7:00 p.m.: Unitarian Church, West Chestnut St., Lancaster City
At the Unitarian Universalist Church on West Chestnut Street, they had seen 410 voters as of 7:00 p.m. This is roughly 55% of the total number of registered voters in the precinct, which is 745. Eldon E. Schiefer is the Judge of Elections and has been working the polls there for 35 years. One of the Clerks of Election for the precinct shared that 20 provisional ballots had been cast at the polling place, and about 15 voters mistakenly came there thinking it was their polling place. They generally insist on the paper ballots, but some voters still elect to use the eSlate. In fact, some 40 voters had used the eSlate throughout the course of the day. The Clerk of Elections shared that there was a line with about a 10-minute wait when they first opened at 7:00 a.m., but 12 hours later things had died down considerably. They said they had one instance where an eScan machine jammed when they tried to insert a ballot. After a bit of playing with the ballot and re-trying it, the machine eventually accepted it. The staff reported no problems, except one cantankerous man who they said seemed mentally disturbed and kept angrily insisting that Republicans and Democrats should have separate polling places. A Democratic party poll watcher was present for much of the day, and there was a girl out front of the polling place promoting Home Rule.
7:30 p.m.: Lancaster County Courthouse (Lancaster City)
With the evening drawing to a close, the workers at the Lancaster County Courthouse polling place indicated that 526 voters out of about 1,000 in the precinct came out to vote. Antonia Hinnenkamp, an Inspector of Elections, estimated that turnout was 1/3 higher than it has been for previous Presidential elections. 63 people chose to vote on the eSlate. The wait time was, at most, 10-15 minutes, and that occurred primarily in the morning when they first opened. Hinnenkamp said that voters seemed very enthusiastic and proud about voting in this election. She shared that she encountered individuals who had snuck out of the hospital to vote because they were still wearing their wristbands and garments. Julia Ortiz, a Millersville University student who speaks Spanish was essential in translating for the approximately 30 Spanish-only speaking voters who came out to vote. They issued 28 provisional ballots for individuals whose residence in the precinct could not immediately be verified. A Democratic Party poll watcher had been present for much of the day, and there were people promoting Home Rule outside in the lobby area. They reported no behavioral problems and no trouble with the voting machines.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Afternoon Election Day updates
1:30 p.m.: Evangelical United Methodist Church (New Holland Borough, First District)
At the Evangelical United Methodist Church in New Holland, they had seen 482 voters as of about 1:45 p.m, according to Judge of Elections Don Weaver. There are 1,279 registered voters in the precinct. Both Weaver and the two present poll watchers - one from the McCain/Palin campaign and the other from the Obama/Biden campaign - indicated that they did not encounter any troublesome voter behavior within the polling place, although one of the poll watchers noted that a democratic-supporter outside the polling place had gotten into a tussle with a voter of the opposite persuasion earlier in the day. I did not see anyone outside of the door I entered, but it was lightly raining at the time. Weaver said that four or five provisional ballots were cast when the residency/identity of an individual could not be immediately determined. He and his fellow poll workers indicated that the Elections Bureau instructed them to offer voters the paper ballots first, but to permit them to use the eSlate if requested. Weaver said that 49 persons had used the eSlate, including three of four disabled persons. Weaver indicated that 15-20 people were waiting outside the polling place when they first opened the doors at 7:00 a.m. There was virtually no line at the time of visit. He also said that seven ballots had to be "spoiled" and re-issued when voters did not mark the ballots properly. When a voter does not mark the ballot properly (e.g. votes more than once), the eScan ballot reader is designed to spit the ballot back out. Asked how turnout in this election compares to that in previous ones, Weaver said it was difficult to tell since the church is a new polling place, split off from a previous one - the fire hall.
3:00 p.m.: Ephrata Township Municipal Building (Ephrata Township, Murrell-District)
At the Ephrata Township Municipal Building, about 814 people had voted as of shortly after 3:00 p.m. There are about 1,800 people in the district, according to Judge of Elections Joan Zerby. In 2004, they saw about 1,000 people turn out. "I have a feeling that we'll hit at least twelve or thirteen hundred," she said. Zerby went on to note that the wait time for voting was "ten minutes max" but as I was leaving my interview with the poll workers, a longer line seemed to be quickly forming in the hallway. The staff noted that one poll watcher was present, from the Lancaster County Republicans. She was noting the names of those who had not yet voted so that they could be called and reminded to vote. Zerby shared that a ballot got stuck in one of the eScan machines at one point. The ballot had been scanned but did not completely drop into the storage bin beneath. She said she and her fellow poll workers were able to pull the ballot out of the machine fully intact. Eileen Beccone, one of the Clerks of Elections, noted that two or three provisional ballots had been issued to individuals whose identity/residency status could not be immediately verified. Two individuals came to the wrong polling place. Beccone estimated that a third of voters in her precinct choose to use the eSlate rather than the paper ballot. There were representatives of both the Obama campaign and a "Vote NO on Home Rule" group in the lobby of the building. They made themselves available to talk, but did not seem pushy.
4:45 p.m.: Quarryville Borough Office (Borough of Quarryville)
A cold rain didn't stop voters from waiting at least a half hour to vote down in Quarryville. That was the length one young man at the front of the line indicated he had been waiting. Although it may have grown a little, there has been a sizable line all day, says Judge of Elections John Haneman.
According to Haneman, 813 people had voted when he was queried shortly before 5 p.m. That's a little more than 50% of the precinct's 1,575 eligible voters. Haneman says that in the 2004 Presidential Electon, turnout reached 90%. He expects to meet or exceed that figure this time.
Haneman says that he has issued 13 provisional ballots to persons whose identity could not immediately be verified, and that eight to ten persons had mistakenly come to the Quarryville Municipal Building thinking that it was their polling place when it was not.
Poll watchers from both major political parties have made visits to the precinct. A representative of the Republican Party was seen in the lobby of the building, distributing literature.
Haneman says that, although he affirmatively offers the paper ballots, the proportion of voters who elect to use the paper ballots as opposed to the machine is about 50/50.
Haneman said that would-be voters must be in line at 8:00 p.m. At that time, he says, a constable will stand at the end of the line and no one else will be allowed into the line. But as long as you get in line before 8:00 p.m., they are obligated to let you vote, no matter how long the line is.
Something to be proud of....
Somewhere from the commissioners down, word went out to poll workers to encourage voters to use paper ballots and only make use of the electronic voting machines when a specific request is made or they would be helpful to the physically disadvantaged.
The paper ballots are scanned and tallied, but remain available should there be any glitch or reasonable concern about the accuracy of the voter count.
The paper ballots are scanned and tallied, but remain available should there be any glitch or reasonable concern about the accuracy of the voter count.
Something to be ashamed of....
Despite the League of Women Voters and virtually all newspapers throughout the country taking a clear position against the reporting of exit polls prior to the close of the local election day, the New Era once again ignored criticism and reported not only on the national scene but also the local Home Rule question.
The latter is especially reprehensible, since the suggestion of a one sided vote might influence votes and discourage those on the minority side from voting on the issue or even showing up.
The community should hold Editor Ernest Schreiber responsible for this breach of ethical journalistic practices. Prior disregard of industry practice was poor judgment on his part. But ignoring criticism of his paper's conduct, especially by the League, is arrogant and irresponsible.
The latter is especially reprehensible, since the suggestion of a one sided vote might influence votes and discourage those on the minority side from voting on the issue or even showing up.
The community should hold Editor Ernest Schreiber responsible for this breach of ethical journalistic practices. Prior disregard of industry practice was poor judgment on his part. But ignoring criticism of his paper's conduct, especially by the League, is arrogant and irresponsible.
11 a.m. Election Day update
8 a.m.: Carter & MacRae Elementary School (Lancaster City 4th Ward, 1st Precinct)
Just after 8:00 a.m., the poll workers at Carter & MacRae Elementary School at 251 S. Prince St. had seen 64 voters. Although there was not a long line, voters were streaming into the polling place at a sporadic but ongoing pace. I kept having to wait to talk to the election workers, since they were so busy. Judge of Elections Glenn Brooks described the pace as "nutty." There have been no errors with the voting machines and no disruptive behavior by voters or those accompanying them. Dick Kamety, a Clerk of Elections for the precinct, indicated that a ballot or two had to be spoiled and re-issued when a voter accidentally filled in the circles for two different individuals for the same office. Three of the five poll workers speak Spanish, which is essential in their very urban precinct. They also had issues with people coming to the wrong polling place. Brooks was frequently on the phone with the elections board, trying to help voters determine their designated polling place. Approximately seven people had mistakenly come to Carter & MacRae as of this writing. A local lawyer, Jim Kearney, was volunteering as a poll watcher for the Obama campaign. He indicated that he had not yet seen anything to raise concerns with him and that the other poll workers "know a lot of the people by name" and "seem to be doing a great job." Kamety suggested that the turnout as of about 8:30 a.m. was already about as high as the total turnout for the Presidential Primary Election in May. Poll workers indicated that the large majority of voters prefer to vote by paper ballot. In one interesting incident, a voter wanted to exit the polling place through interior doors that led to a school hallway. Although on the phone, Brooks blocked the doorway and repeatedly told the individual that he had to exit directly to the outside. The incident underscored the concern officials have about school safety. Indeed, a number of local schools are no longer used as polling places due to concerns about safety.
9 a.m.: First Assembly of God (Lancaster Township 7th District)
By 9 a.m. at the First Assembly of God Church at 1025 Columbia Ave., 256 people had voted, according to Judge of Elections Terry Finger. "We're having a good day," she said. She reported no problems with either voting machines or voters. She reported that only one or two voters had come to the wrong place. When the polls opened at 7:00 a.m., a line had already formed. Besides that initial line, she said, the wait has been no longer than five minutes or so in duration. The majority of voters choose the paper ballot, although two eSlate electronic machines are also available. Outside, assertive volunteers were handing out literature promoting Jose Urdaneta, Barack Obama, and the Home Rule Charter. Finger suggested that turnout was running high for this Presidential election compared to previous ones, but cautioned, "It's hard to say. We'll know at the end of the day." She also revealed that she had not spoken with any reporters from the Lancaster Newspapers.
9:45 a.m.: J.P. McCaskey High School (6th Ward, 6th Precinct)
J.P. McCaskey High School had seen 90 voters as of about 10:00 a.m. Judge of Elections Joyce Hall indicated that there are 542 voters on the roll for that precinct, and that turnout in November 2004 was 266 at the end of the day. Voters entered the polling place at a trickle, but enough to keep the poll workers on their toes, Hall indicated that there was a line when they first opened at 7:00 a.m. That line included about 24 people, she said. She said that she understood from training that poll workers are to offer voters the paper ballot and allow them to use the eSlate only if the voter specifically requests to do so. No one had yet asked to use the eSlate, according to Hall. She also had to issue one provisional ballot to a voter whose residency in the precinct could not be immediately determined. No poll watchers, advocates, or reporters had been noted at the polling place, up until the time of my visit, according to Hall.
10:40 a.m.: Millersville Fire Company (Millersville Borough, District 3)
At the Millersville Fire Company, they had seen approximately 360 voters as of about 10:45 a.m. There are about 2,600 registered voters in the precinct, according to Judge of Elections Steve St. John. He indicated, "We've been instructed to give [voters] a paper ballot" The eSlates are also available and a handful of voters had asked to vote on the eSlates, which St. John says they are permitted to do upon request. He reported no problems with the voting machines or behavioral issues with the electorate. He did have to issue approximately 15 provisional ballots to persons whose residency status could not be immediately determined. Millersville being a college town with large numbers of college students frequently in transition in or out of the precinct, the issue is not uncommon. A lawyer who had volunteered to be a poll watcher for the Obama campaign was seated at a nearby table. He declined to give his name, but said he hadn't seen any issues, noting "These folks are doing a nice job." St. John said that there was a line when the polls first opened, but that the maximum wait time has been about 8-10 minutes. He said he had not encountered any reporters from the Lancaster Newspapers. The Minority Inspector of Elections for the precinct, John R. Steman, said he thinks the turnout has been "more than I've seen in any past election." Outside were two more Obama poll watchers, who indicated that they had not encountered any problems, and Home Rule advocates, distributing literature. One of them was Bill Saylor, who sat on the Government Study Commission that crafted the charter before the voters for a decision today.
Check back here throughout the day for periodic updates on our polling place observations throughout the county.
Just after 8:00 a.m., the poll workers at Carter & MacRae Elementary School at 251 S. Prince St. had seen 64 voters. Although there was not a long line, voters were streaming into the polling place at a sporadic but ongoing pace. I kept having to wait to talk to the election workers, since they were so busy. Judge of Elections Glenn Brooks described the pace as "nutty." There have been no errors with the voting machines and no disruptive behavior by voters or those accompanying them. Dick Kamety, a Clerk of Elections for the precinct, indicated that a ballot or two had to be spoiled and re-issued when a voter accidentally filled in the circles for two different individuals for the same office. Three of the five poll workers speak Spanish, which is essential in their very urban precinct. They also had issues with people coming to the wrong polling place. Brooks was frequently on the phone with the elections board, trying to help voters determine their designated polling place. Approximately seven people had mistakenly come to Carter & MacRae as of this writing. A local lawyer, Jim Kearney, was volunteering as a poll watcher for the Obama campaign. He indicated that he had not yet seen anything to raise concerns with him and that the other poll workers "know a lot of the people by name" and "seem to be doing a great job." Kamety suggested that the turnout as of about 8:30 a.m. was already about as high as the total turnout for the Presidential Primary Election in May. Poll workers indicated that the large majority of voters prefer to vote by paper ballot. In one interesting incident, a voter wanted to exit the polling place through interior doors that led to a school hallway. Although on the phone, Brooks blocked the doorway and repeatedly told the individual that he had to exit directly to the outside. The incident underscored the concern officials have about school safety. Indeed, a number of local schools are no longer used as polling places due to concerns about safety.
9 a.m.: First Assembly of God (Lancaster Township 7th District)
By 9 a.m. at the First Assembly of God Church at 1025 Columbia Ave., 256 people had voted, according to Judge of Elections Terry Finger. "We're having a good day," she said. She reported no problems with either voting machines or voters. She reported that only one or two voters had come to the wrong place. When the polls opened at 7:00 a.m., a line had already formed. Besides that initial line, she said, the wait has been no longer than five minutes or so in duration. The majority of voters choose the paper ballot, although two eSlate electronic machines are also available. Outside, assertive volunteers were handing out literature promoting Jose Urdaneta, Barack Obama, and the Home Rule Charter. Finger suggested that turnout was running high for this Presidential election compared to previous ones, but cautioned, "It's hard to say. We'll know at the end of the day." She also revealed that she had not spoken with any reporters from the Lancaster Newspapers.
9:45 a.m.: J.P. McCaskey High School (6th Ward, 6th Precinct)
J.P. McCaskey High School had seen 90 voters as of about 10:00 a.m. Judge of Elections Joyce Hall indicated that there are 542 voters on the roll for that precinct, and that turnout in November 2004 was 266 at the end of the day. Voters entered the polling place at a trickle, but enough to keep the poll workers on their toes, Hall indicated that there was a line when they first opened at 7:00 a.m. That line included about 24 people, she said. She said that she understood from training that poll workers are to offer voters the paper ballot and allow them to use the eSlate only if the voter specifically requests to do so. No one had yet asked to use the eSlate, according to Hall. She also had to issue one provisional ballot to a voter whose residency in the precinct could not be immediately determined. No poll watchers, advocates, or reporters had been noted at the polling place, up until the time of my visit, according to Hall.
10:40 a.m.: Millersville Fire Company (Millersville Borough, District 3)
At the Millersville Fire Company, they had seen approximately 360 voters as of about 10:45 a.m. There are about 2,600 registered voters in the precinct, according to Judge of Elections Steve St. John. He indicated, "We've been instructed to give [voters] a paper ballot" The eSlates are also available and a handful of voters had asked to vote on the eSlates, which St. John says they are permitted to do upon request. He reported no problems with the voting machines or behavioral issues with the electorate. He did have to issue approximately 15 provisional ballots to persons whose residency status could not be immediately determined. Millersville being a college town with large numbers of college students frequently in transition in or out of the precinct, the issue is not uncommon. A lawyer who had volunteered to be a poll watcher for the Obama campaign was seated at a nearby table. He declined to give his name, but said he hadn't seen any issues, noting "These folks are doing a nice job." St. John said that there was a line when the polls first opened, but that the maximum wait time has been about 8-10 minutes. He said he had not encountered any reporters from the Lancaster Newspapers. The Minority Inspector of Elections for the precinct, John R. Steman, said he thinks the turnout has been "more than I've seen in any past election." Outside were two more Obama poll watchers, who indicated that they had not encountered any problems, and Home Rule advocates, distributing literature. One of them was Bill Saylor, who sat on the Government Study Commission that crafted the charter before the voters for a decision today.
Check back here throughout the day for periodic updates on our polling place observations throughout the county.
Monday, November 3, 2008
City to apply for state funding for Central Market, Stevens & Smith site
At their next meeting on Nov. 11, Lancaster City Council will consider two resolutions authorizing applications to the state for funding for both renovations to the Central Market building and for facade work at the Historic Stevens & Smith site, adjoining the Convention Center.
Central Market is expecting $3.5 million in state funding, and the Stevens & Smith Historic Site is expecting $3 million.
Both allocations were promised by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell in a Lancaster County press conference in August.
Managers of the Stevens & Smith site are under considerable pressure to ready the building in time for the opening of the Convention Center in March, as is their plan.
More on the Stevens & Smith site to follow in the near future.
Central Market is expecting $3.5 million in state funding, and the Stevens & Smith Historic Site is expecting $3 million.
Both allocations were promised by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell in a Lancaster County press conference in August.
Managers of the Stevens & Smith site are under considerable pressure to ready the building in time for the opening of the Convention Center in March, as is their plan.
More on the Stevens & Smith site to follow in the near future.
What's happening around Lancaster this week?
On Monday, Nov. 3, Theology on Tap discussion offers “Politics and Faith: Is it possible?” by Dr. Lee Barrett. The series is sponsored by St. James Episcopal Church to “share a setting where challenging and complex current cultural and religious faith issues are presented, shared and discussed.” The group meets at Annie Baileys, 28 E. King St., the first Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For details, contact Randy Harris at 717-808-2941, or the church office 717-397-4858.
Tuesday, Nov. 4. is Election Day. The polls open at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until at least 8:00 p.m. You can find your polling here. Once the polls have closed, the County Elections Bureau will begin to post the local results of the election here. We encourage you to let us know how your voting experience went by sending us an e-mail at info@newslanc.com.
Starting November 6, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster presents A Christmas Carol. "Journey back to Victorian London, 1843 for a classic tale that shows it's never too late to change. Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and many other lovable characters as they enchant hearts and souls for the evening. Times and prices vary; see website for details." Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is located at 510 Centerville Rd.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Millersville University is showing the free film, Rain In A Dry land, as part of its Humanities Film Series. "‘Rain in a Dry Land’ provides eye-opening answers as it chronicles the fortunes of two Somali Bantu families transported by relief agencies from years of civil war and refugee life to Atlanta, Georgia, and Springfield, Massachusetts." Starts at 7:00 p.m. in Myers Audtorium in McComsey Hall (off of West Frederick St.) in Millersville.
Friday, Nov. 7 is the premiere of The Newsteam Trio at the Pennsylvania Academy of Music. "World premier performance of a composition by American composer Seymour Barab by The Newstead Trio (Michael T. Jamanis, violin, Sara Male, cello, Xun Pan, piano)." Tickets are $25. Visit http://www.paacademymusic.com/concerts.php for tickets and information.
This Friday, Nov. 7 is a "First Friday" in downtown Lancaster. "Over 90 art venues and shops extend their hours to 9 p.m. - some even later! For a complete listing of monthly First Friday activities, visit LancasterArts.com." A lot of people come downtown for First Friday. The atmosphere is very festive.
On First Friday from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., you can "Experience the uplifting energy of Kirtan, a form of group chanting from ancient India. Afterwards enjoy a sampling of delicious Ayurvedic vegetarian foods, flavored with exotic and healing Indian spices - presented by Spice of Life, Lancaster" at The Yoga Path, 428 North Duke St. The price is $10.
Also on First Friday, Mulberry Art Studios is hosting the Lancaster Veterans Art Project. "This is a display presented by veterans doing their own artwork to honor other veterans. We will be having a reception on First Friday, Nov. 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m." There is no charge for admission. Mulberry Art Studios is located at 21 North Mulberry St.
Also on First Friday, the Lancaster Museum of Art's exhibit and sale, "Trees Galore 08" opens with a reception. "The Museum’s annual holiday exhibition featuring art work for sale and silent auction by regional artists and friends of the Museum." 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Lancaster Museum of Art is located at 135 North Lime St.
Starting on First Friday, the Demuth Museum presents "David Brumbach Unbound: Pages from His Book." "For the first time, this exhibit brings together the notebook that David Brumbach created while at Lancaster General undergoing treatment for diabetes. In addition, the exhibit will feature a retrospective overview of David's incredibly facile and unique artworks celebrating what would have been his sixtieth birthday." The exhibit will debut on First Friday starting at 5:00 p.m. and run until Jan. 4. The museum's normal hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasburg is holding a "Taking the Swing Train 1940s Dance" on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. "Swing to the popular Sound of Roses live band among the trains in the Rolling Stock Hall. Come in uniform or 1940s clothing, if you wish, to jump, jive and swing the evening away." Tickets are required and start at $15. The Pennsylvani Railroad Museum is located at 300 Gap Rd. in Strasburg.
Also in Strasburg on November 8, the Strasburg Railroad is running a Wine & Cheese Train at 6:00 p.m. "While enjoying the sights, taste rich cheeses and flavorful wines, getting full authentic experience of the Wine & Cheese Train. Passengers must be 21 years or older, and a photo ID is required to board the car." $30 tickets required. Visit http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/wine-and-cheese.php for advance tickets and further information.
Tuesday, Nov. 4. is Election Day. The polls open at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until at least 8:00 p.m. You can find your polling here. Once the polls have closed, the County Elections Bureau will begin to post the local results of the election here. We encourage you to let us know how your voting experience went by sending us an e-mail at info@newslanc.com.
Starting November 6, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster presents A Christmas Carol. "Journey back to Victorian London, 1843 for a classic tale that shows it's never too late to change. Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and many other lovable characters as they enchant hearts and souls for the evening. Times and prices vary; see website for details." Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is located at 510 Centerville Rd.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Millersville University is showing the free film, Rain In A Dry land, as part of its Humanities Film Series. "‘Rain in a Dry Land’ provides eye-opening answers as it chronicles the fortunes of two Somali Bantu families transported by relief agencies from years of civil war and refugee life to Atlanta, Georgia, and Springfield, Massachusetts." Starts at 7:00 p.m. in Myers Audtorium in McComsey Hall (off of West Frederick St.) in Millersville.
Friday, Nov. 7 is the premiere of The Newsteam Trio at the Pennsylvania Academy of Music. "World premier performance of a composition by American composer Seymour Barab by The Newstead Trio (Michael T. Jamanis, violin, Sara Male, cello, Xun Pan, piano)." Tickets are $25. Visit http://www.paacademymusic.com/concerts.php for tickets and information.
This Friday, Nov. 7 is a "First Friday" in downtown Lancaster. "Over 90 art venues and shops extend their hours to 9 p.m. - some even later! For a complete listing of monthly First Friday activities, visit LancasterArts.com." A lot of people come downtown for First Friday. The atmosphere is very festive.
On First Friday from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., you can "Experience the uplifting energy of Kirtan, a form of group chanting from ancient India. Afterwards enjoy a sampling of delicious Ayurvedic vegetarian foods, flavored with exotic and healing Indian spices - presented by Spice of Life, Lancaster" at The Yoga Path, 428 North Duke St. The price is $10.
Also on First Friday, Mulberry Art Studios is hosting the Lancaster Veterans Art Project. "This is a display presented by veterans doing their own artwork to honor other veterans. We will be having a reception on First Friday, Nov. 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m." There is no charge for admission. Mulberry Art Studios is located at 21 North Mulberry St.
Also on First Friday, the Lancaster Museum of Art's exhibit and sale, "Trees Galore 08" opens with a reception. "The Museum’s annual holiday exhibition featuring art work for sale and silent auction by regional artists and friends of the Museum." 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Lancaster Museum of Art is located at 135 North Lime St.
Starting on First Friday, the Demuth Museum presents "David Brumbach Unbound: Pages from His Book." "For the first time, this exhibit brings together the notebook that David Brumbach created while at Lancaster General undergoing treatment for diabetes. In addition, the exhibit will feature a retrospective overview of David's incredibly facile and unique artworks celebrating what would have been his sixtieth birthday." The exhibit will debut on First Friday starting at 5:00 p.m. and run until Jan. 4. The museum's normal hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasburg is holding a "Taking the Swing Train 1940s Dance" on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. "Swing to the popular Sound of Roses live band among the trains in the Rolling Stock Hall. Come in uniform or 1940s clothing, if you wish, to jump, jive and swing the evening away." Tickets are required and start at $15. The Pennsylvani Railroad Museum is located at 300 Gap Rd. in Strasburg.
Also in Strasburg on November 8, the Strasburg Railroad is running a Wine & Cheese Train at 6:00 p.m. "While enjoying the sights, taste rich cheeses and flavorful wines, getting full authentic experience of the Wine & Cheese Train. Passengers must be 21 years or older, and a photo ID is required to board the car." $30 tickets required. Visit http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/wine-and-cheese.php for advance tickets and further information.
NewsLanc to monitor the polls
Tomorrow, Election Day, NewsLanc's peripatetic reporter will post updates from polling places throughout the county from morning to night.
Unlike the New Era, Matt Henderson will not be asking people how they voted. (Although there is nothing the matter with that so long as results are not published until after the polls close.)
Instead, Henderson will be noting problems, unusual wait time, and eliciting comments from poll workers and voters.
If viewers encounter election delays, problems or irregularity, please notify Info@NewsLanc.com .
Unlike the New Era, Matt Henderson will not be asking people how they voted. (Although there is nothing the matter with that so long as results are not published until after the polls close.)
Instead, Henderson will be noting problems, unusual wait time, and eliciting comments from poll workers and voters.
If viewers encounter election delays, problems or irregularity, please notify Info@NewsLanc.com .
Baldrige denies interest in top county job
In response to the question of whether he would be the County Administrator if the Home Charter is approved, Tom Baldrige, President of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, stated "I have absolutely no interest in that position and I have tremendous amount of respect for the job that Charlie Douts is doing right now."
C of C defends promoting Home Rule Ballot Item
A letter to NewsLanc raises the question of whether the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce has violated its 501(c)6 tax exempt status by lobbying for and participating in advertisements promoting a "Yes" vote for the Home Rule Charter.
According to the web site of the Internal Revenue Service, "Seeking legislation germane to the common business interest is a permissible means of attaining a business league's exempt purposes."
NewsLanc queried Chamber President Tom Baldrige on whether advocacy of the Home Rule Charter was indeed "germane to the common business interest" of its membership.
Baldrige responded "Throughout the process we have continuously reached out to our membership to solicit their input including an early June breakfast meeting open to our entire membership wherein both positions of the Government Study Commission were presented."
Baldrige distinguished a vote on a Ballot Question from advocating a candidate, something he said the Chamber would not do.
Baldrige added "The Chamber has consulted with counsel as well as the state and county election authorities."
But when asked whether the Chamber had consulted with tax counsel or federal authorities to determine whether its advocacy was a violation of its 501(c)6 tax status, he did not say they had.
They should have.
According to the web site of the Internal Revenue Service, "Seeking legislation germane to the common business interest is a permissible means of attaining a business league's exempt purposes."
NewsLanc queried Chamber President Tom Baldrige on whether advocacy of the Home Rule Charter was indeed "germane to the common business interest" of its membership.
Baldrige responded "Throughout the process we have continuously reached out to our membership to solicit their input including an early June breakfast meeting open to our entire membership wherein both positions of the Government Study Commission were presented."
Baldrige distinguished a vote on a Ballot Question from advocating a candidate, something he said the Chamber would not do.
Baldrige added "The Chamber has consulted with counsel as well as the state and county election authorities."
But when asked whether the Chamber had consulted with tax counsel or federal authorities to determine whether its advocacy was a violation of its 501(c)6 tax status, he did not say they had.
They should have.
Lancaster Sample Ballot
So that voters know what to expect at the polls on Tuesday, NewsLanc has obtained a sample Lancaster City ballot, which is reproduced below:
Former Post editor returns to NewsLanc
Chris Hart-Nibbrig, formerly co-publisher and feature editor of the Lancaster Post, has returned to NewsLanc as a part time reporter and contributor.
Hart-Nibbrig had been editor of NewsLanc prior to co-founding the Post, which last week announced the suspension of its weekly tabloid.
Other commitments preclude Hart-Nibbrig from returning on a full time basis.
Hart-Nibbrig had been editor of NewsLanc prior to co-founding the Post, which last week announced the suspension of its weekly tabloid.
Other commitments preclude Hart-Nibbrig from returning on a full time basis.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Six suggestions for launching a successful weekly tabloid
1) Publishing a tabloid is a business enterprise, so it requires a viable business plan.
2) Ways must be found to distribute at least ten thousand copies each week, preferably twenty thousand.
3) Advertisements must be solicited from the outset, not done as an after thought and desultorily.
4) The lead stories should be responsible and informative, not mean spirited, inaccurate, poorly written and lacking substance.
5) There needs to be sufficient up front capital to subsidize the venture for the six months it likely will take to reach break even.
6) A weekly tabloid should be centered on features, community activities, dining, and entertainment. News articles should be informative, but not provocative. (Offending the establishment is NewsLanc’s job!)
2) Ways must be found to distribute at least ten thousand copies each week, preferably twenty thousand.
3) Advertisements must be solicited from the outset, not done as an after thought and desultorily.
4) The lead stories should be responsible and informative, not mean spirited, inaccurate, poorly written and lacking substance.
5) There needs to be sufficient up front capital to subsidize the venture for the six months it likely will take to reach break even.
6) A weekly tabloid should be centered on features, community activities, dining, and entertainment. News articles should be informative, but not provocative. (Offending the establishment is NewsLanc’s job!)
LETTER AND RESPONSE: Why not do a real streetcar poll with response?
I have been following your street car discussions and have just read with interest your article on the survey and its bias. Why don’t you do your own survey. This could be either online, door to door, or mail-in.
I think the results would be very interesting if the people of the county actually got a say in what is going on around town.
Publisher's response: Please excuse my allowing pent up anger and bitter disappointment to spill over in my reply below.
I arranged for a reputable national public opinion firm in cooperation with Fox 43 to do a random survey concerning whether the County should guarantee the convention center debt. 78% of those with an opinion opposed the county guarantee.
I also funded two-thirds of the cost of the PKF Feasibility Study on the convention center ordered by the County. It predicted huge losses.
On both occasions, the Lancaster Newspapers either ignored, spun, and published the least possible of what the public needed to know. The Convention Center Authority, dominated by Penn Square Partners and Ted Darcus, scorned the only real feasibility study ever prepared for the project!
I think things have improved with the newspapers now, but, with a single exception yet to be told, I am growing wary of wasting money on Lancaster that can be used elsewhere to better serve humanity
Just last week the Board of the Lancaster Public Library, despite having spent over half of a million dollars, turned down a million dollars in State and matching grants rather than undertake a fund raising campaign for a modest amount ($1,200,000.) Ridden with envy, ignorance about fund raising, timid, petty, and especially lacking a sense of mission, certain board members killed the opportunity to totally renovate the existing aging facility and the probability of soon thereafter expanding it.
I invited prominent representatives of the very communities that the library most serves to attend and speak up for the project. They did not. Why they betrayed themselves is beyond me, but it seems symptomatic of this internecine community.
This almost inconceivable set back weighs heavily on me and on my wife, who as a result stepped aside as the Public Library president. We are in mourning.
I pioneered the desegregation of Lancaster Township in the early 1970s. I co-founded and long funded Project Forward Leap which has made a huge positive difference in the lives of at over two thousand inner city youngsters (www.ProjectForwardLeap.org), many from Lancaster. I have made possible an important public health program that has saved the lives of scores of Lancasterians and saved hundreds if not a thousand from grief. I have lobbied on the state and federal levels for public health and criminal justice reforms with some success. Decades ago I contributed half the cost of the first local women's shelter. But at this point I am leery of investing more time and effort in this community beyond NewsLanc.
Nevertheless, I will continue to work behind the scenes to encourage and guide those who desire to and can make a difference. And so long as I remain, NewsLanc will stand up to the powerful, the greedy and the fools.
The Lone Ranger rides again!
I think the results would be very interesting if the people of the county actually got a say in what is going on around town.
Publisher's response: Please excuse my allowing pent up anger and bitter disappointment to spill over in my reply below.
I arranged for a reputable national public opinion firm in cooperation with Fox 43 to do a random survey concerning whether the County should guarantee the convention center debt. 78% of those with an opinion opposed the county guarantee.
I also funded two-thirds of the cost of the PKF Feasibility Study on the convention center ordered by the County. It predicted huge losses.
On both occasions, the Lancaster Newspapers either ignored, spun, and published the least possible of what the public needed to know. The Convention Center Authority, dominated by Penn Square Partners and Ted Darcus, scorned the only real feasibility study ever prepared for the project!
I think things have improved with the newspapers now, but, with a single exception yet to be told, I am growing wary of wasting money on Lancaster that can be used elsewhere to better serve humanity
Just last week the Board of the Lancaster Public Library, despite having spent over half of a million dollars, turned down a million dollars in State and matching grants rather than undertake a fund raising campaign for a modest amount ($1,200,000.) Ridden with envy, ignorance about fund raising, timid, petty, and especially lacking a sense of mission, certain board members killed the opportunity to totally renovate the existing aging facility and the probability of soon thereafter expanding it.
I invited prominent representatives of the very communities that the library most serves to attend and speak up for the project. They did not. Why they betrayed themselves is beyond me, but it seems symptomatic of this internecine community.
This almost inconceivable set back weighs heavily on me and on my wife, who as a result stepped aside as the Public Library president. We are in mourning.
I pioneered the desegregation of Lancaster Township in the early 1970s. I co-founded and long funded Project Forward Leap which has made a huge positive difference in the lives of at over two thousand inner city youngsters (www.ProjectForwardLeap.org), many from Lancaster. I have made possible an important public health program that has saved the lives of scores of Lancasterians and saved hundreds if not a thousand from grief. I have lobbied on the state and federal levels for public health and criminal justice reforms with some success. Decades ago I contributed half the cost of the first local women's shelter. But at this point I am leery of investing more time and effort in this community beyond NewsLanc.
Nevertheless, I will continue to work behind the scenes to encourage and guide those who desire to and can make a difference. And so long as I remain, NewsLanc will stand up to the powerful, the greedy and the fools.
The Lone Ranger rides again!
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