Letters/Commentary: February 3rd 2000

Letters/Commentary
Central PA Voices Their Thoughts and Opinions

Dear Editor,

I know little about HYP. I am not a member. This I do know. Harrisburg is not Beverly Hills. (You may fill in the name of any other swingin’ cosmopolitan area if you like.) That anyone is willing to try to grow a flower in this desert deserves only unqualified support. Especially when they are so new. Growing pains? No surprise.

After Barbra Streisand moves here from Malibu, or Town and Country does a photo shoot at Strawberry Square, or the Super Bowl is played at the Farm Show, or Microsoft relocates to Cameron Street — that’s when HYP can be held to a higher standard. Until then, they should get only encouragement for even trying to bring some new life to this moribund locale.

Gary Hoffman, via e-mail

Dear Editor,

I always enjoy reading MODE, but this week I had to take a minute to say, "Guys! What are you thinking?!" I’m referring to your article on the Girl, Interrupted screening/benefit for the multi-county Mental Health Association.

Columbia Pictures used Harrisburg to its fullest for Girl, Interrupted. We’re the ones who rolled out the red carpet, and then they couldn’t even find space in the movie’s credits to give Harrisburg a line. I’m glad you supported the screening party for the sake of the Mental Health Association, but just think … who was the highest ranking Columbia star or official they sent out? Oh, yeah — no one. And what’s this about "permitting" a screening at Hoyt’s? You’d think the corporate suits would have been thrilled to rake in extra PR, and gain even more good press by helping out a Mental Health Association in the very place the film was made. Imagine if they’d sent even a supporting actor or actress who could have been photographed shaking hands with the executive director of Mental Health.

Next time, keep some pride.

Alyssa Beane, Harrisburg, via e-mail

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