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Tropical Storm Lee Flooding

admin September 12, 2011 Weather Comments Off on Tropical Storm Lee Flooding

Finally it looks like Harrisburg residents will be able to go home.  Following the Tropical Storm Lee flooding, tens of thousands of the residents who were evacuated at the time were told it was safe for them to return home, last Saturday.   At the time it was such a tough flood, reports claimed that it was the worst in nearly 40 years, since Hurricane Agnes.

Evacuees Return Home

Before the notice came for these individuals to return home, the evacuation order was lifted in northeastern Pennsylvania for up to 60,000 (of the 70,000 residents) in and around Wilkes-Barre to return home.  The Susquehanna River’s level was receding during this time.  Thereafter, more were given the go-ahead on Saturday as well as Sunday.

Deaths from Flooding

According to Gov. Tom Corbett, there have been at least seven deaths resulting from the storm.  As well, around five deaths were said to be “storm-related.”  However, good news is finally in sight as Corbett said at a Harrisburg news conference, “it appears no that the worst of the flooding is over.”  He has requested President Obama declare a “major disaster in the flooded counties.”

Other Damage

Along with the deaths, there have been other issues that have arisen as a result of the flood.  Finally, things have taken their toll.  Indeed, Stephen Bekanich, Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency Director, estimated damage to be in the tens of millions.  Harrisburg is still experiencing problems due to the falling river.  Officials are still attempting to restore power while crews attempted to repair damage from the storm.

Impact on Harrisburg

Given that there are various roadways closed in the region, this will impact the people of Harrisburg as well.  The city’s mayor assured that power will be restored to city residents.  Still, around 2,300 residences “remained without power.”  But Harrisburg residents can be assured that water will be sent to them – 800,000 gallons of fresh water per day to American Water will be “distributed to metropolitan and suburban areas where fresh water was in short supply. City reservoir water levels remain high and were not affected by the flood.”

Slowly, things are returning to normal for Harrisburg residents.  It’s going to take time, but the city and its officials are taking care of things following Tropical Storm Lee and its repercussions.

Who Won the Kipona Chili Cook Off?

admin September 7, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Who Won the Kipona Chili Cook Off?

Kipona Festival Fun

Harrisburg could take pride in their chili experts since it was resident Doug Johnson who took first place for best chili at the Kipona festival last Saturday. Thankfully the weather held out and fun has been had by all so far. According to Mayor Linda Thompson, “the reason [Kipona is so successful is the camaraderie of the people and the different varieties of entertainment and activities we have.” She even went so far as to call it one of the region’s “premiere events of the year.”

But what really seems to attract people to the event is the Keystone Regional Chili Cook-Off. Indeed, as Dawson Flinchbaugh, the event’s organizer said, “chili’s a pure American food. Chili equates with a good time. You have a good party and the people will come.”

But there was more than just a competition for good chili going on. At the Kipona Artfest there were 150 artists and artisans who had come from all around the world. Those interested were just required to pay $5 to look and purchase some of the great works available. In addition, there was a karate tournament, the Native American Pow Wow Festival which included a group of Aztec dancers from Mexico city performing.

Harrisburg Fights Against Cancer

admin September 5, 2011 Harrisburg Health Comments Off on Harrisburg Fights Against Cancer

In a couple of weeks’ time, Harrisburg will be privy to its second yearly 2 mile walk/run. On September 18, the “Turn Up the Volume on Ovarian Cancer,” will be commencing at 1 HACC Drive, where the Harrisburg Area Community College is. It will commence at 2pm with registration beginning an hour before. At the event, snacks and refreshments will be available along with children’s activities and raffles.

For those who wish to register earlier, visit: www.turnupthevolumeonovariancancer.com and to receive a free T-shirt, sign up fast as that will be the prize for the first 300 pre-registers. For those who want to, they are being encouraged to bring along photos of loved ones that can be posted on the event’s ovarian cancer survivor or memory board. All the money raised from the event will be put towards ovarian cancer research.

Get Yourself a Fine Brew at Arooga’s

admin August 10, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Get Yourself a Fine Brew at Arooga’s

If you’re up for a fun, relaxing night out, check out the various different Arooga’s in the Harrisburg area.  There you will be served top quality cold brews, yummy food and be privy to awesome sports viewable on more than 100 HD TV screens.  In 2009 Arooga’s was awarded the Harrisburg Magazine Reader’s Poll, ‘Simply the Best,’ and the 2010 Central PA Reader’s Choice Award.

Choose from fresh burgers, sub rolls, wings with homemade sauces, chicken, shrimp, mozzarella, sticks, unique pizza styles and toppings, salads and end your meal with the cookie pizza: chocolate chip cookie pizza with vanilla ice-cream, hot fudge and whipped cream.

Arooga’s definitely makes for a fun, delicious meal out where you can forget about your worries, kick back, take in some sports and top it all off with a fresh cold one.

Harrisburg’s Gift Shop

admin August 5, 2011 Harrisburg Shopping Comments Off on Harrisburg’s Gift Shop

For both visitors and residents alike, Harrisburg’s Bare Wall Gift Shop is a must-see.  It’s a very cute store which is home to lots of different gifts ideas. But it is also a place where you’ll be privy to all sorts of interesting conversations.  Some Harrisburg residents have been shopping there for years – others just happen upon it after having walked past it without acknowledging its existence.

Whether its jewelry you’re looking for, cute cards, something to make your little ones smile or a gadget to make working in the kitchen easier, the Bare Wall Gift Shop has it all.  It must have something to it as today it ranks as the second top rated place to visit in Harrisburg.  Store managers Ronn and Bob have a reputation for being extremely helpful too; just ask them for help if you need something particular.

As well as getting something great to take home or give to a friend at the Bare Wall Gift Shop, you will be privy to the latest Harrisburg news from old-timers Ronn and Bob.  It’s for sure become a part of Harrisburg culture.

Pride Festival in Harrisburg

admin July 27, 2011 Harrisburg Politics Comments Off on Pride Festival in Harrisburg

At the end of this month, from July 29 to 31st, The Pride Festival of Central Pennsylvania will take place in Harrisburg. This year, the theme of the festival, is going to be “Making Strides for 20 Years Strong.”  The Festival is an annual event.  For anyone in Harrisburg or the surrounding cities who would like to volunteer their time, check out www.prideofcentralpa.org for details.

The Mayor of the city, Linda D. Thompson, in a letter to Mr. Martin earlier in June, began by stating that “the city of Harrisburg welcomes all those who have come to enjoy the Pride Festival of Central PA.”  Indeed, anything that is able to promote “mutual respect and human understanding,” as Thompson pointed out “is of great value to our community and we all share in the celebration of human dignity.”

As well, the festival is a great contributor to “the struggle for equal rights under law.”  With intolerance comes a diminishing of “guaranteed civil liberties we all have worked so hard to achieve in our nation.”  This has to be unacceptable.  All forms of discrimination must be fought against.  At the end of the day as Thompson notes, “we all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and as the Mayor of the City of Harrisburg I will not deny these rights.”

Rick Ross to Grace Harrisburg

admin July 25, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Rick Ross to Grace Harrisburg

Anyone who is into the rap scene could be pretty familiar with Rick Ross and his Miami rap music.  He released his no. 1 debut album just five years ago, and since then has gone on to record three more hit albums.  He is currently working on his fifth.

Widely-known as the “Teflon Don,” Ross has another name too.  Born as William Leonard Roberts II in 1976, this American rapper founded Maybach Music Group (a record label).  So far, two of his four albums have been released through that: Deeper Than Rap and Teflon Dan.

Ross will be coming to Harrisburg this month to perform.  For those interested in catching one of his performances, sign up for either 26 July at Hersheypark Stadium or the following night at the Giant Center.

Harrisburg’s Act 47 Fiscal Recovery Plan

admin July 20, 2011 Firefighters Comments Off on Harrisburg’s Act 47 Fiscal Recovery Plan

Harrisburg’s City council has approved a federal grant worth $1.5m which will finance the hiring of eight full-time firefighters from now until 2013. This move was contrary to the recommendation from the Act 47 fiscal recovery plan.  Had the city followed that, five firefighters would have been “fired,” excuse the pun.  But according to an article in Penn Live, the recovery plan’s coordinator was said to have expressed “surprise” that there are only around 70 firefighters in Harrisburg (which is eight less than the plan calls for).

Firing Not So Easy

The bottom line is however, even if they had to, firefighters couldn’t be so easily let go.  They have a union contract that only expires at the end of next year.  By then it is likely “there will be enough attrition to allow for more hirings.”  As well, since the plan was introduced last month, five firefighters have already filed their retirement paper work.

Financial Woes Worry Harrisburg Independence

admin July 18, 2011 Law Comments Off on Financial Woes Worry Harrisburg Independence

It seems that Harrisburg is in such a poor financial state that the political big-wigs have gotten on the bandwagon now. A group of state senators just last week said that if the city’s plans for financial recovery fails, the state should take over its running. This of course, really wouldn’t fare well for Harrisburg and its independence and would have a direct impact on all its residents and their institutional dealings.

It was Senator Jeffrey Piccola who was behind Senate Bill 11-51.  He is the representative for parts of Daupin and York counties.  According to Wgal if the Act 47 plan isn’t conceded to, “Piccola’s bill would create a three-member management board for the city.”  This should be a step in the right direction.

As well, according to Senator Mike Folmer of R-48th District, “it’s a good lesson to say to elected officials in these other cities, ‘You better pay attention. You may want local control.’ I don’t want local control to be lost. But if you don’t do your job, then you should get fired.”

There is still time though for this not to happen.  In reality, it has to first clear “the Senate community, economic and recreational development committee,” and only then arrive at the House and Gov. Tom Corbett.  Much could happen between now and then.

Go Indie in Harrisburg

admin July 14, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Go Indie in Harrisburg

For anyone who likes a bit of Indie music, D & M is going to be in Harrisburg at the Harrisburg Stage on Herr as part of its ‘Every State of the Union Tour.’  The band’s fan base is funding the tour which is celebrating the release of its EP, ‘Delawanna.’  The lead vocalist is Danny Fornasa.

As well as singing their own songs D & M will be performing popular sings by Maroon 5, The Beatles nad John Mayer.

For those interested in a great performance from these awesome locals, check out www.harrisburgarts.com/stageonherr Fee is only $5 and doors open at 7pm.