Parallel Parking: The state has urged Harrisburg to crack down on “rogue” parking operations. Then why is it subsidizing the city’s largest competitor?

July 31, 2015 | by Paul Barker

In 2011, Adam Meinstein, a Philadelphia-based real estate developer, bought an abandoned post office on the outskirts of downtown Harrisburg.

In many ways, the property was a natural fit for Meinstein’s company, an investment and development firm called Equilibrium Equities. Founded in 1995, the company invests in industrial facilities in the northeast, mostly in Pennsylvania. The old post office, formerly the Keystone branch of the United States Postal Service, was the region’s primary sorting facility for 50 years. Located on Market Street, just east of the Mulberry Street bridge, it sits on an 11-acre parcel in a former industrial zone, adjacent to several parking lots and warehouses.

The property also had two notable features: it bordered an Amtrak station, and it contained an out-of-use parking lot with hundreds of open spaces. These had also caught the eye of the state Department of Transportation, which had been looking for ways to remedy a problem with the Harrisburg train station. Because of the cost of parking downtown, riders would often opt to depart from nearby stations, like Elizabethtown or Mt. Joy, where they could park free of charge. “People make decisions not to come to Harrisburg to take the train because of the cost and other challenges associated with parking,” Toby Fauver, PennDOT’s deputy secretary for multimodal transportation, told me. The agency considered developing the post office lot as a transit center, but when they contacted the postal service, they learned it was already under contract with Meinstein.

In early 2013, Meinstein and PennDOT struck a deal. The agency would sign a five-year lease of the property, and Meinstein in turn would develop and market the lot, under the name Transitpark, as a parking option for Amtrak riders. It wasn’t a typical lease, however. PennDOT would pay Meinstein $285,000 per year, but it wasn’t reserving any spaces. Instead, the lot would be available for public use, and some portion of the proceeds, after paying the lot’s operating costs, would flow back to the agency to “offset” its payments. The state would also pay an initial $300,000 for ticket machines and other upgrades to get the lot up and running. Meinstein, meanwhile, would offer parking at a discount to Amtrak riders, who could park all day for $5 with a validation from machines inside the station. (Without the validation, Transitpark’s rates are slightly more expensive than the city’s, at $7 per day and $40 per month, compared with $6 and $35, respectively, in the neighboring 10th Street lot.)

Around the time the lease was being negotiated, another arm of state government was working out a different sort of parking deal. As part of a complicated bailout of the city’s debt crisis, the state sought to borrow heavily against Harrisburg’s parking system to generate upfront cash. To cover the new debt, prices would be raised, the system would be outsourced to a private operator and the state would enter into a long-term contract to rent spaces. The result was the much-publicized new parking regime, currently halfway through its second year. Standard Parking, a corporation headquartered in Chicago, runs the day-to-day operations in the city’s stead, aggressively enforcing higher meter rates ($3 per hour downtown) with increased fines ($30, up from $14). Money from the system goes to pay bondholders—in 2014, Harrisburg parkers indirectly paid debts totaling nearly $10 million. A portion of it, critically, also goes to the city, which is counting on parking proceeds this year to fund fully 10 percent of its budget.

As part of the agreement, the city had to make a promise. In essence, it pledged to stifle competition from other lots in the downtown zone. Existing private lots could continue to operate, but the city was forbidden from permitting new ones to open—a simple-sounding rule that has led to some tricky deliberations. Take Executive House, an apartment tower at the corner of 2^nd and Chestnut. The building has always rented out spaces in its private lot, but lawyers for the city are now researching exactly how many. If they find the landlord has added new rental spaces that aren’t “grandfathered,” it may order them to cut back again. Or consider the small, private lot across the street from McGrath’s on Locust. The lot was “existing” at the time of the city’s agreement—it has offered parking since 1999—but in 2007 it lost a zoning petition to stay open. The owner sued, and the case lingered in the courts unresolved. The city is now ordering it to close.

Recently, the state has seemed particularly keen to see the city make good on its promise by shutting these private lots down. One advisor described them as “rogue operations” that the city must “nip in the bud.” Yet the Transitpark lot, though across the street from a lot in the city system, seems not to concern them. As a matter of scale, this is surprising: the Meinstein lot contains some 750 spaces, while these “rogue operations” total only a few dozen.

In June, at a regional transportation meeting, a PennDOT employee brought up Transitpark, describing it as a way to avoid Harrisburg parking prices and save some money. Wayne Martin, the city engineer, was perplexed. Every dollar spent on that lot was one that could have gone towards the city. “The Commonwealth is competing against itself,” he thought. He went back to city hall and told the mayor.

…

On the matter of parking, the administration of Mayor Eric Papenfuse has found itself between a rock and a hard place. The city’s agreement was negotiated and signed under his predecessor, Linda Thompson, under terms dictated by the state’s bailout plan. Nonetheless, as the new face of city government, Papenfuse has had to take responsibility for its terms—both by fighting for its benefits and by mitigating its consequences. In December, he announced a partnership with a mobile app that would allow motorists to earn coupons and parking validations by saying it could “change the narrative” on parking. In March, he bargained for four free hours of parking on Saturdays and reduced happy hour rates by pledging a quarter-million dollars in tourism money to cover any lost revenue.

At the same time, he is loath to see the parking system lose a dime, for a simple reason: the city needs the revenue. On July 1, the state coordinator of Harrisburg’s recovery, Fred Reddig, filed a status report with the court overseeing the bailout plan. Among other updates, the report noted that the city was getting far less money from the parking system than expected. By the end of May, the payments to the city were around $650,000 short of what had been budgeted. Revenues were “way, way, way off,” as Papenfuse put it. Yet Reddig’s report seemed mostly to blame the city, noting that City Council had delayed passing an ordinance required to enforce tickets. The city “has a lot to say about how well the parking operations perform, and thus how much of the cash flow it realizes,” the report said. It went on to address “some land owners” who “will attempt to offer parking to the public” in the downtown zone. “It is incumbent that the City act to shut these operations down as soon as practicable in order to maximize revenue.”

How does PennDOT’s lease with Transitpark square with this objective? “One of the long-term threats is the growth of the parking enterprise there,” Papenfuse told me recently. Directly across the street from Transitpark is the 10^th Street lot, a part of the city-owned system. “I think they’ve talked about how, if I recall Fred’s words, the city has a role in ensuring compliance with the system and the long-term viability of the system,” he said. “And one has to ask whether or not that PennDOT lease is really in the long-term best interest of the parking system.” The state, he said, “could be working proactively with PennDOT to integrate into the existing system. I don’t know why that’s not happening.”

“Our intent was not to be in competition,” PennDOT’s Fauver told me. He described the investment in Transitpark in terms of a long-term commitment to increase train ridership and tourist travel to the area. The agency is currently completing a $40 million project to upgrade the tracks leading into Harrisburg. The project, along with another recent investment to remove track-level crossings on the rail line, is expected to shave 10 to 12 minutes off the journey between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. “There’s a lot of opportunity to market south central Pennsylvania to the outside, to New York City,” he said. “But we’ve got to be able to provide parking.” He also spoke of long-term plans to improve the station itself, including new elevators from the concourse to the platforms. “We want the city of Harrisburg to have a good station,” he said.

The city is aware of these efforts and, perhaps because of this, has not courted controversy over the lease. Fauver “runs a thousand miles an hour,” Martin, the city engineer, told me. “I don’t think PennDOT intended to hurt the city. In the absence of a plan, they made decisions.” Meinstein, for his part, told me his business had a “fantastic relationship” with Amtrak and PennDOT, and described the development of his property as a form of much-needed help for the station. “We don’t think it’s controversial,” he said. “There were some needs. We didn’t seek this contract—it came to us.” He pointed to the benefit the city already receives from his operation, in the form of a 20-percent tax on his parking revenues.

Yet Transitpark also has real potential to undercut the city’s parking system. Reddig, in an email to city officials, said the Transitpark lease was “entered into primarily to provide parking for those using the train,” but the lot’s own marketing tells a broader story. Last summer, the company promised “Harrisburg’s Best Parking Rates” in advertisements in this magazine. The website currently advertises spaces for “businesses, busy travelers and city visitors.” At the top of the page, in capital letters, is an announcement: “We’re growing!”

Papenfuse has said he would favor “redevelopment of the post office site into something else entirely that would benefit Mr. Meinstein, but wouldn’t be parking.” Meinstein, at least for now, doesn’t seem so inclined. He told me he felt Transitpark helped solve a shortage of parking in the city, and that people were “coming into the city who wouldn’t otherwise come because of the cost.” He also emailed me an excerpt from the city’s parking lease, outlining the “non-compete” area that encompassed the entire downtown. “Very few people are aware of this,” he wrote. In a subsequent phone interview, he clarified. “There shouldn’t be any such thing as a parking monopoly in any city,” he said. “It’s not right.”

This story has been updated with additional information about rates at Transitpark and a neighboring city lot.

Market Upswing: There’s a new vibe in Midtown as vendors pour into the Broad Street Market.

July 31, 2015 | by Ashleigh Pollart

If someone showed you a time lapse of the city of Harrisburg—what would you see?

The growth of the steel industry; Camp Curtin housing hundreds of thousands of Union soldiers during the Civil War; the 1897 fire at the Capitol; the first Pennsylvania Farm Show; the race riots of 1969; the 1996 collapse of the Walnut Street Bridge; and the addition of Restaurant Row and changes to City Island.

During all of these events, the Broad Street Market, founded in 1860 with the stone building opening in 1863, has stood proud.

Now, thanks to dedicated community leaders, ambitious business owners and improved market management, the Broad Street Market itself is stirring back to life.

Welcoming to All

When Ashlee Dugan expanded her role from board member to interim marketing manager in 2014, she had a vision of what the market could be.

“Coming in, I knew that it was important to diversify the food options that were at the market and to increase the density of products that we have,” said Dugan, who, late last month, announced she would leave her role to take a job with the state. “So, the first goal was to fill up all the empty spaces with new and already existing businesses so that the customers would have as many options as possible.”

Inspired by markets around the state and across the country, she started making a list of what she felt the Broad Street Market needed. Not only did she think of what would be popular items, but she also focused on creating a place that could fill the needs of a customer’s Saturday grocery list. Then, the outreach and recruiting process began.

Now, the market boasts about a dozen new businesses since Jan. 1, with more on the horizon. With the changes, Dugan stressed that she wanted to maintain the market as welcoming to all.

“With the diversity of the products, I really have tried to keep in mind the price point options. So, for example, we maintained an expanded produce stand, but also increased organic and local options that tend to be more expensive. All of our produce vendors accept SNAP and EBT cards, so we’re hopeful that that range of options and variety of price points are helpful to everyone.”

A Doughnut, a Dream

Dugan’s focus on the market as a community hub reminded one of the new vendors, Eva Burchfield of Evanilla, of the bazaars in her home country of Iraq.

“The bazaar is actually more chaotic,” she laughed. “But sometimes, the [Broad Street Market] vendors talk to each other over the stands, and I always think to myself, ‘This is like the bazaar.’”

Burchield’s favorite treat, doughnuts, weren’t available in the Iraqi bazaar, so she began to make them at home in her kitchen. Five years ago, she moved to the states and began learning the art of baking and pastry-making. After she completed a program at HACC and did a yearlong internship, she decided it was time to start her own business.

“I remember my mom saying ‘What would be the first food you ate if you would ever go to the states?’ and, I said, ‘Uhhh, a doughnut, of course!’”

It was the people of Harrisburg who confirmed that there was a yearning for doughnuts—a statement that encouraged Burchfield to follow her dream of opening a business.

“I wouldn’t trade it for any other place,” she said. “Harrisburg has so much potential and charm, and that’s why we’re so attached to it. It’s so welcoming to new businesses. Customers were telling me we do need this in the city, and that was so encouraging.”

Now, Burchfield offers classic and gourmet doughnuts, as well as doughnuts with a bevy of unique toppings and seasonal flavors. A popular item on the menu, a doughnut sundae, features another Midtown-grown business, Urban Churn. This delightful treat is a scoop of Urban Churn’s unique ice cream on top of an Evanilla doughnut with chocolate sauce and a cherry.

Jess Adams of Mad Dash, an artisan grilled cheese food truck turned market stand, explained that the desire to build your neighbors up instead of tearing them down is one of the reasons she’s so passionate about Harrisburg.

“I think Harrisburg is unique because you have businesses supporting each other,” she said. “It’s not a competition. We all want to succeed and, by working together, we are achieving that.”

Adams started her food truck venture in March 2014 and, a few months later, as things went well, added another truck. After speaking with Dugan and hearing her vision for the market, Adams settled into a permanent space where she could sell during the winter months, as well. She believes her market home is a reflection of the energy and innovation budding in Midtown right now.

“I see the market and Midtown continuing to grow and be a hot spot for people to be. With all the new businesses in the market and surrounding areas, the market will make its mark again,” she explained, giving Zeroday Brewing and the new outdoor film offerings at Midtown Cinema as examples.

The outdoor theater at Midtown Cinema is an effort of the community group Friends of Midtown. Board President Shawn Westhafer, who has partnered on numerous events at the market, agrees that the influx of business is not only cherished by long-standing and new customers, but should also be celebrated due to its economic impact on the community.

“The recent surge of new businesses at the market has provided customers an even more diverse collection of vendors to patronize, making Midtown an even better place to live or visit,” said Westhafer. “It also has the practical effect of increasing income for the market, which can be invested in infrastructure improvements, attracting yet more vendors and customers.”

Westhafer called the recent changes in the neighborhood a “virtuous cycle of improvement,” a description Adams agrees with.

“This area is in the midst of a turnaround and, by bringing in new businesses, creating jobs and ‘cleaning up’ the city, it’s just an overall win for everyone,” she said.

Business with Purpose

Mark Wieder also exemplifies the “everybody wins” mentality.

Recently, Wieder opened Popped Culture, another new market stand. The business’s tagline, “Popcorn with a Purpose,” reveals his commitment to serving the community. For every bag sold, one bag is given to a child in need.

An attorney by trade, Wieder took the plunge into popcorn after feeling a lack of meaning in his previous position. What’s unique about Popped Culture is that it operates as a social business, which, according to Wieder, combines business sense and social purpose.

“Nearly 16 million children lack access to food, and this number is growing,” Wieder said. “Instead of providing low-cost products and services specifically geared towards those on a tight budget, Popped Culture is approaching the difficult task of providing goods and services to those who are at risk of poverty in a new way.”

By being at the market, Wieder said that he has the opportunity to start a conversation about what a social business is and how it’s helping the community. He also points back to Dugan and her vision for the market as the driving force behind the recent changes.

“I think Ashlee Dugan did such an amazing job,” he said. “She had a vision for the market and what it can be.”

He’s also impressed with how she quickly recruited vendors for the market.

“A month and a half before I moved into the market, there were only four stalls here,” he said, gesturing around the stone building. “And, in the last month, there are five new vendors that have moved in. People want to come here.”

Dugan took a commitment to community health as her inspiration.

“My personal inspiration for this comes from a belief in the power of local food and how it can really affect communities and community health,” Dugan explained.

The results have shown themselves in foot traffic and register receipts.

“We have seen quite an increase in traffic, especially Fridays and Saturdays,” she said. “A lot of the vendors are reporting higher sales. For the most part, customer reactions have been positive.”

Dugan now is leaving the market for a position as the PA Preferred coordinator for the state Department of Agriculture.

She said that she’s “honored” to have been offered that position, but admits that her departure is bittersweet.

“It’s not easy to leave the market,” she said. “It’s a place I love.”

Does she have any advice for her successor?

“I would say to come into it with a really collaborative spirit,” she said. “Work with the vendors and the board and the community, and the market will evolve further.”

The Broad Street Market is located at N. 3^rd and Verbeke streets in Harrisburg. It is open Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Market Newbies

In recent months, numerous new vendors have opened up at the Broad Street Market.

Stone Building

The Harrisburger: Craft hamburgers and fries

Mad Dash: Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches

Popped Culture: Creatively flavored kettle popcorn

Sugar Whipped: Market location of Lancaster’s popular Sugar Whipped Bakery

Tasty Dishes: Authentic African-Caribbean cuisine

Brick Building

Abrams & Weakley: Market outpost of the popular pet supply store

Elementary Coffee Co.: Fresh-roasted coffee and drinks

Evanilla: Gourmet doughnuts

John B. Kelly Seafood Connection: Fresh-caught and prepared seafood

Kubtini: Homemade pizza and deli items

Radish & Rye Food Hub: Locally sourced and organic produce, dairy and other foods

Soul Burrito: Freshly made, generously stuffed burritos

Man Up, Layer Up: Guys, slowly back away from that hoodie.

July 31, 2015 | by Dave Marcheskie

If you’re reading this and are wondering why people in plaid shirts are sprinting past you—don’t worry—coffee shops likely just unleashed the pumpkin spiced latte, not the zombie apocalypse. It’s not even Labor Day, and you see that gourd-infused craft ales already are being poured, football dominates water cooler chit-chat, and every retailer has plastic turkeys staring you in the face.

Fall is almost here.

As much as I will personally savor the last sips of summer along the Susquehanna and be in denial until October, I will look ahead to the crisp air of autumn for style-sake. A few simple swaps will have you ready to conquer the cooler temps.

1. Upgrade at least one hoodie.

Women seem to have a fall uniform: tall boots, tight jeans and scarves. You’ll spot this at any apple orchard, antique barn, or… anywhere, really. Guys can get creative, but most opt for the easy route when it’s chilly—the hoodie.

I still have my college sweatshirt, and, yes, even one from American Eagle (honesty sets you free, I hear). But I’ve also matured my collection to include a cream-and-navy-striped knit hoodie with wooden toggles. And my nickname for four months might as well be “shawl cardigan.” Start with the basic V-neck sweater. I lean towards rich solid colors like indigo, wine or rust.

Save those mustard-stained pullovers for raking leaves and tailgates. If you’re going out for the night or a professional event, hang up the hoodie.

2. Layer up.

Take that sweater and wear a patterned button-down underneath instead of a T-shirt. Crew necks (the rounded ones) tend to suffocate the collars a bit—stick with a V-neck. If you can help it, keep the collar wings tucked in or else you’ll look like Tony Manero. Your shirttails should stay tucked for business and untucked for beers.

Take the same look and throw a suit jacket or blazer over top, and you’ve layered something sweeter than cake. Remember your pocket square and shoe rules (TheBurg, February 2015 and May 2015, respectively), and you will yet again impress the room.

3. Texturize your blazers.

Tweed has returned as king. Well before Under Armour, Scottish gentlemen began wearing tweed around the 1830s as a performance fabric. The “tweel” process to make the fabric allows it to be a breathable, flexible insulator that helped Celtic sportsmen stay warm and dry in the countryside. Folklore has it that a Scottish tailor had too many Glenlivets and the “l” in “tweel” became a “d”—hence tweed.

In today’s world, this is good for, say, the fella that spills his pumpkin-spiced porter on ya at the pub.

Forget the stodgy Harvard professor stereotype. You’ll look even smarter in one of these fine gems. You can find inexpensive vintage tweed blazers with magical leather elbow-patches and buttons at consignment shops or online starting at $20 (ebay user “whiskeyknuckles” has a decent selection). For a quick nip-tuck, you can take it to Top Shelf Menswear’s new Lemoyne store where its tailoring services were expanded—win-win.

Corduroy, our lovable ‘80s fabric, is back with a vengeance. A corduroy blazer on top of a sweater and button down is equally as durable, plush and stylish as tweed. Wear with dark jeans—not cords—or you will look like Professor Jennings. Clue jokes aside, I’ve got one in plum.

Let’s recap your new fall semester syllabus. Upgrade your hoodie, layer your sweaters with button-downs and blazers, and choose rugged texture over fine wool or silk. These simple style cues will take you from freshman on campus to the boss in the boardroom.

If you get hot with all those layers, that’s the point—you can layer down.

I’ve got one more swap for you—your fall drink. Instead of stuffing your gourd with those predictable seasonal brews, try this layered-with-autumn-flavor cocktail I have affectionately named “The Corduroy.”
1 ½ ounces spiced rum
½ ounce cinnamon whiskey
1 ounce apple cider
Squeeze of lemon

Shake over ice, strain, pour over king cube and top with a splash of ginger ale. Garnish with a slice of Granny Smith apple.

Indulge. Stand out.

Our Sharp Press Man, Dave Marcheskie, is a reporter and anchor for abc27 News. If you’d like to ask Dave a question, please email it to [email protected]. He may use it in a future column.

This column is sponsored by and the clothes were provided by Top Shelf Menswear. Check out their new location in the State Street Plaza, 829 State St., Unit 1009, Lemoyne, 717-770-2080. www.topshelfmenswear.com.

Peppered with Memories: Stuffed peppers can be an amazing mid-summer meal—the school cafeteria notwithstanding.

July 31, 2015 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

During the long, hot August afternoons of my childhood, many mothers in our neighborhood were likely at the “Y-pool” or taking a little rest with shades drawn against the summer sun. There was little air conditioning in those days but, nevertheless, my mother could always be found in our steaming hot kitchen.

Summer produce that was overflowing at the market stands meant long hours cooking to take advantage of the bounty. My mother, Rose, made big pots of chicken corn soup with little dumplings called rivels (not Italian, I know, but all that corn out there!). And August was the time she searched for “sugar beets,” large varieties that she roasted, peeled, cut into thick slices and doused with olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Then there were the tomatoes. My mom had no food processor but used her trusty blender to puree ripe red tomatoes and freeze them in plastic containers for wintertime sauces.

I can remember the smell of green peppers roasting under the broiler (no gas grill back then). When they were blackened on all sides, my mother placed them in a brown bag to “steam” so that the skins could easily be removed. The large gallon can of olive oil was brought from the pantry to bathe the silky peppers. My family did indeed buy olive oil by the gallon.

Late summer was also the perfect time to stuff those big, green peppers. And we loved them. My mother made a mixture of browned ground beef, onion and cooked rice, stuffed them into cut pepper halves and covered them with her homemade tomato sauce. For us, they were a great summer dinner.

Today, recipes can be found for stuffed peppers of all kinds: green, bright red and even yellow and orange. If you have never been a fan of stuffed peppers, you must get past the soggy image of those served in your grade school cafeteria. Made properly, stuffed peppers are a great addition to a summer buffet table or make a great lunch or brighten an antipasto platter.

Here is a very good version for the unfairly maligned stuffed pepper. The recipe makes use of summertime ingredients at their peak—red and yellow bell peppers, ripe tomatoes and sweet basil.

Baked Stuffed Red and Yellow Peppers (from Giuliano Hazan)

Ingredients

1 slice white sandwich bread
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
8 ounces (1/2 pound) ripe tomatoes
10 Nicoise olives (or other Greek olives)
4 ounces (1/4 pound) Pecorino (Romano) cheese
8 basil leaves
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for the baking dish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Trim the crust from the bread and put it in a small bowl with the milk.
Cut the peppers in half and then core and seed them.
Peel the tomatoes, remove the seeds, cut them in small dices (1/4 inch) and place them in a medium bowl.
Chop the basil and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Chop the olive flesh and add that to the tomato bowl as well.
Cut half the Pecorino cheese into small dices and add to the bowl with the other ingredients.
Squeeze the bread slice to form a pulp and mix it thoroughly into the other ingredients along with the olive oil and salt and pepper.
Oil the bottom of the baking dish with olive oil and place the pepper halves in the pan.
Divide the tomato filling among the 4 pepper halves.
Thinly slice the remaining cheese and lay the slices on top of each pepper.
Bake the tomatoes about 45 minutes to an hour, but watch carefully. The cheese should gently melt and not burn.

You can serve the peppers warm or at room temperature. They are great for the vegetarians among you, and, like so many Italian dishes, they taste like summer. The peppers are a great accompaniment to grilled chicken, tuna and steak, as well.

Entertaining a crowd? Make a lot of them using red, yellow and green peppers. Garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh basil. I promise: No one will remember the school cafeteria.

Bond Don: Mayor for Life or Head of the Family?

July 31, 2015 | by Paul Barker

On Friday, March 29, 2013, a grand jury in Fulton County, Ga., returned indictments against 35 educators in the Atlanta public school system, in connection with a test-cheating scandal spanning nearly a decade.

The scandal, described as the largest of its kind in the country’s history, made national news. Prosecutors said teachers, principals, administrators and testing coordinators had conspired to fraudulently boost Atlanta schools’ performance on standardized tests, bringing accolades and financial rewards to district leaders. For example, the superintendent, Dr. Beverly Hall, earned more than $500,000 in bonuses during her tenure.

The educators were charged under Georgia laws against racketeering—the state alleged the systematic cheating amounted to a criminal conspiracy. Georgia’s racketeering laws are modeled on the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations act, enacted in 1970. The law, often referred to by the acronym RICO, was initially intended to give the government new tools to prosecute criminal organizations like the Mafia. In the years after its passage, a number of states passed their own racketeering laws, often referred to as “little” or “baby” RICOs. Pennsylvania’s were enacted in 1972. At the time, the state legislature repeated the rationale of the U.S. Congress, noting that “organized crime is a highly sophisticated, diversified, and widespread phenomenon” draining “billions of dollars from the national economy” each year.

Last month, Pennsylvania’s racketeering laws were invoked in a sweeping criminal complaint against Harrisburg’s former Mayor Stephen Reed. Topping the list of 17 charges, which encompassed 499 counts of individual crimes, were two counts of “corrupt organizations,” each of them a first-degree felony. Much like the charges against the Atlanta educators, the complaint claimed that Reed ran the affairs of the Harrisburg Authority, a borrowing entity ostensibly separate from city government, as an ongoing criminal enterprise. Prosecutors alleged Reed had engaged in a “pattern of racketeering activity,” primarily through acts of theft and bribery, beginning on Christmas Eve, 1990, and continuing until he left office, at the beginning of 2010. (The start date, though not explained in the complaint, is not arbitrary: on that date, Reed wrote a memo to the Authority board, requesting the creation of a “special projects fund” for the exclusive use of the city.)

The charges were the result of an ongoing probe by a statewide investigating grand jury. In their report, incorporated as part of the complaint, jurors claimed to have uncovered a “Reed model” of issuing debt, then diverting proceeds to illegitimate projects, while creating fees for a “coterie” of select professionals. The report described these borrowings as misguided in and of themselves, referring to the “crushing weight” of debt incurred on Reed’s watch by the city and related entities. But it also alleged various forms of theft, including theft that personally enriched Reed, who was said to have been hoarding Western and other artifacts bought with city money at his home and in a private facility. In one case, Reed allegedly bribed city councilors to get them to approve a new borrowing.

Do the charges mean Reed was a kind of local Don Corleone, running city government like a Harrisburg crime family? Not exactly. The racketeering claim may partly be an effort to solve a statute-of-limitations problem—under the law, prosecutors can bring charges for older crimes, as long as they are linked to more recent behavior. “You can reach back to earlier acts, as long as the later acts took place within the statute of limitations,” Robert Power, an associate dean at Widener University’s Commonwealth Law School and a former federal prosecutor, told me. Initially, Pennsylvania courts viewed the state’s racketeering laws as excluding cases like Reed’s. But, perhaps because they provided such powerful tools, in the mid-1990s they were amended to expressly cover cases not traditionally thought of as organized crime. Similarly, federal prosecutors have used RICO to pursue a wide variety of targets, including public officials and financial institutions.

Not everyone is happy about this broader application. “The RICO law frightens many lawyers and judges,” a 1979 article in Newsweek reported. “They worry about language so loosely drawn that it lets the government sweep even smalltime, white-collar defendants and public officials into the same fit as underworld hit men.” “It’s a vehicle to drag in more people for more crimes,” Power said. “A person involved in a relatively small part of the crime can be charged with crimes they’ve never even heard of.” Defense lawyers for the Atlanta educators made much the same argument, suggesting that prosecutors had overreached in bringing racketeering charges. A former federal prosecutor in Georgia, speaking to the New York Times after 11 of 12 defendants were found guilty at trial, wondered whether the state had “killed a fly with the proverbial sledgehammer.”

In Reed’s case, the racketeering charges also have a narrative aim, having to do less with the consequences of his borrowings than with their underlying psychology. What the prosecution has tried to do is tell a story linking his acts together under a single, organizing purpose. To this end, the grand jury report portrayed Reed’s artifact buying not as a project to draw tourism, as the mayor once claimed, but as an almost pathological addiction. In one passage, it paraphrased Randy King, a former aide of the mayor’s, as describing the artifact purchases as a “therapeutic personal endeavor—a personal means of stress management.” On the basis of such testimony, jurors concluded that the “prudent stewardship and innovative thinking which Reed brought to his office early on gave way to a use of public money and other resources to gratify his own interests at the city’s expense.”

Reed’s defense, in turn, has begun to tell the story of a different sort of addiction. “He loved his job as mayor and he poured his heart and soul into it,” his attorney said the morning of his arraignment. Or, as Reed told WITF television for a 1997 documentary, “There is no personal Stephen Reed separate from Mayor Reed. They’re one and the same.” No doubt such claims of self-sacrifice are in some sense true. The question is what Reed expected from the city in return.

Cake Clan: Bella Torta Bakery is a dream come true for mother-daughter team.

July 31, 2015 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

When Heather Booher decided to open Bella Torta bakery in Lemoyne last September, it was a dream that finally came to fruition.

“Over the years, members of our family dreamed of opening a restaurant or a bakery, but I was the first with the means to do it,” said Booher.

The businesswoman, who operates the bakery with her mother Melissa Smith of Enola, said she gains much of her entrepreneurial inspiration from her Italian grandparents who sold vegetables and fruit at a market in Sicily and also crafted their own wine.

“Their lives were marked with a lot of oppression, which is why they came to America,” said Booher.

Today, a picture of Phillip and Giuseppina Trapani is prominently displayed on the top of the bakery case as a reminder of the couple’s indomitable spirit.

Booher also credits her background in restaurant management and human relations for giving her the confidence to run her own bakery.

“My mom and I decided to fulfill our desires and take the leap,” she said.

The shop opens early, and many customers pop in before work to grab sweet treats for the office. Harrisburg resident Donna Hillenbrand describes purchasing a few items for Teacher Appreciation Week.

“I gave them each an assorted box of goodies, and I think that was their favorite gift of the week,” she said.

Some of the bakery’s more popular items include sticky buns and cupcakes, according to Booher.

“We create unique flavor combinations like root beer float and candy bar cupcakes like Snickers and Almond Joy,” said Booher, adding that the price is an added draw at $2 apiece, with kid-sized cupcakes priced reasonably at $1.

Customer Tiffany Conroy of Enola describes the cupcakes as “not only pretty, but delicious as well.” “They are moist and huge,” she said, adding that she also appreciates the option to choose the smaller size.

For the scone aficionado, Bella Torta offers four flavors: apple/cinnamon, blueberry, orange/cranberry and white chocolate raspberry.

Fans of tiramisu, a coffee-soaked, ladyfinger-layered dessert, will be glad to learn that the bakery features the tried-and-true traditional flavor, along with others like salted caramel and toasted almond.

Cookie monsters will delight in selections like shortbread, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, double chocolate, white chocolate cranberry and decorated sugar cookies.

Anne McHugh of Lemoyne ordered two dozen “patriotic crustacean” cookies for a 4^th of July event. “People thought they were too cute to eat, but, when they tried them, they said they were the best,” she said.

Of all the cookies offered at Bella Torta, the conventional chocolate chip is the one that flies off the shelf the fastest.

“We’ve developed a following,” said Booher, attributing the popularity to quality ingredients. “We try to use the very best, and it definitely has an impact on the final product.”

Pies run the gamut, as well, from hand-held pocket pies with flavors like blueberry and apple to traditional pies like blueberry, peach and cherry to cream pies like Smith’s special coconut pie.

“You’ll bite into it and say, whoa, that’s coconut, all right. It’s very strong,” said Smith.

Cakes are also in rotation and include selections like cappuccino, Italian rum and flourless chocolate, or custom-made creations for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions.

Brandi Weiss of Elizabethville has been frequenting the business since its inception.

“I have ordered numerous items like cookie trays, cupcakes, pies, doughnuts and mini-pastries and have loved them all,” she said. “My daughter’s birthday cake was a standout with raspberry filling and a zebra design. They did amazing cupcakes with a ‘50s theme for my mom’s 60^th birthday several weeks ago, and everyone raved about them.

To boot: the prices are extremely reasonable, and the friendliness of the staff is an added plus, Weiss added.

Customers can pair their selections with tea, hot or bottled, or a hearty cup of Gevalia coffee.

“We also offer authentic iced coffee,” said Booher, describing the process as “adding coffee grounds to ice water and allowing them to steep overnight, before straining them out with a filter.” Booher said the result is a very strong coffee that can be combined with milk and the customer’s choice of syrup, like almond mocha, caramel or cheesecake.

Several tables are provided for those who prefer to linger a bit and Wi-Fi is also available for customer convenience.

Booher said she’s glad she finally decided to take the plunge.

“We have regulars and know exactly what they’re going to order since it’s a routine for them,” she said. “My favorite part about opening the bakery is getting to know the community. I genuinely care about other people and enjoy providing them with a really great product.”

Bella Torta Bakery is located at 324 Market St. (across from Wray’s Music House) in Lemoyne. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more, visit www.bellatortabakery.net.

Happenings: Our August Calendar of Events

July 31, 2015 | by Admin

Museum & Art Spaces

3rd Street Studio
1725 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
Facebook: 3^rd Street Studio

August artist: Ego Ink; reception, Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m.

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Back to the Future Tribute Car,” a display of an original DeLorean that has been handcrafted to look like the original, through Aug. 30.

“1929 Duesenberg J Dual-Cowl Phaeton,” a display of “The World’s Finest Motor Car,” through Oct. 9.

“Motorbikes for the Masses,” an exhibit dedicated to low-cost transportation including motorbikes, scooters and mopeds, through Oct. 11.

“Automotive Jewelry Art Exhibit,” images by Michael Furman, through Oct. 11.

“A Family Affair,” an exhibit celebrating the station wagon, through Oct. 12.

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Traditional & Modern Art of the Orient,” through Sept. 3.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Artist of the Month: Mary Fox

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-233-2498; galleryatsecond.com

Artwork by Jim Lambert and Tami Bitner, through Aug. 15.

Artwork by Peter Dehart and Joanne Finkle, Aug. 20-Oct. 3; reception, Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m.

The Hershey Story Museum
63 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-534-8939; hersheystory.org

“Chocolate Workers Wanted,” life in Hershey’s chocolate factory from 1905 to 1925, through spring 2016. Daily activities for families through Sept. 7.

Historic Harrisburg Association
1230 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-4646; historicharrisburg.com

Abstract expressionist works by Lynn Kennedy-Putt and Rick Shnik; reception, Aug. 21, 5-9 p.m.

Landis House
67 N. 4^th St., Newport
717-567-7023; www.perrycountyarts.org

“Perry County Quilt Display,” featuring 2014 Perry County Fair quilts to be auctioned, through Aug. 8.

“The Texture of Ireland,” featuring Nemo Niemann’s images of Ireland, through Oct. 3.

National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
717-260-1861; nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

“1865,” an exhibit highlighting the fifth year of the Civil War covering battles, strategies and civilian lives, through December.

“The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls,” the story of a man born into slavery who rose to the U.S. Congress, through June 2016.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Works by Mark Anderson, through Aug. 22.

The artwork of Susan Bankey-Yoder, through Aug. 22.

PCCA Gallery
Perry Country Council of the Arts
1 S. 2nd St., Newport
perrycountyarts.org

“Celebrate Newport,” an art exhibition featuring views of Newport, Pa., through Aug. 8.
“Everyday Life” exhibition, featuring everyday details as documented by photographer Irene VanBuskirk, through Sept. 5; reception, Aug. 14, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Art of the State,” the annual exhibit dedicated to the works of Pennsylvania artists, through Sept. 13.

“A Fondness for Birds: Pennsylvania’s Alexander Wilson,” featuring bird prints and first-edition volumes of the 200-year-old “American Ornithology” series by Alexander Wilson, through Jan. 3.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; sqart.org

“Constant Bearing: Recent Work by Donald Forsythe and Brenton Good,” through Aug. 23.

“Quilts,” an exhibition of historic and contemporary quilts, through Aug. 30.

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Artwork by Jeremy Waak, Aug. 7- Aug. 31.

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

“Hall of Illusions and Visual Trickery,” featuring works employing anamorphic imagery, through Aug. 21.

“Animation,” an interactive exhibit exploring animation from concept to finished product, through Sept. 6.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; wildwoodlake.org

“Art in the Wild,” through Oct. 31.

Yellow Bird Café
1320 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg
717-635-8991; yellowbird-cafe.com

Photography by Kayla Mini, through Aug. 16.

The artwork of Amie Bantz, Aug. 18-Sept. 13; reception, Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m.

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

“SYNÆSTHESIS,” ceramic abstractions by Daniel Kalbach, presented by Metropolis Collective, through August.

Read, Make, Learn

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Aug. 7: “Italian Villa Dinner Party,” 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 12: “Gifts From the Sea,” 6 p.m.
Aug. 26: “Tuscan Treasures Wine Pairing,” 6 p.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-798-6973; hbgimprov.com

Mondays: Really Open Mic, 6 p.m.
Saturdays: Free improv mixer, 7 p.m.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

Aug. 8: Succulent Creation Adult Classes, 9:30 a.m.

The LBGT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Alcoholics Anonymous, noon-1 p.m.
Aug. 4: Women’s Group, 7 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 16, 19, 26: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Aug. 13: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12-2 p.m.
Aug. 27: Aging with Pride, 6 p.m.
Aug. 29: Aging with Pride: Appetizer Potluck, 4 p.m.

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

Aug. 14: Poetry night hosted by Jeremy Ritch

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Cafe
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Aug. 1: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
Aug. 3: Midtown Writer’s Group, 6 p.m.
Aug. 4: Sci-Fi Writer’s Group, 7 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.
Aug. 5: Alder Healthcare Community Class on Transgender Children, 6 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
Aug. 9: TED Talks, 1 p.m.
Aug. 13, 20: Camp Curtin Toastmasters, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
Aug. 19: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
Aug. 21: Coffee Education w/ Café Staff, 12 p.m.
Aug. 21: Tea Tasting w/ Café Staff, 2 p.m.
Aug. 23: TED Talks, 1 p.m.
Aug. 24: Feminism Book Club, 7 p.m.
Aug. 29: Book Signing for Bill Saylor and Blair Seitz, 2 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

Aug. 1: First Studio Open Studio Walk (all day)
Aug. 7: Abstract Painting (Day 1), 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: Abstract Painting (Day 2), 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 9: Abstract Painting (Day 3), 9:30 a.m.

National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
717-260-1861; nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Aug. 1-2: “Living History Encampment—15^th New Jersey Co. B”
Aug. 15-16: “Living History Encampment—14^th Tennessee”
Aug. 29-30: “Living History Encampment—Red Rose Minute Men”

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; sqart.org

Aug. 3-7: “The Great Learny Journey,” 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 15: Landscape Study Group, 11 a.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

Aug. 5: “Rocks from Space,” 1 p.m.
Aug. 6, 27: “Chipped Stone and the Prehistoric Tool Box—Flint Knapping,” 1 p.m.
Aug. 7: “Rachel Carson’s Peregrine Falcons,” 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; presentation, 12:15 p.m.
Aug. 12, 26: “Animal CSI,” 1 p.m.
Aug. 13: “Who’s Digging PA?? Current Archeology in Pennsylvania,” 1 p.m.
Aug. 19: “What’s Going on in the Carboniferous Forest?” 1 p.m.
Aug. 20: “It’s All about the Face: Effigies and Susquehannock Pottery,” 1 p.m.

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

Aug. 13: “Extraordinary” at East Shore Area Library, 7 p.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Aug. 3: 3 Doors Down
Aug. 7: Trace Adkins
Aug. 17: Smokey Robinson
Aug. 18: The Beach Boys
Aug. 24: Loretta Lynn
Aug. 28: The Monkees
Aug. 31: The Jacksons

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Aug. 6: J. Roddy Walston & The Business
Aug. 7: Miss Tess and the Talkbacks
Aug. 8: George Wesley
Aug. 9: Oxymorons
Aug. 28: Fink’s Constant
Aug. 29: Evolve Art & Dance Party

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

Aug. 1, 11, 14, 19: Roy Lefever
Aug. 3, 6, 10, 17, 20, 22, 24, 29, 31: Chris Emkey
Aug. 4: Corinna Mazzitti
Aug. 7, 13, 28: Noel Gevers
Aug. 8, 21: Ted Ansel
Aug. 9, 23, 27: Anthony Haubert
Aug. 12, 15: Jessica Cook
Aug. 18: Daniel Sheahan
Aug. 25: Andrea Britton
Aug. 26: Maria Battista

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

Aug. 28-30: 35^th Annual Central PA Jazz Festival

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

Aug. 4: Cattle Decapitation
Aug. 6: Highly Suspect
Aug. 7: Jbre X Dougie Kent
Aug. 8: G Love & Special Sauce
Aug. 12: OMG Music Fest
Aug. 15: The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die
Aug. 21: Nikki Hill
Aug. 22: Ton Taun

Char’s at Tracy Mansion
1829 N Front St., Harrisburg
717-213-4002; charsrestaurant.com

Aug. 2: Rhyne McCormick
Aug. 7: Lady A
Aug. 9: Mike Dougherty
Aug. 14: Steve Rudolph
Aug. 16: Noel Gevers
Aug. 21: Modern Blue
Aug. 23: Forrest Brown Duo
Aug. 28: Mark Huber
Aug. 30: Danny Stuber

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Aug. 1: Dan Jameson
Aug. 2: Meaghan Ross
Aug. 7: Antonio Andrade
Aug. 8: Pat McCaskey
Aug. 9: Shelba Purtle
Aug. 14: Jim Haas
Aug. 15: Doug Morris (Bruce Springsteen celebration)
Aug. 16: Erik Bohn
Aug. 21: Amber Sands & Matt Enny
Aug. 22: The Bentleys
Aug. 23: James O’Brien w/Henry Koretzky
Aug. 28: Jeanine & Friends
Aug. 29: Cameron
Aug. 30: We 3

Fed Live
234 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg
717-525-8077; federaltaphousehbg.com

Aug. 7: Sailesh: Hypnotist
Aug. 21: Soul Asylum

Fredricksen Library
100 N 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

Aug. 3: Shea Quinn & Friends

Giant Center
550 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey
717-534-3911; giantcenter.com

Aug. 11: Motley Crue
Aug. 14: Lady Antebellum

Hersheypark Stadium
100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey
717-534-3911; hersheypa.com

Aug. 15: Maroon 5
Aug. 23: Van Halen
Aug. 29: 5 Seconds of Summer

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

Aug. 29: The Hit Men: Former Stars of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

H*MAC/Herr Street Stage
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Aug. 1: Bardledoo
Aug. 6: SAVAK w/The Effects
Aug. 7: Vetour Productions First Friday
Aug. 8: Exmag w/Branx
Aug. 9: 2^nd Sunday Standup hosted by Shane Gillis
Aug. 11: Glen David Andrews
Aug. 13: Strangest of Places
Aug. 14: The HillBenders
Aug. 15: HR w/McRad
Aug. 21: The Dirty Sweet
Aug. 22: The Enigma w/Sh*tty Friends
Aug. 28: Shana Falana, Suburban Living & Wort
Every Tuesday: Open Mic

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

Aug. 7: Ohioan
Aug. 21: Shine Delphi & Friends
Aug. 27: Chuck Darwin and the Knuckle Draggers

The MakeSpace
1916 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgmakespace.com

Aug. 8: Show TBD

Midtown Scholar Bookstore- Cafe
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Aug. 14: Justin Dougherty
Aug. 21: Chris Gassaway

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

Aug. 7: The Jellybricks w/Manian & The Monumentals
Aug. 9: The Plums
Aug. 15: Adam Stehr Band
Aug. 25: The Defibulators
Aug. 28: Work Drugs

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Aug. 8: Indian Summer Jars and Rivers
Aug. 21: Shotgunn

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
rivercityhbg.com

Aug. 5: Acoustic Stew Open Jam
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Open Electric Jam
Aug. 7: Jason Ricci
Aug. 8: Robert Frahm Trio
Aug. 12: Blue Elephant Open Jam
Aug. 17: River City Big Band
Aug. 19: Nate Myers Trio Open Jam
Aug. 21: Steve Rudolph/Jonathon Ragonese Quartet
Aug. 24: CPFJ Jazz Jam
Aug. 26: Shawan & The Wonton Open Jam

St. Thomas Roasters
5951 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-526-4171; stthomasroasters.com

Aug. 27: Rhoads & Putt

Stock’s on 2^nd
211 N. 2^nd Street, Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

Aug. 1: The Visitors Duo
Aug. 7: Scott Rivers
Aug. 8: Up Pops the Devil
Aug. 14: Houston Baker
Aug. 15: Shea Quinn and Steve Swisher
Aug. 21: Maria Wilson
Aug. 22: Up Pops the Devil
Aug. 28: Silver City Rodeo
Aug. 29: Keith Goldstein

Suba Tapas Bar
272 North St., Harrisburg
717-233-7358; mangiaqui.com

Aug. 1: Hannah Bingman
Aug. 8: Margy Finnegan w/ The Original Substance
Aug. 14: Jake Lewis and The Clergy
Aug. 15: Nate Myers and The Aces
Aug. 21: Randy Niles
Aug. 22: Mickleson & Coyle
Aug. 28: Herb & Hanson
Aug. 29: Danny Whitecotton

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Aug. 7: Dana Alexandra
Aug. 8, 9: Allegro Summer Series: Movie Music

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

Aug. 25: Justin Hayward

The Stage Door

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Aug. 2: Garrison Keillor
Aug. 19: Laughter and Reflection w/ Carol Burnett
Aug. 23: Kevin James

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Through Aug. 1: “Oklahoma!”
Aug. 6-Sept. 19: “West Side Story”

Gamut Theatre Group
3^rd Floor, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg
717-238-4111; www.gamutplays.org

Through Aug. 22: “The Princess and the Pea” (Popcorn Hat)

Giant Center
550 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey
717-534-3911; giantcenter.com

Aug. 10: Jim Gaffigan

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-798-6973; hbgimprov.com

Aug. 7: 1^st Friday Variety Show w/Liz Curtis

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Aug. 21: Kevin James

Midtown Scholar Bookstore- Cafe
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Aug. 21: TMI Improv Comedy Show
Aug. 21: Comedy Night at the Scholar

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill
717-737-6768; www.oystermill.com

Aug. 21-Sept. 6: First Baptist of Ivy Gap

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Aug. 15, 16: Standard Time Musical

Community Corner: Notable Events in August

July 31, 2015 | by Admin

Equality Fest
Aug. 2: Help promote inclusion and community at Equality Fest, which features entertainment, games, vendors, food and more. The event takes place at Royal Square in Downtown York, noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit equalityfestyork.com.

Learn about Lincoln
Aug. 2: Join Fredricksen Library to learn about President Abraham Lincoln and the pivotal events of 1864. Presenter James Hayney plays Lincoln, detailing his life during that year. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Photo Boot Camp
Aug. 3-7: Learn to use a DSLR camera in this hands-on, four-day nature and wildlife photography workshop at Wildwood Park. Meet at the Nature Center at 9 a.m. each day. More information is at wildwoodlake.org.

National Night Out
Aug. 4: Neighbors meet neighbors during National Night Out, celebrated after work throughout greater Harrisburg. To learn more, check with your neighborhood group. Friends of Midtown (www.friendsofmidtown.org) will host its event at the Broad Street Market, 6 to 9 p.m. with food, music and family activities.

Superhero Murder Mystery
Aug. 4: Break out the tights and your magnifying glass for Fredricksen Library’s Annual Superhero Assembly. The 5 p.m. event, for teens 12 to 18, includes appetizers, dinner, dessert, games and the fun of a murder mystery. Tickets are $3. For more, visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

River Yoga
Aug. 5-6: Join Friends of Midtown at the corner of Front and Calder streets for free Kids River Yoga. The Aug. 5 event begins at 11:30 a.m. and is for children ages five and younger. The Aug. 6 event starts at 6:30 p.m. and is for kids six and over. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Cultural Fest
Aug. 7: Celebrate diversity at the annual, free Dauphin County Cultural Fest in downtown Harrisburg. The 4:30 to 10 p.m. event at Market and 2^nd streets will feature food, crafts, music and more. Visit dauphincounty.org.

Midtown Movie Nights
Aug. 7 and 28: Enjoy a movie in the open air during Midtown Movie Nights, sponsored by Friends of Midtown. The Aug. 7 show (“The Princess Bride”) and the Aug. 28 show (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”) begin at dusk in the parking lot of Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Information is at friendsofmidtown.org.

Chocolate Tour
Aug. 8: Support cancer research at Penn State Hershey by walking, running or cycling during the 4^th Annual Chocolate Tour. Events include 5K walks, 10K runs and up to a 100-mile bike ride. Samples of local chocolates and other foods will be available. Visit www.pennstatehershey.org.

India Day Festival
Aug. 8: The annual, free event features a variety of cultural performances, food, clothing and jewelry vendors. The festival takes place at HACC’s Harrisburg campus, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit aiacpa.org/indiaday.

Volunteer Work Day
Aug. 8: Help beautify Wildwood Park by volunteering for a few hours. Meet at the Nature Center starting at 10 a.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves provided. For more information, visit wildwoodlake.org.

Morning Bird Walk
Aug. 8: Start off your morning with a walk with volunteer Audrey Zajac and learn about the birds of Wildwood Park. Meet at the Nature Center at 8 a.m. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Information is at wildwoodlake.org.

Summer Soirees
Aug. 8, 15, 27: Show your appreciation for the arts at these summer soirees held in support of the Art Association of Harrisburg. This month, the soirees take place in Lewisberry, Enola and New Cumberland, featuring food, music and art. Cost is $40 in advance, $45 at the door. For more information and tickets, visit artassocofhbg.com.

Chamber Mixer
Aug. 11: Join the Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for its monthly business networking mixer at the LGBT Center of Central PA, 1306 N. 3^rd Street, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. More information is at cpglcc.org.

Healthy Spine
Aug. 11, 18: Join PinnacleHealth Spine Institute for a free, one-hour spine care class. The Aug. 11 event starts at 10 a.m. at Giant Food Store Community Center, 3301 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill. The Aug. 18 event starts at 6 p.m. at Community General Osteopathic Hospital, 4300 Londonderry Rd., Harrisburg. Visit pinnaclehealth.org or call 717-231-8900.

Keystone Cluster Dog Show
Aug. 12: Scamper over to the PA Farm Show Complex to see show dogs compete and participate in events, including an all-breed show and junior showmanship classes for children and their dogs. Admission is $6 and free for children 12 and under. Visit hkc.org for more information.

Stress Relief Walk
Aug. 12: Release the stress of the workday with a Stress Relief Walk, a three-mile stroll around Wildwood Park. Meet at the Nature Center at 6 p.m. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Information is at wildwoodlake.org.

Tobacco Cessation
Aug. 12: Take a step to a healthier lifestyle with the help of a certified tobacco treatment specialist. This event starts at 6 p.m. at Giant Food Store Community Center, 3301 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill. For more information or to register, call 717-231-8900 or visit pinnaclehealth.org.

Bookstock Read-In
Aug. 13: Celebrate the anniversary of Woodstock at the Fredricksen Library with this summer read-in. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a book. The free event takes place 5 to 8 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Business After Hours
Aug. 13: Mix and mingle with business professionals at this free networking event sponsored by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. This month, the 5 to 7 p.m. event takes place at Penn National Insurance, 2 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

Amazing Birds
Aug. 14, 28: Experience an up-close encounter with the birds of Pennsylvania during the State Museum’s “Amazing Birds” presentation. The event runs 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; presentation is at 1 p.m. For more information, visit statemuseumpa.org.

Urban Roots Festival
Aug. 15: Enjoy music from local R&B and hip-hop artists during the Urban Roots Festival at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit broadstreetmarket.org.

Bacon & Beer
Aug. 16: Enjoy bacon-themed dishes and local home brews while raising money for a great cause at the second annual Bacon & Brew Ha Ha at Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. The event begins at noon and costs $25 a head ($10 non-alcoholic). More information is at the Facebook page: Bacon and Brew Ha Ha.

Pre-School Storytime
Aug. 20: Join the pre-school program at the State Museum for a 10 a.m. storytime. Walter Meshaka will read “What the Sun Sees, What the Moon Sees.” For more information, visit statemuseumpa.org.

3^rd in The Burg
Aug. 21: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3^rd 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.

Natural History in Books
Aug. 21: Join Dr. Irene Snavely and Ellen Shenk as they dive into the history of Pennsylvania’s natural history through rare and historic books and documents. The State Museum event is free with admission, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; presentation at 12:15 p.m. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Supercars on State Street
Aug. 22: The annual showcase of exotic and supercars benefits Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the American Cancer Society. Registration takes place 8 to 11 a.m. at Faulkner Maserati in Mechanicsburg, and the event runs noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Harrisburg. Visit supercarsonstatestreet.com.

Life of Milton Hershey
Aug. 22: Get to know more about the famous chocolatier, Milton Hershey, with historian and tour guide Steffan David. The event begins at the Fredricksen Library at 1:30 p.m. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Blooming Art Exhibit
Aug. 22-23: View and purchase artwork courtesy of Hershey Area Art Association. The display and sale takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hershey Gardens Educational Center. For more information, visit hersheygardens.org.

Local Lunch
Aug. 23: Dine with Friends of Midtown during their Local Lunch, which this month will be held at The Kitchen, 1110 N. 3^rd St. The meal and get-together run noon to 2 p.m. For more, visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Harrisburg Mudmash
Aug. 23: Join the East Shore YMCA for the first mud run in central PA. The course includes a host of crossings, climbs and obstacles through a 160-acre property adjacent to the Harrisburg Picnic Postal Grounds. Registration closes Aug. 18. For more, visit ymcarun.com.

Transportation Briefing
Aug. 25: Join Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC for the 2015 Transportation Briefing, featuring PennDOT Deputy Secretary Toby Fauver. Event starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass. Member rate $35; general admission $60. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

Luminary Awards Luncheon
Aug. 26: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 3^rd annual Luminary Awards Luncheon, which will honor two female professionals. The event is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill. For more information, visit wschamber.org.

35^th Annual Central PA Jazz Festival
Aug. 26-30: Support local music and Central PA Friends of Jazz at this year’s JazzFest. The weekend includes a cruise, jazz party, picnic and jam session. More information is at friendsofjazz.org.

Road Runners Race
Aug. 29: Harrisburg Area Road Runners Club will host a 5K at 8 a.m. and a 10K at 9:10 a.m., starting at City Island. Registration is $25 for 5K and $30 for 10K. Prizes awarded to the top three female and male runners. Visit usroadrunning.com.

Keystone State Triathlon
Aug. 30: Challenge yourself in one of several triathlon courses, including an Olympic course, at Gifford Pinchot Park in Lewisberry. The top three males and females in each group will win awards. Information is at trimaxendurancesports.com.

Kipona & the Riverfront
Aug. 30: Join the Dauphin County Historical Society to all learn about Harrisburg’s late summer celebration, including a presentation by author Erik V. Fasick and a tour of HSDC’s exhibit of historic images. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Harris-Cameron Mansion, Harrisburg. Visit hsdchappenings.blogspot.com.

Every Picture Tells a Story: Each beautiful mural, each dilapidated property paints a portrait of Harrisburg.

July 31, 2015 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

In June, during 3^rd in the Burg, I attended something called a PechaKucha, which is kind of a stripped-down, image-heavy TED talk.

PechaKucha presenters wrap their talks around 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds. The idea is to keep the flow moving and the audience interested. So, even if one speaker is especially dull or unlikeable, no sweat—he’s gone in about 10 minutes.

This PechaKucha was, I believe, the third held in Harrisburg. On that night, about eight presenters climbed on to H*MAC’s Herr Street Stage to talk about such diverse local issues as City Beautiful 2.0, the city’s emerging Comprehensive Plan, the Susquehanna Art Museum and chalk-writing on sidewalks.

Many of the presentations seemed to live at the intersection of art and urbanism, which also is where Jeff Copus focused.

Around town, Copus wears several hats, but, on this evening, he was chatting about Sprocket Mural Works, a group formed last year to transform some of Harrisburg’s drab exterior walls into colorful works of art.

As he described the role of Sprocket and of urban murals in general, he told the audience that Harrisburg had a choice. Through action, the city and its people could tell a story of beauty and progress or, through neglect, they could tell a story of blight and ugliness.

Either way, a story would be told.

“Whether it is a blighted building, a blank wall, or a beautiful mural, our visual surroundings tell a story, for better or worse,” he said. “It might not be an accurate story or the story we want told; that is why we need to take control of our surroundings.”

For years, I’ve written about Harrisburg, its struggles and the built environment around us. Not once before had I heard the city’s challenge described so perfectly.

But how can we achieve this? How can we turn Harrisburg’s story from the deeply ingrained one of bleakness and despair to one of promise, a place that attracts people to visit and stay?

Certainly, the city government has a role to play and, due to the financial recovery plan and more responsible leadership, things look somewhat better in that area—from the wholesale replacement of streetlights to planned repaving projects.

But the city can’t do it alone. This effort must extend to the private sector, as most of the city’s property—much of it forlorn—is in private hands.

So, to the city’s property-owners, I say this: It’s time for you to take action to make Harrisburg better.

You bought the dilapidated building. You have title to the boarded-up wreck. You operate a business out of a rundown mess. You own one or maybe 20 empty lots.

When you took ownership, you took on responsibility. Yes, land and buildings may be investments, but they require upkeep and an immediate, realistic plan for use. If you want something that requires no care, buy a few shares of stock, not real estate.

And it’s not the fault of the poor, who are mostly renters. Given a choice, many would leave for a something better or at least force their landlords to fix up the buildings where they live.

Nor is it only the fault of out-of-town slumlords, as awful as they are. Developers, business-owners, wealthy individuals, corporations, investors and prominent citizens—all local to Harrisburg—are some of the worst offenders.

Often, I walk down a street and wonder what the owners of these impaired, underused properties are thinking. I see an empty lot in an outstanding location, but it’s been undeveloped as long as anyone remembers. I see a boarded-up building, perpetually for rent, decaying and losing value with each passing year. I see unkempt and dilapidated buildings that are owned by people of means.

When I ask these owners about their properties, I often hear excuses. It’s a lousy market environment, they say, or now isn’t the right time or they’re acquiring a block of land or they’re waiting for the feds or the state or the city to give them money or a tax break.

As they refuse to take responsibility for their own inaction, they readily point fingers at others (neglectful bar owners, for instance) for problems on the blocks or in the neighborhoods where they own property.

Harrisburg is changing for the better, but it’s a grinding, building-by-building, block-by-block transformation, led by a few honorable, risk-tolerant people who have decided to step up. Meanwhile, people with deep pockets and deep roots here perpetuate the status quo—old slum Harrisburg—despite the puzzle that, as major property-and business-owners, they would benefit most if the city were to substantially improve.

Copus is right. Every junk property and empty lot—just as much as every beautiful mural—tells a story of Harrisburg.

What story do you want your city to tell?

Lawrance Binda is editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

Raising Glasses, Raising Money: Très Bonne Année: A Very Good Year, for a Very Good Cause

July 31, 2015 | by M. Diane McCormick

On a trip to Napa Valley, Terry Lehman and his wife enjoyed an intimate steak dinner in the iconic carriage house of the Peter Mondavi family’s Charles Krug winery. Their hosts: Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mondavi.

“Here, you have somebody who’s the most visible name in the wine industry in the United States, and they’re spending five hours with you,” Lehman recalls.

Lehman earned the trip through a winning bid at Très Bonne Année, which this year notes its 15^th anniversary.

What is Très Bonne Année (other than French for “Very Good Year”)? It’s an annual series of events culminating with a Gala Wine Auction and Dinner at the Hilton Harrisburg. Last year’s Très Bonne Année, where Lehman chairs the board of directors, raised $430,000.

Since the beginning, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts has been the beneficiary, for a 14-year total of nearly $4.3 million.

“You look at some of the other wine auctions in the country, and they’re in very affluent places, whether it’s Napa Valley or New York City or Naples,” says Lehman. “Our auction grossed $540,000 in one night in auction proceeds, which is phenomenal. It’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.”

Wine, Food, Art

The birth of Très Bonne Année was inspired by one of those other auctions.

Jan Rumberger, a local businessman with wine industry ties, attended l’Eté du Vin, Nashville’s “huge, huge wine auction,” says Très Bonne Année President Bill Kohl. (That’s “Summer of Wine,” by the way.) Rumberger approached Kohl about doing something similar in Harrisburg. They convened local wine aficionados, engaged the l’Eté du Vin executive director as a consultant, and devised a Harrisburg-based concept.

This was two years after the 1999 opening of Whitaker Center, one of the nation’s few venues devoted to the arts, science and film. Since a wine auction relies on an honored guest to donate wine and trips, Kohl approached Robert Mondavi Winery to serve as the first honoree, and “conveniently, Mr. Mondavi’s mantra was that wine is an integral part of a gracious lifestyle combining wine, food and the arts.”

Support from Très Bonne Année helps Whitaker Center keep admission fees “less than what they normally would be,” says President and CEO Dr. Michael Hanes. Since 2008, the funds have also supported renewal of the science center, so it continues to draw new and repeat visitors, including up to 35,000 students from 40 to 45 Pennsylvania counties every year.

Whitaker Center is expanding outreach “to a broader spectrum” of its five-county midstate area, says Hanes. One new program introduces young girls to the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields. More than 100 ticketed events a year present “a whole variety of performing arts.” Its 187 linear feet of gallery space is “open to the public at no cost whatsoever. You can walk in on your lunch hour and take a look at the art we have on display.”

The relationship with Très Bonne Année has “been a great partnership,” Hanes says.

Wine Wave

The hallmark of Très Bonne Année is the trips and events offered for auction—“truly once-in-a-lifetime things,” says Kohl. The late White House chef Walter Scheib “pretty much donated a dinner or two every year since 2006,” including meals in his home and re-creations of White House state dinners.

The items donated by the 2015 Honored Guest, Jackson Family Wines, include a girls’ wine country getaway, guided by one of only 23 female master sommeliers in the world.

“You’re meeting the winemaker and the winery owner,” says Kohl. “You’re having lunch with them. You’re tasting with them. You’re getting a special, behind-the-scenes exposure to the winery that you wouldn’t normally get.”

In addition to his quiet dinner with Peter Mondavi, Lehman has re-created the road trip from “Sideways,” following in Paul Giamatti’s Pinot Noir-guzzling footsteps.

“They’re one-of-a-kind events the general public can’t buy,” says Lehman.

While an in-home dinner might auction in the $7,000 to $15,000 range, Très Bonne Année officials strive to make the event “inclusive, not exclusive,” says Kohl. Bidders might win one or two seats at a dinner, or they can find silent auction lots for a couple hundred bucks. The $75 vintner’s tasting on Oct. 8 offers an “educational tutorial seminar” featuring marquee wines selected by Jackson Family Wines.

“You don’t need to know anything about wine, but the people up there delivering the seminar are so knowledgeable that they can speak to you at whatever level you’re on,” says Kohl.

The 2014 Très Bonne Année was a financial record-setter, and officials are hoping for another in 2015, aiming to raise $450,000. “We’re always looking to improve and get better at what we do,” says Kohl. “It’s really been our board members who drive this every year.”

Over 15 years, Très Bonne Année has “ridden the wine wave in the United States,” says Lehman. “There’s a great appreciation for better wines, and this really exposes people in central Pennsylvania to some very, very good wines that they otherwise might not have access to, or wouldn’t know about.”

Hanes believes that Très Bonne Année is central Pennsylvania’s premiere cultural and charitable event.

“We’re very fortunate to be a partner with Très Bonne Année,” he says. “We intend to continue to be great partners going forward. We’re looking for another 15 years.”

The Très Bonne Année Gala Wine Auction and Dinner takes place Oct. 10 at the Hilton Harrisburg. For more information about the organization and all of its events, visit www.Tresbonneannee.org or call 717-237-6426.

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