Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 8, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Rain! Worth noting: CPFJ & Gretna Music present jazz legend Charles McPherson on Friday Things on my agenda this weekend: bye bye bye

For your weekend planning

Grab tickets now for Brothers Osborne on Aug. 18 in Riverfront Park
Enter to WIN tickets to see TopHouse at the Abbey Bar
It’s National Produce Month at Market on Market
Traveling this summer? Check out my go-to for pet boarding
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Girls Night Out for 3rd in the Burg in SoMa – Aug. 16
Aug. 29 SoMa Block Party – check out the lineup
We just added the SoMa Christmas Market to the event calendar
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg artist to promote local talent at art showcase during city’s Kipona Festival

August 7, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Local artists expo at the Civic Club of Harrisburg at Artsfest 2024. Photo by Larry Lenzz.

A Harrisburg artist’s passion for spotlighting local talent inspired an upcoming event.

Artist Reina “R76″ Wooden, along with a group of local artists, will present a showcase for Harrisburg’s Kipona festival on Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2, giving creators an accessible and affordable way to display their work.

“My mantra has been ‘artists, unite.’ No matter where I go in the city, I look to establish relationships with fellow artists,” Wooden said. “I realized over the years that many of these festivals were not showcasing local talent and that the fees were excessive.”

The group, which will set up in the Civic Club of Harrisburg, will consist of around 30 local art vendors, including LensWorthy Imagery, Prittify, Art by Elliot, Elle x Olyn Baking Co., WhyKnot and Drew’s Wish for a Cure.

Three years ago, Wooden reached out to the Civic Club of Harrisburg, a women’s community organization, to request the use of their garden, first floor and ballroom to host a local art market. Now, she regularly partners with them for events, bringing rising artists together to participate in the city’s festivals such as Artsfest and Kipona, charging artists only $25 for vendor space.

“The idea is for artists to learn how to sell their work and feel comfortable selling it and having different types of art,” Wooden said. “Many of them have not gone to art school, but it’s just natural talent.”

Wooden is also one of the founders of the Civic Club Presents Art Unites the World, a new gallery at the Civic Club showcasing the diversity and creativity of both local and global artists. A grand opening and ribbon cutting will take place at the Civic Club on Aug. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Reina is a giver,” said Civic Club President Contrena Baltimore. “She is connected to the artists in the community, especially the unsung ones who don’t normally have an opportunity to be showcased. She finds a way to get them out there. It’s really important as an artist to have someone that cares enough that she finds the time and space to help you be recognized in the community.”

To see R76’s work, visit Studio 318 at Millworks or visit her Instagram,@reina76artist. To learn more about the Civic Club of Harrisburg, visit their website. To learn more about Kipona Festival, visit the City of Harrisburg’s website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Dauphin County’s Cultural Fest to return to Riverfront Park, celebrating diversity

August 5, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Dauphin County Cultural Fest 2023

Harrisburg residents will have an opportunity to celebrate the region’s diversity through good food and music.

On Saturday, Aug. 17, Dauphin County’s 16th annual Cultural Fest will return to Riverfront Park from 3 to 10 p.m., showcasing and celebrating the variety of cultures in the community.

The free event, hosted by the county and sponsored by Capital Blue Cross, includes vendors, food trucks and free entertainment from various musical performers, including headliner Rakim. Other performances include acts from the McGinley School of Irish Dance, the Dweinnimmenn African Dance Community, the Chinese Cultural & Arts Institute and the YaZmine Dance Studio.

The event is aimed at showcasing ethnic diversity in the Harrisburg area to increase cultural competency, according to county Commissioner George Hartwick.

“We celebrate our differences and view that as our greatest strength,” he said. “This allows us to understand the people that we work with and the folks we work for, which is the community that we serve. The level of cultural competence and representation from the county should be a direct reflection of the people we serve.”

In addition to the fun activities, Dauphin County Human Services will promote local resources throughout the event. These include health resources, mental and behavioral health services, information on housing, educational and recreational program resources and job opportunities.

“A big part of Cultural Fest is to be able to connect with the community in a free event that brings us all together for family purposes, but also to be able to connect people with the help they need in a non-clinical or government setting,” Hartwick said.

Additionally, a children’s corner with kid-friendly, Olympic-themed games and crafts will be available from 3 to 7 p.m.

Free event parking will be offered on City Island and attendees can use the ParkMobile app code “LUVHBG” for four hours of free downtown street parking on the day of the festival.

Large bags and umbrellas are prohibited at the event, with exceptions for medical equipment and parenting bags which must be screened upon entry.

To learn more about Cultural Fest, please visit the county’s website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 2, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Volunteers put red sand in sidewalk cracks at the Capitol to recognize victims of human trafficking who often “slip through the cracks.”

Our August magazine dropped this week, with a special focus on youth and schools. Grab a copy at one of our many distribution locations or read online. But first, catch up on this week’s news, below.

“Back 2 School Drive 4 Success,” run by Renewal by Andersen and Harrisburg-based All You Can Inc., is currently accepting donations of school supplies for students in need. Read our online story to find out how to give.

TheBurg has what’s called a “high-class problem”—we can’t seem to print enough copies to meet the huge demand for our monthly magazine. Our publisher shares some tips for how to secure a copy, here.

Community Corner has all of August’s special events happening in the Harrisburg area. For a full, comprehensive list of music, art and cultural events this month, read our Happenings section.

Jones’ Resources, Harrisburg City Council and the city will host the first annual Destry “Des” Mangus Classic Basketball Tournament on Aug. 10 and 11 at Reservoir Park, our online story reported. The event honors a longtime coach and volunteer in the community.

Live music is hot, hot, hot this month in Harrisburg. Our concert reviewer shares her must-see shows.

National Night Out will return to Harrisburg next week with games, food and music on City Island, our online story reported. The event will give community members a chance to interact with city first responders.

Orville Peck performed in Riverfront Park as part of HU Presents’ summer concerts series this past weekend. According to our reviewer, “Peck gave concertgoers a night full of unbridled energy and authenticity.”

Our publisher shares the results of a community listening tour that TheBurg has been on. We have asked residents about the community and about TheBurg, and what they had to say has been interesting.

The Red Sand Project came to the state Capitol steps this week, with volunteers filling cracks in the sidewalk with red sand to raise awareness for human trafficking victims who have been overlooked, or “slipped through the cracks.” In our online story, find out more about the event, hosted by Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania.

Roads near the PA Farm Show Complex closed on Wednesday for a rally held by former President Donald Trump, we reported.

Sara Bozich has concert, restaurant and event recommendations for this weekend in Harrisburg, here.

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg released its Harrisburg Arts District app, which allows visitors and locals to more easily find arts-related venues and events in the city. In our online story, find out how it works.

Watson’s Wish financially helps pet owners when they need life-saving care for their furry friends, our magazine story reported. Jessica Beninsky launched the nonprofit in 2022 and has since helped dogs in central and northeastern Pa.

Whitaker Center’s “Girls in STEAM” program received a $35,000 grant from Comcast to help the program continue its career exploration opportunities for youth, our online story reported. “Girls in STEAM” promotes digital literacy and skill-building.

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Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Facts to Weigh: Five things you should know about using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss

August 1, 2024 | by Capital Blue Cross

You’ve likely heard about medications like Ozempic, Trulicity, or Wegovy as “new” ways to lose weight. What you might not know is these types of drugs – technically known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, or simply GLP-1 drugs – have been around for years for treating diabetes.

Five facts you should know about GLP-1 drugs

The recent popularity of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss has fueled a surge in demand. But if you’re thinking about using these injectable medications, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind:

GLP-1 drugs do not work alone. While the drugs can be effective in managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss, they generally are not considered a standalone treatment for Type 2 diabetes or obesity. These conditions require comprehensive treatment strategies and management, including lifestyle and dietary changes that should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
They can have risky side effects. Some of the more common side effects of GLP-1 drugs include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but there also have been reports of issues such as sagging and wrinkling of skin. The FDA continues to investigate more serious side effects, such as suicide ideation.
GLP-1 drugs can be costly. The typical cost for these drugs is more than $1,000 a month, and a recent survey found more than half of those who have taken GLP-1 drugs say it was difficult to afford the cost, even with insurance. Your doctor may have suggestions on more affordable, effective ways to manage weight.
Your health plan might not cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. A growing number of employers and insurers won’t cover GLP-1s for weight loss, citing concerns about effectiveness, side effects, and cost. Individual healthcare coverage purchased through state or federal exchanges rarely covers GLP-1 drugs for weight management, and Medicare doesn’t cover GLP-1s for weight loss, either.
Many find it hard to stay on GLP-1 drugs. Whether it’s due to high cost, unwanted side effects, or both, the majority of people who start using GLP-1 drugs stop taking them before they see any meaningful health benefit. And those who stop taking them typically regain two-thirds of the weight they lost within a year.

If you have diabetes or simply want to lose weight, talk with your healthcare provider about all treatment options. Capital Blue Cross, for instance, offers digital diabetes tools and a care management team that can help you identify options for better nutrition and wellness for you to consider and discuss with your healthcare provider. Many employers also offer incentive-based wellness programs that can give you financial rewards for pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

Remember, managing your weight is not just about the pounds you lose – it’s about the health you can gain.

For more health and wellness news and information that can benefit your business and employees, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.
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Harrisburg basketball tournament, street renaming to honor local coach, promote youth sports

August 1, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Mural of Destry Mangus in Reservoir Park

Harrisburg will head to the court to celebrate a longtime city coach, while promoting youth sports.

Jones’ Resources, City Council and the city will host the first annual Destry “Des” Mangus Classic Basketball Tournament to honor the local legend on Aug. 10 and 11 at Reservoir Park.

Mangus, a local coach and volunteer, has touched the lives of many Harrisburg youth, according to council member Lamont Jones.

“His level of commitment has been astounding,” Jones said. “His mentorship has been impeccable. He is a pillar and a patriarch in our community.”

The event will give residents an opportunity to compete in a basketball tournament and enjoy food and entertainment.

The tournament honors Mangus’ passion for sports. Driven by the impact coaches had on his development in his younger years, he decided to give back to his community by becoming a coach and mentor others.

“When I got out of college, I wanted to do the same thing as my coaches,” he said. “It was something I had to do.”

Additionally, a ceremony will introduce Reservoir Drive as Destry E. Mangus Way, adjacent to the court. This renaming follows City Council’s decision in July to ceremonially name the road after Mangus. The new name will serve as a secondary street name.

Harlem Globetrotter Chris “Handles” Franklin, a Harrisburg native, previously honored Mangus by commissioning the painting of Mangus’ portrait on the Reservoir Park basketball court. That mural will be touched up and refurbished at the event.

City Council members and Destry Mangus (third from left)

Registration for the tournament is free and opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. The event will then begin with an opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m., during which the mural of Mangus will be refurbished, the new street sign unveiled, and Franklin, Jones and Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick will speak about Mangus.

“I’m very honored that city council is doing this. I’m humbled and blessed they’re doing this while I’m living,” Mangus said.

The preliminary games will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Teams, each consisting of seven people, will be divided by age into the following brackets: ages 6-8, ages 9-11, ages 12-16 and ages 17-24. Additionally, there will be a live DJ performance.

On Sunday, Aug. 11, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including a performance from DJ Boc and “skills and drills” sessions for children, in addition to final basketball games.

Parking for the event will be available near the Civil War Museum and next to the Chutes and Ladders Playground, and food trucks will be available throughout the event. Players and non-players are welcome to attend the event.

In addition, local service providers will speak throughout the day, sharing information on youth programming, after-school activities, housing and violence prevention services.

Jones, passionate about preventing violence among youth, believes involvement in after-school sports helps curb violent crime.

“Sports have a draw,” he said. “You’re able to compete, and it’s a way to channel that energy. Idle time is the devil’s playground. Gives you something positive and competitive to do.”

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 1, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Get in the Olympic spirit with Wine & Food Olympics at Home 231 Worth noting: HBG Flea; Mount Gretna Tour of Homes on Saturday Things on my agenda this weekend: pretty low-key, maybe a market + Flea visit

For your weekend planning

Join me for this (FREE!) dinner with Chef Corrie
Enter to WIN tickets to see Brothers Osborne on Aug. 18
Register TODAY for the 2nd annual Project Senior Golf Tournament
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

We just added the SoMa Christmas Market to the event calendar
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

- Erica Shellenberger at The Sturges Speakeasy
- Party on the Patio: Food Trucks, Live Music & Games! at Central Penn College
- Vegan Drinks Summer Social at The Imperial Event Center
- Whitey Morgan and the 78’s at Tellus360
- Lancaster Beer Gardens
- Faith Noel Making her Debut at Greystone Public House
- “The Local Show” Season 2 Finale: Open Mic Jam at The Abbey Bar!
- Adams-Ricci Farmers Market
- New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally

Friday

- A Taste of Italy – First Pop-Up Dinner of the Summer! at Coda Rouge
- Sunset Music & Movie Series: Wish at Fort Hunter Park
- Cruella at Reservoir Park
- Lancaster Beer Gardens
- Friday Night Live with Megan and Dave at Wolf Brewing Co.
- HYP First Friday Social at Federal Taphouse
- Summer Bangers Tattoo Festival at Mickey’s Black Box
- SOJA with Arise Roots & Sensamotion at XL Live
- Five Finger Death Punch at Hersheypark Stadium
- Richard LaRocco Gallery at Reiki by Rickie
- Allegro & Friends @ The Beerded Goat Brewing Co.
- Decked Out Live with The Jess Zimmerman Band! at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
- House of 1000 Corpses | Late Night Frights at Midtown Cinema
- The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston starring Belinda Davids at American Music Theatre
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2

Saturday

- Pilates Yoga Fusion at Zeroday with Burn30
- HBG Flea – August 2024 at Midtown Cinema
- First Saturday at The Millworks
- Yoga at Italian Lake
- Wine & Food Olympics at Home 231
- Mount Gretna Tour of Homes
- Shrek 2 | Free Summer Outdoor Film at Midtown Cinema
- Aerial Yoga Training at om my yoga
- August 3rd Pop-Up Event at Calicutts Spice Co.
- Summer Bangers Tattoo Festival at Mickey’s Black Box
- Lancaster Beer Gardens
- The River 97.3 FM Birthday Bash at The Vineyard at Hershey
- New Kids On The Block with Paula Abdul & DJ Jazzy Jeff at Hersheypark Stadium
- Il Divo – XX: 20th Anniversary Tour at American Music Theatre
- New Cumberland Farmers’ Market on 4th
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walk-a-Bout!
- Brewery Tours: York City Walking Tour
- Brewery Tours: Cruise York County
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walking Tour
- Popcorn Hat Players presents Snow White and the Two Dwarfs at Gamut Theatre

Sunday

- Aerial Yoga Training at om my yoga
- KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024 at GIANT Center
- Summer Bangers Tattoo Festival at Mickey’s Black Box

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg Arts District app promotes local art appreciation, accessibility

July 31, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg President and CEO Mary Smith spoke about the app at a press conference in the Susquehanna Art Museum.

A new app brings the city’s art scene to your fingertips.

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg released the Harrisburg Arts District app, allowing both visitors and locals to more easily find arts-related events in the city.

The app is part of the promotion of the recently designated Harrisburg Arts District, an initiative supported by PA Council on the Arts, Dauphin County, Harrisburg and Harristown Enterprises, aimed at showcasing the arts in Harrisburg. The district is a walkable area encompassing parts of downtown, Midtown, and the riverfront.

“Harrisburg’s cultural heartbeat is in its theaters, museums, galleries, public arts and performance venues,” said Mary Smith, president and CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, at a press conference on Wednesday at the Susquehanna Art Museum.

The app allows users to view upcoming arts-related events, exhibits and performances in the Harrisburg Arts District and to create sharable itineraries with planning and mapping features. Additionally, it includes access to audio tours of certain attractions.

Pennsylvania’s creative sector adds $30 billion to the economy every year, employing 175,000 Pennsylvanians, according to Karl Blischke, executive director of PA Council on the Arts.

“That’s real Pennsylvanians being supported by our creative sector,” Blischke said.

Additionally, promoting the arts is a vital aspect of attracting tourism to the area, as well as educating locals on the thriving culture in the city they call home, said county commissioner George Hartwick.

“Sometimes we don’t even know what exists in our own backyard,” Hartwick said. “So this is an opportunity for us to reacclimate ourselves with all the great assets we have, as well as to ensure visitors from around the state and country have that opportunity to enjoy them as well.”

To learn more about the arts district and the app, visit Visit Hershey & Harrisburg’s website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Roads around Farm Show Complex to close this afternoon ahead of Trump rally

July 31, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Map of Wednesday road closures, provided by the City of Harrisburg.

Several Harrisburg roads will close on Wednesday ahead of former President Donald Trump’s appearance at the PA Farm Show Complex.

Roads surrounding the complex will close early this afternoon and heavy traffic is expected as Trump makes his way to the city for a campaign rally tonight, the city announced.

The following roads will be closed early Wednesday afternoon:

Maclay Street, between Cameron and 7^th streets
Arsenal Boulevard at Cameron Street
Cameron Street, between Maclay/Arsenal and I-81
Industrial Road at HACC Drive

The city advised that people planning on attending the rally should arrive at the Farm Show Complex early to avoid traffic and that roads will reopen once Trump has arrived and will close again when he departs.

According to the city, they have not shared specific times when roads will close, for security reasons.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Whitaker Center’s “Girls in STEAM” program awarded grant for educational efforts

July 30, 2024 | by Kawena Jacobs

Whitaker Center

An educational program for local girls will get a financial boost to support its skill-building efforts.

Whitaker Center’s “Girls in STEAM” program was awarded a $35,000 grant from Comcast to help the program continue its career exploration opportunities for youth, according to a Tuesday press release.

The grant from Comcast is part of the company’s Project Up, which has allotted $1 billion toward digital equity in communities across the country.

“Girls in STEAM” promotes digital literacy and skill-building through activities such as “Girls in STEAM” Sundays and summer camps, offered to girls in the area in 4^th to 12^th grade.

The grant money will help the program continue its programming, the release stated. The center also plans to provide various lessons on subjects like coding, online safety, ethical digital resource use and more.

“We’re proud to support the Whitaker Center and know that with this funding, they will successfully educate, empower and enable more people to achieve their goals,” Comcast’s Keystone Region Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Kevin Broadhurst said.

Even before obtaining the grant, the Whitaker Center has acted as one of seven Comcast “Lift Zones” in Dauphin County, which includes free WiFi for all visitors and offers digital skill training courses.

Pennsylvania currently has 176 Lift Zones around the state, according to the press release.

“On behalf of our staff and all of our visitors who benefit from the free WiFi and programming offered through the Whitaker Center, we thank Comcast for their generosity and support,” Whitaker Center President and CEO Mary Oliveira said. “Together we are helping to close the digital divide.”

For more information about the Whitaker Center’s Girls in STEAM program, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning