Spring 2018

28  • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters • Spring 2018 MEMBER MILESTONES Philadelphia Chapter The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company has been raising money and awareness for The Bat Friendly Project to help save the habitat and food source of the Mexican long-nosed bat and the lesser long-nosed bat. The bats were the main pollinator of blue agave from which tequila is made. When tequila became industrialized, farmers stopped allowing the agave to flower and instead relied on cloning to keep crops growing. The Bat Friendly Project encourages agave farmers to allow a portion of their plants to flower so that bats can pollinate them—strengthening the genetic diversity of the plants and giving the bats back their food source. The Philadelphia bar features a “bat-friendly” cocktail on its menu and for every drink purchased a dollar is donated to the project. General Manager Jason Elliott recently visited Mexico to work with the biologists leading the efforts to save the bats and the blue agave. The Reading Terminal Market is celebrating 125 years in operation. At the time of its founding in 1893, the Reading Terminal Market was known for its state-of-the-art refrigeration system and marble counters. Today, it is home to more than 80 vendors (two of whom are descendants of the original standholders from a century before). Southern Chapter The Southern Chapter installed its first Board of Directors at its Winter Mixer held at the Gettysburg Hotel. Congratulations to President James Morrison, Getaways on Display; Vice President Chuck Moran, Gettysburg Hotel; Treasurer Christina Smith, York County Convention & Visitors Bureau; and board members Fred Becker, York College of Pennsylvania, Andy Gibbs, Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, Louise Heine, York County CVB, Jason Hubler, Exit Strategy Solutions, and Christina McCullough, Wyndham Garden York. Western Chapter Jim Bosco will open Major Stokes, a bar and restaurant, this spring in Greensburg. The restaurant takes its inspiration from the history of William Axon Stokes who was known for his hospitality. Major Stokes will feature a daily rotating menu of nine items— locally sourced—along with three daily beer, wine, and liquor choices. Jim is assistant professor of hospitality and tourism at Seton Hill University, former co-chair of the Education, Health, and Safety Committee, and is an active member of the PRLA on both the state and local level. Bella Sera Catering will debut a new event space in May 2018. The Gardens at Bella Sera feature breathtaking gardens surrounding a picture-perfect pond and serene waterfalls. Michael Passalacqua, owner of Angelo’s Restaurant in Washington, was featured in the Observer-Reporter’s new series, “Dishin’ in the Kitchen.” Michael shared his favorite dish to make at home, his go-to ingredient and how he got into the restaurant business plus more. • APRIL 4/9 Reading 4/16 Harrisburg 4/16 Pipersville 4/23 Bethlehem 4/23 New Stanton 4/30 Butler MAY 5/7 Lancaster 5/7 Philadelphia 5/14 Erie 5/14 State College 5/21 Monroeville 5/21 Poconos 5/21 York 2018 Upcoming Classes EARLY BIRD PRICING $130 members $170 nonmembers Must be pre-paid 14 days prior to the class. Regular prices: $135/member $175/nonmember. Taxes, shipping & handling fees apply. All classes are a one-day course with proctored exam. Textbook & lunch included. JUNE 6/4 Harrisburg 6/4 Uniontown 6/18 Philadelphia 6/25 Lancaster 6/25 Pittsburgh JULY 7/9 Allentown 7/16 Monroeville 7/23 Harrisburg 7/30 Philadelphia 7/30 Reading 7/30 State College www.prla.org/servsafe