“Write Bite” The George Street Culinary Experience Part I

George Street features some of the finest dining and gathering places in all of York City. Keo, Bistro 19, Colosseo, Maewyn’s and Left Bank draw diners from York City and beyond. These establishments represent an eclectic array of dining options from lunch to late night. All located within a short walk of one another (a few steps in some cases) each of these restaurants has a unique personality and culinary perspective.

Keo Asian Grill & Sushi is owned by Frank Nguyen. Frank grew up cooking in his parent’s restaurant, the Market Street Viet Thai Café in York. He ventured out on his own in late 2008 and has been serving satisfying, affordable and healthy meals at Keo ever since.

Keo offers sushi, sashimi, noodle and rice dishes, soups, seafood, salads and desserts. The House Salad is among the most popular dishes and is prepared with stir fried beef and onions and a vinaigrette dressing. Keo’s signature sushi roll is a delightful blend of fried scallops, cucumber, avocado and shrimp. Piled high and wide on the plate, Keo’s Pad Thai makes for satisfying comfort food. The average entree here is so inexpensive that dessert is an easy sell. The Fried Banana Split and the Sticky Rice with Mango are not–too-sweet endings to a tasty meal.

Frank learned to cook by watching and helping his mother who was born and raised in Laos and sought refuge in Thailand. He recalls helping his mother make hundreds of egg rolls when he was a young child.

Frank announced that Keo will be revising its menu in the coming months and adding some new dishes with a modern Asian flair. Keo is open for lunch Monday through Wednesday and is open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Saturday.

A short walk across Market Street to North George Street will find you at Bistro 19. Ryan McKinley and Troy Sweitzer opened Bistro 19 in April 2009. Troy graduated from the Baltimore Culinary Arts School and trained in Arizona. He brought his unique style of classical French with an eclectic twist of Asian and Pacific Rim cuisine to York. Situated adjacent to the York County Judicial Center, Bistro 19 features a $5.99 lunch buffet Monday through Friday. The buffet features entrees including lasagna, fried manicotti and Szechuan Chicken along with salads, breads and the occasional dessert. I’ve recently heard a buzz about a wonderful Sunday morning breakfast buffet offered at Bistro19 for only $6.99 – reputed to be the best brunch offering in the city by locals.

The Bistro & Dinner menus feature salads, entrees, comfort foods and desserts. Chicken & Waffles and Corn Flake Chops are among the “Comfort Foods” offered at Bistro 19. Restaurant and bar Manager Karen McMaster said that the Chilean Sea Bass is one of the Bistro’s best selling entrees. The bass is honey-nut encrusted and served with jasmine rice and caramelized peaches. “We try to cater to our customers by offering vegetarian and gluten free dishes”, said Karen.

Bistro 19’s dessert offerings are prepared in-house by Executive Chef Troy Sweitzer. The Plum Coffee Cake with Sweet Willow’s Lavender Ice Cream is at the top of my list. Ginger Spice Cake with Mocha Fudge Ice Cream and Espresso Sauce, Blueberry Corn Cake with Peach Ice Cream and Maple Glaze and freshly made Bananas Foster and Crème Brulee are among a tantalizing selection of desserts.

Whether you order dessert or not, Bistro 19 gives every customer a complimentary piece of dark chocolate peanut butter fudge at the end of the meal. The fudge is a recipe of owner Ryan McKinley’s family and it is made on premises daily. Sometimes last impressions are more important than first impressions. Speaking of customers, Karen said when you leave Bistro 19, “we want you to feel like you’ve had a hug even if nobody touched you.”

A casual place to gather and meet new friends and old, Bistro 19 features musicians and bands including Indian Summer Jars, Ryan Peters and The Martini Brothers. Tuesday evenings host an open mic while Wednesday evenings feature karaoke.

A few more steps across Philadelphia Street and you’ll find a taste of Rome at Colloseo. Joseph Cilluffo is Executive Chef and General Manager of Colosseo, a family owned and operated business. Cilluffo’s Sicilian family purchased the property at 108 North George Street that sat vacant and dilapidated for more than 30 years. When his family purchased the property he said it was nothing more than “a run down pigeon shack.” Over a period of two years, this pigeon shack turned regional Italian eatery was gutted and transformed to represent a house of royalty in Old Rome. Handcrafted details cover every square inch of the restaurant’s interior. Cilluffo’s father, Salvatore Cilluffo is the craftsman behind the ornate interior. The senior Cilluffo handcrafted plaster casts, built custom doors and flew his childhood friend Jiacomo Sorentino in from Sicily to paint the murals and gilded touches that adorn the multi-floor restaurant space. Mrs. Angelina Cilluffo, Salvatore’s wife and Joseph’s mother said, “my husband had a vision and couldn’t stop until it was in front of him.”

Colloseo’s second floor boasts a Martini Bar with a four-page Martini list. The restaurant has two private party rooms that can be reserved with no rental fee. Cilluffo said that Martini Bachelorette parties have become very popular at Colosseo.

Cilluffo is a 2005 graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He grew up watching his mother prepare fresh Sicilian dishes. The Colosseo Shrimp Rose’ and the Chicken Caprese are among Colosseo favorites. The bar menu features fresh, hand-tossed pizzas to satisfy late night cravings. Colosseo enjoys receiving patrons of the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center both before and after shows. The Chocolate Tartufo is a popular after-the-show dessert with a Zabaione cream center cradled in chocolate gelato and finished with caramelized hazelnuts.

(Please stay tuned for Part II of  “Write Bite”,  The George Street Culinary Experience,  featuring Maewyn’s and The Left Bank.

DiverCITY

Where can you go in York City to find individuals from Congo, Cambodia, Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uzbekistan, Dominican Republic and Vietnam all gathered in the same place? Where can these folks from different corners of the world find a safe place to meet each other and learn the English language, American culture and a bit about one another’s  culture? You might be surprised to learn that each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, between eleven and eighteen men and women of diverse cultures and ethnicities gather in the basement of the Salvation Army on East King Street to attend the York County Literacy Council’s English as a Second Language class.

I had the opportunity to visit the class, taught by Amy Chamberlin, and meet and converse with her students. The class was learning about familial relationships. Their in-class assignment involved reading and holding conversations about sons, daughters, sisters, brothers and so on.

Akhmed and his wife Salima share five children and eight grand children. They have lived in Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkey and now, the United States. Akhmed has worked as a teacher and said that he believes Amy, his ESL teacher, “is a very professional teacher”.

The class has on-going, open enrollment. Participants register for this free and unlimited class at the York County Literacy Council where they take a placement test to determine which of the four levels of ESL classes is best suited to their current language skills. The class holds parties twice yearly to celebrate their in-class clock hours earned. It winds up being a feast of diversity with foods from around the world, all prepared with good will and served in the spirit of sharing.

The group is light-hearted and jovial. The students demonstrate a sense of comfort with one another, teasing and laughing in good fun. Students shared photos of their children as they were practicing conversational English. It is apparent that the students take learning seriously. Meng and Na, originally from Vietnam, have been attending Amy’s ESL class for two years. Meng spoke beautifully and confidently when she said “My son is 15 years old. He is in 8th grade at Hanna Penn Middle School.”

Olivia from Congo said that she likes coming to class because it gives her the skills to talk with people at church, to make telephone calls and to answer people’s questions. Many of the class members were eager to chat, some a bit shy, but everyone was able to answer the question “what is your favorite food?” with a smile on their face. Responses included bananas, watermelon, mangu and rice and beans.

The basement of the Salvation Army is the last place I would guess to be the most culturally diverse place in York City. The blend of skin color, accents, life experience, an atmosphere of learning and acceptance left me feeling like I was only scratching the surface here. There were so many stories of adversity, trials, victory and celebration represented in the windowless basement. I want to go back and learn more, chat more and write more about this very special group of learners. I’ll be waiting on an invitation to attend the class’s upcoming celebration in June. I already promised to bring cookies.

York City Builds Stronger Families

I debated with myself over writing this blog entry. I told myself that people don’t want to read about gangs in York City. I asked myself, “How does a piece about gangs fit into a blog that’s supposed to be about the good in York City?” If you haven’t already clicked to exit, I invite you to read on and find out.

I walked into Horticulture Hall at the York Fairgrounds on Saturday and saw an image of a t-shirt projected on the wall. A photo-decal of a small child was on the front of the t-shirt surrounded by the words “Daddy’s Little Thug”. York City police projected other gang imagery including tattoos and tagged buildings.

I didn’t walk into Gangs 101, but something much better. The York County Gang Prevention Initiative teamed up with the Route 222 Corridor Anti-Gang Initiative to host the Building Stronger Families Conference.

Route 222 connects 7 major cities in Pennsylvania with links to Maryland and New York. The route has become a major line of transport for the drug and weapon trade. The Route 222 Initiative was established in 2006 to target gang activity along the corridor. York County joined in, launching a coordinating initiative in 2007 to target local gang activity.

According to Diane Wales of the York County District Attorney’s Office, there are 41 documented, active gangs in York County. The U.S. Department of Justice defines a gang as three or more individuals who, together, engage in criminal activity and identify themselves with a name or a sign.

In 2008, the York County Gang Prevention Initiative surveyed professional workers (ie: teachers, counselors, etc.) whose work involves regular contact with gang members. When asked to choose from 9 different possible responses, “To feel loved or belonging” and ‘Family Problems” were the top two reasons that those surveyed believed youth become involved in gangs (1). The survey also identified well over twenty programs and services in existence in York County to address gang eradication.

Over one hundred parents, youth, community members, human service professionals, members of the faith community & law enforcement, school officials and political leaders assembled in “Hort Hall” on Saturday to learn and work together on Building Stronger Families. This assembly of concerned people, with lines across race, socioeconomic status, education, faith and more, to me, qualifies the event as just one of the good things happening in York City.

The hall filled with song and dance as conference goers visited booths of local agencies offering services aimed at Building Stronger Families. Among the agencies were York Adams Drug and Alcohol Services, Planned Parenthood, Girl Scouts of America and York City Police Department. Destiny came out to perform with the Youth Mass Choir of York under the direction of Pastor Danny Evans. “I like how all these kids are coming together and performing today – there’s lots of bad things to do on a Saturday”, said Destiny.

Carlos “choo choo” Ojeda Jr. was Keynote Speaker for the morning session. Carlos shared his story of class cut-up turned full scholarship recipient, MBA, author, motivational speaker, parent, entrepreneur, & youth & family advocate and the list goes on. In the 10th grade, Carlos’ geometry teacher called him “the greatest piece of garbage” he had ever seen. Carlos was frequently suspended, failed every class but phys-ed and narrowly escaped placement in an alternative school. After his father saved him from being kicked out of school, Carlos says he chose to go in a different direction and began to apply himself in school.

Of his father, Carlos said “…over time, double time, triple time, never time…I thought he loved work more than he loved me.” Carlos witnessed his first murder at age 10 and as he struggled his way through school, he watched his friends die and go to jail. During his senior year, he learned that he is deaf in both ears. Instead of committing crime and going to jail, Carlos scored 1100 out of 1600 on the SAT. “Further…farther…better…” he said.

In his closing remarks, Carlos reverently spoke to the crowd, “People will label you from the minute you’re born until the day you die, short, tall, fat, skinny, gangster, cholo, undocumented, illegal alien…It’s up to you to decide if your going to live up to that label or not.”

After lunch the energetic boys and girls of the Temple Guard Drill Team, under the direction of Mike Smith performed for the crowd.
During break out sessions, agencies conducted group discussions on topics including Talking to Kids about Sex, Gang Prevention, and Bullying. Jim Tice, Prevention Coordinator for the Route 222 Initiative and veteran of the criminal justice system, told participants that gang prevention efforts target 7-11 year olds. He said that prevention is imperative as “we are not going to arrest our way out of this”.

Eight year old Tyquan attended the conference with his mother and younger sister. When asked what he knows about gangs, Tyquan said “gangs like to make signs on the wall that scare people”. Rachael, of Hellam Township, brought her kids Bailee, age 8 and Braxton, age 10 to find out more about positive activities available in the community.

York City has such a comprehensive network of programming for youth that we have been denied some grants on the basis of lack of need, according to LeVar Michaels of the York County Gang Prevention Initiative.

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Keynote Speaker for the afternoon, implored the crowd to rally around our young people and have “a willingness to risk ourselves for a world we haven’t even seen yet.”

Interim York City Police Chief Wes Kahley said that the Gang Prevention Initiative is hoping to host an outreach event by the end of the summer, specifically for youth.

Saturday’s conference was not about gangs, or territory, or police, or drugs, or hand signs, or shirt color or even about “bad” kids. The day, for me, was about loving our youth, believing in them, showing them the way instead of hoping they find it themselves. The day, for me, was about good things happening and good people doing those things in York City and beyond.

1. York County Gang Prevention Initiative Fall Needs Assessment 2008.

Governor’s Arts Awards

Governor Edward G. Rendell declared York the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth during the Governor’s Arts Awards celebration held yesterday in downtown York. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations that support Pennsylvania’s commitment and celebration of arts and culture. The Awards have been traveling from town to town over the past 10 years and this year our beautiful city of York was chosen. The budget impasse of 2009 led to the postponement of the Awards originally slated to be held in October.

The community came together to organize and execute a three-leg celebration along North George Street. Festivities began with Arts Block featuring home-grown talent and community spirit. Before the festivities kicked off I had the chance to chat with Joanne Riley, President of the Cultural Alliance of York County. Joanne said the she was pleased to see a “real disparate community come together.” She said she is delighted by the “depth and breadth of volunteerism” that emerged to organize this event.

Arts Block featured a fine art display, live entertainment on center stage, a fashion show, face painting, and a professional graffiti artist. Local artists were featured in a Window Art Tour of large, vibrant canvases, many featuring sights of downtown York.

Karen Sawyer of Changing Faces for Fun painted colorful and elaborate art on the faces of children and adults outside the Strand-Capitol. Lindsey, age 27 was in Karen’s chair when I visited. Karen is a professionally trained theater and make up artist traveling to community and private events throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. She said was invited to participate in Arts Block by Dream Wrights Youth and Family Theater in York City.

I was moved by the spoken word and musical accompaniment on center stage performed by Word Wide Entertainment. “Tru”, “Phyne” and “Coco” were joined by guests “Chuck the Maddox” and “Cash”. I gazed around the crowd and saw folks captivated by the talent and raw honesty in this group’s performance. Coco sang and spoke of her life long love of words, beginning with the basics of letters when she was a small child. She sang “If loving words is a crime I’m destined to a life of repentance.” Words were transformed into art as the wind blew across George Street.

Double D’s Dogs fed those hungry for art…and a hot dog. With his cart situated on the corner of George and Market Streets, Jody Moore told me that they were enjoying one of their busiest days this Spring. My blog notes are stained with evidence of the tasty cheese dog I dropped on them after visiting Double D’s.

Cute kids strutted their stuff in Continental Square wearing repurposed fashions made from shopping bags, cardboard and magazines. Ramon Trevino demonstrated his craft of professional graffiti-style art. Ramon grew up like many of York City’s youth. He turned his life around at age 22 when he turned his illegal graffiti art into an above –board profession. York City is presently adorned with 4 of his graffiti murals. He teaches youth in the 21st Century Program to develop their artistic talent while being a source of hope and encouragement for them.

Just outside the Judicial Center, Cushla Srour and family of Irish Blessing filled the air with traditional Irish music as dancers graced the stage with Irish step. Cushla and her family said they were invited to perform on Arts Block by the Cultural Alliance and were thrilled to “share the traditional Irish experience with anyone who will partake.”

Wind and storm clouds rolled in over the city and just as the sold out crowd made their way into the Strand-Capitol for the Awards Ceremony. The skies opened up and “poured buckets”, said Mary Yeaple, of the York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Mary tirelessly volunteered her time to the organization and coordination of events for Governor’s Arts Awards.

Inside the Strand-Capitol, arts lovers were welcomed by Mayor Bracey. Governor Rendell and First Lady, Judge Marjorie O. Rendell spoke of the long and deep tradition of the arts in the Commonwealth. Mrs. Rendell said “York is truly a leader in Arts in the Commonwealth.”

Nicholas and George Wagman, ages 12 and 14 entertained the audience with foot-stomping, traditional bluegrass music on fiddle and banjo.

Awards were presented to Ridgway Chainsaw Carver’s Rendevous, and Native York Countians Del McCoury & Jeff Koons. Mr. McCoury asked that the house lights in the Strand be turned up so that he could introduce his beloved family. Mr. Louis J. Appell, Jr. and Mr. Arthur J. Gladfelter, leaders and champions for York both received Patron Awards. Mr. Appell thanked Governor Rendell “for bringing this marvelous event to York”.

Caroline “Carrie” S. Nunan was the recipient of the Outstanding Arts Leadership & Service to Youth Award. Ms. Nunan, at an ambitious and chipper 84 years old told me that she has friends in York and thinks York is “a wonderful city”. A life-long resident of Lancaster County, Ms. Nunan has contributed her talent, resources and love for youth to numerous arts and cultural endeavors. She said “There’s so much need with the youth in Lancaster, and in York, I’m sure, that you can’t help but get involved.”

Cheers and a standing ovation went up as Governor Rendell announced the dedication of 4 million dollars to the renovation and revitalization of the Central Market district. The dollars are designated for Central Market House and the design and development of a brand new Arts Center in the existing Eagle’s Club building situated just across Philadelphia Street from Central Market.

The crowd made their way to the Valencia Ballroom for a reception fit for a King, or a Governor and awards recipients in this case. The Valencia was adorned with fresh flower arrangements from Schaeffer’s Flowers. Local Culinary Artists including Allegro Wines, The Yorktowne Hotel, The Accomac Inn and Altland House Catering featured delectable morsels. Babatunde Lea filled the hall with Jazz as guests mingled and shared in the success of the day.

Caroline Morris of Kimman’s Gifts volunteered her time and energy to coordinate the first-rate reception. Caroline hosted a special reception in a separate room of the Valencia for the hundreds of volunteers donated their time, community passion, resources and creativity to plan the event.

John Updike, Distinguished Pennsylvania Artist of the Year in 1983 said “What art offers is space – a certain breathing room for the spirit.” The Governor’s Arts Awards shown a light on this space, York City, bursting at the seams with vision, creativity and energy. The budget impasse may have delayed this celebration, but it is one that was well worth the wait.

The York City Fry Guys

Situated inside York City’s Central Market is a home away from home lunch counter and eatery that, at the risk of sounding corny, reminds me of Mayberry. J.R.’s Fresh Cut Fries is owned by Ron Jacobs, and friends Jesse Altland and Rob Stoner. They purchased the once Bricker’s French Fry stand in 2007 and have been growing business and friendships ever since. Ron and crew purchased the stand, switched to a soy bean based frying oil, began accepting credit cards and adding menu items one by one. They aimed to offer delicious & affordable home made lunches.

Good food is only half of the equation at J.R.’s. Friendship and goodwill are key tenants of this fry biz. There are no computerized systems or state of the art equipment here. Ron and helper Deb Krylowicz take orders on a note pad and call it out to Jesse who runs the fryer. Ron introduced me to their first and most loyal customer, Sheila. Sheila told me that she comes to J.R.’s three times a week. Incidentally, Central Market is open three days a week. Sheila has a custom order, made specifically to her liking. She gets hamburger barbeque served on two hot dog rolls with cheese, onions and ranch dressing on the side. She told me she keeps coming back because of the personal touch and friendship that come with every visit to J.R.’s. No one is really counting, but it is alleged that Sheila has bought about 80 pounds of J.R.’s famous peanut butter fudge. “They are sweet, caring, genuine individuals” she said of the “Fry Guys”.

My favorite menu item at J.R.’s is the spicy-sweet Pulled Pork Barbeque served on a soft roll. I was recently tempted into trying the loaded fries and polished off every last fry as I sat at the counter chatting with Ron. As I was sitting at the counter, Jake, age 15 and James, age 14 sidled up to the counter. Jake took one look at my loaded fries and ordered the same for himself along with a Texas Hot Wiener. The boys don’t live in the city, but they come in at least once a week to enjoy all that Central Market has to offer.

Ron told me that although he was interested in the market stand in 2007, he had some negative ideas of York City back then. Ron said that he’s made so many friends and gotten so accustomed to the downtown atmosphere that he believes his fears about the city were unrealistic. Of York City, Ron said “ If people come in one time they’ll experience what the city is about and lose their fear.”

He knew from the inception of J.R.’s that he wanted to give back and help folks in need. Ron contacted U.S. based “Feed the Children” and found that he could donate monthly and designate all funds to feed children within the United States. He advertises that 1% of every sale goes to Feed the Children. Two percent from each sale, however, is what the books regularly reflect.

The Fry Guys are big supporters of the good things happening in York City. Ron told me that he tries to provide something for each and every good cause that comes his way. In addition to monthly donations to Feed the Children, J.R.’s has been cheerleaders and donors for a long list of city based events including The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Pinwheels for Prevention (National Child Abuse Prevention month), Habitat for Humanity, A Taste of York City and many, many more great causes.

Ron says he loves to be among the vendors at Central Market. He described the vendors as a community dedicated to helping each other. If one vendor runs out of straws or soda, he said, another vendor always steps up and provides what is needed. In three years, J.R.’s has never increased prices, yet their sales have increased every month since opening in July 2007. Ron said he didn’t fret over the increasing cost of gas, or soda and that J.R.’s loyal customers have remained throughout tough economic times.

Ron estimates that they serve about 300 customers daily on weekdays and even more on Saturdays. He said that decorating the market stand for Halloween and handing out candy to the little ghouls and goblins is his favorite memory of vending in Central Market.

J.R.’s food earned my Mom’s seal of approval on a recent Thursday when we visited for lunch. Mom made an amazing fresh cut fry back in the day. She oooed and aaaahd over the fries and pork barbeque at J.R.’s and was delighted to learn that the fries were free of saturated fat.

Ron actively uses social media including Twitter and Facebook to engage his customers and to promote his fellow Central Market vendors and good causes in the city. Recently, J.R.’s has been Tweeting about the value of friendship. Friendships often grow in the midst of good food and conversation. Ron, Rob and Jesse have taken the value of friendship to heart and made it a cornerstone of their business in York City.

JR’s Fresh Cut Fries is located inside Central Market at 34 West Philadelphia Street and is open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 10-2 http://www.jrsfries.com

Some Fuel In the Chamber

The York County Chamber of Commerce held its CHAMBERfuel kickoff in February at the Elks Club in York City. CHAMBERfuel is a brand new network of young professionals interested in expanding business connections in downtown York and beyond. The Chamber is dedicated to attracting and retaining young talented people in the York area.

I attended the CHAMBERfuel Market Mixer at York’s Central Market yesterday and was wowed by the turnout. Tom Donley, President of the Chamber said that Central Market York was chosen to host the event because of its recent revitalization and new energy.

Attendees sampled the creations of Central Market Vendors including The Busy Bee, Nuts About Granola, Chilly Dilly’s and Under One Sun to name a few. Andrew Barnes, owner of The Busy Bee shared samples of his Fire Cracker Chicken, which he describes as “an explosion of flavor”, and I concur. It’s typically served at his market stand over a bed of gourmet salad greens with a roasted sesame vinaigrette. Dylan Bauer, owner of Chilly Dilly’s Ice Cream has been a Central Market vendor since November 2009. He said that he decided to participate in the CHAMBERfuel event as a way to get folks excited about ice cream. He generated plenty of excitement at the Mixer by mingling with the crowd with a tray of Pineapple Mango samples in hand. In addition to the Market stand, Chilly Dilly’s owns and operates six ice cream trucks that circulate throughout York County in the Spring and Summer.

Sarah Lanphier, owner of Nuts About Granola has been a Central Market vendor for about two years and was sharing samples of her fruit and yogurt parfaits. Sarah and her all natural granola have been featured on the Rachael Ray Show. Nuts About Granola will celebrate its second anniversary in June.

Organic Smoothies were featured by Under One Sun, a Sustainable Eatery in Market owned and operated by Jolene Kohr. Jolene told me that she decided to participate in the Market Mixer, seeing it as a great opportunity for networking. Ingredients for Jolene’s tasty & healthy creations come almost exclusively from other Central Market vendors.

An impressive line up of organizations of interest to young professionals were scattered throughout the Market Mixer space. The York Sports and Social club was recruiting members for kickball teams and other fun events. York Young Professionals was recruiting members and sharing information about their upcoming Home Tour slated for May 7th. Leadership York, Rotary Club of York and the American Red Cross were among other organizations mixing it up in the market house.

Melany, age 30, found out about the Market Mixer through her employer, Members First Credit Union. She said that she is always looking for networking opportunities and the Market Mixer was a great opportunity to meet other young professionals. Kim, age 29 also from Members First was sampling chicken salad from Bair’s Fried Chicken in Central Market. She told me that she is planning to join York Young Professionals.

Annette Fisher, manager of Central Market was instrumental in organizing the CHAMBERfuel Market Mixer event. She expressed gratitude to the market vendors for coming together to provide such a tasty experience for attendees. Annette was excited about the opportunity to partner with the Chamber to put on an event that would benefit so many organizations, businesses and individuals. She said Central Market would be happy to host more events like the Market Mixer in the future.

Kim Walsh-Phillips, President of Inside Out Creative, is the incoming Chair of CHAMBERfuel. Membership in CHAMBERfuel is currently at about 80 members. She said she is looking forward to quarterly meetings with all the young professional groups in the area. The goal of those meetings will be to share ideas and to create a master calendar of events of interest to young professionals.

The Chamber estimated that over 300 people attended yesterday’s Market Mixer. The room was alive with energy and opportunity. Tom Donley, President of the Chamber said that he shares the vision along with many others for a “vibrant after-hours downtown York”. With one corner of the Central Market House packed, lots of smiles and handshakes exchanged, CHAMBERfuel is another representation of the good things happening in York City.

A Breath of Fresh Air from William Penn

“I love milk and cereal. I love fruit loops and I love babies.” Tena is a William Penn High School student who is into the good things in life. She’s a 16 year-old tenth grader who describes herself as “sweet, sensitive and outgoing”. Tena lives with her Mom and three sisters. Her Mom works two jobs and although they don’t have much time together these days, Tena says she loves to be around her Mom.

Tena and I met in the living room of her family’s home. We looked at the photographs on the coffee table and she shared her 16 year-old philosophies on boyfriends, attending a city school, living in a single parent household, drinking and drugging and making the right choices for her future.

Tena attends school every day and is looking forward to her Junior year. She attended William Penn’s Homecoming dance in the Fall and was gorgeous in green and gold. She is interested in attending the York County School of Technology to study Nursing in the future. She’d like to be a labor and delivery nurse. “I’d like to deliver babies. I dream about that at night.”, she said. She told me that drinking and drugging would get in the way of her goals, so she has chosen to stay drug and alcohol free. She knew all of the “textbook” answers about why drugs and alcohol are bad news for teenagers and folks in general, but as she spoke I got a clear sense that her knowledge didn’t come from a textbook or a class. Tena said that she knows 10 year olds who are smoking marijuana. She said that her friends don’t use drugs or alcohol either. She said that drugs and alcohol are easily accessible, but that she’s just not into that scene.

Tena’s favorite teacher at William Penn is Mrs. Coleman who taught her freshman English class. She told me that Mrs. Coleman made special arrangements to meet with her to help her bring up her grade, even when Mrs. Coleman’s own children were ill. Tena says she knows plenty of students who are habitually truant. York City Schools ranked number one in the County for habitual truancy in 2007-2008 (1). When I asked Tena about truancy she said (I go to school everyday) “because my mom cares and expects me to go to school.”

Tena says that her favorite class is gym because she enjoys being active. She participates in school sports including Field Hockey and Cross Country. She says she’s interested in checking out track and soccer. She likes Spanish class and doesn’t have to think for a minute to tell me that math is her least favorite class. She struggles with math and her Mom has taken the extra steps to get Tena matched with a tutor for extra help.

I asked Tena what her favorite memory of William Penn High School has been thus far. She told me that growing her friendship with her best friend Alexis has been “the best”. She says that she and Alexis have shared a lot of fun, laughter and tears together. She likes attending a school where the staff and student body are diverse. She says she picks her friends not based on skin color but based on whether they respect themselves and others.

Tena admits that she hasn’t always made the best decisions. She told me that she went through a rebellious stage during her 9th grade year and that she made some bad choices. Reflecting on that time she said “I respect my Mom and her rules now. I realize how bad some of my past choices hurt my Mom.”

She looks forward to her after school time everyday. When she isn’t participating in after school sports, she likes to come home and get her chores done and listen to music or watch a movie. She says she likes when her Mom comes home between her two jobs and they have a chance to talk about the day.

Although she says she loves babies, she told me that teen pregnancy is not for her. With a knowing smirk on her face she said “Well first of all, my Mom would kick my butt.” On having babies in the future she said she wants to have a stable home and she wants the baby’s father to be present to be a parent with her. She said that she doesn’t want her children to grow up without a father. She knows she will need a car to drive the baby to appointments, and money for gas. She thinks age 24 or 26 would be a good age to have babies.

Tena represents but one element of good in York City and York City Schools. She is a young, female minority living in a single parent household in the city and thriving. It is only in meeting her that you get to experience her warmth and insight beyond her 16 years. At the end of our time together, she told me “ I plan to live life each and every day like I’m dying and splurge in my own way.”

(1) United Way of York County YorkCounts Stay in School Initiative Report to the Community

It’s All Good

I love York City. I love its streets, its food, its social service agencies and businesses.  I love its events.  I love the people in the hood sitting on the stoop and I love the movers and the shakers in suits and ties who invest in and grow this city.

York City gets a bad rap sometimes. Our city has its share of heartaches, troubles and growing pains. You won’t see any of that here. Plenty of coverage of those troubles can be found elsewhere. This blog is deliberately one sided. You won’t see any complaints about parking meter enforcement or crime statistics or who in city government should or shouldn’t be doing this or that.

As the name suggests, this blog is a place to discover and highlight the good people, places and things that can be found in York City. It’s a celebration of friendship, love, caring, creativity, recovery, growth, giving, peace, and all things GOOD about York City.

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!