Sparkly Concept: Christy Hoover brings a lifetime of experience to her jewelry store.

October 30, 2020 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

For Christy Hoover, owner of Christy Concept Jewelry, shopping is more than just making a purchase.

Hoover’s unique boutique at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne makes it a leisurely getaway.

“You have to give customers an experience. You can’t do it on product alone,” said Hoover, a New Cumberland resident. “I want our customers to feel comfortable here and feel they can trust us. I want them to come back, to feel wowed and have fun.”

Christy Concept Jewelry is one of those places that has something for everyone, or, at least, pretty darned close to it. It feels comfortable and friendly and has oodles of sparkly wonders to catch your eye. Its vast inventory of fine and fashion jewelry features one-of-a-kind items crafted by more than 40 designers from around the world. Prices carry a wide range from $20 to up $15,000.

“It’s a great place, especially for gifts,” said Ginny Smith, a regular customer. “I can find some more unique pieces that are in a reasonable price range. I love the atmosphere there, too. It’s a beautiful store.”

Nobody’s in a hurry at Christy Concept Jewelry. Customers are encouraged to browse around for as long as they want. In fact, many items are kept on open display.

“I like the store. It’s very welcoming,” said Beth Kuehne, another regular. “They let you try things on. Some other places won’t let you. They’re very accommodating, and there’s no pressure, either. You can go in there and just walk around. It’s kind of cozy, a nice experience.”

Hoover, a Harrisburg native, said that she was inspired to pursue fashion by her mother Nedalyn, a skilled seamstress. She began her first job in retail at Pomeroy’s department store while earning a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

After college, she worked as a buyer for junior dresses and outerwear at Hess’s department store in Allentown. She then moved cross-country to become a regional manager for Contempo Casuals/Wet Seal/Arden B, based in San Francisco. For this, Hoover oversaw stores in the company’s Pacific Northwest region comprising nine states.

Ten years later, Hoover returned home to Pennsylvania after her mother became ill. For the next 21 years, she worked for the Victoria’s Secret brand in several capacities, including district manager, a project manager in store operations and a regional HR manager.

All that changed, however, when Hoover learned that Susan Fotos, owner of Higashi Jewelry & Eyewear, decided to retire and close up her popular shop inside the West Shore Farmers Market.

“I loved working for the Victoria’s Secret brand, but I’d always thought about doing something on my own,” Hoover said. “The stars were aligned for me, you might say, after 21 years.”

Senior jewelry consultant, Nicole Warden, also knows a thing or two about how things were done at Higashi. Prior to her full-time post at Christy Concept Jewelry, Warden worked sales at Higashi for four years. Before that, she spent 12 years working the field with various jewelers.

Christy Concept Jewelry is a venue that truly stands out to Warden.

“This business is different,” she said. “We’re offering really nice jewelry at discount prices. Some of our designers offer us really nice discounts, and then we pass that on to our customers.”

Rounding out the staff are part-time jewelry consultants Hannah Ardnt and Fabiola Sallack.

Hoover’s biggest challenge, so far, has been the commonwealth’s pandemic orders that forced her to close in March, just four months after opening, she said. She remained closed until June.

“I look at that as a blessing, really,” she said. “After just four months, I got to learn a few things sooner rather than later. It taught me about being able to protect your business with a cushion. I put all my profit right back into my business.”

Hoover said that she is proud to be one of many women-owned businesses operating at the West Shore Farmers Market

“I really enjoy sharing our experiences and the camaraderie between us,” she said. “We really pick each other up.”

Christy Concept Jewelry is located at the West Shore Farmers Market, 900 Market St., Lemoyne. For more information, call 717-303-26277 or visit www.christyconceptjewelry.com or their Facebook page.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Fix Is In: The pandemic delayed, but did not stop, Harrisburg’s newest cafe.

October 30, 2020 | by Diane White McNaughton

It’s a sultry Saturday at 2 p.m., closing time for the brand-new coffee shop, The Fix Café.

The October weather is unseasonably warm, and the city seems like it hasn’t had its morning cup of joe yet.

But inside, the café still percolates. Owner Lakshmi Tanniru and café partner Liz Albayero are waiting on their final customers of the day, ready to mix up a stiff Americano, frothy latte, specialty tea, coconut drink, lemonade and more. Two stylish young women sip, chat and check their phones at a sturdy table in the center of the café, by faux archways and illuminated letters on the wall that spell out “F.I.X”.

Tanniru, 28, wearing a plaid button-down shirt, khaki pants and the requisite mask, is behind the counter mixing up caffeinated concoctions that double as drinkable works of art. Albayero works the register. The café still glistens with newness, colored in tones of chocolate brown and café au lait, with dark wooden beams, hardwood floors, patterned throw rugs, upholstered chairs and modern pendant and track lighting.

Earlier in the day, Tanniru said, the crowds were large and the lines long, so word of where to get your latest caffeine fix is spreading.

He is attracting more than a downtown crowd to his fledgling venture. A few young coffee-lovers drove over from New Cumberland after discovering the café on Instagram, he said, and he’s eager to make the drive worth their while.

In addition to serving fragrant java, The Fix offers up the only 3-D latte art machine in Harrisburg, a futuristic stainless-steel appliance that literally “prints” the picture of your choice in your foam. In 10 seconds, you can garnish your latte with a selfie, your business logo, your pet, the love of your life, or any photo on your phone, using a cartridge infused with coffee extract “ink.”

When Tanniru sits down to chat at the counter that runs along the front of the café, with a picture-perfect view of the expansive steel-gray southern end of the Capitol Complex, he brings something else with him. It’s not The Fix’s popular Nutella crepe, nor a double espresso. He needs his laptop. He is taking an online course as a student at Harrisburg University, studying for his master’s degree in project management, so he is listening to a class while working. His professor has given the class a break until 2:05 p.m.

He earned his undergraduate degree in computer science. It has always been his lifelong ambition to be an entrepreneur, Tanniru said. He predicts that he will probably find a full-time job in project management after graduation next summer, but will also keep the coffee shop brewing on the side.

“I don’t know where life will take me,” he said.

He bought the Walnut Street building in 2019 and worked meticulously with his father on every detail, from the coffee-colored walls to the healthy green plants to the New Age chandeliers and track lighting, the large clock and welcome sign, the wooden ceiling beams, the piped-in piano music, and the soft patterned chairs.

His ingredients for success are clearly hard work and a strong pour of concern for customer satisfaction.

Liz at the counter asks customers, “So how’s your day been so far?”

Tanniru says often, “I really hope you like our coffee.”

His segue from operating Namaste Indian Cuisine, in Lemoyne, to a downtown coffee shop was a fluid transition. He has always loved coffee, he said, so he started doing research about how to make the finest brew. He began using up mass quantities of milk and coffee beans to perfect his craft.

His café opened quietly early last month, delayed many times because of the ongoing pandemic.

He misses state workers and is eager for them to return to their downtown offices after shifting to teleworking status in March. He also misses HU students, as HU has gone fully online this semester.

He has lived in Harrisburg since 2006. He grew up in India, surrounded by a large family, all living together in tight quarters.

Here in Harrisburg, he knows the local coffee-drinking market well. He refuses to criticize the ubiquitous Starbucks shops of the world. He admits Starbucks is good, too. But cafés like his have taken coffee to a whole new level. His beans are ultra-fresh, ordered from Wisconsin and Virginia and used within two days.

His exclusive roaster in Wisconsin provides the beans for the Fix’s cold brew and drip coffees. Other drip coffee beans and espresso beans hail from his roaster in Virginia.

His premium milk comes from Apple Valley Creamery in East Berlin, which has become the only kind of milk his mom will now use.

Next on the menu: savory vegan crepes. He found a new batter recipe that he will soon be using to provide a top-notch crepe.

When plans for The Fix were brewing, he intentionally picked a site by the granite and bronze of the state Capitol.

“I knew that state workers would support local small businesses,” Tanniru said.

For cramming students, weary state workers, and coffee lovers everywhere, it’s good to know the Fix is in.

The Fix Café is located at 403 Walnut St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Pasta Plus Pumpkin: Italians also enjoy the ubiquitous orange gourd.

October 30, 2020 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Photo by Aaron Burden

It’s fall, and there is pumpkin everywhere.

I’m sure you have noticed that, beginning as early as late August, little mini pumpkins appear in the grocery store. Coffee shops announce that pumpkin lattes are back. And then there are the baked goods and desserts: pumpkin cookies and muffins, pumpkin rolls swirled with creamy icing, pumpkin Oreos and even pumpkin ice cream. Pumpkin pie is a favorite of my family, and I make it throughout the fall. But did I really see pumpkin Cheerios out there?

Pumpkin and its close relative, butternut squash, can be found in many Italian recipes, as well, especially in the northern part of the country, where it is often paired with game. Pumpkin is roasted with potatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, pureed into soups and simmered with dry-cured olives, onions and tomatoes into a savory stew.

But pumpkin’s marriage with various forms of pasta is where it shines: creamy risottos, plump tortellini and pillowy gnocchi. And, very often, you will find these pastas laced with lots of sweet butter, heavy cream and fresh sage.

In my unending search for new pasta dishes, I found a Country Living magazine recipe that pairs rigatoni with pumpkin and a pine nut “gremolata.” Gremolata is a finely chopped mixture of parsley, garlic, lemon and various nuts. It is most often used in the classic veal dish, osso buco, but adds a bright punch to soups, salads and stews, as well. As an alternative, a simple topping of crushed amaretti cookies would be a luscious touch (really!).

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Ingredients

12 ounces rigatoni
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
12 fresh sage leaves
¼ cup pine nuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup canned pure pumpkin
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup), plus more for serving
¼ cup heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg

Directions

Cook pasta according to directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta and return to the pot.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or high-sided sauté pan. Add the sage leaves, and cook them until they are crisp (about 2-3 minutes). Transfer them with a slotted spoon or spatula to a paper towel-lined plate. When cool, crumble the sage leaves into pieces and toss together with the toasted pine nuts and lemon zest in a little bowl.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, the shallot and garlic to the saucepan. Add salt and pepper to your taste and cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture is tender (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the pumpkin, Parmesan, heavy cream, nutmeg and ½ cup reserved pasta water.
Cook until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes). Add a little more salt if desired. Cook carefully at this time so that the pumpkin doesn’t stick and burn. Stir frequently and turn the heat to medium low if necessary.
Add pasta to the pan and stir to combine, adding a little more pasta cooking water if the mixture seems too thick.
Serve sprinkled with the pine nut gremolata.

The pasta looks lovely on a platter garnished with more fresh sage leaves. If you are not fond of lemon or pine nuts, you can simply sprinkle the dried sage leaves and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

I know pumpkin pasta will not stand in for your Thanksgiving turkey. But give it a try on a cool November evening for something very different from your usual red sauce option. It pairs well with a light, fruity red wine or a chilled sparkling Prosecco. And remember, Beaujolais Nouveau is coming!

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 29, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

There are plenty of things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA. You know what’s a spooky good time? Wearing a mask and donating blood.

Please consult your township/municipality for trick-or-treating events, especially as many have moved from tonight to Saturday due to weather. Also, check out local churches for trunk-or-treat style events this weekend.

Things on my agenda this weekend: celebrate my kiddo’s 3rd (and Jimi’s 29th!) birthday, watch Hocus Pocus with a big bowl of popcorn and some spiked seltzers, and (hopefully, maybe) checking more items off my central PA fall Bucket List.

For your weekend planning:

My official Fall Bucket List → Check it out.
Jimi offers podcast recommendations.
Make this Pumpkin Cocktail.
Audit your closet.
Passionate about Pennsylvania? Become a Friend of PA Eats.
Cooking at home a lot? You need this.
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.

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

Top Weekend Recs

Boneshire Brew Works celebrates 4 years! Happy Anniversary!
Open Stage indulges spooky season with Night of the Living Dead | A Virtual Experience
RG Hummer now has a second location at West Shore Farmers Market
Drink PA cider! Ploughman Cider delivers to your door.
Tattered Flag ships beer and spirits faster than Prime! Two words: Canned. Cocktails.
Watch Poured in PA: The Series
Shop online with 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!

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Where does my vote go? Dauphin County explains Election Day process

October 28, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Dauphin County Elections Office Deputy Director Chris Spackman demonstrates the ballot envelope opening machine.

While Election Day for many will mean briefly stopping at the polls, for those doing the vote counting, the day lasts much longer.

On Wednesday, Dauphin County elections officials offered a behind-the-scenes look at what will happen to each casted ballot on Nov. 3.

“There’s a lot of preparation that’s gone into this election and will continue to go into this election over the next five to eight days,” Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries said. “We’re set to go. We are ready to run this election.”

On Election Day, residents voting in-person will do so from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 159 precincts within the county. Pries said that poll workers will be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for their location.

However, Pries said that a majority of county residents participating in the election this year are opting for mail-in ballots.

Around 65,800 mail-in ballots were requested, and the county has received about 45,000 to date, Pries said. Until this year, 2004 held the record for absentee ballots received, but that was only 6,900.

Even with the shift in voting method, Pries assured, they are ready.

“We want our voters to have 100% confidence that their vote is going to count,” he said.

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, a team, including 30 volunteers, will process ballots in the Dauphin County Administration Building.

Bins of Dauphin County ballots.

Thousands of ballots already sit in bins organized by precinct. Pries expects about 50,000 mail-in ballots by Tuesday.

Volunteers will run ballots through a machine to open the outer and inner envelopes. Pries said that their fastest of the two machines can open 40,000 envelopes per hour. Ballots will then be transported to another room to be scanned and counted.

“We now believe that, election night, we will have all the in-person voting done and approximately, if everything goes well, 50,000 mail-in ballots completed,” Pries said. “We should have a majority of our votes in election night or early morning.”

Pries said that, of the 197,800 registered voters in Dauphin County, he expects a turnout percentage in the 70s.

For those who requested a mail-in ballot, but want to vote in person, Pries said that they can fill out a form from the judge of elections at their polling location that will allow them to vote in-person.

Pries encouraged mail-in ballot voters to not wait until the deadline to turn in their envelope. He said it can be dropped off at the Dauphin County Administration Building Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We now have, by mail-ins, the opportunity to someday reach 100% voter turnout,” Pries said.

For more information, visit www.dauphincounty.org/.

Support quality, local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Capital Region Water, Harrisburg begin work on 4th and Dauphin Park

October 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of 4th and Dauphin Park following the improvements

Improvement work has begun at 4^th and Dauphin Park, the final project of a years-long parks collaboration between Harrisburg and Capital Region Water (CRW).

The park, across the street from the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, is undergoing thorough restoration, with new landscaping, playground equipment, sidewalks and stormwater management features.

Work should be completed in late spring or early summer of 2021, according to CRW.

Citywide playground renovations began about three years ago, part of a $2 million partnership among Harrisburg, Capital Region Water, Impact Harrisburg and the commonwealth.

This is the fifth—and final—neighborhood park project for the city and CRW, which previously restored the Cloverly Heights, Penn & Sayford, Royal Terrace and Norwood & Holly parks.

CRW has used the projects to install numerous stormwater management features to reduce the flow of polluted water and wastewater into Paxton Creek and the Susquehanna River.

In the case of 4^th and Dauphin Park, stormwater management elements include rain gardens, a pervious basketball court and restored vegetation, which will complement less visible infrastructure improvements such as drainage structures, catch basins and storm sewer pipes, according to CRW.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg council tweaks proposed police advisory committee, schedules final vote for next month

October 27, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A screen grab from Harrisburg City Council’s legislative session

Harrisburg City Council has made several more changes to a proposed police advisory body and delayed a final vote on the bill until next month.

At a virtual legislative session on Tuesday, council voted unanimously to tweak several elements of proposed Bill 8, which would create a Citizen’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee.

The changes include:

Giving council the ability to appoint five board members, up from four, while reducing mayoral appointments from three to two, for the initial committee members.
Mandating that the committee meet at least quarterly, as opposed to at least annually, each year.
Staggering initial terms so that two of the original members serve four-year terms, two members serve three-year terms and three members serve two-year terms.

Council members Ausha Green and Danielle Bowers said that some of these changes were made in response to comments received from community members.

“Listening to the comments is really power to the people,” Bowers said.

Council is expected to take a final vote on Bill 8 at its Nov. 10 meeting.

At the beginning of Tuesday’s session, council read aloud comments from community members, some of whom continue to be disappointed with the limitations of the proposed committee.

Bill 8 already has been amended to give the committee administrative subpoena power and to change or remove several parts of the original bill.

However, some residents remain unsatisfied. They believe that the body should be able to exercise greater oversight over the police bureau and want to change the name of the body from an “advisory committee” to a “review board.”

According to city Solicitor Neil Grover, Harrisburg lacks the authority to create a review board, prompting some residents to advocate for a home rule charter, which may give the city greater flexibility in setting its own rules beyond what’s allowed currently in the state code.

“I do think the talk of home rule has been important and is something we should pursue,” said one resident during the legislative session.

In addition, several residents urged council to make their online meetings more accessible, including advertising meetings more broadly on social media platforms and allowing residents to make comments in real time during the virtual meeting’s live-stream.

“Over the last few months during COVID, residents have pleaded with the city to make the council meetings more accessible,” said Kimeka Campbell, co-founder of Harrisburg Young Professionals of Color, in a written comment. “Nevertheless, the city has kept comments off their YouTube videos, not allowed more than two opportunities for call-ins for public comment, only taken public comment via email and truncated public comments that seem too similar.”

At the end of the meeting, member Ben Allatt said that council should consider expanding ways of interacting with the public virtually. But he also urged residents to reach out beyond just virtual council meetings, such as emailing or calling individual council members or even arranging meetings with them.

“These (virtual) meetings aren’t held in a vacuum and aren’t the only ways to interact with us in City Council,” he said. “There is a willingness to be able to meet with the community in many different fashions.”

In other action on Tuesday, council:

Approved an agreement to pay $725,000 to MEB Partners and Brenner Motors to settle outstanding rent, tax and repair issues arising from a three-year lease of the Public Works Department site on Paxton Street.
Approved a land development plan for a 200-space parking lot at 1501 N. 7^th St. The property owner wants to turn an empty lot into a surface parking lot, primarily to serve the needs of the new federal courthouse due for completion in summer 2022.
Approved a resolution appointing resident Kali Tennis to a seat on the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board (HARB).

Lastly, council President Wanda Williams said that the city’s “Grab and Go” trick-or-treat night has been rescheduled due to predicted inclement weather for Thursday. It now will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the city’s three firehouses—Uptown at 1820 N. 6^th St., and the two on Allison Hill at 140 N. 16^th St. and 9 S. 13^th St.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

UPMC Pinnacle offers free flu shots to Harrisburg district students, families

October 27, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg’s Benjamin Franklin School, one of the locations to pick up food and receive flu shots.

Harrisburg school district students who receive weekly food distribution will be able get another important benefit when they pick up their meals next month—flu shots.

UPMC Pinnacle today announced that they’ll offer free 2020-21 flu vaccines in November at weekly “Grab and Go” food distribution sites for both students and their families.

“In an effort to address health equities and health disparities—particularly in communities of color—we are delivering care to where it is needed,” says Tina Nixon, vice president of Mission Effectiveness, Diversity and Inclusion, at UPMC Pinnacle.

Parents and children age six months and older are eligible for a flu vaccine at the designated school locations.

People should remain in their vehicles and wear their masks while participating in the drive-through clinic, according to UPMC Pinnacle. It also is recommended that they wear clothing that allows easy access to their upper arms.

“We are pleased to build upon our long-standing partnership with UPMC in a continual effort to support the overall health and wellbeing of our students and families,” said school district Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer.

Flu shots will be offered at “Grab and Go” food distribution locations according to the following schedule:

Ben Franklin School, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
John Harris High School, Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Foose School, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Downey School, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rowland Academy, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“UPMC provides a grant for food distribution, which is critical during difficult times such as the global pandemic where many have lost their jobs,” Nixon said. “Providing flu vaccines to vulnerable populations is one more component of our community outreach.”

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Planning association names Riverfront Park a “Great Public Space”

October 26, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Riverfront Park in Harrisburg

Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park has been named a “2020 Great Public Space.”

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association today bestowed the honor on the 4.5-mile-long linear park along the Susquehanna River.

“The city, together with private citizens and volunteer groups, has worked cooperatively over the years to maintain and sustain this vital city asset,” according to an association release.

For 2020, the two other honorees are the Arboretum at Penn State in Centre County and the Allegheny Commons Park Northeast Fountain in Pittsburgh.

Through its Great Places in PA program, the association makes selections each year in the Great Public Spaces category, choosing recipients based upon successful, long-term planning efforts and a vision for the future.

Today’s Riverfront Park originated with the “City Beautiful” movement circa-1900, intended to make industrial-era Harrisburg more livable and sanitary. It included a plan to turn a jumble of buildings, docks and industry between Front Street and the river into a long strip of green space.

The association emphasized the long-term success of that plan.

“Riverfront Park, with its spectacular views of the river and surrounding landscapes, is an attraction for residents, downtown employees and visitors and is host to a variety of events/festivals,” according to the release. “The city, together with private citizens and volunteer groups, has worked cooperatively over the years to maintain and sustain this vital city asset.”

For more information on the Great Places program, visit www.planningpa.org.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Central PA Food Bank’s Joe Arthur, five others to receive prestigious Catalyst awards

October 26, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Joe Arthur (pictured) is among a half-dozen recipients this year of the Harrisburg Chamber’s prestigious Catalyst awards.

Arthur, the food bank’s executive director, is being recognized for his work locally and nationally in fighting hunger, especially responding to unprecedented demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic crisis.

“In response to an incredibly unprecedented year, we are proud and grateful for the many ways we’ve seen businesses and individuals in the community step up to help others,” said David Black, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. “There are countless organizations that deserve recognition for going above and beyond to support our region, and we hope to highlight some of those visionaries at our Catalyst Awards.”

Arthur will receive the Catalyst of the Year award, which each year honors a person or organization that serves as a catalyst for positive change in the greater Harrisburg area. In 2018, TheBurg received the Catalyst award.

Other 2020 awards and winners include:

Athena Award to Sharon Ryan of Dasher Inc. for mentoring women in all stages of their careers.
Business Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award to George Fernandez of Latino Connection for his service and dedication to Pennsylvania’s Latino communities.
Corporate Citizen of the Year Award to Highmark Blue Shield for their response during the COVID-19 crisis.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Todd Phillips of True Legends Barbershop for his dedication to the community and mentoring of Black youth.
Small Business of the Year Award to Viscul Creative for their innovation in the field of food and beverage in response to the pandemic.

The Chamber & CREDC will host the Catalyst Awards virtual ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 9. The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are available at HarrisburgRegionalChamber.org.

Photo courtesy of Central PA Food Bank.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

For your weekend planning:

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like