Home Improvement 2013 by Cheshire Herald

home IMPROVEMENT Cost effective ways to GO GREEN around the house Design tips for getting the most out of your inside and outside

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How to put in walkway/patio pavers

May 16, 2013

the cheshire herald, May 16, 2013

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

First Impression Is Most Important When Selling Your Home

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ifteen seconds. that’s how long a home for sale has to make a good first impression. and that’s if you can get today's sophisticated buyers off their mobile device and to the front door. More than 90 percent of homebuyers search for a home online, making it more important than ever for a home’s listing photos alone to capture a buyer’s interest. Freddie Mac has forecast 2013 to be the healthiest spring housing market since 2007. yet housing inventory is still at 10 year lows, preventing stronger sale’s gains. at the same time, more buyers are hitting the market to take advantage of affordable home prices and low interest rates, but good housing is hard to find. the lack of desirable supply coupled with pent up demand has created a “seller’s market” opportunity for smart homeowners who transform their home into a marketable piece of real estate. homeowners who have finally made a decision to sell their home may not be thinking about updating and remodeling. But, staging coupled with remodeling are important considerations in a home-

selling strategy and an investment in getting top dollar for a house. a recent client in south salem, N.y. was initially unsure about staging – having lived in her home for nearly 30 years. Once she grasped the financial benefits of staging her property, she became an eager student, embracing our expertise and guidance every step of the way. she understood that, to attract buyers (most likely a young family) she had to depersonalize and update her home in order to achieve her goals. in the end, the home sold for top dollar in just three days after hitting the market. even modest updates preserve the equity a family has built in their home. Ultimately, the cost to update something in their home before it goes on the market will be less than the price reduction buyers can expect as compensation for out-of-date rooms. Older homes in particular may require improvements in key rooms such as kitchens and baths to meet today's buyer demand for a move-in ready home. We transformed this bathroom by removing the wallpaper and painting, painting the vanity a modern color, adding two new light fixtures and a granite countertop. Updated

accessories complete the new, more modern design. here are additional staging and remodeling tips homeowners may want to consider to meet buyers’ high demand for move-in condition homes: * Make necessary repairs and complete unfinished projects * replace and refresh outdated accessories, fixtures, and furnishings * Freshen up your color palette with neutral colors * declutter and open up the space * renovate outdated kitchens and baths * expose or add hardwood ﬂoors. PJ & company home styling, llc, offers decorating and home staging services for individuals, realtors, builders, and others in the industry. Our team offers turnkey services from initial consultation and planning to renovation and remodeling. to schedule a decorating or staging consultation, contact us at (203) 640-3762 or email, patti@pjhomestyling. com. Visit our Facebook page under PJ and company homestyling, to see the latest design work, articles and testimonials on the company.

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he newest home building technology is solving energy costs and wind damage at the same time. the standard wood frame used in buildings can now be replaced by a reinforced concrete system, known as the interlocking, ‘insulated concrete form.’ this icF technology gives homeowners improved indoor comforts, too. “Opting to build your house

with concrete instead of wood will immediately give you a home with greater impact resistance, specifically to withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour,” says todd Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in the supply of insulated concrete forms. the aesthetic beauty inside and out is also important on the list of dream home features, Blyth points out, adding that a concrete home can be designed for brick or for more creative finishes like stone, stucco, wood siding and more, just like a traditional house. inside, many innovative architectural shapes, like arches, bay windows or specific door styles, can be easily achieved. the benefits he says are in the details, as follows: Safety: if high wind in your See CONCRETE, page 11

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the cheshire herald, May 16, 2013

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Helpful Tips On Putting In Those Walkway Or Patio Pavers

reating a walkway or patio out of paving stones can add aesthetic appeal to a property. Pavers are less permanent than concrete and decking. as a result, it is easier to change the design later on if you want to give the space a new look. homeowners who install their own pavers can save a considerable amount of money. Because installing paving stones can be labor-intensive, landscape contractors may charge a premium for installation. however, this is a project that can be tackled by the do-it-yourselfer. 1. Measure and plot out the area that will become the path or patio. the area of the space can be figured out by multiplying length times width. this will help you

determine just how much material you will need. 2. Visit the home improvement store or a supplier of stone and other masonry supplies to determine the style and color of the paving stones you will use in the project. some homeowners prefer to have the materials delivered to their home to save the hassle of extra-heavy lifting and moving. 3. Using a shovel or a tiller, dig down and remove the grass to a depth of four to six inches from the area that will become the path or patio. 4. Fill in the area you dug out with a paver base material, using a tamper (either manual or powerdriven) to tamp down the paver base until it is level and smooth. 5. apply about one inch of pav-

ing sand to further level out the path or patio. this will be the material on which the paving stones are laid. 6. Begin laying the paving stones. leave the appropriate distance between stones desired by your pattern. if the paving stones will not have any gap and serve as a continuous patio, leave only the smallest gap between them. 7. spread more paving sand on top of the paving stones and, using a broom, sweep it over the stones and into the

crevices between them to set the stones. 8. create the rest of the garden design around the patio or path-

way using gravel, plants and even edging material to finish the look. Over time you may need to sweep more paving sand over the stones.

Ugly Roof Stains: They Can Cause Damage To More Than Your Home’s Appearance

hat’s not just dirt on your roof. it’s alive with organisms that can affect your health, your home’s appearance, and the property’s value. the pests can include algae, mold, bacteria, mildew, and others. roof stains aren’t just ugly, they can cost you money. the organisms not only cause an

unsightly stain, they actually feed on your home. their waste products are, in many cases, acidic and they eat away at the exterior of your shingles, while root systems penetrate the surface and expand, causing cracks and roof deterioration. a pressure washer is simply an erosion machine that strips

Learn From The Best At Olympic Taekwondo

lympic taekwondo academy (Ota), centrally located in the Watch Factory shoppes, was opened in June 2012 as a martial arts studio offering beginner and advanced classes to all ages and abilities. in addition to classes, Ota students have the opportunity to compete in local

and national taekwondo tournaments. Ota is affiliated with the World taekwondo Federation, the worldwide governing body for all of taekwondo, including Olympic competition. Olympic taekwondo academy is owned and operated by the Jang family. Master Jonguk Jang, See OWNER, page 10

away the algae bloom and clears the surface, but it doesn’t attack the root so the stain grows back thicker, usually within a year. doctor roofn’shine uses softWash systems with specially designed biodegradable cleaners to eliminate growth at the root. this non-pressure method is tough on pests yet gentle on your shingles. in three steps, our softWash treatment can be the cure and it is guaranteed to instantly restore your shingles to their proper con-

dition, prevent premature damage to the surface, and extend new life into your shingles. and we don’t just do the roof! We have the cure for your entire exterior, including driveways, patios, decks, vinyl siding, and sheds. We can even sanitize public restrooms and playgrounds. We welcome inquiries from condo associations, property managers, and real estate companies, as well as private homeowners.

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the cheshire herald, May 16, 2013

Four

Cheap Options For Those Looking To Put Up New Fencing

encing serves many purposes. some homeowners erect a fence for privacy, while others do so to contain pets and children. Because fencing can be expensive, some homeowners look for ways to cut costs, which can be relatively easy, especially for those homeowners willing to consider various materials when erecting their fence. traditional fences are available in materials ranging from wood to vinyl to metal. homeowners have other options at their disposal if they prefer a more natural fence. different shrubs, trees, or grasses can be planted to create a barrier between properties or within the property. When choosing fencing material, consider that even a less expensive material may prove more expensive in the long run if it needs significant maintenance or has to be replaced in just a few years. therefore, the most cost-

effective fencing material may not necessarily be the least expensive one at the store. here are some materials homeowners can

consider. *Found material: repurposed wood or metal can be crafted into a rustic, one-of-a-kind fence. Materials can be found that are no cost, requiring only the cost of labor. should you build it yourself, this can be next to nothing. sometimes existing fences on another property can be disassembled and re-built on your own property for little to no cost as well. *Chainlink/chainwire: chainlink fencing is one of the most economical types of boundary fencing. the fencing comes in a variety of diamond sizes and is

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fixed to galvanized pipes spaced across the perimeter of the property. although it is some of the least expensive fencing, it does not offer much privacy on its own. But if you are looking at fencing simply as a barrier, chainlink could be the way to go. *Picket fencing: a wooden picket fence is another inexpensive fencing material. the pickets can be purchased in various heights, and this fence may be used as garden border fencing or to mark a property line be-

tween homes. spacing the pickets widely apart may cut down on the number that need to be purchased, further keeping the cost down. *Bamboo: Bamboo is a rapidly growing grass that produces a hard wood-like material that is used in many building applications. Bamboo wood can be used to build a fence, but the natural plant also can be planted to form a living fence for privacy. *Stockade fencing: a stockade fence is one of the more basic wood fencing options. Wooden slats are placed alongside one another to form an effective and affordable privacy fence. stockade fencing can be stained or painted to preserve it. Many home improvement retailers sell panels of stockade fencing so that you can make fence installation a do-ityourself project. *Vinyl fencing: although vinyl fencing is one of the more expensive fencing materials at the outset (it costs about twice the price of a wood fence), it does pay for itself rather quickly thanks to minimal maintenance. Unlike some other materials, vinyl will not rot or discolor. you also won’t have to purchase stain, paint and expensive cleaners for a vinyl fence. that means you will have years of maintenance-free enjoyment.

ocal cheshire musician John ingrassia (Johnny i) is ready to launch eP on itunes. the new singles feature Billy cox formerly of Jimi hendrix’s Band of Gypsys, Jaimoe founding member and drummer of the allman Brothers Band, and tommy shannon, chris layton and reese Wynans, formerly of stevie ray Vaughan and double trouble. John is currently enrolling for music lessons on guitar, bass and beg, drums and beg, and piano. you can call (203) 206-0110 to enroll for lessons.

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the cheshire herald, May 16, 2013

Five

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Decorate And Create A New Space

edecorating a room or a whole house can change the entire feel of the space dramatically. But, an unpredictable economy has made many consumers a little more particular when it comes to spending on home decor. changing elements in a room does not have to be expensive. a few updated pieces or accessories can give a room an entirely new look without breaking the bank. Slipcovers slipcovers are no longer the amorphous sacks they once were. slipcovers now come in all different price points. spending a little more can mean getting a style that is elasticized or formfitting, which will conform to the contours of a sofa or love seat. this is a simple way to cover up an outdated style of sofa fabric or a chair that has seen better days. slipcovers also are a good way to protect new couches from damage when there are children or pets in the home. to get the right slipcover, measure the piece of furniture you intend to cover. Without the correct fit, even a well-crafted slipcover can look awkward and cheap. Pay attention to the material of the slipcover, so you know it will be durable and thick enough to cover an existing sofa fabric pattern. Knobs and Pulls Breathe new life into older furniture by changing the knobs, draw pulls, and handles. Many times furniture comes with stan-

Check Out The Herald Online For breaking news, daily photos, a sneak peek at upcoming events or stories, visit The Cheshire Herald website at www.cheshireherald.com.

dard brass knobs that can look dated over time. Using sleeker, streamlined knobs can make traditional furniture look more modern. changing pulls from metal to wood can make a room look more earthy or country. home improvement stores and accessory retailers stock a wide variety of handles and knobs that can transform just about any piece of furniture. and what cannot be found in a store can most likely be purchased online. Paint or Stain Painting a room’s walls a different color can provide immediate results. But furniture also can be painted and stained. Many times older furniture is made from quality wood, not the type of composite or pressboard wood of some less expensive furniture options. that means that finishes can be stripped and replaced with new stains. turn a dated dresser into something that looks brand new with a new stain color or a coat of paint. think about painting or staining using foam sponges to reduce the appearance of brush lines. Accessorize swapping out curtains, throw pillows, and even wall art can easily and often inexpensively

transform the look of a room. homeowners can purchase accessories with bright colors that add a pop of brightness throughout the room and can provide a pick-meup for neutral design tones. Older lamps can be given a new look just by replacing lamp shades. there are many affordable options at discount stores and major retailers. area rugs can also transform a room with little effort. Bring in a new color scheme with a different patterned rug and carry the pattern to stairways with runners. Bare Minimum sometimes less is more, and this can also pertain to home decorating. revamping a room can be done by subtraction as well as addition. homeowners can explore the option of taking out a piece of furniture that may be cumbersome and blocking foot traffic. removing knickknacks from shelves and thinning out the use of collectibles can make a room more airy and inviting. Before money is spent on changing furniture or accessories, people can look into what they can remove from the room to freshen it up. Giving a room a new look and feel can be done without breaking the bank. NMls id # MB 815059

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the cheshire herald, May 16, 2013

Summer Days and Nights Quassy Is Ready For Another Great Season Offering Family Fun

he off-season has been anything but quiet at Quassy Amusement Park. The lakeside property has been busy with numerous projects during the winter and early spring, preparing for its 105th season that began in April. All That’s New At Quassy Guests visiting early on in the season will get a preview of the huge waterpark expansion at Quassy. Three new waterslides plus a children’s splash pad area have been built during the off-season in the water attraction, now known as “Splash Away Bay.” The waterpark, formerly called “Saturation Station,” and Quassy Beach on Lake Quassapaug open May 25 for the summer. “The three new waterslides are highly visible as you enter the park, as they are directly behind the ticket booth,” noted Park President Eric Anderson. “That visibility will certainly generate a lot of interest and anticipation for the coming summer season. In essence, the size of the waterpark has virtually doubled with these new attractions, providing tremendous added value for our guests.” Opening day, park visitors will be able to challenge the new “Quassy Quest Laser Maze” in the redemption arcade building. The pay-as-you-go attraction consists of a room filled with crisscrossing green beams of laser light, creating a challenging

maze in a race against the clock. “The laser maze will be a fantastic added attraction for children and adults,” Anderson said. “This is a state-of-the-art addition that was showcased at our international convention in Florida where we had a chance to try it firsthand.” Coastermania In 2011 Quassy Amusement Park introduced its new marquee attraction, the “Wooden Warrior” roller coaster. Since opening in April of that year the ride has received worldwide acclaim from roller coaster and theme park enthusiasts alike. “Wooden Warrior” was named Attraction of the Year (2011) in a ballot by Behind the Thrills, a theme park enthusiasts’ website. The coaster was also voted “Third Best New Ride” worldwide in the 2011 Golden Ticket awards, presented by industry publication Amusement Today. The ride is currently rated 23rd best wooden coaster in the world, according to a poll of theme park and roller coaster experts. More than 150 roller coasters were listed on the 2012 ballot. “The interest in our coaster has not diminished,” noted George Frantzis II, a park owner. “The ‘Wooden Warrior’ is a fantastic ride for such a small footprint.” The 1,250-foot coaster was designed by The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the first “junior coaster” in the firm’s

portfolio. In addition, Quassy selected The Gravity Group’s sister firm, Gravitykraft, to provide its unique Timberliner train for the ride. The “Wooden Warrior” is the first new coaster in the United States to feature the sleek train. “We have coaster enthusiasts visit from around the world,” Frantzis added. “Not only do we stage an annual ‘Wooden Warrior’ Day in May, but last year we hosted coaster groups from Germany and France during separate visits.” Rides And More Quassy Amusement Park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions including the family “Crazy Cups” ride added for the 2012 season. In addition, popular rides in the park include the “Music Fest,” “Free Fall ‘N” drop tower, “Paratrooper,” and “Grand Carousel.” Two Kiddyland areas cater to the tots with a variety of children’s rides. In the heart of the park is the “Carousel Theatre” stage with daily entertainment during the height of the season. Popular events at the stage include dance and karate days, an annual school music festival, and a regional Irish dance competition. Quassy also has a huge redemption arcade, restaurant, games, paddle boat rentals, and excursions on Lake Quassapaug aboard the Quassy Queen. Educational Programs

Numerous educational programs are underwritten and presented by the park each year. Stu-

dents can explore the workings of the amusement rides with the See THINK, page 10

Copper Valley Has Something For Everyone

h e Copper Valley Club is a memberonly swim and tennis club located at 1235 Wolf Hill Road in Cheshire. Situated on 25 wooded and park-like acres, the club offers many amenities such as swim and tennis teams, clinics and lessons, drive-in movies, arts and crafts, and more. We have a highly qualified coaching staff

who offer lessons and clinics for beginners to experienced athletes. Our coaches have won numerous state and regional awards, and have coached athletes with national rankings and achievements. For adults, we offer social events such as Friday night mixed doubles tennis, the Big Green Pizza Truck, barbeques by the pool, and other popular events such as Cardio Tennis and Aqua Zumba. We are open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day with an extended season See CLUB, page 11

Copper Valley Swim and Tennis Club

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Cheshire, CT

A swim and tennis club on 25 wooded and park-like acres, the club offers the following amenities: Swimming, Diving, and Kiddie Pools, Clay and Har-Tru Tennis Courts, Volleyball and Basketball Courts, Playground, Snack Bar, Tennis Pro Shop, Wheel Chair Accessibility, Game Room, Social Events for Adults and Kids, Swim & Tennis Teams.

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the cheshire herald, May 16, 2013

seven

Summer Days and Nights Make Sure Your Kids Stay Active During Summer Vacation

n many ways, today’s kids have busier schedules than any previous generation of youngsters. Many extracurricular activities, including sports, require a nearly year-round commitment, and the dual-income household has landed many kids in afterschool programs where kids tend to their schoolwork or engage in various activities that keep them from resting on their laurels. But those busy schedules get a lot less hectic when the school year ends. Once school is out, kids used to a full schedule might find themselves with lots of time on their hands. though it’s good for kids to squeeze in some rest and relaxation during their summer break, it’s also important for kids to stay active so they don’t develop poor habits as the summer goes on. in addition, the american Psychological association notes that kids who are

physically active are more capable of coping with stress and tend to have higher self-esteem than kids who do not include physical activity as part of their regular routines. the following are a few suggestions for parents looking for ways to keep their kids active throughout the summer while still

allowing them to recharge their batteries after a long school year. *Plan an active vacation: summer is when many families go on vacation, so why not choose a vacation that involves more than napping poolside? though it’s still good to leave some time for relaxation, find a locale where

Hold Your Movie Nights Outdoors This Summer

utdoor activities are even more fun when the weather cooperates. Pleasant temperatures and conditions can entice people who are normally content to stay indoors to venture outside and enjoy the fresh air. there are a number of activities, from cooking to entertaining, that are ideal for summer fun. But what about watching a movie? although the number of drive-in movie theaters may be on the decline, that doesn’t have to keep movie buffs from enjoying a film with friends and family al fresco.

certain parks, municipal recreation centers, and businesses host movie nights under the stars for large groups in the summertime. however, homeowners can host an outdoor movie night right in their own backyards. *Establish the “screen” spot well in advance. a few different scenarios can make watching a movie more enjoyable. you will need a large enough surface to act as the movie screen. if yours is a light-colored home, you can project the image directly on a patch of siding that is not broken by windows or doors. Otherwise,

you will need to erect a tarp, sheet, shower curtain, or an actual screen to serve as the backdrop. test out the movie-watching experience prior to inviting people over to ensure that the movie is clearly visible and is not marred by street lights or obstructions like overhanging branches. See OUTSIDE, page 11

you can embrace activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, or other adventures that get you and your youngsters off the poolside chaise and out exploring. such a trip might inspire kids to embrace an activity more fully, getting them off the couch not only while they’re on vacation but also when they return home for the rest of summer. *Teach kids to garden: Gardening might be seen as a peaceful and relaxing hobby, but it still requires a lot of elbow grease and hard work that pays physical dividends. a garden must be planted, hoed, weeded, and watered, and gardening gets kids out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors. When growing a vegetable garden, kids might embrace the chance to be directly involved in the food that will eventually end up on their dinner tables. Parents can embrace this as an opportunity to teach the value of eating locally-produced foods and the positive impact such behavior has on the environment. *Go swimming: Few adults who work in offices haven’t looked out their windows on a sunny summer day and thought how nice it would be to be spending that afternoon taking a few laps in a lake, at the beach, or in a pool. Kids have the same daydreams during the summer, so take a day off every so often and take the kids for an afternoon of swimming. swimming is a great

activity that exercises the entire body, including the shoulders, back, legs, hips, and abdominals. in addition, swimming helps kids and adults alike maintain a healthy weight while also improving their cardiovascular health. it’s hard for some people to find a place to swim once the warm weather departs, so take advantage of the summer weather and go swimming as often as possible while the kids are not in school. *Limit how much time kids spend watching television, playing video games, or surﬁng the Internet: Many of today’s kids are as tech savvy as they are busy. But it’s important that kids don’t spend too much time online or on the couch watching television or playing video games. such activities are largely sedentary, and they can set a bad precedent for the months ahead, even when the school year begins once again. Parents should limit how much time their youngsters spend in front of the television or the computer during summer vacation, keeping track and turning the tV or computer off if they suspect kids are spending too much time staring at the screen instead of being active. Kids might not love it when you turn their video games off or minimize their access to social media, but explain the limitations at the onset of summer and let kids know you expect them to be physically active even if it is summer vacation.

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the cheshire herald, May 16, 2013

eight

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Think Green When You’re Making Renovations To Your Home

omeowners take on projects to improve their homes for a variety of reasons. some may do so to make a home more functional, while others may do so to improve their home’s resale value. some homeowners take on a home improvement project to make their homes more ecofriendly. such projects are often mistakenly assumed to be costly undertakings, but there are several cost-effective ways to make a home more eco-friendly. *Upgrade your appliances. a home improvement project does not have to require the use of a hammer and nails or the hiring of a contractor. a simple home im-

provement project, like upgrading older appliances, including the washer and dryer, to newer, more efficient models, can give a home a fresh look while reducing energy consumption. that reduction in energy consumption is a byproduct of the stricter standards placed on manufacturers who must adhere to guidelines to produce products that are more energy-efficient. For example, the Natural resources defense council notes that today’s energy-efficient refrigerators will use less than half the energy of models made as recently as 15 years ago. *Add more insulation. adding more insulation or replacing

older insulation used to be an especially laborious process. however, in many instances insulation can now be added or upgraded to a home without any major reconstruction or demolition, reducing the cost of the project considerably. adding more insulation to a home can reduce energy consumption in the winter, when the home will feel warmer and allow you to keep the thermostat at a more reasonable number. *Install high-efﬁciency water ﬁxtures. Few people think about how much water they consume over the course of a typical day, but the figures might be eye-opening to those who hope to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. according to the United states Geological survey’s Water science school, it’s generally accepted that the average person uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water each day. showers

seem to be especially wasteful, as older shower heads might be using as much as five gallons per minute, or 50 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Older fixtures that consume such massive amounts of water can be easily and affordably replaced with newer, more efficient fixtures. today’s highefficiency low-ﬂow showerheads can provide a strong shower stream while reducing water consumption. such showerheads are also less taxing on your water heater, reduc-

ing your energy consumption as See MINOR, page 10

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the cheshire herald, May 16, 2013

Nine

Clear Out The Clutter And Reorganize Your Garage This Summer

arages are coveted by homeowners across the country, offering a space to park a car and protect it from the elements. But many people do not park a car in their garage, only to find the garage become a home to clutter. Garages tend to become the official catch-all of a home. When an item cannot be crammed into a hiding space elsewhere, it often ends up dumped into the garage, where it joins the long list of other abandoned items. it can be easy to let garages become a wasteland because everything put

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inside a garage is behind a closed door. that mess can quickly build up, and reclaiming your garage requires energy, time, organization, and a plan. Organizing a garage will take some time. an entire weekend or two consecutive days may be necessary depending on the level of disarray. taking everything out of the garage and going through the sorting process may take the most time. When sorting, separate any broken items, which can immediately be put at the curb for trash pick-up. examine things that you have not used in some time. if you haven’t missed it, there’s a good chance that you can discard the item or donate it. create separate piles for donations and trash. Move the items that will be

kept into a separate pile. after all of the trash and donations are removed from the premises, then you can look at what is remaining and begin planning out a more organized storage system. there may be things in the “keep” pile that are simply out of place in the garage and may be better stored elsewhere. think about which items can be moved to a basement or attic because of their infrequency of use, such as holiday decorations, suitcases, and collectibles. you may prefer to move lawn and garden items out of the garage and into a shed in the backyard. after completing the sorting process, look at the garage as a blank space and measure out the room that you have. this will pro-

vide an empty canvas as a starting off point. to maximize the amount of space you have as a work area or a place to park your car, invest in as many tools as possible to utilize vertical space. shelving, hooks and cabinetry will take things off of the ﬂoor, while storage units with doors can hide items that lack aesthetic appeal. rolling tool caddies and cabinets can keep all tools neat and in organized drawers so you’re never hunting and pecking for a tool again. a cabinet that has a lock and key can be utilized for dangerous chemicals that need to be kept out of the hands of children and away from pets. think about how the garage will appear from the curb when the door is raised and create a design that

will be functional and neat. take the opportunity while the garage is empty to give walls and ﬂoors a fresh coat of paint and improve the lighting in the garage. a brighter garage makes for a better work station. For those who can use a little extra help, there are professional garage organization companies that can come in and install custom cabinetry and work surfaces. this is an option if you desire a high-end garage. When putting items back into the garage, label where everything is stored until you become accustomed to the new organization. this way you’ll be able to find everything easily. Organizing a garage can be tedious, but the reward is worth it.

R E P L ACE M E NT W I N D OWS A N D D O O R S I N S TA L L E D

verhead door company of Waterbury, a franchise of Overhead door corporation, has been providing industry-leading garage door products, sales, installations, repairs, and prompt service to the Waterbury area for over 40 years. the Waterbury franchise changed hands in december 2008, relocating from Prospect to Watertown. We are affiliated with the Overhead door of Brookfield and Overhead door of Fairfield county, located in Norwalk. We serve the surrounding areas of Middlebury, Beacon Falls, Watertown, southbury, Bethany, Wolcott, Woodbury, seymour, Prospect, Oxford, ansonia, cheshire, thomaston, Plymouth, Naugatuck, Morris, Bethlehem, and derby. Overhead door company of Waterbury is available to cover New haven and litchfield counties in connecticut. Overhead door company of Waterbury provides the contractor and homeowner with the highest quality commercial and residential products, along with the experienced knowledge of our sales professionals, installers, and staff. For more information about Overhead door company of Waterbury, we invite you to explore our website at www.overheaddoorwaterbury.com or give us a call at (860) 274-3332, toll-free at (877) 702-dOOr (3667). you may also visit our showroom Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 56 New Wood road, Watertown, ct 06795 remember, if you don't see the red ribbon, it's not the Genuine, Original, Overhead door.

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Owner, Instructor Of Olympic Taekwondo Has Expertise In Field Beijing University of chinese Medicine, and is ﬂuent in Korean, Mandarin, and english. Master Jang is recognized in Korea and around the world as a competitor, coach, referee, and

continued from page 3

his wife hyun Jung an, and their son isaac, are cheshire residents. Originally from south Korea, Master Jang and his wife studied taekwondo from an early age. Master Jang received a Bachelor of Physical education with a major in taekwondo from Kyunghee University in south Korea. he currently holds a fifth-degree black belt with a Master instructor certification from Kukkiwon, the headquarters of the World taekwondo Federation. in addition, he has certifications for teaching, coaching, and refereeing from Korea and the United states as well as a black belt in Judo. hyun Jung an holds a third degree black belt in taekwondo, has a bachelor degree from the

instructor. he competed successfully in all four taekwondo competition styles (forms, sparring, breaking, and team demonstration). as a competitor and coach, he won gold medals at Korean

continued from page 6

“Fun With Physics” booklet, accredited by the american association of Physics teachers. it contains more than two-dozen pages of activities that can be completed during a visit to Quassy. Behind-the-scenes tours, photography workshops, art in the Park, and roller coaster model competitions are among the other educational offerings.

Quassy is also the location of choice for birthday parties, catered company outings, family reunions, church picnics, sports team and league banquets, and team building events. catered group outings are held in the privacy of the park’s pavilions or patio area overlooking the lake. Specials With Families In Mind Being family-affordable has always been a goal of the local-

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continued from page 8

a result. homeowners can also install high-efficiency toilets that use as little as 1.3 gallons of water per ﬂush (compared to older models that consumed as many as five gallons per ﬂush). the environmental Protection agency estimates that installing waterefficient fixtures and appliances would save more than three trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion annually. *Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats present another affordable way to improve a home and benefit the environment. some of today’s programmable thermostats can record personal prefer-

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Outside Movie Experience Will Take An Investment In Electronics continued from page 7

* Invest in a projector: in order to project the movie onto the big screen, you will need a projector. electronics stores sell projectors that can hook up to everything from dVd and Blu-ray players to smartphones. some are

small enough to travel in your pocket. if a friend has a projector, you can also ask to borrow it. the higher you can mount the projector, the better it will be to avoid picture blockage. also, keep in mind that the bigger the screen the higher the reso-

Concrete A Cost Saver For Owners continued from page 2

community is a concern, data shows that a Nudura home delivers hurricane and tornado impact resistance up 250 mph - and the fire protection rating is up to four hours. Fuel Savings: Premium insulation is essential with energy costs on the rise. concrete walls vastly reduce air infiltration (compared to wood walls) and this improves energy performance. By combining two panels of thick (ePs) foam with the structural strength and thermal mass of concrete, the walls can provide an efficiency rating as high as r-50 (compared to an average r-20 in wood structures), saving you up to 70 percent on energy bills. lowering demand for trees is good for the environment as well. Comfort: Outside cold eas-

ily travels through wood-framed walls causing thermal bridging and creating uncomfortable chilly spots inside your home. Walls with a solid concrete core address and prevent thermal bridging to deliver even temperatures throughout the house. Mold, mildew, and toxins associated with wood structures are also eliminated. Quiet: solid concrete is an effective sound barrier. it dampens sound vibrations from outside noise, such as traffic, trains, and neighborhood parties. internal peace and quiet is a sheer bonus. Improved Value: it is generally expected that a stronger, safer, greener home, and one that is more durable, cost efficient and needs less maintenance and repair, will steadily increase in resale value.

Club Offers Warm, Friendly Environment continued from page 6

for the tennis enthusiast. For the working parents we allow babysitters free of charge so children can enjoy all activities copper Valley club has to offer in a safe and fun environment. Members are also allowed to bring guests following our guest guidelines. Most of all, we offer a place where members can go where they will always be greeted warmly by fellow members who are friends,

neighbors, and schoolmates. the copper Valley club is a member-run club governed by a member-appointed board of directors. it was founded in 1953 and since then thousands of families, couples, and singles have enjoyed the social and recreational opportunities offered by the club. enjoy cVc’s 60th year of summer fun. Visit us on the web at www.coppervalleyclub.net

lution projector you will need. a high definition projector is your best bet, especially one with an hdMi input. * Have a sound system: don’t skimp on a sound system, otherwise you’ll have a big, impressive movie picture without adequate sound. you can only turn up some projectors so much before experiencing distortion, so it is best to purchase some speakers so you can project the sound to guests who are sitting around the yard. a stereo receiver or an old sound system that you can buy on an auction site or garage sale should suffice. * Create the theater: theaters are built with staggered seating in

which seats are set on a gradually increasing angle. this may not be possible in a yard unless you have a nicely sloping hill. Place blankets or sheets down front for children or shorter adults and then place folding chairs for adults. you can also opt for guests to bring their own chairs if you do not have enough. * Have movie snacks on hand: snack foods, especially finger foods, work best for outdoor movie nights. Give everyone a paper lunch bag they can fill up with snacks from a snack table and then take with them to their seats. have a cooler filled with beverages in close proximity to your seats. if you’re creative, you can

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tie in the snacks to the theme of the movie. For example, if you’re watching a film with dinosaurs, then serve dinosaur-shaped gummy fruits. * Plan for an intermission: Pause the movie halfway so guests can stand up and stretch or visit the restroom. this also enables them to refill any drinks or snacks. * Give neighbors a heads-up: as a courtesy to your neighbors, let them know you will be having a movie night in the yard, and for a few hours there may be more noise than usual. try to time the viewing so it will not stray too far into sleeping hours when neighbors may be disturbed. Better yet, invite them to the festivities.

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