News Clues: March 1, 2001

News Clues
Just Enough News To Keep You Wondering

Mayor Delivers State of City Address
On February 28, Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed delivered his 19th annual State of the City Address.

In his address, Reed commented on the status of the City today as a thriving economic and cultural community in comparison to its condition in the 1980s, when the State of the City address first began — a time when Harrisburg was on the verge of bankruptcy and few people harbored “much prospect to the idea of resurgence.”

“That is why what has occurred in Harrisburg in this current era is so important, said Reed, commenting on the change the city has undergone in the past two decades. “It sends a message to the nation that no circumstance is hopeless nor without resolution … and that cities and older towns, by making progress, can re-establish themselves as viable places in which to live, work, invest and visit.”

In his summation of the year 2000, Reed made note of a number of occurrences, many of which largely impacted the economic and communal life of the city: the number of businesses on the City taxrolls increased by 300, to a total of 5,566 by year’s end; the expansion and development of the downtown area continued — with the opening of the Crowne Plaza and the refurbishing of the Hilton Hotel, the construction of a multi-level parking garage along River Street, and the addition of 12 new restaurants and entertainment facilities; the creation of the Downtown Improvement District Authority; and the great success of the area’s cultural centers, from Whitaker Center, which welcomed over 375,000 visitors during its first year of operation to the newly dedicated National Civil War Museum. The Mayor also noted that the City did not have an increase in taxes in the New Year.

Of interest to many, Reed spoke on the take-over of the Harrisburg School District, stating that, at two months into the transition, the present goal is to “complete the current school year in as good a fashion as possible, all the while fashioning a long-range plan for the reform and improvement of public education.”

Reed continued, “… The preliminary assessment of the district shows it to be a very troubled institution. Its problems did not occur overnight … nor shall they be entirely resolved with quick, easy solutions. At a minimum, it will take two to three years for a major overhaul of public education to be fully in place. There is no time to lose in doing so…”

Stating that a complete review of every aspect of district operations is now underway, the Mayor reiterated that those involved are “resolute in the determination that public education shall reform and improve … that our children shall have the best available opportunity to learn, to grow and to prosper … and that the conduct of educational affairs shall be in a professional and fully accountable manner.”

In closing, Reed discussed a variety of projects slated for the remainder of the current year, naming the upgrading of the State Farm Show Complex and the continuation of the City’s efforts to eliminate blighted structures as a few of more than 100 tasks to be undertaken in the upcoming months.

“…It is clear that Harrisburg’s resurgence … it’s renaissance … its aspiration to reach higher heights … continues. Much more can and shall be done,” said Reed. “Emboldened by success, undaunted by our remaining challenges, and resolute in our commitment to Harrisburg achieving greatness, we begin in this first year of the new Century.”

Susquehanna Art Museum Mentioned
in International Arts Magazine
The Susquehanna Art Museum was recently mentioned in the internationally circulated arts magazine, Arts Papers. In the January/February issue of the magazine, the Museum was praised for the “Minding Glass” exhibit, a display that ran from mid-July through September, 2000. According to the review, the 11 pieces in the glass show presented a “small yet varied arrangement of beautiful objects which are rich in concept.” It cited several works in the exhibit, including Massimo Antonaci’s “Inzio/Beginning,” Christopher Wilmarth’s “Gnomon’s Parade (Noon),” and Kristin Oppenheim’s “Ruby” and “Sabe.”

Published six times a year, Art Papers has an annual circulation of 100,000 and is sold at bookstores, newsstands, galleries, and museum shops.

TEN Program a Success
A new Dauphin County-administered program for at-risk children in the Harrisburg School District has earned a perfect ten. Referred to as “TEN,” an acronym for the ideals of the program — teaching, enhancing, and nurturing — the program targets 10 year olds “in an effort to improve academic and interpersonal skills before they enter their teen years.”

One of the only school districts in the country to have this type of forward-thinking prevention program, TEN has proven its worth in Harrisburg. According to a information released by the county, most participating students have gone up two whole letter grades in reading and math, and 65% of the students received satisfactory classroom conduct grades, an increase of 38% percent. In addition, 97% of the children in TEN were promoted to the next grade.

TEN also encourages self-esteem and provides needed attention to the children. “This program is both compassionate and cost-effective,” said County Commissioner Lowman Henry. “It promotes self-esteem, prevents delinquency, and facilitates school success, improving the quality of life for everyone.”

Commissioner John Payne agreed. “For many of these children the critical step in preserving their future is a positive adult role model,” he explained. “…Through the Children and Youth Department, we’re providing people who care about the children and who are genuinely interested in breaking the cycle of neglect and abuse.”

In its two-year existence, TEN has helped nearly 170 children.

Historic Harrisburg Association Establishes Grant Program
The Historic Harrisburg Association has announced the establishment of a first-ever Community Historic Preservation Fund Award Program. The program will allocate a total of $5,000 in matching funds to help cover the costs of physical improvements for the preservation of buildings in the city of Harrisburg.

According to Andrew Deitch, Chairman of the Community Historic Preservation Fund Council of Trustees, the Council is pleased to have established the program in furthering historic preservation projects. Deitch added that the awards will be required to be matched by at least an equal dollar amount from other sources so as to maximize the scope and impact of the proposed projects.

Homeowners, businesses, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. All applications must be received by March 15. Announcement of awards will be made on May 14, as part of the National Historic Preservation Week ceremonies.
For information, contact the Historic Harrisburg Association, 233-4646.