CreativeLiving Northwest • May 2009
INSIDE: Nature’s Corner offers great deals on plants
Angel’s Touch can brighten your day
Party Hoppers for the ultimate party
Let’s Party
Kid style tips for the hottest party themes
Live it up at
Summer fun, health
Maple Knoll Village
Overcome ‘Boomeritis’
Health & Fitness
Senior Living
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An Advertising-Sponsored Magazine Published by The Community Press/Recorder.
CreativeLiving Features 4 8 10 12 15 16
Six steps in six days to beat boomeritis Take these six steps and apply them everyday and you’ll find yourself full of energy.
Party, Party, Party! Get some ideas on the hottest kid party themes.
Hot tips for a fun, healthy summer While you’re having fun in the sun don’t forget these helpful tips on how to stay safe and healthy all summer long.
Bridal registry tips, items you’ll really use Great tips on how to have a successful bridal registry.
Decorating trends for 2009
Editor’s note What can I say about this wonderful issue jam-packed with so many great stories? Well, you’re going to have a blast reading through this one. Our cover feature is kid’s parties. Learn how to make your child’s special occassion even more memorable with one of the hottest themes talked about in this story. It will be a time both of you will cherish and remember all your lives. The bride will find great registry tips and cool decorating ideas for her new home. Also don’t forget about hot tips for a healthy summer! Enjoy.
See how the economy, nature, and fashion are influencing home decor.
Tricks to adding curb appeal First impressions are everything. Help your home make a good one with these tips.
Specialty Publications Editor
Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.
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Departments Living 3 Senior Health • Residence
12 Wedding Flowers • Registry
parties 8 Kid’s Invitations • Decorations
14 At Home
& Fitness 10 Health Mind • Body • Spirit
Decor • Repair
Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com. For advertising call 578-5501.
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Spring Grove honors soldiers on Memorial Day
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s the final resting place for soldiers from nearly every conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War, Spring Grove Cemetery provides a fitting backdrop to respect and remember those who have served and died for their country. In honor of our fallen soldiers on this 2009 Memorial Day, Spring Grove is hosting a variety of unique free events for public participation and remembrance throughout the weekend. Beginning on Friday, the public is welcome to visit the lobby of Spring Grove's funeral home, the Gwen Mooney Funeral Home, to view the Veterans Tribute Display. This moving photo and memorabilia display salutes hundreds of local soldiers with connections to Spring Grove. Visitors are invited to sign banners of support and thanks for our troops who are
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currently overseas; these banners will be sent to the troops to show Cincinnati's appreciation for their service to our country. On both Sunday and Monday, May 24-25, visitors to the cemetery will have many opportunities to step back in time. Renowned Lincoln historian Stan Wernz will take visitors on a historic journey with a moving portrayal as Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Amongst the 1,000 flags in Spring Grove's historic Civil War section, President Lincoln will discuss one of the critical turning points of the war the Battle of Antietam. President
Lincoln will also revisit his original trip on September 24, 1855 to Spring Grove Cemetery. Bring your lawn chairs and become part of history brought to life. Visitors may also experience a Civil War reenactment ceremony
‘...enjoy the abundant art, and beauty of one of Cincinnati's newest National Historic Landmarks.’ on Monday by the Sons of Union Veterans and the 6th Ohio Volunteer Infantry or participate in walking tours detailing Cincinnati's Civil War connections. Also on this weekend of
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remembrance and patriotism, Boy Scout Troop 641 from St. John the Baptist of Colerain Township will be stationed at the cemetery on Sunday and Monday to collect worn, damaged, and tattered Unites States flags that are in need of proper disposal. The public is invited to attend a formal Flag Retirement Ceremony at the cemetery on June 30. Flags will be accepted at the cemetery throughout the entire weekend and month of June. While in the cemetery, visitors are encouraged to meander among the 44 miles of road and 15 lakes to enjoy the abundant art, and beauty of one of Cincinnati's newest National Historic Landmarks. A repository of the history of Cincinnati and its residents, Spring Grove is
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Spring Grove, See page 13
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Steps to beat 'Boomeritis'
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f you are one of the 27 million Americans who suffer with joint pain from osteoarthritis (OA), you are not alone. Eighty-four percent of OA sufferers report joint pain as an intrusive part of their daily lives, which prevents them from participating
in activities including yard work, driving and and beyond. household chores. These daily experiences of To win the battle over Boomeritis, Metcalf aches and pains can be attributed to recommends these steps: “Boomeritis,” an increase of joint aches, pains, injuries and ailments experienced by older active adults as they reach their 40s, 50s ‘Boomeritis’, See page 13
Let an ‘Angel’ help you care for your loved one
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n a perfect world, you would be able to take care of your aging parent in your home or their home, relying only on family to help you. But, the reality is that caring for an aging or ill parent is a full-time job that can take a toll on the caregiver, add to that the demands of raising a family, working, and other responsibilities, and chances are you’ll need a little assistance along the way. That’s where the angels come in. Visiting Angels pro-
vides senior homecare to help elderly and older adults continue to live in their homes. These caring, experienced home caregivers provide up to 24-hour care in the comfort of your own home. You can be confident that your caregiver is qualified and has excellent references. “We take great pride in our caregivers,” said Kevin Sesher of Visiting Angels. “We hire only quality caregivers who pass a rigorous screening process including a background check.”
The staff at Visiting Angels works with each family to develop an individualized program to manage the daily needs of the client. In addition to offering joyful companionship, Visiting Angels will also do light housekeeping, errands, prepare meals, laundry, shopping, medication reminders, and much more. Visiting Angels is located in Cincinnati. For information visit the company’s Web site www.visitingangels.com or call 598-6770.
Arlington celebrates 75 years of service to the community
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his year marks Arlington’s 75th anniversary, not an insignificant milestone. Over the years, Arlington has served literally tens of thousands of families in their time of need and has become a fixture to not only the landscape, but
also a figure in the community. Arlington’s straightforward vision statement: “We inspire others to preserve memories and celebrate life,” speaks to its core values of helping others. In this 75th year of its existence, Arlington’s
Board believes that the best acknowledgment of its history is to maintain its commitment to excellence and to continually look for new means and methods to serve the community now and into the future.
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Live life up at Maple Knoll Village
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aple Knoll Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, located on 54 acres in Springdale, is designed for those 55 and better. Maple Knoll Village has all the amenities and activities you need, everyday! This facility offers the continuum of care providing the security, and care needed in your retirement years. Maple Knoll is a pet-friendly, non-profit retirement community offering exceptional amenities like a club room, cafĂŠ, bank, the Hemsworth Wellness Center and convenient access to restaurants, shopping, physician's offices, major thoroughfares, places of worship, parks and local attractions. At Maple Knoll Village, residents experience a The moment you step foot on dynamic atmosphere where they campus, you realize our residents live life!
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love to call Maple Knoll Village home. With 149 cottages, 90
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apartments, 60 assisted living apartments, 186-bed nursing facility and rehabilitation center, and the 30 new apartments at Kensington Place there is a new Maple Knoll Village home perfect Everything You for Need to Live Life! every782-2717 one. With everything you need you can certainly Live Life At Maple Knoll Village! If you would like more information about living at Maple Knoll Village, please call 513-7822717 or feel free to visit on the Web at www.mapleknoll.org.
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Keeping active is one key to mental fitness and vitality
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e all know how essential it is to maintain a healthy body, but maintaining a healthy mind is equally important as we age. Staying mentally fit can benefit your brain, as you grow older. Like other parts of our body, our brains may lose some dexterity as we age. There is no fail-safe way to prevent memory loss - no magic medicines or vitamins but there is good evidence that a healthy, active lifestyle and diet could reduce your risk of memory loss in the years ahead. So flex your mind, body and spirit. Here are some ways: Keep it Social: Maintain an active, busy life by volunteering, connecting with friends, or joining a club. Attend lectures and plays with others. Remain Active: Stay physically active through exercise… walk-
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eat, keep track of your blood pressure and minimize use of alcohol and tobacco – over time, these things can harm the brain. Working these tips into your daily routine is a great start they are key to preserving and enhancing our overall health, well being and vitality in the years ahead. Fitness System has been adopted The month of May is National by Llanfair Retirement Older Adult Month. Join Llanfair Community. It helps seniors Retirement Community on reduce their risk of memory loss Thursday, May 28 for a Health and dementia. “Already, resident and Wellness Fair in the Campus response has been overwhelmCenter. The Health Fair is from 9 ingly positive,” said Llanfair a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature Executive Director, Sheena information from Senior Parton. “Our residents find it Independence, Council on Aging, easy and enjoyable, but still chal- Arthritis Foundation, Deaconess lenging, which means they will Active Life, recreational therapy, return to it often and reap power- exercise, diet/nutrition, senior ful benefits for brain health.” services, financial documents and Take a good look at your much more. For more informalifestyle: Keep your emotional tion, please call Kimberly Yerkes stress in check, watch what you at 591-4567.
There is good evidence that a healthy, active lifestyle and diet could reduce your risk of memory loss in the years ahead. ing, bicycling, gardening, yoga… whatever you enjoy, it doesn’t take much time, just about 30 minutes daily to get the body moving and heart pumping. Challenge Your Mind: Keep your brain active every day by learning a new skill or engaging in a complex mental activity like chess. Enroll in courses at your community college or recreation center. Play games, read, solve word and number puzzles, or try memory exercises. A brain fitness technology called the Dakim Power Brain
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Nothing like an ‘Angel’s Touch’
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e all come to a point in our lives that we are faced with the heart wrenching decision of how to help our parents cope with the problems that face them as they age and need assistance with some of lives daily chores. Being able to stay in the comfort, security and familiarity of their own home is very important to people as they age. With assistance from Angel’s Touch Nursing Care many families are able to allow their parents to continue their golden years in the warmth and comfort of their homes. They care for patients with needs that vary from those needing minimum assistance to full nursing care.
Their aides always go that extra step to insure the care your loved one needs. One case in particular the client called and was ill – they sent one of their wonderful aides over to the client’s home only to find the door locked and the client unable to answer the door. This was at about 2 a.m. and there was no immediate solution. The aide used quick thinking and crawled through the dog’s door to gain entrance to the home. The client, even though ill, was chuckling saying “Now that is what I call an ‘angel’s’ touch.” The staff at Angel’s Touch can perform a multitude of tasks that include - meal prepara-
tion, medication reminders, grocery shopping, personal care, etc. They can also provide comforting companionship and overnight respite for family members. They provide care for any time frame needed, from one hour to 24 hours a day. They know how much your loved ones mean to you so you can rest assured that they will treat them with the loving care and respect that they deserve. It is very rewarding to know we can help people who really need us. For information call 661-4111. Angel’s Touch Nursing Care is located at 3619 Harrison Ave. in Cheviot.
Cindy Nagel is a Clovernook hero
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he state’s largest organization representing long-term care facilities has honored a local licensed practical nurse at its “Hero of Long-Term Care” Cindy Nagel, LPN, at Clovernook Healthcare Pavillion, Cincinnati, was selected by the Ohio Health Care Association as its Hero of Long-Term Care for the month of. The organization chooses one long-term care employee each month to honor them for their service to the longterm care facility, its residents and the community. Nagel was featured on the Association’s Web site at www.ohca.org in July, 2008, and was honored at the association’s 2009 Annual Convention in Columbus May 7. Amy Mullowney,
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administrator at Clovernook, said that Nagel is passionate about serving the residents in the facility. “Cindy consistently puts the needs of the resident at the top of her priority list,” said Mullowney. “This does not happen just occasionally but each and every day that she is at her job.” Nagel has worked as a nurse at Clovernook for 26 years. Her co-workers indicate that she is not above doing what needs to be done to assist aides, housekeepers, dietary and other nursing staff in order to provide highquality care to the residents. According to Mullowney, Nagel has received numerous perfect attendance awards and has been nominated and
received numerous awards for nursing achievements, performance, and for consistently exceeding her job duty requirements. “Cindy goes above and beyond without concerns or fear of stepping on other’s toes to assure that residents feel safe, secure and reassured,” said Mullowney. “Cindy gives the same attention, care and concern to family members.” Nagel was nominated for this award due to her passion and love for her residents, Mullowney said. “She is respected and admired by all residents and staff at Clovernook; she is truly a Hero of Long-Term Care,” she said.
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Hot tips for a fun, healthy summer
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ummer means Americans will spend more time outdoors and increase their level of activity in general. Staying healthy in the summer is just as important as staying warm and protecting your body from the elements during the fall and winter months. During the summer, people will spend more time at sports events, participate in sports events, attend outdoor picnics, go to outdoor concerts, go to the beach and take long walks outdoors to get fresh air and recuperate from being indoors all winter. Along with the increased activity comes exposure to airborne germs and diseases. The recent outbreak of Swine Flu, also known as H1N1, has heightened public interest in how to remain healthy during such an outbreak. Dr. Kevin Swanson, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs at Argosy University, Twin Cities recommends helpful tips on how to prevent or reduce the risk of summer colds, the flu and maintain good health during the warm weather. “When coming out of winter hibernation, be sure to ease into a more active summer routine to avoid possible injury. By following a few helpful tips, you can achieve a healthier summer,”
Swanson says. 1. Practice good hygiene. Wash hands often, use hand sanitizers and use sanitary wipes to disinfect surfaces like shopping carts, doorknobs, light switches and handrails. 2. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during the warm summer months. Adults should drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol which tend to dehydrate the body. 3. Get plenty of rest each night. Eight hours of sleep is the standard recommendation, but the actual amount needed varies depending on the individual person. 4. Make healthy food choices. Fresh fruits and vegetables are in season and loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that active summer bodies need.
5. Take a daily multi-vitamin to ensure the body is getting the necessary nutrients.
happen overnight; making one small healthy change each week can result in a substantially healthier person over time,” 6. Remember to apply sunSwanson says. screen before sun exposure and Overall, summertime is great to avoid the midday sun when for outdoor activities and family the rays are the strongest. fun that will promote an active, healthy lifestyle. Please remem7. Exercise at least three times ber these recommendations proa week. Physical exercise may mote good health and a healthy include workouts at a gym, walk- lifestyle and may not always preing, jogging, biking and other vent illness, but will help prevent forms of cardiovascular stimulathe frequency and severity of an tion. illness if it occurs. “A healthy lifestyle doesn’t
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Get ready to hop
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t’s summer and it’s time to party! So, why not make it a memorable one? Party Hoppers can help make your party one of the best of the season. Whether it is a child’s birthday party, a graduation party or just a family get-together, rent an outside bounce house and your party is sure to be a success. Your choices include several different sized and themed bounce
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houses, a bounce and slide combo, or a toddler bouncer. They have added more boy-oriented options that include a boxing ring with oversized gloves, a jousting ring with soft poles, and a shoot-out basketball game. Party Hoppers can provide more than just the bounce houses. You can reserve character visits from your child’s favorite Princess or Super Hero.
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You can even book Hoppers’ Helpers to come and keep the children engaged with planned activities. Weekends are filling quickly, so call 451-4386 to make your reservations soon. Visit their Web site at www.partyhoppersonline.com to see pictures of their inflatables and for an Open Play schedule at Party Hoppers indoor play and party center at 6131 Cleves Warsaw Pike.
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Reliable, skillful, compassionate
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hey come from diverse backgrounds, have varied professional experiences and range in age from their 20s into their 60s. Yet the caregivers and office staff at Visiting Angels share one very important goal - to provide reliable, skillful and compassionate non-medical care to clients who have short- or long-term difficulties in safely remaining home and independent. “It’s our mission to help them do that,” says Mike Garfunkel, a Southwest Ohio native who owns
Visiting Angels with his wife, Shannon. “Part of our philosophy is that our clients are undergoing a period of stress, and we don’t want to add to that. It’s important for the loved ones, too, to give them peace of mind and go that extra step to make sure the person receiving care is comfortable.” As for who signs on as a caregiver? There’s no one type of person, but “they’re all caring, compassionate types,” Garfunkel says. That’s first and foremost when it comes to matching a
caregiver with a care recipient, but from geography to schedules, there’s much more to be considered - after all, it isn’t easy to invite a stranger into one’s home. Accordingly, care recipients will meet with every potential caregiver as part of the selection process, ensuring the best possible match. Other common traits of Visiting Angels caregivers include prior experience in home care giving, experience with volunteer organizations and affiliations with religious organiza-
tions. All provide references from trusted sources - such as other agencies, nursing homes, religious organizations, charities, hospices and assisted living communities. Working in conjunction with the family, and consulting medical personnel familiar with the care recipients needs when necessary, Visiting Angels will develop an individualized program to manage those needs. From there, once a caregiver has been placed in a home, continued
Reliable, see page 13
Call 923-3111 to advertise in CreativeLiving.
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Bridal registry tips and items you'll really use While the fondue pot and ice cream maker seem like musthaves when you’re adding items to your bridal registry, it’s important to ask yourself, “Will I really use these items on a regular basis?” You may want to reconsider your selections. And, although making a wedding gift wish list can be daunting, the following tips can keep the happy couple celebrating wedded bliss for years to come.
Kitchen and bath registry ideas and necessities
Now that the registry basics are covered, the fun can begin. Start with the rooms that you live in and use the most – the kitchen and bathroom. Do you like to host dinner parties? Fine china should be on your list. According to theknot.com, crisp black-andwhite dinnerware patterns are all the rage this season. Find something that will not only match your taste and decor, but also be Registry basics a classic design for years to come. Before you and your sweetWant to skip the china, but heart start scanning items for love to cook? Register for a comyour registry, do your homeplete collection of high-end cookwork. Consider the size of your ware. space and where you will store In addition to registering for your new items. If you’re living the mainstays in the kitchen, in an apartment or smaller consuch as sterling silver flatware dominium, you may want to and crystal stemware, don’t forrethink registering for the superget about everyday items like deluxe size barbecue grill. You’ll measuring cups and spoons, a be surprised how quickly your kitchen scale, electronic timers or new gifts can fill up your space. even a microwave oven. Next, think about your guest Love a spa feeling and want to list. Make sure that you have a re-create it in your bathroom at variety of items to choose from home? Then don’t settle for a and at different price points– plain, ordinary shower experience high and low – so guests can purwhen you can create an invigoratchase items they feel reflect their ing one. Register for a new showown taste and that they can erhead. afford. Continue to create your spalike, romantic atmosphere by registering for luxury bath towels and
high-thread-count sheets. Other items to consider, both extravagant and necessary, include: a down comforter, feather bed, pillows, alarm clock with dual alarms and a closet organizer.
other are looking for adventure instead of objects, why not create memories instead? Family and friends can help purchase items including your airfare, honeymoon suite or candlelit dinners at your vacation destination.
Beyond the registry If you and your significant
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Special jewelry for your wedding
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eaded Bliss Designs LLC is a full-service retail bead shop specializing in customer service and an ever growing selection of beads! From technique and design assistance for novices to special orders for experienced beaders, owner Cathy Feist is dedicated to serving the creative spirit of her customers and sharing her passion for designing beaded jewelry.
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Most brides are looking for truly unique jewelry to complement that carefully chosen bridal or bridesmaid’s gown. Beaded Bliss offers complimentary consultations for special occasion jewelry and one-on-one project assistance. Brides have a glittering treasure trove of Swarovski crystal including vintage pieces and pearl strands to select from as well as all the sterling beads and find-
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ings needed, to complete any design. With more than 10 years design experience, Cathy offers as much or as little assistance as needed. Brides usually have definite ideas about their jewelry and Cathy brings those ideas to life. Beaded Bliss also offers facilities for Girls Night Out and Bridal Showers. Bring in your group and they can even assemble their own bridal jewelry!
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Spring Grove, From page 3 often called a “museum without walls.” During your visit, a trip to Spring Grove's newest developed Section 144 should not be missed. Located on one of the highest points of the cemetery, landscape designers worked closely with the natural environment to devel-
op this secluded, peaceful property which was just made available for purchase this month. Detailed information about Memorial Day events and times as well as general information about Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, the Gwen
Mooney Funeral Home, and Oak Hill Cemetery may be found on The Spring Grove Family Web site at www.springgrove.org , in the lobby of Spring Grove's cemetery customer service center at 4521 Spring Grove Ave. or Spring Grove's funeral home lobby at
4389 Spring Grove Ave. For more information, please call 681PLAN. Information tents will also be set up in the cemetery to offer assistance throughout the weekend.
‘Boomeritis’, From page 4 • Do two yoga poses. Tree pose and downward dog really help balance your body. Yoga in general helps calm the body. The tree pose (standing on one leg, place left foot on the inside of the right leg with hands in a prayer
position at chest) helps strengthen the lower body and core while the downward dog (hands on ground out in front with hips high and heels down) helps stretch the hamstrings and lower back.
• Get moving.
may help protect you from chronic diseases and help you maintain your weight.
• Get your five-a-day. Make sure you are getting your five servings of fruits and vegetables • Get at least six hours of a day. They contain essential vita- sleep per night. Courtesy of ARAcontent mins, minerals, and fiber that
Reliable, From page 11 personalized contact will be made through telephone check-in and home visits, and continual communication with the caregiver. “Different types of care recipients require different types of caregivers, and we look at a lot of intangibles,” Garfunkel says. “Some care recipients are well-todo, some not so. Some are educated, some are not so educated. We look at a lot of intangibles when we’re making a match, like common interests. Is the care recipient looking for someone talkative or someone who’s quiet? Is the caregiver someone who needs to be constantly busy or someone who’s more laid back? This is all very important.” To ensure the best quality of care, all Visiting Angels undergo a criminal screening service which checks out the caregiver on a county basis, including Social Security number, Department of Motor Vehicles, insurance and verification that the potential employee is eligible for employment in the United States. Visiting Angels are ready to help on a respite, temporary or long-term basis and on weekends and holidays.
Available services • Hygiene assistance
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• Meal preparation • Light housekeeping • Errands, shopping, walks • Medication reminders • Joyful companionship • Transportation to doctor’s appointments, senior centers with computer classes, movies and day trips • Hourly to 24-hour care for homebound and fragile care recipients
Call 923-3111 to advertise in CreativeLiving.
Rates Visiting Angels’ non-medical homecare system allows you to bring a top quality caregiver into your home with utmost affordability. Clients pay comparatively low fees, but caregivers receive top hourly fees. Other agencies who charge a higher fee for themselves to cover their high overhead experience a much greater turnover in caregivers. For this reason, Visiting Angels can attract and keep the best quality caregivers available.
Contact Visiting Angels 8372 Reading Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 Phone: 513-531-0048 or 888900-0048 Fax: 513-531-5555 On the Web: http://www.visitingangels.com/swohio
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Got pond algae? Nature’s Corner can help
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ackyard ponds are intended to be enjoyed with the beauty of a waterfall flowing into a pond with unique flora like water lilies or taros popping out of the water’s surface. The tranquil sound of the water is what really attracts us to have this kind of backyard feature. We all love it! However, there is a little something that keeps us from truly enjoying all what a backyard pond can be: algae! The folks at Nature’s Corner Greenhouses, the largest retail greenhouse in Delhi Township, have been in the pond business for 25 years and they have some natural, simple solutions for you. Nature’s
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Corner has the expertise and if you follow these simple steps you will be amazed at how beautiful your pond will be with minimal effort on your part. Before you start on these steps make sure you have completed your spring clean out of your pond. This is a necessity much like changing the oil in your car.
teria to “eat or dissolve” waste instead of reacting with sunlight, decomposing and taking oxygen out of your water.
your pond to add fresh water.
dead plant matter you can reach. • Put oxygenator 4. Do realize your pond plants into your pond is not a swimming pool. such as anacharis hornYou are creating an ecowort or parrot’s feather. 2. Do remember algae logical environment that The recommended will be less likely to live in will change with tempera- amounts are 1-bunch per an oxygen-rich environtures and seasons. 50 gallons of water. ment. Create this with • Add floating plants, oxygenating plants, shadNature’s Corner such as water hyacinth or ing plants, fish, filters, believes that the before water lettuce or water water movement and mentioned are basics of lilies to cover 40 to 60 perpumps. good water quality. cent of your water surface However, again we are if your pond is in full sun. Do’s of a successful 3. Do remember natutalking about nature and These plants will help water gardener ral ponds have a fresh anything can happen. shade your water and fish 1. Do put 1-3 inches of water source feeding it to Here are some “nuts and which will reduce algae pea gravel on the bottom maintain balance. You bolts” on keeping the bloom. Their long hairof your pond so beneficial should do the same by problem of algae to a minlike roots will also help to bacteria can grow to neudisplacing 15 to 20 perimum. filter debris suspended in tralize chloramines and cent of your pond water your water. ammonias from fish. every two weeks to • Use barley straw in • Add other water Gravel helps to collect replenish with fresh oxybales or liquid form marginals such as taros, organic debris that settles • Remove by hand or to the bottom to grow bac- genated water. Simply run your garden hose into brush any hair algae or Nature’s Corner, See page 15
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Decorating trends for 2009: Economy, Nature, fashion influences What’s in store for home decorating in 2009? No matter what your taste, you’ll find a hue in the 2009 forecast of popular paint colors to suit your style. Since the average consumer spends two to three months planning a painting project, now is the ideal time to review your options, see what’s predicted to be popular and choose that perfect color. Looking to 2009, color experts are seeing three top drivers of color trends – the economy, nature and fashion. “It’s not surprising that the primary driver of our 2009 color forecast is the economy,” says Donna Schroeder, Dutch Boy color marketing and design manager. “During an economic slowdown, consumers traditionally become more conservative when decorating, oftentimes shifting to neutral colors when painting. However, even with the slower economy, we still expect to see the use of brighter paint colors as accents to the always-popular neutrals.”
In addition to the economy’s influence on consumer color choices, the mainstreaming of the green movement is creating a renewed consciousness and sensitivity to the environment. The focus on bringing the outdoors into the home has once again made its way into the color forecast. The desire to incorporate basic elements of nature into interior design is still very prevalent. In contrast to the two more serious drivers, the economy and nature, consumers still want to have fun when decorating their homes. So, many of the bolder
and brighter clothing and fashion accessory colors seen on the fashion runways and in retail outlets
are also reflected in the forecast.
selling high-priced chemicals versus a bunch of oxygenating plants for $2 a bunch. Nature’s Corner Greenhouses have been in the pond business for a long time and know that you can be successful by following these natural solutions. Nature’s Corner Greenhouses has the largest selection of water plants in the Tri-state area and a varied selection of fish for your backyard pond to be beautiful and enjoyable. They have fish food and other water clearing products that are all safe to use with fish and water plants. Water gardening is only one department at Nature’s Corner Greenhouses. As professional growers of more than 700 varieties of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs, their 2-acre complex is overflowing with colorful offerings. The almost 100-
year-old greenhouses provide an ambiance of quaint old-fashioned and hands-on way of growing flowers. The friendly staff gives personal attention to all customers’ needs. In short, Nature’s Corner is a must visit for any plant enthusiast or novice to experience the beautiful flowers and to share the passion and joys of gardening. And of course in today’s economy everyone wants to get the most for their money. Nature’s Corner truly offers a great value to their customers. Because they grow 99 percent of all the plants they sell, their prices, quality and selection are hard to beat. Repeat customers always comment on “how big and beautiful the plants are for such reasonable prices!” So if you shop other independent garden centers you will be amazed at the values offered at
Nature’s Corner. Unadvertised specials and “Plant of the Week” promos have customers making weekly visits just to see what’s new and different. So if you have a backyard pond or want to plant a vegetable garden or some new annuals or perennials, Nature’s Corner is the place to go. Even if you are a non-gardener and just want to pick up beautiful mixed containers or have your containers “Custom Planted,” Nature’s Corner is the place for you. Your experience will be well worth the trip! Oh, one last thing about Nature’s Corner, make sure you ask them about their “Secret Plant” that actually repels deer! No kidding, customers flock there for this plant. You’ll be happy you visited.
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Nature’s Corner, From page 14 iris, pickerel, clover, etc. for additional coverage. These additional plants will not only add beauty but will provide cover for your fish. • Do not add too many fish to overpopulate your pond. This could cause high ammonias. You may be thinking, “but what about the ‘cure-all’ chemical that I can add and have everything perfect!” The truth is, there is none. If you follow these natural solutions and then occasionally add products like Algaefix or Microbical Lift, you will see an added value. It is harmful to all living creatures in your pond, including fish and plants and other unseen organisms to have a chemically dependent pond. Many retailers will push the use of chemicals because they make more money
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C R E A T I V E
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Tricks for adding curb appeal to your landscape
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ou only get one chance for your home to make a first impression. With a little help from mother nature, you can demand a “Every canvas needs to start fresh and clean,” says James A. Baggett, editor of Country Gardens Magazine. “So roll up your sleeves, stick your hands in the dirt and get ready to personalize your yard with color and style.” With a little ingenuity you can transform a ho-hum landscape into a real stunner with these simple tips that add professionallooking curb appeal to your home:
First things first You can’t enhance anything until you have a clean slate. So mow the lawn, get rid of the weeds, rake up and dispose of any leaves, edge the sidewalks and remove the grass growing between concrete seams and brick pavers. Prune the trees – especially the ones near or touching the roof – and add a layer of dark, natural mulch to any flower beds or under trees.
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Cover up the bald spots Now you need to take a good look at your yard. How can you enhance your best features and minimize your worst? Here’s a great trick: Print photos in black and white and you’ll easily see the problem areas. Determine what “flaws” you want to fix. To update your look, fill empty spaces and add interest to a drab corner or “hide” unsightly spots with colorful, ever-blooming plants like the very popular shrub roses in The Knock Out family.
Put out the welcome mat The entry garden is the most visible garden space and sets the mood for your entire home. Whether formal or relaxed, it should draw your eye toward the front door. Plant a pair of carefully pruned boxwoods on either side of the front door to add symmetry. Add a light fixture that matches the home’s exterior and shows your personal taste.
Contain yourself For those with minimal or no
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yard, or if you just want the elegance and ease of containers, pot up pretty annuals and perennials around your entrance, mailbox or along the front walk. To have striking color year after year, use perennials for fistfuls of continuous blooms that help stretch your dollars. Yellow and red are hot colors this year so plant the newest Sunny Knock Out rose paired with your favorite red annuals to be in step with the latest trends.
Express yourself Decorate a garden with a favorite antique, treasured collectible or statue. Look for objects such as driftwood, rocks or even empty mailboxes to punctuate certain areas. Use color to attract the eye. Paint your front door a bold, welcoming color or try a bright, punchy color on the shutters.
Plan for sustainability Look for plants that are easy to grow, save water and don’t require a lot of work. Pick plants that are native to your area for
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low-maintenance beauty. Ecofriendly shrub roses are a great choice, especially when paired with perennials for year-round color. Baggett thinks shrub roses are perfect for first-time homeowners since they are extremely easy to grow and are low-maintenance. “Shrub roses give you a lot of bang for your buck,” he says. “They are really no work for the homeowner -- and don’t require spraying, harsh chemicals, pruning, deadheading or lots of water. They bloom from May to the first hard frost in the late fall, offering season-long color and visual impact in the home landscape.” The most popular shrub roses are The Knock Out Family of roses. They are available in seven shades ranging from hot raspberry pink to soft yellow, fitting any homeowner’s taste and landscape style while providing continuous year-round curb appeal. Enjoy the days you get outside to renew your yard and garden. You’ll have folks taking a second look.
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