Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

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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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

September 24, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

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; there are a handful listed below)
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?
- Treat yourself to these artisan chocolates
- Make the ultimate fall cocktail
- Split a Wine Tasting Flight with some trusted friends
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

Make this cocktail with HOLLASpirits new Buji Fuji apple vodka
Celebrate Oktoberfest with Appalachian Brewing Co. (and WIN a $50 gift card here)
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!
Try something new: Haymaker Meadery
Tattered Flag is now shipping beer and spirits direct to your door!
Get a big hunk of meat to throw in the slow cooker this weekend at R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market
Have you watched Poured in PA: The Series yet?? It’s FREE on YouTube!
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!

Resources for to-go/delivery

Need wine? Click here.
Need booze? Click here.
Need beer? Click here.
Need cocktails? Kits + premade options here.
Brunch? Click here.
Wait, what about coffee, kombucha, tea, juice? Got you!
Find Carry-Out options here

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 18, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

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.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

September 17, 2020 | by 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?
- Split a Wine Tasting Flight with some trusted friends
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.

Top Weekend Recs

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!
Tattered Flag is now shipping beer and spirits direct to your door!
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!
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
WIN a BBQ feast from MoMo’s
Have you watched Poured in PA: The Series yet?? It’s FREE on YouTube!
Browse some new gems at Meeka Fine Jewelry.

Thursday

7th Annual HYP *VIRTUAL* 5 Miler
Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band @ Good Vibes
Pick-Your-Own Apples at Paulus Mt. Airy Orchards
4 The Kids Consignment Event
Friends & Family Movie Night at the Ballpark at FNB Field
Date Night at SpringGate All Inclusive with 717Taco
SpringGate at Adams Ricci Farmers Market!
Drink While You Think Trivia On The Lawn at Greystone Brew House
Road trip worthy: Okto’bear’fest Kickoff at Shy Bear Brewing
Sushi Rolling at the Vineyard at Hershey
Slushies & Tacos Happy Hour at Bourbon Street Saloon
Art and Air Adventure with GLO Harrisburg
Live with Wendy Walker and Mary Kubica: Don’t Look For Me with Midtown Scholar Bookstore
Jazzin on the Pride, Featuring – Tim Gothwald and Dan Dropkin
From the Field: Dove Banding Virtual Event with the Pennsylvania Game Commission
10 minute history: History of Swarner Mansion
Select Collision Kevin Gobrecht Classic Presented by Drydene at BAPs Motor Speedway
Throwback Thursday Roller Skating Session at Olympic Skating Center
Trivia Under the Tent at Mount Gretna Craft Brewery
Fall Fusion Tasting Dinner for 2 at River Bend Hop Farm & Brewery

Friday

Exercise Change Power Yoga – Read more here
Art Pop-Up at Rubicon
7th Annual HYP *VIRTUAL* 5 Miler
Ready Set Go Kindergarten & Friends with WITF at Cumberland Drive-In Theatre
Drive Thru PA Greek Fest Sale
Terrace Cabarets at Allenberry Resort
Pumpkin Palooza at SpringGate!
Ben Gallaher Live at Wyndridge Farm
North Street Supper Club at Rubicon
Wine With A Splash Of Lyme 2020
Milkshakes at the Market
1 Year Anniversary Cookout at Got Jerk Island Grill
4 The Kids Consignment Event
Pick-Your-Own Apples at Paulus Mt. Airy Orchards
Third Friday Food Trucks in Mechanicsburg
Cristiano Winery Open Mic Night
Live Music on The Englewood Patio
$250 Cornhole Tournament at Taste Key West
Joe Cooney and Friends Duo at Greystone Brew House
Decked Out Live with Katz 22 at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
Music in the Vines: Tim Rinard • Artisan Pizza & Roxy’s Cafe at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
Gray Apple Market Fall Flea
Chekhov Comedy: Love Hurts! at Gamut Theatre Group

Saturday

Saturday Nights in the City – Downtown Harrisburg
Dirt Petal Art Pop-Up at Rubicon featuring The Vintage Vine Plant Sale and Nation of Sara
Exercise Change Boot Camp with Omni Fitness
Exercise Change Yoga with Destiny
7th Annual HYP *VIRTUAL* 5 Miler
Drive Thru PA Greek Fest Sale
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Terrace Cabarets at Allenberry Resort
New Cumberland Farmers’ Market on 4th
Pumpkin Palooza at SpringGate!
Drive Thru Slavic Food Fest
Food Truck & Live Music w/ Derek Henry at Big Hill Ciderworks
Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band at Buddy Boy
Milkshakes in Midtown: Dog Park Fundraiser at Broad Street Market
2020 Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival at City Island
PlayLand & Corn Maze at Paulus Mt Airy Orchards
Grab-n-Go Crab & BBQ at Trinity High School
1 Year Anniversary Cookout at Got Jerk Island Grill
4 The Kids Consignment Event
Pick-Your-Own Apples at Paulus Mt Airy Orchards
HYP Detweiler Park Hike
Shrimp Band on the Sidewalk Stage at Market Cross Pub
Outdoor Movie Screening: TROOP ZERO at Rising Sun Acres
Farm Show Expo Center Community Blood Drive
Emily’s ToyBox at Taste Key West
End of Summer Bash at Liquid Noise Brewing Co.
Grape Picking at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
Greenlight Operation Art Festival at Christian Life Assembly
Live Music on The Englewood Patio
Hummelstown Fire. Co. Drive Thru BBQ
Forty Elephants Vintage & Handmade Market Park City
Grab-N-Go Crabs & BBQ at Trinity High School
St. James Presbyterian Church Community Blood Drive
Post 974 ANNUAL CORN AND CLAM JAM
2020 HUE Invitational
Reptiles At The York Expo Center
Music in the Vines: Hank Imhof • RK Foodwrecker at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
Unplugged with Tim Rinard at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
Gray Apple Market Fall Flea

Sunday

Adopt-A-Classroom Outdoor Workout Series with Thrive Fitness
Exercise Change Vinyasa Flow
Exercise Change Yoga in Spanish
Art of the State Virtual Awards Ceremony with The State Museum of Pennsylvania
7th Annual HYP *VIRTUAL* 5 Miler
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Pumpkin Palooza at SpringGate!
Fort Hunter Day 2020
Harrisburg Free Market at Broad Street Market
PlayLand & Corn Maze at Paulus Mt Airy Orchards
The Singer’s Lounge in the Park: The 90’s Show
CD East Food Truck Festival Fundraiser
Pick-Your-Own Apples at Paulus Mt. Airy Orchards
Art & Craft Fair at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
Outdoor Movie Screening: TROOP ZERO at Rising Sun Acres
Furry Friends Network Race For Their Lives
HHA’s Tribute to Calobe Jackson, Jr. and Harrisburg’s African-American Heritage
2020 HUE Invitational
Barre Benefiting Four Diamonds at H2L Studio
Chekhov Comedy: Love Hurts! at Gamut Theatre Group
Allegro Winery Stewartstown Wine music FOOD!
Williams Grove Flea Market
Back to the Grind at Steelton Skatepark
Kevin Koa at Good Vibes Deli
Open Mic Sundays at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
Hershey RV Show

Resources for to-go/delivery

Need wine? Click here.
Need booze? Click here.
Need beer? Click here.
Need cocktails? Kits + premade options here.
Brunch? Click here.
Wait, what about coffee, kombucha, tea, juice? Got you!
Find Carry-Out options here

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 11, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

A ribbon-cutting ceremony opened a revived Paxtang Park to the public.

Harrisburg’s Gallery Walk is this weekend! Take a stroll and enjoy some great local art, but first, check out the news you may have missed this past week.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights the Susquehanna Art Museum’s exhibit, “Separate and Unequaled: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Negro League.” In Bob’s story, hear from local historian Calobe Jackson Jr. and Ted Knorr, an expert on the history of Negro League baseball, on the significance of the exhibit.

The Broad Street Market held its first-ever wedding on Sunday. Our online article tells the story of a Midtown couple who wanted to tie the knot at their favorite community gathering spot.

COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania dipped over the last week. Our weekly coronavirus reporting finds there was an average of over 700 new cases each day.

Harrisburg City Council, on Tuesday, struck down a proposal to hire former City Council President Gloria Martin-Roberts as a communications liaison. Some members accused the mayor of trying to make a campaign move, our online story reports.

Harrisburg Commercial Interiors plans to convert two long-abandoned buildings on Cameron Street into office and residential spaces. Most of the project will take place in 2021 and yield five industrial-style apartments, our reporting found.

The Harrisburg Planning Commission announced two virtual public meetings for next week to present the draft comprehensive plan. After years of delay, the document seems to be nearing completion, our reporting found.

The Latino Hispanic American Community Center will display up-and-coming artists at this weekend’s Gallery Walk. Bob’s Art Blog gives a sneak peek into the paintings, mixed-media pieces and sculptures that will be showcased.

Open Stage Theatre of Harrisburg is presenting a free, all virtual season for 2020-21. Our online story has the lineup of shows available to stream right to your home.

Paxtang Park was long overgrown until the Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association got its hands on it. On Thursday, officials cut the ribbon on the revived park, which offers parking and easy access to the Greenbelt trails, our online story reports.

Pennsylvania restaurants can now allow 50% indoor capacity, announced Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday. He said this will take effect on Sept. 21, but only for those who agree to a self-certification, our online story reports.

Sara Bozich encourages readers to support local restaurants by celebrating “Harrisburg Takeout Month.” Her Weekend Roundup has recommendations for places to grab a bite to-go.

TheBurg Podcast visits us for its monthly edition, this time focused on hope and food. Host Karen Hendricks shows us that “there’s always more to the story” by featuring three stories from our September magazine, plus “the most Harrisburg thing.”

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!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 4, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

The city is encouraging people to celebrate “Harrisburg Takeout Month” and support local restaurants.

Happy Labor Day weekend! Get ready for some sunny days ahead, but first, catch up on any news you may have missed this week, below.

COVID-19 cases rose again this past week in Pennsylvania. Our reporting found that there were just over 800 new cases each day, compared to last week’s daily average of 622.

Our editor reminisces on the time he was roped into acting as a vampire in his friend’s horror movie. Surprisingly, what he learned through playing the part applies to how we can feel during the pandemic. Read his monthly column, here.

Food and dining is the focus of our September issue of the magazine. Read what our editor has to say about the effect of COVID-19 on the restaurant business, as well as how to support TheBurg.

Harrisburg city council weighs the possibility of hiring former council president Gloria Martin-Roberts as a communications consultant for the city. Our online reporting discusses the reasons why Mayor Eric Papenfuse is advocating for this role.

“Harrisburg Takeout Month” is replacing Harrisburg Restaurant Week this year. The Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District encourages people try a new local restaurant this month from the safety of their home, our reporting finds.

Lead paint in old Harrisburg homes has been poisoning children for years. Our magazine story tells about the local groups trying to combat it and rid the city of the toxin.

The LGBT Center of Central PA opened its new traveling exhibit, “With Open Heart and Open Arms: LGBTQ Cuban Refugees and Our Community’s Response to the Mariel Boatlift.” In our online story, project manager Barry Loveland expresses his hope that the exhibit is an eye-opener for visitors.

Meet Peter Leonard, the visionary behind Little Amps Coffee Roasters, in this month’s magazine story. Find out how he went from barista to chief executive officer, all the while, creating that unique Little Amps vibe we know and love.

Sara Bozich has plenty of Labor Day weekend fun in store. Her weekend recommendations include Harrisburg’s traditional Kipona Festival. This year, the city opted for a virtual format with one day of in-person food trucks and fireworks on Saturday.

The Washington family rediscovered their love of art when they became members of the Art Association of Harrisburg. Now, as part of the association’s Community Exhibition Program, a gallery in Harrisburg City Hall displays their artwork. Read the family’s story in this month’s magazine.

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!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

September 3, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Labor Day Weekend! After a tough week here, we’re heading to the PA Wilds for a visit with the in-laws (one of Bo’s favorite places to go due to the racecar, side-by-side, and goat).

September is Takeout Month! (Ya know, because normally it’d be Restaurant Week soon.)
Donate blood (look for drives near you)
Get outside! Explore the Hershey Harrisburg Adventure Trail.
September is also apparently National Self-Care Awareness Month, so we’ll be exploring this and sharing some recommendations.
Enter to win a Bud Light Seltzer Mini Fridge
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.