I figured that since I’d already been in the hood for over six months, it was time to register with a family doctor. I had heard some pretty good things about the Community Medical Associates so I went by and took a look. Conveniently located on N Progress Ave, the actual offices were very pleasant indeed. I liked the fact that in one place, there are both general doctors and specialists – I hate the idea of constantly having to go from one venue to another so this is appealing to me. Before registering I read a great online review, giving a five-star rating, so was already optimistic. And, unlike a lot of the other practices, this one is accepting new patients. So I’m hoping it’s going to be just what I need.
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Taking in Some Culture
And Perhaps Giving Something Back?
Yesterday morning as I was reading the Harrisburg Magazine, I was considering what to do with the rest of my weekend. Friday and Saturday had been good but I didn’t welcome the idea of just sitting around in my lonely apartment the night before heading back to work with a microwave meal for one. So I decided to check out one of the museums I keep reading about in Harrisburg.
I took the plunge, didn’t procrastinate, got up and found myself at The State Museum of Pennsylvania so that I could find out a bit more about the entire state of Pennsylvania and its heritage. Truthfully I don’t think I’d ever studied this subject – our American history lessons back in school weren’t exactly memorable – so since having been given all this extra time on my hands, it’s the perfect opportunity.
I was shocked that I found it pretty interesting! I’d never exactly been the best History student at school but there you have it; perhaps a leopard can change its spots. I saw some cool exhibits spanning geologic time all the way to the Native American experience, revolutionary beginnings and more. I also got a lot more information on the Civil War battleground via the industrial age, which I don’t think I knew anything at all about before. It seemed to be that the museum is insinuating that “Pennsylvania’s story is America’s story,” so that made me feel like a pretty proud Pennsylvanian.
After my tour, I looked around some more and considered the possibility of – on those all too lonely long weekends – volunteering as part of the State Museum’s Volunteer Corps. I could get to know a lot more about American history (and pass that onto my kids) and feel good about actually doing something for my new community. I’ve not volunteered in years; this could be just what my self-esteem needs after the divorce.
So I asked around and it seems I have four options: I could get involved with educational programs and tours (that would require a fair amount of training); work on the events and hospitality sector (I can’t really see that being my thing) find out more about special projects (a possibility) or work in the State Museum Store (I think that appeals the most). So it’s definitely something I intend to look into. Anyway hope your first day back at the work week starts off on a positive spin.
Great Art Possibilities in Schools
It’s only ever really been my oldest kid – Matthew, who is now 11 – who has ever taken any real interest in art. So Joanne and I were delighted when we heard about the extra capital being injected into the art program at the Downey School where he attends. In fact, it’s probably one of the first things we’ve agreed on in months!
His art teacher – Shannon Lippy – just received $400 worth of sketchbooks that he believes might begin to reveal some of their hidden talents. Just last week he actually WANTED to go to school (he had art that day) and I don’t recall any of my kids ever actually being enthusiastic in the mornings. The teacher is encouraging the kids to really create something on their own and I know that has to be good for self-esteem building. So this teacher is purchasing 200 sketchbooks for his grade, seventh and eighth grade. The money came from the Harrisburg Schools Foundation; it’d be great if we see more such incentives in other creative endeavors like those in the realm of physical education, such as judo or martial arts. It’s a great way for boys to get out their frustrations in a positive way and I’m always up for that kind of thing.
Harrisburg Weekend Activities for Lonely Single Dads
I always start getting a little sad as the day draws in on a Thursday if the kids aren’t coming to stay for the weekend. But, at the same time, in order to prevent myself from spiraling down into a depressive state, I start checking out what is going on locally. Unless of course I have a date, which, these days isn’t so often – I guess I’m hitting what they call in the dating world, a “dry spell.” Now that I’m back on “the scene” as it were, I’m learning lots of new phrases that I wish I didn’t have to become educated on. But, alas, I must move on and resume some positive thinking.
I could join up with my group. I recently discovered the Amici group which meets up near Harrisburg. It was set up to help people develop interpersonal skills and relationships. According to the ex, Joanne, I sure need some help in that area. And my therapist Michelle – although she doesn’t say it outright – seems to be in agreement with her. So what I like most about the group is that it is non-judgmental and is a real way of getting out the house when I am stuck for something to do; it seems to give me that extra push that I need. Everyone comes from a different place – and Amici seems to be the real equalizer for us. I must check the schedule as they may have one of their dinners coming up over the weekend which is always a fun and relaxing way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. For those few hours I really don’t feel alone.
I also feel a sense of belonging at Amici. There are some great people who go and everyone is just nice. Yeah, I think I need a bit of that energy injection this weekend. And then hopefully that will give me the strength to go optimistically into next week so that I can be all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for when the kids come.
Hope you have a good one too! Best, Alex.
Santa Claus is Coming…to Harrisburg!
It seems that Harrisburg is going to be privy to a great Christmas as the town’s Hershey’s Park becomes Candylane! The town will be laden with fun events and entertainments as well of course, great candy. Even if you’re not from the area, it might be worth booking into one of the hotels near the venue so you’ll be just a hop, skip and jump away from Candylane, where you’ll be privy to over two million decorative lights and other fun festive adornments. As well, you can meet the characters famous in Hershey-land, and join your kids on all the cool rides there. If you are going to be one of those fun parents, then you cannot miss out on the Twilight Express.
For the music-lovers amongst you, you can enjoy A Rockin’ Music Box Christmas Show and for the kids who love the whole Christmas spirit, the tales at Christmas Candylane Storytime will be a real hit. Chocoholics will love Christmas in Chocolate Town (decadent meal with amazing chocolate dessert and live entertainment) and Hershey Sweet Lights is a great drive-thru from the comfort of your own car.
This really is a great outing for everyone in the family – be sure not to miss it.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg Education Takes Financial Responsibility Seriously
Throughout America, there is a serious college debt issue. Indeed, recent figures show that the nationwide debt is approaching $1 trillion. As well, it seems that now, higher education is also going fueling this educational financial crisis. But in Harrisburg, the city does not appear to be falling into that same trap. Indeed, the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) seems to be going in quite the opposite direction which will enable all those in the finance sector of the city to breathe a sigh of relief, especially given Harrisburg’s other monetary issues as of late.
Next month, the school will be marking the founding of its decade anniversary. Last month, Jeff Selingo (from The Chronicle of Higher Education), mentioned the institute in a series on those bodies that “defy stale, burdensome academic traditions.” What HU should be proud of, is how it has really focused on its academic and educational core, rather than getting side-tracked by all the extra-curricular activities that ultimately seem to lead educational institutes into debt. It did this through a few different measures such as: getting rid of tenure, academic departments, dorming options and sporting teams; and encouraging corporate involvement as a money-saving educational-focused effort. Through this, the HU has been successful in focusing on its education and “fulfill[ing] its mission as an economic driver in the heart of Harrisburg.”
Red Roof Inn Opens in Harrisburg
The sixth Red Roof Inn has just opened in central Pennsylvania on the Harrisburg Pike, number 1450. It originally was a Holiday Inn. Andrajit Patel (Red Roof local owner) had converted the hotel in Middlesex Township. It has a hundred rooms and was first constructed in 1983 and then renovated in 2004. The other five Red Roof hotels in the area are in York County, two in Dauphin County and the other two in Lancaster County. There are plans to build a new Holiday Inn on the same road, sometime in 2012.
Harrisburg Remains Popular Despite Crime Levels
December 1, 2011
Harrisburg Police Department
Comments Off on Harrisburg Remains Popular Despite Crime Levels
It may seem that it’s all bad news in Harrisburg – what with flooding, financial debt and crime on the up – but it also is becoming quite evident that nothing will deter the loyal people of the city. Unfortunately however, the police has had to put in additional patrols in the uptown and midtown areas due to more break-ins and robberies, obviously costing Harrisburg extra money – money that it doesn’t really have.
Restaurants, stores and the Midtown Cinema are still attracting lots of trade. People are clearly not being deterred by the increase in crime. As well, it seems that even though there have been more break-ins and similar crime, there has been less violent crime in Harrisburg since last year. Clearly violence is thus more off-putting than robberies.
Hopefully this news indicates that the city of Harrisburg will continue to thrive and that the police will get the crime under control as soon as possible.
