An Issue of Fairness: 2 years ago, Harrisburg was faced with the dilemma of fairness versus economic sense. Unfortunately, fairness won out.

August 29, 2014 | by Lawrance Binda

The blighted Motormart/Keystone Building Products structure.

What is fair?

Last month, during National Night Out, I raised that question while chatting with Harrisburg council members Shamaine Daniels and Ben Allatt.

Standing at the corner of Green and Muench streets, amid neighborhood children downing hot dogs and sketching with chalk on the sidewalk, we briefly discussed the council’s fall agenda, which includes renewing a tax abatement program in the city for property improvements.

That’s how the issue of fairness came up.

Some people see tax abatement as unfair. Why should some new arrival, living in a just-restored house, they argue, pay less in property taxes than they would normally? Or less than a neighbor does?

Others, however, believe the issue of fairness is a distraction. Without abatement, they say, those properties would not be developed at all, leaving the city under-populated and marred with empty lots and blighted buildings—with everyone worse off.

This month, it will be fascinating to see which council members bend to which argument. Each time tax abatement is raised, a verbal battle ensues between those in the community who argue for fairness and those who argue for growth. The issues of class and race become part of that conversation, as well.

As council members consider this issue, they would do well to keep in mind the last time they were faced with a similar choice—and what happened then.

No, I’m not talking about what occurred in 2011, when the city last tried to reinstitute a tax abatement program. Back then, council tried so hard to please all sides that the result was a Frankenstein’s monster of a bill, so tortured and convoluted that Dauphin County declared it illegal and refused to sign off on it.

I’m talking about what happened a year later.

In 2012, Harrisburg had a buyer—an eager, respected buyer—for a prominently located, city-owned property that had been vacant for decades, inhabited by squatters and vermin and falling to pieces.

The buyer had a need for it, a plan for it and had even received some outside funds to help put it back into productive use. Then, falling to City Council, which wanted the fairest deal it could get, the sale hit a wall.

A Crazy Notion

In the 1920s, Harrisburg was a growing, bustling place. The auto industry, in particular, was booming, and car dealers, repair garages and gas stations sprung up all over, with a particular concentration along the industrial Cameron Street corridor.

The Harrisburg Motormart was one of those businesses. Housed in a sturdy, one-story stone structure at 38-40 N. Cameron St., the Motormart debuted as part of the Appleby used car chain, an industry that already had acquired an unsavory reputation.

“A number of the automobile dealers of the city are interested in the Motormart and are endorsing it as a means to overcome the present used car evil in a way that will be of advantage to the public and dealer alike,” said a photo caption introducing the new business in the March 22, 1922 edition of the Harrisburg Telegraph.

The Motormart didn’t last long. By 1925, the building housed another car-related business, Duco Co. auto refinishers. A second floor was added soon afterwards and, eventually, it became part of the sprawling Keystone Building Products complex, which occupied much of the block for decades.

By 1990, Keystone had abandoned its Cameron Street properties, and the city took over the aging buildings. In his typical grand style, former Mayor Steve Reed proposed converting the large site into something he called the Paxton Commons Retail Complex, a touristy, kitschy collection of restaurants and shops with a canal-related theme. A developer and funding were announced, but the project never got off the ground. Embarrassingly, the fading, 20-year-old sign (“Bill Clinton, President”) announcing the imminent arrival of Paxton Commons remains affixed to the building to this day.

The city did have success unloading another part of the old Keystone Building Products complex. In 1995, a few guys had the crazy notion that Harrisburg would like some newfangled thing called “craft beer.” So, they bought the building at the corner of Cameron and Walnut streets from the city for a buck—that‘s $1—then invested $1.2 million over the next two years to build the Appalachian Brewing Co.

With seven brewpubs, ABC now is one of the most successful businesses to come out of Harrisburg in recent decades. Its growth has been so rapid that it’s straining to find places for its production, distribution and warehousing.

By happy coincidence, there’s a big, fat lot with a long-abandoned structure sitting right next door—the old Motormart/Keystone Products building. It has a willing buyer. It presumably has a willing seller—the city. So, then what’s the hold up?

Negative Value

In 2012, ABC told the Thompson administration that it was interested in taking 38-40 N. Cameron St. off its hands, with hopes of constructing a warehouse there. The administration seemed eager to let the property go to relieve the city of ownership, to get the property back on the tax rolls and to remove a dangerous, blighted building before it collapsed.

Then the proposal went before City Council.

By ordinance, council has the right to put a city-owned property on the open market. So, with ABC expressing interest, it passed a resolution to do exactly that with 38-40 N. Cameron. It ordered an appraisal done, a marketing plan developed and a real estate agent hired. The appraisal pegged the value of the property at $140,000, and the city put it on the market for $150,000.

And, to this day, there it sits, having received no offers.

Simply put, ABC doesn’t believe the property is worth $150,000—or anything close to it.

“It has negative value,” said Dave Black, the president of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and CREDC, which actually would acquire the building and perform site work before selling it back to ABC. “They (ABC) need to get it at a reasonable price point.”

Black estimates that it will cost $600,000 to $700,000 just to demolish the large, existing stone, brick and wood building, remove an underground storage tank and perform site remediation. In other words, the tumbledown building, which makes up much of the council-mandated appraisal, has no use or value at all.

“It just wasn’t in anyone’s mind worth $150,000,” said Black.

CREDC had even secured $125,000 in gaming funds from Dauphin County to help offset some of the cost of the project. After the deal went nowhere, it had to return the money.

Dangerous Mess

It’s easy to paint City Council as the bad guy in this story, but it’s not that simple.

To a person, council members enthusiastically supported a sale when they introduced the resolution in November 2012. In fact, the resolution itself said the following:

“Whereas, the property has been vacant and deteriorating for approximately three decades; and

Whereas, the property is a liability, is in a state of disrepair, and does not generate revenue; and

Whereas, the Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC), in an effort to maintain and grow their business presence in Harrisburg, has expressed a need to acquire the property and

“Whereas, ABC has asserted that an inability to physically expand their business operation at their 50 North Cameron Street . . . location will result in continued loss of business on their part and will, thus, require that ABC seek other regional space for expansion; and

Whereas, ABC has estimated that their envisioned expansion of their North Cameron business operations will result in seven to 10 additional jobs, bringing their employee total to approximately 65; and

Whereas, the sale of the property will allow the property to return to the tax rolls and generate revenue for the city . . .”

In other words, council never intended to put the kibosh on this deal. Members regarded a property sale as an unalloyed good, a welcome development after decades of blight at that site. They just wanted fairness, a fair price for city-owned land. As Councilwoman Susan Brown-Wilson said at the time:

“Council has the final say as to whether or not we accept what even the administration will bring down in terms of what the administration says is a reasonable [offer].”

So, returning to our original question, what is fair?

In its quest for fairness, the city erected barriers to this deal. So, two years later, it has nothing. It doesn’t have any property tax revenue or additional income taxes or business tax revenue that the expansion of ABC would have brought. It certainly doesn’t have its $150,000. Nor has it endeared itself to ABC or to other businesses that might consider locating or expanding in Harrisburg.

What does it have?

It has a blighted, dangerous mess of a building with a sign indicating that Bill Clinton is still president. It has liability for whatever illicit and perilous activities go on inside, on the other side of the crumbling stone and brick façade. And, when the building finally collapses, it will face a stiff bill for demolition and removal.

Tough Choice

The old Motormart property has one thing going for it to this day—proximity to a thriving business, which gives it an advantage shared by few other blighted properties in Harrisburg.

Because of that, ABC remains interested in acquiring the parcel, said CEO Jack Sproch. Yes, ABC would like the land for future expansion, but, in the short term, the company, at least, would like to eliminate the blight and squatters next to its flagship brewery.

“Beautification of this block is very important to us,” Sproch said. “And it’s dangerous. It’s beyond just an eyesore.”

Like Black, Sproch doesn’t fault the city for wanting a maximum price for its land. But he hopes that, after nearly two years of futilely trying to sell the property on the open market, city officials will come to understand that a buyer won’t pay $150,000 for a property that will take another half-a-million dollars or more just to return to an empty lot.

“The obstacle is that the building is such a liability,” said Sproch. “I realize that it’s hard for people to understand this, but, as it stands, it has negative value.”

Harrisburg is loaded with properties with similar upside-down economics. In theory, land and buildings should be worth something. In reality, the cost of owning a property often vastly exceeds its value to a buyer.

So, council is faced with a tough choice. As it examines tax abatement and other economic development strategies, it must choose between an idealistic notion of fairness and the hard—seemingly unfair—truth of what actually might work to redevelop the city.

Does council want everyone to feel fairly treated—or does it want the city to advance? In all likelihood, it can’t have both.

It’s a case of fairness versus re-development or even fairness versus wisdom. In the case of the blighted Motormart/Keystone property—which should have sold two years ago for a nominal sum and already would be back on the tax rolls—fairness has won out, so far.

Lawrance Binda is editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

Many thanks to Ken Frew, the librarian at the Historical Society of Dauphin County, for providing historical research for this column.

Insuring Community: Property pride is a key component of a healthy city.

August 29, 2014 | by Andrew M. Enders

Andy & Megan Enders

“You live there on purpose?”

This used to be the most common reaction after acknowledging that my wife and I live in the Engleton neighborhood of Harrisburg. Thankfully, it has become less frequent, but it still appears regularly. Describing Engleton’s geographic location (Reily to Kelker; 2nd to 3rd) is its own endeavor, prompting me to resort to Lion Ambassador tour guide tendencies developed at Penn State. I trust that a positive message resonates more often than it might fall on deaf ears.

To the surprise of many, we live here by choice, but no differently than a family might choose to settle in Hummelstown or Mechanicsburg. As young professionals in the infancy of our careers, we love the dynamic that our neighborhood has to offer. Neighborhoods throughout the city offer a similar sentiment. Harrisburg is full of people who actually want to live here. These people create the sense of community we are so fortunate to foster. It is an understatement to say that the city continues to face challenges. We are a city that is on the cusp of renaissance based on the strength of its core—our people. It is vibrant, friendly and safe, but we have room to improve. One example is the disparate condition of our properties.

My professional career as an insurance broker relies upon the clear communication of information. Harrisburg continues to suffer from an image problem attributed to years of bad press. As a result, I have additional obstacles to overcome in order to effectively provide insurance coverage to my clients.

This is not some randomly manifested issue. I regularly encounter insurance carrier underwriters (the people who judge insurability) who have become wary of insuring city properties. While many of these underwriters have never set foot within the city, they have relied on newspaper articles, NPR stories and national television broadcasts that have revealed Harrisburg’s past financial despair. Maligned and misguided opinions on the condition of our city have been formed as a result of this information. Suddenly, I no longer only have to sell the quality of the particular account, but also justify its location in Harrisburg.

Fortunately, the insurance carriers we partner with encourage open dialogue throughout the underwriting process and are adept at supporting clients through loss control and risk management, especially those requiring property coverage in Harrisburg. A strong relationship with your insurance carrier creates a mutually beneficial relationship.

Insuring a property within city limits presents unique challenges. Building construction, proximity to other structures, years of ownership and condition are all factored into premium rates. City properties typically showcase a vast array of physical construction and historical elements that will substantially impact premiums. A property’s insurability is directly dependent upon its condition, regardless of its age. You have the ability to improve the condition of your property, whether as a property owner or tenant. Structures that fall into disrepair present serious complications.

Within the last year, we have witnessed a frighteningly large number of Harrisburg buildings collapse. Old masonry buildings that are not maintained are highly susceptible to becoming structurally compromised. When a building is abandoned, that risk is exponentially increased. This impacts my ability to help clients protect their investments, whether a home or business.

Harrisburg property ranges from ambitious new commercial construction to residential properties owned by individuals who don’t even know the color of their front doors. They all deserve the opportunity to be properly insured. While conducting property inspections, I have encountered angry dogs, massive amounts of debris and structures that should require hardhats to enter. I have also experienced LEED-certified buildings, century-old units on the historical register, and lovely homes on quaint streets. In Harrisburg, you can experience nearly every exposure contemplated by a policy form. It is typically a challenge to implement coverage on a city property compared to a nondescript building in a business park in the suburbs.

However, it is not buildings that develop a community. You do not need to invest thousands of dollars, let alone millions, to demonstrate commitment to a place. Sometimes, it is as simple as pulling some weeds, repairing a broken window or planting a few flowers. Once we acknowledge the power of individual responsibility to effectuate positive change, we will all benefit. Each of us has the ability to encourage the maturation of our community. It can start with taking care of your property, which can provide direct economic benefit on your property insurance.

As a city resident, I feel an obligation to be an ambassador for my city. Whether you live in the city or are a daily commuter, you should, too. No single person, elected or otherwise, can fix Harrisburg. Successful change requires commitment from the community as a whole to consistently promote positive behavior, rather than make excuses for its shortcomings. Doing so can have a positive impact on the long-term insurability of our city.

I’ve taken to handing out copies of TheBurg and recounting personal anecdotes to my clients. I have even been known to mail a hard copy of TheBurg to an out-of-state insurance carrier for positive reinforcement, when reading it online just isn’t enough. Remarkably, I am no longer the only person in my office doing this. The monthly allocation of TheBurg that we receive doesn’t last long. Even though our business is located in Linglestown, our entire team recognizes the importance of Harrisburg to our region.

We must not aspire to be average. We should aspire to achieve the positive recognition that our neighbors in Lancaster, Lititz and Pittsburgh (each recognized as a “best”) have received. Let’s embrace the nuances that already make Harrisburg a city worthy of its own recognition. A good place to start is to demonstrate pride in our property—whether you own it or not. In the meantime, I will continue to promote Harrisburg’s positive attributes, while acknowledging its areas of growth opportunity.

Andrew M. Enders, Esq. is a third generation insurance professional with Enders Insurance Associates, one of TheBurg’s Community Publishers. Andy and his wife, Megan, happily reside in Harrisburg.

Sweater Weather: The yarns of autumn.

August 29, 2014 | by Siena McLees

Siena McLees

As the leaves begin to yellow, an ever-so slight chill is detected in the night air, and the apples abound at the local farmer’s market, I drag my cedar trunk out of storage and begin my fall closet transformation.

Sweater weather, as I so fondly refer to it, is my favorite time of year, meaning fabulous fall fashions and having the chance to rummage through my woebegone wardrobe, preparing for my fall fashion overhaul.

This season, mixed media fabrications, such as knits trimmed with leathers, continue to make a fashion statement on sweaters, leggings and dresses, like the Teri Jon grey, leather and jersey cut-out neckline dress and the Donna Degnan leather front leggings. These two looks are modern, wearable trends for the fall.

As for color, neutrals of cognac and black serve as foundation colors, blending beautifully with the season’s rich, jewel tones of red, cobalt blue and grape. And let’s not forget about gray, which serves as a neutral and accent color this fall, pairing with both your foundation and jewel tone pieces. And, one of my favorite interpretations of color this fall comes from the niche fashion brand “Art on Fashion,” which features the works of contemporary artists on dresses, like the ethereal photograph Print dress.

Sweaters sporting animal and camouflage prints and stripes are hot this fall, too, and a few of my favorite finds are the Gerry Weber embellished, army green camouflage sweater paired with coated jeans; the exaggerated, leopard-print sweater shown in army green (but also comes in a fabulous vibrant red) by Evolution by Cyrus; and the cropped, striped black-and-white sweater by Sanctuary. These pieces emanate a vogue vibe, especially when layered with your favorite plaid shirt or button-down, hi-low shirttail.

So, as sweater weather brings a chill to the city streets of Harrisburg, cozy up to a chic look this fall by donning the foremost fashion trends of the fall 2014 season.

Siena McLees’s industry experience includes working for the global fashion house MaxMara. She is a Harrisburg-based personal wardrobe stylist with Urban Darling and can be reached at [email protected].

Market Bounty: When nature hands you her harvest, it’s time to slice, dice, saute.

August 29, 2014 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

For most of my life, my weekly routine has included a trip to the farmer’s market.

As a little girl, I accompanied my mother and aunts to the West Shore Market every Friday morning. We were the “bag ladies.” We were armed with stacks of what were known then as “carry-all bags,” and we certainly did carry it all from the market.

My mother knew many of the vendors from her early-married days when she shopped at both Chestnut Street and Broad Street markets in Harrisburg. Many of them had set up shop at the new market on the West Shore, and we had our favorites. My mother knew the best places to go for produce, chicken, sliced baked ham and green bananas.

When I was married and became a mother, the weekly trips to the market continued, often with two little boys in tow. We spent a lot of time there. People would often think we were leaving, but no, just another bag run to the car. I think we were “foodies” before any of us knew what that meant.

Late summer was our downfall in those days, and it still is for me today. I am dazzled by the jeweled colors of the berries, the blushing peaches and the bright red wedges of watermelon. At midsummer, vegetables at the market are piled several feet high on the stands, and they all call to me despite my carefully crafted shopping list. Why buy just one eggplant when they are selling three for $2? The same with bell peppers—I’m sure I will have time to roast them. And then there’s corn, which my husband won’t even eat (who doesn’t like corn?). But I am not deterred.

So, recently, on a Thursday evening, it was with some remorse that I looked into my refrigerator at all the week’s unused vegetables. And Saturday, my current weekly market day, was just around the corner. I decided to use them all, everything I had: green zucchini, yellow squash, peppers of all colors, fresh peas, ears of fresh corn and sweet Vidalia onions. I had plenty of olive oil, garlic and a pound of pasta, imported “bowties.” I thought this could be a take on pasta primavera, a pasta dish made with lovely, early spring vegetables like baby peas, asparagus and young spinach or arugula.

My late summer pasta creation turned out very well. The bright colors of the chopped vegetables almost reminded me of confetti and, thus, its name.

Confetti Bowties

In a large stainless steel skillet, heat several tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté’ a medium-to-large diced sweet onion and about 6 cloves fresh garlic sliced into slivers until soft and almost caramelized. (Take a while with this step.)

While the onion and garlic are cooking, chop the following veggies into ½ inch dices:

1 each medium green, yellow, orange and red bell peppers
1 medium green zucchini
1 medium yellow zucchini or yellow squash
½ half cup fresh peas or frozen baby peas
A cup of fresh corn cut off the cob

Take all of the chopped vegetables and add them to the onion and garlic in the skillet and sauté them very slowly until soft and golden in color. (I used a large All-Clad skillet with shallow sides that provided a wide surface area for cooking. You don’t want the vegetables to steam.)

In the meantime, cook a pound of farfalle (bowtie pasta) according to package directions.

When the pasta is cooked, drain and pour it into a large bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables and toss well.

Add lots of virgin olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese and toss well again. (I didn’t measure these ingredients but kept tossing until the pasta was nicely glazed and coated with cheese.)

Top the pasta with a handful of fresh julienned basil leaves and mix everything together well.

You might want to experiment and try making this dish with different vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cubed eggplant or add them to the ones listed above. If you don’t like basil, substitute chopped fresh parsley. I added some red pepper flakes to mine, which gave the pasta a nice little zing.

Enjoy the harvest of early September. I hope I see you at the market!

5 Myths about Harrisburg: From Midtown to Allison Hill–it’s debunking time.

August 29, 2014 | by Tara Leo Auchey

To talk about the City of Harrisburg is to talk about a variety of issues, people, places and perceptions.

Some of that talk is tainted with misconceptions, though. Here are a few common myths that I’ve heard said by people both outside and inside of the city.

Myth #1: “You take your life into your own hands if you go to Harrisburg.”

Harrisburg is not that crime-ridden.

Yes, there is crime in the city. Because a city is a greater concentration of people, there are greater opportunities for crimes to be committed. Crime is everywhere; this is unarguable.

However, urban places have urban issues. More people are coming in and out, more people are moving about, and more people are impoverished, economically and morally.

That’s city living. It means to be more alert, aware and prepared. It’s strategy and tactics, such as how to walk, where to venture and what to do should villainy occur.

Anyone who visits the city should have a similar state of consciousness. Street crimes like theft are more likely to happen when someone seems unfamiliar, unsure or vulnerable in some way—that is, lost, alone or intoxicated.

Be aware, and you exponentially minimize your chances of becoming a potential victim.

Homicides, though, are another thing.

The city statistics show that the majority of the most violent incidents happen because of an altercation over some conflict, not necessarily reported or discussed.

The headlines lead because they bleed. Therefore, details are lost, and the real nature of the disputes isn’t necessarily conveyed or understood.

While there’s no absolute safety net around any part of the city, it’s fair to say that where and when this brutality occurs is not where and when most residents and visitors frequent.

Myth #2: “Harrisburg isn’t a real city.”

Despite the scorn, Harrisburg is a city, a real city. Not only do the city’s charter and the state define it so, but Harrisburg also has many attributes of a city—multiple neighborhoods, a variety of people, several centers of business, and access to miscellaneous services and utilities. Harrisburg has tall buildings, traffic, public transit, schools, colleges, churches of various faiths and denominations, stadiums, museums, concert halls, art galleries, restaurants and a multitude of organizations, clubs and groups.

Yet, one of the most significant characteristics of Harrisburg that designates it a city is that it’s always evolving.

From the time it was first settled by John Harris through the turn of the 20th century and City Beautiful, surviving Agnes, up our current time of uncertainty and potential—Harrisburg’s dynamics are myriad with people always coming and going.

It has stood a long test of time and deserves to be called a city.

We should all appreciate and seriously seize the opportunities that come from being in a city, that come from having such a concentration of people in an area. It means a plethora of cultures, languages, faces and random conversations. It’s potential for variety and choice without standards or exclusiveness.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, “Call it a city and it’ll act like a city.”

Myth #3: “Midtown gets better city services than other neighborhoods.”

As far as many long-time residents are concerned, Midtown is basically the area around the Broad Street Market in what is considered “historic Midtown.” However, per the city’s map, Midtown is the district that spans from Forster to Maclay streets and Front to N. 7^th streets.

Traveling this entire area, you’ll see that there is indeed retail, restaurants, building rehabilitation and new development.

But you’ll also see indications of the broken infrastructure and neglect that plagues the entire city—potholes, broken streetlights, overgrowth, blight, illegal dumpsites and destitution.

Along with these problems, there are frustrated residents who share the same issues and concerns as other residents who live throughout the city. Everyone is dealing with a long-deficient government that’s financially strapped and lacking resources.

And, just like other parts of the city, several Midtown residents are doing what they can to take care of their blocks because no one can really count on city services to fix things right now. At least not quickly.

Myth #4: “There is nothing good about Allison Hill.”

First and foremost, Allison Hill is a big place. It’s comprised of three main sections—North, Central and South Allison Hill. Each of those sections is broken up into smaller neighborhoods, too.

Like Midtown and Uptown, there are quiet streets and troubled spots. The most challenged section of Allison Hill is South Allison Hill, which has a reputation for high poverty and high crime. According to a 2009 Dickinson College student study, its reputation is undeserved. Statistics show it’s not as impoverished or unsafe as many people think. South Allison Hill’s greatest virtue is its diversity, but its greatest handicap is its lack of retail and economic development.

There are still spots worth visiting, including Matango’s Candies on Catherine Street and the Stone Soup Library a few blocks away.

There are a multitude of urban gardens and murals throughout Allison Hill. There’s Reservoir Park, the Harrisburg Cemetery, Mexico Taco Lindo, the Hilltop Restaurant, PM Bistro and the Manna Café on Sundays. There is the secondhand furniture store on State Street, the Harrisburg Doll Museum, Joshua Farm and the Bethesda Mission Youth Center. There are beautiful churches, small ethnic groceries and some of the best views of the city.

Without a doubt, Allison Hill is in need of improvements, but it’s a beautiful place.

Myth #5: “Harrisburg will never get better.”

If someone truly believes this place will never get better, then they’re missing out on the renaissance, reconstruction and collaboration that are happening here.

More people are working together than ever before, and that’s the key. They’re crossing entrenched divides and establishing new ways of doing things. It’s the one significant component that trumps previous attempts and takes out the naysayers.

The fact is Harrisburg will get better. It already is.

Tara Leo Auchey is creator and editor of today’s the day Harrisburg. www.todaysthedayhbg.com

The Softer Side: Expand your palate with the light touch of Beaujolais.

August 29, 2014 | by Steve Juliana

As the harvest approaches, the subject of this year’s wine quality will be argued until it is all consumed.

Our first hint will be the French red known as Beaujolais Nouveau, which is the initial wine of the vintage. This youngest of quaffs is released on the third Thursday of November with much celebration and hoopla. Tradition holds that it is all drunk by the following Easter.

The reality is that, too many times, it is more of an event than a serious wine. Beaujolais, the region, is located just south of the area of Mȃconnnais in Burgundy. On closer inspection, we can find better wines from this region that deserve our attention.

A step up the ladder from Beaujolais Nouveau is bottled and aged Beaujolais, available almost everywhere. Beaujolais-Villages is next in the hierarchy, with the grapes going through a more rigorous selection process, with more stringent winemaking techniques used.

The best wines come from the 10 crus of Beaujolais, individual districts named after the villages in their hearts. They are, from north to south: Saint Armour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin á Vent, Fluerie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Cote de Brouilly and Brouilly. Each of these brings its own terroir and personality to the Gamay noir grape.

Throughout France, the versatile Beaujolais is known as a “cafe wine.” It is light, fruity and lower in alcohol than many of its better-known brethren. In my opinion, this wine is a good match with summer grilling, as well as Indian food, matching the exotic spices with its straightforward style.

It seems to me, however, that Beaujolais suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. It may be that it plays second fiddle to its northern neighbor, Burgundy, where the world‘s best Pinot Noirs are made. Even with the worldwide hype of Beaujolais Nouveau, this region is sadly overlooked. Beaujolais-Villages is available in stores, but there is no section devoted to this great wine. It is also mostly missing from many wine lists in restaurants, where it would match very well with the modern cuisine that chefs are offering.

As always, though, trends change, which gives hope for this cafe quaff. One reason this dynamic region gets such short shrift could be that the amount of white wine produced is miniscule. A very small amount of Beaujolais Blanc, which is Chardonnay, comes from the northern part of Beaujolais. These wines are easily overlooked when the Mȃconnais region is on your border.

In the United States, there is one time and place where Beaujolais is perfect. I speak of the holiday of Thanksgiving. This French red and American turkey with trimmings is a match made in heaven. Even if you don’t have a bottle for your barbecue, try this. Mark your calendar for the Nouveau release and go buy several bottles for Thanksgiving the following week.

Keep sipping, Steve

Fine Wine & Good Spirits

Chateau de Bellevue Morgon Les Charmes 2012 750mL, Price $23.99 (Code 48977)

French luxury wine buyer Jennifer Brown says “What I love about this wine is it comes from a single vineyard and the wine is made by a Burgundian winemaker (Claire Forestier) who is known for beautiful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Claire’s treatment of Gamay is just as intense and it shows in her wines.”

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 750mL, retail price $13.99 (Code 7208)

One of the more popular Beaujolais-Villages, the winemaker says “this juicy wine has expressive aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, with nice weight and typically high acidity in the mouth and mineral and spice notes underlying the fruit.”

Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc Chardonnay 2012 750 mL, Price $19.99 (Code 80043)

The winemaker, Jean-Paul Brun, is a big part of the “natural wine” movement. David Bowler Wine, the US importer and Distributor for this gem, says “this wine offers a distinctively delicious personality such as you won’t find in Chardonnay grown anywhere in the world. A bright yet luscious meld of melons, pineapple, lemon, and apple suffused with mouthwatering salinity. Savor this beauty–a fantastic value.”

Peace, Love & Pooches: It’s a doggie (and kitty) love-in at Woofstock.

August 29, 2014 | by Amy Worden

Last month, America celebrated the 45^th anniversary of the iconic music fest known as Woodstock. This month, Harrisburg marks the 10^th anniversary of its own end-of-summer festival of peace and love—with canines, that is.

From its soggy start in 2004, when a few hundred hardy folk and their dogs braved a chilly, rain-swept day by the Susquehanna River, Woofstock has grown into one of Pennsylvania’s premier pet events.

This year, expect droves of people and their furry friends to head to Riverfront Park along Front Street on Sept. 28 to celebrate our animal companions.

“This is a big festival for people and dogs,” said Zella Anderson, founder and president of Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA)—and she’s not exaggerating.

Adoption Option

My four-legged gal pal Olivia and I made our first Woofstock trip last year. It was snout-to-tail crowded, throngs of happy pet people and dogs of all shapes and sizes.

This year, there will be about 100 vendors peddling every kind of dog toy and treat imaginable along with veterinarians, groomers and doggie day care facilities.

But the primary focus of the event is pet adoption. With tens of thousands of cats and dogs euthanized in Pennsylvania’s shelters each year, animal advocates hope to sell potential adopters on giving unwanted pets a second chance at a happy life.

“It’s a great day for adoptables,” said Anderson. “We have rescues and shelters come out and promote adoption and urge people not to buy from pet stores or puppy mills.”

Some 40 rescues and shelters will have booths this year, including breed-specific rescues and others that help find homes for disabled dogs, seniors and puppy mill survivors.

One of them, A Tail To Tell in Lancaster County, plucks some of the most horribly abused and neglected dogs from Pennsylvania’s puppy mills. The group has had a booth at Woofstock since the beginning, but often comes only with before and after pictures of the dogs they have for adoption.

“Some have been so emotionally damaged we can’t bring them,” said founder Cindy Myers, who has been rescuing breeding dogs and puppies that are too old or too sick to sell for more than a decade.

She credits Woofstock with helping her group shed light on the horrors of the puppy mill industry. Every year, at least one or two dogs that might have spent their lives confined to small cages find new homes as a result of Woofstock, she said.

This year, a Tail to Tell plans to bring several happy, 7-month-old puppies and a senior dog that, Myers said, is un-phased by almost everything,

Woofstock also is designed to spread the message of spay/neuter throughout the region. Proceeds from the event go toward CPAA’s low-cost and no-cost spay/neuter programs, including the memorably named “De-Sex in the City,” which offers low cost spay/neuters to residents of Dauphin, York, Perry and Cumberland counties.

Packed with Pooches

Organizers had to reduce the number of vendors this year because Riverfront Park simply got crowded to the point where visitors could not reach the booths for the people and dogs, Anderson said. But there still will be something for everyone, and you don’t have to have a dog to enjoy the festivities.

There will be a doggie ice cream social, canine makeovers and $5 nail trims, along with a pet costume contest and caricaturist who can create a souvenir of the event with you and your furry BFF.

Time for your pet’s annual vaccinations? Woofstock’s got you covered with an afternoon clinic providing low-cost vaccines for rabies and other contagious diseases, as well as flea and tick treatment and microchipping for your cat or dog. (Registration is not required but some paperwork is. See website for details.)

Perhaps you’ve seen him on “The View,” now Woofstock is your chance to chat with celebrity pet expert Harrison Forbes, who will be on hand to answer your most pressing behavior or training questions. Also attending will be bloodhound teams showing off their tracking skills and agility dogs.

And organizers did not forget pet moms and dads. Got a leash-puller who has just about yanked your shoulder out of the socket? Is your back sore from lifting your 80-pound Labradoodle? HACC massage students will be on hand for free shoulder and neck therapy.

There’s always live music (the event is going all acoustic this year) and plenty of people food; new vendors include makers of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and specialty burritos.

But, most of all, it’s a great day to interact with fellow animal-lovers, spread the love of pets and perhaps learn something new about your own dog or animals in general.

My most memorable Woofstock moment happened quite serendipitously as we were heading out after a long day last year. We were walking past the beautiful St. Stephens Episcopal Cathedral just as the blessing of the pets was getting underway. Olivia and I took a little detour and moseyed in with the other pet owners. One man’s Rottweiler had parked himself right next to his owner sitting on the pew.

One by one, the dogs and their owners made their way to the altar. Rev. Churchill Pinder dipped down on one knee, gently laid his hand on each dog’s forehead and blessed them. There were a few short prayers, soul soothing music and hymns (“All Things Bright and Beautiful”), and we all headed back into the sunlit afternoon feeling refreshed and, well, blessed.

And, good news, Rev. Pinder says the church will be hosting the blessing again this year at 1 p.m.

Get the Most Out of Woofstock

So, you and your pet plan to rock Woofstock? Here are a few pointers to help make peace (not war) amidst the crowd.

First, leave the retractable leash at home.

If you’ve ever been caught in one, you know these types of leashes can pose hazards to humans and pets. They also are a top reason dogs flee because, if you drop the leash, that noisy plastic handle clanking behind can send them scampering away in fear. Anderson says if their volunteers see folks with retractable leashes, they will ask that they remove them and will provide them with a regular leash.

If you have a dog-aggressive or people-aggressive dog, leave them at home. There are plenty of dogs to pet at the event. Surprisingly, despite the crowds, there have been very few incidents.

Hydrate and be careful to keep paws off the hot pavement. There will be plenty of dog watering stations throughout the event, and there’s help if you need it. Last year, a dog collapsed from heat exhaustion and was quickly whisked by golf cart to be seen by the attending veterinarian, Anderson said.

Arrive early. That way, you can take time to browse the booths and meet all the dogs. In the afternoon, the crowds can be intense.

CPAA Woofstock is Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Riverfront Park, Harrisburg. Free admission. Dogs not required. Volunteers are still needed, particularly with set up and staffing booths. Please drop a line to Zella Anderson at [email protected] if you are interested. More information is at www.cpaawoofstock.com.

Musical Notes: Harrisburg Heads Home–Cooler weather draws them back.

August 29, 2014 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

KOJI (Photo credit: Tracy Nguyen)

With school starting again, a homecoming theme seemed fitting. I’ll admit it: September’s artists are only loosely connected. But all are worthy of your attention—whether they incorporate a search for “home” into their music, they are Harrisburg natives returning home, or they are coming back to a “home away from home.” So, take advantage of cooler temperatures and take in a show this month.

NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE, 9/4, 7PM, ABBEY BAR, $18/$20

Born into a mixed Apache, Puerto Rican and Filipino ancestry, Nahko struggled to find his true identity growing up. However, music proved to be the medicine he needed, and he now uses his songs to help others find themselves. This is not to say that a Nahko show doubles as a self-help seminar. Nahko and Medicine for the People are dynamic performers playing spirited music that at times touches on heavy subjects. But it is refreshing to see a performer with such a positive long-term view. It’s a perfect show for fans of Ben Harper or Jon Butler Trio.

KOJI, 9/5, 7PM, LITTLE AMPS DOWNTOWN, $5 SUGGESTED DONATION

Koji is certainly one of Harrisburg’s most musically successful native sons. It’s fitting then that The Native Sound label is re-releasing Koji’s album, “Some Small Way,”on vinyl. Koji has always combined his musical talent with an activist spirit, melding a positive message with upbeat folk- and punk-influenced songwriting. His shows are friendly affairs, with a high level of crowd interaction. But, with Koji returning to his hometown, this show is sure to be even friendlier than usual.

GOLD LIGHT & ELIM BOLT, 9/23, 7PM, LITTLE AMPS UPTOWN, $5 SUGGESTED DONATION

This is the second time Gold Light and Elim Bolt, both from the Carolinas, are playing in Harrisburg. They are coming back for the warm, inviting atmosphere of our city’s music scene, which, in a way, makes me feel like someone who is slow dancing at homecoming with a girl way out of my league. Both bands play stripped-down rock, interpreted through the hazy hum of worn, analog instrumentation. Gold Light’s music has a lazier cadence, while Elim Bolt performs a more upbeat, surfy rock. However, both bands are a real treat and will provide a perfect transition from the warmth of summer to the crispness of autumn.

Mentionables: Enemy Planes, HMAC, 9/4; Zach Deputy, Abbey Bar, 9/10; Kilmaine Saints, FedLive, 9/12; Rosco Bandana, Abbey Bar, 9/20; Ian Fitzgerald, Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 9/20

A Repast with a Past: At Boiling Springs Tavern, a great meal is paired with history, scenery.

August 29, 2014 | by Celeste Helman

Geoff Keith has always been passionate about the restaurant business.

He managed several restaurants during his career, including the Gingerbread Man in Mechanicsburg back in the 1970s. But when he came across the magnificent, historic Boiling Springs Tavern, he knew he had found what he was looking for.

“I wanted to create a fine dining spot with a casual atmosphere,” he said. “I knew this was it.”

Located in the picturesque village of Boiling Springs, the Tavern was built in 1832 as the Boiling Springs Hotel, providing people with a meal and lodging for the night.

In the mid-1800s, it became part of the Kauffman Depot on the Underground Railroad. Men, women and children escaping slavery crossed the Mason-Dixon Line into Chambersburg and then trailed the South Mountain towards Boiling Springs. The Tavern offered these runaways shelter and protection before they headed to Carlisle.

It since has been added onto several times. A larger kitchen was built in 1863, and the dining room was expanded in the early 1950s. The last installment was the dining room overlooking the spring, which was completed in the mid-1970s.

Today, wooden chairs and tables crowd the floor with striking pictures of historical buildings, and a deer’s head rests on the mantel. Quaint artifacts are scattered throughout the restaurant, reminding guests of the Tavern’s long history.

Geoff and Debi Keith took over the Tavern in 1986, creating an award-winning restaurant that serves nearly 100 people on an average day. It is regarded as a fine dining experience, and proper dress is required.

“We maintain a high consistency and level of quality in the restaurant,” said Geoff.

The Tavern’s menu continues to evolve with the times, offering classical American dishes like New York strip steak to more adventurous fare like grilled calves liver.

The lunch menu focuses on distinctive salads such as steak and potato salad, baked salmon salad and even fried oyster Caesar salad, as well as sandwiches, which include a saga bleu burger, a Tavern grinder and smoked trout.

The dinner menu includes larger entrees such as pecan-crusted chicken, stuffed chicken and crab, veal and polenta, pasta dishes and, of course, the New York strip.

Prices range from about $7 for several lunch items to $26 for the filet mignon. The portions are plentiful, and the service is commendable. The Tavern also offers a wide range of wines such as Hogue Pinot Grigio (California), Kreusch Riesling (Germany) and Mudhouse Pinot Noir (New Zealand)—all $7.50 a glass.

But the food and history aren’t the only attractions at Boiling Springs Tavern. The setting is equally impressive.

The town of Boiling Springs was founded in the early 1750s and received its name from the artesian springs that seem to “boil” from deep underground. These springs are the largest in Pennsylvania and the third largest in the United States, producing 23 million gallons of water daily. The nearby stream, the Yellow Breeches, is a favored destination for local fishermen.

“I enjoy fishing in the Yellow Breeches and then being able to go right over to the Tavern to get a great meal,” said Ben Price of Carlisle.

Moreover, the Appalachian Trail runs right through Boiling Springs, so the Tavern plays host to visitors from all over the country and even the world.

“I especially enjoy socializing with the guests,” said Geoff, who takes part in every aspect of the restaurant, from serving to ensuring that diners are happy. “I always get to meet new people and hear their stories.”

Boiling Springs Tavern is located at 1 E. First Street, Boiling Springs. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Call 717-258-3614 or visit www.boilingspringstavern.net

A Doll’s Cause: For the Modified Dolls, it’s animals, activism and ink.

August 29, 2014 | by Rebecca Hanlon

Amber Hlavaty & Fawn

Amber Hlavaty has always tried to prove she’s more than she appears. She wants people to look beyond the 16 piercings that often draw attention to her body, and instead use that attention to drive awareness to various causes and charities.

The 22-year-old Harrisburg woman is part of the Pennsylvania Modified Dolls, a newly formed group of about 10 women that has invaded central Pennsylvania with its soft hearts encased in tough exteriors.

Each member, or “doll,” sports numerous piercings, tattoos or both, living up to their modified standard.

“But we’re more than the stigma people associate with tattoos and piercings,” said Hlavaty, head of public relations for the group.

The Dolls have been going out on monthly charity events not only to spread the news about their new club, but to get people to think differently about those with body modifications.

They hope people can see beyond the gauged earlobes and colorful tattoos as they serve the community, particularly the cuddliest of creatures.

The Dolls recently participated in a “Paws for a Cause” fundraiser to help provide a service dog for a handicapped man. They also plan to visit Woofstock at Riverfront Park in September to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance.

While the dolls love helping animals, they also reach out to other charities and causes, including hosting skateboard art shows, car rallies and concerts to raise money.

The president of the group—or head doll—Erin Naylor, 25, of Harrisburg, said she was drawn to the Dolls because she wanted to find like-minded women.

“I’ve always been involved in charitable events,” she said, “but there is absolutely power in numbers.”

And of those numbers, most agree that they’re animal lovers, said Naylor.

Naylor helps her sister run an animal shelter out of Tamaqua, and a few others help with the Humane Society of Harrisburg. One member even rescues chinchillas.

“It’s extremely important to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves,” she said.

Naylor finds comfort in her two cats, Monster and Zombie, who love her “whether or not I’ve fixed my hair, showered, have 400 tattoos or none,” she said. “I’ve made it a personal mission to help as many living things as I possibly can.”

The compassion that drives these women is surprising to some.

“We get a lot of different responses,” Hlavaty said. “They see us working these charity events, and sometimes it’s hard for people to understand because they expect us to be lazy or doing illegal things. We’re not like that at all.”

Naylor said she’s been asked numerous times why she’s pierced and tattooed herself.

“The only answer I can give is, ‘because it’s my body,’” she said.

Naylor has 13 tattoos that called for more than 20 hours of work, as well as two piercings.

But each one has a special meaning, whether it’s the shamrocks representing her Irish heritage, the dragonfly for the loss of her mother when Naylor was just 14, or the salt shaker that goes to the pepper shaker tattooed on her best friend.

“Modified women helping people is huge,” she said. “We need to get away from the stigma that tattooed and pierced individuals are troublemakers.”

Most of Hlavaty’s 16 piercings were gifts from her parents on a birthday.

She couldn’t get her septum, or space between her nostrils, pierced until she was 16, she said.

When she wanted her lip pierced, she was told to wait until she was 18.

Erin Naylor & Sadie

Naylor hopes the people who see them at events are reminded it’s not OK to make hurtful comments toward the Dolls.

“The only thing that has changed about me since I’ve become tattooed and pierced is I don’t judge people without tattoos or piercings,” Naylor said. “Every single person is fighting battles you know nothing about. Be kind to everyone.”

The Dolls have grown the most through their relationships with each other.

“I absolutely couldn’t do it without them,” Naylor said. “These girls are my family.”

Because some of the women live outside of Harrisburg, they keep in touch through the group’s Facebook page, sharing encouraging messages or posting photos of their tattoos and piercings.

The more than 1,100 fans share stories of job discrimination, fashion trends and events.

They also connect with more than 30,000 Facebook followers on the national page, who work just as hard to spread the message abroad.

Despite normal jobs, educations and children of their own, the Modified Dolls are still seen as different, Hlavaty said.

“We’re not what you may think we are,” she said. “I’ve watched these girls do so much good in Harrisburg. And I think people should see that.”

Check out the latest on the Pennsylvania Modified Dolls at their Facebook page: PADolls.

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