HomeTown&Gown’s

Inside:

2 0 1 5

• Kitchen trends• Outdoor grilling

• New, creative uses for concrete• Real estate report

And more!

Summer Fun in Your Own Pool!

The team at Cisney & O’Donnell have been building in-ground and inside pools for more than 30 years. We can design a pool that fits your location and take care of all the details including designing and constructing pool buildings, patios and walkways.

• Pool chemicals & supplies• Covers, pumps & pool liners • Above-ground pool kits

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800-523-0300 or info@cisneyodonnell.com Sandy Cisney, Pool Manager

Serving homes and businesses in the counties of Centre, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Blair for 46 years. Pool store located at 11923 William Penn Highway (RT22), Huntingdon–about 4 miles east of town.We-Know-Pools.com PA# 010651 Visit us on HOUZZ.com or

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2 - T&G • Home 2015

STATE AMUSEMENT BILL IARDS & DARTS

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2015 Home • T&G - 3

HomeTown&Gown’s

6 Bringing the Outdoors InNature has a starring role in this energy-efficient house • by Tracey M. Dooms

14 Real Estate ReportMarket remains strong in Happy Valley • by Scot Chambers

16 Do Your Homework before HiringTips on getting construction bids for home renovations • by Denny Cisney Jr.

20 Seven Stylish Ways to Update Your Kitchen • by Alexis Siriani

22 Discovering the Diversity of Concrete Local homeowners are finding new uses for an old-fashioned material• by Tracey M. Dooms

28 The State of Residential Solar Power in Centre County • by Jason Grottini

30 Choosing and Coordinating Colors that Are Right for Each Room • by Jewel Brindel

32 Outdoor Cooking — Not Just Hot Dogs and Hamburgers Anymore! Diverse options have expanded grilling menus • by Chris Combs

On the cover: Photo by Darren Weimert/Inside the home of Joy Pate and Bruce Sherf, the

first LEED Gold-certified home in Pennsylvania.

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28

32

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PublisherRob Schmidt

FounderMimi Barash Coppersmith

Editorial DirectorDavid Pencek

Creative DirectorTiara Snare

Operations Manager/Assistant Editor Vilma Shu Danz

Art Director/PhotographerDarren Weimert

Graphic DesignerCody Peachey

Account Executives Kathy George, Debbie Markel Business Manager Aimee Aiello

Administrative AssistantKristin Blades

InternsChris Dornblaser, Caroline Kingscott (editorial)

DistributionHandy Delivery, Tom Neff

To contact us: Mail: 403 S. Allen St., State College, PA 16801 Phone: (814) 238-5051, (800) 326-9584 Fax: (814) 238-3415 dpenc@barashmedia.com (Editorial)rschmidt@barashmedia.com (Advertising)

townandgown.comFacebook.com/townandgownscTwitter: @TownGownSC

HomeTown&Gown’s

www.hellomarylou.com

1375 Martin Street State College, PA 16803 (800) 860-6226 ext. 315 (814) 231-8200 ext. 315

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HomeTown&Gown’s

2015 Home • T&G - 7

Bringing the Outdoors InNature has a starring role in local energy-efficient house

By Tracey M. Dooms • Photos by Darren Andrew Weimert

Bruce Sherf (left) and Joy Pate built a home where they could “feel the outdoors

all the time," including when they're in Pate’s lower-level weaving studio.

8 - T&G • Home 2015

Joy Pate and Bruce Sherf had designed their own home before, so when they moved from Ohio to Centre County, they knew what they wanted: a post-and-beam house that is energy efficient, filled with natural light, and built to suit their lives. Oh yeah — and gorgeous.

“We went to Best Buy and bought computer software for designing your house,” Pate recalls. They consulted with custom builder Dan Wise, who was dedicated to “green” construction. Then the couple took the plans to LTG Construction, and work began in fall 2010. The next summer, Pate and Sherf moved into their Upper Georges Valley Road home — the first LEED Gold-certified house in Pennsylvania.

Situated on 20 acres at the break between field and forest, the home features natural wood, stone, and tile throughout. In every living area, expansive windows make nature the centerpiece.

“We’re very much outdoors people,” Pate says.

“When we’re in the house, we want to feel the outdoors all the time.”

Despite all that glass, the house is extremely energy efficient.

“We put money into things like good windows,” Sherf says. The front of the house faces south, and 4 -foot overhangs shade living spaces in the summer while letting in the low winter sun. “In the coldest part of the winter, if the sun is out, our heat doesn’t come on,” Pate notes.

Spray-in insulation filled every crevice inside the

Pate’s sister, who used to have a day-lily farm, sent boxes of the flowering plants for the front terraced landscape.

Despite all the glass, the house is energy efficient.

2015 Home • T&G - 9

Pate designed the home’s custom iron stairway railings.

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walls to prevent energy leaks. The heating system is geothermal, with radiant floor distribution in four heating zones. When front and back windows are open in the summer, cool mountain air flows through the home. French doors in the entry act as a winter buffer to keep cold air out.

Pate (a Penn State agricultural-sciences professor) and Sherf (chief technology officer at Indigo Biosciences) designed a home that is spacious for entertaining but meant for one couple to live in, with the occasional guest. “We didn’t build this for resale,” Sherf says. “We’re going to live here.” That means just two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, but a huge open kitchen-dining-living area where Sherf can cook while Pate mixes martinis. “We learned in our other house that, when we have parties, everyone congregates in the kitchen,” Sherf explains.

The master suite features a large doorless walk-in shower plus a garden tub whose water flows from the ceiling. Pate notes that a mistake left the bathroom narrower than the couple planned, but created a walk-in closet “the size of an apartment,” with the laundry area next door. Pate and Sherf can dress in the closet, put dirty clothes directly

The master bathroom combines natural materials with a relaxing view into the woods.

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2015 Home • T&G - 11

Thank you for being a part of the Town&Gown tradition!

If it’s happening in Happy Valley, it’s in Town&Gown!

• Has been free for 50 years.

• Reaches the most readers in Centre County.

• Gives you the best features, interviews, profiles, and entertainment listings.

• Distributes at more than 400 locations, including the Corner Room Restaurant, Meyer Dairy, Giant, Barnes & Noble, Weis Markets, and the Waffle Shops.

• Gives you “the dish” on our area’s top restaurants in “Taste of the Month.”

• Has exclusive online content at townandgown.com and our own Facebook site.

We are State College and Happy Valley’s monthly magazine that:

Town&Gown

Visit townandgown.com and Town&Gown’s Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter @TownGownSC.

12 - T&G • Home 2015

into the laundry room, and move clean clothes right from dryer to closet. “It’s the only way that we stay neat,” Pate says.

Also on the main level is an indoor-outdoor kennel area for standard schnauzers, Ripley, Neo, and Jazz. The lower level includes guest bedroom (with a steam-room shower), Pate’s weaving studio, and a TV room that opens to a stone patio. Although this level is built into the hillside,

huge windows bring the outdoors in, as they do throughout the home.

Sherf says, “We wanted the house to fit in with the environment.” T&G

Tracey M. Dooms is a freelance writer in State College and a special-projects editor for Town&Gown.

A stone patio is one of the main features outside.

The Definitive Real Estate Book for Centre County.

FOR OVER TEN YEARSour Guide has been a premium avenue to reach homebuyers and homeowners

Complete Maps and Descriptionsof hundreds of neighborhoods make this a hands-on buying Guide

www.happyvalleyhomes.org • 814-238-7622

NEIGHBORHOODS

REGIONAL INFORMATION - TAXES - RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES - SCHOOL DISTRICTS - PARKS & RECREATION - EVENTS

Town&Gown’s Guide to Centre County

THE OFFICIAL RELOCATION GUIDEOF THE CENTRE COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2014

-201

5

Bald Eagle Area • Greater Bellefonte Area Borough of Bellefonte • Borough of State College

College Township • Ferguson Township Halfmoon Township • Harris Township Patton Township • Penns Valley Area

Philipsburg-Osceola Area • Office & Industrial Parks

Neighborhood Maps of:

THE OFFICIAL RELOCATION GUIDEOF THE CENTRE COUNTY

ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2015-2016

Bald Eagle Area • Greater Bellefonte Area Borough of Bellefonte • Borough of State CollegeCollege Township • Ferguson Township Halfmoon Township • Harris Township Patton Township • Penns Valley AreaPhilipsburg-Osceola Area • Office & Industrial Parks

Neighborhood Maps of:

NEIGHBORHOODSTown&Gown’s Guide to Centre County

REGIONAL INFORMATION - TAXES - RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES - SCHOOL DISTRICTS - PARKS & RECREATION - EVENTS

www.happyvalleyhomes.org

Town&Gown’s 2015-16 Guide to Centre County Neighborhoods

www.happyvalleyhomes.org 814-238-7622

Complete maps and descriptions of hundreds of neighborhoods make this the definitive real estate book for Centre County. Pick up your free copy at hotels, the Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau, or ask your real estate agent.

14 - T&G • Home 2015

Real Estate Report Market remains strong in Happy Valley

By Scot Chambers

In the Centre Region, we are blessed with a vibrant real estate market. The presence of Penn State and the high quality of life that is available make this area a great place to live, work, and do business. We are fortunate to live in this area as real estate tends to hold its value, even in the worst of times. As the economy continues to make a noticeable turn for the better, we are actually doing quite well.

The spring has started off strong for the market in general, with frequent reports of multiple offers for well-priced and properly staged homes. Investors and commercial interests are returning to the market, and the historically low interest rates are contributing to create a robust market that is quickly eating away at the local inventory. Fortunately, as summer approaches, there is an influx of newer properties.

Increasingly, buyers are looking for homes that have reduced operating costs and make efficient use of space. The larger homes still hold their own in this area, due to the fact that there is a continual flow of young families that are expanding in their needs. However, buyers are more frequently looking to find homes that reflect a more frugal approach to home ownership.

There also is an increase in the senior share (55 and older) of the market. This should not be surprising as this area offers many excellent features for retirement, such as good medical services, safe communities, easy access to larger metropolitan areas, and many opportunities for an active lifestyle.

New construction is beginning to improve, but there is still a large focus on existing properties, with the idea of making various renovations to reduce operating costs and upgrading both inside and out. Generally speaking, homeowners are becoming

HomeTown&Gown’s

increasingly savvy to the advantages of looking at homes from a systematic approach — understanding how all aspects of a property will impact their value.

An exciting aspect of housing is the development and application of new technologies and materials. Both residential housing and commercial interests are reaping the benefits of better-built structures and properly designed properties. The list of new materials and techniques is too large to include in this article, but you are encouraged to do more research before making any kind of purchase. Two properties may look very similar on the surface, but deeper inspection may reveal significant differences in operating costs and the longevity of a home or building. The use of an energy audit can be helpful in determining what will be spent on day-to-day expenses as well as directing any future investments.

One area that seems to be growing significantly is the use of automation in homes, institutional buildings, and commercial properties. Increasingly, consumers can regulate their energy use to meet their needs as well as

2015 Home • T&G - 15

providing a safer, more convenient place to live and work. This is especially true in housing for the elderly but also applies to all components of real estate.

Lending standards continue to improve, not just in terms of interest rates but also in the availability of mortgages. People with borderline credit scores and lower amounts of money available for down payments, and the stabilizing employment picture are all contributing to the financial markets being willing to extend credit more than in the past few years.

Yes, the real estate market is looking good in Happy Valley, but it should be noted that it is still advisable to seek professional counsel in a variety of areas before becoming too deeply involved in any real estate transaction. Changes have occurred in how business is done, and while conditions are improving, there are many factors that need to be considered for anybody to have a successful experience, whether you are buying, selling, or investing.

Fortunately, some things have not changed much at all, including what a great place Central PA is to call Home. Contact your favorite local realtor for more information on finding just the right answers for your needs and dreams. T&G

Scot Chambers is a longtime resident of the Centre Region and the third generation of Penn State alumni. He is a realtor with Keller Williams Advantage Realty, with special certifications as an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and NAR’s Green Designation.

Sering You in Central PAEach office is independently owned and operated

Regardless of what you are looking for, give me a call; homes, land or cabins, I’ve got it all.

740 S. Atherton St.,

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(814) 272-3333 ext. 6079

ScotChambers@kw.com

Scot Chambers REALTOR®

16 - T&G • Home 2015

Do Your Homework before HiringTips on getting construction bids for home renovations

By Denny Cisney Jr.

Defining a remodeling project and getting bids can be a daunting task. It is important to start by defining exactly what needs to be done and narrowing down your selection of materials such as flooring type or cabinetry style. Many homeowners have a vision for their remodeling projects but need a lot of guidance from contractors on materials and design.

A contractor who has experience with your type of project can help you define a solution that matches your vision and work with you on material and design choices. Contractors that use special design software can help you visualize your design and review layout choices.

When picking a contractor, keep in mind that cost is not always the best determination for selecting a contractor. If your contractor is not in tune with your ideas or giving you proper guidance on material selection, design elements, and layout, you may end up with a renovation project that does not match your vision. For instance, if you were remodeling a bathroom, there may be different layouts and materials to consider,

HomeTown&Gown’s

such as plumbing fixtures, lighting, cabinetry, tubs and shower configurations, flooring, and countertops. If you need a bathroom to have safety features for an elderly person, look for contractors who are certified aging-in-place specialists (CAPS).

Using the internet to narrow down your design choices and some materials can be helpful. Keep in mind that large construction-material retailers offer only a fraction of the materials actually available on the market. Contractors have relationships with a diverse group of vendors for cabinetry, hardware, and flooring — including many local artisans — that may not be available to the public directly.

While most construction bids list only labor and material costs, there are expenses included in these costs that the contractor incurs for work on your project. A contractor needs to include in the labor estimate a portion of the overall business expenses (fuel, computers, vehicles, insurance, etc.) and other staff members that work on your project. It takes a lot of moving

parts to bring a construction project to fruition in a streamlined manner.

When reviewing bids from several contractors, make

sure to carefully evaluate the list of materials, to avoid add-on costs later. For instance, if you

are remodeling a kitchen, the contractor usually includes an

allowance for cabinet hardware. Ask to see samples or catalogs of the

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products that fit within the allowance to verify that the materials match your vision. Flooring also can come in many styles and price ranges, so narrow down your choices to help keep bids competitive for the same quality of materials and overall work.

Change orders are another area that can drive up remodeling costs. These occur when a homeowner changes their mind about materials or layout, but also can occur when the contractor runs into issues that were not budgeted, such as water damage in a bathroom. Review the change-order policy with your contractor and always get costs for change orders in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

The Home Owner Consumer Protection Act 73 requires contractors to provide a written and detailed estimate that both the contractor and the owner sign. It needs to include the total cost of the job, the estimated start and finish date, the down payment required, the payment schedule, and a list of all subcontractors to be used with their address and phone number. In addition, Act 73 requires that the final bill cannot exceed 10 percent of the estimated cost listed without a written change order or new estimate. Reputable contractors will have a written warranty for their work and carry liability insurance. In addition, you should never pay for a

job in full until the project is completed and you are satisfied with the work. It also is recommended to call at least two references supplied by the contractor and check with your local contractor association or Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed. A Pennsylvania contractor number also is required on the agreement.

Lastly, ask about how the contractor works with other types of contractors, such as plumbers, electricians, or specialists such as tile or countertop installers. Find out how work will be coordinated on your job and what type of work guarantee is in place.

In summary, remember that price should not be the only determination for selecting a contractor. Look for contractors with extensive expertise in the type of work you are planning, have a solid reputation, and outline all costs in writing with a written guarantee. By following these guidelines, you are more likely to get a remodeling job that meets your expectations. T&G

Denny Cisney, Jr. is president of Cisney & O’Donnell Builders and Remodelers, a Central Pennsylvania construction company that has been family owned for 46 years. For more information, visit cisneyodonnell.com.

2015 Home • T&G - 19

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20 - T&G • Home 2015

Stylish Ways to Update Your Kitchen

By Alexis Siriani

Make way for wow! Thinking of updating your home this spring? Let’s face it, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and if yours is looking a little ho-hum, read on for some inspirational ideas.

For starters, a little paint can go a long way, and if a complete kitchen remodel isn’t in the budget, perhaps updating your existing cabinets is the answer. White kitchen cabinets are timeless, and cabinets painted a shade of blue or green are equally attractive. Not brave enough to go all out? Then try painting just the upper cabinets or island. Upgrading your counters to a natural stone or quartz surface also will go a long way to update a kitchen that’s lost its groove. Whether you prefer a creamy marble with deep veining or the style and durability of quartz, there is a counter out there to match your lifestyle and budget.

While we’re on the subject of counters, don’t forget the backsplash! There are beautiful options to choose from in your choice of ceramic, metal, stone, and glass. But which tile pattern will catch your eye? The classic chevron pattern is very striking. For those of you looking to cut down on installation costs, the herringbone pattern is equally attractive but involves less cuts to install. If you are looking for a unique design for your backsplash, you might want to consider mosaic tiles. Try mixing metals with stone and glass to add a dose of textural and visual interest to your kitchen.

For those of you looking for a quick fix, a little goes a long way when it comes to breathing new life into your kitchen. Simply changing the hardware on your cabinetry to a more updated metallic finish or style will work wonders. Pull the look together by swapping out your lighting for a

HomeTown&Gown’s

finish that coordinates with your hardware. If new lighting isn’t an option, try spray painting a metallic finish on your existing lights instead and replacing the bulbs with energy-efficient ones. You’ll be amazed by how different your kitchen looks simply by changing the lighting. Other small updates that pack a big punch are new decorative accessories such as artwork, area rugs, and dishtowels. Just a simple pop of color can truly go a long way.

Last but not least is conquering clutter. An organized kitchen is a smooth-running kitchen. Consider where and how often you use your kitchen items. Maybe even donate lesser-used items to those less fortunate. Once you’ve pared down to the essentials, arrange things that are used frequently so that you can easily find and reach them. Consider kitchen storage solutions to organize your cabinets, pantry, and refrigerator. There are a host of solutions out there to organize everything from silverware and dinnerware to pots and pans and cleaning supplies. Investing in a good labeler also will reduce time spent routing through the refrigerator, drawers, and cabinets.

Once you’ve finished sprucing up your kitchen, sit back and enjoy the view! T&G

Alexis Siriani is a selection-gallery consultant for Berks Homes.

2015 Home • T&G - 21

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HomeTown&Gown’s

Discovering the Diversity of ConcreteLocal homeowners are finding new uses for an old-fashioned material

By Tracey M. Dooms

2015 Home • T&G - 23

Local homeowners are finding new uses for an old-fashioned material

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Because of its strength, versatility, and durability, concrete has long been an important construction material for highways, bridges, dams, and other commercial projects. Now those same advantages are making concrete a popular material choice for homeowners — both inside and outside the home. From countertops to insulated walls to decorative colors and stamped finishes, local homeowners are using concrete for much more than basic sidewalks and driveways.

Masonry & Metal LP specializes in custom-made architectural concrete products. Mark Podgurski, concrete maker, explains that his team creates a special mold for each project at the company’s State College shop, pours the concrete, and then delivers the finished item.

“It’s totally customizable, in just about whatever color you want and style,” he says. “In other areas, they’ve been popular for quite a while, but they’re catching on here now.”

Concrete works well for seamless

Bathroom sinks also can be designed with concrete.

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countertops up to 14-feet long with built-in drop edges, he says. Sinks also are popular, with integrated drainboards in the kitchen. For outdoor use, Masonry & Metal has made countertops, fire tables, benches, and even lounge chairs. The company also can use an existing nonconcrete sculpture to make a rubber or fiberglass mold and then reproduce the artwork in concrete.

“It’s not granite; it’s something different,” Podgurski says. “It’s going to have an organic look.”

When building a new house, homeowners are turning to concrete for energy-efficient walls. With insulated concrete forms (ICFs), the contractor sets up two facing “walls” of insulation separated by connectors and pumps concrete into the form, explains Jess Glossner, owner of Glossner’s Concrete. “The result is a house with a high R value that’s easy to heat and easy to cool,” he says.

Although Glossner’s Concrete has been installing ICFs for 20 years, it has become more popular recently in high-end homes, he says. Although the construction cost is

Outdoor kitchens show that concrete has more outdoor uses than just for sidewalks and driveways.

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5 to 10 percent more than with traditional walls, it saves much more money over the long run in heating and cooling costs, according to Glossner.

Additional benefits of ICFs include improved indoor-air quality, better soundproofing, lower humidity, and less possibility of mold growth.

Another popular option is to use a different color for traditional concrete features such as sidewalks and driveways.

“Instead of just putting in a plain gray sidewalk, you can color it as an exterior design element,” says Rory McCoy, head of sales and estimating at Centre Concrete. The company can deliver colored concrete to the construction site ready to pour, or prepare the liquid color in a bucket to be mixed with the concrete later.

Brick red is a popular color for sidewalks, McCoy says. Centre Concrete also mixes a lot of sidewalk color for homes in the Bellefonte historic district, where sidewalks must be a specific buckskin color.

What about Penn State blue? “It’s been asked many, many times,” McCoy says. “But

blue is incredibly hard to make. We’re trying to figure out a way to do it.”

Some homeowners tackle more advanced projects, such as having colored concrete poured and then stamped to look like stone or brick, according to McCoy. Another option is mixing the colored concrete with specialty gravels so the surface paste can be removed to reveal the aggregate underneath. For interior projects, colored concrete can be acid stained to look like marble; the acid allows natural variations in the concrete to show through, so no two pieces look alike.

Caring for today’s concrete features is easier than in past decades, thanks to better sealers, Podgurski says. Concrete is a porous material that absorbs liquid, so it’s important to apply a sealer to make the surface more resistant to stains, especially on kitchen countertops. When liquid no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to reapply sealer — usually every couple of years.

Whether you’re considering concrete for backyard benches, kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, or stamped patio flooring, you can count on years of use from this durable material. T&G

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Guide to advertisers

Ace Hardware of State College ........ 26

Amish Furniture Connection ........... 31

Arboretum at Penn State .................. 35

Bennett, Mary Lou-

Re/Max Centre Realty .................... 4

Berks homes ....................................... 21

Brookside Homes ................................. 2

Calvin D. Pierce ................................ 24

Carpet One ........................................ 31

Cisney & O'Donnell ........................... 1

Clinefelters Flooring .......................... 10

Custom Stone Interiors ..................... 27

Designers Studio ................................ 12

Doug's Rug Care .................................. 4

DS Metals LLC .................................. 31

E.B. Endres Inc. ................................... 5

Envinity Incorporated ....................... 29

Eugene Ehredt Construction ............ 11

Fine Line Homes ............................... 25

Jewel Brindel Interior Design ............ 30

Kish Bank ............... Inside Front Cover

Mid State Awning &

Patio Company .............................. 34

Mid-State Seamless Gutter ............... 19

Millheim Small Engine ..................... 36

Mish Mosh ......................................... 19

Moon Brothers Landscaping ............. 34

Pennwood Corporation ..................... 33

Poly Outdoor Furniture ..................... 35

Rainbow international of State college

wizzards janitorial systems ............ 24

S&A Custom Built Homes

.........................................Back Cover

Scot Chambers .................................. 15

Shunk's Kitchens Inc. ....................... 21

Spectra Wood .......... Inside Back Cover

Squire Brown's ................................... 26

State Amusement ................................ 2

Tubbies ......................................... 19, 35

Vaughn Shirk Interior Design ........... 21

28 - T&G • Home 2015

The State of Residential Solar Power in Centre County

By Jason Grottini

Let’s start with a fact we can all agree on — generating your own clean, renewable energy at home is pretty awesome. It is certainly likely that our forefathers did not anticipate that one. For the cost of what we commonly pay for a second or third family vehicle, many of us here in Centre County can come close to eliminating our monthly electric bill — forever.

Solar power is an investment with guaranteed returns, better than what we realize on most of our retirement accounts. Unless you believe that one day the Sun is going to stop rising over Mount Nittany, solar power will remain a feasible technology you can bank on.

Long gone are the days where the common misconception was that solar just doesn’t work in Pennsylvania because it is too cloudy or rainy or “mountainy.” Envinity has heard them all and has spent the better part of 10 years providing education and outreach to dispel those myths.

HomeTown&Gown’sThere are hundreds of homeowners in the Centre Region offsetting their electric usage with renewable energy from solar power.

The cost to install solar power has decreased by 40 percent over the past three years, all while our electric utility rates continue on an upward trajectory despite our ability to shop for alternative generation suppliers. Even though the state allowed the PA Sunshine state grant program to expire in 2013, solar has remained a strong investment due to a 30 percent federal tax credit, a rebounding Solar Renewable Energy Credit market, and products that carry warranties of up to 25 years. Currently, for an average residential solar array of 5 to 10 kilowatts, we are consistently seeing annual rates of return of 7 to 10 percent, shrinking simple payback periods, and an insurance against unknown future increases in electric rates.

If we all agree that solar power in Centre County is here to stay and is a proven investment strategy, then what do you as a homeowner need to know to consider solar at your home? The process starts with a simple phone call to a local renewable-energy professional. Arm yourself with a copy of your recent electric bill, an idea of what some of your goals are, and a handful of questions (don’t be shy to ask about cost). A renewable-energy professional can evaluate your home’s solar resource over the phone using online mapping programs and provide some basic economics. After that conversation, a solar-site assessment is generally performed. Here the renewable-

energy professional will visit the home, evaluate potential siting locations, measure total shading, and leave with a rough design in which a proposal can be generated.

Once receiving a proposal, there are several items you will want to see or request to make sure the project proposed is going to achieve your goals. First, make sure the companies you are receiving proposals from are reputable (ask for references, review

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their Web sites, check social media, etc.) and that they are proposing quality materials with strong warranties. Much like any other product, solar has its share of poor quality, less costly products manufactured overseas, so be sure to ask about the products recommended and perform your own fact checking online. Second, make sure that the project economics are not being over inflated to make the sale. Ask about assumptions related to utility rates, utility-rate inflation, Solar Renewable Energy Credit prices, how the annual solar-production estimate was modeled, and whether or not other factors such as an increase in home-resale value were factored in (solar does not currently affect the appraisal value of your home in Pennsylvania and should not be used in economic projections — hopefully someday it will). Finally, your solar installer should offer a minimum of a five-year workmanship warranty (make sure they will be in business for five more years) and handle all of the

utility, code permitting, SREC applications, and monitoring set up for you.

If you decide to move forward on a solar project, realize that you are making a change to your home that will remain for 30-plus years, producing clean, local, renewable energy. Whether you decide to purchase outright, finance using your home-equity line, or lease, solar power remains a strong investment with secure rates of return. Learn more by contacting a local, reputable renewable-energy professional and discuss the options that exist for your home. T&G

Jason Grottini has been with Envinity, Inc. since 2008. He currently directs the residential energy-services group and has provided education and outreach related to energy efficiency and renewable energy across the state. He always recommends to start with a home-energy audit before considering solar power.

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Choosing and Coordinating Colors that Are Right for Each Room

By Jewel Brindel

Color is all around us. It affects the way we feel, act, and think and determines what we do. It plays a role in our everyday life — to the clothes we wear and the food we eat.

Yellow gets our attention faster than any other color — the yellow school bus, road signs, and the big outdoor machinery. The golden arches heading down the highway remind us that we are hungry.

Red excites, black is bold, blue soothes us. How you use color in the home and what you put with

HomeTown&Gown’s

another color controls the space you live in. When choosing color for your space, you need to consider where the room is located, the lighting, and how many windows and natural light the room gets. What is the space used for and, most of all, how do you want the space to feel?

When doing this, you must consider the color of the flooring and the furnishings that are going to be in that space, because what you put with another color affects the way that color is going to become.

Building color is like building a house — you must start with the foundation first and then build the walls — because every choice you make should be based on what you already have. If you have your kitchen counter, it is a part of the architectural color, so you need to acknowledge that color when choosing other colors that will enter into the space.

We all love to go shopping and buy things we like, but when we bring them home we find they do not go well with what we already have. That is why choosing color and furnishings in the home should convey harmonious combinations that create a “wow” factor. T&G

Jewel Brindel is a color consultant and interior-design specialist and owner of Jewel Brindel Interior Design.

Color Consultation • Interior DesignSpecializing in color, architectural, and

historical harmony for Period, newly built, and corporate structures.

Contact Jewel at info@jewelbrindelinteriordesign.com 717-994-6655 • www.jewelbrindelinteriordesign.com

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Outdoor Cooking — Not Just Hot Dogs and Hamburgers Anymore!Diverse options have expanded grilling menus

By Chris Combs

Outdoor smoking and grilling have evolved drastically over the years. The options for grills and smokers when I was a kid were pretty simple. You basically had a choice of a small to large freestanding gas grill that had a basic burner and some lava rock or a simple round charcoal grill.

The typical grilling was to cook up some hot dogs and hamburgers. There is nothing wrong with that, but, with all the options for grills and smokers today, you can do everything from grilling the appetizers to baking desserts. The fuel choices and availability of them also have changed. You still have the gas and briquette charcoal but

HomeTown&Gown’sthere is now more access to natural lump charcoal and wood pellets. These are not the wood pellets that we heat our home but pellets made for cooking. They are made with clean wood and come in many different flavors.

Your outdoor cooking area may consist of a large grill and a full-blown outdoor kitchen. You may want to incorporate the kitchen area with an outdoor bar with seating. The options are pretty much endless for the kitchen appliances you have available. There are outdoor refrigerators, ice machines, and doors and drawers for under the countertops. They also will have insulated drop-in coolers along with kegerators. Some manufactures make outdoor griddles so that you can make your bacon, eggs, and pancakes during a nice morning.

An appliance that has grown in popularity has been the power burner. They still make the typical side burners, but the power burner will produce 60,000 BTUs and be able to heat that large pot to boil corn or do a clam boil.

There are some that have reversible grates that allow you to do some wok cooking. You need to decide what you want to store outside in these types of kitchens. Most of the doors

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ffman

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and drawers are not sealed, but there are some options for sealed cabinets that can be used as an outside pantry. These types of kitchens will usually have a gas grill in them, but more are incorporating some type of charcoal grill or smoker. There is an increase in this type of area, but for many grillers, they just want a simple 5-to-7-foot cabinet with a grill in it and a few doors for storage underneath. This gives a nice place to cook and prep a little outside and is made out of materials that will last a long time.

Pellet grills are starting to become very popular. They give the similar convenience that a gas grill does but you get the taste and flavor of smoking over wood. When it comes to the flavor, you have the option of buying pellets made of many different wood species to add your own flavor profile to what you’re cooking. They start by just pushing a button and then setting whatever temperature you want to cook at — from the low and slow of 200 degrees to 500 degrees for searing steaks and chops.

The popularity of using natural lump

charcoal has grown. The main charcoal that we are most familiar with is the briquettes that are made with many different products and usually are lit with lighter fluid or the manufactures have already added something to them to light easier. The lump charcoal is all-natural wood that has been chard so you have no additives to the fuel and get just the taste of cooking over wood. This fuel has more BTUs per pound and a lot less ash.

There are a lot of options with this type of fuel for grills and smokers. On many models, you are able to low and slow cook a brisket at 250 degrees or sear steaks at 600 degrees over the open fire. You will use your favorite wood chunks to add a touch of smoke flavor if you want.

The grills that people seem to get the most excited about are the ceramic grills. The two referred to the most are the Primo and Big Green Egg. You use the natural lump charcoal as the heat source. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to get up to grilling temperature, and the grills are very controllable when it comes to temperature. These grills are so versatile that

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you can do the baby back ribs at 250 degrees or bake a Neapolitan pizza at 600 degrees. You can grill your favorite vegetables and bake your favorite pie.

There are lots of options for your outdoor grilling. You may want to have that full-blown outdoor kitchen or something as simple as a standalone grill. The options are endless. You want to make it your own and something that fits your cooking style. Some of the best times are having some friends and family over to hang out on the patio around the grill. T&G

Chris Combs has been a sales representative at Pennwood Home and Hearth for 14 years. He has been in the grill and hearth industry for 23 years, has competed in barbecue competitions, and hosts grilling demonstrations and classes at Pennwood during the year.

Ceramic grills have become one of the latest trends in outdoor grilling.

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Recipe for Slow-Smoked Prime Rib From Pennwood Home and Hearth

1 5-lb boneless prime rib

(Choice or Prime)

Olive Oil

Kosher Salt

Raising the Steaks Rub

Cherry Chunks of Wood

Butchers Twine

Trim the roast of all the fat and silver skin on the top. Allow the fat that was on the bone side.

Roll the roast into a log and tie with the butchers twine. Having the roast round will give you an even cooking temperature and not have overdone parts of it. Salt entire roast like you would to eat it.

Wrap it tight in plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 24 hours. You may do it a little less, but 24 hours will do well to pull into the meat.

Take out of wrap and rub down with olive oil. Season entire roast with Raising the Steaks rub.

You want to get a good coating on the outside. This will help with the bark formation on the roast.

Place back in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Set grill up for indirect smoking and direct, if possible. Preheat indirect side to 250 degrees — no hotter than 275. When smoking at 250 it will help keep the meat moist the whole way through instead of having the outside overdone.

It will take roughly 1 hour per inch of thickness to cook to desired doneness.

Add 1-2 chunks of cherry wood. Don’t overdo the amount of smoke to it.

Place roast on grill over the indirect side.

For medium rare, remove roast at 130 to 135 degrees and place on direct heat to sear the outside and for the crust. You will need to turn it to sear entire roast. Remove from grill and let set about 15 minutes. For medium done, pull at 140 degrees and sear, or medium well at 145 degrees.

Slice and serve. You can take and chill the leftovers and slice very thin for roast beef sandwiches. T&G

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