Moving Targets

April 30, 2014 | by Paul Barker

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

Is Gene Veno, the state-appointed recovery officer for the Harrisburg school district, serious about improving Harrisburg’s schools?

Mayor Eric Papenfuse first raised this question on April 3, when he announced he had petitioned the education secretary for Veno’s removal. He said his request was based on an unsettling meeting he’d attended in late February, during which Veno apparently suggested that the district would never meet his plan’s academic goals. (Veno disputes this, though state Sen. Rob Teplitz and state Rep. Patty Kim, who were also at the meeting, backed up Papenfuse’s account.)

Then, last week, Veno released an update to his plan that changed its academic goals. In particular, the new plan reduced targets for student proficiency in reading, math and science, as measured by standardized test scores. The difference was only a few percentage points, but it was enough to rankle Papenfuse, who saw an attempt to quietly lower expectations without a full public vetting. He wrote an open letter to the acting education secretary, Carolyn Dumaresq, accusing Veno of having “watered down” his original plan.

“I feel fundamentally that the new plan has shifted the goalposts,” Papenfuse said Tuesday night in city hall. He suggested the amendments embraced “mediocrity,” adding, “It’s a big deal.”

How big a deal is it? One difficulty in assessing the new academic targets is that the state, in the year since the original plan was drafted, has changed its measurements of school quality. In October, the Department of Education launched a new system of “school performance profiles,” which use weighted averages to rate schools and districts on a 100-point scale. The profiles are meant to provide a balanced look at school performance, combining points for “achievement” (how high student test scores are in a given year) with points for “growth” (how much students improved since the previous year).

These combined factors—achievement and growth—can provide for a more nuanced picture of school performance. In Harrisburg, for instance, nearly every school does poorly in raw test scores, yet, at the same time, nearly every school meets (and, in many cases, exceeds) expectations for annual growth. But the performance profiles include yet another measure of public schools: they also set annual targets for improving test scores, referred to, in characteristically eye-glazing language, as “indicators of closing the achievement gap.”

These targets are the subject of Papenfuse’s claim about benchmarks being “watered down.” The state defines the achievement gap as how far a school fell short of 100-percent proficiency in the 2012-13 school year. The state then applies a formula to come up with annual targets for “closing” the gap (actually, the targets are for cutting the gap in half within six years). For instance, applied to Harrisburg’s district-wide proficiency in math, which was 38 percent in 2012-13, the formula produces an annual target of a 5.2-percent increase per year.

This is where the new recovery plan has lowered expectations. Instead of demanding the full 5.2-percent jump in math proficiency in 2014, Veno, the recovery officer, has asked for a more modest climb of 3.64. Similar reductions were applied to the targets in science and reading. These new targets represent only 70 percent of the state’s recommendations, though the plan does ratchet them up towards full achievement of state goals by 2016.

So, to return to the original question: are these targets a sign that Veno has lost faith in the district, or is the mayor’s letter petty squabbling? The difference between Veno’s new goals and the state’s, as I wrote above, is only a couple of percentage points. On the other hand, even the state goals fall short of the original recovery plan, which called for annual gains in proficiency of up to 7 percent.

But the recovery plan’s goalposts, moving or otherwise, are only a partial measure of its academic seriousness. Even reduced targets are still just targets. The question for the recovery plan is whether it helps the district reach them.

Veno’s plan, at least on paper, has promises on this front, including reinstating full-day kindergarten, installing a system of consistent feedback between the superintendent, principals and teachers, and overhauling the school curriculum. But there’s also discouraging evidence regarding the implementation of these goals.

The original plan included a deadline for the curriculum overhaul of Aug. 15, 2013, in time for the current school year; in the amended plan, the deadline is Aug. 11, 2014. The plan’s financial objectives, including union concessions, were achieved in a matter of months (though, as it turned out, on the basis of shaky accounting). The delay on the academic front might tell you something about Veno’s priorities. (Since Monday, Veno has deferred to the Department of Education’s press secretary for comment. Neither the department nor Harrisburg school district officials responded to inquiries Wednesday.)

The beginning of this article asked if Veno was serious about academic improvement. Perhaps more to the point is the question of whether he can be serious about budget cuts and academic improvement at the same time. Nobody seems particularly keen to confront this question, and for good reason. Doing so would require admitting that Veno’s office, and the legislation that created it, has two irreconcilable goals: spending less on public education, and getting more out of it.

This story has been updated to include information about requests to Veno for comment.

5 Restaurants, 1 Question

April 30, 2014 | by TheBurg Staff

The restaurant business is notoriously fickle, with an average eatery lasting only a couple of years before closing up. So, then what makes for success in this difficult industry?

We asked five of Harrisburg’s long-time, most respected restaurateurs for their opinions. Looking back, what has been the most important factor in your success? Photography by Dani Fresh, danifresh.com.

Tom and Amy Scott / McGrath’s Pub

Unlike for most occupations or professions, the “School of Hard Knocks” is the best education for the food service industry. You learn as you go and hope you are blessed with good role models.

You have to be cut out for this life. Only crazy, uneducated, socially awkward people are stupid enough to do this for a living. I’m speaking for myself, of course.

All kidding aside, it’s all about relationships with our guests, striving everyday to keep our food the best quality, the restaurant spic-n-span, be committed to running a solid business, being patient, being realistic and remembering to stick with what works. And above all, know your limitations. If you can’t execute all of the time, every day, then don’t do it.

Try not to get caught up in what the “other guy” is doing, just stick to what you do best. Common sense tells me that things are “good” when our neighbors are doing good business. Common sense tells me that when “Harrisburg” is doing well, we all have an opportunity to do well.

Angelo Karagiannis / Zembie’s Sports Tavern

The most important factor in the success of Zembie’s is by far my STAFF! Twenty years ago when I purchased Zembie’s, I worked around the clock expressing my concerns and objectives to front- and back-of-the-house employees. These key employees are still with me.

Another factor is that Zembie’s is a small place with a reasonable rent which allows me the ability to manage the ups and downs of this fickle business. However, as new places come and go, my staff remains.

Regulars and the support of restaurant employees in town have given us the feeling of a “Cheers.” And we are proud to have that feeling!

Char Magaro / Char’s at Tracy Mansion

Char’s Tracy Mansion’s success is due to:

We offer an overall dining experience that is unique for this area.
We strive to exceed people’s expectations.
We deliver a “product” (atmosphere, service, menu) that makes our guests feel special.

Nicholas Laus / Café Fresco and Home 231

When someone leaves my restaurant, I want them to say “WOW.”

There are many dynamics that go into attaining and maintaining that “wow” factor. The restaurant’s atmosphere serves as the first impression for the customer—and it should be a unique concept with strategically planned lighting, music and décor. Though the fundamental theme may remain unchanged over time, I’m always visiting other establishments in search of innovative new menu, service and design ideas to incorporate into my own businesses.

Next, customers will meet the staff, whose importance I never underestimate. Wait staff in food service are your salespeople, responsible for marketing and selling your menu. Image is crucial, along with a welcoming personality that allows them to socialize with customers and offer menu suggestions. Getting someone to try something new that they love is a great way to encourage repeat business.

I want customers to be impressed by the food presentation and then wowed by the taste. The menu should be balanced, fun and exciting—continuously evolving and offering new dishes for patrons to explore.

Lastly, I strive for customers to be wowed by my restaurant’s atmosphere, service and menu every visit. Consistency is crucial in this business.

Staci Basore / Mangia Qui, Suba and Rubicon

Success in the restaurant industry can be elusive. Some operators simply want to make a living while others have loftier goals. Regardless of your ambitions, I feel for us that employee happiness is key, coupled with guest satisfaction and, of course, offering a superior product.

Comfort Factor: It’s a little funky, but it feels like home at Black N Bleu.

April 30, 2014 | by Celeste Helman

Since opening, Black N Bleu has become a sort of novelty to the Mechanicsburg community, a place for everyone, where black tie and blue collar can come together.

Wedged between the SPAR Firearms gun shop and Good Hope Animal Hospital, the restaurant on Carlisle Pike is continually striving for the perfection of comfort—in both food and ambience.

It’s a formula that seems to be working, as the place serves crowds of customers all week and then is packed on weekends, when “anywhere from a one- to two-hour wait is expected,” according to owner Donny Brown, a 30-year veteran of the restaurant business and, until last year, the long-time owner of the Fire House Restaurant in Harrisburg.

Black N Bleu first opened on Black Friday three years ago and has been gaining popularity since.

“I’m always looking for great locations that could make terrific atmospheres and comfort levels for the locals,” said Brown.

Indeed, he has created a delightfully relaxed restaurant, with vibrant colors, original artwork on the walls and low-key lighting (the blue globes over the bar both add a fun, arty vibe and enforce the “blue” color theme). Meanwhile, the unique open kitchen allows diners to watch their meals prepared before their eyes.

The menu, focused on casual American fare, actually contributed to the naming of Black N Bleu. By coincidence, there were four dishes with bleu cheese on them, and, therefore, the title of “Bleu” was created.

Today, Black N Bleu’s offerings range from pasta dishes, unique salads, steak and burgers to different types of seafood. The restaurant’s creative, yet classically inspired, choices include pasta dishes like “Lobster Mac-n-Cheese,” a steak and calamari salad and garlic chicken pizza.

“I like to come here after work, just kick back, and enjoy the atmosphere,” said Kevin Kellerman of Mechanicsburg. “The prices are fair, and the food is delicious.”

Prices range widely from about $8 for some of the sandwiches to $32 for the “Black N Bleu Stack,” an edible skyscraper consisting of three layers: blue cheese mashed potatoes and asparagus as a base, filet mignon in the middle and a crab cake on top. Portion sizes are generous, and the service is genuine.

“What we do right is provide consistently good food at fair prices,” said Brown, who always likes to keep busy, helping his employees with the dinner rush and socializing with the customers whenever he can.

The familiar feeling of home seems to work.

“Everyone is welcome, casual, coming after work, whatever,” Brown said. “The comfort factor is a must.”

Black N Bleu is located at 6108 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday. Call 717-458-8105 or visit www.blacknbleupa.com.

Warrior of Song: Musician Widad on her past, her coming release and the Harrisburg arts wave.

April 30, 2014 | by Alexis Dow Campbell

Music has been a part of Harrisburg-based singer-songwriter Camela Widad’s life for, well, pretty much all of it.

The folky songstress (she pronounces her first name like ‘Pamela’ with a “C” and her last like saying yes in French, Wee-Dod) began her musical training at age 7 and continued through high school. But, despite her immersion in music, she never really considered it a career option.

“When I as a junior in high school, I was accepted into five universities and, on a whim, I applied for a theater scholarship at one and got it,” she explained. “So, sort of last minute, I decided to let out the secret that I always saw myself on the stage.”

Widad got a degree in theater performance and spent several years as a working actor. And, although she did venture into musical theater every now and again, she found that her musical abilities were called upon fairly often.

“I would add music or singing to roles that had none or add harmonies to songs in shows that previously didn’t have any,” Widad explained. “People started to take notice, more often than not, guys in bands that wanted a singer or playwrights who wanted a song or music in their show.”

Eventually, she was given an opportunity that set her on the path she is today.

“When I was 23, I ended up with an amazing theater gig: sketch comedy, avant garde theater and live music with a ‘real’ rock band all in one company. I was in heaven!” she said.

Widad was performing more and more music, and people like it.

“The regulars in the audience started really responding to my singing, and I took it as a sign,” she explained. Widad took her one original song, started hitting open mics, and things began to take off.

“Within six months, I had 10 new songs, was in the studio and had a manager,” she said. She decided to hit the road and head to Austin, Texas, “just to see what would happen.”

“I just thought, okay, let’s try this for a while, and it turned into 10 years of being an indie artist, learning the art and craft of songwriting and meeting so many amazing people,” she said.

Widad describes her sound as having the “passion of old school soul, but then, at the last minute, some softness kicks in that makes it feel like ‘60s folk.”

“I’ve always been drawn to the human experience,” she said, “good, bad, darkness and lightness of living, so the writing reflects those stories of hope and heartache. Songs about real folks.”

Widad released her first album, “Eve,” in 1999, which she describes as “a gritty folk rock album.” She then recorded 2001’s completely acoustic “Call to the Soul,” followed by “Food for the Traveler” (2005) and “Before You’re Gone” (2009), both of which were recorded with a full band.

“From my first album, I’ve explored sound,” she said. “[I wasn’t] sure who I was as an artist and insatiably curious about so many genres, [and I was] wondering where I wanted to land.”

Widad’s fifth studio album, “Warriors of Love,” will be released this spring. She describes the album as “folk, acoustic, Americana,” and she had a specific vision for the album.

“[The album] inspires the concept of being a warrior,” Widad explained, “not of hate or revenge, but one of the hardest things to be when you’re down, hurt or angry: a warrior of love.”

“Warriors of Love” was funded, in part, by a campaign on the crowd-funding site Indiegogo. Although the Indiegogo campaign has ended, she is still collecting donations through her website to fund a corresponding radio campaign in support of the album.

Widad now lives in Harrisburg, which is exactly where she wants to be.

“I am finding that there is a renaissance happening for Harrisburg on many levels,” she said. “So many creative people are coming here to not only find inexpensive spaces to live and create, but there are new venues popping up. The grassroots community is gathering to create space for art and music, farmers markets, green initiatives… this is how great cities are made.”

She believes that artists can lead the way to create a social scene that attracts tourism and gathers people together, while creating something beautiful.

“I feel like being in Harrisburg right now is the perfect time because the wave has begun,” she said.

Learn more about Camela Widad and her music at www.widadmusic.com.

A Reasonable Balance: City, citizens share the job of making Harrisburg function.

April 30, 2014 | by Tara Leo Auchey

“It is now the moment when by common consent we pause to become conscious of our national life and to rejoice in it, to recall what our country has done for each of us, and to ask ourselves what we can do for our country in return.”

John F. Kennedy paraphrased this original statement by Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes into what most of us are more familiar with:

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Kennedy’s quote, in particular, has been explicitly and implicitly directed to the people of Harrisburg more than once over the past few years. The onus becomes ask not what your city can do for you, but what you can do for your city.

While it’s an eternal statement that evokes a sense of civic responsibility and loyalty, for some Harrisburg residents, it’s increasingly losing its power.

Right now, there is a high demand being put on the citizens of Harrisburg, and that demand is spreading to citizens beyond the city’s limits, and, logically so, because Harrisburg does not exist in isolation of its surroundings.

It exists as the capital city of Pennsylvania, in the County of Dauphin, center of the region. Thus, it makes sense that, as a region, we are being asked to be patient, to be helpful, and to be willing to sacrifice for the good of the capital city and its future.

Yet what about the other part of the equation?

As we recall what the city has done for us, it’s difficult to be motivated to give even more than we already have when the balance of give-and-take feels so askew.

In return for our patience, aid and sacrifice, what is it that we can expect from the city of Harrisburg?

Such a loaded question.

To be sure, the answer will depend on who is asked. Increasingly, though, to many residents, commuters and visitors, the answer is simple.

Each and every citizen expects to be safe and sound.

Beyond the obvious services of police and fire, we must recognize what else is included in public safety and well-being. It encompasses not only a sense of protection from harm, but also clean and sanitary streets, well-lit ways, defense against blight and sound infrastructure.

These are the basics that we citizens pay for, the cost of our taxes for the services of safety and well-being. Ideally, the services should at least equal the cost. This is what the city should be able to guarantee us in return for our residency, along with our patience, aid and sacrifice.

The perception, though, is that we are not guaranteed these basic services, and, unfortunately, reality keeps giving us examples proving that perception to be true.

The trash, the blight, the broken and burnt-out lights, pitted streets and the negligent property owners—these are signs of the demise of a city.

Absolutely, the good stuff exists here in Harrisburg, but it’s tough for it to persevere when the basics seem to be slipping between the cracks of disintegration.

Unmistakably, it’s going to take the efforts of everyone—citizens and government—to make the city prevail over its challenges.

However, who should do what? What is up to the citizens, and what is up to the government?

Currently, those lines are blurry.

Out of City Hall, we hear a variety of news, but, when it comes down to it, public trash cans overflow, blight continues to rot, lights aren’t on, streets worsen and property ordinances are profusely neglected.

Of course, we all know there is a deficient city workforce to accomplish all that needs done.

With a lack of people in place to do it all, it’s essential the lines of duty and action be as clear as possible.

Residents, business owners, commuters and visitors need to be encouraged to do their part—to pick up litter, to follow the laws, to report wrongdoings and to hold the city accountable.

And, on the city’s part, it needs to focus its efforts to empty the trash cans, turn on the lights, fix the streets and enforce the rules.

We must strike a reasonable balance of duty and action.

Otherwise, the potential prosperity of this capital city—a symbol of national governance and American independence—will be threatened by delinquency and excessive demand on the public.

Then both Holmes and Kennedy will undoubtedly roll over in their graves each time someone quotes them here in Harrisburg.

Tara Leo Auchey is creator and editor of todays the day Harrisburg. www.todaysthedayhbg.com.

Your Table Is Ready: A unique dining experience (and maybe a few new friends) awaits at Table at Bricco.

April 30, 2014 | by Lawrance Binda

Do you think Harrisburg will support a . . . wine bar, upscale restaurant, French bistro, nice pasta joint, gourmet café?

I’m asked this question each time something new opens, something better or different than this city has seen before.

The answer usually is “yes,” as food establishments here, as long as they’re good and well run, seem to gain a reputation and a following.

So, I expect to be asked this same question when word hits about Table at Bricco, the newest concept from the enterprising folks at one of Harrisburg’s finest Italian restaurants.

This month, Executive Chef Jason Viscount opens the door to the small storefront that once housed another Bricco creation, the greatly missed Olewine’s Meat & Cheese House.

A huge, 13-by-3-foot mahogany table (the “Table”) now dominates the tight space, around which 14 lucky people will share a dining experience that may be unmatched in the Harrisburg area.

“I wanted to offer an experience that’s more upscale than Bricco,” said Viscount. “I wanted to do something to really showcase the talent that we have here.”

Originally, he wanted diners to watch him cook right in front of them. However, the space proved too small for that, so he tweaked the concept.

The seven-course dinner now will be prepared in Bricco’s second kitchen, with Viscount himself doing much of the cooking. The night’s prix fixe menu will be set less than a week before, based upon his knowledge of that week’s freshest, most desirable local meats, dairy and produce.

In other words, before making a reservation, you should be comfortable trusting the culinary judgment of one of Harrisburg’s top chefs as opposed to, well, yourself.

“If I make my menu any earlier, I won’t be able to get freshest available,” he said.

So far, plenty of people have decided to put their evening into his hands, as, just by word of mouth, spots were filling up quickly for the dinners, which start May 3 and 4 and run every Friday and Saturday night thereafter.

Décor-wise, Viscount decided to stick with his original concept of making the dining room feel like an extension of the kitchen. So, the room will feature a menu board that you might find in a restaurant kitchen, a wall of wine crates and bottles and a funky, custom-made chandelier adorned with kitchen equipment, such as pots, pans and spoons.

Though, once the dinner starts, you may forget about your surroundings and lose yourself in the food, the company and the conversation, as you’ll likely be sharing your meal with at least a few strangers, unless you’re able to assemble a party to take all 14 seats.

The communal table is another part of the concept that Bricco is introducing. It has gained traction in larger cities but is relatively unknown in Harrisburg, particularly for high-end dining.

“There is nothing in central PA like this,” Viscount said.

He expects the seven-course meal to average $78 per person excluding taxes, tip and drinks. While pricey for Harrisburg, similar concepts in larger cities are actually much more expensive, especially when accounting for the amount and quality of food, as well as the personal service, offered by Table at Bricco, he said.

Drawing on his years in Harrisburg, Viscount believes there is a market here for such a unique, upscale dining experience.

“Based upon my conversations with people, there seems to be a huge interest in it,” he said. “It’s meant to be a food adventure. It’s all part of the experience and the fun.”

Find out more about Table at Bricco and make a reservation by calling 717-724-0222 or visiting www.briccopa.com.

Harrisburg Needs People: We should welcome change, not fear it.

April 30, 2014 | by Lawrance Binda

About a week after I moved to Harrisburg, I decided to take a long walk through downtown and Midtown to get a feel for my new city.

From my house on Front Street, I hiked up 2^nd Street then looped around to 3^rd, past the Capitol, across Forster, up past the Broad Street Market and home again.

After my journey, I had an uneasy feeling that can be best be summarized by the following: “What is the deal with this place?”

I had been to Harrisburg before, but had never looked at it or thought about it from the perspective as a resident, as someone who planned to stay and make it his home.

But it wasn’t so much the unrestored buildings that I passed that bothered me, or the trash in the streets, or the ugliness and perilous vibe of Forster Street. I was most unnerved by the sense of desolation, the fact that I was the only person on the street for much of my walk.

“It’s like a neutron bomb went off,” I told a friend who lives in Washington, D.C., where I had come from. “There are all these buildings, but no people.”

Granted, it was a cold January day, but it also was the center of a city, right near the Capitol building, a place that should have been busy in the middle of the afternoon. But it wasn’t, and the surreal, eerie sense of isolation I felt only grew as I headed back to Midtown.

Five years later, the situation has improved somewhat. I see more people about, even during the past nasty winter, helped by the opening of several terrific businesses and the renovation of a few historic buildings.

That said, when someone asks me what Harrisburg most needs, my answer is quick and unwavering: Harrisburg needs people.

Empty Spaces

That’s why I found the recent discussion about gentrification to be so puzzling. Harrisburg has many problems, from crime to infrastructure woes to service delivery challenges. Population displacement is not among them.

Look around almost any neighborhood. What do you see? Empty lots, places where houses and buildings used to be. There are empty lots downtown used for parking; empty lots in Midtown used for nothing; empty lots all over Allison Hill and Southside. There’s a large, empty lot right outside my office window.

Fifty years ago, people went in and out of buildings on these lots each day, all day long. Take a look at page 16 of last month’s issue, and you’ll see a century-old aerial view of the neighborhood around the Broad Street Market, commercial and residential buildings packed into every inch of space, places where people resided, shopped and socialized—lived their lives.

What’s there today? Two large, empty fields, a parking lot, some low-density housing. In some cases, ghosts of the past remain, historic buildings struggling to find new purpose.

Throughout the city, buildings are underutilized. Some are empty; others exist as shadows of what they once were; a number are tumbling down. Harrisburg is a city built for 100,000 people. It has half that population today.

These lots, abandoned buildings and barely habitable structures are just waiting for someone to want them. The day there is demand, developers will rush in, seizing them from the city’s army of slumlords and negligent owners and giving them new purpose and function. Harrisburg has a long, long way to go before so much land is redeveloped that displacement is a serious issue.

Amazing Renaissance

About 15 years ago, former Washington Mayor Anthony Williams declared a goal to increase his city’s population by 100,000 people. Like many American cities, D.C. had long suffered the ravages of disinvestment and blight and, as a consequence, had lost a large percentage of its population, though never proportionally as much as Harrisburg.

At the time, Washington’s alternative newspaper, The City Paper, in its usual snarky way, poked fun at Williams’ grand ambition by creating (if memory serves) what it called a “Tony-O-Meter.”

Each week, it documented some event (a crime, a subway breakdown, a dumb thing a City Council member said, etc.) and then made up a number to sarcastically show how many people the city had gained or lost as a result. Williams’ image was plastered to the face of this meter, with a pointer fluttering over it to represent the weekly fictional changes in the populace.

But you know what? The city achieved exactly what Williams sought to do. Washington has increased its population from about 550,000 at its low point in the mid-1990s to about 650,000 today. And those additional people have brought money and investment that has led to an amazing urban renaissance.

Harrisburg reminds me a lot of Washington back in the 1990s, during Williams’ day. Back then, D.C., like Harrisburg today, was just emerging from an historic financial crisis, with fresh leadership that refused to be deterred by cynics, armchair critics or by those who perversely wanted to keep the city down so they could continue to profit from its misery.

Harrisburg can plant the seeds of its own revival. But, to make it happen, we need to attract, not be afraid of, people and the investment and change they’ll bring. We have to be welcoming, a place where people will want to live, work and visit. We need to focus on making Harrisburg better and more prosperous, not become complacent or cynical or, even worse, distracted by phony controversies that get us nowhere.

For the City: This election cycle, candidates need to embrace a smart, pro-urban agenda.

April 30, 2014 | by J. Alex Hartzler

TheBurg tries to bring engaged community reporting to you every month.

We attempt to tell local stories about the 95 percent of what is right in our area, not only the 5 percent that is wrong. Where we point out problems, we try to focus on contextual analysis and concrete suggestions about how to make things better for Harrisburg and the region.

However, one of the major challenges for Harrisburg—similar to the struggles of many small urban areas in Pennsylvania—is that, far too often, the small urban core is highly dependent on policies, economic structures and laws that are beyond the control of city government and its citizens.

Harrisburg, for instance, has less than 10 percent of the population of the larger Metropolitan Statistic Area (MSA) (fewer than 50,000 residents compared to more than 600,000 in the surrounding region). Locally, Lancaster and York cities are similarly around 10 percent (York) and 11 percent (Lancaster) of the population of their surrounding counties. The wider regions can and do thrive economically, while problems get concentrated in the relatively small, poorer urban cores.

These arbitrary political boundaries are part of a legacy derived loosely from a German city-state government model, as opposed to a British (county) system used by other states (and perhaps a subject of a future column). Nonetheless, they have very real and current effects on the day-to-day operation of our city and similar cities throughout the commonwealth.

So, it is no wonder that cities across Pennsylvania have multiple problems at the municipal level. Recently, as many as 26 municipalities across the state have been under Act 47, and many others are similarly distressed. While the state-appointed receiver recently ceded his power back to local government in Harrisburg, the city remains under Act 47.

If we are to hope that Harrisburg returns to long-term fiscal health, municipal leaders need to do the hard work here locally, much of which is underway due to the Harrisburg Strong Plan, but we also need to fight for better statewide and regional policies. In that spirit, here are my “Top 5” issues that I hope to hear more about in the fall legislative and gubernatorial campaigns.

1. Reform the public school funding formula. As I have mentioned in this space before, one of the principal impediments to economic growth in Harrisburg is the tax rate on real estate. At a total of 45 mils (30 mils from the school district alone), a homeowner with a house assessed at $100,000 faces a $4,500 annual tax bill. These rates make it nearly impossible to build new housing in Harrisburg without other incentives. Other states—like Michigan—have faced similar burdens and have shifted away from real estate taxes as the primary funding source for public schools. We should do that in PA.

2. Reform municipal pensions. One of the greatest costs faced by municipal government is the health care and pension costs of retired city workers. These contracts and rules are often beyond the power of local officials to deal with, but are projected to reach nearly 30 percent of the entire city budget in some cities like Allentown as early as 2015. A statewide solution to this issue must be implemented for cities like Harrisburg to thrive.

3. Land banking of vacant properties. Pittsburgh just passed a new “Land Bank” proposal that has the support of its popular new Mayor Bill Peduto. Harrisburg has a long-standing program to acquire and demolish or restore distressed properties, but it suffers from a severe lack of funding. The budget for 2014, for instance, will be largely consumed by one recent structure that fell on its neighbors and required immediate removal. A state program that provides long-term low or no-interest loans (or better, grants) to cities for the purpose of blight removal, land banking and re-use/restoration would go a long way toward addressing blight issues throughout the state.

4. Repair public works. Major public works, such as Riverfront Park’s river walk in Harrisburg, are in need of repair and refurbishment. These public spaces are enjoyed by a wide variety of citizens throughout the area. By involving the county, region and state in the maintenance and care of these important public amenities, the burden easily can be shared by all who enjoy them, not merely the ones who choose to live in the municipality where they are located.

5. Take action on tax-exempt properties. The argument that non-profits should be free riders that do not pay for police and fire protection, road maintenance and the like and, thus, are exempt from city property taxes, is difficult to maintain as cities come under increased stress to pay for these services. If school funding were handled by implementing suggestion No. 1, this change would be far less painful for existing non-profits. Mayor Rick Gray in Lancaster recently addressed this problem as one of his top issues. Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse has mentioned it as one of his options for closing the city budget gap in Harrisburg in 2014. However, both leaders are largely reduced to trying to persuade civic-minded non-profit leaders to make payments in lieu of taxes (so-called PILOTs). Providing municipalities with the ability to require payments for police and fire would dramatically work to relieve and more equitably share the burden of local government services.

These are just of few of the many issues that could help Pennsylvania revitalize its small towns and cities to the benefit of all of us. Hopefully, we will hear these issues discussed this year.

J. Alex Hartzler is publisher of TheBurg.

Plein & Simple: Art, music, fun–in the open air.

April 30, 2014 | by Alexis Dow Campbell

Here are some things that are fun: eating food, listening to live music, walking around outside in beautiful spring weather, and watching artists work.

Well, head to Camp Hill for the fourth annual Plein Air Camp Hill Competition and Arts Festival, held all over town from May 16 to 18, and you can do all of those fun things.

“Plein air” is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. It comes from the French phrase “en plein air,” meaning “in the open air.” The 19^th-century impressionists were famous for plein air painting, used to capture the effects of sunlight at different times of the day.

Plein Air Camp Hill started in 2011 by the nonprofit Economic and Cultural Development Group of Camp Hill, which organizes the festival in partnership with Camp Hill Borough. It has grown in size and scope ever since.

“This competition and festival have become a ‘don’t miss’ event showcasing regional and national artists, all painting live outdoors, and Camp Hill’s commitment to the arts, education, our youth, and business and economic development,” said Craig Bachik, executive director of the Economic and Cultural Development Group. “Each year, attendance has grown as artists and guests are traveling from as far away as Massachusetts to participate and attend.”

Julie Riker of Camp Hill is one of the participating artists. She’s also president of the Susquehanna Plein Air Painters and has participated every year since the festival began. I asked her about her experience painting “for a crowd.”

“Well, every time you paint outside, it’s likely that you’ll run into the public in some capacity,” she explained. “People often ask questions or just watch you work. I’ve actually sold paintings that way. Someone watches you paint a piece, and they feel a sense of ownership.”

Why paint plein air instead of in a studio?

“I love being outside,” Riker explained. “Some people like to golf outside, some people like to fish outside…I like to paint outside. I also like painting from life rather than from a photograph. Even if I’m painting indoors, I set up a still life rather than paint from a photograph. And painting plein air is challenging simply because you’re sort of racing against the clock. The light changes, so you have to make decisions quickly.”

The festival kicks off Friday morning as artists set up easels all over Camp Hill. A special Collectors’ Preview Party begins at 5 p.m. at Gallery 2318 (2318 Market St., Camp Hill), where partygoers will have an opportunity to check out the work of 72 artists and photographers from five states who have entered into the festival’s juried portion, as well as student artwork. The $25 tickets can be purchased on the festival’s website.

While there are activities on both Saturday and Sunday, Saturday boasts the most action. In addition to artists painting plein air all day, there are “Quick Draw” competitions for both youth and adults. Participants will choose a location within a designated area and will have two hours to create a piece of art from scratch.

There will also be a “Quick Shoot” photography competition on Saturday, during which photographers will have 24 hours to take photos within the borough, print and frame their photos, and hang them for exhibition and judging.

Additionally, there will be free workshops on all sorts of art media from painting to glass blowing, bonsai, jewelry and more, as well as painting activities for artists of all ages. The “Youth Paint Out” is always a hit among the younger set as everybody wins free ice cream and older participants compete for cash prizes.

While focused on art, live music will be found in several locations, including Willow Park Gazebo. On Saturday morning, for instance, renowned local classical/jazz/flamenco guitarist John Catalano will perform.

This year, the festival will add a “business scavenger hunt” involving businesses from Camp Hill and surrounding areas. It begins before the festival does, on May 12, and lasts until May 17.

“At each participating location, a tidbit of local Camp Hill history or trivia will be posted in plain view on a petal-shaped piece of colored paper,” explained Bachik. “Teams will have the week to locate and glean certain information from them, [which] will be useful in solving the scavenger hunt final answer.”

When a team has visited each location, it will have to decipher a final question, he said. The answer to that question will be revealed on Saturday, and a drawing from the teams’ submitted answers will determine the winner. The grand prize is $1,000.

Proceeds from the festival benefit a variety of activities and projects. Among the most visible are banners featuring student artwork.

“I love to see the student art banners blowing in the breeze along Market Street, knowing that 10 area schools have worked on this cooperative project,” said Susan Schreckengaust, a member of the festival planning committee.

Proceeds from this year’s event also will be placed in an endowment fund created to provide scholarships to art students of all ages and for organizations and events seeking funding to support community-based arts programming, said Bachik.

“The proceeds go towards promoting and enhancing artistic expression in our region and to improve our quality of life through the arts,” he said.

For a complete schedule of events and to learn how you can be a part of the festival, visit pleinaircamphill.org.

Business Still Hopping at Red Rabbit: So many years, so many Bunny Burgers.

April 30, 2014 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

When did you take a bite of your first Bunny Burger?

Since 1964, millions of midstaters have regarded their first trip to the Red Rabbit Drive-In as almost a rite of passage, a tradition that continues as the old-school eatery celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year.

The 1950s retro vibe is reminiscent of the popular “Happy Days” television show, with orders delivered curbside. Pull up, park and give your order; it’s that convenient. A waiter or waitress will return with a tray, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a meal with the family within the cozy confines of your vehicle. Nearby picnic tables are nestled beneath a roof for those who prefer more elbow room and the opportunity to dine al fresco.

On the menu is an array of standard, uncomplicated family fare from hamburgers to cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches, ham and pork barbecue and, of course, fries. Dinners include chicken, shrimp and fish, to name a few, and the homemade coleslaw is always a hit. Hungry guests can warm up with a bowl of chili during the colder months, and little ones especially enjoy the chicken fingers, grilled cheese, hot dogs, ice cream, shakes and slush puppies.

Because the Red Rabbit closes for 10 weeks each year after Thanksgiving, many customers anxiously await its re-opening in February as a harbinger of spring, when families can shake off those winter doldrums and hit the open road for a bite of something tasty.

First-timers take note and plan accordingly: The Red Rabbit only serves customers from Friday through Sunday.

A Tasty Idea

Manager Sam Berger’s grandparents, Sam and Maggie Snyder, started the little roadside restaurant on a plot of land about 15 miles upriver from Harrisburg, where Distlefink’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop was previously located.

“Grandpop had always been involved in the restaurant business, and he was a baker on a ship during WWII,” said Berger. “He later worked with his brothers in a restaurant called the Barbecue Cottage before deciding to go off on his own. He and my grandmother purchased a house off the Amity Hall exit and would drive back and forth to Harrisburg for work. When Distlefink’s closed, they sat in the car before buying the property to determine the amount of traffic they would have.”

It turned out the decision to buy the property was a wise one, and the business with the catchy phrase and cute logo took off.

“The bunny logo is my mother’s artwork; she designed it while in high school,” said Berger. “My grandparents then created the catchphrase, ‘Make Red Rabbit a Habit.’”

Berger’s parents, Sam and Cindy, took over the business in 1988, and, today, they employ 30 staffers. Sam helps manage the business that has remained fairly steady throughout the years.

“We do our best to stay with the original concept of quality and good service,” he said. “They are the two mainstays that my parents and grandparents have continued.”

One of the few things that has changed is online traffic. Thanks to social media, the Red Rabbit is now mentioned on Yelp, Foursquare and TripAdvisor, and the Facebook page is gaining in popularity.

As for traditional traffic, Berger said that’s been fairly constant and is almost evenly split between locals and those just passing through.

“We do get a lot of business from Penn State fans during football season,” said Berger.

Fan Stories

Lancaster resident Christina Schoffstall is one of those Penn State fans who makes it a point to stop when passing through.

“My husband and his family went to the Red Rabbit as a family tradition on the way to their cabin every few weeks, and one of the highlights was eating dinner in the car,” she said. “He had such a fond memory of those times that he started taking me. We now take our children there after the Penn State games. As parents, it’s enjoyable for us to hear them say, ‘there is the wed wabbit.’”

Cindy Moyer of Northumberland has been a fan for years.

“When my brother and I were kids, we made many trips to Linglestown to visit my aunt, uncle and their kids,” she said. “Every time we went to visit, we’d stop for Bunny Burgers. I’ve been eating Bunny Burgers my entire life.”

For those unfamiliar with Bunny Burgers, take heart—they have nothing to do with the cute furry animals that hop. The popular menu item consists of a ground beef burger, hickory smoked bacon, melted cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions and a special sauce on a seeded roll.

Moyer lost her parents in the ‘90s, so the pilgrimage fills her with nostalgia.

“Each time my husband and I stop for Bunny Burgers, we order three—one for each of us, and one we get cut in half to eat in honor/memory of my parents and my husband’s mother who also loved stopping for Bunny Burgers,” she said. “We will make the trek for Bunny Burgers until we are unable to do so.”

Berger said hearing such stories warms the hearts of the family that works so hard at what they do.

“We’re thrilled when we hear stories of customers who come back year after year and generation after generation, and we are thankful to work with the employees that we do—some of them third generation,” he said. “Of course, we very much appreciate all of our customers and the fans of the Red Rabbit. We expect to be around for a long time, who knows, maybe another 50 years.”

The Red Rabbit is located at 60 Benvenue Rd. (Route 322), Duncannon, a half-mile west of the Clarks Ferry Bridge. For hours of operation and more, visit www.redrabbitdrivein.com.

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