Home and Garden 2013

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEWTOWN BEE - APRIL 12, 2013

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Garden INSIDE THIS ISSUE Know When It’s Time To Replace Products On Your Home . . . . . . . . . .3 Bethel Power Equipment Names Top Five Power Tools For Outdoor Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 DIYers: How To Extend The Life Of Your Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Look To ‘Grayed-Down’ Tones Among Popular Color Trends For 2013 . .8 Home Automation Systems Interest Led By Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Insurance Agents Group Warns About Flood Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Real Estate Agents, Contractors Talk About Best ROI Home Repairs . .12 What To Do When Your House Is Making You Homesick . . . . . . . . . . .14 Newtown Landscape Architect Pioneering Award-Winning Spaces For Kids On The Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Marble And Granite Are Rock Solid Choices For Home Or Office . . . .18 Staging Can Make A Memorable Impression When Selling A Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 ‘Passport’ Could Win $10,000 Landscape Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Save Money When Converting A Home From Winter To Spring . . . . .23 Smart Lighting Ideas When Remodeling, Building A Home . . . . . . . . .24 Top Five Style Trends For Modern Chandeliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Six Quick Tips For Avoiding Tree Care Scams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Jill Wolowitz Named To Prudential Real Estate’s President’s Circle . . . . .29 Christine Fairchild Receives Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

2 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

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Home & Garden - 3

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

Know When It’s Time To Replace Products On Your Home Warming spring weather means it’s time to evaluate your home’s exterior.

Owning a home means giving constant attention to the building products that go into protecting the structure of your house.

While homeowners like to believe items like a roof, siding, and windows will last forever, that’s not the case.

Mark Clement, co-host of the national home improvement radio show MyFixitUpLife, offers a variety of tips for knowing when it’s time to replace products on your home.

“The key is to know when the time is right to invest in new products for your home. This means an ongoing evaluation of your home’s current products, researching new product options, and contacting professionals for support,” Mr Clement says.

The home improvement coach points out that replacing older products with newer, more energy-efficient and longer-lasting products is a sound investment for homeowners. He also offers the following advice: Evaluating The Roof Using either a ladder or binoculars from across the street, look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be “flapping” in the wind. These are all

indications that a new roof may be in your future.

Check the sides of your roof. The southern exposure weathers significantly faster than the other sides of the roof, so make sure to carefully examine this area. Also, shallower pitches weather faster than steeper pitches.

So again, if your roof has a shallow pitch — like a shed dormer — make certain you can clearly see it to get a true indication of the condition of your roof.

Assessing Windows *Evaluate the functionality of your current windows. If you have condensation between glass panes, the windows are hard to open or close, your energy bills are soaring, or if there are drafts coming in around the window units, then it’s time to seriously consider replacement windows. *Determine how many panes of glass are in your windows. Single-paned windows are the least energy efficient.

You can replace them with double- or triple-paned Energy Star-compliant windows to enhance energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable during all seasons. *Look at the frames of your windows.

If they’re made of a product that needs constant maintenance like wood,

you’re probably spending a good deal of time scraping paint and repainting every year or so. An investment in vinyl-framed windows would be smart since these low-maintenance frames eliminate maintenance hassles.

Replacing The Front Door *If you can see light around your main entry door from the inside, the door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it’s time to consider a new door. *Even if you can’t see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate. On a very cold or hot day, hold the back of your hand an inch or so away from the bottom and perimeter of your door. If you can feel air moving or a significant cold spot, that’s a signal your existing door could benefit from better sealing. *Think about the weather conditions your home’s door faces along with your energy bills. If either run to the extreme, consider replacing your entry door with a high-performance fiberglass door (which can have four times more insulation than wood doors). *Look for a door with enhanced weather stripping, corner seal pad, door bottom sweep, and profiled sill that all work together to provide

strength and stability in your entry door.

Evaluating Trim *Take a top-down look at your home.

Most houses have louvers placed high above the attic or garage space to allow ventilation in those areas. And, most houses have wooden louvers that can rot with time. Replacing louvers with insect-resistant and rot-resistant synthetic louvers can improve the home’s appearance and functionality. *Wrap it up. Mr Clement recommends that if you have unsightly porch posts you can easily transform them into showpiece parts of your home by using column wrap kits. The decorative PVC or urethane pieces can generally be installed in less than 30 minutes around existing structural posts and columns to give an upgraded look to any home. *If you have the opportunity to replace your entry door or windows, make sure to finish off the job with stylish window and door trim. Lightweight and easy to install, weather-resistant synthetic moldings, shutters, and entryway surrounds made of durable urethane or PVC are a definite do-it-yourself project for any homeowner.

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4 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

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Home & Garden - 5

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

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6 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

Bethel Power Equipment Names Top Five Power Tools

Mark Guss and his dog Molly are shown at a Bob-Cat riding mower known as the Predator-Pro. Mark Guss, right, and Kevin Dee are the co-owners of Bethel Power Equipment, LLC, located at 6 Francis J. Clarke Circle in Clarke Business Park in Bethel, off Route 53. The firm sells a wide range of power equipment and provides service for all brands of gear.

—Bee Photos, Gorosko

By Andrew Gorosko BETHEL — Mark Guss can tell you about five of the most popular pieces of outdoor power equipment that he sells at Bethel Power Equipment. Beyond that,

he can describe 25 items that a homeowner would need to properly maintain his or her property.

But five items seems like a good place to start, amid a showroom stocked with so

many tools. The equipment store/repair shop is located at 6 Francis J. Clarke Circle in Clarke Business Park, off Route 53 in Bethel.

Mr Guss and Kevin Dee have jointly owned the firm since 2007. The business formerly was known as Bethel Power Equipment, Inc. The firm provides sales and service to the residential and commercial landscaping/garden markets, with about threefifths of its business being done with residential customers.

Bethel Power Equipment also services other brands which it does not sell. The company employs six mechanics. The era of the small power shop has passed, Mr Guss said.

The power equipment firm sells a variety of Honda generators.

Gasoline-powered blowers are effective all-season tools to thoroughly clear pavement and turf.

Bethel Power Equipment stocks a range of rotary lawn mowers.

The firm moved to its current building last July, which provides a much larger space than its previous location at 44 Grassy Plain Street. The Clarke Business Park facility includes a large new showroom for the company’s power equipment inventory.

Items sold by the business include: lawn tractors, lawn mowers, zero-turn lawn mowers, commercial lawn mowers, grass trimmers, leaf blowers, leaf vacuums, cut saws, chain saws, hedge trimmers, water pumps, sprayers, snow plows and snow blowers. Bethel Power Equipment also sells sanders, generators, log splitters, motorized wheelbarrows, axes, hatchets, pruners, pressure washers, tampers, trailer accessories, brush cutters, lawn seeders, soil aerators, lawn dethatching machines, wood chippers, and logging tools, such as peaveys and cant hooks.

Five Useful Items Mr Guss described five popular pieces of power equipment that his firm sells and services.

1. A relatively recent line of power equipment produced by Stihl, Inc, is known as the KombiSystem. The system employs compact, standardized handheld engine/handle units to which various attachments can be affixed. The attachments include various types of hedge trimmers, scythes, edgers, mini-cultivators, power sweepers, blowers, pruners, and bristle brushes.

2. The Echo brand offers a comparable componentized system known as the Professional Attachment System, Mr Guss said. Such systems offer their users much flexibility in terms of the work that can be accomplished based on which components are used, he said.

3. A perennially popular power equip-

Home & Garden - 7

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

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Custom Gunite In Ground Pools A wall display contains the Stihl KombiSystem, a power equipment system in which various attachments are affixed to a compact, standardized handheld engine/handle unit, as needed, to perform different types of yard work. ment category is electrical generators. Mr Guss said that Honda-brand generators are the best such products on the market.

His firm sells a range of Honda generators, providing different products for different needs, he said. Based on a customer’s requirements for electricity, the power center can recommend the best generator for their needs, Mr Guss said.

4. The store also sells a variety of rotary mowers, whose capabilities vary depending upon a customer’s requirements.

Users walk behind such mowers when

cutting lawns. Also, a variety of riding mowers are available. They allow users the benefit of riding atop the mower when they have a large area to cut and/or want to accomplish the work swiftly.

5. Leaf blowers also are a popular item at Bethel Power Equipment. Most models are powered by gasoline engines. The brands of new equipment carried by the store include: eXmark, Stihl, Bob-Cat, Muck-Truck, Honda, SnowEx, Classen, Bear Cat, Echo, Worx, Toro, Mantis, Troy-Bilt, and American CLS.

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DIYers: How To Extend The Life Of Your Tools Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and do-it-yourselfers are kicking their home improvement projects into high gear. At the heart of any handy job in or around the house is a high-quality set of tools.

“Even great tools won’t work as well or last forever if they aren’t treated with care,” warns Chris Barker, technical manager at Royal Purple, a manufacturer of premium synthetic lubricants.

So what can DIYers do to extend the life of their valuable tools?

Store Properly Good organization is not just about saving time when you’re looking for the proper tool, or even just about saving space in your garage or shed. Good organization can go a long way toward keeping tools in proper working order for longer.

So never leave tools scattered about where they are susceptible to getting dinged or could be the cause of an accident. Install shelving units and invest in a quality toolbox that meets your size and portability needs.

Proper storage away from the elements can also protect metal tools from rust and wooden handles from rot. Be sure to clean and dry all tools before storing them and maintain a cool and dry climate in your workshop or garage.

Maintain Regularly Use a versatile product to lubricate power tools, rollers, and lawn equipment, loosen stuck parts, preserve equipment in storage, and facilitate hand drilling, tapping, and metal cutting.

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Maintaining your tools and lawn equipment with regular lubrication will protect them against wear, rust, and corrosion, and can actually improve the condition of metal surfaces. More information can be found at www.ProtectParts.com.

Use Correctly Most tools are designed to perform specific functions. Using the wrong tool for a job can pose a safety hazard to you and those around you. By using your equipment incorrectly, you can make the tool less effective for its intended use.

Be aware, even with good maintenance habits, tools will need to be replaced over time.

High-quality tools can be expensive. But with the proper care, you can keep them in good working order all season long and well into the future.

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8 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

Look To ‘Grayed-Down’ Tones Among

By Nancy K. Crevier Neutrals and rich colors seem to be the trend for 2013.

Aloe. Lemon Sorbet. Prairie Sand. Grayed Jade.

Monaco Blue. The names alone are enough to cause a soul to sigh with satisfaction, and these are just a few of the colors selected by top paint companies as the 2013 Colors of the Year.

Sherwin Williams’ “Aloe” is a pastel green with just a hint of mint, meant to echo the feeling of a spa.

When paired with black, gray, and/or white, this gentle green means to create a soothing environment.

Throw in an accent of bright coral or chartreuse, though, and the same green throws off its shy persona.

Pantone picks Monaco Blue, a dense blue that pairs well with its number two color, Dusk Blue, a more skylike tone. Two of Pantone’s greens take third and fourth place as color picks for this year: richly hued Emerald, and the softened Grayed Jade.

Pantone suggests paint themes for this year, as do many other paint companies. “Surface” features ocean tones of plums and olive greens. Warm but zesty colors like Cinnamon and Baked Clay are found in the “Extracts” palate, while “Rugged Individual” colors suggest sunsets and seaside ports.

Chinchilla, Ethereal Gray, and Jasper Teal are in

Pantone’s “Glamour” collection, and look for the popular neutrals under “Connoisseur,” where warm violets dominate.

Soft violets and grays fill the Martha Stewart “Sophisticated Neutrals” panel, while deep red, gold, jewel tones of blue, and mineral greens fall into the “Rich Shades” category.

Nature-inspired colors like Forest Green, Pine Cone, Taupe, and Berry Red are among the colors touted this year by Behr Paint, with startling accents of bright blue popping out from those more neutral colors.

Benjamin Moore Paints chooses Lemon Sorbet as its 2013 Color of the Year, pairing it with mint, coral, pink, blue, and violet. Like Pantone, Benjamin Moore suggests several color themes for homeowners seeking to create a particular mood.

Gray-toned green, deep blue, and reddish browns are the earthy colors in the “Artisan” panel, or look for contrasting colors like cool green and rich gold, or dark blue and a cinnamon brown for the “Urbanite” look.

“New Traditional” suggests bold colors and patterns, marrying navy blue with gold or mauve, for example.

Feelings Of Summer Longing to recreate the relaxed feeling of summer

The section for faux finishing tools in home décor stores is shrinking, along with the popularity of sponged or ragged paint finishes.

A bulletin board created by employees at the Color Center gives customers ideas on using this year’s trending colors.

vacation at the beach? Choose from “Coastal” selections, like hazy tones of blue and greens and the very palest of yellows.

“People in Newtown still love the historical colors,” said Ann Cote, who along with Linda Rotante is happy to advise shoppers at the Color Center of Newtown, on Queen Street, which sells Benjamin Moore paints. Colors like Monroe Bisque combined with a Hale Navy accent give that historical look a contemporary facelift.

Those are the colors with a green or yellow background, and that are “grayed down” a little, said Ms Cote. It is the depth of colors in the historical color collection that attracts homeowners. “People love the Nantucket Gray, which is actually a green,” Ms Cote said, and any of the taupe colors are popular this year.

“Grays are big this year, but it can be hard to find a straight gray,” cautioned Ms Cote. Most of the grays people select tend to have blue or purple in them, which is not necessarily a problem, unless other items in the room would be at odds with tones of blue. For a true gray color, it is necessary to go with a more deeply colored gray.

“With all color shopping, we ask people what else is in the room he or she is painting, and try to find out the style they are aiming for,” Ms Cote said. With more than ten years of experience each in the Color Center, both Ms Cote and Ms Rotante are able to guide shoppers as to paint selection, and are happy to devote as much time as needed for customers to walk out with the perfect color.

Benjamin Moore may have chosen Lemon Sorbet as the Color of the Year, but customers at the Color Center are not buying yellows, said Ms Rotante and Ms Cote.

“Yellows are very, very hard to choose, because they come out so bright. I haven’t seen a lot of people using any of the yellows this year,” Ms Cote said. Dining rooms, dens, living rooms, and even bedrooms are leaning to navy blue hues this year, in the Newtown market.

Other important colors for 2013, said Ms Cote, are the spa colors, such as the blue-green grays of Healing Aloe or Quiet Moment. The earthy Dried Parsley, Spring Bud, and Woodland Green contribute to that same calming palate favored by many women now for bedrooms, she said.

What customers are not flocking to this year as they have for the past decade is faux finishing, said the color specialists. “Nobody is sponging, ragging, or graining finishes this year,” Ms Cote said, except in instances where a base coat is overlayed with a metallic glaze of similar color using those techniques. The result is a very subtle, modern look.

Accent Walls Complement Customers still like the idea of an accent wall, in which a different, usually brighter color is used on one wall. This technique works best in a larger room, Ms Cote said, behind a headboard or around a fireplace. This year, though, the accent wall is apt to be less of a contrast.

There is something else new afoot with the contrast wall this year, as well, said Cheryl Mizak of Alcher Interiors in Southbury. The focus wall is showing up in wallpaper.

“Wallpaper is picking up in interior decorating,” said Ms Mizak, who has followed many trends over the 24 years she has owned Alcher Interiors, “and it has changed.” Colors have been redone for today’s tastes, and the look is more stylized. While wallpapers do not tend to follow color trends, patterns do change.

In 2013, customers are seeking texture and geometric prints, with an ethnic influence. “People are attracted to the Moroccan-type geometrics, in particular,” said Ms Mizak, which showcase bursts of orange or red. Wallpapers with colors or subtle geometric patterns woven into them are the “new” natural papers, she said, or papers with mica embedded in it for those who do not fear a touch of bling in their decorating.

Home & Garden - 9

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

Popular Color Trends For 2013 Generally, people are looking to muted gem colors, like a citron or grayed down purple, whether in wallpaper or paint colors. “They are taking the seaglass colors and bumping it up a bit,” Ms Mizak said of the hues of greens and blues that are now attractive.

She advises clients to select fabrics for furniture, carpets, or drapes before settling on a paint color. Fabric colors cannot be tweaked, she pointed out, whereas paint color is far more flexible.

A Touch Of Metallic Texture is desirable in paint as well as in wallpaper,

but like Ms Rotante and Ms Cole, she noted that sponging and ragging techniques are mostly a thing of the past. Plaster finishes remain popular, however, as are multiple layer finishes with a touch of metallic.

The one place Ms Mizak is seeing the bright colors surface is in the kitchen. “Kitchens are bright and sassy,” she said, and this is where the reds and yellows are showing up.

“I do encourage people to dabble in color, because it’s fun,” said Ms Mizak, but cautioned that people should not make the mistake of going with a color “just because that’s what they’re doing this year.”

A wallpaper book at Alcher Interiors in Southbury shows how today’s wallpapers follow a trend of stylized patterns and use in focus areas.

She has seen numerous instances where people paint the trendy colors, only to discover they are not comfortable in the finished room. There is a reason for that, even if the painter is unable to put a finger on it.

“If you don’t use colors that are complementary to your skin tones, you’ll hate it,” she commented. “Rely on your instincts. You have to be happy to be comfortable,” said Ms Mizak.

A little professional guidance can go a long way, she pointed out, whether selecting fabrics, wall coverings, or paint colors. “It can be that added confidence boost, and we’re always here to help,” she said.

A display at the Color Center in Newtown shows the many shades of gray that are popular in 2013.

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10 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

I Old Fashioned Service

t won’t be long till the warm spring breezes and the sweet smell of cherry blossoms return to Connecticut

Home Automation Systems Interest Led By Security

Landscape Design A fine garden starts with a fine design.

Our team of landscape architects, designers and draftsman begin with a mission: to accentuate the natural beauty of a site with appropriately unique materials. In the end these choices provide tranquil and timeless environments for our clients.

Landscape Construction From custom designed garden urns to irrigation systems, walks, patios and garden structures, no job is too small or too big for our construction teams.

With seamless dialogue between our designers and the Master Craftsmen heading each construction crew, you can be certain that your project will get the attention it deserves.

Complete Property Maintenance Whether tackling an old garden after years of neglect or keeping a newly planted site in top shape, at Holmes Fine Gardens, we have trained horticulturists, arborists, turf experts and plant health care professionals to keep your property, large or small, looking its best.

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More than 62 percent of online consumers interested in learning more about home automation cited security as their primary purchase motivation, according to new research by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Consumer Perspective on Home Automation found that almost half (49 percent) of consumers are familiar with home automation systems that allow them to remotely monitor and control one or more technology system in their homes.

“There is room for industry growth, with just 1.7 million households indicating they currently have a home automation system installed in their residence,” said Rhonda Daniel, CEA’s manger, market research, “The more consumers know about home automation, the more likely they are to adopt the technology in their homes. Our industry must work together to develop clear product descriptions and educate consumers about what these technologies can do in order to increase adoption of these systems.”

Research indicates that features focused on safety and security should be the building blocks of home automation packages offered by the industry. Consumers expressed interest in capabilities that would allow them to remotely monitor and control one or more systems in their homes.

More than half of consumers said they are interested in the following features: receiving alerts if smoke detectors go off (59 percent); receiving alerts if someone enters or exits the home (55 percent); remotely seeing someone at the front door (58 percent); and being able to adjust the lights while away (52 percent).

Despite an increase in “do-it-yourself ” home automation products in recent years, 67 percent of consumers preferred professional installation over the DIY route (27 percent). Three-fourths of those interested in the professional installation route indicated that it’s “very important” for the installer to be certified.

Insurance Agents Group Warns About Flood Insurance HARTFORD — The arrival of spring can, and often does, deliver frequent rain, making floods, not only possible, but probable. With few exceptions, a household or business needs to get flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program, advises Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut Inc. As many remember from Super Storm Sandy, heavy rains and water backup from overloaded drainage systems can cause thousands of dollars in damages to homes and businesses. Unfortunately, too many people find out too late that their business, homeowners, or renters insurance policy does not cover flooding.

Year after year, flooding is not only more common, it is more devastating.

“Even after the devastation caused by Sandy, many people still don’t realize they are not covered for flood damage on their homeowners policy,” says PIACT President Timothy G. Russell, CPCU. “They need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

The National Flood Insurance Program offers flood insurance at generally affordable rates, which is available through your independent insurance agent.”

Mr Russell urges all home and business

owners to contact their professional, independent insurance agent to help determine if they need flood insurance immediately.

“A 30-day waiting period exists between the time the flood insurance is purchased and the time the coverage goes into effect, although that waiting period may be waived for lender-required flood insurance,” continued Mr Russell, who stresses that waiting for the next storm warning to purchase flood insurance is dangerous, since coverage probably will not begin in time.

“People in high-risk flood areas are not the only people who need flood insurance,” he points out. “In fact, approximately 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from areas that are not considered high risk.

Keep in mind, flooding can occur any place at any time.”

Most importantly, contact your professional insurance agent to get the coverage you need to protect your family and your business from the devastation flooding can cause, advises Mr Russell.

PIACT is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages, and their employees throughout the state.

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

Home & Garden - 11

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The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

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Lou and Pat Perez of the Perez Team work for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

“Pat and I agree that the primary thing to do would be the kitchen — upgrade for the style of the home and community it’s in.”

Working as a team allows them to see both a man’s and woman’s perspective when buying a home. “I think that in many cases the person to make the decision is the woman,” Mr Perez said. “A functioning, well appointed kitchen is the heart of the home and she will make the decision that it’s right for the family.”

Has he seen a kitchen change a buyer’s mind? “Absolutely.” He said that first impressions of a home start with the neighborhood or the yard’s tidiness, but “that opinion — positive or negative — can change once they get inside.”

He has heard many clients say, “I love the house and neighborhood, but there is no way I would want it…” He explained, “If the kitchen is not up to snuff, you will hear it right away; if the kitchen does not look clean or smell clean or have relatively new or cared for appliances, it could be a deal breaker.”

Money would be best spent in the kitchen, he said. “It may make the home more attractive with appropriate changes,” Mr Perez said. “Something that almost everybody can afford is to make the kitchen

spotless, make it smell good, and be sure appliances work.”

He also suggests asking for help. “Bring your realtor in and let them help you take a fresh look at your house and what needs to be done. Have your realtor go through the house, talk about budgets, problems, and focus on biggest thing, maybe the kitchen, and see what you can do.”

Upgrading Appliances Art James, owner of Advanced Appliance does repairs, including work in homes going on the market. “It’s always nice to have perfectly working modern appliances.

People update when they are selling in order to have it nice.”

Realtor and broker Cathy Masi with Flagpole Realty said so many buyers are asking for granite and stainless steel. “They are wild about it.” Mr James agrees. “Stainless and granite, everybody wants it,” he said.

The materials are more expensive, but showy, he said.

Clients also like to see hardwood floors and professional kitchens. “That’s what I am hearing,” she said. She said, “It’s OK to have carpet, but due to allergies, a lot of people want hard surface floors.”

Updated bathrooms are important too, she said.

Overall, to help bring a fresh clean appearance to a home, she said, “Paint.

Paint is always a good thing to do and is cheapest and effective.” And clean up any clutter. “People buy with their eyes, still,” she said.

Realtor Beth Caldwell with William Raveis warned, “Curb appeal is huge. Get out and clean up the yard, get some season-

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Home & Garden - 13

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

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Contractors Talk About Home Repairs al plants in.” John Spector of John Spector Landscape Design out of Woodbury said, “You’ve got to cut the beds out and mulch, trim the shrubs — that’s number one. Two, rake and fertilize and seed bare areas. Don’t forget to hay the seeded areas so the birds don’t take it,” he said.

Sellers also want to have their house clean, “Declutter declutter, declutter,” Ms Caldwell said. “Cleanliness, even in dated [kitchens or baths], makes a big difference.”

Depersonalize For Showing Sellers should also depersonalize the home. “Once it’s on the market it’s not your house and becomes a product,” she said. Take down heavy draperies or blinds, and let natural light into the rooms, she said.

It takes no money to clean up a home inside and out, she said.

Also, “Family photos should come down.

A buyer needs to visualize themselves living in that house,” Ms Caldwell said.

Bob and Richelle Ward also work as a real estate team, and they both agree, “The front of the house — the approach to the front door sets the tone,” Ms Ward said.

“It’s like judging a book by its cover.” She said, “Our number one focus is getting that to look its best.”

Trim may need to be fixed, stairs replaced, or the rotted garage door bottoms need repair, she said.

Overgrown shrubs may be blocking the

windows, for example. Since her primary goal is “getting this house sold,” she advised, “tear them out and put smaller plants in,” she said. “Let light into the house.”

While some homeowners are concerned about costs for landscaping or repairs, she said, “We are mindful [of budgets] but also of what needs to be done to make the house attractive to as many buyers as possible.”

Eliminate ‘Funny’ Odors Evan Grace, a realtor with Caldwell Banker added that keeping a home clean and organized, with neutral colors, and without “funny” odors are all important.

“The more neutral, the more someone else can picture themselves in that space — something simple like a drastic paint color that can throw someone off.

“People are using neutral,” said painter Mark Svanda. “Something open and a blank palette allows buyers to come in and do what they wish” once they purchase a home.

“You don’t want anything bold with your personality, you want white or subtle off white on trim, same for ceilings,” he said.

“Keep the colors light; it opens up the rooms,” he said.

For the exterior, he said, “You want something fresh that makes sense. You don’t want bright red shutters. They should be more neutral because a potential buyer will have his own ideas.”

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14 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

What To Do When

The Peace Lily or Spathiphyllum is a household plant effective in removing three of most commonly found VOCs in the indoor environment: formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. This plant can also combat toulene and xylene, off gassed from paint products and new construction. Other houseplants can contribute to good indoor air quality, as well.

—Bee Photo, Crevier

By Nancy K. Crevier Being “homesick” takes on a whole new meaning when seeking answers to health issues.

Sick building or sick house syndrome is a term coined more than three decades ago to describe situations in which more than one person experiences illness connected with a particular building or home, due to gasemitting building materials and poor ventilation. It is a term that is commonly recognized today by people well outside the building industry, said Drs Carolyn Graham and Alice Bell of the Naturopathic Health Center, LLC, in Southbury.

When a patient presents with chronic symptoms such as headaches, respiratory issues, fatigue, and irritability that cannot be attributed to a physical cause, the naturopaths begin to explore the possibilities of environmental contaminations that can cause those responses. It takes a bit of sleuthing, but a thorough history of the patient and his/her surroundings can unearth the shocking truth: Home Sweet Home may be more like Home Toxic Home.

“We are inundated with chemicals in the environment,” said Dr Graham, ticking off one after another of how the modern world contributes to unwellness. “There are certain things we’re doing that make things worse,” said Dr Bell, and every room in the house is host to substances that put people at risk.

Home additions and living rooms pose threats of off-gassing. Chemicals in materials are released into the air, and if a home is overly insulated or poorly ventilated, those fumes are trapped in the home atmosphere.

“If you buy new furniture, drapes, or carpets and the adhesives they use with them, these all give off chemicals,” said Dr Graham. Unless they are low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds), paints offgas; floor varnishes and stain-resistant fabric and furniture treatments can all be implicated in making people sick, she said.

New additions or newly built homes may be filled with materials that can give off toxic fumes, some obvious and some very subtle.

“It can take five years to completely offgas, with many of these materials,” said Dr Bell, meaning that anyone sensitive to environmental pollutions can be subject to the ill effects for a long time after the “new house” smell to go away. VOCs are not water soluble and do not biodegrade for a long time.

Hygiene Products Contaminate Toiletries and hygiene products are another source of environmental contamination.

The popular and fun-to-wash-with foaming soaps do no favors, for example. “Foaming soaps open up the pores in your skin, making you more susceptible to toxins in the water,” Dr Graham said. Most public water supplies are treated with disinfectant, and water disinfectants are found in the blood stream, in the highest levels, right after showering, according to studies, she said. Antibacterial soaps have a downside, as well. They kill the good bacteria people naturally have on skin and create a situation in which bad bacteria then have easier access to the body.

The skin is also the portal for chemicals found in cosmetics. “Studies have shown that women absorb 4.4 pounds per year of chemicals from cosmetics,” said Dr Bell.

Be aware of the ingredients in toothpastes and mouthwashes. Blue and red dyes, especially, Dr Bell said, can cause reactions. Fluoride is found in toothpastes in quantities great enough to poison young children, particularly if the public water supply already contains fluoride.

People make other choices that subject them to environmental hazards and ill health, said the doctors. Dry cleaned clothing, chemically based fragrances, household cleaners, and laundry detergents are other items to which people are exposed on a daily basis.

“You should hang your clothes outside for at least 48 hours after they come back from the cleaners,” advised Dr Graham, and added that fragrances and chemicals added to drier sheets and laundry detergents end up in your clothes and then on your skin.

It is nice not to have to iron, but knowing that no-iron clothing stays wrinkle-free due

to the addition of formaldehyde to the material should make them less desirable.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “Formaldehyde has been classified as a known human carcinogen [cancer-causing substance] by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency.”

Don’t Cover Up If you have a house (or any dwelling space), chances are cleaning products fill the cupboards. If they are not natural, plant-based products, they could be contributing to lingering symptoms of unwellness.

Cleaning products contain chemicals that have long-term effects and have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system, and affect the liver, Dr Bell said. Artificially scented air fresheners spew more chemicals into the air, and may cover up smells that should be noted, such as mold.

The crawling, furry black mold that creeps across walls and ceilings following a flood or burst pipe is obvious, but mold can also hide out of sight under sinks, in walls, and under floorboards. Coughing, runny nose, wheezing, and asthmalike symptoms are related to indoor mold exposure.

“The garage is the number one stinky place, I think,” said Dr Bell. It is the place where all the nasty stuff people do not want in the house is stored. “Gas-powered tools, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides, and paint thinners all end up in the garage,” she said, where they contribute to home pollution.

The bedroom in particular poses an invisible health hazard: electrosmog.

Electronic radiation emitted by televisions, cellphones, electric blankets, radios, and other electronic equipment that so many people now house in the bedroom can lead to conditions that range from the vaguely annoying headaches and memory issues to the more serious tumors and brain cancers.

“House health is a big part of health and wellness in general,” said Dr Shawn Carney of Northeast Natural Medicine in Newtown. “Symptoms are beacons of how the body is out of alignment,” he said. In agreement with Drs Graham and Bell, Dr Carney urged people to reconsider when and where electronic equipment is housed and used in the home.

Wireless capability is accessible nearly anywhere a person goes, he said, adding to the electrosmog burden placed upon individuals. Children in particular are at risk for potential harm from constant exposure to electromagnetic radiation, Dr Carney said.

“Minimize your exposure where you can.

Go back to wired versus wireless in the house, for example,” he suggested. Do not keep cellphones on the person all of the time, and do not keep them in bedrooms at night. The decisions, he noted, will be made based on the impact wellness or nonwellness has on one’s quality of life.

The list seems endless as to how that haven of nurturing — home — can be the culprit in sickness. But wise choices and balancing options can lead to a healthier environment, said the doctors.

Make The Right Choice Choose low VOC materials when decorating or painting, and always work in a well ventilated area when using paint or varnish of any kind.

Choose hand and body washes that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate, both additives in soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpastes, and cosmetics, and which have been linked to skin irritation.

If a household has children, use a toothpaste that is free of added fluoride.

Opt for hardwood flooring over carpeting, and select from a no or low-VOC varnish when finishing the floors. Throw rugs made from natural, untreated materials are a wise decorating choice, Dr Graham said.

Set out plants in the home to freshen the air, or use naturally derived essential oils.

Upholstered furniture and curtains should be made of fabric not treated with stainresisting chemicals, and any room into which new furniture is placed should be well-ventilated initially.

Select household cleaners that do the job

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

Home & Garden - 15

Your House Is Making You Homesick without polluting the environment inside or out.

Steer clear of Teflon-coated or aluminum cooking pans that leach contaminants into the body and into the air. Instead, use stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware.

Never run gas-powered hand tools in the garage, and store fertilizers and pesticides in a shed away from the home.

Treat mold problems by washing down walls with white vinegar and rinsing well, rather than using more toxic cleaners to eliminate the mold. Borax is another natural solution to combating mold in the home, and is a known antifungal, Dr Bell said.

Choosing wisely is extremely important in homes with small children or infants, said the doctors. Because their systems are undeveloped, they are less able to handle toxins. A child or infant’s small size means that they are exposed to exponentially larger amounts of environmental hazards in comparison to adults, Dr Bell said. “And think about babies, who spend a great deal of time on the floor, crawling on carpeting,” she said.

A recent report by the Environmental Working Group, said Dr Bell, has shown that there is already an average of 287 contaminants in the blood of newborns, 180 of which are known carcinogens.

“We like to think of babies being pure, but they are already at risk because of the mother’s exposure to chemicals in the environment,” Dr Graham said.

“We need to get the word out that we don’t want chemicals [in the things we use every day],” said Dr Graham, and choosing safer products is one way that message is sent. “If you can just cut down on [chemically tainted products] you can hopefully stay ahead of the game,” she said.

“Try your best in every aspect. Slowly,” Dr Bell said, “you can make changes.”

16 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

Newtown Landscape Architect Pioneering

Newtown landscape architect Tara Vincenta’s design of a sequential learning spaces playground earned her a 2012 Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (CTASLA) Merit Award. The designer has developed the first set of industry guidelines for professionals and caregivers creating public and residential spaces for children on the autism spectrum.

The renderings above showcase several of the stops on a conceptual sequential learning spaces playground designed by Newtowner Tara Vincenta, an award-winning landscape architect who specializes in developing and creating these spaces for public and private clients. The images above showcase the “water wonders,” “mole hill,” and “mountain road” stations of her plan.

By John Voket When it comes to integrating concepts of sequential outdoor learning (SOL) into residential and public environments that are particularly welcoming to children on the autism spectrum, Newtowner and landscape architect Tara Vincenta pretty much wrote the book on it.

Ms Vincenta has supplemented more than 25 years of work in the field with a substantial amount of hands-on research and personal observations. After graduation from one of the nation’s top landscape architecture schools in Syracuse, N.Y., she bounced between Denver and the East Coast honing her multifaceted skills.

A few years ago, Ms Vincenta became very interested in health care design after she found herself “in and out of hospitals, and finding myself craving a connection with nature to get out of that clinical environment. And I couldn’t believe there weren’t more places to go to restore yourself.”

At the time, one of the only places to go to learn about restorative gardening and design was the Chicago Botanical Gardens.

So Ms Vincenta packed off to the Windy City, and found herself working side-byside with experts from around the world who were pioneering the design practice.

“It wasn’t just architects who were interested in this concept, she observed, “I was there with hospital administrators and interior designers getting certified.”

To complete the course, Ms Vincenta was required to do an independent research project. So with her “keen interest in designing environments for children” as an inspiration, she was on her way.

“At that time six or seven years ago, I realized autism was on the rise,” she said. “And I became very intrigued about how we could design outdoor environments to support children on the spectrum and even create a bridge between structured therapies and classroom instruction so they could be more comfortable in the real world.”

Ahead Of Her Time With about one in 50 children being diagnosed with autism according to the latest global statistics, Ms Vincenta believes its about time all children begin to understand that their peers on the autism spectrum have special gifts to share.

“And as a society, we have something of an obligation to understand them,” she said. “So by making all-inclusive playgrounds, it helps all kids understand each other by giving them a place they can all feel comfortable and safe together.”

A sequential outdoor learning environment is specifically designed to support children and families living with the challenges of autism and other special needs.

These unique spaces are equally engaging for any child, offering a fun, safe, and secure outdoor play and learning environment, while presenting an array of opportunities to overcome common challenges.

But when Ms Vincenta decided to conduct the SOL project, she found few precedents in design for these unique outdoor environments.

“There was almost no research out there,” Ms Vincenta said. “I found one study from England — and had to develop most of the primary research myself talking to doctors, therapists, and teachers.”

Ms Vincenta attended and observed classroom experiences and applied her own creative design expertise to translate what she was learning into a template for physical environments that would serve children on the spectrum, while engaging any child.

In December, the latest refinement of her

expanding trove of research earned Ms Vincenta accolades from her peers. The Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (CTASLA) bestowed Ms Vincenta with a Merit Award for her presentation, “Bridging the Landscape of Autism: Definitions, Design Guidelines, and Schematic Concepts.”

“These award-winning projects showcase the various ways that landscape architects enhance the built environment and contribute to the cultural resources of our communities,” said CTASLA President Eric Rains in his remarks about Ms Vincenta and her award-winning colleagues.

National & Local Credentials Ms Vincenta is CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Board) certified and licensed in Connecticut, New York, and California. She serves on the Architectural Advisory Board in Brookfield, and provides pro bono work on community projects, including the master plan for the proposed Mystery Park Recreation Center in that community She has worked with Ability Beyond Disability and Roses for Autism, and was also engaged in developing a master plan for Temple Beth-Elohim in Brewster, N.Y., and a meditation and prayer garden for St Rita’s Catholic Church in Nederland, Colo.

Ms Vincenta is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, ASLA’s Professional Practice Networks in Therapeutic Garden Design and Children’s Outdoor Play Environments, the US Green Building Council, and is a certified WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) member.

“I’m so proud and humbled that the recognition isn’t just for the concept,” Ms Vincenta said. “I developed a set of guidelines for other professionals to design successfully for children on the spectrum. I read a lot of books, including by people with autism. This is what led me to create an outdoor environment.”

The overarching development of these spaces as Ms Vincenta conceives them comes from a sequential order with steps and transition areas.

“One thing that is difficult for families with children on the spectrum is to find a place where all the siblings can have a great time, feel safe, and know they will be accepted,” Ms Vincenta said. “So that means it’s not always about the child with special needs.”

One of the most evident features of her public design space concept is installing orientation maps everywhere so children can see where they are and decide if they want to be involved in that next step.

“These elements of consistency are important so they can feel safe, but at the same time, be challenged so they can overcome those little fears,” she said. “It’s a great way to learn and make it equally engaging so all children will want to be there. That inclusion helps them model other children’s skills in a real world environment.”

SOL Template Homeowners looking to create various concepts from Ms Vincenta’s award-winning “grand scheme” template draw from a sequence of nine spaces that increase in complexity where activities within the activities are also sequenced.

Ms Vincenta says any all-inclusive environment that is nature based is very calming.

“I think integrating nature with sequenced activity can be applied particularly well in a home environment where

Home & Garden - 17

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

Award-Winning Spaces For Kids On The Spectrum you have a chance to work with children already familiar and you can get to know the needs and behaviors of that child,” she said. “If you know one child on the spectrum, you know one child on the spectrum, so I try to take general concepts and personalize them.

“A child’s unique interests can be addressed in a home environment,” she said. “Where, in a community space, we’re going for a broader application and addressing a lot of more common issues for kids on the spectrum.”

Ms Vincenta is continuing her research, hoping to meet and work with families developing or designing more uniquely customized spaces depending on their needs. She also values visiting with teachers, professionals, and others who work with children on the spectrum.

“I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from people who work with these children every day, but working with these families will help address the needs across a broader community, and helps me do a better job,” she added.

One of Ms Vincenta’s most ambitious residential projects to date keyed in on a child who was fond of the Treasure Island stories.

“We created an environment introducing elements like a beach, a dock, an island inside the area, a nature trail with lots of opportunities for sensory integration, different kinds of materials, lots of places to dig in the dirt, and introduction of water,” she recalled. “We introduced a lot of things you’d find in a typical playground with a little twist gearing it to that particular child or family — and I’m hearing it’s nonstop fun for the entire family.”

Keep up with Ms Vincenta and Artemis Landscape Architects on Facebook and Twitter. Or contact Ms Vincenta c/o Artemis Landscape Architects, 277 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport; call 203-740-7979 or e-mail SOL@artemisla.com.

Residential SOL Spaces Can Be Simple, Inexpensive “A lot of outdoor design ideas that would be helpful to kids on the autism spectrum, are not expensive to create,” according to award-winning architect and Newtown resident Tara Vincenta of Artemis Landscape Architects.

“It’s just having an understanding of the needs of the person or people you are serving,” she added. “There are things we can accommodate in our environments with a goal of creating places where kids can learn to overcome their challenges.”

Ms Vincenta is among just a few design professionals creating sequential learning spaces (SOLs), inclusive environments for children on the autism spectrum as well as with other cognitive, neuromuscular, sensory, or ambulatory challenges.

Her work extends from the public/commercial realm to residential applications for families with children on the spectrum.

“The beauty of working at the residential scale is an opportunity to address an entire family,” Ms Vincenta said in a recent visit to her sun-splashed loft studio above Bridgeport’s Bijou Theater. “Where all children will be presented with unique challenges.”

She gains particular insight into residential projects by getting to know and understand who the child is, what he or she likes to focus on — and then integrating them into a residential landscape project.

Ms Vincenta suggests integrating the following concepts into thoughtfully designed outdoor environments: *Regulating sensory issues. Take jumping, for example; make it as safe as possible by embedding trampolines in-ground to eliminate the need for side netting or elevations that present significant fall hazards. *Activities. Add features to promote rocking, rolling, spinning, heavy lifting and pushing, which are common applications beneficial for kids on the spectrum *Transitioning areas. Provide observation points or places for the child to recenter themselves. “If there is a safe place for them to go outside when they are having challenges inside, it’s great,” Ms Vincenta says. *Gardening. Incorporating gardening skills into a landscape design can really help a child on the spectrum by employing fine and gross motor skills. Gardening can also begin educating children about themselves in time and space; a number of therapists are working with these concepts, Ms Vincenta said. *Create an outdoor classroom to take indoor lessons out into nature. *Tap their interests, whether it is trains or planes or trucks. Ms Vincenta designed a play area for one client tapping into their child’s love of the Peter Pan and Treasure Island stories. *Make a place for parents. Parents or

caregivers need recentering, too. Nature is a restorative place to be. So make a calming but well-located spot where they can continue to observe their child’s play while recharging. *Employ evidenced-based design. By working at the residential level, concepts can be tested and refined to have better applications for the greater population to enjoy in public SOL spaces. *Simple things. Kids love to be rocked in a hammock, and kids like to swing.

These are really inexpensive ways for any yard to have one or two elements, as are a slide, a watering trough, or a seesaw; you can create one of those for under $100. *Surfaces and sequencing. Work with integrating various surfaces, or create two or three sequential areas including a resetting area.

Learn more by visiting solenvironment.org. Tara M. Vincenta is principal and founder of award-winning Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc of Bridgeport.

When parents or caregivers to a child on the autism spectrum consider the prospect of creating sequential learning spaces (SOLs), award-winning Newtown landscape architect Tara Vincenta suggests starting off with simple enhancements like the installation of hammocks or a garden path..

18 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

Marble And Granite Are Rock Solid Choices For Home Or Office

By Nancy K. Crevier There are stones on the market such a travertine, soapstone, and quartzite that work perfectly well for home and office applications, as do the manufactured products. But far and away the two stones with which customers are most familiar and which are utilized most frequently are granite and marble, said Sinan Sepkin, president of Academy Marble & Granite in Bethel.

In the six years that Mr Sepkin has operated the stone fabrication and installation company at 101 Wooster Street, he has only seen a rise in the number of clients seeking to add the beauty of stone to their residential or commercial space. In the stone business since 1996, Mr Sepkin said he is familiar with the many stones available, “from quarry to finished product.”

Kitchens and baths are the two rooms most likely to be outfitted in one of the durable materials, he said, and fireplaces in new construction are often made of granite or marble instead of wood or flagstone.

In the kitchen, a high traffic area, the extremely hardwearing granite is the popular choice. Counters receive a great deal of wear and tear, and with colors that range from muted grays and bright whites to deep reds and black, there is a granite color for every taste, Mr Sepkin said.

Academy customers select the granite they like from the huge slabs that stand in the yard outside of the office building. “Every lot will be different,” Mr Sepkin said, so it is important to have customer input. It is only one of the many steps directly involving clients from selection to finished product that makes his business stand out from others, he said. “It’s very customized, and not every fabricator will do this,” Mr Sepkin said, “but we don’t like surprises.

We want to know that the customers get what they want.”

In a kitchen that is not going to be subjected to constant, daily use, or for customers willing to put more effort into upkeep, marble can be used for the counter surface.

“Designers prefer marble over granite,” Mr Sepkin said, “because of the warmer look they feel it has.” But because it is a much softer stone than granite, it is more apt to scratch.

Those who desire the look of marble in the kitchen rarely Sinan Sepkin, president of Academy Marble & Granite in have to concern themselves with the problem of staining, Bethel, stands next to a slab of granite, one of dozens which was once an issue, he added. Due to modern tech- from which customers can choose. nology, sealants today protect the marble surface from —Bee Photo, Crevier

staining. Marble is more frequently used in baths than in kitchens, though, he said, for vanities, sinks, tub decks, and toilet seats.

Homeowners who select marble are aware of its delicacy and tend to take good care of it, Mr Sepkin said. With natural stone running from $40 to hundreds of dollars per square foot, it is an investment people do not want to take for granted.

Beware of “stone pirates,” Mr Sepkin cautioned, who will provide a low per square foot cost for stone, but fail to include additional costs such as shipping, fabrication, or installation prices until a nonrefundable deposit is taken, jacking the price up considerably. Be sure that any contract contains start to finish costs, and use a reputable dealer, Mr Sepkin said.

Whether choosing granite or marble, Mr Sepkin said that the trend in recent years has been toward white stone. “People used to choose granite that would contrast with their cabinets,” he said, “but that’s not so anymore.”

Customers want a clean, monochromatic look today in the kitchen.

As long lasting as stone is, some care is necessary to ensure its continued beauty through the years. Mr Sepkin offered advice on the simple steps to do so. The number one thing, he said, is to make sure that the stone is sealed by the fabricator or installer. Only a pH-neutral soap with water is needed for daily cleaning, and avoid abrasives.

As a general rule, the lighter colored granites are more susceptible to staining, so wipe up any spills immediately, particularly those that are acidic.

Granite will tolerate a hot pot set down on it, but marble and manufactured materials will be damaged. Use a trivet or cloth to protect the surface from hot saucepans.

If a matte finish sealant is used on marble, rather than a glossy finish, any etching caused by an acidic product can be repaired more easily, Mr Sepkin said. The etched surface can be lightly sanded down, in that case, and be nearly indistinguishable.

Manufactured surfaces can be cleaned with any commercial cleaners, but like the stone products, abrasives and hot pots should be avoided.

With a little care, from selection to daily use, customers can enjoy a lifetime with installations made of marble or granite.

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Home & Garden - 19

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

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20 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

A Newtown home’s master bathroom before it was staged by PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC.

A Newtown home’s master bathroom after it was staged by PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC.

Staging Can Make A Memorable

By Eliza Hallabeck While Patti Stern, a decorator and accredited home stager with PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC, says correctly pricing a home for sale is key, she adds that paying attention to aesthetics is also highly important.

“You wouldn’t sell your car without detailing it… That’s one of the benefits of staging,” said Ms Stern. “Staging is really an investment in getting your home sold.”

Two properties under contract with PJ & Company Home Styling — one in New Fairfield and one in South Salem, N.Y. — ended up selling for more than the asking price, according to Ms Stern, thanks to minimum investments to stage the homes first before putting them on the market.

According to the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, 95 percent of homes staged by

accredited home stagers with the association sell on average in 23 days. In contrast, the association also reports homes that are not staged are on the market for an average of 130 days.

While Ms Stern is also a decorator, she said staging a home is the opposite of decorating one. Decorating a home is personalized for the homeowner, but staging a home to be sold means making it appeal a target audience.

If PJ & Company Home Styling is consulted, Ms Stern said she would make sure the home had an updated color palette, updated fixtures, and was completed in a modern neutral style, in line with what is in fashion in home décor.

By investing a little bit of money in staging, Ms Stern said people selling a home can avoid a price reduction

once it is on the market.

A Newtown home recently staged by PJ & Company Home Styling had has been occupied for 13 years before going on the market. She noted that styles had changed since the home was last remodeled.

A home on the market now should appear to need as little work as possible for the buyers, according to Ms Stern.

Ms Stern said buyers determine whether a home is right for them within 15 seconds, especially when they are searching through photos online, where a large number of buyers go to look for their next home. If sellers are looking to get “top dollar” for their home, Ms Stern said staging their home before photos are taken is important.

If pricing a home correctly and staging it are the first two components of selling a home, Ms Stern said the

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Home & Garden - 21

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

A Newtown home’s living room before it was staged by PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC.

A Newtown home’s living room after it was staged by PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC.

Impression When Selling A Home third component is having an excellent realtor, who will oversee producing photos of a home.

“If you have those three winning combinations, you are good to go,” said Ms Stern.

The first step in staging a home is a consultation, which includes inspecting a home inside and out. Next, recommendations are made.

“When we stage a home we work with the realtor and with the homeowner to determine who is our audience,” said Ms Stern.

Ms Stern explained her company is a little different than other staging companies. Her company shops for staging items on a budget, while other companies may maintain storage areas stocked with items to stage homes.

Clients of PJ & Company Home Styling get to keep the merchandise purchased for the home staging.

Part of her job, Ms Stern said, is making sure the client does not have to spend a lot of money to get “top dollar” when selling their home.

Her biggest tip for people looking to sell their home is

to take their time, and part of that is investing time to stage a home.

“It takes more time, but it is worth every penny,” said Ms Stern.

PJ & Company Home Styling also worked with Toll Brothers Luxury Builders Connecticut Division to develop an staging program that helps people looking to be move to Toll Brothers property, like Newtown Woods, by staging the home they are moving out of.

“The program, Center Stage, has helped numerous Toll Brothers homebuyers sell their existing home for top dollar in record time,” said Ms Stern.

According to Ms Stern, 93 percent of Center Stage homes sell on average in 34 days, and approximately 97 percent are sold at their list price, without a price reduction.

“Staging has allowed our buyers existing homes to stand out from the pack, especially since many people shop online, the pictures have to stand out,” said Jack Lannamann, vice president for Toll Brother’s Connecticut Divi-

sion. “Knowing that the home is decluttered, depersonalized, and neutral allows potential buyers to envision their own furniture.”

Ms Stern said when she first met with Toll Brothers to discuss the Center Stage program, she thought it was a brilliant idea. No other home building company in New England, according to Ms Stern, offers a program similar to Center Stage.

Mr Lannamann said Center Stage has had a tremendous success since its inception roughly four years ago, and many homes have sold in a matter of days, “to the delighted shock of the homeowners.”

It is clear, said Mr Lannamann, that the staging program offered by Toll Brothers and Ms Stern is what has caused the early success of the Newtown Woods site, as it completely takes away the potential discomfort some people have in selling their existing home.

Ms Stern said Center Stage helps people sell their homes fairly easily while hopefully attaining the top asking price, so they can move into a Toll Brothers home.

22 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

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Home & Garden - 23

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

‘Passport’ Could Win $10,000 Landscape Prize HARTFORD — Visitors who go to at least ten sites on the Connecticut Garden & Landscape Trail this year will be eligible to win a $10,000 dream landscape installed at their home or business in 2014.

The promotion was launched at the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show

in Hartford earlier this year.

The Trail this year has 58 gardening companies spread across the state that include greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries, and landscapers.

Visitors take the Trail guidebook — this year called a Passport — to each site where a sticker gets affixed. When

they have collected at least ten stickers, their names will be entered in a drawing at the 2014 Connecticut Flower Show for the $10,000 landscape work.

Participants do not have to purchase anything, just visit stops on the Garden Trail. Deadline for visits is

December 31.

The $10,000 landscape (plants, installation etc) will be donated by Connecticut’s nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapers.

For more details, and to download/view the CT Garden Trail Passport, visit www.CTGardenTrail.com.

Save Money When Converting A Home From Winter To Spring SHELTON — While homeowners are switching their wardrobe for the spring season, the energy experts also suggest adapting homes for warm weather to reduce energy consumption and cost.

“Most homeowners think about insulation and heating equipment before the cold winter season, but insulation and a system cleaning also helps with your cooling costs during hot summer months” says Mike Ferreri, chief marketing officer at Shelton-based Discount Power, “To identify areas of inefficiency, we recommend a home energy audit.”

The first part of an energy audit is a room-byroom examination. The technician will then conduct a blower door test and thermo graphic scan.

Aside from a full-house energy assessment, the audit also covers some quick fixes. Technicians seal ductwork leaks, seal gaps around the pipes in the attic, basement, and garage, and install lowflow showerheads and faucet aerators, plus energy-efficient compact florescent bulbs throughout the house.

A typical energy audit takes from two to four hours, depending on the house’s size, and can cost as much as $300.

Mr Ferreri reminds homeowners of other ways to reduce energy consumption: *Dirt is the biggest enemy of your furnace. Since clogged and dirty heating systems may not run as smoothly or efficiently, clean all three parts of the furnace: filter system, blower, and the motor.

Don’t forget to change the filter regularly. *Air conditioning vents are the access points from which air enters the room from the air conditioning ducts and system. The vents are adjustable to maximize or minimize the flow of cooled air. By simply closing the vents in unoccupied rooms, the air conditioner will produce greater airflow in occupied rooms. *Replace or repair drafty windows. Windows should be Energy Star rated. *Keep the cool air inside the home by using door sweeps on the bottom of doors. *The strong spring and summer sun causes your

thermostat to kick into overdrive to keep your interior cool, so closing drapes can lower the temperature as well as protect rugs and furniture from fading. Installing a window tinting kit further reduces exposure. *Use a programmable thermostat. *Duct cleaning may or may not improve efficiency, but it can reduce allergens.

In addition to addressing issues with the house, some of the biggest energy hogs in a home are inefficient appliances. Replace old washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, and window air conditioners with Energy Star-labeled models. It is a trusted government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. By using energy-efficient appliances, households can save up $400 per year on utility bills.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that if home increased energy efficiency in major appliances by 10 to 30 percent, it would release the demand for electricity by the equivalent of 25 large power plants.

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24 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

Lighting sets the mood for a space and illuminates daily activities, according to a trends expert at Kichler, a manufacturer of decorative lighting, landscape lighting, and ceiling fans. A good lighting design will balance form and function for beauty, safety, and convenience.

Smart Lighting Ideas When Remodeling, Building A Home (StatePoint) — If you’re building or remodeling your home, as more Americans are doing these days, consider a fresh approach to your lighting both inside and out.

“Lighting sets the mood for a space and illuminates daily activities,” says Jeff Dross, trends expert at Kichler, a manufacturer of decorative lighting, landscape lighting, and ceiling fans. “A good lighting design will balance form and function for beauty, safety, and convenience.”

To maximize the appearance and functionality of your rooms and outdoor spaces, there are several things you should know before getting started: Style: Consider your taste and how your lighting will interact with your décor and architecture. Is your style contemporary, traditional, or transitional?

If you have heavily ornamented furniture, wallpaper, or window dressings, consider lighting that is cleaner and simpler for a balanced contrast.

“The trend today is cleaner and simpler designs, regardless of your style preference,” says Dross. “Keep it simple.” *Finish: Today’s most popular fixtures feature lighter colors like polished nickel or chrome, and textured or distressed finishes such as aged bronze. *Layers: Multiple light sources can minimize glare and shadows, while adding depth and dimension, so layer spaces with ambient (overhead), task, and accent lighting. Ceiling fans are a favorite source of ambient lighting for a great room or family room.

Functionality: Think about how you plan to use each space you are lighting. For example, if your dining room serves more as a

homework and hobby station than a formal place to gather, you will want to install a maximum amount of light. If you entertain there, be sure to install a dimmer.

Take advantage of the experience and expertise of a designer, contractor or lighting professional to help you determine how your lighting can accommodate your daily life.

Dimensions: Pick appropriately sized lighting fixtures for the size of your rooms. A good general rule for chandeliers is to add the two dimensions of your room to arrive at a minimum diameter. So a 12- by 12-foot room should have a fixture with a minimum diameter of 24 inches and be no larger than the width of the dining room table.

Energy-efficiency: Consider new lighting technologies such as LED lighting, which can save you money on electric bills.

Wiring: Know where the outlets and elec-

trical boxes are. This is especially important for new construction or large remodeling jobs.

Sunlight: Natural light plays a large role in the type of lighting you need. Look at where the windows are and how much light they let in. Pay attention to plants or trees that may partially block the sun’s rays.

It is important to consider both daytime and nighttime lighting when choosing lighting.

Accents: Light the cove, add sconces, and fill the tray ceiling with light. Accent lighting is the jewelry of the home and can make a huge difference to your home’s appeal. For more lighting ideas, visit www.Kichler.com.

If you haven’t given lighting careful consideration in the past, now is the perfect opportunity — whether you are remodeling or building your home.

Top Five Style Trends For Modern Chandeliers On the heels of major home decor industry markets in Las Vegas and High Point, N.C., design writers for Euro Style Lighting have identified the top five trends in modern chandeliers for 2013. By looking at the most popular customer picks alongside the latest design and color currents within the industry, these design writers have specified style categories that consumers will want to consider before shopping for a new chandelier or pendant light.

Trend 1: It’s Fun Being Green. “For the modern home and today’s shoppers, saving electricity and saving money is good, and being green is good,” says Euro Style Lighting design blogger Cori Magee. As spiraling environmental and financial costs increasingly inform consumers’ buying habits, energy-efficient lighting is a hot topic these days. “Pendant chandeliers are particularly well-suited to LEDs.” Trend 2: Lay On The Color. “Color in lighting this

year is big and bold,” explains Brent Turner, contributor to the Euro Style Home Blog. “Since Pantone introduced Emerald Green as the color of 2013, big primary colors like red and blue have been showing up as hearty complements.” Pantone’s Monaco Blue, named the Color of Spring 2013, is just one of many indicators of this trend. “Certainly, brushed steel and chrome finishes will always be stalwarts in modern design, but we’re also seeing designers taking big leaps into color. Chief among these colors is red — bright, loud, unapologetic, fire engine red.” Red glass chandeliers and blue glass mini pendants are among the many designs available that exemplify this bold use of color.

Trend 3: Glam And Glitter. Another recent trend in modern home decorating is the combination of traditional glam elements like crystal and glass with the simplicity of modern design to establish eye-catching juxtapositions.

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Trend 4: Back In Black. “In reviewing designs featured on our blog over the past few months, there’s a common thread we discovered: every chic room needs a little black chandelier,” said Magee. “Black chandeliers and pendant lights have seen an uptick in sales at EuroStyleLighting.com and may very well represent a growth area in home decor for years to come.”

Trend 5: It’s Always Midcentury Time. The final trend that the Euro Style Lighting team identifies as “in” is perhaps not an actual trend per se. Magee explains, “Midcentury Modern furniture and lighting continues to be the standard bearer for more than half a century and counting. Boasting clean, organic forms fashioned from simple materials, retro Modern lighting fixtures are still one of the best ways to brighten a living room or a dining room table.” Euro Style Lighting carries a selection of designs inspired by the most iconic Modernist designers.

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Home & Garden - 25

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26 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

Six Quick Tips For Avoiding Tree Care Scams It can be tempting to hire the first tree care company you find. But doing your homework is imperative to saving money, ensuring quality, safe work, and avoiding tree care scams.

Before even beginning your search, be aware that the credentials of someone calling themselves an arborist can vary widely. An arborist is a professional who cares for trees and other woody plants by pruning, fertilizing, monitoring for insects and diseases, consulting on tree related issues, and occasionally planting, transplanting, and removing trees.

Be wary of tree care scammers — don’t just hire someone with a chain saw who knocks on your door!

“With hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars at stake, not to mention the integrity and appearance of your property and your personal safety, make sure that you take your time in deciding which company you should hire,” warns Peter Gerstenberger, senior advisor for safety, standards, and compliance for the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).

“Disreputable companies are renowned for ripping gutters off, breaking fences and bird baths, and even dropping trees on houses. Then they typically fold up and leave, never to be seen again,” adds Mr Gerstenberger.

Homeowners searching for qualified tree care companies should look for the following: Proof of Insurance: Ask for current certificates of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, if applicable. Be aware that if the tree care company you hire doesn’t have insurance or is not a legal company — you, the homeowner, could be held

responsible as a contractor.

Good References: Ask for local references, and check on the quality of their work and level of service. Don’t be rushed by a bargain and don’t pay in advance.

Solid Reputation: Verify professional affiliations the company might have, such as memberships in business and/or professional organizations such as the Tree Care Industry Association.

Comparisons: Get a second opinion and quote. Always get the estimates in writing.

Up-to-Date Knowledge: Ask if they follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) practices. A professional arborist will be aware of the current safety, pruning, fertilizing, and cabling standards.

Contract: Insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed, and exactly what is to be done.

There are also inherent dangers for one attempting tree care or tree removal — pruning large limbs, felling trees, and especially climbing into trees are hazardous activities even for trained professionals.

For safe and efficient post-storm work, hire a tree care professional with the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely take down or prune damaged trees.

Use these tips to help avoid being the victim of tree care scam artists. To report a tree care scam, contact the state attorney general’s office, the Better Business Bureau, or the FBI. An easy way to find a provider in your area is to use the Find Qualified Tree Care program by calling 800733-2622 or by doing a ZIP code search at www.treecaretips.org.

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Home & Garden - 27

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

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ALLSTAR AFFORDABLE MASONRY Stone Walls • Bricks • Concrete Stucco • Pavers • Steps • Blocks Sidewalks • Patios • Fireplaces Chimney Repairs

FREE ESTIMATES 860-567-3342 • 860-417-9355

FN Masonry

For Reliability, Quality Masonry & Polite Service FREE ESTIMATES License #614946 & Insured

Stonewalls, Brick Walls, Bluestone, Steps, Fireplaces, Chimneys, Patios, Sidewalks.

We can also do any Masonry Repairs!

Cell: 860-417-8500 Home: 860-274-6458 References & Portfolio available

Gilbert Painting Quality Painting Affordable Prices

Daniel J. Gilbert

203-520-1518

dgilbert05@snet.net 246 Wheeler Road, Monroe, CT 06468

LLC

and

Drainage • Excavation Masonry Stone Work • Cobblestone

jonathan@enchantedlandscapingllc.com www.enchantedlandscapingllc.com

All Clean,

Residential

Landscape Design LLC

HIC# 0631984 ~ Insured

203-743-4469 WASHED GRAVEL • WASHED CONCRETE SAND WASHED MASON SAND • PROCESS • TRAP ROCK FILL • SCREENED TOPSOIL We deliver to more homeowners than anyone in the area Large & small orders • Prompt deliveries SINCE 1922

Frank Pruner Gutter Cleaning, LLC

KEVIN BARRETT Established in 1994

allcleanct.com • 203-270-0000 DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

JOHN SPECTOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN Buy Direct from the Grower & Save

Established 1989

40% to 70% OFF

(203) 426-3103 www.frankprunerguttercleaning.com

Gutters & Leaders Cleaned & Flushed Quality Screening Available Minor Repairs • Tree Trimming Free Estimates • Fully Insured

Universal Tile & Marble Natural Stone, Ceramic, Porcelain, Vanities & Sinks

SPECIALIZING IN Window Washing Carpet Cleaning (Truck Mount) Gutter Cleaning • Power Washing

Countertops, Design, Installation, Kitchen Cabinets

Where we have the best Ideas Colonial Park Plaza - 103 South Main St. Newtown, CT. - 06470 Tel: (203)270-8309 - Fax: (203)270-8003

www.universaltilemarble.com

On Landscape Design & Installation Mulching • Lawn Installations • Sodding Patios • Stonewalls & Walkways • Tree Services Gravel & Regrading Driveways • Drainage Systems

203-263-4650 • 203-586-8541 35 Years in Business

ADVANCED APPLIANCE REPAIR REFRIGERATORS • WASHERS & DRYERS DISHWASHERS & RANGES DISPOSALS • AIR CONDITIONERS • DEHUMIDIFIERS EXPERTS ON ALL MAJOR MANUFACTURERS Over rs 20 Yea nce Experie

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Newtown 426-2776

(203)

AdvancedApplianceCT.com

PROMPT • PROFESSIONAL • REASONABLE

28 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

SILK ROAD Curtain Trading Company (Formerly Newtown Curtains LLC)

Custom Window Treatments, Valances, Drapery, Pillows, Cushions

(203)-364-7153 www.silkroadcurtaintradingcompany.com silkroadcurtains@live.com Serving New York and Connecticut since 1999 Owner, Mary Villa

Worried About…

Lyme Disease?

Want to protect your family, friends, pets?

A TICK CONTROL SPRAY PROGRAM IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER! • We are local and experienced and have been spraying properties like yours for over 20 years.

• Our products are safe, affordable and convenient with a recommended spring and fall spraying service.

NEWTOWN ARBOR SERVICE, LLC

203-426-4024

Alan Potter, Licensed Arborist • Fully Insured

www.newtownarborservices.com CT #62391

CT Pest #B-0262

R. Mathison Floors YOUR COMPLETE FLOORING STORE

Think Spring...

C h a n g e Yo u r Bedroom Carpet!

Wood • Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic • Area Rugs

(203) 426-0778

Fax (203) 426-0323

MathisonFloorsllc.com

113 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook Ct 06482 email: mike@porcoconstruction.com

Store Hours: 133 South Main Street Mon. 10-3 • Tues.-Fri. 9:30-5 • Sat. 9:30-2 (Rte 25) Newtown

TREE REMOVAL SPECIALIST

Yacko & Sons Newtown, CT

Lic. # HIC0627338

Tree Service

Improving Your Home is Always a Sound Investment

203-733-2859 Fully Insured

Tree Removal • Stump Removal • Brush Chipping • Bucket Truck

We Keep Water Out! Experts In Drainage & Basement Waterproofing Call Today!!!

203-733-2859

Wet Basement Systems • Guaranteed 20 years

Serving Newtown For Over 17 Years

Newtown, CT

• Excavating • Septic Systems • Site Work • Wet Basements • Wall Cracks • Drainage • 24 Hour Response

“IF IT’S IN THE DIRT WE DO THE WORK”

Lic. # HIC0627338 Fully Insured

20% OFF Any Yacko & Sons Service COUPON

Exp. 6/30/13

COUPON

R.F. Martens Construction, LLC Remodeling Contractors Roofing • Siding • Garages Kitchens • Bathrooms • Decks Additions including Excavation, Foundations & Framing cell 203-650-0799 203-426-3813 CT License #532894

Representing insurance claims for 25 years

Fully Insured

Home & Garden - 29

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

Real Estate

Choose A Professional

Jill Wolowitz Named To Prudential Real Estate’s President’s Circle Jill Wolowitz of Prudential Connecticut Realty has been named to the prestigious President’s Circle for 2012 by Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc, a Prudential Financial, Inc company. The distinction places her in the top three percent of Prudential’s 60,000 sales executives throughout North America.

“Jill Wolowitz exemplifies the high level of customer service that has helped us grow,” said Lisa Hintzen, leader of the Newtown office of Prudential Connecticut Realty. “We go to great lengths to maintain our

focus on our customers’ needs and preferences. Jill has been very successful with this strategy.”

Ms Wolowitz entered the real estate field in 1990 and joined Prudential Connecticut Realty in June 2000. Prior to winning the award, she has also won Chairman’s Circle and was named Newtown Board of Realtors’ Realtor of the Year in 2002. She served as board president in 2000.

She can be reached at the Newtown office of Prudential Connecticut Realty, 84 South Main Street, at

203-733-2198 or jwolowitz@prudentialct.com.

Prudential Connecticut Realty is a full -service and locally operated real estate company with a national and global brand. Prudential Connecticut Realty is committed to providing the highest quality real estate services possible and making each customer experience one that surpasses all expectations. For more information, visit www.PrudentialCT.com.

Christine Fairchild Receives Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Award Christine Fairchild of Newtown, a broker in the local Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office, has been recognized with the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society award. This distinguished honor is awarded to the top nine percent of approximately 82,200 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.

Ms Fairchild will be honored during a special celebration at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich at the end of April.

With more than 21 years of experience, Ms Fairchild has been successfully meeting the needs of homebuyers and sellers in the towns of Newtown, Brookfield, New Fairfield and Southbury. She is a past president of the Newtown Board of Realtors and was named Realtor of the Year by the board in 2008. She remains an active

member of the Newtown Board of Realtors.

“Christine has been recognized with the International Diamond Society award because of her outstanding performance in 2012,” said Cathleen Smith, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y. “She successfully helped clients make the dream of homeownership a reality.”

Dedicated to her professional development, Ms Fairchild has completed comprehensive educational programs to earn several professional designations, including certified relocation specialist.

Locally, she has participated in fundraising projects for the Danbury Hospital Development Fund, Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut, and Newtown High School Choral Parents. Additionally,

she has served as a volunteer for the local YMCA and American Heart Association.

Each year, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y., recognizes the work of exceptional sales associates and sales teams through its distinguished awards program.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Newtown office is at 45 South Main Street. Ms Fairchild can be reached there at 203-426-5679.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage operates approximately 50 offices with more than 2,100 sales associates serving the communities of Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. For additional information, visit www.ColdwellBankerMoves.com.

CHRISTINE FAIRCHILD Your Expert in Real Estate

(203) 470-0489 www.ChrisFairchild.net

Enthusiasm and Dedication to Customer Service for 24 years!

45 South Main Street Newtown, CT 06470

Jill Wolowitz BROKER, ABR, CRS, GRI

(203) 7 33-22 198 FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

Top Notch Service & Proven Results For Over 20 years

Visit our website at www.NewtownBee.com

Website: jwolowitz.prudentialct.com email: jwolowitz@prudentialct.com

30 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013

New Milford

OH NO!!! Not a SQUIRREL PROOF BIRD FEEDER!

Newtown

314 Kent Road (Rt. 7)

105 So. Main St. (Rt. 25)

(860)-354-3276

(203)-426-3105

Fax (860)-355-4594

Fax (203) 426-3108

Looks like I’ll be eating at the neighbors for now on!

Get Ready for a Great Summer!

Buy your

SPA Now and get

Savings up to

20

%

OFF

•Swim Spas •Family Fun •Aquatic Exercise •Hydrotherapy

Save $$ on Spring Service •Full Line of Spa Chemicals •Hot Tub Sales & Service

Squirrel-Proof Your Feeders, With a Pole System that Will “Baffle” the Squirrels!

For ALL Your Birding Needs, Come See Us at

Pellet Stove Cleaning Starting at

159

$

•Chimney Cleaning •Early Buy On Fuel

Nature Shop End Of Season Sale

Stop in or call for details We are Family Owned and Operated for over 40 years 7 years in Newtown, Monroe area

BIRD FOOD AND FEEDERS, GIFTS AND MORE!

317 Federal Road Brookfield 1/2 Mile North of Costco

203-775-4888

www.trading-post-ct.com

www.wbu.com/danbury

Open: Tues.,Wed & Fri. 9-5 • Thurs. 9-6 • Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 11-3

Like Us On

GRANITE E & STONE

Granite Posts From $

Naturally Elegant and Surprisingly Affordable!

109.

Custom Cutting is Our Specialty!

Granite Steps From $

94.

Mailbox Posts From $

Steps, Posts, Hearths, Mantels, Pavers, Edging, Curbing, Cobblestone, Flagstone, Fieldstone, Wallstone, Benches, Fountains, Bird Baths, Pool Coping, Wall Cap, Veneers, Flagging, Granite Signs, & Custom Fabrication

www.swensongranite.com

205.

Includes Bracket

Lamp Posts From $

279.

Granite Edging From $ 99

3.

L.F.

Bird Baths From $

119.

292 South Main Street, Rte. 25, Newtown, CT 06470

203-270-6644 Or A Location Near You In New England

Home & Garden - 31

April 12, 2013 - The Newtown Bee

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS APPLIANCE REPAIR Advanced Appliances LLC . . . .27

GARDEN CENTER Shakespeare’s Garden . . . . . . .22

BARNS/SHEDS The Barn Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

GIFT & GARDEN Wild Birds Unlimited . . . . . . . .30

BUILDING SUPPLIES/ WINDOWS Apex Glass & Aluminum Products Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 East Haven Builders Supply . .25

GRANITE STONE & LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS/OUTDOOR DECOR Academy Marble & Granite, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Swenson Granite Works . . . . . .30

CONSTRUCTION Porco Construction . . . . . . . . . .28 CREDIT UNION Mutual Security Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 ELECTRICIAN Mr Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 EXCAVATION Yacko & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 FABRIC & NOTIONS Chintz ‘N’ Prints of Newtown Inc . . . . . . . . . . .22 FENCING Addessi Fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 FURNITURE Hunt Country Furniture . . . . .15 Wood Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 FLOORING R. Matheson Floors . . . . . . . . .28 Red Baron Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . .9 GARAGE DOORS Overhead Doors of Brookfield . .31

GUTTER CLEANING Frank Pruner Gutter Cleaning LLC . . . . . . . . . . . .27 HARDWARE/PAINT Newtown Hardware . . . . . . . . .19 HEATING & COOLING Guy’s Heating & Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 HOME DÉCOR Chintz -N- Prints of Newtown Inc . . . . . . . . . . .22 Silk Road Curtain Trading Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 HOME IMPROVEMENTS/ REMODELING/ REPAIRS R.F. Martens Construction LLC . . . . . . . . .28 LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ CONTRACTORS/ HORTICULTURIST Cleancut Lawn & Landscape . .26 Enchanted Landscaping LLC .27 Exterior Botanica LLC . . . . . . .27 Holmes Fine Gardens . . . . . . . .10

John Spector Landscape Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 LRM Inc Landscape Contractors . . . . . . . . . . .4 & 5 Landscaping Unlimited LLC . .13 Top Notch Landscaping . . . . . .19 MASONRY/PAVING A&G Masonry LLC . . . . . . . . .27 Allstar Affordable Masonry . . .27 FN Masonry LLC . . . . . . . . . . .27 Gault Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Southbury Stone & Supply . . .27 Timmy Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . .27 MULCH Ferris Mulch Products . . . . . . . .3 OUTDOOR HOUSE CLEANING & CARPETS All Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 PAINT CONTRACTOR Gilbert Painting . . . . . . . . . . . .27 PAINTING SUPPLIES Newtown Color Center . . . . . . .24 PAVING/LANDSCAPE 3 B’s Paving & Landscape Design LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 PLUMBING & HEATING Tim Conlan Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 POOLS/ENVIRONMENTS J&J Pool and Concrete . . . . . . .19 L&J Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Newtown Pools LLC . . . . . . . . . .7 POWER EQUIPMENT Bethel Power Equipment . . . . .18

L&R Power Equipment . . . . . .23 Newtown Power Equipment Inc . . . . . . .14 & 26 REALTORS Christine Fairchild . . . . . . . . . .29 Jill Wolowitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Nicholas H. Fingelly Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 REFUSE REMOVAL Associated Refuse Hauler of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 ROOFING/SIDING Mark Edwards Roofing & Siding . . . . . . . . . .19 SAND & GRAVEL Bethel Sand and Gravel Co. . .27 SPAS & PELLET STOVES The Trading Post . . . . . . . . . . .30 SURVEYOR Brautigam Land Surveyors . . .20 TAPING & DRYWALL Ron Davies Taping & Drywall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 TICK CONTROL Newtown Arbor Services Inc . .28 TILE & MARBLE Universal Tile & Marble . . . . .27 TREE SERVICE Newtown Arbor Services Inc . .28 Tim Wilder Tree Care . . . . . . . .26 Yacko & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

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Tel: (203) 740-7691 • www.overheaddoorbrookfield.com

32 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - April 12, 2013