Home and Garden, and Real Estate- March 13, 2022

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Home & Garden F

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| SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

INSIDE

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Porcelain dinnerware designed for Tokyo hotel, F6

& Real Estate

Think spring

GARDEN NOTES, F3 IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: Pruning away the brambles, F4 PROJECT OF THE WEEK: Hammocks make naps a snap, F6 MORTGAGE RATES: 30-year rate rises to 3.85%, F7 WMASS DEEDS, F7 EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE: Many uses of soap, F9 FIX UPHOLSTERY: For couches damaged by cats, a fix can be in sight, F10

Everything you need to know to prepare your garden for the season, Page F2

HOME & GARDEN

F2 | SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Jump-start your spring garden

I

By Ashley Abramson

The Washington Post

t’s officially halfway through March. While you may not start to see blooms and buds for a few more weeks, there are steps you can take now to start preparing your garden for the growing season and the longer, warmer days to come.

Most plants stop growing during winter to conserve energy, relying on stored nutrients beneath the soil to sustain them. The arrival of early spring, when an increase in daylight begins to trigger plant growth, is the perfect time to put in a bit of work to help your plants thrive during the year.

Here’s how to prepare for the growing season, according to gardening experts.

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Clean up leaves. Last year’s leaves make a good habitat for pollinators in winter, but Start with your tools. Dig now that it’s getting warmer, out your gardening tools and Dickert says it’s time to clean ensure they’re in working con- up any remaining leaves in March is the perfect time to get started on your spring gardening preparation. (METRO CREATIVE ARTS) your flower bed, especially dition. Amy Chaffman, a professional certified horticultur- the ones around plants that Garden Information Center ting back each stem, leaving You can also contain weeds ist and owner of the Pampered are susceptible to disease, at the University of Maryland by covering them in mulch. “If 6 to 8 inches above the soil, such as boxwoods or roses.

Extension. so you can see where your Garden, a D.C.-based gardenthere are weed seeds already plants are, and she says to ing and landscaping business, “Disease spores can still live in the soil, mulch can prevent Get ahead of the weeds. To sunlight from getting to those avoid covering growth areas suggests cleaning your pruners on leaves and debris that and shears with rubbing are around those plants and seeds, so they won’t germiif you add mulch. Afterward, keep weeds from overtaking consider composting trimmed your garden, Traunfeld sugalcohol to avoid spreading any can infect the plants in the nate,” Dickert says. “If seeds plant matter or cutting it up to gests removing them before remnants of diseases from last new season,” she says. Plus, fall on top of the mulch, there year.

Chaffman says, raking away the active growing season. isn’t as much growing matericreate mulch. al. It’s a looser texture, so they Sharpen tools that need it, in- leaves helps you see new plant Roses, Chaffman says, also Herbicides can damage your need pruning, as do many garden, so he recommends can’t germinate easily.” cluding pruning shears, hedge growth and avoid stepping SEE SPRING, PAGE F3 on tender shoots when you’re trees and bushes, for shaping hand-pulling or using a hoe. trimmers and lawn mower working in your garden. blades. “If you have to use a purposes. It’s also best to do lot of force with the handles to this while the plants are dorCut back perennials. Early mant. “It’s easier to see what get a nice, clean cut on a stem, you’re doing without all the spring is the ideal time to cut it’s probably time to sharpen them,” says Sarah Dickert, lead back last year’s spent perenni- foliage,” says Jon Traunfeld, als to prepare for new growth, extension specialist and horticulturist at the SmithDickert says. She suggests cut- director of the Home and sonian Gardens. Charge any battery-operated tools, such as chain saws, weed whackers or lawn mowers, and change the filters on gas-powered models.

Equipment manuals should include instructions for recommended regular maintenance; early spring is a good time to take care of such tasks.

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Spring CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2

Consider fertilizing.

Perennials, shrubs and trees typically don’t need fertilizing, Traunfeld says, especially if you’ve added organic matter to the soil.

Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and damage the foliage. Annuals and vegetables, on the other hand, may need a boost.

Testing your soil can indicate whether you need to fertilize — and where. You can pick up a soil-testing kit from your local extension office or purchase one at a nursery or gardening center. Follow the steps for testing your soil, then drop off or mail the samples according to the product’s instructions, if that’s the type of test you bought. A lab will analyze the soil and share information about its pH and nutrient content, along with recommendations for fertilizing.

If you plan to fertilize, timing is important. Chaffman recommends waiting until the soil temperature is above 50 degrees. Aerate your soil first, so the nutrients can go deeper, and apply the fertilizer before mulching. “You don’t want the fertilizer to have to dissolve through the mulch just to get down to the soil,” Chaffman says.

members, $160 nonmembers, $130.50 for HC student Level SPRINGFIELD II (10% off for multi-class).

STOCKBRIDGE • “Spring Pruning of Woody Upcoming program Ornamental Plants,” March The Springfield Garden Club Garden programs 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ron Yapie, will host “The Birds, The Bees, Berkshire Botanical Garowner of Race Mountain Tree The Flowers and the Trees: den presents the following Service, will demonstrate Why Native Plants Matter for programs: how to renovate, rejuvenate Wildlife Conservation,” pre• “Updates and Outlook: and shape shrubs and small sented by Desiree L. Narango Insect Pests of Trees and ornamental trees for structure, of the UMass Amherst Depart- Shrubs,” Wednesday, 3 to 4 health and optimal growth. ment of Biology on March 18 p.m., online. This presentation Plants covered will include at 11:30 a.m. This presentation will cover quick updates for viburnums, lilacs, witch is open to the public as well the need-to-know invasives hazels, deciduous azaleas, as club members in person (ex. Spotted lanternfly, emer- sweetshrubs, crabapples, and and via Zoom. Narango will ald ash borer, etc.) and others. ornamental cherries. Particexamine conservation in urban Accurately identifying insects ipants should dress for the and suburban gardens and is the first step in determining weather, bring pruners, work the importance of plants and proper management strategloves and a bag lunch. $45, insects over the annual cycle of gies, also to be mentioned. $15 $55 nonmembers. birds. The meeting will be held members, $20 nonmembers; To register for these proat the Carriage House at the • “Container Garden Degrams or for more information, Barney Estate in Forest Park on sign,” Wednesdays through visit berkshirebotanical.org.

Sumner Avenue, and also can March 30, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Botanical Garden is located at be watched on Zoom. Guest Acquire knowledge of the 5 West Stockbridge Road. fee is $5 and tickets are availskills required for beautiful able on Eventbrite. Social hour and successful container AGAWAM begins at 11:30 a.m., the club gardens with Jenna O’Brien, Garden club business meeting is at noon owner of Viridissima Hortiand the presentation will begin culture and Design. This class scholarship at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be will cover practical aspects of served, including gluten-free gardening in containers with Applications are now availoptions, beginning at 11:30 style throughout the New able for the Agawam Garden a.m. For more information, go England garden season. $145 Club 2022 scholarship. To online to springfieldgarden clubma.org.

Club scholarship The Springfield Garden Club is accepting applications for its annual $2,000 scholarship awarded to a graduating high school senior, undergraduate or graduate college student majoring in a full-time plant science or environmental studies program, such as horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, conservation, forestry, botany, agronomy, plant pathology, environmental control, land management or other allied fields. The candidate must be a resident of Hampden County, demonstrate financial need and have adequate academic standing. High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate college students are eligible for consideration. for additional information and to request a copy of the application contact Jane Glushik at SGCscholarship@gmail. com or Elizabeth Tongue at 413-627-5503. Scholarship

applications must be submitted by April 15.

qualify for the scholarship students must be a graduating senior of Agawam High School or a college student who graduated from Agawam High School. Applicants must be majoring in or planning on majoring in one of the following: botany, environmental engineering, environmental science, earths systems, forest management, natural resources, plant soil and insect science, sustainable agriculture, sustainable horticulture or food and farming, turf grass science and management, landscape design and management technology, clean energy, technology studies: wastewater or other environmental related studies. Completed applications along with transcripts and references must be submitted to Denise Carmody, 40 Primrose Lane, Agawam MA 01001 by April 1. Applications are available through Agawam High School or can be found online at agawamgardenclub.com.

Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.

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Add mulch. A few inches of mulch can prevent soil from washing away in storms, moderate soil temperatures and lock in moisture, Traunfeld says.

The University of Maryland Extension advises using locally sourced mulch, such as pine needles, grass clippings, leaves and newspapers, which are more environmentally friendly than many store-bought options. If you prefer store-bought mulch, look for products certified by the Mulch and Soil Council, because they are less likely to contain dyes and chemicals that could harm your garden — and the environment.

GARDEN NOTES

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F4 | SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

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Lee Reich | In the Garden

Removing raspberry canes that have fruited last summer, which can be done right after harvest or now, leaves the planting neat, less prone to disease, and easier to harvest.

Pruning away the brambles

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Remember, these canes will die anyway.

Next, thin out excess 1-year-old canes, which are canes that grew last summer and will fruit this coming summer. This channels the plants’ energy into fewer, but better, fruits. It also lets air and sun in amongst the canes, which lessens the chance for disease. Thin by

during the summer just as they reach about thirty inches height in order to induce the growth of lateral branches.

Then, during the dormant season, each lateral is shortened to about a foot long.

Also thin new and remove old canes, just as for the red and yellow raspberries. Tie shoots of blackberries and purple and black raspberries to posts

Bramble roots are perennial, but individual canes live for only two seasons.

A cane grows one season, fruits the next season, then dies. Once a planting is established, there is a continuous supply of one-year and two-year old canes. first removing canes trying to break out of the foot-wide row in hedgerow plantings, or trying to run from the “hill” in hill-system plantings. Then reduce the number of canes to 6 inches apart in hedgerows, or six canes per hill for hill plantings. Always cut out the spindliest canes first, for they are least productive.

Traditionally, now was the time of year to thin excess canes, but recent research shows benefits of thinning new canes a couple of times during the growing season as well.

The final step in pruning red and yellow raspberries is to shorten the canes that remain after the winter thinning. Do this right after the canes are thinned in winter.

Shortening keeps the canes from flopping around too much in summer, when they will be weighted down with fruit. The usual height is 4 or 5 feet, though if the canes are held in place by tying them to a wire along the row, or to a post at each hill, they can be left longer and will bear more fruit.

Black raspberries, purple raspberries, and blackberries fruit on lateral branches that grow out from canes, so two additional pruning steps are necessary. First, the tips of growing canes are pinched

or wires to keep their tips from arching to the ground and rooting.

There is one other possible wrinkle in pruning brambles, and that is if you grow the everbearing (also known as fallbearing) type of red or yellow raspberries. Everbearers grow just like conventional red and yellow raspberries, except that everbearers begin to form fruit at the tops of the new canes in the fall of their

(LEE REICH PHOTO)

first season of growth. The canes finish fruiting along with the regular raspberries, further down along these same canes, during the following summer. They are not really everbearing, but rather summer and fall bearing.

Everbearers are pruned just like conventional red and yellow raspberries, except that 1-year-old canes that are saved are shortened in winter to a level just below where they fruited the previous fall.

If all this sounds too complicated, do still plant brambles.

There is an easier way to prune if you grow everbearers.

Simply mow the whole patch — whoops! I mean planting — to the ground each year. This sacrifices the summer crop, but you do get an annual fall crop.

Any gardening questions?

Email them to me at garden@ leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column.

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RAMBLE patch” might evoke romantic, pastoral notions, but thrashing through such a patch to pluck a few raspberries or blackberries is a thorny nightmare. I prefer my brambles unromantically offering me their fruits from plants in a “hedgerow,” which is a neat, 1-foot-wide row, or “hills,” with clumps of plants 5 feet apart in each direction.

Lack of pruning is what turns a bramble planting into a bramble patch. Besides “rasping” at the gardener, unpruned brambles are unproductive and disease-ridden.

There is no special art to pruning bramble fruits, which include red, yellow, purple, and black raspberries, and blackberries. All that is required is to prune every year according to a simple formula.

The formula for pruning becomes clear once you know something about the growth habit of all brambles.

Bramble roots are perennial, but individual canes live for only two seasons. A cane grows one season, fruits the next season, then dies. Once a planting is established, there is a continuous supply of 1- and 2-year old canes. As anyone who grows brambles soon realizes, the plants try to spread beyond their allotted space. Shoots of red and yellow raspberries pop up through the ground from the ends of their wandering roots; and black raspberries, purple raspberries, and blackberries hopscotch along, forming roots, then new plants, wherever the tips of their canes touch the ground.

Pruning is aimed at keeping brambles productive and contained.

Three steps are involved in pruning red and yellow raspberries. The first step is to prune out any canes that have borne fruit, either right after these canes finish fruiting in summer, or during the subsequent dormant season.

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Don & Dave Runyan | Project of The Week

Hammock makes naps a snap

T

HERE’S NOTHING like idling away a lazy summer afternoon in a hammock, especially after a morning’s worth of chores. A good book, a tall glass of lemonade and this do-it-yourself hammock frame project are all you need to make your warm-weather retreat a reality.

Sturdy, comfortable, safe and attractive, the project is made entirely of straightgrain Douglas fir. Calling mostly for straight cuts and designed using basic construction techniques, it’s also

easy enough for beginners.

To build, lay out the parts on wood, cut everything to size and sand all of the pieces. Next, assemble the project using carriage and lag bolts. To finish, apply paint, stain or a clear coat of sealer (as pictured). Finally, add a hammock, pour the lemonade and settle in for a nice nap.

Designed around a standard-size hammock, the completed project measures 16 feet long by 4 feet wide.

The Hammock Frame plan, No. 868, is $9.95 and includes

step-by-step directions with photos, detailed construction diagrams, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions. Please include $3.95 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Republican, 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083. To order by credit card, call 1-760-8067708. Visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.

Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

Porcelain dinnerware designed for Tokyo hotel

T

O ATTRACT WESTern travelers to Japan, the government of Japan commissioned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) to design the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Wright’s all-encompassing designs for his buildings included almost every item, including dinnerware.

Known as the Cabaret pattern, this porcelain dinnerware was designed for the Cabaret Dining Room of the Imperial Hotel, which opened in 1923.

The circular art-deco-inspired design was Wright’s interpretation of champagne bubbles overflowing across the place settings. The strategically placed red on the cup’s rim has been suggested to conceal lipstick prints from women drinking from the coffee cups.

The dinnerware was originally produced by Japan’s Noritake company, with reproductions made by Tiffany. The Imperial Hotel was demolished in 1968, but its entrance and lobby have been preserved and can be visited at Japan’s

Meiji-mura, an open-air architectural museum and park.

shop that sells bronzes can estimate the value.

Q. How can I find out how Q. Can I treat my grand-

much my Remington sculp- mother’s dinner dishes ture is worth? It’s dated and silverware like my 1876. everyday pieces and put them in the microwave and Frederic Remington dishwasher if I use them at (1861-1909) was a painter be- a holiday dinner? fore turning to sculpture in the 1890s. He made 22 sculptures, If you have a dishwasher which were cast at either the that is less than 10 years old, it Roman Bronze Works or Hen- probably washes most things ry-Bonnard Bronze Co. If your safely. Exceptions include sculpture doesn’t have one of vintage, hollow-handled those foundry marks, it’s a re- dinner knives, which can be production. The number 1876 a problem because old ones isn’t the date. If your sculpture are sometimes filled with a is an original Remington, the substance that melts, and the number indicates its place knife blades loosen or turn. in the production sequence.

This also can happen to knives Reproductions were somemade with a stainless blade times numbered the way and different material for the limited editions are marked. handle. Don’t wash your silver Original Remingtons sell for plate with any other metal thousands of dollars. Some tableware, or you can get a reproductions sell for several chemical reaction. Any dishes hundred dollars. If you take with metallic gold trim (it will it to a museum, they should spark) or metallic silver (the be able to tell you if it’s an heat may turn the trim gray original Remington or a good and poisonous) should not reproduction. An antiques go in the microwave. Facto-

A.

A.

A set of six cups of Cabaret dinnerware sold at a Palm Beach Modern auction for $585. (COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

ry-made dishes should be OK; the decoration was put under clear glaze. But hand-painted trim could wash off. Most vintage and antique porcelain is safe. If you are not sure, test a piece. It’s the heat that causes the problems. New dishwashers will clean dishes you haven’t rinsed and save you time, but surface paint that is not under a glaze will come off with repeated use.

Q. I’d like to know the

maker and possible age of a small toy horse. It’s about

3 inches long from head to tail and 2 1/2 inches tall.

The body is flocked light brown and the mane and tail are cream-colored synthetic hair. The horse has black bead eyes and red reins. The bottom of the horse’s stomach has a label that says “Handwork, Kunstlerschutz, West Germany” around a red triangle with stylized conjoined “FW” in the middle. What can you tell me about it?

SEE ANTIQUES, PAGE F9

HOME & GARDEN

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WASHINGTON

30-year US mortgage rate rises to 3.85%

By Kathy Orton

The Washington Post

After two weeks of declines, mortgage rates resumed their upward march this week.

According to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average increased to 3.85% with an average 0.8 point. (A point is a fee paid to a lender equal to 1% of the loan amount. It is in addition to the interest rate.) It was 3.76% the previous week and 3.05% a year ago.

Freddie Mac, the federally chartered mortgage investor, aggregates rates from about 80 lenders across the country to come up with weekly national averages. The survey is based on home purchase mortgages. Rates for refinances may be different.

It uses rates for high-quality borrowers with strong credit scores and large down payments. Because of the criteria, these rates are not available to every borrower.

The 15-year fixed-rate average rose to 3.09% with an average 0.8 point. It was 3.01% the previous week and 2.38% a year ago. The five-year adjustable-rate average grew to 2.97% with an average 0.3 point. It was 2.91% the previous week and 2.77% a year ago.

Meanwhile, mortgage applications picked up last week. The market composite index — a measure of total loan application volume — increased 8.5% from a week earlier, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data.

The refinance index rose 9% but was down 50% from a year ago. The purchase index also went up 9%. The refinance share of mortgage activity accounted for 49.5% of applications.

Deeds

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022 | F7

BERNARDSTON

AGAWAM Alex Boyko to Pamela A. Gaulard, 114 Carr Ave., $294,000.

Caren B. Foisie to Gary Sherlock, 122 Leonard St., $449,000.

Marilyn J. Kane and Marilyn J. Penna to Kenneth P. Avondo Jr., and Susan M. Avondo, Birchwood Heights, $1,000.

Mark Cosimini and June M. Cosimini to John Kiefer and Tricia Kiefer, 170 Beekman Drive, Unit 170, $167,500.

Stateline Realty LLC, to Bible Adventure Land LLC, 638 Springfield St., $187,500.

Tracy L. Hart and Craig Donacki to Kyle D. Shea, 275 School St., $250,000.

AMHERST Phyllis M. Patricelli, personal representative, and Shirley M. Davis, estate, to Joseph M. Debiec and Casie A. Smith, 24 Greenleaves Drive, $230,000.

Laird B. Summerlin, trustee, and Summerlin Trust to 11 East Pleasant LLC, North Pleasant Street, 11-13 East Pleasant St., 15 East Pleasant St., and 9 East Pleasant St., $5,050,000.

Bercume Construction LLC, to Ali Sarvghad Batn Moghaddam and Narges Mahyar, 114 Linden Ridge Road, $865,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Holden Homes LLC, to S. Bettina Brand, 607 Fox Hill Road, “fka” West Mountain Road, $103,500.

BRIMFIELD Rocha R E I & Home Improvement LLC, to Christopher Quartarone and Heather Marie Quartarone, 12 Third St., $355,000.

CHARLEMONT

Andresen, 420 East St., $100.

W. Marek Inc., to Eduardo R. Nunez and Kelly Benabou, 26 Colonial Ave., $399,000.

Wilmington Trust, trustee, and MFRA Trust 2014-2, trustee of, to Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC, 30 Hawthorne St., $185,777.

Theresa S. Burke to Michael J. Burke, trustee, and Vincent E. Burke Family Trust, 15 South St., $100.

Wiltrudis G. Labrie, estate, Wiltrudis G. Kormannshaus, estate, and Gabriele Kormannshaus, representative, to Percy Brown and Bonnie S. Clark, 55 Bromont St., $211,000.

ERVING

COLRAIN

Jeffrey S. Howard, trustee of the Hideaway Realty Trust, to Paul Donnelly and Priti Gaitonde, 25 Thunder Mountain Road, Unit B, Thunder Mountain Condominium, $280,000.

CHESTERFIELD Fannie Mae, Federal National Mortgage Association and RM Title LLC, attorney-in-fact, to Richard J. Mathisen, 33 South St., $82,000.

Heather Lesieur and James Lesieur to Javier A. Morales, 2 Griswoldville St., $230,000.

DEERFIELD Doreen A. Karparis and William V. Karparis to Karen Hoffman, 5 Adams Court, Unit B, “aka” Unit 26, Commons of Deerfield, $265,000.

Paul C. Orban to Mark Duda and Frances Duda, 183 Basil Road, $314,751.

$26,129.

Richard S. Bernardo and Tiffany Holmes-Sears to Jared D. Smith and Amy L. Smith, 139 Brookhaven Drive, $395,000.

Revampit LLC, to Spire Property Solutions Inc., 16 Emmet St., $150,000.

Brian A. Duprey to Polly White Cordle, 55 Maple St., $270,000.

Robert Borowiec and Michele Borowiec to Tony Tereso, 80 Fairview Ave., $275,000.

Russell Maylott to Edgardo J. Diaz-LaPorte Sr., 45 Laclede Ave., $339,000.

Virginia M. Griffin to Arlene Gunn, 55 Empire St., Unit 39, $149,900.

EASTHAMPTON Dean T. Couture and Katherine S. Couture to Richard Beaubien and Valerie Beaubien, 20 Pine St., $500,000.

Jane Andresen, trustee, and E.N. Huang Revocable Trust to Frederick P. Andresen and Jane Pelton

Corrine R. Smith and Donald W. Smith to Dennis Millett, 22 Swamp Road, “fka” 4 Swamp Road, $350,000.

GRANVILLE Robert A. Rahn and Karen L. McLaughlin to Mary L. Smith-Brown and David Brown, 1290 Main St., $610,000.

GREENFIELD Peter Lapa Jr., to Julia T. Shaw, 9799 Maple St. $200,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Barbara Monroe Shade, represenCHICOPEE tative, Barbara Monroe Gamache, representative, and Joan W. Ben Masse, Brittany S. Scott and Monroe, estate, to 29 Indian Spring Brittany S. Masse to Derek S. Sivret Road LLC, 29 Indian Spring Road, and Jennifer M. Spillane-Sivret, 20 $350,000.

Boivin Terrace, $355,000.

Charles J. Lelas Jr., to Ashley Nicole Cherrie L. Martin to Rachel E. Agustynowicz and Jamie Robert Kwasnik, 167 Applewood Drive, Agustynowicz, 275 Pease Road, Unit 167, $190,000. $375,500.

JWD Holdings LLC, to Superior Marlene Goldstein to John C. Capital LLC, 25-95 North Chicopee Stuckenbruck and Pamela E. St., $875,000.

Stuckenbruck, South Bend Lane,

Dominic J. O’Connell to Samuel O. Walker and Heather L. Walker, Sabin Street, $33,000.

Kevin B. Brooks, personal representative, Ray H. Brooks, estate, Gayle B. Demary, personal representative, Ila Bowen Brooks, estate, and Ila B. Brooks, estate, to Joseph Stefanelli, Green Avenue and Green Avenue Off, $229,900.

William Sean Fensel to Carrie Mosher, 140 Park Place, Unit 56, $175,000.

Constant S. Poholek, Jr., trustee of Rycon Realty Trust, to Ernest M. Poholek and Rycon Realty Trust, 412 Deerfield St., $185,000.

Christine M. Vara, “fka” Christine M. Lang, and Jocelyn V. Vara to Genevieve Garanin, 39 Petty Plain Road, $225,000.

Nadine Lemmon, trustee of the Mary Ebba Underdown Trust, to Peter Underdown, 33 Phillips St., $204,400.

Corey A. Fisher and Jessica Schecterle to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee of Methuselah Realty Trust, 10 Southern Ave., $20,000.

Good Enough Living LLC, to Jeremy Krusas and Marnie Tibbetts, 174 Conway St., $285,000.

HADLEY Frederick P. Kucharski to Thomas J. Doubleday, Meadow Street Off, $60,000.

Eva Wu to Jennifer Harlan and Joy Rain, 1 Gooseberry Lane and One

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F8

MORTGAGE GUIDE 4.00%

30 Yr Fixed Rate

APR: 4.204 Points: 0.000 Fees: $333 % Down: 20%

15 Yr Fixed 10 Yr Fixed

3.125

0.000

$333 20%

3.48

2.875 0.000 $333 20% 3.39 APPLY online at monsonloans.com

413-267-4513 www.monsonsavings.com

LIC# 613363

LEGEND: The rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are effective as of the publication date. The APR may increase after consummation and may vary. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance. The fees set forth for each advertisement above may be charged to open the plan (A) Mortgage Banker, (B) Mortgage Broker, (C) Bank, (D) S&L, (E) Credit Union, (BA) indicates Licensed Mortgage Banker, NYS Banking Dept., (BR) indicates Registered Mortgage Broker, NYS Banking Dept., (loans arranged through third parties). “Call for Rates” means actual rates were not available at press time. All rates are quoted on a minimum FICO score of 740. Conventional loans are based on loan amounts of $165,000. Jumbo loans are based on loan amounts of $548.250. Points quoted include discount and/or origination. Lock Days: 30-60. Annual percentage rates (APRs) are based on fully indexed rates for adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). The APR on your specific loan may differ from the sample used. Fees reflect charges relative to the APR. If your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, you will be subject to private mortgage insurance, or PMI. FHA mortgages include both UFMIP and MIP fees based on loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. VA mortgages include funding fees based on loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. The Republican does not guarantee the accuracy of the information appearing above or the availability of rates and fees in this table. All rates, fees and other information are subject to change without notice. The Republican does not own any financial institutions. Some or all of the companies appearing in this table pay a fee to appear in this table. If you are seeking a mortgage in excess of $548.250, recent legislation may enable lenders in certain locations to provide rates that are different from those shown in the table above. Sample Repayment Terms-ex. 360 monthly payments of $5.29 per $1,000 borrowed ex. 180 monthly payments of $7.56 per $1,000 borrowed. We recommend that you contact your lender directly to determine what rates may be available to you. To access the NMLS Consumer Access website, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. To appear in this table, or report any inaccuracies call 413-788-1050.

HOME & GARDEN

F8 | SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F7 Gooseberry Lane, $671,888.

Catherine A. Kelley and Colleen M. Tamsey, attorney-in-fact, to Daniel James Kelley, 115 Stockbridge St., $150,000.

Ruben Leon Stern to Walter Ammon, 258 River Drive, $267,400.

HAWLEY Sheila A. Chaffee to James B. Scott, 79 Plainfield Road, $40,000.

HEATH Sean Hazen to Eve Christoph, 102 Shawnee Drive, $3,500.

Kathy Monroe and Shawn Monroe to Dagan Diaz-Krier, 151 Number Nine Road, $365,000.

HOLYOKE Alfaville LLC, to Veronica Reyes, 7 Maple Crest Circle, Unit B, $134,000.

RC Builders LLC, to CG Estates LLC, 425 Pleasant St., $140,000.

Steven C. Girard, Robert C. Girard III, and Jennifer Gagnon to Samantha Guye and Hilary Nyberg, 85 South Bay State Road, $265,000.

HUNTINGTON

Michael E. Midura, Greta Torres Owen Cosgrove, 292 Birnam Road, Midura and Greta Midura to Ernest $220,000.

Abramian and Diana Abramian, 132 Maple Road, $355,000.

Highway, $355,000.

Quercus Properties LLC, to Jim Pang and Diana J. Rosenfeld, 131 Yarmouth St., $757,535.

Eric A. Ellison and Cherri A. Ellison to Anthony S. Costa and Megan J. Costa, 13 Hunters Ridge Circle, $550,000.

LUDLOW

162 Piney Lane, $365,000.

James C Durand (JR) and Jessica J Durand to Jonathan Delgado, 147 Fuller St., $280,000.

James R. Auclair, representative, Judith M. Auclair, representative, and Robert J. Chmura, estate, to William H. Kemple and Edward Burnham, 109-113 Sewall St., $61,250.

Michelle R. Clifford, representative, Tracy L. Merrill, representative, and Lisa J. Bolek, estate, to Haydee Hartzell and Cristen Hartzell, 43 Miller St., $329,900.

Nuno Guerra to Max McCabe, 16 Warren St., $233,000.

San Mateo Public Administrators Office, representative, and Carolyn Chmura Stanko, estate, to William H. Kemple and Edward Burnham, 109-113 Sewall St., $61,250.

MONSON

MONTAGUE

Christopher A. Glabach to Angel G. Padilla and Jennifer S. Padilla, 1 Randall Wood Drive, $350,000.

LEVERETT Anthony Serio to Krista J. Gile and Richard Wyatt, 24 Juggler Meadow, “aka” 24 Juggler Meadow Road, $600,000.

LEYDEN Donna Leigh Denny and Carol B. Lyon to Angie L. Reynolds and Randall S. Reynolds, Brattleboro Road, $18,000.

NORTHAMPTON Susan Kasa, Helena Skora and Susan M. Kasa to Good View LLC, 40 Fort St., $380,000.

Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Abraxas Realty Trust to Daisy Farm Properties LLC, 26 Finn St., $286,000.

Jason Bohonowicz and Kerri A. Bohonowicz to Eli Dwight, 22 Myrtle St., $430,000.

Brent Hill and Charles Aenlle to LONGMEADOW Adam Gladstone, 73 Bridge St., Alfred Azar to Alfred Azar and Sally $279,500.

J. Azar, 120 Homestead Boulevard, $100.

John R. Vellenga and Susan M. Vellenga to Daniel F. Goodhue and Kristen J. Goodhue, 84 Benedict Terrace, $456,500.

Larry R. Cloutier to Ahsan Waqas and Nowrin Khanam, 28 S Park Ave., $511,099.

ORANGE

Marla Cromwell to Yoho D. Myrvaagnes and Thanh H. Than, 56 West Orange Road, $389,900.

PALMER

Beverly C. Tokarz to William H. Kemple and Edward Burnham, 109- Jay W. Heinicke to Samuel Cobb and Martha Cobb, 51 Squier St., 113 Sewall St., $122,500. $312,500.

Evgeniy L. Zhigalin to Laura Jutte,

Lisa M. Persson and Norman C. Lynda F. Dallapegorara and Linda Persson to Kristen Adams, 200 Dallapegorara to Edward J. Renauld Wilbraham Road, $266,000. and Aimee E. Burnham, 221 Norwich Lake Road, $225,000.

David L. Greenwood to Christopher A. Torres Sr., and Heidi A. Torres, 88 Goss Hill Road, $356,000.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

NORTHFIELD

Lyne S. Vishaway and Ronald C. Vishaway to Thomas F. Chappuis, 195 School St. and Warwick Road, $605,000.

Thomas Aquinas College to Rosalia Socorro Cosgrove and Timothy

Joseph Ercolino and Linda A. Ercolino to Linda A. Ercolino, 50 Cleveland St., $21,500.

Martha E. Whelan, Martha E. Cobb and Samuel Cobb to Daniel Foster, 3020 Pine St., $250,000.

Michael G. Posusky and Mary R. Posusky to U S Bank Trust, trustee, and 19-GS2 Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 20, 2250 Main St., $147,682.

Xing Gao Wang to Alycar Investments LLC, 2041-2043 High St., $130,000.

SOUTH HADLEY Sarah Etelman to Faith Michaels, trustee, and Garden Street Trust, 9 Garden St., $100.

Megan Burton and Margaret Sarah Menchen to Benjamin A. Ayres and Paige E. Howell, 62 Hadley St., $441,500.

Patrick O. Dunphy, trustee, and Brandon Realty Trust to Patrick O. Dunphy, Rosemary Dunphy Long, Mary Gail Dunphy and Elizabeth Dunphy Farris, 19 Hadley St., $100.

Tamika Gagnon to Tamika Gagnon and Juan Velazquez, 81 Richview Ave., $100.

Patricia M. Vieu to Joanne D. Palheiredo and Joanne Palheiredo, Ludlow Road, $170,000.

Joan L. Casavant to Kelsey-Brooke Scheumann, 27 Garden St., and Fairlawn Street, $100.

South Hadley Plaza LLC, to Grenfield Co-Operative Bank, Newton Street, $100.

Greenfield Co-Operative Bank to South Hadley Plaza LLC, 487 Newton St., $100.

SOUTHAMPTON Shirley Anop, Emily Fitzgerald and Joan Rush to Eric Toensmeier, 47 Pequot Road, $450,000.

Patricia A. Fabozzi and Gail F. Santoro to Gail F. Santoro, 83 Pleasant St., $100.

Gail F. Santoro to Patricia A. Fabozzi and Gail F. Santoro, 83 Pleasant St., $100.

Michael R. Goyette and Jennifer L. Goyette to Anna Taiping Nahmias and Blaze Robinson, 217 College

SOUTHWICK

Fiore Realty Holdings LLC, to Hamelin Framing Inc., Sawgrass Lane, $110,000.

Fiore Realty Holdings LLC, to Hamelin Framing Inc., Sawgrass Lane, $110,000.

Richard F. Dittrich and Lois E. Dittrich to Sandy Liu, 3 Stage Coach Road, $697,700.

Wilmington Savings Fund, Christiana Trust, trustee, and Pretium Mortgage Acquisition Trust, trustee of, to Mike McCuin and Elizabeth Sicard, 5 Pondview Lane, $535,000.

SPRINGFIELD 4BS Investments LLC, to Vinicius Stein, 82-84 Enfield St., $332,000.

BRVS LLC, to Marta Torres and Carmen Torres, 22-24 Cedar St., $195,000.

Central Commons LLC, to Round Two LLC, 371-373 Central St., $402,000.

Falah Sabih and Yasmeen Hezam to Juan Barrios and Teresa Barrios, 15 Gold St., $215,000.

First National Acceptance Co., to Milene Castillo and Patricio Acosta, 42 Stebbins St., $26,000.

Gretha Whitman to New Man Ventures LLC, 233-235 Centre St., $175,000.

Jean E. Steinmetz, trustee, and 144 Whittum Ave. Trust, trustee of, to New Life Fellowship United Pentecostal Church, Roosevelt Avenue, $27,600.

Jeffrey Jean-Charles and Malissa Jean-Charles to David Cort and Leanne Johnson, 51 Vinton St., $307,000.

Joel Antoine to Ibrahim Nahar Khalid, 52-54 Stockman St., $140,000.

Judy Bergdoll and Judy Nahorniak to Joseph A. Bergdoll, 55 Wilkes St., $218,500.

Julia Polanco to Beryelin S. Martinez, 130-132 Suffolk St., $268,000.

Ling-Yi Ju to Rucherly M. Bonilla, 32-34 Vermont St., $307,500.

Mack Hopper and Genevieve E. Hopper to Kimberly Sanchez, 20 East Hill Road, $220,000.

Michael H. Bensche, Sheila A. Bensche and Erin M. Bensche to Julio A. Ortega, Julio A. Ortega Diaz and Celia Diaz Velez, 518 King St., $175,000.

Miguel A. Alvarado and Wilmarie Santiago Torres to Kathleen M. Emerson and Dustin T. Morris, 89

Park Road, $280,000.

Narad M. Adhikari and Dhan M. Adhikari to Krishna Bhujel, 11 Laurelwood Lane, $315,000.

Paula M. Murphy, Kevin G. Murphy, representative, Brian Dennis Murphy, estate, and Brian D. Murphy, estate, to Raymond F. Tharin, 213 Windemere St., $219,900.

Phyllis A. Misterka, Cheryl A. Misterka and Cheryl A. Richter to Alexa M. Sauers, 42 Redden Road, $237,000.

Roseann Peabody to U S Bank Trust, trustee, and REO Trust 2017RPL1, trustee of, 62 Brittany Road, $123,139.

Stacey Tazifor and Stacey Lewis to Johanna I. Diaz and Yamara Lebron, 123 Savoy Ave., $250,000.

Tina Blackshear to Carlos M. Pena and Maria Pena, 43 Lyons St., $212,000.

Vincent E. Delgado, representative, and Douglas W. Rollins, estate, to David A. Benoit, 68 Lakevilla Ave., $172,000.

Walter S. Czepiel to Property Advantage Inc., 48 Dubois St., $67,500.

Wealth Builders I & L LLC, to Nichele Mullen, 21-23 Willard Ave., $267,000.

TOLLAND Rachel M. Jacoby, Michael J. Jacoby, Sara J. Maggio and Sara B. Jacoby to Michael J. Jacoby and Melissa Jacoby, 463 Beetle Road, $300,000.

WARE H.P. Cummings Construction Co., to Eric Williams, Antroy Newton Cleghorn and Karen June Beliah, 14 Prospect Ware, 70,000.

Laurie A. Wilkinson, Thomas E. Motyka and Tammy A. Carver to David Chapman and Kristine Chapman, 301 Beaver Lake Road, $350,000.

WARWICK First Parish & Religious Society of Warwick to Donald Matthews, 6 Mount Grace Ave., $50,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD 2119 Riverdale LLP, to 2119 Riverdale St. LLC, 2119 Riverdale St., $450,000.

Amberose L. Soto to David F. Banas and Margaret P. Banas, 61 Peachstone Glen, $107,000.

Karen Chaverri and Pablo Chaverri to Angelica Properties LLC, 438 Cold Spring Ave., Unit 438, $92,000.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F9

HOME & GARDEN

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022 | F9

Mary Hunt | Everyday Cheapskate

I

Bars of soap can make life easier

F YOU’RE A FAN OF liquid soap for hand-washing and prefer to use body wash in the tub and shower, bars of soap may seem quite old-fashioned. And you may be surprised to learn that good old bar soap still has a valuable place in an active household!

Bar soaps — any scent, and even those little bars from your last hotel stay — are useful for some pretty cool stuff at home. You can even use bar soap to make liquid soap.

Hide a nail hole If you notice a few small nail holes in the walls after

moving pictures, choose a bar of soap that’s the same color as the wall. To fill in the void, rub the soap over the hole to fill it in. That will hold until it’s time to paint the wall.

the car seat. It works well in stinky shoes and boots, too!

Prevent paint splatters When it’s time for you to paint trim next to windows or mirrors, rub a small bar of Freshen drawers, soap along the glass next to closets, suitcases, cars the paint. If you splatter some Before using soap in all the paint on the window, use a following ways, get double damp cloth to clean it up. The duty from those bars by soap you laid down will make keeping unwrapped, scented it much easier than using tape soap bars in drawers, closets, and a lot faster because you suitcases, even the car to keep won’t be waiting for paint to those areas smelling fresh. It dry. works well to wrap a bar in a piece of fabric, a mesh bag or Loosen a lock a washcloth, then tuck them If a door lock has become away into a corner or under stiff, rub a piece of dry soap

CURRENT PRICES Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States.

Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Belleek dinner bell, yellow loop handle, lobed body, ivory color glaze, raised yellow clusters, scalloped rim, metal ringer, gold backstamp, 7th mark, Ireland, 5 inches, $19.

Bohemian glass vase, green, enamel clover leaves and blossoms, gold trim, flared lip, round foot, signed “St. Vaast La-Hogue” in script, marked “Importe,” 6 1/2 inches, $72.

Bathtub, salesman’s sample, cast iron, light green enamel, four-footed, embossed “Doulton” on side, Royal Doulton, 20th century, 6 1/4 inches long, $163.

Textile, needlework, embroidered, silk, Irish crest, Erin Go Bragh, blue ground, openwork border, frame, 29 1/2 x 27 1/2 inches, $192.

Decoy, swan, wooden head and neck, carved, canvas over wire body, wood base, painted, white, black beak, early 20th century, $250.

Barometer, yellow wood case, glazed, round dial, French text, thermometer in cartouche above, urn and garland finial, leafy base, P.F. Bollenbach, Barrington, Illinois, c. 1920, 40 x 15 inches, $310.

Game box, opens to checkerboard, backgammon interior, papier-mache, black lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay, gilt highlights, storage compartment, ivory game pieces, red and white, four dice cups, Victorian, England, c. 1860, 3 1/4 x 16 1/4 x 8 3/4 inches, $563.

Jewelry, pendant, green and orange enamel, three shamrocks, suspended from round green cabochon, green trefoil drop, silver chain, Arts & Crafts, c. 1905, 22-inch chain, 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch pendant, $625.

Advertising clock, “Chrysler MoPar Parts Accessories,” round, yellow center with red border, Arabic numerals, printed, milk glass, domed glass cover, chrome surround, pressed paper back, electric, 14 3/4 inches, $756.

Lamp, newel post, five-light, figural, draped woman, holding flowering branch above head, light fixtures as flowers, green and white beaded shades, round base, spelter, foundry seal, France, early 20th century, 49 inches, $2,375.

Antiques

over its surface to lubricate, then insert the key into the lock and turn it a few times.

The lock should become much easier to use.

Foggy mirrors, eyeglasses If you don’t like a foggy mirror in a hot shower, a small bar of soap can help.

While the mirror is completely dry, rub the soap over the glass. Don’t add water; buff away the streaks of soap with a dry cloth. Next time you take a shower, no fog!

Using soap in this way works as well for eyeglasses and sunglasses, too.

SEE SOAP, PAGE F10

in the ’90s when new formats took over. Listeners have discovered the sound quality CONTINUES FROM PAGE F6 is better and fuller on vinyl records than on digital versions, Your mini horse was so vinyl records have become made by Wagner Handwork more popular again. Sales Co. in Rodental, West Gerhave increased in the past 15 many. It probably originally years and now outpace the had a red saddle as well as sale of music on other physical reins. West Germany (Federal formats. The value of your old Republic of Germany) existed records depends on the popfrom 1949 until Germany was ularity of the artist, rarity and reunited in 1990. The German condition. You can get an idea word “Kunstlerschutz” means of their value by taking them “artist protected,” similar to a to a local store that sells old copyright. Fritz Wagner started records. There are also online the company in the late 1940s. sites that give record values.

He created over 300 different Goldmine Magazine has a reanimals ranging from about 2 cord store directory and other inches to about 7 3/4 inches. The information on its website, company was run by members goldminemag.com. of the Wagner family until it TIP: Don’t clean coins. closed in 1998. The label you Collectors want coins with the describe was used from 1966 patina unchanged. to 1983. The name “Wagner” Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel instead of “Kunstlerschutz” answer readers’ questions sent was used on labels from 1983 to the column. Send a letter to 1990. After 1990, the labels with one question describing the said “Germany” instead of size, material (glass, pottery) “West Germany.” and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, I have a large collection the object and a closeup of any of old 33 LPs. Most are more marks or damage. Questions than 40 years old, and some that are answered will appear are 50 years or more. Are in Kovels Publications. Write to they valuable?

Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 628 VirginVinyl records were ia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or popular from the 1950s to the email collectorsgallery@kovels.

1980s, dropping in popularity com.

A.

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8 S & K Properties LLC, to Mark Christodlous and Stephanie Christodlous, 156 Norman St., $160,000.

WESTFIELD Elizabeth B. Simmons, estate, and Anne S. Grauel, representative, to Renee M. Pac and Scott C. Pac, 32 1/2 Cross St., $253,000.

Howard W. Kane, representative, Maryanne B. Kane and Wanda Kane, estate, to Howard W. Kane, 72 Franklin St., $50,000.

Kathryn Vaillancourt and Tylor Vaillancourt to Matthew Joseph Flood and Anni Zhu, 153 Roosevelt Ave., $430,000.

Louis A. Mastroianni and Elaine T. Mastroianni to Christine E. Morrill, 131 Barbara St., $100.

Paul O. Gardner to NextLifeRealty LLC, 41 Prospect St., $160,000.

Samuel Burgos and Rebecca Burgos to Colin Fitzgerald and Leighanne St. Germain, 812 North Road, $289,000.

WILBRAHAM Andrew F. Sears Jr., representative, James H. Sears, representative, and Andrew F. Sears Sr., estate, to Pamela R. Driscoll, 2205 Boston Road, E-40, $283,000.

David H. Geld and Bonnie M. Geld to Dylan C. Courtney and Heather E. Courtney, 1 Fairview Road, $480,000.

Edward J. Glica, Susan M. Fitzgerald, Martin D. Glica and Kathleen V. Rizzo to Benjamin Pieciak, Susan E. Pieciak and David P. Pieciak, 41 Manchonis Road, $321,000.

Nathan J. Servidio to Redasi Holdings Inc., 2589 Boston Road, $615,000.

WILLIAMSBURG Mario R. Paiva to Jacob Thomas Sobol and Miranda E. Wiley, 85 Main St., $300,000.

Q. A.

Call To Subscribe

1-413-788-1100

HOME & GARDEN

F10 | SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Repairing upholstery damaged by cats

By Jeanne Huber

The Washington Post

Q. A family member’s cat clawed

all four edges of two sofas that I bought years ago. The cat pulled the threads badly, but it looks to me as if there aren’t any holes. I love the pattern and colors of the fabric.

I do not want to reupholster with a different fabric.

How can I repair or hide the damage? Should I trim the loose threads?

If so, is there a type of glue for sewing that would make the stubble from the trimmed threads adhere smoothly to the fabric to make the damage less noticeable? Or do you have other solutions to suggest?

A.

Given how much cats love to use sofa upholstery as scratching posts, it’s probably no surprise that there is more than one approach to repairing the damage — or at least making it less noticeable.

In a case like yours, where there are loose threads but no visible tears, the best approach is to push the loose threads into the fabric, so they’re hidden on the back. A felting needle is the ideal tool. It has no eye for thread; instead, it has a bend at one end, like an “L,” to help hold it in a handle, if one

is used. The other end, which does the work, is pointed.

Just up from the tip are tiny ridges that act like barbs. Needlecraft artists use them to poke strands of wool together, causing them to tangle and interlock. With repeated poking, a wad of fibers becomes more compact and can be worked into three-dimensional felted shapes. For repairing upholstery, the ridges help push the loose threads through the fabric.

These needles come in different gauges, with higher numbers having smaller diameters. A 38-gauge needle ($12.99 for three from Joann) should work well for most upholstery repairs.

In a cross section, the ridged area may be triangular, star-shaped or spiral. The differences probably don’t matter for upholstery repair.

With fairly sturdy upholstery, you will probably only have to push the loose fibers to the back. If there are many frayed fibers, you can work rapidly.

Watch the process on YouTube in a video by Osiris & Friends titled “How to easily fix snagged upholstery caused by cat claws!”

With thin upholstery, though, you’ll need to slow down and be more deliberate about where you poke, so you don’t tear the fabric. Use a thinner needle, perhaps a 40-gauge. If the

cat’s claws (or your needlework) leave visible holes with frayed edges, seal the threads’ ends with seam sealant, such as the Dritz Fray Check ($4.99 for a 0.75-ounce bottle at Joann).

Instead of poking fibers to the back, some people recommend snipping off the loose fibers, then shaving the fabric with a razor to shear off remaining frayed bits. Although this can give a quick like-new appearance to the upholstery, and it may work if the back of the upholstery is covered with a bonding layer, it weakens regular woven fabric and leaves it vulnerable to more serious damage if the cat continues to claw at it.

To treat situations where clawing creates holes, get a fabric glue, such as Tear Mender’s instant fabric and leather adhesive or the Dritz Liquid Stitch (each $9.99 for a tube at Joann). If the hole is alongside a seam, spread a thin layer of glue on the seam allowance (the part of the fabric that will be hidden once the seam is closed), and press the seam closed with your fingers for a few minutes. If the seam allowance is frayed, first coat it with a bit of seam sealant, which will basically glue the threads to each other and make them stiffer, so it’s easier to glue the seam back together.

Big holes in the middle of a section of

upholstery need to be patched with fabric. If you don’t have leftover fabric and if your sofa is set against a wall, you might be able to salvage patch material from the back, perhaps from the skirt if your sofa has that type of upholstery.

Otherwise, you might need to settle for a different fabric that matches the color as closely as possible. If there’s a pattern, you can touch up a plain fabric with permanent markers to achieve a similar look.

Although it’s possible to glue a patch over a torn area, it’s much tidier to have the patch material under the tear. Cut it oversize and slip the patch through the hole. Smooth out the patch, and trim any frayed threads around the tear. Squeeze glue onto a piece of paper, then lift the torn fabric and use a toothpick or other small tool to spread a thin layer of glue around the edge on the back.

Once the repairs are done, prevent a new round of damage by placing a scratching post nearby and possibly purchasing sofa protectors. Some of these can wrap around the corners of the furniture and provide cats with a sacrificial covering that they’re free to scratch. Others take the opposite approach and cover the corners with clear plastic, which cats typically don’t find inviting to scratch.

Soap

or conditioners to treat all kinds of stains. Just wet a corner of the bar of soap, then CONTINUES FROM PAGE F9 run it into the stain until it is Fix the squeaks well-saturated. Now launder A bar of soap solves squeaky as usual. door hinges and floors. Rub a dry bar of soap onto the edges Easy-clean fingernails of any squeaky area. Test, and Before you dig in your garif still squeaky, repeat until den or do an oil change, dig the squeak has vanished. your nails into a bar of soap first. Soap will keep the dirt or Sticky drawers and grease from getting under the sliding doors nails.

If drawers or sliding doors Protect the garden don’t open smoothly, rub a bar of soap on the edge of the Hang a bar of Irish Spring drawer or in the track where bar soap from shrubs or the drawer slides into place. roughly sprinkle it on the ground to help repel deer and Remove laundry stains rabbits, too. Its scent is so There are laundry bar soaps strong and repulsive to these marketed for stain removal, animals it will send them such as Fels Naptha and Zote, running away. Use an old pair but you can use almost any of pantyhose or mesh bag to type of bar soap to clean oily make hanging easy. and muddy stains. In this Unstick a zipper case, you want to use a bar without added moisturizers To make a zipper slide more

and you’ll save money in the process. Use a cheese grater to shave 4 ounces of bar soap and mix with 4 cups of boiling water. Stir to dissolve, allow to cool completely and pour into your dispensers. Shake well before use.

An ordinary bar of soap can have many uses around the home. (METRO CREATIVE ARTS)

easily, run a dry bar of soap across its teeth.

of pretty fabric, then secure it in place with straight pins to create a pincushion. Pins and needles stored in this way will glide through any fabric.

Sew easy Mark hems and seam lines with the edge of a soap bar to Make liquid soap create a sewing line. Tightly wrap a bar of soap with a piece Make your own liquid soap

DIY laundry detergent Bar soap is one of the essential ingredients in homemade laundry detergent (EverydayCheapskate.com/ detergent). You will also need super-washing soda and borax. Homemade laundry detergent is safe to use in HE washers, as it does not produce suds but cleans like a dream!

Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” Hunt answers questions and comments at everydaycheapskate.com/contact/ “Ask Mary.”

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022 | F11

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Auctions

Best local auctions in print and online at masslive.com

PUBLIC AUCTION

PUBLIC AUCTION

PUBLIC AUCTION

FRIDAY, MARCH 25TH AT 1:00 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30TH at 11:00 A.M.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31ST at 11:00 A.M.

• HOPKINTON •

• SOUTH HADLEY •

• SOUTH HADLEY • 7 ROOM / 3 BEDROOM 1 ½ STORY

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

9 ROOM / 4 BEDROOM 2-STORY

COLONIAL STYLE HOME “LOCATED IN UPSCALE NEIGHBORHOOD”

4 Brook Hollow Lane HOPKINTON, MA To be Sold on the Premises

Features: • 2 Story Colonial Style Home • ±¾ Acres of Land • • Total of (9) Rooms w/ (4) Bedrooms & (2½) Baths • • ± 2,811 S/F of Living Area • Forced Air Heat • • Central Air Conditioning • Basement • Fireplace • • Wood Exterior • Asphalt/Hip Roof • • Zoned: A-Residential • Parcel ID: 9R-6-7 • ★ TWO CAR ATTACHED GARAGE ★ 1% BROKER INCENTIVE OFFERED!!

Sale Per Order of Mortgagee Terms of Sale: $25,00000 Initial Deposit Cash Attorney Thomas J. Hamel or Certified Funds.

Of the firm of Courtney, Lee & Hamel, P.C. 5% Buyer’s Premium Applies.

31 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield, MA Deposit to be Increased to 10% of Purchase Price Attorney for Mortgagee within 10 Business Days of Auction Date.

Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale.

Professional Service Directory in Print and Online

CAPE STYLE HOME ON

BUNGALOW STYLE HOME

70 Lathrop Street SOUTH HADLEY, MA

17 Hartford Street SOUTH HADLEY, MA

±4½ ACRES of LAND

Features:

To be Sold on the Premises

• 1½ Story Cape Style Home • ±4½ Acres of Land • • Total of (7) Rooms w/ (3) Bedrooms & (2 ½) Baths • • ±2,563 S/F of Gross Living Area Above Grade • • Oil Hot Water Baseboard Heat • Full Basement • • Wood Clapboard Siding • Fireplace • Deck • • Open Porch • Public Water & Sewer • Zoned: RA2 • ★ Two Car Attached Garage w/ Third Bay Storage ★ Terms of Sale: $10,000.00 Deposit Cash or Certified Funds.

Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale.

Sale Per Order of Mortgagee Attorney C. Barry Waite Of the firm of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll 330 Whitney Avenue, Holyoke, MA Attorney for Mortgagee

Aaron Posnik

“LOCATED ON CORNER OF HARTFORD AND SMITH STREETS”

To be Sold on the Premises

Features: • 1 ½ Story Bungalow Style Home • ±5,666 S/F of Land • • Total of (7) Rooms w/ (3) Bedrooms & (1) Bath • • ±1,781 S/F of Gross Living Area Above Grade • • Oil Steam Heat • Full Basement • • Enclosed Porch • Public Water & Sewer • • Zoned: RB (Single/Two Family Res.) • Map Reference: 44140 • ★ TWO CAR DETACHED GARAGE ★ Terms of Sale: $10,000.00 Deposit Cash or Certified Funds.

Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale.

Sale Per Order of Mortgagee Attorney C. Barry Waite

Of the firm of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll

330 Whitney Avenue, Holyoke, MA Attorney for Mortgagee

Aaron Posnik

3164459-01

Aaron Posnik

9 ROOM / 4 BEDROOM 2-STORY

CALL THE PROS

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

West Springfield, MA • Philadelphia, PA 413-733-5238 • 610-853-6655

West Springfield, MA • Philadelphia, PA 413-733-5238 • 610-853-6655

West Springfield, MA • Philadelphia, PA 413-733-5238 • 610-853-6655

www.posnik.com • E-Mail:info@posnik.com

www.posnik.com • E-Mail:info@posnik.com

www.posnik.com • E-Mail:info@posnik.com

MA Auc. Lic #161 • PA Auc. Lic. #AY000241L

MA Auc. Lic #161 • PA Auc. Lic. #AY000241L

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE At Public Auction

SPRINGFIELD

DOWNTOWN LOCATION CLASSIC BRICK OFFICE BLDG THURSDAY MARCH 17 2022 @ 1:00PM 7-9 STOCKBRIDGE STREET

Terms of Sale: : A deposit of $10,000.00 in certified funds(funds must be 90 days or less) at time of sale. Balance due withing 30 days of sale.

Other terms at time of sale,

by Atty for the Morgagee Harry Castleman.

Atty: Michienzie & Sawin (617) 227-5660 SALE HELD BY

MA Auc. Lic #161 • PA Auc. Lic. #AY000241L

Receiver’s Sale of Real Estate at Public Auction To Be Sold On The Premises Sale Date: *

TRAVERSECOMPANIES.COM Cats

Animals FRI, MAR. 18, AT 6 PM

GENERAL ESTATE AUCTION

INCLUDING FURNITURE, GLASS & CHINA, SMALL ANTIQUES, ARTWORK, LIGHTING, FIREARMS, MILITARY AND MORE. PREVIEW 8 AM - 6 PM www.DouglasAuctioneers.com

Birds Cats Dogs Exotic Animals Feed Fish Horses Livestock Pet Services Pet Shows Pet Supplies Pets - Lost & Found Pets Wanted

Cats Kitten 2 months old, $180.

413-244-7901

Puppy chihuahua mix $450.

Call 413-244-7901

Dogs Beagle Pups for sale. Parents on premises. Males & females avail. Asking. $700. Call 978-355-4685

GERMAN SHEPHERD pups, 7M & 3F. Black/Tan, black & red, AKC paperwork, shots, wormed, written Hip & Health guarantee. Parents on premises. Raised in country setting. $1400. Call 978-249-3724 German Shepherd pups, champion Czeck & Belgian bloodlines, avail now. with 1st shots 4M, 3F, $1000/BO (413) 218-2321

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March 16, 2022 11:00 A.M. *

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71 Garden Street, West Springfield, Ma.

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Believed to be a 1354 Square foot single family home with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath on a 4791 square foot lot t Terms of Sales: Five THOUSAND ($5,000.00) DOLLARS of the purchase price must be paid in cash or bank check at the time of sale, the balance paid within thirty (30) days. Additional terms to be announced at the sale. This sale is subject to a 5% Buyer’s Premium.

Dennis Powers, Esq., Counsel for Receiver

Powers Law Group, LLc 1391 Main Street Springfield, MA 01103

TRAVERSE REAL ESTATE INC. MILTON, MA 02186 (617) 696-1181 MA LIC #105

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Warren N. Schreiber, Auctioneer Lic. 101

Place your service ad 24/7.

Call (413) 788-1234 or go to: www.MassLive.com Handyperson Services

RON’S GUTTER CLEANING SERVICE

* Cleaning since ’94 * Insured - Free Estimate * Very reasonable rates * Attention to detail CALL OR TEXT Chicopee cell 413-313-6507

Merchandise Antiques/Collectibles Appliances Articles for Rent Articles For Sale Audio Building Materials Cameras Camping Equipment Clothing Coins and Stamps Construction Equipment Do-In-Yourself Materials Electronics/Compuiters Fitness Equipment Flea Markets Forklifts and Equipment Fuel Furniture, Etc. Good Things To Eat Hot Ticket Items Jewelry Lawn & Garden Lawnmower & Snowblower Machinery & Tools Med. Equipment Sales/Wanted Miscellaneous Musical Instruments Office Equipment Pools, Spas & Accessories Professional Equipment Restaurant Equipment Seasonal Snowmobiles Sports Television Tickets Video Vintage Clothing Wanted to Buy Wood-Burning Stoves

Articles for Sale

Dogs

German Shepherd Puppies, mom/dad both AKC Reg. Purebred, 2 females, 2 males $650/each. Will be ready for new homes in April. Call 413-339-5391

Golden Retrievers Puppies, 1st shots & dewormed. $850. 2 females & 1 Male Call 802-895-2784

Teddy Bear Pups 8 weeks old, $600./ea.

Call/msg 413-523-6002

Exotic Animals

Chinchilla mixed gray, 6 months old. $400/best offer.

Call or text 413-523-6002

BASEBALL, Football Basketball & Hockey cards, 1950’s-present, 50 to 90% off, selling boxes for $.50 BUYING ALL SPORTS CARDS, RETIRED KOREAN WAR VET 413-596-5783

Bluish-Gray recliner, remote control, good cond. $175./BO. 413-733-1613 ask for Dennis

Cross Country Skis, adult & children, poles, shoes included. 70’s type. $75.00 for all. 413-592-5098

Light Ceramic kitchen set w/4 chairs, exc. cond., $90. Call 413-331-4762 or 413-331-3633

U.S. #1 Stamp (U) $300./OBO Call Ron 413-896-3324 $$$ Cash For Stamps $$$

Auctions Auctions DouglasAuctioneers.com

ESTATES-ANTIQUES 413-665-2877

MORTGAGEES’ REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS TO BE SOLD ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PREMISE

WEDNESDAY MARCH 16, 2022 3:00 PM NORTH ADAMS, MA 455 STATE STREET DEPOSIT $5,000 4:00PM - SPRINGFIELD, MA 41-43 FENWICK STREET DEPOSIT $5,000 TERMS OF SALES: DEPOSITS IN THE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED ABOVE ARE TO BE PAID BY THE PURCHASER(S) AT THE TIME AND PLACE OF EACH SALE BY CERTIFIED OR BANK CHECK. ALL BALANCES DUE ARE TO BE PAID WITHIN 30 DAYS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL SALE. OTHER TERMS, IF ANY, TO BE ANNOUNCED AT EACH SALE. CALL OUR AUCTION SCHEDULE LINE AT (617) 964-1282 FOR A LIST OF THE CURRENT DAY’S AUCTIONS AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.commonwealth auction.com FOR CONTINUOUSLY UPDATED SCHEDULING INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL SCHEDULING INFORMATION COMMONWEALTH AUCTION ASSOCIATES, INC. (617) 964-0005 MA LIC 2235

F12 | SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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