September / October 2023 Northwoods Tahoe

September / October 2023

Serving the Lake Tahoe Region

TAHOE

Carson River, Hope Valley

Photo by Aaron Jones

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR THE CHANGING SEASON

Take advantage of all that fall has to o er, and prepare for what winter may bring. Mountain Hardware and Sports has a wide array of hardware, apparel, outdoor gear and more. Ensuring that you will be prepared for anything the seasons may bring.

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MarshallThurlow

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THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

By Mark McLaughlin

Promoters proclaimed it the “Fight of the Century,” and Nevada residents agreed. The highly touted 1897 bout between America’s heavyweight champion “Gentleman Jim” Corbett and lanky Australian challenger Robert Fitzsimmons promised to bring much needed revenue to the Reno and Carson City economies. Both communities were suffering from a 20-year downturn due to Virginia City’s Comstock mining district; the industry that had given northern Nevada its large economic boost mid-century had played out. This nationally advertised fight between two very popular pugilists promised to bring thousands of boxing fans to the region.

The match had nearly been cancelled when Texas authorities and then California officials refused to host the fight on legal grounds. In response, Nevada quickly passed legislation legalizing boxing, but with a few restrictions: gloves could not be less than four ounces, no alcohol sales, and no fights on Sundays. Immediately, boosters from Reno, Carson City and Virginia City were bidding feverishly for the match. Virginia City businessmen reportedly raised $10,000 to host the extravaganza, but ultimately Carson City won the draw.

The match was scheduled for March 17, 1897 — Saint Patrick’s Day. The month of March along the

Sierra’s eastern slope can be downright wintry, but fight promoters would not wait. Only if clouds ruined the natural lighting needed to film the match, would the fight would be postponed. At first the odds for success looked bleak. On March 16, the day before the fight, the Reno Evening Gazette reported: “This morning was dark and gloomy, and there was a heavy snow storm up in the mountains all day, and the clouds hang heavy over the valley.” Nevadans who opposed the new prizefighting legislation enjoyed the inclement weather and the possibility of a canceled match. But at dawn on fight day there was not a cloud to be seen. The luck of the Irish had held.

The Southern Pacific Railroad had scheduled extra trains out of San Francisco for fight fans traveling to Reno. At Reno, passengers transferred to the Virginia and Truckee Railroad line south to Carson City. Reigning champ, James J. Corbett, had been born in San Francisco in 1862 and therefore attracted a large crowd of supporters from California. Corbett had won the heavyweight championship in 1892 from famed fighter John L. Sullivan, who held the title for 12 years, decisively defeating him in 21 rounds. The public called Corbett “Pompadour” Jim because of his dandified ways; Corbett preferred to call himself “Gentleman” Jim. At the time, many boxers made a living not from fights, but as actors. Purists were disappointed that the handsome Corbett was a “boxing artist,” not a man of power and brawn like John L. Sullivan. Knockout victories by Corbett in 1894 and 1895, however, resolved any questions about his right to hold the title.

Continued on Page 4

A view of C Street in Virginia City. In the distance on the left is the International Hotel. 1900.

Courtesy of Western Nevada Historic Photo Collection

Continued from page 3

English-born Robert Fitzsimmons was a resident of Australia at the time he fought Corbett. While Corbett may have been considered a “Fancy Dan,” Fitzsimmons was described as “a fighting machine on stilts.” He was knock-kneed, tall, skinny, and balding, however, Fitzsimmons was known as “a master of ring strategy”, using quick maneuvers, shifty footwork, and feigns of grogginess to set up rivals for a knockout. Corbett and Fitzsimmons had signed contracts for the fight with the winner receiving $15,000 and the proceeds of side bets worth $5,000 to $10,000. The loser would get $9,000. The prizefight between Corbett and Fitzsimmons was the first licensed, sanctioned fight ever held in the United States. The highly publicized battle drew thousands of spectators to Carson City, but not all were boxing fans. Legendary Gold Hill newspaperman Alf Doten observed that the crowd was thick with “pugs, gamblers, newspaper reporters, scrubs, and prostitutes in plenty.” Dozens of detectives staked out the railroad depots at both Reno and Carson City, searching for pickpockets and confidence men.

Corbett was heavily favored, the odds running ten to six against Fitzsimmons. Locals in Carson City, however, soon discovered that Corbett was aloof and haughty. By contrast, Fitzsimmons was

anything more. I mean what I say and I am going to try one more battle. There is one fight in me yet.” When Sullivan stepped down, Fitzsimmons jumped into the ring, quickly followed by Corbett. Both pugilists received a standing ovation from the crowd. Corbett had a broad smile on his face as he shook the referee’s hand. The cheering and cat-calls continued until official timekeeper Billy Madden hushed the crowd by shouting, “While the contest for the world’s championship is taking place please keep order; there are ladies present.”

Shortly after noon, the two combatants stepped to the center of the ring. Fitzsimmons’ face was expressionless, but at the sound of the gong, Corbett darted forward with a fearsome look of hatred on his face. As the two men circled, sizing each other up with quick feints and short jabs, Corbett assumed his customary “fighting grin” as he settled down to defend his championship. In the first round the fighters exchanged blows to the body and head, but Fitzsimmons held his own against the champ. Anytime either man threw a punch, the crowd cheered with delight. In the second round, the pugilists grinned at each other in a friendly way. When Corbett landed two lefts on Fitzsimmons’ stomach, the crowd yelled “Too low!” Corbett seemed to have the upper hand in the second, but none of his punches landed very hard.

friendly and easygoing and by fight day, locals favored him over Corbett. Thousands of fans jammed the outdoor amphitheater that was built on the infield of the Carson Race Track. The gates opened at 9:30 am and there was an immediate rush to get in. At 10:30, an announcement on behalf of previous title-holder John Sullivan offered the winner of this fight $5,000 to box Sullivan next. The crowd roared its approval and demanded Sullivan approach the ring. Once there, the ex-champ shouted, “There is no necessity of me saying

For the next several rounds, the boxers traded blows, with neither man seeming to gain much of an advantage. (This fight followed the guidelines established by the Marquis of Queensbury. These rules, devised in 1891 to make the sport of boxing more humane, established three weight divisions, limited rounds to three minutes, and made padded gloves mandatory. Until then, bare-knuckle boxing had been very popular in Britain, the U.S., South Africa and Australia.) In the fifth round, Corbett landed a hard blow to Fitzsimmons’ face, splitting the Australian’s lip. The blood soon spattered over the bare chests and shoulders of the fighters, inflaming the crowd to a fever pitch, and only the barbed wire and heavy wooden barriers prevented a rush to ring side by the fanatical fans in the cheap seats. At the end of the eighth round, Corbett’s punches drove Fitzsimmons’ to his knees for eight seconds. Though battered and covered with blood from forehead to waist, Fitzsimmons got to his feet. After a minute’s rest between bells, Fitzsimmons seemed to find renewed

Circa 1900 boxing cards show different fighting styles of the contenders. Photo courtesy of Mark McLaughlin

Continued from page 4

vigor and stepped forward to continue the desperate battle. In the tenth, Corbett continued to batter his opponent’s bloodied face. Fitzsimmons did minimal damage with infrequent body blows. When the gong ended the tenth, Corbett returned to his corner still without a mark on him.

In the eleventh round, however, the battle grew hotter as Corbett became more frustrated that his numerous punches to Fitzsimmons’ head had not slowed his opponent down. In fact, as Corbett began to show fatigue, Fitzsimmons got stronger and started landing more punches. As the champion flagged, Mrs. Fitzsimmons yelled with delight every time her husband landed a blow. In the 12th round, the crowd howled when Corbett missed an uppercut in a clinch. In the 13th, the champion continued to pummel his challenger. It seemed that the Australian was willing to take the punishment in exchange for one good punch. That punch came in the 14th round when Fitzsimmons landed a solid left to Corbett’s solar plexus. The champ staggered, and Fitzsimmons dropped him with a hard right to the jaw. As the crowd roared, the referee slowly counted Corbett out and awarded the fight to Fitzsimmons.

That afternoon, the headline in the Reno Evening Gazette read “Pompadour Jim’s Colors Lowered by the Australian.” Corbett’s dressing room was somber as his friends stopped by to console him. Fitzsimmons assured his fans that he had known all along he would beat the champ. “There was no time I was not sure of winning,” he said. “After the sixth round I told my men that I was going to lick Corbett to a certainty. There is no sense in saying it was a chance blow. It was just the kind of a blow I was waiting for, and when my chance came I sent it home and won the fight.”

Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at www.thestormking.com.

Actual photo of the 1897 Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight in Carson City. Courtesy of the Nevada Historical Society.

Keeping Pets Pest-Free

Naturally curious, many pets sniff and explore other animals and objects, unaware they may expose themselves to potentially harmful parasites and conditions. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 1 in 100 dogs tested positive for heartworm in 2022, and more than 1 in 4 indoor cats were positive for heartworm infection.

External parasites – including fleas, ticks and mites found outdoors or on other animals –and internal parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms can wreak havoc on your pet’s health and well-being. These parasites can feed on dogs and cats, causing health issues that range from minor skin irritation to severe organ damage and even death if left untreated. Some parasites can also be contracted by people, making diagnosis and prevention even more important.

Though prevention is the best approach, treatment is sometimes required. Intervention is most effective when started immediately after a parasite is detected. Work with your veterinarian to tailor a program specific to your dog or cat’s breed, age, behaviors and environmental factors, and consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4 million pets last year, to help prevent parasites in your pets.

Provide preventative medications. Based on their specific risk factors, dogs and cats should be on year-round parasite control programs that treat infections such as heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks and more. Parasite prevention medication options range from topical to injectable and oral.

Visit the vet annually. Yearly visits allow your veterinarian to take note of changes in your pet’s health and alter his or her parasite control program as necessary. Your vet can tell you which parasites to watch for based

on your location, how these parasites can be transmitted, and which preventative products are most appropriate. Additionally, newer, more accurate parasite tests can also identify parasite strains that may affect people and pets. Remember, dogs and cats age faster than humans, so annual exams with diagnostic testing are the equivalent of humans visiting the doctor every 4-5 years.

Watch for warning signs of parasites. Some pets infected with a parasite don’t show any signs of illness. However, common signs of infection include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or blood in your pet’s stools. Coughing or difficulty breathing may also accompany heartworms. Also consult your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews or licks his or her coat or ears, or persistently shakes his or her head. Seeing your vet as soon as possible can get your pet treatment and help prevent spreading the parasite to other animals. Puppies and kittens are especially at risk for parasites since most contract them from their mothers

while nursing and their small size puts them at greater risk for severe illness.

Groom regularly. To reduce the risk of coat contamination and increase the likelihood of catching fleas, ticks and coat abnormalities quickly, be sure to periodically groom your pet, or have him or her professionally groomed. It is particularly important to inspect your dog or cat after playing outside or with other pets.

Clean up after your pet. Since most intestinal parasites spread through contact with feces, it’s crucial to dispose of any waste in your yard or pet’s litter box within 24 hours to avoid exposure and reduce the risk of environmental parasite contamination. A contaminated yard can be a source of exposure for many months as parasites can live in the soil for extended periods of time.

Find more tips for parasite prevention and treatment at VCAhospitals.com

WAYS TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE WAY WE COMMUNICATE

Marshall Thurlow

Technology has drastically changed the way we communicate with each other. In just a few short years, we’ve gone from sending handwritten letters to communicating instantly with anyone in the world via text, email, and social media. Here are six ways technology is continuing to change the way we communicate.

Were Communicating More Often, But in Shorter Bursts

Thanks to the popularity of messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage, we’re now used to being able to contact anyone we want at any time of day. And because we can contact someone instantly, we tend to communicate in shorter bursts than we would if we were sending an email or letter.

This change has been most noticeable in how young people communicate; they’re much more likely to send a quick “text speak” message than write long sentences or phrases.

Bots and AI-powered Assistants are Becoming our New Best Friends

As artificial intelligence gets better at understanding human communication, we’re seeing more AI-powered chatbots and assistants enter the market.

These days, we can talk to our bank’s chatbot about our account balance, ask Alexa for the weather forecast, or chat with a salesperson on a website powered by artificial intelligence. And as AI continues to get better at understanding human communication, these sorts of interactions are only going to become more common.

National Broadband Networks and Fixed Wireless Internet Help Us Stay Connected

In today’s always-on world, it’s more important than ever to be able to stay connected. Whether a person is working from home or keeping in touch with family and friends overseas, NBN and fixed wireless internet from providers like Swoop help them stay connected when it matters most. With super-fast speeds and super-reliable connections, people can do more of what they love without worrying about being disconnected.

Visuals are Becoming Increasingly Important in our Communications

With the rise of visual social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, it’s clear that people are now interested in consuming information that is visually appealing. As we continue to consume more and more visual content online, businesses are going to have to adapt their communications accordingly by incorporating more visuals into their marketing materials, website content, and much more.

We’re Becoming More Open to Communicating with Strangers (at least online)

The rise of social media has made it easier than ever before to connect with people from all over the world who share similar interests. And as online communication becomes more commonplace, we’re becoming less hesitant to reach out and connect with others online (even if we’ve never met them in person).

We Expect Faster Responses to our Communications

With instant messaging apps being so popular these days, we’ve become used to getting near-instant responses to our messages (within seconds or minutes). But when it comes to other forms of communication like email or even phone calls, our expectations haven’t changed all that much; we still expect a reasonably quick response even though it might take hours or even days for someone to get back to us.

All in all, it’s clear that technology is drastically changing the way we communicate with each other. We’re now used to being able to communicate instantly with anyone in the world, but this convenience has come at the cost of longer attention spans and increased expectations for prompt responses.

As businesses try to keep up with these changes, they will need to pay closer attention to what consumers are saying and how they are saying it. After all, it’s not just what we say that matters, but how we say it too.

Calendar of Events

October - November 2023

Truckee

Oct 7, 2023

20TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN TRUCKEE WINE, WALK & SHOP

https://truckeewinewalk.com/

The Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk and Shop, which began 20 years ago in 2004, is an annual event that takes place in historic downtown Truckee, California. Since its very first year, the event has become a beloved autumn tradition celebrating the town’s unique history, culture, and community. Join us for this iconic fall event in beautiful downtown Truckee. Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass to sample wine at 30+ venues as well as delicious bite-sized snacks at a variety of downtown restaurants and merchants, plus a map to all participating venues. Truckee is a town of beckoning doorways, history and lively events. Let your appetite for wine, shopping, food and music be your guide as you join us for our 20th Anniversary Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk and Shop!

Oct 12, 2023

TRUCKEE’S HISTORICAL HAUNTED TOUR

http://www.truckeehistorytour.org/

Join us for a BIG LIFE Connections event for one of the best events in Truckee - the Truckee Historical Haunted Tour! This event sold out in one day, but we have a limited amount of tickets for our own private BIG LIFE posses. We’ll have two private posses of 16, starting at 6:15 p.m. and then 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 12. Participants will have a blast with one of their storytelling guides to visit 6 historic sites, enjoy period music and live enactments of stories. All participants must be 21 years of age. ID required

Oct 15, 2023

28TH ANNUAL TRUCKEE RIVER DAY & FAIR

http://www.truckeeriverwc.org/

Join us for a day of river, meadow and wetland restoration. You will work side-by-side with other volunteers to plant native vegetation, improve wildlife habitat, and protect sensitive areas. Sponsored by the TRUCKEE RIVER

WATERSHED COUNCIL. Pre-registration opens in mid-September. Projects start at either 9am or 11am and end between 2-3pm at various locations around the watershed. Also join us at the Truckee River Day Fair at Granite Flat Campground from 1pm to 4pm to celebrate the Truckee River! All are welcome. Live entertainment, environmental education activities, art projects and more!

North Lake Tahoe

Oct 7, 2023

A LIAR’S CRUISE

https://sierrastateparks.org/events/a-liars-cruise

Welcome autumn with our 8th annual park fundraising cruise! Enjoy spellbinding stories (true or false, you decide!), fine wine, and individual charcuterie boxes. A no-host bar will be available. A live auction of marvelous treasures and experiences will be offered, benefiting the Sierra State Parks Foundation. Seating is limited and reservations are required. We highly recommend guests arrive at 3:30 pm as the boat leaves sharply at 4 pm!

Oct 8, 2023

MADE IN TAHOE FESTIVAL FALL 2023

https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities events-calendar/made-in-tahoe-fall

Made in Tahoe celebrates all things LOCAL. The Village at Palisades Tahoe will host a wide array of offerings that are made in or inspired by the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee areas: local artisans, businesses, chefs, organizations, and entertainers. Discover, explore, and experience our rich community full of talented creators while enjoying a variety of local feed and beer.

NOv 3, 2023

33RD ANNUAL TAHOE CHOCOLATE & WINE FESTIVAL

https://one.bidpal.net/tahoechocolatefestival/welcome

We are excited to celebrate Sierra Community House’s achievements together with a delightful evening of decadent chocolate creations, wine tasting, heavy appetizers, music, exciting auctions, and an engaging program. This year’s theme is Glitter and Gold, promising a glamorous and festive evening. Sponsorships and tickets are still available. For all questions, contact Allison at aedwards@ sierracommunityhouse.org.

South Lake Tahoe

Oct 5-14, 2023

THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL PLAY

https://www.blackicetheatreco.com/

Black Ice Theatre Co. presents the hilarious and horrific play “The House on Haunted Hill,” based on the 1959 Vincent Price classic film and written by San Francisco-based playwright Tommy Jamerson. Performances take place October 5–14 at the South Tahoe Association of Realtors located at 2307 James Ave. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. except for the Sunday, October 8 performance, which begins at 2:30 p.m. with doors opening at 2 p.m. The show runs about two hours with one 15-minute intermission. The House on Haunted Hill tells the twisted tale of millionaire Frederick Lauren, his fourth wife Annabelle, and five, money-hungry guests who will each receive fifty thousand dollars if they stay in a supposedly haunted house until sunrise. Filled with double-crosses, jilted lovers, a wicked sense of humor, and a restless spirit or two, Haunted Hill proves to be a night you’ll never forget. Black Ice Theatre Co is very excited to produce this horror-comedy just in time for spooky season! The show pays homage to the original film but delivers plenty of new twists and turns. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll scream! Black Ice has transformed the South Tahoe Realtors Association space into a scary and frightful theatrical space! Black Ice is also proud to present a few new faces to the acting scene.The production is recommended for ages 13 and up as there is some language and adult content. We also warn anyone with light sensitivity that there are some strobe light effects throughout the show. Adult and student tickets for the production are on sale now through Black Ice’s website: blackicetheatreco.com/shopnow. A portion of your ticket purchases will go to the Barbara Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded to South Tahoe High graduating students.

NOv 17-19, 2023

ANNUAL VALHALLA HOLIDAY FAIRE

https://valhallatahoe.com/holiday-faire/

28th Annual Valhalla Holiday Faire. This event is FREE! Join us in the Valhalla Grand Hall for this annual, three day holiday celebration and craft fair! Check out more than 30 local vendors, enjoy holiday music and goodies! November 17 – 19, 2023.

• Friday, November 17, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Friday Only – Listen to live music while you shop! The first night of the faire is geared more toward adults than kids. Members Only preview will be at 3:00 pm.

• Saturday, November 18, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Bring the little ones down to get pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus in front of a roaring fire!

• Sunday, November 19, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Bring the little ones down to get pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus in front of a roaring fire!

For 25 years, Valhalla Tahoe has hosted an annual Hol-

iday Faire at the Heller Estate for the enjoyment of the community. Valhalla Tahoe and our volunteers celebrate the season by decking the Grand Hall for everyone’s enjoyment. A favorite tradition for many local families, you can get a glimpse of Tahoe’s past while shopping for hand-made crafts, taking free photos with Mr. and Mrs Claus, and enjoying local entertainment and holiday libations. Tahoe’s Children’s Choirs line the balcony to sing holiday songs throughout the day.

Reno

Oct 7-8, 2023

THE ROW’S GREAT ITALIAN FESTIVAL

https://www.caesars.com/the-row-reno/events/ great-italian-festival

THE ROW’s Great Italian Festival transforms downtown Reno into Little Italy with a grape stomp, an Italian farmers market, food booths and incredible free, live entertainment all weekend long. Admission is free for this family-friendly event.

Oct 7-8, 2023

WORLD FAMOUS OUTHOUSE RACES

https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/event-directory

POP A CORK &

WIN AN ATV OR

This is one time and place where potty humor is accepted and encouraged – the annual World Championship Outhouse Races. This free event dates back to when outdoor plumbing was outlawed in Virginia City, angry residents took to the streets with their outhouses in protest, and a tradition was born. This hilarious event pits teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other in an all-out potty race pushing their homemade outhouses down C Street toward the toilet paper finish line to claim the latrine title.

Oct 21, 2023

RENO ZOMBIE CRAWL

https://crawlreno.com/event/zombiecrawl/

Who knew the afterlife was this much fun? Named by USA Today as one of the 10 Best Costumed Halloween Parties in the Nation, and Redbook as the best way to celebrate Halloween in all of Nevada, The Reno Zombie Crawl is one of the biggest bar crawls in the world! With an average of 40 different bars including four different resort casinos, all within walking distance and no last call, nobody crawls like Reno and this is the night you don’t want to miss! Get your cup. Get your costume. Get ready for a good time!

Carson Valley

Oct 14, 2023

TOWN OF GENOA, OKTOBERFEST

https://www.genoanevada. org/visitors/events.php

Get in the mood for Fall as you support the Town of Genoa in this annual fundraiser event! Come to the Genoa Town Park on October 14th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm for live music, craft vendors, food, beer, and more! This event is free to attend. For more information, you can contact the Town of Genoa at 775-782-8696 or visit their website. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for news and updates!

Oct 14-15, 2023

CARSON VALLEY ART TOUR

https://sites.google.com/ view/cv-art-studio-tour

You’ve invited! Visit 15 studios and 5 galleries, meet local artists, and purchase original art. Bring your family and friends for a fun weekend of amazing scenery and a wide variety of art. The Tour map will be available in September at www.CVASTour.org, or at the Carson Valley Arts Council and local galleries.

Oct 27-28, 2023

NEVADA DAY WEEKENED

https://nevadaday.com/

Each October, Nevadans turn their attention to the state capital, Carson City, home of the “official” Nevada Day Parade. Since 1938, the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City has been an annual coming together to celebrate Nevada’s heritage and the founding of this great state on October 31, 1864! This holiday is dedicated to celebrating the resilience of Nevadans throughout their years of hardship and paying respect to the people responsible for their admission to the United States. Here in Carson City we celebrate our birthday big all weekend long!

CA Foothills

Oct 7, 2023

PLACERVILLE OKTOBERFEST

https://visit-eldorado.com/event/ main-street-oktoberfest/

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Placerville at this free event from 3-9 pm on Main Street by the Bell Tower! It will feature all the classic Oktoberfest favorites. This is a family friendly, free event! We’re bringing a little bit of Bavaria to Main Street! Fresh bratwurst dinner plates, warm German pretzels, cold beer and outstanding local wines will be available for you to enjoy. There will be a Kid’s Zone with lots of activities for all ages.

NOv 24, 2023

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

https://www.placervillemerchants.org/

Start the holiday season off with a magical night in downtown Placerville! The Placerville community gathers each year, filling Main Street with family, friends, and neighbors to share the magical moment when we kick off the Holiday Season with the Christmas tree’s lighting. Shops are open late, restaurants are ready to serve you, and entertainment will be on the street. It is a very sweet and simple tradition we hold dear. Come early, parking can be a challenge, but it is so worth it!

Amplify Autumn Curb Appeal Projects to Tackle this Fall

With lower temperatures and milder conditions, fall provides a perfect opportunity to tackle that home renovation to-do list. Whether you plan on making minor improvements or wholesale changes are on the horizon, taking on a few DIY projects can help you boost your home’s curb appeal (and its value) while also prepping for colder weather in the days ahead.

Making investments now – like putting time and money toward longterm energy efficiency – can pay off down the road, whether you’re planning for a potential sale or simply looking to get more enjoyment out of your home. Plus, many exterior upgrades can be completed by homeowners, meaning there’s no need to hire a professional when it’s time to give your home a refresh.

Beautify those dull areas, boost resale value and add comfort with these ideas from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products, a manufacturer of high-quality, low-maintenance products.

Add or Replace Shutters

As a classic exterior design element, shutters can add instant charm to your home. With a variety of materials and colors to choose from, you can add shutters that suit your style and budget to give your home a more polished look. If it’s already adorned with shutters, consider updating them with newer styles for a fresh appearance.

Upgrade with Stone Veneer

Natural and textured home trends continue to rise, leading many building pros and homeowners to gravitate toward stone veneer, or manufactured stone, as it can replicate the look of real stone. The wide range of exterior and interior applications means you can add

comfort, character and beauty while complementing your existing style. Consider an option like Versetta Stone from Westlake Royal Building Products, which offers homeowners an authentic, hand-crafted look in a panelized format that’s easy to install with nails and screws. There’s no need to paint, coat or seal once installed for a low-maintenance solution for accent walls, fireplaces, siding, entryways and walkways.

Refresh Porch Columns

Routine cleaning is one way to maintain porch columns, but if they’re rotting or splitting, consider PVC porch column wraps for a visual transformation. Easy and often affordable, they’re durable and decorative to fit existing columns or poles and can be painted to match your exterior color palette. They’re resistant to pests, moisture and weather damage for long-lasting and nearly maintenance-free upgrades.

Invest in Insulated Siding

Good insulation is key to keeping your home warm, cozy and weather-proof during colder months. While there are many ways to upgrade the insulation of your house, some homeowners are turning to insulated siding for a long-term solution. Long-lasting, weather-proof, durable and aesthetically pleasing, CraneBoard Solid Core Siding from Westlake Royal Building Products offers a costefficient way to beat the cold. It’s low maintenance, built to last and withstands temperature fluctuations and hurricane force winds for a highly functional option to keep cold out for years to come.

Update the Driveway

Whether you’re looking to make some simple updates or it’s time for a complete renovation, showing your driveway some love can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. Adding an address post with a hanging basket or planting trees, shrubbery or flowers along the sides lends immediate aesthetic improvement. For added low-light visibility and visual appeal, install lights along the perimeter to help the greenery stand out in the evening. If you’re ready for a major overhaul, consider upgrading the driveway using cobblestone, pavers or stamped concrete.

To find more ways to boost curb appeal this fall, visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts. com.