Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

The Week that Was: News and events around Harrisburg

Bottles of hand sanitizer are ready to ship from Gettysburg’s Mason Dixon Distillery.

You know the drill: the news was all coronavirus, all the time. So, let’s cut to the chase with the weekly recap of our coverage, all listed and linked below for your reading pleasure.

COVID-19 cases skyrocketed this past week in Pennsylvania. We summarized the increasingly grim numbers each day, and you can read our latest story from Saturday by clicking here.

Distilleries in our area have stepped up to convert their facilities to the manufacture of hand sanitizer. Our online feature describes how several craft distilleries are uniquely filling a niche during the health crisis.

Harrisburg has put a moratorium on residential evictions for the duration of the city’s emergency declaration. Our online story offers all the details.

Harrisburg University still has students in its residence halls, and they need to be fed. This week, the Central PA Food Bank showed up to offer supplies for these students, and we carried several pictures of the event.

Harristown and the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District are teaming up to install temporary comfort stations near Market Street. They hope the portable toilets and basins will assist the area’s transient population and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Click here for our online story.

Lancaster and York counties became the first midstate counties issued “stay at home” orders by Gov. Tom Wolf. What does that mean? We have a list of permissible and non-permissible activities in our online story.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore held its first virtual book talk this past week. Our writer sat in to see if technology could mimic the experience of a live author event. She shares her experience in our online story.

Parking in Harrisburg will remain free for the foreseeable future, as the city and its parking operator have extended their enforcement moratorium. Get the details from our online news story.

Pennsylvania’s primary election has been delayed about five weeks, to early June. This past week, Gov. Tom Wolf also signed significant bills regarding the school year and funding for medical supplies. We have the rundown in our online story.

Sara Bozich, like everyone else, is stuck at home, which may not be her natural way of doing things. Nonetheless, in her weekly column, she has some ideas on virtual events, as well as ways to support our community during this time.

School and state issues were in focus during Harrisburg’s second Facebook Live event, hosted by Mayor Eric Papenfuse. Click here to find out what he discussed with school district and elected officials.

Schools in PA were ordered to remain closed for at least two more weeks. The state Department of Education ordered schools to be shut down until at least April 6. Get the details from our online news story.

Small businesses are getting hit hard, as stores have been shut down and people mandated to stay home. To help, the state announced a new small business loan program with a zero-percent interest rate. Click here to find out more.

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

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich: Isolation Edition

Obviously, don’t go anywhere (still, please).

“Events” happening this weekend:

Top picks to-go/delivery

Boneshire Brew Works  4-packs and growler sales 4-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 12-4 p.m Saturday Order online Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works  Food, to-go beer, spirits, canned cocktails – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Order online Appalachian Brewing Co. – Harrisburg & Mechanicsburg Take-out only 12-8 p.m Mechanicsburg now offering Appalachian Craft Spirits Call 717-221-1080 to order View menu
  • Thursday – Half-price wings
  • Friday – FREE Kid’s Meal (with purchase of sandwich or entree)
  • Saturday – Half-price Hog Wild
  • Sunday – Half-price Harrisburger
Ploughman Cider  Take-out cider a the Taproom 12-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday Online cider sales now available. HOLLA Spirits  Spirits available to order online 20% of all sales go to U.S. Bartenders’ Guild COVID-19 Relief Program and other virus relief funds – Read more MoMo BBQ Co.  Open for take-out and limited delivery, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Family meals available Call 717-550-7995 R.G. Hummer Meats & Cheese  Open during Broad Street Market Hours (See more below) Fresa Bistro Open for take-out and limited call-in delivery Call 717-216-8754 or use GrubHub Broad Street Market Open mostly normal hours; limited customer entry; some vendors closed – BUT – many offering online delivery Cornerstone Coffeehouse 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for carryout Limited food menu available There are MANY restaurants doing pick-up/delivery — check-in with your favorites.

Culture + Chill

Check out our new Culture Vulture series – ways to experience life outside while, ahem, inside.
  • Where/what to eat + drink
    • Need wine?
  • Virtual entertainment/digital programming
  • Other local shopping options
Midtown Scholar Bookstore 10% BONUS on gift cards through the end of March – You can use it immediately here, plus SAVE 10% on used books with code SCHOLARSALE Shop new books through affiliate BookShop Midtown Cinema Purchase a gift card (with BONUS 10% when you buy now) or renew your membership now to keep them going, then reap the benefits of your purchase once they reopen! Secure a future movie night for two – with two tickets, two small popcorns, two small sodas, and two bags of candy! Stash Vintage Shop online via Etsy All local orders free pickup or free delivery (over $35) Save 25% off your purchase of 2 or more items online, plus look for flash sales
Stay home (as much as possible) + stay healthy!
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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

“Closed” signs abound throughout Harrisburg’s business districts.

Around Harrisburg, the past news week amounted to all-coronavirus, all the time, as all other stories understandably took a back seat to the pandemic. At TheBurg, we had both a statewide and local focus, and, if you missed some of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below.

Art can be seen and sometimes even made out of doors. So, our arts blogger is going directly to nature for his art fix, adding a planned plein air event, with adequate social distancing, naturally.

Broad Street Market remains open as a vital food resource in Harrisburg. Our online feature story explains the surprisingly upbeat and very community-oriented vibe inside the city’s historic food and farmers market.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the closure of all “non life-sustaining” business offices, telling people to self-isolate at home unless they’re an essential worker. This office shutdown was arguably the most severe restriction of several over the past week.

Harrisburg declared a state of emergency in the city and shut public access to the city government center as a result. Dauphin County followed suit, closing down public access to county facilities. Our online story offers information on how to continue to do business with both governmental bodies.

Harrisburg suspended street parking enforcement for 10 days, along with street sweeping enforcement. Capital Region Water also explained its policies and actions in light of the crisis. We published an online story explaining both.

Harrisburg school district and the city police are collaborating on ways to feed the city’s schoolchildren, now that school has been suspended. Find out how you can help in the effort from our online story.

Mayor Papenfuse went higher tech than usual this past week, employing Facebook Live to connect with residents and answer questions. The fire chief and police commissioner joined him, addressing many COVID-19-related topics.

Methodist churches closed throughout the Harrisburg area last year. Our magazine feature tells what happened with one parish, in our only non-coronavirus story of the week.

PA Department of Health began a daily coronavirus update of cases in PA, with a county-by-county breakdown. We covered them all, including the latest from Saturday.

PA Liquor Control Board cracked down on license-holding bars and restaurants that have refused to close for on-premises consumption. Sanctions will be imposed on violators, warned the PLCB, which also closed all its state liquor and wine stores.

Restaurants and other small businesses are already suffering immensely, forced to shut down to prevent the spread of the virus. In a blog post, our editor makes a plea for the community to support them.

Runners are a committed bunch. So, even though springtime races have been cancelled, they ran the races independently, taking precautions to ensure social distancing. Our reporter, a runner herself, described the scene along the river.

Sara Bozich traded in her usual list of events for a more important list—guidance on how to support local businesses facing devastating economic times. Visit her story and help your neighbors.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever to subscribe here.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich: Pandemic Edition

Obviously, don’t go anywhere.

It’s all a bunch of Sundays now. At least that’s what it feels like to me. I’m doing laundry, cooking, entertaining my toddler, eking in some work here and there.

So far, I’ve made banana bread, used my slow cooker three separate times (homemade applesauce, pork and sauerkraut, Tuscan Bean Lemon Kale Soup).

I’ve also written a couple posts on working from home because I’ve been doing it for more than eight years. Check ’em.

It’s a good time to check-up on your houseplants or order some garden supplies. Both Ashcombe and Highland Gardens will be open in limited capacity and will provide delivery or curbside service.

Feel like shopping? Lots of local vendors have an online shop (or opened one) and would love your support. I love love love Stash Vintage (see deals below) and Fennec Design, both of whom I’ve purchased lots of goodies from.

If you’re thinking about selling your own goods, my girl Betsy is sharing tips for building your own Poshmark (or other) closet on her personal IG. Follow her here.

The only events actually “happening” this weekend:

Ways to support local businesses:

BEER AND SPIRITS TO-GO SALES, ETC.

Boneshire Brew Works 
4-7 p.m. for 4-packs and growler sales
Order online

Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works 
Order online

  • Middletown (food, to-go beer, spirits, canned cocktails) – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Hershey (bottled spirits, canned cocktails) 4-7 p.m.
  • Gettysburg (Beer, spirits, canned cocktails) 4-7 p.m.

Appalachian Brewing Co. – Harrisburg & Mechanicsburg
Take-out only 12-8 p.m
Mechanicsburg now offering Appalachian Craft Spirits
Call 717-221-1080 to order
View menu

Ploughman Cider 
Online cider sales now available.
Save 20% with code LAUNCH; free shipping on 6 or more bottles

HOLLA Spirits 
Spirits available to order online
20% of all sales go to U.S. Bartenders’ Guild COVID-19 Relief Program and other virus relief funds – Read more

Lancaster Brewing Co. Harrisburg
Takeout + Curbside Pickup, 12-6 p.m. daily
Save 10%
View menu

FOOD FRIENDS

MoMo BBQ Co. 
Open for take-out and limited delivery, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 717-550-7995

R.G. Hummer Meats & Cheese 
Open normal Broad Street Market Hours (See more below)

Fresa Bistro
Open for take-out and limited call-in delivery
Call 717-216-8754 or use GrubHub

Broad Street Market
Open normal hours; limited customer entry; some vendors closed – BUT – many offering online delivery

Cornerstone Coffeehouse
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for carryout
Limited food menu available

Sophia’s at Walden
Hours vary for take-out, curbside and delivery (within 3 miles) only; lunch and limited dinner only
View menu

There are more restaurants doing pick-up/delivery — check-in with your favorites; many are choosing to close.


HOW TO GET WINE

Allegro Winery
Curbside pickup available at Brogue, Stewartstown, York – call for details
Order online here

Cassel Vineyards of Hershey
1-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday for pick-up.
Order online – Free shipping on 12 bottles or more with code FREESHIP

Waltz Vineyard
Free shipping and curbside pickup – Order online


Non-food specials

Midtown Scholar Bookstore
10% BONUS on gift cards through the end of March – You can use it immediately here, plus SAVE 10% on used books with code SCHOLARSALE
Shop new books through affiliate BookShop

Stash Vintage
Shop online via Etsy
All local orders free pickup or free delivery (over $35)
Save 25% off your purchase of 2 or more items online

Midtown Cinema
Purchase a gift card (with BONUS 10% when you buy now) or renew your membership now to keep them going, then reap the benefits of your purchase once they reopen!
Secure a future movie night for two – with two tickets, two small popcorns, two small sodas, and two bags of candy!


Stay home (as much as possible) + stay healthy!

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Burg Blog: We Must Help

Mangia Qui/Rubicon will be closed to patrons, but the owners are encouraging takeout and delivery orders.

This morning, at TheBurg, we had a meeting.

Over the past few days, it’s become clear that economic and social life is fast shutting down in the Harrisburg area due to the coronavirus contagion.

So, what does this mean for us? How will this impact our business? What changes should we make? And, mostly, how will we manage through this crisis?

I know that many other small businesses have had similar difficult meetings in the past day or two. For some, work will go on almost normally, though people may be forced to work from home or may need to balance their work and home lives more delicately, especially those with children.

For other people, especially owners of small, public-facing businesses, the meetings have been even more tense and the decisions harder.

Do you stay open or do you close? And, if you close, how will you survive until you can open once more to customers.

Arguably, the greatest impact is on restaurants, shops and any place that is event-oriented.

People are responding in a multitude of ways.

This morning, Sara Bozich announced the cancellation of Harrisburg Beer Week, which was slated for late April. Also, the Millworks announced that it was closing until further notice. Midtown Cinema is closed, as are most arts venues.

Some places are making major adjustments, but trying to remain in operation.

So, as of this morning, Little Amps was doing only takeout from its State Street location. Elementary Coffee Co. shut down its North Street shop, but will happily deliver coffee beans right to you. Yellow Bird Cafe is encouraging takeout orders, as well.

Mangia Qui/Rubicon made the tough decision to close down their restaurants to patrons, but will offer curbside pickup and delivery. Would you like chef Qui Qui Musarra to cook for you specially? My answer is an emphatic yes.

Revolutionary War-era philosopher and author Thomas Paine once wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

No, this isn’t war, but it is a severe health emergency, now compounded by an economic crisis.

We’ve already been told how we can help mitigate the health component: social distancing, working from home. And now it’s up to us, as a community, to ensure that our small businesses survive this unfolding economic catastrophe. After all, not only do these businesses serve us everyday—and sometimes on a shoestring—but unlike larger corporations and chain stores, the owners often live right here. They’re our neighbors, too.

When this epidemic finally passes, we’ll need these talented, motivated people and their wonderful products to still be here with us, in our community.

So, please redouble your commitment to patronizing these businesses. If you don’t feel comfortable going in person—or can’t—you still can help by:

  • Ordering in. Many businesses are doing delivery themselves or through a delivery service.
  • Picking up. In the Harrisburg area, many businesses will deliver right to your idling car.
  • Taking out gift cards. Spend now, buy later. You know you’ll eventually purchase Urban Churn’s incredible ice cream or the Millworks’ farm-to-table fare. So, front-load it, helping the cash flow of your favorite businesses in the process.
  • Some businesses will take direct contributions. These especially applies to arts groups like Gamut Theatre Co., Open Stage, Susquehanna Art Museum and Theatre Harrisburg, among others.

There are probably a hundred other ways to help. Go to your favorite businesses’ websites or social media pages or call them to find out what you can do to help ensure their survival.

Harrisburg, we are all in this together. We have to weather this crisis and come out the other end in good enough shape to rebuild. We can only accomplish this by each one of us asking, “What can I do? How can I help?”

Lawrance Binda is co-publisher/editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

An aerial rendering of the revised plan for Harrisburg University’s new academic building (center)

The health crisis created by the coronavirus epidemic dominated the news this past week, and we had our first local stories on the outbreak. However, we published numerous other stories, especially before the news became all coronavirus, all the time. If you missed any of our coverage, we have our articles listed and linked below.

Coronovirus outbreak took its first big swipe at daily life in the Harrisburg area. First, the St. Patrick’s Day parade and other events were cancelled then, on Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all schools closed for the next two weeks.

Harrisburg City Council turned back a mayoral veto regarding the seemingly dull subject of street vacations for the federal courthouse project. However, there was a larger issue at stake. Get the details of this and several other council actions from our online story.

Harrisburg University unveiled its revised design for a new academic building in downtown Harrisburg. The project has been scaled back after a planned hotel was removed. Read the details in our online story.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area were strong in February, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. Take a dive into the local data by reading our online story.

Knead Slice Shop is the newest pizza purveyor in town, setting up shop along the 3rd Street corridor. Our feature story tells how the latest venture from Knead’s owners came to be and how the pizza is different from that in the Broad Street Market.

Little Amps Coffee Roasters had planned to hold its annual latte art competition, one of its most popular annual events. Due to the coronavirus, it’s been postponed. But you still can get a flavor for the event from our online feature story.

Midtown Cinema will begin showing a new film this weekend called “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” In her monthly column, our reviewer sums up the movie to offer a taste before you head out.

Sara Bozich has your weekend plans, as she has a habit of doing. You’re likely to find something on her lengthy list to suit your taste.

Theatre Harrisburg debuted its latest production, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” which runs through this weekend. Find out our reviewer’s thoughts after she attended the opening.

TheBurg Podcast is back, returning to the pod universe after a long hiatus. We’ve changed almost everything about it, opting for a magazine format. But one thing remains the same. Give a listen and find out what that is.

U.S. Census has begun, with some households already receiving their census forms or instructions in the mail. Our March magazine feature story explains what participating means and why it’s so important.

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

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

I think we could all use some downtime, no? If you’re thinking about city living, please join us this afternoon at The BenMar (124 Pine St., Harrisburg) — we’ll have refreshments, music, and free tours. Registration (FREE) required. On Saturday, we’re enjoying a special wine dinner that we purchased in a Très Bonne Année auction in October. Otherwise, the weekend is low-key, which is just fine with me. I’ve got popcorn on my mind.

What are you doing this weekend?

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

The Salvation Army building in Midtown Harrisburg

This past week, you may have been focused on the many important national new stories. Still, plenty was happening locally, too. If you missed some of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below.

Arts blogger Bob took a trip out of town to see a stunning, sprawling exhibit in historic Milton, Pa. In his column, find out what’s hanging there, and he also has some ideas closer to home.

Gamut Theatre Co. has a new show this month, the classic drama, “An Enemy of the People.” Our theater reviewer attended opening night to take in the play’s timely, powerful message. Click here to read her review.

Harrisburg University is revising its plan for a new building in downtown Harrisburg, removing a 10-story hotel from the proposal. Find out why and what comes next by reading our online news story.

Harrisburg University recently debuted a testing lab, with ambitions to grow the facility to benefit both students and businesses. Check out our online story to find out more about the initiative and where you’ll soon find the testing center.

Music in the Harrisburg area has improved by leaps and bounds, says our music writer. Her magazine column reveals which shows are worth your time this month.

Sandwiches by ShakeDown has debuted in the Broad Street Market, with a new concept from the owners of the former barbecue favorite. Get a taste of what they’re up to in our online story, which also has an early (metaphorical) Easter egg for hungry fans.

Salvation Army Harrisburg has been trying to sell its Midtown building for five years, and an interested buyer has finally emerged. Find out what the proposed developer plans to do and how his concept has been greeted.

Sara Bozich always has something fun up her sleeve, and this weekend is no exception. Pick and choose from her long list of events, which contains something for every taste.

Steve Reed served as Harrisburg mayor for 28 years, leaving office as one of the most important, and controversial, figures in city history. Now that Reed has passed, our editor, in his monthly column, takes another look at his legacy.

The Painted Word is our quarterly review of the fine arts scene in and around Harrisburg. This month, our columnist went to school—literally—with a roundup of exhibits at area colleges.

Zeroday Brewing Co. has a lot on its plate—and in its taps. TheBurg broke the news last weekend of a major expansion for the Harrisburg-based company. Find out what’s brewing in one of our most-read online stories of the past year.

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

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!   I can’t seem to make headway yet this month, but powering through nonetheless (though I did spend 30 min on the phone with my mom yesterday planning our respective gardens).

If you’re looking for something a little different, we’re hosting a morning networking event tomorrow (Friday) at Strawberry Square near Little Amps. I’ll cap my Friday with a private event at Open Stage!

Saturday I am market-bound. My pantry is stocked, but fresh food is low.

On Sunday, I’m hoping to pop-by the Pink Boots Society brew day at ZerØday, and by evening, dinner at my mom’s with my favorite foods (and pie!)

What are you doing this weekend?

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse held a news conference to announce details of next weekend’s Ice & Fire Festival.

Our coverage this past week had a little of everything—hard news, events, culture, features. In case you missed any of it, we have it all listed and linked below. Happy Leap Day, everyone!

Art Association of Harrisburg held a big opening show during last week’s 3rd in the Burg, featuring the art of two talented locals, Charlie “Bootleg” Feathers and Reina “R76” Wooden, in addition to another exhibit called, “Hear Me?” Our arts blogger was on hand, and you can read what he had to say.

Civil Rights Movement was one of the most important historical eras in U.S. history. A photographer, Danny Lyon, captured many of the movement’s key events, his images now featured in an exhibit at Lebanon Valley College. Our magazine story gives you the picture.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania plans a new, three-story building on 7th Street, the former home of D&H Distributing. The builder was in town to give the Uptown community a briefing on the project, and we were there to report what he said.

Gamut Theatre opens its newest production, “Enemy of the People” this weekend. Our preview story explains why the play was selected and what it means for our day and age.

Harrisburg and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority had some tense moments during last week’s meeting, as the city filed a lawsuit against the state-appointed financial oversight board. Read what’s at issue in our online story.

Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival is next weekend, so the city had a press briefing to let the public know all about it. The daylong event on March 7 will feature ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, fire dancers and much more. Click here for all the details.

Historic Harrisburg Association recently gave a presentation on its “Preservation Priorities” for 2020. In a blog post, our editor took this occasion to offer his kudos to individuals, groups and companies that recently have helped preserve the city’s historic heritage.

Kesher Israel is moving further Uptown, having purchased the former Riverside United Methodist Church. The synagogue plans a move later this year, located closer to where much of its congregation lives. Our online feature has the full story.

L&L Beauty Supply recently opened on Reily Street in Midtown Harrisburg. This business is truly a family affair, as our magazine feature explains.

Penbrook recently elected its first African-American mayor, John McDonald. Our magazine feature story tells of his life of devotion to family and community.

TheBurg came out with our March edition on Friday, with a focus on “Women in Business” around the Harrisburg area. As always, you’ll find a great mix of news, features, columns and events. Click here to read it online.

TheBurg won five awards in the annual PA NewsMedia Foundation’s advertising contest. Find out what our peers judged to be among the best ads in the business and see our first-place award winners.

Sara Bozich issued her weekly, lengthy list of goings on around Harrisburg, complete with music, arts, food and drink events. There’s still plenty of time left in the weekend to go do something fun.

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

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