Winter is Coming! Getting Your Home Ready She Sheds and Man Caves Fall Gardening Plus... Taste This! Bartender’s Best... and More!
b enchmark Media, LLC.
CONTENTS OC TOBE R 2020
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October 2020 • Volume 26 No. 9
PRESIDENT/CEO Darwin Oordt doordt@benchmarkmediallc.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Christina Heintzelman cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com EDITOR Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D. jgoodwin@harrisburgmagazine.com
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HOMEFRONT II
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Reich lreich@benchmarkmediallc.com
SHE SHEDS, MAN CAVES ALLOW WOMEN, MEN TO GET AWAY, AT HOME
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Mike Jurosky mjurosky@harrisburgmagazine.com
NOW IS THE TIME WHEN PLANTS NEED HELP THE MOST
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jo Ann Shover jshover@benchmarkmediallc.com
TASTES OF DISTINCTION TASTE THIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlie Wohlrab Jeff Falk
BARTENDER'S BEST
ON THE COVER
CORRECTION Issue 1|The Homefront 2020 Issue Page 32 In the September 2020 issue the Reiki by Rickie website address was listed incorrectly. The correct address is www.reikibyrickie.com
HARRISBURG MAGAZINE'S "SIMPLY THE BEST" 2019 CORPORATE SPONSORS:
The Homefront Issue 2
Harrisburg Magazine® is published monthly at 3400 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, PA 17110. Phone: 717.233.0109; Fax: 717.232.6010; harrisburgmagazine.com. Subscriptions, $10.95 per year. Single copies, $3.75. Back Issues, $4.00 at office or $7.00 by mail (postage and handling included). Send change of address forms to Benchmark Group Media, 3400 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, PA 17110. This issue or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Harrisburg Magazine®, Inc. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, photographs and disks if they are to be returned, and no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights in letters sent to Harrisburg Magazine® will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as such are subject to a right to edit and comment editorially. Name and contents ©2020, Harrisburg Magazine, Inc. Printed by Freeport Press, Freeport, Oh.
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The Homefront II
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he leaves are beginning to turn and the days are getting crisp. It’s definitely fall. . . those chilly nights, apple cider and, of course, Halloween! It’s also the time to get your home winter ready before the first snowflakes fly. As our homes have become our refuge, COVID-19 has made us more aware of the importance of good indoor air quality, clean gutters, and properly working furnaces. It’s also the time to consider future projects such as window replacement, new roofs, and kitchen and bath design renovations, along with new paint. And don’t forget to take time out for yourself with a visit to your local hair salon for a new do. Not only will you feel better in the long run you’ll be able to face the coronavirus, still a very real threat, lurking behind every mask. Once again, it’s Harrisburg Magazine’s pleasure to highlight the following local businesses who will help us approach winter in the right frame of mind. And by supporting and buying local we can help these businesses prosper. 7
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‘No job too big or too small’ for Handyworx LLC Handyworx LLC, a residential and commercial facility repair and construction business is composed of a team of professionals who are ready to perform any large projects, small jobs, or anything in between you may have. “Hire us for as long as you need to get those pesky jobs completed, or have us handle that big project you’ve been meaning to get around to from start to finish,” says Danielle Nagle, owner. “Our business is really varied and each job is unique. This year, we have done quite a bit of painting, both exterior and interior jobs.” She adds, “We have also performed some kitchen remodels and front porch replacements for our clients. Helping home sellers with their home inspection report remediation also has been a popular job. “We are very flexible. There is no job too big or too small. “We can do jobs as small as replacing a sink faucet to a large one where we rehab an entire house to prep it for sale” says Nagle.” Income producing property owners that need repair services rely on Handyworx for timely and efficient maintenance even during the pandemic. “Other than following the CDC guidelines for personal interactions with our clients, nothing has really changed since the pandemic began,” says Nagle. “In fact, our business is growing.” Nagle says, “Our crews wear masks, carry hand sanitizer and alcohol spray bottles. We are committed to keeping our clients and our employees safe.” She adds, “And as we are adjusting to the new normal as a result of COVID-19, our usage of alcohol has increased dramatically; that is, for cleaning purposes.” Handyworx offers free consultations with no customer commitment. Located at Wormleysburg, PA you can get additional information by calling 717-480-4279 or at contact@thehandyworx.com.
Alliance Business Technologies says its services are in high demand Alliance Business Technologies has been Harrisburg and Central PA’s primary source for IT service and sales since 2001 when it was established by Dale Nagle. “From our humble beginnings as a tiny storefront in Wormleysburg, we have grown to two locations throughout the region with a fleet of service vehicles to bring our award-winning service right to your door,” says Chad Nagle, president. “Our store locations are 5520 Derry Street in Harrisburg and 1201 Market Street in Lemoyne,” Nagle explains. “Alliance Business Technologies provides managed IT services, VOIP phone services, website design and credit card processing for businesses,” says Nagle. “ We also sell and service desktop PCs, laptops, and monitors as well as accessories.” A family owned and operated business, “We service residential customers in central Pennsylvania and multi-state business customers nationwide,” adds Nagle. Nagle says Alliance Computers has adjusted very well to the new normal as a result of COVID-19 and its services are in high demand. “As more of the workforce is now working from home and with schools operating remotely, our help desk services have seen an increase in demand,” says Nagle. “And our managed IT services have enabled our business customers an increased flexibility in their work processes.” Nagle adds, “As people are using their computers to work from home, our computer repair service is in high demand. And with the limited availability of new products and the uncertainty of the future economic climate, it is more important than ever to keep computing equipment operating and data backed up. “We maintain a safe environment and we have instituted policies to protect our customers and staff. We wear masks, provide bottles of hand sanitizer throughout the two stores and we regularly wipe surfaces with alcohol. Our employees check their temperature and oxygen levels daily before the beginning and at the end of their shift.” For more information go to www.alliancecomp.com or call 717-920-0300 (Harrisburg store) and 717-763-7020 (Lemoyne store).
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A calendar of compassion – and prizes! If you’re ready for 2021 – and who isn’t? – the Fifth Anniversary Homeland Calendar can help you ring in the new year with an opportunity to win prizes and the certainty of doing good for the community. Everyone who receives a $25 “lottery” calendar can win a daily prize drawing of up to $100. Your purchase also benefits Homeland’s residents and patients. Over the past five years, the calendar has raised more than $40,000 to support our benevolent care initiatives. Representing the traditional fifth-anniversary gift of wood, the calendar features gorgeous images of mighty oaks – a fitting theme given Homeland’s strong community roots dating to 1867. It also celebrates how those roots have grown into the complete continuum of care Homeland provides for the changing circumstances of patients and families. Homeland Center is our region’s premier facility for those needing personal care, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. The Ellenberger Unit provides a supportive environment for those suffering from memory impairment or dementia. Branching out, Homeland at Home supports patients wherever they reside. Homeland HomeCare assists seniors with daily tasks, and Homeland HomeHealth provides doctor-ordered medical treatments and rehabilitation. Homeland Hospice offers compassionate end-of-life care which allows patients and families to make the most of every precious moment together. The Fifth Annual Homeland Calendar is the perfect way to show you care – for loved ones and those in need. Homeland also extends its sincere thanks to Capital Blue Cross for generously printing our calendars.
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American Dream Painting says, ‘Unless you enjoy painting, let us do it for you’ “We are a full service company who make it our passion to provide you with a high quality professional paint job. From start to finish , big job or small job, inside or outside we will provide you an outstanding final product that you can be proud of years to come,” says Bruno Puna, owner of American Dream Painting. “American Dream Painting focuses on bringing you quality and affordable painting work so you can spend your time doing the other enjoyable things you like,” adds Puna. “Unless you enjoy painting, let us do it for you. “We offer quality services including painting, staining, power washing and drywalling and our most requested services at the moment have been dining and living room decorative painting.” Like other painting companies, American Dream Painting has been affected by COVID-19 restrictions and state guidelines. “Back in March we were only working in vacant homes and apartments since it was cold outside,” explains Puna. “Now that the state is in the Green Phase and regulations have relaxed a bit we are now back in our customers’ homes working. However, we are abiding by COVID-19 guidelines and are making sure our customers are safe. “We have added sanitization practices to every single job we take. All of our employees wear gloves and masks and they disinfect and clean every surface that they touch including door knobs at the beginning and end of each working day.” Puna says, “We understand that these are tough and unpredictable times, especially for people’s pockets. We are offering 35 percent off a free closet painting for one room. “Life is better with colors. If you have a project, contact us for a free estimate.” American Dream Painting is located at 2102 Page St. in Camp Hill. Telephone: 717-712-2405.
On All Floors: Your Home for Flooring Solutions
On All Floors is an award winning Harrisburg based flooring business. When you hire On All Floors, you are choosing a flooring company that stands alone in its ability to meet and exceed your flooring needs. The ultimate success of any flooring project, regardless of size, budget or schedule, is a proper installation. No customer is satisfied with their floor covering purchase until it is correctly installed. At the core of On All Floors identity is professional, trustworthy, and thorough installation. Many flooring companies use subcontractors or spread duties over multiple departments with information and responsibilities changing hands constantly. With On All Floors, the people who measure and quote your project are the same smiling faces who install it! The owners of On All Floors are Pete Hayden and Nick Instasi, business partners who possess over 50 years of combined experience in flooring sales and installation. Since 2004, Pete and Nick have been growing the company to serve homeowners, businesses, contractors, property managers and design professionals in ways that the competition can't. In addition to installation expertise, design support also sets On All Floors apart. Pete and Nick utilize their background in art and decades of design experience while assisting customers find the perfect product. Every customer is invited to visit their streamlined showroom to select the flooring material that fits their look and performance needs. Showroom visits are done by appointment in a one-on-one environment. If you are interested in a product that is not at the showroom, just mention it! On All Floors has the ability to special order a wide variety of products that will surely fit your individual needs! The final way that On All Floors is changing the flooring game is its pricing. They operate a specialized physical showroom and employ an in-house crew of five installers. Their ability to maintain low overhead allows them to pass the savings on to you, the customer! Customers do not have to pay “big box markups” on material but will still enjoy the benefits of "brick and mortar" wholesale pricing. On All Floors can compete with any flooring retailer's pricing! As 2019 and 2020 back-to-back winners of Harrisburg Magazines award for Flooring Sales and Installation, some notable On All Floors projects include the locker rooms of the Harrisburg Senators, the hardwood and carpet of the Governor’s Mansion and the interior steps and hallways of the Capitol Building. On All Floors offers a wide variety of Luxury Vinyl Tile, Carpet, Hardwood, Ceramic, Laminate and Sheet Vinyl that can transform any room of your home! "If you are in search of flooring professionals defined by quality and integrity, give us a call," says Instasi. To learn more, follow On All Floors on Facebook while their website is under reconstruction. Nick and Pete can be reached at (717) 448-6318 and (717) 903-3202, respectively.
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Renewal by Andersen is your replacement window and door expert If you meet her on the street, with or without a mask, you’ll definitely know you’ve met her before. That’s because Linda Johnston has lent her smiling friendly face to countless TV and radio spots, magazine and newspaper ads and other direct marketing materials touting the benefits of products by Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania for many years. And chances are good that she’ll greet you with that same friendly smile in person, making you feel as though you’ve known her for years and are on her best friends’ list. That’s because, Johnston, the General Manager of Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania, loves what she does. “Find something you love to do...you'll never work a day in your life!” Johnston states on her LinkedIn page. Employed by the company for 30 plus years, she’s worked her way up from a part time employee to being at the helm. “I started with the company just out of Bishop McDevitt High School,” she says. “I was a call center representative when I first began. “And I’ve loved every step of my journey with this company,” she says. Johnston says back in the days call center representative made sale calls basically using a telephone directory as a place to begin and to find phone numbers for potential customers. “ We’d work from neighborhood phone lists and just pick up the phone and call, she explains. “ I definitely made a lot of dials before I got a ‘yes,’” she adds. Johnston says that the company’s marketing plan has morphed over the years from cold call dialing to specific leads generated from television, radio, magazine and direct mail advertisements. “It’s been a huge shift for our business,” Johnston says. “Now customers come to us after they’ve seen our ads and direct marketing materials. “It’s been very good.” “While Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania is the start to finish replacement window division of Andersen Windows we do more than sell windows,” says Johnston. “Our goal with every customer is to create the best customer service experience. Our team strives to wow every customer throughout the entire process of their project.” Johnston has 160 employees working as call center representatives, designers, showroom sales representatives and installers at two different locations to manage. Besides the Mechanicsburg location, the company has another location in Duncansville, Pennsylvania close to Altoona. The company has been consistently named in the Top 50 Place to Work. “It’s easy to talk about a product that I care about and about a team who I believe in,” says Johnston. “I’ve loved to watch employees work their way up in the company as I did. And I especially love to watch them as they advance, buy their first car, and their first house,” she says. “Watching our employees grow is very rewarding.” “In addition to taking care of our customers, we also focus on taking care of our employees. We believe: Happy Employees equal Happier Customers!” Johnston says the health and safety of both our customers and our employees will always be the company’s top priority. “We continue to monitor COVID-19 and the health concerns facing our community,” says Johnston. “We have taken numerous actions to do our part in helping limit the spread of the virus, while still providing our customers with the exceptional products and services that they’ve come to expect from Renewal by Andersen.” Johnston says even though the pandemic has been trying at times, the company has seized the opportunity to reinvent itself. “We have followed CDC guidelines for businesses, including increased cleaning at our offices and facilities. For our employees, we have enacted new leave policies that allow employees to stay home and self-quarantine if warranted. This includes our in-home design consultants, as well as our neighborhood marketing, installation, and service teams. “When it comes down to it, it is our customers who have the final say in how we work. Their comfort level is paramount. We offer appointments at home as well as using the Zoom app for those who 10 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020
are unwilling to invite us into their homes. We fit our customers’ needs and wants to ensure the safest possible outcomes for our homeowners and team members.” Johnston, the single mother of a 14 year-old son who is starting his freshman year at Bishop McDevitt, says, “COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and left those in need at even higher risk of not receiving the nutrition they need.” As a result, to do their part, Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania is collecting food items for New Hope Ministries, St. Francis of Assisi Food Bank, and Bethesda Mission. “When COVID-19 became a reality and folks starting losing their jobs or were furloughed, my team and I met and asked ourselves, ‘How can we help the community?’” Johnston says the company decided to pair up with Scott Karns, owner of Karns Foods, to collect can goods and other food products to donate to the local food banks. “We set up tables outside of two local Karns’ stores each weekend in August. To date, we’ve donated over 35,000 pounds of food,” says Johnston. “We will continue to do so. It’s our way of giving back to the community,” she says. “And the people of Central Pennsylvania have been very generous in donating and that’s very encouraging.” Johnston says giving back is Renewal by Andersen’s core philosophy. To this end, the company has also held blood drives in their Mechanicsburg store, and over the summer, donated funds to Highspire Diner so they could continue serving lunches to students who might not have the ways or means of getting fed. “Our monetary donation helped Highspire Diner provide over 3,000 lunches,” says Johnston. “This definitely made everyone at Renewal by Andersen feel great.” Johnston says this time of year folks are preparing for the cold winter months ahead. She explains that there is a misconception that windows cannot be installed in winter months. However, she also adds that Renewal by Andersen has a complete process for that. The company will replace one opening at a time and one room at a time so you don’t lose heat. According to Andersen, installing windows now will save you more money throughout the colder months. You will not need to hang plastic or heavy curtains to keep the cold drafts out and your windows will not be cold to the touch. Call Renewal by Andersen today for a free in-home window consultation. Renewal By Andersen is your replacement window and door expert.
New name, new brand, Ace Handyman Services offers same quality service as before It’s that time of year when the days are growing shorter. It’s also the time of year when people start thinking about preparing their homes for winter. While tasks associated with winterizing one’s residence may be an easy fix for some, not everyone is blessed with the necessary craftsmanship to do them well. Fortunately for these folks, Ace Handyman Services is only a phone call away and is ready to take on any and all projects. “Formerly known as ‘Handyman Matters,’ our name officially changed this year on March 3,” says Erin Woods. “Handyman Matters is a franchise with locations all around the country. About a year ago, Ace Hardware bought the franchise to add to their brand,” Woods adds. “My father and I started the business together in 2004, and then I became the sole owner in 2015,” she says. “We do any small repairs that our craftspeople are capable of including changing lightbulbs in hard-to-reach areas, gutter cleaning, power washing and staining decks, changing light fixtures and plumbing fixtures. We also do larger projects that include painting inside and out, replacing flooring, bathroom and kitchen remodeling,” adds Woods. “There’s not much we don’t do,” Woods says. In 2019, Woods and her husband added an additional territory in Lancaster and York and now own the business together. “Our main office is at 4219 Derry Street in Harrisburg. We have an additional office in Carlisle and a small location within an office in Lancaster until we find the space that we are looking for,” explains Woods. “Our phone number is 717-566-6604.”
“We are continuing to add services, especially those requested by Ace Hardware Customers,” says Woods. “We do a lot of drywall repairs, T.V. hanging, gutter cleanings, power washing, and bathroom remodeling that includes a product called The Onyx Collection, and tile shower and tub surrounds.” Woods says Ace Handyman Services offers customer incentives to do business with them. “We are always offering specials on our four-hour and eight-hour packages,” she says. “We also offer a discount for repeat customers that have work done every 30 days or less. We have a senior and veteran discount as well.” Woods says there is a link on their website to its 400+ reviews on rate-a-biz, plus an additional 350+ reviews on Angieslist. “We have also been recognized as one of America’s Best Companies for Customer Service by Newsweek in 2019 and 2020, in addition to winning Harrisburg Magazine’s Simply the Best and Readers ’Choice Handyman for many years.” “Our Customers can book their work online, upload photos and notes to their job and receive an ‘On the Way’ text notification the day of the job,” says Woods. “We’re always looking to add creative tradespeople to our team, now in Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York,” she adds. “Quality craftsmanship, superior service and pride in our work is what drives us. Our guarantee is to make sure every job is complete to our customers’ satisfaction.”
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Bella Donnas’ team is passionate about the profession and the salon Bella Donnas’ Team is Passionate About the Profession and the Salon From inside the salon to the stylists behind the chairs, Bella Donnas is doing something right. Owners and sisters, Rachel Minsker and Jessica Weldon (Mathieu) who lead their team, say they place a huge emphasis on making sure each member supports one another. “Rachel, who specializes in color, handles salon emails, texts, and social media. She also organizes marketing and advertising for the salon in addition to being one of our stylists,” says Weldon. “Jess who loves to cut hair, handles our Paul Mitchell inventory and is in charge of ordering and product displays,” says Minsker. “She also organizes our annual Christmas Open House and coordinates Paul Mitchell education.” “Whitney is a manager and stylist who is outstanding with multidimensional color, and Jen is the salon manager, receptionist, and bookkeeper who has excellent communication skills,” adds Weldon. “Bonnie is a stylist who specializes in colors and blonding, and so is Morgan. Morgan’s forte is formal styling and balayage coloring. Sarah is a stylist and a nail technician who is extremely talented in nail art; and Kerri is a manager, trainer, stylist, and nail technician whose leadership skills the full team relies.” “And James is a barber who specializes in men’s haircuts and fades,” adds Minsker. “The Bella Donnas’ team is a very close-knit family. We help each other, from cleaning, to application, to education,” says Minsker. “When one of our guests refers a new client they will receive 20 percent off of a service, as well as the client who was sent to us,” explains Weldon. While the salon offers haircuts, color and formal hairstyling, facial waxing, make up and nail services, Minsker says, “Color is our most popular service, specifically balayage or feathered highlights.” “This service is regularly requested by our guests,” says Weldon. “The technique gives a more ‘lived in’ look and grows out nicely, leaving a low maintenance color.”
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Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring says it’s all in the name When Glenn Ushkowitz had the opportunity to open his own business, he wisely relied on his wife’s suggestion to call it “Couch Potato Carpet.” “I had always been a sports guy all my life,” says Glenn. “I would spend my Sundays watching football and my Saturdays attending an afternoon baseball game. Silvia, my wife, would lovingly refer to me as a ‘couch potato’ because I loved watching sports and not so much playing them. So when it came time to come up with a name for the new flooring store, Silvia jokingly said, ‘Couch Potato Carpet.’ Her suggestion had a nice ring to it and it stuck,” he adds. “We are a small, locally owned family business,” says Glenn. “I’ve been in the flooring business my whole life with both family and friends. I started as an installer, and in 2002 I had an opportunity to open my own store.” Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring has two locations. One in Hummelstown at 420 Milroy Rd. and a second in Etters at 320 Newberry Commons. “In November 2018, I decided to open a second location, in Etters, with family friend, Steve Frank,” says Glenn. “Steve has also been in flooring is whole life. He too, used to install and has worked for top carpet manufacturers in the past,” explains Glenn. “We are a small, locally owned family business,” adds Glenn. “Our staff is quite knowledgeable. Unlike the big box stores who many times hire anyone to work without being knowledgeable of specifications, sub floor issues and other things that make a difference in the end, almost all of our employees, measurers and salespeople have a flooring background. And an added bonus is our installers all have 10 plus years of experience.” “Customer service is our number one priority,” says Glenn. “Our customers will get a salesperson who will work with them from start to finish,” he adds. “Our customers won’t have to deal with 10 different people. They will have one to two contact people throughout the job who are easily accessible even through text. We don’t use outside contracting companies; only in-house installers.” Glenn says Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring’s best-selling items are carpet and luxury vinyl plank which is waterproof. “Real hardwood flooring has become more popular, too.” Glenn adds. “Right now we are offering customer incentives of 10 percent off the total price, including labor, when they mention they saw our ad in this issue of Harrisburg Magazine. For more information about Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring go to www. couchpotatocarpet.com or call (717) 566-7679.
Tyson Fence Co. can improve and define your space They say good fences make good neighbors, but there’s also many other reasons to add a fence around your house or business. Not only will a fence protect your property, it will provide safety and privacy, while at the same time, increase property value and make your home or business aesthetically pleasing; all very good reasons to get a quality fence installed by a quality company. That’s where Tyson Fence Co., Inc. comes into the picture. Established in 1983 by two Middletown High School buddies after graduation, it was just Jim Tyson and his high school friend working by themselves installing fences as subcontractors. In 1993, Bill Hill bought out Tyson’s original partner. Since then, Tyson Fence Co., Inc. has grown to 20 plus employees who furnish and install commercial and residential fence to South Central Pennsylvania. “By serving our customers we have become the largest fencing company in the area,” says Hill. “We carry a large selection of fencing materials in stock and can special order to fill your needs. We specialize in commercial and residential fence material sales and full installations. In addition to ActiveYards™ PVC and ornamental aluminum fence, we also carry chain link, wood, ornamental steel, gate operators and other commercial fencing options. “We have installed primarily chain link fence at prisons, nuclear power plants, schools, universities, and hospitals,” says Hill. “We also provide chain link, wood, PVC and ornamental aluminum fence for residential customers.” Hill says the company’s best selling items are chain link, PVC and ornamental aluminum fencing. “Right now, we’re offering a free gate with an ornamental aluminum fence installation of 120 feet or more,” adds Hill. “Please mention
this article in Harrisburg magazine for discount. “We offer the best in quality products, provide professional installation and an extremely dedicated staff to assist our customers’ questions and needs,” says Hill. “Our installation teams are second to none. If you choose to have us install your fencing, our workers are fully insured and our foremen have a combined 100 years of installation experience,” adds Hill. “Want to install it yourself? We sell to the public at discounted prices direct from the manufacturer and delivered to your door with installation instructions. “We want to be your fencing partners,” he adds. “From assisting in design and material selections for your fence project, assisting with DIY fencing projects and all the way to fully installed fencing solutions, Tyson Fence provides the best value in fencing products in the area.” Tyson Fence Co., Inc. is located at 7970 Grayson Road, Harrisburg. For more information call (717) 564-3116.
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How to get the most impact from your bathroom remodel budget Bathrooms may be the smallest rooms in your home, but a bathroom remodel can be a big project no matter the size of your space. Designers and contractors have to consider a unique set of demands – plumbing, electrical wiring, moisture content and space constraints – all while creating a pleasing and highly functional design. Per square foot, no room in the house is more challenging or costly to remodel than the bathroom. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of a bathroom remodeling project is approximately $10, 567, which includes minor, partial, and small bathroom remodeling costs. A comprehensive bathroom remodel costs closer to the $15,000 to $25,000 range, and larger master bath remodel can easily hit $50,000, even reaching as high as the six-figure stratosphere. But there’s also good news: The money you spend on your bathroom remodel pays off in unmatched value, both in terms of day-to-day living and resale value. If your bathroom doesn’t feel fresh and functional; or, if it lacks style and storage space, it’s probably time to renovate. In order to get the most out of every dollar you budget, it’s important to know where to splurge and where to spend: Combine great design and energy efficient features. When you begin searching for stylish bathroom features, make opulence affordable by choosing pieces that feature both great design and energy-efficiency. Splurging on a high-end showerhead doesn’t feel unnecessarily indulgent when you realize you’ll save water (and money) over time thanks to its low-flow feature. Likewise, if you’re going to update your toilet, you might as well choose one that leads to long-term savings by using less water with each flush. According to the EPA, a low-flow toilet could save more than $110 per year in water costs, and $2,200 over the lifetime of the toilet. Choose one splurge feature. For some people, luxury is a hot bath. If you agree, consider buying that dream claw foot tub. But if you’re someone who only takes showers, you might want to splurge on radiant-heat floors or heated towel racks instead. Choose one feature that represents your personal height of luxury and incorporate it into your bathroom design. Other popular bathroom luxuries include: a fireplace, a coffee bar, or an over-the-tub TV. 14 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020
Invest in smart storage. Our bathroom designers can make the most of small spaces with cabinetry, vanities, wall-mounted storage, and more. Dave Ramsey says the top three items to buy in bulk all belong in the bathroom: toiletries, dental care items (like electric toothbrush heads and dental floss), and of course, toilet paper. According to U.S. News & World Report, you can actually save 50% more when buying toilet paper in bulk instead of in single rolls. (Fewer trips to the store and less wasted packaging are a plus for the environment, too!). But those savings don’t mean much if you don’t have a place to put all that stuff. Great cabinetry solutions allow you to store towels, linens, toiletries, hairdryers, children’s bath toys, and cleaning supplies out of sight while maintaining a clean, yet functional, streamlined look. Create a focal point. By establishing a design focal point, you can draw attention to one special feature and get away with less expensive options everywhere else. This trick works great with tile, for example. Eye-catching glass or mosaic tile is gorgeous, but costly. Used sparingly on one wall or as an accent feature, it can still add a lot of impact without breaking the budget. You can also use a specific bathroom feature (like that decadent freestanding tub we mentioned above) to create visual interest. Pay attention to “clean” details. The best bathrooms feel like a personal spa, a space that’s clean and restful, and one where every detail has been considered. Thoughtful touches like handheld showers sprays not only add an element of luxury, they also make it easier to clean the shower (and your pets!). For other features that make cleaning and sanitizing a breeze, consider quartz countertops, a frameless-shower surround with water-spot resistant glass coating, and a toilet with a skirted base. Finally, don’t forget the details. Great cabinetry hardware can dress up even the simplest cabinet. And, you’ll want to be sure that the style and finishes of your faucets and fixtures align. Visual cohesion, even in the smallest elements, is a hallmark of a bathroom that’s been carefully and professionally designed. Bathrooms are some of the most high-traffic rooms in the home – and you can have one that feels luxurious without breaking the bank. At Swartz Kitchens & Baths, we make it our mission to design the bathroom of your dreams within the budget you can afford. If your bathroom needs a boost, contact us to get started with a complimentary consultation.
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Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning are the trusted experts when it comes to ductless HVAC systems Whether your motivations for energy conservation are economic, environmental, or personal, the benefits of energy efficiency will have something to offer for everyone. Summer is over and autumn has officially started. If you’re considering a new heating and cooling system or hoping to warm-up a cool spot in your house before it gets too cold, it may be beneficial to look into a ductless HVAC system. Ductless heating and cooling systems are wonderful options to meet your home comfort needs and the best part is, you can use one system all year long. This system will keep you warm in the winter months and cool during the hot summer days. Other benefits include improved air quality as well as excellent dehumidification. “A ductless or mini-split system is a heat pump or air conditioning system that relies on an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air handlers to provide efficient heating and cooling without the need for ductwork. These can be designed to handle a single room or an entire home,” says Tim Kortze, manager at Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. “Just like traditional air conditioners and heat pumps, a ductless system utilizes refrigerant to flow from the outdoor compressor to an indoor air handler to transfer heating or cooling,” explains Kortze. “Both the indoor and outdoor components of ductless systems are extremely quiet. You won’t hear the typical on/off like a traditional a/c or heat pump because it is designed to run more constantly at lower speeds. While the indoor units are whisper quiet,” Kortze adds. “These systems are extremely versatile and customizable. Indoor components are most commonly installed on walls closer to the ceiling. However, there are units that can be recessed into ceilings and some that can rest on the floor. We even have the ability to create a mixed system by incorporating existing duct work with an air handler along with a ductless component both connected to one outdoor unit.” Kortze says the heating and cooling efficiencies of ductless systems are very impressive. “Some homeowners cringe when they hear the words ‘heat pump’ because they associate that to high electric bills or cold air blowing from the vents in the winter, This is no longer the case. Some systems can produce full heating capacity when it’s only 5° outside, thus providing the capability of being a sole source of heat. And during those hot summer days, some systems can achieve a cooling efficiency or SEER rating of over 30! “One of the biggest benefits is that we can now eliminate hot or cold spots in a house that homeowners may have simply lived with. Sunrooms, basements, home offices, or master suites that had little or no ductwork, we can now create a dedicated zone. Additionally, if a system is designed with multiple indoor units, each room can be individually controlled to provide personal comfort,” adds Kortze. He says that before installing a ductless system, Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning spends extra time designing it to ensuring it will work for the space. “It’s very sensitive equipment and attention to detail is critical for proper operation,” explains Kortze. “We install everything beyond what the manufacturer recommends and stick strictly to their specifications. Doing this ensures a longer, more reliable life for the system.” “We’re able to provide parts warranties up to 12 years. With proper installation and on-going maintenance, a good ductless system should last well beyond its warranty,” he says. According to Kortze, there are many features that go along with a ductless HVAC system that homeowners will like. “Most commonly, each indoor unit is controlled by a remote control; 16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020
however, there’s an option to utilize Wi-Fi to control one or more indoor units. The homeowner can control the temperature, direction of air flow, fan speed, and much more from any style controller,” says Kortze. “Another high-tech feature included in some systems is a digital sensor to detect occupancy of a room. This can be programmed to automatically adjust temperatures and direct airflow either to or away from a person in the field of view. “The best thing to do would be to give us a call to set up a time that we can provide a thorough evaluation of a home or space where an application like this may be beneficial,” adds Kortze. Readers who want more information about ductless HVAC systems and other residential energy efficiency options should call Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (717) 697-3528 or go to www.ezimmerman.com
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Key Painting & Decorating seeks to keep homes, businesses fresh
Need your gutters cleaned? Let The Gutter Guys do it for you
“We are a professional painting company with over 43 years of experience,” says Darin Klinger. Klinger, who along with Bryan Daniels owns Key Painting & Decorating adds, “Our business is equipped to handle any size interior and exterior painting project throughout Central Pennsylvania.” While Klinger admits that COVID-19 has affected the painting business, he adds, “The virus has slowed down the commercial end of Key Painting & Decorating, but our residential work has picked up considerably.” Klinger says, “We are taking every precaution to ensure our customers and teams are safe by following Pennsylvania standards and guidelines.” Klinger says these safety measures allow Key Painting & Decorating to continue operating and providing the exemplary customer service that their homeowners and commercial clients are accustomed to receiving. “Our clients can rest assured that we are still here and ready to serve your needs at normal capacity,” Klinger adds. “We are family owned and we serve our customers in areas of commercial/ industrial painting, wall covering, epoxy coatings, residential painting, and pressure washing,” says Klinger. “Here at Key Painting & Decorating, our team can take even the most worn-out exterior and bring it back to life with a fresh coat of high-quality exterior paint, applied using professional tools and experienced techniques to ensure a quality finish each and every time. “We provide a range of custom interior painting services, allowing for a smooth, seamless experience and exceptional results in every home.” Klinger says Key Painting & Decorating LLC is equipped to handle any size interior and exterior painting project throughout Central Pennsylvania. “We maintain the highest safety standards and are fully insured during every job. Our PA Home Improvement Contractor Number is 149802.” Key Painting & Decorating LLC is located at 100 W 2nd Street, Suite 100, Hummelstown, PA 17036 and can be reached at 717-566-0280.
Having your gutters flow freely 365 days a year is vital in protecting your home. Water is essential to life but when uncontrolled can be very destructive. While it's one of the more aesthetically pleasing seasons, fall frost, rotting leaves and a number of other cool-weather conditions can spell serious trouble for our gutters. All the more reason to get your gutters cleaned before winter sets in. The friendly folks at The Gutter Guys, the largest full-service specialty gutter franchise in Central Pennsylvania, say clogged gutters cause damage in two ways. Above ground, water can work backwards into the roof line and get behind the gutter causing the fascia board to rot and costly repairs can result. Also, mosquitoes love gutters that are clogged and those that aren’t unclogged become a breeding ground for these pests. And they explain that if water is not moved away from the foundation of the home it can cause significant damage and will result in costly repairs. Also, termites, mostly unseen, love moisture and if left disturbed can result in major expenses. The Gutter Guys, which has been in business since 1988, makes its bestselling product— seamless gutters—out of only .032 gauge aluminum, which is the strongest used in the northeast. Guaranteed for life not to chip crack peel or leak, seamless simply means no areas are joined or caulked together, which if they were, would make them prone to leak. Seamless gutters are one piece. GutterGards is The Gutter Guys’ patented system which has a lifetime “No Clog Guarantee.” This lifetime guarantee gives customers peace of mind and protection for their greatest investment—their home. Call The Gutter Guys for an in-home demonstration at no cost. Mention The Gutter Guys’ ad for a discount. And don’t forget to check out The Gutter Guys’ Google Reviews. For additional information about the Gutter Guys, go to www.thegutterguys. com/harrisburg or call 717-561-1027.
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She Sheds, Man Caves ALLOW WOMEN, MEN TO GET AWAY, AT HOME By Jeff Falk
We all need time with our families. We all need time with our significant others. And we all need time to ourselves.
She sheds and man caves aren’t sexist, or gender-differentiating. Just the opposite. Their entire concepts are based on what is similar about men and women. Man caves and she sheds recognize the fact that time is difficult to manage, and that we all must make some for ourselves, no matter our genders. “Everyone needs a place they can call their own,” said Jennifer Shearer, a New Cumberland resident who owns her very own Shearer She Shed. “Whether it be a she shed or a man cave, it’s somewhere you can go to relax. Whether you’re a female or a male, you need to be stress free. It’s that important. I know mine has helped me.” “A man cave is a place of solitude or an escape from the world,” said Yuriy Ivanchenko, owner of the Harrisburg-based Nail’d It Handyman Services, which builds man caves. “It’s a place to maybe have your buddies over. It’s a peaceful place.” This concept of “personal space” in one’s home originated in the early 1990s, and first manifested itself in the man cave. The traditional idea believed that the lady of the home was the homemaker, that she had authority over the rest of the home, including its interior design, and that, within reason, what went on in the man cave, stayed in the man cave. But as the trend played out, women seeking equal treatment also saw the benefits of having one’s own personal space, giving rise to the she shed and the ‘lady lair.’ She sheds are a much more recent phenomenon. “Men used to congregate in bars or saloons, and I believe its origin goes back to the 1960s,” said Ivanchenko. “It may have 20 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020
started from a bachelor pad, and it kind of evolved into a man cave when a man got married. In the late 70s and into the 80s, it may have transitioned a bit.” “My husband has a man cave in his garage,” said Shearer. “He has a couple of benches and a TV. It’s not extravagant. When he’s in there, he works on his hobbies. Of course, I wanted my own place to do my stuff. The deal was, he could have a two-car garage, with an upstairs, and I could have a she shed. “It’s (she sheds) definitely become more popular over the last five years,” added Shearer. “I have friends who are waiting for their husbands to get them she sheds. For them, it’s ‘in the works’.”
M
an caves can be transformed or inserted into current living spaces like garages, spare bedrooms, dens, media rooms and, of course, the traditional basements. They can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 or up to create, depending upon the features and furnishings. Shearer estimated that her husband built her ten-by-ten she shed - next to a fire pit, in the front yard, partly to hide her chicken coop - for around $4,600. “My husband’s pretty crafty and he built it for me,” said Shearer. “But I like to say I designed it. I just needed a place to recreate, and I needed a hobby. I got some chickens and I started refurbishing furniture. My husband didn’t like my mess in the garage. But it all came about from me needing a hobby.” “I would start with the design and the feeling you’re going for,” said Ivanchenko. “What kind of feeling do you want? How much area are we talking about? Some essentials would probably be a bar, comfortable seating, a nice paint job and lighting to help the mood. Maybe a neon bar sign. Maybe a little humidor. “I’m not much of a sports guy, but I’d have a TV for those special events,” continued Ivanchenko. “I’m more of a cigar-and-a-bit-of-
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scotch guy. I’d have an air purifier, nice leather seats and some art on the wall.” Interestingly enough, there are few businesses in and around Harrisburg which specialize in the construction of she sheds and man caves. But most local contractors and handyman services will build what their customers are looking for, based on their specifications and parameters. “I think sports have really propelled the man cave movement,” said Ivanchenko. “It’s a big segment of the market. It’s a big part of that man-cave culture. You can deck out your whole man cave in your favorite team’s colors and memorabilia.” “It houses my pottery stuff, my chicken stuff, my crafty stuff,” said Shearer of her she shed. “There’s a table where I can do my pottery stuff and do my planting. There’s a chair, so I can hang out in there. It’s not like a man cave. It’s for hobbies. It’s very functional for what I need. It also hides my chicken coop. I’m not trying to have trashy buildings everywhere.” In that way, the differences between she sheds and man caves can be considered gender-specific. There are also seems to be informal, unwritten rules as to who, and when the opposite gender, is permitted into one’s personal space. “All those things in my she shed are my things,” said Shearer. “I guess it all depends on what your she shed is for. Is it for inviting guests over? A lot of man caves are going to have a bar and an entertaining area. It depends on how you define it.” “In my mind, everyone’s welcome, as long as they don’t disturb the vibe of the man cave,” said Ivanchenko. “But it is more of a man’s, or young man’s environment. It’s meant more for men to have their own space. I don’t think it’s sexist. I think we all need a place to get away from things.” Some would argue that as the world has become stressful, the need for man caves and she sheds have become more critical. For humans to properly care for others, we must first take care of ourselves. “It’s a place you can call your own,” said Shearer. “It’s a place where you can be by yourself, and take your hobbies with you. It’s a stress-free environment.” “With the women’s movement, I think it’s very important for us men to be ourselves,” said Ivanchenko. “We need a place to have space and reinvent our masculinity. It’s kind of a mini-therapy session with our friends. That’s a big mental piece of it. You can vent with your friends and feel better about yourself.” 7
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Evening Primrose by Becky Urban
Now is the Time When Plants Need Help the Most By Jeff Falk
S
ince the beginning of our time on earth, humans have coexisted with plants, somewhat peacefully. It is an imperfect symbiotic relationship. We give them carbon dioxide, and they give us oxygen. They give us food, clothing and shelter, and we give them … The truth is we need plants more than they need us. But that doesn’t mean we humans can’t enjoy taking care of plants. Perhaps that privilege is just another one of the things they give to us. Becky Urban is a professor of biology and the Director of Environmental Sciences at Lebanon Valley College. “It can be a symbiotic relationship,” says Urban. “We’re choosing the plants we want to have a good relationship with. With corn, for instance, we’re spreading their genes all over the place. But sometimes it’s good to look at it from the plant’s point of view. They are an aspect of our culture. There are ways where we have different relationships with plants. “They produce oxygen,” adds Urban. “They are the source for every food we eat, either directly or indirectly. We get medicine from plants, we get lumber from plants, we get paper from plants. 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020
Brown Pumpkin by Natasha Brown They are very intertwined in our daily lives. I think they’re very underappreciated, because they kind of just sit there. Plants have to withstand a changing environment, and there are competitive plants competing for the same resources. The more you learn about plants, the more interesting they become.” Locally, that ideological concept of caring for plants manifests itself in gardens – both floral and vegetable – landscaping and agriculture. While the climate of south central Pennsylvania presents us with a unique set of challenges in our caring for plants, it also provides us with different ways to enjoy them. As a pursuit, planting and gardening is like no other hobby in the world. “I think gardening is quite popular locally,” says Urban. “And I think it’s gotten even more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. I think people are spending more time at home. I can’t think of a house that doesn’t have sort of plant around it, maybe in a city. Even then, you have weeds growing out of your sidewalk. “Plants can certainly grow on their own,” Urban adds. “It depends on the species, how much maintenance and care they
need. There are certain plants that don’t need maintenance. But for plants to be more successful, it doesn’t hurt to help them along.” Autumn is the time of the harvest, the time when leaves change color, the time when the earth exhales. If spring is the time for re-birth and summer is the time for growth, then fall is a time to look both back and ahead. There exists hundreds of thousands of species of plants on the planet, many of which have their own unique life cycles and many of which are affected differently by their environments. “We’re getting close to the time when many perennials are going to go dormant and many annuals are going to die,” says Urban. “A lot of it will happen after a few harsh frosts. You want to trim some perennials to within a couple inches of the ground. It’s time to pull off the parts of plants that look like they’re dead. “For some species, this would be the time to be planting bulbs down into the soil, so they’re ready to sprout in the spring,” Urban continues. “It’s also a good time to plant trees, because they’re dormant. Early spring is fine as well, but before they bud. They need enough water for their root systems. With annuals, you want to plant them in the spring.” So it would seem that all maintenance and caring for plants is in preparation for the coming of winter. Put in human terms, winter is a time for plants to hibernate. “A lot of times, the cold is going to put plants in dormancy,” says Urban. “But a lack of water can affect them too. When the ground freezes, plants can’t get water, especially the ones with shallow roots. And things like that can be damaging to trees. In Florida, grass is going to be grown all year round. It all depends on the species. “With annuals, the seeds sprout in the spring time, they’ll produce nice leaves and nice flowers through the summer time, and then they will die in the fall,” continues Urban. “Bi-annuals live for two years. Bi-annuals sprout in the spring of the first year and what they’re doing is photosynthesizing, making sugar and then storing it for the second year when they flower. Perennials can live for more than two years, but it’s going to take some time for them to flower. Things like evergreen trees and grass might be green throughout the year.” Gardening and caring for flowers, HARRISBURG MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020 25
Garden by Frank Urban
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bushes and trees isn’t for everyone. But for the many who do enjoy it, it can be a remarkably rewarding pursuit. Gardening appeals to one’s caring nature, and it requires patience, persistence and a certain level of understanding. “I honestly don’t know where the phrase ‘green thumb’ comes from,” says Urban. “Do I have one? It depends on the situation. I’m really good at growing plants at work. But when it comes to my house plants, I’m not so good at that. They’ve been neglected in the past. But for my professional life, I’m fantastic.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with smarts,” adds Urban. “It has to do with how much you pay attention, just making sure you care enough to water them on a regular basis. I think it’s also important that you have a desire to get dirty and that you appreciate plants. I’d like to see people appreciate plants throughout the different seasons. Plants change throughout the year, and people can help maintain them.” It may be the benefits of gardening are a bit under-appreciated. Caring for plants can be therapeutic, an opportunity to interact with nature and it can lead to a greater understanding of the world around us. “A nice garden on the outside of your house can raise a property’s value,” says Urban, who resides on a 1.3-acre lot in Manheim. “When you drive by a house that has a beautiful garden, it catches your attention a little more. It helps with staying relaxed. It helps with aesthetics. You feel better when you look at flowers. I like to see what happens with them, and see different plants. “I like having our trees, but it’s more yard than I like,” continues Urban. “We have two main flower gardens, mostly perennials with shrubs. I like my flower gardens to be low maintenance. I don’t like to have to plant every year. I like spending my time in our vegetable garden, and I really like our orchard. I do like the aesthetics, but I also like growing things we can eat.” When it comes to caring for plants, we just owe it to them. 7
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TASTE THIS! It’s Friday. What’s for lunch?
Harrisburg Magazine staffers still think Friday is the best day of the week. Why? Because we know that lunchtime will be special. It’s the time we can relax and put our editorial taste buds to work by sampling items from local restaurants and offering our candid reviews in return. We’re still practicing social distancing and wearing our masks, and we’re just as hungry as ever. We look forward to sampling what’s out there look forward to accurately conveying the taste, texture, smell and presentation of the food items before us for our readers. While we started out with three local eateries—Soul House Café, Hong Kong Ruby and Market Street Deli, we’re proud to state that in all, fourteen local eateries have become part of Taste This! We would like to thank them for allowing us the opportunity to sample real food instead of relying on our brown bag lunches from home. If your eatery would like to be featured in Harrisburg Magazine then reach out to us. Contact your sales representative directly, call the main office at 717-233-0109, or contact Jackie Goodwin, editor, at jgoodwin@harrisburgmagazine.com.
AROOGA’S GRILLE HOUSE & SPORTS BAR
Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar is an innovative full-service casual restaurant and bar with a sports and entertainment focus that combines exceptional food and beverages. Arooga’s has a diverse menu featuring fresh, made to order items created with high quality ingredients, which includes many organic and gluten free options, and not to mention their Buffalo Wing Festival award-winning wings. The equally impressive bar features handcrafted cocktails made with real fruit juices and premium spirits and 44 beers on draft including national and local craft favorites. 4301 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112 (717) 909-9464 www.aroogas.com/aroogas-rt-39
HERE’S WHAT WE SAY ABOUT AROOGA’S
“Arooga’s provided us with a delicious lunch. They went above and beyond with the variety of selections. I really loved the crab pretzel!” —JoAnn Shover, Account Executive “Wow. What a feast! The ham filled Stromboli was delicious. The crust was so flaky and buttery. I loved the wings. They had just the right amount of heat and a great juxtaposition with the mild faux wings. Also loved the crab pretzel.” —Christina Heintzelman, Director of Operations “I absolutely loved those wings. Never had wings like this before. Unbelievable taste. So flavorful. I loved the crab pretzel. It was so creamy with great crab flavor. Loved everything!” —Mike Jurosky, Director of Sales and Marketing “Thank you Arooga’s for the great lunch. Everything was delicious. I loved the wings. Fantastic flavor. The crab pretzel was also delicious.” —Darwin Oordt, President/CEO “The wings were fantastic. Cooked to perfection. I also thought the crab pretzel was out of this world.” —Jackie Goodwin, Editor
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ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL ITALIAN RESTAURANT
The popular chain translates mom-and-pop Italian into a slick production. With its Italian flag color scheme and strings of lightbulbs illuminating the lively scene, it's a place where delicious pastas, thin-crusted pizzas, and veal, shrimp and chicken dishes are served. It’s also a place where you can get small plate selections along with vino! The restaurant features an open kitchen that allows guests to see its fresh ingredients and preparation techniques in a causal atmosphere. The Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace 2531 Brindle Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 671-4945 www.macaronigrill.com
HERE’S WHAT WE SAY ABOUT ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL ITALIAN RESTAURANT
“Macaroni Grill is the best! Oh my goodness gracious it was all so good. I loved the macaroni bites, penne, chicken parmesan and the Fettuccine Alfredo. Everything was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be eating there soon.” —Laura Reich, Graphic Designer “The chicken parmesan was amazing. The chicken was very tender and the sauce was tasty but not too heavy. I also loved the Tiramisu. Just the right combination of coffee and mascarpone.” —Christina Heintzelman, Director of Operations “The penne pasta was very, very good. I loved the flavorful sauce and loved the combination of chicken, shrimp, and rosemary sauce. The chicken parmesan was cooked perfectly. Everything was amazing.” —Mike Jurosky, Director of Sales and Marketing
“I love Italian food and Macaroni Grill did not disappoint. All the pasta dishes were delicious, and I especially loved the Fettuccine Alfredo.” —Darwin Oordt, President/CEO “The chicken parmesan was very delicious. I really loved it. The penne pasta was well cooked to perfection. I also loved the Tiramisu. Very decadent.” —Jackie Goodwin, Editor
CAFÉ MAGNOLIA
Cafe Magnolia is an eclectic, casual and quality BYOB which is located in a 100 year-old farm house. Since 2003 it has been serving up American cuisine including salads, soups, wraps, burgers, seafood, steak and chicken. All menu items are solid options and you can’t go wrong with any entrée. The restaurant also has a number of vegan offerings on the menu, including its homemade bruschetta with avocado to Jess’s Favorite Salad, a tasty concoction of greens, strawberries, sliced almonds and poppyseed dressing. Entrees stay under $30, with many options under $20. Café Magnolia also has a dedicated outdoor patio dining area that is quite popular in warmer weather. 4700 Gettysburg Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 901-9700 www.cafe-magnolia.com
HERE’S WHAT WE SAY ABOUT CAFÉ MAGNOLIA
“Café Magnolia provided us with absolutely the best lunch. I enjoyed eating the delicious Magnolia wrap and Jess’s Favorite Salad was extremely flavorful.” —JoAnn Shover, Account Executive “Everything was great! The staff kept ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ about how delicious the food was. I loved the chicken wrap, Jess’s salad and the burger. I would eat there every day if I could.” —Laura Reich, Graphic Designer “The salad with salmon, strawberries, and poppy seed dressing was refreshing, and the salmon was well-done, flakey yet juicy.” “The Marsala Salad was incredibly tasty; a great combination of chicken —Jane Jurosky, (Daughter of Mike Jurosky and our guest) marsala, pasta, and roasted Brussel sprouts. The Jess’s salad was incredible!” —Christina Heintzelman, Director of Operations “ I loved, loved, loved the Jess’s salad with its mixed greens, strawberries, almond, and poppyseed dressing. And the coconut “I especially loved the cheeseburger with its brioche bun. It was a thick, juicy shrimp was great. The shrimp was cooked to perfection.” burger and every bite was delicious.” —Jackie Goodwin, Editor —Mike Jurosky, Director of Sales and Marketing 30 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020
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Now, to experience the myriad of other flavors available from the various meaderies, you can go for a tasting. Check with the meadery first as they must adhere to “Covid Precautions.” Or you can read the descriptions on their website and order online. Option three is to go to the local liquor store, read the labels, and make your choice. Obviously, a tasting would be the preferred option, but remember these are alcoholic beverages even though you can’t taste the alcohol. If you choose option three and bring a 750 ml. bottle home, and you find you are not particularly fond of the taste, don’t worry. Mead is versatile and can be used to create a cocktail. The basic elements of a cocktail are: • The Base- the primary spirit • The Modifier- something to round out or smooth the taste of the spirit. • The Flavoring or Coloring Agent-this is added to enhance the taste or appearance Obviously, mead satisfies two elements, the modifier and the flavoring. This is where personal taste enters the equation. There are so many flavored meads available and due to their local nature they are not the same everywhere, and due to laws their availability may be limited. The best way is to sample the mead “neat” and then decide on the cocktail. For example, I purchased a mead with strong vanilla notes. The sweetness and vanilla works well in a Manhattan, a “Meadhatten” if you will.
Bartender’s Best By Charlie Wohlrab
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t is October and that means summer is over and now it’s harvest time. Thanks to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), I was able to read a seasonably appropriate book, Harvest Home, by Thomas Tyron, repeatedly. My car’s registration was due in October so I kept a copy of the book in the trunk with the jumper cables to read while waiting at the DMV. This is an interesting book made into a two- part TV series which mentions the beverage, mead. Therefore, I associate mead with October, and its taste profile fits well with the cooler days. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water and other spices and flavorings. It can range from 7 to 36 proof, so saying “mead” is akin to saying “Jello.” There are many different flavors, some with fruit and some without. Mead is produced at a meadery and seems to be a predominantly local product. There are a few meaderies in Pennsylvania and some even have tasting rooms. Do a Google search and visit websites to see where the meaderies are located and what they offer. And if you live in Pennsylvania, you can order on-line. Or, if you prefer, you might decide to visit for a tasting, much the same as a winery. The latter would be my choice, as there are so many flavors of mead. The Colony Meadery in Allentown produces a mead called Straight, No Chaser, a traditional mead. There are no other ingredients other than honey and water. If you are contemplating trying a mead, this would be the one I suggest, since it has a bright clean taste and is quite smooth. Obviously, the Colony has other meads, but this would be a good starting point. Straight, No Chaser is available in a 375 ml. bottle which makes it ideal as a sample. I like to use a 2 ounce “Sherry Glass” and enjoy a glass (or two) for cocktail hour.
32 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020
Meadhatten • 1 and ½ ounces, Rye Whisky • 1 and ½ ounces (or more to taste) Mead • Splash of club soda • 1 orange slice and 1 cherry for garnish Fill a cocktail glass with crushed ice, add the Rye, then the Mead. Give a few stirs with a cocktail spoon as the mead is heavier and may sink to the bottom. Add a splash of club soda, garnish and sit back and enjoy. This mead worked well for this cocktail. The “sharpness” of the Rye was softened by the vanilla and sweetness. Other meads may work well in other cocktails. Another way to enjoy mead is to fill a Collins glass with ice, add 2 ounces of mead and top with club soda or seltzer. Garnish with an orange slice and you have a refreshing way to enjoy mead. A mead spritzer if you will. There seems to be a renewed interest in mead, along with a renewed availability. The local nature of this beverage adds to its appeal, and definitely makes it worth trying. As for the book Harvest Home, it’s a nice October read or you can try to get the two- part TV series on one of your “streaming services” and shelter in place with a glass of mead.
Be safe. Stay Home. Have a glass of Mead!
Charlie Wohlrab is a mixologist whose motto, “Drinking. . .more than a hobby” has been topmost in his mind since he first started tending bar while getting his Pharmacy degree. Now retired, when he’s not restoring his older home in New Jersey, he’s made it his goal to elevate the experience of having a daily cocktail from something mundane to something more exciting. He is now Harrisburg Magazine’s official bartender in residence. My recipes are like my opinions,” says Wohlrab. “They continue to be refined as I try new products and work with old standbys.” Currently working on a book about cocktails, Wolhrab welcomes comments from his readers. He can be contacted at jgoodwin@harrisburgmagazine.com. 7
