Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 14, 2022 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
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For something new: Play Friends of Midtown Business Bingo (signing up for my email counts!). Plus, lots of adult easter egg hunts.

(Still) Worth noting: Check out my private Facebook community, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Lots of market visits, grocery shopping, cooking, and easter egg hunting — I’m hosting!

Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you.

For your weekend planning

Call for sponsors and vendors: Plants + Pints 2022
My trip to Lancaster last month
View our local Restaurant Directory
Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Things to Do in Harrisburg + Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Top Weekend Recs

This week! April in SoMa Harrisburg
Check a few things off this Spring Bucket List!
Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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Harrisburg’s 2nd Street set for two-way flip, year-end completion, as manager offers project update

April 13, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Project manager Percy Bullock explains the 2nd Street project to the press on Wednesday.

Harrisburg is on track to complete the conversion of 2^nd Street to two-way traffic by year-end, the city said today.

In a press conference on Wednesday morning, the city’s project manager, Percy Bullock, offered an update on the long-anticipated project. While the project will continue through late October or early November, the switch over to two-way traffic is slated for mid-June.

“It’ll start looking good in about two to three weeks because we’ll start paving,” Bullock said.

Harrisburg converted 2^nd Street to one-way traffic in the 1950s, turning the road from a neighborhood street to a high-speed throughway. For decades, city officials proposed reversing the move, stating that it mainly benefitted suburban commuters at the expense of city residents’ quality of life.

Finally, in 2019, the city finalized plans to return the street, from Forster to Division streets, to two-way traffic. Last May, the city kicked off the project and, since then, ADA-compliant ramps have been constructed at most intersections. The road milling process began last week.

Besides making the street two-way, the plan calls for constructing three new roundabouts, building a number of turn lanes, installing new, brighter street lamps and implementing pedestrian- and bike-friendly elements. In addition, Forster Street between Front and N. 2^nd streets will be narrowed to eliminate one of the turn lanes.

Some of this work, including the new roundabouts at Verbeke, Reily and Kelker streets, will come after the initial paving work and the conversion to two-way traffic in June.

The ultimate aim, Bullock said, is to improve safety in line with the city’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate pedestrian fatalities on its roads.

“We have a lot of accidents on the street; we’ve had some fatalities,” he said. “We’re trying to reduce that.”

In addition, the city hopes to provide a better quality of life for people who live in the area by turning the high-speed corridor into a neighborhood road with less traffic at much slower speeds.

“We want to give an opportunity for the people, the residents in the area to see some growth in their homes and hopefully bring in some new businesses, as well,” he said.

In the meantime, Bullock urged patience for residents inconvenienced by the construction, which has reduced parking and created noise and dust.

“It is an inconvenience,” he said. “I compare it to a bad storm at the beginning, but there’s a bright day in the future. When we get to that point, everybody’s going to be loving it.”

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Harrisburg City Council approves funds for local groups, mandates recording of city board meetings

April 12, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council legislative session on Tuesday

A number of Harrisburg organizations will receive money to assist with housing assistance and social services, following approval by City Council.

On Tuesday, council voted to allocate annual federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds from both the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years will be distributed to several Harrisburg organizations. During the pandemic, the city did not allot these funds due to the influx of CARES Act funding that they instead worked to distribute.

The following organizations are recipients of the 2020 and 2021 ESG funds:

Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness, $50,000
Christian Churches United, $100,000
Shalom House, $50,000
YWCA, $50,000

The following organizations are recipients of the 2020 CDBG funds:

Justice House of Hope, $84,728
LHACC, $45,000
PAIRWIN (Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network), $39,220
Salvation Army, $75,000
The Worship Academy, $50,000

Additionally, $244,031 will go towards debt service, $425,000 for public improvement/public facilities, $344,746 for housing programs, $200,000 for demolition and $75,000 for the Dauphin County Library System.

The following organizations are recipients of the 2021 CDBG funds:

Center for Employment Opportunities, $25,000
AJB Drug & Alcohol, $48,586
Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, $35,000
The Rock Church, $100,000
Justice House of Hope, $15,272

Additionally, $240,000 will be used for debt service, $504,600 for public improvement/public facilities, $359,066 for housing programs and $218,000 for demolition.

In other news, council approved a bill that would require Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission meetings to be recorded and shared publicly. Council hopes that this bill will make these meetings more accessible for the public.

Also on Tuesday, the administration introduced Timothy Brooks, the city’s new budget manager. Brooks, a life-long Harrisburg resident, will be responsible for preparing and monitoring the city’s annual budget. He started in his position in late March.

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Home prices much higher, sales slip, in Harrisburg area in March

April 12, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A pending home sale in Harrisburg

Home prices rose at a brisk pace, though sales fell, in the latest monthly report on previously owned homes in the Harrisburg area.

For March, 576 houses sold in the three-county region compared to 627 houses in the year-ago period, as the median sales price rose to $238,900 from $209,900, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 309 houses sold, an increase of nine, while the median price rose to $205,750 from $179,500 in March 2021, GHAR said.

Cumberland County saw sales fall to 245 homes versus 287 the prior March, though the median price jumped to $280,000 from $233,050, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, sales dropped by 17 units to 23 homes, as the price increased to $216,000 versus $194,000 the prior March, said GHAR.

Houses sold relatively quickly in March, as the “average days on the market” dropped to 23 days compared to 31 days last year, according to GHAR.

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Authentic Mexican café to open in downtown Harrisburg, serving family recipes

April 11, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Rosa Ortiz, owner of Café De Olla, which is opening in downtown Harrisburg

A new café is set to open in downtown Harrisburg, showcasing both traditional Mexican and American cuisine.

Café De Olla will open on April 14 with a mariachi band and plenty of breakfast and lunch items, authentic to owner Rosa Ortiz’s family and country of origin.

“I want people to feel at home here,” Ortiz, a New Cumberland resident, originally from Mexico, said. “I want it to be a place where people come and feel relaxed with their families.”

The café is located at 210 N. 3^rd St., the former location of El Rancho Resturante y Pupuseria, which relocated to Eisenhower Boulevard in January.

Many of the dishes served at Café De Olla will come straight from Ortiz’s family recipes. Both of her parents have experience in the restaurant industry and her grandmother’s recipes will be featured at the café.

“I feel like my grandma is so proud,” Ortiz said. “She’s so excited to share her recipes with people.”

On the breakfast menu is a popular Mexican breakfast, chilaquiles, fried corn tortillas, cooked in salsa and sprinkled with cheese. There are also several egg dishes—eggs with chorizo, ham or jalapeños, tomato and onion. Ortiz will serve several American breakfast items, as well, such as pancakes, French toast and avocado toast.

For lunch, the café will offer enchiladas, tacos dorados, enmoladas and quesadillas, among other dishes. Much of the restaurant’s bread and tortillas will be handmade. And, of course, they will serve their namesake, café de olla, a Mexican spiced coffee.

Some of the items will actually come straight from Mexico, as Ortiz’s grandmother will prepare Oaxacan hot chocolate and mole sauce to send to the restaurant.

When Ortiz visited Oaxaca, Mexico, a few years ago, she was inspired by the culture.

“I fell in love with the food and the vibe there,” she said. “I wanted to bring a little bit of what I saw there to over here.”

When the owners of El Rancho, friends of Ortiz’s, decided to move locations, Ortiz saw it as the perfect opportunity to fulfill a long-time dream.

“I’ve always liked cooking,” she said. “Cooking is a love language for me.”

The restaurant looks much different than the previous Mexican restaurant that operated in the space. Ortiz favors a minimalist design over bright colors and a louder atmosphere. The café is painted in warm grays and browns, with several plants placed around.

Ortiz’s sister, mom and dad will help her run the restaurant for the time being, as it has been a challenge for Ortiz to find staff.

“I feel like I’m ready. I have a lot of family that is helping out,” she said. “It feels good to be here. I’m excited to show people our food.”

Café De Olla will hold its grand opening on April 14 at 11 a.m. It will be open on Mondays through Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit their Instagram page.

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Pop-rock band LANY set for Riverfront Park date this summer

April 11, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

You can add the pop-rock band LANY to the lineup of musicians set to play Riverfront Park this summer.

On Monday, Harrisburg University Presents announced that the band would stop in Harrisburg on Aug. 19 as part of its “Summer Forever” Tour. Formed in 2014, the group has released three top-40 albums.

At the concert, LANY will be joined by guest band Surfaces.

The concert is the fourth HU Presents Summer Concert Series show announced this year in partnership with Harrisburg city, Dauphin County, Clair Global, PNC Bank, and Troegs Independent Brewing.

Death Cab for Cutie, with special guest Illuminati Hottie, will perform in Riverfront Park on July 14. American indie rockers Lord Huron, with special guest First Aid Kit, will play Riverfront Park Aug. 20. And HU Presents the National at Riverfront Park on Sept. 24.

LANY tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on April 15. For tickets, click here. For tickets and information about Harrisburg University Presents entire lineup of shows, visit www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 8, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Construction workers began milling N. 2nd Street this week

There’s never a dull week in the Burg. This week, new businesses opened, parks and street projects broke ground, and artistic events were announced. Find all of the news listed and linked, below.

April is full of fun springtime events in the Harrisburg area. See what’s happening, here.

TheBurg Podcast features Harrisburg’s and Pennsylvania’s wild side, from the Susquehanna River to its parks and outdoor recreation. Hear from the state’s first director of outdoor recreation, the president of the Pride of the Susquehanna and an organizer for “Art in the Wild” at Wildwood Park.

City Council considered a possible strategy to address gun violence in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Council members also discussed the recipients of annual federal housing funds.

Construction continued on N. 2^nd Street in Harrisburg as the city started the milling process, a step forward in a project to transform the road from one-way to two-way traffic. For more information on the construction schedule and how it affects parking, read our online story.

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, but are they practical for those who live in the city? In our magazine story, our writer explores that question, talking to local EV owners and industry officials.

Harrisburg and local bird advocates are encouraging people to go lights-out at night to prevent bird collisions with buildings and windows, our online story reported. “Lights Out Harrisburg” will take place from now through May.

Harrisburg’s rent relief program is nearing its end, but there are still some funds left for residents in need, our online story reported.

The Original Hot Dog Factory franchise now has a Harrisburg location on Market Street, our online story reported. Local owners LaToya Williams and Hauson Green hope their new business pursuit will serve as an example for young entrepreneurs.

Pennsylvania has hired its first director of outdoor recreation, Nathan Reigner. In our magazine story, read about Reigner’s love for nature and how he plans to carry that into his new position.

The Pride of the Susquehanna has a new president, Kim Rice, our magazine story reported. It’s been a rough few years for the Pride, but Rice has big plans for the riverboat’s future.

The Rasika School of Dance partnered with Gamut Theatre to produce “Panchatantra Tales,” bringing Indian classical and folk dance to the stage in central PA, our online story reported. The show will run for one weekend only, from April 8 to 10.

Reina “R76” Wooden, a Harrisburg artist, was chosen to have her artwork displayed in the U.S. embassy in Moldova, our online story reported. As part of the federal “Art in Embassies” program, her work will be exhibited in the residence of Ambassador Kent Logsdon, a Pennsylvania native.

Reservoir Park is closer to having a new Chutes and Ladders playground, as Harrisburg officials broke ground on the construction project this week, our online story reported. The playground will replace outdated and underused equipment in the Allison Hill park.

Sara Bozich has her weekly roundup of events for your weekend. Looking for entertainment, food, recreation? Look no further.

Theatre Harrisburg’s latest production, “Now and Then,” is a heartfelt romantic dramedy that takes place within an Irish pub setting, our theater reviewer writes. The show runs now through April 10.

A Youth Poetry Slam will take place at the State Museum of Pennsylvania this weekend, our online story reported. Writer’s Wordshop, will host the event with the goal of providing an outlet for young people to express themselves.

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Herbal, botanical shop opens in Harrisburg, bringing natural wellness to the area

April 8, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Owner Sara Rose Bryant in front of her new botanical shop, Plant Family

Tucked in a tiny storefront in residential Olde Uptown is a new shop focused on bringing wellness to Harrisburg through nature.

Plant Family opened on Friday with windows displaying vibrant green houseplants and shelves stocked with natural medicines, herbs and elixirs.

“In my opinion, every city has a great herb shop,” said owner Sara Rose Bryant, a Harrisburg resident. “I want to provide access to things that people don’t have.”

Her shop at 1820 N. 3^rd St. fills a gap that she sees by providing products that are hard to find in the area. While it was easy for her to find herbs when she lived in Seattle, it’s not as simple here, she said.

“I see there’s a need for it,” she said. “People want to know about the plants and how to take care of themselves.”

Bryant strives to source many of her products locally and from places on the east coast. Some of her natural medicines are even made by her and her business partner, Tara Chickey, who operate under the name Sacred Spiral Apothecary.

“This is exactly what we need at this time in our lives,” said Chickey, who attended the opening. “It’s such a welcoming space and she has an amazing selection. I think people are going to be really impressed.”

Products offered at Plant Family

In addition to herbs and plants, the shop offers salves, CBD products, coffee alternatives, mugs, tonics, bath salts, candles and woven African baskets.

“It’s things that will help the community,” she said. “It’s empowering to have the skills to take care of yourself and other people.”

For three days out of the week, Bryant will use the space as a massage studio, as she has worked as a massage therapist for over 20 years. She also previously owned Yoga Nature studio in Linglestown.

For Plant Family’s opening day, James Crosson, who lives in the neighborhood, stopped by. He was glad to find natural and organic items, but also was happy to see the building revitalized.

“I love what they’re doing here,” he said. “It’s really cool.”

Plant Family is open Thursdays and Fridays, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For their grand opening this weekend, they will be open on Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be an online shop, coming soon. For more information, visit their website.

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What’s New and Wild in Harrisburg? TheBurg Podcast, April 2022

April 7, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

It’s a “wild” time of year—a time to come out of hibernation and rediscover the great outdoors. Our April podcast guests explore Harrisburg’s and Pennsylvania’s wild side, from the Susquehanna River to its parks and outdoor recreation.

The state’s first director of outdoor recreation, Nathan Reigner explains how big of an outdoor gem Pennsylvania really is.

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat’s new president of the board, Kim Rice, explains what it means to be responsible for such an iconic symbol of Harrisburg, as the riverboat gets ready to launch a new season.

Richelle Corty of Harrisburg’s Wildwood Park previews this year’s Art in the Wild exhibit—composed of all-natural materials—and explains what that artwork naturally does for the community.

This month’s “Most Harrisburg Thing” is off the wall. Really. Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, sorts out a recent controversy that started with grocery store artwork.

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Every month, TheBurg Podcast expands stories from the pages of TheBurg magazine because “there’s always more to the story.”

Backstories that coordinate with this episode include:

Reigner Reigns | Setting Sail | The Painted Word: Art in the Wild

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.

Visit Karen Hendricks’ website for more of her writing, journalism and PR work. TheBurg Podcast is a great Central PA vehicle for sponsors and/or advertisers: Contact Lauren ([email protected]). TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.

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

Local artist’s PA-focused paintings chosen for exhibit at U.S. embassy in Eastern Europe

April 7, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Artist Reina “R76” Wooden and her collection of paintings, “The Keystones 1787”

When Reina “R76” Wooden first received an email requesting her artwork for an exhibit in Eastern Europe, she thought it was a scam.

A curator for the U.S. Department of State’s “Art in Embassies” program was hoping to acquire a series of her paintings to display in the residence of the U.S. ambassador to Moldova.

It was unexpected, and Wooden didn’t know what to make of it. But after some research and discussion with the curator, she decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I don’t know how they found me,” she said. “I still feel like I’m off the radar. I still function as an underground artist. To be included was an enormous honor.”

It turns out that the U.S. ambassador to Moldova is a Pennsylvania native. While researching PA artists, he found Wooden’s work and connected to her many keystone-themed pieces.

The federal “Art in Embassies” program assembles exhibitions to be displayed in U.S. ambassadors’ residences during their tenure, which is usually about three years. The organization’s goal is to encourage “cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through the visual arts,” according to their website. They have exhibits in over 189 countries and create about 60 exhibitions per year.

Wooden’s collection of three paintings, “The Keystones 1787,” will become one of these exhibits in Ambassador Kent Logsdon’s residence in Chișinău, Moldova’s capital.

“It makes me finally feel like I can stay true to my identity as an underground artist and still be seen,” she said. “Each year, there have been a lot of challenges. But if I had given up, this opportunity might not have happened.”

Wooden said that her art draws on themes of independence and the pursuit of freedom—things that she believes are especially important to Pennsylvanians.

With the current war in Ukraine, which neighbors Moldova, Wooden believes her art, centering on the idea of freedom, will carry even more significance.

“The keystone symbol carries a lot of meaning,” she said.

Representatives with the “Art in Embassies” program will pick up Wooden’s art within the coming weeks to transport it to Moldova, where it will be on display for several years.

“It’s exciting,” she said. “This is a turning point for me.”

For more information about the Art in Embassies program, visit their website.

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What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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