Although able to reform the PA Interscholastic Athletic Association, they cannot find time to issue public statements (or what’s called a "sense of the House or Senate" resolution) on last weekend’s Ku Klux Klan (KKK) rally in Carlisle. Luckily, only about a half-dozen hooded KKK members strutted their drag of hatred to an otherwise sparsely-attended Rally. In a move that more elected offials ought to imitate, Governor Tom Ridge attended the alternative community "Unity" rally.

In Lancaster, folks do not need the KKK to cause trouble when it comes to people of color. Last Saturday, 43 individuals were arrested and three police officers injured in a disturbance that followed the city’s Puerto Rican heritage parade. Understandably, parade organizers were angry that hoodlums marred the otherwise positive and worthwhile celebration.

Eleven states, including New Jersey, have laws that extend basic civil rights protections to citizens on the basis of their sexual orientation. Pennsylvania does not. For example, it is currently legal in Pennsylvania to fire or refuse to hire a person because of his or her sexual orientation, according to SPARC, a statewide gay and lesbian civil rights group. The organization held a press conference Tuesday in the Capitol to unveil survey results.

"Despite a clear message from Pennsylvania residents, Senate Republican Leadership continues to prevent a vote on Senate Bill 553, a bill that would add ‘actual or perceived sexual orientation, disability, and ancestry’ to the classes for which bias-related crimes of malicious intent would be considered a hate crime under Pennsylvania law," declared gay activist Steve Black, a SPARC member.

"Senate Bill 553 had been referred to the Judiciary Committee over a year ago. On May 2, the measure moved out of committee to the full Senate and has yet to be voted on because the Republican Leadership refuses to un-table this bill."

"The polls prove what SPARC has been saying all along, that people in PA want an inclusive hate crimes bill and favor laws which protect the rights of sexual minorities. The Republican Leadership is out of touch with their constituents," said Steve Glassman, SPARC co-chairman. "This bill needs to be put for a vote, and the Republican Leadership needs to stop subverting the democratic process."

Specifically, the poll asked 811 adults: "Do you favor or oppose equal rights based on sexual orientation in terms of job opportunities, without supporting affirmative action or offering any special rights?" 55% were "strongly favor" such a protection.

Currently under Pennsylvania hate crimes law, a person who commits an illegal act of violence may receive additional penalties for the crime if the act was motivated by hate based on the victim’s race, religion, or ethnicity. The current hate crime law does not apply to violence motivated by hate based upon the victim’s sexual orientation. The poll asked adults if they "favor or oppose amending the current hate crimes law to include sexual orientation?" 56% "strongly favor" inclusion.

Currently, five cities, including Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, have laws that extend basic civil rights protections to taxpayers based on sexual orientation, but the state of Pennsylvania does not. It is currently illegal in Pennsylvania, except for those five cities, to fire or refuse to hire individuals because of their sexual orientation. 53% of those asked "strongly favor" job protection (without supporting affirmative action or offering any special rights.

Reed and Rotary International District 7390 Governor, Walter Dixon, said the primary focus of the initiative will be to deliver free Hepatitis B, measles, and chicken pox vaccines to school students K-12 throughout the seven-county Area A (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York Counties) starting with Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties. The students in the Newport School District are to be the first to receive these inoculations on October 18.

In addition to providing the children with vaccinations, the partnership will supply pneumonia immunization for at-risk senior citizens. Tom Campbell, Chairman with the District Rotary Literacy Initiative, says that the Masonic Homes Independent Living Community will be the pilot program for the pneumonia immunization. The Rotary District is asking the 48 surrounding Rotary Clubs to contribute $1,000 apiece in sponsorship.

"There have only been six rotaries so far that have given the thousand dollars," says Pat Long, secretary to Newport School District Superintendent and president of the TCAY, Steve Messner. "But there are other rotaries and organizations outside Area A that are giving, too." For instance, Long said that Healthy Solutions will aid in donating the actual medicine for children while Medicaid will be reimbursing the cost for the pneumonia immunizations.

A thirty-minute monthly program that highlights "ordinary people taking innovative, positive steps to make a difference in the environment" also received a Emmy nomination for Best Documentary Program.

Beginning its fourth season, Greenworks for Pennsylvania is currently broadcast on 81 television and public access stations throughout the state and on the Internet, where it can be seen at greenworks.tv.

The 3D large format film, Cirque Du Soleil "Journey of Man", will inspire the theme of the evening. Described as "a celebration of the human spirit that combines the unique artistry and music of Cirque du Soleil with the power, size and impact of IMAX technology," the film follows the different stages of human development from birth to maturity. "The Gala Committee has been working diligently preparing a three ring extravaganza that guests will enjoy and talk about for months to come," said Carole Forker Gibbons, Gala 2000 chairperson.

Thanks to Sony Pictures Classics Films, Gala 2000 guests will be treated to an exclusive showing of this exceptionally artistic 3D film in the Grass/Rite Aid IMAX Theater.

"From the moment of arrival," says Robert Stadnycki, decorations chairperson. "Guests will be greeted by an assortment of jugglers, mimes and acrobats, plus many more surprises to delight the senses." The high wire acts, professional dancers and gymnast film characters will be recreated in extravagant costumes and will mingle, perform and entertain throughout the Gala. Big Tubba Mista’ will provide music for dancing on the stage of the Sunoco Performance Theater, and international jazz pianist Steve Rudolph will be playing in the AMP Grand Lobby.

A choice of gourmet foods prepared by the Hilton Harrisburg and Towers will be provided as will cabaret tables and open bars.

Sponsored and presented by The PNC Financial Services Group and The PNC Foundation, Gala 2000 promises to enthrall everyone.

Tickets to this event are $165.00 per person. Advance reservations are required. Complimentary parking will be available in the Walnut Street Garage.

For more information call Patrick McGraw, Development Coordinator, at (717) 221-8201 extension 2510.

Area M was recognized as Area of the Year for affording opportunities for differently-abled athletes to succeed.

MaryEllen Brown was recognized as Coach of the Year, giving her yet one more perk in her 28-year dedication to the area Special Olympics.

Mayor Reed was recognized as Personality of the Year, for his involvement and promotion of local fundraisers benefiting the Special Olympics.

Beth Greenawalt was awarded the coveted Global Messenger of the Year, given to the athletes who commit to extra training and speaking engagements to recruit both volunteers and athletes, in addition to participating in their sport.

Electronic Data Systems (EDS) was honored as Sponsor of the Year, having been the premier sponsor for the past seven years by coordinating the 1000-athlete event and providing 2,500 of their employees as volunteers.

Messiah College was recognized as School Facility of the Year for their willingness to support the event by opening their campus and dorms to athletes for games, competitions, and training. Messiah even canceled classes so students and faculty could participate in Special Olympic events.