Fall home improvement 2013 by AddisonPress

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House & Home 3

Renovation Planning

Seating Options

Energy Efficiency

Fall-Friendly Projects

A special publicaton of The Addison Independent

3 October 3, 2013

PAGE 2C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013

Weybridge beats the Vt. home energy challenge

Planning projects pays off Just doing it can cost more money

By CHRISTY LYNN When I set out to write this story my vision was to have two categories of home improvement strategies: “do it” and “plan it.” In my original thinking, there are some home improvement projects that require careful consideration, months of

lazy hours spent considering all of the intricate details and hours consulting with experts before taking on the job, and then there were those projects where you’ve just got to “get ’er done.” After my first couple of conversations with professionals and research sessions I realized that that

“get ’er done” column was pretty empty. While there are many versions of planning processes all with varying commitments of time and resources, it is hard to find an advocate for the quick and dirty approach to home renovation. After all, we call this “home improvement” … if it isn’t improving the quality of space, craft, material, or mood, then why do it? As architect Andrea Murray explained, “Nobody likes to spend money — even if it’s not very much money — doing something that they know they’ll want to redo.” Murray, co-owner of Vermont Integrated Architecture in Middlebury, says even when homeowners are facing routine maintenance or fixing something that is broken and has to be fixed or replaced, those jobs can turn into opportunities to upgrade their system. Furthermore, if you skip the planning phase and jump straight into a project, you may wind up sinking a lot more time and money into the project than you had thought because you were unprepared or make a poor decision in the middle of the project. (See Plan, Page 5C)

Button up for comfort and to save money MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Energy Committee will host two events this month to help people learn about how to make their homes more comfortable by making them more energy efficient. The committee — along with NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network — will host Button Up Day this Saturday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Martin’s Hardware on Route 7 South in Middlebury. The committee will have a table to educate homeowners on energy saving projects and give away some free items from Efficiency Vermont and The HEAT Squad, a program of the non-

profit NeighborWorks. The committee also convinced Martin’s to offer 10 percent off weatherization supplies. Get free materials including an energy savings kit, win a free LED light bulb. People may also register for the Weatherization Skillshop that will take place Oct. 26 in Middlebury. This weatherization workshop, cosponsored by Efficiency Vermont, will take place at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center off Charles Avenue in Middlebury from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will get hands-on training in improving their home’s efficiency. They will also have the

opportunity to learn building science basics, how to find and seal trouble spots and practice installing rigid foam insulation, door weather stripping, and spray foam gun sealing in the attic and basement. This prepares homeowners to participate in Efficiency Vermont’s Do-It-Yourself program that provides financial incentives for ownerinstalled weatherization improvements. The $25 registration fee includes lunch and a copy of “The Homeowner’s Handbook to Energy Efficiency: A Guidebook to Big and Small Improvements” by Krigger and Dorsi. To register, call 802-388-9478 or email lasermily@yahoo.com.

3 percent of homes weatherized By JOHN — is the next closest to meeting WeyFLOWERS bridge’s success. It should be noted, WEYBRIDGE — however, that the Website has not been Weybridge recently updated for a few weeks, meaning became the first Mount Holly and the other communicommunity in the ties are likely further along than the list state to successfully indicated last week. meet the “Home In addition to Weybridge, nine other Energy Challenge,” Addison County towns are participata statewide contest ing in the Home Energy Challenge. through which par- They are Bristol, Cornwall, Ferristicipating towns burgh, Goshen, Middlebury, Monkton, have been asked New Haven, Salisbury and Starksboro. to weatherize 3 Weybridge will celebrate its acpercent of their complishment at a community party year-round homes set for Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9:30 to within calendar year 2013. 11 a.m. at the town’s recycling center. Fran Putnam, leader of Weybridge’s Oct. 5 has been declared “Button Up energy committee, confirmed on Sept. Vermont Day” to reinforce the need to 23 that a 10th local home had just been weatherize homes as a way of maxiweatherized, thus achieving the requi- mizing residents’ heating fuel dollars site 3-percent mark required by the and aiding the environment. Organizchallenge. Putnam expects Weybridge ers said they would offer free apple pie, will add to its total before the end of donuts, cider, coffee and an LED bulb the year. raffle. Free energy saving kit vouchers “We are sure there will also be available. will be more than 10 All are welcome. (weatherized homes),” The Weybridge Putnam said. energy committee “We are way ahead “We are really excited to identified prospecof the competition,” see Weybridge become tive weatherization she added proudly. candidates during 60 the first town to meet the Exceeding the 3-per- goal. It is a testament to “home energy visits” cent goal established that volunteers have by Efficiency Vermont Fran’s leadership and the conducted during and the Vermont Ener- work of a great group of the year. These visits gy and Climate Action volunteers.” have identified imNetwork should place provements — rang— Paul Markowitz Weybridge in good ing from installation shape to win top prize in the compe- of energy efficient windows to adding tition: A $10,000 award to invest in insulation — that homeowners could a municipal weatherization project make to reduce their heating fuel conof the town’s choice. The challenge sumption by as much as 25 percent. was set as part of Vermont’s stated Participating homeowners were put in goal of weatherizing 80,000 homes touch with contractors (and potential by the year 2020. rebates) to complete the work. “We are really excited to see Pulp Mill Bridge Road residents Weybridge become the first town to Eric and Danielle Lamy are among the meet the goal,” said Paul Markow- 10 Weybridge homeowners to have itz, community energy program co- completed weatherization projects so ordinator for Efficiency Vermont. far this year. Work included spraying “It is a testament to Fran’s leader- foam insulation along the basement ship and the work of a great group walls in the 120-year-old home, as of volunteers.” well as sealing windows and baseA total of 79 Vermont towns are boards, according to Eric Lamy. participating in the Energy ChalIt proved money well spent. lenge. A check of the Home En“We were very excited to be part of ergy Challenge Website reveals the program,” he said. that Mount Holly, which has thus More information about the Home weatherized around half of the Energy Challenge can be found at ef15 homes on its 3-percent list ficiencyvermont.com.

A “THERMOMETER” ON the green in Weybridge shows the town’s progress toward meeting its goal of weatherizing 10 homes this year. The community was the first in Vermont to meet the Home Energy Challenge goal of weatherizing 3 percent of its housing stock in 2013.

Photo by John Meakin

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Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013 — PAGE 3C

Does your home need an insulation upgrade? (StatePoint) — The average ceilings and floors are the most family spends more than $1,000 important areas to add insulation annually — nearly half a home’s for an immediate, positive impact total energy bill — on heating and on a home’s energy usage and bills. cooling costs, according to the U.S. 2. Non-stop furnace: Does your government’s Energy Star program. furnace seem to run non-stop in the Unfortunately, a large portion of winter? Adequate insulation leads those expenses are wasted due to to less maintenance on your heating poor home insulation. system, as it lasts longer, runs less Homeowners and will require less prepping for winter maintenance for longcan stop the energy term cost savings. waste cycle by taking 3. T e m p e r a t u r e “Fortunately, there a closer look at their inconsistency: If you insulation. As one of feel cold spots coming are telltale signs the fastest and most from the walls or attic, that can alert any cost-efficient ways or one room of your to reduce energy homeowner that it’s home is drafty and waste and lower bills, another one warm, time to add to or insulation traps warm you may need to beef air inside a home’s replace their home’s up your insulation. walls — similar to The fireplace, walls insulation — before how a fleece sweater and attic are prime does for the body — spots for drafts. Look the temperature to regulate a home’s for insulation that can plunges and the temperature. But how fit snugly in rafters do you know if your and other tight areas. energy bill rises.” home is properly 4. Roof hot spots: — Mike Benetti insulated? If your shingles are “Fortunately, there exposed after a recent are telltale signs that can alert any snowfall, chances are these “hot homeowner that it’s time to add to spots” are indicative of warm air or replace their home’s insulation escaping. Check your attic for — before the temperature plunges adequate insulation. If you can and the energy bill rises,” says easily see your floor joists, you Mike Benetti, segment manager at should add more. Use insulation Roxul, a leading manufacturer of that won’t sag or lose density over stone wool insulation. time. Insulation experts advise 5. Mold Growth: Mold in the homeowners with a do-it-yourself corners of ceilings could mean mentality to run through the your current insulation slumps following checklist to determine and holds moisture. If this occurs, whether their home has adequate it’s time to replace your insulation insulation: with one that does not store or 1. Vintage home: Prior to transfer moisture and is completely consistent building codes, most resistant to mold, mildew, rot and homes built before 1980 were bacterial growth. not insulated. If your home Don’t let cool weather take you has no materials by surprise. With proper insulation, trapping heat, energy you can improve the comfort of conservation is an your home significantly and enjoy uphill battle. Walls, energy savings.

A COUCH IS the centerpiece of many living rooms and family rooms, but homeowners should remember that what they sit on at home should be as ergonomically sound as what you sit on at work. Make sure your sofa isn’t too low. Have you thought of using a sitting ball at home?

Independent photos/Trent Campbell

Think ergonomically around the house Seating options shouldn’t hurt you

rid of the those stylish wood and leather chairs around the dining table (though we’d love to see the look on the faces of your dinner guests when they arrive to find a rainbow of By JOHN S. McCRIGHT It’s the latest public health menace colorful balls around the old Ethan Allen instead of the usual Windsor — sitting. four-leggers) but using If you believe only a sitting ball in your a fraction of what you home would provide read in those stories the same benefits as teased on the news having one in the ofwebsites next to the To get the benefits fice. They say one can important world and of a sitting ball, improve balance and national news — the strengthen their “core” however, you have ones that say we’re all — the muscles in your going to die because to do what they back and stomach that we sit too much at work call “active sitting,” support your spine and — then when you get some of the preshome from a hard day which means not just take sure off it. at the office you are lislumping over but To get the benefits of able to curl up into a a sitting ball, however, little ball in a dark room actually keeping a you have to do what and wonder what dandecent posture. they call “active sitgers await in the chairs ting,” which means you sit on in your own not just slumping home. But the scariest thing about fur- over but actually keeping a denishing your home should be hear- cent posture. The ing the suggestion from your spouse ball gives your or housemate that they want an or- body better clues ange plaid couch with teal and pink than a chair about pillows on it, not wondering if your when you are not gethome furnishings will lead to an early death. When you acquire things to sit on you just need to keep one thing in mind beyond color, style and price — that’s ergonomics. The word “ergonomics” comes from the Greek work “ergon,” which means “work,” but now that scientists have been trying to figure out how to alleviate the physical stressors on our bodies in the office, some have turned to thinking about ways to make our home furniture fit our bodies better. When you think about bringing ergonomics from the workplace into the home, one thing that probably comes to mind is those big, colorful balls that you can increasingly find office workers sitting on. Why not try one or two in your home? We’re not suggesting that you get

ting the most out of your sitting. The Health Ministry in the Canadian province of Alberta offers these suggestions for “active sitting” on a ball: • Put your feet flat on the floor. • Sit as tall as you can. • Straighten your back. • Puff out your chest. • Pull in your chin slightly. • Push your shoulders down. • Move your shoulder blades closer together. • Notice how your body feels. Can you feel all the different muscles working? OK, who wants to think that much when they are trying to relax? The point is, there are plenty

of times at home when you are sitting for a short time that you could be actively sitting and still accomplish whatever it is you’re trying to do — talking on the phone, making a grocery list, watching TV, and the like. Plus, the more you practice sitting on a ball, the less you’ll have to think about it. Experts say you shouldn’t be sitting without getting up or moving, anyway; try sitting on the ball for no more than 20 minutes before you get up to take that loaf of bread out of the oven or rush off pick up a child at soccer practice. And think how good that ball will look in your family room. Wikihow.com offers a couple suggestions when trying to figure out the right size ball for your height and (See Sitting, Page 5C)

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PAGE 4C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013

Projects that grow

When our ‘home improvement’ turned into a gut-and-rebuild Editor’s note: Polly Lynn was raised in Middlebury and graduated from Middlebury Union High School and Middlebury College. She moved away from Vermont for a number of years, but after she returned to the Green Mountain State two years ago, she and her partner, Jason, began looking for an affordable home that was near their work. They settled on a fixer-upper in Killington and found out just how big a job home improvement can be. By POLLY LYNN It was in the spring of 2012 that Jason and I decided we were going to buy land in Killington — after searching for houses in our price range we decided that land and location was more important than having a dwelling. I can’t remember the exact reasoning behind that decision, but I think we figured we had all summer to build one and that seemed ample time to me. In retrospect, according to some, it would

TACKLING A FEW upgrades in this 700-square-foot home seemed pretty do-able for Middlebury native Polly Lynn and her partner, Jason Mikula. But when they started to dig in, they had a few surprises.

have been shorter and cheaper, had we gone that route and built a home from scratch. Instead, the land we found had an

existing house on it, which we immediately dubbed “Little Tiny” — a name that has stuck — because it was all of 700 square feet. I ignored the house and, instead, fell in love with the five acres of beautiful maple trees. We calculated that it was less than two miles to the closest chairlift and four miles to work, an ideal location. And our Bernese mountain dog puppy could run free. (Yes, I did take that into consideration during our house-hunt.) After negotiations with the owners and a new septic system, we were ready to begin the work. I think it was August, by then — a much later start than we anticipated, but we had an existing house to live in, or so I thought. As it turned out, Jason’s idea of a “livable dwelling” was a bit different than mine, and some things just had to be renovated before we moved in. So we made a list: We would focus on rehabbing the bedroom and building a closet (which required an extension off the back), in addition to replacing the windows, walls and floors throughout the house and installing a washer/dryer. The living room, kitchen and bathroom would “wait until ‘phase two.’” In our idealistic minds, we had

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POLLY AND JASON made up for some holes in their knowledge of construction techniques with a huge amount of enthusiasm. And check out the protective glasses — safety was clearly a concern.

planned to do all this work as a himself in Montreal; Louise was DIY (do it yourself) project, while also knowledgeable and great with working full-time. Since shop class details. And Uncle Mike was strong, at MUMS, I have not held a power worked long hours and had a pickup tool, nor built anything usetruck. Jason and I helped as much as ful. Jason had a lot of tools, we could on weekends and but I wasn’t convinced he had after work, any more skills using them but wouldn’t than me. This should have In our id have gotten ealistic m been a bigger red flag than we far without in h a d p lanned to ds, it seemed to us at the time. them. this work do all Reality was masked by my The first a s a D IY (do it eagerness to learn. After yourself) pr step was rentoject, wh all, this was Little Tiny, it working ing a massive ile f u ll -t ime. Sinc had been a rental house clas dumpster. We s at MUM e for decades and it would S, I have shop filled it in a couh e ld n a power be again someday (once ple days, and also tool, nor ot b we save up to build our anything us made u eful. Jaso ilt trips to themultiple “real house” up on the a lot of Rutland tools, but n had ledge with a better conv Women’s Shelter, I w asn’t inced he view). That is to say, s where we donated h a d any kills using I felt this was a good them tha more all the old furniture T h n me. is should ha opportunity to “pracand fixtures. v e b e a tice” new construcAs we pulled up en bigger re tion skills. the rugs and peeled seemed t d flag than it o us at th Our saving gracthe paneling off the e time. es were Jason’s walls we found probmom and dad, Richard lems. and Louise, and my Uncle Mike, There were carpenter who moved to Killington for weeks ants in the insulation, no flooring at a time to help. Richard was well- under the tub (it was sitting directly versed in construction technique on a main floor joist, which spilled and had built a beautiful house for water had rotted), the windows were

not framed and the electrical system wasn’t grounded. So, off came all the walls, the insulation, the wires, the windows and the rotten flooring and joist. Soon our house looked liked a shell, only the 2x4s and plywood remained. We had to jack up the house to fix the joist. Then began the process of putting it all backed together. LITTLE TINY BEDROOM Believe it or not, the 700-squarefoot house had been rented for decades as a two-bedroom unit. Needless to say, both were tiny spaces so we blew out the wall between them and installed French doors. That gave us the option of creating two separate spaces when guests visit. It is now a very large open space, which was further expanded with the addition of the large closet off the back. We also chose two very large energy-efficient windows for the bedrooms. This choice was mostly due to rental regulations that require them to double as escape routes, but we also love the natural light. LITTLE TINY BATHROOM The bathroom was supposed to be “phase two,” but when we found that (See Polly and Jason, Page 13C)

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Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013 — PAGE 5C

Plan (Continued from Page 2C) A PLANNING PROCESS With a new concession that every project deserves at least some planning and preparation, it became my mission to figure out how to come up with a manageable process for how to do it. Home improvement projects range from the small (repainting a room, choosing fixtures or appliances, or ordering new linens) to the very large (renovating an old home, insulating, rearranging rooms, replacing floors, etc.). The fastest decisions to make are about those qualities of your home that you already love. For example, if you love your old, wide-board hardwood floors, but the finish is chipping and they need some attention, you don’t have to think about all of the other flooring options that you will enjoy less, just go ahead and sand and refinish the floors you love. Routine upgrades such as repainting can offer a chance to confirm or change a decision you have made about material, color and feel. Experts such as interior designers, color consultants, or flooring specialists can help advise you on the material that works for you and your priorities (cost, environmental impact, style, or availability), but these decisions can be made with a relatively small amount of time and input from others. These are what I would term “moderate planning” projects. To get a little deeper into it, consider how efficient the system is. Remember, efficiency often refers to an energy rating when talking about home improvement projects, or how much energy is expended in order for the process to function (a highefficiency washing machine is one that uses less energy and less water to clean your clothes). Murray recommends starting the process with an energy audit. Supported programs through Efficiency Vermont make these audits very affordable (often less than $200) and a good investment for targeting the most problematic areas. “The return on investment from an energy audit is very short,” Murray says. “It’s the due diligence before undertaking an active renovation to make sure that you’re targeting the right problem.” In an audit, infrared cameras and smoke-filled air detect the underinsulated or leaking areas of the

As the cold arrives, get ready for the fire season

building envelope (the term used for one budget, one needs and wants all parts of the building that separate (some refer to this as quality). Builders and architects can help the outside from the inside — walls, you understand the relationships windows, doors, and the like). Once the audit is complete, between each of these points on the homeowners essentially have a task triangle and how best to balance them list by order of importance, which for your project. “The reason people hire architects,” helps the planning process by taking Murray said, “is to help out much of the guesswork. pull these relationships The next step is to into balance and apply put together a home our experience creating improvement team. hire le op pe space to the needs and on “Collective wisdom as re he “T ll wants expressed in the pu lp is better than any one he to is s architect project. person’s individual into these relationships r “Often we end voice,” Murray says, ou whose practice is balance and apply ace up drawing what a client thinks they centered around the experience creating sp want and we draw ts an idea of integrating the needs and w what they’ve never design work with the to in the project. thought of,” Murray building process from the expressed awing beginning. Often we end up dr ey said, explaining that th experience can If builders and what a client thinks hat their offer alternatives architects and any other w t and we draw that may be design consultants can wan r thought more interesting, engage in the project they’ve neve creative, or together from the start of of.” of r ne -ow efficient than co y, a project, they can each ra ur — Andrea M Architecture what would be contribute their expertise Vermont Integrated immediately and ultimately come up apparent. with the most thoughtful If the builder is part of the result, Murray explains. conversation, then they can also A MAGIC TRIANGLE There is a simple building equation weigh in with a deeper understanding that can help the process move of the materials, prices, and labor forward from there, she explains. constraints. Also, while it can be difficult for Imagine an equilateral triangle with each tip representing a different part some people to place themselves in of the equation. One represents time, the designer’s seat, don’t forget that it

is a critical part of the process to learn from you, the homeowner, what your ideals are for your home. Murray’s advice to her clients for how to get the creative juices flowing is to look at pictures in home design books or start doing some playful research online. Fun and interactive tools like the web-based bulletin board Pinterest.com and other image organizing platforms like Houzz.com can be instrumental in the planning process and can help to organize the client’s desires in a visual way. Have fun with this part, Murray says. Pull together pictures, ideas, images, or visions and put them together even if you don’t quite know how they could work for your house or why you like them. “We spend a lot of time looking at precedents for each project,” said Sam Ostrow, another designer at Vermont Integrated Architecture, “and if those ideas can come from the client then our ability to start the project off on the right track is better.” So, while the cool winds are gusting outside this winter, spend some time sitting in your home and collecting your thoughts about how it could be better. Look at books, search for clever ideas online, analyze others’ houses, and monitor the energy efficiency of your home. Use these insights to put together the beginnings of a home improvement plan, so when the time comes to start your projects, you’ll be prepared.

(BPT) — As cooler weather descends, homes heat up and so does the risk your family could experience a home fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most home fires and CO poisonings occur in the winter. Besides heating appliances, seasonal activities such as increased cooking, candle usage and holiday decorations all add to the risk. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that each year winter fires claim an average of 945 lives, injure 3,825 people and cause more than $1.7 billion in property loss. To help keep your home worry free from fire and CO this winter, fire safety experts have developed a quick checklist. Answer these questions to customize your winter home improvement projects with tasks that save money, reduce a common household annoyance and increase safety. One in four older homes needs to update fire safety equipment. How old are your alarms? • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every five to 10 years, based on the alarm model. • Purchase an alarm with a 10year sealed lithium battery to receive hassle-free protection for a decade — no need to change a battery or hear a low-battery chirp. Seventy-five percent of homeowners don’t know where to install smoke alarms. Do you have enough? • Fire experts recommend placing smoke alarms on every floor and inside/outside all bedrooms. Choose alarms with roomspecific features, such as an LED light in the hallway, or a voice notification for the bedroom. • Place a CO alarm near sleeping areas and on each floor. Keep them 10 feet away from fuel-burning appliances. Do your alarms

incorporate the newest features and technology? • A sealed-in 10-year lithium battery not only continuously powers the alarm, it’s also tamperproof and can’t be removed. • A digital display shows the level of CO in the air and updates the reading every 15 seconds. • An intelligent multi-sensor responds faster to real fires and CO, while reducing nuisance alarms like those commonly caused by cooking. • An end-of-life appliance warning lets you know when to replace your alarms. Do you need other safety products? • Fire extinguisher — place one within reach in rooms where fires often begin: kitchen, garage, bedroom, living area. • Escape ladder — place in second- and third-floor rooms as an alternative escape route Have you developed a family escape plan? • Create a plan and practice regularly. Know two ways out of every room and who will assist children and loved ones with mobility/health issues. Do your children know their address and how to dial 911? • Post your home address and emergency phone numbers on the refrigerator. Are your appliances and chimney winterready? • Have a professional inspect fuel-burning appliances to ensure they function properly and that they vent outside. • Have a professional clean or inspect fireplaces annually. Birds and small animals can cause leaves to build up on top of the chimney, preventing carbon monoxide from venting properly. • Create a 3-foot clutter free zone around fireplaces, space heaters or wood stoves.

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PAGE 6C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013

Sitting low — that means that your knees (Continued from Page 3C) weight: “Measure your current chair shouldn’t bend less than 90 degrees and aim to have the diameter of the when you’re sitting. According to ball be about 4 inches higher than Ergonmics-info.com, “Our bodies your current chair.” Not sure which will naturally adjust to the ill-dechair to base your measurement on? signed sofa, and slouch thus increasThen go by weight. A person of aver- ing our knee angle to greater than age weight and shorter than 5-foot-3 90 degrees.” But slouching, while should go for a ball with a diameter it provides temporary relief to your of 55 cm (21.7 inches); if 5-3 to 6 back, will over time put pressure on feet choose one with a 65-cm (25.6- the discs in your spinal column, so inch) diameter; taller than 6 feet don’t slouch for long stretches. should opt for 75 cm (29.5 inches). Another thing to think about, is Another way to make sure you that when you sink into a choose the right size very soft sofa it feels good once you have the going down, but when thing home is to sit you push off to get up at a table you might it can strain your body. A blog called use, then bend your This is particularly true m o elbows and place your with elderly people, who .c rt a lk e b me forearms at a 90 decan injure their hips g gree angle. Wikihow when getting up from a calls a bean ba advises that “reaching very low sofa. r, fa chair “by forward slightly, you And how about that e c ie p should be able to rest favorite of the 1970s t s the be them on the top of the — the reclining chair, desk or table.” If you are the one that can adjust of ergonomic ould way back and protoo high or to low you furniture you c could change the inflavides a foot rest. The ” r. tion of the ball a little, but popular models were fo k s a you might just need a difthe “La-Z-Boy” and ferent size ball. the “Barcalounger.” A word of advice: While some people may think they Don’t bounce or play on the ball too are ugly or at the very least an anachmuch (although a little fun is a good ronism, they do allow you to sit in way to unwind at home); you’d hate that all important reclining position. to fall off your ball, strain something A website called “The ErgoLab,” and then put all your efforts at active which considers all things ergonomsitting back a few steps. ic, gave the reclining chair a great OTHER HOME SEATING endorsement when the blogger there OPTIONS admitted that he had been wrong Of course your home needs more about reclining chairs when he inithan just big, colorful balls populat- tially dismissed them out of hand. ing the floor space, and you still want “I have to be honest, I hated those to chose seating that is ergonomi- chairs. I thought they were ugly and cally copacetic. If you like the idea unsightly. How humbling now, esof a ball but want something where pecially given our ergonomics focus you can sit a little less actively, how here at ErgoLab, to realize that Laabout a good old bean bag? Z-Boy and Barcalounger had it right Bean bag chairs were all the rage all along,” the website state. “Huwhen I was a kid in the ’60s and man factors experts agree that the early ’70s. But they’ve come a long most comfortable long-term body way in terms of shape and style since posture is the recline position. then. In terms of color, you can find Thinking about seating at home is as many varieties as you can in a about more than just design. Cornell sitting ball — maybe more. And, in University estimates that 50 percent addition to the traditional spherical of people in the industrialized world shape, there are oblong, disk and suffer some form of back complaint other shapes to choose from. and many of these are related to poor A blog called mebelkart.com calls seat design. How we sit and what we a bean bag chair “by far, the best sit on affects the health of the spine. piece of ergonomic furniture you But you shouldn’t freak out about could ask for.” The reason, accord- ergonomics either. All experts agree: ing to mebelkart, is that “the un- Human beings should sit some, but restricted freedom of motion they not for hours and hours at a time. provide can help reduce strain on That is true whether you’re on a ball, the muscles and joints that you may a bean bag or a recliner. Get up and experience from sitting in a regular walk across the room every 20 minchair for long hours during work.” utes or so. It goes on to claim that bean bag You know those scary stories on chairs alleviate headaches, backaches, the Internet that tell us that even joint aches and mental tension. We getting a little bit of exercise is not couldn’t find any other sourcing that enough to save us from the makes those claims. But ergonomdebilitating effects of sitting? ics experts seem to all agree that Well, put them aside for a few reclining can be a great posiminutes, take yourself outtion to relieve stress on the side and walk your dog back and feet. around the block. A couch, of course, When you get is great for reclinback you’ll have ing. But remember put some of that that you will be sitstress aside and ting on it a lot and will be able to there are two things enjoy relaxing in to keep in mind. that favorite chair It is important for of yours. the sofa not to be too

Coming down ETHAN RAYMOND, ON left, and Nick O’Keefe dismantle some scaffolding at a Middlebury home this week after wrapping up a roof replacement job before the weather changes.

Independent photos Trent Campbell

Vermont ranks ninth in per capita solar energy installations MONTPELIER — Environment America Research & Policy Center, in partnership locally with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG), recently released “Lighting the Way: What We Can Learn from America’s Top 12 Solar States,” a new report highlighting a solar energy boom

across the country. The report ranks Vermont ninth in the nation for per capita solar installations. This makes Vermont one of a dozen states that have led the nation in solar energy with supportive policies and a commitment to continued expansion. “More and more, homes and businesses

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Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin joined VPIRG in praising the state’s progress, while calling for more work to be done. “Vermont is putting solar power to work and is leading the way to a clean energy future that tackles the threat of climate change while growing jobs and the economy,”

Shumlin said. “We have more than doubled our solar energy in the last two and a half years, but we know our work is not done. We plan to keep Vermont at the forefront of this energy revolution.” Solar is on the rise across the country. Ac(See Solar ranking, Page 12C)

Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013 — PAGE 7C

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PAGE 8C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013

Efficiency Vermont offers tips for lowering your energy bills Now that the crisp days of autumn are with us, winter won’t be far behind. To help Vermonters stay warm and lower their energy bills, Efficiency Vermont is offering the following tips: 1. Take control of the thermostat. You can save two to three percent in energy costs for every degree you lower your thermostat around the clock. Lowering the heat from 72 F to 65 F for eight hours per day can save you as much as 10 percent on annual heating costs. Try lowering the heat as everyone leaves for the day and just before going to bed. Or use a programmable thermostat; it will automatically turn the heat down and then have the house warm for you when you need it. 2. Drafty windows? If you have functional windows, it makes more financial sense to improve them than to replace them with energy-efficient windows. Caulk any gaps and cracks around window frames. Be sure that windows are fully shut. Put up interior window plastic, available in kits at hardware stores. Use storm windows. Also, for drafty doors, use weather stripping and door sweeps. 3. Keep your furnace or boiler in shape. Oilfired systems need annual maintenance. Gas systems and heat pumps typically need a checkup every two years. And a new filter will go a long way toward maintaining the efficiency of your furnace and decreasing your energy bills. 4. Close dampers when you’re not using the fireplace. An open fireplace damper pulls warm air from the house, even when there is no fire. Close dampers after ashes have gone cold. 5. Let the heat reach you. Dust or vacuum radiators, baseboard heaters, and furnace duct openings often and keep them free of obstructions like furniture, carpets and drapes. 6. Keep cold out and warmth in. A typical house has many places where air can move between living spaces and the attic and between the basement and outdoors. The result is colder rooms and higher heating bills. The solution is to seal gaps and then properly install insulation (see next two tips). 7. For the most savings, take a whole-house view with a pro. You can save up to 30 percent on your energy bills and improve your comfort

by working with a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor. These specially trained and certified contractors can perform an energy audit of your home and make recommended improvements, such as air sealing and insulation. Take advantage of financial incentives from Efficiency Vermont, when you complete energy efficiency improvements through one of these contractors. Learn more and find a contractor at www.efficiencyvermont.com/homeperformance. 8. D o - i t - y o u r s e l f e r ? Learn to weatherize like a pro. Save on heating bills AND home improvements by learning what the energy pros know. Get financial incentives to do your own air sealing, insulation, and more, under the guidance of a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor. Visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/diy for info on classes and everything else you need to know to start taking control of your energy costs this winter. 9. Save electricity on those dark winter nights. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use up to 75 percent less energy, or ENERGY STAR LEDs (light-emitting diodes), which use even less energy and last longer. Also, be aware that many kinds of home electronics and office equipment use power even when off. You can control this ongoing energy waste by plugging devices into a power strip and turning it off when you’re not using the equipment. Or ask at your hardware store about an advanced power strip that automatically shuts off power to any idle equipment you want. 10. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. Whether you’re planning to purchase a new heating system, appliances, or home electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR label to find the most energy efficient models on the market.

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Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; PAGE 11C

Bringing an old Schoolhouse

Back to life MEMBERS OF THE Case Street Community Club off Route 116 in Middlebury got a hand sprucing up the place on Saturday from a group of Middlebury College students who were volunteering as part of the United Way of Addison Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Days of Caring. Clockwise from right, Jan Ethier tidies up the old schoolhouse, Carol Wood sweeps decades of dust from the old threehole privy, Wood and Ethier are joined by their sister Ginny Welch in a final sweep, Middlebury College students apply a new coat to the old chalkboard and clean up the historic windows, among many other tasks. Wood, who is president of the club, was effusive in her thanks to the enthusiastic women.

Photos by Carol Wood and John McCright

PAGE 12C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013

Solar ranking

Garden Club Winners

(Continued from Page 6C) them have solar carve-outs, which cording to the “U.S. Solar Market set specific targets for solar or other Insight: 2012 Year-in-Review” report forms of clean onsite power. by the Solar Energy Industries Asso• Ten of the 12 have strong stateciation (SEIA) and GTM Research, wide interconnection policies. InterAmerica had more than three times connection policies reduce the time as much solar capacity and hassle required as it did in 2010, and for individuals and more than 10 times as companies to connect much as it did in 2007. solar energy systems To boot, SEIA also “The sky’s the limit to the grid. found that the price to on solar energy. • The majority of install a solar system the states allow for Vermont’s progress fell by 26 percent in creative financing opshould make us 2012. tions such as third“The sky’s the limit confident that we can party power purchase on solar energy,” said agreements and propRob Sargent, Energy do much more. To erty assessed clean Program director for create a clean energy energy (PACE) fiEnvironment America. future Vermonters nancing. “Vermont’s progress The report also cited should make us con- need to continue Vermont’s CLEAN fident that we can do building on the policies Contracts or “Standard much more. To create Offer” program, which a clean energy future that are working.” has accounted for — Rob Sargent Vermonters need to more than a third of continue building on the solar power built the policies that are in the state to date. working.” In addition to covering what has The report emphasizes that it worked so far, VPIRG highlighted is not availability of sunlight that several policy changes that would makes states solar leaders, but the make going solar even easier and degree to which state and local more affordable for Vermonters: governments have created effective Requiring Vermont utilities to public policy for the development allow their customers to go solar, of the solar industry. no matter how many already have. Other states profiled in the report Under current law, once a utility has include Arizona, California, Colo- enough solar capacity to hit 4 perrado, Hawaii, Maryland, Delaware, cent of its peak electric demand, it Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, can deny customers the right to go North Carolina and Massachusetts. solar. While these 12 states account for Streamlining permitting to make only 28 percent of the U.S. popula- it easier to build community-scale tion, they make up 85 percent of the systems above 150 kW in size. nation’s installed solar energy. Allowing larger communityThe report highlights the strong scale systems to be built under the policies adopted by the top solar net metering law. Currently sysstates that encouraged homeowners tems larger than 500 kW are not aland businesses to “go solar.” Most lowed under net metering, despite notably: the fact that many cities, towns and • Eleven of the 12 have strong businesses in Vermont could bennet metering policies, which allow efit from building larger, even more customers to offset their electricity cost-effective systems. bills with onsite solar, and receive “Today we celebrate the solar reliable and fair compensation for success of our state, but we also the excess electricity they provide recognize that we cannot lose the to the grid. Vermont is widely rec- momentum we have,” concluded ognized as having some of the best Walsh. “Solar is growing fast, and net metering policies in the nation. by building on our success and en• Eleven of the 12 states have suring that all Vermonters continue renewable electricity standards, re- to have the right to go renewable, quiring utilities to provide a mini- we can make certain solar is a cormum amount of their power from nerstone in Vermont’s efforts to renewable sources; and nine of combat climate change.”

ADDISON COUNTY — Every year, as the gardening season winds down, the Middlebury Garden Club recognizes outstanding Addison County non-member gardens planned and planted with passersby in mind. They are gardens that can be seen from the roadside or street, and are a visual benefit to everyone driving or walking past. This year the “Garden Excellence Awards judged in the interest of Civic Beautification” have been given to four local gardens. Ann Kensek has planted her long, colorful country-garden beds very close to the road, so there is no missing the show on the corner of Hall and Downingsville roads in Lincoln. In June and July they are filled with orange, red, and pink and California yellow poppies, wonderfully oldfashioned Sweet William, Foxglove, Astilbe, Oenothera and Coreopsis and Campanula (Canterbury Bells). The end of summer display is a sea of pink and purple Rudbeckia, white Flox, Sunflowers, and Monarda. If you see her working in her beds and stop by, she might give you a clump something, as she is a very generous gardener, and is always moving things around.

Barbara Slater’s garden at 2234 Case St. in East Middlebury Ann Kensek’s garden at 1370 Downingsville Road in Lincoln Barbara Slater’s garden can be seen heading south on Route 116 on the east side of the road just past Dow Road and Carrara’s stone yard. Her garden flourishes with every color under the sun, and begins at the stonewall above the road. In May and June the south end of the house — an early season delight — is wrapped in purple flag iris, and along the top of the wall are yellow iris, purple lupine, and a variety of Pinks. The main beds on the north end of the house are packed with red, purple and pink poppies set off by bright early daisies. Later in the summer trellises are covered with bloom and her plentiful vegetable garden can also be seen at the back of the yard.

Ruth Barenbaum, the Tai Chi for Seniors instructor at Middlebury Fitness on Wilson Road in Middlebury, is quick to point out that the garden planted at Middlebury Fitness has been a group effort by many. Bob Falter, co-owner of Middlebury Fitness has generously given them a beautiful space to have their classes, so they offered to plant a new garden for him this summer around a large rock at the entrance to the building. They planted concentric circles of Chrysanthemums, Hostas, early and late Irises, Lupines, Bleeding Heart, Coreopsis, and Leadwort from their own gardens, surrounded them by a large outer circle of Zinnias, Marigolds, Poppies and Daisies. In the fall, they will plant re-plant hundreds of Bob’s Daffodils. Ruth says that while tending the garden, she and her Tai Chi practitioners have had wonderful “garden talk” encounters.

Middlebury Fitness garden by Ruth Barenbaum at 175 Wilson Road You may have noticed that a lot of work has been going on in the front and side gardens on the corner of Painter Road and Sheldon Lane in Middlebury. Although Faith Terry will tell you it is a work in progress — there is now something wonderful to look at in all seasons: Her judiciously curated new beds now include: Perennial gigantic Hibiscus, assorted Fountain Grasses, Lupines, Daylilies, Coreopsis, Tansy, Huchera, Lily-of-the-Valley and assorted Hydrangea have been set amidst an expanse of specimen Fat Albert Spruce, Hinoki Cypress, Columnar Cedar, Spirea, Cranberry Bush, and Smokebush. You will also see Climbing roses, English ivy, Painted Ferns, Siberian iris, Ajuga, Poppies, Allium, Festuca, Lavendars, and Lungwort. Bamboo is at the bottom of the gully to the east.

Faith Terry’s garden at 15 Sheldon Lane in Middlebury

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Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013 — PAGE 13C

Top tasks to ready your house for winter

Polly and Jason (Continued from Page 4C) formed the room, although the laythe tub was sitting directly on the rot- out is mostly the same. ting floor joist, it had to be removed. LITTLE TINY FLOORING Major renovations were required There was a hodge-podge of varito render it back to functional. The ous flooring layers throughout the original house had matching blue house (old industrial-style rugs, liporcelain shower tiles, sink and toi- noleum and slate) before we ripped let, with rusting fixtures. Everything them all out and bleached the plywent into the dumpster. wood. We considered various floorWe had the shower custom-tiled ing options for living room and along with the floor, in order to use bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, but as much space as possible. We did ultimately decided we wanted maple not do this ourselves, despite my de- and tile respectively. They turned sire to learn to tile. The shower pan out to be expensive choices! and natural tiles we chose were comTo buy maple flooring from a lumplicating factors, in addition to not beryard was out of the question, so having time or a mentor to teach me. we found a rough pile in the attic of Instead, our sub-contractor, Jason a man we met at the Addison County Allen, who we brought on to help us Fair and Field Days, and he sold it to us complete the work before snowfall, for cheap. We went back to him twice recommended plumber Pat Mat- begging for more boards to complete thews. As it turns out, Matthews has the project. Rough boards, we learned, great skill working tile and grout and are far from being ready doesn’t charge for flooring. They remuch for his tile quire planing, edging, work (which is sanding and staining — one of the reasons n which equates to a lot o o was als he prefers to be of work. The kitchen o” list, tw known as a plumbOnce they were e s a h p “ the , rs o o er). We gave him a fl ready, we stacked e th but replacing dows, challenge choosing them in the kitchen in natural stone, and alfor Jason Allen, who walls and w to it d though he grumbled, laid them down in a le ly te a ultim . e c n he worked quickly non-traditional pato t ll a being done a glad it and the end result was tern that we loved. m masterful. We had him Uncle Mike then Ultimately, I’ t way. do our kitchen and firea spent days sanding th d e n e happ place tiling, too — and and staining the ts r deb our plumbing. boards. Although ou r than I he ig h LITTLE TINY THIS SPRING w o n re a lower is KITCHEN s With all the ins e tr s y like, m e The kitchen was also terior construcv li g to on the “phase two” list, tion complete, without havin er season th but replacing the floors, we looked through ano n. walls and windows, ultiforward to a o ti c u tr s of con mately led to it being done spring/summer all at once. Ultimately, of “touch ups,” landscapI’m glad it happened that way. ing and gardening — the fun small Although our debts are now higher projects that we could complete over than I like, my stress is lower with- a weekend, right? More opportuniout having to live through another ties for me to learn and “practice” my season of construction. homemaking skills. Originally, a large wooden picnic I think it will be some years betable took up most of the kitchen fore we undertake building our “real space. We transferred that outside to house” on the hill. Besides obstacles the deck, and then to the burn pile. of money and time, we really enjoy We then had Jason Allen build us living in our remodeled Little Tiny a custom bar under the large front home. window where we could sit and have There is one more project: Next coffee. We replaced the refrigerator, spring, I’m tapping a few of those stove, microwave, sink and counter maple trees. tops and I painted the cabinets solid Polly Lynn is editor and co-pubwhite. lisher of the Mountain Times in KilThese changes completely trans- lington.

A CUSTOM BAR under the kitchen window provided the perfect place to sit and have coffee. New appliances and counter tops were accented by a coat of white paint on the cabinets.

POLLY AND JASON took out the wall between two tiny bedrooms and then installed French doors so they could create two separate spaces when guests visit.

(StatePoint) — Keeping your home in shape may not top your daily to-do list, but completing certain small seasonal tasks can save you money, time and the need to complete larger, more expensive projects in the future. “Investing a small amount for preventative fall home maintenance can save thousands in the long run,” Leah Ingram, personal finance expert, says. Don’t know where to start? The following checklist can help homeowners prepare their homes for the cooler months: • Clean gutters: During the year, debris such as leaves and twigs can pile in your gutter. Cleaning them once a year prevents problems such as water damage, roof damage and flooding. • Service your furnace: A wellmaintained furnace can help save on heating costs and prevent the need for repairs. Before temperatures drop, schedule your furnace to be serviced. • Install weather stripping: As fuel and electricity costs continue to rise, keeping your home warm without wasting money and energy is important. Weather stripping your doors and windows can make a big impact. • Winterize sprinklers: Removing all the water that’s in the lines, pipes, fittings, valves, sprinklers and pumps will prevent your equipment from freezing, expanding and potentially breaking. Hire a professional to attach an air compressor to the system to blow out the water from the lines, pipes and other parts. The service is inexpensive and a professional will know the proper amount of volume and pressure to use to ensure no water is left in the system. • Clean your chimney: Chimney maintenance is not optional. Deadly fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and expensive chimney repairs are serious consequences associated with neglected chimney maintenance. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends all fireplaces, chimneys, flues and venting systems be inspected at least once a year by a pro.

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End of Season Implement Close Out TENNESSEE RIVER IMPLEMENTS: Rear Blades starting at $377 w/adjustable off set. Box Scrapers starting at $483 Rotary Cutters starting at $939 & free local delivery TAYLOR PITTSBURG ROTARY TILLERS: Model 923 – 48” gear drive $1,579 Model 962 – 60” gear drive $1,785

Winter’s Almost Here!

Don’t forget about your winter equipment needs. Come see us for great deals on: TIRE CHAINS, TRACTOR MOUNTED SNOW BLADES, SNOW BLOWERS, WOOD SPLITTERS, CHAIN SAWS, FARMI LOGGING WINCHES AND MORE!

453 Exchange Street • Middlebury • 388-4967 • Champlainvalleyequipment.com

PAGE 14C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 3, 2013

HOME IS WHERE THE HEAT IS!

If you’re building or renovating, work with plumbing and heating professionals who put their hearts into every project. Whether it’s new construction or renovation call Champlain Valley Plumbing and Heating for a FREE ESTIMATE.

We’ve earned the trust of more than 4,500 loyal customers by being dedicated project partners. Let us service your heating system and fix your leaky faucets!

PLUMBING • HEATING 453-2325 125 Monkton Road, Bristol, VT

PLUMBING•HEATING•AIR CONDITIONING•WATER SYSTEMS

FUEL OIL 388-4975

185 Exchange St., Middlebury

BIO DIESEL • K1 KEROSENE FUEL OIL •GASOLINE • DIESEL

Don’t get caught in the cold! Call today for fuel delivery.