TheBurg Podcast, Dec. 1: Times, they are a-changing.

December 1, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

A lot happened at City Council this week, and it’s all covered all in TheBurg’s newest podcast.

Burg editor in chief Larry Binda and city reporter Lizzy Hardison offer a preview of the 2018 budget, consider the city’s options for exiting from Act 47 next year, and sit in slack-jawed wonder at Harrisburg’s peace treaty with National Civil War Museum. They end with a discussion about community policing techniques, which Lizzy writes about in this month’s issue of TheBurg.

Stream this week’s episode on SoundCloud, or download it in the iTunes or Android podcast apps.

Read coverage of the issues we discuss in this podcast:

HBG Budget: 2018 plan shows growing revenues, no new tax hikes.

Exit Strategy: Harrisburg seeks assistance as it eyes leaving Act 47.

Peace in Our Time: City, Civil War Museum finalize accord over artifacts, rent.

New Cops on the Block: How one police department built public trust with a community-centered approach.

Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music. Check out his podcast, the PRC Show on iTunes.

Exit Strategy: Harrisburg seeks assistance as it eyes leaving Act 47.

December 1, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

State Street in Harrisburg

As 2017 draws to a close and Harrisburg officials negotiate next year’s budget, they’ve already set their sights on another deadline: the end of 2018, when the city’s Act 47 status expires.

The city recently enlisted the help of a lobbying firm to craft an exit strategy, which might include new laws specific to the capital city.

Harrisburg entered Act 47 in 2011. Cities and townships under Act 47 are designated as “financially distressed” by the state Department of Community and Economic Development and given special provisions for consolidating debt and setting tax rates.

Without those provisions, city officials say, it would be impossible to balance Harrisburg’s budget and maintain basic local services. Exiting the program would require them to lower current tax rates – unless legislators amend state laws.

“My general gut tells me unless there’s legislative change, I don’t think it’s possible for us to leave Act 47,” said Ben Allatt, a City Council member and chair of the budget and finance committee.

The need for new tax laws led the city to hire local lobbying firm Maverick Strategies, which they will pay $60,000 for services in 2018. While the deal won’t guarantee a specific legislative outcome, officials hope that Maverick will convey to lawmakers the unique challenges of funding a capital city.

“I don’t think that the leaders in the House fully understand what it means for a city to be in and leave Act 47,” said Allatt. “We think if they are fully informed, it could lead to legislative change that could affect Harrisburg or other cities across the commonwealth.”

Harrisburg’s status as the state capital simultaneously drives up its expenditures and reduces its revenue base. The daily influx of commuters means that the city infrastructure serves a large population of commuters who do not pay income or property taxes. What’s more, the city cannot tax state land.

Act 47 allowed Harrisburg officials to set earned income tax and local services tax rates higher than what is allowed under the state’s constitution.

Currently, Harrisburg taxes every individual working in the city $156 a year, or $3 a week, for local services such as police, road and traffic signals, and utilities.

The $8 million annual revenue from the local services tax helps maintain the city’s infrastructure and emergency services. If Harrisburg exited Act 47 today, it would have to adjust its tax rates according to the state constitution and third-class city code.

Harrisburg finance director Bruce Weber said lowering the rates would be impossible.

“It’d mean massive layoffs,” Weber said. “We wouldn’t balance the budget.”

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that the city will seek an exemption from these tax codes due to its capital city status.

“We’re certainly in solidarity with other third-class cities across the commonwealth that are struggling, but we’re a third-class city that is also the state capital city,” he said.

Papenfuse could not say whether the lobbyists would seek amendments to the third-class city code or the creation of new laws entirely. He did add that legislative changes could provide Harrisburg an alternative to a home rule charter, which would let the city create set its own rates on income and property taxes.

Papenfuse also confirmed that one objective of the lobbyists will be annualizing the state’s yearly payment to Harrisburg. Since the city cannot collect taxes on state property, the state has routinely made an appropriation to Harrisburg for emergency fire and police services, which, in recent years, has amounted to $5 million.

That payment is subject to debate in each round of state budget negotiations and has fluctuated in size. Papenfuse hopes that legislators, with prodding from Maverick lobbyists, will make the $5 million appropriation a requirement by state law.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

November 30, 2017 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

Please excuse the abbreviated Weekend Roundup. I have a pretty good reason.

By the way, last week was the first time I missed the WR in like seven years — seriously. So my apologies, but you know, new baby + holiday, blah blah blah.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Another Big Catch: Acclaimed author George Saunders to visit Harrisburg.

November 30, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Another big literary name is about to hit Harrisburg, as Man Booker Prize winner George Saunders is slated to make a February visit.

Alex Brubaker, manager of Midtown Scholar Bookstore, said today that Saunders, author of “Lincoln in the Bardo,” will pass through Harrisburg on Feb. 9 for a reading and book-signing.

“We’re thrilled to welcome an author of this caliber to the Midtown Scholar Bookstore,” he said. “After winning the 2017 Man Booker Prize, Saunders has solidified himself as one of the most renowned American writers working today. It’s an honor to host him.”

This past year, Saunders made his debut as a novel-writer in an emphatic manner as “Lincoln in the Bardo” became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller and subsequently won the Man Booker Prize, one of most prestigious international awards in literature. The novel blends historical realism with supernatural elements to tell an original and moving American tale.

Saunders’ visit caps off for an exciting year locally, as many acclaimed writers, including Salman Rushdie, Masha Gessen and Ibram X. Kendi, have all visited Midtown Scholar over the past few months. Moreover, the bookstore hosted the 2017 Harrisburg Book Festival, which featured four days of author talks, signings and events.

George Saunders will present “Lincoln in the Bardo” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9 at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.midtownscholar.com.

For Alex Brubaker’s gift ideas for the book-lover, visit our story in the December issue.

Community Corner: Notable December Events

November 30, 2017 | by Events Editor

December Community Corner

Elegant Progressions
Dec. 1-2: Historic Harrisburg Association and Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania will host its 26th annual “Elegant Progressions” black-tie progressive dinner at three country estates in Bowmansdale. Enjoy chauffeured service to the mansions for hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs, a formal dinner and dessert. Visit elegantprogressions.org.

Toys for Tots
Dec. 1-8: National Civil War Museum and the U.S. Marine Corps are collecting toys for Harrisburg’s children in need. Drop off unwrapped toys valued at $12 or more at the museum and receive one free museum admission for the day of donation or two coupons for 50 percent off a future visit. For details, visit nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

Holiday Concert
Dec. 1-9: Kick off the holiday season with the Harrisburg Singers’ traditional concert of carols. Tickets are $25. Visit musicbytheriver.org for concert and venue information.

Holiday Lights
Dec. 1-Jan. 1: Take a mile-long drive through a Christmas light display, with more than 300,000 lights synchronized with holiday music, at Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Rd., Lititz. For all the details, visit ChristmasSpiritLights.com.

Mini HBG Flea
Dec. 2: Explore the HBG Flea Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Strawberry Square, Harrisburg. Shop for local art, handmade gifts and vintage wares. Visit hbgflea.com for vendor information.

Diversity Luncheon
Dec. 2: Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network hosts “Celebrate the Holidays with Diversity” at the State Museum, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate with music, singing, dance and food from around the world. Bring a cultural dish to share. Visit pairwn.org.

Yule Ball Extravaganza
Dec. 2: Celebrate Harry Potter’s 20th anniversary with a Yule Ball Celebration at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a feast, Hogwarts classes and dancing. Wear a wizarding robe or your best fancy dress. Admission is $10 per guest, 11 years of age and older. Visit fredrickenlibrary.org.

White Christmas
Dec. 2: Carlisle Theatre, 40 W. High St., will host its annual showing of “White Christmas,” at 7 p.m. with a singalong. The 1945 classic will be shown with lyrics so that audience members can follow along. For details, visit carlisletheatre.org.

Festival of Trees
Dec. 2-17: Christmas trees trimmed by local garden clubs and decorated with handmade ornaments are displayed at the Fort Hunter Tavern House, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, on Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Trees are available for raffle and ornaments will be for sale. Visit forthunter.org.

Train Display
Dec. 2-30: Elizabethtown Public Library and the Train Guys model train club present the 2017 model train display at the library, 10 S. Market St., on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit etownpubliclibrary.org.

Market of Curiosities
Dec. 3: Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb presents the annual Market of Curiosities at Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This circus of imaginative holiday gifts features independent artists, vintage dealers and DIY creators. Relish the tastes of micro-brews and food and enjoy live music. Visit marketofcuriosities.com.

Local Lunch
Dec. 3: Join Friends of Midtown at its monthly community lunch, which will be held at Note Bistro & Winebar, 1520 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, 12 to 2 p.m. Contact [email protected] or visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Champagne Brunch
Dec. 3: Civic Club of Harrisburg will host a holiday champagne brunch at its historic headquarters, Overlook, 612 N. Front St., with music, entertainment and catering by Stock’s on 2nd, 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Details can be found at civicclubofharrisburg.com.

Polish Tradition
Dec. 5: Join Friends of International House, 312 Chestnut St., Harrisburg, for a 12-dish Christmas Eve supper in Polish tradition, beginning at 7 p.m. Enjoy Polish Christmas carols and a display of hand-painted ornaments. Admission is a suggested donation of $50, benefitting Friends of IHouse. Contact [email protected].

Deck the Halls
Dec. 7: “Deck the Halls,” Historical Society of Dauphin County’s fundraising event, features hors d’oeuvres, craft wines and beers, dessert bar, jazz music, silent auction and a photo booth at Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 6 to 9 p.m. Details are at DauphinCountyHistory.org.

Holiday Gala
Dec. 8: Harrisburg Young Professionals will host its holiday gala, 6 to 9 p.m., at Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg. Join HYP in celebrating the end of the year, while exploring the museum and enjoying refreshments. Visit hyp.org.

Dickens Concert
Dec. 8-17: The Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus presents “A Dickens Christmas” concert at the First Reformed United Church of Christ, 40 E. Orange St., Lancaster, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Visit harrisburggaymenschorus.org.

Holiday Tour
Dec. 8, 22: Brighter Living Adult Day Care, 979 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, will host a community event at 6 p.m. with tours of its adult day programs and holiday movie screenings. Refreshments provided. Bring clothing and toys to benefit the Harrisburg YWCA. Visit the Facebook page.

Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 9: The Bach Choir of Baltimore visits to perform “Handel’s Messiah,” 2 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Tickets are $25. For more information, call 717-236-4059 or visit musicbytheriver.org.

Holiday Soiree
Dec. 9: Art Association of Harrisburg will host “A Dickens Holiday Soiree” at a private New Cumberland home, 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy “A Christmas Carol” decorations, appearances from the four ghosts and a themed menu. Dress in Victorian or holiday attire. Reservations are $50. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Christmas Celebration
Dec. 9-10: Bethesda Mission will host a Christmas celebration at Italian Lake, Harrisburg. The festival includes a tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Santa’s grotto, carriage rides, local choirs, food vendors and a holiday market with local artisans. For all the details, visit christmasitalianlake.com.

Selfies with Santa
Dec. 9-24: Visit Santa at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., and take a photo in front of the beautiful Christmas tree. Santa will be in Center Court on Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24, 2 to 5 p.m. Free admission. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

Santa in Midtown
Dec. 10: Meet and get your picture taken with Santa, enjoy a free snack and get a museum tour at the Friends of Midtown event, Santa in Midtown, 1 to 4 p.m., at the PA National Fire Museum, 1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Candlelight House Tour
Dec. 10: Historic Harrisburg hosts its 44th annual Candlelight House Tour, 1 to 6 p.m., highlighting homes and businesses in the Capitol neighborhood. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Visit historicharrisburg.com for more details.

Holiday Market
Dec. 10: Historical Society of Dauphin County presents its annual Holiday Market, 1 to 6 p.m., with heritage, folk and contemporary artists from Central PA at Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Shop for gifts and visit with Santa. Details at DauphinCountyHistory.org.

Teen Gingerbread Houses
Dec. 10: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, invites teens ages 12 to 18 to the annual Gingerbread Extravaganza, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Make a gingerbread house, enjoy holiday movies and sip hot cocoa. Cost is $3. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Holiday Carols
Dec. 10: Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg will host the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 4 p.m., featuring the Sanctuary Choir and the Market Square Ringers. Visit marketsquarechurch.org.

Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 10-11 & Dec. 16-17: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet will present its annual holiday production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, on Dec. 9 and 10, and Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, on Dec. 16 and 17. Visit cpyb.org.

Polar Express Party
Dec. 11: Children of all ages are invited to meet the train engineer from “The Polar Express,” who will lead a special reading of the classic Christmas story at New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, 7 p.m. Children can wear pajamas, enjoy cookies and milk and get their picture taken with the engineer. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Sustainability Talk
Dec. 12: Join the U.S. Green Building Council Central PA for a continental breakfast, presentations by local leaders in sustainability and a discussion on community-based carbon offsets, at Widener Law Commonwealth, 3800 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, 8 to 10 a.m. Visit usgbc.org.

Holly Luncheon
Dec. 12: New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will host its annual Holly Luncheon and Musical Holiday Musings, 10:30 a.m., in the library’s Foundation Hall. Reservations are $10. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org for details.

Locomotive Works
Dec. 12: National Railway Historical Society Harrisburg Chapter hosts “The Baldwin Locomotive Works and its Connection with the Pennsylvania Railroad,” with Albert Giannantonio at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. Speaker starts at 7 p.m.; dinner begins as early as 5 p.m. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

Photography Contest Display
Dec. 12-Jan. 27: Visit Wildwood Park’s Olewine Nature Center during regular business hours to view photographs entered in the Friends of Wildwood annual photography contest. Visit wildwoodlake.org for details.

Foreign Policy Address
Dec. 13: Lynn Tabernacki of the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corp. will speak on “Addressing Foreign Policy Through the Private Sector” at Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 7:30 p.m. Dinner precedes the talk. Visit fpa-harrisburg.org.

Fair Districts PA
Dec. 14: Progressive Jewish Voice of Central Pennsylvania is sponsoring a program at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Harrisburg, 3301 N. Front St., at 7 p.m. Fair Districts PA will present information on the status of redistricting in Pennsylvania. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided. For more, please contact Randall Tenor at 717-763-1804.

3rd in The Burg
Dec. 15: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.

Candlelight Concerts
Dec. 15-17: Susquehanna Chorale will hold its Candlelight Christmas concert series, with traditional and contemporary carols and a pre-concert recital by harpist Elizabeth Asmus. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $5 for students. Visit susquehannachorale.org.

Christmas Ring
Dec. 16: Join The Great Christmas Ring—a ringing event held in venues throughout the world—at Lancaster Marriott, 25 South Queen St., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Experienced hand bell ringers should contact [email protected] to participate. Visit thegreatchristmasring.com

Winter Discovery
Dec. 16-31: Visit Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, where exhibits will highlight animals in winter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Radio Theater
Dec. 17-18: The Not Ready For Drive Time Players brings its Christmas show to the Center Street Grille, 4 Center St., Enola, 7 p.m. Actors read from scripts like old-fashioned radio theater performers, with an SNL-like spin. Contact 717-732-8167 or [email protected].

Noon Year’s Eve
Dec. 29: State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., welcomes the New Year with its annual “Noon Year’s Eve” for young children and families, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-friendly event is included with general admission; planetarium fees apply. Visit statemuseumofpa.org.

New Year’s Eve Countdown
Dec. 31: Celebrate the new year throughout the day at the Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can make some noise with Hershey characters and “bubble-wrap stomps” at 11 a.m., 1.p.m. and 3 p.m. Visit hersheystory.org.

Children’s New Year
Dec. 31: Children count down to a noon balloon drop at the Popcorn Hat Players’ 25th annual New Year’s Eve party at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the event begins at 11 a.m., including a performance of “The Ugly Duckling.” Tickets are $12 per person. Visit gamuttheatre.org.

Harrisburg New Year’s
Dec. 31: Harrisburg will ring in the new year with fireworks and a celebration at the MLK Government Center, 10 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. Watch the strawberry drop at midnight, followed by fireworks. Visit harrisburgpa.gov.

New Cops on the Block: How one police department built public trust with a community-centered approach.

November 30, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Sgt. Sharkey Lacey

On a chilly Wednesday night in late October, Julio Ferrufino glides his behemoth police cruiser down Vaughn Street in Susquehanna Township. He points to each house he passes.

“That’s Mrs. Bell. She had surgery, but she’s recovering now.”

“That guy? He’s a truck driver from Florida, and his son has special needs. He’s goes back and forth a lot.”

The litany continues: a woman whose home was recently burglarized, a local teacher, a retired New York City cop with 10 cats and five dogs. A home he suspects is a haven for drugs.

Vaughn Street cuts an artery down the township’s Montrose Park neighborhood, which abuts the northern border of Uptown Harrisburg. Ferrufino, a barrel-chested, loquacious Marine Corps veteran who’s served the Susquehanna Township force for 10 years, patrols the neighborhood daily as part of his assigned beat. He’s known among officers and residents as the “mayor” of Montrose Park.

“I know everyone, and everyone knows me,” he said with nonchalance.

When Ferrufino sets out on foot patrol or checks in on a resident, he’s employing practices that have long been considered part of police work, but only recently given a name: community policing. That term arose in the 1990s, and since then, Susquehanna Township has become a regional leader in community policing initiatives. Under the leadership of Chief Robert Martin, the force has consulted with departments throughout the commonwealth that want to build rapport with the people they police.

Citizens, for their part, seem to be taking note. At an October forum about policing hosted by Harrisburg Hope, one Harrisburg woman said she’s considering a move to Susquehanna Township because she admires the police department. Another woman with family in the Township said that her nephews speak glowingly of their foot patrol officer.

Martin, a 30-year veteran of the force, will be the first to admit that implementing community policing initiatives takes time and money. But sacrificing those two important resources reaps another invaluable dividend: public trust.

BACK TO THE ROOTS

The concept of community policing has its roots in the earliest policing practices, which date back to 1829, according to a paper from the U.S. Department of Justice. That year, Sir Robert Peel founded London’s first metropolitan police force to address an uptick in violent and petty crimes. Peel’s officers each served a designated patrol area, where they were to acquaint themselves with residents and intervene in crime. Peel also adopted military-inspired uniforms so officers would be visible to residents and implemented the military command structure that forces still use today.

Most American cities had police forces by the time the Civil War began, but policing here quickly took on a more militaristic and political bent. Many of the earliest American police officers were agents of social control, employed to police slaves, indigenous people and immigrant minorities. Victor Kappeler, a crime historian at Eastern Kentucky University, writes that the first constables in New England were charged with protecting settlers from Native Americans. Many Southern police forces originated as slave patrols, helping slave owners find runaway slaves and quell rebellions. Urban police forces grew when Catholics, Germans, Italians and Eastern Europeans immigrated to the United States, as white, Protestant Americans called for the preservation of “law and order.”

American forces were also distinct from their European counterparts because they carried guns, according to the DOJ. And, since police captains were appointed by elected officials, police departments became ensnared in local political structures.

If you ask Chief Martin what he thinks caused the biggest change in modern policing, he’ll give you a simple answer: the climate-controlled police cruiser. As American cities sprawled into suburbs after World War II, police officers found themselves patrolling more diffuse populations. Automobiles became the most practical way to cover ever-expanding neighborhood beats.

But even as officers covered more ground, they retreated on another front: face-to-face interactions with residents.

“It really took away that everyday, every-hour communication with people we served,” Martin said. “After two decades of that, unconsciously, the profession was only dealing with people when we were called out for something bad that happened.”

When Martin joined the Susquehanna Township force in the 1980s, he was troubled, he said, by what he perceived as the department’s lack of relationship with its citizens. When he was promoted to chief in his 10th year of service, he made two swift mandates to get officers out of their cars.

He started by ordering mandatory foot patrols. Every officer on Martin’s force must complete one foot patrol per shift, and they’re encouraged to strike up conversations with residents as they go.

“They said ‘talk to the community,’ and I said ‘great, I’m a talker,’” Ferrufino said, recalling his orders when he first joined the force. He thinks the foot patrols benefit both citizens and officers. It gives residents peace of mind to know that officers are afoot, he said, and helps officers build trust with people who might later aid in investigations.

Martin likes to say that an officer’s best tool on the job is his communication skills. Ferrufino has honed his throughout the course of his career, and today has his own standard for engaging residents.

“At the end of the day, you want to deal with the public the same way you want people to deal with your family,” said Ferrufino, who is married with three children.

The interactions Ferrufino has with community members are a far cry from his own experiences with police officers as a youth in Newark, N.J.

“The culture in the inner city was that we didn’t speak to cops unless we had to,” he said. “I knew that, if I was a cop, I wouldn’t want to be like that, so those guys were my teachers, in a way.”

Martin also restored beat policing, which made each officer responsible for cultivating relationships in a specific neighborhood. An officer will respond to calls anywhere in the township, Martin said, but develops “ownership” of the area in her beat.

“If I have an emerging problem in a patrol beat, I know I can hold certain officers accountable for it,” Martin said. “I go to the officers on that beat and I know they’ll be the problem solvers.”

BUILDING A PROGRAM

With foot patrols and beat policing as a foundation, Martin introduced a series of initiatives over the course of a decade to build public trust in the police. In Susquehanna Township, that process starts with kids.

The first program Martin implemented, called “Honorable Endeavor,” requires officers to interact with any children they see on patrol. Every time an officer plays catch with a group of teens or invites a toddler and his parent into a squad car, he or she must document it with a departmental report.

“If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen,” Martin said. Meticulous recordkeeping allows the department to furnish data for township commissioners or residents, and Martin also considers the reports in every officer’s performance reviews.

Officers are also required to enter schools and engage children on a “Word of the Month.” This initiative, called “Stand in the Gap,” allows officers to teach students values and behaviors they might miss at home, said Sgt. Sharkey Lacey.

“We’re trying to teach them character traits of an upstanding citizen,” explained Lacey, who currently serves as an interim school resource officer. “If they don’t have those values at home, they learn them, and, if they do, then it’s being reinforced.”

On a recent Wednesday morning, Lacey entered a fifth-grade class at Holtzman Elementary School and talked to students about the word “value.” After soliciting definitions from students and doling out police department pencils for participation, Lacey left the diverse group with an uplifting takeaway: “Everyone has value for what they can teach you, regardless of where they come from or what they look like.”

Martin, who was raised by a single mother in Delaware County, Pa., said that police officers have a role in affirming children who might face difficult home lives.

“When you’re a police officer in uniform, you can have a real positive effect on some young men and women in tough situations,” Martin said. “We should take every opportunity in our profession to do that.”

He also wants officers to take every opportunity to remind residents that they’re being policed. The final pillar of the department’s community policing program is an initiative called “Vigilant Protector,” which mandates officers to intervene in situations that might invite crime. If a car parked on the street has open windows, for instance, an officer must try to contact the owner or leave a note reminding them to be cognizant of risks.

CHALLENGES

Martin and Ferrufino both agree that police officers today have more demands on their time than ever before. They’re called to do the work of mental health professionals, domestic mediators and social workers, Martin said, all while enforcing traffic laws and responding to violent crimes. The immediate demands of most police work don’t leave much time for proactive community policing.

“You have to take advantage of available time in a patrol shift, and, with a busy city police department, you might be down to minutes,” Martin said.

But Ferrufino doesn’t think that time scarcity should undermine a community-centered policing approach.

“You can always make time to talk,” Ferrufino said. He added that even an ordinary traffic stop allows an officer to present a polite, well-meaning and non-confrontational face to the public.

Martin expects that social service agencies might integrate with police forces in the coming years, which would provide much needed assistance to officers responding to mentally ill or aging residents after business hours. For now, however, Martin says his officers will continue to accept the growing demands of their profession.

“We don’t say no,” Martin said. “What we do here is try to build relationships, and that has to take place on a daily basis.”

For the Arts: Bill Lehr’s style may be soft, but his impact raises the roof.

November 30, 2017 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

“Here’s the thing about Bill Lehr.”

With that introduction, Alice Anne Schwab begins to explain how the Susquehanna Art Museum has benefited from William Lehr Jr.’s long-time leadership.

“He generally says little in a meeting or assembled group, so when he does speak, it is almost always going to be profound and vital to the cause,” said Schwab, SAM’s executive director. “I listen very carefully because that’s when he’s going to utter the brilliance. And then he’s out the door!”

For years, Lehr may have been best known locally as a top Hershey executive and then as president and CEO of Capital BlueCross. But since his retirement a few years ago, he’s increased his already substantial involvement in the arts, now serving as president of SAM’s board and in several other key positions.

“He is highly respected in the business community as well as the arts community, and that respect translates to many positives for us,” Schwab said. “He contributes financially, which is obviously hugely important to the success of nonprofit arts organizations, but he is also tremendously generous with his time. He’s truly the busiest retired guy I know.”

Americans for the Arts, a national network of arts organizations, supporters and activists, has now recognized Lehr’s contributions, recently presenting him with its annual Legacy Award.

“We’re excited to be honoring Mr. Lehr,” said Inga Vitols, the group’s spokesperson. “He shines a light on what has been possible with the dedication of leaders who believe passionately in the cause.”

Indeed, Lehr is very passionate about the arts.

“In all permutations,” he said, “not only because I learn from them and enjoy them myself, but because they are an essential element in the development and maintenance of a vibrant community.”

What couldn’t he live without?

“Thank goodness I don’t have to choose just one, but, if I did, it would be music,” Lehr said. “We attend Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz and Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra concerts. We also attend shows at Theatre Harrisburg, Hershey Theatre, Gamut Theatre Group and Open Stage.”

Lehr’s stint at SAM is actually his second. He also served on the board in the early 2000s, aiding its move to a new building, said Schwab.

“His presence as a dedicated helper in the museum’s time of great need was a catalyst for several other great community leaders to come on board,” she said. “Bill came back to the board at the end of 2015 and was elected board president soon after. In September, he was reelected for another year.”

Despite Lehr’s quiet demeanor, he is one of those people who, “behind the scenes of any preforming arts or cultural organization, makes it happen,” said Jeff Woodruff, executive director of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.

Lehr came on the board of HSO in 2006 and stepped down 10 years later because of term limits. He spent the last four as chairman.

“Bill continued to be a soft-spoken man, playing behind the scenes, but in his own giving way, he leads by example,” said Woodruff. “He has been very generous offering funds out of his pocket and encouraging others to give.”

Harrisburg-area arts are so important to Lehr that he retired early to have ample time to contribute the most he could. Over the years, he’s been a board member for dozens of organizations, including Whitaker Center, Harrisburg Symphony Association, the Cultural Enrichment Fund and Metro Arts of the Capital Region (now Jump Street).

“Bill was a model board member, a strong advocate for HSO who knows how to run a meeting and someone who attended every concert and event,” Woodruff said.

Lehr has seen many changes in the local arts scene over the years. Some organizations have come and gone, though many others have taken root and become successful. One notable change has been the prominence of women, who head many nonprofits today.

Among the women Lehr says he admires globally is Mother Theresa. Locally, he points to the leadership of Janice Black, president and CEO of the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, and Kathleen Pavelko, president and CEO of WITF.

When he’s not busy with advocacy, Lehr enjoys being with his three children and five grandchildren. He and his wife Beverlee, an artist herself, are also tireless travelers, having visited 70 different countries so far.

“We’re working on several others to go on our list,” Lehr laughed.

But being home in the Harrisburg area keeps him plenty busy, as well. After all, there’s always one more concert to attend; one more play to go to; one more exhibit to see; and, of course, one more organization that needs his advice and assistance.

Here Too: Yes, Harrisburg can have nice things.

November 30, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

The whispers began well before the official opening last month.

Hmm . . . do you think Harrisburg will support this place? Can it survive here? Will it last longer than a month, a year?

It seemed too hip, too different—maybe even a little radical. Too—should I say it—nice? Sure, it might work in Philly or Pittsburgh or D.C., but certainly not here in dumpy old Harrisburg.

In this case, I’m talking about Provisions, the snug, urban-style grocery that opened its doors downtown in Strawberry Square. But it could equally apply to a bunch of other businesses that have started over the last decade.

A huge, independent bookstore on a forlorn block in Midtown? No way. A vast arts center in a dilapidated wreck of a building? Yeah, right. An upscale French bistro? Ha!

I refer to Midtown Scholar, H*MAC and Rubicon, respectively. But it could equally apply to so many other places that have opened in recent years: Little Amps (Harrisburg wants cheap coffee); the Millworks (too artsy, too pricey); Note Bistro (doomed location); Zeroday ($6 pints??); LUX, Union Lofts, Flats at Strawberry Square (too big-city, too expensive).

All have proven the haters and trolls wrong. They are still in business. Most are thriving.

The armchair critics also roared over the new Harrisburg Bike Share. But it had about 500 sign-ups in its first month in operation, according to sponsor Communities in Schools PA. The sturdy white bikes with the front baskets are now a common sight along the riverfront and City Island. Chalk up another success.

Therefore, I’m calling time on “old Harrisburg.” This is the Harrisburg with little more to offer its residents than cut-rate goods, unhealthy food and substandard housing. This is the Harrisburg owned by people who flee each night to the suburbs, snug in subdivisions where their blighted buildings and dangerous bars would never be tolerated. This is the Harrisburg with an inferiority complex, where anyone hoping for better is shouted down as an outsider or an idiot.

Of course, I realize that change, as is its nature, is distributed unevenly across the city, with some neighborhoods progressing and others not. But we need to realize—simply because it’s a fact—that Harrisburg’s economy has changed. Over the past decade, it’s deepened and diversified, and it should no longer surprise anyone that the city can support nicer and, yes, sometimes more expensive goods and services.

A couple of years ago, a friend told me that he was thinking about opening a business and asked me what I thought. My advice was this—go higher end. By higher end, I didn’t mean Gucci or Givenchy. I meant “mass market nice,” something a notch or two better than conventional wisdom in this town seemed to believe would work.

I reached this conclusion not based on my own personal likes or aspirations, but by looking around at what was already succeeding: Café Fresco, Stage on Herr, Suba, Cork & Fork, Federal Taphouse. “Something better” seemed to be where the market was moving in Harrisburg. I told him that that’s what we did with TheBurg—and it worked for us, too.

In contrast, you know what’s not working? People who treat the city like it’s still old, ramshackle Harrisburg, who seem stuck in the past. In the decade I’ve been here, countless convenience stores, cell phone resellers and used goods shops have opened and closed just along 3rd Street in Midtown. It simply doesn’t seem to be a successful business strategy any longer.

I also urged my friend to heed what I call the “three C’s” of success: capitalization, competence and commitment. As a small business owner and enthusiast, I’ve seen even good ideas flop due to owner malpractice. I told him that, if he chose to open a store, he had to ensure that he was well capitalized, deeply understood his product and business and was willing to work 12-hour days (he wasn’t and didn’t).

So, here’s to Provisions, Harrisburg’s newest small business. It’s a little funky, a little urban, a little fun. And it offers a completely different, superior food-shopping experience for anyone accustomed to the numbing, cold sterility of the suburban supermarket. May it have a long, long life!

Lawrance Binda is editor in chief of TheBurg.

Happy Holli-Plays: Old Christmas favorites return with new twists at Open Stage.

November 30, 2017 | by Laura Dugan

This holiday season, Open Stage of Harrisburg is bringing back two seasonal favorites: “A Christmas Carol” and “The Santaland Diaries.”

But, this season, each show features a new twist. The script for “A Christmas Carol” has been newly adapted by Rachel Landon, and Jeff Luttermoser steps into the elfin shoes of Crumpet in “The Santaland Diaries.”

Though the script for “A Christmas Carol” is new, the “wicked old Scrooge” returns. Nick Hughes will once again assume the role. For the 18th time, Hughes will scowl and humbug his way across the stage. Several other cast members from last year’s production are returning, and some new faces will also join the cast.

“This season’s production is going to include all the fun and spectacle of last year’s show, plus a few extra surprises,” said Director Stuart Landon. “Audiences loved our reboot of this Harrisburg tradition—we sold out most performances last year—and they are sure to catch the spirit again with these new twists!”

In adapting the story, Rachel Landon was careful to stay true to Dickens.

“Charles Dickens created the perfect Christmas story, and his beautiful, hilarious and heart-wrenching words still hold true today,” said Landon, who will also be performing in the production. “To interpret his words is a real gift and as artists we celebrate the humor, the reverence of the season, and, of course, the ghost story.”

David Richwine is reprising his role as Bob Cratchit and is excited about continuing the holiday tradition of “A Christmas Carol.”

“There’s something about the message of being able to see your role in the world and being given a chance to change it that never gets old,” Richwine said. “Having experienced Open Stage’s creative treatment of the story and the characters and the setting, I’ve only come to love the story more.”

Another tradition at Open Stage is “The Santaland Diaries,” the one-man show based on David Sedaris’ illustrious career as a Macy’s elf. Previously featuring Stuart Landon, this year Jeff Luttermoser is taking over the role of Crumpet.

While the script and set remain the same, Luttermoser is excited about bringing his own spin on Crumpet to the stage.

“We are working on a fresh ‘Santaland’ that still maintains the spirit of the original,” Luttermoser said. “I want it to be the show people know and love but with a different flavor.”

Director Karen Ruch agrees.

“There are certain elements, favorite gags, or fun things that people expect,” she said. “We want to maintain those while letting Jeff be his own Crumpet.”

Luttermoser has most enjoyed finding the unexpected moments of depth in the show. He shared that Sedaris makes many observations on Christmas, including the eternal struggle between the commercial holiday and a traditional one.

“It’s not just a Christmas show,” said Luttermoser. “It’s about how silly people get with their consumerism. We have to laugh at our flaws, and I think this show does a really good job of helping us do that.”

“The Santaland Diaries” runs Dec. 3 to 22.

“A Christmas Carol” runs Dec. 1 to 23 and also features Patty Cole, Rachel Barnhart, Dawn-Michelle Lewis, Karen Ruch, Beate Sutton, T.J. Cole, Drew Patti, Chris Gibson, Patrick Hughes, Riley McKean, Connor McKean, Sophie Reusswi and several students from the OSHKids Performance Company.

Tickets and more information for both shows are available at www.openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING THEATER EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS

AT GAMUT THEARE
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

The Popcorn Hat Players Present
“A Popcorn Hat Christmas Carol”
Nov. 29 to Dec. 16
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. available by request for groups of 20 or more.
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance online or by calling the box office.

TMI Improv Show
Dec. 15
Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. and will remain open throughout the event.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Popcorn Hat Players’ New Years Eve Party for Children and Countdown To Noon
Dec. 31, 11 a.m.
Early bird tickets Nov. 1 to 30, $10; Dec. 1 to 31 tickets, $12
Tickets can be purchased online.

AT OPEN STAGE OF HARRISBURG
www.openstagehbg.com
“A Christmas Carol”
A dazzling new take on the classic Dickens tale
Dec. 1 to 23

“The Santaland Diaries”
David Sedaris’ irreverent one-man show
Dec. 3 to 22

Musical Notes: Musical Resolutions–End the year without ending your wallet.

November 30, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

Amidst the snowy days and holiday prep, it’s that time again to contemplate New Year’s resolutions. One thing that’s on my mind for next year is better money management, especially when it comes to a night out in Harrisburg. To help you make your own list and check it twice, I’ve highlighted shows this month that are all under $20. It is possible to save some money for the holidays while still seeing quality shows around the city, and we’ve got your hookup for a fun winter. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season, stay thrifty, and I’ll see y’all in the new year!

DON’T SLEEP, 12/1, 6:30PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $8-10
We’re kicking off the column this month with some Harrisburg natives with a taste for high-octane performances. Don’t Sleep is a hardcore band featuring frontman Dave Smalley, former singer of Dag Nasty, Down by Law, ALL and DYS. Other members of the band, guitarist Tom McGrath, drummer Jim Bedorf, bassist Garrett Rothman and guitarist Tony Bavaria have played with groups such as Very Americans, The Commercials and Junction. Talented and passionate, Don’t Sleep stays humble, defining themselves as “five friends playing hardcore and trying to make a positive impact on the world.” If you haven’t been through a hardcore phase, these guys are sure to get you hooked. The band is celebrating their new record release at H*MAC featuring performances by Steel Nation, Tonka Tuff and Bitter Taste.

R. ARIEL, 12/2, 7PM, LITTLE AMPS UPTOWN, $5
Coming to you through Harrisburg’s DIY scene, Phoenix, Ariz., native R. Ariel will play at Little Amps for a special show in the Olde Uptown neighborhood. Rachel Ariel is a self-described experimental electronic femme artist currently touring North America. She is also known for her work as a photographer, videographer and author. Her creative energy, soulful lyrics and dreamy instrumentals are sure to create a cozy evening of heartfelt musical expression. Joining her are Kafari from Portland, Maine, and Weird Year, a favorite local band from here in the city. Catch R. Ariel’s album, “Identified Demon,” on Bandcamp before the show. I like the song, “Her,” for the minimal sound and soulful lyrics.

MIDDLETON BROTHERS BAND, 12/15, 9PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, $5-8
Rounding out the featured shows this month is a bona fide family band bringing back rock n’ roll. The Middleton Brothers started out in the ‘70s when Stan and Charlie Middleton, two teenaged brothers, decided to start a group together. Going by many names and consisting of different members throughout the years, the Middleton Brothers added Stan’s two sons to the group, living the dream as a rockin’ family band. The sound of the ‘60s has been rich in the Middleton Brothers’ repertoire since the brothers started, and it is still going strong. Drawing influences from their rock n’ roll roots, funk and R&B, the group brings their soulful yet accessible vibe for a groovy time. Find live tracks on their website for a sample of their feel-good, classic sound.

Mentionables:

Benjamin Vo Blues Band, Dec. 1, River City Blues Club
John Brown’s Body, Dec. 2, The Abbey Bar
Ben Brandt Trio, Dec. 8, River City Blues Club
Start Making Sense: Talking Heads Tribute, Dec. 15, The Abbey Bar
Kilmaine Saints, Dec. 16, H*MAC Stage on Herr
Colebrook Road, Dec. 22, The Abbey Bar

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