Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Midtown Scholar Bookstore this weekend hosts the annual Harrisburg Book Festival.

This past week, the weather gave us a little bit of this and little bit of that—and so did the local news. If you missed any of our original coverage, we have it all summarized, listed and linked below.

Central PA Food Bank has reported record fundraising, thanks to generous community response to a virtual fundraiser in September. The funds are being used to feed growing numbers of food insecure individuals, our news feature reports.

Fall activities in central PA have been impacted greatly by the pandemic. However, as our magazine story explains, the fun is still on, just in a somewhat different form.

Harrisburg City Council last week took another pass at a proposed police advisory board, approving several key amendments. The final legislation still must be voted on, our online story states.

Home sales and prices in the greater Harrisburg area rose again, continuing a months-long climb. Our monthly update has the facts and figures.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore this weekend hosts its annual Harrisburg Book Festival. There will be an outdoor book sale, but much of the festival will take place online, including an event with one of the world’s most famous novelists.

New COVID-19 cases continued a month-long rise in PA, along with a sharp increase in testing. Our weekly update has a breakdown of the data.

Sara Bozich highlights all-things fall in her weekly list of fun things to do this weekend around Harrisburg. She has all the pumpkin-y details for an autumn outing.

Tyrai Anderson wanted to give back to his community, so he has taken the first steps towards becoming a Harrisburg police officer. Our magazine feature explains his motivations and goals.

UPMC Pinnacle, along with the Peyton Walker Foundation, donated life-saving devices to the Harrisburg Police Bureau last week. Our online story explains the details of this special gift.

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 community journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

There are plenty of things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA.

Things on my agenda this weekend: donating blood, checking some items off my fall Bucket List, making beef stock, snuggling under a blanket, enjoying a cocktail.

 

For your weekend planning:

Below are ample options for your weekend, whether you’re laying low (there is no shame in the stay home game!) or venturing out.


Oh hey, are you on the email list? In addition to getting this weekly update loaded with things to do each weekend around Harrisburg directly in your inbox, I load it with a bunch of other fresh, original content. Sign-up here. I also recommend following me on IG.


Top Weekend Recs

  1. RG Hummer opened a second location at West Shore Farmers Market
  2. Final weekend to celebrate Oktoberfest with Appalachian Brewing Co.
  3. Sample fall meads with Haymaker Meadery
  4. Tattered Flag is now shipping beer and spirits direct to your door!
  5. Watch Poured in PA: The Series
  6. Build your holiday wishlist at Meeka Fine Jewelry.

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? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.


Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

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.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Things on my agenda: hair cut (thank god), photo shoot, housework, football. Also, I meal plan now, I guess.

For your weekend planning:

Below are ample options for your weekend, whether you’re laying low (there is no shame in the stay home game!) or venturing out.
Oh hey, are you on the email list? In addition to getting this weekly update loaded with things to do each weekend around Harrisburg directly in your inbox, I load it with a bunch of other fresh, original content. Sign-up here. I also recommend following me on IG.

Top Weekend Recs

  1. RG Hummer opens a second location at West Shore Farmers Market
  2. Celebrate Oktoberfest with Appalachian Brewing Co.
  3. Sample fall meads with Haymaker Meadery
  4. Tattered Flag is now shipping beer and spirits direct to your door!
  5. Watch Poured in PA: The Series
  6. Build your holiday wishlist at Meeka Fine Jewelry.
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


Resources for to-go/delivery around Harrisburg PA


Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Owner Stefan Hawkins stands in front of what will be Good Brotha’s Book Café.

The October issue of TheBurg Magazine hit the streets this week, just in time for fall. Check out our many stories focused on the arts. Also, don’t forget to catch up on this past week’s news, which is listed and linked below.

A “Black Lives Matter” mural in Harrisburg was defaced early Sunday morning. The name of a white supremacist group was graffitti’d on the wall, our online story reports. The mural has since been restored.

COVID-19 cases rose in PA over the past week, with an average of over 1,000 new cases per day. Check out our weekly pandemic reporting for the number of cases in your county.

Dauphin County will extend office hours for its elections office and is disseminating information about mail-in ballots. For information on registration and voting deadlines, read our online story.

Our editor discusses how he has seen newspapers working together as allies during the pandemic. In his October Editor’s Note, he encourages the community to support local media.

The Englewood in Hershey is a new restaurant and event space in a barn that dates back to 1861. After a massive renovation project, guests can now enjoy live music, a brick fireplace and a good meal. Read more about The Englewood in our magazine story.

Forster Street will undergo changes to make it more pedestrian-friendly thanks to federal transportation funds. In an editorial, our editor reflects on the history of this dangerous street and addresses why the improvements are needed.

Free tree removal and trimming will be offered by Harrisburg to low-income families, as city officials hope to help rid the city of dead and dangerous trees. They also explained guidelines for fall leaf collection, our online story reports.

Good Brotha’s Book Café is planned to open in Midtown Harrisburg in November by the owners of House of Vegans restaurant, also in Midtown. Owner Stefan Hawkins said the coffee shop will promote African American literature and art, our online story reports.

The Harrisburg Holiday Parade will be a drive-through affair this year due to COVID-19. Participants in the parade will remain stationary, while spectators will drive by in their vehicles to watch, our reporting found.

The Pride of the Susquehanna will hold a “Boatoberfest” fundraiser at the Vineyards and Brewery at Hershey. The nonprofit hopes to raise money to keep the riverboat afloat during this financially difficult time, our online story reports.

Sara Bozich is making the most of the fall weather this weekend. She has plenty of ideas for how you can do the same in her Weekend Roundup.

Shelley Brooks has worked at Bethesda Women’s Mission for over 35 years. Here, she fulfills her passion by helping women in crisis find hope. Check out our magazine article to read her story.

TheBurg’s editor focuses on the bright side of the COVID-19 pandemic in his October magazine column. While it’s easy to focus on the negatives, he finds that there are some unexpected and welcome changes around Harrisburg.

An “Urban Meadow” in Midtown may be extended to create a longer pedestrian walkway that connects to the coming federal courthouse. Officials hope to secure grants and begin construction in early 2021, our online story reports.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

 

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

Things on our agenda: market trip, flu shot (did you get yours yet?), archery opener, little league games, cooking, and cleaning.

We’ve really been trying to make the most of the weather lately with walks to a nearby campus. There are lots of acorns, squirrels, and groundhogs to discover, fields and bases to run. Until yesterday when baseball returned, and my son found out he couldn’t just join the game with the big kids. Oh boy.

 

For your weekend planning:

Below are ample options for your weekend, whether you’re laying low (there is no shame in the stay home game!) or venturing out.


Oh hey, are you on the email list? In addition to getting this weekly update loaded with things to do each weekend directly in your inbox, I load it with a bunch of other fresh, original content. Sign-up here. I also recommend following me on IG.


Top Weekend Recs

  1. Celebrate Oktoberfest with Appalachian Brewing Co.
  2. Celebrate Pigtoberfest (Oktoberfest, Boneshire-style) at Boneshire Brew Works
  3. Create your own beer flight. Check out our Fall Brew Review.
  4. Sample fall meads with Haymaker Meadery
  5. Tattered Flag is now shipping beer and spirits direct to your door!
  6. Get a big hunk of meat to throw in the slow cooker this weekend at R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market
  7. Watch Poured in PA: The Series
  8. Start building your holiday wishlist at Meeka Fine Jewelry.

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


Resources for to-go/delivery


Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

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. 2nd 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.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

For your weekend planning:

Below are ample options for your weekend, whether you’re laying low (there is no shame in the stay home game!) or venturing out.
Oh hey, are you on the email list? In addition to getting this weekly update loaded with things to do each weekend directly in your inbox, I load it with a bunch of other fresh, original content. Sign-up here. I also recommend following me on IG.

Top Weekend Recs

  1. Make this cocktail with HOLLASpirits new Buji Fuji apple vodka
  2. Celebrate Oktoberfest with Appalachian Brewing Co. (and WIN a $50 gift card here)
  3. Create your own beer + cheese pairing. Grab some local brews to-go from Boneshire Brew Works and some delicious cheeses from Revittle at the Broad Street Market.
    1. Note: Look for our fall brew review next week!
  4. Try something new: Haymaker Meadery
  5. Tattered Flag is now shipping beer and spirits direct to your door!
  6. Get a big hunk of meat to throw in the slow cooker this weekend at R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market
  7. Have you watched Poured in PA: The Series yet?? It’s FREE on YouTube!
  8. Browse some new gems at Meeka Fine Jewelry.
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


Resources for to-go/delivery


Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Jordan Dandy stands on the corner Front and Forster Streets with the message “You’re so important.”

It’s Harrisburg Takeout Month! Order in from your favorite restaurant and then catch up on the news you may have missed from this past week, listed and linked below.

“Bike to Work Week” starts on Monday in Harrisburg, and the city is setting up pop-up bike lanes to encourage bicycling. The initiative is part of the city’s “Vision Zero” plan to decrease pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, our online story reports.

Capital region arts organizations will get a share of grant money distributed statewide, it was announced last week. Eight Dauphin County organizations will receive funding, including the Susquehanna Art Museum and the Harrisburg Symphony Association, our online story reports.

CONTACT Helpline is celebrating 50 years of assisting people in need of emotional support and connections to human services. Check out the story of the organization that has provided a listening ear to so many.

COVID-19 cases remained stable in Pennsylvania over the past week, our online story reports. They did, however, spike in counties with large college campuses.

Essential workers in Harrisburg may see some appreciation coming their way. The city proposed a $2,500 pay bonus for those who worked every day without the option to telecommute, our reporting found.

Gamut Theatre is safely bringing back live performances, beginning with “Love Hurts!” Our online story gives you a sneak peek into the plot of this hilarious show.

Harrisburg City Council proposed amendments to a bill that would establish a police advisory board. Changes came following public demands that the board have more power, our online story reports.

Harrisburg restaurants have found ways to adapt in the ever-changing times of COVID-19. Our magazine story explains how some local favorites have changed and survived.

Harrisburg University’s e-sports team is the subject of a new locally produced documentary. The film showcases HU’s efforts to become a major player in the e-sports industry, our online story reports.

I-81 is the topic of discussion for regional transportation planners who are seeking public input on how to improve the highway. Our online story has more on the initiative that looks to update 12 focus areas along the road.

Jordan Dandy has been standing on the corner of Front and Forster streets for two weeks with the message, “I value you,” written on poster board. For many, he has become a bright spot in their morning commute. Check out his story in our online article.

House of Vegans is one of only a few vegan restaurants in the Harrisburg area. Our magazine story gives you a taste of the owners’ passion for healthy eating and the reason they opened their new shop.

Residential real estate is looking good as home sales and prices were up in August. Our online story has the numbers for Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties.

Sara Bozich is getting ready for fall by watching football, cooking a pot roast and heading to the Broad Street Market. Check out her list of fun things to do this weekend, including pick-your-own-apples and a Pumpkin Palooza.

State Street is slated for major changes to improve safety and make the road more pedestrian-friendly. Harrisburg city engineers spoke with the community on Tuesday about their plans to reduce traffic lanes and increase crosswalks, our online story reports.

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

Would you like to support our journalism and get some great benefits to boot? If so, become a Friend of TheBurg!

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

I don’t know how it went from being too hot to go outside to I left the windows open one night and haven’t been warm since.

Regardless, I embrace these changes of the seasons (fall is actually next week, so it’s cool, I just don’t like to rush things, I prefer to appreciate each season rather than wish time away), cleaning out my closets, planning for a chill fall and winter, wishing I’d planted some nice root vegetables.

Anyway.

Check out all these great things to do this weekend around Harrisburg. I’ll be taking walks with my kiddo and watching football, cooking a pot roast, and hopefully getting to the market.

Consider for your weekend planning:

  • September is Takeout Month
  • It also is Hunger Action Month, so maybe a donation to match that take-out bill?
  • Donate blood (look for drives near you)
  • Get outside! Explore the Hershey Harrisburg Adventure Trail.
  • September is also National Self-Care Awareness Month. A friend just sent me a big box of sheet masks — how do you do self-care?
  • It’s a good time to make sure you have a fitness plan in place for the fall/winter. Burn30 is celebrating 10 years this month — new members get 10% off their first month of training when they sign up in September.
  • See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are ample options for your weekend, whether you’re laying low (there is no shame in the stay home game!) or venturing out.


Oh hey, are you on the email list? In addition to getting this weekly update loaded with things to do each weekend directly in your inbox, I load it with a bunch of other fresh, original content. Sign-up here. I also recommend following me on IG.


Top Weekend Recs

  1. Create your own beer + cheese pairing. Grab some local brews to-go from Boneshire Brew Works or Appalachian Brewing Co. and some delicious cheeses from Revittle at the Broad Street Market.
    1. Note: Jimi and I are planning a fall brew review for next week!
  2. Tattered Flag is now shipping beer and spirits direct to your door!
  3. Pick up HOLLA Spirits new Buji Fuji apple vodka at your local state store — OR, if you’re lazy like me, just order online and have it shipped!
  4. Get a big hunk of meat to throw in the slow cooker this cool weekend at R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market
  5. WIN a BBQ feast from MoMo’s
  6. Have you watched Poured in PA: The Series yet?? It’s FREE on YouTube!
  7. Browse some new gems at Meeka Fine Jewelry.

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


Resources for to-go/delivery


Continue Reading