50 Years Ago in Hershey: Today’s NBA could learn a lot from Wilt Chamberlain.

March 16, 2012 | by James DeBord

I would like to extend an invitation to Commissioner David Stern and the National Basketball Association to come to Hershey this season to play a basketball game that will rightfully mark the anniversary of one of the most monumental events in the history of American sports, and also to help the league improve their public image in the wake of the recent labor strife that may have left some fans disenchanted. I think a magical night in Chocolate Town may just be what the game needs right now.

For sports fans or those who know their American history, you may recognize the historic connection between the game of basketball and Hershey. March 2, 2012 marks the 50^thanniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s incredible 100-point game.

On this anniversary of the game that took place at historic Hershey Arena, it does not appear that the NBA has planned any significant events to mark the occasion. I believe that is a shame, given the magnitude of what took place on that legendary night a half century ago.

The game of professional basketball could use a figure like the iconic Wilt Chamberlain today. The Big Dipper, as he was known from his earliest days on the playgrounds and in the gyms of Philadelphia, was a tremendous athlete who transcended sports. He became larger than life, like a Hollywood idol during his storied career. Wilt passed away in 1999, but I believe it would be great for the NBA to revive his legacy and return to the site of his 100-point game this season in order to honor his memory.

While Hershey now boasts a new, state-of-the-art arena in the Giant Center, which could perfectly accommodate an NBA game, I could also see the NBA Network, ESPN, Comcast and other sports media outlets interviewing other former NBA legends and players from that night’s game on the floor of the Hershey Arena, which still stands, like a monument to the glory of the game. It would serve as a perfect backdrop for efforts to honor Wilt.

This 50^th anniversary of the game will most likely mark the last time that members of the media will have to interview many of the players, fans or employees who were there that night to see Wilt accomplish his magnificent feat. Most of these people are now well into their 70s and 80s, and many of their stories will be lost if we do not work to capture them now.

Remarkably, there is no film of Wilt’s 100 point performance and according to records at the Hershey Arena, only 4,124 spectators paid to see the game on that cold March night. For these reasons – and because I believe NBA executives and the league’s current cast of star players could use this historic occasion to improve their collective image in the public’s eye – the NBA should plan to return to Hershey and honor Wilt Chamberlain and his extraordinary milestone. I doubt it will ever be equaled or bettered for as long as the league exists.

I know there are those who say Wilt’s 100-point game was not about the true meaning of basketball – which is a team sport. There are those who think that the game that night became a mockery when the Warriors sought only to get the ball to Wilt in the final quarter of the game so he could hit the 100-point plateau. To those people I would say that even within team sports there is nothing wrong with great individual achievements. Believe me, from all accounts the New York Knicks were determined to stop Wilt that night and it is often overlooked that Wilt still had to run the floor and make the shots – even with five players converging on him late in the contest. If it was easy for any of the other greatest players in NBA history to duplicate this 100-point feat simply because their teammates passed them the ball consistently during a game, Wilt’s record would not stand alone.

But, because the record does stand alone in the annals of history, the NBA would be well served to return to Hershey this season to honor Wilt’s magnificent accomplishment, as well as to honor an extraordinary man who stands among the greatest athletes the world has ever known.

James DeBord is a writer and researcher who lives in Lancaster with his wife and three children. He has worked professionally in various executive management positions over the years in the corporate, non-profit and public policy sectors.

New Owner, New Look: Rehab starts at Cumberland Court.

March 16, 2012 | by Lawrance Binda

Construction began last month on a large-scale rehabilitation of Cumberland Court, the sprawling apartment complex next to the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg.

Nick Bouquet, development associate for Maine-based Evergreen Housing Partners, said the company is investing an average of $40,000 in each of the complex’s 108 units.

Interior improvements will include new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, heating/cooling systems, windows and lighting in each unit. The complex’s exterior will receive new outside lighting and improved security system and a new roof.

Bouquet said the company also plans to build a community center, which will include community space, a policing center, a computer center and new management offices.

“We are undertaking a substantial interior and exterior renovation that will modernize the units so that everything the tenants see and touch will be new to the unit,” said Bouquet, who added that privately held Evergreen will be long-term holder of the property, which will continue to serve lower-income residents.

Renovations on the complex, built in 1975, should be complete by year-end, he said.

Evergreen brought the brick, garden-style complex in December for $3 million from long-time owner Cumberland Court Associates.

The company specializes in acquiring, improving and managing properties for low- and moderate-income residents. Locally, it owns the Rutherford Park Townhouses in Hummelstown and the Garden Court Apartments in Lancaster.

Cumberland Court is bordered by Capital, Verbeke, Herr and N. 6th streets.

N. 7th Street Project Begins with Detours

The long-promised upgrade of N. 7th Street in Harrisburg has begun, according to the city.

On Feb. 28, crews closed the southbound lane of N. 7th Street between Reily and Maclay streets for a major project that includes widening the street from two to four lanes.

The project also will add sidewalks, upgrade sewer and water lines and install antique-style lighting and benches. The intersection at N. 7th and Maclay streets also will be upgraded.

Construction is expected to take about a year. Until then, N. 7th Street traffic will be detoured onto N. 6th Street.

The $5.5 million road project is funded mostly with state and federal funds, allowing easier access to the Capitol complex and the proposed federal courthouse at N. 6th and Reily streets.

First National Takes Space on State & 2nd

The regional headquarters of a major bank will occupy most of the remaining available space in the prominent new office building under construction at N. 2nd and State streets in Harrisburg.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania, the largest affiliate of F.N.B. Corp., will take up the entire first floor of the building, as well as much of the second floor, said project developer WCI Partners. The first floor will be a full-service bank branch, while the second floor will become the bank’s regional headquarters, which is re-locating from Susquehanna Township. About 40 employees will work in the bank’s new Harrisburg location.

“We are excited to establish our regional headquarters in what we consider to be the number one new location in downtown Harrisburg,” said Lloyd Lamm, regional banking executive for the bank’s 15-county Capital Region.

WCI has already signed up the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney as anchor tenant for the building. The firm will occupy the upper three floors of the five-story building upon its completion, expected in July.

Including the law firm and the bank, about 110 employees are expected to work in the building.

“Anytime we can bring companies into downtown, it’s good for our business and good for the city because it generates revenue as well as solid employment opportunities,” said J. Alex Hartzler, WCI managing partner.

N.J.-Style, Pa.-Sited: Capitol Diner serves everyone from pols to prols.

March 16, 2012 | by Peter Durantine

With its sleek stainless-steel exterior and well-appointed interior filled with the warm smells of cooking and brewed coffee, the Capitol Diner sits atop Eisenhower Boulevard, shining like one of its pre-fabricated brothers in New Jersey or New York.

That’s what Dimitrious “Jimmy” Hronis, who owns the diner with his brother, Gus, intended when they bought the old 70s restaurant with its faux stone exterior a decade ago and began to transform it into a stylish, 24-hour restaurant with a counter.

“This is very typical for New Jersey,” Hronis said, relaxing one morning in a booth near the long granite counter. “It’s the old way diners used to be, but modernized.”

The Swatara Township diner, which the brothers bought 10 years ago, was recently approved for a liquor license and should soon offer beer and wine with meals – very New Jersey/New York like, but Hronis doesn’t anticipate ever having a bar as many diners do in those states.

To Hronis, who has an information technology degree from George Washington University, appearance is everything in running a restaurant. He and his brother grew up working in their father’s Northampton diner, where they learned the business – from cooking to waiting tables.

Hronis found his niche in managing the front of the house while Gus took the kitchen, which is how they operate their 180-seat diner with a trained staff that numbers as many as 10 workers on a shift, depending upon the time of day.

Since those first years cleaning, remodeling and refurbishing the interior and re-fabricating the exterior, Capitol Diner has become a popular spot, attracting even governors and U.S. Senators as well as celebrities performing in Harrisburg.

One of the biggest to dine there was Hilary Clinton, when she was a candidate for president in 2008. Her staff chose the diner for a campaign event that drew crowds of voters as well as media.

“We had reporters coming in from all over the world here,” Hronis recalled, noting television trucks were parked everywhere. “It was a very busy day.”

The keys to running a successful diner, said Hronis, are “Good food, good service and clean atmosphere,” something his Greek-immigrant father always stressed during the 33 years he ran his diner. “Those were the words from Pop.”

“We strive here on being clean, very clean,” Hronis said. A short while later, He pointed at a busboy who worked nearby with a broom, “He’s doing sweeping, see?”

Hronis believes success requires a willingness to make changes. That, he said, is why he rebuilt the diner – it was closed for four months after he bought it in 2002 – and why he continues to add to the menu.

“People want a change,” he said. “They don’t want the same thing all the time.”

Hronis, who makes a point to know his customers, said that’s just as important as a clean restaurant, and food that not only tastes good, but looks good.

“People believe with their eyes,” he said. “The eyes are the key to people’s stomachs.”

Capitol Diner, 800 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, 717-939-2279 or fax 717-939-4119.

Virtual Childhood: Ensure your child experiences life, not just watches it.

March 16, 2012 | by Dr. Deepa Sekhar

I remember Coleco and Atari from when I was a kid.

The age of video games was just beginning, with clunky joysticks and graphics that are childish compared to what is available to children today. The options for video games have expanded exponentially. Children are often far more savvy than their parents regarding what is available. Many parents complain to me as we discuss limiting TV and video game time, “He/she wants to spend hours upstairs playing the Xbox.” Parents have the right and responsibility to set clear guidelines regarding what is acceptable for their children’s’ game time. This is not hard to do with just a little background and common sense.

To start, video games are not all bad. There are some products which may improve hand-eye coordination and develop problem solving skills. Items like the Wii which get kids up and moving can definitely have benefits. However, keep in mind that tennis or bowling on the Wii is not going to expend as many calories as actually getting out and participating in the sport. Also, many people are playing the Wii in the living room or rec room with some snacks readily available on the coffee table. This is usually not the case for kids who are out on the tennis court. They are focused on the game. It’s okay to use video games to blow off steam on a rainy day. However, I would not recommend routinely substituting Wii sports for the actual thing.

Additionally, many video games place the child in the role of a main character that shoots or fights toward winning a particular goal. These violent video games have been shown to increase kids’ aggressive behavior. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has developed a rating system to provide parents with information about the content of video games. There are two parts to this system.

Rating symbols are present on the front of the video game box and suggest age appropriateness of the game. There are seven different rating symbols:

1) Early Childhood – for 3 years and above; no material parents would find inappropriate.

2) Everyone – for 6 years and above with minimal cartoon and fantasy or mild violence and mild language.

3) Everyone 10+ – for 10 years and above with more cartoon and fantasy, mild violence, mild language and some suggestive themes.

4) Teen – for 13 years and above with violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, gambling and strong language.

5) Mature – for 17 years and above with intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language.

6) Adults only – for 18 years and above with intense violence, graphic sexual content and nudity.

7) Rating Pending – this is only present when the game is advertised prior to release and a rating has not yet been assigned by the ESRB.

The content descriptors, which give parents additional information to clarify the rating, are present on the back of the box and detail elements of a game that may be of interest or concern. For example, a game may specifically be listed to contain “comic mischief” or “animated blood.” Keep in mind that the ESRB ratings are designed to give parents guidance on the content of a game. Simply because the ESRB rates a game appropriate for 10 year-olds, it does not mean you as a parent must accept that it is appropriate for your 10 year-old. Keep the video game console in a common area of the house. If you notice images that are concerning, watch how your child reacts, discuss the content with him or her, and ultimately decide for yourself whether the game is appropriate for your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than two hours per day of screen time for children. That includes video games, computer games, television and movies. Make a daily time limit clear to your children and model this behavior by turning off the television or computer yourself. Take the kids out to play, walk or even grocery shop. And plan a dinner to make together. Make sure you and your children are living life, not just watching it on the screen.

Giving a Smile: Just 2 years old, Hbg4Kids impacting young lives.

March 16, 2012 | by Traci Fatula

You can’t help but hear a child’s laughter or see a baby’s smile and feel happier. Their joy is contagious, and I’ve often said that they are the best remedy for a bad day.

Truth be told, I was having a hard week when Hbg4Kids got its start. It wasn’t until I closely examined my situation that I realized how insignificant my problems were in comparison with those around me. I think it was God’s gentle way of reminding me to be thankful for what I do have and to concentrate on how I could help others. From that point forward, I was determined to give back.

Hbg4Kids started very small two years ago. I reached out to a few close friends and asked them to join me in giving back to others during the holidays. I quickly realized however that there is a large group of young professionals and community members who want to help others, but they just need an organization, cause or channel through which to give. We quickly found that our true passion is helping children in our community who are facing some of life’s biggest obstacles but deserve bright futures. In what has become our theme, we wanted to “Give a Smile … Harrisburg Style.”

For our first campaign, we helped raise support for The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, as they work to provide invaluable care to children and their families. Our team’s efforts were well received, and at our inaugural event we were thrilled to present a $10,000 donation to the organization and help local children smile. From that night forward, our passion only grew stronger.

This year, we set our sights on reaching children in Harrisburg and around the world. We partnered with TOMS, a shoe company that donates one pair of shoes to an underprivileged child for every pair purchased through its “One for One” program. Through the community’s generosity, we are thrilled to have donated more than 200 pairs through our “Heel Your Sole” campaign.

We then turned our attention to Allison Hill. Children living in this neighborhood face some of Harrisburg’s most challenging conditions including the city’s highest violent crime, unemployment and poverty rates – but many are striving for bright futures through educational mentoring provided by The Joshua Group. Our goal was to raise support for the nonprofit’s after-school tutoring program, J-Crew, which assists students in achieving academic success.

On February 4, we held our 2nd Annual Give Them a Smile, Harrisburg Style Charity Event at Dragonfly Club with title corporate sponsor HealthAmerica. Continuing to gather generous donations throughout the evening, we were thrilled to present a check to The Joshua Group for $12,000.

Despite a tough economy and the challenges it brings, the Harrisburg community continues to demonstrate its commitment to our youth.

What began as a small group of friends wanting to lend a hand, Hbg4Kids has evolved into a powerful catalyst, joining young professionals, adults, businesses, organizations and the community together to make a difference in the lives of local youth. Comprised of nearly 20 young professionals from the greater-Harrisburg area, we are working collaboratively to improve the lives of children and, of course, “Give a Smile … Harrisburg Style.”

Traci Fatula is a lifelong Harrisburg resident and president of Hbg4Kids. For more information on the group, call 717-903-7307 e-mail [email protected].

Movie, Popcorn, History: West Shore Theater: one of area’s last classic moviehouses.

March 16, 2012 | by Fazna Zain

When was the last time you went to the movies and paid less than $8 for a ticket? The West Shore Theater in New Cumberland not only offers a great price but also an old time movie experience.

The theater sits on Bridge Street, adding historical appeal to this small town. Walking into the quaint building feels like you are back in the 1940s. From the paintings on the walls and ceilings to the authentic fixtures, the building reflects the period in which it was built.

“Movies offer a chance to experience a different life and the vintage theater just enhances that sense of other-worldliness,” said Pamela Reilly, a regular West Shore theater moviegoer.

This antique theater has been a family run business from the beginning. Fred Bollen and his mother, Violet, became partners in this venture in 1986. They purchased it from the Freister family, the original owners of the movie theater.

Bollen bought the theater because of his love for movies and becoming a business owner had always been a dream. After 25 years of ownership, Bollen reflects on the good and the bad of being a small business owner in a competitive market. As for Violet, she is now in a nursing home due to Alzheimer’s and is no longer able to be a part of their theater company.

“We’ve had good years and bad years. We’re at the mercy of the product, weather and other events in the area,” Bollen said.

Area events like the Farm Show, concerts and sporting events are among his competition. Popular television programs such as Dancing with the Stars and American Idol are also contenders to the theater, especially because television can be viewed at the comfort of one’s home. Regardless of this, the West Shore theater continues to bring in an audience that enjoys this small town production.

“I love this theater,” said Katie Shradley, a New Cumberland local. “Its casual, traditional, great price and they have amazing popcorn.”

Reilly said, “I love the atmosphere and the historic ambiance of the theater itself. It is part of what gives downtown New Cumberland its identity and feel.”

The theater is a great place to go with your family, friends or your significant other. Bollen wants people to be able to still go to the movies without worrying about cost. He would like to maintain his low prices; however, with an old building comes maintenance issues. He hopes to replace the screen, put solar panels on the roof and go digital in the future, which may possibly mean a small increase in ticket pricing.

Owning the theater gives Bollen full control over how it is run, which sets it apart from others in the area. He picks popular movies customers will prefer and sets prices for tickets and concession items. Movies shown here are ones that have recently left the mainstream movie theaters.

Aside from deciding what films to play, he is also responsible for most other tasks from selling tickets to bookkeeping. Bollen’s wife, Deb, along with his best friend Jeff B. and his wife, all work hard to keep the theater running smoothly.

“Every business has its downfalls,” Bollen said. “I still want to own it forever.”

For patrons, this movie theater is old-fashioned and beautiful. It brings in a crowd that is both old, young and in between. It adds culture, history and traditional value to the town. “So many other communities have lost their theaters and that is a big loss,” said Reilly. “So long live historic movie theaters and the people who keep them an active part of the community!”

West Shore Theater, 317 Bridge St., New Cumberland, is open daily including holidays except Christmas and Halloween Parade night. Showtimes are 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., seven days a week, with a 2 p.m. matinee on weekends. Tickets are $3 and $2.50 on Tuesdays. For movie information, call 717-774-7160 or check boxofficemojo.com.

Who Stands to Win?: Receiver’s report casts winners, losers, those in-between.

March 16, 2012 | by Lawrance Binda

What does this mean for me?

From the beginning, the many stakeholders in Harrisburg’s financial saga all have wondered what the receiver’s report would hold for their interests.

Well, the report is in–and what emerges are a few clear winners, a few clear losers and several groups tuck clear losers and several groups stuck somewhere in the middle.

The Mayor: By aligning herself so closely with the receiver, Mayor Linda Thompson set herself up to retain as much influence and power as possible. She has said that she’s “joined at the hip” with receiver David Unkovic, choosing cooperation as her best strategy. For his part, Unkovic has included Thompson in the process from the start and now has refunded her communications director, a position that he sincerely believes she needs. The plan for a new chief operating officers could be seen as an attempt to usurp some of the mayor’s power, particularly as the COO will lead the recovery plan’s implementation on a daily basis. Thompson, though, clearly regards the team. Only time will tell if she’s right.

City council: Councilman Brad Koplinski has said that the council believes the financial rescue process should have gone like this: “You go to the creditors first, then you sell stuff, then you raise taxes. (Unkovic) has done the opposite.” Yes, he has. And that’s why council may be regarded as a net loser under the plan the council now faces the option of either jumping on board the plan in total or defying it and losing in court, which is what is likely to happen with the battle over the city spokesman job.

City Treasurer, Controller: In office just two months, John Campbell has injected new spirit into the job of the city treasurer. The receiver’s report will help him further raise the office’s stature, as the treasurer is among the handful of officials tasked with guiding Harrisburg to solvency. Likewise, City Controller Dan Miller gets a prominent spot at the table, reversing Thompson’s efforts to shut him out over the past two years.

City Employees: If you’re a city worker, there’s a lot to dislike in the receiver’s report. Unkovic expects to cut costs largely by eliminating and trimming salary increases and slashing workers’ generous benefits packages, as well as adjusting some schedules and limiting off-days. He even threatens to lay off the city’s entire sanitation crew if outsourcing proves more cost-effective. Workers may insist that their unions simply refuse to cooperate by not re-opening their contracts. However, a court could force re-negotiation, as former Mayor Stephen Reed repeatedly extended contracts without council approval. Just last November, the Commonwealth Court said the city did not have to honor a 2008 contract extension between Reed and the city’s police union.

City taxpayers: It could have been worse, which may be the only comfort for city residents and property owners. Homeowners already have been socked with 8 percent property count out further hikes. In additon, it proposes raising the earned income tax rate to help close budget gaps. The receiver cannon unilaterally raise taxes, but may choose to petition the county Court of Common Pleas to up the EIT.

Business Community: The report is a mixed bag for city businesses. Some will balk at certain fee and tax hike proposals, while others will object to increases in parking rates and hours. The real estate community wanted a tax abatement program. Above all, though, businesses want some sense that the report is the beginning of the end of the city’s financial nightmare. If it is, businesses and investors that have muddled through the dark days could win big.

Commuters: The receiver’s report does not include a commuter tax, making a clear winner of those who work in Harrisburg and live elsewhere. At the moment, it appears all they’ll have to do is pony up a few extra quarters to park on the street.

City creditors: The report states that the receiver may seek concessions from creditors–or may even declare municipal bankruptcy to do so. Will he? The receiver’s report takes a methodical approach, basing many future actions on how much the city can get from selling the incinerator and leasing the parking garages. If assets price well, the city’s creditors may need to make few concessions.

Art Deco Gems: Forum, Finance buildings worth a closer look.

March 16, 2012 | by Jason Wilson

Two of the more ornate, but less-visited Capitol Complex giants are the Forum and Finance buildings. Together, these two massive structures, both designed in Art Deco and built in the 1930s, complete architect Arnold Brunner’s vision for a grand campus of state office buildings.

The Forum was originally built as the state’s new Education Building. It was designed by William Gehron and Sydney Ross in the late 1920s and dedicated on November 4, 1931. The building featured the new three-story State Library, and the 1,883-seat Forum auditorium, home to the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra since 1931.

The ornate auditorium features murals on the ceiling and wall, designed by Eric Gugler and Richard Brooks. The bronze gates and doors of the building were produced by sculptor Lee Lawrie. Artists C. Paul Jennewein and Harry Kreis contributed carved panels and other decorations. Italian American artist Vincent Maragliotti painted the decorated ceilings of the foyers.

Gehron and Ross then designed the new Finance Building which would be the final structure of Brunner’s original plan. Construction of the building began in 1937 and was completed in the winter of 1940. Jennewein again produced exterior sculptures and medallions for the building, and famous sculptor Carl Milles produced the doors to the structure. Eugene Savage and Maragliotti produced interior murals for the foyers and elevator lobbies of the new building. Sculptor Lawrie also produced a large Deco-style coat of arms at the north entrance to the building.

In all, the Forum and Finance buildings are highly impressive Art Deco construction. Each contains dark marble wainscoting and brass chandeliers and sconces, which contribute to the overall grandeur of the buildings. The meticulous attention to detail and ornate artwork and artisanship in these buildings are just another reason why the Capitol Complex ranks as an eligible National Historic Landmark – a premier example of monumental government civic planning.

20 Years, on Watch: The torch is passed at Riverside Crime Watch.

March 16, 2012 | by M. Diane McCormick

A flea market raising funds since 1993. A daily tally of stolen bicycles tacked to a telephone poll during a rash of thefts. A head count of students playing hooky. An annual Halloween parade. A chatty, informative newsletter dropped in 800 mail slots every month.

Not unusual, perhaps, for 20 years’ of work by one crime watch, but notable because one person initiated it all – Riverside Crime Watch Chairman Virginia Pianka. After 20 years of hands-on leadership and shepherding volunteers in the Harrisburg neighborhoods north of Division Street, Pianka announced her retirement in January.

“It’s time for the younger generation to step up and take over, and I hope that the new group comes forward to build on what the present members have accomplished,” Pianka wrote in the monthly newsletter.

The change underscores the importance of strong leadership and resident input to maintain a viable crime watch, say those involved in the transition.

“An effective crime watch has a leader like Virginia was,” said Harrisburg City Police Capt. Annette Oates. “Someone who can spearhead the whole watch and give it a backbone. If it’s not a strong crime watch, it’s not going to be helpful for the neighborhood and the police.”

At a special Feb. 9 meeting, about 40 Riverside residents and city officials presented Pianka with gifts, plaques, and proclamations. When someone suggested seizing the opportunity to maintain momentum, an election for officers broke out.

A new interim president and vice president, Pat Waller and Claire Powers, replaced the single chairman, and longtime treasurer Brenda Lawrence retained her post. The team will face re-election, if they choose to run, after a three-month trial period. Individual committees will organize the May flea market, Halloween parade, and National Night Out block party – three major functions that Pianka oversaw with the help of volunteers.

“They say it takes a village,” said Waller a few days later. “Well, it’s gonna take a village to fill Virginia’s shoes.”

Pianka said she’s glad to let new leadership “find out what is workable and offer new ideas.” Waller hopes to spotlight Riverside’s architectural diversity and fill in gaps left by the cash-strapped city. At the top of the list: Scheduling a concert or two to fill Italian Lake with music on summer nights, in the tradition of the canceled city concert series.

“We have such a beautiful natural asset down there, and the community itself has a lot of pride, and it’s time again to show off what we have,” Waller said.

Riverside resident Tom Leonard, a veteran of neighborhood involvement, said that each community group or crime watch needs structure for formal planning and communicating, but each must also plot its own course based on priorities. As a result, residents watch out not just for the lurking stranger but for the neighbors’ well-being, even “if it’s something like the newspapers accumulating on the stoop.”

“You can’t say enough about having just one more way to communicate with each other, because we benefit from contact,” he said. Crime watches “really act as an extra set of eyes on the street looking out for each other.”

Inglourious Actor: Spotlight on Fassbender at Midtown Cinema.

March 16, 2012 | by

Michael Fassbender.

Born in Germany, raised in Ireland, he is the “It” boy of present day cinema.

He was one of the oiled up muscled bodies in Zack Snyder’s battle royal 300. He made his big break as Bobby Sands in the harrowing 2008 film Hunger. Since then he has played a man who gets involved with his girlfriend’s teenage daughter (Fish Tank), the victim of torture porn terror (Eden Lake), a film critic turned tragic spy (Inglourious Basterds), the brooding Mr. Rochester (Jane Eyre), an assassin for hire (Haywire) and the master of magnetism himself (X-Men: First Class). Soon we will see the ubiquitous actor play an android in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Prometheus.

Today, we are here to talk about two of Herr Fassbender’s films, specifically, a pair of films, originally making their theatrical debut in 2011 that are finally making it to Harrisburg this very month.

The first of these is A Dangerous Method, the latest from Canadian auteur David Cronenberg. He plays Carl Jung opposite Viggo Mortensen as Freud and Kiera Knightley as the Russian woman who brought these two classic minds together and, in turn, who tore them apart. Cronenberg, more in his A History of Violence mode than his earlier Videodrome or Scanners mode, hands us a deep and haunting take on the delicate relationship between sex and sanity. Playing out as a ménage à trois of the mind (though mind you, there is much of the body as well) Cronenberg’s film is a sharply tuned near masterpiece of psychological derangement – and we get Fassbender at its juicy center.

The other film making its way to Harrisburg this month is Shame. The film is directed by Steve McQueen (no, not that Steve McQueen), the man who gave us Fassbender’s breakthrough Hunger, and has been saddled with an NC-17 rating for the full frontal nudity of Fassbender’s sex addict main character (a full frontal of epic proportions at that) and therefore may not be for everyone.

But even so, with a bravura performance by the seemingly omnipresent actor as a man dealing with the demons of addiction, and McQueen’s delicate yet audacious directorial style, it is a not-to-miss cinematic experience indeed – and not just for the endowments that made even George Clooney blush and gush at the Golden Globes.

Due to the NC-17 rating, the film will end up reaching less people than most movies, and that is a (pardon the pun) shame because it is a stellar and harrowing look at a man and his addiction. It is highlighted by a performance that many, including yours truly dear readers, believe to have been one of the biggest snubs at this year’s Academy Awards.

Both of these films will debut at Midtown Cinema in March and both are well worth the wait we had to endure from their respective late fall releases in New York and L.A. Other films coming our way include the equally long anticipated A Separation, The Skin I Live In, Albert Nobbs and We Need to Talk About Kevin – but none of these star Michael Fassbender, so we can talk about them another time.

Trivia Question: In Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, Michael Fassbender plays Archie Hickox, a British film historian and critic whose knowledge of German cinema and culture makes him the perfect candidate to go undercover as a Nazi officer. What real life film critic and award-winning novelist, who also worked as a spy during WWII (though to less tragic circumstances), is this character based upon? Find out the answer in my next column.

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