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🌱 Patch AM: How EMU’s new pathways could shape Harrisonburg’s future workforce.

You won't want to miss 40th Annual Members' Show on the Harrisonburg Patch calendar

Sunday August 30th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Greetings Harrisonburg! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How EMU's new pathways could shape Harrisonburg's future workforce.
  • How five local congregations can tap free seminary support soon.
  • Meet the two new science professors shaping EMU students' fieldwork.

Also on today's calendar: 40th Annual Members' Show and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What gets bigger the more you take away? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Harrisonburg Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Harrisonburg Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Harrisonburg.

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 87 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: Sunshine, warm; a p.m. shower, temps: high: 89, low: 65.
  • Tuesday: Sunshine and very warm, with a high of 91 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Dr. Dycus discusses EMU's pathways to enrollment growth and career development for Royals (emu.edu) — EMU President Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus outlined how the university is growing enrollment and deepening partnerships with Harrisonburg-area employers during the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber's Presidential Address. She highlighted a more diverse incoming class, a new "pathways" curriculum connecting majors with values themes, and expanded nursing clinical sites, all aimed at preparing students for local careers and strengthening the broader Harrisonburg community.
   

2. Seminary to partner with local congregations (emu.edu) — Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg is launching a free program this October to partner with five local congregations each year, helping them tackle big ministry questions with practical training and support. Harrisonburg native Ethan King, who previously worked in outreach for a local Church of the Nazarene, will coordinate the multi-seminary initiative funded by a Lilly Endowment grant.
   

3. New faculty join EMU Natural Sciences (emu.edu) — Two new science professors are joining Eastern Mennonite University's Natural Sciences department in Harrisonburg for the 2026–27 academic year, bringing expertise in wildlife ecology and environmental biology. Their backgrounds in bat conservation, tropical agriculture, and hands-on field teaching are expected to expand research and outdoor learning opportunities for local EMU students.
   

4. Band Program Bridging The Gap Between High Schools (hhsmedia.com) — Students from Rocktown and Harrisonburg high schools are keeping their marching band combined even after the schools split, creating a unique joint program for the 2024–25 year. Seniors describe how shared rehearsals, long practices, and a Candy Land–themed show are helping new marchers from both campuses feel like one community despite logistical challenges.
   

5. These 10 Virginia Main Streets Will Make You Fall In Love With Small-Town Life (myfamilytravels.com) — Among ten standout Virginia main streets, S. Main Street in downtown Harrisonburg gets special praise for its cultural diversity, global dining options, and lively craft brewery scene. The piece notes how Harrisonburg's Main Street revitalization, quilt museum, and student energy have turned the area into a walkable hub where different cultures and local traditions thrive together.
   

📸 Around Harrisonburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • RMH wellness center isn't only a place to work out it's an amazing community of supportive people that i look forward to go in to see.
    With a great gym, awesome friendly trainers, big fitness pool, a nice warm therapy pool, and a huge hot tub you can reward yourself for working out… (Nextdoor Liberty Square/II/Welling)
  • My name is Vickie Rexrode, I am looking to do home care for anyone that needs it , Days only as early as as 7am late as 4 pm , 25.
    00 per hour , I am CPR , First aid certification & Medical Assistant . You can pm & I will get back to you . Thank you. I also have references if… (Nextdoor Harrisonburg)
  • Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for Inventory Control Associate (Seasonal) in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
  • Old Navy, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate - Valley Mall - VA in Harrisonburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisonburg here.

Ok Harrisonburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A hole (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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