33 minute read
HOMEFRONT
During this pandemic our homes have become our refuge—the place to work, to study and to retreat. Our homes have brought us pleasure and joy in these uncertain times, and in many ways have allowed us the time to think about what is essential and what we need to live. Nearly every industry has been impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic and those offering products and services for the home are no exception. However, in spite of it all, the following local businesses have managed to persevere. It is Harrisburg Magazine’s pleasure to highlight the story behind the sense of optimism these businesses continue to display. They have proven that while the pandemic has been tough, they will get through it. And by supporting and buying local we can do our part to see that they do. 7
Runners and walkers, friends, family and your dog, too!
Please join Homeland for an uplifting “live” event while supporting benevolent services provided to our hospice patients and their families. Homeland Hospice is a non-profit outreach program of Homeland Center, providing more than 10 years of service to our community. Much of our enhanced care—massage, music and pet therapy, extra in-home relief hours, and more—is dependent on the generosity of folks like you.
Whether you are a serious runner or participate to commemorate the memory of a loved one, ALL are welcome! Join us individually or with a team. And … there is a special opportunity for you to honor the memory of someone you loved by adding his/her name to this year’s t-shirts.
This year’s 5K is a flat course at the Rossmoyne Business Center, while The Memory Walk is a shorter distance along a portion of the same course. Medals and $100 will be presented to the 5K Overall Male and Female Champions; plus, ribbons will be presented to the top three M/F finishers in eight age brackets as well as additional fun awards for the largest team, most adorable dog and best decorated stroller.
Please join us on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 8:30 AM at the Rossmoyne Business Center, 5000 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg. There is plenty of free parking.
Rest assured Homeland Hospice will be following all CDC guidelines to ensure a safe and fun experience for all who attend.
Home Outlet coming to Harrisburg; Grand Opening set for Sept. 10-12
Home Outlet is a building materials retailer offering quality cabinetry, to undergo home flooring, baths, windows, doors and more at the guaranteed lowest price. projects at this Home Outlet is a retail chain, with 99 stores across 17 states, that is part time. We also serve of the E.C. Barton and Company family of brands and is 100 percent many professional employee owned. That means every employee you meet in the store or at customers who need the corporate office has ownership in the company. these products as they
The impressive selection at Home Outlet consists of all new, quality continue to operate products at a range of price points to meet any budget. Home Outlet is their businesses. located next to Burlington in Harrisburg at 4247 Union Deposit Road. The health of our
Best-selling product categories are flooring and cabinetry. Luxury store representatives Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are trending products and our customers is extremely right now because they offer the look of hardwood at a fraction of the important. While we have remained cost. They also offer many other benefits such as durability, longevity, open, we are also focused on creating and less maintenance. a safe and comfortable shopping
White and brown cabinets are the classics, depending on personal environment for those who wish to style. Colored cabinets are too trending right now, and the deep blues come in the store. For our customers are our top-sellers. who prefer to shop online at
The store is a great resource for landlords, contractors, restoration homeoutlet.com, they will find that professionals, house flippers, property managers, and anyone else we offer free design services online looking to find the best prices on flooring, cabinetry, windows and doors. and free curbside pickup of their We understand the needs of our business customers and offer a great product at the store. solution for them in both the products and the pricing. Landlords can We will be offering 20 percent off the entire sign up for our everyday 3 percent savings program. We also honor our purchase during the grand opening of the service men and women with a 10 percent every day military discount. Harrisburg store to be held from Sept. 10-12.
As many home building material retailers can attest, COVID-19 has We are also giving away several store gift cards, affected the business in a good way. a flat screen TV, a cordless drill set and a $1000
The pandemic has caused an increase in the number of homeowners cash prize. To reduce contact, customers can starting DIY or home renovation projects. We are fortunate to continue register for the prizes online at homeoutlet. serving our communities during this time. Our low prices and excellent com/grand opening through September 26. customer service help our customers feel confident in their decision No purchase necessary.
For 40 years, Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been in the business of ‘people’ providing peace of mind
Forty years ago, Earnie Zimmerman began his business in downtown Mechanicsburg as a one-man operation building his client base on trust and integrity. It started as a plumbing company and has grown over the years to encompass HVAC, electrical, and more.
“We strive to be a complete home services solution because our homes and systems within them all work together,” says Zimmerman.
“As a family-owned business and as homeowners ourselves, we at Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning understand how important your home is and how important it is that your plumbing and HVAC systems are in top working order at all times. Your home provides protection and safety for you and your family year ‘round in all kinds of weather, and our clients rely on that protection 24 hours a day – 365 days a year,” says Zimmerman.
“Many new customers don’t realize the breadth of our service offering. Obviously plumbing, heating, and cooling are the core of our business, but we also provide services such as residential electrical and attic insulation. It’s just as important that we stand behind everything we do, we have a staffed office to handle everything from incoming calls to ensuring warranties are properly submitted,” he adds.
This year marks the companies 40th anniversary and was expected to be a year celebrating the milestone. However, the business has been greatly affected by COVID-19.
“We have been massively impacted by the pandemic. Despite being an essential business, we elected to temporarily halt our operation and handle only emergency appointments. During the shut-down we paid close attention to CDC guidelines, trained on best practices, and procured PPE and other materials to keep employees and clients safe,” says Zimmerman.
“The residual effects of halting our operation resulted in over 1000 rescheduled appointments, which we plan to honor to the best of our ability.
We have increased safety protocols – we have always protected homes with floor and shoe coverings, as well as leaving areas cleaner than when we found them. Our technicians continue to be equipped with eye protection and gloves, now, we have face masks, additional sanitizers and cleaners. We even have bags for air filters that are then disposed of at the clients home instead of traveling with our technicians,” explains Zimmerman.
Zimmerman also says, “We continue to rely on existing resources for communication between each other and our clients. And while new technology will continue to emerge to help us improve on our day to day as well as safety, we don’t want to lose sight of the personal relationships we have with our clients.”
When asked, ‘What is your best-selling item or service? Zimmerman says, “Many of our clients are a part of our Planned Maintenance Agreement program. These maintenance plans provide mechanical systems in homes to operate at peak efficiency and safety – whether its HVAC, plumbing or electrical. These are
our core clients, they receive priority service 24/7, discounted service work, and a slew of other benefits. This is an agreement between us and a customer that provides the peace of mind to a homeowner that we will be there when they need us most.
Zimmerman says, “We’re in the people business and our focus is on the relationships we have with them. We serve with professionalism, integrity, and provide value that is often unmatched. We stand by our work and are dedicating to our clients and staff.”
Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is located at 110 East Allen Street, Mechanicsburg. For additional information go to www.ezimmerman.com or call 717-697-3528.
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 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).
Swartz Kitchens & Baths talks colorful cabinetry: A hot interior design trend
At Swartz Kitchens & Baths, when it comes to cabinetry, we love the classics: whites, wood tones, and neutrals. But, we also love those bold and adventurous homeowners who decide to inject a little color into their spaces with green, blue, red, orange, yellow – or any other colorful cabinets.
When remodeling a kitchen or bath, there’s no better way to create impact than by adding a boost of color. It can take a space from cookiecutter ho-hum to high-style huzzah. The magical properties of color will transform a dark room into an inviting and cheery space, make a room feel more expansive, or add instant drama.
Since cabinetry accounts for about 60 percent of your kitchen’s surfaces, installing colorful cabinets is a great way to make a design statement. Don’t want to commit to that much color? Then, consider pairing your neutral cabinets with a colorful kitchen island. Or, go the opposite route, and blend colorful cabinetry with a neutral island. Merillat Masterpiece® Collection did exactly that with this kitchen featuring Sawyer Maple cabinets that were color-matched to SherwinWilliams® Isle of Pines green.
Scroll Instagram or browse Pinterest, and you’ll see that all of the trending kitchens feature some variation of green cabinetry. From the palest shade of mint to saturated tones like Medallion Cabinetry’s Cypress Green, this cool color is currently a very hot trend.
When it comes to colorful options, green cabinets are only bested by blue cabinets right now. White still reigns supreme as the color of choice for most home owners. Houzz.com reports that 45 percent of homeowners who remodel their kitchens opt for white, but for the past few years, blue cabinets in all hues have emerged as very popular choice. From Merillat Cabinetry’s soft, pale Lakeside Blue to Shiloh Cabinetry’s more saturated Oceanside finish, blue cabinets add elegance and visual interest while pairing well with white, wood, metal or other neutrals.
And remember, colorful cabinets aren’t just for the kitchen. Blue cabinets, in particular, are extremely popular for bathrooms and powder rooms. They evoke a clean, contemporary and nautical feel. Furthermore, dark, saturated blues pair beautifully with chrome or champagne gold fixtures — another hot trend in interior design.
Although green and blue cabinets have the entire kitchen and bath industry abuzz these days, it’s possible to order cabinetry in any color. Legacy Cabinets offers ColorSplash, a program which allows you to put any color from the entire Sherwin–Williams® paint spectrum on your cabinetry. Likewise, Merillat Cabinetry’s Merillat Masterpiece® Collection offers ColorMatch™, matching a vast selection of colors from Benjamin Moore®, Sherwin-Williams®, Behr® and Valspar.®
You can update your white, wood or natural cabinetry with a pop of green or blue. You can incorporate a colorful kitchen island into any neutral space. Or, you can anchor your white or natural wood upper cabinets with lower cabinets in eye-popping color. No matter how you want to incorporate color into your space, Swartz Kitchens & Baths is here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our designers.
With five showroom locations throughout central and eastern Pennsylvania, Swartz Kitchens & Baths is a premier design resource for kitchen cabinetry, countertops, sinks, showers, toilets, tubs, hardware, plumbing fixtures and more. Family-owned and operated for four generations, Swartz Kitchens & Baths has been serving customers throughout Pennsylvania for over 85 years. President Scott Swartz says: “Our business focus is on kitchens, baths — and customers. Our philosophy is 100 percent customer-centric.”
To learn more visit the company website at www.swartzkitchens.com.
Now open, Bella Donnas implements procedures to keep clients safe
Bella Donnas means Weldon. “All of our stylists really enjoy doing color services,” she adds. “beautiful ladies” in Italian so “We keep up with all the current trends with continued education if a hair salon has this name through Paul Mitchell. This is important because things are always you know you’ll look your changing in our industry.” best when you exit. Such Weldon admits that the pandemic has been very difficult for all is the case of Bella Donnas small businesses and Bella Donnas is no different. Hair Studios located at 404 She explains that amid the health and safety concerns, our salon N. Enola Dr., Enola and 116 appointments are still in high demand. "The minute the governor Lincoln St., Marysville. announced that we could open our phone started ringing off the hook,"
Making you feel great in says Weldon. the process is owners and “We have worked hard to ensure that our clients can return to sisters, Rachel Minsker and our salon in a safe manner,” adds Weldon. “We are following all Jessica Weldon’s (Mathieu), of the guidelines required by the state in order for us to continue ultimate main purpose. working. Masks are required to be worn, except for clients with
“It was our childhood health conditions. We practice social distancing, and we provide extra goal to do hair and run a sanitation in between client appointments. The safety of our clients in salon,” says Minsker. “And in very important to us.” January of 2009 our goal to Minsker says she and her sister take pride in their loyal and open a salon became a reality. supportive clientele. We were just 20 and 23 years “Giving affordable, quality services along with some wine to help old when we first opened.” our clients unwind is our mission,” Minsker says. “When you have
The pair’s first salon was located in Marysville, but after four years clients who keep coming back that speaks volumes about a business.” “our books were full and we couldn’t accept new clients,” explains We are extremely proud to have been voted Harrisburg Minsker. “We decided to upgrade into a larger salon in Enola and we Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Best Hair Salon five times in the last hired several stylists. After five years we decided to expand again and 5-7 years, earning us the magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award. reopen our Marysville salon. Now we have two salons that cater to our That means a lot.” clients’ needs.” To book online go to www.belladonnashairstudio.com. Text HAIRCUT
The Bella Donnas’ team currently consists of seven stylists, one to 38470 for 20 percent off any service at your first visit. barber and two nail technicians.
“We enjoy all aspects of what we do but color is our specialty,” says
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 representatives 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 Places 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 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.”
Greenawalt Roofing Company has been proudly serving Lancaster, York, Dauphin, and Berks counties since 2004. The company remains family-owned and operated by Travis Greenawalt and his wife, Connie, and has quickly established a regional reputation as an honest and reliable roofing and home exterior company that offers exterior services including siding, windows, gutters and doors.
“We’re a one-call solution for all reliable and high-quality exterior needs,” says Travis Greenawalt.
“We celebrated our 15th year of being in business in 2019, which included a corporate relocation to 3530 Marietta Avenue in West Hempfield Township,” adds Travis. “The new 2530 square foot location, which I renovated, features office space, a supply warehouse, and showroom that offers a space for customers to come in, speak with a representative on-site and choose the color of their shingles, siding and gutters.”
However, Travis is quick to point out that due to COVID-19, his team has had to adapt and make adjustments as to how they do business, making sure that keeping customers and employee safety a top concern.
According to Travis, his roofing company is considered an essential business, so it’s been allowed to remain open for emergency calls and no-contact inspections and estimates.
“From our office staff to our workers on job sites, the company has pivoted in ways that we’d never knew we’d need to,” says Travis. But we’ve come out a stronger and more versatile company for it. We’re fully operational through our virtual system and still encourage everyone to call for any needs.
“All of our office employees are expected to work from home utilizing our cloud-based software applications. For our appointments, we are moving all of our estimates and inspections to no-contact.”
Travis says that company employees have not be with the customer while on their properties. “As soon as we are done on the roof, we call
them from our vehicle to discuss options/findings. We also email them no later than the next day and all contracts are signed digitally,” says Travis.
“Any of our teams going out to install have been kept to the minimum number of installers as possible to get the project completed in a timely manner, while adhering to the government recommendations.
“Our hope and prayers are for the safety and good health of everyone. Your home is where you should always feel the safest. Greenawalt Roofing Company will go to great lengths to ensure your safety.”
In 2019, Greenawalt Roofing obtained 5-Star SELECT Shingle Master™ status from international building materials manufacturer, CertainTeed Corporation. “This is a hard-earned designation only 2 percent of all contractors in North America attain,” says Travis, who adds, “We are currently offering customers $150 off services of $1,500 or more during this pandemic.” For more information about Greenawalt Roofing go to www.greenawaltroofing.com.
“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.
“We are the largest full-service specialty gutter franchise,” says Michael Barton, owner of the Gutter Guys, located at 953 Peiffers Lane, Harrisburg, right off of Union Deposit Road which has been in business since 1988.
“Our service and performance has never skipped a beat since COVID-19 became a reality,” says Barton. “We’ve gotten more business with everyone getting last-minute home remodeling projects during the pandemic. We’ve added another truck to our fleet and expanded our staff to accommodate the newly growing demand.”
Barton says that the company is committed to safe practices during COVID-19.
“We have modified our practices to stop the spread of COVID-19 by offering contactless free quotes,” explains Barton. “Our employees wear masks and practice safe environmental cleaning practices to all trucks. We also run a medical screening each day.”
Barton says, “If your rain gutters have already suffered too much damage, don’t despair. The Gutter Guys make seamless gutters that are custom fit and colored to perfectly compliment your home. We also offer all of our customers a lifetime materials guarantee in the unlikely case that you may require any gutter replacement in the future.
“Our best selling product is our own patented GutterGard System with the lifetime ‘No Clog Guarantee.’ No more getting on ladders and handling complicated cleaning maintenance,” adds Barton. “GutterGard does the work for you so you can stay safe.”
Barton says for a short period of time Gutter Guys is offering special financing options for customers with larger needs over $1,000.
For additional information about Gutter Guys, go to www.thegutterguys. com/harrisburg or call 717-561-1027.
“Harvest Seasonal Grill was founded on the principle concept of ‘know your farmer, know your food,’” says Dave Magrogan. Prior to owning restaurants, Magrogan was a chiropractor and focused on nutritional health.
“Harvest has allowed me to create a concept with great food, while also benefiting our guest health while at the same time, supporting local farmers,” adds Magrogan.
“We work closely with local farmers to source the freshest and highest quality ingredients possible. While other establishments have only recently begun to embrace organic menu additions, Harvest was built from the ground up with a no compromise attitude towards using local, all-natural ingredients in all of our offerings.
“Our best selling items vary since our menus change every season, but for the current summer menu our Cedar Plank Salmon is a year round favorite, as well as our summer Crab Cakes, and Teriyaki Vegetable Bowl.”
Magrogan says that COVD-19 overall has destroyed the restaurant industry.
“When the pandemic initially hit we attempted to stay open for takeout and delivery, but could not afford to pay our bill and our teams. Once indoor dining was reopened with restrictions, we reopened for limited indoor/outdoor dining, curbside pickup and delivery through third party platforms. We’ve brought back about 60 percent of our team and would like to bring back the rest. However, with the current restrictions on capacity mandated by our governor, we cannot,” says Magrogan.
“Initially we closed every one of our locations and laid off almost our entire company because takeout and delivery were not sustainable. We have slowly been reopening our locations as government mandates reach a level that makes opening our business more viable.”
Magrogan says the business has adjusted to the new normal by
“Limiting our dining hours, menus, and teams significantly. We have enhanced our takeout and delivery options by focusing on menu items that can travel well. “
He adds, “Since reopening we have made health and sanitization even more of a priority than it already was before COVID-19 hit. We have daily health checks with our teams, sanitizer stations throughout the restaurant, limited seating capacity, social distancing, our teams and guests must wear masks (as per government mandate), frequent hand washing by our teams, and enhanced filtering through our A/C systems.
“We are committed to providing the highest quality ingredients, healthy farm-to-table dining, while upholding the highest standards in COVID safety protocols,” says Magrogan. “We are offering special deals throughout our customer loyalty emails including, but not limited to, 20 percent curbside pickup on certain days, as well as other offers.”
Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar is located at The Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace, 2625 Brindle Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17110. For additional information go to www.harvestseasonalgrill.com.
Reiki by Rickie offers clients love, compassion and service
Rickie Freedman is a Reiki Master/Teacher and a Physical Therapist. Her focus is the integration of complementary healing with traditional healthcare and her specialty is “Reiki by Rickie – Gentle Touch, Deep Healing.”
Freedman says, “I created Harrisburg’s first Reiki Center “Reiki by Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place” on April 1, 2013.” She adds, “ ReikiSpace is managed according to the principles of Reiki – Love, Compassion and Service.
Located at 2793 Old Post Rd., Suite 10, off of Linglestown Road, ReikiSpace was closed during the pandemic’s “Red” Phase which necessitated Freedman to explore other ways to reach her clients.
“I branched out virtually with Facebook Live, sharing virtual workshops and classes. I finished my first book, and completed training to become a Certified Holistic Life Coach. When our area turned “Yellow,” I was able to begin sharing “Socially Distanced Reiki Sessions,” says Freedman. “I set up a Reiki table in our classroom and shared Reiki from 6 feet away in every direction. The client and I wore masks. I am now sharing normal Reiki Sessions, and almost all of my clients have returned.”
When asked, How has your business been dealing with the pandemic? Freedman states, “We are staying optimistic and continuing to share positive energy with our thoughts, words and intentions. Reiki is helping clients manage their stress and anxiety, and return to their place of inner peace.”
Freedman adds, “Everyone washes hands and their temperature is checked with a no-touch thermometer. We wear masks. The Reiki tables are covered with disposable protectors, and we have HEPA air filtration. The space is cleaned and sanitized frequently. Many events are now virtual. We are providing a safe experience, that is also nurturing.”
Freedman says she is offering complimentary “Lavender Light” Infused hand sanitizer sprays to clients. “Lavender Light” is the ReikiSpace Signature Essential Oil Blend.
“We also offer matching masks and eye pillows at a discount,” says Freedman.
Freedman says, “In addition to sharing Reiki Classes, I also teach Reiki for Healthcare Professionals, and ReikiKids. I have now created “Reiki Rickie Shares ‘ReikiKids’” Coloring Activity Manual. This is the manual to my ReikiKids class and shares about Reiki in an interactive way with kid-friendly language.
For more information go to www.reickibyrickie.com
When we hired Starlin ‘Star’ Colon to launch his legal career in the private practice of law on January 2, 2020, none of us imagined how 2020 would unfold.
Star is a hardworking and energetic individual who embraces challenges in a big way. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Star was recognized early for his baseball abilities. As he acclimated to life in Central Pennsylvania, his facility with English accelerated his academic opportunities. While an undergraduate at Penn State, he juggled his studies alongside his commitments to the baseball team as its captain and to the Student Athletic Board as its President. Following his Penn State graduation, he set his sights on two new goals, a Juris Doctorate and an MBA. In 2019, he accomplished both, the J.D. from The Dickinson School of Law and the MBA from Penn State. Star enjoys spending time with his family, his parents, siblings, a niece and nephews, especially if it is a baseball outing! He recently became engaged on City Island to his girlfriend of 4 years, Shaivya Singh (see photo). Shaivya is entering her final year of law school at Dickinson School of Law. To date, Star’s law practice focuses on business and litigation. He also assists our Spanish speaking clients in other areas of the law as well. On the phone, socially distant or coming to you by Zoom, Star seems more than equal to the challenges that 2020 has presented to us all.
Starlin Colon Contact him at scolon@sasllp.com Smigel, Anderson & Sacks, LLP
