Home in the Country November 2014 by Sullivan County Democrat/Catskill-Delaware Publications

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A Sullivan County Democrat publication November, 2014

in the

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Winter is coming. Stay warm with a high-efﬁciency wood heating system.

Would you like to heat your home or business more efﬁciently this winter and for many winters to come? The Renewable Heat NY initiative has support available for installing high-efﬁciency, low-emission wood heating systems.

Residential Technologies Wood pellet stoves `Û> Vi`ÊV À`Ü `ÊL iÀÃÊ with thermal storage

New wood heating systems are: UÊ ÕÌ >Ìi`Ê> `ÊV i> iÀÊLÕÀ }

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Commercial Technologies `Û> Vi`ÊV À`Ü `ÊL iÀÃÊ with thermal storage Small and large pellet boilers with thermal storage 23186

To learn more, go to nyserda.ny.gov/renewable-heat-ny or call 1-866-NYSERDA (toll-free). RHNY-GEN-winter14-ad-1-v1

1. Fallsburg Township Ranch Built: 1960 Listed By: Belgard Realty

5. Thompson Township 2 Ranch Homes with Lake Rights 4 BR/2 BA total Acres: .25 Sold For: $175,000 School Tax: $2194 Town & County: $2864

4 BR/2 BA Acres: 0.06 Sold For: $100,000 School Tax: $2,314.93

Town & County: $2,598.50 Built: 1988 Listed By: Valued Properties

6. Rockland Township Contemporary Split Tri Level Built: 1970 Listed By: Rieber Realty

4 BR/3 BA Acres: 1.88 Sold For: $225,000 School Tax: $3,700 Town & County: $4,395

These listings compliments of the Sullivan County Board of Realtors

3. Cochecton Township 2 Story Farmhouse

2. Liberty Township Contemporary

3 BR/1 BA Acres: 18.50 Sold For: $110,000 School Tax: $2,932

4. Thompson Township Contemporary Ranch Town & County: $2,584 Built: 1910 Listed By: Eagle Valley Realty

2 BR/1 BA Acres: 3.09 Sold For: $340,000 School Tax: $2,757 Town & County: $3,131

3 BR/2 BA Acres: 0.26 Sold For: $130,000 School Tax: $1,973.86

Town & County: $2,661 Built: 2011 Listed By: Century 21 Country RE

8. Highland Township Custom Lakefront Contemporary

7. Rockland Township Custom Lakefront Cottage Built: 1992 Listed By: Callicoon Real Estate LLC

Built: 2002 Listed By: Judy Van Put Realty

4 BR/3 BA Acres: 5.25 Sold For: $1,450,000 School Tax: $11,339.60 Town & County:

$10,050.81 Built: 2008 Listed By: Gibson E McKean

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Recent Home Sales 3 BR/3 BA Acres: 0.26 Sold For: $57,000 School Tax: $4,094 Town & County: $3,407

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Van Gorders’ Gorder’s remains a furnishings favorite

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

A bedroom set from Van Gorders’ isn’t supplied with a beautiful golden retriever, but it does come with the rustic style for which the Honesdale company is well-known.

There are 4 distinct spaces that could be 4 separate businesses. A Bar Restaurant, former pizza shop, over 5100 sq ft venue and The Nutshell Art center is over 2500 sq foot space. Real estate and business. Lake Huntington, NY

Beth Bernitt

ONLY $249,000

23400

Office: 845-791-5280 Cell: 845-807-6947 Private Line: 845-482-3042 email: bethbrealtor@yahoo.com

This Circa 1900 barn has been transformed into a work of art. Modern vision tastefully appointed with antique accents creating an old world charm. Low taxes in Delaware County, NY

$585,000 E

$79,000

MLS #39116

$199,000

Independently Owned and Operated

MLS #39568 Substantial, big-boned 4BR/2Ba family home on P.O. Box 335 1.6 acres. Well-loved and maintained by original 21 Lower Main St., Callicoon, NY owners who built it. Split floor plan-- 2 BR/1ba 845-887-5640 down; 2BR/1Ba up. All new SS appliances. www.fredarealty.com Beautiful oak floors through much of the home. Pocket doors close off rooms that aren’t in use or for privacy. Gorgeous stone work outside and around house plus fabulous brick fireplace in the LR. 2-car attached garage. Huge covered porch holds a crowd for outdoor entertaining and cookouts including BBQ pit behind the house! It’s a great location-- close to everything-- shopping, movies, restaurant, bowling alley, river. 19584

Associate Broker NY

30 Forestburgh Road, Monticello, NY 12701

1890’s farmhouse with guest cottage on 2.4 acres. 2 bedrooms 1 bath with wrap around front porch to enjoy the country views and the Callicoon Creek across the street. Cottage has kitchen and bath (water & sewer not hooked up) –could be for guests, studio or home ofﬁce. Workshop/shed for storage. Beautiful mature trees

19136

SMARTER | BOLDER | FASTER

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Story by Dan Hust

ay you’ve just built a new home or renovated an old one. Where do you turn for unique furniture and outstanding, personal service? Take down this name: Van Gorders’. “We’ll do anything we can to help,” promises Dylan Van Gorder, the fourth generation co-owner of the family furniture business. “We like to build relationships with every customer.” You can do that with a trip to their Honesdale, Pa. headquarters, a fourstory wonder where Van Gorders’ first opened for business in 1936. Or you can head to Hawley, Pa., where a modern showroom has introduced thousands to Van Gorders’ rusCONTINUED ON PAGE 6H

Make every living space in your home a memorable spot to ... well ... live! Van Gorders’ offers choices to fit the kind of relaxed lifestyle enjoyed in our region.

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Distinctly American styles are to be found throughout Van Gorders’ three showrooms, from this Southwestthemed hickory chair and ottoman (above) to a dining room set also created from rough-hewn hickory (right). Professionals like Scott Van Gorder (above right) can guide you in selecting the styles and accessories that fit not only your tastes but your budget. They’ll even come to your house to evaluate spaces and make recommendations! Continued from page 5H

tic lodge-style furniture since 1978. Or follow the Delaware River downstream to Milford, Pa., the newest home of Van Gorders’. “People like to come in and get a sense of what we have,” says Dylan. “We have lines you won’t be able to find elsewhere in the area.” Or don’t travel at all – Van Gorders’ will send professional sales and design representatives to your home at no cost, giving advice and sharing expertise without any obligation to buy. They’ve delivered as far away as CONTINUED ON PAGE 8H

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

Wood Pellets & Coal • Available by the bag or ton • We deliver • Call store for details •Lignetics Wood Pellets

•New England Wood Pellets

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The Celesta Collection from RODA

•Blaschak Coal available in Rice, Pea, Nut and Stove

Rock Salt, Ice Melts, Roof Rakes, Stove Pipes, Chimney Caps, Fire Starters, Creosote Remover, Chimney Brushes

•Eden PURE heaters in stock

Hrs: 8am-5:30pm Mon-Sat •Sun 9am-3pm 11 Bon Jovi Lane, Liberty, NY 12754 845-292-7220 • www.libertyagway.com

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*Not responsible for typographical errors. Items may not be exactly as shown in photographs.

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CALL TODAY: (845) 794-5900

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Full-time consultant on staff ready to provide you with guidance ideas and knowledge for your next remodel.

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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Continued from page 6H

Long Island and the Jersey Shore, though Dylan affirms the primary service area encompasses northeast Pennsylvania and neighboring Sullivan County, NY. “Sullivan County is a huge market for us,” he nods. He recommends you first stop by one of the three showrooms and get a feel for what Van Gorders’ offers. “It’s not like a typical furniture store,” he assures. “Our salespeople are not paid on commission. They are not pushy in any way.” Yet it’s no accident they’re part of a company that’s been in business for nearly 80 years – and one that just this year made it to national TV by outfitting a full-size treehouse! “We take pride in our quality and the unique items we offer,” Dylan remarks. To find out more before you visit in person, check out www.vangorders.com.

Have you ever seen a screen door as original as this? Van Gorders’ has it ready to welcome guests to your home! All three store locations also feature Sealy mattress galleries with Van Gorders’ beds.

Preferred Homes & Properties

Smalls Plumbing, Heating, and AC

Serving all of Sullivan County when buying or selling a quality home or property. Phone: (845) 482-4300 • Fax: (845) 482-4433 E-mail: diane@preferredhomes.net Website: www.preferredhomes.net

RELAX in this beautifully WONDERFUL VIEWS renovated 2BR/1.5BA from this charmcottage. Great open floor ing w/fabulous 1890’s farmplan flow. Enjoy house. New spacious, bright reno& airy vations, open family/dining room w/ glass floortoplan, doors lovelynewly deck w/ views of Lake. Updated kitchen w/island, counters, paintedgranite interior & etc. Close to Swinging Bridge Lake, swim,partial boat, fish, Bethel Woods, racino/racetrack, exterior, restaurants, & more. Just bring your new roof.shopping Rocking toothbrush & relax! HUGE REDUCTION $149,900 wide chair porch,

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

BEAUTIFUL LAKE WALLENPAUPACK

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Lawrence Miller associates www.lbmillerinsurance.com 292-2100

67 East Broadway, Monticello, NY

13331

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

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NOVEMBER 2014

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NOVEMBER 2014

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

Tri-level one of a kind T

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots to recommend in this one-owner, singlefamily house, built in 2004. The three-bed, three-bath structure has plenty of living areas on three levels and features hardwood floors, plenty of glass and balconies. The house is surrounded by 10 private, mostly-wooded acres on Town of Tusten maintained Swamp Pond Rd. It is part of the Weiden Lake Property Owners Association with rights to 70-acre Weiden Lake, which provides boating and fishing opportunities. Members of the 2,500-acre private community can take advantage of two common areas with parking, dock/swim platforms, picnic tables and barbecues. The hamlet of Narrowsburg, with its shopping and cultural opportunities, is less than 15 minutes away, as is the Delaware River.

At top: A view of the back side of the house, showing the decking and metal roofing. Vaulted ceilings mark the top level. The constant throughout is good workmanship and hardwood floors.

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HOME FEATURES

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Clockwise from above left: One of the three bedrooms, this one featuring a pair of decorative windows. The woodstove supplements the oil-powered heating system. Notice the elegant stone wall and wooden mantlepiece. One of several decks that translates into opportunities to barbecue, entertain, or just relax and take in the surrounding views. The modern kitchen has all the amenities, including an island and plenty of counter and cabinet space. The formal dining room has access to decks and features a curved space which extends from the main part of the house.

Address: 633 Swamp Pond Rd. Municipality: Narrowsburg, Town of Tusten Bedrooms: 3 Full baths: 3 Square footage: 1,998 Acres: 10 School district: Sullivan West Year Built: 2004 Condition: Good Approximate total taxes: 6,447 Garage capacity: 1 Style: Contemporary Type: Single Family Appliances: Disposal, refrigerator, self cleaning oven, sprinkler, stove, washer Basement: Poured, Walk-Out Exterior finish: Clapboard, wood Interior amenities: Amenity package, cathedral ceiling, family room, formal dining room, glass, hardwood floors, insulated windows, master suite, skylights, track lighting, wood stove Electric: Circuit breaker Land Features: Fruit trees, gently sloping, hunting, lake rights, mature trees, private, secluded, wooded. Homeowners Fees (Year): $300 Heating: Baseboard, zoned Fuel: Oil, fuel tank above ground Sewer: Septic Water: Drilled MLS No.: 38688 Price: $299,000 Information: Jerry Euker, broker, Eagle Valley Realty, 6569 State Route 97, Narrowsburg. Call 845-252-3085 or email eaglevalleyrealty@gmail.com.

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

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NOVEMBER 2014

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

Tri-level one of a kind T

At top: A view of the back side of the house, showing the decking and metal roofing. Vaulted ceilings mark the top level. The constant throughout is good workmanship and hardwood floors.

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HOME FEATURES

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014 Victor Kask Photos

This glass gable in Yulan was for a client who wanted the complete end of the new addition to be glass. On the cover: This custom circular stair has treads made from local white oak compressed on steel brackets bolted to anchors from a sculpted reinforced concrete column. It was added to the Kask vacation home on River Rd. in Callicoon.

ARCHITECT PROFILE

Unique moniker, unique architect By Frank Rizzo

ictor Kask can’t say when he first realized he wanted to be an architect; it just took him a long time to realize his dream. But first things first… what’s with that name? The Bethel-based architect replies: “Architect-X was derived from Architect-X.com, which was the domain name I saved before I was licensed. This was in hope of securing a domain name with the word architect in it. I thought it would help search engines find me, not knowing at the time they didn’t quite work that way. Catchy but a bit goofy.” A quick search on the web brings

This home in Yulan was built on an existing foundation which was ill conceived and in need of repair. According to Kask, “The owner asked if he could have a complete repair plan and construction drawings for the building in two weeks. Owner opened wallet wider. Architect-X worked long hours and got it done.”

up one or two “architects x” (no dashes), but whatever the marketing “gimmick” he’s using, Kask is in demand right now. “This year the company has handled approximately 50 projects ranging from the organization of retail and assembly space, to alterations, occupancy changes and new residential structures,” he noted. Growing up on Long Island, Kask was inspired by the example of his mother Lehti, a painter, as well as by living in an architect-designed modern style house his father Karl had commissioned. To complete his affinity to the building arts, his brother Peter became a structural

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

engineer. But his road to becoming a licensed architect was long one, taking 16 years after he earned a BS in Architecture in 1995 from New York Institute of Technology. Just three years after earning a BS in Geology from SUNY Cortland in 1983, he built a house (and his home) on Hospital Rd. in the hills above Callicoon. It was his first opus. Kask began coming to our area in the late ’60s, when his father built a cabin on River Rd. in Callicoon. After his father’s passing Vic and his brother inherited it. Eventually Vic bought out his brother’s share. Soon after, he related, “I started doing business under Kask & Kask Fine Home Building while intermittently taking work with various local engineers. There was also a four-year stint with the Sullivan County Department of Public Works Buildings Department.” He added, “Finally after years of accumulating college credit hours and apprenticeship time, I was given a chance to sit for the NYS licensing exam in 2010.” Kask apprenticed with David Rosenberg Architects in Monticello. According to the NYS Education Dept., which certifies professionals, Kask earned his license on November 7, 2011. Summing up his practice, Kask said it consisted of “architectural design and drafting of documents required in the process of producing a client

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

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owner’s vision into residential and commercial structures.” A good chunk of his work is remedial, he noted: “Many people have buildings with cracked foundations, sagging roofs or some other structural malady and need to know if the condition is dangerous or how to fix it. Sometimes they have built something illegally and the Building Department has requested review and documentation. Occasionally a structure is placed too close to the neighboring lot or worse yet, two buildings are built on a lot meant for one. Some things even Architect-X can’t fix.” “More satisfying,” he added, “is starting with a clean slate, the new construction project. In this case the owner/client can have any outcome they desire if within their budget. Most buildings are wood framed but they can be steel, masonry, insulated concrete, log, traditionally joined or plated heavy timber or a combination thereof. The desired style which is to be appropriated to the building generally decides material selection.” Kask is married to Kulli and they have a daughter, Madeline, 7. Earlier this year Kask was appointed as an alternate on the Bethel Zoning Board of Appeals.

Victor Kask

Architect-X designed this entrance to the First Presbyterian Church in Jeffersonville. He described it as “delicate wooden structure to keep entering parishioners dry.”

Kask writes, “Sandwiched between the railroad and the river in Callicoon on a site plan masterfully prepared by Tom Ward Engineering of Livingston Manor, this residence under construction was placed on a spot with only a 18'x 48' legal footprint. Due to its proximity to the river it also required a ‘flood proofed’ foundation.

Architect-X PO Box 315, Bethel, NY 12720 845-583-0802 vnkask@hotmail.com • architect-x.com

Kask designed this hillside home in Montage, Pennsylvania. “I am in the process of securing my Pa. license. At the time of this home’s construction, the building department allowed us to continue with only their strictest document review and oversight.”

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Easy ideas for holiday wreaths

stems with berries. Simple and festive, this wreath should take only a few minutes to make and then hang.

reaths are synonymous with the holiday season, and they can range from intricate to simple to flashy to rustic. Creating festive wreaths does not necessarily require a lot of skill, and wreaths can be fashioned from a variety of different materials. The first step to crafting wreaths is to gather the foundation pieces. This usually involves a sturdy material that will serve as the wreath round. It can be vine, foam, branches, or even wire. You'll also need decorative items that fit the theme of your wreath. These may be berries, ornaments, ribbons, bows, and other trinkets. Florist wire and tape can be used to attach the ornaments to the wreath.

Cinnamon wreath This wreath looks beautiful and gives off that quintessential holiday aroma. Begin with a foam wreath and wrap with a two-inch wide ribbon to cover. Use hot glue to secure cinnamon sticks all around the wreath. For more color, add sprigs of holly, bows or mistletoe.

Fruitful wreath Instead of an evergreen wreath, create something festive and edible. Fruit and vegetables in vibrant colors can be used to fashion a wreath. Use picks or wire to attach oranges, lemons, limes, clementines, and any other produce desired to a foam wreath. Use leaves to fill in sparse areas and a thick ribbon to hang the wreath. Metallic wreath Add a glamorous touch to an evergreen wreath with faux fruit and pine cones that you paint with glimmering metallic colors. Intersperse items in gold, copper and silver for an eye-catching piece that can adorn any spot in your home. Add a few twinkling lights to reflect off of the metallic elements to add even more appeal. Bells or glass ornament wreath Use flexible wire to string a wreath of metal bells or glass ornaments together in a

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Floral wreath Make a fresh flower wreath from a florist's wreath and fresh blooms. Soak the foam wreath in water according to the packaged directions. Trim flower stems (carnations are

Holly vine wreath Purchase a plain grapevine wreath and decorate it with sprigs of holly leaves and

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Fred W. Stabbert III Dan Hust Frank Rizzo Ken Cohen Kathy Daley, Jeanne Sager, Eli Ruiz, Kaitlin Carney, Guy Harriton Liz Tucker Sandy Schrader Barbara Matos, Cecilia Lamy Teri Luty Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger, Joanna Blanchard Michelle Reynolds Janet Will Ruth Huggler, Rosalie Mycka, Tracy Swendsen, Nyssa Calkin Elizabeth Finnegan, Petra Duffy Bill Holmes

21449

"Say cheese" wreath Purchase a premade evergreen wreath or wrap boughs of pine around a wreath frame to make your own. Glue or tie on small wooden frames with photos of the family to the wreath. Fill in the barren spots with small bows and ornaments.

ring shape. Bells not only look nice but also lend a gentle twinkling sound anytime the door is opened.

ROSS-124704

durable) and insert the stems into the wreath. Attach a bow to the bottom of the wreath and then hang. This is one wreath that is best displayed the day of the festivities because it has a short shelf life.

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

15H

Ready your home for holiday guests T

Start with the entrance Hosting can motivate homeowners to finish certain home improvement projects that enhance the appearance of their homes. Tidy up your home’s entryway to make it more welcoming. Be sure the front door and walkways are well lit. Remove obstructions and trim back bushes and other plant life. Festive decorations can brighten up the space. Don’t forget a welcome mat to reinforce to guests that they truly are welcome at your home. Quick cleaning Sometimes the joy of hosting can be overshadowed by the task of preparing for your guests. Although a thorough cleaning of the home is great if you have the time, it may not be necessary. Go from room to room identifying spaces that are in need of a thorough cleaning. Spend time in the kitchen clearing clutter from the counters and make sure the dining space is clean and the table is presentable. A table runner and a centerpiece of festive flowers can brighten up the space instantly. Fluff cushions on sofas and give floors or carpets a quick vacuuming. Always be sure the bathrooms are clean and fresh, with laundered hand towels at the ready. Children’s bedrooms and other areas of the house may not require such a critical eye. Simply keep doors closed in off-limits rooms.

Stock up on food Ask guests which foods and beverages they prefer and try to have some on hand. Use your spare time to prepare some meals and freeze them. This way if someone drops by unexpectedly, you can simply defrost a meal and

have it ready in no time. Keep a tin of cookies and tea bags ready for those who pop in for a snack and conversation. With the holiday season in full swing, holiday hosts must ready their homes for overnight guests.

Stock up on supplies Purchase extra travel-sized toiletries at the drug store so your guests’ needs are covered in case they forget something. Store them in a zip-top bag and let guests know where these items are kept. Purchase a guest set of towels, sheets and pillowcases. Keep these in an airtight storage bag or bin, so when guests arrive, they will have their own set of linens. Launder these linens after use.

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Create a guest sanctuary Overnight guests should have a designated space they can use as a retreat. If you do not have a guest room, consider having children bunk with one another and designating one of the kids’ rooms for your guests. Fresh linens, an alarm clock, a television, and Internet access are nice touches. A guest room also can be set up in a den or office with a pull-out sofa bed. Provide access to a nearby bathroom so

guests can enjoy some privacy. Hosting children is easier than hosting adults because they won’t require the same level of privacy and space. An extra mattress tucked under the bed in your child’s room can be an impromptu place for kids to retire.

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he holiday season is about more than just rushing to stores to stock up on presents. Socializing and hosting friends and family members to catch up on a year’s worth of news also makes this time of year so special. Before friends and family arrive, holiday hosts must take steps to prepare their homes for their guests. The following home prep plan can make relatively easy work of tidying up the house and ensuring it is inviting to guests.

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Glenn Smith President

22413

P.O. Box 156 533 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701

Ph: (845) 796-2216 Fax: (845) 796-2716 Email: gsmith.pepc@verizon.net

Vic Kask is

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Put a bath mat, rug-side down and rubber-side up, beneath your Christmas tree stand. This allows you to spin the tree as you hang lights and ornaments without damaging the floor underneath. It also makes it simple to undress the tree once the season is over. Use a tree skirt to hide the mat.

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Wrap duct tape or another type of sticky tape around your hand. Pat over fallen pine needles that accumulate around the tree. In hard-to-reach areas, wrap the tape around a broom or a floor sweeper. When traveling for the holidays, use a brightly colored suitcase or flashy tape to make your suitcase stand out from others at the airport. Place hardened brown sugar in a baking dish, cover it with a moist paper towel and either microwave it on high for 20-second intervals or place it in a 300 F oven for five minutes. This will soften the sugar, making it easier to use the sugar to prepare your favorite holiday cookie recipes.

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Save plastic bread ties, which can be used to make tags for the wires on certain devices. Such ties also can be used to organize decorating components and to keep your place on a roll of tape.

Store one or two strings of lights in a plastic shopping bag to keep the strands from getting tangled. Hang the bags from a hook in a garage or stack them in a storage bin.

Measure the inside of your picture window and construct a wooden frame to its dimensions. Staple holiday lights to the frame and then easily slip the frame in and out of place each year.

Use plastic zip ties to attach garland and lights to bannisters. They're easy to assemble and will not damage the bannisters.

Hang a live wreath or some boughs of evergreen in your home to give it that fresh pine scent if you have an artificial tree.

A paper towel holder can be screwed to the wall in a craft room to neatly hold spools of ribbon. Simply pull the length you need from the spool and cut for easy decorating.

Color-code storage containers so you can easily find holiday decorations in the attic or basement.

Mount a tree stand to a piece of wood with screws or glue. This prevents spills from reaching the floor while stabilizing the tree.

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If you don't have plastic clips to hang lights around windows and to the eaves of your home, inexpensive clothespins will work just as well. If you're concerned about the color of the wooden clips, paint them holiday hues before stringing the lights.

Use empty squirt bottles to make baking and cooking easier. Pancake and cookie batters can be squirted from the containers for less mess.

SAVINGS 1.88

ith so much on our plates between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, the holiday season can be hectic. Fortunately, there are many ways to save time and make the holiday season more manageable.

Squeeze artificial tree portions into concrete form tubes. First wrap the tree portions in twine and then slip them into the concrete sleeves. Each tube can be stowed in attic or garage rafters, freeing up precious space.

Warm Winter

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Tricks to tame some holiday to-dos

GLENN L. SMITH, P.E. CONSULTING ENGINEER, P.C.

22549

16H

Old maps make interesting gift wrap and are a nice change of pace from commercially produced paper or newsprint.

Pack for a holiday excursion using a collapsible clothing storage hanger for closets. Fold clothes on each fabric shelf and then collapse it into your suitcase. When you get to your destination, unfold and hang it in a closet so all of your clothes will be at the ready. Make the holidays even more enjoyable with a variety of timesavers and clever tips.

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

19H

Going green saves green or those who have not yet embraced environmentally friendly actions, perhaps the financial rewards of doing so may be the catalyst for change. Whether you’re looking for tried-andtrue ways to go green, relatively easy ways to save money or both, the following are some ideas that work. • Cook more meals at home. Convenience meals may be easy, but they’re more expensive than cooking fresh meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. What’s more, convenience foods tend to be overly packaged and may be shipped great distances. Simply packing a lunch for work each day can save you around $100 per month. • Find a carpooling buddy. Share your ride to work with one or more people, and not only are you saving fuel, wear and tear on your car and possible toll charges, but you will save money as well. Some calculations paint a savings of around $650 a year for carpoolers who share their ride and gas bill with only one friend. • Make smarter buys. So many items are available at the click of a button or by visiting mass retail chains. However, not every purchase is a smart buy — even if it costs less. Some cheap consumer goods are not worth the smaller

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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