Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, we have a handful below, most of which are virtual or outdoor only.

Need something NEW to do? Snow Day today. Binge-watch Poured in PA if you haven’t yet. Try Cork & Fork’s Brunch. It’s still Cumberland County Restaurant Month — check out someplace new, like Dalicia! It’s also Black History Month, so check out this list of local Black-Owned Businesses to shop now and always.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: York Restaurant Week (weather pending for me), a virtual baby shower (my first), laundry (because it never ends).

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

For your weekend planning:

Below are options for your weekend.

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

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Top Weekend Recs

  1. Upgrade your bar cart with these local spirits + fave tools
  2. Some ideas for self-care
  3. Everything to know about lash extensions
  4. Chocolate-Covered February in Hershey
  5. Binge 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!

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Friday

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Sunday


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

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

A rendering of a 150-unit apartment and retail building that may be coming to Midtown Harrisburg.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, which means you might be busy cooking up something special for that someone special. When you have a break, catch up on the local news of the week, as we have all our stories listed and linked below.

The Black community in Harrisburg has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our magazine story reported. The virus carved a gash in leadership structures and within families. Those left behind are finding resiliency in the community and plumbing the legacies of lost loved ones for inspiration.

The Edward S. Finkelstein Jewish Film Festival will be virtual for the second year in a row due to the pandemic. Eleven films will stream virtually from mid-February to late March, our magazine story reported.

Our February podcast guests explore the vital role books are playing in our lives. We hear from Karen Cullings of the Dauphin County Library System and Stefan Hawkins of Good Brothas Book Café. Listen, here.

Good Brotha’s Book Café recently opened in Midtown Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. The coffee shop owner strives for representation for people of color by highlighting African American literature and art.

GreenWorks Development, along with Baltimore-based Washington Place Equities, unveiled a 150-unit apartment and retail building for Midtown. They plan to construct a 135,000-square-foot, four-story building at 320 Reily St., our online story reported.

Harrisburg is purchasing a former M&T Bank building on N. 7th Street to use as additional office space for city employees. They will renovate the building for use by the engineering and traffic departments, our reporting found.

Home sales in January were generally flat in the Harrisburg area, while price appreciation continued to be strong. Our online story has the specifics for Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties.

House of Vegans, a restaurant in Midtown Harrisburg has closed for now, with hopes to reopen, our online story reported. Owners are asking for the community’s help with fundraising in order to get back to serving their vegan soul food.

A Lancaster couple recounted their unique love story in a “Modern Love” essay for The New York Times. The pair, who have been married for seven years, found love thanks to a voodoo priest and a rooster, the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, and a cholera epidemic that followed. Read more in our magazine story.

Our resident chef, Rosemary, has whipped up the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day. Click here, to view her recipe for a chocolate amaretti cake sure to melt in your mouth.

Sara Bozich brings on all the Valentine’s Day feels with her list of ways to celebrate the holiday of love. Check out her Weekend Roundup for ways to spend the day.

Our wine columnist, Steve Juliana, showcases noble red wines—quaffs from grapes that have spread all over the world, while also historically being among the finest and most desirable. In his February column, he recommends Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, we have a handful below, most of which are virtual or outdoor only.

Need something NEW to do? A perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail (no date required!). Grab Cocoa Bombs from Cocoa Creek Chocolates and Brittle Bark (while they last). Or explore the Sweet Treat Trail.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: A virtual cocktail class, a virtual wine class, an overdue market and/or bakery trip, Steak Saturday (which may move to Sunday for V-Day, but still undecided!).

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

For your weekend planning:

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

  1. #ShopLocal Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
  2. 21 Valentine’s Day Dining Ideas
  3. Some ideas for self-care
  4. Everything to know about lash extensions
  5. Chocolate-Covered February in Hershey
  6. Binge 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!

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


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

Like this content?

Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Local cafés have teamed up with Bethesda Mission for their #iheartHBG campaign.

A snowstorm may have blown into Harrisburg to kick off the week, but the sun came out to welcome the weekend. Go for a walk, enjoy the weather while it lasts and catch up on the news, listed and linked below.

An affordable housing incentive program for city developers was proposed at a Harrisburg City Council meeting on Tuesday. The drafted bill would offer things like tax abatement and zoning relief to developers that include affordable units in their plans, our reporting found.

Our Artist in Focus for February is Dionn Reneé who is skilled in everything from photography to graphic design, but it’s her fine art that we’re highlighting this month. Click here to take a look.

Bethesda Mission launched its #iheartHBG campaign to raise awareness and funds for the work they do in the community, our online story reported. People can stop at local cafés through February and find a coffee cup sleeve with the hashtag on it.

Bob’s Art Blog highlighted African American artists and exhibits in Harrisburg, including the Susquehanna Art Museum’s new exhibit, “Sun + Light.” Bob also celebrates Lauren Nye, the museum’s director of exhibitions.

A condo building and a potential affordable housing project in Midtown Harrisburg have both received key zoning approvals from the city. A local developer wants to build the condos in the former Salvation Army building at Green and Cumberland streets, our online story reported.

Doggie Delights, a vendor at the Broad Street Market, enjoyed community support after the owners’ storage barn for their business burned down. Two GoFundMe pages for the family have already received numerous donations, our online story reported.

DTLR/Villa has moved down the block for several months into 309-311 Market St., the former location of the downtown Rite Aid store. Harristown Enterprises, the owner of both locations, stated that the national fashion and sports apparel retailer is expanding its store at 333 Market St. from 4,000 to 7,000 square feet, our online story reported.

Harrisburg provided free parking in the Locust Street Garage during the snowstorm earlier this week, our online story reported. The city also deployed 16 trucks to assist in snow removal.

How Harrisburg are you? Our editor has put together a list of 50 “very Harrisburg” things that residents or even visitors to the city can check off. You’ve swallowed a gnat while running/biking on the riverfront? Two points! Picnicked in Reservoir Park? Another two!

Otto Banks, a former Harrisburg City Council member announced his run for mayor, joining an increasingly crowded field of candidates, our reporting found. Banks said that he intends to run for the Democratic nomination.

The city Planning Commission approved several significant development projects on Wednesday, our reporting found. These include an apartment building with eight townhouses; a large apartment building with a parking garage; and a small, boutique apartment building.

Reading a book has become the perfect pandemic pastime, our magazine story reported. It’s also a great way to take a break from the screen and prevent eye strain, which eye doctors have seen as a growing concern.

Sara Bozich has some Super Bowl weekend food ideas to make or order. Not into football? She has plenty of other fun ideas for your weekend.

The Soul House Café in Allison Hill recently moved to a larger location at the corner of 17th and Paxton streets. Our magazine story highlights owner Andre Young and his resiliency, despite setbacks with the business.

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!

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, we have a handful below, most of which are virtual or outdoor only.

Need something NEW to do? Try my sauerkraut + bean soup, order food for the Super Bowl, #shoplocal for Valentine’s Day – view my guide here.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: Making or buying snacks for the Super Bowl, Steak Saturday’s feature is yet to be determined … I think porterhouses again.

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

For your weekend planning:

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

  1. #ShopLocal Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
  2. 14 places to order takeout for Super Bowl Sunday
  3. Some ideas for self-care
  4. Support Midtown Cinema by viewing films on-demand at home or booking a private screening.
  5. Binge 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!

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


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

Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Lou and Anna Vazquez recently opened Harry’s Bistro in Harrisburg.

Our February magazine came out just in time for a cold, possibly snowy weekend—the best time to cuddle up with some good reads, in our opinion. This issue is packed with inspiring stories of Harrisburg community members who faced tragedy during the pandemic and business owners thriving despite the odds. Don’t forget to catch up on this past week’s news, listed and linked below.

An apartment conversion for the former First United Methodist Church at 260 Boas St. received zoning approval on Tuesday, our online story reported. A tiny house community for veterans was also approved by the zoning board to be built on vacant land along the Susquehanna River.

B’hold Beauty opened in Steelton, adding to the area’s growing number of Black-owned businesses. Our magazine article tells owner Brittny Holder’s story and her mission to help people meet their hair goals.

CARES Act funding faced some criticism from the Harrisburg School District’s acting superintendent, who said that cyber charters are getting too much of the money, our web story reported. Commonwealth Charter Academy officials had the opposite view.

The Civic Club of Harrisburg experienced vandalism at the end of December, which caused around $13,000 in damage. Club President Marybeth Lehtimaki said that community members have already stepped up to help, our online story reported.

Dave Schankweiler virtually announced his run for Harrisburg mayor on Friday. He outlined his top agenda items, including decreasing violent crime, increasing accessibility within the administration and supporting the school district. Read our online story for more information on his platform.

Our Editor reflects on the holiday-filled month of February and looks forward to the promise of spring in his Editor’s Note.

Gloria Martin was our January Artist in Focus. Her paintings and illustrations often combine the realistic with the fanciful, with a dreamlike quality to many of her pieces.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC hosted its annual Legislators’ Forum to allow local members of the PA General Assembly a chance to share their agendas and concerns. Many discussed the impacts of COVID on the Harrisburg area, our reporting found.

Harry’s Tavern lives on as father-daughter duo Lou and Anna Vazquez opened “Harry’s Bistro” in its memory. Lou, a past owner of the original tavern, hopes his new venture will be a fun, musically inspiring place for people to hang out, our online story reported.

The Historic Harrisburg Association unveiled its top five preservation priorities for the year, our online story reported. The list includes Balsley House, a dilapidated, double building located downtown; William Penn High School; Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell UMC; Harrisburg State Hospital campus and Prospect Hill Cemetery Gate House.

“Ice in the Burg” will replace the city’s “Ice and Fire Festival,” still incorporating ice sculptures, but forgoing the traditional entertainment and vendors. Over 40 sculptures will be found around the city, our online story reported.

Sara Bozich has fun virtual events for what could be a snowy weekend at home. Check out her local listings, here.

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!

 

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, we have a handful below, most of which are virtual or outdoor only.

Need something NEW to do? Try some at-home cocktails with these local spirits and these sweet + spiked treats.

Also worth noting: We revived our private Facebook group, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: For ‘Steak Saturday’ (which may be Steak Friday this week), I’m planning on ICAG’s Steak Diane, but with venison as it was originally intended. We also are doing a Facebook Room Mystery Wine Tasting with Andy’s bro and sis-in-law. The winery sold “Mystery Boxes” (we chose dry), and the bottles come wrapped in paper. We try the wine, make tasting notes, then guess the varietal!

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

For your weekend planning:

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

  1. Some ideas for self-care
  2. Support Midtown Cinema by viewing films on-demand at home or booking a private screening.
  3. Get wine delivered to your door with WTSO
  4. Binge 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!

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


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

Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Mounted officers near the state Capitol building on Sunday.

There was plenty of national news this week, including the presidential inauguration, threats of violent protests at state capitals and, we can’t forget, that Bernie Sanders meme everywhere. Catch up on what happened locally. All our news is listed and linked, below.

BlueCross BlueShield Association reported that Millennials are more likely than Gen Xers or Baby Boomers to have a behavioral health issue, our magazine story reported. According to the report, 92% of millennials say the pandemic is hurting their mental health.

COVID-19 cases fell in Pennsylvania this week, our reporting found. Since last Friday, the commonwealth recorded an average of 5,651 new cases per day, according to the state Department of Health.

Gamers in the Harrisburg area have two board game cafés to choose from. Both Game Table Café and UrTurn Café welcome players of all skill sets, our magazine story reported.

Harrisburg School District officials announced a plan to return small cohorts of students to classrooms as long as COVID cases continue to decrease, our online story reported. According to Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer, elementary students and special education students will be prioritized.

MLK Day looked different this year due to COVID, but the Harrisburg community still found ways to celebrate, our reporting found. The Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service group held a full day of virtual events, and Wildheart Ministries hosted a small group of volunteers for a neighborhood clean-up.

Rent and small business relief programs in Harrisburg have taken off, our online story reported. Administrators of both funding initiatives said that they have been flooded with applications and are beginning to distribute money.

Sara Bozich introduced Stock’s on Second’s new hybrid concept, Dinno — “dinner and a show,” which launches on Friday. She also has tips for self-care and ways to stay entertained in her Weekend Roundup.

The state Capitol saw lots of police and PA national guard members, but not many protesters during the days leading up to the presidential inauguration, our online story reported. The FBI reported last week that armed protestors were expected at every state capital. However, it seemed law enforcement’s beefed-up security measures kept people away.

Talking Breads in Mechanicsburg locally sources items for its full menu of baked goods, meats and cheeses. They have everything needed for a perfect charcuterie board, as well as cookies, bagels, chocolate bars and more. Read more about the Mechanicsburg shop in our magazine story.

The Year in Art in Harrisburg is reflected on by our arts columnist, Bob MacGinnes. In the second part of his 2020 summation, he highlights local painters, muralists and designers who made this year in art spectacular.

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!

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, we have a handful below, most of which are virtual or outdoor only.

Need something NEW to do? Miss the experience of restaurants and live music but aren’t quite ready to venture out? New hybrid concept, Dinno — “dinner and a show” — launches at Stock’s on Second on Friday. Get the details here.

Also worth noting: We revived our private Facebook group, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Potty training (again). Send wine. I’ve also instituted “Steak Saturday,” and we’re having Delmonicos, baked potatoes, and some good wine (last week was Porterhouse | Broccoli | Mushrooms served with Gamble Paramount).

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

For your weekend planning:

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

  1. Some ideas for self-care
  2. Shop Plum Bottom’s end-of-season sale (like 20% off leather jackets!)
  3. Support Midtown Cinema by viewing films on-demand at home or booking a private screening.
  4. Get wine delivered to your door with WTSO
  5. Binge 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!

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


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

Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

The West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland is getting closer to renovation.

Much of the news lately has been stressful and, honestly, just a downer. But not all of it has been bad here in the Burg. As you mentally prepare for whatever may or may not come to the city this weekend, catch up on our local news coverage listed and linked below.

The Art Association of Harrisburg debuted a new exhibit last week called “Observations & Experiences.” Our art blogger Bob MacGinnes previews the exhibit that is a commentary “on life and its celebration of,” as seen and experienced by a quartet of female artists.

Harrisburg-area home sales rose considerably last month, our reporting found. For December, home sales totaled 744 units compared to 611 units in December 2019 for the three-county region.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced he will require all city employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, our online story reported. He said that widespread infection would “cripple” the city’s abilities to serve the residents of Harrisburg.

Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC boards of directors announced their board chairs and officers for the coming year, our online story reported. Meron Yemane of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management will serve as board chair for the Chamber, while Mike Funck of Wohlsen Construction will serve as the chair of CREDC.

Harrisburg residents are bracing for possible protests, hunkering down and hoping for safety, our reporting found. The community has witnessed rallies in their neighborhoods for months, but what could be coming this weekend is especially concerning to them.

Harrisburg University sold $100 million in revenue bonds to finance the construction of its 11-story academic building in downtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. HU President Eric Darr said this was a major step for the project.

Jane Elliot, a prominent race educator, will be a panelist at Sankofa African American Theatre Company’s virtual film festival, our reporting found. Executive Artistic Director Sharia Benn said that she hopes the festival will reach a diverse audience and teach people not only how biases are created, but how they can be changed.

Open Stage’s rendition of “Kafka’s Shorts” will take you on a bizarre, frightening ride, according to our theater writer. The play features six of Franz Kafka’s short stories, three of which you may miss if you blink, but all-powerful in the telling.

The PA National Guard plans to deploy troops to Harrisburg in preparation for possible violent protests leading up to the presidential inauguration, our online story reported. Local and state law enforcement said they will be ready for whatever comes their way, with aircrafts, drones and bomb technicians on standby.

Sara Bozich has a list of weekend activity recommendations, including a custom picnic experience and a private screening at Midtown Cinema. Check out the full list, here.

“Voices of the Pandemic” is a recently published anthology written by healthcare workers, educators, writers, entertainers and others, our magazine story reported. Lancaster-based author Don Helin, who edited the book, believes that this will serve as a way to look back on the emotions that accompanied the pandemic.

The West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland is getting closer to opening its doors once again, after being closed for six years, our reporting found. Nonprofit Friends of the West Shore Theatre announced large grants and donations that will fund the renovation project.

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!

Continue Reading