Tag Archives: HMAC

Burg Blog: In a Race

May 15, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Campaign signs outside of HMAC, where many of the candidate debates were held.

If you’re a regular reader of my columns and blogs, you may be aware of an annual complaint of mine.

When an election comes around, Harrisburg candidates, too often, run what I’ve called “invisible” campaigns. Local races have tended to start late, been low energy and even have featured candidates who never seem to show up for their own campaigns.

As I’ve said many times, if you’re not going to make the effort, why run at all?

This year, though, has seen a marked improvement.

With less than a week to go before the primary, I thought I’d give a quick nod to a number of candidates who have been running solid campaigns—showing, through their actions, that they want the votes and the office.

By far, the most energetic race has been for city school board. However, all that energy has been on one side—the challengers for the five seats at stake in the May 21 primary.

So, kudos to challengers Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Cory X. Williams, Lewis Butts Jr., Steven Williams, James Thompson and Doug Thompson Leader. They attended every debate that was held, were respectful of one another and gave the public hours of engagement and thoughtful commentary.

Hundreds of people heard the candidates explain, live, what they would do as school board directors—from Buchwach’s insistence on transparency and accountability to Welch’s emphasis on graduation rates to Butts’ predictably imaginative proposals.

Indeed, attending a debate was like taking an advanced course in possible ways to fix the Harrisburg school district. And, while the press coverage (including ours) tried to capture the essence of the events, a few 700-word stories simply can’t do justice to all the information conveyed in the lengthy, two-hour sessions.

Many of these candidates also have campaigned vigorously outside of the debate hall, going door-to-door, engaging voters and showing, through their time and effort, how much they want to serve the district, its students and its residents.

Not all of the candidates have demonstrated equal commitment through their campaigns. Incumbent Lionel Gonzalez burst onto the stage for about 15 minutes of the last debate, then disappeared just as suddenly, and incumbents Patricia Whitehead-Myers, Lola Lawson and Ellis Roy didn’t attend any.

Candidate Welch recorded the final school debate, which was hosted by Friends of Midtown. I strongly urge all Harrisburg voters (who are Facebook users) to watch it before heading to the polls next week. https://www.facebook.com/gerald.welch1/videos/10218918978944656/

The Harrisburg City Council race hasn’t been as high profile, but several of the candidates have been actively campaigning and engaging voters.

Arguably, the highlight of the council campaign was the Friends of Midtown debate, which was attended by four of the six candidates: current office-holders Westburn Majors, Dave Madsen and Danielle Bowers and challenger Christina Kostelecky.

All four, in my opinion, showed considerable knowledge of the issues, concern for the city and a desire to play a role in moving it forward.

I believe that the next four years will be a critical time in the history of Harrisburg, as the city shakes off the last of its post-industrial funk and firmly enters a new, more promising era. Progress, though, comes with its own challenges, with inevitable concerns over growth, housing, traffic, fairness and, of course, finances and taxation (among other issues), especially as the city exits Act 47.

Through their campaigns, the candidates have addressed these issues and many others. In my opinion, it’s too bad that there are only three seats at stake, meaning that one of these qualified candidates will not be able to serve on council–at least not until the next election two years from now.

I’ll conclude this blog with something I’ve said in similar posts before. High-quality, conscientious, energetic candidates often make high-quality, conscientious, energetic office-holders. I stand by that.

Lawrance Binda is editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

Candidates hash out priorities, policies during Harrisburg school board debate

May 8, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Lewis Butts makes a point at Wednesday night’s school board candidate debate at HMAC.

There was a sense of déjà vu on Wednesday night as numerous challengers, but few incumbents, crowded the stage during a school board candidate debate in Midtown Harrisburg.

A large group of residents attended the event at the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC), as did all eight Democratic challengers: Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Cory X. Williams, Lewis Butts Jr., Steven Williams, James Thompson, Doug Thompson Leader and Ralph Rodriguez.

Three incumbents—Lola Lawson, Ellis R. Roy and Patricia Whitehead-Myers—did not attend, though Roy had a surrogate read an introductory statement. One of the incumbents, Lionel Gonzalez, departed after attending only about 15 minutes of the two-hour event.

“We invited all 12, so who showed up, showed up,” said Brian Ostella of Friends of Midtown, the community group that organized the debate, which was held in anticipation of the May 21 primary for five, four-year seats on the board.

The most open-ended question arguably came first when moderator Brandon Flood, secretary of the state Board of Pardons, asked candidates to name a specific goal or two that they would like to implement to improve the district.

Challenger Steven Williams answered first, naming adherence to the state recovery plan and the desire to bring more counselors into the district.

“We have students dealing with serious issues outside the classroom,” he said
“Bringing in more counselors is crucial . . . to give students the life they deserve.”

Butts said that he wanted to put each of the nine board members into one of Harrisburg’s schools, presumably so they could get to know and advocate for the school.

“Each board member will be assigned to a school. They’ll have an office in that school,” he said, adding that improving nutrition is also a priority.

Rodriguez advocated “more services for students,” such as counseling and support. He also recommended an audit of contracts, saying he believed that there was overlap among services and vendors.

“I’d like to go through the books and do a full audit of programs in the district,” he said. “The school district should have just one umbrella of programs.”

Buchwach reiterated the themes of “transparency and accountability,” which she has brought up repeatedly at numerous forums and debates over the past month.

“That is the one big goal, to put in policies and procedures to do that,” she said, while also advocating “restorative policies in our schools, so that suspension and expulsion are not first results.”

Gonzalez, the only incumbent to attend, simply mentioned that he’d like to see students do better academically.

“I would love the children to get better grades. I would love the children to get motivation,” he said, before promptly walking off the stage and not returning for the remainder of the debate.

Welch mentioned improving graduation rates as a major goal if he were elected.

“I would like to see more college enrollment,” he said. “That’s the reason I got involved in the school board race, because we were lacking in graduation rates.”

James Thompson said that he’d like to see a change in the district’s leadership—the superintendent—and an improvement in reading performance.

“We have in our schools 20 percent or less that are making reading proficiency,” he said. “You cannot learn if you cannot read.”

Doug Thompson Leader built on the argument of top-down change, saying that the school board also needed new blood.

“I hope we get five independent-thinking, smart people on the board. I mean, five independent thinkers who are going to focus on policy,” he said, adding that communication also needed to improve among the district, parents and the community.

Cory X. Williams added to that point.

“First, I would work hard to bridge the gap between the schools and the community” he said. “As a community, it’s up to us. It takes a village to raise a child.”

Many times, the candidates espoused the importance of community involvement, even pointing to the crowded and often vocal group of residents gathered for the debate.

Organizer Ostella also complimented the turnout for the event.

“Harrisburg is nothing without its residents, and engaged residents make it a great place to live,” he said.

The primary election is slated for May 21. The competition is only among Democrats, as no Republicans are running in the race.

For more information on the candidates and their positions, please read our previous debate coverage here and here.

Harrisburg Today, Tomorrow: Council candidates share ideas, policies, visions

May 1, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Councilman Dave Madsen speaks as challenger Christina Kostelecky, Councilman Westburn Majors and Councilwoman Danielle Bowers look on during Wednesday night’s candidate debate.

A Harrisburg City Council debate on Wednesday night was short on fireworks, but long on hope for the future, as four candidates shared ideas and policies on a wide range of issues facing the city.

Much discussion centered around the city’s financial future, as well as economic development and the state of the city school system.

“I see improving our schools as the number-one issue in Harrisburg because it has so many implications for the rest of our city,” said challenger Christina Kostelecky, who was joined on stage by incumbents Dave Madsen, Westburn Majors and Danielle Bowers.

Challengers Dionna Reeves and Brianna Smith were not present. The event’s sponsor, the community group Friends of Midtown, said that they were invited.

The six Democratic candidates are vying for three, four-year seats on Harrisburg City Council. No Republicans are running in the May 21 primary election.

About 70 residents attended the two-hour event inside the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC) in the debate moderated by Mark Hall of abc27.

While city government has little control over the struggling city school system, candidates still spent much of the debate weighing in on ways that council could assist students.

“A youth invasion,” said Bowers. “Youth can come in and see how the city operates. They can see how the departments operate and perhaps find some new career opportunities through that.”

Several candidates mentioned safety, both from crime and while crossing city streets, as one way to help public school students. Madsen advocated for greater vocational training, while Majors suggested that successful graduates could act as role models and mentors.

“Kids from Harrisburg can excel in this life and be productive citizens not only in Harrisburg but in the world,” Majors said. “[Students] need to connect with graduates who are doing productive things.”

The candidates were more split on the issue of the district possibly entering state receivership. Bowers and Kostelecky said that receivership may be needed as a last resort, while Majors said he’d prefer to avoid a state takeover of the district.

Madsen said that, before receivership, the state might consider something like the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA), a state-appointed board that currently is overseeing the city’s finances and the implementation of a five-year financial plan.

The candidates also addressed the city’s ICA, generally viewing it as a positive step forward. They all hoped that the financial plan implemented under the ICA would restore Harrisburg’s long-term fiscal health. If not, they said, they might consider a Home Rule charter, which would free Harrisburg from the state’s strict 3^rd class city code, giving it greater flexibility in taxation policies.

The candidates agreed that the biggest issue with Home Rule is its complexity, which would make a charter difficult for residents to understand, support and, eventually, approve.

“My concern with a Home Rule charter is that it’s fairly complicated,” Madsen said. “I’m always open to the conversation, but . . . a lot of charters are voted down because [residents] don’t understand them.”

The candidates returned several times to two issues that seem to be growing in significance in Harrisburg—community-building and the importance of small businesses.

Several times, candidates touted Harrisburg’s neighborhoods, growing community spirit and walkability. They also seemed to agree on the value of small, homegrown businesses as vital both for growing the economy and fostering sense of community.

“In terms of City Council, we should rework the [business] regulations that already exist,” said Kostelecky, who said she believes that some small businesses are harmed by the complexity and cost of existing city rules. “A lot of regulations have been on the books for a long time.”

Interestingly, two issues that have been hot topics for years were not stressed at the debate. Parking didn’t come up at all, while the issue of crime made only brief appearances, mostly after an audience question about how to get guns off of city streets.

“The biggest thing we can do is get to a full complement in our police force,” Madsen said. “We have to get to a full complement and budget for that. Once we get more police on the street, it will reduce drugs and reduce the flow of guns.”

Hall asked the candidates to dream a little bit in a question about what they’d like the city to be like in 25 years.

“Our school system would be the premier school system in the state, which would encourage people to move here,” said Bowers, who, during the debate, also stressed the importance of an affordable housing policy in Harrisburg. “Our neighborhoods would be healthy, meaning they’re free of blight and litter. Our economy would be thriving.”

Majors said that he would like to see a city that has turned away from automobiles and embraced mass transit.

“I want to see Harrisburg be a more green city,” he said. “I want to see more connections from east to west in the city. . . as well as a top-notch education system.”

Madsen picked up on the themes of transportation and schools.

“I would love to see Harrisburg in 25 years with the best schools in the world,” he said. “Then I would like to see a bullet train that goes from D.C. to New York. That would make Harrisburg almost a suburb. That would be an economic boom that would take off—and a beautiful, green city.”

Kostelecky mentioned a block party she attended last year in her Midtown neighborhood, where neighbors met, shared stories and enjoyed food from city-based craft food producers and vendors.

“This is the Harrisburg that we deserve, a Harrisburg in which we all know our neighbors, we support local businesses,” she said. “We develop these close relationships, with every person incredibly proud to be in Harrisburg.”

Friends of Midtown will hold a debate for candidates for Harrisburg school board on Wednesday, May 8, at HMAC, 1110 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. Doors open at 5:30, and the debate begins at 6 p.m.

HMAC Sale Pending: Harrisburg arts venue to change ownership, exit bankruptcy

May 1, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

A new ownership group is acquiring HMAC.

A major arts and entertainment venue in Harrisburg is poised to exit bankruptcy, in a move that promises to bring significant change to the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC).

Judge Henry W. Van Eck, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, has approved the sale of the sprawling Midtown venue, its liquor license and other assets for $6 million to a new partnership called HMAC LLC. This will enable the current controlling entity—Bartlett, Traynor & London—to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The sale is expected to close in early June.

Chuck London, a founding HMAC partner, is a minority owner in the new entity. His founding co-partners, Gary Bartlett and John Traynor, will have no ownership in the new company.

“I feel we’re at a turning point with the promise of a new beginning,” London said, in a telephone interview. “We need to take all the lessons we’ve learned from the past and make them our future.”

Bartlett, Traynor & London LLC entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy last August following a loss of business that Traynor blamed on a social media firestorm directed at the venue. He also said that the bankruptcy filing would allow the company to reorganize its finances in preparation for a sale.

According to court documents, a sales agreement was reached in January, with the sale order approved in late March. Right now, the sale is scheduled to close on June 6.

Once the transaction is complete, Traynor said that he will step down as the day-to-day manager of HMAC, which, until a rebranding, was known as the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center. He expects to stay on for about six months to help with the transition and to help supervise a period of construction.

That construction will include the renovation of the basement level into a third music space, a rooftop deck and a “major facelift” to the front of the building, Traynor said. Much of the construction will be funded with a $1 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant that HMAC received in late 2017, he said.

“Now that we have new ownership, it’s going to be a bright new future for this building and for this community,” Traynor said.

In late 2007, Traynor, Bartlett and London purchased the former Harrisburg Jewish Community Center and Police Athletic Club building from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority. At the time, the sprawling, 21,000-square-foot building had been long abandoned and was badly blighted.

A lengthy, costly renovation followed that eventually yielded the Stage on Herr bar and performance space on the lower level, a restaurant and bar on the main level and the spacious Capitol Room upstairs.

“This project was key to the redevelopment and transformation of Midtown,” Traynor said. “Everyone said I was crazy. Everyone said that this project shouldn’t happen.”

London, a long-time executive with NBCUniversal Media who lives in Los Angeles, said that he planned to spend much more time in Harrisburg under the new partnership, which includes Christopher Werner, a Dover, Pa., resident who owns a sports memorabilia company.

“We’ll be able to bring to the community something that we haven’t been able to before,” London said. “We have to make this a smooth and functional and polite and wonderful experience not just for us, but for everyone.”

A new general manager, he said, will be hired who can “make [HMAC] even more of a success than in the past.”

“It’s going to be new ownership, and that means that new thinking will be brought to the process,” London said.

For his part, Traynor said that he and Bartlett will continue to live on their farm in Perry County, but also may live part-time in Italy, where they’re eyeing another rehabilitation project.

“We’re going to take the time and find a new project that we enjoy,” he said.

The House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC) is located at 1110 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.harrisburgarts.com.

Musical Notes: Mature May

April 30, 2019 | by Kait Gibboney

Joan Osborne. Photograph by Jeff Fasano.

Ah, springtime in Harrisburg, and the bees aren’t the only thing buzzing around here. We’ve got a lot of events and entertainment for you this month. So, it’s time, dear readers, for you to choose your own adventure.

If you’re looking for lively and local talent, CASA is hosting its annual live show on May 23, featuring junior and senior performances and sharing a theme, “Revolutions: A Lifetime on Repeat.” If a more traditional but still free festival is your thing, Dauphin County Parks and Rec’s Garden Faire on May 5 promises outdoor fun at Fort Hunter, featuring plants and art for sale, as well as music, food, games and more.

If you’re looking to get nostalgic, XL Live is bringing the “Saved by the ‘90s” interactive dance party to the Burg on May 11 with period cover bands, a DJ and costumes. This month, we also feature an extra show below. So, whatever your plans may be, join us in celebrating yet another busy season of songs. Cheers!

GABRIEL KELLEY, 5/10, 7PM, GREYSTONE PUBLIC HOUSE, $45
Part of the Harrisburg University Concert Series, the new “Music and Vines” lineup features singer-songwriters and focuses on pairing wine with intimate sets by well-known acoustic artists. Hot on the tail of a new EP, “Self-Titled,” Gabriel Kelley is first up, gracing the Greystone Public House for what is sure to be a moving performance. If you have love for some southern roots, this may be the show for you. If you’re looking for a night on the town with some class, this may be the venue for you. If you missed Kelley when he opened for Marcus King at Club XL, this your second chance to catch a performance by this talented musician.

JOAN OSBORNE, 5/14, 8PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $30
Another musical powerhouse is coming to Whitaker Center, performing the works of one of the most iconic musicians of our time. Joan Osborne shines as a vocalist, tackling and interpreting the lyrically rich songs of Bob Dylan. As a dedicated artist, Osborne became familiar with his works in 2016 while performing two residencies titled “Joan Osborne Sings The Songs of Bob Dylan” at Cafe Carlyle in New York City. Cutting straight to the heart with Dylan’s moving songs and her rich voice, this seven-time, Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum chanteuse is sure to dazzle even the most ardent Dylan fan.

SAVOY BROWN, 5/23, 7PM, XL LIVE, $10-15
If you can never get enough blues, XL Live is bringing what you need. Savoy Brown is an early British blues band that helped to launch the blues movement in the United Kingdom. Their memorable music is credited, in part, in bringing about the ‘70s British rock revolution. Founded by guitarist Kim Simmonds, the band has been through a few lineup changes over the years, but maintains their classic sound. Fun fact: their name came from an American blues label, Savoy Records, and they added “Brown” because members thought that the plainness of the word would balance out the elegance of “Savoy,” better describing their Chicago blues-sounding music.

LEGENDARY PERFORMERS OF DOO-WOP, SOUL AND ROCK N’ ROLL, 6/2, 3PM, SCOTTISH RITE, $45-55
We’re giving you a special, early head’s up for this epic showstopper, a must-attend for fans of early rock. The “Legendary Performers of Doo-Wop, Soul and Rock N’ Roll” stops by the Scottish Rite auditorium in Uptown Harrisburg, and headlining the event is the insanely talented Bobby Brooks Wilson, son of famous soul singer Jackie Wilson. What a story! Sent out for adoption as a child, Bobby Wilson later discovered his parentage after he had an established career as a Wilson tribute singer in Las Vegas. Sample his soulful sounds as well as appearances by the Duprees, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters and the Classics. It’s a real treat to get this kind of music in Harrisburg, and now that Flagship Productions has teamed up with Scottish Rite and Zembo, expect more amazing shows in the future.

Mentionables:

The Clarks, May 3, The Abbey Bar;
Bowie Live—The Ultimate David Bowie Tribute, May 4, XL Live;
The Hollow Roots, May 4, H*MAC Stage on Herr;
Hold Fast, May 4, River City Blues Club;
Marco Benevento, May 11, The Abbey Bar;
Don Johnson Project, May 11, River City Blues Club;
Hands Like Houses, May 16, H*MAC Capitol Room;
Josh Krevsky, May 16, Greystone Public House

Burg View: Where Are the Incumbents?

April 22, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

The seven challengers for Harrisburg school board who have attended all three candidate events. From left, Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Cory X. Williams, Lewis Butts Jr., Steven Williams, James Thompson and Doug Thompson Leader.

What if you held an election, and the candidates didn’t show up?

Pointedly, a certain group of candidates—the incumbents for Harrisburg school board: Lionel Gonzalez, Lola Lawson, Ellis R. Roy and Patricia Whitehead-Myers (joined in absentia by one of the challengers, Ralph Rodriguez).

Over the past two weeks, three community events—a candidate forum and two debates—have been held, and the current office-holders have dodged each one.

I attended Thursday night’s debate at the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC), and it was striking to see the same seven challengers lined up on stage—making statements, answering questions—but not a single sitting school board member.

Perhaps they didn’t feel they would be in friendly territory or that they would have to answer tough questions. But you know what? That’s their job.

As public servants seeking another term in office, they have a duty to stand before residents and explain their positions and defend their votes, even if they might face criticism. And besides, I doubt that Brandon Flood, the evening’s profoundly fair moderator, would have been any tougher on them than the other candidates.

Why do they believe so strongly in the policies of the school superintendent? How do they feel about appointing James Ellison as district solicitor? Do they agree with the district’s refusal to cooperate with the state’s financial audit? Why or why not?

Voters have a right to know. If you’re consistently voting to support the administration, you must have your reasons, and you should be able to air and defend them. If you believe the district should not cooperate with state auditors, you should be able to explain your view on this consequential issue–one that could jeopardize the very autonomy of the district.

But, once again, the incumbents weren’t in attendance, leaving some 70 voters who attended the debate without their side of the story or any idea what they would do over the next four years if elected.

Thus, the night was left to the seven challengers who have attended every candidate event: Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Cory X. Williams, Lewis Butts Jr., Steven Williams, James Thompson and Doug Thompson Leader.

Together, they had a lively, fascinating and civil discussion on everything from school funding to charter schools to curriculum. If they had attended, the sitting board members would have discovered an evening of serious debate about vital issues facing the district, not one of personal attacks against them or the administration.

The primary election is one month away, and other debates are planned. Will the incumbents attend those, or will they blow them off, too?

At some point soon, the incumbent school board members need to step up. They need to summon their collective courage, stand before the voters of Harrisburg and state boldly why they deserve another four years in office.

Lawrance Binda is editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

Harrisburg school board challengers exchange views at debate, as incumbents again fail to show

April 18, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Moderator Brandon Flood (right) introduces Harrisburg school board candidates at the start of Thursday night’s debate.

School board incumbents once again failed to show up for a candidate debate, as seven challengers gathered on Thursday night to discuss and debate issues facing the Harrisburg school district.

Some 70 people gathered at the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC) to listen as Democratic candidates exchanged views at the debate, sponsored by Power Central PA, a local interfaith group.

In attendance were challengers Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Cory X. Williams, Lewis Butts Jr., Steven Williams, James Thompson and Doug Thompson Leader.

Absent were incumbents Lionel Gonzalez, Lola Lawson, Ellis R. Roy and Patricia Whitehead-Myers, as well as challenger Ralph Rodriguez. It was the second debate that these five candidates skipped over the past two weeks.

“Every candidate was extended an invitation,” said moderator Brandon Flood, the newly appointed secretary of the state Board of Pardons. “You can see who took us up on this invitation.”

The candidates first made brief introductions, many mentioning why they decided to run for school board in the May 21 primary.

“I saw the way the school district is operating and I said, ‘You can either do nothing or you can do something,” said Steven Williams. “I’m here to do something.”

After that, candidates answered a series of audience questions for nearly two hours, expressing their views on what they perceived to be the most pressing concerns facing the district right now.

“I’m going to net it out—transparency and accountability,” said candidate Jayne Buchwach. “Every person who works in this district should be accountable, and all of it should be for the betterment of children.”

Candidates often criticized the current administration and school board on such issues as hiring a new, in-house board solicitor and the recent refusal of the school administration to cooperate with a state-mandated financial audit of the district.

“Now, I hear the school board president is arguing with the chief recovery officer,” said James Thompson. “We’re no longer cooperating with the state. We’re arguing with the state.”

The school board just announced a special meeting on Monday, at 5:30 p.m., to select a new in-house solicitor for the district. It’s expected the board will try again to appoint former district solicitor James Ellison, an effort that fell just one vote shy last Monday.

Numerous candidates cited an alleged lack of leadership among the administration and board as a motivation for running.

“They ignore the kids, they ignore the parents, they ignore us,” said Doug Thompson Leader. “So, there needs to be a change.”

The candidates agreed on many issues, but seemed split on the whether to have more charter schools in the Harrisburg school district.

“I’m for a high-quality education,” said Cory X. Williams. “So, I believe personally that the parents should have the choice. I’m down for it if it’s going to give us a quality education.”

Lewis Butts disagreed.

“Charter schools cannot provide the extracurricular activity of a Harrisburg High,” Butts said, as a reason for objecting to more charter schools.

He mentioned “equestrian sports” as something the school district could offer, saying that students should be able to use the state Farm Show Complex for equestrian activities because “it’s in our house.”

The evening’s final question regarded cultural diversity and sensitivity in the district and as part of the school curriculum. All candidates agreed that the district should foster cross-cultural understanding, respect and empathy.

“If you treat everybody with dignity, honor and respect, you can deal effectively with having a diverse community,” said Gerald Welch.

Power Central PA has scheduled another debate for Saturday, starting at 6 p.m., at Choice Community Church at 1524 Walnut St., Harrisburg.

The Week That Was: A summary of news and events around Harrisburg

April 5, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

What happened around Harrisburg last week? Here’s a summary of news and happenings that you may have missed.

Broad Street Market board of directors hired a new executive director to lead the 159-year-old farmers market. Joshua Heilman bested more than 80 hopefuls to replace Beth Taylor, who left in December after more than three years at the helm. He starts on Tuesday. Click here for the full story.

HACC announced a tuition increase and a pay freeze as it approved its 2019-20 budget. Under the $140 million spending plan, students from non-sponsoring districts will pay an average of 2.1 percent more in tuition to attend the community college, and salaries will be frozen for employees earning more than $40,000 per year. Click here for the full story.

Harrisburg announced that it began demolition of houses on the sinkhole-ravaged 1400-block of S. 14th Street. Following demolition of the 53 houses, which will take about 45 days, the city plans to grade the area and turn it into green space–a pedestrian pathway with grass and tree plantings. Federal emergency funds covered most of the $6.8 million project, with Dauphin County contributing $1 million.

Harrisburg Fire Bureau said that it deployed warning buoys around the Dock Street Dam a month earlier than usual, adding flashing LED lights to the buoys as extra caution to avoid the area. Last summer, a small john boat capsized at the dam, killing a mother and her daughter.

Harrisburg school board candidates introduced themselves to the public during a forum at the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC) in Harrisburg. Seven of the 12 candidates gave short presentations, but none of the incumbent candidates attended. Click here for the full story.

Harrisburg Senators kicked off the 2019 baseball season with an 8-4 win over the Bowie Baysox at FNB Field on City Island, powered by a sixth-inning grand slam. The Senators are the AA-affiliate of the Washington Nationals.

Harrisburg University announced a new acoustic concert series, which will take place on the patio of Greystone Public House in Susquehanna Township. The “Music and Vines” series kicks off on May 10 with musician Gabriel Kelly. Other concerts include Frank Viele on June 14, Chris Pureka on July 12 and Sean Rowe on Aug. 9.

New Cumberland Farmers Market announced that it will open for the season on May 4. The market, which takes place at 4th and Bridge streets in the parking lot of Kelly Financial Services, will operate every Saturday through Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tracy Mansion soon will be home to 13 market-rate apartments, as the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board approved several exterior improvements to the project. Developer Jack Kay said that his company, York-based Susquehanna Real Estate, soon will begin extensive renovations to the historic Front Street property, with completion expected by year-end. Click here for the full story.

First Look: At forum, Harrisburg school board candidates criticize sitting board, district administration

April 2, 2019 | by Mary Imgrund

Challenger Steve Williams speaks during a school board candidate forum at HMAC on Monday night

Harrisburg got its first look at the large field of candidates for the hotly contested race for school board on Monday night, as seven of the 12 candidates gathered for a forum in Midtown.

All of the candidates attending the evening of speeches were challengers for the five, four-year seats, though all 12—including the incumbents—were invited to attend, said Carrie Fowler, a sitting school board director who helped organize the forum.

Challengers Jayne Buchwach, Doug Thompson-Leader, Lewis Butts Jr., Steve Williams, Cory X. Williams, Gerald Welch and James Thompson took turns speaking, presenting themselves, many for the first time, to residents gathered at the House of Music, Arts and Culture (HMAC).

They’re running against incumbents Lionel Gonzalez, Patricia Whitehead-Myers, Lola Lawson and Ellis R. Roy, none of whom were present. Challenger Ralph Rodriguez was also absent.

The audience of about 50 wasn’t large, but it was passionate, cheering often at the shared message of the candidates—a need for swift and decisive change.

“Despite being an off-year election, the people I meet while canvassing care about this race, and they want to hear about policy,” said candidate Steve Williams.

Jayne Buchwach echoed that sentiment, adding that she was pleased with the turnout at the event.

Despite the crowded Democratic field, the candidates were positive and seemed unified against a common enemy – the current school board members who generally support the policies of the district’s administration. Williams suggested that, no matter who ultimately won, any one of the eight challengers would be an improvement over the existing board.

Buchwach began the night of informal speeches with personal anecdotes about her husband, her children and her own struggle with cancer. She called her platform one of restorative justice, claiming that zero-tolerance policies in schools rob children of their education through the misuse of disciplinary action.

Thompson-Leader shared his frustrations as a parent of an elementary-aged daughter in the Harrisburg school district and promised to provide teachers with the tools they need, while Lewis Butts, Jr., spoke of his personal experiences in the district and suggested that Harrisburg students should have access to the resources already available within the city.

Steve Williams lamented that the school district’s poor reputation often pushed young couples out of the city, in hopes of giving their children a better education. Given that the district spends so much money per student, there’s no excuse for graduating seniors to be so ill equipped with critical thinking and life skills, he said.

Corey X. Williams also emphasized his personal relationship with the district. He admitted that he may not have the policy expertise of some of the other candidates, but said that he knows the district and its needs, and he challenged city leadership to do better by its children.

James Thompson, a former school board director, touted his past success on the board. Thompson suggested that, since his departure, early childhood education was threatened amidst budget negotiations and that the most at-risk students were being penalized by funding decisions. He said that he would focus on reinstating Head Start classrooms in the district.

Finally, Gerald Welch shared that he could empathize with struggling students, having dropped out of high school himself, only to receive a master’s degree in social work later in life. Rather than making it easier for students to graduate without the necessary skills, the school board needs to use taxpayer dollars more wisely by reinvesting in students, he said.

All the candidates were critical of the current school board, and many of their stated policies aligned. This batch of challengers repeatedly questioned where and how the district is spending its money and said that they hope to empower teachers and students to reach educational attainment goals.

The candidates plan to hold more formal debates throughout April and May. Their first debate will be held on April 18 at HMAC from 6 to 9 p.m. The primary election is on May 21.

Musical Notes: Spring Rocks

March 29, 2019 | by Kait Gibboney

It’s another beautifully busy month in the Burg when it comes to entertainment.

With more outdoor and riverfront shows in the works, music opportunities continue to expand in our fair city. It’s not hard to find something fun to cure the post-winter blues. But in case you need some help, I’ve got your back. First, here are a few fun events that feature some music in the mix.

Historic Harrisburg Association will host its 3rd Annual Speakeasy (April 5) in its 1929 landmark Central Trust building located in our own beloved Midtown. Expect classic jazz numbers, dancing and ‘20s-style cocktails for the perfect Fitzgerald evening.

If you’re a food fan, check out the 6th Annual Central PA Soup Cook-Off (April 7) and scleroderma fundraiser at the Abbey Bar. Or if you’d rather drink locally made beer at Zeroday surrounded by Jim and Pam lookalikes, you’ll want to clock into “The Office” party (April 27) during Harrisburg Beer Week.

For you artsy types, be sure to look for Risque Business (April 28), a drag burlesque show at River City Blues Club or maybe an Open Jam with local saxophonist and Yam Yam member Jason Mescia (April 4 and 18) at J.B. Lovedraft’s.

If your heart is set on some live music, I’ve found some solid suggestions for you to make the perfect night out. It’s high time to melt off that winter frost and shake what your momma gave ya.

THE RECORD COMPANY, 4/6, 8PM, CLUB XL, $30-50
The Harrisburg University Concert Series continues to bring hot bands to Club XL. This time, it’s the Record Company, a highlight on the local 2019 music calendar. Hailing from Los Angeles, this bluesy rock band is made up of members Chris Vos, guitarist and lead vocalist, Alex Stiff, bassist and backing vocalist, and Marc Cazorla, drummer and backing vocalist. Blending together influences from blues and punk, these rockers recall a wonderful mix of John Mayer, B.B. King and Grace Potter. Impressed yet? Check out their Grammy-nominated album, “Give It Back to You,” for a taste of some of the best contemporary blues. Dust off your vinyl because the Record Company’s coming to town, and you’d best be prepared.

LOTUS, 4/18, 8PM, CLUB XL, $30
Some call them the jam band to end all jam bands. Some call them genre geniuses with an indescribable sound. Whatever you might call them, Lotus is bound to bring quite the crowd to Harrisburg’s newest hit venue. Blending styles centering around electronica and jam music, all influences find their way to Lotus for a diverse and deep sound. Since 1999, their livetronica sets have blown people away. Their shows tend to feature complex light sequences and some light group improvisations. So, gear up accordingly and, most of all, have fun getting down with your bad self.

WHITAKER UNPLUGGED, 4/19, 5PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $5-8
This event features a new program from Whitaker Center—“Whitaker Unplugged.” If you’re an acoustic singer-songwriter or just a lover of live music in general, join your kindred spirits in the lobby of the center. With a focus on local music, Whitaker Center is hoping to help aspiring artists get their start as confident musicians. Every third Friday, Whitaker Unplugged will offer an opportunity for community recognition, a moment in the spotlight, and possibly a cash prize, to boot. If you know me, readers, you know that I’m very passionate about the music community in Harrisburg. Programs, organizations and venues that encourage musicians in our community are vital in keeping art growing in the Burg. Come out and support “Whitaker Unplugged” for their second show in what I hope will be a successful ongoing series.

Mentionables:

Spring Gate Country Music Festival, Apr. 6-7, Spring Gate Vineyard
Consider the Source, Apr. 13, The Abbey Bar
Jay Dayoungin & Yungeen Ace, Apr. 13, H*MAC Capitol Room
River City Big Band, Apr. 15, River City Blues Club
Bobcat Brisko, Apr. 19, J.B. Lovedraft’s
Babel Map, Apr. 20, River City Blues Club
Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls, Apr. 20, Club XL
Yella Beezy, Apr. 22, H*MAC Capitol Room
Dave Bennett, Apr. 27-28, The Forum

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