Morning Journal - All About Home - April, 2014

2spring/summer 2014

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Morning Journal.............................330-424-9541Review...........................................330-385-4545Salem News...................................330-332-4601

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Are house-flipping seminars a good investment?..........................4Beware of door-to-door high pressure sales....................................5Light up your nights with a fire pit........................................................6‘One-Ring’ cell phone scam rings up charges.................................7The importance of getting a home inspection................................8Local housing market could be on the rise....................................10New poster addresses threat from plant.........................................11Was your home a former meth lab?.................................................12A long winter can seriously damage plants..................................14Has winter taken its toll on your home?..........................................16Solar power helps slash energy bills................................................17Easy steps for a pest-free home..........................................................18Control the clutter with drop zones....................................................19Keep your vinyl siding looking like new..........................................20Home, Smart Home with wireless technology..............................21Smart building product choices for homeowners.......................22What to look for in playground safety..............................................24Lawn mower tune-ups are a wise investment..............................25An electrical safety guide for the outside........................................26Simple tips for a spectacular spring party......................................28Cleanse your closet..................................................................................29Luxurious laundry room transformations.......................................31Energy-efficient solutions for your home.........................................32Revitalize old furniture with DIY transformation..........................34Professional Service Directory.......................................................36-40Make a patio space an extension of your home.........................41Design School: How to design a bedroom....................................423 easy-to-build outdoor benches.......................................................44Get your pool ready for summer........................................................46

4spring/summer 2014

1-800 Water Damage................................353-D Designs....................................................21A1 Concrete....................................................17AM Door Supply..............................................5B & B Bike Shop...........................................39B & L Appliance............................................37B & S Landscape..........................................37Balzer’ s Heating & Air...............................36Bauman Custom Woodworking............34Bermann’ s Lighting....................................38Bill’ s Outdoor Furnace.................................7Birch Realty....................................................40Blackburn Slate & Shingle ......................39Bob Sims Insurance ...................................40Bridgewater Primatives 3............................4Builders Wholesale ....................................37Burtnett Flooring .........................................36Bush Heating, Inc, ......................................36C.J. Long Paving ..........................................36Catalpa Grove Greenhouses ..................38Cope Farm Equipment ..............................38Country Side Furnishings .........................39CPC ...................................................................38Custom Design Vinyl Windows .............36Dan Detweiler Construction.....................35

DeHoff’ s Garden Center ..........................29Diamond Cut Landscaping..................... 24Duncan’ s Bath & Kitchen ..........................5DW Dickey and Sons .................................19E & S Hardwoods ........................................32Earl & Sons Construction .........................36Economy Pest Control ...............................39Elder Ag & Turf .............................................41Ellyson Plumbing & Heating ...................20Family Flush Septic Service .....................36Figley Painting ..............................................36G. D. Edgerton ..............................................39Gause Equipment .......................................43Geronimo Supply Company ...................36Glenmoor Asphalt & Seal Coating .......40Greenford Tractor Sales ............................38Grove Appliance ..........................................48H.E. Peck Water Well Drilling.................. 34Hall’ s Welding Supply ..............................20Hanoverton Feed ........................................24Hardcastle Realty ........................................37Hephner Lawn Care ..................................37Hillcrest Storage ..........................................14Home Savings ................................................7Homestead Pools & Spas ........................30

Hot Pots Pottery ...........................................25Huntington Bank ...........................................9Interiors & Sew On .....................................38Interiors & Sew On .....................................26J & C Heating & Cooling ...........................40J & J Tire ..........................................................37J & K Tree Service.........................................40J. O. B. Company .........................................40J. Telzrow Appraisals ..................................40Janoski’ s Farm .............................................26Joe Dickey Electric .......................................34Joe Dickey Electric .......................................39Kohmann Minerva Mowers ....................14Komar’ s Plumbling ....................................25LAG Pools .......................................................48ME Supply ......................................................29Meadowbrook Nursery .............................37Medina Antique Mall .................................39Mighty Ducts .................................................17Mike Davis Roofing ....................................38Miner’ s Tractor Sales ................................31Murphy’ s Heating & Air ...........................37NDC Heating & Cooling ...........................48Paranzino Auctioneers ..............................11Phil’ s Sales & Service ................................48

Quality Rain Gutters ..................................37R.H. Homeworks ..........................................38Rashid’ s Oriental Rugs ............................21Robert A. Milner ...........................................11Robertson Kitchen & Bath Gallery .......32Rogers Mill .....................................................24S-D Sealcoating ...........................................40Salem Computer Center ..........................38Salem Heating & Cooling ........................39Salem Sewer & Drain ................................39Sanford Plumbing ......................................40Santa Clara ......................................................3Semach’ s Northside ....................................5Shaffer Concrete .........................................41Smitty’ s Floors .............................................13Summer Fun Pools .....................................47Superior Paint & Wallpaper ....................31The Supplement Station ..........................35Town ‘ N Country Garden Center ........27Vernon Dell ....................................................15Wayne Homes ................................................2Wayne Wells Flooring ...............................40Wayside Lawn Structures ........................23West Point Paving .......................................39Whan, Inc. ......................................................36

Advertising Directory

From the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers against real estateventures that promise a big return.

Seminars are often held throughout Northeast Ohio that promise toshow how the average consumer can becomewealthy by flipping houses.The BBB has seen exaggerated claims stating that in individual can makeupwards of $10,000 a month by house flipping.

“There aremany seminars and late night infomercials that promise con-sumers an opportunity to get rich quick, but the supposed training mate-rials leave consumers with empty wallets,” said Melissa Ames, Director ofMarketing for the BBB. “House flipping is a very risky investment and onlythose individuals who can afford to take a loss should consider this in-dustry.”

The BBB is offering the following advice to consumers that are consid-ering entering a real estate investment opportunity:

· While the initial seminar is free, additional seminars and training ma-terials can cost thousands of dollars.

· Don’t fall victim to high-pressure sales tactics. Take the time to carefullyresearch the opportunity carefully and don’t sign a contract until you fullyunderstand all of the terms.

· Check out the refund policy and be sure to get all promises in writing.

· Many inexpensive homes on themarket have been empty for long pe-riods of time or may havebeen vandalized, whichwill make for costly repairsand will make it difficult tosell quickly.

· If you purchase a homewith violations, you couldface fines or criminalpenalties for failing to fixthem.

· If you plan on financingthe purchase of a house,be sure to budget for theappraisal, filing fees, insur-ance, taxes and mainte-nance of the house until it is sold.

· Check out a company with the BBB before doing business. Be sure tocheck out a company’s BBB Grade and complaint history. BBB BusinessReviews can be found at www.bbb.org.

Are house-flipping seminars a good investment?

spring/summer 20145

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Warmer weather brings high-pressure sales people to your doorstep


Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be cautious of door-to-door salespeople that use high-pressure sales tactics to pitch their prod-ucts. Consumers have told the BBB they have received these sales callsfrom home improvement contractors and people selling magazines orhome security systems.

Some examples of high pressure sales tactics include hostile and per-suasive rebuttals to consumer concerns, deep discounts offered upon im-mediate payment and refusal to take “no” for an answer.

While many businesses utilize door-to-door marketing tactics, BBB re-ports the following industries consistently garner a high number of com-plaints during the spring and summer months.

If visited by a door-to-door sales representative, BBB recommends con-sumers do the following:

· Be safe. Ask for identification before you open the door.

· Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. These sales tactics include anemotional appeal to buy magazines or by scaring a consumer into pur-chasing a security system. A trustworthy company should let you take timeto think about the purchase and compare prices before buying or putting

down a deposit.

· Research the company with BBB. Visit bbb.org to view the company’sBusiness Review to find out more about the company’s marketplace per-formance. If you have a smart phone, you can download and use the BBBapp to access the company’s report while the person is standing at yourdoor, or visit m.bbb.org.

· Get transaction details in writing. Be sure you receive a contract or re-ceipt explaining the details of your purchase and all the terms and condi-tions that apply.

· Remember the “Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule.” The Federal Trade Com-mission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives consumers three days to can-cel purchases of more than $25 that are made in their home or at alocation that is not the seller’s permanent place of business.

Along with a receipt, the salesperson should always provide a cancella-tion form that can be sent to the company to cancel the purchase withinthree days. By law, the company must give consumers a refund within 10days of receiving the cancellation notice.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses,visit bbb.org.

Beware of door-to-door high pressure sales

6spring/summer 2014

By STEVE RAPPACHStaff Writer

As the weather warms up, people will look forward to outdoor activities,and as the sun goes down, people will be looking towards fire pits to lightand warm up their nights.

With the economy difficult to travel throughout the years, people preferto stay home and have cookouts and bonfires with friends and family.For the smaller occasions where bonfires are either too big for company

or illegal, people have turned to fire pits, and now just about every store isgetting involved in selling fire pits.

“We started noticing a trend about five years ago where people werelooking for fire pits,” said Kevin Cheney, general manager of the BusyBeaver at the Salem Plaza. “People have been wanting to stay at homewith friends and family and have picked up these bowls, or pits.”

Many stores with a home and garden department like Home Depot,Lowe’s, Walmart and Busy Beaver carry many different types of fire pits.The most popular, and least expensive, are the metal, bowl-like fire pits

which can range anywhere from $40 to $200.

“They’re portable, and you can take them just about anywhere,” Cheneysaid. “You can go to the campground with them or the park.”

For those who prefer a more permanent fire pit, or just have preference

for a nicer design, can look into those made of stone,bronze, or metal. These pits come in circular, rectangu-lar or square design and can range from anywhere be-tween $200 and $1,500.

“We have a pit in the outside of the store that is astone set,” Cheney said. “It’s a more permanent, nicerset which you would build yourself, but it goes roughlyabout $399.”

When it comes to the kindling, one of themost pop-ular options for heat is wood. Many people recom-mend using dry wood as it burns the best. If someonemight not have firewood around the house, he or shecan purchase the wood at area lumber yards, depart-ment stores, or even at Giant Eagle.

“We recommend dried wood for these pits becausethey burn the best,” Cheney said. “If you know some-one who has wood already, then that helps. This maynot be the most cost-effective way, but stores also dosell firewood. That can usually go for about $20 de-pending on where you go.”

Some of the more ornate pits, like the copper orstone pits, can take wood, but some are equipped tobe hooked up to propane, similar to that of a grill.Some also come with lava rocks to burn, but in many

cases, charcoal will be needed to burn.

As with any fire-related object, one must be careful how to use the firepit. Overloading the pit can lead to serious damage.

“You definitely don’t want to overload the pit,” Cheney said. “If you puttoo much in the pit, the fire won’t burn properly. That’s why we recom-mend using a cover.”

Some pits already come with a spark guard, or a cover, which can helpprevent the spread of smoke or fire and cause serious injury. Cheney alsonoted that a cover isn’t just a safety precaution, but mandatory in somelocal ordinances.

“If you go into city limits, a cover is required to be used,” Begley said.“Some areas prohibit open fires in city limits, and so in this case a cover isneeded.”

As the weather warms and summer approaches, many stores have al-ready reported requests for pits, and once the shipments come in, thestores will be ready.

“We’ve gotten quite a bit of responses already,” Cheney said. “I can imag-ine fire pits are going to be around for a while.”

[email protected]

Light up your nights with a fire pit

spring/summer 20147


Consumers in several states have reported re-ceiving calls on their mobile phones in which anunknown caller hangs up after one ring. Whenthe cell owner returns the call, they are billed$19.95 for the international call fee. They mayhear music, then advertising while they are un-knowingly connected to a caller-paid toll serviceor chat line located outside the country. At $9 perminute, these calls can add up quickly.

The Caribbean area codes that appear on thecaller ID often have been reported to be from theDominican Republic (809), Jamaica (876), BritishVirgin Islands (284), Grenada (473) and Do-minica (767).

The practice of third parties placing unautho-rized charges on wireless accounts is called“cramming.” If you have fallen for this scam, besure to alert your cell phone carrier immediatelyand keep an eye on you cell phone bill. The ear-lier you document the fraud, the better your

chances of having some or all of the charges re-moved.

To protect yourself from unauthorized chargeson your cellphone bill, BBB offers the followingtips:When in doubt, don’t pick up or call back. If

you don’t recognize an out-of-state telephonenumber on your caller ID, ignore it.Understand your mobile bill. Be sure to keep

track of what services you pay for, that way youwill be able to determine if any charges are unau-thorized.

Keep a close eye onmonthly statements. Any-one can become a victim of bill cramming. Mon-itoring your bill is the best way to determinewhether or not you’ve been affected. The sooneryou spot any unexpected charges, the sooneryou can stop them.

Add restrictions to your account. Contact yourservice provider to see if you can restrict third-party billing on your account.

Inform other users on yourmobile phone plan.It’s important to let other friends and familymembers on your cellphone plan know aboutthis scam and to ignore phone numbers they donot recognize.

‘One Ring’ cell phone scam rings up charges

8spring/summer 2014

By MARY ANN GREIERStaff Writer

A local realty firm described a home inspectionduring the purchase process like getting a phys-ical — it’s recommended to check the conditionof all the major areas of the house.

“You need to knowwhat you’re buying,” Salemarea broker associate Kathy Hendricks said.

When it comes to a home purchase, there’smore paperwork involved now than ever before,from information on home inspections andmoldinspections, which are optional, to state-requireddisclosures regarding the seller’s knowledge ofproblems or presence of hazardous materials,such as lead-based paint.

In Mahoning and Columbiana counties, thecounty health departments require well and sep-tic inspections, which is highlighted in the boardcontract used by Realtors who are members ofthe Youngstown-Columbiana Association of Re-altors, along with information about home in-spections and disclosures.

“The buyer is protected in this contract,” Hen-dricks said.

Most Realtors will recommend a home in-spection be done, which is at the buyer’s ex-pense, looking at the major elements of thehome, including the roof, basement/foundation,structure (exterior/interior), plumbing, furnace,heating and cooling systems and electrical sys-tems.

She said it means if a home inspector finds apossible problem that could end up costingmorethan $500 to fix, it can become a point of nego-tiation with the seller. She also noted that homeinspectors aren’t necessarily experts in every field,so a buyer should get a professional opinionfrom someone in the area in question, such as aroofer or plumber.

The contract explains the remedies if a majordefect is found by an inspection, including a voidof the agreement if no compromise can bereached on what should be done.

A buyer can decline getting an inspection,which costs an average of $300 to $500, butthat’s also part of the contract, the fact that they

were told an inspection was recommended andthey chose not to get one. The realty companywill provide the buyer with a list of housing in-spectors. The cost depends on the size of thehome, so the bigger the home, the bigger thecost.

“The purpose of a home inspection is an edu-cation for the buyer so that they understandwhatthey’re buying,” Hendricks said.

She explained that it’s not meant to find ex-cuses to reduce the price or get out of the con-tract. She also noted that a home inspection isn’tthe same as an appraisal. Some realty firms havetheir own contract forms in addition to the boardcontract, to further explain the recommendationfor a home inspection.

Another way the buyer is ensured that theyknowwhat they’re buying is the residential prop-erty disclosure form required by the state of Ohio.The owner of the property must fill out the mul-tiple-page form to reveal information about thehome, such as any water leakage, excess mois-ture, roof problems, presence of termites or otherwood-destroying insects, boundary problems,presence of hazardous materials, such as lead-

based paint, asbestos, or radon gas. The infor-mation is based on their knowledge.

Hendricks said they tell people to tell the truth.Besides the part filled out by the seller, there’salso sections for the purchaser to fill out to ac-knowledge that they read the disclosure formand are aware of what was disclosed.

The state also has a section specific to lead-based paint, which she said could be present inhomes built before 1978. There are sections forboth the seller and the purchaser to fill out. Re-altors have to provide buyers with a brochurefrom the United State Environmental ProtectionAgency regarding how to protect their familyfrom lead in a home. On the form, they have toacknowledge receipt of the brochure.

If they want an inspection specific to lead, theycan request one at their own expense, but theycan be expensive.

As for any recourse, litigation is an option, butshe said they would have to prove the seller hidwhatever has been identified as the problem.

[email protected]

The importance of getting a home inspection

spring/summer 20149

10spring/summer 2014

By KATIE SCHWENDEMANStaff Writer

The housing market in Columbiana County and surrounding countieshas dipped some this year and fewer people are building homes butCharley Althof is optimistic that will change.

“In the state of Ohio and our area the January and February real estatesales have gone down, but that was due to the severe winter that we had.From this point in time we feel like from here on everything should comeback,” he said.

Althof is president of the Youngstown Columbiana Realtor’s Associationand has been keeping an eye on how sales have been impacted by theshale industry not only in Columbiana County, but Trumbull and Mahon-ing counties, and so far Columbiana has the lead.

He said the oil and gas drilling companies have invested in the area and“obviously some people have benefited financially from that and they arereinvesting that money.”

The companies have extracted more oil and gas from deposits inColumbiana County than the two other counties, although Trumbull is waybehind Columbiana and Mahoning County, he added.

According to information available through the Ohio Department of Nat-ural Resources, of the more than 100 horizontal wells permitted in theUtica Shale in Columbiana County since 2011 through April of this year, 17are currently producing.

Mahoning County has only around 30 horizontal wells permitted in theUtica Shale and of those, only five are producing. Trumbull County, whichhas fewer wells permitted than both counties has 10 wells producing,which is more than half of the wells permitted there.

“They have the better deposits,” Althof said of Columbiana County. “Thegas that they have withdrawn, they have gotten better results from thewells that they have that are producing.”

He sees the industry as a good thing for the area.

“There are some environmental issues that have to be addressed but Ithink they are doing it responsibly,” he said.

As for home sales, interest rates are still favorable and banks are willingto lend so he believes the housing market will improve in all three coun-ties.

Marlin Palich, general manager for Northwood Realty Services, whichhas six offices across the state, including one in Salem, said interest inhome buying and selling is pretty active in Columbiana County.

Buyers and sellers can use the company’s special mobile application tobrowse properties using GPS enabled phones, and Palich said while thehousing market in general did experience a decrease as a result of the

winter weather, they are still receiving a lot of inquiries through that sys-tem.

“The year has started off quite well, most of the activity has been inColumbiana County with inquiries ... the inventory is low sowe are gettinga lot of offers on multiple properties,” he said.

The agency also has offices in Beaver and New Castle, Pa., and they areseeing more cross-market referrals, mostly for clients who live near theOhio and Pennsylvania border, he added.

Meanwhile, Althof said fewer people appear to be building homes.“Building has been down dramatically over the last couple of years. That

needs to come back substantially so we are hoping that returns. Thereseems to be, right now, just people putting their house on themarket, sell-ing it, and making another purchase,” he said.

That trend is not only local, but across the nation.

“All areas of the country are substantially reducing their construction,”he said.

His advice to anyone interesting in selling a home is to make sure it ispriced right and attractive for viewing.

“For our area last year if a house sold within 30 days it sold for 97.77percent of the asking price. That kind of validates the theory that if youhave your house priced right and showable you’ll get the best results,” hesaid.

Those who have already sold have done so to either down-size or up-grade based on their real estate needs, he added.

[email protected]

Local housing market could be on the rise

spring/summer 201411

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From the Ohio State University Extension Service

Kudzu, the “plant that ate the South,” is now in Ohio. And experts withOhio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and EnvironmentalSciences want people to know it.

“Kudzu is in scattered spots in Ohio. One of the reasons for the posteris to get a better idea of where and how much of a problem it is,” saidKathy Smith, director of OSU Extension's Ohio Woodland Stewards Pro-gram. “We’re hoping to raise awareness of kudzu specifically and of inva-

sive species in general."

She said she hopes the poster leads to more Ohioans spotting then re-porting kudzu, which they can do using the program’s free Great LakesEarly Detection Network (GLEDN) smartphone app. Early detection usuallyleads to better and cheaper control.

The app can be downloaded at go.osu.edu/GLEDN.

New poster addresses threat from plant


Review Staff Reports

Even the nicest home can hide a shadowy past.

So what’s a homebuyer to do if he or she has suspicions about a housethat may once have been haunted or the scene of a crime or a meth lab?Karen Smith, of Tri-Ohio Realty, suggests homebuyers start with the res-

idential property disclosure form.

On the form, the owner makes assurances about, among other things,the condition of the roof, past flooding, structural problems, mechanicalsystems, and wood-destroying insects such as termites.

While there is nothing on the property disclosure form about the chem-icals commonly associatedwithmethamphetamine, or “meth,” labs, thereis a section for the presence of hazardous materials. In addition to lead-based paint, asbestos, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation and radon gas,the form has a line for “other toxic or hazardous substances” and furtherexplanation.

“If they don’t put that down and it comes back (to the buyer), it couldhaunt the seller in the long run,” Smith said. “There is no law that says wehave to do it, but it’s always better to be honest with people. If I know fora fact that the seller is lying to me, I won’t take the listing.”

Homebuyers who suspect a house may once have been a meth labshould check either with local law enforcement or the U.S. Drug Enforce-ment Administration, whichmaintains an online list known as the NationalClandestine Laboratory Register, said Lt. Brian McLaughlin, director of theColumbiana County Drug Task Force.

To find the register, go to dea.gov and look for the link to the register onthe right side under “Resource Center.” Click on a state to find the clan-destine labs that have been reported by local law enforcement agencies,organized by county.

McLaughlin said the Columbiana County DTF has closed down 13 sus-pectedmeth labs in the last two years, McLaughlin said. Currently, the DEAlisting shows only two in Columbiana County—one in East Liverpool andone in Salem.

“It requires the clan(destine) takedown team to take the lab down, dis-pose of the chemicals properly, conduct any further investigation and thenfile charges,” he said.

“We don’t clean the property or vehicle,” McLaughlin said. “That’s theproperty owner’s responsibility.”

Meth labs tend to be located in rental properties, he said.

If a former meth lab is suspected at a property, and no information re-garding testing or cleanup is available, sampling for meth residues mayhelp to determine whether the property was used for meth manufactur-ing and if cleanup is necessary, according to a fact sheet produced by theOhio Department of Health.

Meth lab testing and cleanup should be done only by a qualified con-tractor or industrial hygienist.

While a meth lab usually leaves tell-tale, measurable signs, other crimesmay not be as easy to detect.

“I had a house a long time ago (where) the guy committed suicide andtried to burn the house down,” Smith said. Only the garagewas damaged—and later repaired.

“It didn’t bother (the homebuyer) to buy the house. It just didn’t matterto them,” Smith said.

Most people don’t take purported hauntings seriously. “People just laughat that,” she said.

Was your home a former meth lab?


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By KEVIN HOWELLStaff Writer

Although spring may have arrived, the long harsh winter will continue tolinger for green thumbs.

Due to more-than-usual snowfall and frequent below-zero tempera-tures, landscape featuring perennials and ornamental shrubbery will re-quire a little extra care this season.

According to Seth DeHoff, manager of DeHoff’s greenhouse in Alliance,the harsh winter conditions have damaged the plants, causing brokenbranches, dried out leaves and even death.

He said he has seen the more damage than usual this spring especiallyon broad leaf evergreen such as holly, rhododendrons or boxwoods.

Damage• Snow: The heavy snowfall caused branches to break.

• Cold temperatures: The extreme cold froze the ground, as deep as 18inches, and gardeners may find their perennials, especially the more ten-der ones, frozen out since they typically grow back through their roots.

• Wind: The cold winter winds has caused desiccation, or extreme dry-ness, of the leaves on broad leaf evergreens.

• Fluctuating temperatures: The extreme changes in temperatures par-ticularly at the end of the winter caused the sap to freeze, creating frostcracks; however, the damage is typical of each year.

RecoveryDespite the damage, DeHoff said there are ways to care for plants that

survived the winter.

• For desiccation, trim the leaf tips to remove the dried out parts.

• For branch breakage, prune the branches for a clean cut.

PreventionHarsh winters don’t have to create landscaping problems in the spring.

DeHoff said homeowners can take precautions to help prevent damage.

• Mulch the base of plants for insulation to keep the roots as warm aspossible.

A long winter can seriously damage plants

This is an example of an evergreenwith desiccation (extreme dry-ness) of the leaves on one side caused by colder winds and tem-peratures than usual this winter. (Salem News photo by KevinHowell)

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East Liverpool, Ohio • 330-386-5757Carrollton, Ohio • 330-627-2101

www.vernondell.comMore-than-usual snowfall and frequent below-zero tempera-tures have damaged perennials and ornamental shrubbery such

as this broad leaf evergreen, the leaves of which should be green.(Salem News photo by Kevin Howell)

• Wrap the plants in material such as burlap to block the wind and pre-vent desiccation.

ReplacementFor those plants that can’t be recovered, look to hardiness zones when

replacing, DeHoff said.

Plants are defined by zones, the USDA standard bywhich gardeners andgrowers can determine which plants aremost likely to thrive at a location.The higher the number thewarmer theweather in which to raise the plant.

DeHoff said this past year all of Ohio was designated Zone 6, which hadpreviously been for southern part of the state, instead of a 5, so plantswere likely sold for warmer weather then killed off by the cold tempera-tures.

[email protected]


By DEVIN BEZEREDIStaff Writer

EAST LIVERPOOL — As spring returns to the Tri-State Area, many home-owners are getting their first chance in months to get outside and turntheir attention to homemaintenance and repairs. After this year’s particu-larly harsh winter and with summer weather conditions on the horizon,homeowners should be on the lookout for damage that could cost themmoney as well as diminish the appearance of their homes.

Some home damage, or evidence of home damage, is easy to spot.

Shingles or spouting strewn about one’s yard is often a not-so-gentlereminder that winter’s ice and snow has taken a heavy toll on one’s roof.

Mike Davis of Mike Davis Roofing in East Liverpool said he is seeing a lotof dangling and fallen gutters this spring due to the cold temperatures andheavy ice during the winter. He says the problem begins when precipita-tion melts and the re-freezes causing a weighty accumulation of ice inone’s gutters. Gone unchecked, the added weight will eventually pull thegutters loose from the fascia board, a metal or wooden strip that runs un-derneath the edge of the roof holding the gutters in place. In the prob-lem’s early stages, it can be difficult to spot the gutter separating from thefascia board from the ground.

“If you’re not really looking, youwon’t really notice it,” said Davis. “Somepeople are watching the leaves grow on the trees and I’m looking at roofsfalling apart.”

Davis says you can spot damaged gutters before they fall by taking alook at the fascia board to see if it is weakening or pulling away from theside of the house. Maintaining gutters by periodically cleaning and in-specting them is a good way to avoid major damage later on.

“Maintenance is about the only form of prevention there is,” said Davis.“When it’s laying in the yard, it’s too late.”

Gutters are not the only part of home that can be damaged by theweight of heavy snow and ice.

Flat roofs and roofs with gentle slopes tend to bemore prone to saggingdue to the added weight of ice and snow, says Davis.When doors in a cer-tain area of your home begin to stick or open with difficulty it may be dueto the damage done to your roof, he added. Davis notes that temperaturechanges and the subsequent contraction and expansion of a home’s struc-ture could also be to blame. Sagging roofs can cause water damage in thespring as snow melts and water collects in low spots left on the roof.

With plenty of wet weather still ahead there is a strong chance thathomeowners will notice leaks or water damage somewhere on theirhome. One particularly problematic area is in areas with caulking, like win-dows or chimneys. Continual expansion and contraction from fluctuatingtemperatures can cause caulking to loosen and allow water in.

Once again, maintenance and keeping and an eye out for water dam-age is the best way to prevent loosened caulking from becoming a costlyproblem.

Has winter taken its toll on your home?


(NewsUSA) - Savvy consumers are turning tosolar energy to beat the escalating price of elec-tricity.

Thanks to technological advances and attrac-tive rebates, home solar-electric systems aremore popular and affordable than ever. Last year,Americans installed 792 megawatts of residen-tial solar systems, enough to power the equiva-lent of more than 130,000 homes.

In Southern California, Cheryl and RobertBoland faced electrical bills that averaged $300a month and spiked to nearly $600 during thedog days of summer. Then the Bolands installedsolar panels on the roof of their Apple Valleyhome. “Now our utility bill averages about $1.75each month,” said Cheryl.

“When I compare the cost of installing the sys-tem with what we will save on our bills over thenext two decades, solar gives us an incredible re-turn on investment. For us, it was all about themoney.”

For homeowners interested in using solar pan-els to combat high energy bills, here are four im-portant points to consider:

• Reliable solar panels. Because home solar-energy systems should last for at least 25 years,homeowners must know theirs is built to last.Many customers find assurance in purchasingproducts with proven longevity. “We chose pan-els from SolarWorld, a long-standing Americanmanufacturer,” she said.

• The right installer. Experience and reputationare critical in selecting a solar installer. This solarprofessional will not only design your system andinstall the panels, but he or she will guide youthrough the process of obtaining tax incentives,rebates and financing options, potentially savingyou thousands of dollars. To find a qualified in-staller in your area, visit www.solarworld.com.

• Smart system design. A residential solar sys-tem must be designed to produce the rightamount of power for your home and lifestyle. Agood installer will review your previous year’s en-ergy bills along with the orientation and shading

of your roof. Check your installer’s credentials forsigns of trustworthy certification, for instance, asa manufacturer’s authorized installer.

• Guaranteed performance. A factory processcalled “plus sorting” ensures that solar panels aretested tomeet or exceed their nameplate powerrating. Without plus sorting, system owners canfind their systems producing as amuch as 5 per-cent less energy than advertised. In addition, a25-to-30-year linear warranty and 10-year work-manship warranty provide consumer protection.

With these four components in place, home-owners often experience a 50 percent decreasein their electric bills, and sometimes eliminatetheir bills completely.

For more information on a solar solution foryour home, visit www.solarworld.com.

Solar power helps slash energy bills


(NewsUSA) - While pouring a bowl of cereal,you spot something moving on the kitchencounter. It’s an ant. But this one ant is just an an-noyance, right?

It can be scooped up and put in the trash. Andthe situation is over, until you begin to wonderhow it got on the counter, and if it has a nest inyour home and if that one ant left a trail that itsant friends will follow back to your kitchen? Un-fortunately, the likely answer to all these ques-tions is, yes.

April is National Pest Management Month, atime to recognize the role pest professionals playin protecting families’ health, food and propertyfrom various household pests. The month is alsoan opportunity to raise awareness of proper pest-proofing techniques to prevent a pest infestation,whether it’s keeping out ants or a family of ro-dents.

As the majority of the country finally emergesfrom the harsh winter, so will pests such as ants,stinging insects and termites. Pests are resource-ful, but homeowners can protect their homesand families with these tips from the NationalPest Management Association (NPMA) to helpkeep unwanted pests outdoors:

• Keep trees and bushes trimmed. Pests canmake their way into attics and walls if treebranches are too close to a home. Overgrownshrubs or bushes can also shelter pest coloniesand hide their point of entry.

• Eliminate sources of standing water. Somespecies of termites need constant access to mois-ture, and mosquitoes breed in areas of standingwater. Dump out containers filled with water,such as old tires and empty flower pots and besure gutters are functioning properly to makeyour home less attractive to these pests.

• Repair cracks in siding and damaged roofs.Snow, ice and wind can cause damage to ahome’s exterior. Check for and repair even smallcracks so pests have one less access point to yourhome.

• Keep garbage in sealed containers, and dis-pose of it regularly. Nuisance wildlife, rodents andstinging insects are often attracted to garbage. Alltrash should be in sealed bags or bins and regu-larly brought to the curb or dumpster for disposal.

• Partner with a pest professional. Considerworking with a professional to help find and sealentry points and perhaps establish a mainte-nance plan to keep pests out. If you suspect youhave an infestation, a professional can inspectand identify the problem and recommend thebest course of action.

Visit pestworld.org to find a licensed pest pro-fessional in your area.

Easy steps for a pest-free home


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(Family Features) After returning home from a long day at work, a week-end soccer tournament or an all-day shopping excursion, it’s natural towant to drop everything and relax.

However, literally dropping everything can cause a tremendous amountof clutter in the home, leading to stress, misplaced items and wasted time.

To eliminate the clutter that busy lifestyles create, try establishing desig-nated drop zones throughout your house to regain a sense of order. Don’tworry, you can still drop everything and relax when you come home - justdrop everything in the right spot.

EntrywayAs the first and last access point of your home, a lot of activity occurs

here. Coats, scarves, hats and bags are dropped everywhere, while dirtyshoes are kicked off and left behind. Basically, the entrance to your homecan become a minefield.

To control unruly entryway clutter, try creating a drop zone near the door.The addition of a coat rack or hooks make it easy to hang up outerwear,while a storage bench, like ClosetMaid’s 3-Cube Bench, is a convenientplace to take off shoes and neatly stow them away.

KitchenSince the kitchen is the heart of the home, many family members con-

gregate here. Establish a corner of the kitchen counter to drop lunch boxes,bottles and coffee mugs used throughout the day.

To prevent a pile-up of papers and misplaced items, set up a commandcenter with enough space to file mail and bills and store your keys andother small essentials.

Living RoomDon’t let relaxation be delayed because of disorganization. Depending

on the size of your living room and how you use the space, you may needto establish several drop zones.

For example, a coffee table tray or basket is ideal for storing remotesand chargers. Add storage cubes with bins as a convenient place to storeand hide laptop cords, tablets, gaming equipment and children’s toys. Con-sider labeling a bin for each family member to “drop” or stow their stuff.

BedroomTo clear clothing clutter, use a valet rod to hang up tomorrow’s outfit or

clothes that need to be taken to the tailor or dry cleaner. Additionally, trydesignating a dresser drawer as a drop zone for jewelry, watches, yourwallet or other valuables.

Make it a habit to use your strategically placed drop zones and yourhouse will be organized and clutter free in no time.

For further information on how to organize your home, visit www.Clos-etMaid.com, www.StorganizationBlog.com or call 800-874-0008.

Control the clutter with drop zones


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(NewsUSA) - Just as your car gets dirty, so does your home’s siding. Thegood news is that if your home has vinyl siding, it’s almost as easy to cleanas your car.

Imagine, with nothing more than a hose and water, mild soap and along-handled soft bristle brush, you can keep your home looking its best.

“When it comes to beauty, value, and ease of maintenance, nothingcomes close to vinyl siding, which is why it has been the leading exteriorcladding in the U.S. and Canada since 1995,” said Jery Y. Huntley, president& CEO of the Vinyl Siding Institute.

Vinyl siding is the exterior cladding that demands the least amount oftime and resources to maintain. And for time-starved homeowners, that’sone less thing to worry about.

Compare that to your neighbors’ houses:

• Brick requires re-pointing of mortar.

• Fiber cement siding requires periodic painting and caulking.

• Wood siding requires frequent painting and staining.

• Stucco requires painting and sealing.

But vinyl siding ... well, here’s how easy it is to make your vinyl sidingclean and the envy of the neighborhood:

First, mix your cleaning solution in a large bucket. Four gallons of waterand 1/4 cup of dish soap should do the trick.

Start at the top, and work your way down to prevent streaks, hose off asection to remove any loose debris, then wet your brush in the cleaningsolution and scrub the siding.

Be sure to rinse away the soapy water before it dries, or it will leavemarks on the siding.

Small spots of mold and mildew can be cleaned with common clean-ers such as Fantastik or Windex.

Have stains? Try a solution of 30 percent vinegar and 70 percent water.

Be sure to spot check any general or stain-specific cleaner before usingit on a large section of siding. After removing the stain, rinse thoroughlywith water. Do not use cleaners containing organic solvents, undilutedchlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover or furniture pol-ish or cleaners. They can affect the surface of the siding.

If using a pressure washer, be sure to keep the stream at eye level andpointed straight at the siding, not at an angle. That way, you won’t drivewater in behind the siding, which could cause mold to develop. Also, usecaution when using a pressure washer around openings like windows,doors and plumbing connections.

Take note that some manufacturers don’t want pressure washers usedon their products at all. Others allow them, but have limitations on theamount of pressure and the cleaners that can be used.

With just a little bit of time and effort, vinyl siding can be kept looking“like new” and will provide many years of trouble-free beauty for yourhome. To learn more about vinyl siding, visit www.vinylsiding.org.

Keep your vinyl siding looking like new


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(NewsUSA) - How smart is your home? You can make your homesmarter and safer, andmake your life easier, with these five simple switch-outs that make the most of emerging home technology, courtesy of JackThomasson, HGTV Smart Home House Planner.

• Entry level. You needn’t throw away your key, but save it as a backup,and install a keypad at your front door instead. The latest keypads providenot only security, but also remote access via your smartphone.

You’ll never again have to wonder whether you locked the door; yoursmartphone, tablet or other Internet device will tell you if you did, and letyou lock it if you didn’t. Need to open the door for someone when you’renot there? Keypads allow for that option as well.

• Perfect temperature. Want to come home to a cozy warm or comfort-ably cool house? Make the switch to a WiFi-accessible thermostat, andadjust the temperature of your home remotely.

• Guess-free garage. With wireless technology and your smartphone, youcan check the status of your garage door and open or close it as needed.

• Who’s there? Security cameras accessible from your smartphone letyour house tell you who’s making a delivery. In addition to viewing cam-era feeds, remote home monitoring systems allow you to arm or disarmyour home security system and to receive specific notification by text, emailor phone in case of emergency.

• Smart cookies. Preheat your ovenwhile you’re still at the grocery store.Certain apps and appliances will let you adjust andmonitor your oven andother appliances remotely via your smartphone. You can adjust cookingtemperature and set a timer, too.

Need more ideas and inspiration for how to make your home smarter?Check out the HGTV Smart Home 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The English cottage-style home includes three bedrooms and 4 1/2bathrooms, and lies in the fashionable Green Hills area of Nashville. Thehome’s high-tech features include remotemanagement of energy use, se-curity, lighting and climate control.

Visit HGTV.com/smart (#HGTVSmart), and enter for a chance to win thehome between April 15 and June 9, 2014. The HGTV Smart Home 2014was designed by P. Shea Design and constructed by Carbine & Associates.

Home, Smart Home with wireless technology


(NewsUSA) - Whether you’re building a new house or remodeling acherished older property, the product choices you make are critical to thelong-term enjoyment of your home.

“I advise consumers to ‘start from the ground up’ when thinking aboutthe product needs for their home projects,” says Mark Clement, profes-sional contractor and co-host of MyFixitUpLife home improvement radioshow. “Invest time to research products so you’re comfortable with thefinal outcome.”

Clement says the basement is a great starting point. “The foundation se-lection can determine if you’ll be able to use the basement for simple stor-age space or as an active living area,” says Clement.

“By starting with energy-efficient precast concrete panels from SuperiorWalls, you can get a basement that is dry and comfortable for year-rounduse that also adds resale value to the home.”

Moving up the house exterior, the largest “holes” in the home need spe-cial attention. Of course, we’re talking about windows.

“When you think that a pane of glass is all that really separates you fromthe weather outside, it becomes very important as to what that glass andits frame are made of,” says Clement.

“For my money — and for my home — we selected Simonton windowswith fusion-welded vinyl frames and argon gas fill to maximize energy ef-ficiency.”

Other “holes” that need filling are the main entry door and secondarydoors leading to your patio, deck or garage. Clement recommends fiber-glass doors for the main entry due to their resilience to dents, dings androt.

“I’ve seen many fiberglass doors in the Therma-Tru product line that ei-ther have a smooth finish for painting or have a realistic woodgrain that canbe stained in oak, mahogany, walnut or cedar,” says Clement.

You can also “dress them up” with low-maintenance urethane and PVCtrim pieces. “Decorative Fypon products I’ve workedwith are easy to install,resist rot and insects alongwith adding curb appeal to the home,” he says.

Finally, Clement reminds homeowners not to overlook the roof. The rightroof selection can last for 50 years, while a bad choice could be “gonewiththe wind” if severe weather strikes.

“We invested in a DaVinci Roofscapes polymer slate roof for our homeand have never regretted the choice,” says Clement. “This composite roofresists impact, fire and high winds.”

For additional ideas for your home, visit www.myfixituplife.com anddownload the free “FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior” e-bookat www.sensationalcolor.com.

Smart building product choices for homeowners



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(NAPS)—Each year in the United States, emergency departments treatmore than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-relatedinjuries—but parents can keep their own kids out of such statistics.

Five S’s of Playground Safety

There are five S’s in particular that parents, teachers and other caregiversshould consider in and around playground equipment, equipment of theirown in the backyard, and equipment that kids jump onto in parks, atschool, in fast-food restaurants or while in day care. These are:

• 1. S-hooks and -rings on swings. They attach a swing’s chains to theoverhead bar. If a swing’s S-hooks are worn or they are not fully closed,move on to a better-maintained playground. Bent S-rings can cause thechain on the swing to come loose. Swings are responsible for most in-juries on home playgrounds.

The National Safety Council says swings are the most likely piece of play-ground equipment to cause injuries to children and most serious swing in-juries come from falls that cause bone fractures. The most commonfractures in children occur in the forearm and wrist. Typically, these injuriesoccur from a fall when children try to catch themselves with their arm out-stretched.

• 2. Sharp edges. Bolts and screws, bent metal and the like around theplayground can all cause scrapes and serious cuts.

• 3. Soft surfaces. Mats made of safety-tested rubber are a great surface.Wood chips, mulch or sand, about a foot deep, is also fine. On public play-grounds, more injuries occur on climbers than on any other equipment,the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

• 4. Space. Kids need plenty of landing space when jumping off swingsor a jungle gym. Make sure the soft surfaces extend well beyond the equip-ment. A good rule of thumb is double the height of a swing set.

• 5. Supervision. Watch your children on the playground—they won’tmind the extra attention.

Learn MoreYou can find more safety advice and information on a downloadable

checklist for parents available from AccidentAttorneys.org, a nationwidenetwork of highly credentialed accident and injury attorneys. The list is athttp://accidentattorneys.org.

What to look for in playground safety

A few simple steps, such as making sure the S-hooks on swingchains are secure, can help parents protect their little ones fromplayground dangers.


OH LICENSE #23029SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT

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(NAPS)—Investing 30 minutes on a spring tune-up for your lawn mowercan pay dividends for years to come. Those who don’t perform this im-portant basic maintenance before the weather turns warmer often end upputting their equipment at risk.

The good news is that the engine experts at Briggs & Stratton are mak-ing it easier than ever before to get your lawn mower ready for spring—from tune-up kits to oil evacuation kits to a free oil recycling solution, youcan keep your lawn mower running smoothly. An engine tune-up for yourpush mower takes only 30 minutes or less. Riding mower engines may re-quire an oil filter or fuel filter, which could add five to 10 minutes to the job.

A Spring Tune-up Is Key“Homeowners simply want their lawn mower to start when they need

it for that first cut of spring and a simple tune-up can make the differencebetween a hassle-free start and frustrating trips for service,” said SynoilvaShaw with the Briggs & Stratton Engine Marketing department. “While thesource of most starting problems is old gasoline—which goes stale in about30 days—a tune-up can help extend the life of the mower engine and keepit running at peak performance.”

Prepping A Push MowerA tune-up for a push mower engine can reduce engine emissions by as

much as 30 percent and involves just four easy steps:

1.Changing the mower oil2.Replacing the air filter3.Replacing the spark plug4.Adding fuel preservative to the gasoline.

Step-by-step video instructions are available online at www.briggsand-stratton.com.

Tune-up KitsA basic push mower engine tune-up kit costs under $12.99 and includes

an air filter, spark plug, bottle of oil and a pouch of fuel treatment and sta-bilizer. A tractor tune-up kit costs under $32.99 and includes the same asa push mower kit with the addition of a fuel and/or oil filter. The kits areavailable online at the company’s website or at authorized dealers and

home improvement stores.

Oil Evacuation Kits Two options are available for oil

evacuation kits—one that removesoil only and another that removesboth oil and fuel. These kits helpeliminate the need for consumersto tip the mower to drain the oilduring a tune-up, making it easierto change the oil and reducing thepossibility of an oil spill in thegarage or driveway.

Oil evacuation kits cost between $23 and $31 and are avail-able online at www.briggsandstratton.com or at authorizeddealers and home improvementstores.

Disposing Of Used OilParticipating Briggs & Stratton dealers nationwide make recycling oil easy

and have recycled more than 200,000 gallons of used engine oil to date.Simply drop off your used oil in a closed container and let your dealer takecare of the rest.

Look Before You PumpCertain gasoline blends should never be used in lawn mower engines

and other small gas en gines. Fuel blends containing more than 10 per-cent ethanol, like E15 or E85 gasoline, or gasoline containing other alco-hol blends can damage small gas engines.

Repairs required because of the use of these unapproved gasolineblends are not covered under the manufacturer’s engine warranty. Look forthe “Look Before You Pump” warning logo on new models or find moreinformation from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute at www.opei.org.

Lawn mower tune-ups are a wise investment

Giving your lawn mower a tune-up each spring can help extend thelife of its engine and keep it run-ning at peak performance longer.


(NAPS)—Warmer weather meansmore time spent outside for bothchildren and adults.

Whether your outdoor activity in-cludes improvement projectsaround the home or fun and gamesin the backyard, you need to beaware of some electrical hazardsthat may occur.

To help, the Electrical Safety Foun-dation International (ESFI) wouldlike to share these tips.

• It’s common knowledge thatwater and electricity don’t mix, butspring showers may increase yourrisk of electrical shock due to sud-den rain or standing water. Do notuse an electrical tool that is wet orclose to water.

• To further reduce your risk, installground fault circuit interrupters(GFCIs) in your outdoor outlets andin the garage to help prevent elec-trocutions and electrical shock in-juries.

You can also purchase portableoutdoor GFCIs for temporary use.

• Next, check the product label ormanual and use only electrical prod-ucts, such as extension cords, thatwere intended for outdoor use. Also,be sure to use only equipment thatdisplays a mark indicating that it has

undergone testing by an independ-ent laboratory such as UnderwritersLaboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL) orCanadian Standards Associa-tion(CSA).

• Inspect your tools’ cords and

plugs for damage. Any damagedproducts should not be used and in-stead should be taken to an author-ized repair center or thrown away.

As you work, remember to alwayshold power tools by the insulated

gripping surface to avoid electricalshock.

Lastly, if your work requires a gen-erator, make sure your generator isproperly grounded and well venti-lated.

Also, make sure you remind kidsof these important safety tips:

• If they see a downed power line,they should stay away from it andreport it to an adult.

• Do not play with toys, especiallykites and remote control airplanes,or climb trees near power lines.

• Go inside right away if they hearthunder or see lightning—do notseek shelter under trees.

• Do not play around neighbor-hood electrical substations or boxes.

For additional electrical safety in-formation, visit www.esfi.org.

An electrical safety guide for the outside

Installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in your outdooroutlets and the garage can help to prevent electrocutions and elec-trical shock injuries.


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(Family Features) The arrival of warmer weather months can only meanone thing – more opportunities for friends to gather together and enjoy anevening of beautiful weather, delicious food and tasty beverages.

With fresh air and flowers blooming, spring encourages everyone to cel-ebrate its beauty. It’s time to dust off that communal table, fluff up thosespringy accent pillows and invite over some old friends you haven’t seenin a while. Let the bright colors and newness of the season inspire a cheerygathering guests will never forget.

Here are some tips on how to bring these budding elements to life atyour party:

Set the mood with music: A swinging playlist is a great way to set thetone for any party. Start the evening with a slow mix of your favorite tunes,and then build up the tempo from there. Music is also a great way to en-hance any special theme you may have designated for your soiree.

Get fruity: Nothing enhances the upbeat ambiance of a spring gatheringthan beverages with bursts of fruity flavor. Serve refreshing sangria, such asEppa SupraFruta Sangria, the only organic premium bottled sangria madewith real superfruit juice that’s full of antioxidants.

Mix it up: While you may have the urge to break out the special china or

matching serve ware, the essence of casual dining involves a mixture of dif-ferent colors, patterns and textures. Play up the carefree vibe by using a va-riety of serving bowls, platters, plates and glassware from various sets.

Serve seasonal: When planning the menu for your party, be sure to in-corporate the fresh flavors of the season. Check the seasonal produce sec-tion at your grocery store as inspiration for delicious side dishes andappetizers.

Give yourself a break: While it’s easy to get stressed out before the bigevent, be sure to relax and just have fun. Take a few minutes for yourselfbefore the guests arrive and enjoy a nibble of the fabulous foods you’veprepared or pour a refreshing drink, such as Eppa SuperFruta Sangria.

This flavorful beverage is comprised of antioxidant-rich super fruits, in-cluding pomegranate, blueberry, blood orange and acai juices, which giveit two times the amount of antioxidants as a glass of red wine.

So, let a little spring air into your home and get ready for another greatseason filled with vibrant, memorable parties spent with those you cher-ish the most. For more fresh and flavorful ways to enhance your springtimeevents, visit www.eppasangria.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Simple tips for a spectacular spring party


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3517 Beechwood Ave - Alliance

by Jill Martin

(NAPS)—Spring can be a great time to sort through what you have andcreate more space by getting rid of the items you no longer need or use.To help, here are some tips to tackle those tedious tasks.

•Cleanse your closet. Typically, people only wear 25 percent of what theyhave in their closet, so 75 percent can go. Start by filling just one trash bagfor donation. Make purging easier by following these guidelines: If it has-n’t been worn in a year, has stains or is pulled, still has tags on it or youdon’t remember when it was bought—get rid of it.

• Uniformity is key. Invest in slim hangers that provide more room andmake your closet look organized. For example, try the hangers in my line,the Jill Martin Set of 50 Space-Saving Flocked Hangers, QVC Item#V32141.

• Use all the space you have. Opt to buy items that are multipurpose,such as ottomans that are alsomade for storage, bins that are fashionableenough to be displayed, and jewelry organizers that can be hung on thewall for decoration.

Jill Martin is a New York Times best-selling author, Emmy® Award–win-ning television personality, fashion expert and the creator of Jill by Jill Mar-tin for QVC, a stylish line to keep life clutter-free. It’s available, whilesupplies last, throughQVC.com, the QVC apps or by calling 800-345-1515.

Cleanse your closet



(Family Features) When decorat-ing a home, there are endless pos-sibilities to make each room a chicoasis. The laundry room can be up-graded to exude personality and de-sign flair so it becomes a moreenjoyable place to spend time in.

From the color palette or patternson the walls to the floors under footand everything in between, decorat-ing your laundry room with thingsthat inspire productivity and tran-quility can transform your tired, dullspace into a room that feels luxuri-ous, welcoming and relaxing.

To help get you started on theroad to re-design, Electrolux hasteamed up with Design ExpertCamille Styles, founder of the popu-lar lifestyle blogwww.CamilleStyles.com, to offerthese words of advice:

• Begin your design overhaul withbeautiful, stylish appliances - like thesleek, high performance Front Loadwasher and dryer set from Elec-trolux. These eye-catchingmachinesmarry a sleek formwith high-perfor-mance function, including thefastest combinedwash and dry timeout there, with a 15 minute washtime and 14 minute dry time.

• Designate specific areas of thespace for different tasks like foldinglaundry, ironing and polishing shoes.

Keep all the necessary supplies foreach task nearby so everything iseasily accessible when needed.

• Transform laundry room suppliesinto decorative objects by storingthem in refillable clear containers.Use labels to identify what is ineach.

• Space that is uncluttered is al-ways more inviting, leading to en-hanced productivity and a sense ofcalm. Make use of cabinets, woven

baskets and lidded containers tokeep items like serving pieces, craftsupplies, gift wrap and vases wellout of sight.

• If space permits, installing a re-frigerator in the laundry room is in-credibly useful. When entertaining, awell-stocked second refrigerator willallow you to turn your laundry roominto a party prep and staging area.It’s a great place to store larger itemsand to keep beverages and dessertsat the perfect temperature, ready toserve at any moment.

Blending simple design tips withfunctional storage ideas and highperformance appliances will findyou well on your way to creating aninviting space you are happy tospend time in. For more informa-tion on laundry solutions from Elec-trolux, please visitwww.electroluxappliances.com.

Luxurious laundry room transformations


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(Family Features) Formany people, a trip downthe lighting aisle can be an overwhelming expe-rience, especially when considering themany en-ergy-efficient lighting options available. Whetherlooking at light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs orcompact fluorescent technology (CFL) bulbs,there are some factors you should think aboutbefore making a purchase.

Recent studies have found that most home-owners aren’t ready to make the leap to newerenergy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LEDand CFL. But those who are making the switchfrom incandescent bulbs to GE Energy-EfficientSoft White bulbs are doing so at a rate of two-to-one, compared to CFL bulbs.

“We understand that consumers are over-whelmed by all of the changes in the lightingaisle, and whatever their lighting preference, wehave reliable lighting options for them,” says JohnStrainic, general manager, Consumer Lighting forGE in North America. “For consumers who stillwant an incandescent-like bulb, our incandes-

cent isn’t gone-it’s more energy efficient. Our En-ergy-Efficient Soft White bulb provides a warm,cozy light and dimming capabilities, but saves en-ergy andmeets federal brightness requirements.”

Small upgrades equal big savingsAccording to the U.S. Energy Information Ad-

ministration, lighting consumes up to 17 percentof a home’s overall energy usage. With an annualenergy savings of $2.05 per bulb, a householdthat replaces forty 60-watt incandescent bulbswith 43-watt Energy-Efficient Soft White bulbscould save more than $80 a year based on 3hours use per day and an 11c/kWh electricityrate. For more information, visit www.gelight-ing.com/EESW.

“Our newer lighting technologies, such as GE’sEnergy-Efficient Soft White bulbs, are specially en-gineered to provide the light consumers love thesame way it was delivered more than a centuryago,” said Strainic. “But today we can meet fed-eral brightness requirements without as muchwasted energy.”

Other energy-saving optionsOne popular option in energy-efficient lighting

is the LED bulb. Though the price for this optioncan be higher than others, experts believe thatprices should decrease as LED technologyevolves, allowing for a broader mass market ap-peal.

Another more energy-efficient lighting optionis CFL bulb technology, which has been in themarket now for more than 30 years and hasgreatly improved to mirror the performance of atraditional incandescent light.

As new energy-efficiency standards are set totake place Jan. 1, 2014, consumers will choosebetween thesemore energy-efficient lighting op-tions, including Energy-Efficient Soft White, orhalogen technology, CFL or LED bulbs.

Consumers will still be able to find a limitedsupply of incandescent bulbs at some retailersuntil inventory is gone.

Energy-efficient solutions for your home


For those wishing to savemoney on energy bills,having an understandingof the different energy-ef-ficient lighting optionsavailable can help to makean informed purchasingdecision.


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(Family Features) Putting your own flair into an old piece of furniture orthrift store find is a creative and budget-friendly way to transform unuseditems into personal treasures.

Refinishing old tables, chairs and other wooden items can instill newlife, making these pieces functional and contemporary oncemore. Whetheryou’re repurposing a piece entirely, or simply updating the look, there area few things to keep in mind:

• Color: Do you have a specific room inmind to use your selected piece?If you have a place already chosen, consider a colored stain to match theroom’s dÈcor. If not, a versatile wood tone may be a better choice.

• Product: Is this your first project? If so, water-based products can be asimpler, DIY friendly alternative to oil based stains and finishes. Will your“new” furniture be in frequent or casual use?

To protect from wear and tear on daily-use items, be sure to finish yourproject with an appropriate sealant or protective coat.

Interior stain and sealers offer a protective element built into the prod-uct, such as Cabot Premium Wood Finish, which provides rich color andtough, durable results.

• Preparation: Although youmay be anxious to put your new treasure to

use, taking time to properly strip and prepare your wood for its new finishwill ensure the best results.

This DIY project, created by Beth Hunter, author of the blog “Home Sto-ries A to Z,” shows you how to take a tired, outdated coffee table fromattic to amazing in three simple steps.

Supplies:• Chemical stripper• Hand-held paint scraper• Tack cloths or lint-free rags• Rubber gloves• Safety glasses• Orbital sander with 60-, 120- and 220-grit discs• Interior wood stain and sealer product• Painters’ tape• Paint brush• 300 grit sand paper

1. Use a chemical stripper to remove heavy layers of paint, stain or var-nish. Follow the label’s directions, allowing the stripper to sit for the des-ignated amount of time and then gently scraping and wiping away theresidue (tack cloth or lint-free rag is important, so you don’t leave particlesbehind).

Revitalize old furniture with DIY transformation


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Tip: Remember to wear gloves approved for chemical handling and eyeprotection, and be sure to set up your project in a well-ventilated area. Arespirator may be necessary to ensure you don’t inhale too many power-ful fumes.

2. Once your piece has been stripped, wiped cleanwith a damp rag andallowed to thoroughly dry, you are ready to sand. Although for some smallprojects sandpaper sheets will do, you’ll get the best results using a qual-ity orbital sander (there are many options in the $50 to $100 range, wellworth the investment if you’ll be doing more projects in the future).

Using the sander, start with a low-grit, coarse sandpaper (60 grit) andwork up to the high-grit, fine paper (220 grit). The low grit takes off any re-maining finish quickly and roughens thewood, while the finer grits smooththe wood and create a pristine surface. After sanding, use a tack cloth towipe down your piece and remove the dust.

3. Now you are ready to add color. For this project, a series of colors inthe new Cabot Premium Wood Finish line were used, including MusselShell, Stormy Teal, Riverbed and Coffeehouse. The products in this line arewater-based stain and sealers so they dry quickly, and are good choices fora DIYer because they stain and protect at once while providing high-qual-ity, beautiful results. These finishes also offer smooth application withoutthe need for a primer or conditioner and a simple soap and water clean-up.

If you will be using multiple colors, as with this project, tape off areas tomake crisp lines. Use a brush to apply the product, and allow to dry as de-scribed on the package directions. Use ultra-fine grit sand paper, such as

300 grit, to lightly sand the first coat. Finish with a second coat.

Tips: For a richer color, use the finest sand paper possible to remove aslittle stain as possible between coats. Apply more layers for a darker look,or only one coat for a distressed look.

For additional DIY project ideas for your home, including tips and how-to videos, visit www.cabotstain.com.


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(Family Features) When the weather conditions are just right, a relaxingevening spent on the porch or patio is perfect for enjoying good companyand the beauty of the outside world. Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy thesecomforts regardless of the season?

Bring the rejuvenating, refreshing and calming effects of nature into yourpersonal space with a few simple touches. The best place for incorporat-ing these organic elements is the space closest to your patio or outdoorspace. Let this area serve as a transitional space where the outside worldconnects with the comforts of your interior.

Here are a few tips to make your outside world an extension of yourhome:

Choose Natural MaterialsFor chairs, sofas, rugs, pillows and other dÈcor, choose natural patterns,

textures and fibers. Pair materials like hemp, rattan, bamboo, wicker andjute, with softer textures, such as cottons, velvet and velour for added di-mension.

Light Up the RoomNothing pleases the senses like natural light, so be sure to rid windows

and doorways of heavy drapery and other barriers.

Choose Natural ColorsPick chairs, sofas, coffee tables and buffet pieces that are white or ivory.

These light colors will make the outdoor tints of greens, blues and brownspop. For thewoodsy look, choose faux bois upholstery, a textile pattern thatmimics the grain of wood.

Spruce Up the ViewAdd trees or other lush landscapes to serve as your focal point when

you look outside. Attach window boxes and plant flowers and shrubberyin colors that complement your dÈcor. Add trees or other lush landscapesto serve as your focal point when you look outside.

Add Natural Elements to DécorThe right decorative tchotchkes can evoke the serenity of nature within

your space. For a rustic look, add dried flowers, pinecones, rocks, woodand straw. For a seaside touch, use sea shells, starfish and jars of sand for

a coastal inspiration. If you lack space to scatter throughout the room, placethese items in a large decorative bowl and use as a centerpiece.

Make patio space an extension of your home


By Eileen MarshallCanadian Home Trends

It’s a fact that we sleep away one-third of our lives! With this in mind,what better way is there to end the day than in a cozy, comfortable bed-room? To achieve an inviting and well-decorated bedroom, be it a master,guest, teenager or child’s room, consider the following helpful tips:

• Color is a huge influence in our lives so it is prudent to choose a colorfor your bedroom that will entice sleep. Soft, light, muted, cool and calm-ing colors such as creams, warm whites, taupes and beiges are known tobe soothing. Blue and green hues are said to lower one’s heart rate andblood pressure, whereas lively red and orange colors evoke energy. Colordoes not necessarily have to just be found on the walls or ceiling. It can beincorporated into bed linens, wall art, area rugs, throws and accessories.This is a great way to add splashes of color for an extra punch, or changeup your color accents seasonally.

• Fabrics and bed linens will add color to a space, as well as soften theoverall look. It is also a great medium in which to add texture and pattern,be it a medley of designs or alternatively; a selection of plain and subtlehues. Adding different materials, such as Egyptian cotton, linen, silk, cash-mere and matelassé, will further enrich a bed’s appearance.

Different sized cushionswill plump it up and create both visual and phys-ical comfort. Don’t forget the headboard; this is a great way to incorporatefabric. Headboards come inmany shapes and sizes and are a great way todraw attention to the bed itself. Think about a tufted or paneled head-board color coordinated with your walls and linens. Fabricated windowtreatments are also a wonderful way to diminish noise and create softlines.

Lighting is key in any room and in particular the bedroom. The last thingone needs is harsh, overhead lighting before going to sleep, or a bright, dis-ruptive light in the morning from an undressed window. Consider a dim-mer system for the pot lights to promote a gentle and calming effect anduse table lamps for task lighting such as reading.

Black-out lining on draperies will ensure a room is kept in completedarkness, which is known to encourage a great sleep.

Decorative finishes, such as flowers, soft fragrant candles, ornamentswith a special meaning, a cluster of good books or a grouping of personalphotos are a wonderful way to create a beautiful bedroom.

Furniture Scale/ProportionThe bed is themost significant and often the largest furniture piece in the

bedroom. It automatically takes on the focal point and dictates the styleand flavour of the room (modern, romantic, traditional, cottage, country, in-dustrial , to name a few).

As a crucial piece of furniture, the bed should be in proportion to the sizeof the room and the remaining pieces of furniture should be scaled to thebed.

The second most important furniture pieces in the bedroom (not in-

cluding storage) are the side tables. If there is not enough space for a sidetable(s), consider a headboard with shelving or alternatively installing ashelf either side or above the bed. It is always handy to have a place onwhich to put your bits and pieces: alarm clock, lamp, reading books, etc.

Standard Bed SizesIt is worth investing in the best bed possible. Custom mattresses, like

those available from Vi-Spring, can be built to suit your height, weight andsupport requirements. A good qualitymattress will contribute to your long-term well-being.

The Five Standard Mattress SizesTwin Bed – 39” (w) x 75” (l)Double Bed – 54” (w) x 75” (l)Queen Bed – 60” (w) x 80” (l)King Bed – 76” (w) x 80” (l)California King Bed – 72” (w) x 84” (l)

Design School: How to Design a Bedroom



By Steve MaxwellFrom MOTHER EARTH NEWS

When’s the last time you sat quietly in the outdoors? Do you even havea place where you can sit in your garden or woodland? Every propertyowner should have at least one bench to enhance a favorite spot. Our trioof build-it-yourself bench designs lets you choose the quick, inexpensiveand easy Plank Seat; the Leopold Bench with its clever backrest design; orthe solid, classic look of the Jordan Pond Bench and Table. And, we havedetailed plans andmaterials lists available to help those of youwho are notexperienced woodworkers.

The Plank SeatA couple of log sections and a sturdy board are all you really need to

make the Plank Seat for a quiet spot by a garden, lakeshore or campfirering. Although a few tools are handy for building this bench, they’re not es-sential. If you don’t have any short logs handy, ask a friendwith a chain sawto cut a couple of 12- to 14-inch-long stumps off a log for the two uprightsyou’ll need. A simple plank across the top does the rest. A rough-sawn 2-by-12 is terrific here, but a piece of milled, construction-grade lumberworks, too. Whatever you choose, the bench will look best if you extendthe seating plank beyond the uprights by 6 to 8 inches.

If you’re a traditionalist, fasten the plank to the stumps with hardwooddowels driven into holes bored into the stumps. Hot-dipped galvanizedspikes or 4-inch-long wood screws are a faster, though more modern, al-ternative.

Place the stumps on awell-drained spot so they last longer, and peel thebark as it loosens over time. The large, flat seating plank is ideal for visitorsto carve their initials in as a reminder of their time at your place. Think ofit as a great big outdoor guest book.

Leopold BenchGreat writers give the world more than words; they offer a new way of

seeing, and that’s the enduring legacy of American naturalist Aldo Leopold.Author of the 1949 environmental classic A Sand County Almanac and co-founder of The Wilderness Society, Leopold spent a great deal of timethinking about our place in the natural world. He promoted conservationof natural resources and an ethical relationship between people and theland. His simple, sturdy bench design reflects these ideals.

Leopold designed the bench while visiting the run-down farm he pur-chased along the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin. Leopold, his wife,Estella, and their five children renovated the only structure on the property— a chicken coop — into a small cabin for weekend retreats. “The Shack,”as the structure is now called, is the only chicken coop on the NationalRegister of Historic Places.

The bench you see here, The Shack and Leopold’s writings are all re-flections of his commitment to living lightly on the land. A handsaw, drill,a few bolts and some screws are all you need to build your own LeopoldBench.

You could use cedar or some other rot-resistant wood. Even inexpensive

spruce or pine will last 10 years ormore outdoors, especially if you put thebench under cover during the off-season. Screw replaceable wooden footpads to the bottom of each leg to extend your bench’s life even longer.

Jordan Pond Bench & TableIf you’ve ever visited Acadia National Park onMount Desert Island along

the coast of Maine, chances are you’ve stopped in at the Jordan PondHouse restaurant. For almost a hundred years, park visitors have enjoyedafternoon tea and piping hot popovers served on the restaurant’s lawnoverlooking the pond and the grand scenery of Acadia.

Our third design — a bench and matching table — was inspired by thesturdy, classic outdoor furniture used at the Jordan Pond House.

The Jordan Pond Bench and Table are easy to make. Standard 5/4-by-6-inch decking lumber, weatherproof glue and corrosion-resistant screwsmake this design strong and long-lasting. Order plans for the Jordan Pondbench and table at http://goo.gl/rEGYZT.

Excerpted from MOTHER EARTH NEWS, the Original Guide to LivingWisely. To read more articles from MOTHER EARTH NEWS, please visitwww.MotherEarthNews.com or call (800) 234-3368 to subscribe. Copy-right 2014 by Ogden Publications Inc.

3 easy-to-build outdoor benches

ILLUSTRATION BY LEN CHURCHILL

Two sturdy logs and a rough-cut plank make a satisfying gardenbench.



This sturdy outdoor furniture isinspired by the same furniture atJordan Pond House restaurant inAcadia National Park.


Build this garden bench, originally designed by the Americannaturalist, Aldo Leopold.


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LAZY L IN-GROUND POOL

Installed From

RECTANGLE IN-GROUND POOLS

From

Polywood/RecycledFurniture

STELLA BY NORDIC

20,000 Gallon

WhileSupplies

Last!

WhileSupplies Last! While

Supplies Last!

ALL PRISTINE BLUE ALL PRISTINE BLUE PRODUCTS AT PRODUCTS AT

CLOSE OUT PRICES CLOSE OUT PRICES

AMOUR SPA BY NORDIC

State Route 45 • Lisbon • 330-424-POOL (7665)

$ 3,599 $ 3,599

From

$ 13,999 $ 13,999

While Supplies

Last!

$ 15,799 $ 15,799

$ 14,499 $ 14,499

$ 23,499 $ 23,499

$ 3,799 $ 3,799

SPAS STARTING AT

$ 2,999


FREEDELIVERY TO

MOSTAREAS

GE 28.6 cu ftFrench Door Refrigerator GE 4.8 DOE cu ft

Energy Star Washer

• Spill Proof Glass Shelves• Advance Filtration• Dual Ice Maker• Showcase LED Lighting

• LED Cycle Countdown• Adj. End of Cycle Signal• Control Lock• Delay Start Up to 24 hrs.• Add a Garament• Auto Temp Control

www.groveappliance.com • [email protected]

350 E. State St. • Alliance, OH330-821-1500 • 1-800-294-9844

Mon., Thurs., 8:00-8:00; Tues., Wed., Fri. 8:00-5:30Sat. 8:00-5:00

Parts Dept. Mon.-Fri. 8-5; Sat 8-Noon

HOURS

Time for a new Refrigerator or Washer?

#GFE29HMDES

#GFWR4805FMW

AMERICA’ S #1SELLING

www.mitsubishicomfort.com

For integrity, honesty and professionalism,you’ve come to count on!

Your Heating &Cooling Specialist!

330-457-2562New Waterford, Ohio 44445

Ohio License #23635www.NdcHeating.com

OurThermostat is

ALWAYS set onQUALITY!

Dave Norris, Owner

PHIL’S SALES & SERVICE LLC.w w w .p h ilsku b ota .com

1472Colu m bia n a -Lisbon Rd .•Colu m bia n a ,Ohio

330-482-5548

Where can I find equipment that works hard but isn’t hard on me?Who has Performance-Matched implements?Which dealer can I rely on for knowledge and service?Who has the right equipment for the job?

Kubota tractors/mowers/utility vehiclesTHE ANSWER IS

Date post:	10-Mar-2016
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Morning Journal - All About Home - April, 2014

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