Ward of Health cuts the ribbon on downtown shop, offers plant-based menu

February 20, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

(From left) Jason Graves, Harrisburg’s economic development director, Craig Ward, owner of Ward of Health and Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises, cut the ribbon on the new restaurant.

Downtown Harrisburg just got a little greener.

On Tuesday, Ward of Health, a former Broad Street Market vendor, cut the ribbon on its plant-based café on N. 2^nd Street.

“Our plans are to continue our mission of providing plant-based food for the Harrisburg,” said owner Craig Ward. “We are here to continue to show people that you can have good food and be healthy.”

Ward, who is vegan himself, has been serving plant-based meals to the city, previously at his market stand, which recently closed, and now at his first brick-and-mortar shop located in the Bogg on Cranberry building.

He described the food as “transitional,” dishes that are familiar to people, but with a vegan twist. He hopes that getting people comfortable with plant-based food will encourage them to make it a lifestyle choice, he said.

Menu offerings include street tacos, crunch wraps and nachos, each of which includes original, Save a Crab and Grilled “Chicken” options. In place of meat, Ward typically uses mushrooms and walnuts. There is also a taco salad and chips and salsa, with a cinnamon roll option for dessert. Drinks include pineapple and strawberry aqua frescas.

Ward of Health currently offers takeout-only service from its window at 221 N. 2^nd St.

“Many people have said that restaurant row has gone through a different evolution here after the pandemic,” said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises, the owner of the building. “Craig is here to show everybody that we are coming back strong and healthy.”

Ward of Health also plans to provide food for Honeybush Smoothie Bar, another former market vendor that is slated to open a restaurant at 23 S. 3^rd St., downtown.

“There aren’t a lot of options in Harrisburg so we will continue to try to be those options,” Ward said. “We have good vegan food in Harrisburg.”

For more information, visit Ward of Health on Facebook.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 16, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Owner Lucila Khan recently opened Wildflower Coffee

It seems like Harrisburg may be in for some more snow this weekend. Whether you love it or hate it, the weather does make a great excuse to stay home at catch up on your Burg reading. You can start below.

Apartment project proposals received approval from the Harrisburg Planning Commission recently, our online story reported. A 144-unit building at 320 Reily St. received preliminary approval for zoning relief, and the board also voted in favor of a land development plan for a 36-unit senior housing building in Midtown.

Democrats in Harrisburg will have an array of choices in the upcoming primary election. In our online story, see who will officially be on the ballot for Congress and the state legislature.

Diverse literature is something local educator Corey Dupree believes all children should have access to, our magazine story reported. In March, he will host his Little Layers of Black History Gala to raise funds for diverse books for schools.

Home prices in the Harrisburg area dipped in January, while prices were higher, our online story reported. For the three-county area, sales totaled 358 houses versus 389 in January 2023, as the median sales price rose to $258,000 from $245,000.

Pennsylvania Furniture Mission helps people make a house a home. The organization, which serves six counties, provides furniture to those in need, our magazine story reported.

Pirates, puppets and rock and roll will come to Harrisburg for a one-of-a-kind musical in April, our online story reported. The show, “Plunder and Lightning: A Pirate’s Life – The Musical,” is interactive, humorous and fun for all, cast members shared.

Rosemary has the perfect soup to warm you up in the winter. Click here to find her minestrone soup recipe.

Sankofa African American Theatre Company’s original play, “The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place” is currently showing at Gamut Theatre. In our magazine story, get a glimpse into the plot, which features the journeys of trailblazing Black artists.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup is packed with great ways to spend your weekend in the Harrisburg area.

“Sweeney Todd” will bring musical horror to Open Stage this month, opening on Feb. 24. In our magazine story, read a preview of the gruesome, murder-and-revenge-filled show.

Wildflower Coffee opened inside the McCormick Riverfront Library in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The shop offers hot and iced coffee options, as well as a tea selection.

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Ahoy Harrisburg: Local group’s musical brings pirates, puppets, rock and roll to the stage

February 16, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Cast of “Plunder & Lightning: A Pirate’s Life–The Musical”

Coming to Harrisburg next month is a show that producer Jay Bowser can only describe as “guaranteed crazy time.”

“Plunder and Lightning: A Pirate’s Life – The Musical” will combine rock and roll, pirates, theater and puppets for a one-of-a-kind experience at Harrisburg’s Federal Taphouse in April.

“I wanted to put out something new and fresh,” Bowser said. “We are throwing caution to the wind. It’s a blend of two worlds that I don’t think you’ve ever seen before.”

The show will mix musical theater with rock and feature a live band performing original songs inspired by doo-wop, heartfelt ballads and, fittingly, sea shanties.

Several years ago, Bowser, with a background in writing music and playing in bands, set out to create a concept album around the story of a pirate. He identified with the individuality and rebellious nature of pirates. For a while, he performed the songs at local restaurants and venues and audiences loved it, he said.

“It turns out, everybody wants to be a pirate. That’s what I found out really quickly,” he said.

While Bowser always considered himself more of a “hardcore” rock music guy, his daughter introduced him to musical theater, and he was intrigued by the storytelling power the art has.

The show has since evolved to include 20 musicians and performers, some of whom have relocated to Harrisburg because of the production. Bowser worked with co-writer Jamie Kramer to write a script that was personal, but would also relate to viewers, even if it took several re-writes to get it perfect.

And then there are the puppets.

Currently, Monday nights are “puppet days,” where the group works to develop and create their own characters like a pair of rats, a parrot, a skeleton and a pirate. Bowser said that he often finds himself thinking, “What would Jim Henson do?”

But don’t be confused; this isn’t a kids’ show. Bowser rated the show PG-13 for adult humor.

There will be a good amount of audience participation, as well, he said, and there may even be times when people are encouraged to throw things at the cast.

“Plunder & Lightning” is meant to be a good time, a time to leave your worries at the door, and that, he said, is something people need right now.

“We are putting on a party,” he said.

The show will take place on April 13, 20, 26 and 27 in the second-floor performance space of the Federal Taphouse.

After April’s shows, the future of “Plunder & Lightning” is uncertain, but Bowser has a good feeling about it.

“I have a hunch that this will catch on,” he said. “I haven’t seen anything like this before.”

To learn more about “Plunder & Lightning” or to purchase tickets, visit their website.

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Two Midtown apartment projects receive Harrisburg Planning Commission approval

February 15, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

The proposed site of the project at 320 Reily St.

A proposal to construct a large apartment building in Midtown Harrisburg has taken a step forward again, over two years since it was first proposed.

At a meeting last week, the Harrisburg Planning Commission voted in favor of zoning variance and special exception relief for a proposed 144-unit building at 320 Reily St., moving the project forward for further approvals.

The proposal received variance and special exception approval from the Zoning Hearing Board in October 2021, but the developer, Harrisburg-based GreenWorks Development, never subsequently filed a land development plan so the relief was revoked, according to Geoffrey Knight, the city’s planning director. Therefore, GreenWorks was required to start the approval process again.

The plan also has changed slightly, knocking the number of units down to 144 from 155 and reducing first-floor commercial space from 3,000 square feet to 2,590 square feet. Additionally, GreenWorks originally proposed only 86 off-street parking spaces, but now plans to include 160, using space at 1511 N. 3rd St. and 1530 N. 4th St. The developer is requesting parking relief, as city code requires 191 spaces for a project of this scope.

The proposed project site is currently a surface parking lot.

The project will need zoning relief approval from the zoning board and eventual project approval from City Council.

Additionally, the planning board heard a proposal for a four-story, 36-unit senior apartment building on land bounded by N. 4^th, Clinton, Logan and Harris streets.

The board voted in favor of the land development plan, the consolidation of 19 lots on the project site and the vacation of several grocer’s alleys at the property.

The project, proposed by developer Midtown Redevelopment LLC, would also include two first-floor commercial units, 30 first-floor interior parking spaces and 12 outdoor, on-site parking spots.

Developers will need approval from the zoning board and council, as well.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

February 15, 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: This Women’s Whiskey Tasting at Midstate Distillery sounds fun. Worth noting: SoMa Pop-Ups (featuring cake & wine); 3rd in the Burg! Things on my agenda this weekend: See above, plus I •finally• get my hair done.

For your weekend planning

TONIGHT! Valentine’s Day Pop-Up in SoMa on Feb. 15 (wine & mini cake pairing!)
FRIDAY! Galentine’s Day Pop-Up in SoMa for 3rd in the Burg – Feb. 16 (wine, seafood, live music!)
13 Valentine Ideas for anyone (still a few to check out)
Discover SCG Spa in Carlisle
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

WIN tickets to see great live jazz in Harrisburg!
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

Harrisburg-area Democrats face crowded field for Congress, state legislature as petition deadline passes

February 13, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Vote signs in front of the state Capitol in Harrisburg (file photo)

Democratic voters in the Harrisburg area will have an array of choices for the upcoming primary election, as the nominating petition deadline passed on Tuesday.

As of the 5 p.m. deadline, the PA Department of State listed numerous Democratic candidates for Congress and the state legislature. Republican voters will have a more limited choice.

Democrats for the 10^th congressional district:

John Broadhurst (Fairview Township)
Rick Coplen (Dickinson Township)
Shamaine Daniels (Harrisburg)
Blake Lynch (Lower Paxton Township)
Mike O’Brien (Susquehanna Township)
Janelle Stelson (Manheim Township)

The primary winner will compete in November’s general election against long-time incumbent Rep. Scott Perry, who was the only Republican to submit nominating petitions by the deadline.

Democrats for the 15^th state senatorial district:

Patty Kim (Harrisburg)
Alvin Q. Taylor (Lower Paxton Township)

Republicans for the 15^th state senatorial district:

Nick DiFrancesco ((Lower Swatara Township)
Ken Stambaugh (Lower Paxton Township)

Democrats for the 103^rd state legislative district:

Nate Davidson (Harrisburg)
Mercedes Evans (Camp Hill)
Laura Harding (Harrisburg)
Jesse Monoski (Lemoyne)
Tina Nixon (Harrisburg)

Republicans for the 103^rd legislative district:

Cindi Ward (East Pennsboro Township)

Two other Harrisburg-area state House seats will be unopposed, according to state department data. In the 104^th legislative district, first-term incumbent Democrat Dave Madsen faces no opposition, nor does first-term incumbent Democrat Justin Fleming in the 105^th legislative district.

For the 106^th legislative district, Democrat Anju Singh of South Hanover Township will run unopposed in the primary. On the Republican side, incumbent Tom Mehaffie will face a challenger, Bobby Jeffries of Derry Township.

This list of candidate slates should not be considered final, as petitions can be challenged until Feb. 20, and candidates can withdraw from the race until Feb. 28. The primary election is slated for April 23.

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A Tough Battle: The costly, often-deadly truth about eating disorders

February 13, 2024 | by THINK Capital Blue Cross

Low section of woman checking her weight on the scale at home

Jane is a highly respected professional in her 30s. She’s smart, successful, and driven.

She also deprives herself of food for days at a time. Twice a week or so when Jane gets home from work, she binge-eats uncooked, frozen TV dinners.

Jane layers her clothing, both to keep warm and to hide her troublesome thinness. She avoids any work or social gatherings involving food.

It’s all part of Jane’s anorexia, an eating disorder she’s strived to keep secret since she was 14.

“When she first came to me, she was desperate and distraught,” said Suzanne I. Eyer, a Chambersburg-based licensed professional counselor specializing in eating disorders. “Most of the first session was crying. She knew full well she had a problem, but she had no idea how to begin controlling it.”

When Jane began visiting Eyer in 2017, she carried a cocktail of common factors that lead to eating disorders: self-loathing; a distorted self-image, stemming in part from sexual and physical childhood abuse; a Type A – or perfectionist – personality; and an impossible-to-please mother.

“In fact, she initially started dieting to receive positive messages from her mother,” Eyer said.

‘Highest Mortality Rate’

The final week of February is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, a time to cast a spotlight on these serious psychological illnesses. Anorexia, specifically, is the deadliest mental health disease in America, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) .

While 15% of U.S. women will have an eating disorder by their 40s or 50s, only about one-fourth of those women will receive treatment.

“That’s a big reason they have the highest mortality rate,” Eyer said. “For so many, an eating disorder is a dirty little secret they want covered up, even in death.”

Anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorders can hurt the heart and kidneys, cause osteoporosis, disrupt menstrual cycles, and toss electrolytes off-balance – to the point where the heart can stop.

Because so many people hide their eating disorders, statistics almost certainly underestimate their harm. But existing data is still distressing: About 9% of the U.S. population — nearly 30 million – will have an eating disorder during their lives, according to ANAD. Most, 85% to 90%, are women.

The Cost and the Coverage

Eating disorders cost America’s economy at least $64.7 billion in treatments and lost wages/productivity in 2018-19, according to a study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. The authors said the price tag likely is steeper due to reduced physical and mental well-being.

Employers can help through educational initiatives and by providing healthcare plans with access to behavioral health and nutritional counseling.

Capital Blue Cross offers a VirtualCare telehealth option and a behavioral health toolkit for certain employers, and Capital can connect you to a behavioral health professional online or by calling 866.322.1657. Some companies, including Capital, offer employee assistance programs that make it easy for employees to access mental health professionals for any issue.

Capital’s registered dietitians offer free nutritional consultations – in person and virtual, to members and nonmembers – and offer members covered follow-up medical nutrition therapy and health coaching at Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers.

Coping through Counseling

Eyer says eating disorders like Jane’s can only be contained, not cured.

“It’s an addiction,” Eyer said, “and like any other addiction, you need healthcare support through counseling, as well as inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.”

She said Jane will always have to fight hard to control her condition.

“She is improving, and doing well,” Eyer said. “But eating disorders are an ongoing struggle, and for Jane, as with most any eating disorder client, continued counseling and monitoring of her disorder are critical.”

For more health and wellness news and information that can benefit your business and employees, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.

Harrisburg-area home prices rose, though sales slipped in January

February 12, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

A house for sale in Harrisburg

Harrisburg-area home sales dipped but prices were higher in January, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county area, sales totaled 358 houses versus 389 in January 2023, as the median sales price rose to $258,000 from $245,000, said the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 187 homes sold, an increase of one, as the median sales price climbed to $229,900 compared to $204,000 in the year-ago period, GHAR stated.

Cumberland County had 146 home sales, down from 174, but the median sales price increased to $297,450 versus $290,000 the prior January, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, 24 homes sold, a decrease of three, as the median price rose to $263,450 compared to $191,000 in January 2023, GHAR said.

Houses sold a bit faster than last year, as the “average days on market” stood at 31 days in January versus 34 days in the year-ago period.

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Wildflower Coffee opens in Harrisburg’s McCormick Riverfront Library

February 12, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Wildflower Coffee owner Lucila Khan

What is there not to love about a strong cup of coffee and a good book?

At least that’s how Lucila Khan sees it.

At her new coffee shop, Wildflower Coffee, located in the McCormick Riverfront Library in Harrisburg, visitors can enjoy both of those things.

Khan and her husband Jalal opened the shop three weeks ago on the library’s second floor. According to Khan, who previously worked at the library, she became interested in opening her own business when she saw that the library was looking for a new vendor to fill its café space.

Previously, Good Brotha’s Book Café operated in the space.

“It’s a dream job, running a coffee shop at a library,” said Khan, an Argentina native who lives in Harrisburg.

Wildflower offers hot and iced coffee options, including lattes, along with chai lattes, hot chocolate and a tea selection.

They also accept Breadcoin, a food token used to assist those struggling with food insecurity, and offer Breadcoin specials, such as a 20-ounce coffee for one coin.

For Khan, running the business has been a dream for the self-professed coffee-obsessed book lover. The name of her shop even subtly incorporates another one of her passions, gardening.

“It’s very exciting,” she said. “I hope it provides a moment of peace for people to enjoy something warm and find a good book.”

The coffee shop will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 17.

Wildflower Coffee is located inside the McCormick Riverfront Library at 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 9, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The Harrisburg Food Pantry cut the ribbon on its new location in the Camp Curtin YMCA.

This weather. Am I right? This weekend is the perfect chance to get out and about before the colder temps roll back in. Go support the Broad Street Market, shop at a local business and grab our latest issue of the magazine. Before you do that, catch up on our news from the week, below.

Bob’s Art Blog is dedicated to stories of love for February, featuring the story of two Millworks artists and a new exhibit at the Susquehanna Art Museum.

Harrisburg Area Food Pantry cut the ribbon on its new location inside the Harrisburg Area YMCA’s Camp Curtin branch, our online story reported. The pantry will assist thousands of residents struggling with food insecurity.

HU Presents announced four new concerts coming to XL Live as part of its spring and summer lineup, our online story reported. Neon Trees, The Heavy Heavy, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram will hit the stage.

Justin Douglas made history as his election marked the first time Dauphin County’s board of commissioners had been Democratically controlled in over a century. In our magazine story, read about Douglas’ background and priorities while in office.

Live music in Harrisburg has kicked off for the month and our columnist has some suggestions for can’t-miss shows. One of her recommendations, Veil of Maya, will come to H*MAC this weekend.

Midtown Property Management will provide free services to the Broad Street Market for a term of five years, our online story reported. The market’s board approved a contract with the company on Wednesday.

Midtown Cinema is showing “The Monk and the Gun” in February. Click here to read a review of the film, which our writer says is a “piece of politically charged poetry.”

Movement and activity are crucial to maintaining good health, a UPMC cardiologist shares in his column. People in the U.S. are more inactive than ever, which can have detrimental effects.

Narçisse Theatre Company is currently performing “American Son,” a play about race, police, co-parenting and family breakdown. In our online story, read a review of the show, which “pushes boundaries.”

Sara Bozich has plenty of suggestions, some Valentine’s themed, for your weekend. Check out her list, here.

The Studio will soon celebrate its 20^th anniversary by paying tribute to the things that make our area great, our magazine story reported. The Enola-based dance studio will perform a show called “Hometown Heart,” at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg on Feb. 10.

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

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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