home c ou n t ry
A Sullivan County Democrat publication May 2020
Voted
PRICELESS
in the
Best Real Estate Guide in New York State • 2016 & 2018
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HOME IN THE COUNTRY
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
Do you feel like you live in a storage unit instead of a home? All you need is a little space for your stuff!!! Do your Spring cleaning and come see us at
ing at North Bran d n a L ch The
NORT
North Branch Self Storage
H BRANCH, NY
60 County Road 122, Suite 1, North Branch, NY 12766 | 845-482-2450
Or visit our web page www.northbranchselfstorage.com And check out our monthly specials Rent any unit for 1 year and get the 13th month
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OR (Specials expire May 31, 2020)
Rent a 10 x 15 unit for $135 per month for up to 1 year (reg. $150) 82230
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
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Keep mo oving forward, d virtually with w
TimberlandProperties.com operties com | CatskillPrem o mier.com com
83432
MAY 22, 2020
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
Locals with “Cabin Fever Creativity” tackle unusual home improvements
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any local homeowners are stuck inside, staring at their homes’ flaws. Homeowners are trying unusual and outsidethe-box solutions to renovate their homes in the middle of a pandemic.
Experts with Window World, America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, have come up with a list of Anti-Cabin Fever Home Improvement Projects you can tackle RIGHT NOW, while others can wait!
“This is a great time to get started on exterior home repair projects, particularly because it will still take a few weeks for products to arrive once the project begins. Installing replacement windows, new shutters, vinyl siding, or garage doors can give your home a new look and help keep energy costs down as we enter the summer months,” explains Window World Chairman and CEO Tammy Whitworth. “These are all projects that can be done with minimal interaction, and they will still allow clients and workers to follow safe social distancing measures. Interior projects, like remodeling your kitchen, should wait.” How are home repair experts still working? Home repair businesses are considered essential in many regions, and design crews are discovering new ways to operate: Homeowners can have virtual consultations with designers during which homeowners display the projects that need repair and designers can display new options. Consultants can visit a client’s
MAY 22, 2020
home and examine the exterior while talking with the homeowner over the phone. Installations are scaled down to include minimal crewmembers at the home. For window installations, homeowners are asked to stay in another room. Window World follows the direction and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and team members follow additional health safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes additional cleaning of products and equipment, and it also includes requiring workers to wear protective gear. Window World’s Anti-Cabin Fever Home Improvement Projects Welcome New Windows – Getting new replacement windows is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your home’s resale value. Energy-efficient replacement windows will help lower electric bills ahead of the summer months. Homeowners can have a virtual meeting with a designer to determine the cost and solutions.
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58577
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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
‘Tis the season to get outside, and a little green can go a long way! Make sure bushes are symmetrical, cover bare spots in the lawn with seeds, and sprinkle some colorful annuals along the edges.
ß Side with Vinyl Siding – Replac- ß Grab a New Garage Door – While
ing the vinyl siding on your home is a cost-effective project that requires little interaction with anyone else. Getting energy-efficient, insulated siding cuts down on bills in the long run and boosts curb appeal for potential buyers. The right siding has the power to deter termites, stand up to wind, and resist cracks.
you’re stuck at home and not taking your car anywhere, update your garage door. Leave your car in the driveway for now and instantly upgrade your home’s curb appeal once this project is complete. Installing a new garage door is a great way to refresh the look of your house, and it’s another project that doesn’t require welcoming workers
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
inside your home. ß Get a Green Thumb – ‘Tis the season to get outside, and a little green can go a long way! Make sure bushes are symmetrical, cover bare spots in the lawn with seeds, and sprinkle some colorful annuals along the edges. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) says standard lawn care service can recover 267 percent of the project cost at resale. ß Shut down the Competition with New Shutters – Replacing your home’s shutters is a simple way to make a big change. They have the power to dress up the exterior of your house and increase its charm or sophistication. ß Make Your Door Pop – Paint your front door a bold color that enhances your home’s facade. You could take it an extra step and get a replacement fiberglass door, which could offer a 74 percent return on your investment (NAR). These projects can wait: Kitchen Remodel – Wait until after you’re not stockpiling your
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food and can go out to dinner again! ß Bathroom Remodel – Since you can’t leave your house, this should wait until you have room to go somewhere else. ß Custom Closet Organization – You’re working from home and probably wearing pajamas all day anyway!
Paint your front door a bold color that enhances your home’s facade.
Home Equity Special Introductory
2.99
% APR (for first 36 months) as low as
5.50
% APR (after 36 months)
The introductory fixed annual percentage rate of 2.99% is available for the first three years (36 months) during the draw period after closing and will revert to a 5.50% fixed rate during the repayment period of 120 months for the 10 year Home Equity Line of Credit and a 5.75% fixed rate for 180 months for the 15 year Home Equity Line of Credit. Available to new and existing Jeff Bank customers with $25,000 in new money. Consult a tax advisor for further information regarding the deductibility of interest. Subject to credit approval with a median credit score(s) of 700 or higher. Jeff Bank reserves the right to discontinue this Home Equity Line of Credit Special at any time. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Still Banking Strong!
(845) 482-4000 www.jeffbank.com www.facebook.com/jeffersonvillebank NMLS ID # 405318 82167
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HOME IN THE COUNTRY
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
How to clean your house from top to bottom STORY AND PHOTO BY ISABEL BRAVERMAN
ly. But of course, we all can’t be on top of it all the time. So take the time now to assess your situation, grab that mop, and read on for some tips on how to clean your entire house.
ALWAYS CLEAN TOP TO BOTTOM You might get excited and start sweeping your floors—but hold on just a sec. Think about all the dust and debris that will fall to the ground. You want to save that for the last step. Taking a top to bottom approach is best, and don’t forget hard to see places like the tops of ceiling fans, window blinds and picture frames.
WORK IN TASKS, RATHER THAN ROOMS In other words, instead of cleaning your kitchen, then your bathroom, then your bedroom, work
KEEP YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES TOGETHER Get a caddy or bucket or any kind of container you please and fill it with all of your cleaning supplies, from paper towels and cloths to cleaning sprays. This way you won’t be walking back and forth to where you usually store them. Make sure the container is something you can easily pick up and carry around.
PICK UP CLUTTER FIRST This is a crucial step in order to get that true deep clean. Really
look at every single item in each room, picking it up and moving it to another location before cleaning that area. While you’re at it, it’s a great time to de-clutter. When you move each item, whether it be magazines or books or knick knacks, think about if it really serves a purpose, or if it’s just taking up space. Then start two piles: one to donate, and one to throw away.
FOCUS ON COUNTERS AND FURNITURE
The tops of tables and counters are usually where clutter congregates. Focus on making sure every surface in your home—whether it be your dining room table or book shelves—are completely empty. Now you can give them a good clean, and when putting items back on make sure it still looks clean and neat. Further, don’t forget to clean furniture. Vacuum
Small Village Cottage 2 Bedroom Duplex, Little Village on Ireland Road, Livingston Manor.
Gina Molinet, Broker rmfarm@hvc.rr.com rmfarmrealestate.com
39,000
$ 83065
Box 391, Livingston Manor, NY 12758 P: 845-439-5511 C: 845-866-5511
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W
ith many of us spending more time at home right now due to the quarantine, it seems a lot of people are using this time to clean their homes (or apartments). It kind of makes sense since we have to spend all day at home thinking about how dusty the counters are, or when was the last time you vacuumed. It’s also a great time to clean your home because it’s spring, and spring cleaning is a time to deep clean your home, really get in there and clean rooms or items that you would usually ignore. Of course cleaning the entire house is a lot easier when you do upkeep. For instance, wiping down counters and washing dishes daily, and cleaning the bathroom and vacuuming week-
on similar tasks. Start by dusting every room, then wiping down surfaces in every room, and finally vacuuming and sweeping and mopping. This cuts back on time and also makes you feel like your completing each task at once, rather than doing it three or more times.
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
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There’s nothing like the feeling of having a clean home—make sure every surface is neat and spruce it up with some fresh flowers.
couches, dust the inside of shelves and wash throw pillows and blankets.
CLEAN MIRRORS AND GLASS Having clean mirrors and windows gives your home a truly clean feeling. Use a streak-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or newspapers—
yes, you can use newspapers and they give a streak-free finish. Use the Sullivan County Democrat, after you’ve finished reading it of course.
SWEEP THEN MOP Sweep the kitchen and bathroom floors first and then start
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR REMODELING YOUR WEEKEND HOME
PLEASE SEE CLEANING TIPS, 8H
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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
CLEANING TIPS: Top to bottom CONTINUED FROM 7H
mopping. Start in the farthest corner of the room and move backwards toward the doorway, so you don’t have to step over places you just cleaned.
SCRUB DOWN THAT BATHROOM The bathroom might be one of the hardest places to clean and one no one really wants to do. Spray cleaner on the sink and shower and let it sit for a few minutes so it can dissolve dirt and grime. Then start scrubbing, you can use a grout brush for in between tiles. Then rinse it off and dry with a cloth. Use toilet bowl cleaner to clean the inside of the toilet, and wipe the rest of it down with spray cleaner.
TACKLE THE CLOSET This is probably the scariest part of the house for many people (just me?). If your closet is overstuffed with clothing and other
items that you just threw in there, now is a great time to look through it. The best way to tackle it is to remove everything and try on every piece of clothing. Does it still fit, have you worn it within the past six months, does it need any repairs? From there create three piles: keep, donate, throw away (if something is very old and stained.)
STAY MOTIVATED
It can be really hard to find the motivation to start cleaning. The good news is usually once you start it’s easier to keep going. Throw on your favorite music or a podcast and that will help you get inspired. Try to tackle as much as you can, after all the only thing worse than cleaning once is cleaning twice. Search online for a cleaning checklist, there are many that you can print out and check off as you go. And if you’re really not feeling it, hire a cleaning service.
EAGLE VALLEY REALTY 6569 State Route 97 Narrowsburg, NY 12764 Phone 845-252-3085 Serving the Upper Delaware River Valley, Licensed NY & PA Realtor-MLS
Large Country Colonial! Come Home! This Home Features Large Rooms, A Front Foyer, LR, Formal DR, An Open EIK W/ Island, & A Family Rm, Laundry Area, 5 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Includes A Wonderful Master Suite. A Full Basement, Plenty Of Storage, 2 Car Garage. Relax On Your Back Deck W/ A Hot Tub & Pool, Wrap Around Covered Porch W/ Trex Decking. A Large 3 Bay Carport. Set On A Corner Lot, 5+/- Acres Of Open Lawn, A Garden, Chicken Coop & Plenty Of Woods. This Home Has It All! Priced at $395,000 MLS # 6039876 Wonderful Country Ranch! Features Living Room W/ Fireplace, Dining Room, Kitchen, Laundry/Mud Room, Covered Porch, Central Vacuum, 3 Bedrooms And 2 Baths, Including A Master Suite, A Full Unfinished Basement, 2-Car Attached Garage & Heated Concrete Walkway To The House. There’s Also A Fenced Inground Pool! Set On 5.6+/Park Like Acres. Asking $284,999 MLS# 4836985
eaglevalleyrealty@gmail.com For more country properties visit us on the web @ www.eaglevalleyrealty.com
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HOME IN THE COUNTRY
80203
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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
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Allison-Devore General Contractors Inc. Residential and Commercial Construction www.allisondevore.com
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10H
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
MAY 22, 2020
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
11H
A stone’s throw away on Blind Pond Road
BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
B
ob Dylan once said, “Take care of all your memories...for you cannot relive them.” Sitting on 26 plus acres is this charming stone cottage that is waiting for you and your family to cherish it and make memories. The home and property is located at 100 Blind Pond Road in Narrowsburg and is for sale through Eagle Valley Realty. Built in 1920 and recently renovated, this single-family home could be your oasis
from the city. Featuring the original floors from the roaring 20s, the home also features a large living space with high ceilings as you enter inside. While the home is heated by oil and forced air, the living room features a wood stove, which makes it perfect during a cold winter night in the Catskills. In the home, you will find a dining nook along with a country kitchen that will be perfect for breakfast on Sunday. Sit down with your cup of coffee or tea and sit back and read the latest issue of the Sullivan County Democrat as you catch the sounds of the babbling brook nearby. The home has all updated electric, plumbing, and heating so that you can have all the atmosphere of the 20s with all the modern amenities of today. Furthermore, the home features one bedroom and one full bath. Your bedroom door is a fully restored barn door that slides open to the cozy bedroom. The bathroom features the stonework that is outside and brings it inside. The bathroom has a CONTINUED ON PAGE 12H
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Top: If space is what you crave, then the property for this stone cottage could be just the place. Above: This 1920s stone cottage makes for the perfect getaway home for you and your family. Opposite page: With 26 acres, you have your wildlife refuge just a few steps away from your stone cottage.
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HOME IN THE COUNTRY
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
MAY 22, 2020
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
11H
A stone’s throw away on Blind Pond Road
BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
B
ob Dylan once said, “Take care of all your memories...for you cannot relive them.” Sitting on 26 plus acres is this charming stone cottage that is waiting for you and your family to cherish it and make memories. The home and property is located at 100 Blind Pond Road in Narrowsburg and is for sale through Eagle Valley Realty. Built in 1920 and recently renovated, this single-family home could be your oasis
from the city. Featuring the original floors from the roaring 20s, the home also features a large living space with high ceilings as you enter inside. While the home is heated by oil and forced air, the living room features a wood stove, which makes it perfect during a cold winter night in the Catskills. In the home, you will find a dining nook along with a country kitchen that will be perfect for breakfast on Sunday. Sit down with your cup of coffee or tea and sit back and read the latest issue of the Sullivan County Democrat as you catch the sounds of the babbling brook nearby. The home has all updated electric, plumbing, and heating so that you can have all the atmosphere of the 20s with all the modern amenities of today. Furthermore, the home features one bedroom and one full bath. Your bedroom door is a fully restored barn door that slides open to the cozy bedroom. The bathroom features the stonework that is outside and brings it inside. The bathroom has a CONTINUED ON PAGE 12H
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Top: If space is what you crave, then the property for this stone cottage could be just the place. Above: This 1920s stone cottage makes for the perfect getaway home for you and your family. Opposite page: With 26 acres, you have your wildlife refuge just a few steps away from your stone cottage.
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HOME IN THE COUNTRY
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11H
unique sink and window that lets in plenty of light to help wash away the sleep from your eyes. When you step out of the home, you will be reconnected with nature. The multi-acre property has its own pond dubbed “Old Mill Pond,” and during the spring, peepers sing their songs during the night. Follow the Dunn Brook as it weaves through the property during your afternoon walks or hop on a bike and explore the grounds, and feel recharged. With 26 acres available to you to roam, you can make the most of it by finding your own hiking trails. Most of the property is wooded and secluded off the main road. There you find peace and tranquility among the trees, grass, and wildlife. Make this home your family retreat or for a romantic getaway. Nearby is Narrowsburg, which sits on the Delaware River and is teeming with life. Enjoy the art and culture the area has to offer all year round, from the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance to One Grand Books to the Heron Restaurant and Tusten Cup, everything you need is just a short walk away.
Left: When you enter the stone cottage, you are greeted with a cozy yet roomy living room. Below: Pour a cup of coffee or tea and sit in your nook to have your breakfast as you watch the birds wake up and sing their songs.
HOME FEATURES Property Type: Single Family Home County/Area: Sullivan County Price: $259,000 MLS: H6009582 Zip Code: 12764 Year Built: 1920 Sq.Ft.: 1036 Bedrooms: 1 Full Baths: 1 Lot Size: 26 Acres Baths: 1
Attic Description: Unfinished Basement: Full School District: Sullivan West Flooring: Hardwood Heating: Oil, Forced Air Hot Water: Electric Stand Alone Inclusions: Oven/Range, Refrigerator, Woodburning Stove Sewer: Septic Tank Style: Cottage Tax Annual Amount: $5,223
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HOME IN THE COUNTRY
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
13H
$229,000
$179,000
MLS # 5015347
3BR, 2-bath contemporary chalet sits on
MLS # 6020841
81143
Lakefront ranch on Lake Jeff in good condition and offers all of the conveniences of living in the Village of Jeffersonville. 2 BR, 1.5 BA. Nice flow from room to room with the kitchen, dining area and living room w/fireplace all connected. Covered deck. Finished basement area w/a family room w/woodstove and an additional room. 1-car garage is attached making for easy entry in to the house. Jeffersonville offers lots of shopping and dining Check this one out! P.O. Box 335 21 Lower Main St., Callicoon, NY 845-887-5640 www.fredarealty.com
well-groomed, private 1.88 acres set back from a quiet country road. 2000 sq.ft. of comfortable living on three floors. Cathedral ceiling and sliders to a sunny deck. 1-car garage underneath. Downstairs includes a kitchenette, woodstove, and full bath. Upstairs: vaulted great room, eat-in-kitchen, 2 bedrooms (1 w/balcony) and a full bath. And above that, a large (24’x17’) vaulted bedroom. A 16’x18’ outbuilding offers storage, studio or workshop space.
Our freedom came with a price Remember those who answered the call. We are forever grateful. At Eagle River Team, LLC we pride ourselves on having personalized service from local agents with access to nationwide marketing. We have two locations and agents from a wide array of areas of expertise ready to serve you. We believe in having open communication with our clients and make our business with you our priority. We look forward to working with you through every step of your real estate endeavor.
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www.EagleRiver-Realty.com 49558
Roscoe Office
Hamilton Office
53 Stewart Avenue, Roscoe, NY 12776 845-397-1937
2547 State Route 12B, Hamilton, NY 13346 315-824-4200
Come visit the 141st Annual
Grahamsville Little World’s Fair August 14-16, 2020
Rides & Games by Shamrock Shows Live Entertainment 2020 HIGHLIGHTS: Livestock & Still Exhibit Displays! Classic Car Show! Wee-Wee-Wee Racing Pigs! Mad Science! Music by Hillbilly Parade, White Wedding, Fast Forward & Fleetwood Macked! Draft Horse Pull! Watermelon Eating Contest! Spectacular Fireworks Display on Saturday!
BRING THE FAMILY to see an old-fashioned country fair with attractions for all ages! 83190
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter to get up-to-date Grahamsville Little World’s Fair information!
83277
Tom Maus Office: 807-7527 Cell: 807-7296
83101
TENDER LOVING CARE
14H
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
MAY 22, 2020
North Branch Self Storage provides community need STORY AND PHOTOS BY ISABEL BRAVERMAN
making it truly a one-stop shop. Visit www.northbranchselfstorage.com. The business came to be because McElroy owned the land for many years and always knew he wanted to do something with it. “For about five years I was looking into the self storage industry—what the benefits are, looking at it as a need in our local community; and there is a need,” McElroy said. “I had this piece of property and I knew the location was fantastic, North Branch is a hub between Callicoon, Jeffersonville, Roscoe and Livingston Manor.” So he began plans to open the
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Located right on County Road 122, the Landing at North Branch is becoming a business hub.
Justin McElroy owns North Branch Self Storage that provides a need to the community.
CREATIVELandscaping EARTH • Installation of Walkways, Patios, and Fire Pits • Retaining walls and double sided walls • Light Excavation for Drainage and utilities • Repair and install Gravel Driveways • Tree Removal and Storm Cleanup
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Joe Johonnes 845-468-0130 Mongaup Valley, New York
CreativeEarthLandscape.com
70974
N
orth Branch Self Storage is celebrating its one-year anniversary this May. Owner Justin McElroy knew that there was a need for self storage in the surrounding community and so he opened the facility. Located right in the center of North Branch on County Road 122, the brand-new self storage facility offers a 24-hour access gate and drive-up units in a variety of sizes. Units can also be custom size, check their website for a full list of sizing. You can also make reservations and pay online and can purchase insurance for your things,
WOOD AND VINYL SIDING... CAULKING... PLUMBING... DRYWALL...
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
Justin McElroy built this business complex in North Branch that houses his self storage company as well as the Post Office and a soon to be opened coffee shop.
business and from start to finish it took seven months to get it built. But he didn’t just build a self storage unit. He also created a business plaza next to it to attract local business to the area. McElroy and his wife, Kara, also own Buck Brook Alpacas, an alpaca farm in Roscoe, and J-I-T General Contractors, a contracting company that has been in business since 1999 and specializes in new-home construction. Those two businesses along with North Branch Self Storage are in one office in the plaza. Next door is the Post Office and next to that is a
coffee shop that will be opening soon. McElroy said they needed a central office for their businesses. Before that he was operating his contracting business out of his home in the garage, but it got to be too busy. Now they can have their own space with a conference room where clients and people they work with can stop in. They also have an office manager, Suzanne Murray, who is at the office eight hours a day, six days a week (although is working from home during the coronavirus pandemic).
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North Branch Self Storage offers a variety of storage units in many sizes, including customizable sizing.
“She’s always here, we’re one of the only storage facilities in the county that actually has a full-time person here,� McElroy said. “She can answer questions and assign a unit.� Anyone who rents a unit also gets a free lock with it. The site is loaded with security cameras that have 24hour surveillance. “People’s possessions are in there, we want to make sure they’re safe,� McElroy said. McElroy said he and his wife are very community-minded and like to contribute to the local economy. They both grew up in Callicoon and
now live in Hortonville with their children James, 16 years old, and Ryann, 13, who both help out at the alpaca farm and the self storage. “The theme behind all these businesses that we run are all based on value, integrity and loyalty,� McElroy said. “Even though they’re all very different—from storage, to construction, to alpacas—they all have a common core.� North Branch Self Storage is located at 60 County Road 122 in North Branch, NY. For more information, pricing and availability call 845-482-2450.
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16H
HOME IN THE COUNTRY
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
MAY 22, 2020
Passion and purpose P
Larry Braverman, owner of Lorenzo Metalworks in Beach Lake, Pa, brings decades of experience to every project he undertakes.
STORY AND PHOTO BY SARAH CLARK
assion, precision, and professionalism are all qualities that local craftsman Larry Braverman brings to his business, Lorenzo Metalworks, with every project he performs. “I like to say I started in kindergarten playing with the geometric blocks,” said Braverman. Early on he discovered that he enjoyed working with wood when he completed projects throughout his schooling. “One thing led to the other, I learned how to do metal working and all kinds of different projects, so I do a lot of multimaterial work.” Braverman started working on projects in his basement in White Plains, NY in 1975, and then officially decided to make a living out of his craft in 1977. Before moving to Beach Lake, Braverman had a shop in Brooklyn, NY called Lorenzo Woodworks and he ran that shop from 1983 to 1988. He has also run shops in Milford, PA and worked on projects in that area. “I can go from a woodworking project, into a metal working project, into a [multimaterial] project,” said Braverman. “I like to take on the responsibility of a project that everyone says is [difficult to make a profit].” Throughout his 40 years working in the trade, Braverman has worked
on over 1,000 projects which include the front doors and countertops in The Laundrette, the shelving and main counter in One Grand Bookstore in Narrowsburg, and the awning of The Little Singer Building in Manhattan. Braverman is capable of sheet and heavy metal work as well as the woodworking side of his trade. “There’s all kinds of things that you can make, you have to think outside the box,” said Braverman. “You get to do different things, there’s a challenge to that because every connection and every situation is different, so that’s the fun part of figuring that out and making those particular things.” Braverman gets his materials, such as wood and plywood, from the Bronx and his steel from Scranton, PA. He offers his services to any commercial or residential clients within a 300 mile radius, and he can complete projects that include staircases, countertops, picnic tables, windows, and doors, to name some. In his shop, Braverman utilizes a wide array of tools. When presented with a project, Braverman views any pictures or blueprints that the customer has in mind, and then they speak about time and money, and if the project is accepted, they move into taking
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measurements, developing drawings, and purchasing materials. Braverman describes his trade as a “cut and fit operation,” and every project is unique to the situation. “Some jobs you have to produce drawings, some jobs you get drawings,” said Braverman. “If you basically know the style that you want your project in I can take it from there.” Professionalism is an aspect of his business that Braverman takes into great consideration. Even when he worked with his employees until 2008, Braverman has been known throughout his field for running the cleanest and most friendly job sites. “The methodology of the workmanship and craftsmanship has to be high quality,” said Braverman. “You have to have a reasonable attitude, like what you’re doing and be sincere and humble.” The most enjoyable and favorite part of owning and operating his own business is getting to produce products for clients that offer the them a clean, simple, and utilitarian
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design, and Braverman enjoys working with materials for projects that offer a challenge for him as well as a learning experience. “The common denominator was always there, a useful utilitarian product that is a nice modern thing,” said Braverman. “So that’s the type of work that I look for. What’s changed is I went from a wood guy to a multi material guy, and I produce most of it under one roof.” Braverman can be contacted through his website LorenzoMetalworks.com or by phone (570) 470-2920 for inquiries regarding projects. With his passion that started in kindergarten, Braverman has been able to make sustainable products for clients to enjoy while also cultivating a business and reputation with the communities which he has worked in. “It’s all about making a product that’s straight forward, utilitarian that someone’s going to enjoy using and that’s what it’s about,” said Braverman.
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A love of sheds BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM
n Plank Road in Mongaup Valley sits a beautiful oak tree, one of the oldest in the state. Each day its history continues to sprout, just like the business on the same property, Black Oak Buildings, that bears its name. A few years ago, Dr. Jamie Noeth, who also owns Body Mind and Spirit Wellness Center, purchased the property which was the site of the old Mongaup Valley Post Office. Unfortunately, the building was beyond repair and she and her husband Jeff had to decide what to do with the space. The family has several toys –– kayaks, four-wheelers, etc. –– and thought about putting a few sheds there. Taking advantage of the commercial zoning along 17B, they explored a variety of possible businesses and thought Outdoor structures, sheds, cabanas, and animal shelters was a perfect fit for the area. Jamie, whose parents were entre-
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Dr. Jamie Noeth next to one of the deluxe package sheds available at Black Oak Buildings. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
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preneurs, owned multiple businesses, so she thought why not start a shed business. It’s another tip in her cap which includes her successful Wellness Business, Swinging Bridge Sanctuary Glamping site, and now sheds. And now months later, as Jamie describes it, “It’s like a little shed village.” The new business has become the family affair they hoped it would be. Jeff, who has worked at UPS for over 30 years loves building things. Jamie handles the sales and their 12-yearold son Jack helps design the shed models on his computer. The family didn’t realize the demand for sheds would be as great as it is, far exceeding their expectations since opening July 2019. The Town of Bethel has been supportive of the business, holding a ribbon cutting when they opened and have even become a customer, recently purchasing a few cabanas. The perception of sheds has
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recently changed with people no longer using them strictly for storage. “There are unlimited uses for them,” Jamie said, noting that a shed could be a tiny home, guest cottage, home office, place for crafting or hobbies or whatever someone wants it to be. When researching sheds for themselves, they came across Old Hickory Buildings and Sheds. They were incredibly impressed with the good value building for the price and their use of quality products. So when they started Black Oak Buildings, the
choice of which company to work with was clear. Combining Old Hickory’s product with Black Oak Buildings’ expertise and attention to their customers, you’ll have your perfect shed in no time. An added bonus is that Black Oak Buildings offers their design services free of charge. Shed package options for customization include Playhouse starting at $695; Garage and Side Porch both starting at $795; Utility Dormer starting at $895 and Deluxe Playhouse, beginning at $1275. Building options also include win-
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dows, doors, shelves, workbench and loft. If you live up to 30 miles from Bethel, Black Oak Buildings offers free delivery and easy setup. Just put 10 percent down and enjoy the benefits of being a shed owner. They take cash, check or charge, and offer a discount to veterans and active military personnel. A rent-to-own option is also available. Rental rates are as low as $65 per month for an 8x8 economy shed. To learn about their monthly specials, check out their website blackoakbuildings.com. Black Oak Buildings are open seven days a week to attend to your shed needs. Their hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. To contact Jamie, call (845) 798-5070 and to speak to Jeff, call (845) 8664219. And at the end of the day, you’ll find no family more enthusiastic about sheds. “We really enjoy and love doing it,” Jamie said. “Our enthusiasm for sheds is apparent.”
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