Local businesses awarded at competition, following weeks-long entrepreneurship education

June 21, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Queen’s BBQ owners accept a check from M&T Bank and HU Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship officials. Photo courtesy of M&T Bank.

Three local businesses will get a boost in their entrepreneurial efforts.

The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab just wrapped up, concluding with a pitch competition, which awarded cash prizes to small, minority-owned ventures.

The annual program, hosted by M&T Bank and Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), provided educational courses to participants over the past seven weeks.

The first-place winner of the pitch competition was Anya Lumpkin, founder of Queen’s BBQ and Southern Cuisine, who won $5,000. Queen’s previously operated a restaurant on N. 3rd St. in Midtown Harrisburg.

A second-place prize of $3,000 was awarded to Richard Bailey, owner of Bailey II Studios LLC. Amy Ellis, owner of Total Rehabilitation Systems, won the third-place prize of $2,000.

Throughout the duration of the program, participants received guidance in creating business plans, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, networking and more.

M&T Bank has hosted the innovation lab program since 2022, providing free resources and expertise to entrepreneurs.

Beyond the seven-week-long initiative, the CIE serves as a business incubator for startups year-round, offering 12- to 18-month-long programs, specifically focused on assisting minority- and women-owned businesses. In October, M&T Bank announced that it would support the CIE with $250,000 and a five-year commitment of support.

For more information on the multicultural small business lab, visit M&T Bank’s website. To find out more about HU’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, visit their website.

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Pride of the Susquehanna will not launch this season, repairs needed

June 21, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Pride of the Susquehanna

Harrisburg’s riverboat will remain docked for the season.

The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society (HARS) announced on Friday that the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat will not be launched in 2024, due to unexpected repairs.

In May, HARS, the nonprofit that operates and maintains the riverboat, shared that the cruising season would be delayed until July, as the U.S. Coast Guard identified repairs that the boat needed to meet safety regulations.

The repair is needed to fix the men’s restroom waste tank.

However, the organization has now said that the repairs will take longer than expected, causing them to have to cancel the season.

“We understand this news may be disappointing, but we appreciate your patience and continued support,” said Lori Ribbans, chair of the society. “HARS is dedicated to ensuring that the presence of a riverboat on the Susquehanna at Harrisburg is preserved for future generations, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard for the 2025 season.”

HARS will contact everyone with existing reservations for cruises to share information concerning refunds.

For more information or to donate to help finance the boat repair, visit the HARS website.

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Ribbon-cutting set for new meeting space, stage in Strawberry Square

June 21, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

The new ClockBox and stage at Strawberry Square

Colorful additions to Strawberry Square will officially debut next week with the grand opening of a new meeting space and stage.

Harrisburg Development Corp. will cut the ribbon on the new UPMC ClockBox and the UPMC Stage at Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.

The ClockBox is a yellow-hued, second-floor, cantilevered, conference and meeting room overlooking the atrium. It replaces the former Chockablock Clock, the auto-kinetic ball machine that was installed in the atrium in 1989.

“The new ClockBox has created a truly unique and inviting meeting and gathering space for a variety of users,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown, who added that the space is available for lease.

The new stage replaces a smaller stage and adds a large, dynamic display and new sound system.

“The new stage and sound system have been designed to accommodate larger groups and more activities in Strawberry Square, as the usage of the atrium space has changed over time,” Jones said.

Construction of both the ClockBox and the new stage began last year following the removal of the longstanding Chockablock Clock, which was relocated to Shippensburg University. The ribbon-cutting will take place on Thursday, June 27, at 11 a.m.

UPMC will sponsor both the stage and the ClockBox for the next five years, according to Harristown.

“We are proud to partner with Strawberry Square to support these wonderful spaces and the many activities they will host,” said Elizabeth Ritter, president of UPMC Harrisburg, in a statement. “The Harrisburg area is a growing, dynamic region and we are pleased to continue to support the needs of area residents.”

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National Civil War Museum to celebrate Juneteenth with Community Free Day this weekend

June 20, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

The National Civil War Museum

This weekend brings a new opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth through crafts, music and history.

The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg will host a Juneteenth Community Free Day on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring various events and activities.

Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, was officially celebrated on June 19.

At the community day, a group of about 20 Black quilters will showcase their craft all day, demonstrating quilting techniques and answering questions from attendees.

At 1 p.m., a choir composed of members of Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg will perform in the ballroom.

Thompson’s Independent Battery C, an artillery reenactment organization, will honor those who sacrificed their lives in the Civil War through demonstrations at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. They will fire a mountain howitzer, a type of cannon used in the Civil War.

“This initiative allows individuals to come together and honor the significance of Juneteenth while enjoying a day filled with educational experiences and community engagement,” according to a release from The National Civil War Museum.

For more information visit the National Civil War Museum’s website.

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26 Winners: See which stories, photos, designs garnered Keystone Awards for TheBurg this year

June 20, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

It’s early summer, which brings us steamy weather, outdoors activities and, if you’re a journalist in Pennsylvania, the year’s most anticipated press awards.

This week, we learned that TheBurg received 26 individual and group Keystone Media Awards, a peer-reviewed contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) Foundation. Each year, PNA receives thousands of entries from 100-plus news organizations throughout Pennsylvania, with entries judged by working journalists in other states.

Our awards were the most we’ve ever received in a single contest. They cover a wide range of areas, including reporting, writing, photography, illustration and design and include the prestigious “Sweepstakes” award for the best performance statewide in our category. Earlier this year, TheBurg also won the “Sweepstakes” award in the PNA Foundation’s annual advertising contest.

Of special note, our assistant editor, Maddie Gittens, received the prestigious “Distinguished Writing Award,” a specialty prize awarded to just one journalist throughout the entire commonwealth. So, be sure to click on her stories to read some of the highest-quality news writing in Pennsylvania.

But let us delay no further. As I have in previous years, I have all the winners listed below, with links so you can see what the judges deemed to be some of the best work done statewide in 2023. In some cases, we’re sharing just a sample of the entry, which included multiple stories in the submission.

SPECIALTY AWARD

Distinguished Writing Award: Maddie Gittens (a single, statewide award) (3 stories, all linked below)

The Best of Pal’s: Following tragedy, Harrisburg menswear store keeps the doors open with the owner’s legacy front and center

Starting Over: Fleeing war, Ukrainians attempt to make a life in Harrisburg, find help in a church basement

On the Move: Harrisburg activists work to break down physical, attitudinal barriers facing residents with disabilities

REPORTING/WRITING AWARDS

Enterprise Reporting: First Place, Lawrance Binda and Diane McCormick (Broad Street Market fire coverage, one of three stories shown)

From Ruin, Rebirth: Hope arises from the ashes of the Broad Street Market

News Beat Reporting: First Place, Maddie Gittens (Harrisburg city government beat, one of six stories shown)

Harrisburg tells people living in Riverfront Park to vacate; service providers work on long-term homelessness plan

News Beat Reporting: Second Place, Maddie Gittens (Harrisburg School District beat, one of six stories shown)

William Penn demolition halted, Harrisburg School District to weigh other options

News Beat Reporting: Honorable Mention, Maddie Gittens (local business beat, one of six stories shown)

I’ll Drink to That: Harrisburg restaurateur Adam Sturges masters the art of the neighborhood bar

Breaking News: First Place, Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens (Broad Street Market fire, one of five stories shown)

Broad Street Market vendors, city residents gather, grieve following devastating fire

Ongoing News Coverage: Second Place, Lawrance Binda and Diane McCormick (Broad Street Market fire, one of five stories shown)

Fire Policy: Now’s the time to reconsider how the Broad Street Market operates

Ongoing News Coverage: Honorable Mention, Lawrance Binda, Maddie Gittens and Susan Ryder (Homelessness, one of five stories shown)

The Hidden Homeless: In the Harrisburg area, many people have lost their housing, but you won’t find them living on the street

News Feature Story: First Place, Diane McCormick

Bricks & Grit: The Broad Street Market rebuild will take equal parts construction and community

Business or Consumer Story: Honorable Mention, Maddie Gittens

The Best of Pal’s: Following tragedy, Harrisburg menswear store keeps the doors open with the owner’s legacy front and center

Column Writing: First Place, Lawrance Binda (one of three columns shown)

AI and Me: The one where I hand my column over to ChatGPT

Feature Story: First Place, Maddie Gittens

Starting Over: Fleeing war, Ukrainians attempt to make a life in Harrisburg, find help in a church basement

Lifestyle/Entertainment Beat: First Place, Bob MacGinnes, Visual Arts (one of five stories/blogs shown)

Have Art . . . Will Travel: EsōArts— a gathering, a groove, a gallery

Excellence in Reporting on Diversity- Equity and Inclusion: First Place, Maddie Gittens, Rachel Curry & Alex Hayes (one of five stories shown)

Owning It: Diverse businesses are setting up shop in downtown Harrisburg, highlighting the city’s culture, expertise

Excellence in Reporting on Diversity- Equity and Inclusion: Second Place, Maddie Gittens, M. Diane McCormick, Susan Ryder & Sammi Leigh Melville (one of five stories shown)

Purple and Gold Standard: For 100 years, the men of Kappa Omega have made history, impact in Harrisburg

Excellence in Reporting on Diversity- Equity and Inclusion: Honorable Mention, Maddie and M. Diane McCormick (one of five stories shown)

Pioneer, Powerhouse: For 100 years, Hettie Simmons Love has broken barriers, set standards

Headline Writing: First Place, Lawrance Binda (one of three headlines shown)

Furplus Inventory: Shelters, rescues struggle in a post-pandemic world

ART/DESIGN AWARDS

Breaking News Photo: First Place, John Kelly, “After the Fire”

Feature Photo: Honorable Mention, Haley Harned, “Fall Bounty”

News Page Design: First Place, Meg Caruso & Steve Barber (one of five designs shown)

News Page Design: Second Place, Meg Caruso & Rob Homan (one of five designs shown)

Feature Page Design: First Place, Meg Caruso & Haley Harned (three designs shown)

Feature Page Design: Second Place, Meg Caruso (three designs shown)

Graphic/Photo Illustration: First Place, Stephen Michael Haas

On the Road to NEPA: Go for the scenery, stay for the food, shopping

Graphic/Photo Illustration: Honorable Mention, Rich Hauck

City Wild: In Harrisburg, nature meets human

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Clean Cut: Down to Earth Barbershop opens in Midtown, emphasizes relaxation

June 20, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Tylor Hockenberry in front of his barbershop

A new Harrisburg barbershop provides fresh cuts and good vibes.

Down to Earth Barbershop, owned by Tylor Hockenberry, opened its doors on June 1 at 215 Reily St. in Midtown.

Hockenberry has been a barber for about four years and always dreamed of owning his own shop. Recently that dream came to fruition.

“I like the freedom and stability,” he said. “I like to create my own environment.”

Hockenberry described the atmosphere of his new barbershop as similar to a spa.

“It’s really relaxed,” he said. “I wanted to create something chill, and I think it’s a perfect fit for the community over here.”

Down to Earth Barbershop interior

The shop offers men’s and boys’ haircuts.

Hockenberry shared that he plans to foster a relaxed environment through options such as hot towel shaves and facial services.

“I want there to be an upscale type of feel to the shop,” he said.

Hockenberry is also passionate about networking with the community and is interested in using and promoting local products.

“I can’t wait to talk to a lot of people in the neighborhood,” he said.

Down to Earth Barbershop is open on Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Customers can book appointments on Down to Earth’s Booksy page.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 20, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Harrisburg University Presents 2024 Summer Concert Series Kicks Off Worth noting: June SoMa Pop-Up and 3rd in the Burg Juneteenth SoMa Block Party – Bonus: check out the SoMa Mural Tour with Sprocket Mural Works Things on my agenda this weekend: I’ll be in SoMa and/or Riverfront Park

For your weekend planning

Prep for the Summer Concert Season launch
Have you tried Crooks yet?
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

June 20 | SOMA POP-UP | JUNETEENTH with Mark & Val’s Wines and Mel’s Rock’n BBQ
June 21 | Juneteenth SoMa Block Party with YPOC and HYP | 3rd in the Burg
June 27 | “Budget Bash” SoMa Block Party
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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HU Presents Summer Concert Series to kick off this weekend, adds a fifth show

June 18, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

The Brothers Osborne, a duo set to perform in HU Presents’ concert series on Aug. 18.

Harrisburg University Presents today announced an addition to its summer concert lineup, just as the outdoors stage is being built for the season’s first shows this weekend.

Country music duo Brothers Osborne will perform in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m., featuring TJ Osborne and John Osborne, who have been writing and performing together for all their lives.

The pair are the reigning Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) “Duo of the Year” winners, known for a progressive yet still classic style of country music. Tickets go on sale on Friday.

Coincidentally, HU this week is busily getting ready for its first weekend of music in its 2024 Summer Series.

The first concert, on Friday, June 21 at 8 p.m., will feature country music by Jenny Lewis, the award-winning singer-songwriter. The concert, part of her Joy’all tour, will also feature special guest Dean Johnson.

Fleet Foxes, an American indie folk band from Seattle led by lead singer-songwriter Robin Pecknold, will perform on Sunday, June 23 at 8 p.m.

Psychedelic soul band Black Pumas, led by Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada, will take the stage on Thursday, July 25 at 8 p.m. HU Presents’ website describes the group as “one of the most electrifying new acts to emerge in recent years.”

A concert on Sunday, July 28 at 8 p.m. will feature country singer-songwriter Orville Peck, who is known for his strong musicianship, storytelling songwriting style and signature mask he is never seen without.

“We’re excited to be back in Riverfront Park for a fifth year to share more incredible live music experiences with the region,” said Frank Schofield, director of live entertainment at Harrisburg University. “This year’s lineup will not disappoint. We can’t wait to kick things off with Jenny Lewis and Fleet Foxes. Black Pumas are back in July – this time on the Riverfront Park stage – and we’re thrilled to have Orville Peck refreshed for this new tour.”

For more information about the concert series, the performing artists and to purchase tickets, please visit Harrisburg University Presents’ website.

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Harrisburg’s Kline Library renamed in memory of community activists George and Hettie Love

June 18, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

George and Hettie Love Memorial Library.

An influential Harrisburg couple has been memorialized in a special way.

As of June 3, the former Kline Library in Harrisburg has been renamed the George and Hettie Love Memorial Library to honor the legacy of a local couple that advocated for education and equality in the Black community.

“They were barrier breakers. They led exemplary lives and made sure other people were able to come into rooms they had a hard time getting into,” said Karen Love, George and Hettie’s daughter. “They opened the door for others.”

During their lives, Hettie and George, who have both passed away, made strides towards equality for African Americans. Hettie was the first Black woman to graduate with an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1947. After receiving his bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, George became the first Black high school teacher in the Philadelphia school system.

In 1971, the Loves moved to Harrisburg where George became the assistant commissioner for basic education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, overseeing the desegregation of schools.

Hettie and George Love

George passed away in 2014, and Hettie passed away in 2023 at the age of 100.

Karen said that both her parents were avid readers and fostered a love of learning in her.

“Books and learning were key to my growing up,” she said. “Their lives were a testament to what can be done when you value education.”

The George and Hettie Love Memorial Library is the Dauphin County Library System’s first library named after African Americans.

Dwana Pinchock, marketing and public relations manager for the Dauphin County Library System, said that she is glad to see people of color represented in this way, especially given the large Black community in the Harrisburg area.

“It’s a beautiful, important thing,” Pinchock said. “It’s about seeing yourself reflected in greatness. That’s what the Loves are to people. They make people think, ‘maybe someday, I’ll change my community in such a way, they’ll name a library after me.’”

The George and Hettie Love Memorial Library is located at 530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Dauphin County Library’s website.

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Gun violence prevention event in Harrisburg will feature personal stories, data to raise awareness

June 17, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Harrisburg University

An upcoming event will use stories and education to help the community fight back against gun violence.

Harrisburg City Council member Lamont Jones is partnering with UPMC to host an event to raise awareness about gun violence on Thursday, June 20 at Harrisburg University, with a focus on education and prevention through storytelling.

The event, Violence Prevention: Ending Gun Violence in Our Community, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on the 14th floor at HU.

A panel of speakers will tell their stories, share data, provide gun violence prevention resources and present community-developed solutions.

“Even as an elected official, I say that we can’t wait on policy,” Jones said. “This community needs to come together and work to get rid of these things that have been happening.”

Dr. Dale Dangleben, a trauma surgeon who has operated on many victims of violent crimes in Harrisburg, will be the keynote speaker at the event. He will share a presentation with statistics and data showing the effects of violence on the body. He frequently teaches emergency response skills to people in the community, such as how to apply a tourniquet, according to Jones.

“I’ve never seen a trauma surgeon do this kind of thing for the community,” Jones said. “He cares, and he’s passionate about what’s going on in the city of Harrisburg.”

Additionally, two men will share their unique story of forgiveness. Maurice Peppers, who recently finished his time in prison, and Cal Hollman, the man Peppers shot in 1991, will be on the panel to share their story of how they found reconciliation.

Jones believes their story will be an inspiration, particularly to at-risk youth.

“It’s a powerful story. It’s impactful,” he said.

The panel of speakers will also include mental health specialists and staff from CeaseFirePA, an anti-gun violence advocacy organization.

UPMC and Jones are also working to organize a follow-up event in October, Jones said.

“This is an ongoing issue, so I want to make sure we’re not just doing a one off, so we need to get on the ground and keep working with these organizations,” he said.

Registration for the event has closed, but a livestream will be available on YouTube during the event and will be posted afterward for those who cannot attend live.

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Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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