Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 12, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District officials ceremonially broke ground on the renovation and re-opening of Steele Elementary School.

This week’s stories covered everything from new businesses to school construction projects to unique local partnerships. What have been some of your favorite recent Burg stories? Let us know! Check out this week’s news coverage, below.

Bob’s Art Blog, features the 50^th anniversary of Nature’s Way Nursery in Lower Paxton Township. The garden specializes in the art of bonsai.

Candidates for Harrisburg City Council shared their stances on issues like public safety, infrastructure and housing at a debate, our online story reported. The forum, hosted by Friends of Midtown, was held at Open Stage theater.

Found Collab will open later this month as a new venture by Harrisburg’s Stash and Midtown Dandy, vintage retail partners, our online story reported. The shop will feature clothing, household goods and wares from curators, artists and small businesses.

Harrisburg School District officials ceremonially broke ground on the renovation of Steele Elementary School in Uptown, our online story reported. The district plans to reopen the school, which closed in 2011, for the 2024-25 school year.

Home sales and prices both fell this month in Harrisburg, our online story reported. For the three-county Harrisburg region, 448 previously owned homes sold last month, a drop from 628 houses in April 2022, as the median sales price fell to $245,000 from $250,500.

Little Amps Coffee Roasters in Harrisburg shared that it’s sponsoring Evan “Juice” Baker, a Harrisburg native and up-and-coming skateboarder, our online story reported. Baker sees the partnership as a “dream come true.”

Melissa Mesones-Ortiz has dedicated countless hours to making the city more accessible to Spanish-speaking residents, our magazine story reported. As Harrisburg’s deputy director of communications, she works to communicate with Latino residents who often face language and cultural barriers and helps them engage with local government.

Park Harrisburg, which operates Harrisburg’s parking meters, announced that motorists can now text to pay for parking, our online story reported. The company explained that it will offer the new option to make parking easier.

Rosemary shares cooking tips that she’s learned over the years, in her May column. Find out how to cook the perfect meatball, select the right cheese and entertain guests, here.

Sara Bozich has a great lineup of events for your sunny Mother’s Day weekend. Find out what’s happening, here.

Vietnamese Garden in Harrisburg recently changed names to The LA Squared, as the longtime owner’s son took over the business, our reporting found. While most of the original menu has remained, it now has many new offerings for hungry customers.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 11, 2023 | 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: Oh boy there are a lot of good ones this week — maybe Wild About Dogs in Wildwood Park or Dillsburg Pickle Fest! Worth noting: Enjoy a day in downtown Camp Hill for this year’s Plein Air Art Walk! Sunday is Mother’s Day Things on my agenda this weekend: Plein Air Art Walk in Downtown Camp Hill, HU Presents MUNA at XL Live, then heading to Philly for TS

For your weekend planning

View my local Restaurant Directory or Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Market on Market, downtown Camp Hill’s farmer’s market, opens for the season next week
The SoMa Block Party Series is announced for 2023!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 5, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Veterans Multi-Service Center officials cut the ribbon on their new downtown Harrisburg facility.

It looks like Harrisburg will get a break from the rain this weekend, so make sure you get out and enjoy the sun. Before you head out for the weekend, catch up on our local news coverage, below.

Annual Arts Awards were announced by Theatre Harrisburg this month. In our magazine story, read about the winners, musical couple Ya-Ting Chang and Peter Sirotin and Sankofa African American Theatre Company.

The annual Harrisburg Ride of Silence will take place on May 17 to memorialize those who have been killed or injured while riding a bicycle, our online story reported. The 2.5-mile ride will end at the state Capitol for a ceremony to honor those killed on Pennsylvania’s roads in 2022.

Harrisburg, county and federal officials announced a multi-million-dollar federal grant to help battle housing insecurity, our online story reported. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded local officials with a $2.3 million check for area social service groups to assist people who are experiencing homelessness.

The Harrisburg Senators will host a “City of Harrisburg Family Day” on May 21, our online story reported. The baseball team is offering thousands of free game tickets to residents.

May brings lots of great live music to the Harrisburg area. Our columnist lets you know which shows you can’t miss this month.

Midland Cemetery was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, our magazine story reported. The historic Black cemetery’s preservationists hope the designation will help keep it from being lost to the generations again.

“Puddles Pity Party” is headed to Harrisburg this weekend for a performance at H*MAC, our online story reported. Singer and musician Mike Geier, who performs as Puddles the sad clown, has been entertaining audiences for over a decade.

In railroad towns like Harrisburg, emergency responders don’t plan for “if” derailments happen. They plan for “when,” including the possibility of an East Palestine, Ohio-style incident. In our feature story, find out how officials and agencies prepare.

Theatre Harrisburg’s “Side Show” isn’t the circus from your childhood. Our theatre columnist reviews the “revoltingly true story” of the underbelly of freak shows in the 19^th century.

Sara Bozich has a great lineup of events for what looks like is going to be a sunny weekend. Find them, here.

Veterans Multi-Service Center celebrated the opening of its downtown Harrisburg office, which provides assistance to low-income and homeless veterans, our online story reported. The Philadelphia-based organization assists over 6,500 veteran households each year across its 10 East Coast locations.

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Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 28, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

HAAPI members at last year’s AAPI Heritage Month event, which will return to Harrisburg next month.

Can you believe it’s May already? The May issue of our magazine hit the stands this week, with a special spotlight on local dining. Grab a copy or read online, but while you’re here, catch up on this week’s local news coverage, below.

Autumn Fair, a Harrisburg native, recently launched a write-in bid for magisterial district judge for District 12-1-02, serving Midtown and Uptown. In our story, read about the challenges she has faced and about her desire to serve.

Community Corner shares some exciting events coming up this month in the Harrisburg area. Our Happenings column has even more ways to enjoy the month of May, with an extensive list of events.

“Financially Lit” will teach local youth life skills like budgeting, saving for the future and investing, our online story reported. Harrisburg financial educator Nicole Best developed the class with the goal of helping students learn skills that aren’t always taught, she said.

“Free Movie Fridays” will return to Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park band shell this summer, our online story reported. The first film will hit the screen on June 30, with movies showing weekly, through Aug. 18.

The Harrisburg Asian American Pacific Islander (HAAPI) group will celebrate AAPI Heritage Month on May 19 and 20, our online story reported. The festival will include author talks, movie screenings and cultural discussions.

Local dining is featured in the May issue of our magazine and, in his introductory note, our publisher previews the issue by sharing a story of one foodie’s love for Harrisburg restaurants.

Renewal by Andersen of Central PA has experienced substantial growth, partly due to demand that arose from homeowners wanting to remodel during the pandemic. In our magazine story, read about how the company is meeting the demand and finding ways to give back to the community.

Sara Bozich has an especially long list of events happening this weekend in Harrisburg. Find all of them, here.

Shamaine Daniels, a Harrisburg City Council member, announced her bid for U.S. Congress in 2024, our online story reported. In 2022, Daniels won the Democratic nomination for the office, but ran unsuccessfully in the general election against incumbent Republican Scott Perry. She now hopes for another shot at defeating him.

STEM Discovery Boxes include fun experiments for kids, sent to your mailbox, our magazine story reported. Local entrepreneur Carrie Bryson hopes the packages will introduce children to STEM and give them a hands-on educational experience.

Summer block parties will return to Harrisburg’s SoMa neighborhood for the sixth year, our online story reported. The monthly event will feature food, music and libations.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 27, 2023 | 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: You don’t want to miss The Beat Goes On Adventure Race at Roundtop on Saturday! Worth noting: Two HU Presents shows this week: Father John Misty at The Forum tonight (Thurs) and Alec Benjamin at XL Live (Saturday) Things on my agenda this weekend: Might take Bo to the Wetlands Festival after tee ball; family in town for Alec Benjamin; gearing up for a busy next week

For your weekend planning

View my local Restaurant Directory or Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Get those tickets! Greystone Derby Day is May 6
The SoMa Block Party Series is announced for 2023!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

- HU Presents Father John Misty with special guest Loren Kramar at The Forum
- Live @ The Shire with Stone House Break Down at Boneshire Brew Works
- An Evening with Rainn Wilson at the Appell Center with Midtown Scholar Bookstore
- Playeros De Harrisburg vs. Zorros de Somerset (AA Yankees)
- Erich Cawalla Presents “The Music of Sinatra, Bennett, Darin, and More” at The West Shore Theatre
- Chelsea Grin & Carnifex at HMAC
- Sink In at HMAC
- Poetry Reading w/ The Blacklisted Poets of Hbg (in Courtyard) at HMAC

Friday

- Spring Fling @XL Live featuring HOKO & more
- Live at the Beach: Mitch Gregory Blues at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Harrisburg Senators vs. Somerset Patriots (AA Yankees)
- WXPN Welcomes Indigo Girls with special guest Bitch – SOLD OUT
- Colebrook Road at the West Shore Theatre
- Opening reception for “Correlated Cultivations” three-artist invitational at Art Association of Harrisburg
- Hershey Symphony Italian Accents at Hershey Theatre
- Vision Video with Death Valley Dreams, Kristeen Young and The Mary Lous at Lovedrafts
- Denim Diamonds & Dogs
- Halfway to Halloween Party at Bube’s Brewery
- 410 Sprints & URC 358/360 Challenge at Williams Grove Speedway
- Theatre Harrisburg presents SIDE SHOW (Musical)
- Scotty McCreery at American Music Theatre
- Macrame Coasters Class at Creative Spark Arts
- Open Stage presents Tiny Beautiful Things
- 15th annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Mount Hope
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2

Saturday

- HU Presents Alec Benjamin at XL Live
- Independent Bookstore Day at Midtown Scholar Bookstore
- Book Launch Signing with Vashti Harrison: Big at Midtown Scholar Bookstore
- Book Launch Meet & Greet with Michael Garrigan: River, Amen at Midtown Scholar Bookstore
- Wetlands Festival at Wildwood Park
- Feel Your Boobies TuTu 2K Walk & 5K Run 2023
- Big Ole Poetry Block Party at Elementary Coffee Co.
- Ready Set Explore: Be My Neighbor Day at WITF
- Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dancers Program at The National Civil War Museum
- The Beat Goes On Adventure Race at Roundtop Mountain Resort
- Inaugural RTG Health and Wellness Fair at Strawberry Square
- The 25th Annual Plant Sale from Friends of the New Cumberland Library
- Stuart and Friends with Market Square Concerts
- One Year Business Anniversary & Adoption Event at Stonehill Kennel & Farm
- Spring Open House! at Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne
- 30^th annual VolksFest at Mount Hope Estate & Winery
- Songs of Hope and Inspiration with the Harrisburg Singers
- The Maxwell Project “The Music of Earth, Wind, and Fire and other R&B Legends” at West Shore Theatre
- Soul Miners Union at Blue Sky Tavern
- WXPN Welcomes The Wallflowers with special guest Jesse Malin
- Harrisburg Senators vs. Somerset Patriots (AA Yankees)
- Saturday Beach Bash: Chill Vibes at Harrisburg Beach Club
- PA Herb and Garden Festival in York
- Very Fine Gentlemen Album Release with special guests I Spy at Metropolis Collective
- Mr. Bill at HMAC
- Open Stage presents Tiny Beautiful Things
- 15th annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Mount Hope
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2

Sunday

- Season 38 Reveal & Cocktail Hour at Open Stage
- PA Herb and Garden Festival in York
- Harrisburg Senators vs. Somerset Patriots (AA Yankees)
- Spring Open House! at Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne
- Nobody’s Pen presents House of Poetry – An Intimate and Poetic Open Mic Experience at West Shore Theatre
- Hershey Symphony Classics and Jazz at The Hotel Hershey
- Alice Cooper at Hershey Theatre
- The Rhythm Lounge Mashup – Swing Dance Party – Any-Swing Goes
- RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles at American Music Theatre
- Songs of Hope and Inspiration with the Harrisburg Singers
- Open Stage presents Tiny Beautiful Things
- Sunday Bloody Sunday: Bloody Mary Specials! at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Yoga and Brunch at Wyndridge Farm

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Summer block parties to return to Harrisburg’s SoMa district, with food, drink, music

April 26, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

A past SoMa block party. Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography.

In a certain sign that summer is right around the corner, monthly block parties soon will return to Harrisburg’s SoMa neighborhood.

For a sixth year, S. 3rd Street, between Market and Chestnut streets, will shut down once a month for food, music and libations, according to organizers Sara Bozich and Harristown Enterprises.

The first party in the “South of Market” neighborhood will take place on Thursday, May 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. Additional block parties will follow on the last Thursday of the warm-weather months: June 29, July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28.

All block parties begin at 7 p.m., are free to attend and are dog-friendly, according to Bozich.

Each block party will feature a variety of vendors, including craft breweries and wineries, food trucks, a live band, non-alcoholic beverage vendors, yard games and more.

This season’s musical lineup will feature Mark DeRose & the Dreadnoughts (May), Collinsville Discount Band (June), Nate Myers & the Aces (July), Funktion (August), and Little Brother Band (September).

In addition, businesses along the street will remain open late to accommodate shoppers. These include Stash Vintage x Midtown Dandy, Boneshire Taproom at SOMA, Tamara Boutique, El Sol, and sip @ soma.

Street parking is available on Market, Chestnut and 4th streets, among others in the area. Parking is free after 5 p.m. in most of downtown Harrisburg.

For more information on the SoMa Block Party Series, visit Sara Bozich’s website.

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 21, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup will return to the city this weekend. Photo from a previous year.

It’s a beautiful night to experience 3rd in the Burg and explore all that the city has to offer. In our monthly magazine and online stories, you can also find lots of restaurants, galleries and theaters that you may have yet to check out. Put some on your to-visit list and let us know which local spots are your new favorites! But first, find all of this week’s news, below.

Artsfest will return to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park next month, featuring dozens of artisans and craftspeople, our online story reported. From May 27 to 29, vendors, live music and food trucks will take over the park for the annual event.

City Council member Rob Lawson shared his vision for affordable housing in Harrisburg in a community comment. He proposed the Harrisburg Buy Back Our Block Initiative to use city funds to acquire and rehab neglected housing.

El Coqui Bar & Grill recently opened in downtown Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. The restaurant serves Puerto Rican food and drinks, providing an authentic experience to locals.

The Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup is set to take place across the city this weekend, our online story reported. The event will utilize volunteers to help beautify the Allison Hill, Uptown and Midtown neighborhoods.

Katie Trainer, a local artist, recently completed a 400-square-foot mural inside the PA Department of Labor & Industry building in Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. Trainer has completed 97 murals across the country and is also an author and all-around creative.

Mt. Joy, an indie-rock band, will perform in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park on Sept. 16, as part of HU Presents’ Summer Concert Series. In our online story, find out what other local concerts were recently announced.

Open Stage’s “Tiny Beautiful Things” chronicles author Cheryl Strayed’s time as an advice columnist and the letters about love, loneliness and trauma that she reads. The play is a “heavy, thoughtful exploration of the human experience,” says our theater reviewer.

The Penn-Cumberland Garden Club promotes gardening, floral and landscape design, community beautification and preservation of plants and natural resources. In our magazine story, read about why the club has attracted so many members.

Sara Bozich has a great lineup of events for your weekend in Harrisburg. Find everything from live music to a beer, wine and spirits festival, here.

The Susquehanna Riverlands park gives visitors new access to state property that overlooks the Susquehanna River, our magazine story reported. The state recently acquired the 1,044-acre park and is currently crafting a master plan for the site.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 20, 2023 | 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: SoMa Sips Beer, Wine, & Spirits Festival is Saturday! Get tix here. Worth noting: Shy Bear Brewing is at sip @ soma Thurs + Fri; HU Presents Houndmouth Thurs; Mountain Goats Fri Things on my agenda this weekend: see above; don’t call me on Sunday

For your weekend planning

Enter to win a pair of tickets to Greystone Derby Day!
View my local Restaurant Directory or Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.