House And Home July

JULY 2016 VOLUME 1 ď ´ ISSUE 4

Making old new again Local businessman renovates several area houses

r do n ve irds d b an the an r es tr is b fo m a o o al a j l h sale c a c Lo as Lo for h

2

July

Joe Chamberlain Broker/Owner

Sherry Chamberlain

Associate Broker/Owner

2016

Claudia Attard

Jimmy Dwaileebe

Salesperson

Salesperson

Michael Nolder

Amy Oyer

Salesperson

Salesperson

We Strive To Maintain Giving The Area’s BEST Customer Service!

Work With Us, Experience The Difference!

Specializing in: • First Time Home Buyers • Selling Your Home/Property • Helping You Buy Your Perfect Home/Property • Commercial Sales & Leasing • Rentals & Property Management • Land, Mobile Homes, etc.

118 S Sixth St • Olean

MLS # B494649 • 3 Bedrooms • 1 Full Baths

1013 Walnut St • Olean

MLS # B492402 • 3 Bedrooms • 1 Full Baths

64,500

MLS # B499408

625 S Union St • Olean

MLS # B500222

22,500

MLS # B503143

MLS # B500434 • 3 Bedrooms • 1 Full Baths

Call Claudia 716-307-8894

Call Claudia 716-307-8894

134,900

3171 Cranberry Rd • Allegany

86,500

$

311 S 4th St • Olean

4449 Gile Hollow Rd • Hinsdale

2454 N Nine Mile Rd • Allegany

178,500

$

MLS # B498907 • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths

65,000

2649 Haskell Rd • Portville

88,500

MLS # B478761 • 9 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths

$

Call Amy 716-904-1860 416 School St • Olean

144,500

$

Call Joe 716-378-6372

Charita Abrams

Licensed Mortgage Banker–NYS Department of Financial Services

• 3 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths, 1 Half $

$

Call Joe 716-378-6372

114 S 14th St • Olean

Call Claudia 716-307-8894

Call Amy 716-904-1860

60,000!

Town of Olean

Call Claudia 716-307-8894

Call Claudia 716-307-8894

$

MLS B504269

Call Claudia 716-307-8894

• 4 Unit!

• 4 Bedrooms • 1 Full Baths, 1 Half

MLS B500034

• 3 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths, 1 Half

312 King St • Olean

89,900

MLS B493957

MLS # B503096 • 4 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths

MLS # B500807 • 4 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths

MLS # B468885

944 Prospect Ave • Olean

45,000

$

MLS B499655

Portville School Allegany School Hinsdale School District District District

These properties either have acreage with home or you can build on them.

$

Call Joe 716-378-6372

81 East Main St • Allegany

Olean Commercial

$

$

MLS # B504088

MLS B504268

Call Claudia 716-307-8894

• Double Wide • 2 Bed, 2 Full Baths

111 W Main St • Allegany

MLS B500147

Portville School District

- “ ‘Cause they’re just not making any more of it!! ”

55,000

$

Call Claudia 716-307-8894 4115 South Nine Mile Lot 127 • Allegany

LAND

NMLS#: 33052 Sr. Mortgage Consultant Direct: (716) 998-7327 cabrams@paragonhomeloans.com Originating loans in your area for over 20 years!

MLS # B479844 • 4 Bedrooms • 1 Full Baths

65,900

$

Call Joe 716-378-6372

Everything New!!

MLS # B503142 • 3 Bedrooms • 1 Full Baths

64,900

$

MLS # B501538 • 6 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths

189,900

$

Call Joe 716-378-6372 3024 Buffalo Rd • Allegany MLS # B495612 • Duplex • 2 Units

75,900

$

Call Joe 716-378-6372

All You Need To Know About

100% Financing

220 W. State Street • Olean, NY 14760 • 716-373-7325

WWW.CHAMBERLAINHOMEREALTY.COM

July

July 2016

Volume 1 • Issue 4

What’s inside...

YOUR HOUSE 4

Plan ahead for power outages

5

Kessel Construction recognized for reaching $45M sales level

6

High-End Home Upgrades

YOUR HOME 8

Create invite outdoor spaces in your own backyard

9

Keeping Ahead of the Insects in Your Garden

12

Ask a designer: snazzy staircases

FEATURE 14

Making old new again

YOUR HOBBIES 18

Creative Ways to Use Fresh, Summer Ingredients

20

Local artisan and vendor has a job for the birds

21

Olean craftsman makes old things new

YOUR FINANCES 22

Allegany homes to be professionally revalued, homeowners to see tax adjustments

23

Staging a house helps potential buyers visualize living in the home

24

RealtyUSA merges with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

25

US homebuilder sentiment slips in July

Publisher Executive Group Editor Special Sections Editor Advertising Managers

Digital Manager

Jim Bonn Jim Eckstrom Rich Place Justin Parkes Jill Henry Preston Cochran Chelsea Place

Contributors

JoEllen Wankel Amber Turba Deb Wuethrich

Colleen Cavagna Deb Everts Kate Day Sager

Advertising Representatives

Deborah Belli Lucy Nuzzo Deborah Perry Christina Briggs Tim Stokes

Amy Hayden Leanna Cameron Tiffany Mager Jenn Mong

Graphic Designer

Matt Keim

Circulation Manager

Nichole Finnerty Published every month by Bradford Publishing

2016

3

4

Your House

July

2016

Power

Plan ahead for power outages Summer storms are often accompanied by damaging hail, high winds, heavy rain and lightning that cause widespread power outages affecting homeowners’ peace of mind, and their pocketbooks. Homeowners can prepare for possible power outages by establishing an emergency plan for their families.

“The coming of storm season often motivates homeowners to start thinking about how to keep the power on and avoid the costs and inconvenience associated with power outages,” said Dan Roche with Briggs & Stratton.

Get ready for the chance of inclement weather ahead with these tools and resources: First aid. Assemble a basic first aid kit with assorted sterile, compression and adhesive bandages, rolled gauze, adhesive tape, disinfectant, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, scissors and instant cold packs. Add pain relieving medications (including children’s strength, if applicable) and a few days’ worth of any regular medications you take.

Emergency kit. Include items such as a flashlight, battery-powered weather radio, bottled water, non-perishable snacks and personal hygiene items. Don’t forget extra batteries that fit your devices and keep a portable cell phone charger on hand. The compact Rayovac Phone Charger, which is compatible with most USB-powered devices, holds enough power to recharge a mobile phone up to three times (depending on device) and holds its charge up to four months. Find more devices ideal for your emergency kit at rayovac.com.

Comfort items. What constitutes comfort likely varies depending on your family composition, but may include things like stuffed animals, soothing blankets or small toys for little ones and more practical items, including pillows and sleeping bags, for older family members. Remember that a storm may leave you huddled in a confined space or without power for an extended period, so diversions such as travel-size games and cards can help pass the time.

Backup power. Portable generators provide a solution during an emergency power outage to power essential items, such as refrigerators, sump pumps and lights. An option such as Briggs & Stratton’s Storm Responder Portable Generator is equipped with a digital control panel that provides everything owners need to know, including the amount of power being used, total lifetime hours of the generator and maintenance reminders.

Ideal for first-time buyers, the Storm Responder features step-by-step start-up, shutdown and storage instructions, as well as a safety guide printed directly on the unit. Be sure you have a transfer switch installed in your home so you are ready to safely restore the power to your home in the event of an outage. To learn more, visit briggsandstratton.com.

While portable generators can provide users with flexibility and comfort, homeowners and renters should only use portable generators outside in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Visit TakeYourGeneratorOutside.com to learn more about portable generator safety.

Information guide. In the aftermath of a storm, having emergency

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

information at your fingertips is one less stress to fight. Compile contact information for family members, friends and close neighbors, along with your insurance agent. Also include any relevant medical contacts or information.

Stash your guide along with your emergency and first aid kits so it will be within easy reach if you need it.

Seasonal weather can bring unpredictable dangers to your home and family, but assembling the right materials ahead of time will help ensure your family is well prepared to ride out the storm.

— Family Features

July

5

2016

Local Construction

A local construction business is celebrating a milestone several de-

Your House

priced, meaning a leaner budget needed for the customer.

Kessel Construction recognized for reaching $45M sales level

By JoEllen Wankel Special to House & Home

cades in the making. Kessel Construction, Inc., was recognized by Butler Manufacturing for reaching the $45 million sales level. This means Kessel was successful in meeting or exceeding annual sales goals in their territory and also “demonstrate superior marketing skills in selling Butler Systems,” as per the press release announcing the honor.

When contacted, officials at Kessel expressed their feelings regarding the notable milestone.

“We are very proud,” said Tim Asinger, President of Kessel Construction. “This is something we worked on for a lot of years. And, it took a lot of people to get here.

“William Oscar Kessel started the business in 1934 and Dick Kessel was the second generation, who took over in the 1960s,” he explained.

“Now we are in the third generation, with myself. It has been a great relationship with Butler Manufacturing. They stand behind their product, as we do. It works for us.”

Asinger explained that Butler Manufacturing approached Kessel Construction in 1949 about a partnership. Kessel Construction had been primarily focused on the needs of the oil and gas industry in McKean County since the company was created in 1934. With the decision to enter a partnership with Butler, the sales of a custom-engineered building could begin.

“It seemed like a good product to get involved with,” Asinger said.

“We have grown right along with the industry.”

Asinger explained that the customers recognized the benefits of this type of construction early on, as it cut down on time spent in the engineering process. The building measurements could be taken and sent to the factory, where the building is pre-engineered. This means a significant cut to the entire construction cycle. Meanwhile, the building is competitively

“The (design-build construction solutions) are a method popular for construction, as they are the most efficient and cost-effective for owners,” Asinger said. “We meet with the owners and find out what they want and put together a design and proposal, then send it to the company for the construction. This is a bit different than the design methods of other companies.”

When discussing changes that will impact the future of the relationship, Asinger shared promising new efforts by Butler in regards to new legislation in the building industry.

“Butler is at the leading edge of technology. There are recent changes to legislation regarding lower U values and higher R values; basically requiring more insulation,” he said. “Butler has found new ways to include higher levels of insulation in their roofs and walls in order to meet the newer codes for energy.”

With the efforts to meet the new codes, benefits appear in the financial aspect of these buildings as well.

“We look at Total Cost of Operation, or TCO. That includes not only the cost to construct the building but also the cost to maintain the building, heat and cool it over the next two to three decades,” Asinger explained.

“This saves money in operation costs, particularly because you look at the long-term. That’s where the hard costs come in.”

Asinger explained that the choice to put a metal roof on a building means as many as 50 or 60 years before you have to do anything in terms of maintenance. As a result, maintenance costs are low. This is comparable to the benefits of a Butler Building System.

Kessel Construction has completed recent projects in the area that include Shults Toyota and Otis Eastern Services in Wellsville, NY. Both of these projects utilized a Wide Span framing system from Butler. Kessel Construction has 39 employees and has been an authorized Butler Builder for 65 years.

6

Your House

July

2016

Upgrades

High-End Home Upgrades For most people, the home is their family’s most significant asset. Upgrading is a smart approach to protecting and growing the value of that investment.

Home upgrades come in all shapes and sizes, from minor landscaping projects to large-scale security installations. When looking to make an impact, it’s smart to opt for high-end upgrades such as those that boost security or enhance the technologic features of your home.

These upgrades not only lend an upscale feel, but can bring families peace of mind while enhancing the ways to enjoy their home.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Home security Whether you’re aiming for a stronger sense of personal safety or extra protection for your valuable possessions, today’s security systems take home monitoring to a whole new level. Basic keypad alarms have been replaced by a host of features, such as silent alarms that allow authorities to catch a burglar in action; cameras that allow you to monitor the premises from inside the home or while you’re away using a connected device; motion detectors that simultaneously trigger exterior and interior lights while activating security cameras and more. There is no one solution for every home, but a home security expert can talk through your concerns and guide you to the system that best fits your needs.

Standby generators When seasonal weather or other circumstances cause power outages, the impact on a home and family can range from inconvenient to unsafe. A standby generator system keeps a household humming even when the power is out - automatically. An important feature to look for is power management technology, which manages the power balancing act that is your home’s appliances.

For example, Briggs & Stratton Fortress standby generators are equipped with Symphony II Power Management, which lets homeowners prioritize what in their home they need powered by proactively monitoring and managing the

home’s backup power needs, allowing for whole-house power with a more affordable generator. This power management system also uses remote powerswitching modules that are installed directly to a home’s existing wiring, to help reduce installation costs. For more information about standby generator systems and their features, visit powernow.com.

Wireless automation You may think of it as just a phone, but the tiny computer you carry every day packs the power to control an ever-growing segment of your home. Using an app on your smartphone, tablet or computer, you can control everything from your locks and lights to the temperature setting on your thermostat. What’s more, you can create settings that integrate multiple functions to set the perfect ambiance for whatever you have in mind. Planning on a movie night? Cue the movie setting, with dimmed lights, blinds lowered and the TV powered on. Hosting a party? Count on your custom entertaining setup, with lighting in all your guest-friendly rooms, lively music playing on your whole-home sound system and a lower temperature to keep things cool as the party heats up.

The options are nearly endless when it comes to elevating your home’s features. By combining practical functions and indulgent improvements, you can take your homeowner satisfaction to new heights.

— Family Features

July

PRICE REDUCED

Franklinville Village - 3 bedroom home with a Fenced Back Yard. Formal Dinning Room. Newer Refrigerator, Stove, Hot Water Tank. Nice workshop in the full basement. #B490156 Detached garage. Offered $36,000 at a new price of $36,000.

CALL 716-372-7100 The owner is anxious to sell. Bring an offer.

525 E. Spring St. • Olean

Hinsdale Country - 64 acres, fully wooded. Gated Driveway. 2 bedroom cabin recently built. The hunting is unbelievable! #B481066 Trails thru-out the 64 acres.

Selectively logged 15 years $86,900 CALL 716-372-7100 ago. Oak, Hard Maple, Beach, Hemlock.

Looking for a nice starter home or a retirement home to down size to, this is it,property is nicely located to stores, shopping, and hospital. Well kept home and also has a very nice back yard with plenty of space, also property is nicely landscaped. Needs a little updating- all original home- one owner, come take a look. $52,000.

Loren Bernard 585-933-7398

57 Powerhouse Rd. • Allegany House has some very nice features and extras to offer.

Kitchen has lots of cabinets for storage and a eat- in area, living- dinning- family room are all open to each other. Very nice family room with tile floor and gas fire place. nice size bedrooms with two full bathrooms. House comes with a two car garage,large yard, nice deck overlooking the back yard, flower gardens,and fruit trees, come take a look. OPEN HOUSE July 30-31 1pm-3pm. $95,000.

Loren Bernard 585-933-7398

Olean - Three bedroom, 2 bath modular right outside of Olean. First floor laundry, 2 car attached garage, enclosed porch and high, dry basement. Property #B499249 has had some water dam$60,000 age but is solid, has great CALL 716-372-7100 potential and is priced well below assessed value.

#B504336 $145,900 CALL 716-372-7100

SALE PENDING

Lyndon - Beautiful Home with 2495 Sq. Ft. 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. located on 80 acres.

OGM’s & Timber rights will pass to Buyers. 2295 feet #B489318 of Frontage. Large Barn in Great Condition. Apple, $200,000 CALL 716-372-7100 Blueberry, & Raspberry Orchard.

8476 Wells Rd. • Genesee

Loren Bernard 585-933-7398

7

2016

Very nice country home, if you like country and privacy, come look at this home, Many updates have been donekitchen, bathrooms, family room, siding, roof, stamped concrete patio, new septic system. $139,900.

#B477787 $235,000 CALL 716-372-7100

Farmersville - This listing is new to the market and consists of a 3br 2ba bungalo sited on 3+ acres just north of Franklinville. Also on site is a 2 car detached garage, a large barn, a in-ground pool and pond.

Indicated taxes are estimated since this is part of a larger parcel to be surveyed off.

Olean - Beautiful country setting for this 3 bdrm, 2+ bath home with 5 acres on the outskirts of Olean. Formal dining with cathedral ceilings. Attached garage with additional detached garage/workshop, full high basement. Add’l wooded acreage available.

Allegany - This solid 4 bdrm., 2 bath house needs work but has potential to make a great family home.

Fireplace, formal dining room, detached garage, #B495665 enclosed front porch and $64,900 more. Nice Allegany CALL 716-372-7100 neighborhood and well below assessed value.

#B499397 $195,000 CALL 716-372-7100 PRICE REDUCED

#B486828 $295,000 CALL 716-372-7100

Cuba - This property is known as the Maple Lane RV Park. It is strategically located on Rt.305 at the intersection with I86. It has been developed to include 36 sites for parking RV’s and include water and electric HUP’s and some with sewer and some with access to a dump station.

Hinsdale - Formerly a dairy farm, now a beef/crop farm. Approx. 1/3 of the land is crop ground, balance is wooded. According to owner, nearly $20k of commercial grade timber.

Buildings include a large 2 fam.farmhouse, lg. dairy barn w/ attached shop and several other outbuildings.

Exceptional Real Estate Service Since 1960

www.pepperandcrandall.com

401 West State Street • Olean, NY • 716-933-7777 • 716-372-7100 175 N Main Street Wellsville, NY 585-593-4444

25 E Main Street Cuba, NY 585-968-8444

homestar.nys.mlxchange.com

Lisa Molisani-Darling Lic. R.E. Broker, Owner 585-808-8677

Sarah Bradley

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 585-307-4991

Rebecca Pettit

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 716-244-7309

Cheyenne Brooks

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 716-378-3171

6943 Howard Rd. • Friendship • B496172

413 Portville Ceres Rd. • Portville • B488024 pending

121 First St. • Bolivar • B502997

1912 State Route 19 • Wellsville • B499928

585 Scott Ave. • Wellsville • B496199

Beautiful custom built log home nestled in the Allegany County Hills -105 wooded acres-seclusion at its best!

Spacious yet warm and cozy. Three bedroom 1.5 bath traditional home with lots of character.

Gorgeous interior. An astounding presence in the village-this Greek Revival needs no introduction with fully fenced lot.

Fantastic Cape Cod. New roof, new siding, new soffit, fascia, windows, hot water heater, septic in 2010.

Nice one story, large village lot - 4 beds, 2 baths, pool, great finished basement space!

3207 Riverside Dr. • Scio • B471222

89 W Main St. • Cuba • B493001

3712 State Route 19 • Scio • B499636

80 S Shore Rd. • Cuba • B488257

277 W Shore Rd. • Cuba • B487582

acreage

side must see in

d price reduce

neW

neW

Lake front

ract

under cont

Nestled on the banks of the Genesee River this 3/4 bedroom home offers waterfront recreation and views to die for.

This historic Victorian will sweep you back in time and still offer the modern amenities and efficiencies.

Bank owned! Priced for quick sale, Charming three bedroom Cape Cod style with many upgrades.

Immaculately maintained 3300+ sq ft. lake front home.

Warm tongue and grove panels, hardwood and ceramic heated flooring, and natural stone fireplace captures the rustic charm of lake front living.

3866 Huntington Ter. • Wellsville • B475574

282 Co Rd. 7d/ W Shore Rd E • Cuba • B441692

26 S Shore Rd. • Cuba • B476781

330 Evans Ave. • Wirt • B496719

8418 Beebe Hill Rd. • Cuba • B481940

Spacious rooms, decorative moldings, hardwoods, and large windows set the stage for this laid-back yet elegant home.

No tear down necessary on this lake front lot. 1.6 Acres of deeded land and .57 Acres of NYS lake front lease land.

3 bedroom 2 full bath lakeside home.

Motivated sellers! Its so cute, cozy warm and inviting.

Charming well maintained home on spacious lot.

2450 sq. feet home, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths.

136 N Main St. • Richburg • B492756

9308 County Rd. 7 • Cuba • B496855

8607 County Rd. 5/Daggett Hollow Rd. • Portville • B503202 LLer motivated se e ic neW pr

18 S Shore Rd. • Cuba • B474451

1028 Kingston Dr. • Olean • B502982

Wainscot, casings, moldings, fretwork, leaded, and stained glass.

New roof, new windows, new hot water heater.

Well maintained ,clean and comfortable.

Impeccably maintained home, with lots of character.

Remodeled kitchen with formal dining, parlor and living room.

200 ft of lake frontage, plenty of off street parking and detached over sized garage.

Charming well maintained home in a neighborhood of charming well maintained homes.

LLer motivated se

soLd

Lake front

d

price reduce

Lake front

acreage

neW

8

Your Home

July

2016

Outdoor Living

Create invite outdoor spaces in your own backyard As the mild temperatures this summer continue, dining al fresco, hosting neighborhood cookouts and enjoying intimate cocktail parties under the stars are all possible ideas for summer entertaining. When creating a backyard oasis, make your space both inviting and able to withstand the wear and tear of warm-weather fun.

The outdoor living experts at Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, suggest the following tips: Check your deck Nothing spoils a deck party like a nasty splinter or a trip over an uneven board. If your deck needs a “facelift,” consider replacing old, rotting or warping boards with wood-alternative decking that combines superior durability and low-maintenance with long-lasting good looks.

Unlike wood, high-performance composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold - and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. Upkeep is hassle-free with no sanding, staining or painting required and food and drink spills wash off easily with soap and water.

“Who wants an outdoor space that they have to spend more time maintaining than enjoying? For me, composite decking is a no-brainer,” said celebrity deck designer Paul Lafrance of HGTV’s acclaimed “Decked Out” series. “It delivers all the beauty and aesthetics of wood without the backbreaking and time-consuming upkeep.”

Create zones Maximize the flow of your outdoor living space by creating different entertainment and comfort “zones.” Establish separate areas for cooking, eating and socializing, just as you have inside your home. Structures like pergolas, trellises, or even tall potted plants, can help separate and define different settings.

Food and drink stations - arguably the most crucial element of a party - should be prominent and accessible to guests. And don’t forget a kidfriendly zone with games, such as corn hole, badminton and ladder ball, and other activities to help keep children entertained.

Frame your space While railings provide an obvious and necessary safety function, they also serve an important aesthetic role by creating a decorative frame for outdoor spaces. Additionally, the right railing can maximize scenic views or enhance the privacy of an outdoor setting. To help simplify the selection process, Trex offers a Decking and Railing Duos online tool, which delivers customized couplings based on consumer preferences and proven, designer-selected pairings. The tool even allows users to download complete ordering guides and materials lists.

Photos courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

Let there be light The right lighting can take any outdoor space from invisible to inviting.

Adding dimmable LED lighting to railings and stairs not only adds atmosphere, but also enhances security and extends the time you can spend enjoying your outdoor living space. For maximum ambiance and safety, focus on illuminating entryways, paths, steps, railings and specific task areas, such as an outdoor kitchen or bar.

Stock up on storage Make entertaining a breeze with built-in storage to keep supplies organized and at-hand. The Trex Outdoor Storage collection offers ingenious storage solutions such as a hidden ice drawer that chills drinks and snacks so hosts can spend time enjoying the festivities rather than running inside to replenish what’s needed outside.

Don’t forget the finishing touches Customize your outdoor living space to make guests feel truly welcome. Infuse charm and personal style with accessories such as vibrant weather- and stain-resistant throw pillows and cushions. Opt for elegant outdoor tableware over flimsy paper and plastic, and integrate artistic accents and accessories to give the space the look and feel of an outdoor great room.

“Thanks to advances in all-weather materials, furnishings and accessories, you can outfit an outdoor living space in much the same way that you would any room in the home,” Lafrance said.

— Family Features

July

9

2016

Insects

Your Home

Keeping Ahead of the Insects in Your Garden

By Colleen Cavagna Community Educator

Right now is the time that many insect pests are appearing in our gardens. Gardeners are always fighting the battle with weeds, but savvy gardeners are out scouting their gardens on a regular basis for insect intruders.

Let me repeat, you should be out in your garden scouting for insects “right now” that can cause major headaches and significant damage to your gardens. Here are a few insects you should keep an eye out for: Colorado Potato Beetle If you have them in your garden, the adults are busy mating and laying eggs on the underside of the leaves of potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. The adults are quite large and easy to find, they have distinctive marking; if you find them on your plants, you can crush them or — if you are more tender-hearted than I am — you can drop them in a container of soapy water.

If you have found adults you should also scout for egg masses; gently lift the leaves of your plants and inspect the underside for masses of orange eggs. You need to get rid of the adults and eggs, otherwise you will soon have the distinctive red larvae (it looks like a hunched back bug) eating your plants down to the veins. They are voracious eaters and something you want to keep in check, before they have a chance to increase their numbers.

Cucumber Beetle There are two types: spotted and striped. Both types are carriers of bacterial wilt, a serious disease of cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melon, pumpkins and related plants) that can kill your plants within days.

The adults feed on cucurbit plants as they are emerging from their

seeds and can even kill them before they have a chance to grow. Later in the season, adults are known to feed on the flower’s pistils destroying the flower as well as the fruits. You need to find them and eradicate them early before they mate and lay their eggs at the base of their favorite plants.

When the larvae hatch they burrow into the stem, both above and below ground, causing damage.

Look around the base of the plants, near their root systems and on the leaves. These beetles are much quicker than the Colorado Potato Beetle and will fly if they feel they are in danger. So be quick, when catching them. Both insects can drop straight down when disturbed to avoid detection, so if they suddenly disappear, look at the base of the plant and you may see them trying to scurrying away. There are also chemical pesticides that will work if you have a heavy infestation. Follow the insecticide label carefully.

Flea Beetles These critters may be getting you jumpy right now, too! They appear as small dark spots on the leaves of plants until you get close; then they spring off the plants just like a flea, thus their name.

They actually prefer the Cole family – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and they love radishes, however, if their favorite foods are not available they will eat other plants as well. They chew small holes into the leaves giving the appearance that the leaf has been shot with small pellets. In large numbers, they can cause considerable damage to your plants. Larvae feed on the roots and tubers of plants.

There are ways to avoid and/or reduce your flea beetle population including physical barriers, insecticides, and weed management.

With all this talk of scouting for “bad” insects, you should be aware there are even more “good” insects in the garden that you want to encourage such as lady beetles, lacewings and many others that can help reduce the populations of unwanted insects.

Don’t forget to scout at least twice a week or more!

(Colleen Cavagna is the community educator with Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Allegany.)

10

July

2016

Buying or Selling a Home?

Real Estate Pros & More would like to introduce our newest agent

Amanda Hulbert

I can help, give me a call.

Real Estate Pros & More Cell

(716) 245-4882 amanda@realpros.biz

401 West State Street Olean, NY 14760 (716) 933-7777

www.realpros.biz

OPEN HOUSE

Sat. July 23 11am-1pm

Town of Olean 1299 NYS Rte 16 S $ 84,900

130 South 10th St. Olean

Spacious family home situated in a

2 BR Ranch built in 2007. Priced nice neighborhood. This home offers below accessed value. The home 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Large double has radiant heat in basement, open living room or den, dining room and floor concept with fireplace in living eat-in kitchen with island. This home room and eat--in kitchen. Detached also has a front porch, Back deck, garage on a large lot. yard and a 1 car detached garage.

Call Wright Home Realty at 716-375-4663.

Check out the listing at www.zillow.com.

OPEN HOUSE

Sat. July 23 2pm-4pm

340 Queen St. Olean

1328 Sherlock Hollow Rd. Hinsdale

1963 Double wide with a full Split level Ranch with 4 plus basement and Attached two car acres offering fine country garage located on a nice street. living. This home has 3 Newly remodeled Two bedrooms, bedrooms,1 bath, kitchen, one bath, living room with eat-in dining room, living room kitchen. Large backyard with back and featuring a newer 3 bay and side porch. garage.

Call Wright Home Realty at 716-375-4663.

Check out the listing at www.zillow.com.

has a CASH BUYER for 2,000+ sq. ft., nice ranch style home, must have 2 full baths, living room, and family room, 2-3 nice size bedrooms, must be in Village of Cuba, NY. If you are thinking of selling, this could be your month!

Please call Homestar Realty at 585-968-8444 or stop in!

July

Anne Horning

Margie Smith

Myra Buckles

NEW LISTING! - 151 DEVILS LANE, BENEZETTE – 2 BR camp w/sliding glass doors in the master bedroom that lead out onto the 10 x 24 deck on back. Bath with shower. Satellite TV. Drop down door from deck to storage above. $89,000 14907 RTE. 6, SMETHPORT - 3 BR 1 bath two story with attached two car garage on 205 acres with OGM’s!

Endless possibilities for this unique property! Seller willing to sell parcels separately! See website or call for details. $428,500 1351 SARTWELL CREEK RD., PORT ALLEGANY – 3 BR, 2 bath beautiful farm property on 6+ acres w/barn, 2 decks, nice landscaping & garden shed. Sit on either the front or rear deck and enjoy the small stream meandering through the land! $155,000 8665 ROUTE 120 W., EMPORIUM –Spacious camp sitting on approximately 26 acres connecting to 70 plus acres of State Forest. Beautiful mountaintop property with food plots; lg front deck, det. steel gar. $139,000

2016

11

12

Your Home

July

2016

Stairs

Ask a designer: snazzy staircases

By Melissa Rayworth The Associated Press

We give lots of thought to decorating rooms but often overlook the staircase, despite the fact that in many homes it’s the first thing people see when they walk in the door.

Staircase areas can be “a great spot to introduce your personal style,” says Brian Patrick Flynn, who designed HGTV’s “Dream Home 2016,” the design network’s annual house giveaway.

A bold paint color that might be overpowering in a large living room can be perfect used on the tiny risers between steps. And a rug pattern that “might seem kind of wild in a room” can add a nice pop of style when used as a slender runner down the center of a staircase, says Bethany Willard, lead designer and founder at the Pittsburgh-based interior design firm Studio 1049.

“The simplicity of a staircase allows for a bit of fun,” she says.

Here, Flynn, Willard and designer Roric Tobin of the New York design firm B&T Global share advice on creating an inviting, stylish staircase that blends with the rest of a home’s decor.

ASSESS THE BANISTER It doesn’t have to be expensive to replace a boring bannister with something snappier.

“If it’s something historical that has beauty, there’s no sense in ripping it out,” Tobin says. But if it doesn’t serve the space, change it.

Or consider painting or otherwise updating the banister.

“Just putting some thought into that detail, Willard says, “can really personalize the space.”

SHOWCASE YOUR FAVORITES “Stairwells, often considered dead space, are ideal for showcasing collections,” says Flynn. “I prefer to mix different frames in a variety of wood finishes and metals, and then throw in three-dimensional objects as well to break up the rigid lines.

“When all else fails, I say stick with black-and-white photos, and if you’re using art, pay close attention to how palettes play between each piece. If you have 11 pieces and eight of them have similar palettes, maybe use the other three in a different room.”

For an entrance stairway, Tobin suggests aiming for a look that’s appealing but not overpowering. Perhaps three or four prints by the same artist, he says, that form “a cohesive, pared-down collection ... not too distracting.”

Brian Patrick Flynn/Scripps Networks Interactive/HGTV.com via AP This photo provided by Brian Patrick Flynn shows a staircase designed by Flynn for HGTV.com. In this entryway the stair risers are wallpapered in contrasting patterns, bringing a dose of style and personality to a space that is often overlooked in many homes.

EMBRACE BOLD PATTERNS AND COLOR Tobin recommends using bold, large-scale print wall coverings to “really draw your eye up the staircase.” Homeowners often assume that smallprint patterns will look best, he says, but they can be boring.

One option he likes is a flocked wall covering with some metallic sheen, which offers warmth and classic style but can also look contemporary if the print is modern.

Bold patterns are also great for stair risers (the portion of the stairway perpendicular to the steps). You can stencil a pattern on the risers with paint, which can easily be painted over if you decide the pattern isn’t for you. Or paint them one or several rich colors.

Willard has a client who chose to paint her risers in various shades of green — lightest at the top and darkest at the bottom, in a sort of ombre effect.

Flynn is a fan of wallpapering risers, then covering each one with a sheet of clear acrylic for durability.

And if you’re sure that patterned risers are for you, go for an even more permanent approach by adding ceramic tile work in a pattern you love.

BLEND STYLE AND FUNCTION Runners and stair treads are another place to add color or pattern.

“Stairwell runners in masculine prints are becoming popular in all sorts of homes,” says Flynn.

And they serve a practical purpose: Bare wood can look good but be noisy and slippery. Most of Tobin’s clients opt for stair runners or treads to eliminate noise.

These are traditionally made of carpet, but Tobin suggests considering other materials. For a client in Mexico City, he added leather stair treads.

FINISHING TOUCHES Make sure lighting fixtures are right for your staircase and that the light is flattering, Willard suggests. “That can be such an inexpensive change and an update that makes a lot of difference,” she says.

And you don’t have to wait for the winter holidays to add decorations.

As summer ends, consider “adding a touch of fall with baskets at the end of the stairs in autumnal tones,” says Flynn, “then keeping sweaters and knit caps out as accessories.”

July

13

2016

Kick off home improvement season with easy maintenance projects

By Scott McGillivray As the days get longer and the weather improves, this is the time to make sure that our homes or rental properties are well maintained. Here are a few do-it-yourself projects to keep your home in tip-top shape: • Top up your attic insulation. Many older homes have inadequate levels of insulation in the attic that wouldn’t meet today’s building code. Topping it up will help reduce energy consumption and keep your house cooler in the summer months. A great product for this task is Roxul ComfortBatt insulation. It’s easy to install, cuts simply with a serrated blade or bread knife and protects against fire, moisture and mold. Aim for a depth of 16 inches or an R-value of 50. Insulating properly could also provide added benefits, such as improving the longevity of your air conditioner by reducing stress on the unit as temperatures rise.

• Inspect your roof and make minor repairs. Winter can be especially hard on a roof.

Look for ice, hail or water damage. Replace any cracked or missing shingles and clear any debris.

• Clean your gutters. It’s not glamorous work, but your home’s gutters play an essential role in moving water away from your home and preventing damage. Consider installing gutter guards to ensure your gutters remain functional and free from debris.

• Inspect windows and doors and re-caulk where necessary. Because a proper seal is essential in both heating and cooling seasons, this job should be performed twice a year to protect against drafts and moisture, and to keep insects out. Worn weatherstripping should also be replaced.

Other simple jobs include fixing leaky faucets, repairing and resealing decks, inspecting the foundation and scheduling a checkup for your HVAC system. The key is being honest about what you can handle and, when in doubt, call in the pros.

Scott McGillivray is the award-winning TV host of the hit series Income Property, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator. Follow him on Twitter @smcgillivray.

Thinking about remodeling your Kitchen or Bath?

Call FARR CONTR ACTING at 372-4392 We measure, design & install.

35 YEARS EXPERIENCE • INSURED

Lewiston Custom Cabinet Dealer

You Can Save On Custom Cabinets Jerry Farr • 3158 Cranberry Rd. • Olean, NY j.farr29@yahoo.com

se

AT & Hom U e RE

H ou

FE

Local businessman works to improve housing stock in the community

Photo courtesy Hennard Construction’s website This is an example of one of the homes Hennard Construction has worked on.

Era photo by Francie Long Bradford businessman Todd Hennard was named The Era’s Newsperson of the Year for 2015.

By Amber Turba

“The renovations are more complex,” he continued. “They can vary depend-

Special to House & Home

L

ing on the extent of the renovation and what other jobs we have going on at that

ocal businessman Todd Hennard, of Hennard Construction Company, has been working diligently to improve housing stock in the Bradford community since he was 21 years old, according to Hennard Marketing

Manager Tomi Dolan.

time. They can take anywhere from a couple months to a couple of years.”

Hennard owns his own construction company that employs 15-20 people. Together with Dolan, they have built “several homes and many buildings,” averaging approximately two per year.

Originally, Hennard is from Wellsville, N.Y., where he began buying houses to renovate before he moved to Bradford a little over 20 years ago.

“I still own some houses that are out of town, but 95-percent are in the Bradford area,” Hennard told The Bradford Era. “I started buying houses in Wellsville (N.Y.) when I was 21, and continued the work when I moved to Bradford.”

Hennard, unsure of just how many properties he’s purchased and renovated, estimated work on at

Hennard Construction has done several historic

“We are very proud of the results when we save a house from certain demolition or when we can take a house that wasn’t livable and make it into one that I, or anyone else, can and would live in. The work itself is rewarding.”

— Todd Hennard

of Hennard Construction Company

renovations, one of which was the old City Hall building in Bradford.

“Old City Hall was a fantastic project that saved a beautiful old building,” Hennard stated.

“We were hired by the company, awarded the multi-million-dollar project to manage it and do a lot of the construction work. It was a complete historical renovation.”

least 75 properties -- most of which are located right in

Hennard said his company has also renovated

town in Bradford.

about a half a dozen other downtown historic buildings.

“Buying a house is a very quick process,” Hennard explained. “I would much prefer to build a new house rather than renovate

“We are very proud of the results when we save a house from

old ones. It’s much easier and cleaner, sometimes even cheaper, to start com-

certain demolition or when we can take a house that wasn’t livable and make it

pletely from scratch.”

into one that I, or anyone else, can and would live in,” Hennard said. “The work

Hennard said it usually takes about three months to completely build a home.

itself is rewarding.”

Homeowners • Auto • Commercial 818 West State Street • Olean, NY 14760 • (716) 372-1122 •hedleybrook.com

16

July

2016

Dennis Pam Pezzimenti Pezzimenti

John Dwaileebe

Kelly Patrone

Paul Pezzimenti

Regis Handley

Tina Michelle Jakubczyk FitzpatrickBaer

Christine Young

NEW PRICE

3398 Buffalo Rd • Allegany MLS# B501626

Picture perfect for this 4 bedroom 4 bath home that has been remodeled top to bottom within the past 8 yrs. large LR with gas fp. Relax in the master suite with cathedral ceilings and on suite that holds a jetted tub and walk in shower.

Master also has his and her walk in closets. New addition was build for the hot tub, but can be used for a workout room or sun room.

Call Kelly Patrone 716-353-3222

112 N 21st St • Olean MLS# B503286

Feel the warmth and coziness to this 3-4 bedroom home on the west end of town.

Kitchen is open to the dining room with breakfast bar for extra seating. Family room could be used for a downstairs bedroom if need with laundry conveniently located on the first floor with a full bath. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms with full bath. Nice fenced in yard with 1.5 car garage and storage above.

Call Kelly Patrone 716-353-3222

1060 Butternut Brook Rd • Genesee

MLS# B501830

This Portville School District home is a horse’s lovers delight. It has a three stall barn, fenced in grazing are and a tack room. The home has four bedrooms and two and half bathrooms. The family room has a wood burning fireplace and the living room is great for entertaining. The large eat in kitchen has plenty of cupboards and all appliances are included.

Call Dennis Pezzimenti 716-378-8989

208 E Pine St • Olean MLS# B501894

This North Olean home has plenty of room with four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. One of the bedrooms and bathrooms are on the first floor. There is a large open kitchen that has recently been updated. The home has a large open front porch and beautiful deck off the rear. The yard is good size and fenced in. Call today for more details.

Call Dennis Pezzimenti 716-378-8989

329 N 11th St • Olean MLS# B503354

2585 Five Mile Rd • Allegany MLS# B503903

Call Kelly Patrone 716-353-3222

Call Dennis Pezzimenti 716-378-8989

Great 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home on West end of town. Large eat in kitchen with laundry off of it. Nice sized living room that could be split up into a dining room with the living room if need be. Bedroom on the first floor with half bath. Upstairs has two nice sized rooms with attic access in the hallway. Enjoy large parties under the covered patio area where 3-4 picnic tables could be placed.

MANY NEW UPDATES ON THIS PROEPRTY! NEW PRICE! NEW HEATING SYSTEM. NEW HOT WATER TANK. NEW ROOF ON BARN. This Allegany home has it all for you. It has three bedrooms including one on the first floor and a wonderful family room wood burning fireplace. The home has an attached two car garage and an above ground pool with deck.

3901 Church Rd EXT • Allegany MLS# B502789

Peaceful setting for this 3 bedroom 2 full bath ranch home in the Allegany School District. Beautiful living room with propane fireplace and hardwood floors. Kitchen is eat in with pantry and overlooks the beautiful countryside. Dining room leads out to the sun room for extra dining area with small deck to grill off of. Basement has a finished family room area, laundry room area and storage area all leading out to the back yard.

Call Kelly Patrone 716-353-3222

615 Homer St • Olean MLS# B504105

With some TLC this home could be a great starter home. Beautiful wood staircase, large kitchen with mud room off the back. Bedroom on the first floor with full bath and 3 bedrooms and bath upstairs. Great double lot on the outskirts of town. 1 car garage, carport and huge yard . Don’t wait! Call today for your private tour.

Call Kelly Patrone 716-353-3222

1604 Gemini Dr • Olean MLS# B502819

Great 4 bedroom family home .

Home features three full baths all updated with granite, kitchen has stainless appliances, granite. Home has been updated throughout , nice yard , ready to move in. Take a look today.

Call John Dwaileebe 716-378-3953

143 N 7th St • Olean MLS# B503904

This North 7th Street home in Olean has loads of character. Hardwood throughout the whole house except the kitchen and bathroom and natural wood trim. Four bedrooms has enough space for a family of five or maybe you would like to cut down on commute to work and make a home office. With an updated bathroom and kitchen, this house is move-in ready.

Call Paul Pezzimenti 716-378-7039

218 Carolina St • Olean MLS# B504107

Charming three bedroom, 1.5 bath in Seneca Heights. Spacious bedrooms with nice size closets. Eat in kitchen that is open to family room, plus a large living room with a wood burning fireplace.

Newer furnace and hot water tank, fenced in yard with three small decks.

This home does require flood insurance, owner currently paying $1500.00 year.

Call Christine Young 716-378-8140

133 S 11th St • Olean MLS# B504119

Move right in to this 3 bedroom 1 full bath 2 story home that is close to the parks and shopping. Dining room provides a pellet stove that helps heat the house in the winter months and is open to the living room and kitchen. Nice entryway to welcome guests or family into the home. Great office space upstairs or room could be used as a nursery.

Call Kelly Patrone 716-353-3222

If you want to hit a “HOME” run call DBP Realty.

July

17

2016

202 Main Street, Olean, NY 14760 | 716-372-2234

8045 Kingsbury Hill Rd., Farmersville

36 S Main St., Franklinville

4169 NYS Route 16, Hinsdale

9361 Older Hill Rd, Farmersville

This Raised Ranch has 2-3 Bedrooms and 2 Baths.

1456 square feet. There are 5.5 acres with a beautiful pond. 1 car attached garage. $79,900 MLS#B499411

4 bdrm Home. 2128 sq. ft. of living area.

Kitchen updated 2014. Beautiful recently refinished hardwood floors. Formal Dining. $79,900 MLS#B495945

Large 2,752 sq ft of living area in this 2 unit home.

4 bedrooms in 1 unit and 2 in the other.

Beautiful hardwood through out! $85,000 MLS#B500667

5 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,541 sqft. Completely remodeled with a new septic, hot water tank, heating system, windows, doors, electric & more! $86,900 MLS#B497380

21 Riggs St., Franklinville

14 Mill St, Franklinville

7 Cherry St., Franklinville

8345 Stahley Rd., Clarence

This 4 bed, 2 full bath Ranch Home was totally redone in 2011. 1728 Sq. Ft. central Air, 8.5 kilowatt Whole House Generator. $115,000 MLS#B496655

INCOME PROPERTY: Franklinville 3 unit in excellent condition.

Long term tenants. Great money maker! $44,900 MLS#B496493

Very well kept 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home on a very large fenced yard. 1792 Sq. Ft. with an attached and detached garage. $81,900 MLS#B504109

Nothing to do but move in! Pinecrest homes quality built 4 BDRM, 2.5 BATH Colonial Gourmet Kit. Free deck and fully landscaped. $299,900 MLS#B495483

51 Erie St., Salamanca 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath, Well maintained and nicely updated home in desirable neighborhood right next to a public park. $76,900 MLS#B497880

2338 Little Bone Run, Randolph 1 acre with deck, well and pond.

Camping spot close to Onoville Marina and South Valley State Forest. $16,700 MLS#B463587

59 Fawn Ave., Salamanca 2 bedroom 1 bath with a huge landing area at the top of the stairs and a newly remodeled bathroom with a tiled tub. Large foyer entry. $34,000 MLS#B500825

18

July

Your Hobbies

2016

Seasonal Produce

Creative Ways to Use Fresh, Summer Ingredients In summer, the abundance of fresh ingredients can be overwhelming, especially if you stick to the same old recipes. Make more of the fresh produce available to you at the grocer, farmers market and even your own garden, by thinking creatively.

To help, the summer food experts at Betty Crocker are offering some great ideas for using fresh, seasonal produce.

1. Save the best berries for later.

Berry season is far too short. Make it last longer by freezing berries for the cooler months. Choose fruit at peak freshness, and then store it in highquality freezer bags that seal tightly, removing as much excess air -- fruit’s worst enemy -- as possible before freezing. Label bags with the freeze date and remember: a full freezer is more efficient, so stock up!

2. Take advantage of fresh tomatoes.

If you have more fresh tomatoes than you know what to do with, consider these creative uses: • Caprese Salad. Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and a good balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

• Bruschetta. Served on small slices of toasted bread, bruschetta is a perfect appetizer for any dinner party.

Photos courtesy of StatePoint Media

5. Make pickles easy.

Preserving the summer bounty of cucumbers doesn’t mean you need to spend days canning. For a tasty shortcut, layer cucumber slices, onions and carrots in a glass container. Mix with sugar, vinegar, salt and dill weed.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, but no longer than two weeks.

6. Make berries last with freezer jam.

Freezer jam is a smart way to hold on to summer’s fresh berries without

• No-Cook Pasta Sauce. Marinara sauce can be too heavy for summer, but a raw sauce showcasing fresh tomatoes is perfect. Try Rigatoni and Tomatoes for a great introduction.

the hassle of traditional jam. Try this recipe for Strawberry Freezer Jam:

3. Add a touch of sweetness to zucchini.

stirring occasionally. Mix 3/4 cup water and one package powdered fruit

Managing the bounty of garden-fresh zucchini is always a challenge, so think beyond the main course. You can make the most out of the humble summer squash with baked treats like pineapple zucchini bread, zucchini bars and chocolate zucchini snack cake.

Mash 4 cups strawberries, until slightly chunky, to make 2 cups. Mix with 4 cups sugar in large bowl. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes, pectin in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir one minute. Pour hot pectin mixture over strawberry mixture; stir constantly three minutes. Immediately spoon mixture into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe rims of containers; seal. Let stand at room temperature about 24 hours or until set. Store in freezer up to six months.

Thaw and stir before serving.

4. Bake with fresh berries.

More seasonal recipes and summer cooking tips can be found at BetBaking with fresh berries is one of the highlights of summertime. Favorite desserts that call for freshly picked strawberries, raspberries and blueberries include classics like fresh strawberry pie, but also inventive creations like brownies and berries dessert pizza and blueberry cheesecake bars.

tyCrocker.com/summerfoods.

Summer’s flavors can be fleeting, so make culinary creations count by using the freshest ingredients in new ways.

— StatePoint Media

July

2016

19

20

Your Hobbies

July

2016

Birdhouses

Local artisan and vendor has a job for the birds

By Deb Everts

Special to House & Home CATTARAUGUS — Jon Sheldon’s sense of humor is evident from the slogan on his business card that says, “My job is for the birds.”

Likewise, some people even refer to this local artisan as “the birdhouse man.”

Sheldon said the birds seem to like his houses and the people like them too — so much that some put them in their houses for decoration.

“I tell these people the birdhouses are built for birds that live in outside and they say, “Let the bird build his own nest. I’m going to put it on the shelf in my library.”

Local arts and crafts festivals visitors, as well as attendees at farmers’ markets, are likely to see Sheldon as a vendor selling his rustic, handcrafted birdhouses. It’s a business that stemmed from a hobby Sheldon took up after his retirement from the Loudoun County (Va.) Sheriff’s Office in Virginia.

He gets much of his wood from old barns and chicken houses that he tears down or any wooden out-building from where he can salvage wood.

He has stacks of lumber that he’s brought home and, on rainy days, he makes birdhouses all day.

All of Sheldon’s birdhouses are made from natural elements. He takes his kayak out on Lake Erie and other local lakes and ponds, including New Albion Lake near his home. He said he gathers anything natural — hard fungi, cattails, acorns, twigs, sticks, bark, pine cones; he has a collection of about everything imaginable.

Everything on his birdhouses is nailed with a brad. Nothing is glued and they are not painted or sprayed in anyway. He also sells kits for kids to make birdhouses and they can decorate them to their liking as well.

“I sell them locally and when I head to Florida, I do it while I’m down there,” he said.

Sheldon modestly said he’s not a carpenter, but he can build things — he considers himself a wood carver.

One of the most unique pieces he has carved was that of a human skull. He said he gave it to his son, but when he went to his house for a visit one day it was turned around. According to his son, it scared the kids.

So Sheldon took it back, then entered it in the fair and got a blue ribbon.

According to Sheldon, he has carved Cigar Store Indians, totem poles, wizard’s faces, eagles and bears, just to name a few. He said he carved four wooden Indians from cedar, cherry, ash and another wood, then put them on exhibit at the fair and took blue ribbons on all of them.

“I carve three-foot pieces of chain out of two-by-four lumber, usually with a square block on each end with two balls in each block — all from one piece of wood. I got a blue ribbon on a chain I carved out of regular driftwood two years ago.

“Last year at the Cattaraugus County Fair, I exhibited a birdhouse and

Photos by Deb Everts Local artisan Jon Sheldon builds unique rustic birdhouses from all natural elements. He can be found on the local festival circuit and any kind of outdoor show from June through November.

got a blue ribbon. Then I was awarded Grand Champion. Guess that makes me a ‘blue ribbon birdhouse builder,’” he said with a laugh.

For Sheldon, it’s not about getting rich — he’s sold his houses with the same $20 price tag for the last 15 years, he said . It’s about making a nice product for people to enjoy. He said he does it as a hobby and the birds get a nice house, so he feels like he’s doing something good for the birds and meeting nice people along the way.

Upon entering retirement about 18 years ago, he moved to the Tampa, Fla. area and made rustic furniture there a few years later. He soon found himself at the Florida State Fair where he demonstrated his craft at “Cracker Country,” a living history museum reflecting the 1880s era of rural Florida.

“I demonstrated how to build rustic furniture and they said I could sell a product if I had one, so I started building rustic birdhouses as part of my show,” he said. “I was building and selling both my rustic furniture and birdhouses. I did this for 14 days straight and I’ll to you, it was the hardest 14 days I ever worked.”

About five years ago, he stopped building rustic furniture because he doesn’t have the time and it’s not as cost productive as the small-scale birdhouses.

“That’s kind of how I got started and it was natural for me to go to birdhouses,” he said. “I like birds and it’s kind of satisfying to make them a nice home. A bird will make a nest in a coffee can somewhere, so if they can have a nice birdhouse from what I make, I guess it’s pretty good ‘digs.’”

After Sheldon’s wife passed away, he moved up north to be near family and now resides in the town of New Albion, just outside of Cattaraugus.

The 71-year old snowbird said he has property in Inglis, Fla. where he spends his winters, then he comes back up north every May. Sheldon can be found on the local festival circuit and any kind of show from June through November. People interested in his birdhouses should look for him at the Gentner Community Market in Springville every Wednesday and at the following upcoming events: July 22, “Rock the Park,” Allegany State Park, Quaker Beach; July 23, Flea Market, Olean; Aug. 6-7, Stir of Artists, Bemus Point; Aug. 12-14, Salamanca Rockin’ Ribfest, Seneca Allegany Casino; and Aug. 19, Full Moon Beach Party, Allegany State Park, Red House Beach.

July

21

2016

Refinishing

Your Hobbies

Olean craftsman makes old things new

By Deb Wuethrich

Special to House & Home OLEAN—Steve Austin may not have bionic body parts like a character sharing the same name in “The Six Million Dollar Man” TV show. He may not be a tough-guy like a professional wrestler who also bears the name.

But what he can do is make old things appear new again as part of his business, Austin Furniture Stripping and Refinishing at 1446 Olean-Portville Road. A theme behind his line of work is, “Some things are worth keeping.”

“I’ve been in business for over 30 years and there isn’t much I haven’t seen when it comes to stripping and refinishing,” said Austin, who will work on a project from start to finish, or just do the stripping for clients who want to refinish it themselves.

“I work with veneer or solid wood, modern or old,” he said. “In this kind of business you’ve got to know how to take furniture apart and put it back together. There’s only one way you can learn that, and that’s by doing it.”

Austin has been employed as a machinist and a baker, among other jobs, but turned an interest of dealing with antiques into a profession.

“There aren’t many refinishers like me left and I don’t think there are any strippers within probably 100 miles of here,” he said.

Clients come from all around, the craftsman said, with several from the Buffalo/Rochester area, as well as locally. He is currently working on doors and woodwork for a future bed and breakfast and has worked with St. Bonaventure University on restoration projects.

Austin recalls one client, a home builder from the Rochester area, who brought in a large dresser he’d spotted on a curb.

“Someone was getting rid of it, so he brought it in here,” said Austin.

“It had a huge mirror and it turned out to be black walnut under the paint. I also found a hidden drawer at the bottom where it looked like it was just a board.” Austin said he discovered an Indian head penny and a few other small items that were hidden treasures to someone. “That dresser turned out beautiful and the guy displayed it in one of his fancier homes.”

Another time, a couple brought a U-Haul full of items to be stripped and refinished. They left them with Austin while they vacationed at Niagara Falls. A professional pool player from Las Vegas also commissioned him— he wanted his cue stick refinished.

“I’m busy all year round,” Austin said.

His skill at his craft comes from years of experience, Austin said, and he’s established a good reputation in the industry, having worked on 40,000-50,000 pieces. He created and edited an online stripping and refinishing magazine for several years, sharing industry tips from his own experience and that of other professionals. Content even included articles from the Woods Artifact Division of the Smithsonian Institute. He also contributes to other trade magazines.

“I know refinishers from all over the world,” he said.

Photos courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

Austin said he is sole proprietor of his small shop. His gluing process includes doing it the old fashioned way with hot hide glue.

“It’s made out of hides and there is only one plant left in the US that makes it,” said Austin. “It was used back in the days of the pyramids.”

His website, austinfurniturestripping.com, notes that he will also do minor repairs and caning, as well as architectural stripping. Austin also sells brass hardware. Some photos of his finished projects may be seen in the Gallery section of the website. There is also a price quote form online.

“People can also bring in what they have and I’ll give them a price, depending on what they’d like me to do,” he said.

Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The phone number is 716-372-4339.

22

Your Finances

July

2016

Revaluation

Allegany homes to be professionally revalued, homeowners to see tax adjustments

By Kate Day Sager Special to House & Home

ALLEGANY — In upcoming months, residents of the village and town of Allegany will have their properties revalued by professional appraisers, the first time in 15 years such a measure has been conducted.

During a special meeting last month in the Allegany Community Center, Town Supervisor John Hare said John Zukowski and Joseph Emminger of Buffalo-based Emminger, Newton, Pigeon & Magyar Inc. will reassess homes and properties. Field activities conducted by the assessors will take place through February.

New assessments on homes will be used in the September 2017 school tax bills and the January 2018 town and Cattaraugus County tax bills.

Zukowski told the audience the goal of the project is to establish uniform, fair and equitable assessments on properties. He said the firm has reassessed properties in the city of Olean, as well as Napoli, Almond and Ellicottville, among others.

“Reassessment projects do not raise the tax levies; what it does is provide an equitable distribution of the property tax,” Emminger said. “It’s a redistribution; it’s a pie. There are people in this room … who have too big a portion of the pie; they pay too much.”

Conversely, there are others in the community who pay too little because of properties not properly assessed, he said.

“We want to make sure everybody is paying their fair share of the tax,” he explained. “The town’s fathers and mothers wanted to make sure you only pay your fair share of the tax.”

Hare told the group the community is at 100 percent assessed valua-

Photos courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

tion. However, properties in the town and village are in danger of falling off the equalization rate and going down.

Zukowski explained the state’s Department of Taxation and Finance has determined property values have gone up in Allegany, meaning the equalization rate has declined. The property values have been determined by the state through sales of properties over the years.

Emminger said appraisers will assess the properties through right of way, or roadside, assessments.

“We’ll do right of way only, unless people want us to inspect the interior of their home,” Emminger stated.

The appraisers will be aided by computer-generated models as well as comparing the properties with three to five similar properties that have sold in the neighborhood or community.

The assessors said residents can go on the county website and check the description and value of their homes as outlined by the town. There will also be a dynamic link on the town assessor’s page to the county’s Real Property section, Hare noted.

If there is a discrepancy, the homeowner can contact Emminger or Zukowski with their concerns. Hare said There will be other manners for property owners to voice concerns, including informal assessment hearings in March and April and appeals to a grievance board in late May. The next recourse would be to appeal to the Board of Assessment Review, comprised of five community members.

The final recourse would be to go before a hearing officer. Emminger said commercial properties appeals would go through a state Supreme Court process.

Last month’s presentation has been posted on the town’s website on the town assessor’s page. In addition, a hard copy of the presentation is available at Town Hall for review.

For more information on the project, call Emminger at 712-5550 or email him at jemminger@enpmappraisers.com.

July

23

2016

Staging

Your Finances

Staging a house helps potential buyers visualize living in the home Preparing a home to sell before it’s listed can greatly reduce the time on the market. Simple staging can make a house look better than other houses on the market.

“Staging shows your home in the best possible light,” said Mary Brzenski, president of the McKean County Association of Realtors. “By rearranging furniture and removing personal items, it allows potential buyers to imagine themselves in the house.”

Brzenski recommends a few steps outside the house. “Take an objective look at your home and imagine someone seeing it for the first time. Are there dying shrubs in the front of your home? Do you see garbage cans?

These are the types of things that will keep potential buyers from going further into the home,” she said. “That first impression of the curb appeal is

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection Keeping a room clean and free of unnecessary objects, even sometimes including furniture, can make your home look more inviting to a potential buyer.

essential to buyers.”

Inside the home, Brzenski suggests clearing all unnecessary objects from every room. “Removing items and some furniture helps to make rooms appear larger.”

Other simple ways to ready a house for selling include: paint rooms that need it, clean carpet and draperies, clean windows, remove personal photographs from rooms and store extra possessions in a storage unit.

“Viewing your home as if it’s the first time you’ve seen it helps you to see what needs to be done to make your house ready for a sale,” Brzenski Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection Staging a house can help get your home sold to a potential buyer.

said. “The time and money you invest to make these changes usually help you get closer to your listing price and result in a quicker sale.”

24

Your Finances

July

2016

Real Estate

RealtyUSA merges with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services BUFFALO — RealtyUSA has merged into the Howard Hanna Real Estate family of companies, thus combining the largest real estate broker in New York state with the largest broker in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The transaction was announced earlier this month in Buffalo by Merle L. Whitehead, president and CEO of RealtyUSA, and Howard W. “Hoddy” Hanna III, chairman of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.

The merger ranks Howard Hanna as the third largest real estate company in the United States, according to a press release issued by the companies. The combined performance of the joint company is $16.2 billion in closed sales volume last year and 89,737 closed transactions.

The combined strength of the companies is more than 9,000 sales associates and employees in 270 offices. Whitehead will become chairman of the combined company in New York State.

“I have known and respected the Hanna family for years,” said Whitehead. “Their growth in the last decade has been amazing. A common theme of commitment to our agents by developing the best in products and services for customers and clients will assure our combined success.”

“We always look to move forward,” said Helen Hanna Casey, president and CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “We made the decision in the mid-1980s to remain independent, with the goal of always being a large regional broker in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Great Lakes regions.

“And when you find a prominent company that is run with the utmost integrity and is so like-minded with complementary management styles and great managers, it makes sense to come together,” she added. “We’ve been in New York since 2003 in Chautauqua County, and last May Nothnagle Realtors merged with us, adding 32 offices in Western New York, the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes areas. Armand D’Alfonso of Nothnagle will be president of the entire New York organization.”

Expansion in Buffalo and entry into the next major metropolitan areas of Syracuse and Albany is a logical move for Howard Hanna, officials said.

“RealtyUSA and Howard Hanna agents will benefit from each other’s markets for referrals in areas they do not serve. When we expand our reach, everybody within the Howard Hanna family of companies benefits,” said Casey.

“RealtyUSA is truly one of America’s great real estate companies, led by Merle Whitehead, who is recognized as a national leader in real

estate. We are honored that Merle will become Chairman of the combined New York State companies,” said Hanna. “Our business philosophies are very similar, and operationally they know what it takes to create the American dream of home ownership for New Yorkers.”

Officials at both companies said they expect the transition to be seamless for both agents and clients0 “We will first introduce our exclusive 100% Money Back Guarantee, which gives buyers added confidence to purchase a home,” said Hanna.

“Additionally, we will be expanding our insurance company, adding approximately 15-20 new positions, as well as increasing marketing and technology systems with another 20 positions throughout the company.”

Founded in Buffalo in 1959, the company now known as RealtyUSA emerged as a dominant local, statewide and national real estate leader, as did Howard Hanna, founded in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1957. The two companies have known and worked with each other for decades through relationships in the real estate business and began discussions about six months ago about a possible merger.

There will not be a change to the company name or to local leadership. Both the RealtyUSA and Nothnagle logos will feature the tagline “A Howard Hanna Company.”

RealtyUSA is the No. 1 broker in the state of New York with 65 office locations covering Western and Central New York, Northern New York, the Capital Region and the Southern Tier. The company has more than 2,200 sales associates and employees and is ranked the ninth largest real estate company in the country with 23,023 closed transactions last year.

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the top broker is Pennsylvania and Ohio with 205 office locations in the eight states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Virginia, Michigan, West Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland. The company has more than 7,100 agents and employees and is ranked the 4th largest real estate company in the country with 66,714 closed transactions last year.

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is a full-service real estate company providing residential and commercial brokerage, mortgage, closing, title, insurance, appraisal, corporate relocation, property management and land development services.

For more information, visit RealtyUSA.com, HowardHanna.com or Nothnagle.com.

July

25

2016

New-Home Market

Your Finances

US homebuilder sentiment slips in July

By Alex Veiga

The Associated Press U.S. homebuilders are feeling slightly less optimistic about their sales prospects this month, though their outlook for the new-home market remains positive overall.

The builder sentiment index released earlier this month fell one point to 59.

Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good, rather than poor. The index had mostly held at 58 this year before rising to 60 last month.

Builders’ view of current sales and traffic by prospective buyers slipped one point this month. Their outlook for sales over the next six months slid three points.

The latest survey of builders follows a recent pullback in sales of new U.S. homes.

Sales declined 6 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 551,000 homes. Overall, though, sales are running ahead of last year’s pace through the first five months of this year, aided by job growth and ultra-low mortgage rates.

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage ticked up 3.42 percent last week, staying close to its all-time low of 3.31 percent in November 2012.

A year ago, the average rate was 4.09 percent.

While new-home sales have rebounded from the depths of the housing bust, the current rate of new home sales lags behind the historical annual average of roughly 650,000 homes. New home sales figures for June are due out next week.

Many builders also continue to grapple with a stubborn dearth of skilled workers and available land parcels cleared for new construction.

Still, the NAHB expects that new-home sales will continue to grow,

AP file photo A “Sold” sign sits in front of the foundation of a house under construction as workers discuss plans in Plano, Texas. On Monday, July 18, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo releases its July index of builder sentiment.

one point to 63, while a gauge of traffic by prospective buyers fell one point to 45. Builders’ view of sales over the next six months slid three points to 66.

On a regional basis, the index found builder sentiment held steady in the Northeast, Midwest and South, but ticked up one point in the West.

Though new homes represent only a fraction of the housing market, they have an outsized impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue, according to NAHB data.

albeit slowly.

“Job creation is solid, mortgage rates are at historic lows and household formations are rising,” said Robert Dietz, the NAHB’s chief economist.

“These factors should help to bring more buyers into the market as the year progresses.”

This month’s builder index was based on 304 respondents.

A measure of current sales conditions for single-family homes slipped

Unique, affordable one of a kind looks.

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By Joan Pingitore paragondesigns1@yahoo.com • 716-372-2784

26

July

2016

NY SCHOOL DISTRICTS Cattaraugus County Allegany-Limestone Central School District 3131 Five Mile Road Allegany, NY 14706 716-375-6600 Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District 25 N Franklin Street Cattaraugus, NY 14719 716-257-3483 Ellicottville Central School District 5873 Route 219 Ellicottville, NY 14731 716-699-2368 Franklinville Central School District 31 North Main Street Franklinville, NY 14737 716-676-8029 Gowanda Central School District 10674 Prospect Street Gowanda, NY 14070 716-532-3325 Hinsdale Central School District 3701 Main Street Hinsdale, NY 14743 716-557-2227

Olean City School District 410 West Sullivan Street Olean, NY 14760 716-375-8018 Portville Central School District 500 Elm Street Portville, NY 14770 716-933-7141 Randolph Central School District 18 Main Street Randolph, NY 14772 716-358-6161 Salamanca City School District 50 Iroquois Drive Salamanca, NY 14779 716-945-2403 Southern Tier Catholic School and Archbishop Walsh Academy 208 North 24th Street Olean NY 14760 716.372.8122 West Valley Central School District 5359 School Street West Valley, NY 14171 716-942-3293

Yorkshire-Pioneer Central School District 12125 County Line Road Yorkshire, NY 14173 716-492-9304

Cuba-Rushford Central School District 5476 Route 305 Cuba, NY 14727 585-968-1556

Allegany County

Fillmore Central School District 104 Main Street Fillmore, NY 14735 585-567-2251

Alfred-Almond Central School District 6795 Route 21 Almond, NY 14804 607-276-2981 Andover Central School District 31-35 Elm Street Andover, NY 14806 607-478-8491 Belfast Central School District 1 King Street Belfast, NY 14711 585-365-9940 Bolivar-Richburg Central School District 100 School Street Bolivar, NY 14715 585-928-2561 Canaseraga Central School District 4-8 Main Street Canaseraga, NY 14822 607-545-6421

Friendship Central School District 46 West Main Street Friendship, NY 14739 716-973-3534 Genesee Valley Central School District 1 Jaguar Dr Belmont, NY 14813 585-268-7900 Scio Central School District 3968 Washington Street Scio, NY 14880 585-593-5510 Wellsville Central School District 126 West State Street Wellsville, NY 14895 585-596-2170 Whitesville Central School District 692 Main Street Whitesville, NY 14897 607-356-3301

PA SCHOOL DISTRICTS McKean County, Pa.

Potter County, Pa.

Bradford Area School District 150 Lorana Ave. P.O. Box 375 Bradford, Pa. 16701 | 814-362-3841

Austin Area School District 138 Costello Ave. Austin, Pa. 16720 (814) 647-8603

Otto-Eldred School District 143 R.L. Sweitzer Drive Duke Center, Pa. 16729 814-817-1380

Coudersport Area School District 698 Dwight St. Coudersport, Pa. 16915 814-274-9480

Smethport Area School District 414 S. Mechanic St. Smethport, Pa. 16749-1522 814-887-5543

Northern Potter School District 745 Northern Potter Road Ulysses, Pa. 16948 814-848-7506

Kane Area School District 400 W. Hemlock Ave. Kane, Pa. 16735 814-837-9570 Port Allegany School District 87 Clyde Lynch Drive Port Allegany, Pa. 16743 814-642-2590

Oswayo Valley Area School District 277 Oswayo St. Shinglehouse, Pa. 16748 814-597-7175

Cameron County, Pa. Cameron County School District 601 Woodland Ave. Emporium, Pa. 15834 814-486-4000

July

27

2016

Of Kane 3088 Route 219, Kane, PA (814) 778-5300 (Located at Lantz Corners)

One

Tough ™

Animal

Stop in and see our complete line of ®

• Mini-Excavators • Skid Steer Loaders • Utility Vehicles We also have used equipment for sale.

Not looking to buy...we rent skid steers and mini-excavators with attachments, by the day, week or month.

28

July

Arthur Mang R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-801-2595

2016

Darcy Branch

Merilyn Mang

Mary Karst

Maureen Batesky

John Skadowski

Rob Mercier

R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-397-9142

R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-801-2280

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-378-8119

R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-904-3789

R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-307-7169

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

6283 Mcaffee Rd., Lyndon

1642 E. River Rd., Olean

8579 Bowler Crossing, Genesee

3748 Main St., Hinsdale

324 N 8th Street, Olean

MLS# B497828 3BR/2BA $149,000 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

MLS#B485957 3BR/1BA $69,000 John Skadowski, Lic. R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-307-7169

MLS# B502874 4BR/3.5BA $395,000 Merilyn Mang, Lic. R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-801-2280

MLS# B499416 3BR/1BA $49,000 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

MLS# B502005 3BR/2BA $139,900 Merilyn Mang, Lic. R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-801-2280

242 South Barry St., Olean

642 Prospect Ave., Olean

1172 Four Mile, Allegany

1431 Windfall Rd., Portville

2025 E Hill Rd., Franklinville

MLS# B502938 3BR/2BA $62,000 John Skadowski, Lic. R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-307-7169

MLS# B498413 4BR/3BA $189,000 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

MLS# B500763 5BR/4.5BA $359,900 Mary Karst, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-378-8119

MLS# B496530 3BR/2BA $219,000 John Skadowski, Lic. R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-307-7169

MLS# B494668 3BR/1BA $125,000 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

3681 Karl Rd, Allegany

718 King St., Olean

8 Pennsylvania Ave., Franklin-

8955 Reynolds Rd., Farmersville

3052 Bakerstand Rd. #17, Frank-

MLS# B497250 4BR/2.5BA $189,900 Maureen Batesky, Lic. R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-904-3789

MLS# B499280 4BR/2BA $123,900 Mary Karst, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-378-8119

MLS# B503879 3BR/1.5BA $42,900 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

MLS# B503138 2BR/1BA $39,900 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

MLS# B498354 3BR/2BA $115,000 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

1898 Dugan Rd., Olean

2662 Route 16 N, Olean

3420 Route 16 N, Hinsdale

0 Co Road 40, Clarksville

6687 Snyder Rd., Lyndon

MLS# B499275 4BR/4BA $199,000 Merilyn Mang, Lic. R.E. Salesperson Cell: 716-801-2280

MLS# B502706 3BR/1BA $92,000 Mary Karst, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-378-8119

MLS# B495723 3BR/1BA $65,000 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

MLS# B496491 3BR/2.5BA $144,900 Rob Mercier, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-474-7126

MLS# B493146 2BR/1BA $57,000 Mary Karst, Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Cell: 716-378-8119