Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 29, 2021 | by Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, I got you! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:
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Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
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Need something NEW to do? The HBG Flea is back, The State Museum of Pennsylvania reopens, it’s Hershey Restaurant Week, and Denim Coffee Harrisburg opens on Monday! Plus, check out our Spring Bucket List!

(Still) Worth noting: We revived our private Facebook group, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Family time!

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

For your weekend planning:

Best things to read, drink, wear, and do this spring
My favorite alcoholic seltzer
Try this wine club
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

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Hershey Restaurant Week
This wine is a total bargain
Shop for Mother’s Day
Book a facial or massage #selfcare
New episodes of Poured in PA: The Series!

COVID-19 Disclaimer: As always, please click through the links or call ahead to get the most up-to-date information about venues and/or events below. It should also go without saying, but I’ll say it — Mask up, follow the rules, and be nice. And tip extra!

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

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COVID-19 vaccine coming soon to Midtown Cinema

April 28, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The exterior of Midtown Cinema

Harrisburg area residents soon will have another option for a COVID-19 vaccine, as Midtown Cinema today announced that it will host a vaccination clinic next week.

Harrisburg’s centrally located arthouse theater will hold the clinic on Wednesday, May 5, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., along with provider Rite Aid. Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will be administered.

The clinic offers a “convenient location” for city residents and others to access the vaccine, according to the cinema.

Pfizer offers a two-dose vaccine. The second dose will be administered at the same location on May 29, the cinema stated.

Appointments for the clinic are required and can be made by calling 866-674-4659.

Midtown Cinema is located 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, and offers on-site parking.

Also, The Salvation Army Harrisburg Area Capital Region plans to host a free vaccine clinic on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in partnership with Capital BlueCross and Rite Aid.

Registration is required and appointments can be made by calling 866-674-4659 on Wednesday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

They are also offering assistance to those in need of transportation. Residents can call 717-233-6755 for more information.

The Salvation Army is located at 506 S. 29th St., Harrisburg.

For more information about Midtown Cinema, visit their website.

For more information about The Salvation Army Harrisburg Area Capital region, visit their website.

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Civic Club of Harrisburg holds silent auction to make up for funds lost to COVID, vandalism

April 27, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

The Civic Club’s Overlook Manor House and Mansion

Marybeth Lehtimaki listed, over the phone, all of the wedding venues that have popped up on Front Street in Harrisburg.

The market is now saturated, she said, which hasn’t been good news for the Civic Club of Harrisburg.

The club’s historic Overlook Manor House and Mansion, an event space, has experienced significantly less traffic in recent months, but not all due to choosy brides. Like many other venues and nonprofits, they’ve taken a hit due to COVID.

Between falling victim to COVID and to vandalism in December 2020, the club needs community support. They are hoping that an online silent auction will play a small role in raising needed funds.

The Civic Club’s “Bid for Civility” auction begins on Wednesday and extends through May 1. Auction items are locally sourced and include a Harrisburg-themed Monopoly game, a painting of the Civic Club Manor House and floral arrangements, among other items.

“We invite everyone to consider taking home one of our items and taking a step to help us improve our city, as we have for more than a century,” said Lehtimaki, the club’s president.

She said that the club is holding events again, but most are small gatherings. Three events in one weekend now may earn about half of what one large wedding or party raked in pre-COVID.

On top of COVID concerns, the club experienced vandalism, when two large air conditioning units were stolen and their shed was broken into. Lehtimaki said that the damage will be covered by insurance, but the club is in need of updated security. She added that they are planning to install a new system, including increased lighting, which could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000.

That’s primarily where the auction money will go toward, she said.

Soon after news of the vandalism broke, Lehtimaki said that many community members expressed interest in helping the Civic Club financially. However, few actually donated, she said.

She hopes that the auction will have more success.

“You will be contributing to continuing to maintain a landmark building with historic significance in Harrisburg,” she said.

To participate in the Civic Club of Harrisburg’s “Bid for Civility” silent auction, visit https://event.gives/bid4civility. For more information, visit https://www.civicclubofharrisburg.com/.

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Drop box deployed in downtown Harrisburg, as county begins to mail ballots to voters

April 26, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

This ballot drop box has been deployed in front of the Dauphin County Administration Building.

Dauphin County on Monday placed a ballot drop box in downtown Harrisburg, as it begins to send out mail-in and absentee ballots for the upcoming municipal primary.

The drop box is located at the front entrance of the Dauphin County Administration Building at 2 S. 2nd St.

“Our elections office staff have been gearing up for the primary for some time now, so we can ensure voters they will have convenience and a fair election process,” Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries said.

Elections staff has begun to mail out almost 15,000 requested ballots for the May 18 primary, according to the county.

In addition to the drop box, the county also began extending hours on Monday until 6 p.m. at its new elections office at 1251 S. 28^th St. in Swatara Township. The extended hours will run until election day, when the office will be open until the 8 p.m. voting deadline.

Also, the county’s Northern Dauphin Human Services Center in Elizabethville will serve as a ballot return site from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In related news, the county Election Board has approved three polling place changes in effect for the primary in the following districts:

– Middletown Borough 1^st Ward, 1^st Precinct: Now located at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, 329 Market St., Middletown.

– Millersburg Borough: Now located at Millersburg Area High School, Susquehannock Room, 799 Center St., Millersville.

– Swatara Township 9^th Precinct: Now located at WITF Main Lobby, 4801 Lindle Road, Harrisburg.

Voters in these districts will be issued new voter ID cards alerting them to the change as well as a postcard reminder.

The county also reminded voters of the following important dates:

The last day to register to vote is May 3.
The last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 11.
Deadline for returning ballots is 8 p.m on May 18.

“We are focused and intent on meeting the needs of voters and providing them with confidence that their vote will be counted,” said Commissioner George Hartwick.

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The Week that Was: News and features from around Harrisburg

April 23, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park

The Harrisburg community has some exciting new initiatives, projects and entertainment in store, many announced this past week. If you missed any of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked, below.

Artist Natalie Dohman was featured in Bob’s Art Blog. Dohman shares her experience creating with a unique condition, synesthesia.

DTLR, a lifestyle apparel store, recently returned to their shop in downtown Harrisburg after an expansion and renovation, our online story reported. The store, one of the largest retailers in the city, offers shoes and clothing from brands like Nike, Adidas and Timberland.

Electric vehicles were added to Harrisburg’s fleet, with plans to add many more over the next five years, our reporting found. The city also cut the ribbon on new EV charging stations on City Island on Thursday.

Harrisburg banned water shut-offs for a month, through mid-May, our reporting found. The temporary ban adds to the city’s existing eviction moratorium.

Harrisburg School District officials announced plans for summer school, during a board meeting on Monday night. The district will hold programs for students interested in enrichment or credit recovery, our online story reported.

Harrisburg University’s $100 million building project took a big step forward this past weekend, our reporting found. A crew assembled a sky-high tower crane at the construction site to help erect the 11-story academic building.

Historic City Gardens plans to hold a series of tours this spring and summer in the Midtown neighborhood. Director Faye Deckter said the goal is to promote urban gardening and beautification, our reporting found.

Live music returns to the Harrisburg area after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. Our online story details which local venues are reopening and who’ll be playing.

Open Stage announced the return of live performances to its downtown theater, our reporting found. They will begin with a series of concerts, beginning in late May with a Judy Garland celebration entitled, “Over the Rainbow: the Songs of Judy Garland.”

PA Farm Show traditional foods will be available to the community at a “Spring Food Fest” in May, our online story reported. According to the PA Department of Agriculture, the fest will include favorites from the PA Dairymen’s Association, PA Livestock Association, PA Mushroom Farmers and others.

Parks in Harrisburg may soon face changes to become more organically maintained, our online story reported. The city received a $25,000 check from Stonyfield Organic, GIANT and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods to make parks safer and greener.

Potholes can now be reported to the city through an online mapping system, our online story reported. Public works department officials said they plan to use the data to address road damage.

Rosemary has a light, fresh take on pasta for your spring menu, as set forth in her recent magazine column. Pasta alla Nerano is a simple, yet delicious recipe that’ll take your tastebuds to Italy.

Sara Bozich has your weekly list of fun activities for the weekend. This week’s roundup includes ways to enjoy music, food and nature.

Saturday Nights in the City will return for the second year in a row, our reporting found. Harrisburg will shut down several downtown streets for al fresco dining every Saturday in the summer.

A story in TheBurg produced a ripple effect that benefitted 50 local organizations. After reading a story by writer Karen Hendricks about her quest to run 50 races for 50 causes, Bill Blando was inspired to make his own charitable donations. Read more, here.

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Garden tour to spotlight residential plantings, promote beautification in Harrisburg

April 23, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A property on Green and Hamilton Streets that will be on the tour

Faye Deckter wants people to consider how they can use their own property as a garden this spring and summer.

That’s why she is inviting Harrisburg residents to join Historic City Gardens for its “Spring City Beautiful 2.0 Garden Tour,” with dates in May and June.

“In addition to making the environment more beautiful and healthier, we want people to learn about plants and gardens and to be compelled to garden,” Deckter said.

Participants will view 11 residential gardens and about 20 house front spaces where they can see growth from the over 300 flowering bulbs that were planted for the event. Plants like perennials, grasses, shrubs and ground coverings will be featured as well.

According to Deckter, the tour will also include best practice tips for gardening.

“Gardening is a process and every space is different,” she said.

Deckter, the director of HCG, said that in 2015, “The City as a Park,” plan was created, but it dealt primarily with the city’s public park system. Her organization decided to build off of that concept and challenge residents to consider their own spaces and neighborhoods as parks.

The tour will also aim to honor the City Beautiful Movement of the early 1900s in Harrisburg and its successor, Harrisburg’s City Beautiful 2.0.

Deckter highlighted both movements’ missions to improve the city’s wellbeing and safety through beautification.

As an organization, HCG also champions education and engagement in environmental stewardship in Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

“If everyone would just put out one plant for the season, just think about how much better the environment will be,” Deckter said.

Historic City Gardens tours will be held on May 2, 16 and June 6. There will be two tours on each date, 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and 3 to 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased at HCG’s website.

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Pothole Problems? Harrisburg wants to know about them

April 23, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Pothole on the 2000-block of N. 3rd St.

If you find yourself hitting a rut, the city wants to know.

Harrisburg announced on Friday a new way to report potholes on city streets using an online mapping system.

“I appreciate the ongoing efforts of our Public Works crews in addressing these needed road repairs,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse in a statement. “This new tool developed by our IT team will make it easier for residents to notify the city about potholes in their neighborhoods.”

Residents can report potholes on Harrisburg’s website, along with the location of the road damage, their contact information and any other details. The data will be entered into a geographic information system (GIS) map for the Department of Public Works to access.

“As weather conditions allow, we are using hot asphalt to patch up the roads throughout the city,” said Dave West, director of Public Works. “I encourage residents to use this new tool to alert us on locations that need addressed.”

Last year, Harrisburg launched a similar online database for residents to report the illegal use of fireworks. This is available at harrisburgpa.gov/fireworks.

To report potholes, visit https://harrisburgpa.gov/potholes/. Residents can also report issues via phone by dialing 3-1-1 or 717-255-3040, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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It’s Electric! Harrisburg adds charging stations on City Island, buys electric vehicles

April 22, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

City officials cut the ribbon on charging stations on City Island and new city electric vehicles.

When it comes to making environmentally friendly choices, Harrisburg is stepping on the gas, well, electric.

On Thursday, city officials unveiled electric vehicle charging stations in the City Island Garage and showed off two new hybrid vehicles that they’ve added to Harrisburg’s fleet.

“We are really excited about this,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said. “We are looking forward to converting our city fleet in the years to come.”

Through a $36,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s “Driving PA Forward” program, Harrisburg was able to install eight charging stations for both city and public use.

Harrisburg received a similar grant from the state DEP in February 2020 for charging stations on N. 3^rd Street.

Harrisburg will utilize the City Island charging stations for the two new 2020 Ford Escape hybrid plug-in vehicles it purchased. The shiny white cars will replace two 12-year-old city vehicles, according to Fleet Manager Nick Fisher.

Over the next five years, they hope to add 10 EV cars each year, he added. Each year, the hybrid Ford Escapes will save the city around $460 per vehicle, compared to a gas-only Ford Escape.

The new cars compared to the 12-year-old cars will save around $1,300, according to the city.

This, Papenfuse said, isn’t just money in the pocket of the city, but of residents, as well.

“It’ll be real savings for the taxpayers, and we are excited to launch it,” Papenfuse said.

The city’s hybrid cars will require charging every night, said Sustainability Coordinator Chris Nafe.

The public can use the City Island Garage stations on Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nafe and Papenfuse demonstrated how to use the stations, utilizing the ChargePoint app. Each hour of charging costs 72 cents per hour.

Converting to electric vehicles is just one of the ways Harrisburg is going green, Nafe explained.

They also are in the process of working with Harrisburg University and the Department of Environmental Protection on a “Climate Action Plan” with the goal of reducing greenhouse gases.

“These are the kinds of programs that we are looking at continuing and expanding going forward as part of the Climate Action Plan,” Nafe said of the electric vehicle conversions.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 22, 2021 | by Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, I got you! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:
Are you on the email list?
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

Need something NEW to do? Midtown Cinema is open for screenings; the Historic Round Barn outside Gettysburg opens for the season this weekend. Plus, check out our Spring Bucket List!

(Still) Worth noting: We revived our private Facebook group, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Photoshoot, dinner with friends, kiddo race pt. 3, and a massage!

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

For your weekend planning:

Best things to drink this spring
Our Spring Bucket List has 15+ ideas to enjoy the season
What to wear this spring
View our local Restaurant Directory
Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Weekend Water
This beer or this wine
15+ things to do this spring around Harrisburg
Book a facial #selfcare
Binge Poured in PA: The Series!

Thursday

The Obstructed View | Gays Celebrate Earth Day
Spring Sip & Shop at Carriage House Boutique
An Evening with Franklin Kury: The Constitutional Question to Save the Planet with the Midtown Scholar
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Conversation with the Maestro
Taco Thursday @ Arcona with 717Tacos
Dave Gates RETURNS to Boneshire!!

Friday

Learn @ Lunch with The State Museum of Pennsylvania:
Midtown Scholar Sidewalk Sale
Popcorn Pop Up! at Midtown Cinema
Springtime in the Park in Hershey
2 by Strindberg: The Stronger & The Outcast at Gamut Theatre Group
Shrimp Band @ The new ZERODAY
Bacon & Lobster Weekend @ Arcona
HU Presents Bishop Briggs with special guest Shaed at XL Live

Saturday

Cocoa Creek Chocolates Pop-Up at Little Black Dress
Midtown Scholar Sidewalk Sale + Independent Bookstore Day!
Food Drive & Personal Item Drive at Ecumenical Food Pantry – Midtown Gives Back Free
Wetlands Festival at Wildwood Park
Spring Bird Walks and Coffee Painting with David Hughes at Ned Smith Center
Popcorn Pop Up! at Midtown Cinema
Springtime in the Park in Hershey
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra BlueCross Pops series virtual performance of Dance!
2 by Strindberg: The Stronger & The Outcast at Gamut Theatre Group
Bacon & Lobster Weekend @ Arcona
Open Job Interviews at Hershey Lodge
Celebrate Earth Day & Spring in downtown Carlisle
Kids in Color Tie Dye Workshop at Reservoir Park
Adult Prom at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
Volksfest at Mount Hope Estate & Winery
Special How-To Program: Preserving and Restoring Historic Windows – Historic Harrisburg Association

Sunday

Springtime in the Park in Hershey
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra BlueCross Pops series virtual performance of Dance!
2 by Strindberg: The Stronger & The Outcast at Gamut Theatre Group
Jazz Brunch at The Englewood
Bacon & Lobster Weekend @ Arcona
Linglestown Art&Flea
Midtown Cinema Virtual Red Carpet Evening

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

Like this content?

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg receives donation to aid in switch to organic, safe park maintenance

April 21, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Reservoir Park

With spring in full bloom, Harrisburg parks are looking colorful, but, according to some, not quite green enough.

On Wednesday, at a press conference in Reservoir Park, the city received a $25,000 check from The GIANT Company, Stonyfield Organic and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods to help Harrisburg transition to organic grounds maintenance.

“COVID-19 has shown us how important our parks are,” said Kim Konte, founder of Non-Toxic Neighborhoods, which seeks to rid parks of harmful synthetic pesticides. “We are excited that Harrisburg is going to be a leader in this.”

Konte said that they have worked with parks officials in Philadelphia and Allentown.

Stonyfield and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods will provide Harrisburg with technical support and guidance on how to maintain the city’s parks with organic and safe resources.

According to Dave Baker, director of city parks in Harrisburg, the department has been limited in the changes they could make up until this point.

“It’s an uphill battle if you don’t have the right resources,” he said.

The city has 27 parks, playgrounds and pools, Baker said, spreading money and manpower thin.

Giant and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods officials present Harrisburg with a $25,000 check.

He sees the partnership with GIANT, Stonyfield and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods as a chance to combine forces and move forward with making the switch to organic.

“We are looking at the same problem that we’ve always had with a different view,” he said.

Changes to maintenance may include using all-natural pesticides and weed killers or employing the help of goats to eat weeds and poisonous plants.

These changes can protect children from being exposed to health risks that pesticides can cause, Konte said.

Baker said that, with support from Non-Tox Neighborhoods, the city will decide which new practices are feasible.

“We are committed to green and sustainable parks practices,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said. “We will be able to do a lot with this wonderful donation.”

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

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What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

You May Also Like

You May Also Like