Tag Archives: Bob’s Art Blog

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 13, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

The Millworks restaurant in Midtown.

As COVID cases in the state continue to spike, we encourage you to be cautious and stay safe. While you social distance this weekend, catch up on this past week’s news below.

Black entrepreneurs in Harrisburg are starting businesses and pursuing their passions. Read our magazine article about a local jewelry maker, boutique owners and a handmade candle maker.

Bob’s Art Blog spotlights Bill and Russ and their collection of glass art, as well as a 5-year-old artist with work in the Art Association of Harrisburg’s “La Petite Exhibition.”

Cordier Auctions has three virtual events planned for this month, our online story reported. On Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of artifacts from the estate of former Mayor Steve Reed will be for sale. A “Fine and Decorative Arts” auction with more Harrisburg-related items will take place on Nov. 21.

COVID diagnoses surged this past week in Pennsylvania. Since last Friday, the state recorded an average of 4,348 new cases per day, according to the state Department of Health. Find out more in our weekly pandemic report.

Fit on Market, a boutique fitness center opened in Strawberry Square, our online story reported. The gym offers new, state-of-the-art Matrix cardio and strength training equipment.

Harrisburg City Council passed a bill to create a Citizen’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, on Tuesday. The committee will review the actions of the Harrisburg Police Bureau, our online story reported.

Harrisburg’s mayor released bodycam footage of a confrontation between a resident and a police officer. A petition is circulating, calling for the firing of the officer, claiming he illegally entered the resident’s property. Read our online story for more information.

Harrisburg University held a virtual meeting for potential contractors, as it moves towards beginning construction on its 11-story academic building. HU hopes to improve opportunities for small and diverse businesses locally to participate in the project, our reporting found.

The housing market in the Harrisburg area continued to improve, with residential sales and prices rising last month. In October, 789 homes sold in the Harrisburg area, compared to 710 houses last year. For more information on the real estate market in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, read our online story.

The Millworks restaurant in Midtown reopened this week, our online story reported. It was closed since July when a worker tested positive for COVID. Since then, The Millworks has invested some $10,000 in a new HVAC filtration system that removes airborne pathogens.

Open Stage is currently showing “Poirot Investigates!” as this month’s virtual play. The actors blend a cozy mystery, British comedy and French farce with one of Agatha Christie’s oft-repeated and longest-running characters, Hercule Poirot. Read a review on our website.

The November Podcast is out! Tune in to hear from Wendell Hoover of Iron Valley Real Estate, Sam Levine of Red Door Consignment Gallery and, of course, our Editor Lawrance Binda. Harrisburg takes center stage in this episode!

Sara Bozich has delicious ideas for your weekend, like grabbing a bite to eat from the Farm Show Fall Food Fest or dining at the newly reopened Millworks. Check out her Weekend Roundup for more fun ideas.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 9, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

The Black Burg, a community group run by college students.

We are in the thick of election season, and many of our stories this week reflect that, including our monthly podcast. First, register to vote, then catch up on this week’s news below.

Art season in Harrisburg looks much different this year, due to the COVID-19 crisis. Our magazine story highlights the way that local theaters, art museums and musical groups are adjusting. The show must go on!

The Black Burg, a community group run by college students, is holding “Ballots for the Burg,” a voter engagement day in Reservoir Park. The event on Oct. 10 will feature voting assistance, free food and a concert by young local artists, our online story reports.

Bob’s Art Blog features “Art of the State” winners from around Pennsylvania. Check out a few of the photographs, paintings and sculptures that were honored this year.

Braver Angels was founded shortly after the 2016 election to help neutralize the negative emotions and attitudes between red and blue Americans. Here’s the backstory on Braver Angels and their work in PA.

TheBurg Podcast dives into the political divide with the organization Braver Angels, to bring you survival tips. What does it mean to be civil, and is it possible during election season? Subscribe to TheBurg Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

COVID-19 cases in PA are again on the rise, our online story reports. On average, there were more than 1,100 new cases each day over the past week.

Gamut Theatre brings back live shows with “The Zoo Story.” Our review presents an honest opinion of this unsettling story performed by a two-man cast.

Harrisburg City Council discussed more potential amendments to a proposed police advisory board, our online story reports. The suggested amendment would encourage the Police Bureau’s compliance with requests for information.

The Harrisburg Fire Bureau swore in 10 new firefighters last week. According to Chief Brian Enterline, this set a record high for the number of personnel in the bureau in over a decade, our online story reports.

The Harrisburg School District gave student-athletes the “OK” to play fall sports, after previously canceling the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Athletic Director Calvin Everett believes their teams will be behind, but he’s excited they can now participate, our online story reported.

Harrisburg United, an open coalition of Harrisburg region civic, labor, religious and community organizations, issued a statement of support for victims of recent hate behaviors in the city. They encouraged Harrisburg residents to respond by reporting hate activity and supporting those who are targeted.

Our October recipe is centered around the versatile zucchini. Rosemary tells you how to prepare the perfect sausage-stuffed zucchini the Italian way.

Power to the Hill is an organization in Allison Hill focused on increasing civic engagement in the area. Read about the ways that they have helped residents find a voice through exercising their right to vote.

Sara Bozich has a “fall bucket list” for you to check out and plenty of other fun October events. Take a look through her Weekend Roundup, here.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 25, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

The CATE mobile COVID-19 testing unit stopped in Allison Hill this week.

The first day of fall arrived this week. Enjoy the brisk weather and something pumpkin-flavored while you catch up on the news from this past week.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights artist Jovana Sarver, a true “polymath of the arts.” Sarver is a sculptress, textile interpreter and major works art installer. Check out Bob’s story to see some of her work.

COVID-19 bonuses are coming to the city’s essential workers who served throughout the pandemic. Harrisburg hopes to show its appreciation by compensating each employee $2,500, our reporting found.

COVID-19 cases in PA declined slightly over the past week, our online story found. There was an average of 788 newly diagnosed cases per day.

Forster Street has some pedestrian-friendly changes coming, our online story reports. Harrisburg announced it will receive a federal grant to reduce the width of the road between the Harvey Taylor Bridge and N. 2^nd Street, among other improvements.

The Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup will go on this weekend after a delay from April, due to the COVID-19 crisis. Organizer Tri County Community Action hopes to encourage neighborhood respect and ownership amongst community members, reported our online story.

Harrisburg’s Comprehensive Plan was approved by the Planning Commission, our online story reports. The plan, “HBG2020,” is intended to set goals for the city for the next 10 to 20 years. Next, it will need approval from City Council.

The Harrisburg School District decided to adjust its online class schedule after feedback from families that students were having trouble staying engaged, our online story reports. Also, Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer is considering allowing voluntary workouts for student-athletes after canceling the fall sports season.

Harrisburg’s Zoning Hearing Board approved developer Derek Dilks’ plan to convert historic properties on State Street and Front Street into apartments. Our online story has the list of properties and Dilks’ plans for them.

A mobile COVID-19 testing unit visited Allison Hill in Harrisburg this week, our online story reported. The Community-Accessible Testing & Education (CATE) unit aims to provide testing for free to underserved communities.

Roots of My Land is a new Ecuadorian restaurant in Allison Hill. Our magazine article tells the story of Marisol Aviles de Ortiz and Hector Ortiz who, over 20 years ago, dreamt of opening their own restaurant.

Sara Bozich has plenty of activities to get you in the fall mood this weekend. Enjoy a movie night at the bandshell in Reservoir Park, check out Oktoberfest at the PA Renaissance Fair or enjoy a corn maze at Paulus Mt. Airy Orchards.

Shalom House plans to expand its capacity to serve women and children experiencing homelessness in Allison Hill, our online story reports. Harrisburg City Council approved the development of three vacant lots behind the organization’s community center for use as a shelter and transitional housing.

Trick or treat night in Harrisburg will look different this year, our online story reports. Local officials canceled city-sanctioned trick-or-treating and offered an alternative. A few locations around the city will hand out grab-and-go candy bags.

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg created their Beer Barons Beer Trail to encourage tourism in the area. Read in our magazine story about the new mobile app that links about 20 local craft breweries for trail-hoppers to check out.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

The Commonwealth Monument Project held an unveiling at the state Capitol on Wednesday.

On Monday, our September issue of the magazine comes out! Be on the lookout for a great issue dedicated to local flavors. Until then, find below our lineup of local coverage from the past week.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region finds support through board member Joe Holston’s upcoming challenge to golf 100 holes in a day. He hopes to raise money for the organization that has helped hundreds of local kids, even throughout the pandemic, our online story reports.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights the signature work of artist Pamela J. Black. Read our online story to see some of Black’s work, which she hopes will inspire peace and calmness among her audience.

The Commonwealth Monument Project was unveiled on the state Capitol grounds on Wednesday. The monument celebrates Harrisburg’s African American history, including the Old 8^th Ward, a historic majority Black and immigrant neighborhood that was demolished, our online story reports.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Dauphin County provide positive relationships to children in the foster care system. Read more about the heart behind this organization in our magazine story.

COVID-19 cases in PA dipped over the last week. There were an average of over 600 new cases per day in the state, our online story reports.

Drew Hart, a Messiah College professor and author, shares his thoughts on the division between white and Black Americans. In our magazine story, Hart talks about the Black Lives Matter movement and the role Christianity plays in racial division.

Harrisburg City Council plans to make amendments to the document proposing a citizen’s police advisory board, our reporting found. After weeks of town hall meetings to solicit community feedback, council member Ausha Green said that council will take residents’ input into account as they make changes.

Harrisburg Opera Association presents its virtual program this weekend. This year, the group focuses on showcasing diversity and featuring Harrisburg locations, our online story reports.

Historic Harrisburg Association this year handed its 2020 Preservation Awards to Elementary Coffee Co. and The Fox on Washington. Our magazine story describes the restoration processes and why they were considered award-worthy.

Lavelle Muhammad seeks to help disadvantaged boys from the inner city as the principal of Nativity School in Harrisburg. In our magazine story, Muhammad shares how his own story shaped his passion for mentoring youth.

Rich Askey is working to ensure quality education and a safer space for every student in Pennsylvania public schools. Read our magazine story to find out more about the president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Sara Bozich has quite the lineup of local events this weekend. If you want to try a new restaurant, stretch out in a yoga class or relax at a drive-in-movie, she has plenty of options for you in her Weekly Roundup.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 14, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

People gathered at Kesher Israel Congregation on Wednesday to support Harrisburg’s Jewish community.

The COVID-19 crisis has shown us just how connected we all are. This week’s stories mirror that, demonstrating how community members and leaders are pulling together to support one another. In case you missed any of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights how local artists spent their summer. Find out how and from where painters, sculptors and photographers are drawing their inspiration.

Café 1500 and food blogger Corinne Foster have teamed up for a fundraiser to support Feeding Pennsylvania. Their special menu item will be available from Aug. 19 to Sept. 6, with part of the proceeds going to the organization to help with relief during the COVID-19 crisis. Find out more in our online story.

“Chairapy” is a new YouTube series featuring a Mechanicsburg barber and the stories his clients share while in his chair. His main client base–emergency service personnel–tells stories of bravery and struggle, our online story reports.

A community vigil was held to show solidarity with Kesher Israel Congregation. Local faith leaders spoke out against the hatred shown towards the Jewish community when swastikas were found painted on the synagogue. Read our online story for more on the event.

COVID-19 cases increased in the state this week with an average of just over 800 new cases daily. Our weekly pandemic reporting has information on testing, total deaths and cases per county.

Free internet access will be given to about 1,500 families in the Harrisburg School District through the school’s partnership with Tri County Community Action. Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer described the initiative as an effort to help close the digital divide for district students, our story reports.

Gamut Theatre announced its fall season show schedule on Monday. The theater will feature three live productions, with pandemic-related precautions in place, our online story reports.

The Harrisburg School District finalized plans for a 100% virtual start to the school year. Our online story has the details of what parents can expect and the options they have to choose from.

The March on Washington is later this month, and local resident Karla DeJesus plans to host a bus trip to D.C. Our online story discusses the impact that George Floyd’s death had on a group of residents and why they want to march for racial justice.

Midtown Redevelopment LLC proposed a project for Midtown Harrisburg that includes building nearly 100 townhouses. Their project would fill long-empty lots just north of the Broad Street Market, our online story reports.

TheBurg Podcast for August is out! This month, organizers of the Black Lives Matter mural in Midtown explain their motivation for the project. Tim Eller of the Commonweath Charter Academy and Mary Smith of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg provide updates on their organization, as well. Listen to the podcast here.

The “Weekend Roundup” is full of events to keep you busy. Sara Bozich lists the best places for takeout, virtual entertainment and outdoor fun in her blog.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

The Firehouse Restaurant is re-opening under new ownership.

The past week felt like one hot, rainy blur with temperatures in the 90s and nighttime showers. Still, our reporters were out in the heat and humidity covering the local news. If you missed any of our stories, we have them all listed and linked here.

Bob’s Art Blog showcased Kelly McGee, an expressionist whose paintings display her dreams and visions. Read more about McGee and another artist who is using her talents to help feed the hungry in this week’s column.

COVID-19 cases keep climbing in PA, with an average of 800 new daily diagnoses over the past week. Our weekly reporting on the pandemic has the details.

Dr. Kimeka Campbell shares her story of finding joy in justice during a time of nationwide and local Black Lives Matter protests. Read her magazine piece to learn more about why community work brings her peace.

The Firehouse Restaurant is re-opening under new ownership. Much of the downtown Harrisburg restaurant’s character will remain the same with a fresh menu to choose from. Our online story has more information.

The Harrisburg Mile will go on this year despite the pandemic. Our online reporting explains the new modifications to location and rules.

Lenwood Sloan reflects on being a Black historian in Harrisburg and the search to find his “people” in the community. His submission for this month’s “Voices of Our Community” section recounts his efforts to uncover and highlight the city’s African American history.

Maestro Stuart Malina extended his contract with the Harrisburg Symphony for another three years. Our online story tells of his decision to stay and why the symphony feels he is such a great fit.

Paper Moon Flowers is Midtown’s newest flower and décor shop. Owner Shawn Durborow-Bowersox simply wants to make people happy by giving them a local place to buy a bouquet, a candle or a birthday card. Read the story behind the shop in our magazine article.

Peyton’s Law, which seeks to bring awareness to Sudden Cardiac Arrest, including the signs and symptoms, was passed into law. Read more about The Peyton Walker Foundation’s efforts to save the lives of at-risk student-athletes.

The Parkway apartment complex has stood tall for 100 years, still as popular and elegant now as it was when it was built. Read the story behind the landmark building and why it still attracts tenants to this day.

Running has acted as therapy for many people, especially during the pandemic. Our magazine story shows the psychological and social reasons behind that and discusses what running in races looks like during a crisis.

Summertime shrimp is on the menu for Rosemary this month. Fire up the grill and find this “Spicy Calabrian Shrimp” recipe in this month’s issue of the magazine.

A town hall was hosted by activist group The Movement to give Harrisburg residents the chance to ask questions and provide input to city officials. Our reporting discusses the big questions people had and how officials responded.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 10, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

LeRon McCoy and Ryan Sanders, developers behind the Jackson Square project on N. 6th Street.

Making Harrisburg a better place to live was a common thread running through the news this week. Residents spoke up for change, the city introduced new initiatives, and some people took on important projects themselves. In case you missed any of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below.

African American developers in Harrisburg are highlighted in our magazine article. Find out what inspires these men to give back to their community through revitalization projects.

Bob took a trip to Paxtang this past weekend and has all the must-see spots for art lovers. Read about the quirky Tiger Eye Coffee Co. and the beach-inspired gallery in his online art blog.

At the Broad Street Market, Gov. Tom Wolf announced a new grant program for food providers struggling from the COVID crisis. The initiative is meant to help small farmers markets, corner stores and other shops provide fresh food to low and moderate-income areas across the state. Check out our story here.

Choose Harrisburg campaign will launch in August to encourage people to buy local. Read more about how the city hopes to support small businesses that took a hit from the COVID crisis.

Compost waste from Harrisburg has found a temporary home after a long, frustrating search. Read our online story for more information about the new agreement with the Swatara Township Yard Waste Composting Facility.

COVID-19 cases rose again this week, we reported in our weekly coverage. The state reported an average of over 700 new diagnoses daily over the last seven days.

Electric bikes soon will roll out in Strawberry Square. Our online story tells about the city resident who is bringing Pedego Electric Bikes to our area.

Harrisburg Urban Growers is helping city residents start their own gardens. Our magazine story reveals why they believe gardening is good for the body and mind.

Harrisburg City Council will interrupt their summer hiatus to hold public hearings on the proposed citizen’s policing advisory board. Our reporting found that many residents are not pleased with the proposed bill as it stands and want the board to have more power.

Harrisburg University had planned to conduct classes fully online, but had to make a major change when new guidelines were imposed by the federal government. Our online story tells how the school shifted to include in-person instruction to avoid the risk of losing its international students.

Paper Moon Flowers has opened in Midtown for all your floral and décor needs. In our magazine story, owner Shawn Durborow-Bowersox described how he started his successful business in Hershey before opening a storefront in Harrisburg.

TheBurg Podcast this month focuses on maintaining a sense of community throughout strange times. Hear from guests Blake Lynch of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, writer Deb Schell who talks about community gardening and 3rd in the Burg coordinator Kelsey Tatge.

Sara Bozich has everything from flower picking to art therapy on her to-do list for this weekend. Check out all the summer fun in store for Harrisburg in her weekly blog.

Unity Festival is taking over Reservoir Park on Saturday. Local activist Kevin Maxson and his group Voices for the Voiceless will host the day of fun, featuring free food and games. Find out more information in our online story.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, subscribe here!

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