Corbett Announces Liquor Privatization to Fund Education: What Are Your Thoughts?

“Our plan gives consumers what they want by increasing choice and convenience, and helps to secure our future by adding $1 billion in funding toward the education of our children, without raising any taxes,” the governor said Wednesday.

Gov. Tom Corbett, joined by Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny County, on Wednesday announced his plan to privatize the liquor system in Pennsylvania and committed $1 billion in proceeds from the process to education funding. Corbett said the $1 billion will be used to create the Passport for Learning Block Grant, which will provide flexibility to schools, allowing our public schools, instead of Harrisburg, to decide what their students need. The grant will focus on four priority areas: school safety, enhanced early education programs, individualized learning and science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses and programs. “Our proposal is part of my commitment to changing Harrisburg, streamlining government and moving Pennsylvania …

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The Naked Grape Enoteca to Close at End of Month

A final "Flight Night" is planned for Wednesday, June 27.

After three and a half years in the Sewickley village, The Naked Grape Enoteca will close its doors at the end of the month. Owner Ryta Mirisciotti-Jungling said the last official day is June 30. The Enoteca will be open to the public until then and only open to host a few private events in July to which they are committed. “We’re sad to leave, I have to say,” she told Patch, adding that they aren't planning to go far. Ryta and her husband David Jungling plan to take the Tuscan-style escape to the virtual world once the physical location at 515 Broad St. is closed. “We will maintain our website,” Ryta Mirisciotti-Jungling said. In fact, they plan to continue operating, as most importers do, by pursuing sales to restaurants, providing wine …

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Record Attendance at Pennsylvania Farm Show

Christopher Boyd shows off his jalapeno wine as one of several Pennsylvania wine makers participating at the 2012 Farm Show. Today is the final day.

Ever try jalapeno wine? Christopher Boyd, of Boyd's Cardinal Hollow Winery in Montgomery County, on Tuesday featured several wines at the show including a non-grape variety made from 100 percent jalapenos. "It won't burn your eyes or your lips but it is warm," Boyd writes on the winery's website. "The aroma is just like the pepper and then once you sip it, it fills your mouth with the jalapeno flavor and warmth. As you swallow, you will feel the warmth all the way down." Saturday is the last day for this year's Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, which is experiencing record attendance and heavier than usual traffic volume. The show draws more than 400,000 visitors from around the world and is the largest indoor agricultural exposition …

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Day Tripper

Day Tripper: Amish Cheeses, Wineries and More in Indiana County

Indiana County is home to nearly 300 Old Order Amish families — and their food and crafts.

There is nothing like the fresh bounty of gardens in the summer and nearby Indiana County offers a wealth of opportunities for fresh produce, cheeses and even wines. Indiana County is home to nearly 300 Old Order Amish families and we can benefit from their simple, wholesome farming ways. Visit Smicksburg Community Cheese Plant on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings and watch cheese-makers craft cheese with milk from local Amish farms.   The plant has a wide variety of cheeses, some with unusual flavors and delicious combinations – the cheddar pepperoni is one of my favorites. Stop any day and pick up cheese or a sandwich for a quick snack or, better yet, take it down the road to Windgate Vineyards and Winery. As you drive up the long …

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