Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

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.”

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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.

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.

Weekend Recs

Grab some local brews from Boneshire Brew Works, Hemauer Brewing, Appalachian Brewing Co. or Tattered Flag.
Pick up HOLLA Spirits at your local state store — OR, if you’re lazy like me, just order online and have it shipped!
Stock up on grilling needs at R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market
Order some great takeout, maybe a BBQ feast for the backyard from MoMo’s
Binge episodes of Poured in PA: The Series 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

August 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 27, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend! As the person who has spoken only of my garden and its bounty all summer, I am highly tuned to the weather right now. It is supposed to rain all day Saturday, and I am FOR IT, and I apologize to all of the folks trying to have safe, responsible events outdoors that day. That said, I have a couple non-tomato-related items I’d love to check off of my list this weekend, like:

Hit up Little Black Dress’s 6th-anniversary event (runs Thurs-Sat)
Donate blood (look for drives near you)
Visit The Midtown Scholar on Saturday for Independent Bookstore Day — outdoor sidewalk sale
Hunting down Tröegs Trail Day because I love hoppy pilsners. Haze heads should hit up ABC for their latest new release — a hazy IPA!

Below are ample options for your weekend, whether you’re laying low (there is no shame in the stay home game!) or venturing out. But if the latter, mask up and be nice!

Weekend Recs

Grab some local brews from Boneshire Brew Works, Hemauer Brewing, Appalachian Brewing Co. or Tattered Flag.
Pick up HOLLA Spirits at your local state store — OR, if you’re lazy like me, just order online and have it shipped!
Stock up at R.G. Hummer’s in the Broad Street Market
Order some great takeout, maybe a BBQ feast for the backyard from MoMo’s
Try something new: Catch The Obstructed View with Open Stage TONIGHT
Binge episodes of Poured in PA: The Series FREE on YouTube!
Browse some new gems at Meeka Fine Jewelry.
Make your Fall Haul at Little Black Dress’s 6th Anniversary Event.

Thursday

Exercise Change Slow + Gentle Yoga
WITF presents Toward Racial Justice Series Continues with an Exploration of Environmental Justice
ABC’s Virtual Beer Olympics
The Obstructed View | Guests Codey Ulsh & Miss Honey Grace with Open Stage
Little Black Dress’s 6th Anniversary Event
Trivia Under the Tent with Mount Gretna Craft Brewery
Outdoor Classes – Summer 2020 H2L Studio
Trivia at the Winery at Cristiano Winery
Cassel Vineyards’ Fear of Commitment Book Group: Short Fiction Only
YPOC Happy Hour (Virtual)
A Pair of Aces at Liberty Forge
Beverage Release Party at Wyndridge Farm
Throwback Thursday Roller Skating Session at Olympic Skating Center
Slushies & Tacos Happy Hour at Bourbon Street Saloon
Comedy Night at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
Corvettes at Carlisle Presented by Top Flight Automotive 2020
Live with Marjoleine Kars and Claudio Saunt: Blood on the River with The Midtown Scholar Bookstore
Hope, Human and Wild Book Discussion at Dillsburg Yoga
Taste of Lititz

Friday

2020 Virtual Tour de Belt
ABC’s Virtual Beer Olympics
Nissley Summerfest Series
Corvettes at Carlisle Presented by Top Flight Automotive 2020
Taste of Lititz
Little Black Dress’s 6th Anniversary Event
Live Music on The Englewood Patio
Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band at THEA
$250 Cornhole Tournament at Taste Key West
New Sephora in Town: The Shoppes at Susquehanna
Capital City Mall Community Blood Drive
Terrace Cabarets at Allenberry Resort
Music in the Vines: Wave Quartet • Blazing Swine • RK Foodwrecke at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
Parking Lot Get Down at Molly Pitcher Brewing Co.
Brandi L M at Rubicon
Music on The Farm at Wyndridge
Music in the ‘Garten with Ryan Moran at Mount Gretna Craft Brewery
The Willys at PloughTap
Charlie Fry & Eurotrash at Nat’l Apple Museum
Drive In Movie- “The Kid Who Would Be King” at Shank Park
Issa Virtual Game with GLO Harrisburg
Dovetail on the Pride of the Susquehanna
Decked Out Live with Don Johnson 3D Trio at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey

Saturday

Harrisburg River Rescue Inaugural Par 3 Golf Tournament
Carpool Cinema – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
2020 Virtual Tour de Belt
Independent Bookstore Day at The Midtown Scholar Bookstore
Little Black Dress’s 6th Anniversary Event
Saturday Nights in the City – downtown Harrisburg
SuperChef on the Go and Virtual Silent Auction!
ABC’s Virtual Beer Olympics
Outdoor Classes – Summer 2020 H2L Studio
Corvettes at Carlisle Presented by Top Flight Automotive 2020
Taste of Lititz
Live Music on The Englewood Patio
New Sephora in Town: The Shoppes at Susquehanna
Terrace Cabarets at Allenberry Resort
The Swisher Sweets at Taste Key West
Recordsmith Record Store Day Round 1
Unplugged with Mind The Light! at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
Rascal Revival (trio) in the Courtyard! at Cristiano Winery
Harrisburg Community Blood Drive at Scottish Rite Cathedral
Music in the Vines: Joe Cooney • RK Foodwrecker at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
Wyndridge Farm Pig Roast
Dog Days of Summer with HOPE at Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson
New Cumberland Farmers’ Market on 4th
Market on Chocolate – August 29
Summer’s End: Socially Distanced Live Music at National Apple Museum
SpringGate Dragon Fruit Slushy Festival!

Sunday

Adopt-A-Classroom Outdoor Workout Series with Thrive Fitness
Exercise Change Vinyasa Flow
2020 Virtual Tour de Belt
ABC’s Virtual Beer Olympics
Corvettes at Carlisle Presented by Top Flight Automotive 2020
Taste of Lititz
VIRTUAL Event! Nissley Vineyards & Winery
Customer Appreciation Day at Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
New Sephora in Town: The Shoppes at Susquehanna
HYP Book Club Book: “The Earthsea Cycle” Books 1 & 2 at Soldier’s Grove
Bring Your Own Partner Cornhole Sunday Center Street Grille
Fall Car Show at William’s Grove Historical Steam Engine Assoc
Sunday Tours at Dill’s Tavern
Yoga in the Park at Wildwood Park
Secret Sunday at Ploughman Cider Taproom
Art + Flea Pop-Up Market
SpringGate Dragon Fruit Slushy Festival!

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

August 21, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

A cow is groomed at the 2020 PA Farm Show. In 2021, the event will be virtual.

The start of the school year is just around the corner, and fall plans are taking shape. If you missed any of our coverage while back-to-school shopping (or shopping for PPE), we have all of our stories of the past week listed and linked.

A “Community Classroom” program was introduced by Rep. Patty Kim on Monday. Under the program, local organizations will open their doors to Harrisburg students whose parents work outside the home, and volunteers will supervise and help with online classes, reported our online story.

New COVID-19 cases fell substantially this past week in PA, as there were fewer than 700 new cases each day on average. For more information and the numbers by the county, read our weekly online pandemic reporting.

A food truck festival is scheduled for Sept. 19 to support Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley. Check out our online story for more information on the event happening on City Island.

The Harrisburg School District wants to help close the online connectivity gap for students and their families. The district will partner with Tri County Community Action to provide free Wi-Fi for 1,500 families, our online story reports.

Hemauer Brewing Company opened in Mechanicsburg in May. Our magazine story tells of owner Brooks Hemauer’s quest to open his own brewery.

The PA Farm Show will be virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our online story has more information about why the state made the decision to cancel the live show.

Rosemary has a fresh, summery meal for you to try in her August magazine column. A grilled baby eggplant dish is her pick of the month, inspired by chef Bobby Flay.

Sara Bozich plans to take a trip to Paulus Farm Market this weekend. What do you have planned? If you need some ideas, check out her Weekend Roundup.

“Saturday Nights in the City” is being extended through September. Our reporting has an updated list of restaurants participating in the al fresco dining experience in downtown Harrisburg.

The South Central PA Sickle Cell Council plans to hold educational programming for national Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September. They will hold a series of four online seminars to help familiarize people with the disease and inspire them to donate to the cause, our online story reports.

Sports in the Harrisburg School District have been canceled for the fall. Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer said he understands that this will impact student athletes, but feels it would be unsafe to play, our online story reports.

The tourism industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic just as it was looking forward to the typically busy summertime. In our magazine story, hear from Destination Gettysburg, Visit Hershey & Harrisburg and other tourism organizations on how they’ve been affected.

A town hall meeting was held by the city on Tuesday to hear from Harrisburg residents on a proposed citizen’s police advisory board. The discussion focused on who should have the power to choose board members, our online story reports.

The old William Penn High School has long sat vacant, but some organizations have ideas for what it could be. Read our magazine story to learn more about the building’s history and what is happening with it now.

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

August 20, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend! Things on my weekend agenda include: trip to Paulus Farm Market, haircut for the kiddo while we still can (still recovering from his dad’s quarantine attempts), stopping by The Vintage Vine Stem Sale, annnnnnd making more tomato sauce and pesto, when will it end. Below are ample options for your weekend, whether you’re laying low (there is no shame in the stay home game!) or venturing out. But if the latter, mask up and be nice!

Hiya, 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.