Burg View: Where Are the Incumbents?

April 22, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

The seven challengers for Harrisburg school board who have attended all three candidate events. From left, Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Cory X. Williams, Lewis Butts Jr., Steven Williams, James Thompson and Doug Thompson Leader.

What if you held an election, and the candidates didn’t show up?

Pointedly, a certain group of candidates—the incumbents for Harrisburg school board: Lionel Gonzalez, Lola Lawson, Ellis R. Roy and Patricia Whitehead-Myers (joined in absentia by one of the challengers, Ralph Rodriguez).

Over the past two weeks, three community events—a candidate forum and two debates—have been held, and the current office-holders have dodged each one.

I attended Thursday night’s debate at the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC), and it was striking to see the same seven challengers lined up on stage—making statements, answering questions—but not a single sitting school board member.

Perhaps they didn’t feel they would be in friendly territory or that they would have to answer tough questions. But you know what? That’s their job.

As public servants seeking another term in office, they have a duty to stand before residents and explain their positions and defend their votes, even if they might face criticism. And besides, I doubt that Brandon Flood, the evening’s profoundly fair moderator, would have been any tougher on them than the other candidates.

Why do they believe so strongly in the policies of the school superintendent? How do they feel about appointing James Ellison as district solicitor? Do they agree with the district’s refusal to cooperate with the state’s financial audit? Why or why not?

Voters have a right to know. If you’re consistently voting to support the administration, you must have your reasons, and you should be able to air and defend them. If you believe the district should not cooperate with state auditors, you should be able to explain your view on this consequential issue–one that could jeopardize the very autonomy of the district.

But, once again, the incumbents weren’t in attendance, leaving some 70 voters who attended the debate without their side of the story or any idea what they would do over the next four years if elected.

Thus, the night was left to the seven challengers who have attended every candidate event: Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Cory X. Williams, Lewis Butts Jr., Steven Williams, James Thompson and Doug Thompson Leader.

Together, they had a lively, fascinating and civil discussion on everything from school funding to charter schools to curriculum. If they had attended, the sitting board members would have discovered an evening of serious debate about vital issues facing the district, not one of personal attacks against them or the administration.

The primary election is one month away, and other debates are planned. Will the incumbents attend those, or will they blow them off, too?

At some point soon, the incumbent school board members need to step up. They need to summon their collective courage, stand before the voters of Harrisburg and state boldly why they deserve another four years in office.

Lawrance Binda is editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

Natural Expression: Earth Day takes artistic form at Vivi on Verbeke

April 22, 2019 | by Robert MacGinnes

The exterior of Vivi on Verbeke in Harrisburg

With Earth Day this week and spring’s return in full bloom, I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate Mother Earth than at Vivi on Verbeke, where I spent part of Friday’s 3^rd in the Burg.

The vibrant panoply of color adorning the ceramic pottery hanging, floating and residing window-side is just a preview of what lies beyond the threshold. The window display promises pottery and lots of it.

Upon entering Vivi on Verbeke, I could almost project myself back to 1970 and the first Earth Day celebration. The soundtrack playing in my head was Donovan’s “Wear Your Love Like Heaven.” Can there really be a pottery gallery that is more down to earth?

And then there is the legend of Vivi—short for Vivian Sterste, the proprietress. If Mother Earth inhabited human form, it just may be Vivi herself. Part hippie, part celestial being, Vivi is 100-percent connected to one of the oldest art forms known to man. Like snowflakes, no two pots are exactly the same. Perhaps similar but the proof is in the details, and that lies in the hands of the artist. Vivian’s hands guide the novice to the advanced potter in creating vessels that are as unique as the individuals at the wheel.

One feels instantly at ease in the down home gallery, outfitted with two well-loved sofas adorned with vintage quilts. A Southwest corner is reminiscent of a Georgia O’Keefe painting of a bleached cow skull at her ranch in Abiquiú, N.M.

Vivi’s partner in all things is Jackson “Jeb” Boyd, a bearded and brilliant man. A bon vivant alchemist, Jeb is responsible for all the photography and sculpture adorning the gallery. Judging by appearance, he could very well be Father Time. So, pairing up Mother Earth with Father Time, one can feel that Haight Ashbury, ‘60s-era of love permeating the atmosphere at 258 Verbeke St. Time stands still and in a very cool way.

It actually points to a partnership well ahead of the curve. In operation since January 2013, Vivi on Verbeke is visually arresting in its array of art. The major room features exposed brick and stucco. From the main course of pottery, there is a gallery full of paintings—from the sublime to the surreal. Photography encompasses a love of abandoned-ness and artistic adventures, and sculpture defies labels. Of particular interest is a copper-encrusted, rusted dinosaur that “phlew” in from the Mesozoic Era and rakishly roosted on a table frozen in time. Jeb refers to it as Ptery the Pteradactyl. The basement houses the space for clay enthusiasts with wheels for throwing, a kiln for firing, and a pugmill—a device that saves the remnants of unused clay and reconstitutes the material to a workable substance.

By definition, the word “vivify” means to endow with life, and even though pots are inanimate objects, Vivi’s vision is such that she animates an otherwise everyday object with vibrancy and imbues it with a unique personality. This passion is reflected in commitment to her art.

In an era of homogenized products cranked out by rote, it is refreshing to handle objects d’art that are lovingly crafted by hand. Every last item gallery-wide is created either by Vivian or Jeb, offering testament to their partnership in love and carriage (trade). These are two creative artists, each highly skilled in their fields of passion, complementing the other in the very best way.

I am sure by now that you have figured out a certain fascination for words starting with the letter “V.” So, here’s another one—variety. Vessels, sculptures, paintings and photography abound at Vivi on Verbeke. Vow to visit Vivi and celebrate Earth Day, no matter the month or date.

Vivi on Verbeke is located at 258 Verbeke St., Harrisburg. To see more of her creations and for more information, visit her Facebook page.

The Week That Was: A summary of news and events around Harrisburg

April 19, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

This past week, Urban Churn opened its new ice cream parlor in Midtown Harrisburg.

What happened around Harrisburg last week? Here’s a summary of news and events that you may have missed.

Harrisburg came in at No. 44 on U.S. News & World Reports’ “Best Places to Live” list, the highest ranking of any metro area in Pennsylvania. The area’s affordability and easy access to nature impressed the publication, which also ranked Harrisburg No. 44 last year. Click here for the complete story.

Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday began discussing whether to extend a program that offers free street parking downtown after 5 p.m. Council members seemed inclined to renew the program but were reticent to meet a new demand—providing compensation to Standard Parking for use of the LUV HBG mobile app code. Click here for the complete story.

Harrisburg school board met amid acrimony last week, as several board members tried, and failed, to suspend the district superintendent. The split board also failed to appoint an in-house district solicitor, though board members will meet in special session on Monday to reconsider that issue. Click here for the complete story.

Harrisburg school board candidates met for a second debate to discuss issues relevant to the district. As in the first debate, seven challengers participated in the debate at HMAC, but no incumbents attended. Click here for the complete story.

Harrisburg University last week offered details for its new student center, which currently is under construction inside Whitaker Center. The student center, which features a sleek, industrial look, is expected to open this fall in downtown Harrisburg. Click here for the complete story.

SoMa Block Parties will return this summer, said co-sponsors Harristown Enterprises and Sara Bozich. The first party will take place on May 11 in conjunction with the Harrisburg Young Professionals’ annual home tour, with monthly parties continuing through September. Click here for the complete story.

Urban Churn opened its first brick-and-mortar retail store, located on N. 3rd Street in Midtown Harrisburg. The craft ice cream company also plans to retain its stand inside the Broad Street Market. Click here for the complete story.

Sweet Dream: Backed by the community, Urban Churn opens scoop shop in Midtown

April 19, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Owner Adam Brackbill in his new Urban Churn retail shop.

It wasn’t even noon yet when Susan Bailey stepped into Urban Churn, the new scoop shop that opened for business just a half-hour before.

She was, let’s say, a little happy.

“I’m so excited, I can’t stand it,” she exclaimed, as she put in an order for several pints of ice cream, covering most of the eight flavors on the menu.

Yes, she said, she loves ice cream, especially from Urban Churn, a small-batch, craft producer that opened its first brick-and-mortar today on N. 3^rd Street in the heart of Midtown Harrisburg.

But, even more, she loves small business, especially those with strong community foundations.

“It’s so hometown-y,” said Bailey, who came down from her artist’s studio in the Millworks. “This really adds something to the city and to Midtown.”

Score a win for owner Adam Brackbill, as that’s exactly what he intended when he chose this location, expanding from his small stand at the Broad Street Market up the street.

“Our business model fits in so well with this community,” he said. “Our shop and what we do is meant to be personal with people, and Midtown is the place to do that.”

Business was brisk on the first day, with Brackbill and his two employees taking orders and scooping up ice cream as quickly as they could. Bailey herself ordered five pints—mostly for friends, she said.

A reporter (OK, it was me) was lucky enough to enjoy the very first affogato (espresso poured over ice cream), a sweet concoction made with Elementary Coffee Co. beans. Brackbill was also serving up lemon bar sundaes and ice cream-topped brownies from another Broad Street Market vendor, Raising the Bar.

The path to get to this day wasn’t easy. Like many buildings in Midtown’s old commercial strip, the squat, clapboard structure needed a lot of work: electrical, plumbing, a new bathroom, new paint, etc.

The renovation cost far more than Brackbill anticipated when he selected what he described as “the perfect location.” So, he turned to the community for help. He started an online fundraising effort, which actually exceeded his $10,000 goal, with dozens of people contributing.

“This is a real community project,” Brackbill said.

Espresso is prepared for an affogato.

Bailey herself was one of the donors. She said that she was happy to support a community-based business started by a young, local entrepreneur, and the fact that it serves such delicious treats was only a bonus.

“We need to make connections in the community,” she said. “And this will help.”

Urban Churn is located at 1004 N. 3^rd St., and is open Wednesdays through Sundays (except for Easter). For more information visit https://urbanchurn.com.

Harrisburg school board challengers exchange views at debate, as incumbents again fail to show

April 18, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Moderator Brandon Flood (right) introduces Harrisburg school board candidates at the start of Thursday night’s debate.

School board incumbents once again failed to show up for a candidate debate, as seven challengers gathered on Thursday night to discuss and debate issues facing the Harrisburg school district.

Some 70 people gathered at the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC) to listen as Democratic candidates exchanged views at the debate, sponsored by Power Central PA, a local interfaith group.

In attendance were challengers Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Cory X. Williams, Lewis Butts Jr., Steven Williams, James Thompson and Doug Thompson Leader.

Absent were incumbents Lionel Gonzalez, Lola Lawson, Ellis R. Roy and Patricia Whitehead-Myers, as well as challenger Ralph Rodriguez. It was the second debate that these five candidates skipped over the past two weeks.

“Every candidate was extended an invitation,” said moderator Brandon Flood, the newly appointed secretary of the state Board of Pardons. “You can see who took us up on this invitation.”

The candidates first made brief introductions, many mentioning why they decided to run for school board in the May 21 primary.

“I saw the way the school district is operating and I said, ‘You can either do nothing or you can do something,” said Steven Williams. “I’m here to do something.”

After that, candidates answered a series of audience questions for nearly two hours, expressing their views on what they perceived to be the most pressing concerns facing the district right now.

“I’m going to net it out—transparency and accountability,” said candidate Jayne Buchwach. “Every person who works in this district should be accountable, and all of it should be for the betterment of children.”

Candidates often criticized the current administration and school board on such issues as hiring a new, in-house board solicitor and the recent refusal of the school administration to cooperate with a state-mandated financial audit of the district.

“Now, I hear the school board president is arguing with the chief recovery officer,” said James Thompson. “We’re no longer cooperating with the state. We’re arguing with the state.”

The school board just announced a special meeting on Monday, at 5:30 p.m., to select a new in-house solicitor for the district. It’s expected the board will try again to appoint former district solicitor James Ellison, an effort that fell just one vote shy last Monday.

Numerous candidates cited an alleged lack of leadership among the administration and board as a motivation for running.

“They ignore the kids, they ignore the parents, they ignore us,” said Doug Thompson Leader. “So, there needs to be a change.”

The candidates agreed on many issues, but seemed split on the whether to have more charter schools in the Harrisburg school district.

“I’m for a high-quality education,” said Cory X. Williams. “So, I believe personally that the parents should have the choice. I’m down for it if it’s going to give us a quality education.”

Lewis Butts disagreed.

“Charter schools cannot provide the extracurricular activity of a Harrisburg High,” Butts said, as a reason for objecting to more charter schools.

He mentioned “equestrian sports” as something the school district could offer, saying that students should be able to use the state Farm Show Complex for equestrian activities because “it’s in our house.”

The evening’s final question regarded cultural diversity and sensitivity in the district and as part of the school curriculum. All candidates agreed that the district should foster cross-cultural understanding, respect and empathy.

“If you treat everybody with dignity, honor and respect, you can deal effectively with having a diverse community,” said Gerald Welch.

Power Central PA has scheduled another debate for Saturday, starting at 6 p.m., at Choice Community Church at 1524 Walnut St., Harrisburg.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 18, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend! I tweeted the other week — and I think it’s still fairly accurate — I’m 33% LaCroix 33% Peanut Butter Egg and 33% Pinot Noir. If only for my PB egg consumption, I am fully in Easter mode. We’re hosting, too, which is cool because I like a holiday I can pretty much outsource everything. Ham? It comes cooked, people! Biscuits? In-laws. Potatoes? My mom. Desserts? Raising the Bar + the delicious Smith Island Cake from Andy’s boss. So I’ll make a salad and some veggies. Dinner = done. Pro tip: Invite a friend to help buffer your parents and watch your kid! Friday is 3rd in the Burg, and either then or Saturday is ideal to hit Broad Street Market for any of those Easter needs. In other news, Greystone Brew House is opening quietly this weekend (not open for Easter Brunch, but Greystone Public House is), and we’ll have more on that next week.

What are you doing this weekend?

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SoMa Block Parties return to downtown Harrisburg with music, food, drink

April 17, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

S. 3rd Street in downtown Harrisburg

If you enjoy a good block party on a warm evening, your summer just took a turn for the better.

The monthly “SoMa Block Parties” in downtown Harrisburg that began last year are returning, starting in May and continuing through September.

The block parties are cosponsored by Harristown Enterprises, which owns many buildings in the area, and the Sara Bozich marketing company.

“We have invested over $20 million in the SoMa neighborhood in the past two decades,” said Harristown President and CEO Brad Jones. “Harristown believes this series of events are a fantastic way to showcase the neighborhood to a whole variety of new boutique small businesses.”

SoMa stands for “South of Market,” a revitalizing commercial and, increasingly, residential neighborhood bounded roughly by S. 3^rd, Market, Chestnut and S. 4^th streets. Harrisburg University soon will break ground on its new, 17-story academic and hotel tower in the neighborhood.

The block party takes place in the heart of SoMa on Blackberry Street (alley), behind International House. Each block party will feature music, food and local beer, wine and/or spirits.

The block party series kicks off on Saturday, May 11, in conjunction with the annual Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) Home Tour, which, this year features buildings in downtown Harrisburg.

Anyone can attend the party, though ticketed tour-goers will receive complimentary food and drink. The May party features products from such local vendors as Boneshire Brew Works, Zeroday Brewing Co., Ploughman Cider, Midstate Distillery, Spring Gate Vineyard & Winery, Bricco, Mel’s Rockin’ BBQ and Elementary Coffee Co. DJ Mad Hatter and the party band, Calling Off Doug, will provide music.

All other block parties will take place on Thursday evenings: June 27, July 25, Aug. 22 and Sept. 26.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Harristown to bring more people and vendors to the SoMa neighborhood of downtown Harrisburg,” said Bozich. “We love sharing this rediscovered gem and can’t wait to host this series of block parties with an even bigger audience in 2019.”

For more information on SoMa block parties, visit www.sarabozich.com. For more information on the HYP Home Tour, visit www.hyp.org.

Downtown stakeholders urge HBG council to renew free parking after 5

April 16, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Street parking was full along N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg on Tuesday night.

Free evening parking has been a boon to downtown Harrisburg and should be continued, several downtown stakeholders told City Council members tonight.

At a council work session, representatives from a downtown restaurant, a theater and two nonprofits presented their case to extend an agreement that provides free street parking after 5 p.m. in most of downtown Harrisburg.

“Everything we’ve heard has been positive, positive, positive about the ‘Free Parking After 5’ program,” said Todd Vander Woude, executive director of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District (HDID).

Vander Woude cited a “car count” conducted by HDID to support his position. He said that 531 cars were parked in the free parking zone on a “random Wednesday” in October 2018. That contrasted with just 254 cars parked in the same zone during a count in September 2015, before the free parking program began.

Moreover, Vander Woude said that restaurants have reported much greater business over the past year. He cited an average increase in sales of 16 percent over the prior year, with some restaurants reporting much higher increases.

If approved, the resolution would allow the city to enter into an agreement with Dauphin County and HDID to split the $270,000 annual price tag. The city’s share would be $110,000, with Dauphin County, which has already approved the agreement, also kicking in $110,000. HDID would cover the remaining $50,000.

That money would be paid to Trimont Real Estate Advisors, the asset manager for the parking system. Trimont, along with operator SP+ (locally, Park Harrisburg), took control of the city’s municipal parking system as part of a debt-restructuring plan in 2014. The $270,000 sum represents the total revenue that SP+ had collected from meters and enforcement fines between 5 and 7 p.m. in prior years in the HDID district, which ranges roughly from State Street to just past Chestnut Street.

The current, one-year agreement actually expired on April 1, but the parties involved agreed to extend it through the month, until it could be renewed.

Restaurateur Steve Weinstock cited much greater sales at his restaurants since the free parking program started, saying that his dinner business at Stock’s on 2nd had increased by 34 percent and at Carley’s Ristorante by 29 percent.

“These are huge numbers,” Weinstock said. “They’re still not what they were a few years ago, but they’re headed in the right direction.”

Several council members echoed their enthusiasm for the renewal, advocating for a three-year agreement, not just one.

“Before, it was dead downtown,” said council President Wanda Williams. “Now, you can’t find a place to park. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

While most council members seemed happy to renew the agreement, they were less pleased about Trimont’s other request—compensation for use of the LUV HBG code on the ParkMobile mobile app, which provides four hours of free parking on Saturdays. Trimont is asking for $90,000 compensation for use of the code over the next year.

Council members said they wanted additional data from Trimont before entering into a negotiation over continuing the mobile code. Until now, Trimont had attached no cost to use of the LUV HBG code.

“We like the LUV HBG program. We would like it to continue,” said Councilman Ben Allatt. “But we want it open to negotiation.”

Melissa Nicholson, executive director of Gamut Theatre Group, advocated for the continuation of the code.

“LUV HGB has been an enormous help to us,” she said, explaining that Gamut has many Saturday activities at its theater on N. 4^th Street.

In another matter, the administration asked council to ratify the submission of a grant application to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for construction of a “chutes and ladders” playground in Reservoir Park.

If received, the $250,000 grant would substantially offset the $600,000 cost of the project, the construction of a play area that mimics the features of the classic children’s game. The city plans to apply for other grants to pay for much of the balance.

Council is expected to take action on these issues at its legislative session next week.

Harrisburg metro again performs well on US News “Best Places” list

April 16, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

The beauty of the Susquehanna River and access to nature and the outdoors impressed the U.S. News judges.

The Harrisburg area is the 44^th-best place to live in the country, according to the just-released annual list from U.S. News & World Report.

The editors praised Harrisburg for its affordability, easy access to outdoor activities and “small-town” atmosphere. While U.S. News analyzed the metropolitan area, much of the praise was focused on the city.

“Singles and younger residents might be more inclined to live downtown or in Midtown, near restaurants and nightlife, especially if they work downtown,” stated the entry. “Older couples and families might be more attracted to the bigger space and better schools that suburban areas like Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg and Hershey have to offer.”

U.S. News ranked 125 metro areas based on five general criteria: desirability, value, job market, quality of life and net migration. Harrisburg scored best on the “value” measure.

Last year, U.S. News also ranked Harrisburg as the 44^th “best place” to live in the nation and the best metro area in Pennsylvania.

The editors were especially struck by the Harrisburg area’s affordable housing and beautiful setting near the river and mountains.

“While Harrisburg isn’t necessarily regarded as an affluent area, its housing market is exceedingly affordable,” said the entry. “That, coupled with a cost of living well below the national average, may result in a greater expendable income for Harrisburg residents than those in other parts of the country—especially given that the average annual salary in the area isn’t all that much lower than the national average.”

Like last year, the U.S. News compilers ranked Austin, Texas, as their “best place” to live for 2019. Colorado Springs, Colo., and Denver switched spots at No. 2 and 3, respectively.

Washington, D.C., fell precipitously from last year, falling to No. 19 from No. 8 in 2018.

The rankings for other Pennsylvania cities this year included Lancaster at No. 48, Pittsburgh at No. 50, Reading at No. 84, York at No. 87, Allentown at No. 93, Scranton at No. 98, and Philadelphia at No. 102.

U.S. News also ranks central Pennsylvania very highly in “best places” to retire, with Harrisburg coming in at No. 29 and Lancaster at No. 1 in the nation.

For more information, visit https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live.

Harrisburg U. releases features, renderings of new student center

April 16, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering (more below) of Harrisburg University’s new Student Union, now under construction inside Whitaker Center.

At one time, college student centers tended to be drab places, usually with little more than some old chairs and tables, maybe a worn sofa.

Not any more—at least not for Harrisburg University students.

When it opens, the new HU Student Union will have several unique elements, according to specifications from the university. In addition to the expected chairs, tables and informal meeting spaces, it will feature a wellness center, a gaming area and an aquaponics lab.

“This will be a state-of-the-art facility that will integrate student life with recreation and academics,” said Steven Infanti, HU’s assistant vice president of marketing and communications.

Since February, HU has been building out the multi-floor, 7,950-square-foot student center inside Whitaker Center, in the part of the 20-year-old building that once housed KidsPlace, an activity and exhibition area for children that since has been relocated. The renovation is expected to be complete in time for the fall academic semester.

Renderings show a sleek, industrial-style space with numerous separate areas to study, socialize and collaborate. Features include:

Dedicated, collaborative learning and small group areas, private study and conference rooms.
A custom-designed amphitheater outfitted with a large, multimedia video wall display.
An aquaponics lab surrounded by glass and equipped with two fish tanks and media beds, in addition to NFT (nutrient film technique) tables for growing plants.
A new mezzanine housing fitness and aerobic classes, private study space and a gaming area.
A full-service wellness center.

The student center represents the second major collaboration between HU and Whitaker Center. The university also houses e-sports practice and gaming areas inside the downtown arts center.

The Student Union also will help tie together the numerous HU buildings in downtown Harrisburg, including the planned, 17-story tower that soon will break ground at S. 3^rd and Chestnut streets, Infanti said.

“This central location and the varied uses of the building will build a greater sense of community that links together the Academic Center with our student housing and our new tower,” Infanti said. “We are creating a place for everybody to congregate.”

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