HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023 by benchmarkmediallc

NOVEMBER 2023

PREPPING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

TINY HOMES FOR VETS

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 1

2 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

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IN THIS ISSUE ... 5

TINY HOME COMMUNITY

HARRISBURG’S MONUMENTS TO WAR (& PEACE)

HOME IMPROVEMENT

FINANCE HOUND

FOOTNOTES ON STYLE

SHORT STORY

NOURISHING BITES

FOR THE LOVE OF PETS

VOLUME 29 NO. 11 NOVEMBER 2023

ON THE COVER “Lest We Forget,” WWI doughboy statue at North Front and Cumberland streets, with background of American flag from the National Civil War Museum. Photos by Will Masters; composite by Shane Fisher (Carino).

NOVEMBER 2023

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING Jennifer George jgeorge@harrisburgmagazine.com

24 THEATRE THOUGHTS BARTENDER’S CHOICE

FOODIES FOR THOUGHT

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jo Ann Shover jshover@harrisburgmagazine.com

32 CINEMATIC RAMBLINGS

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Fred Hershey fhershey@harrisburgmagazine.com

35 AFTER THE BEAT PREPPING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

TINY HOMES FOR VETS

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Darcy Oordt darcy@harrisburgmagazine.com GENERAL MANAGER/DIRECTOR OF SALES Chris Aloia caloia@harrisburgmagazine.com

20 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 27

PRESIDENT/CEO Darwin Oordt doordt@harrisburgmagazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Imogene Gross imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER/LAYOUT ARTIST Shane Fisher (Carino) scarino@harrisburgmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Richard Eppinger reppinger@harrisburgmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Colby Galliher Imogene Gross Diane McNaughton David Morrison Bill Roddey CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Allison Juliana Brad Maurer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS John Bivins Imogene Gross Will Masters Paul Vasiliades

Tiny Home Community Will Soon Help Area Veterans Find their Way Home

Story by Diane McNaughton; photos by John Bivins

Brig. Gen. (retired) Wilbur Wolf III, winner of Commendation Medals from both the U.S. Army and the Air Force, behind the wheel of some heavy equipment

(l. to r.) Commissioner Chad Saylor, Marine (ret.) Jordan Ames, VOPA co-founder Tom Zimmerman, land donor Peggy Grove, Sen. John DiSanto, Gary Crowell, and Mayor Wanda Williams Keynote speaker and decorated Vietnam veteran Gary Crowell

his year, Veterans Day in Harrisburg will still hold many time-honored traditions: The stirring strains of “The Star-Spangled Banner” will still ring out; applause will still ripple through parades; and long-overdue words of appreciation will still be spoken. But this November, for the first time ever, other expressions of gratitude will also echo over the capital city – like the roar and rhythmic beeps of heavy-duty bulldozers and backhoes rumbling over a newly built access road, and the steady hum of progress as contractors erect new structures. These sights and sounds represent gratitude in action from the hundreds of grateful Americans who have already donated to Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA), a local nonprofit formed in 2019. Fifteen tiny homes, each spanning 210 square feet, and a 6,500-square foot community center are rising up out of the dusty roads and tangled underbrush in south Harrisburg to shelter and support area veterans experiencing homelessness. The community is being constructed on a once-overgrown slice of scenic land by the Susquehanna River, south of PennDOT’s

Tom and Lisa Zimmerman - the driving force behind the founding of the nonprofit Veterans Outreach of PA.

Riverfront Office Center. Once the site of the former Phoenix Park steel mill, the five-acre property was donated to VOPA by the private landowner, philanthropist, and former city Councilwoman Peggy Grove. It is a serene sanctuary along S. Front Street, centrally located by hospitals, transportation, schools, jobs, and other vital infrastructure. The transformation now unfolding on the lot is a precursor to the transformation envisioned for veterans experiencing homelessness. Tom Zimmerman of suburban Harrisburg is the co-founder and chairman of VOPA, who has been working 24-7 to take this vision from concept to construction site to community. It is a community where veterans can continue to fulfill their sacred pledge to leave no one behind. He recently retired from a successful electronics business and decided to do more than golf, travel and binge-watch Netflix in his golden years. His board is accustomed to his 6 a.m. emails. He knew that many wonderful organizations are serving our veterans in Harrisburg, but some men and women are still falling through the cracks. And too often when they do, they become invisible. His wife Lisa, a former health care manager,

Model of a Tiny Home

is also a key part of the behind-the-scenes, dayto-day coordination. The esteemed board and advisory board include Brig. Gen. Wilbur Wolf and a broad spectrum of community leaders who include an accountant, an attorney, a college professor, an insurance executive, investment professionals, business leaders, and high-ranking military officials who are now retired. Although not a veteran himself, Zimmerman is the proud son of an orphan who entered the U.S. Navy decades ago and fought in World War II. Veterans Grove is a tribute to Zimmerman’s father, who passed away in 2016, and all those who served, Zimmerman said. “We want to help veterans who have lost their way after they came home from the service and restore that sense of dignity and purpose they once had,” he explained. “They were willing to raise their right hand and pledge their lives to defend our freedom, so the least we can do is give them the hand up they need and deserve. We will give them a pillow to lay their head on every night, take away the worry about where their next meal is coming from, and give them the sense of community and pride they had when they served this nation in the military.” NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 5

His co-founder, Valerie Fletcher, was a friend from Redland High School who inspired the idea of Veterans Grove after reading about a similar village in the Midwest. She asked on Facebook, “Why can’t we do this in Harrisburg?”Zimmerman answered her back. “I’m in if you’re in!” And so it began. Tragically, Fletcher, a military “brat” and long-time human service professional who wore her heart on her sleeve, died suddenly of a heart attack in August of last year, at the age of 59. The memory of Val still continues to inspire action, and also adds a backdrop of sadness to every achievement, because she can’t be there to see it. But if an eagle ever flies over the site – as they often do – a crack of thunder shakes the earth, a flash of yellow (Val’s favorite color) appears, or something falls unexpectedly, Zimmerman is quick to say, “That’s Val.” Since that first Facebook exchange, more than $4.1 million has been raised, from state and county officials and private donors that include corporate giants like UPMC, The Hershey Company, Renewal by Anderson, WebFX founders Bill and Karie Kraig, Cleveland Brothers, and many more, as well as from residents who are struggling financially themselves, but who still want to thank a veteran. Many residents have bought a memorial brick for $250 to honor a loved one. These bricks will line the center of the heartshaped village and surround the American flag and the flags that represent every branch of the service. Many other companies are donating labor and supplies. American Legions, VFWs, quilters, churches, motorcycle clubs and more have also lined up to help in heartwarming ways. By the Numbers Zimmerman knows the statistics all too well: • There are an estimated 37,000 homeless veterans in the U.S.

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• • • • • • •

Twenty percent of veterans struggle to succeed in the existing infrastructure. Twenty-two veterans a day commit suicide. HUD estimates that 778 veterans in Pennsylvania are homeless. Roughly 3.7 percent of veterans become homeless in the first five years after leaving the Army. The average age of a homeless veteran in Pennsylvania is 53. On any given night, about 38 veterans are homeless in Harrisburg. If you are a veteran with PTSD, you are unlikely to be able to sleep comfortably in a shelter with 30 in a room.

To give residents a glimpse of the solution, a nearly life-size model of the colonial-blue “tiny home” is often seen at community events, including Kipona, Artsfest, last summer’s Bret Michaels concert, Derby Day, Harrisburg Senators games, and many American Legion and VFW events. The Zimmermans are usually there right beside it each weekend, sharing the story of VOPA and the “village” that is raising the village. A Groundbreaking to Remember A formal groundbreaking for the community was held on a sun-soaked day in early June, with guest speakers that included Mayor Wanda Williams, PA State Sen. John DiSanto, Dauphin County Commissioner Chad Saylor, and Grove. A memorial shovel and white hard hat were included for Fletcher when the time to dig shovels into dirt arrived. On that day, it was announced that the village would be called “Veterans Grove,” in honor of Grove. The keynote speaker was Gary Crowell, a former cabinet secretary in the Ridge Administration and highly decorated Vietnam veteran.

Upon his graduation from Penn State, Crowell was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his tour of duty, he saw combat in Vietnam for which he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and three Presidential Unit Citations. He later went on to serve as Secretary of the Department of General Services and Chief Clerk of the Pennsylvania Senate, and most recently, as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge. Crowell, who was inducted into the Pennsylvania Military and Veterans Hall of Fame, has become a trusted adviser to the VOPA team. Crowell noted at the ground-breaking that it occurred only a week after Memorial Day, when the nation honored our deceased veterans. “Today, we focus on and pay tribute to our surviving veterans,” he said. “Throughout history, these patriot warriors endured untold hardships, overcame great obstacles, and made untold sacrifices in the fight to protect and preserve our Nation and our way of life,” he said. “To this day, untold numbers of veterans are still confronted with a myriad of personal challenges and issues that are too often misunderstood or not understood by society. Unfortunately, too many times people wrongfully stereotype, devalue, or simply ignore veterans who are in need of help.” He noted that, when times are difficult, some veterans may believe that no one appreciates their service or cares about their well-being. “As a result,” he said, “it is not unusual for veterans to experience a sense of hopelessness, abandonment, anger, low selfesteem, anxiety, and depression. Veterans are struggling to cope with the physical and mental scars and strains they bear. We have an obligation to help these veterans in their times of need,” he said. Enter VOPA. “This is a village of volunteers who have a heartfelt desire and commitment to serve

those who served, helping them achieve selfrespect, confidence, independence and the desire to achieve a better quality of life.” “We do, indeed, owe our veterans a great debt of gratitude, and this village is a down payment on that debt,” Crowell said. The Innovative Treatment Model for Veterans Grove With Veterans Grove sitting on the site of the old Phoenix steel mill, the “phoenix” metaphor is not lost on the many area residents who have donated time, talent, and treasure to its progress. Even the inaugural lot-clearing on Veterans Day 2021 attracted close to 100 volunteers, many of whom were veterans themselves. Zimmerman has no illusions about how difficult it will be to turn around lives. He knows veterans, much like the general population, become homeless for a variety of reasons: divorce, declining health, eviction, job loss, a house fire, alcohol or substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and more. The goal is not just to shelter veterans from the elements in a tiny home; it is to help veterans overcome homelessness and its root causes in a holistic way. According to William Reed, a U.S. Navy veteran who serves as a board member for VOPA, the Therapeutic Community model to be used will encourage residents to take part in a variety of activities that establish roles, routines, and expectations. The community center will serve as the heart of the Grove, where veterans benefit from a shared living environment. Each veteran is given individual and collective responsibilities and a voice in decision-making. Physical, mental, and emotional health and wellness will be promoted. This focus will include meeting and sustaining recovery goals, with growth supported through peer feedback, therapy sessions, workshops, vocational training, and education, Reed explained. Supportive services and resources will be available, he noted. Clinical staff will include a certified peer support specialist, a social worker/case manager and residential counselors. Volunteers and former Village veterans are invited to return to help. Many community partners will also be involved to offer services both within and outside the site. In addition, both local residents and veterans may utilize the community center for a variety of groups, training opportunities and other activities.

The vision is for Veterans Grove to serve as a hub to meet the ongoing needs of veterans throughout southcentral Pennsylvania, Reed said. Federal, state and community partners, to include the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness, are expected to refer veterans. Walk-ins and referrals from family members and friends are also accepted. The community is open to all eligible veterans regardless of gender and is ADA-accessible. Veterans will live onsite for free. Admission requirements include an agreement to abide by program guidelines. If it is determined that the therapeutic model is not appropriate for the veteran, they will be assisted in obtaining access to an alternate program. The length of each veteran’s stay will depend on their unique needs and progress based upon their Individual Service Plan, peer support, and group feedback. Each home has a shower, sink, bed, and toilet, with room for their personal touches. A kitchen is not built into the tiny home because the treatment plan includes congregate meals for breakfast and dinner in the community center. While the tiny home is to be a safe space for veterans, affording them privacy and peace, it will not be a place where they can remain isolated. Participation in programming will be part of each veteran’s service plan. Zimmerman recalls one man who lived in another veterans’ community out of state. For three weeks after he moved in, he was still hopping on public transportation and collecting aluminum cans for money. It took him a full three weeks to realize, “I don’t have to do this anymore.” “These are accomplished men and women, decorated with medals, but who can’t seem to make it happen in the existing infrastructure. And often, they won’t ask for help twice.” He recalled another well-spoken, welldressed man he met at another veterans housing community. Zimmerman assumed he was the manager of the veterans housing community—but he was a resident. The veteran said to him, “The man you see today is a far different man than the one who came here a year ago.” The goal is to replicate those changes, with Harrisburg’s veterans beginning to move in by the spring of 2024. Those move-in days promise to be an extended Veterans Day celebration for Harrisburg. As Crowell noted, “They served us; now it is our turn and our time to serve them.” Please learn more at veteransoutreachofpa. org. 7

A Candlelight Christmas Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, 7:30 pm Messiah University, Mechanicsburg

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, 7:30 pm Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown

Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, 4:00 pm Market Square Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg

Tickets: Call Messiah Box Office 717-691-6036, option 1 Visit: susquehannachorale.org/performances

NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 7

Harrisburg’s Historic Monuments to War & Peace Story by David J. Morrison. Photo of Peace Garden by Will Masters; other photos submitted

The Civil War Obelisk originally stood in the intersection of Second and State Streets.

ashington D.C., our nation’s Capital, often comes to mind when we think of important monuments and memorials commemorating major milestones in American history. Many people might be surprised to learn of the extent and variety of memorials to war and peace that exist here in Harrisburg, the Capital of the Keystone State. Noting that Veterans Day is November 11, this month’s edition of Harrisburg Magazine invites you to join us here for an armchair tour of our city’s monuments to war and peace:

The Doughboy. Riverfront Park at Cumberland Street. Depicted in the cover photo, this bronze sculpture of a doughboy going “over the top” is titled “Lest We Forget.” It was “erected by grateful parents of soldier sons in honor of those living and dead who served in the World War.”

Mexican War Monument. Capitol Park. Erected by the Commonwealth in 1868,

it commemorates Pennsylvania Citizens who lost their lives during the war with Mexico from 1846-48. It is the oldest structure standing in the Capitol Complex, predating the 1894 Speaker Ryan Building and the 1906 Main Capitol.

Hartranft Equestrian Statue. Capitol Complex. Sculpted by F.W. Ruckstuhl in 1897, depicting General John F. Hartranft (Governor 1873-1878) on horseback, it was placed in front of the Capitol in 1899 (after the old Capitol was destroyed by fire, but before the new Capitol was built) and later moved to its present location. A hero of Antietam, 8 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

Top: Violet Oakley’s Mural “Unity” is in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol Bottom: Violet Oakley’s “Unity and the Creation and Preservation of the Union” murals span the entire north wall of the Senate Chamber. Peace Garden along Front Street in Harrisburg

Fredericksburg, and Bull Run, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Pennsylvania War Veterans Memorial Fountain. Capitol Complex. Dominating the approach to the 1986 East Wing addition to the Capitol on Commonwealth Avenue, the fountain is computerized to create various displays including a “dome of water.” Soldiers Grove and the PA Medal of Honor Memorial. Capitol Complex. The master plan expansion of the Capitol Complex in the 1920s and 1930s, in addition to providing for four symmetrically aligned office buildings, had as its centerpiece a tree-lined quadrangle named “Soldiers Grove.” In the 1990s, a series of granite memorial stones was positioned in concentric arcs within the quadrangle, identifying each of Pennsylvania’s Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, from the Civil War to the present. Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Bridge. Popularly known as the State Street Bridge, and providing a dramatic approach to the Capitol Complex, it was designed in 1930 by William Gehron and Sydney Ross as part of the expanding master plan including the Forum and Finance Buildings also designed by them. Crowning the twin pylons are monumental Art Deco eagles sculpted by Lee Lawrie, below

which are carved the dates of all wars fought by US citizens from the French & Indian War to World War I. Civil War Obelisk. Third & Division Streets. The Dauphin County Veterans Memorial Obelisk was erected in 1867 to honor the county’s Civil War veterans, initially at the intersection of Second and State Streets, a position that mimicked the location of the Washington Monument on the National Mall, of which the Harrisburg version is a 1/5 replica. Becoming a traffic hazard in the 20th Century, the obelisk was relocated in 1960 to a spot overlooking Italian Lake. Harrisburg Peace Garden. Riverfront Park, Emerald to Maclay Streets. Established in 1990 by the local chapter of the Physicians for Social Responsibility, this twoblock stretch of floral beauty is punctuated with stone and bronze markers inscribed with thought-provoking quotations about

peace and humanity. Three iconic sculptures, all inspired by the invincibility of the human spirit in the wake of the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, stand in bold relief against the clear blue sky. Women’s Memorial. Riverfront Park at Clinton Street. This bronze bas relief depicting wartime women in uniform, as nurses, rolling bandages, and tending farms was erected in 1926 “in commemoration of the services and sacrifices of the women of Harrisburg in the World War. Holocaust Memorial. Riverfront Park at Calder Street. The dream of Holocaust survivors in the Harrisburg area came to fruition with the creation in 1994 of this memorial to the six million Jewish victims of Nazi genocide before and during World War II. The central pillar represents the strength and continuity of the Jewish people despite the atrocities symbolized by the barbed wire. Firemen’s Memorial. Riverfront Park at Verbeke Street. Erected by Harrisburg’s (then) Volunteer Fire Department in 1924, this statue of a fully equipped firefighter honors “the valiant services rendered by its members during the World War.” The monument lists the names of the nearly 250 Harrisburg firemen who served in that war, including ten who died in service. More Can Be Seen in Local Museums In addition to these public memorials and monuments on permanent display in Harrisburg, some of the City’s museums also feature educational exhibits and artifacts that explore themes of war and peace. These include the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Civil War Museum, and the John Harris – Simon Cameron Mansion. Inside the State Capitol Building, many of the spectacular murals by Violet Oakley express war and peace themes. In the Senate Chamber, Unity and the Creation and Preservation of the Union is a five-mural composition illustrating both Founder William Penn’s vision of a just and peaceful world and Pennsylvania’s important role in the shaping of the nation. Spanning 44 feet across the chamber’s north wall, International Understanding and Unity: the End of Warfare, the end of Slavery is dominated by a massive Madonna-like figure embracing symbols of peace. Beneath it, Creation of the Union depicts, in two murals, General Washington at the Battle of Brandywine and the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. The corresponding murals depicting Preservation of the Union show General Meade and troops at the Battle of Gettysburg and President Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address.

Other places to see and study landmarks of war and peace are the various historic cemeteries in and near Harrisburg. Harrisburg Cemetery, at 13th and State Streets holds the remains of war heroes from the Revolutionary War, the Whiskey Rebellion suppression, and the Civil War. Historic Midland Cemetery, at 206 Kelker Street, Swatara Twp., Steelton, is the final resting place of U.S. Colored Troops of the Civil War as well as many generations of prominent Central Pennsylvania African Americans. If this armchair tour has sparked your interest in these historic sites and landmarks,

plan a self-guided tour or contact the Historic Harrisburg Association at info@ historicharrisburg.org or 717-233-4646 to arrange a guided tour. 7 David J. Morrison is a local historian, lecturer and tour guide serving as Executive Director of Historic Harrisburg Association which will present its 50th Anniversary Candlelight House Tour on Sunday, Dec.10.

NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 9

Home Improvement

How to Prep Your Home for Winter

s your home ready for winter? You may think this means cleaning your home in preparation for your family to visit or untangling the lights before hanging them up outside. However, if you don’t prepare your house properly for the colder weather your holidays could be ruined by a leaky roof or broken pipe. To prevent that, we recommend taking the following steps to ensure your home stays warm and cozy all season long.

freeze into an icy mess that gets under your shingles and damages your roof. The weight of the combined leaves, ice and snow will put stress on your gutters and cause them to pull away from your home. You can clean your gutters yourself with a tall ladder and a pair of work gloves. But it’s much safer to call a handyperson who can usually do the job in less than two hours.

Clean your gutters. Fall leaves can clog your gutters and

Have your roof inspected. Making sure your roof is in good condition is an essential step in prepping your house for winter. You can do it yourself if you have access to your roof, or you can hire someone. A contractor can inspect your roof and do any minor repairs such as replacing shingles. Don’t forget to check and repair any breaks in the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys.

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Tune up your furnace and gas appliances.

certified chimney sweep annually. Otherwise, you risk having built up creosote and soot igniting. If you only use your fireplace occasionally, then Have a technician come out and inspect you should have it inspected every 3 your furnace or heat pump. Not only years. will they ensure the system is clean and in good repair, but they can inspect for carbon monoxide leakage. According to Allison Stock, a toxicologist, “One Insulate your roof to of the primary ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is through yearly prevent ice dams. maintenance of gas-burning home An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms appliances.” She also recommends at the edge of a roof. When the snow having a battery- operated carbon melts, it prevents the water from monoxide detector in the home and draining off the roof. Instead, it leaks checking it regularly. into your home causing damage to your ceilings, walls, etc. Ice dams are caused Have your chimney by air leaks and inadequate insulation inspected and cleaned. in your attic. A home-energy auditor or winterization contractor can help If you use your wood-burning fireplace you identify and fix these issues, which more than 6 times a year, you should will also cut down your heating bills. have it cleaned and inspected by a

NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 11

Cut back your tree branches. Snow and ice places a ton of stress on trees. Make sure your trees are in decent shape by removing any dead limbs or branches that rub together. If you see branches in the power lines, the City of Harrisburg says to call PP&L first (800-342-5775), then call 3-1-1 to report it to the Department of Public Works.

Test your sump pump. You can test your sump pump by slowly pouring several gallons of water into the sump pit to see if it turns on. You should do this every few months. A good sump pump will last about ten years on average. If it’s time to repair or replace your sump pump, you will need to call a plumber or a certified basement waterproofing specialist.

Reverse your ceiling fan. Hot air rises. In the winter, your ceiling fan should spin clockwise (or to the right for those born in the digital age). This creates an updraft that pushes the hot air at the ceiling down.

Insulate your Pipes Exposed pipes that run along the wall or are in an unheated area like your basement or crawlspace need to be insulated. Without insulation, the water inside may freeze when temperatures drop below 32° F causing the pipe to burst. 7

"Have a warm & cozy Winter." 12 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 13

The Finance Hound/Bryson Roof

Year-End Tax Tips & Deadlines

t’s hard to believe we’re rapidly approaching the end of the year. My wife’s planning Thanksgiving and creating a holiday shopping list, but my mind is focused on yearend tax planning. Let’s take a look at a few tax strategies and deadlines! Employer 401(k) Plans: It’s important to check and make certain you’ve contributed enough to your 401(k) to ensure that you’re eligible for the full employer matching contribution for calendar year-end. If you are uncertain as to how to check the status of your 401(k), your HR representative will be happy to help. Something to keep in mind for those looking to max out their 401(k) is that in 2023, the IRS set a maximum contribution of $22,500. However, if you are over age 50, you can make a catch-up contribution of $7,500 for a total 2023 contribution of $30,000. HSA Contributions: Make certain you are taking advantage of your Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs are triple tax advantaged, meaning that contributions

are saved tax-free, are not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes and the funds have tax-free investment potential. Self-only coverage has a $3,850 limit and families have a $7,750 limit. There is a $1,000 catch-up provision for people over 50. For 2023, you can contribute up to the April 15th, 2024, deadline. Roth IRA Contributions: The advantage of a Roth IRA is that contributions are made with after-tax money, which means that all future earnings go taxfree. In 2023, eligibility starts to phase out for single filers with a household income of $129,000 and married couples filing jointly. Eligibility starts to phase out at a household income of $204,000. Roth IRA contribution deadline is April 15th, 2024. The full 2023 Roth IRA contribution is $6,500 ($7,500 if you’re 50 years or older). Roth Conversions: Roth conversions recharacterize traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, meaning you are turning tax-deferred assets into tax-free assets. It’s

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important to note this is a taxable event in the year you convert the assets, so you should consult a tax advisor before making Roth conversions to optimize your tax benefits for the year. Unlike Roth Contributions, there aren’t income limitations on Roth Conversions. You can convert Traditional IRAs into Roth IRAs up until December 31st, 2023. Roth Conversions completed after December 31st will apply to next year’s tax return. Qualified Charitable Distributions Individuals over the age of 70 ½ can gift up to $100,000 annually to non-profit organizations. Gifts must be completed by December 31st, 2023. Gifts from an IRA are excluded from earned income. This can be extremely useful for individuals who are mandated to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) but do not require all of the income. Tax Loss Harvesting Lastly, the IRS allows offsets for capital losses for investors with large capital gains from selling profitable investments in nonqualified accounts, such as brokerage or joint accounts. Scan through your investments and determine if there are unrealized capital losses that you can harvest to offset your gains. Offsetting gains must be taken by December 31st, 2023, to offset gains from this year. This can be an effective tax reduction strategy but be sure to consult an investment advisor to ensure you are avoiding potential wash sales and any short-term redemption charges. Tax laws are complex and ever-changing, so when reviewing the strategies above, it’s important to consider all the options with your financial advisor to determine if they align with your financial plan.

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M E M B E R S 1 S T.O R G / C E RT I F I C AT E S Bryson Roof, CFP, is a Financial Advisor at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Harrisburg, and has been quoted nationally in various finance publications including CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, and Barron’s.

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14 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

Footnotes on Style: Pro Fashion Tips from the Ground Up/Carla Irvin

Embracing Your Unique Style: Cousins, Not Twins

t Plum Bottom, we live by a simple yet powerful style mantra: when creating a look, aim for pieces that look like cousins, not twins. In essence, this means crafting outfits where the elements share some stylistic DNA without being identical, fostering a dynamic and cohesive aesthetic. The question that often arises is how to curate outfits that embody this ethos without descending into the chaos of mismatched fashion. Fear not; we have some pro-tips to guide you on this creative journey. Color Theory: Opposites Attract Let’s start with color, the palette upon which your outfit’s story unfolds. Remember those color wheels from art class? Envision a circular rainbow, where colors adjacent to each other are considered more closely related, while those directly opposite each other are color opposites. When assembling an outfit, it’s these neighboring and opposing colors that can work together harmoniously. Take, for example, cool greens and blues, which blend like the tranquil hues of the sea—a visually pleasing effect. On the color wheel, blue and orange sit directly across from each other, creating a dynamic and stimulating palette when paired. This approach lets you play with color in a way that feels fresh and appealing. Touch and Feel: Textures that Please Now, let’s dive into the tactile realm of fashion. Mixing and matching textures can elevate your outfit to new heights. Imagine nubby linen meeting the smooth caress of silk or textured tweed cozying up to sleek patent leather. Layering textures becomes especially effective when your chosen color palette is monochromatic. Picture this: cream-colored jeans, a woven light tan sweater, and nude patent leather loafers. This killer look allows the colors to blend seamlessly while relying on the contrasting textures of the materials to provide subtle yet captivating variation. It’s the tactile dance between elements that adds depth and dimension to your ensemble. Death by Matching In a bygone era, matching your handbag to your shoes was considered the epitome of sophistication. However, times have changed, and this practice now feels outdated, lacking the creative flair that modern fashion embodies. Instead, view your handbag as an accessory that complements but doesn’t

mimic your shoes. For instance, if you’re sporting a lively print that boasts a medley of colors, opt to unify the look by selecting one of the colors for your shoes and another for your purse. This way, you create a harmonious connection between your accessories, allowing them to harmonize without appearing forced or overly coordinated. It’s a subtle touch that elevates your outfit from the expected to the extraordinary. In the world of fashion, rules are meant to be bent, and style is a form of self-expression. So, whether you’re experimenting with color, texture, or the art of matching, remember that your unique style journey is a canvas waiting to be painted with your personal creativity. Embrace the philosophy of cousins, not twins, and watch your outfits come to life with vibrant, dynamic energy. Seeking personalized styling guidance? The team at Plum Bottom takes pleasure in assisting you in crafting an ensemble that seamlessly marries your unique personal style with expert fashion insights, from top to bottom. Can’t make it to one of the stores in person? You can access our Product Suggestion Quiz on our website at www.PlumBottom.net, providing you with instant style satisfaction at your fingertips.

Carla is the co-owner of Plum Bottom, a local fashion haven that has graced Harrisburg & Camp Hill --and more recently online--for over 46 years. Specializing in shoes, Carla's keen eye for style and quality has made Plum Bottom a go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts. Beyond the glitz and glamour of footwear, Carla's soul finds balance as a yoga teacher since 2010, imbuing her life and business with mindfulness and grace. A loving mother to two energetic teenage sons, Carla seamlessly blends her roles as a fashion maven, wellness advocate, and dedicated mom, crafting a life as vibrant and multifaceted as the shoes she curates.

Gobble, gobble, and no more HVAC trouble! Wishing you a stress-free NO MORE Thanksgiving! PLUMBING TROUBLE! Wishing you a stress-free Thanksgiving from our Handyside Family.

NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 15

Short Story/Colby Galliher

A Proving Story by Colby Galliher; Illustration by Allison Juliana

hen the head of his father’s axe rose into the sky and then plunged from its zenith, it seemed to cleave the dusky air as a lightning bolt lashes at the summer earth. His back foot lunged forward, his shoulders pivoting ahead, as the axe dove down and halved the mid-section of trunk so surgically that James often blinked and missed the cut, hearing only the cracking monosyllable of a clean blow. What remained when his eyes jumped open were two halfmoon mirrors of log, the striations of grain

16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

awed at their disunion. His father drew back his axe and laid it in the darkening grass. He bent and bear-hugged one of the halves of pine and heaved it onto James’ splitting stump. James eyed it suspiciously. “Think about it like a pie. Half a pie,” his father told him as he centered the half on the stump. “Start at the edge and aim for small pieces. Like you’re cutting logs to go directly into the fire.” “When will I be able to start in the middle?” “When you’ve cut your teeth on the smaller

pieces. In time. Do as I say for now.” “Okay.” The cold autumn sun had dropped beneath the horizon. The woods behind James and his father brooded with shadow, the trees still reconciling themselves to their nudity and the forest floor springy with a foot of maple and oak leaves. James’ nostrils stuck together as he inhaled. A freeze was coming. “Like I showed you.” James planted his brown boots on the hardening shell of the earth and set a slight bend in his knees. He looked down at the smooth-grained handle of the starter axe gripped crosswise before his chest. His left hand clutched the butt of the handle and his right the axe’s neck, its head upturned to the smoldering orange sky. He sucked in the grainy dusk and pushed the axe away from his chest, then pulled it back across his torso. His right foot pulled behind his left. He brought the axe up behind him, his shoulders rotating as turrets, then lifted it over his head like an offering. His hands joined as he pulled the axe down with all his available strength, his arms extending and his right foot and body both lurching forward in correction. His eyes closed at the exertion of force. The primed blade plummeted to earth and nicked his target, launching a shim into the grass. The blade stuck into a well-worn gash in the splitting stump. James looked disconsolately at his miss. His father bent down into the grass and grabbed the shearing, inspecting it with deepwelled brown eyes. “Kindling,” he decreed and tossed the shim into the uneven pile of logs next to them. “Try again. Keep your eye on where you want to strike. No different than batting.” “I always close my eyes at the last second.” “Again. Keep your eyes open.” James stared into his cold-reddened face with deference and hot loathing. Long trails of gossamer breath streamed dragon-like but silent from his father’s nostrils. James puffed temperamentally from his lips. His father pried the axe from the splitting stump and held it out to James. The falling dark tightened its grip on the landscape as the first stars shattered crystalline into the east. James took the proffered axe. The cold stung his eyes and bit at his tender cheeks exposed between his cap and his woolen collar. He assumed his stance before the stump, the axe held before his chest like a flag he would raise even if it meant his death. His feet fidgeted into place directly below his shoulders. The sweep toward twilight had silenced the field and the woods. His entrained breath boomed

and grated in his ears. James wound up, focusing on one segment of grain, and forced his eyes open as he struck the stump. The wood returned a sharp, hollow crack that shot low into the forest and echoed off the tree trunks. The axe rebounded from the stump and James drew it to his side. He looked expectantly at his father without checking the site of his strike. A dry ache pulsed in his hands, unnoticed. “That’s the sound you want,” assessed his father. The dusk grew as a beard on his jaw, turned his red nose and cheeks to an inky purple, a blackberry ripening. He leaned forward and ran an ungloved palm over the rough face of the stump where James had made contact. “You cracked it. Here. Feel.” James put out his hand searchingly and his father grasped his wrist, removed James’ oversized glove, and guided his fingers to the crack riven through the wood. James traced his forefinger along the top of the fracture and pressed the uncalloused flesh into the split he had made. A jubilant potency surged in him and lit a smile on his face. He turned his grin away from his father. “It’ll give. One more hit just like the last one.” James straightened his mouth and nodded. The frigid orange blood of the sky pulsated behind his father. The dark in the east crept westward with its fringe of unknowable depth and stars. James planted his feet gravely; the grass was already stiffening with frost. He raised the axe from his side and positioned it before his chest, squinting in the half-dark to find the waiting crack in the stump. The axe trembled in his hands. His chest felt tight as though a fist was closing over his lungs. A door opened in a place far off and incidental. “Phil!” came a call from where the house might have been. “Time to bring him in!” James did not dare pull his eyes from the stump. “Go on.” James stepped back. The axe rose into the air like a fox preparing to punch through the snowpack and then sliced down through the dusk with all the force the shaking hands and nascent muscles could muster. The blade lodged in the splitting stump and the sound which pealed into the sanctum of the night clanged godlier than church bells. Its solemn psalm rang once in his ears and then was gone. “Come in James!” He stared disbelievingly at the perfect wedge of log lying in the grass beside the stump, as though not from his axe but from the heavens

had it fallen. An ark of molten gold cooled and landed impossibly at his feet. His father stooped and took the log from the ground. He drew his palm along the freshly cut grain and then passed it to James, who received it with a reverence befitting the Christ child. In his father’s face, swathed in the featureless night, he searched for the light of pride. “He’s coming in!” his father shouted toward the house. James heard the door shut, his eyes unmoving from his father. “Take it in to your mother. Then make a fire like I showed you. She can help you.” He took his own axe from the grass. James watched with dismay as he turned away and resumed his chopping of the half-stump. He wielded the splitting maul effortlessly in his bare hands and with each strike the wedges peeled from their core like the layers of an onion. James smothered his log in his arms. “Is it good?” His father stopped and turned back to him. James held his breath. “It doesn’t matter what I think. What makes it good is if it burns well. Go see.” “I want to keep going.” “You’ve got your start. There’ll be plenty more to do tomorrow and the next day. I’ll be in in a minute.” “I can do it. I’m not even cold. I—” “James.” He closed his mouth. His father regarded him with an expression shrouded and unseeable in the night. The silence permeated the span between them. “Okay.” James turned and began trudging toward the light of the house. With his blood falling from its height the cold chewed into him. He told himself he did not feel it. The house’s chimney shuddered breathlessly as he depressed the frost-curled grass with his steps. His father’s terse, exacting strikes rang out in the dark behind him. James thought of him thudding back to the house, the two axes gripped in the leather of his palm. Looking up to see the chimney whispering the smoke of James’ fire into the night as the last light died out in the west. “Please burn well,” he entreated the promise clutched tightly in his arms. “You have to burn well.”

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Colby Galliher is based in the Mid-Atlantic of the United States, having grown up in the Northeast. His first published short story is forthcoming in Calliope in fall 2023. More information about his work is available at colbygalliher.com. NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 17

Nourishing Bites/Dr. Sumathi Suppiah

The Right Diet For GERD

s we enter the holiday season, many traditions celebrate with large meals, often with foods that are heavier and more indulgent that we’re used to. While managing dietary intake can be a struggle for many between November and January, it’s especially important for those who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, such as GERD. For those with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), weakened muscles in the esophagus may stop properly closing the opening that leads to their stomach, causing its contents to leak or “reflux” back towards and into their throat.

Someone with unmanaged GERD symptoms often experiences this burning feeling when eating — known as heartburn or acid reflux — particularly when consuming foods that are spicy or high in fat. Anyone may occasionally experience heartburn, but if you are feeling the burn more than twice a week, it’s likely you have GERD. Foods That May Cause Heartburn Foods commonly known to be heartburn triggers cause the esophageal sphincter to relax and delay the digestive process, letting food sit in the stomach longer. The worst culprits? Foods that are high in fat, salt, or spice, such as:

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Fried food Fast food Pizza Potato chips and other processed snacks Chili powder and pepper (white, black, cayenne) Fatty meats, such as bacon and sausage Cheese or milk with high fat content (like whole or 2% milk) Tomato-based sauces Citrus fruits Chocolate Peppermint or spearmint Soda or other carbonated beverages Coffee or other caffeinated beverages

Preventing Heartburn There are plenty of things you can eat to help prevent acid reflux. Stock your kitchen and plan meals with foods that are: • High in fiber • Low in fat • Whole grains, such as oatmeal, couscous, and brown rice • Root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets • Green vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, and green beans You can also help manage GERD symptoms by making adjustments to your lifestyle and eating habits. Holiday party invitations and stressful schedules can make some of these tips more difficult, but as in the development of any healthy routine, planning ahead can help you succeed. • Avoid eating large meals, especially later in the evening or at night. • Maintain a good, upright posture while eating. • Wear clothes that are loose-fitting around the stomach, particularly while eating. • Avoid very hot or very cold foods. • Drink water throughout the day. • Limit consumption of alcohol and coffee. • Don’t smoke. • Avoid certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. • A long-term goal for management of GERD is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. If you have heartburn two or more times a week and the changes you’ve made to your diet aren’t helping, talk to your doctor. GERD is often treatable through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication, and your doctor can help you develop a plan that is right for you.

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Sumathi Suppiah, MD, DABO, is the medical director of medical weight management for the UPMC Central PA Weight Management Center. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal health through good diet and nutrition, regular exercise, and mental health support. To learn more about medical weight management at UPMC in Central Pa., call 717-591-5638 or visit UPMC.com/CentralPaWeightLoss.

For the Love of Pets/Kristen Zellner

Jumping Spiders Make Great Pets

eople are going wild over the world’s tiniest pets. Thanks to Tik Tok, arachnophobes are becoming desensitized to a creature that previously made their skin crawl. The jumping spider is winning the hearts of the public as this misunderstood and often overlooked ball of fuzz becomes a rising star in the exotic pet world.

Jumping spiders are arachnids from the family Salticidae, which includes 6,000 species. They are found on every continent, aside from Antarctica. At ⅛” to ¾” long, these spiders are equipped with eight eyes and come in a variety of colors, ranging from browns and grays, to blue and red. They are known as the cats of the spider world because of their curiosity and ability to stalk and hunt prey with patience and precision. Their longer front legs help them reach out far and snatch prey while their super strong back legs can catapult them a distance thirty times the length of their bodies! According to the blog Xtrordinary Pets, the regal jumping spider, Phidippus Regius, is the most popular breed because of its friendly temperament. The regal jumping spider is an adorable, curious, and gentle creature that can recognize people and actually demonstrate the desire to be around their humans. They can be handled for extended periods of time without jumping away. Keeping jumping spiders as pets is fairly easy, though these delicate critters require a specialized living environment. The startup cost is around $50 or less, depending on what you purchase to make their enclosure. A hygrometer is essential to properly regulate humidity, which must be kept near 60% with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A misting of water on the wall of the enclosure every couple of days prevents the spiders from dehydrating. Since the spiders will molt up to 6 times in their 1-3 years on earth, the humidity is important for making that transition smooth. If they are dehydrated, they may have a difficult molt that can disfigure or even kill them. Inside its enclosure, the fuzzy jumping spider can be found sleeping in its web sack, exploring, and hunting for tasty mealworms

and flies. Enclosures must be ventilated and escape proof and can include live plants, rocks, sticks, and other natural or store-bought objects. Some spider parents get really creative and make the enclosures into adorable dioramas in a variety of themes. Picture a spider-sized living room complete with tiny throw pillows. Owning jumping spiders can be a lot of fun. They’re practical for people looking for a low-cost, hypoallergenic pet that is low maintenance. If you are at all intrigued by the possibility of owning a jumping spider, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, search for Mini_Robomuppets on Tik Tok or use the hashtag #jumpingspiders in your search. These short, entertaining, and educational videos may make you fall in love with jumping spiders, or at least make you less likely to squish them. Kristen Zellner owns Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals, est. 1986, Central PA’s first health food store for pets. She helps customers keep their pets healthy through better nutrition.

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2023 Holiday Gift Guide

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CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON BY CREATING MEMORIES WITH YOUR LOVED ONES!

Give the gift of entertainment this Lorem Ipsum holiday season, with tickets to The Pullo Center!

Tickets make great gifts, and allow you to join in the fun! The Pullo Center at Penn State York features an intimate theatre setting with just over 1,000 seats, offering a diverse array of touring shows, concerts, and family events. Join us this season for shows such as Pianist, Jim Brickman, The Life & Music of George Michael, In Conversation with the Sopranos, and many more. To view our full Holiday and Spring schedules, and purchase tickets, visit ThePulloCenter.com. THE PULLO CENTER AT PENN STATE YORK 1031 EDGECOMB AVE. YORK, PA 17403 717-505-8900 THEPULLOCENTER.COM

ThePulloCenter.com | 717-505-8900 20 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

... an intersection of history

2024 Homeland Lottery Calendar We are pleased to honor our nine founding churches in this year’s Lottery Calendar. With a $25 purchase, you will have the chance to win prizes each day of the year, while at the same time helping Homeland with fundraising efforts that support benevolent care programs.

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GIVE THE GIFT OF INNOVATION & SUCCESS Looking for the perfect gift for anyone involved in fundraising? Check out the Amazon best-selling book “The Coin that Changed Charity.” This book introduces the Smart Coin™, a revolutionary 2-inch custom-minted military style challenge coin with an embedded NFC chip. Created by Keith Hanshaw of Gray Water Ops, LLC, it’s more than a collectible—it’s a game-changer in charity work. Offering insights and strategies for maximizing donations, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to make a difference. Give the gift of innovation and success with “The Coin that Changed Charity.” GrayWaterOps.com. https://www.graywaterops.com/

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MISS RUTH’S TIME BOMB ~PRESENTS~

THE MARKET OF CURIOSITIES An odd market for everyone. Experience a three-ring circus of extraordinary holiday shopping, locally crafted booze, food, and the legendary Bindlestiff Family Circus. All this is taking place at the Carlisle Expo Center on December 2nd. For more information, visit www.marketofcuriosities.com.

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There is only one holiday gift that provides security on the road, discounts at thousands of retailers,savings at the gas pump, identity theft protection, travel planning support, and so much more. Best of all, it all costs less than $70. Now through the end of the year any new AAA Central Penn membership can be purchased for 25% off the regular price. So whether your shopping for yourself or would like to give great stocking stuffers to friends and family, a AAA membership provides the perfect amount of holiday cheer.

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Theatre Thoughts/Tara Herweg

RISING TIDES

Call or texx to see if I’m open for your date 717-877-2244

Client Reviews

Sttdio 211 in the Millworks

24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

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ave you ever felt a twinge (or more than a twinge) of envy when you hear of the good fortune of someone you know? Have you ever resented them for their good fortune, even when borne of their own hard work? I have. For a long time, until I was more than old enough to know better, I cultivated a veritable vineyard of sour grapes that I would dine on when I heard of friends and colleagues booking shows, television, and film. I’m ashamed to admit that I would roll my eyes and try to diminish other people’s achievements while I struggled to find my own footing in an industry that, frankly, didn’t seem to want me at the time. My frustrations became other actors’ shortcomings, favoritism, or political maneuverings within the business. I recognize this now as the behavior of a scared, fullygrown kid, foundering at the absence of work, and the absence of opportunity, not knowing how to take her own career in hand and make things better for herself. Although I always ate my sour grapes alone,

I should apologize to the people whose hard work and talent I belittled (behind their backs). I’m sorry. Years ago, a close friend who works for Broadway.com in New York texted me after I asked for some help with an audition search. I thanked her for her guidance, and the little bits of insider knowledge she’d let drop. She simply replied, Rising tides lift all ships. Something about this maxim went right into my core: of course they do. OF COURSE THEY DO. My talent and my hard work is not diminished or made less-than because someone else reaches a certain level of success. On the contrary, who you have in that case is a valuable contact in the industry. Someone who has opened that door, and maybe, just maybe, will be able to prop the door open for you one day. Also, the amount of energy it takes to rag on something versus the amount it takes to celebrate it? There’s no contest. Positivity will leave you feeling, breathing, and sleeping better. I’ve watched several friends reach levels of success that I may never attain. When a friend’s network sitcom was canceled after three seasons, there was not a hint of schadenfreude lurking in me. When another friend premiered his play, my first instinct was to shop it around to other friends– friends who run theatres in the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. I look in the mirror, and the woman who would talk trash to herself is nowhere to be found. I look around me, and I’m so happy to see that the vineyard I mentioned earlier has completely died out. I look at my friends, my hard-working, diligent, talented friends, and I don’t see people out to steal my opportunities away. Something I didn’t expect to happen when I embraced the light side: my own work improved. I became less self-conscious, freer to experiment during rehearsal, and the results were richer than anything I’d done before. I managed to find my niche, my market, and have been working in it ever since. Tara Herweg (she/her) is a native of Camp Hill, a former Core Company member of Gamut Theatre Group, and a huge fan of the Harrisburg theatre scene. Now she gets to call herself a writer, too (her 8-year-old self, Care Bears fanfic in hand, can hardly believe it)! She keeps herself busy working on her novel, watching horror movies, and raising her small human.

The Cercus reserves all reproduction rights, including the right to claim statutory copyright, in the above publishedWork. The Work may not be photographed, sketched, painted, or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express, written consent of the Cercus. NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 25

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Bartender’s Choice/Shady McGrady’s

Chatting and Chuckling at Shady McGrady’s:

people crave the authenticity of the dive bar experience, and shows such as Diners, DriveIns, and Dives have highlighted the hidden gems of such places. “Dive bars are essential, and Shady’s is kinda the last of a dying breed,” Kenny asserts. “I hope I can help put dive bars into a place of light where they belong.” Shady McGrady’s describes itself on its website as “Harrisburg’s Shadiest Bar.” Lightheartedly, we asked Kenny why. She laughed heartily. “I think that’s just mainly a play on the name. Despite, I think, what some people think, we don’t have any more issues here than any other bar that serves alcohol would,” she explains, but concedes, “We are definitely gonna be the darkest bar. We have one window there at the front.” The Shady’s website (it’s a masterpiece, seriously) features a lot of other fun jabs: “Come lose all your money at our gambling machine. I mean, some people win. But like, do they?” or “No more smoking inside, you nerds. Were you even listening to me? NO SMOKING. Thank you, beautiful.” I’ve never seen a local business website quite like it. The sense of humor displayed on the website primes you for the experience you can look forward to at Shady’s; it suggests a culture of playfulness, from its teasing signage to the

This Bartender Keeps the Drinks Simple and the Experience Fun Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com Photos by Paul Vasiliades

hady McGrady’s is a little bar nestled in Harrisburg’s Verbeke Street - an old building, dating back to 1900, dimly lit by neon signs and television screens. Aside from shooting the breeze with friends, playing the smattering of arcade machines, and watching whatever games are on, you can take part in trivia every Thursday, often themed and featuring prizes from local businesses. Shady’s, as the staff and patrons usually call it, is a dive bar, so expect the atmosphere to be casual and local-oriented (they like to call themselves “Midtown’s Living Room”) and the food offerings very limited but affordable. They offer $4 microbrews, $7 pitchers, 24 taps, as well as a selection of shots and basic mixed drinks (including the signature Mr. Pink’s recipe at the end.) “I like to tell people if you’re looking for a martini up with a lemon twist, Shady’s isn’t going to be the place for you,” Ashlie Kenny, bartender at Shady’s for 3 years,

makes clear. “We don’t even have martini glasses. (…) We’ve got pint glasses, rocks glasses, and shot glasses.” When asked if she thinks that dive bars get an unfair reputation, Kenny responded with a resounding “yes.” “Just to say that Shady’s is a dive bar, I think some people might not want to come here, just by that name,” she laments. To her, “dive bar” is just a neutral description for a type of establishment – it “isn’t really a negative thing, just kind of a way to describe a place where you can go and kick back, and chuckle with your friends.” They’re an intimate and informal gathering space - a place you can go to socialize without (one would hope) blowing your whole paycheck. “Dive bar just means we’re more regular-driven; we know everyone on a first name basis,” she defines. Fortunately, she believes the reputation of dive bars is improving as more people recognize their value as community spaces. More NOVEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 27

good humor of its bar staff. Next to our table, I noticed an aged-looking suggestion box affixed to the wall above a trash can. When I asked about it, Kenny got a devilish grin on her face. “If you do put a suggestion in there, there’s no bottom – it drops right into the trash,” she explained. “’Oh, you have an idea? Just go ahead, put that in the suggestion box!’ It’s really nice to watch peoples’ faces as they realize it falls completely through into the trash can.” The prankster antics of the bartenders are nothing if not in good spirit. I asked Kenny how she would describe her style as a bartender. “I like to say that I love people with gentle bullying,” she explains. “I like to rib people, y’know, people walk in and I’m like ‘oh my god, it’s you again.’” But aside from teasing, Kenny builds a sincere and affable rapport with bar patrons. Her extensive tastes in arts and media make her a good conversation partner. “There’s a lot of, ‘hey, what are you listening to? Did you listen to this?” she says. “We’re not a super huge bar, so it can be a very intimate setting, you know, there’s a lot of conversations that go on between the patrons and myself.” Shady’s prides itself on being a little “community,” she says, built mostly from regulars and the occasional newcomer passing through, maybe on their way to an event at one of the nearby

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www.baccopizzeriawinebar.com 20 North 2nd Street (Downtown) Harrisburg, PA 17111 (717) 234-7508 28 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

venues. And, when they come through that door, they’re in for a good time. “Everyone here can be themselves,” she affirms.

Recommendations of two or three spirits to try: Mezcal, Tequila, Bourbon.

Kenny’s Dossier

Most commonly ordered drinks at your bar: One of my favorite things about Shady’s is that we always have been and always will be a dive bar. Rated top 5 in the state of Pennsylvania multiple times, mind you! We don’t have any garnishes, or even any fruit. However, I often like to remind people that we are a BYOL (Bring Your Own Limes) establishment! While there is a myriad of drinks we can make, if you’re looking for a martini with a lemon twist, I can tell you that Shady’s isn’t the place, but if you’re looking for a good shot of bourbon, a nice IPA draft, and a good laugh, we are absolutely the place for you! In saying that, our most commonly served drinks are pints and shots. We have 32 oz pitchers of IPAs like Bells Two Hearted for $5 and Tröegs Perpetual for $7. There’s a mixed shot I make that has become a favorite among my bar guests. Similar to a green tea shot but made with Deep Eddy’s Grapefruit vodka instead.

Words of advice to home mixologists: Make sure you’re investing in the right tools and ingredients. Shaker sets including jiggers start fairly cheap on Amazon until you feel more confident to upgrade. There are a lot of great and simple drink recipes out there. It’s important you know what you like and have the right tools to bring it to fruition. Don’t be afraid to go to your favorite bar and ask bartenders you encounter. We all develop our own styles over time. Most importantly, don’t overthink it, stay curious, adventurous, creative, and remember to support your local drink slingers! Inspirations: To quote one of my favorite movies, High Fidelity, “Books, records, film - These things matter.” I am an avid reader, music listener, movie watcher, and video game player. I love to create mixed media and digital collages. I love writing poetry, browsing antique shops, and going to see live music with my friends. I’ve always naturally leaned more into the eclectic and artistic aspects of life. The weirder the better, if you ask me. I love to laugh and make other people laugh. I firmly believe that it is imperative to learn from both the good and bad experiences in life, to be open about and share your personal discoveries and never take life too seriously. I get to meet so many different people, whether they live in the city or are just passing through. There is so much community here, and it’s important to me to be involved with it. I love to travel, and you can convince me to take just about any hike if you can promise me there’s a beautiful view waiting for me at the end. I was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and am incredibly close with my family and friends. This is where my heart is. This is my home.

Philosophy on drinks: Love and intention are real ingredients. A drink poured and made by your local bartenders who you’ve established a connection and relationship with are always going to taste better, no matter how simple. A good bar is all about community. It’s a place people can go to unwind, to be alone without really being alone, or to engage with others. Bartenders are so much more than just a person handing you a drink across the bar. We become your therapist, your source of laughter, your friend, your family. Shady’s is truly a family. Dysfunctional like every other but filled with love and support at its core. I have watched it happen and experienced it myself over and over again and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of it.

Favorite spirit straight: I prefer my poltergeists on a sliding scale, but I’d have to say whiskey neat, or tequila. Don Julio chilled has been a go-to of mine this summer.

Thoughts about your cocktails: While I enjoy being creative, I tend to stick to the K.I.S.S. principle when it comes to cocktails. Keep It Simple Stupid. You can make a great cocktail out of 3 ingredients, but I concentrate on wanting the patron’s experience to be even better.

Favorite spirits to mix: I don’t really have a personal favorite to mix. Alcohol is incredibly versatile. Lately I’ve enjoyed experimenting with flavored vodka. Deep Eddy’s Lemon and Grapefruit has been a go-to.

Your day job (if bartending isn’t your day job) Bartending is my profession and how I support myself and my dog Opie. Anything else that I do outside of work is a hobby that I enjoy. What days/times do you typically work at

the bar: I am the daytime weekend warrior! I work from noon until night on weekends and a couple days during the week as well. Sundays mean football again!

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Recipe for your signature or favorite drink to make: Mr. Pink’s 1 oz Deep Eddy’s Grapefruit Vodka 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps 1/2 oz sour mix Splash of Pineapple Juice Shake well Pour into pint glass filled with ice and top with Lemon-Lime soda or Club Soda NOMINATE A BARTENDER OR BARISTA! harrisburgmagazine.com/submissions

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Foodies for Thought

The Food is Exponentially Exquisite at this Local Vietnamese Gem Story and photos by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

f you attended the 2023 “Simply the Best” Gala this past August, you might remember Harrisburg Vietnamese eatery The LA Squared among the lineup of food sponsors. Formerly known as Vietnamese Garden for over two decades, the Reily Street restaurant recently rebranded to a name taken from the initials of owner Lambent Nguyen, his wife, and their two daughters – two names start with “l”, two with “a,” so, in math terms (Nguyen’s other job is in engineering, after all), LA Squared. Though the space has been remodeled, and the menu updated to offer some trendy options like bubble tea, the business has been kept in the family – Nguyen is the son of the original owner. It was my first time in the space since I was a small child, and I was impressed by the wellpresented, sensible menu and ordering system. The menu is displayed on screens beside the register, and visuals accompany many of the items, so you can see what you’re ordering. I also admire the customizability of the menu, and clear labelling of major ingredients. Rather than listing separate options for every

possible option, the protein/veggie options are listed under each item. LA Squared is a counter service restaurant, so you place your order, whether for dine in or take out, at the counter, and wait for your food. First out were drinks. I tried the strawberry lemonade – and what a treat! You could tell that it was made with real strawberries – I could see bits of strawberry floating in the drink. Another diner ordered a coconut water, which was also very sweet, very coconutty, and even featured shavings of coconut. As an appetizer, we ordered the fried dumplings, which were filled with chopped cabbage and carrot that tasted very fresh and flavorful, and served with a soy dipping sauce. For my entrée, I ordered a banh mi with caramelized tofu. For those who may not know about this delicious result of French colonization of Vietnam in the 19th century, a banh mi is a type of sandwich served on a cut baguette roll, filled with a variety of savory Vietnamese fillings. In this case, your choice of protein, thinly sliced cucumber, cilantro, pickled radish, and carrot, with mayo and a house-made chili-based sauce. I found the bread to be perfectly soft and crusty, and substantial enough to hold up to the sauces and fillings the whole time through. One of our diners ordered the Thai fried rice with shrimp. Along with pineapple, basil, cashew, garlic, white onion, scallions and egg, the shrimp were generously portioned (“they don’t skimp on the shrimp!”) and there was a good level of heat, which the sweetness of the pineapple helped to balance. The other ordered the egg noodle stir fry with beef,

which also features broccoli, cilantro, and bell pepper. She remarked that the vegetables were deliciously crunchy and that the portion size was good for the price. After our meal we tried their dessert option – the tiramisu. “We make everything here,” Nguyen admitted to us, “except the tiramisu.” Indeed, their commitment to homemade, fresh food makes them stand out – and even if the tiramisu wasn’t house-made, it was still good. I’m not usually a big tiramisu fan, but I liked this better than other ones I’ve tried. It was very smooth and creamy, with a more subtle, delicate coffee flavor. Plus, it was served in an adorable little glass jar – a very manageable after-dinner portion. It’s clearly no accident that The LA Squared, along with its predecessor, have stayed successful through two decades in the hands of two generations, even through the pandemic. With its focus on freshly scratchmade, traditional Vietnamese recipes with modern flair, it’s the perfect spot for both a relaxing, casual dinner or lunch out, an onthe-go takeout treat, or even maybe a chess tournament, like the one they hosted this past summer. Check out the menu for yourself at www. thelasquared.com.

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Cinematic Ramblings/Kevyn Knox

Hidden Cinematic Gems of 2023

Pizzeria & Wine Bar

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Happy Hour

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5523 Carlisle Pike (West Shore) Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (717) 477-3955

023 is looking like it will be the best cinematic year in a while. With movies like Killers of the Flower Moon, Poor Things, Beau is Afraid, Asteroid City, May December, Past Lives, The Killer, Priscilla, and the upcoming new version of The Color Purple. And of course, there is Barbie & Oppenheimer, aka Barbenheimer, to which I dedicated an entire column this past Summer. But what of those films that fall through the cracks, those hidden gems of 2023? We shouldn’t leave them out, so let’s discuss a few of them. Rye Lane – Directed by first time director (which is the case for a lot of great films this year) Raine Allen-Miller, this British rom com is smarter and wittier than your average rom com. The breakneck screwball comedy-esque dialogue and the way it is delivered by Vivian Oparah & David Jonsson make for one of the funniest films of 2023. Infinity Pool – Brandon Cronenberg, son of the legendary David Cronenberg, gives us his third and best film yet with this bizzarro sci-fi horror feature that shows a lot of his father’s influence. Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth are also quite brilliant and quite sexy in the

film. In fact, I think Mia Goth should be in every movie made from now on. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman – This rotoscoped animated film from Pierre Foldes is based on several Japanese short stories by Haruki Murakami. While this year’s Best Animated Feature Oscar could go to The Boy and the Heron, Hayao Miyazaki’s final film, I would love to see some award-season love for this tender film. El Conde – This black and white Chilean film by Pablo Larrain, who directed the wonderful Princess Di biopic Spencer, is a “what if” scenario showing former dictator Augusto Pinochet as a 250-year-old vampire. How can that not be something you would want to see? The Year Between – This film by another first-time director, Alex Heller, who also stars, is a semi-autobiographical look at a woman struggling through life with a newly diagnosed mental illness. This is one of the most honest portrayals of such a thing I have ever seen. How to Blow Up a Pipeline – Directed by Daniel Goldhaber, this film takes a very lowkey approach to radical activism in the U.S. Casting mostly unknown actors, much in the same way (and for the same reason) as Paul Greengrass did in United 93, the film plays out almost documentary style – and is much more believable because of it. The Cow Who Sang a Song into the Future – Another Chilean film, directed by Francisca Alegria in her feature film debut. Once you get past that quite lengthy title (which I love btw) you have a film about how the Earth is tied in with every living being, and how our ongoing destruction of the planet will affect all of us eventually. A very powerful film that, although from Chile, plays out like something from out of the European new wave movements of the 1960’s. I could go on ad infinitum, but I’ll stop there. That’s it folks. See ya at the movies.

Kevyn Knox is a Writer, Artist, Pop Photographer, Film & TV Historian, Pez Collector, and Pop Culturist. He has written film reviews for FilmSpeak, Central PA Voice, and The Burg. His reviews & other ramblings can be found on his blog, www.allthingskevyn.com. 32 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

Authentic Mexican Food For The Whole Family!

Exo-Skeletal Karma by Randy Lee Gross

Their webs are ubiquitous: at regular intervals like tiny vacation rentals, all along our front porch, but each seeming to live alone (unless you count the struggling fly or comatose moth as tenants). In spring they arrive en masse: not unlike squatters attracted by word of mouth about the giant whom never kills (but rather catches in a candy dish and sets free outdoors), In summer, the candy dish is busy: they almost seem to relish the idea of being captured by the Arachnid Whisperer; “Oh, the stories they must tell” to their spindly-legged grandchildren (“what sticky webs they un-weave,” I tell my own daughter), It is autumn now and the silk vanishes: only graying-white egg cases remaining, and the tiniest of tiny breaths lingering, floating like shadows of spider bites deferred (by kindness).

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After the Beat/Elena Rossetto

Xander Moppin and YAM YAM

his month I got the pleasure of talking with a wonderful friend of mine, Xander Moppin. Xander is deeply rooted in the Harrisburg music scene. He is known for playing the electric bass for the band YAM YAM. Growing up, Xander’s childhood was filled with music. At a very young age, he was playing drums and at age five pursued taking lessons. However, he quit because he didn’t

like being told what to do or the constraints of the “proper” way to play music. His father, also a musician, introduced him to tons of diverse music and took him to countless concerts growing up. Around eleventh grade, Xander’s art teacher gave him a bass and he began to play bass with his cousin, local artist Stephan Haas, who was learning drums at the time. That began the journey of teaching himself the instrument by jamming and most importantly - having fun. By seeking out like-minded, passionate musicians in the community, he found the place he was meant to be. Moppin, Haas, and Tyler Fuller began their band Flower Garden, playing many shows, including throwing house shows at their house, dubbed “the treehouse.” Xander would then meet pianist Mike Dempsey through jamming with local musician Shawan Rice. Gathering the musicians he met jamming, Xander would go on to form the 34 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023

beloved local band YAM YAM. YAM YAM began through jams, connection, and a loving, deep-rooted friendship. Moppin, Dempsey, and Fuller started the groovy, funk inspired band then grew to add more members. The band currently comprises Xander Moppin on bass, Tom Fuller on guitar, Jason Mescia on saxophone, Tyler Fuller on drums, and Mike Dempsey on keys. The band’s name came from Dempsey throwing out YAM YAM during a basement jam. Only years later they came to find out the old local private William Penn club was a women’s only club called The Yam Yam Club. The group’s signature sound comes from their communal roots in classic funk, soul and jazz while infusing modern influences and sounds. Moppin coined their music as “junk music” because it comprises a multitude of sounds that can’t be pinned into one genre. YAM YAM’s sound is certainly that: funky, soulful, chill, dynamic, yet electric. The music finds itself in your bones from the first notes as their intoxicating groove is simply too hard to resist. A YAM YAM show is a guaranteed dance-filled, boisterous night. The group’s newer album, Double Dipping includes my favorites “Cashew” and “Not My Dog” that have hooks that will be stuck in your head for days. They have been busy on their Fall and

Winter tour, but you can catch them at their hometown show at XL Live in Harrisburg on New Year’s Eve. Aside from YAM YAM, Xander writes his own music and has been a huge supporter of our local Harrisburg music community. He hosted the local open mic “Yam Jam” for a while, providing backing for up-and-coming musicians. “There is a ton of heart and soul in the Harrisburg music community,” Moppin says. The best advice he has to up-and-coming musicians is to play with people better than you and to always play with the energy of a kid with an air guitar in their hands: “…they have the most fun.” Be sure to follow YAM YAM @yamyamband and Xander Moppin @xander_yams for all upcoming shows and stream their new single “Sizzle.” Elena Rossetto was born and raised in Mechanicsburg and has been a Harrisburg resident for over four years. She writes and plays live music with her indie rock band, The After Hours. With her vivacious passion for music, she fiercely believes in supporting the local music scene. After the Beat chases and aims to showcase the incredible local talent our community possesses.

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We invite you to dine with us!

From kababs and Mezza to pita wraps, salads, and more, our menu offers something for everyone -- including vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re new to Lebanese food or it’s a family favorite, you’ll always find a warm welcome and satisfying dishes here.

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I DIDN’T CHOOSE to have

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When Sam developed a bad cough, she thought she may have gotten COVID-19. But scans of her lungs revealed she actually had Stage 4 cancer. She decided to keep her care at UPMC West Shore instead of going elsewhere. “The doctors at UPMC were on a mission to make me whole again,” Sam said. Her expert oncology team first treated her with chemotherapy which shrunk the tumor enough so that surgeons could perform a lobectomy. And today, she is cancer-free. To learn more, visit UPMC.com/ChooseCPA.

52 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023