Community Corner: Notable Events in July

June 30, 2015 | by Admin

Learn at Lunchtime
July 3: The State Museum of Pennsylvania will offer free admission 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. so that lunchtime visitors can explore the museum at their own pace and with the help of docents for the “Art of the State” exhibit. For more information, visit statemuseumpa.org.

Independence Day
July 4: Take in regional musical acts, a magician and other family fun during Harrisburg’s one-day Independence Day celebration. The daylong activities on City Island will culminate in a concert by the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks celebration.

Declaration Reading
July 4: David Biser returns to play the role of John Harris Jr. during the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., at the Harris-Cameron Mansion in Harrisburg. Tours of the mansion will be offered, and the Historical Society of Dauphin County will host a festival on the mansion grounds. For more, visit dauphincountyhistory.org.

July 4 Celebration
July 4: The AACA Museum will stay open late with special admission pricing to tour the museum then watch Hershey’s fireworks on the museum’s grounds, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey. More information is at aacamuseum.org.

Party on the River
July 4: The annual Fireworks Express moves to a new venue this year due to railroad track work. The Modern Transit Partnership event will take place at the Overlook at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St. Cost is $55 for adults and $15 for ages 6 to 20. Ticket price includes food, beverages and access to the fireworks viewing area. For more information, visit mtptransit.org.

Concert on the Lawn
July 6 & 23: The Amber Waves Band plays on July 6 and the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band on July 23 as part of Fredricksen Library’s “Concerts on the Lawn” series. The music starts at 7 p.m. on the library grounds in Camp Hill. Information is at fredricksenlibrary.org.

Chamber Mixer
July 8: Join the Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for its monthly business networking mixer at the Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg. More information is at cpglcc.org.

Stress Relief Walk
July 8: 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.

Midtown Movie Nights
July 10 & 24: Enjoy a movie in the open air during Midtown Movie Nights, sponsored by Friends of Midtown. The July 10 show (“Plan 9 from Outer Space”) and the July 24 show (“Labyrinth”) begin at dusk in the parking lot of Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Information is at friendsofmidtown.org.

Civil War Workshop
July 11: Visit the Susquehanna Art Museum and create a work of art inspired by David Bustill Bowser. The event, which starts at 10 a.m. and repeats at noon, includes a discussion about the artist followed by an art-making project for the whole family. Workshop is included with price of admission. For more information, visit sqart.org.

Shipoke Flea Market
July 11: Buy, sell or just browse at the Shipoke Flea Market and Bake Sale, the annual used goods market along the riverfront in Harrisburg’s Shipoke neighborhood. The event begins at 7 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m., rain or shine. For more information, visit shipoke.org.

Harrisburg Senators Game
July 11: Spend a summer night with friends, neighbors and the great American pastime. The evening begins at 6 p.m. at Metro Bank Park on City Island. Tickets are $10 for Friends of Midtown members and $11 for non-members. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

One-Woman Show
July 11: Lynn Blackston will give a creative performance of storytelling, poetry and inspirational song based on the life of former slave and anti-slavery activist Harriet Jacobs. The presentation takes place at 5 p.m. at the Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. Free with admission. Visit sqart.org.

Volunteer Work Day
July 11: Help beautify Wildwood Park by volunteering for a few hours. Meet at the Nature Center starting at 10 a.m. Snacks, tools and gloves provided. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Bridges on the Susquehanna
July 12: Local author Erik Fasick will give a presentation on the bridges over the Susquehanna River, followed by a tour of the current photo exhibit. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Harris-Cameron Mansion in Harrisburg. $5 donation requested. Visit dauphincountyhistory.org.

Local History Cruise
July 15: Join the Dauphin County Historical Society for a cruise aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna. Erik Fasick, author of “Harrisburg and the Susquehanna River,” will be on board for this special tour of the river. Tickets are $25 for the 6 to 8 p.m. event. Food and drink will be available for purchase. RSVP at 717-233-3462 by July 10 and visit dauphincountyhistory.org.

Harrisburg Mile
July 15: Lace up your running shoes for the annual sprint down Front Street. Starting at 6 p.m., waves of runners will take off from Maclay Street, followed by a party in Riverfront Park near the finish line at Herr Street. For registration and information, visit ymcarun.com.

Planetarium 50^th Celebration
July 15-19: The State Museum of Pennsylvania celebrates the 50^th anniversary of its popular planetarium by hosting the East Coast debut of the full-dome feature, “Solar Superstorms,” which ventures into the interior of the sun. The show is included in museum’s general admission price. For times, check statemuseumpa.org.

Business After Hours
July 16: Mix and mingle with local 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 Brenner Nissan, 6271 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

3^rd in The Burg
July 17: 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.

Brewfest
July 18: The Dauphin County Brewfest is back with some of central PA’s finest craft beer, food and music. The annual event runs 3 to 7 p.m. at Fort Hunter and costs $35 in advance and $50 at the door. Visit forthunter.org.

Summer Soiree
July 18: Show your appreciation for the arts in the Harrisburg area at this summer soiree held in support of the Art Association of Harrisburg. The soiree takes place at 790 Garriston Rd., Lewisberry, and features food, music and, of course, art. Cost is $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Local Lunch
July 19: Dine with Friends of Midtown during their local lunch, which this month will be held at Pastorante, 1012 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. The meal and get-together run noon to 2 p.m. For more, visit friendsofmidtown.org.

History Lecture
July 20: Michael Long will deliver a lecture on gay civil rights activist Frank Kameny. Long edited “Gay Is Good: The Life and Letters of Gay Rights Pioneer Franklin Kameny.” The 6 to 8 p.m. event will take place at the LGBT Center of Central PA, 1306 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. Visit centralpalgbtcenter.org.

City Island Outing
July 23: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for “Putt It into the Park,” an outing on City Island that includes miniature golf, a Harrisburg Senators game and a picnic dinner. The event costs $20 and runs 4 to 10 p.m. Information is at wschamber.org.

Nature & Arts Festival
July 25: The annual Nature and Arts Festival runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MYO Park and the Ned Smith Center in Millersburg. Enjoy live music, food, educational programs, art events, contests and more. For all programming, visit nedsmithcenter.org.

Pride Fest
July 25: The 23^rd annual Pride Festival of Central Pennsylvania begins at 11 a.m. in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg with food, vendors, entertainment and more. Admission is $9; children under 12 are free. Visit centralpapridefestival.com.

Library Loop
July 25: For a 10^th year, runners and walkers will participate in the Fredricksen Library Loop, which starts at 8:30 a.m. at the library in Camp Hill. Prizes awarded to the top finishers. Register online or at the library. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Dare to Defy
July 26: Artist and educator Selby Doughty will deliver a lecture, “The Women Artists of Pennsylvania: Dare to Defy,” at 3 p.m. at the Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. The program about women artists and their influences is free with admission. Please visit sqart.org.

Science Camp
July 28-31: The four-day camp will feature hands-on outdoor experiences for youth ages 10 to 15, who will learn about species identification, natural history and ecology. Each day runs 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $80 per participant. More information is at wildwoodlake.org.

Networking Mixer
July 30: Mingle with fellow business people at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s monthly mixer, which will be held at the Susquehanna Club in New Cumberland. The free event begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit wschamber.org.

Growing Up . . . and Going for a Run: More than a physical challenge, Girls on the Run helps students open up, learn about life and mature.

June 30, 2015 | by Rebecca Hanlon

Illustration by Stephen Michael Haas.

Girls on the Run teaches young students valuable life skills like believing in oneself, cooperation and community.

For many girls in the Harrisburg school system, the program instills in them the power to overcome bullying, build their self-esteem and uncover the value of working as a team.

Then there’s the 5K.

“We know that running a 5K is a great accomplishment, but Girls on the Run is about so much more than that,” said Gillian Byerly, the executive director of the Capital Area chapter. “We are giving some of these girls the only chance they’ll have at learning what it means to have personal value and to work together to accomplish personal goals.”

When the Capital Area Girls on the Run chapter was founded in 2011, just 22 girls and four volunteers signed up for the 10-week program. Through twice-a-week meetings, the girls participated in group discussions that tackled tough issues while training for a 5K to be held at the end of the season.

Today, 860 girls in third through eighth grades—and several hundred volunteers throughout Perry, Dauphin and Cumberland counties—participate in the program.

Harrisburg School District students, in particular, have made remarkable progress in a short time. The first Girls on the Run team entered Melrose School in 2014 with teacher volunteers who stayed after long days in the classroom to coach.

Some teachers noticed attendance was spotty at first. Many of the girls left in hopes of finding food they might not get at home, Byerly said. This season, the program provided subs for the girls. Now, with food in their bellies and mentors who continue to be attentive, the program has flourished.

Kere Washington, a fifth-grade teacher at Rowland Academy, recently celebrated her second season as a Girls on the Run coach at her school. About 10 girls participated this spring, bringing with them an enthusiasm and energy that bubbled over as they celebrated their accomplishments during an after-school party.

“I’ve seen how the program allows some of the girls to open up about problems they wouldn’t otherwise discuss,” Washington said. “When we show them how to make strategies for school problems, we’re starting to see them follow through.”

One student who acted out frustrations with physical fights went to a coach when she noticed herself getting upset, Byerly said. Instead of lashing out, the girl sought help and got advice on how to express her frustration with words instead of fists.

Marie Adamu, 10, said she liked how everyone was so nice at Girls on the Run. When her family couldn’t attend the May 5K, Marie’s friends and coaches stepped in to cheer her on.

“I think I did excellent,” Marie said of her first 5K experience. “I was nervous at first, but everyone helped me. It went just how I expected.”

Marie also admits that the program helped her work through her own issues with bullying—both acting out as a bully and handling herself when others bullied her.

Nyara Jones-Lowden, 9, said the program helped her learn how to listen to what other people had to say. The bubbly fourth-grader sometimes gets a little distracted when others are speaking, she confessed. But Girls on the Run helped her learn to focus and respectfully pay attention.

Nyara also learned that goals can be accomplished in many ways as she ran, walked, jogged and skipped her way to the 5K finish line.

As the program grows in popularity, Byerly hopes Girls on the Run can add programs at Downey Elementary and Ben Franklin elementary schools.

“I think, in Harrisburg especially, girls need to have a safe, emotional space where role models can help them overcome challenges,” Byerly said.

While the growth has been an unexpected blessing the past few years, it’s also created challenges for the group. Byerly hopes more community volunteers step in so that teachers don’t always have to run the programs.

She also looks forward to seeing the program come full circle as students transition to high school, allowing former participants to join as junior coaches.

In the near future, Byerly is eagerly anticipating the rollout of the newest Girls on the Run program. Heart and Soul, set to be offered this fall, focuses on helping middle-school girls live out random acts of kindness.

“Many of these girls have voices, and they want to be heard,” Byerly said. “They are of value to their families, their teachers and their communities. That’s a pretty powerful message that we’re not sure they’d hear without Girls on the Run.”

For more information on Capital Area Girls on the Run, visit www.capareagirlsontherun.org.

There’s Something about Zin: From red to white, California zinfandels are perfect for summer.

June 30, 2015 | by Steve Juliana

If there is one question that wine-lovers enjoy debating, it is, “Where does the best wine in the world come from?”

Almost always, California emerges as a serious contender. With its Napa cabernets and chardonnays, pinot noirs from the Russian River Valley to the Santa Maria Valley and an influx of Italian and Rhône varietals, there is a wine for every palate. The one grape considered the elder statesman of Golden State wine is zinfandel. This black grape arrived on the West Coast shortly after the Gold Rush began. It not only slaked the 49ers’ thirst, but was a commercial success in the big Central Valley where it was grown for raisins.

The origin of this fruit is Mediterranean Europe. In Italy, the grape known as primitivo is an earlier ripening clone of our beloved zin. The first vines have been traced back to Croatia, where it was called tribidrag in the local dialect. In 2001, this oldest variety was rediscovered growing along the Dalmatian coast and, since, has become available in American markets.

Back in California, the zinfandel grape was saved from the ravages of Prohibition by its use in the production of communion wine and the aforementioned raisin industry. Today, this reason, along with the plant’s durability, is why zin vines are the oldest in the state.

Planted with other grapes in plots that were harvested together, this California “field blend” was bottled in bulk and sold throughout the country under a variety of names. Nowadays, there is more interest in a pure wine that reflects the true terroir, or growing site traits, of the grape. A single-vineyard, old-vine zin attracts attention not only because such wine is very hard to find, but because it shows a complexity of flavors and structure that is not found in younger grapes.

When it comes to food, the key word here is barbecue. Red zin is described as “brambly” or “briary,” words that bring to mind fresh berries picked on a hot day or the scent of a newly opened jar of jam. It matches perfectly with any beef, pork or fowl cooked in the tradition of the American South.

But wait. What is white zinfandel? This easy drinking quaff is a blush that burst onto the California wine scene in the 1970s. Originating from Sutter Home Wineries, it was supposed to become a dry rosè in the tradition of southern France. However, an anomaly called “stuck fermentation” allowed the juice to retain a higher level of sugar. History was made as white zin became hugely popular, outselling its red brother by a margin of 10 to one.

To many enthusiasts, white zinfandel is not a serious wine. For summer sipping, though, it is perfect, light in body and low in alcohol, best enjoyed chilled and with finger foods. As a first wine, it is a good choice and has a rich history. It’s just a little pale.

Keep sipping, Steve.

Coffee Country: He had poured thousands of cups. Then he decided to trace the origins of the coffee he served.

June 30, 2015 | by Susan Ryder

Chris Scott. Photo compliments of Counter Culture Coffee.

That morning cup of Joe, water poured through a filter over grounds or delicately French pressed. You add a bit of creamer and sprinkle in some sugar, or maybe you leave it black. After a slurpy, hot sip—ah—the day can start.

But where does this delicious concoction come from, who grows it, and why should anyone care?

In March, Chris Scott, general manager of Midtown Scholar Bookstore, took a journey to Honduras to find out.

This trip was an unexpected one. He had planned to visit Sweden when he happened upon the website for Counter Culture Coffee, which supplies the coffee sold at Midtown Scholar.

“Honduras wasn’t anywhere that was on my bucket list,” said Scott.

He quickly adjusted his travel plans after he saw that Counter Culture was offering an opportunity to travel to the Central American country for people interested in learning more about its coffee.

He wanted to address a question that had been on his mind from pouring countless cups of Counter Culture Coffee from behind the bar at Midtown Scholar: “Here we are drinking a cup of coffee, but what all went into this cup?”

Plant to Mug

The trip began by giving participants an understanding of how coffee is grown and processed before it leaves Honduras.

An evergreen shrub, grown in high elevations in tropical climates, the coffee plant produces cherries. The cherry holds two seeds, which eventually become drinkers’ morning pick-me-up.

Cherries ripen at different rates, so workers must handpick the ripe fruit, about a 100-pound sack per day.

Scott and his group picked coffee, viewed the washing process used to remove the pulp from the coffee seed and watched how the beans were sorted. Lastly, they visited the coffee storage areas, where thousands of sacks of beans are stored and loaded on to ships, one of Scott’s favorite parts of the trip.

As a result, Scott received a 360-degree understanding of how coffee is made—from plant to cup.

“I feel like a part of the process on both sides,” he said.

A Passion, an Understanding

Scott also learned about the struggles of growing the product and how Counter Culture helps growers address them.

One of those struggles is climate change. Farmers said that warming temperatures have forced them to move their crop to cooler areas farther up the mountains, as lower land has become unusable for coffee. Counter Culture helps farmers learn how to diversify their crops by growing cacao, more suited to the higher temperatures, or educating farmers about shifting to animal crops instead.

“We seek coffee that not only tastes good but also does good, from our local communities to the communities around the world where we source our coffee,” says Counter Culture’s mission statement.

That “good” includes fairly paying growers for their crops. Counter Culture works directly with the farmers, eliminating the need for middlemen such as exporters and importers. Its website also lists how much each farmer or cooperative earns.

Farmers Moisés and Marysabel, who hosted a visit from Scott’s group, make $3 to $4 per pound, according to the company’s 2013 report, compared to the less than 50 cents per pound that globalexchange.org reports growers typically receive.

Scott explained that Counter Culture is similar to fair trade coffee with a few exceptions. Fair trade organizations require growers to belong to a cooperative, which charges them for their portion of the expense for the Fair Trade label. Counter Culture, Scott said, has created its own type of fair trade without the label and the expense to farmers.

Scott was most impacted by the Honduran people.

The coffee growers and workers displayed an immense amount of national pride and, despite their poverty, showed terrific hospitality to the Counter Culture visitors, he said. In coffee shops they visited, workers took special interest in them, insisting on making them their best coffee. Scott said this represents the mutual respect among those in the coffee world. One worker came in on her day off to meet these coffee visitors.

Another farmer, Oscar, roasted beans grown on his own farm; and in his home, proudly served the group his farm’s fresh coffee. Just a few days from field to service, it was a fantastic cup, Scott said.

“It instills in me a passion, understanding and respect for these people, that it’s so important for us to be serving a quality product,” he said. “We represent all the hard work these people did.”

Essentially, if an espresso shot is poorly poured, or coffee left to sit too long, it’s a disservice to the growers as well as those partaking, he said.

Ironically, farmers aren’t drinking much of their own best coffee.

“People who grow it can’t afford to drink this quality of product,” Scott said. “It’s too valuable.”

Scott overflows with fervor about the trip. He said that many of the employees at Midtown Scholar scold him with, “Shut up about Honduras already!” For a man who had no expectations for the trip, he came home with a lot: lasting friendships with trip participants, Counter Culture employees and coffee growers.

He also left with something else—responsibility.

He can’t drink or serve a cup of coffee without thinking about Oscar, Moisés or Marysabel and whether their dedication and pride are being adequately represented.

You can enjoy Counter Culture Coffee at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. www.midtownscholar.com

Hot Weather, Cool Cuisine: A chilled fish dish can be a refreshing break from the grill.

June 30, 2015 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

So July is here, and we are well into summer. Perhaps, like me, you begin to tire a little of grilled food that often tastes the same. By July, I think I have teriyakied just about everything.

Over the years, I have collected recipes for hot summer days that can be served chilled or at room temperature and provide a nice alternative to grilled foods. Some of my favorites are:

A wonderfully spicy, chilled gazpacho topped with sour cream and shreds of sweet basil
Uncooked pasta sauces, like chopped summer tomatoes with garlic, basil and shredded mozzarella cheese served over a favorite pasta
White meat chicken salad with sweet red grapes or bing cherries
Nicoise salad made with fresh tuna, hard cooked eggs, tomato wedges, olives and fresh green beans

All of these dishes can be made early in the morning, placed in the fridge and pulled out for dinner without any fuss. All that is needed is a plate of sliced melon and some cool white wine to complete the meal.

A long time ago, I found a recipe from the famed New York restaurant, The Four Seasons. This landmark establishment is known for its elegant cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. This was a spectacular summertime dish with chilled, poached salmon and scallops, marinated cucumbers and an herbal green mayonnaise. I’ve simplified it a bit, but it still makes a beautiful dinner for special friends and a nice change from your “go-to” steaks on the grill.

Poached Salmon with Green Mayonnaise

Ingredients

Marinated Cucumbers

Two regular, homegrown cucumbers
1/2 cup of your favorite white wine and olive oil vinaigrette
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Poached Salmon

4 fresh salmon steaks or thick center-cut filets
1 cup white wine plus 1 cup vegetable broth or water
1 dried bay leaf and a tablespoon of whole black peppercorns
1 lemon, sliced
A small bunch of fresh dill, tied with kitchen twine

Green Mayonnaise

1 cup of good mayonnaise (I have taken a recent liking to Duke’s Light)
1/2 cup of mixed fresh herbs (I like parsley, chives and dill)

Garnish

1 head of Belgian endive leaves separated

Directions

Prepare the cucumbers:

Peel the cucumbers, and slice them as thinly as you can.
Place the cucumber slices in a medium bowl, add salt and pepper to taste, toss with about a quarter cup of white wine and olive oil vinaigrette. Place in the fridge to cool.

Poach the salmon:

In the bottom of a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, lay the lemon slices and top them with the salmon steaks or filets.
Pour in the wine/broth mixture to come at least halfway up the salmon.
Add the peppercorns, bay leaf and dill bouquet and bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
When the salmon is almost cooked, remove it with a slotted spatula and place on a plate or platter. Cool for a few minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Make the herb mayonnaise:

Finely chop the herbs you have chosen and add to the mayonnaise in a small bowl.
Mix well, cover and chill with the other items in the fridge.

All the components of this dish are best made several hours ahead of serving so they are thoroughly chilled.

Assembly

This is the fun part.

Gently separate the leaves of the Belgian endive, and lay them around the edges of a round plate or platter (think sunflower). Arrange the chilled salmon on the endive leaves, leaving the center area free. With a slotted spoon, place the marinated cucumbers in a mound in the center of the dish. Then put a small spoonful of herbed mayonnaise on each salmon steak or filet, serving the remainder on the side. If you have any fresh dill left over, stick a few sprigs here and there.

Your poached salmon can also be served for brunch along with minted ice tea or sparkling Pellegrino with lemon. For dinner, a cold Pinot Grigio or Prosecco would be nice. Sliced, sugared strawberries are a perfect accompaniment for dessert.

The original Four Seasons recipe included poached scallops in the dish, and that is something you could try for a special occasion. If you like capers, they can add a savory touch to the herbed mayonnaise or just be sprinkled on top of the platter. Make the dish with steamed shrimp if you don’t like salmon.

Enjoy the rest of summer and your “holiday” from grill-ville!

Planting Seeds: Businesspeople can invest anywhere, which is why incentives are needed to make Harrisburg’s re-development self-sustaining.

June 30, 2015 | by Stephen C. Gierasch

As a professional services provider in the Harrisburg area for the last 17 years, I have come to know quite a few city business owners, including developers, restaurateurs, contractors, retailers and others. During that time, I have found most to be genuine and sincere in their devotion to Harrisburg and came to realize quickly that, for many of these businesspeople, despite what you may think, it is definitely not “all about the Benjamins.”

Over the past several years, I find myself shaking my head when reading blog posts, letters to the editor and other outlets for area residents to voice their opinions when the topic of city investment and development takes center stage. For most opinion-sharers, the default setting seems to be one of skepticism around the intentions of these businesspeople, especially when the issue of tax abatement comes up.

Some folks believe that those businesspeople pushing for tax abatement are “looking for a hand-out” or are trying to circumvent the “system.” As someone who has seen and understands the financial proposition to be considered by many city business owners, I can confirm that many of the deals are not financially viable without tax abatement, especially the kind of larger-scale development projects that would be most impactful to our city and region. In other words, without tax abatement, investors, in many instances, are looking at deals that would likely lose money and, therefore, not be financially viable. Nobody is lining up to make those investments, nor should we, as a community, expect them to do so.

What we have to keep in mind is that these investors/business owners/developers have choices in terms of where they deploy their capital and in many cases—again, I can attest to this, based upon the deals I have reviewed—the alternatives to investment in our city are significantly more lucrative. So, rather than meeting investment interest in city development and commerce with skepticism and derision, perhaps we should consider applauding investors for their collective efforts and risk-taking. And maybe hope that their investments turn out to be financially successful, as well.

Why should we care about the financial side of these deals? Because financial success will spur additional development and draw new investors to our city, the results of which will most assuredly be to our collective benefit and enjoyment, and, all the while, for the future, create a larger tax base capable of supporting sustainable growth in our city.

So, the next time you are enjoying dinner at a city restaurant or coffee at a cool city coffeehouse and see trees that were recently planted along the sidewalks, ask yourself—did Gordon Gekko plant those or did someone who has a broader view of success?

Stephen C. Gierasch is the managing shareholder of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney’s Harrisburg office, a community publisher for TheBurg.

July News Digest

June 30, 2015 | by Lawrance Binda

HUD Disbursements Proposed

Harrisburg last month began the annual process of distributing funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Papenfuse administration proposed funding numerous social service agencies with part of the $2.6 million the city is receiving from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant funds.

Proposed recipients include the Christian Recovery Aftercare Ministry, Mid Penn Legal Services, the Tri County HDC, the Fair Housing Council, the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, the Camp Curtin YMCA, Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg.

Harrisburg also proposed expending about $663,000 from the grant to cover debt service from two Reed-era projects: improvements along Market Street in the 1990s and construction of the Capitol View Commerce Center.

The city guaranteed a $3.8 million federal loan for the Capitol View Commerce Center, a project that collapsed after developer David Dodd ran out of money and stopped paying contractors. He now is serving a prison sentence on charges of misusing government funds and money laundering.

Eventually, John Moran of Moran Industries bought and finished the building at Herr and Cameron streets. Nonetheless, Harrisburg must pay back the federal loan that it backed.

The Papenfuse administration also proposed dispersal of $394,357 from a second HUD program, the HOME Investment Partnership Program. Most of that money will fund the city’s Homeowner Improvement Program.

Planning Meetings Held

Harrisburg last month hosted a series of meetings to gather public input on the drafting of a new comprehensive plan for the city.

The six meetings were held throughout the city to get ideas on such matters as transportation, housing, recreation, land use, mass transit and other subjects. The ideas now will be taken into consideration as Harrisburg goes about drafting a new plan, which will serve as a vision for the city’s future growth and development.

Comment also can be submitted at a website launched last month devoted to the comprehensive plan: www.behbg.com.

Harrisburg has hired the city-based Office for Planning and Architecture to guide the creation of the new comprehensive plan.

2 Positions Created

Harrisburg City Council last month approved two new positions requested by the Papenfuse administration.

The new deputy business administrator for parking is responsible for the remaining administrative functions of the former Harrisburg Parking Authority, which shut operations on June 30.

Last year, Park Harrisburg took over most of the city’s parking assets under a long-term lease, but the city still oversees two parking garages and a surface lot. Mayor Eric Papenfuse plans to hire Richard Kotz, the long-serving HPA director, for the $60,000-per-year job, a reduction from his former $100,000 salary.

Council also OK’d the creation of a temporary assistant city solicitor position. This attorney, who will earn $27,500 through December, will pursue action against 22 commercial trash accounts dating to 2008 that total about $1 million, Papenfuse said.

Both positions were funded by transferring money already in the city’s 2015 general budget.

No School Tax Hike

For a second straight year, Harrisburg homeowners will see no increase in the school portion of their property taxes.

Last month, the Harrisburg school board passed a $137.8 million budget that will keep taxes steady for the 2015-16 school year. The tax rate will be unchanged at 27.92 mills, meaning that the owner of a property assessed at $100,000 will pay $2,792 in school taxes before adjustments. Tax bills typically are mailed in July.

The district also bade farewell to Gene Veno, the district’s state-appointed chief recovery officer. Veno left the position after serving more than two years in the post. At press time, state Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera had not announced a replacement for him.

Pool Openings Delayed

Harrisburg youth again started the summer without access to a public swimming pool, as both city-run pools experienced problems that needed to be fixed.

The Jackson Lick pool had electrical and plumbing issues that needed to be addressed, while the pool at Hall Manor required some electrical repairs.

At press time, neither pool had reopened.

The 1960s-era pools both have suffered from repeated problems and shutdowns, though the Jackson Lick pool was open last summer. The Hall Manor pool has been closed since 2012, and the city repaired serious foundational issues last year.

Gonzalez Is Final Nominee

Lionel Gonzalez took the final Democratic nomination last month for Harrisburg school board following a tie-breaker.

After the May 19 primary, Gonzalez was tied with Daunessy Penn with 1,159 votes for the nomination for the final four-year seat. Two weeks later, Gonzalez won the nomination by a drawing of lots.

In addition to Gonzalez, the Democratic nominees for five, four-year seats on the school board are Jennifer Smallwood, Monica Blackston-Bailey, Matthew Krupp and Melvin Wilson Jr. Krupp also will be on the ballot as the only Republican nominee.

Judd Pittman is the Democratic nominee for the sole two-year seat.

Townhouses Debut

Brethren Housing Association and PinnacleHealth System last month completed construction of the Hummel Street Townhouses, three new houses in South Allison Hill.

The project will provide housing to single homeless mothers and their children, furthering BHA’s mission to help families transition out of poverty.

The townhouses replaced several severely blighted, abandoned properties at the corner of Hummel and Haehnlen streets.

Home Sales Up

The Harrisburg-area housing market continued to show improvement, as both units sold and the average sales price increased, according to data released last month.

The number of houses sold in May increased from 763 to 796, and the average sales price went from $183,221 to 187,436 compared to May 2014, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR). The average number of days on the market fell from 93 to 86.

The GHAR area includes all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. Dauphin County experienced the greatest rise in average selling price, from $152,649 in May 2014 to $174,798 in May 2015.

Changing Hands

Bartine St., 1124: K. Adams to A. Jackson, $102,500

Benton St., 512: M. Silvius to J. Eldred, $104,000

Berryhill St., 2477: S. Nguyen to V. Dieu, $42,000

Briggs St., 1946: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Shokes Enterprises LLC, $30,000

Chestnut St., 2214: J. & L. Coffman & V. Trimmer to D. Kauffman Jr. & J. Kantner, $145,000

Duke St., 2511: H. & A. Arahovas to P. Konstantine, $60,000

Fox Ridge Ct., 309: T. Knorr to J. Buss, $109,900

Fulton St., 1420: U.S. Bank NA Trustee & PA Housing Finance Agency to PA Deals LLC, $65,000

Green St., 1020: A. Kohr to J. & H. Piper, $91,500

Green St., 1226: W. Weidig to K. Lesher & P. Boyed, $102,500

Green St., 1504: M. Tanzini to J. Webb, $102,000

Green St., 1705: J. Weber to J. Tinnick, $109,900

Hamilton St., 201: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development & Hooks Van Holm Inc. to Braxley Renovations LLC, $75,000

Harris St., 230: Klimke Holdings LLC to C. Jackson, $175,000

Hillside Rd., 217: C. & K. White to J. Markel, $196,000

Lucknow Rd., 635, TR1 & TR3: Stabler Companies Inc. to Patlin Properties III LP, $415,000

Market St., 1845: Centric Bank to Nish Properties LLC, $45,000

Mercer St., 2456: J. & G. McCarchey to L. Bloodworth, $55,000

Nagle St., 123: E. Shover to K. Snyder & C. Kaufman, $135,000

N. 2^nd St., 1217: R. Homisak to A. Campbell, $98,000

N. 2^nd St., 1925 & 1927: D. & C. Herr to Reddinger Estates LLC, $30,000

N. 2^nd St., 2701: P. Usner to K. Sheets & K. Hancock, $300,000

N. 6^th St., 2433 & 2435: Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority to N. Wright, $35,000

N. 6^th St., 3212: RT Home Solutions Inc. to PA Deals LLC, $85,000

N. 13^th St., 505: A. Deimler to J. Kapp, $45,000

N. 19^th St., 43: LMK Properties LLC to Equity Trust Co. Custodian, Julie Burns IRA, $55,000

Penn St., 1918: M. Gustantino to Z. Shamberg, $133,000

Regina St., 1710: Propmax LLC to Matt Walter LLC, $38,500

Reily St., 263: Fannie Mae to Nish Properties LLC, $107,000

Rolleston St., 1116: B. Quinones to M. Phan, $83,000

Rumson Dr., 385: R. & M. Spence to D. & D. Blount, $70,000

S. 29^th St., 506, 510 & 514: Weis Markets Inc. to The Salvation Army, $1,250,000

S. Front St., 553: Ashbury Foundation to B. Trust, $70,000

State St., 231, Unit 204: LUX 1 LP to J. Montenegro, $119,900

State St., 231, Unit 405: LUX 1 LP to M. & K. Lastrina, $124,900

State St., 231, Unit 406: LUX 1 LP to M. & K. Lastrina, $109,900

Taylor Blvd., 52: HSBC Bank USA to PA Deals LLC, $44,300

Yale St., 222: Harrisburg Rentals LLC to M. Cole, $59,900

The Truth and Even More: HippoCamp 2015 to celebrate creative nonfiction.

June 30, 2015 | by Lori M. Myers

Illustration by Aron Rook.

A writer’s life can be one of solitary contemplation and frustration. So, every once in awhile, writers must push away from their computers and meet their own kind—those who can relate to and understand the writing life.

That’s where writing conferences come in, and one such upcoming event is called HippoCamp 2015, where both professional and aspiring authors will be able to meet and greet kindred spirits. It will take place next month at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

Donna Talarico, a northeast Pennsylvania native who now lives in Lancaster, publishes Hippocampus Magazine, an online journal of creative nonfiction and memoir. She is also the organizer of this conference, where, she believes, writers and readers of creative nonfiction and memoir will be inspired.

The decision to place the conference in Lancaster was an easy one for Talarico. Sure, she calls Lancaster home, but she also believed that the centrally located city would attract people from Lancaster, Harrisburg, York and Hershey and outside of the area, as well, along with those affiliated with the many colleges and universities in central Pennsylvania.

“I could have selected another region or city for the conference, but I knew that I wanted to attract writers to our region for a few reasons,” Talarico said. “So many major conferences are in the big cities, but there is something special about the mid-size cities and towns, too, and I wanted to share what central PA has to offer.”

Talarico envisions attendees perhaps taking an extra day or two and checking out the museums, parks and other attractions between Lancaster and Harrisburg.

“There are a lot of creative folks in our region, and the literary scene is growing,” she said. “We’re an online magazine, so we don’t technically have a location. So, this is a way to show that we’re part of this community.”

Up to this point, Talarico has been proud of the fact that Hippocampus Magazine found success on the “virtual” stage as an online publication that has used social media and email to send out its message. A conference such as this adds another dimension outside of the computer screen.

“Rather than fitting stories into places, we’re fitting people and events into spaces,” she said.

The conference’s programming ranges widely and includes panels, workshops and 45-minute breakout sessions. Attendees can enjoy evening author readings Friday night, hear first-time authors share their stories about their first published piece as part of a panel on Saturday morning, discover how to be better out-loud readers of their work on Saturday afternoon, and hear keynote speaker and creative nonfiction guru Lee Gutkind that evening.

After some coffee and pastries Sunday morning, there will be more writing panels and then a closing keynote address by Jane Friedman, former publisher and editorial director of Writer’s Digest.

“I’m personally excited for Jane Friedman’s ‘Beyond the Book’ talk because there’s so much more to being a successful writer today,” Talarico said. “I’m also looking forward to the literary citizenship panel. Still relatively new to the midstate, I’m still finding my way around its literary landscape.”

While the sessions and panels are mostly geared toward creative nonfiction, writers in other genres will be able to take away techniques and ideas for their own work, especially in the areas of marketing/publishing and that work-life balance that most, if not all, writers deal with. Some topics have even broader appeal and go beyond the genre: podcasting, online marketing, setting, writer’s block and a writing and movement workshop.

“Also, the literary citizenship panel will apply to all genres,” Talarico said. “In fact, its panelists are mostly cross-genre.”

While HippoCamp is Talarico’s first time organizing a conference, it helped that she’d attended others in the past. That prepared her for the small details and budget concerns when it came to organizing her own.

“My rep at the Marriott told me over a recent lunch meeting that I’m asking questions most don’t think about,” she said. “But asking the right questions is one thing. It’s the pulling it off that’s the challenge.”

HippoCamp 2015 takes place Aug. 7 to 9 in the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster. To register and for more information, log onto www.hippocampusmagazine.com and click “Conference: HippoCamp2015.”

Summer Sounds: Perfect music for the steamy heat.

June 30, 2015 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

Saintseneca. Photo courtesy of Saintseneca.

We’ve made it into the heart of the summer. The temperature continues to rise, but so does the quality of music here in the city. And this month we have three perfect audio companions for the summer heat.

All three featured artists build their sound on an acoustic base, but take it in very different directions. On the one hand, you have complex, African-inspired polyrhythms; on the other, quiet melodies well suited for a campfire. Whichever you prefer, make sure to add these shows to the soundtrack of your summer.

RUSTED ROOT, 7/2, 7PM, SAWYER’S, FREE

Most people are familiar with Rusted Root’s single, “Send Me On My Way.” Fusing world music rhythms with acoustic jam band songwriting, these Pittsburgh natives dropped the platinum album, “When I Woke,” back in 1994. But they haven’t stopped touring and have released five additional albums in the 20-odd years since they broke out. They’ve always had a distinctly summer sound, so they’ll fit in perfectly on Sawyer’s outdoor stage in the heart of the city. So whether you come for the nostalgia or you’ve been following their lengthy career, this is a great opportunity to celebrate the warm nights of July.

LYDIA LOVELESS, 7/9, 8PM, H*MAC HERR STREET STAGE, $12

Lydia Loveless, an alternative country artist on Bloodshot records, possesses a sound and attitude that is beyond her years. Ohio born, she has earned a reputation for being a strong, assertive woman in an industry that all too often prefers that women stick to unchallenging love songs. She attributes her attitude to her punk rock childhood, a quality that places her in the company of a hard-living alt-country man, Ryan Adams, who is also a Bloodshot alum. So whether you prefer rock or country, this show will be perfectly paired with a shot of whiskey.

SAINTSENECA w/HEAVY LIGHTS, 7/29, 10PM, MILLWORKS, FREE

Like Loveless, Saintseneca hails from Ohio. Employing a wide range of acoustic instruments and led by songwriter Zac Little, they have been garnering significant critical attention, even recording a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR’s “All Songs Considered.” This isn’t their first time making their way through our city, but their star seems to be shining a bit brighter since I saw them perform at a backyard house show a few years ago. With their creative and delicate arrangements, they’re a perfect match for the Millworks and a terrific expression of the summer’s quieter moments.

Mentionables: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, 7/12, The Forum; Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, 7/17, Abbey Bar; Jarekus Singleton, 7/22, H*MAC Herr Street Stage; Dustbowl Revival, 7/23, The Millworks; Porcelain, 7/25, Midtown Scholar Bookstore

Senior Pet Moments: Aging dogs and cats require special attention and care.

June 30, 2015 | by Kristen Zellner

Myna

Puppies and kittens are energetic bundles of joy.

As humans, we are drawn to their baby-like faces and cuddly nature. They capture our hearts with puppy breath, purring, laughable clumsiness, tail chasing and all the silly acts that young animals perform. There are thousands of YouTube videos dedicated solely to the antics of baby pets.

However, it is rare to see senior pets portrayed in the media. The reality is that aged animals are not as cute or fun to look at as their younger kin. We know that aging and death are inevitable when raising a pet, but it seems like something we need not worry about for years to come. It creeps up on us, and sometimes we even live in denial when we begin to notice the signs of aging in our own beloved animals.

Much like raising a kitten or puppy, caring for senior pets is more time consuming and less convenient. It is sad and frustrating to watch pets age as their bodies and minds begin to slow down. Mobility issues, incontinence, joint pain, dental problems, hearing or vision loss, anxiety and cognitive dysfunction are common ailments that senior pets experience.

To help your aging pet, consider having a pet sitter visit to allow dogs to relieve themselves during the day. You may also want to clean litter boxes more often, put up baby gates to prevent pets from falling down stairs, modify duration and type of play and exercise and use puzzle toys for mental stimulation. A consistent schedule is important to keep pets in a routine, which will help them feel more secure. For anxious and stressed pets, calming remedies, Thunder Shirts and a quiet place to relax can help.

Many senior pets develop more severe issues such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus and kidney disease as they reach a geriatric stage of life. Be sure to watch for signs that may indicate that a serious health problem is emerging. These may include loss of appetite, lethargy, panting, pacing, confusion, agitation, aggression, increased vocalization, increase in sleep, frequent urination, restlessness and a decrease in self-care. Keeping notes on any health or behavioral changes can assist your vet when developing a senior plan of care.

Proper veterinary care is the first line of defense in finding out where problems may lie within the body. Even if a pet “looks” fine, there may be underlying disease that can be remedied, but, if left untreated, can lead to premature death and unnecessary suffering. Complete blood panels, urinalysis and radiographs are basic tests that can help determine if a pet is beginning to have a problem and enable the veterinarian to treat a condition at early onset.

A growing number of pet owners are seeking supplemental treatments that were once only used on humans. Acupuncture, cold laser therapy and acupressure can help reduce inflammatory issues and pain. Chiropractic care is used to treat and prevent joint degeneration, hip dysplasia, incontinence, neck and back pain, and improve mobility.

Pets with mobility problems may also benefit from physical therapy and swimming. Massage therapy increases circulation and flexibility, eases muscle and joint discomfort and calms anxious pets. Homeopathy, herbs, aromatherapy and Reiki are growing in popularity for pet owners who are seeking more natural and less invasive ways to treat ailments, especially when other treatments are not working.

With the many care options available for our pets, they are living longer and with greater quality of life. There is no remedy for aging but, with our good care and companionship, senior pets can live happily and healthfully for many years to come.

Kristen Zellner is owner of Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals, 3963 N. 6^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.abramsandweakley.com or call 717-232-3963.

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like