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  #281  
Old Posted Sep 29, 2004, 2:49 AM
wrightchr wrightchr is offline
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this is really cool...hopefully some new pics coming to the city's website.

HARRISBURG GETTING THE “BIG PICTURE” THANKS TO SHIPLEY ENERGY FUEL-O-COPTER
Harrisburg, PA—The City of Harrisburg is obtaining valuable aerial photography for use in promoting the city, courtesy of the Shipley Energy Fuel-o-Copter, Mayor Stephen R. Reed announced today.

Reed said that for more than four decades the Shipley Fuel-o-Copter has been the symbol of service for the Central Pennsylvania-based energy company. The company uses the helicopter to make deliveries to customers who cannot be reached by more conventional means. Historically, its most important role has been delivering fuel oil and service technicians to remote customers following heavy winter snowstorms.

Shipley has been looking for unique ways to reward the communities it serves as part of its ongoing 75th Anniversary Celebration, said Brian Kottcamp, president of Shipley Energy. Shipley offered the city the flight time in the Shipley Fuel-o-Copter, and the city accepted the offer to produce still and video photo- graphy.

“With a growing city and an ever-changing skyline, it is important to keep our image fresh and up-to-date,” said Mayor Reed. “Shipley’s generosity enables us to obtain timely aerial images at no cost to the city.”

The Mayor said the city plans to use the images secured aboard the Shipley Fuel-o-Copter for a variety of purposes, including on WHBG TV20, the city’s website at www.harrisburgpa.gov., and in print materials.

“The City of Harrisburg represents a growing market for Shipley Energy,” said Kottcamp. “This donation gives us the opportunity to say thank you to our existing Harrisburg area customers, and generate awareness about our products and services for those who are not familiar with Shipley and the Fuel-o-Copter.”

A part of the Shipley Group, Shipley Energy is the region’s largest distributor of home heating oil. The Shipley Group companies also market natural gas and sell bulk fuels such as oil, kerosene and propane. The Shipley Group companies also sell, install and service heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, offer indoor air quality services, operate the Tom’s Convenience Stores chain, and provide e-business solutions.
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  #282  
Old Posted Sep 29, 2004, 2:49 AM
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Yeah I heard about all of this craziness. :nuts:

Since I don't live in Cumberland County there's not much I can do. But you guys can fire away, and I encourage you to do so!!!


Commissioners plan action

Rail stance criticism to be addressed in letter to paper, at meeting

Tuesday, September 28, 2004
BY MATT MILLER
Of Our Carlisle Bureau

CARLISLE - Cumberland County commissioners are vowing to answer Mayor Kirk Wilson's criticisms of their stance on a contested commuter rail plan by attending a Borough Council meeting next month.

They also voted yesterday to write a letter of their own, challenging an editorial in The Sunday Patriot-News that criticized their handling of the proposed $76 million Corridor One rail project.

Wilson sent his letter to commissioners last week.

He called the commissioners' demand for a $25 million test of commuter rail on Amtrak's Lancaster-to-Harrisburg line impracticable and pointless. It wouldn't gauge the important West Shore ridership for the commuter line, Wilson claimed.

He also proposed that Corridor One begin with a Carlisle-to-Harrisburg line, instead of the Lancaster-to-Harrisburg-to-Mechanicsburg route now planned.

Commissioners didn't reply directly to Wilson's comments.

Commissioner Rick Rovegno hinted that Wilson's facts may be thin. He said commissioners will share their "voluminous" data on Corridor One with any officials who want to peruse it.

"We encourage all citizens of Cumberland County to contact us with their opinions and concerns" about the rail project, Rovegno said. "We're open to that."

Commissioners will discuss the rail situation with Carlisle leaders during the Oct. 14 public meeting, he said.

The Patriot-News editorial that commissioners are targeting praised Wilson's position and claimed the "intransigence" of the commissioners on the test issue is putting the project in jeopardy.

The paper's editorial board has criticized Cumberland County commissioners for their stances on the rail project before. This time, however, Rovegno said he was disturbed that the editorial accused commissioners of "misinforming" the public.

The editorial at one point labels as a "piece of misinformation" the commission's claims that an Amtrak test would help determine if commuter rail is viable locally.

Commissioners said they drew the test idea from a series of recommendations made by a group of transit experts who reviewed the Corridor One plan for its main proponent, the Modern Transit Partnership.

"I have a strong concern about this," Rovegno said. "This is literally saying that we are misleading the public."

When he volunteered to draft a response to the paper, Commissioners Gary Eichelberger and Bruce Barclay both replied, "Sounds good to me."
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  #283  
Old Posted Sep 30, 2004, 2:19 AM
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^ i wrote them a letter a few months ago basically telling them that they are wrong for opposing the regional rail system when all of the other counties and many organizations have openly supported it. now they want more letters??? i guess i'll start sending them everyday until i leave lol. not that it will do any good...it seems as though they have their own agenda.:nuts:
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  #284  
Old Posted Sep 30, 2004, 11:45 PM
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crazy story of the day...

Wrong-way crash kills man
Woman hospitalized in critical condition


Thursday, September 30, 2004
From staff reports

A Dillsburg-area man died yesterday after a wrong-way crash on Route 15 that left another driver in critical condition and tied up traffic for hours.

Lower Allen Twp. police said the 77-year-old victim was flown to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he died.

Police were withholding his name pending notification of relatives.

The other driver, Iva Hare, 76, of Allendale Road in Upper Allen Twp., was admitted to the medical center in critical condition, a spokeswoman said.

Police said the crash occurred at 11:25 a.m. in the southbound lanes between the Slate Hill Road and Wesley Drive exits.

Police said witnesses told them Hare's car entered the highway at the Wesley Drive exit and went north on the southbound ramp extension that links the two exits.

Hare continued down the exit ramp at Wesley Drive despite attempts by several motorists to stop her, police said.

At some point, Hare merged to her right -- into the right southbound lane -- where her Chevrolet Cavalier collided head-on with the victim's Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.

Police said the pickup rolled onto its side, struck a tractor-trailer parked along the roadway and traveled another 25 feet into a wooded area.

Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles until paramedics and firefighters freed them.

The crash shut the southbound lanes for two hours, creating gridlock at several spots along Route 15. Backlogs extended into Camp Hill to near the West Shore Country Club.

The crash remains under investigation. Police hadn't determined how Hare got on the highway headed the wrong way.

Anyone with information may call police at 975-7575 or Cumberland County Control at 238-9676.
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  #285  
Old Posted Oct 2, 2004, 5:01 PM
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US Airways offers lower fares from HIA

Saturday, October 02, 2004

US Airways, the dominant airline at Harrisburg International Airport, is offering lower fares from 13 Pennsylvania cities, including Harrisburg, to seven West Coast destinations, although several restrictions apply.

The airline's GoFare program, which was introduced in Philadelphia on April 29 and since extended to Washington, D.C., and Florida, offers one-way fares ranging from $89 to $499.

US Airways provided one example of a GoFare ticket price from Harrisburg to San Diego for $159, with service provided by Piedmont, PSA, Trans States or United Airlines through an agreement with US Airways.

"This is great news," HIA spokesman Scott Miller said yesterday. "It's one of those things that should make it easier to fly out of Harrisburg."

The GoFare program is part of a US Airways attempt to lower and simplify its fares. The nation's seventh-largest airline recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in two years.

Other cities where GoFare tickets are available include Allentown, Altoona, Bradford, DuBois, Erie, Franklin, Johnstown, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, State College, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Williamsport.

The one-way GoFare rates are for seats in coach class, with no Saturday night stay requirements. However, travelers are required to purchase round-trip tickets, and the lower fares are only valid for tickets purchased on the Internet at www.usairways.com.

Reservations made by telephone with US Airways cost $5 more, and tickets purchased at airports or city ticket offices are $10 higher.

GoFares don't include taxes and fees. Tickets with the lowest fares must be purchased 14 or 21 days in advance of travel, require a one-night minimum stay and are non-refundable.
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  #286  
Old Posted Oct 2, 2004, 5:04 PM
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NEWS INFORMATION FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED

City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
17 September 2004

NEW HARRISBURG BOOK CENTER & ANTIQUES@MIDTOWN OPENS AT 1507 N. THIRD STREET
Harrisburg, PA—New vitality and enhanced retail opportunity were realized today in the Midtown Market District with the opening of the new Harrisburg Book Center and Antiques@Midtown at 1507 N. Third Street, Mayor Stephen R. Reed noted today in conducting ribbon cutting ceremonies for the unique new Midtown retail attraction.

Formerly housing the Women’s Center for Creative Expression, the new Harrisburg Book Center and Antiques@Midtown are a cooperative project of Eric Papenfus, Catherine Lawrence and Ted Canaday, whose established Midtown Scholar and Canaday’s Old and Rare bookstores have come to serve as anchor attractions for midtown retailing. Their new Midtown Mercantile Company will be joined by ten additional book dealers in the new facility, along with a high end antiques dealership.

Reed said the new book dealers include specialists in Civil War History, African American women’s literature, mysteries and science fiction, military history, interior design, gardening, cookbooks, and hunting and fishing, as well as general interest books, all of which combine to significantly enhance the area’s designation as “Book Row”.

“With the opening of the Harrisburg Book Center,” said the Mayor, “the city has become a premier destination in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. for used book shoppers, surpassing even cities much larger than our size in the diversity and extent of unique book offerings.”

Reed said the 4600 sq. ft. facility will include stands from the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, owned and operated by Eric Papenfus and Catherine Lawrence; Ted L. Canaday’s Old and Rare books; Alan Angele Books; Bananafish Books, owned and operated by Christian and Andie; Bill Bowling Books; Bin 7 Books, owned and operated by Brian Frailey; Charles Wilson Books; Civil War and More, owned and operated by noted midstate Civil War historian Jim Schmick; Compass Rose Bookstore, owned and operated by William Parkinson; Cupboard Maker Books, owned and operated by Michelle and Jason Haring; John Kallman Bookseller; and Penway Books, owned and operated by Barbara McCarthy. The Antiques@Midtown store is owned and operated by David Fleming.

The Mayor said the Harrisburg Book Center and Antiques@Midtown will be open weekends from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through the Fall. Additional hours may be added at a later date. For more information please contact the Harrisburg Book Center at (717) 236.1680, or visit www.MidtownScholar.com.
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  #287  
Old Posted Oct 3, 2004, 2:35 PM
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I haven't really been that into this project to be honest with you. Philly and DC are pretty close, so do we really need a museum like this? I dunno, it could work if it's done right I guess. As long as the mgmt. from the Civil War Museum is not involved it should be okay.


Leaders wait for site, details for African-American musuem

Sunday, October 03, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

Few final details are known about the plans for Harrisburg's $20 million National Museum of African-American History.

It might be at the museum board's preferred site of North Third and Verbeke streets, near the Broad Street Market. Or it could end up on North Sixth and Boas streets.

It could include a jazz club intended to make the museum a more culturally vibrant heritage center. Or it might not.

It likely will have a restaurant, but it might not add another dash of culture by specializing in soul food.

Despite the uncertainties, museum board chairman Fred Clark is confident that the plans will be finalized in the next month and that the museum will break ground next year for a fall 2006 opening.

"The mayor is totally committed to this project," he said. "It's going to happen."

Over the summer, the museum board considered eight proposals from architectural and design teams. The field has been narrowed to proposals from three of the teams.

While refusing to identify the teams or reveal many details, Clark said the design concepts could be adapted to either site and would achieve the goal of a culturally vibrant, fully interactive museum.

It is now up to Mayor Stephen R. Reed to review the proposals and pick a winning concept, a process that Clark said could conclude in the next 30 days.

Finalizing the site and some of the key components of the museum could take a bit longer.

In April, the museum board enthusiastically embraced a plan to locate the museum in the abandoned Furlow building and the adjacent Historic Harrisburg Association building on North Third and Verbeke streets. But the Furlow building was under contract to a York developer, and Historic Harrisburg officials said they were never approached about the plan.

Since then, Clark said, museum officials have reached a deal to lease space in the Furlow building, but they haven't come to an agreement with Historic Harrisburg.

"Time is running out," Clark said of the prospects for a deal.

That's the reason the museum board is still considering the site at Sixth and Boas streets as a backup plan. Most of the land for that site is owned by museum board member Annette Antoun, the editor and publisher of The Paxton Herald.

"It's going to be one or the other," Clark said of the competing sites. "I can't say which right now."

There was also a backlash over a few of the key features the museum board touted as a way of making the facility more successful.

Clark acknowledged objections to the idea of a jazz club as part of the museum, saying some midtown property owners and other club owners have raised concerns.

As a result, Clark said, it's no longer a certainty that the museum would include a jazz club or a soul food restaurant. But he said there would be plenty of other entertainment, including movies, lecture series and an eatery.

"It's neither in nor out at this point," Clark said of a jazz venue. "But I can tell you that we are not looking at a nightclub or anything to compete with the St. Moritz [a jazz club also on North Third Street]. And we are not going to jeopardize the integrity of the two neighborhoods."

Jason Smith, who worked on the museum concept with Clark, said the project risks failure if too many of its unique characteristics are stripped away.

The result, he said, would be a more traditional, static museum that would have trouble attracting patrons, much less repeat visitors.

"I don't think an African-American museum, as such, is viable," said Smith, who owns a downtown design firm. "It needs to be more than that. It needs to be a heritage center. If you rip away too many things, you begin to lose that vision."

Clark said the museum would offer many attractions beyond the usual artifact displays. But he said he can't begin building public and financial support for the project until a site and a final design are chosen.

To pay for the project, Harrisburg is hoping to secure $12 million from the state, then raise matching money. All of that activity is awaiting a final concept for the museum, Clark said.

"We have to get a site and a plan. Then we have to sell it," he said.
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  #288  
Old Posted Oct 4, 2004, 2:46 PM
wrightchr wrightchr is offline
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^ as you know, i've been supportive of this museum. but i am a little skeptical of what historical issues it should cover. i don't know if a "national" theme should be promoted here. harrisburg has a storied history in relation to african american history. from having colored troops serve in the civil war, to the underground rail road, civil rights movement, industrial revolution and railroads...there is much to cover here. i think the museum could have a very successful status covering pennsylvania and local history, as related to african americans. ahh...what do i know, right! anyway, here's another article on shippensburg's homecoming that i found amusing

Homecoming's no excuse
http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/p...9386210590.xml

Thursday, September 30, 2004
Here's a novel excuse for law breaking: It's homecoming.

Apparently some underage drinkers feel this should earn them amnesty from law enforcement. Many of the 94 arrested in the borough over Shippensburg University homecoming were actually indignant that the authorities would crack down on their illegal fun.

And this after the cops and the university had repeatedly and emphatically warned of an "enforcement blitz" planned for last weekend in the borough.

It's not as if the state police and the university administration didn't have anything better to do. Enforcing the laws against underage drinking and rowdy behavior is not an idle diversion intended to torment university students, especially during their annual merry-making with the alumni.

In fact, alcohol-related lawbreaking has reached a critical stage in Shippensburg, as it has in many other Pennsylvania college towns.

Complaints of loud noise, public urination, fighting and other bad behavior have recently convinced the borough to call in reinforcements and crack down.

The result over the weekend was 51 arrests for underage drinking, 19 for disorderly conduct, 14 for public drunkenness, three for driving under the influence, three for scattering rubbish and three for fleeing an officer.

Some students complained that the officers had "unfairly" targeted homecoming weekend for their crackdown, but in truth police said that since classes started in August, most weekends yield a variety of alcohol-related offenses.

But even that is beside the point. Shippensburg is more than just a college campus. It is a borough where 5,500 men, women and children make their homes and go about their business as normally as possible. The townspeople's coexistence with 6,500 undergrads is not always an easy mix, and it takes tolerance and an appreciation for the zest of college life. But these citizens deserve consideration from the university and from their government. Homecoming or not, lawless behavior must be dealt with firmly and effectively.
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  #289  
Old Posted Oct 5, 2004, 5:14 PM
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Preschool program gets $100,000 gift
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

To expand its costly early childhood program for 3- and 4-year-olds, the Harrisburg School District will need more private donations like yesterday's $100,000 pledge from Reynolds Construction, officials said.

In accepting the gift, Mayor Stephen R. Reed set a goal of raising more local money to grow various voluntary, under-funded but effective educational programs needed to improve the city schools.

Reed said there is no better example of a crucial but under-funded venture than Harrisburg's all-day early childhood classes for preschoolers.

"If you want to make sure Pennsylvania has a bright future 15 years from now, fund early childhood today," Reed said.

Began in the 2002-03 years with 180 students, Harrisburg's preschool program has grown to 510 students this year, at a price of $4 million.

But that's about the limit without additional financial help, according to Reed.

The program still falls short of covering the 1,200 3- and 4-year-olds in the city, and there remains a waiting list for spots.

Meanwhile, most of the money for the program comes from local sources, including local taxes, because the program is not required by the state.

"As we raise additional funds, we will expand it," Reed promised. "The goal is to make it citywide for all 3- and 4-year-olds. But we've got to come up with money from local sources and local funds."

Richard Reynolds, CEO of Reynolds Construction Co. and Reynolds Construction Management, called on other companies to pitch in.

"It's the largest amount we've ever given, and I feel good about it," he said. "I challenge my fellow business owners in the community to step up and do the same thing. It's the right thing to do."

In making the donation, Reynolds is taking advantage of provisions of Pennsylvania's tax code that allow companies to make directed donations to school districts in return for state tax credits.

Reed called on other area companies to consider using this tax incentive to buoy the school district as it seeks to raise student performance.
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  #290  
Old Posted Oct 5, 2004, 5:35 PM
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Pedestals exhibit history of city
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
http://www.pennlive.com/living/patri...0880813170.xml

From the Broad Street Market to the Zembo Shrine Temple, Harrisburg's history comes alive on 113 exhibit pedestals mounted on sidewalks throughout the city.

The attractive interpretative panels are one component of the marvelous Harrisburg History Project commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed to educate residents and visitors about the prominent places, people and events that helped shaped the city, state and nation of today.

Featuring vintage photographs, narrative and graphics, the pedestals' panels spotlight the history of buildings and streetscapes that remain or may have vanished or been altered. In most cases, the pedestals are across the street from the subject and often set at an odd angle, a placement that allows viewers to step into history, literally.

"We positioned the pedestal at the location where the original photograph was taken," Reed said. "You can be looking at an 1880s photograph of such and such a location, and we placed the pedestal exactly where that photograph was taken in 1880. You can stand there and gaze at [the subject] to see what it looks like today or what's in its place."

After he was sworn in as mayor Jan. 4, 1982, Reed set his sights on preserving and promoting Harrisburg's heritage. Harrisburg is "extraordinarily rich in history," Reed said in a recent interview. "There are people, places and events in Harrisburg that helped shape the Colonies and the new nation and the evolution of America since and yet it's a story that most people don't know. History tells you about the town that exists today.

"History is not the past. It's really the present. If you want to know about present day America and the society in which we live, you need to know the history of our country. The same is true of local communities. If you want to understand the Harrisburg that exists in 2004 and have a pretty good idea of what it is capable of being in subsequent years, you need to know your history."

A town's history also is a marketable commodity, Reed said. "It's good economic development. When you identify that history, make it accessible to the public, you are enhancing tourism. Tourism is the second biggest industry in both the state and in this region."

In addition to the pedestals, nine eye-level "you are here" locator maps with a key to historic buildings and city sights are now in place.

The Harrisburg History Project has its roots in the Harrisburg City Archives established by Reed. "We now have a repository of Harrisburg-related memorabilia and historical items that can be stored and produced for public exhibit," he said.

The city archives was one source tapped by Jeb Stuart, the city's special projects coordinator, as he researched photographs and information for the pedestals and for a related display in the atrium of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center. He also tapped the resources of the Pennsylvania State Archives, The Historical Society of Dauphin County and the Historic Harrisburg Association.

Stuart began his research in 2001. To organize the pedestal project, the city was divided into districts that correspond to those in the city's walking tour brochures, Stuart said. The pedestals, directory map posts, walking tour brochures and the signs pointing the way to city sights, such as The National Civil War Museum, are color coordinated as part of a wayside signage initiative to make travel for visitors more pleasant. "The intent was to try to pull it all together," Stuart said.

Stuart wrote the draft narratives and Reed, drawing upon his resources, added supplemental material.

The surface of the exhibit panels is 18-by-24-inches, Stuart said. Three pedestals have 24-by-36-inch panels because the subject matter is more detailed, such as the Capitol complex pedestal at Walnut and Aberdeen streets. The pedestals, produced by GS Images of Hagerstown, Md., have been placed over the past year.

Reed said the pedestals "are highly durable in all weather and they are essentially maintenance free other than you have to wipe off the top for any dust or debris." Revenue from the hotel tax has paid for the pedestals, but donations to the history project will be accepted from individuals or businesses. "If anybody wants to contribute, we are happy to have it," he said.

Cornerstone recalls the area's rich history and offers ways to savor it in the present. Write to Mary O. Bradley, Features Department, The Patriot-News, P.O. Box 2265, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or e-mail mbradley@patriot-news.com
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  #291  
Old Posted Oct 6, 2004, 7:48 PM
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New hospital to offer more rehabilitation beds, options
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
BY DAVID WENNER
Of The Patriot-News

A rehabilitation hospital that PinnacleHealth System is building next to its Community General Osteopathic Hospital in Lower Paxton Twp. is expected to open by early 2006.

The $17 million, two-story facility will have 55 beds and specialize in rehabilitating patients recovering from conditions such as stroke, brain and spine injuries and diabetes-related amputation.

Pinnacle recently began work to relocate a parking lot to make way for the new building. A formal ground-breaking ceremony will be held today.

The average stay of patients in the rehabilitation hospital will be about 13 days, and some will stay up to a month, said Melissa Kutz, administrator for rehabilitation services at Pinnacle.

The rehabilitation hospital will share a main entrance with Community General, enabling easy transfer of patients between the two facilities. A new parking lot will be opened along Londonderry Road, Kutz said.

Pinnacle already provides inpatient rehabilitation services at Community General, where it has 18 beds for rehabilitation, and Polyclinic Hospital in the city, where it has 26 rehabilitation beds. All of those rehabilitation beds will move to the new facility.

Kutz said the rehabilitation hospital will improve efficiency and enable Pinnacle to attract more rehabilitation patients.

She noted that the rehabilitation beds at Polyclinic, for example, are housed in a building that is nearly 40 years old and are less attractive to patients than competing facilities, such as HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Mechanicsburg.

Kutz said Pinnacle has upgraded its neurological services at Community General and expects that the availability of both hospital care and rehabilitation for neurological conditions will be attractive to patients.

Neurological conditions, including brain injury and stroke, are the most common reason that people need inpatient rehabilitation, she noted.

"Strategically, we're positioning ourselves so we can provide the continuum of care under one roof, under one umbrella. We want to be very attractive so our community chooses us for care," she said.

Kutz said there's no room for such an expansion at Harrisburg Hospital, which also is owned by Harrisburg based PinnacleHealth.

According to a recent report from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, rehabilitation hospitals in the state saw a jump in profitability in 2003. Average profits last year were nearly 11 percent, up from less than 2 percent in 2002. Regular hospitals had an average profit of only 2.27 percent in 2003, and almost half lost money.

Still, a new Medicare regulation that took effect in July is hurting rehabilitation hospitals, including the local HealthSouth facility, which recently laid off 11 workers.

The so-called "75 percent rule" requires that at least 75 percent of patients must be treated for one of 12 conditions specified by the government to get Medicare reimbursements. Rehabilitation hospitals say the rule forces them to turn away patients they once served, leaving empty beds.

But even with the 75 percent rule, Pinnacle expects obesity-related ailments such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes will create strong demand for its 55 beds, Kutz said.

DAVID WENNER: 255-8172 or dwenner@patriot-news.com
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  #292  
Old Posted Oct 7, 2004, 12:16 AM
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Good stuff!!! The medical field is really taking off around here. It was always good for a metro this size, but it gets better and better with each new project.

Did you get my PM, Chris? Today is the first day this week I had a chance to post. When exactly do you leave? How's tomorrow and Friday look for you?

harrisburger?

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  #293  
Old Posted Oct 7, 2004, 1:31 AM
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hey dave...tomorrow (thurs) looks good for me. either give me a call or PM me your cell number and i'll give you a buzz.
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  #294  
Old Posted Oct 7, 2004, 3:57 AM
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sorry i've been out for a while with computer problems (we had problems with getting DSL installed...stupid verizon).....i'm really sorry i have scheduling conflicts, but this is the worst time of year for me. when i'm not working or going to school, i'm desperately trying to create a good portfolio for college and the couple extra hours i have each week go to my friends. i don't know exactly when you're leaving, but best of luck wrightchr. hopefully you can comeback and visit sometime after christmas (when the porfolio is due)
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  #295  
Old Posted Oct 7, 2004, 12:54 PM
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^i'll be home for christmas, from dec 23-jan 2. i leave saturday, but for the next couple weeks i think i'll just be working days here in harrisburg. i'll have evenings off. so maybe we can still get together in the evening sometime. i know, it's a busy time of year for everyone.
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  #296  
Old Posted Oct 9, 2004, 1:04 AM
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Location: Philadelphia Metro
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Well once again I couldn't get to the forum for a few days. Sorry guys...

Quote:
i leave saturday, but for the next couple weeks i think i'll just be working days here in harrisburg. i'll have evenings off. so maybe we can still get together in the evening sometime.
So you will be around for a few more weeks? I am on "vacation" all next week. I will be in and out of town the whole week, but maybe we will be able to get together sometime? I should be able to get to the forum more regularly over the next few days. Chris, I will PM you my # after I am done with this post. harrisburger, keep us updated. We WILL organize the first HBG forumer meet dammit!!!

Check out this crap.

Officials have screaming match

Friday, October 08, 2004
BY THEODORE DECKER
Of The Patriot-News

Harrisburg City Councilman Otto Banks challenged Council President Richard House to a fight during a war of words inside city hall yesterday, after House had police issue Banks a parking ticket, authorities say.

Multiple witnesses told police Banks screamed a string of threatening obscenities at House inside the city clerk's office around 11 a.m., after House discovered Banks' car parked in a space reserved for the city council president, police said.

Police confirmed that they cited Banks with harassment following the conflict. House was not charged.

"I'll beat your ... ass!" witnesses said Banks hollered, according to a police report. "Let's go outside and settle this, [expletive]!"

Interviewed yesterday afternoon, Banks did not dispute that an argument took place but downplayed its significance.

He denied using some of the stronger language cited by witnesses, including the claim that he called House a "homo."

"Oh, God, no," Banks said. "I wouldn't use that terminology regarding President House."

The dispute, which police said was never physical, ended when City Clerk Vicki Williams got between the men.

"At this time, I think it's inappropriate to make any comments," House said. "I do not want this incident to even remotely appear that it's political."

After receiving House's complaint, police interviewed three employees of the clerk's office, who largely confirmed his version of events.

Police said House arrived at city hall to find that Banks was parked in the council president's spot.

Banks, who does not have his own space, said it is common practice for city leaders with business downtown to park in an open space and let the clerk's office know. He said he did that yesterday.

Police said House sought out a parking enforcement officer to ticket Banks' car.

When Banks discovered the ticket, he tracked House down in the clerk's office and asked if House had "caused him to receive a parking ticket," police reported.

"Damn right I did!" House replied, one witness reported.

The two began yelling at each other. House told police that he did not back down but "would not be goaded into a fistfight," a police report said.

Williams told police Banks accused House of being petty and said to him: "I'll kick your ass. This has been brewing for a long time, bitch."

Williams did not return a call seeking comment.

Banks said the incident was "ridiculous" and had been blown out of proportion. "Harassing President House?" he asked. "Need I say more?

"It's something that should have never even reached the newspaper," he said. "President House and I just had a verbal disagreement. I'm sure we'll come to some sort of amicable solution. We really just need to sit down and work out our differences.

"I always take the high road," Banks said. "It was evidenced by the fact that I walked away. I'm sure that my car left the parking area before his."

Banks asked to prepare a statement, which was released later in the evening:

"Regardless of the provocation, I am deeply sorry the situation occurred," it read. "I regret any misinterpretation of statements I may have made in the heat of the moment. I intended no harm. Most of all I regret the incident, because situations like this make it difficult for the public to have faith and confidence in their elected officials."

"I'm really concerned about the community and the public," he had said earlier. "The last thing that people need to see is their elected officials bicker."
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  #297  
Old Posted Oct 13, 2004, 3:10 PM
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My favorite part about this is that people are starting to care about sprawl, bad planning and the destruction of trees. Not only do they care, but they are speaking out too!!!


W. Hanover to take 2nd look at housing plan

Residents' complaints spur review

Wednesday, October 13, 2004
BY PHYLLIS ZIMMERMAN
For The Patriot-News

After hearing concerns from a half-dozen angry residents, West Hanover Twp. supervisors want a proposal for a housing development on Jonestown Road to go back for further review.

Last week, supervisors agreed to send the proposal to the township planning commission, which will review it again on Oct. 21. The commission -- an advisory body -- earlier had voted against the plan.

Supervisors decided to return the plans to the commission after Lexington Partners, the developer, agreed to a 30-day deadline extension. Without the deadline, the developer's application to the township would have expired.

The developer wants to build Lexington Woods, a cul-de-sac of 33 town homes on seven acres next to Historical Cemetery on Jonestown Road.

Although the land is zoned as residential, opponents of the plan say they believe the number of homes would create too high a population density in that area.

"I'm concerned about the traffic in the area," said Bob Raffensperger, who lives near the site. "There's only going to be one stop sign for 30 town homes. Cars are going to be lined up on the road."

Raffensperger and Patti Estheimer, head of the township's Environmental Advisory Committee, voiced concerns that the proposed site was a "flood plain" and that developer was violating township ordinances by cutting down trees larger than 6 inches in diameter.

Resident Bill Ostermayer, who has worked with the state Forest Stewardship Program Volunteer Initiative Project, said that clearing the land of trees has caused the spread of mile-a-minute vines, a fast-spreading, noxious weed that chokes out other vegetation.

Ostermayer also complained that the developer left "all the good trees there to rot" after clearing the land, rather than harvesting it for lumber.

"It has a variety of trees that only grow in this type of soil -- ash, black cherry, poplar, locust, bitter cherry, red maple, oaks and a good variety of shrubs," said Ostermayer, who also is a member of the township's environmental committee.

Project engineer Rick Castranio, of Alpha Consulting Engineers, said he has met with municipal staff since May and reworked the project's design to meet township specifications.

Developers flagged particular trees to save during construction and designed an on-site stormwater retention pond with two feeder channels, he said.

Township Manager Michael Rimer said township staff -- including the municipal engineer -- has reviewed plans, including those for tree preservation, and said that the blueprints meet all pertinent municipal ordinances.

After the planning commission again reviews the plans, the matter will return to the supervisors on Nov. 1, officials said.
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  #298  
Old Posted Oct 14, 2004, 2:12 AM
wrightchr wrightchr is offline
joining the rail club
 
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Location: Harrisburg, PA
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definately a good addition.

Sorting plant for area mail installs test for anthrax
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News
The latest in testing for anthrax contamination has come to the U.S. Postal Service's Harrisburg Processing and Distribution Center.

A biohazard detection system was attached to each of the five postage canceling machines at the Crooked Hill Road facility in Susquehanna Twp. last Friday.

Designed exclusively for the Postal Service after anthrax mailings killed five people and sickened 17 others in the fall of 2001, the system is already installed in 45 mail processing facilities around the country, postal officials said yesterday in announcing Harrisburg's addition.

"We are now taking a proactive approach to safeguarding our employees and the public," said Ed Burke, central Pennsylvania district manager for the Postal Service.

The Postal Service's $175 million contract with Northrop Grumman, Smiths Detection of Edgewood, Md., and other partners calls for the system to be deployed in 283 processing centers by the end of 2005, according to Harrisburg senior plant manager Sean Lacey.

The system continuously takes air samples as mail passes through the canceling machines and transmits those samples via what looks like a vacuum cleaner hose to a sample preparation and analysis cabinet.

The airborne particles are absorbed into a sterile water base and tested for anthrax DNA.

If a sample comes up positive, the system's computer alerts officials with a red stack-light and horn and they will immediately activate an emergency action and evacuation plan.

The air collection process takes about an hour and the testing phase takes about 30 minutes.

Officials said the system won't slow down mail delivery unless there is a positive test, in which case all the mail inside the plant will be held pending the results of further lab tests that typically take 24 to 48 hours.

If those tests verify the result of the first test "we will go through every letter until we find the letter ... that set the alarm off," Postal Inspector Charles Katerman explained.

It's possible that mail could leave the facility before the testing phase is complete and the alarm goes off. But officials said the farthest the mail would get in that time frame would be into sealed delivery trucks on their way to other post offices.

All trucks will be immediately recalled to the plant if the alarm goes off, they said.

The system has been operating at 15 test sites, including Lancaster and Pittsburgh, since last year and no false positive tests have been reported, Lacey said.

ELLEN LYON: 255-8153 or elyon@patriot-news.com
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  #299  
Old Posted Oct 14, 2004, 1:57 PM
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EastSideHBG EastSideHBG is offline
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Look at this crap!!! Keep it up, City Council, keep it up... Now is NOT the time for people to lose faith in them!!! I don't want HBG's politics to get a bad rap like Philly's. It takes years (even decades) to shake that.


Abrasive tack of politics spreads to City Council

Political feuds intensify among City Council leaders

Thursday, October 14, 2004
BY PETE SHELLEM AND THEODORE DECKER
Of The Patriot-News

The often-nasty tone of the American political scene appears to be trickling down.

From Vice President Dick Cheney's four-letter epithet on the U.S. Senate floor to state Sen. Vince Fumo's gay slur, the incivility found its way to Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday.

City police cited Councilwoman Vera Jean White with harassment after the council Vice President Linda Thompson said White threatened her during an argument.

According to a police report, Thompson and White were arguing prior to a council meeting over a Thompson resolution to honor legislative candidate Dan Holt for his work with community youth.

White claimed the resolution would promote the Democrat Holt's candidacy in the 106th House District against incumbent John Payne, a Republican. The House seat represents eastern Dauphin County and does not include Harrisburg.

Thompson denied White's claim. Things went downhill from there.

Thompson, whose story was backed up by a city clerk, said White drew back her arm as if to strike and said, "If you call me a name again, I'll smack your teeth out," according to the police report.

Councilman Otto Banks stepped between the pair, police said.

The latest incident in an ongoing battle between White and Thompson comes on the heels of Banks being cited with harassment after allegedly threatening Council President Richard House on Oct. 7. Police said House had Banks cited for parking in House's reserved parking spot.

Harassment is a summary offense, similar to a traffic ticket. White must appear before District Justice Marsha Stewart and request a hearing or plead guilty. If White pleads guilty, she could be fined.

While it might appear that City Council has devolved to an episode of "The Jerry Springer Show," similar incidents have occurred in more grandiose settings.

On Tuesday, Sen. Robert Mellow, the state Democratic leader in the Senate, reportedly called Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll "too old" and "incompetent" during a outburst overheard by other senators.

A week earlier, state Sen. Vince Fumo apologized for calling Republican leaders "faggots" during a heated debate.

Things had not cooled down yesterday between the two councilwomen.

Thompson said she reported the incident because she has let similar incidents slide.

"This woman continues to attack me," Thompson said. "Last time she did, I didn't do anything about it, but I can't continue to condone this kind of behavior."

White countered that Thompson was the aggressor and denied threatening her. She said Thompson should have been cited instead.

"She [Thompson] is out of control," White said. "When she starts to rant and rave, I immediately get out of her way.

"I wasn't heated. Maybe she was."

White said council leaders shouldn't use city police as pawns in such situations.

"Why do the president and the vice president feel that they should use the police against council members?" White asked. "We have drug dealers on the corners."
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  #300  
Old Posted Oct 14, 2004, 2:01 PM
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EastSideHBG EastSideHBG is offline
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You can really see the effects of projects like this already. My one friend and I were downtown one day, and in the section we were sitting in, we were the only ones speaking English!!! There were nationalities from everywhere around us and we picked up on at least 3 different languages.


Board OKs loan for International House expansion

Thursday, October 14, 2004
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

The Harristown Development Corp. board yesterday approved lending up to $250,000 to one of its companies, Harrisburg Realty Improvements Corp., for expansion of the International House.

The 25-year loan, at an interest rate of not less than 5 percent, will be used for fitting out and furnishing additional student apartments, according to Neal West, Harristown vice president for real estate and general counsel.

International House, which houses foreign and domestic students, now spans several properties on Chestnut Street in downtown Harrisburg.

The board also approved a $1.26 million equity contribution to Harristown Holding Co. Inc., for development of the new International Place at Third and Chestnut streets.

In addition, the board voted to guarantee rent payments on a 10-year lease that Harrisburg Hotel Corp., also a Harristown company, signed for approximately 9,000 square feet of space in International Place.

The space will be used for a culinary school and restaurant operated by Hilton Harrisburg & Towers and Harrisburg Area Community College, West said.

In other action at yesterday's Harristown meeting, Byron Quann, president and CEO of the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, was appointed to replace retiring board member John F. Frye Jr.

Frye, a charter member of the board since Harristown's founding in 1974, was elected an emeritus director.

Board member Bill Alexander was selected to replace Frye in the board vice president's position.

The board also honored Patrick Shull, Sean Tagle and Jim Rochon -- employees of Harrisburg Property Services, another Harristown company -- for administering cardio-pulmonary resuscitation to a Hilton guest.

Shull spotted the guest in cardiac arrest in the hotel lobby on Sept. 8 and radioed for help. Tagle and Rochon, both CPR instructors with Harristown, showed up and the three men performed CPR on the guest for about 10 minutes until an ambulance arrived, Shull said.

They received citizen commendations from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire.
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