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Complimentary FIRST Issue of FEBRUARY 2015
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February 6, 2015
EDITOR
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February 6, 2015
February 6, 2015
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February 6, 2015
February 6, 2015
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8 • February 6, 2015
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Greeting card history and etiquette Billions of greeting cards are sold and exchanged each year, and Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year to give a loved one a greeting card. The Greeting Card Association says 145 million Valentine’s Day units are sold in the United States each year. The association says seven out of 10 surveyed card buyers consider greeting cards to be essential to them, and are passing on the greeting card tradition to
younger generations. Though the tradition of exchanging greeting cards is still going strong, few may know the history and etiquette behind this time-tested tradition.
Over time, greeting cards were exchanged for various reasons, and by the 1850s greeting cards were transformed from handmade, expensive purchases to relatively affordable means of personal communication and well-wishing.
Greeting card history The tradition of exchanging greeting cards can be traced back to ancient China, where people exchanged messages of good will to celebrate the New Year.
Valentine’s Day greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages, when they were sung or spoken aloud to special people. Cards were popularized in the 1400s, and the oldest
known Valentine created during this era is on display in the British Museum in London. Valentines were initially made by hand, but by the end of the 1800s, the process of making cards was handled by machinery. Esther Howland, an American printer and artist, was SRI SJ XLI ½VWX XS TYFPMWL and sell valentines in the United States.Yet it took a few more years for a card company to manufacture and distribute valentines. Keeping cards Although there are no rules governing just how long to keep and display a card, most people keep XLIQ JSV ½ZI XS WIZIR HE]W Some special occasion cards, such as milestone birthdays or religious rites of passage, may warrant holding on to the card for posterity. However, the length of time cards are kept is entirely at the discretion of the recipient. Etiquette Sending cards requires a little know-how. If you’re taking the time to send a greeting card, make sure it looks like you put some effort into its selection. Be sure your card list is continually updated with new addresses and contact information. If you do so regularly, it’s easier to send cards when the time comes. Ensure greeting cards will arrive on time by mailing them out a week or two before the special day. Few things are worse than a card arriving late and seeming like an afterthought. Address cards by hand and sign them personally. Although desktop printers can make fast work of card mailings, writing things out by hand is a special touch that indicates you care. Personal greeting cards for close friends and family members may also deserve an extra special touch, like including a custom message or a photograph. Greeting cards are about expressing sentiments to special people in your life. They’re popular on Valentine’s Day and all year long to commemorate holidays and special occasions. T
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February 6, 2015 • 9
The first steps toward financing your next vehicle · Seek preapproval for a loan. Much like you might get preapproved for a mortgage, you can do the same with regard to an automotive loan.Walking into a dealership preapproved for a loan can make the process less of a hassle, and it also might compel a dealer to make a more attractive offer than the lender who preapproved you. · Don’t pressure yourself. Many buyers are their own worst enemies when it comes to buying a new car. If you were preapproved for an auto loan, you might feel like you need to go out and buy a new car imme-
When purchasing a new car, many buyers HIGMHI XS ½RERGI VEXLIV XLER FY]MRK XLI car outright. Financing allows drivers the opportunity to drive a new car after making an initial down payment and then making monthly payments until the loan has been paid in full.
discrepancies or blemishes that need to be addressed. If your credit score is low, try to delay buying a new car until you can take steps to improve your score. Such steps may include paying down existing debt, establishing a history of paying on time and making certain that any inaccuracies are removed.
;MXLSYX XLI STXMSR XS ½RERGI QER] HVMZers may not be able to afford a brand new car or even a preowned car with relatively few miles that’s more reliable than an older used car with a considerable amount of miles. But before prospective buyers visit the ½RERGMRK HITEVXQIRXW SJ ER] HIEPIVWLMTW MX´W FIWX XS ½VWX XEOI WSQI WXITW XS IRWYVI XLI] KIX XLI FIWX ½RERGMRK HIEP TSWWMFPI
· Determine how much you can afford. It might be your dream to tool around town in an imported sports car, but if you need XS ½RERGI ]SYV RI\X GEV GLERGIW EVI XLI high-end imports or luxury automobiles are more than you can afford.The greater the down payment you make, the less your monthly payment will be. So if you have a substantial amount of money in your savings, you may want to put more down at signing WS ]SYV FYHKIX MW QSVI ¾I\MFPI QSRXL to-month. Calculate the cost of all of your monthly expenses to determine how much you can afford to pay for a car each month. And don’t forget that insurance costs on a brand new vehicle will be more than the costs of insuring a preowned car or truck.
· Address your credit score.Your credit score will go a long way toward determinMRK FSXL ]SYV IPMKMFMPMX] XS ½RERGI E GEV EW well as the interest rate on the loan should you be approved. Get a copy of your credit report from a credit reporting agency and scour it to determine if there are any
Things to know about motor oil When it comes to taking care of their vehicles, many motorists prefer to be overly cautious.While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, there are times when being too cautious can unnecessarily cost you money. Motor oil, and when to change that oil, has long been a point of contention. Many drivers grew up being told that motor oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. However, that myth has been debunked for many of today’s vehicles, which should come with suggested intervals between oil changes. According to Edmunds.com, in 2010 the average interval for oil changes was 7,800 miles. In addition to changing a car’s motor oil less frequently, there are other things drivers should know about motor oil.
* Oil does not necessarily need to be changed before a long trip.Taking a trip? While it’s good to have your car examined before embarking, if the recommended oil change interval is not up, then you do not need to preemptively change your oil. Such a change is likely unnecessary and will not improve the performance of your vehicle during the trip. * Black oil does not necessitate a change. Conventional wisdom once suggested if the oil on the dipstick is black then it needs to be changed. But nowadays automotive professionals are noting that black oil is doing its job and different additives might be changing the oil’s color, which means the oil doesn’t need to be changed. * Consider an earlier oil change after buying a new
vehicle. Sometimes a new vehicle will need an oil GLERKI EJXIV MXW ½VWX miles. However, this does not mean your vehicle will need one every 3,000 miles. According to Blackstone Laboratories, who study motor oil, oil samples taken from engines during their initial 3,000 miles of driving had elevated metal levels from the camshafts and pistons.These elevated levels will not necessarily be harmful, but some auto manufacturers recommend a shorter initial interval just to be safe. Honda, however, includes an anti-wear additive in their break-in oil and advises against changing their oil early. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if it’s best to change your oil after the initial 3,000 miles or to let it go until the recommended interval. T
diately.While a preapproval may mandate that you buy a car within a certain amount of days before you have to reapply, that still gives you a considerable amount of time to ½RH E GEV -J ]SY TVIWWYVI ]SYVWIPJ XS FY] E new car, you may end up driving the wrong vehicle or paying too much. Be patient when shopping for the best deal, and you’re more PMOIP] XS ½RH MX Financing is a great way to get behind the wheel of your next vehicle. Some careful planning before visiting the dealership can QEOI E ½RERGMRK HIEP IZIR FIXXIV T
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Tips for selling a car potential buyers is a car that looks good. Home shoppers don’t want to buy a dilapidated shack, and car buyers don’t want to buy a car with a bad paint job and a cracked windshield. Such things suggest to prospective buyers that you didn’t care enough to maintain the vehicle, and they will certainly assume you neglected what’s under the hood as well. Get the vehicle detailed and wash it at least once a week until it’s sold.
Selling a car is not always so easy.Vehicle owners are well aware that a new vehicle’s value is drastically diminished the moment it is driven off the dealership’s lot. As a result, sellers often don’t know where to begin when the time comes to sell their vehicles. Vehicle owners typically put a car up for sale because they feel they can get more for it from a private citizen than they will get from a dealership as a trade-in. But before listing a car or truck for sale, owners should consider a few factors. Sale price Vehicle owners typically emphasize sale price more than anything when they decide to sell their car.Though sale price bears considerable weight, guides such as the Kelley Blue Book, which sellers and buyers can access for free online, will likely dictate the sale price, even if the seller feels such guides undervalue their vehicle. Buyers know all about these guides, and will be reticent to pay more than what these guides suggest is the value of the car. But there is always room to negotiate. Sellers should, if the car is in pristine condition, set a sale price above the suggested value so, if buyers do want to bargain, the sale price ends up being closer to the suggested value and
not substantially below. Make the vehicle a better buy Particularly in today’s economy, buyers are looking to get more and more for their money.This actually helps sellers, as buyers are now more inclined to buy a used vehicle because it might prove a better value than a brand new car that immediately diminishes in value the moment buyers sign on the dotted line. That said, there are numerous ways sellers can increase their vehicle’s curb appeal. First and foremost, sellers should always address any mechanical issues before putting a vehicle up for sale. For example, if the car is having transmission troubles or the brakes are wearing down, don’t put the vehicle up for sale until those things are taken care SJ -J ]SY HSR´X [ERX XS ½\ problems, then you must disclose this information to prospective buyers, which will certainly reduce the amount of money you will get for the car. When addressing what’s under the hood, change XLI SMP VITPEGI XLI EMV ½PXIV (which often improves the ride considerably), check tire TVIWWYVI ERH MR¾EXI XLI XMVIW as needed. Aside from mechanical issues, another big plus to
In addition to addressing the exterior, clean the interior as well.Vehicle owners tend to live in their cars, and it shows. Clean coffee stains from cup holders and remove all trash from the vehicle, including anything that has accumulated under the seats, in the cushions and even in the trunk over the years. Remove all excess items from the trunk, as buyers are typically impressed by a spacious trunk. Once stains and trash have been removed, shampoo the carpets and seats and vacuum the car thoroughly. It’s amazing how easily a vehicle’s interior can be transformed with a little elbow grease, and buyers are always impressed by a clean interior. And don’t forget to hang a pleasant -- but not overbearing -- air freshener from the rearview mirror. Prove your maintenance record Sellers who have diligently kept records of their vehicle’s maintenance should present these records to prospective buyers.This will indicate you were a responsible owner and give buyers a feeling of security about the purchase. If you did not keep records but strictly adhered to a maintenance schedule, contact the auto body shop where work was performed to see if they have any records. Most records are stored in a computer system, so this isn’t necessarily a long shot, especially if maintenance was performed at a dealership. Selling a car won’t necessarily be easy in the current economic climate, but sellers can employ a host of strategies to make their vehicle more appealing to prospective buyers. T
Advice from the Pros The average age of a personal vehicle on the road today is more than 11 years, according to recent news reports. In tough economic times, it’s natural to rein in spending. But the experts EX XLI RSRTVS½X 2EXMSREP Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) warn that putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring service intervals is false economy. Small issues can morph into more expensive repairs. For example, failure to replace worn brake pads or a faulty oxygen sensor -both relatively easy services JSV UYEPM½IH EYXS XIGLRMGMERW -- can result in expensive brake rotor service or costly replacement of the vehicle’s catalytic converter.
modern equipment in the service bays.
handles your type of repair work.
* Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions.
* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
* Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. * Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually
* Look for evidence of UYEPM½IH XIGLRMGMERW XVEHI WGLSSP HMTPSQEW GIVXM½GEXIW of advanced course work, ERH GIVXM½GEXMSR F] %7) T
Frequently neglected items include oil changes, tire and brake service, wheel EPMKRQIRX EMV ERH JYIP ½PXIVW and transmission service, EGGSVHMRK XS %7) GIVXM½IH auto technicians. Besides, a well-maintained vehicle gets better gasoline mileage, pollutes less, is safer to operate, and lasts longer than one that’s neglected, notes ASE. To help consumers choose E VITEMV WLST XLEX ½XW XLIMV needs, ASE offers the following checklist: * Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and
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12 • February 6, 2015
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Add upcycling to your home improvement tools Upcycling is not just for craft projects — it offers lots of possibilities to make changes in your home décor, especially cabinets and furniture that will save money and reduce your contribution to the local PERH½PP ;SSHGVEJX GER LIPT you with upcycling ideas, TVSHYGXW ERH EHZMGI *SV XLI TEWX ]IEV ;SSHcraft retail stores have hosted upcycling demonstrations
on the third Saturday of the month to help customers discover the potential for upcycling in their home TVSNIGXW “To support this upcycling IJJSVX ;SSHGVEJX GSQ EHHed an Upcycling Resource Center to our website
LXXT [[[ [SSHGVEJX GSQ QIHME YTG]GPMRK EWT\ XS MRtroduce viewers to upcycling and announce demo topics and dates,” Vince Grlovich,
vice president for sales and QEVOIXMRK WEMH ±:MI[IVW can also watch a segment of Lifetime’s Designing Spaces [LIVI ;SSHGVEJX TVSHYGX development manager Kent Harpool shows host Aliane Baquerot how to create a WLIPJ JVSQ E [SSHIR TEPPIX ² &SXL ;SSHGVEJX´W 4MRXIVIWX TEKI [[[ TMRXIVIWX GSQ woodcraftsupply/upcyGPMRK ERH -RWXEKVEQ KEPPIV]
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Jewelry Armoire Makeover -RWTMVIH F] XLI YTG]GPMRK XVIRH QER] ;SSHGVEJX employees have completed projects, including marketing manager Lori Haught, who transformed a 1980s Jewelry %VQSMVI WII TLSXS MRXS E more stylish, modern piece JSV LIV FIHVSSQ 7LI KEZI it a new coat of paint, new WMPZIV KPEWW TYPPW ERH ¾SGOMRK SR XLI HVE[IV MRXIVMSVW =SY can see the entire process F] ZMWMXMRK ;SSH[SVOMRK Adventures and searching for “The Jewelry Armoire 1EOISZIV ²
Although each coat was allowed to dry overnight because of other commitments, the actual time required between coats MW X[S XS JSYV LSYVW +IP stains come in 12 other colors including the popular NEZE 8[S GSEXW SJ +IRIVEP *MRMWLIW ,MKL 4IVJSVQERGI 7EXMR ;EXIV &EWIH 8ST 'SEX [IVI ETTPMIH RI\X To prep for the new LEVH[EVI +SPHIR 3EO ;EXIV &EWI *EQS[SSH Filler was used to plug screw LSPIW 1SVI GLMWIPMRK [EW VIUYMVIH FIJSVI E TEMV SJ ¹ ² < ¹ ² 7EXMR 2MGOIP 7XST ,MRKIW GSYPH FI MRWXEPPIH
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8LI PF TSVXEFPI 5YMOBENCH™ is a lightweight, easy-to-set-up workbench capable of holding up to 300 PFW 'SRZIVX X[S 5YMO&IJSVI VI¾SGOMRK XLI BENCHES to sawhorses, drawers, Bulls Eye Sealcoat Universal Sanding Sealer was and together they will hold applied to the interior of the YT XS PFW 8[S SV more benches can be conHVE[IVW ERH XLI HMZMHIVW nected together to form a ;IEVMRK ER %RXM 1MGVS[SVOWXEXMSR )EGL FIRGL LEW bial Dust Mask and 6 mil 1IHMYQ 4S[HIV *VII 2MXVMPI E ² [MHI F] ¹ ² STIRMRK vise and a 15-amp, circuit %R -V[MR 1EVTPIW &PYI 'LMT Gloves, Lori applied Light protected, three-outlet Blue Donjer Flocking, using a Chisel was used for the dispower strip, plus four plastic (SRNIV 1MRM *PSGOIV assembly that was required FIRGL HSKW to add new hardware and Reassembly of the armoire make other changes to required System Three To support this 0SVM´W EVQSMVI 1MRYXI )TS\] ERH E upcycling effort, &IWWI] / &SH] 6):3 .V ² To remove the residue 7MRKPI 4EVEPPIP 'PEQT Woodcraft.com JVSQ SPH ½RMWLIW ERH TSPMWL Lori chose Norton Soft added an Upcycling Touch Medium 120-180 Grit Other Popular Resource Center to Sanding Sponges for the Upcycling our website (http:// contour detailed areas and Products www.woodcraft. 4VITTMR ;IETSR 7ERHMRK Blocks, loaded with Mirka com/media/upcy%FVERIX ¹ ² \ ² 7ERHMRK Soy-Gel is a 100 percent cling.aspx) 7LIIXW JSV ¾EX EVIEW 3RGI biodegradable, virtually XLI WERHMRK [EW ½RMWLIH SHSVPIWW GSEXMRK VIQSZIV all the pieces were cleaned Restor-A-Finish can be used with General Finishes FurTo learn more about to clean and restore the niture Cleaner using handy these and other upcycling PYWXIV XS E GPIEV ½RMWL EW 7XEV ;MTIVW VEKW well as hide minor issues like products, visit your local Three coats of General Finishes Black Gel Stain [IVI ETTPMIH XS XLI EVQSMVI
WGVEXGLIW -X [MPP EPWS VIQSZI [EXIV VMRKW Milk paint is a popular coat-
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February 6, 2015 • 13
6F?R 6MSJB 8MSP ,MRFCP 2?W Contractors and Home Repairs By S.D. Shapiro In the fast paced 21st century we’ve traded common sense for the ability to quickly look up information on the internet. We’ve forgotten our manners and civility. How do we get back to our roots? Can we get back? Food for thought . . .
Get references from would-be workmen. Never accept,“I did a job for soand-so three towns away.” You want to be able to call people you know; friends, neighbors, or people you know. If that is not possible you will need to check with other resources such as the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, or even professional licensing boards depending on the work you need done.
For every good contractor or handyman there seems to be a dozen bad ones. The horror stories multiply exponentially. Here are a couple helpful hints to avoid falling into a money pit of bad or shoddy repairs.
%RSXLIV WYVI½VI [E] XS judge a contractor is to take a look at your potential contractor’s boots or their truck. If their boots are dilapidated you may want to reconsider that handyman. The way a person takes care of their shoes is a good
barometer of how they take care of things in their life. The same holds true for their truck. If their truck PSSOW PMOI E VSPPMRK PERH½PP then pass on that contractor. If cans and bottles fall out of their truck then move on to the next contractor. A written estimate is another key item that will help protect you against nefarious handymen. Make sure the estimate is legible and preferably on letter head that has the contractor’s contact information. Reinforce the estimate with a contract describing the work. This will ensure that all parties know what they are responsible to do. Make sure that your paperwork
MRGPYHIW XLI WXEVX ERH ½RMWL dates. This will avoid the ever present,“two weeks,” that all contractor’s seem to tell time by. Further protect yourself by asking to see contractor’s insurance credentials. All legitimate contractors should carry a healthy dose of liability coverage and should be able to provide this information quickly. If they hem or haw you may want to consider another contractor. The lynchpin of all contractor dealings is payment. Payment is one of the items that should be laid out in your contract. Some contractors will request some money down. Making a down payment of 25% or one third the total is not unheard of. If the contractor asks for all the money up front, then run the other way. Also, do not fall victim to contractors who pressure you for the money. Their work will take time. Pay them when the task is completed. Keep in mind, you are letting these contractor’s
into your home, your castle. Hopefully you have hired a true craftsperson and they care as much about your home and project as you do. Remember, you set the rules. If you want contractor to remove their shoes then their shoes should be removed. It is still your
house and your rules. When it comes down to hiring the right contractor stop and think,“What would my mother say?” She would say, “Remember, it’s right to tight and left to loosen. Is this project something you could do yourself?” T
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Find the best bank for you
Some people may not give much thought to where they do their banking, but much like no two account holders are the same, no two banks are the same, either.That reality only highlights the importance men and women must place on ½RHMRK E FERO XLEX FIWX WYMXW their particular needs. In banking, what’s good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. IndividYEPW LSTMRK XS ½RH XLI FIWX bank for their needs can consider a host of factors before deciding just where it is they will be depositing their money in the years to come. · Accessibility: Accessibility is many individuals’ biggest priority when it comes to ½RHMRK E FERO 0EVKI FEROW tend to have more local branches and ATMs, and such banks tend to be in more regions of the country as well. Men and women who travel for business or
even young people who go to school away from LSQI QE] [ERX XS ½RH E bank with a more national presence, as that can make it easier to deposit and withdraw money. If you don’t travel much and only seem to withdraw money within your community, then a smaller, local bank, which should be able to offer the same direct deposit services as its larger competitors, may be what you’re looking for.
...find a bank that offers accounts with a low minimum balance so you don’t end up paying penalties just to spend your own money.
· Capability: Some people TVIJIV XS LEZI EPP SJ XLIMV ½nancial needs catered to by the same bank.This means a bank that can manage your investments, provide a line of credit and secure home, vehicle or educaXMSR PSERW 0EVKIV FEROW tend to offer the widest array of services, and such banks also may have more advanced technology that makes it easier to manage all of your accounts. Smaller banks may be just as versatile with regard to their capabilities, so don’t judge a book by its cover.
Choosing a bank is an important decision... · Balances: Banks typically require account holders maintain a minimum balance on both their checking and savings accounts. If ]SY XLMRO MX QE] FI HMJ½GYPX for you to maintain a LMKLIV FEPERGI ½RH E FERO that offers accounts with a low minimum balance so you don’t end up paying penalties just to spend your own money. · Fees: Even accounts that are advertised as “free” tend to come with fees XLEX EVI PMWXIH MR XLI ½RI print. For example, a “free” checking account may only be free if account holders maintain a minimum balance of $1,000 or more. Should that balance dip below the predetermined minimum, account holders are then subject to costly fees. Overdraft fees, in which account holders are charged a substantial fee if they do not have enough money in their accounts to cover their purchases, are another potentially costly problem for men and women who are not accustomed to monitoring their balances closely. Before opening an account, learn if there are any fees associated with it, and what’s the best way to avoid paying those fees, such as using SRP] %81W EJ½PMEXIH [MXL your bank or purchasing overdraft protection that covers you in the case of an overdraft. Choosing a bank is an important decision, and identifying your needs is a great way to make the best decision possible. T
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February 6, 2015 • 15
Letter’s and Soda’s: The new Chocolate’s and Flower’s? By Carly Proulx I can’t remember the last time I had a crush, I mean a real old fashioned crush. 8LI OMRH [LIVI FYXXIV¾] wings go berserk against XLI MRWMHIW SJ ]SYV WXSQEGL QEOMRK ]SY [ERX XS up-chuck kind of crush.The mere mention of his or her REQI WIRHMRK XLI ¾SSV XS JEPP FIRIEXL ]SY ERH XLI skies to open wide kind of crush.You know the one. For me these kinds of crushes ended after the summer of seventh grade when the ETTPI SJ Q] TYFIWGIRX I]I bought me a grape soda EX XLI PSGEP FS[PMRK EPPI] Right before he moved XS 3LMS 1] IMKLXL KVEHI class contained nine girls, ERH XLVII FS]´W -QEKMRI our school dances after the SPHIV GSSPIV OMH´W ¾IH XS high school. A little insight; I went to Catholic school for NYRMSV LMKL 'SRWIUYIRXP] ER] E HERGMRK HYS [SYPH´ZI ½X E GLETIVSR MR FIX[IIR their arm length’s stance, no problem. It was slim pickings JSV XLI PEH] JSPO XLEX PEWX ]IEV EX 7X .SLR XLI &ETXMWX but I’d bet a box of chocolates the three odd men out didn’t too much mind. High school is high school. 7SQI SJ YW LMX XLI NEGO TSX IEVP] SR ½RHMRK SYV TVMRGI charming and Cinderella amongst the sea of nerds, jocks, hipster’s, and the ever so envied “popular” people. For the rest of us, college is a new beginning. A chance to get real in the world with ourselves, and others. Admit to some of those bad mistakes, or unleash the beast’s within. However this process goes, the duration is sure XS WLETI ]SYV [SVPH ERI[ 8LI ¾Y\ ERH ¾S[ SJ ½KYVMRK ourselves out, our likes and dislikes, wants versus needs, political and religious view’s, chasing our dreams versus QEOMRK QSRI] ERH TE]MRK off school loans, can seem a forever up hill battle. And all SJ E WYHHIR ]SYV GEPIRHEV XIPPW ]SY MXW EPQSWX LIVI 8LEX HE] MR *IFVYEV] XLEX´W RSX KVSYRHLSK´W HE] SV 1EVHM+VEW ERH ]SYV EPQSWX XLMVX] [MXLSYX E WMKRM½GERX SXLIV 8LI [SVPH MW EKEMRWX ]SY How did this happen? With XLI I\GITXMSR SJ ]SYV TIXW RSFSH] PSZIW ]SY 8LIWI EVI XLI VMHMGYPSYW XLMRKW ]SY XIPP ]SYV WMRKPI WIPJ ERH ]SYV
YWMRK XLMW HE] SJ GSQQIVcialized chocolates and ¾S[IV´W EW ER I\GYWI JSV WIPJ TMX] ;IPP - LEZI SRI [SVH SJ EHZMGI JSV ]SY 7834 Half the people I know that are in relationship’s are wishMRK XLI] [IVIR´X ERH XLI other half, well the other half have been incognito since date one. And that’s not to WE] PEHMIW ERH KIRXPIQIR that there aren’t people out there making it work. Finding XLEX FEPERGI FIX[IIR PSRIP] ERH WQSXLIVMRK 8LI]´VI SYX XLIVI ERH LSTIJYPP] XLI] know better than to anchor XLIQWIPZIW FPSSH] MRXS XLI shark infested waters of ValIRXMRI´W HE] 2S QEXXIV LS[ ]SY SV ]SYV WMKRM½GERX SXLIV QE] LEZI GSQI XS VIWIRX SV VIZIP MR XLMW HE] XLIVI MW ER alternate route of celebration. Ever hear of small token’s of ones affection? And XLMW KSIW JSV IZIV]FSH] SYX XLIVI VIKEVHPIWW ]SYV VIPEtionship status.The good old HE]´W SJ PIXXIV´W ERH WSHE´W# 7XVEMKLX XLVSYKL XLI LIEVX HS [SVHW KS ERH RSFSH] VIEPP] [ERXW XS FI FIWXS[IH KMJXW SYX SJ SFPMKEXMSR 4ISTPI PMOI XS FI WYVTVMWIH ERH ]SY HSR´X LEZI XS IQTX] SYX ]SYV FERO EGGSYRX XS HS WS 'ER ]SY VIEPP] W[IIT WSQISRI SJJ XLIMV JIIX MJ XLI] WII it coming.That’s debatable I suppose. With the exception of GSQTPIXIP] VITYHMEXMRK festivities altogether, there EVI QSVI XLER E JI[ [E]W to avoid getting wiped out F] XLI PERHQMRIW SJ QIHME induced pressure and self HSYFX XLEX PE] RIEXL XLI KVSYRHW SJ *IFVYEV] %W 'YTMH´W JEZSVMXI HE] RIEVW [LIXLIV ]SYV JEGIFSSO WXEX WE]W WMRKPI SV ±MX´W GSQTPMcated,” it helps to block out IZIV]XLMRK ERH IZIV]SRI XLEX XV]´W XIPPMRK ]SY [LEX XS get or what to do or where
XS KS JSV [LSQIZIV MX QE] be. Corporation’s have RS MHIE [LEX ]SYV KMVP SV KY] MW XVYP] QSZIH XS XLI FVMRO SJ XIEVW F] %RH XLI best part is, tear’s need not be a part of the package at all. Grand gestures are great, but unless its been given some good premeditated brain function void of those pressure voices MRWMHI ]SY QE] [ERX XS think that perhaps, less VIEPP] MW QSVI 8LI FIWX KMJX - IZIV KSX JVSQ E FS] [EW a letter on a napkin. A few short sentences that told me how he felt, and the FYXXIV¾MIW FIKER XS HERGI Take the expectation’s down a peg, and give them WSQIXLMRK JVSQ ]SYV LIEVX 2SX RIGIWWEVMP] E HMEQSRH necklace in the shape of a LIEVX ]SY TMGOIH YT EX XLI mall, but something that WE]W XLI XMQI MX XSSO ]SY to think on this purchase exceeded the time it took ]SYV LERH XS VIEGL MRXS ]SYV FEGO TSGOIX JSV XLIQ big bills. -J EJXIV ]SY´ZI QEHI ]SYV KY] SV KMVP E QM\ XETI rather a mix cd, or even took their ipod and put all new songs on it (warning: XLI] QE] KIX QEH MJ ]SY have to delete music that [EW EPVIEH] SR MX TIVLETW ]SY TPERRIH E XVIEWYVI hunt, taped their favorite poem to their car’s dashboard, or framed that one picture that’s been needing a home since getting developed; if after all that, and just one of the above examples if from the heart MW IRSYKL XLI] PSSO EX ]SY PMOI ]SY´VI WSQI OMRH SJ ValIRXMRI´W HE] EQEXIYV XLIR QE]FI ]SYV LIEVX´W MR the wrong place.Though MX GER FI E WXMGO] [IF [I weave, love that is, it can be E QER] WTPIRHMH XLMRK [LIR [I EZSMH EXXEGLMRK ER] WYTIV¾YSYW WXVMRKW XS MX T
Romantic films to watch together this Valentine’s Day ø 8LI 2SXIFSSO %YXLSV 2MGLSPEW 7TEVOW LEW E [E] SJ XEOMRK XLI IZIV]HE] experiences in a person’s life and making them relatable and heartbreaking in a TPYGO EX ]SYV LIEVXWXVMRKW WSVX SJ [E] ,MW RSZIP ±8LI 2SXIFSSO² [SR XLI LIEVXW SJ QER] ERH WIIQIH E REXYVEP XS FI EHETXIH XS ½PQ 7XEVVMRK 6]ER +SWPMRK ERH Rachel McAdams, the movie illustrates how love can PEWX XLVSYKL XLI ]IEVW ERH even survive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
ø 8LI ;IHHMRK 7MRKIV 8LMW UYMVO] QSZMI EFSYX E wedding singer who falls for a banquet waitress highlights the importance of loving each other for what makes ]SY YRMUYI (VI[ &EVV]QSVI ERH %HEQ 7ERHPIV
ø 8LI 4VSTSWEP -R SVHIV XS VIQEMR MR XLI GSYRXV] E HIQERHMRK 2I[ =SVO FEWIH FSSO IHMXSV 7ERHVE &YPPSGO EWOW LIV FVS[ FIEXIR EWWMWXERX 6]ER 6I]RSPHW XS QEVV] LIV 8LIMV XYQYPXYSYW relationship involves a trip to %PEWOE XS QIIX LMW JEQMP]
ø 1] &IWX *VMIRH´W ;IHHMRK .YPMERRI .YPME 6SFIVXW MW called on to be the “best man” for her friend’s (Der-
· An Affair to Remember: Romantic melodramatic QEWXIV 'EV] +VERX JEPPW MR love with Deborah Kerr aboard a cruise ship while XLI] EVI XVEZIPMRK [MXL SXLIV TISTPI 8LI] EKVII XS QIIX at the top of the Empire 7XEXI &YMPHMRK MR WM\ QSRXLW MJ XLI] LEZI IRHIH XLIMV VIPEXMSRWLMTW ERH EVI VIEH] to commit to each other. Grant makes it to the rendezvous spot, but an injured Kerr never shows as Grant assumes she has rejected the proposal. ø 7E] %R]XLMRK -R TYVWYMX SJ a woman he believes is out SJ LMW WSGMEP PIEKYI 0PS]H (SFPIV .SLR 'YWEGO GVIates hope for the underdog in us all.The movie inspired teens to raise their boom box radios over their heads and blast romantic tunes to illustrate their love.
· Once: Attraction between the main characters comes F] [E] SJ GVIEXMZI QYWMGEP collaboration. Music proves to be an aphrodisiac, making XLI ½PQ ERH XLI WSRK ±*EPPMRK 7PS[P]² JVSQ MXW WGSVI WS popular.
QSX 1YPVSRI] [IHHMRK 3RP] [LIR XLI [IHHMRK TPERRMRK MW YRHIV[E] HSIW .YPMERRI VIEPM^I WLI MW MR PSZI with her friend and needs to get him to fall for her instead. ø 2IZIV &IIR /MWWIH % reporter goes undercover at a high school to discover something controversial and ends up being the subject of LIV WXSV] [LIR WLI JEPPW MR love with her English teacher. These are just a few thousands of choices but cuddle YT [MXL WSQISRI ]SY PSZI cue the streaming video WIVZMGI ERH IRNS] E VSQERXMG ½PQ JSV :EPIRXMRI´W (E] T
z 70 Canal Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339 Phone 518-993-8065 • Cell 484-680-2412 thetableatfortplain.com
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER $45 prix fixe includes salad, appetizer, dessert and sparkling wine
Coffee Rubbed Baseball Cut Sirloin with pickled shimeji mushrooms
Cornmeal Breaded Oysters with buttermilk bechamel and bacon jam
Pistachio and Rose Crusted Lamb Sacchetti Pasta in Saffron Butter with shrimp & lobster; housemade seafood mousseline
RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED Open for Dinner Wed.-Sat. starting at 5pm
16 • February 6, 2015
EDITOR
Valley Wine and Liquor hosts Moonshiner Tim Smith bottle signing by Al Dorantes
by Al Dorantes Valley Wine and Liquor opened their spacious liquor store at 326 South Caroline Street in Herkimer, NY in May of 2014. The 4500 square foot facility boasts a WUYEVI JSSX WEPIW ¾SSV and a vast 1500 square foot warehouse. On Saturday, January 24,Valley Wine and Liquor hosted a bottle signing by Tim Smith. Smith is the star of Discovery Channel’s hit show, Moonshiners. Tim Smith, descended from three generations of moonshiners and bootleggers, has been around moonshine his entire life. Recently Tim Smith stepped out of the woods and has gone legal. He is now promoting his legal moonshine,Tim Smith’s Climax Moonshine. Anthony Gorea, proprietor of Valley Wine and liquor said,“We had calls all week. A lot of people didn’t know you could buy Tim’s Smith’s Climax Moonshine in liquor stores. The bottles [IVI ¾]MRK SJJ XLI WLIPJ ² Fans from throughout the valley descended on Valley Wine and Liquor. The line stretched from the front door around the parking lot back to Caroline Street. Parking was at a premium because people drove from as far away as Rochester, Buffalo, Binghamton, and other states including New Hampshire, Vermont, Mass, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. When Tim Smith arrived he was greeted with shouts and cheers from the crowd. *ERW [EMXIH SR PMRI ERH ½PIH through Valley Wine and Liquor where Tim chatted and signed bottles. I asked Tim how he separated the reality of life from the reality
Johnson’s Carpet Center & Freemen’s Drapery Shop Every house has carpet and drapes, hardwood and blinds, or linoleum and shades but a home LEW ¾SSVMRK ERH [MRHS[ coverings that are unique and set apart from other LSYWIW =SY GER ½RH XLI VMKLX ¾SSV GSZIVMRK SV [MRdow treatment at Johnson’s Carpet Center and Freeman’s Drapery Shop located at 216 North Main Street, Herkimer, New York. Johnson’s Carpet Center has been locally owned and operated for 65 years on Main Street in Herkimer. Terry Ives, owner of Johnson’s Carpet Center, LEW VIGIRXP] EPMKRIH LMW ¾SSV covering store with Carpets Plus of America, and Color Tile, the nation’s fastest KVS[MRK ¾SSV GSZIVMRK FY]ing and merchandising group.
MOONSHINER, Tim Smith (left) with Valley Wine & Liquor’s owner, Anthony Gorea had a great day promoting Tim’s Climax Moonshine! Stop over and grab your bottle today! Be sure and tell them you saw it in your EDITOR Magazine!!! TV show. He said,“There’s a natural separation. They GER´X ½PQ IZIV]XLMRK ² 8MQ chuckled and added,“CePIFVMX] MW NYWX E F]TVSHYGX ² Valley Wine and Liquor’s Anthony Gorea said,“We got a special delivery of 40 additional cases delivered 7EXYVHE] QSVRMRK ² -R XSXEP Gorea sold 70 cases of Tim Smith’s Climax moonshine in Herkimer, a feat that happily surprised both himself and Tim Smith. Gorea had Tim
Smith autograph a t-shirt that will be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to a Herkimer County charity.Valley Wine and Liquor is going to follow up the success of the Tim Smith bottle signing with more events. Go to www.shopvalleywine. com for more info on Valley Wine and Liquor’s events. 8S ½RH SYX QSVI EFSYX 8MQ Smith’s Climax Moonshine go to: www.timsmithmoonshine.com T
Terry Ives explained that joining a buying group like Carpets Plus of America and Color Tile gives the independent dealer like Johnson’s resources, tremendous buying power and a networking system to make Johnson’s even more successful in serving their customers Johnson’s carpet center has recently opened a new area to feature their growing selection of marble, porcelain, ceramic tile products, vinyl ¾SSVMRK ERH LEVH[SSH
Freeman’s drapery shop has been providing window coverings for central New York for over 60 years. With complete measuring and installation services and featuring ready-made and custom pinch pleated draperies, sheers, valances, GYVXEMRW ² FPMRHW ZIVXMGEPW tabs, custom window shades, Roman shades, bedspreads, HYWX VYJ¾IW QMRM FMHW GSQforters, pleated shades, celluPEV WLEHIW ZIVXMGEPW ² JEY\ ERH [SSH FPMRHW VYJ¾IH Pricilla tiebacks Freeman’s is sure to have the window covering that is right for your home. Freemans features Graber, Hunter Douglas, and Kirsch. They also carry Kirsch Traverse Rods and Re-cord kits, valance rods and a complete in store hardware section. Tom Adams has fabric books for your custom selection in his workshop and he also LEW ½VI VIXEVHERX JEFVMGW JSV that special installation in the health care or public sector. Johnsons Carpet Plus Color Tile purchased Freeman’s Drapery Shop in July, 2007 from Raymond and Reva Freeman Smith. Since 2007 Johnson’s Carpet and Freeman’s Drapery has become SRI WXST WLSTTMRK JSV ¾SSVing and window treatments in the Mohawk Valley. Terry -ZIW WEMH ±;I´VI GSR½HIRX MR the area’s growing economy. We’ve become destination
shopping for people. They call ahead, come to the store, make their purchases, and are off to their next stop. It’s convenient shopTMRK ² Johnson’s Carpet Plus Color Tile and Freemen’s Drapery shop have a combined total of over 125 years of experience serving the Mohawk Valley. Tom Adams, manager of Freeman’s Drapery Shop has 35 years experience while Terrry Ives, owner of Johnson’s Carpet Center has 28 years experience followed by Jim, ±.MQQIV² %HEQW WIGSRH generation store manager for Johnsons Carpet Center with 13 years experience. They must be doing something right.
... a combined total of over 125 years of experience serving the Mohawk Valley. Johnson’s and Freeman’s will travel anywhere in Central New York to please their customers and accommodate their needs. They are priced to beat big box stores stop in and see Terry, .MQ SV 8SQ JSV ]SYV ¾SSV covering and drapery needs. For more information go to: www.johnsonscarpet-ny.com and www.freemansdrapshop-ny.com T
Boulevard Trailers, Inc.
Model 100R
1,195
$ $
315-736-5851
boulevardtrailers.com
2 Oriskany Boulevard, Whitesboro, NY 13492
Since 2007 Johnson’s Carpet and Freeman’s Drapery has become one stop shopping for flooring and window treatments in the Mohawk Valley.
17 • February 6, 2015
EDITOR
Add value to your home with these renovations Homeowners choose renovation projects for a variety SJ VIEWSRW %PXLSYKL QER] improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worth[LMPI MRZIWXQIRXW 8LIWI investments can add up to a higher resale value when the XMQI GSQIW XS WIPP E LSQI Certain projects have a history of providing a greater return on homeownersÕ MRZIWXQIRXW XLER SXLIVW 8LI following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and generate great returns when you put the home up JSV WEPI -RZIWX MR ]SYV OMXGLIR Kitchen remodels are a safe bet when it comes to putting money into imTVSZMRK E LSQI 6IWMHIRXW tend to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, but
a dated, poorly functioning kitchen can detract from the value of a home, even if the rest of the home is in KSSH WLETI -X¬W TSWWMFPI XS VIGSYT FIX[IIR ERH TIVGIRX SJ ]SYV OMXGLIR remodel investment, especially if the kitchen matches up well with the rest of your LSQI ,SQIS[RIVW WLSYPH ORS[ XLEX E HIPY\I VIRSZEtion may not be necessary, as relatively moderate improvements can create a whole new look for a OMXGLIR 0SSO XS TEMRX 3RI SJ XLI PIEWX I\TIRWMZI MQTVSZIment materials, but one XLEX LEW E WMKRM½GERX MQTEGX MW TEMRX 2IYXVEP QSHIVR colors can easily liven up ER] WTEGI -J ]SY TEMRX [MXL PS[ :3' TEMRX ]SY EPWS GER advertise an eco-friendly home, which is very desire-
EFPI XLIWI HE]W • Put in another bathVSSQ 1YPXMTPI FEXLVSSQW are an attractive selling point, particularly in older homes that may not have been equipped with more XLER SRI FEXLVSSQ *MRHMRK I\XVE WTEGI JSV E FEXLVSSQ can be tricky, but consider closets, areas under stairs or even taking some space E[E] JVSQ ERSXLIV VSSQ Popular home-improvement television channel HGTV advises that half-bathrooms VIUYMVI EX PIEWX WUYEVI feet of space, while full baths RIIH XS WUYEVI JIIX for a stand-up shower or FEXLXYF • Renovate the HVAC W]WXIQ %IWXLIXMG MQTVSZIments arenÕt the only ones XLEX EHH ZEPYI XS E LSQI Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home
Remodeling spending increases as renovations are on the rise In the not-so-distant past, home improvement projects all but came to a halt, as homeowners were weary about investing any money MRXS ½\IV YTTIVW &YX XLI tides have changed dramatically in recent months, and homeowners are again ready and willing to invest big dollars into home renoZEXMSRW 6IRI[IH GSR½HIRGI MR XLI economy and an upswing in the real estate market have contributed to the remodIPMRK JVIR^] -R IEVP] the Joint Center for Housing Statistics of Harvard UniverWMX] JSVIGEWXIH RIEVP] billion in major remodeling WTIRHMRK SZIV XLI ]IEV JCHS said as homeowners KEMR QSVI GSR½HIRGI MR the housing market, they’re more likely to undertake home improvements they would have avoided in VIGIRX ]IEVW While the numbers do not yet match pre-recession remodeling spending, the number of construction projects LEW WXIEHMP] XVIRHIH YT[EVH According to the National Association of Home &YMPHIVW EW SJ 2SZIQFIV E KVIEXIV RYQFIV of remodelers reported higher business activity than HYVMRK XLI TVIZMSYW UYEVXIV Remodeling spending has been gradually climbing back up from the all-time low it VIEGLIH MR
that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are substantial investments that GER PEWX JSV ]IEVW 3XLIV MQprovements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing older windows and doors [MXL QSVI IRIVK] IJ½GMIRX STXMSRW EPWS EVI WQEVX FIXW • Add illumination to VSSQW % HEVO LSQI MW E HVIEV] LSQI %HHMRK PMKLX can mean including more SZIVLIEH ERH EGGIRX PMKLXMRK Under-cabinet task lighting MW E RMGI XSYGL -RGPYWMSR of skylights and sun tubes can bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or west-facing winHS[W • Put a deck addition SYXHSSVW 3YXHSSV PMZMRK spaces have become more desireable, especially as the ÒstaycationÓ has grown in TSTYPEVMX] (IGOW ERH TEXMSW can make backyards more ETTIEPMRK 8LI WGSTI SJ ]SYV investment will depend on the size of the deck and HIWMKR (SMRK XLI [SVO yourself can cut the cost of decks in half, but only if you
LEZI XLI WTIGM½G XSSPW SV I\TIVMIRGI XS XEGOPI WYGL E TVSNIGX -QTVSZI GYVF ETTIEP Adding attractive landscaping and freshening up the entryway to a home can add considerable value to your home, as buyers judge LSQIW F] XLIMV I\XIVMSVW Completely renovated interiors may never be seen if buyers pass up your home because of a less attractive
I\XIVMSV 'PEWW] WYFXPI GLERKes, like well-placed shrubbery and a green lawn, can [SVO [SRHIVW %R MRZMXMRK front door and well-lit entryway also add curb appeal to E LSQI &IJSVI QEOMRK MQTVSZIments, homeowners should determine if a given project will provide a solid return SR XLIMV MRZIWXQIRX T
Mohawk k Valleyy Refinishingg & Upholsteryy Co. Central New York’s Most Trusted Firm in the Preservation, Authentication, Repair and Total Restoration of your valuable antiques.
Our Specialty - Antique Restoration 40 Central Ave., Ilion, NY 13357 315-894-5415 ~ Call us for a free consultation ~
28 W. Main Street 2nd Floor Mohawk, NY 13407
www.accentbrokerage.com Rebecca Smith - R.E. Broker Brenda Parker - R.E. Salesperson Kelly Jackson - R.E. Salesperson Lorene Prenderville - R.E. Salesperson James Caiola - R.E. Salesperson This growth in home renovations has led to more jobs for carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians, and SXLIV GSRWXVYGXMSR [SVOIVW In Massachusetts alone, a recovery in overall construction employment has led to E KEMR SJ EFSYX NSFW HYVMRK XLI TEWX JSYV ]IEVW The Home Improvement 6IWIEVGL -RWXMXYXI I\TIGXW ER EHHMXMSREP TIVGIRX sales growth in home improvement spending in 7XEXIW XLEX WLS[IH the highest levels of home improvement spending in EVI PMOIP] XS GSRXMRue to hold the top spots XLVSYKL ERH XLI National Association of ,SQI &YMPHIVW WE]W XLIWI areas include the District of Columbia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and areas of southern 'EPMJSVRME Americans are not the only
ones increasing their home WTIRHMRK %GGSVHMRK XS reports released by Moneris Solutions Corporation, Canada’s largest credit and debit card processor, purchases at home improvement stores VSWI F] TIVGIRX SZIV the same period last year, and spending on plumbing and heating equipment and electrical contractors GPMQFIH F] TIVGIRX ERH TIVGIRX VIWTIGXMZIP] Spending patterns indicate that homeowners are investing in DIY projects as well as seeking specialized work provided by profesWMSREP GSRXVEGXSVW Now is a good time for the real estate and home improvement sectors, as homeowners have renewed their fervor for making home renovations, both to increase comfort in their homes and make their homes more buyIV JVMIRHP] T
Phone: 315-219-5990 Fax: 315-219-5991 JUST LISTED 645 Shells Bush Rd, Herkimer
JUST LISTED 407 2nd Ave Ext, Frankfort
Do you LOVE to enterRanch home with tain? Then you will LOVE almost 2.5 acres! this house! Enjoy 1 floor 3BRs, 2.5 baths, entry living in a GREAT area hall, LR w/ fireplace, with some very unique formal DR, kitchen w/ features. 3BRs, 1 bath, woodstove, den, nice hardwoods, attached LR w/ fireplace made of glass blocks, formal DR, kitchen w/ garage. Super con- breakfast bar, HUGE enclosed back porch, and FINISHED basevenient location close to the village of Herkimer. ment family area w/ woodburning brick fireplace and bar!
800 Oakridge Terr, Herkimer
25 Green St, Mohawk
A Ranch home in AFFORDABLE 2 this location for family home. this low of a Nice location. price is unheard Both apartments of!!! This home are 1 BR, 1 deserves a look! bath. Tenants Has newer roof, are month to siding, furnace, month. Separate central air, windows, electric, etc. 4BRs, 2 baths, kitchen, utilities. Plenty LR, formal DR, & garage. What are you waiting for?! of parking plus a yard. Come out and take a look.
179 Church St, Little Falls
37 Cold Brook St, Poland
Great big 1800's vilNice 2 family home. Live in lage home with ton one and rent the other or of potential! Would use for an investment make a great 2 famiproperty. These apartments ly or a nice large are 2BRs, each with LR, one family home. DR, & kitchen. Tenants Has beautiful woodpay electric and heat. One work, large rooms, 1/2 car detached garage. Parking and yard in the City built-ins, gorgeous staircase. Needs some work but well worth the investment. Being sold AS IS. of Little Falls! Come take a look!
18 • February 6, 2015
EDITOR
Exploring the connection between the heart and love Hearts and Valentine’s Day are forever intertwined. One of the most recognizable symbols of love is the modest heart, and hearts adorn candy boxes and cookies while paper hearts are pinned to doors or windows as a symbol of Valentine’s Day.Young valentines may share candy hearts printed
Helpful home remedies for winter season
with silly sentiments. A symbolic heart bears no resemblance to an anatomical heart, and yet it is used to represent the deepest feelings of affection a person can share. Some may wonder just how the emotions of love became tied up in the shape of a heart, even
though it’s widely known that the brain, and not the heart, governs affections. In ancient times, people believed that the heart was the center of all human emotions. Since the heart is prominently located in the center of the chest and the middle of the body, it became the cornerstone of human feelings. Love is considered to be one of the most profound and
strongest human emotions, therefore it was reasoned that the feeling must emanate from the heart. 8LI ½VWX HITMGXMSRW SJ E symbolic heart date back to the 11th century, when the heart was drawn to resemble a pinecone held upside down with the point facing upward.The scalloped heart that is more familiar today ½VWX EVSWI MR XLI IEVP] XL century. Around the same time, the heart was depicted with the point facing downward and the indentation at the base. Naturally, as time passed and more was learned about human anatomy, it became obvious that the brain was the seat of all emotion and thought processes. However, as the brain was something intangible in a living body in ancient times, and the beating heart could be much more readily monitored - with a pulse rate speeding up when a person is excited or aroused - it’s easy to see how the link between the heart and love has endured. Although the human heart is not bright red like symbolic hearts, that was the color chosen. Red has long been associated with passion, so it made sense to depict the heart in a bright red hue. Many other theories have been offered regarding the symbolic heart and its representation of love. ;LMPI XLIVI´W RS HI½RMXMZI correlation between love and hearts, the heart has become an accepted symbol of the emotion and the season of romance. T
By Malissa Allen
immune system?
If you are anywhere close XS Q] EKI ´MWL TIVLETW Q] PEXI ´W 3/ - NYWX XYVRIH XLIVI - WEMH MX then you love and appreciate this article. Remember the times something was wrong either you got hurt or were sick and your grandparents had a solution without seeing a doctor?
2). For a dynamic solution as a natural remedy for the ¾Y HVMROMRK PIQSR FEPQ X[S times daily proves to be simple and effective.
Anything ranging from a sore throat, twisted ankle or even a snake bite, grandparents had a remedy for everything. Of course, putting a remedy together always turned the kitchen into an instant science lab ½PPIH [MXL LIVFW WTMGIW ERH a few grown-up beverages. So, instead of spending mega amounts on medications, these winter months, go over this list of home remedies that will not only save you money but will fascinate you as well. Winter Ailments When we talk about winter ailments we are placing many diseases such as GSRKIWXMSR GSPHW ¾Y JIZIV sore throat, skin allergies and many other infectious conditions. A large portion of these ailments are due to having unbalanced or weakened immune systems.When the immune system has weakened it puts extra stress on XLI FSH] XS ½KLX SJJ IZIV]day germs and ailments. 8LI ½VWX QMWXEOI TISTPI make is thinking If they start popping anti-biotics that they will see and feel an instant relief. However, this is only a temporary relief misleading the sick person to think they are on the mend, only for the symptoms to return. Moreover, taking antibiotics is not always the answer. Antibiotics have a tendency of lowering the body’s immunity all while causing drastic side effects.With this being said, if there are natural remedies that leave no after effect or cause discomfort, isn’t that worth a try? Did you know? 1). By sticking to an all juice, strict diet for four days while adding rose hips, Acerola cherry or other herbs and spices enriched with Vitamin C helps cure and prevent common winter ailments simply by building the body’s
3). For aching joints and muscles, applying sandalwood paste or hot vinegar will provide a large amount of pain relief. *SV LEVWL GSYKLW ERH other winter ailments by taking two teaspoons of ginger juice, a small pinch of turmeric and one teaspoon of honey, combine them together and take 2-3 times daily, your cough, sneezes, and stuffy nose will clear right up. Cold sores Cold sores, also referred to as fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are contagious. They are often mistaken for canker sores a non contagious mouth ulcer. Cold sores mainly occur on the skin adjacent to the mouth, mostly on the lips. Sometimes they may occur SR GLMR RSWXVMPW ½RKIVW SV genitals.The medical term for cold sores is recurrent herpes labialis. Remedies for Cold Sores Use Ice Ice is a very good home remedy for cold sores. Rub ice on the infected skin for a few minutes, repeat this every hour. Use Tea Bag Apply a tea bag for a few minutes on the blisters, repeat this every hour. One can also consider pressing a warm tea bag on the FPMWXIVW JSV ETTVS\MQEXIP] minutes. Other Remedies Applying Witch Hazel on sores will give you some relief. Dip your moist index ½RKIV MR TS[HIVIH GSQmon salt and press the sore JSV WIGSRHW YWMRK XLMW MRHI\ ½RKIV +IRXP] VYF EPSI vera gel or oil on the sores. Lemon balm extract helps to reduce symptoms and speeds up healing. Those having weak immune system will take more time to recover and may face more severe consequences. Very often over exposure or sensitivity to sunlight
EDITOR
February 6, 2015 • 19
can be used for your special day. Additionally the Crystal Chandelier can add on a tent system, weather permitting, to take your nuptial celebration outdoors.
Crystal Chandelier
by Al Dorantes
The Crystal Chandelier, 4579 State Route 28, Herkimer, New York 13350 is located 7 Miles North of the hustle and bustle of Herkimer. The Crystal Chandelier opened July 18, 1982 and has been up and running for the past 33 years providing a rustic yet elegant venue for weddings, bridal showers, banquets and more. When owner/operator 6YH] 7GMEPHS ½VWX STIRIH the Crystal Chandelier he was told that he was crazy for opening at that location. 6YH] [EW GSR½HIRX XLEX MJ they did weddings “right” and had the “right” facilities they would be able to bring people out to the crystal chandelier.
Rudy explained that one of his secrets is that you have to be personal. He becomes part of the family and is as involved as the bride and groom want him to be. Rudy handles everything so bride and groom don’t have any headaches. To Rudy it means more than just mailing you a banquet menu. Rudy has a 4 page check list so that every detail of the wedding day is covered. Where is the cake coming from? Who is the DJ? What are the names of the wedding party? Every detail is covered because,“if you don’t put the time in up front you are only going to have a mediocre wedding” Rudy has been acting as
a wedding coordinator since before there were wedding coordinators. Because of his attention to detail subcontractors (photographers, djs, and others) can do their work and not worry about anything else. Scialdo said that one of his mantras is to, “super-exceed.” The Crystal Chandelier has 3 beautiful rooms to serve as venues for your most special day. The Sun
Porch Room seats up to 70 people and is perfect for smaller, more intimate affairs. The Four Seasons Room is the main bar room of the Crystal Chandelier and is bedecked with a large stone ½VI TPEGI -X WIEXW YT XS people. The Forever Room has a capacity of 300 people and its spacious dance ¾SSV MW XLI TIVJIGX TPEGI XS throw up your heels and celebrate your wedding day. If needed all three rooms of the Crystal Chandelier
Remedies from previous ___________________________________________________________ could cause outbreaks of cold sores inside the mouth. In order to avoid such situations it is advisable to use a good quality sunscreen on your lips if you are going to be spending too much time in the sun. Make sure that you do not simply attempt to disguise the cold sores by using makeup and other cosmetic products as very often the chemicals in them will simply cause further irritation to the skin and worsen the condition. Use Licorice Cold sore treatment with cold sore home remedies like candy may sound far fetched, but there is some truth to it. According to many researchers licorice can actually help inhibit the development of cold sores. This effect is attributed to an ingredient in licorice, known as glycyrrhizic acid.Try chewing on a licorice whip, but just you would need to be sure that it is actually made from real licorice.You could also simply buy some licorice powder and sprinkle it over the sores. Remedies for Cracked, Chapped and Dry Lips Cracked, chapped and dry lips can be managed through a range of different treatments. Some important tips to care for chapped lips and prevent the condition from worsening are as follows: Drink plenty of water daily
Apply sunscreen over your lips whenever you step outdoors to protect from sun damage Apply a good lip balm [LMGL GSRXEMRW FIRI½GMEP MRgredients that help to moisturize and nourish the lips. Ensure that your lip balm also contains sunscreen. Refrain from licking the lips as often this can aggravate dryness If you are prone to dry skin and lips, it is a good idea XS YWI E LYQMHM½IV XS EHH moisture to the air Protect the lips with a scarf when there are harsh winds Sometimes the lips may become dry and chapped due to the ingredients present in toothpaste.Try changing your toothpaste brand to alleviate the problem. Avoid using lipsticks and other lip cosmetics which contain strong chemicals. Always buy such products from reputed brands and check their expiry date. Described below is a benI½GMEP GVEGOIH PMTW VIQIH] which helps to alleviate dryness and discomfort. Warm water helps to relieve dryness and also MQTVSZIW FPSSH ¾S[ MR XLI lips.Take some warm water in a bowl and soak a clean washcloth in it. Squeeze out the excess water and place the cloth against your lips until it cools down. Repeat this 3 to 4 times until the lips become softer and less
rough. You can then gently rub the cloth against your lips a few times.This helps to get rid of dead and dry skin. Next, take dips a clean cloth in cool water and hold it against your lips for a few seconds.Then gently pat dry. Apply some petroleum jelly to the lips and allow it to remain for about 20 minutes. This helps to soften the lips and also forms a protective layer.
Apply a thick coat of a moisturizing lip balm. Keep the lip balm with you at all times so that you can use whenever you feel your lips becoming chapped or dry. As you can see.There are many home remedies that [SVO [MXLSYX E GEPP SV SJ½GI visit to your physicians. Natural rememedies last longer and are a gaurentee to most ailiments we suffer through during the cold, brutal winter months. T
Another service the Crystal Chandelier provides is Adonis-Avanti Transportation Service, Inc. & Crystal Coach Charters, -RG 8LI] LEZI E HMZIVWM½IH ¾IIX XS QIIX ]SYV RIIHW 8LIMV GYVVIRX ¾IIX MRGPYHIW 18 and 21 passenger limo
coaches along with various sedans, limousines & SUVS. Rudy and the staff of the Crystal Chandelier are dedicated to making your day the most spectacular wedding day. Sometimes taking the path less traveled is the way to go; venture out to the Crystal Chandelier and let Rudy handle all the details for your wedding reception. For more information go to: www. crystalchandelier.net T
20 • February 6, 2015
EDITOR
Pumping Oil (Part 1 of 2)
By Terry Berkson My cousin Chickie’s Peerless Oil truck was still rocking from the fuel slapping around inside as I peeked around the corner of the house to see who
had stopped.“Playin’ hooky again?” his voice boomed from behind me. I could smell the fuel oil in his clothes. At seven years old I thought the pungent odor was wonderful.“You wanna
to him and aimed. His eyes widened beneath his blond GYVP] LEMV - PIX XLI HEVX ¾] and hit my cousin square in the heart as his chest caved in and his eyes bulged.Then the harmless missile fell to the ground.“You gotta fool around!” Chickie shouted. “Next Saturday I’ll take Leo and you can stay home.”
ride with me?” he asked like he was Jesse James. “Yeah,” I said surprised he wasn’t angry. “We’ll have to keep an eye SYX JSV XLI XVYRI SJ½GIV ² my cousin said gravely. To a kid cutting school, the XVYERX SJ½GIV [EW SRI SJ the most feared characters in Brooklyn. Chickie boosted me onto the running board and then the seat. I watched him release the hand brake, press down on the clutch and grind the transmission into a low gear.The engine QEHI E XIVVM½G RSMWI EW XLI old Mack began to move. “Got a delivery just around the corner,” Chickie said. “You can listen to the whistle and let me know when it stops—or else we’ll have earl all over the place.” ±,S[ HS ]SY VI½PP XLI truck?” I asked. “I hook the stroodustratus XS XLI IPFS[½RIGXSV [LMGL hangs on a cloud hook.Then the earl goes down through the radafordus till she’s full,” Chickie double-talked me. “Understand?” “Sure!” I said. For the next ten years I spent Saturdays and snowy Christmas holidays perfecting my skills on Chickie’s oil truck until I was good enough to earn a crisp two-dollar bill for helping him. One Saturday, I took the
After 40 years in the Antiques business, and as the name implies,The Potting Shed Antiques is proud to say “HERE WE GROW AGAIN”. The Potting Shed Antiques, located on Oriskany Blvd in Whitesboro, is proud to announce the addition of another 475 square feet of display space. The additional space is done in a rustic motif and allows owners Don and Nancy Hartman to continue to unpack and display items from their over 40 year accumulated inventory. The new “Cabin Room” will be unveiled and celebrated on February 19-21 with a Grand Opening sale. All gold jewelry and coins will be on sale at 20% off and everything else in the shop will be 40% off. With the new “Cabin Room”, the shop now has a total showroom space equivalent to 20 booths in an antique show or mall making it clearly the largest single proprietor
[VIRGL ERH WGVI[ ½XXMRK MR my left hand and threw the hose over my right shoulder. 8LI ½PP TMTI [EW [E] MR back of the building. I made a running start but soon the hose began to show its weight. I pulled hard so that my shoulders were far out in front of my feet.The rubber hose made a scraping sound on the cement. Five more feet, three, two. Made it! Chickie was at the back of the truck. He was folding the rule that he had just used to measure the fuel level of the tank in the cellar. I dropped the hose and rushed to put XLI [VIRGL XS XLI ½PPIV GET 8LIR - TMGOIH YT XLI ½XXMRK screwed it in, slipped the nozzle over it and snapped down the ears. I pulled the trigger and yelled to Chickie who released the clutch and oil began to rush through the line.That was fast, I thought walking down the
shop in our region. The Hartman’s have actively been in the antiques business since 1972 and after many years of doing shows and participating in a variety of multi-dealer shops, Don and Nancy are happy to be back home to the site of their original shop. The eclectic inventory consists of ½RI NI[IPV] GSMRW JYVRMXYVI glass, china, lighting, toys, Americana, art and prints and everything in between. Dealing exclusively direct with the customer is clearly the goal of this shop. They do not place their better items in on-line auctions but reserve them for their customers who make the effort to come in and visit their store in person. The inventory is changing daily and owners Don and Nancy boast, “Most customers are extremely surprised at the quality and quantity found in one location.” With the onset of baby
alley to where Chickie was standing.“You’re still not as good as your cousin Leo,” he kidded. Even though Leo was a few years older, the dig made me feel bad—-and a little angry. A few deliveries later I found a dart stuck in a fence. I took it and walked out front to where my cousin was standing ready to shut the pump off when the whistle stopped.There was a tree at the curb and I threw the dart into it, pulled it out and threw it again. Chickie was watching with his hands on his hips as the oil meter ticked away at sixteen cents a gallon. He had a smirk on his face and his head was shaking in disapproval. I threw the dart again but this time, when I went to pull it out, the point remained in the tree. I thought of what Chickie had said about Leo being faster, then turned boomers with needs to liquidate estates and downsizing to the many new quality retirement communities in our region, the Potting Shed Antiques has seen the estate and moving sale aspect of their business also grow. Conducting sales since 1972, the Hartman’s have extensive experience and knowledge in estate liquidation. “Our job is to make the clients job easier”, says Don Hartman, “Our reputation and following allows us to conduct a quality and well attended sale and to sell the clients merchandise at fair market prices. Our sales are virgin sales consisting of all the merchandise as presented to us at the signing of our contract. We do not pre-sell items, we do not add items and we do not purchase items prior to the public sale. Our customers are getting the exclusive chance to buy any item for sale by the estate.” See their ad on this page. T
One year, Chickie hurt his leg getting off the truck and I went to see him in the hospital.“Me and Mickey Mantle,” he said.“We got the same kind o’ knees.” His leg was propped up on pillows. “I gotta wear a cast for six weeks.” “You think this’ll affect your batting average?” I asked. “Nah. Next season, I’ll still HS XLMVX] ½ZI HIPMZIVMIW E day.” Several months later we were both on the road again pumping oil after a snowstorm. People seemed to appreciate us more when the weather was bad. Sometimes we’d even get a tip. Chickie turned the corner, brought the truck to a slushy stop and pulled the hand brake up. Below was Seventh Avenue.“What a great hill for belly-whopping,” I said. Don’t talk like a kid,” Chickie countered.“They’re out of earl. Hook up and start pumping as soon as you can. I’ll see if I can get the burner started.” It was much easier to drag the hose over the snow. When I was done and oil [EW ½REPP] ¾S[MRK - HERGIH around on the sidewalk to warm my feet as the meter ticked away.The empty 1080 gallon tank would XEOI E PSRK XMQI XS ½PP When my feet got numb I climbed onto the truck and tried to warm them on the heater as I looked at a girly magazine that was stashed under Chickie’s seat.There was no radio just the sound of the engine and all the loose parts of the old truck vibrating. After a time I got out onto the running board, slammed the door and jumped to the ground. A kid on a sled went coasting down the street. I watched him until he got to the bottom of the hill.Then I walked towards the back of the alley where Chickie was coming out of the basement. “The truck!” he shouted as I turned to look. It was gone except for the broken hose. Continued next issue
EDITOR
by Al Dorantes
February 6, 2015 • 21
Bathroom Remodel
Bathroom remodels are one of the most common household renovations being done across America. We all want a spiffy bathroom with great ambiance and good water pressure. Fixing the bathroom is closely followed by kitchen remodels. People really want granite countertops. It was no wonder that after a decade of showering MR XLI YFMUYMXSYW ½FIVKPEWW shower stall of my current house that we decided to remodel the bathroom. The shower was gone. The old ceramic tile would come out. We would remove the wood grain cabinets as well as the boxy medicine cabinet over the single sink. The plan was to replace the old shower with a new cement shower base which would be completely tiled with imported glass tile. The single basin would be swapped for two his and hers sinks and two medicine cabinets would be installed for double the storage space. Once it was done it would be worthy of a picture in Better Homes and Garden Over a weekend I volunteered to save myself approximately $100 by VIQSZMRK XLI ½FIVKPEWW shower stall. After wrestling it out of place, down the stairs, and out to the curb I only caused $200 worth of damage to the plaster on the stairway. And my arm was bleeding from a minor wound. On Monday the contractor arrived to start working.
FEXLVSSQ [EW ½RMWLIH 8LI new shower was tiled with the Italian Chinese glass tiles, the new medicine cabinets were installed, 2 new sinks were ready for use, and a brand new toilet had been set in place. The only problem with a new bathroom with 2 medicine cabinets is the 2 medicine cabinets are double the amount of hiding places for the Mrs.’s potions and lotions. How many eye creams can one woman have? Also, we have 2 sinks now but only one gets used; mine. There seems to be a JSVGI ½IPH EVSYRH LIV WMRO while mine gets abused with toothpaste, soap, and face creams. Her sink is pristine while mine is a mess. I should have installed 2 toilets to see which one got used most?
His and Her Sinks, well really, they are BOTH hers! Before I could leave him to his task he called me into the bathroom. He said,“You see that?” I looked intently but saw nothing out of the ordinary. “You got a leak there.” The contractor pointed out a spot on the copper pipe that leads to the shower head. “You got a bad joint there. We have replace that.” he pointed to the ¾SSVMRK ERH ¾SSV NSMWXW XLEX were a dark color. “That too.” “How long is that going to take?” I asked.
“Two weeks.” he said without batting an eye. 4 weeks later I gave the contractor a hand as he set the 200 pound concrete shower basin into place. The plan was for him to start installing the imported Italian glass tiles in the morning. The only problem with that plan was that they had not arrived yet. 10 days later the tile cleared customs and was delivered. The boxes all had “Made in China” stamped on them. True to his word, 2 weeks of 2 weeks later, kind of like a month of Sundays, the
I’m not saying you should not take out your old tub and the harvest gold plastic tiles that were installed fresh in 1971. I’m not saying that you should not scrape up those tiny mosaic tiles that remind you of the bathroom in junior high school. Should your switch out the horrible shower head that barely trickles water on you? Yes, yes you should. Just realize that the grass is not always greener. Your new tile could be slippery. Your new tub could be uncomfortable. For me, the shower door fell off its track 2 days ago. Don’t worry though; the contractor assures me that the kitchen remodel is only supposed to take 2 weeks. T
Joan’s Draperies, Inc., Certified Women Business Enterprise Established June 1980 and Certified Women Business Enterprise in the State of New York, April 1986.
Joan Eaton Freeman
Joan was employed as a Custom Drapery Decorator with the Boston Store prior to establishing her own business in 1980.The business was established with a focus on custom made ‘shop at home’ Window Coverings. Some types of Window
Coverings included, Custom Draperies & Top Treatments; Custom Bedding; Horizontal & Vertical Blinds;Wood Blinds; Pleated & Cellular Shades; Manual Clutch & Motorized Solar Shades; Drapery Hardware; Cubicle Curtains & Cubical Hardware in addition to many other Specialty Window Coverings. In April 1986, Joan’s Draperies INC. became a ³'IVXM½IH ;SQIR &YWMRIWW
Enterprise’ in the State of New York. Joan provided many State and Federal facilities with various types of Window Coverings for schools and colleges across New York State.
To arrange for an appointment, Joan may be contacted at (315) 724-3546.
Ritual On Ice
By Terry Berkson
This year the annual ice harvest in Miller’s Mills which is located in the southern part of Herkimer County will take place on February 8th. It begins at 11 AM and ends around 3 PM when the large frozen blocks carried by horse drawn WPIMKLW LEZI ½PPIH XLI MGI LSYWI 8LI XEOMRK SJ MGI JVSQ Miller’s Pond has been going on for over 200 years. In 1941, when electricity was brought to the area to provide power for refrigeration, the cutting of ice gradually changed to a ritual rather than a necessity—thanks to the efforts of community, local church and Grange.The ice will remain stored in sawdust until July when it is used for the makings of a commemorative event in the form of an ice cream social. Local legend has it that the sawdust gave birth to the idea of sprinkles on ice cream. T
Autumn arrives in
early morning, but
spring at the close of a winter day.
~Elizabeth Bowen
22 • February 6, 2015
EDITOR
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EDITOR
February 6, 2015 • 23
What’s with the Man Scarf? By Troy Bishopp, The Grass Whisperer Have you ever worn something that you were razzed about? Did you ever wear it a second (or third) time to give it back to the naysayers because you don’t care about their opinion anyway? Apparently, a middle-aged, calloused hand, grass farmer is supposed to look a certain way in public. Here in lies my struggle between country fashion and the connotation that you are an edgy city hipster.
I found at least 11 ways to tie a man scarf with comical names like: The Parisian knot, the drape, the reverse drape, the reverse drape tuck, the reverse drape cross, the fake knot, the over-hand, the chest warmer, the once around, the twice around, the four in hand. I have my own farmstead versions that include, over the Gaelic, the Vermont crunchy, the snow-blower, the cow taster and my personal favorite, the grasser knot, which resembles a clover.
I’ve been down this runway before but it was more for shock value and entertainment purposes to liven up a group before I power-pointed them to death or had a chance to make a statement photo op. I remember very well being led by Daniel Kline into the Winter Green-up Conference donning an authentic set of horse’s blinder headgear. There was the time I wore a tweed coat, cow tie and jeans into the then 7IREXSV 'PMRXSR´W SJ½GI MR Washington, D.C and walked right past all the confused, power-suiting lobbyists to the staff ’s adulation that “the grass farmer” is here. And I have worn more stylish real-grass hats then I can remember. This is all well and good as long as I keep within my genre of farming and don’t do anything really crazy, like having your hair spiked and cemented with gel while wearing a pea coat accessorized with a man scarf. Heaven forbid! I thrive on the ridicule of ignorance by the “What not to Wear” crowd as I try to bolster my personal con½HIRGI XLVSYKL Q] [EVHrobe choices not related to stepping in a ripe cow-pie. And as an aside, my wife thinks (which is the only opinion that really matters), I’m extra handsome in some SJ XLIWI ½RI XLVIEHW 8LI man scarf wearing phenomenon seems to have brought a heightened level of consternation by many who say “you can’t wear one of those and you certainly don’t tie them in knots”. I feel it’s time a farmer clears the air on man scarves before anyone else gets hurt. I googled man scarf and got
multi-colored pom-pom tips or elaborately beaded scarves. Anything that comes with a pin or is advertised to be worn with a scarf pin. Men do not wear scarf pins.”
The author says CHEERS to the man scarf. 38 million hits. Call me slow but it seems they are popular. They come in all styles, lengths, colors, patterns and materials including a duct tape one. They are worn year round. They keep your neck warm in winter and the sun out in the summer. They can be a functional RIGIWWMX] SV EHH ¾EMV XS ER] ensemble.
I googled man scarf and got 38 million hits. Call me slow but it seems they are popular. According to www. artofmanliness.com, “Wearing the rectangular piece of fabric does an excellent job of protecting a man’s neck. Scarves can add a strong
element of style, especially when they introduce color XS ER SXLIV[MWI FPERH SYX½X However, in less functional roles (such as wearing a light-weight scarf indoors in lieu of a necktie) the man doing so needs to be very comfortable in his own personal style”. “Most scarves aren’t made for men–we are a very small part of the market and as WYGL ]SY QE] ½RH E WGEVJ in the menswear sale rack that is questionable. And unless you’re Steven Tyler, you should stay away from feminine-looking scarves. Here is how to spot a scarf designed for your wife: Any scarf in an animal print, bright pink, juicy magenta, electric blue or any large knitted scarf that could double as a blanket. Anything with excessive fringes,
When folks pick on me, I remind them that military personnel, rugged outdoorsQER WTSVXW ½KYVIW ERH popular celebrities including “The Rock” are all wearing scarves. I’ve even seen some young farmers have one on with their tee-shirt. I’m just trying to keep up with the fashionistas. The scarf has been around for centuries as a functional tool against the elements. It’s nice to see it used as a value-added product from the farms that produce the raw product. It also helps you look great and give a little swagger to your step. I won’t impose my fashion ZMI[W SR ER]SRI FYX WYJ½GI it to say I endorse the man scarf for jazzing up the denim in your life or stepping out on the town. Maybe now when someone asks you, what’s with the man scarf? You’ll have some ammo to debate the merits of your awesome look. “Conformity is the only real fashion crime” ~ Simon Doonan. T
I am determined to be cheerful
and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our
circumstance but by our disposition. ~Martha Washington
ATTENTION FARMERS... Dead and/or Disabled Livestock, for Rendering JASON CARUSO 315-725-8335
FRANK CARUSO 315-733-3965
OFFICE: 315-733-3773
HEIDI WORDEN 315-982-0095
201 Jackson Road FRANKFORT, NY 13340
NO CHARGE for pickup. Call Us!
24 • February 6, 2015
EDITOR
Common mistakes made on home renovation projects Home improvement projects can turn a house into a home. Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into VSSQW XLEX VI¾IGX XLIMV TIVsonal tastes and comforts.
undertaking than buying a home. But homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects can make the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.
Homeowners going it Failing to understand EPSRI QE] ½RH XLMRKW HS RSX the scope of the project always go as planned. In fact, a Harris Interactive study found that 85 percent of Some homeowners don’t realize just how big a comhomeowners say remodeling is a more stressful mitment they have made
in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers.Trends come and go, and improvements can be expensive. If your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select few buyers. Forgetting to properly vet all workers It is important to vet your contractor, but don’t forget to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so can prove a costly mistake. Contractors often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers. Expecting everything to go as planned
until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and reconstruction is involved and how much time
a project will take can help homeowners avoid some of the stress that comes with renovation projects. For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinJSVGIQIRX SJ ¾SSVMRK XS accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. So such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replacing faucets. Not establishing a budget Homeowners must develop a project budget to ensure their projects do not HVEMR XLIMV ½RERGIW -J ]SYV FYHKIX MW WS MR¾I\MFPI XLEX you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and
save more money so you can eventually afford to do it right. Without a budget in place, it is easy to overspend, and XLEX GER TYX ]SY MR ½RERGMEP peril down the line.Worrying about coming up with money to pay for materials and labor also can induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by WIXXMRK E ½VQ FYHKIX Making trendy or overpersonal improvements Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free reign when it comes to renovating their homes. Such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer. However, if the goal is to make improvements
Optimism is great, but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise.The project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way. Overestimating DIY abilities Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional may save you money. Home improvements can be stressful, but homeowners can lessen that stress by avoiding common renovation mistakes. T
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. ~Henry Ford
EDITOR
February 6, 2015 • 25
Make the most of your night out this Valentine’s Day
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26 • February 6, 2015
EDITOR
Things to consider when renovating a vacation home GEXMSR VIRXIVW EVI QEOMRK E QYGL WQEPPIV ½RERGMEP GSQQMXment, so curb appeal can go a long way toward encouraging vacationers to rent your property. Repaint a home in a more vibrant color or replace old siding with newer material. Hire a local landscaping service to tend to the property throughout vacation season, and be sure to include updated photos of your property with online listings.
Vacation homes may seem like a luxury only the very wealthy can afford, but many people purchase vacation homes as investments.Vacation homes give families a place to escape to where they can spend time together each summer or winter, but such homes also help homeowners KIRIVEXI MRGSQI ERH WSQI LSQIS[RIVW IZIR ½RH XLI height of vacation season generates enough rental income to pay for the second home year-round.
• Connectivity:While vacation was once a respite from all aspects of our everyday lives, nowadays vacationers want to maintain at least some connection to the outside world. If your vacation home is not up-to-date with its wireless technology, upgrade to a faster network that offers high speed Internet. Such connectivity can and likely will prove attractive to prospective renters who have grown accustomed to relying on the Internet, even when they are on vacation.
Personal style goes a long way toward determining how to renovate a primary residence. But men and women who own vacation homes they hope to rent out should not allow their own personal styles to dictate a vacation home renovation project.The following are some additional things homeowners should consider before renovating their vacation homes. • Curb appeal:When renovating a vacation property, rela-
• Appliances: A vacation rental may not need the latest and KVIEXIWX ETTPMERGIW FYX LSQIS[RIVW QE] ½RH MX IEWMIV XS attract renters (and charge more in rent) if the home is not ½PPIH [MXL SYXHEXIH ETTPMERGIW VIQMRMWGIRX SJ E PSRK JSVKSXten era. Upgrade especially outdated appliances, but make WYVI ER] YTKVEHIW ½X [MXL XLI XLIQI SJ ]SYV VIRXEP *SV example, stainless steel appliances may look great in your primary residence, but such appliances are costly and may RSX FI [LEX VIRXIVW LSTMRK XS ½RH E FIEGLWMHI FYRKEPS[ are looking for.
tively minor updates can dramatically improve curb appeal, which may bear more weight with prospective renters than it would prospective buyers. Potential buyers are making a WYFWXERXMEP ½RERGMEP GSQQMXQIRX [LIR XLI] FY] E LSQI WS XLI] [MPP KS SZIV E LSQI [MXL E ½RI XSSXL GSQF &YX ZE-
• Accessibility: Some people want a vacation home far off the beaten path, but that does not mean the home has to be inaccessible. If your vacation home is in a wooded area far off the road, consider paving the access road prospective renters will use to get to and from the property.This relatively small touch may appeal to potential renters who want some seclusion but don’t want to put their vehicles through the ringer every time they leave the property. Renovating a vacation home is a great way to generate extra rental income from the property, and there are several ways homeowners can make their vacation homes more attractive to renters without breaking the bank. T
Make the most of your home appraisal When homeowners think about renovating their TVSTIVXMIW QER] ½VWX RIIH to secure some funding to ½RERGI WYGL TVSNIGXW 7SQI may tap into the equity of XLIMV LSQIW F] VI½RERGMRK an existing mortgage, while others may apply for home equity loans.Taking the latter approach may require certain steps, including an assessment of how much the home and property is worth.
your home to neighboring properties to determine your homeÕs current market value. Homeowners can facilitate the process by having certain information readily available for the appraiser. When preparing for appraisers, homeowners should consider and collect the following information:
Home appraisals compare
-J ]SY LEZI QEHI WMKRM½cant upgrades since it was last appraised, such as installing a new roof or siding. Don’t overlook smaller renovations, like extra insulation added or sealing drafty windows, which can increase a home’s value.
• If your home was built on the largest lot in the community.
• Proof that you have used sustainable resources or if you participated in any energy-savings programs. Naturally, any expansion projects, such as adding another bedroom or extending the footprint of the home, should be mentioned. A real estate appraiser is a GIVXM½IH PMGIRWIH TVSJIWWMSREP who will do his or her best to
determine the value of your home.The appraisal provides banks with information that GER XIPP PSER SJ½GIVW MJ XLI house is worth the loan amount. Expect to pay a fee for the appraisal, which is generally included in your closing costs.
or common maintenance can impress the appraiser. Removing clutter and cleaning up the home’s interior can make the home appear larger, possibly increasing its value as a result.
The appraiser gathers information for the appraisal report from a number of sources, but the process often begins with a physical inspection of the property, both inside and out. He or she also will compare your home against a few others in the neighborhood, which are known as comparables, or comps. Appraisals will be based on recent prices of comparable properties as well as other factors.
An appraiser will spend roughly 30 minutes in a home.Try to give that person space to do his or her job. *SPPS[MRK XLI ETTVEMWIV around during an inspection GER VEMWI E VIH ¾EK XLEX something is wrong with the house that you donÕt want to be seen.Turn lights on throughout the house, make sure the heating or cooling system is functioning at full capacity and keep pets locked away. Move items that can impede access to basements or attics.
Apart from the improvements done to the home, there are other ways to get a higher appraisal amount. The appraiser may consider the overall maintenance of the home and property. It is wise to consider curb appeal and ensure the home is clean and maintained when the appraiser arrives. Minor repairs
An accurate assessment of the value of your home will give banks the information they need to determine loan amounts for future renovation projects. Providing background information on the home and having a well-maintained property can improve the chances of a favorable appraisal. T
EDITOR
February 6, 2015 • 27
Woodcraft Suggests Plan for Year of ‘Dream Home Projects’ · Festool’s Rotex RO90 Multi-Purpose Sander switches easily between three sanding modes - aggressive, random orbital ½RMWL WERHMRK ERH HIPXE HIXEMP WERHMRK XLEX [MPP LERHPI E host of tasks from stripping stubborn paint to creating a WQSSXL ½RMWL · Earlex Gemini HVLP Sprayer can be used as a cup fed gun XS WTVE] ½RI ½RMWLIW ERH TEMRXW SV [MXL E TYQT XS TYWL water-based paint/stain directly from the can via a 13’ hose to the gun for covering large surfaces. · The QuikBENCH Portable Workbench holds 300 pounds alone; add another to form a sawhorse to hold 2,000 pounds. Or connect several for a larger workstation. If you need a scaffold, choose the portable Vika Twofold Workbench and Scaffold. Both benches include power strips.
Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice applies finish to a cabinet door, using a single QuikBENCH. The bench’s built-in power strip and uses for multiple benches are also pictured. (MS) - Spend some quality time with your house, and make a list of the pluses and minuses as if you were considering whether to buy it. Use this list to develop projects that will create your “dream home” over a year’s time.To help you, Woodcraft offers some ideas for projects and products. Project Ideas ø 9WI TEMRXW WXEMRW H]IW ½RMWLIW ERH VIPEXIH TVSHYGXW XS VIinvigorate the wood throughout your home, including doors, shutters, walls and furniture. · Add molding or other trim to give walls an upscale look. · Expand storage space with wall-hung or free-standing shelving in as many rooms and areas as possible, matching shapes, hardware and color to each room’s décor. · Replace or upcycle kitchen, bathroom or garage cabinets, as well as outdated bathroom vanities. · Add a wood deck, patio or porch to your outdoor area, and repair/revive or build outdoor benches and other furniture. “If the changes you envision involve unfamiliar tasks, do some research,” says Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice. “We offer books about home improvement topics, as well as ‘Woodcraft Magazine’ technique downloads and how-to videos for many products online. Or get some expert advice at your nearest Woodcraft store.”
· The Kreg Jig® K5 Pocket Hole System offers an easy way to use pocket hole joints in your furniture and home projects, such as decks and porches. · M1 Tape Measure features patented Sight Scribe that allows you to measure and mark without a pencil. Lock your measurement with the M1 blade lock, and take it wherever you need to mark. To learn more about these products and others that can help you update your home, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com. T
· The EZ Pro Crown King Crown Molding Jig from General Tools works with a mitersaw to cut crown molding joints TVIGMWIP] [MXLSYX HMJ½GYPX ERKPI GEPGYPEXMSRW ERH GSQTSYRH angle cuts. · 3M PSA-Backed Veneer is real wood veneer permanently bonded to 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive. It can be applied to MDF, particleboard, plywood, and drywall with excellent results.The veneer is used for furniture repair, countertops, shelves, and architectural applications. · Fein’s MultiMaster Q Start Kit is equipped for sawing, rasping, scraping, removing grout, sanding, polishing, and cutting, all powered by a 250-watt, variable-speed motor. · “Transforming Your Kitchen with Stock Cabinetry” is a 160page softcover book by cabinetmaker Jonathan Benson and his wife, Sherry Benson, a chef, that shows how to transform a kitchen using money-saving stock cabinetry and a wellthought-out plan. · Grex 18-Gauge 2” Nailer - Green Buddy is a precision REMPIV XLEX ½VIW ² XS ² KEYKI REMPW JSV XVMQ ERH QSPHMRKW GEFMRIX EWWIQFP] JYVRMXYVI ERH GEFMRIX ½RMWL [SVO NMK ½\XYVIW PMKLX [SSH EWWIQFP] ERH QSVI
The Mohawk Homestead 62 E. Main Street, Mohawk, NY 13407 The Mohawk Homestead has been serving area residents for 117 years
Helpful Products · General Finishes Water-Based Milk Paints include a 28-color base selection of premixed acrylic paints that can be combined to create even more colors suitable for indoor or outdoor projects. Use the milk paint with the six translucent +PE^I )JJIGXW XS GVIEXI I]I GEXGLMRK HIGSVEXMZI ½RMWLIW WYGL as distressing, antiquing or shabby chic. · General Finishes Gel Stains and Topcoat are easy to use - simply wipe on with a rag and wipe off the excess. Stains are available in 12 shades, including the popular Java and Georgian Cherry. A perfect solution for attractive redesigns at an affordable price. · OneTime Wood Protector is a proprietary acrylate resin blend that penetrates wood’s cellular structure and cures it by exposure to UV radiation. It protects new wood, old wood, pressure treated wood, or wood that has had the previous coating removed - for seven years! Great for outdoor wood projects such as wood shake roof, deck, chairs, picnic tables, fences and more.
Enjoy the home-like comfort and dedicated staff at our small and beautifully appointed home for independent elderly.
• Private and semi-private rooms • Temporary (respite) and long-term care • 24-hour supervision by medical professionals • Case management to help with medicaid, medicare and VA benefits • Home-cooked meals • Unisex Hair Salon, manicures and pedicures • Excellent activities program with on/off site activities including Bingo, Yahtzee, shopping trips, sightseeing & dining out • SKYPE is available to all residents “Where your family becomes a member of ours.”
www.mohawkhomestead.org
315-866-1841
28 â&#x20AC;˘ February 6, 2015
EDITOR
Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Theodore Roosevelt
EDITOR
February 6, 2015 • 29
Rebounding from a late start to retirement savings Some people do not have the ability to begin saving for retirement early on. Others may have brushed retirement savings aside for so long that they are now worried that it's too late to begin socking away money for retirement. While it's best to start saving for retirement as early as possible, the good news is that it's never too late to start planning for retirement. If your 40th birthday has long TEWWIH ERH ]SY VI ½REPP] XLMROMRK ELIEH XS VIXMVIQIRX GSRsider these catch-up strategies. · Research tax-advantageous retirement savings plans. A ½RERGMEP TPERRIV GER TSMRX ]SY MR XLI VMKLX HMVIGXMSR SV GSRsult with your employer about employee programs. Deposit money into a 401(k) or 403(b) plan or another retirement vehicle. Jump on any opportunities when your employer QEXGLIW MRZIWXIH JYRHW -RZIWXMKEXI ER -6% ERH ½RH SYX MJ there are any government incentives. Depending on your age, you may be able to deposit more money into such accounts than other investors. · Cut back on expenses. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses is a great way to save more money for retirement. Figure out where you can save some money you can then allocate to retirement savings. Maybe you can reduce insurance coverage on an older car or raise your deductible? Downsize cable packages or skip that costly cup of coffee on the way to work. Perhaps it's time to look for a smaller, less expensive home or a compact car instead of an SUV. Any QSRI] WEZIH RS[ [MPP FIRI½X ]SY [LIR XLI XMQI GSQIW time to bid farewell to the workforce.
ø (IPE] ]SYV VIXMVIQIRX 1ER] TISTPI [LS VIXMVI ½RH XLIQWIPZIW FSVIH ERH PSSOMRK JSV [E]W XS ½PP XLIMV XMQI ERH as a result more and more people are delaying their retirement, which also gives them more time to save for that day when they do call it quits. If you want to work less, discuss and negotiate a phased retirement with your bosses that allows you to stick with your employer but gradually work fewer hours until you retire completely.You may be able to work part-time for several years and retire when you're most comfortable.
The starting point of all achievement is desire. ~Napoleon Hill
· Consider more aggressive funds. Even if you are 50 you still have a few decades before retirement, which leaves lots of time to grow your retirement savings. But you may want to consider more aggressive funds that can help you catch up more quickly than less aggressive investments. Just know that aggressive funds may also leave you susceptible to substantial losses. · Don't amass debt. If you're saving for retirement but only paying minimum balances on your credit cards, then you're not really saving. Pay down credit card debt before you begin to set aside money for retirement. Delaying retirement planning may mean you have to work a little harder to build up a solid reserve. But by following WSQI ½RERGMEP XMTW ERH TIVWIZIVMRK ]SY GER WXMPP IRNS] VIXMVIment with security. T
One Of The Most Beautiful Houses in the Mohawk Valley
Located 395 Canal St., Ft. Plain, NY 13339, next to Ft. Plain Museum. Beautiful well-maintained home, 3 car garage, 4.6 Acres with stream. Real Estate consists of main floor with large custom eat in kitchen, beautiful oak cabinets, dishwasher, gas stove, wall oven, refrigerator with ice maker, microwave, large dining room, living room, fireplace, master suite with full bath, laundry room and 1/2 bath on first floor. Upstairs has three bedrooms with full bath, finished basement with office - could be used as second master suite, full bath, fireplace, family room with poplar wood wainscoting. Mostly hardwood floors on first and second floor. Double pane insulated windows throughout, gas fired cast iron baseboard heat, central air conditioning with individual room controls, water softener, dehumidifier, curtains throughout, central vac and a total of 3 1/2 baths. Three bay attached oversized heated garage, RV full hook-up, professionally landscaped with multiple mature trees, village sewer and water and a backyard garden area. Zoning maps show it is in PH Planned Historical District. The uses permitted in PH District are: residences, farms, historical buildings & sites, restaurants, motels, bed & breakfast, church & historical attractions.
For Appointment To Visit Phone 518-568-5115 Or Contact Your Broker With This Ad. Brokers will be protected.
30 • February 6, 2015
EDITOR
EDITOR
February 6, 2015
Hickory Hardwood Flooring starting at
$4.19
Sq. Ft.
Winslow Hickory
The warm look of hardwood flooring with a distressed hand scraped surface for lasting beauty & durability.
Special
3 YEAR FINANCING available On purchases of $1,000 or more with your Flooring America Wall to Wall credit card made before 3/1/2015**
Store Hours: Mon. & Tues. 9am-5:30pm; Wed. 9am-6pm; Thurs. & Fri. 9am-5:30pm; Sat. 9am-4pm
2010 0 Oriskany y St.. W., Utica aâ&#x20AC;˘
733-0421
www.enjems.com
*% off discount applies to materials only on select items; cushion, labor, and installation charges are additional. Prior orders exempt. See store for details on all offers and warranties. Offer expires 3/01/2015. Participating stores only. Not all merchandise is available in all stores. Photos are representational only. Actual merchandise may not exactly match photos shown. Although we make every effort to ensure that our advertising is accurate, we cannot be held liable for typographical errors or misprints. **Financing provided by Synchrony Bank. See store for details. Subject to credit approval. With purchases of $1,000 or more. FAME-35783 09/14
February 6, 2015
EDITOR
EDITOR
February 6, 2015
February 6, 2015
EDITOR
EDITOR
February 6, 2015
February 6, 2015
EDITOR