Spring Boots for Everyone!
Transcription
Spring Boots for Everyone!
A SPECIAL SECTION FROM Spring Home & Garden I B C YOUR FOOTWEAR & APPAREL ..... HEADQUARTERS Spring Boots for Everyone! RUBBER BOOTS FOR RAIN & WORK BY • Bogs • Muck Boots • Puddletons • Western Chief • Lacrosse • Baffin • Servus • Ranger MILL & CATHERINE STREETS • MALONE • 518-483-5331 • OPEN 7 DAYS • LAYAWAYS 2 • April, 2016 r u o p o Sh E G HU ection sel STEARNS & FOSTER ® LIMITED EDITION QUEEN SETS STARTING AT $135 PER MONTH IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN 12 MONTHS OptimumTM Destiny Queen Set Genuine comfort at real savings! $1299 OptimumTM Inspiration Gold Queen Set $1999 Sealy Posturepeadic® Series Hybrid Cobalt (Firm) NO INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE! $1399 ON DISPLAY! $1599 399 LANCER Queen Set Queen Set only $ ON APPROVED CREDIT. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS OVER 50 MODELS Sealy Posturepeadic® Series Hybrid Copper (Plush or Firm) ANDERSON only $ 599 BRIGGS MADE IN NEW YORK STATE! only $ 799 Leather 424 East Main Street, Malone, NY • 518-483-0114 www.flemingsfinefurniture.com PARKING IN REAR SIDE ENTRANCE April, 2016 • 3 Simple steps to a greener lawn Homeowners should understand the benefits of mulch. Make the most of mulching Lawns and gardens can often benefit from the laying of mulch. Mulch serves various purposes in lawns and gardens, and many experienced lawn and garden enthusiasts lay mulch to ensure their properties make it through spring, summer and fall unscathed. First-time homeowners with little or no landscaping experience may not understand the benefits of mulch, which can be used to strengthen soil and protect properties from the elements. WHAT IS MULCH? Mulch refers to a material spread around or over a plant to enrich and/or insulate its soil. Many homeowners prefer mulch made of wood chips, which is both effective and readily available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that organic mulches, which include leaves, wood chips, compost or grass clippings, can be used by homeowners who want to develop eco-friendly landscapes. WHY MULCH? Mulching can benefit plants around a property in various ways. Many people lay mulch because the mulch helps soil retain moisture in the summer, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest. This can help plants survive summer heat waves. Mulch also can be used to suppress weeds. Weeds, which steal moisture plants need to build strong roots and survive summer, need light to grow. When laid correctly, mulch deprives weeds of the light they need to grow. Organic mulches can even provide homes for crickets and a type of beetle that feed on weed seeds. Mulch also can deter harmful pests depending on the type of mulch homeowners choose. When purchasing mulch, homeowners will have to choose between the aforementioned organic mulch or man-made mulches, which may be made of plastic or rubber. While man-made mulches may repel pests, they also can have adverse effects. Plastic, for example, can heat up in the summer and cause plants to burn. Certain organic mulches can repel insects that can threaten plants. That’s because the majority of organic mulches increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the soil, and they also increase the presence of helpful insects that do not pose a threat to plant life. Those helpful insects help keep harmful insects at bay. Compost is a type of organic mulch that may attract harmful insects. While that does not mean homeowners should shy away from using compost as mulch, they should know that they may need to employ organic insecticides to combat their unwanted guests. Mulch is a potentially valuable tool homeowners can use to improve the look and health of their properties. Many homeowners aspire to have lush green lawns. Thriving, healthy lawns can make homeowners proud and improve their property values, as the lawns make homes more attractive to prospective buyers when those homes hit the market. While lush lawns won’t suddenly appear overnight, homeowners can take certain steps toward creating the stunning green lawns of their dreams. • Don’t overreact to brown lawns. Lawns can turn brown for various reasons, but overreacting at the first sign of brown grass can make the situation worse. Some lawns turn brown because they have gone dormant to save energy for the cooler and more damp days to come. Applying fertilizer in such situations can damage rather than revitalize lawns. Fertilizers or chemicals applied to brown lawns may burn the lawn, creating additional stress that potentially hinders the lawns’ recovery. • Aerate compacted soil. Compacted soil may be the culprit behind discolored lawns. Over time, soils of all kinds can become compacted, which prevents moisture from reaching a lawn’s roots. As a result, the roots don’t grow and the grass is denied the nutrients it needs to thrive. Aeration combats compacted soil by poking tiny holes in the ground to loosen the soil. Speak with a landscaping professional about the best time to aerate, which typically only needs to be done once per year. As compacted soil becomes looser, the lawn will become more resistant to drought and begin to resemble the lush green lawn you’re aiming for. • Raise your mower blades. Some homeowners set their mower blades to the lowest possible setting so they can extend the intervals between cuts and reduce the number of times they mow in the hot summer sun. But cutting the grass too short exposes the soil to the sun, making it difficult for soil to retain moisture and promote deep, strong plant roots. When raising the blades, inspect them to make sure they are still sharp. Dull ATTENTION CONTRACTORS Heavy Truck & Construction Equipment Service & Repair Available! We also offer Presswork & Welding Be ready for your busy season! BILL’S GENERAL REPAIR, INC. 2317 ST. RT. 11B, N. BANGOR • 518 483 4459 MON-FRI 8AM-5PM • SAT 8AM-NOON • WWW.BILLSGENERALREPAIR.COM blades won’t cut the grass as cleanly as sharp ones, potentially causing tears in grass blades that invite disease and contribute to poor moisture retention. • Address pest problems. Pests are unwanted guests who affect lawns in various ways, depending on the type of pest. Grubs feed on grass roots, while mites feed on the nutrient-rich juices that lawns need to thrive. Speak with a landscaping professional about your pest problems before attempting to combat the problem on your own. Letting a pest problem fester may force you to replace the lawn entirely, but addressing it promptly can likely save you both the cost and heartache associated with such a project. Spring Planting! • Hanging Baskets • Annuals • Perennials • Potting Soil • Mulch • Peat Moss • Vegetable ...& Herb Plants Trees! Maple, Spruce, Fruit, More • Lilacs & Shrubs • We’ll arrange your planters, urns, window boxes. LANDSCAPING SERVICES! 189 Ft. Covington Street Malone • 483-9452 At the edge of the village 4 • April, 2016 Add curb appeal to your property Many people are familiar with the idea that a strong first impression can go a long way. While that idea is most often referenced in regard to personal interactions, it’s also applicable to real estate. When selling a home, homeowners who emphasize curb appeal may find it far easier to sell their homes. Curb appeal refers to the impression a home’s exterior makes on people seeing the home for the first time. In 2014, the online real estate database Zillow® surveyed real estate agents and found that curb appeal was one of the five most important factors when selling a home. Projects that improve curb appeal can be vast undertakings or simpler projects, and the following are a handful of projects to improve a home’s curb appeal that run the gamut from simple to complex. • Clean up the yard. Cleaning up the yard is among the simpler yet most effective projects to improve a home’s curb appeal. When selling their homes, homeowners should clear the yard of any clutter, including kids’ toys, grass clippings or items that might be scattered throughout the yard. A cluttered yard suggests homeowners do not care much about their home’s appearance, and that may lead buyers to think that indifference extended to maintaining the home’s interior as well. Many buyers will ignore properties without any external aesthetic appeal, but cleaning up the yard does not require much effort or expense on the part of sellers. • Make the main entryway more inviting. Creating a more inviting entryway won’t be as simple as cleaning up the yard, but it can help create a strong first impression without breaking the bank. To begin, remove plants and furniture from the front porch or area surrounding the doorway, as such items can create a cluttered feel. If the front door is old, replace it. Custom doors may be expensive, but they might add the wow factor buyers are looking for. If a new door is beyond your means or just unnecessary, repaint the door, ideally in a color that complements the color of your home and the surrounding landscape. • Address pavement problems. Paving problems are not necessarily an expensive fix, but the cost of repairing driveways and walkways can add up if it’s been awhile since these areas were refurbished. Still, one of the first things buyers will notice when getting out of their cars is the ground they’re walking on, so patch and repair or even replace driveways and walkways that have fallen into disrepair. • Add or upgrade outdoor living spaces. Outdoor living spaces also can set a property apart from others on the market. A recent study from the National Association of Realtors found that buyers would not hesitate to pay asking price for homes with outdoor living spaces. When adding or upgrading outdoor living spaces, try to depersonalize the spaces as much as possible, as buyers want to picture themselves, and not the sellers, enjoying these areas. Include some comfortable furniture, adequate lighting and a dining area in your outdoor living space as well. Curb appeal can add a lot to a home, while lack of such appeal can make a home difficult to sell. Homeowners who want to sell their properties for asking price or more should address curb appeal before putting their homes on the market. Want to place an advertisement? call us at (518) 483-4720 THINK YOUR YARD LOOKS BAD AFTER A LONG WINTER? What about the same old furniture inside? ® FURNITUREWEEKEND THE WEEKEND FURNITURE STORE wants to help you with your SPRING CLEANING! WE OPEN LESS...YOU PAY LESS! OPEN Friday, Saturday, Sunday • 10AM-5PM By chance or appointment outside normal business hours 518-483-1234 • 44 Duane Street, Malone Doing Some Spring Cleaning? BRIDGE STREET AUCTION SERVICE • Auctions At Your Site Or Our Gallery • No Consignment, Estate Or Business Liquidation Too Large Or Too Small www.bridgestauction.com Year Round Weekly Auctions • Free Consultations Consignments Welcome! Serving Malone Area For 15 Years 8 6 5 0 VT 3 & 6 Y 5 N • 518 erty In S i rsonal Prop d o r B teve eal & Pe or R F r e e ion Auct We Do It All! So Why Not Give Us a Call? April, 2016 • 5 Why hiring a landscaper may be for you The majority of homeowners want their properties to appear as appealing as possible. While many homeowners want to be proud of their properties and come home to a welcoming home each night, the benefits to maintaining landscaping go beyond the notion that well-cared for lawns make for more comforting retreats. Because numerous variables, including landscaping, influence property values, it’s difficult to assess just how much the property values of homes with impressive landscapes are influenced by those very landscapes. Indeed, studies have produced varying results regarding the effect of well-landscaped homes on property values. But what many studies have shown and what many realtors indicate is that impressive landscaping adds a significant amount to property values, with estimates suggesting landscaping increases home values by anywhere from 5 to 20 percent. Such estimates are good news for homeowners, and they also highlight the stakes involved when making land- scaping decisions. Homeowners with green thumbs may embrace the challenge of revitalizing their lawns and gardens, but many, especially those pressed for time, can benefit greatly from working with professional landscapers. Why hire a professional landscaper? Maintaining a property requires more than just mowing the lawn every couple of weeks. Even homeowners committed to making their properties as pristine as possible can run into problems when adverse weather conditions pose a threat to lawns and gardens. The following are just a handful of reasons why homeowners may find working with landscaping professionals is the best thing for their properties and their bank accounts. • Professionals understand the local climate. Experienced professional landscapers will understand the local climate and the challenges it presents to your lawn. Experience can prove invaluable as lawns battle adverse conditions that threaten its survival. While homeowners going it alone may struggle through a trial and error period as they try to address problems threatening their lawns, experienced professionals are more likely to identify the problem immediately, providing a ready solution that can prevent potentially costly repairs down the road. • Professionals can provide inspiration. In addition to maintaining properties, many landscaping professionals have vast experience improving properties through landscape design. Professional landscapers may have a host of ideas for your property that you would never think of. Homeowners with little to no lawn and garden experience may not realize all the things they can do with their properties, and those who go it alone may end up with unappealing landscapes that do not attract buyers’ attention when the home hits the market. Professionals typically have a wealth of ideas and, perhaps more importantly, they understand which ideas will and won’t work on a given property. • Professionals can remove some of the stress of managing landscaping projects. Professional landscapers typically have a network of professionals, including contractors, who they have worked with in the past. Such connections can ensure more complex projects that require both landscapers and construction contractors go as smoothly as possible. In addition, homeowners who receive contractor recommendations from their experienced landscapers tend to rest easier knowing the people working on their properties have already developed a rapport and established a successful track record working together. New & Used, Brand Names, Mens and Womens Sizes, Purses, and Shoes! *New items added daily!” Your old clunker pellet or wood stove. NYSERDA Renewable Heat FREE GRANTS OF FOR YOUR CLUNKER TRADE-IN! Low interest financing available. Serving Franklin & Clinton Counties Since 2004 NEW! CLOTHING BOUTIQUE DEAD OR ALIVE $500 Rubbish Removal “We Buy Large & Small Households” WANTED $1500 OR $2000 Arnie’s 528 South Main St. Massena • (315) 705-4258 • (315) 261-3568 Malone TelegraM CirCulaTion Call us! (800) 724-1012 • Residential & Commercial • Weekly & Bulk Pick-Ups Harman or Heatilator pellet stoves at Heating the North Country into the future! If you can’t bring your trash to the curb, we will go to your door! Mullarney’s Stove Center 497-8505 www.arniesrubbish.com Rt. 11, North Bangor 483-1111 • mullarneys.com Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5; Sat. 8:30-noon Let’s get growing! NEW!! Gardens to Go - We’ve done all the work… vegetables already planted and almost ready to pick! Simply put in a sunny spot, water, and you’ll be eating soon. Variety of plants available. • Bulk vegetable seeds • 6 varieties seed potatoes • Ever bearing strawberries Raised garden bed materials, including organic potting spoil (bulk). Do it yourself OR we can deliver and build! We have what you need • Seeds • Sets • Soils • Trays • Nursery Pots • Stones • Bricks to start spring planting: • Big Bales of Potting Soil • Mulches & Compost - Bagged & Bulk BONESTEEL’S Plants with style for your home designs! From plant people who care… GARDENING CENTER Route 11, North Bangor • 483-0354 Open 7 Days a Week Hours vary seasonally bonesteels.com Rain Barrels - Composters Recycle your black plastic containers here! 6 • April, 2016 Renovation tips to create more space in your home As real estate prices continue to climb, the cost to trade up to a larger home is on the upswing across the country, especially as markets remain hampered by tight inventory levels. As a result, more and more Americans are choosing to renovate their current homes instead of relocating. In fact, some forecasts predict that 2015 renovation spending could exceed the record of $324 billion set during the peak of last decade’s housing boom. While the hunt for more square footage can be challenging, homeowners shouldn’t feel like a costly second story or complete addition are the only options. Here are five great ways to create or optimize space in your existing home. 1. Finish an unfinished basement. A basement renovation can hold limitless potential and increase the resale value or income potential of your home. Think about the possibilities: a home theater, office, spare bedroom, basement apartment or recreation room. The key to doing it successfully is to focus on what’s behind the walls, especially since moisture is a common issue in basements. Choosing the right insulation is critical. Look for products that are vapor permeable, dimensionally stable and mold and moisture resistant. Many contractors use Roxul Comfortboard IS semi-rigid sheathing board paired with Comfortbatt batt insulation to combat thermal bridging and protect against mold and mildew growth. An added benefit of this type of mineral wool insulation is that it’s also fire-resistant to 2,150 F. For interior walls and ceilings, Safe ‘n’ Sound insulation is ideal because of its ability to absorb noise and indoor traffic sounds, ensuring your newfound space is a peaceful one. 2. Create a more open-concept feel with light and color. If your home wasn’t blessed with Award Winning Service For Over 45 Years! towering windows, installing French doors and pot lights can encourage light to travel more freely, creating the illusion of space. Likewise, choosing a paint color for walls, trim and moldings that is lighter and cooler in tone (think soft grays or blues) will help to reflect light and give the room a more open feel. 3. Remove non-load-bearing walls. Homeowners have the opportunity to rethink the layout of their home by removing non-load-bearing walls. Removing structurally unnecessary walls can make your whole home feel larger, improve flow, lighting and the function of your home. 4. Convert your garage into usable living or work space. For many homeowners, the garage becomes an overflow room for storage –– and is often a walk-in headache. Convert your garage (or a portion of it) into another living space, guest bedroom or home office. Install carpet and quality thermal insulation such as Roxul Comfortbatt to block outdoor noise and keep in warmth. 5. Choose furniture and accessories carefully. Adopt a minimalist’s eye. Begin looking around your home for furniture or accessories that overwhelm the space. Interior designers recommend choos- ing low-profile or small-scale furniture for rooms with less square footage. Dual-purpose items, such as ottomans with storage chests inside, are a budget-friendly way to save on space while staying organized. Adirondack Frontier Realty Broker/Owner Cheryl McFaul Commercial Residential • Land MALONE CONCRETE A Division of · Construction Aggregates/Sand & Gravel · Ready Mix Concrete · Asphalt 13640St.Rt.30,Malone•cheryl_mcfaul@yahoo.com · Decorative Stone · Precast · Retaining Walls · Landscape Materials · Pick Up or Delivery 518-521-3874•Fax:518-521-3875 Charles I. Lucas AUTHORIZED SALES & SERVICE Franklin St. Road, Malone (518) 483-4060 359 ELM STREET • MALONE, NY 12953 • 518.483.2671 April, 2016 • 7 Tips for first-time Do-It-Yourselfers Many homeowners prefer to tackle their home improvement projects on their own, which can be both rewarding and cost-effective. But going the DIY route also carries some risk, especially for homeowners with no previous experience swinging a hammer. Before embarking on their first DIY project, homeowners should consider a few tips to ensure their project stays on course and finds its way to completion. • Assess your skills. Even projects that seem simple can prove complex when unforeseen circumstances arise, so DIYers should assess their skills to determine if they are capable of completing a project should the worst-case scenario present itself. When researching a project, examine all the things that could go wrong and determine if your skills are such that you can handle those problems. If you determine that you can’t, you can still attempt the project on your own, but you should enlist a friend or relative with extensive DIY experience to assist you so the project can be successfully completed even if problems arise. • Ease your way into DIY. You may dream of starting with a big project that will impress guests and establish you as a certified handyman (or handywoman). But it’s better to take it slow and start with a small project. Doing so allows you to make some mistakes that likely won’t prove too costly, and it also gives you an idea of how to plan a project and see it through to completion. Take note of any mistakes you make as well as any areas where you excel, using this information when you decide which DIY project to tackle next. • Do a lot of homework. Effective online tutorials can be valuable resources and instill confidence in prospective DIYers. But not all tutorials are the same, and some may make jobs appear easier to complete than they actually are. If you will rely on an online tutorial to guide you through a project, view several such tutorials before beginning the project. Some will highlight potential pitfalls, while others may gloss over these hurdles. The more tutorials you watch, the better grasp you will get of the full scope of a project. • Buy quality tools. Sometimes it’s not the person swinging the hammer but the hammer itself that derails a project. Purchase quality tools and materials before beginning a DIY project, as cheap and/ or poorly rated tools and materials can put a project in jeopardy or produce poor results. In addition to buying the right tools and materials, invest some time in learning how to properly use the tools, even practicing before beginning a project. This increases the chance that the project stays on schedule, and learning to use your new tools can be fun. SUBMIT AN AD By PhoNe: (518) 483-4720 By eMAIl: clASSIfIeD@ MTelegrAM.coM KEEP YOUR HOME RUNNING SMOOTHLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE Generators AUTHORIZED DEALER Home • Camp Hospital • Business Many Sizes To Choose From BGR POWER, INC. (Bills General Repair, Inc.) 2317 State Route 11B, N. Bangor 518-483-4459 Mon.–Fri. 8am–5pm • Sat. 8am–Noon www.bgrpowergenerators.com 8 • April, 2016 Freshen up your home for the spring season After a few months of chilly temperatures, come spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open their windows and doors and breathe new life into their homes. Simple changes made now — even before the weather begins to warm up — can improve interior spaces and brighten the atmosphere of a home. • Go plant shopping. Research from NASA suggests adding at least one plant in your home per 100 square feet is efficient enough to clean air. Fresh foliage also makes a home feel warm and inviting. Watering and misting plants introduces moisture into indoor air, which can make rooms overcome with dry air from heating systems feel comfortable. Just be sure to avoid overwatering plants, which can lead to mold growth. • Swap out throw pillows. Accent pillows on beds and sofas are quick and inexpensive ways to add new bursts of color to rooms. You may be able to make over a room’s entire color scheme with new pillows. Invest in pillows that you can switch with each season so your decor will never look tired or dull. • Clean existing light fixtures. Anoth- Simple changes can improve interior spaces and brighten a home’s atmosphere. er way to brighten the mood in a home is to periodically clean light fixtures to make sure they are working effectively. Spend time dusting them and cleaning off any accumulated debris. If need be, switch out old lamp shades for newer ones that let more light shine through. If inadequate lighting is a problem no matter how many lamps you have, consult with an electrician about installing more overhead and accent lighting. • Give rugs and floors a deep cleaning. Recirculated air may be full of dust and other microscopic particles that end up blowing throughout your home. Also, it’s easy to track in dirt and other materials on your shoes that become imbedded in carpeting. At least once a year, rent or enlist the surfaces of carpet and upholstery cleaners to give floors a thorough cleaning. You may be surprised at how clean and fresh a home looks and smells once rugs and carpets are deep-cleaned. You also can make a dry carpet cleaner using baking soda, corn starch and desired fresh herbs for fragrance. Sprinkle and then vacuum up after a few hours. • Color-coordinate bookshelves. Group all books with similarly colored covers together for an instant and eyeappealing look. • Simmer some homemade home deodorizer. In a large pot, boil water and some scented herbs, such as rosemary, citrus rinds, vanilla, or lavender. The aroma will waft through the home, creating a pleasing scent. • Invest in new window treatments. Lightweight draperies or new blinds or shades can transform the look of a room. Be sure to keep curtains and blinds open during the day to maximize the hours of sunlight. Homeowners can make some simple changes while they’re stuck indoors and reap the benefits when the weather warms up again. WE’RE YOUR SPRING HEADQUARTERS! LAWN CARE, GARDENING SUPPLIES, LIVE PLANTS, CLEANING SUPPLIES, SCREEN REPAIR (NOW 25% OFF!), GRILLING, & MORE! % ONE OFF ITEM* 15 VALID 4/13 - 4/30/2016 Including Sale Items! *Store stock only. Excludes: Propane, Weber, Aura paint, Stihl, Honda, Scotts 4-Step, wood pellets and online purchases. Not valid on gift cards, town trash bags, rental items and repair services. May not be used with any other coupon. Aubuchon Rewards will be accepted. Customer pays applicable sales tax. Void if copied. Any other use constitutes fraud. In the event of a return, coupon savings will be deducted from your refund. Max savings $60. ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. Meet Aaron! Aaron DeFazio is the new Manager of the Malone Aubuchon. He previously worked in our Boonville and West Carthage stores, and looks forward to helping you with your hardware, paint & home improvement projects. Stop by and say Hello! ALDI Plaza • 3324 State Rt 11 • Malone • 518-483-9005 April, 2016 • 9 Tips for safer renovations Home renovation projects vary in scope. Something as simple as repainting a bedroom counts as a renovation project, as does a full kitchen remodel. But no matter how big or small a project, homeowners’ top priority should always be safety. Before beginning a project, make a list of possible hazards and how to avoid them. Here are some potential dangers that can spring up. • Asbestos: Many homes built when asbestos was legal still contain asbestos materials. Asbestos has been used in many applications, such as in ceiling materials, insulation, siding, and more. That’s because asbestos is flame retardant and serves as an effective and inexpensive insulator. However, asbestos fibers released into the air during renovations can cause respiratory problems and even lead to lung cancer. Asbestos needs to be removed under specific guidelines and disposed of properly. Disposal typically requires hiring a professional service. • Dust and dirt: Sanding, sawing, welding, and other home renovation tasks can cast debris into the air. Ventilation may be needed to maintain clean, breathable air. Ventilation can also shuttle any harmful fumes generated from construction materials outside of the home. Do-it-yourselfers should wear masks and eye protection to guard themselves against debris. • Electrical lines: All homes may not have been built in adherence to modern-day codes. Electric lines can be discovered where they are least expected. When doing demolition or drilling/nailing into walls, it’s not uncommon to come across electrical wires. Extra caution needs to be taken, and an electrician should be consulted if the wires need to be relocated. • Chemicals: Chemicals, such as sealants, cleaners, lubricants, and fuel, may be used during renovation projects. Such substances can be dangerous to pets and children if they are touched or accidentally ingested. Exercise extreme caution when using chemical products, making sure all product containers are sealed and kept out of reach when not in use. • Tools: Cuts, abrasions, burns and more can result when power tools and even manual tools are used incorrectly. Learn how to use tools before beginning a project, and always put tools away when work is done for the day. • Falls: Falls are a leading cause of household injury, and the chance of a fall may increase when climbing ladders during home improvement projects. Don’t climb beyond where indicated on ladders and always have a spotter on hand when climbing is necessary. Wear harnesses, sturdy footwear and gloves as well. When considering renovation projects, homeowners’ top priority should always be safety. Legacy Sand & Gravel CRUSHED & PROCESSED MATERIALS Delivered or Loaded in Your Truck Excavation Service Available (518)353-2067 1280 WEBSTER STREET ROAD, MALONE Getting Ready For Chicks, Ducklings, & Turkey Poults Available D • Birdbath s • Windch im e • Gazing B s a ll s • Leanin’ T re e Gift Card s Malone Farm & Home Center Corner of Raymond Street & Elm Street in Malone 10 • April, 2016 Plants can clean indoor air Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can pay a host of dividends, both for the planet and the people doing the gardening. Healthy plant life can help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and various air pollutants, while the act of gardening can help gardeners combat stress. Published in 2011 in the Journal of Health Psychology, a study from researchers in the Netherlands found that gardening promotes relief from acute stress. In the study, two groups of participants were asked to complete a stressful task and then instructed to either read indoors or garden outdoors for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the latter group had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and even reported being in a better mood than the group instructed to read indoors. But gardening does more than just provide gardeners with a reason to spend some time relaxing outdoors in an effort to relieve stress. Gardeners who raise certain plants may be able to bring those benefits with them when going inside as well. According to an article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in October 2011, houseplants can work wonders when it comes to improving overall health, removing toxins from air, soil and water by metabolizing some toxic chemicals and releasing harmless byproducts while sequestering such toxins by incorporating them into plant tissues. Clean indoor air is important for everyone, but especially so for those people who suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology considers indoor air filtration an essential part of any strategy to improve respiratory health. But filtration systems and air purifiers are often not enough, and those who want the air in their homes to be as clean as possible may ben- efit from introducing certain houseplants into their homes. The following are a handful of plants that can help to improve indoor air quality. • Aloe vera: Aloe vera might be most often associated with hand creams and hand soaps, but the aloe vera plant, a succulent that even novice gardeners should have no problem growing, can clear indoor air of formaldehyde and benzene, two common byproducts of chemical-based cleaners many people use in their homes. • Spider plant: Spider plants are resilient, and that makes them great houseplants for busy men and women who tend to be forgetful when caring for their plants. In addition, spider plants are petfriendly and can be used to combat benzene, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and xylene. • English ivy: NASA researchers exploring the possibilities of long-term space habitation found that certain houseplants were more effective at cleaning air inside energy-efficient, nonventilated buildings than others. One such plant was English ivy, which can effectively combat the formaldehyde found in certain household cleaning products. • Bamboo palm: Bamboo palms also found their way onto NASA’s list. Bamboo palm plants thrive indoors, where they are especially effective at filtering out the chemicals benzene and trichloroethylene. Gardening has been proven to be a soothing hobby that can help gardeners reduce stress. But the health benefits of gardening can extend indoors as well. 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MULLARNEY’S Route 11, No. Bangor GARDEN CENTER www.mullarneys.com (518) 483-1111 The CABINET & BATH Shop Inc. “Your complete interior design center” 2242 St. Hwy. 420, So. Main St., Massena 1-800-834-5523 • 315-769-9694 Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5; Sat. 9-1; Evening Appointments Available Upon Request www.cabinetandbathshop.com April, 2016 • 11 Reclaimed wood adds instant appeal to home projects Repurposing salvaged wood is a popular trend in the home improvement industry. Not only can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of-a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate the three Rs of green living into your lifestyle: reduce, reuse and recycle. Reclaimed wood is often used in flooring, beams, wall treatments, and doors, but it also can be turned into furniture or home accent items. Reclaimed wood adds warmth and historical interest to a home’s decor that newer materials may lack. Although finding wood that can be salvaged takes time and some legwork, such efforts can quickly pay off. Many businesses are now devoted to reclaimed timber, which can help make the process of finding and using salvaged wood even easier. Homeowners considering reclaimed wood may be interested to learn that such wood can serve various functions aside from benefitting the planet. • Match old-growth wood. New regulations may prevent certain species of trees from being cut down. That means it can be challenging to match old wood in a home, particularly if you’re looking to maintain historical value and au- thenticity. Relying on salvaged wood items can alleviate this concern, ensuring that you can find rare woods that are no longer available brand new. • Salvaged wood has character. It’s difficult to mimic the natural age marks and character that older wood may have. Instead of being raised on farms, wood harvested decades ago probably grew in natural environments, making the wood both durable and strong. The color and grain of salvaged wood may also be unique. • Look at objects in a new way. Doors are versatile pieces of reclaimed lumber because they’re already flat and rather large. Doors can be turned into headboards, tables or benches. Staircase or porch posts can be turned into candlestick holders, and wood shutters can dress up walls and provide a place to hang artwork and other wall items. • Reclaimed wood can be found everywhere. Most people do not have to look too far to find wood they can salvage. Check salvage yards, landfills, dumpsters in front of older homes being renovated, or older, unused barns in rural settings. You also can collect driftwood or discarded shipping crates. While some reclaimed wood can be used as-is, some pieces may require millwork, including sanding, cutting, shaping, and finishing. If you do not have these skills, you probably will have to hire someone who does. The Internet is awash with ideas for putting salvaged wood to use. 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Landscape • Hardscape - Softscape Landscape Lighting • Fencing Hydroseeding & More Decorative Concrete Stamping ENJOY THE • Stress Relief • Alleviate Joint Pain Choose from BENEFITS OF A HOT TUB! • Muscle Relaxation many patterns & colors to compliment your outdoor space LAYAWAY and FINANCING AVAIL. 5141 St. Rt. 37, Malone (518)651-5086•(518)483-2347 FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS 12 • April, 2016 How to prepare a home for elderly residents Upon reaching retirement age, new retirees may face decisions regarding their living arrangements. Some seniors may opt to stay put, while others may want to downsize their homes to save money and relieve themselves of the burdens of maintaining larger homes. But those are not the only situations seniors find themselves in. Some seniors realize they can no longer care for themselves without assistance. In such instances, seniors may opt for assisted living facilities or choose to move in with a relative, such as a grown son or daughter. While assisted living facilities are designed to meet the needs of the elderly, young men and women welcoming seniors into their homes may need to take on some home improvement projects to ensure their homes are as safe as possible for elderly residents. • Convert a room on the first floor into a bedroom. While this may not apply to all seniors, some men and women struggle with stairs as they age, and that can make it difficult for them to fully participate in a household. Homeowners with an extra room to spare can convert a room on the first floor of their homes into a bedroom so seniors won’t have to climb up and down stairs throughout the day. That ease of accessibility to the primary floor of the house encourages seniors to be active participants in a household. If possible, choose an area that is close to a first-floor bathroom. • Take steps to make bathrooms safer. The National Institute on Aging says that more than one in three seniors over age 65 fall each year, and 80 percent of those falls take place in the bathroom. Slippery tile floors can make it difficult for seniors to navigate bathrooms safely, and bathtubs and shower stalls present additional challenges. Install grab bars on bathroom walls and next to toilets to provide support. In addition, consider installing a shower chair or bench and removable shower nozzle in the shower or tub so seniors can sit down while they bathe and rinse without having to stand up on slippery surfaces. Make sure any mats around bathtubs and sinks are nonskid to reduce the risk of falls even further. • Install an extra phone line or two. Many seniors still rely on traditional telephones as their primary means of communicating with the outside world. Install extra landlines in your home, including in seniors’ bedrooms, so they can more readily access the phone should they fall and need to call for emergency help. Phones in seniors’ bedrooms may also provide some additional privacy. • Prioritize accessibility when storing items. When storing groceries, books, magazines, or other items seniors are likely to use, choose locations that are accessible to seniors. Avoid storing items on the top shelf of pantries, bookcases or entertainment centers, as seniors with limited NORTH FRANKLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HOME EQUITY line of credit Spring L an Specials up to $10,000 $10 As LLow A Pools, Decks, Storage Buildings, etc. As 6.75% 48 months mobility may not be able to reach them. Many seniors move in with their adult children to make their golden years safer and more enjoyable and manage- able. Such a change in living arrangements may necessitate some changes on the part of homeowners so they can ensure their homes are safe for seniors. 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Main St. • Malone (518) 483-4125 April, 2016 • 13 Tips on shopping for new appliances As the weather turns cooler, outdoor improvements become less practical. Homeowners’ thoughts may turn to projects they can tackle inside of the home. Now may be the time to consider the purchase of new appliances that can be the finishing touches to renovated spaces. Fall is prime time to purchase new large appliances. Manufacturers typically unveil their latest models during September and October. At this point, prices on older models will be reduced to make room for new ones. By the end of the year, any older models that have not yet been cleared out will be discounted further. Even though the end-of-the year deals will be better, the selection may be limited the longer you wait. It is best never to wait until an appliance is on its last leg for repair or replacement. Then consumers do not have the luxury to price shop nor find items that include the features they desire most. Here are some other buying tips. RESEARCH Shoppers should begin their research at home before they The purchase of new appliances can be the finishing touch to renovated places. even enter a store. Make a list of features you want in the appliance, which helps narrow down the playing field and better focus your purchasing decisions. Once you have a list handy, speak with friends or family members about their experiences with brands and/or retailers. Ask about which features they like the most and how often they have had to call for repairs. If they could do things differently, what would those things be? KNOW YOUR SPACE Perhaps you are familiar with the adage to measure twice and cut once. The same can be said for measuring prior to purchasing an appliance. Be sure you know the exact measurements of the space that will house the new appliance. Take into consideration the clearance needed to open doors, such as with a refrigerator or front-loading washing machine. It can be a waste of time and money to have an ap- pliance delivered only to find it doesn’t fit at the time of installation. ENERGY SAVINGS Homeowners who purchase qualifying appliances may be eligible for tax breaks and other incentives. Consider appliances that reduce energy usage. Energy Star® appliances are produced in adherence to international standards for energy efficiency. The program was started more than 20 years ago by the EPA and the Department of Energy. Since then, other countries have adopted the program. Appliances that feature the Energy Star® logo use 20 to 30 percent less energy than required by typical federal standards. It is easy to be overwhelmed and awestruck by the number of appliances available. You may desire the biggest and best there is, but if you are not a superstar in the kitchen, you may not need the commercial stove. A bachelor may not require an oversized washing machine. Do your research and comparison shop so you won’t have any regrets later on. CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE Trails End Greenhouse A selection of Hanging Baskets & Planters, Vegetable & Bedding Plants Open6th May 1 Mile North on Co. Rt. 40, Westville 358-2056 • Closed Sundays Commercial Refrigeration & HVAC “Our Business is Customer Satisfaction” 688 E. Main St., Malone, NY Ph: (518) 483-2710 Toll Free: 1-800-Propane • Fax: (518) 483-2946 1-800-599-COLD(2653) 14 • April, 2016 Five ways to increase home fire safety An average of seven Americans die each week as a result of house fires. Most fires occur in residential buildings between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when occupants are most likely to be asleep. Your first line of defense is fire preparedness. Here’s five things you can do to increase your chance of survival in a fire: • Install smoke alarms on every story of your home and outside sleeping areas. Be sure to test them monthly, clean them every six months and replace batteries in spring and fall. Having working fire alarms can cut your chance of dying in a fire in half! • Have a fire escape plan for your family and practice it. A small fire can spread rapidly — you may only have minutes or seconds to escape. When going over the details of your escape plan, check windows and doors to ensure all open easily. Know your local emergency number (911). Never stop to gather belongings or reenter a home after safely outside. • When renovating, consider using fire-rated, noncombustible products. Your choice of insulation, for example, can be vital. Stone wool insulation, like that produced by Roxul, resists temperatures up to approximately 2,150 F. When directly exposed to fire, it will not off-gas, contribute to toxic smoke or promote flames. Fire-resistant building materials can give you extra time to escape when seconds count. • Purchase a multi-use fire ladder for each bedroom in your home and practice using it. A fire ladder may be your only escape option if flames block critical exits. • Place fire extinguishers on every level of your home, especially in high-risk areas like the “Environmentally Friendly” kitchen, near fireplaces and in the garage. Use only for small, contained fires that are not spreading rapidly. Know how to operate your extinguisher before an emergency occurs using the PASS method: Pull pin, Aim low, Squeeze lever and Sweep from side to side. The safest option is always to evacuate your home and call for help. Fire prevention measures are a serious matter in every home. Find out how to keep your home and family safe at MLS # 155723: Wonderful Lake Front Property with awesome views. This large contemporary home is situated next to state land, which gives added privacy. Fantastic lake views from every room. What a great place to raise a family and live year round or have your very own summer retreat on the lake. Camps like this, at this price, are a real deal. Priced well below assessed value. Listed for sale at $269,000 www.jockpestconrol.com (518) 483-4720 MLS # 155628: Wow! What a home, what a price! Lovely home just outside the village limits of Chateaugay, with wonderful views to the north. This home is neat as a pin, & ready for new owners to move in and enjoy all this property has to offer. Large Master suite, incredible great room with a stone fire place,large spacious eat in kitchen with plenty of cupboard space. Also has an in-Law apartment just off the kitchen area, great for guest's, extended family, friends, or could be a rental to offset your mortgage payment. The property has two separate pads for mobile homes or RV's. Each with electric, water & septic hookups. With those rented and the in-law apartment, you'd have your mortgage paid for. Offered for sale at $149,000 144 West Main Street, Chateaugay NY | Office # 518-497-7030 | Cell # 518-353-9139 Matt Backus / Licensed Real Estate Broker & Nuisance Wildlife Control BEES The Malone Telegram BackusRealEstate.com Jock Pest Control (315) 250-8230 nfpa.org or improve your fire safety knowledge by visiting the Roxul website. GaraGe Sale Special! 5 lineS, 3 dayS — $7.50! SAMPLE for all your building & home improvement projects. BATS Visit our kitchen, bath, and looring showrooms! Before You Purchase... Get The Facts Home Inspections • Water Testing Radon Testing • Water & Septic Load Dye Testing Jamie Willett Inspector Two diagonal cross ties which virtually eliminate the chance of blow out, new attachment lange, plus a new corner attachment. 8” on center Reversible 1” deep Formlock Interloc. 3.25” R30 Wall Assembly Patented Interlock with Moisture Drainage System Browse for ideas and solutions…talk with our knowledgable staf! We can help design the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams. We carry a full line of carpet, hardwood, vinyl, ceramic tile and more, along with all the tools & accessories needed for do-it-yourself projects! Shop where the pros shop! Northern New York TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES 16000061653 o: (518) 483-7576 c: (518) 521-4980 Depot Street, North Bangor • 483-7500 Mon-Fri: 7AM - 5PM, Sat 7:30AM - Noon • ESTIMATING • FREE DELIVERY • COMPETITIVE PRICING • PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE April, 2016 • 15 Important Information You Need To Know From 800.673.3301 • 33 Stearns St., Massena, NY If you're Excavating: (Homeowners & Contractors) • Always call 811, Dig Safely New York, two - ten working days prior to your dig or excavation. The call is free and will only take a few minutes. St. Lawrence Gas wants to make you aware of a potential safety issue that could arise when attempting to clear blocked sewer service lines • Be ready with all important information: The municipality, street address, extent and type of work, start date and time of excavation/contact person and phone number. • Clearing the sewer service line with any mechanical cutting equipment could damage the natural gas line. • Then, wait for the site to be marked! Marking could be color coated paint, flags or stakes. • Respect and protect the facility operator's marks. Note the color of the marking and what type of facilities they indicate. • Dig with care! Always hand dig within two feet on either side of any marked lines. • This could result in a serious natural gas leak into the sewer service line, mains and buildings, posing an immediate safety risk. • If damage, contact or disturbance of any underground utility line occurs, immediately notify the affected facility operator, utility or pipeline company. • If damage to underground facility creates an emergency, take immediate steps to safeguard life and property. Call 911 By Not Calling Dig Safely New York, Here's what you could be getting into: -Personal injury, including loss of life. -Damage to the environment -Costly property damage -Damage to these utility lines: communication (i.e. telephone, long distance communications, cable tv, 911 Emergency, fire and police communications), electric, gas, pipelines, sewer, traffic signals and water lines. -Costly delays and expensive repairs -Legal problems -Civil penalties (800) 673-3301 www.stlawrencegas.com • There is the potential that natural gas lines may have inadvertently penetrated sewer service lines during installation. Before you or your plumber attempt to clear blocked sewer lines, call St. Lawrence Gas 1-800-673-3301 • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • There is no charge for the sewer service check 16 • April, 2016 Spring Projects Begin Here! 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