick Dorsett and Zack Rudy of HBB fame will be “unifying their flow experience” in their trademark style. Located at 9 N. Second St. in downtown Easton, the just-under 100-mile adventure promises to be a night to remember. Hemlock is an alternative art gallery that promotes special events and workshops, as well as being home to avant-garde art and gifts. Newly opened in July, the gallery fosters creativity locally and throughout the state. So, it is no wonder that HBB got the invite as Hemlock is excited to unleash their latest offerings in “Wondering Ox.” Be sure to look for Socrates, just don’t share his drink.

3rd In The Burg Preview

Rug hook by Susanne Robinson

With 28 venues participating in this Friday’s 3rd in the Burg, the event now surpasses the level of pre-pandemic involvement, which is a positive sign looking ahead to close out 2021 on a high note. From restaurants to clubs to museums to galleries, all bases are covered for support of the arts and local businesses. In this season of giving, it is important whenever possible to keep local business in the foreground and shop local whenever possible.

The latest art venue, Arts on the Square, opened its upstairs gallery housed in Market Square Presbyterian Church at 20 S. 2nd St. on Nov. 7. At the initial reception, this addition to the local scene found a stellar crowd supporting the quintet of artists showcasing their works.

Acrylic art by Kara Young

One of the highlights was Susanne Robinson, fiber artist, who demonstrated the lost craft of rug hooking, which had its origins in 19th century England. With ethereal woolens from Scotland, Susanne weaves a spell of color and texture throughout her exquisite rug tapestries. In addition, a trio of painters graced the walls of the loft gallery covering acrylic works from A to Z. Lori Sweet, award-winning local artist and congregant, is “inspired by nature, mythologies, as well as universal images of the divine feminine.” Kara Young from Gettysburg believes that “art is medicine.” Her guide to create focuses on “justice, peace and faith in a world she believes needs these qualities desperately.” Gail Walden Coleman, artist of local distinction, celebrates “the human spirit and also our sense of humor.” Mother Nature informs her work, and Gail does her best to capture it in her paintings. Last but not least is photographer Kevin Long, congregant and proprietor of Long Shots Photography. He finds mindfulness through slowing down to fully appreciate the world. Photography “helps me recognize the majesty, intricacy and diversity of creations more fully.”

Also, Pine Street Presbyterian, located at 310 N. 3rd St., and St. Stephen’s Riverfront Gallery, found at 221 N. Front St., offer up art throughout the church and in gallery spaces. Be sure to view “De-Colonizing Christ,” now in its last month through Dec. 19 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral.

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Cultivating a Community: Meet a few unsung heroes beautifying Harrisburg with random acts of kindness

October 29, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Abdel Karim Ouard

I met Abdel Karim Ouard at the Heart of the Hill Community Garden in Allison Hill in September. It was a sunny day, and teenagers were hanging out near a pull-up bar while other adults sat on benches talking.

Ouard walked just a few blocks down Derry Street from his house to meet me at the park and pointed out a building he owns adjacent to the garden. He also told me that this was his first time coming to the garden to sit.

Every other time, he’d visited to help clean and maintain the neighborhood garden, he said.

Originally from Morocco, Ouard immigrated to the United States and came to Harrisburg about 20 years ago, followed by his wife a few years after his arrival. The family was looking for a better life, he said. But he admits it hasn’t been easy. Ouard previously sold hotdogs at a food cart in downtown Harrisburg, but has recently opened a new food truck in Allison Hill.

“I like cooking for people and feeding people,” he said.

He’s been a busy man, working hard, long hours to provide for his family, he explained. But over the years, Ouard has been known to help around the neighborhood whenever he can. That has included participating in trash cleanups, painting fences, helping people in need of food and inviting neighbors to backyard cookouts. Often two days per week, Ouard volunteers at Fountain Gate Church’s food pantry on Derry Street.

It’s often the organizations, those who run nonprofits or movements, and their vocal leaders who we look to. We make the charismatic figures our heroes. All the while, people like Ouard fly under the radar, dedicatedly caring for their corners of Harrisburg.

And the thing is, many of these people don’t really care to be heroes—several people I reached out to for this story didn’t even want to be interviewed.

For Ouard, it’s more important what his family and neighbors think of him. It all stems back to a promise he made to his mother before she passed away last year.

“I promised her that I would help people,” he said. “I’m doing my best.”

Keith Edwards

Welcoming Environment

About three days per week, Keith Edwards crosses Forster Street, between Green and 2nd streets, but only halfway. For a few hours in the mornings, he plants himself in the narrow median, careful to keep his arms and legs inside the little island refuge, safe from the street’s speedy traffic. There was a close call with a truck’s side mirror once.

Although maintenance of the median falls under the city’s responsibility, Edwards has stepped in over the past year to pick up the slack.

Harrisburg Young Professionals used to take care of the median until the pandemic hit. Edwards picked up the baton and, for the past year, has taken it upon himself to weed, trim and plant in the island.

Edwards, a 72-year-old retiree, traces his service-mindedness back to grade school. He remembers learning the importance of civil service from his sixth-grade teachers. John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, in which he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” still sticks with him.

“I’m a child of the ‘60s,” he said.

Over the years, Edwards has helped with neighborhood gardens in Harrisburg and picks up trash around his downtown neighborhood, as well.

With the words of Kennedy still ringing in his head, Edwards said that he doesn’t just feel inclined to take care of his neighborhood, but obligated to.

Seeing the importance of a clean, well-kept street to welcome residents, commuters and visitors into the city, Edwards began dedicating time to the median on Forster Street.

“It would be great if, someday, we had blocks of trees and plants to welcome people into the city,” he said. “If nothing else, I hope it gives people a glimpse of what can be done.”

Bill Holland

Stand Out

Like Edwards, Allison Hill resident Bill Holland is a child of the 1960s, and his upbringing impacted the way he sees his responsibility to his community.

As a young man, he was involved in ROTC where he was taught the values of leadership and service to the community.

These days, he does that by cleaning up trash in the neighborhood and helping Tri County Community Action with beautification projects. He’s weeded and cleaned many local parks, and recently adopted a few of the new planters to maintain on Derry Street that were installed by Tri County and painted by Sprocket Mural Works.

“As I walked through the neighborhood, all the litter bothered me,” Holland said. “That’s why I started cleaning up. I feel like God has placed me here.”

Holland is known around the neighborhood not just for what he does, but for how he looks. Although he was in jeans when we talked, blinged out in a cross pinky ring and a praying hands gold chain, Holland said he is usually dressed much classier.

“I’m a shirt-and-tie guy, and I smoke a pipe,” he said. “So I stand out. I’ve been wearing suits since I was 7.”

He’s been known to wear this ensemble even when picking up trash, he said.

People may not be dressing to the nines like he is, but since Holland has been out cleaning, he’s noticed local homeowners following his example and picking up trash around their properties.

“I’m hoping I can show a different way,” he said. “It’s about having pride in where you live. I’ve been seeing change.”

Ouard, Edwards and Holland aren’t widely known Harrisburg celebrities, their names aren’t circulating on Facebook, and they aren’t making the news (until now). But to them, it’s the little day-to-day actions, the commitment to being a good neighbor that drives them. If they receive any attention, their only hope is that it inspires others to try to do good, too.

“When people look back, I want them to say that I wasn’t a great man, but a good man,” Holland said. “I would like to leave a legacy of helping people.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 8, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Capital Rebirth’s Superhero Day will return to Harrisburg this year.

TheBurg Podcast came out this week and has a few quirky Harrisburg tales for you. Before you tune in, catch up on this week’s news, listed and linked, below.

A ballot drop box was deployed at the Dauphin County Administration building this week in preparation for the upcoming municipal election, our online story reported. County elections staff recently mailed out 17,200 requested mail-in and absentee ballots, the county stated.

TheBurg was named “News Organization of the Year” in Pennsylvania, an annual honor presented by the state press association. The award recognizes excellence in all aspects of a news organization’s operations, including for editorial, art, design and sales, our online story reported.

Our editor, in his monthly column, reflects on what Harrisburg’s growing population means for the city. Builders are responding to increased demand for housing, presenting an opportunity to think about what the city wants and needs. Read it here.

Elvis Solivan was named Harrisburg’s new director of business development/LERTA administrator, our online story reported. He previously served as a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) official and as a communications specialist at the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Fall events take the spotlight in our October Community Corner. Harvest festivals, a flea market and a fall storytime all made the list.

Gamut Theatre will feature all-female directors for its mainstage season. In our magazine story, read about what they have up their sleeves.

The Harrisburg Architectural Review Board approved a five-story residential and retail structure at 512-514 N. 2nd St., our reporting found. At previous meetings, HARB members questioned the modern aesthetic of the design, but now, most seemed satisfied.

The Harrisburg Fire Bureau held an awards ceremony and swearing-in of new firefighters this week, our online story reported. Chief Brian Enterline presented the “Chief’s Award” to all members of the bureau for their service during the pandemic.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse made two appointments to the citizen’s law enforcement advisory committee this week, our online story reported. At a press conference, he introduced residents Autumn Cooper and Anthony Burnett.

Hip hop artist KOTA The Friend plans to open a streetwear store in Midtown this November on the 200-block of Reily Street, our reporting found. He will also headline a music festival at H*MAC on Nov. 12.

Sara Bozich has festivals, markets and tours on tap for the weekend in Harrisburg. Take a look and take your pick, here.

Sprocket Mural Works artists created their largest mural yet on the Mulberry Street Bridge in Harrisburg. The project gave budding artists a chance to be apprentices under Brooklyn artist Ian Potter, our magazine story reported.

Steven Williams, a local author, recently released his debut novel “Skadi,” our online story reported. The novel, although set in a fantasy world, touches on many real-life themes.

Superhero Day returns to Harrisburg this year with a mission of preventing bullying, our reporting found. Capital Rebith’s festivities begin with a city-wide parade and end with a superhero-filled celebration on City Island.

One woman’s quest for a missing elk statue leads her down a path of discovering a piece of Harrisburg history and family history. Read about her hunt, here.

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The Elk Lives On, and Other Quirky HBG Tales: TheBurg Podcast, Oct 2021

October 7, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

Art is at the heart of this month’s podcast.

First, Crystal Skotedis of Harrisburg recounts her quest to find a long-forgotten elk statue. She takes us along for all the twists and turns—with a surprise ending that adds to our magazine story.

What was it like to see 230 feet of the Mulberry Street bridge transformed by murals? Harrisburg native Ian Potter shares his reflections on this incredible experience—and he explains how painting sets for Gamut Theatre propelled him into a career as a muralist in New York City.

Harrisburg area kids can’t get enough art, especially amid the pandemic, and that’s why business is booming for Maureen Marks Art of Harrisburg.

People and politics: Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, shares two “Most Harrisburg Things” for October.

Backstories: This episode is based upon the following October magazine stories:

A Statue Story | Portrait of the Community | Art on the Mark

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Visit her website here.

Every month, TheBurg Podcast introduces you to some of Harrisburg’s most fascinating people. Their stories start on the pages of TheBurg magazine, and are expanded here on TheBurg Podcast… because “there’s always more to the story.”

DYK? TheBurg Podcast received two prestigious awards in 2021: First place, Excellence in Journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, Keystone Chapter; and Honorable mention, Keystone Media Award, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation.

TheBurg Podcast is welcoming sponsors and/or advertisers: Contact Lauren ([email protected]). TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, PA; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.

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