February 1998 Publisher's Note

Ugh! I hate theater...
February 1998 Publisher's Note

All right. There, I said it. Now everybody can write me overheated letters of disapproval. As a matter of fact, while I’m at it, I might as well lump opera and the orchestra in there as well. Under scrutiny, though, I might admit that I don’t really hate these things, but more so avoid them (at all costs). Why? Because I just don’t understand them, or appreciate them.

As the publisher of MODE, I proclaimed from the beginning that we would leave theater, and all that fancy performing stuff alone. We’re a paper for the working professional. Who, like us, has time for theater? Much less the opera or orchestra. Well... today, I eat-eth my words. If you didn’t notice, there’s a pretty sizable theater mask, joy/sorrow graphic thingy on this month’s cover. That’s because February, 1998 marks the first month that MODE covers theater in Harrisburg.

BUT. (Note the big BUT). BUT, we’re having a little more fun with theater than the average cheap, tabloid magazine. Over the next several months, our sneakiest MODE writers will be infiltrating the rehearsals of upcoming theater performances throughout the area. Our goal: to give you, our loyal and loving readers, the inside scoop on the cool, down to earth, theater happenings all season long. How much fun would it be to learn about the play and the players, and to see pictures of the work-in-progress... before the show even opens.

I think I could grow to tolerate theater if someone spoon-fed me the details. I guess I’m just one of those perpetually clueless people who appreciates a little inside information now and then.

Anyway, this new department “Behind The Scenes” will be one to watch. I’m sure it’s going to grow and change over the next several months, and I assure you, it won’t be stuffy or boring. I promise.

Now, on to bigger and more important things.

February is Black History Month.

Last year, MODE presented features of African Americans that had made history. This year, in a spin on the term “history”, we’re proud to present three pieces on African Americans that are making history right now. We hope you enjoy the articles on world-renown Chef Joe Randall, local “mover and shaker” Fred Clark, and WITF’s “People Who Must” February Feature: The Reverend Scott White family. These are some of Harrisburg’s finest people. Contributors to the growth and prosperity of our community. History makers.

February is also the month in which our three-part series on preparing your taxes debuts. In the past, MODE has presented several three-part series that have drawn tremendous responses. In honor of actually giving a topic some ink, we’ve decided the spread this one out. The first part covers practical tips for small business owners, part two, practical tips for individuals, and part three, last minute tips, (you know who you are). I hope you enjoy it. Feedback would be greatly appreciated, send your comments to: Feedback@MODEweekly.com.

Finally, on to smaller and less important things... but still noteworthy.

Would it be cheap and tawdry of me to tell everyone that my wife (and boss) is going to have a baby? Oh sure, ha ha, I know exactly which one of you are saying: “Who’s the father?” right now, and don’t worry, I’ll catch up with you :-) I’m really only mentioning this because Gloria and I went through several years of infertility treatments, only to get pregnant in a non-doctor assisted month. It just sorta happened... Christmas Eve, we think. But seriously, the infertility thing can be heart crushing, and wallet draining. (If there’s insurance out there that covers it, I’d sure like to know.) So, again, I mention this because a lot of folk go through this, and most of the time the outlook is pretty grim. Our advice: Keep trying, and never give up. Never, never, never. It took us FIVE years, but it happened. Amen.

Thanks everyone, for your support.

Scot Giambalvo, Publisher

P.S. We’ve been toying around with a couple of ideas that involve serious business writing and serious, but playful, outdoor-sports writing. If you or someone you know has writing experience in either of these fields, please have them send e-mail to: Submissions@MODEweekly.com, we’d like to know.