The Home News Home & Garden Supplement

www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015 | Special

Front Cover

Page 1

Page 2 Special | www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015

Governor Wolf Historical Society presents the 3rd annual

COUNTRY GARDEN FAIRE Friday, May 15, 11:00 to 7:00 Saturday, May 16, 10:00 to 4:00 rain or shine



The Nye Garden at the rear of the Wolf Academy

 Plants ~ Tools ~ Pottery ~ Garden Antiques ~ Crafts ~ Birdhouses Speakers ~ Children’s Activities ~ Schoolhouse Café ~ Music 6600 Jacksonville Rd., East Allen Township, Bath, PA 18014 Admission $6, or $5 with ad or showcard ~ Children 12 & under free www.govwolf.org

www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015 | Special

Welcome to our Home & Garden supplement! We hope that you find this resource informative and useful for your home and garden needs.

Make sure to contact one of the great local businesses advertising in this supplement for quality service and advice if your home improvement project exceeds the “DIY” level.

Enjoy!

- Joe Korba, Associate Publisher

Mosaic Cork Floor

If you are itching for a change in your home and a hands on, environmentally friendly project, this may be for you!

There are many benefits to going cork, such as: it is water resistant, slip resistant, eco-friendly, easy to install, soft and warm, quiet, makes a great insulator, and is anti-allergenic. Cork floors are also very durable, unlike tile and ceramic floors; you need not worry about cracking and

Page 3

breaking. Unfortunately, cork floors are not recommended for rooms that see high humidity, steam, or sunlight.

There are also many options available when designing your cork floor. It can either be prefinished where you select your grout color and install, or unfinished where you stain to your choice and pick your own grout color. When it comes to installation, glue or grout is usually used. This project does not necessarily need to be an expensive investment requiring professional installment, it is completely possible to do it yourself!

When thinking of switching to cork, it is important to keep in mind whether you plan to move furniture often on that floor, or keeping things put. Cork is more ideal in a room where things are going to be staying put. You may also want to consider how you will be cleaning the floor. The following is a great website with details on how to go about cleaning your cork floor: http://www.flooring-professionals.com/ how-to-clean-cork-flooring/.

If your interest is peaked and you’d like more information, check out http://www. mosaicorktile.com/ or http://www.findanyfloor. com/pub/pdf/InstallingCorkFlooring-FullGuide. pdf.

The Home News Office Location: 255 S. Best Ave. (Rt. 145) Walbutport, PA 18088 Phone: 610-923-0382 Fax: 610-923-0383 E-mail: AskUs@HomeNewsPA.com Paul & Lisa Prass - Publishers William J. Halbfoerster, Jr. - Editor Emeritus Joe Korba - Assoc. Publisher Catherine Stroh - Account Executive Tony Pisco - Graphic Designer Carl Merrit - Delivery Driver

Photo from Pinterest.com

Page 4 Special | www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015

Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools and B&B Pools Inc. Walk into the B&B Pools store located in the Shoppes at Hellertown, and the first thing you’ll notice is a wall loaded with awards, more than 50 from various organizations. The one they are most proud of is the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals’ 2011 International Silver award.

“We were competing with pool builders from around the world, so we’re pleased to have this recognition,” Barry says. They were judged and awarded by a panel of professional pool builders and manufacturer professionals.

Bartakovits has been in the pool business since 1976 when it was B & B Pool Builders.

In 2004 he started Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools which is a custom designer and installer of inground concrete pools, and in 2009 purchased B&B Pools and retained the B & B Pools moniker for his state of the art retail store. “We’re 100 percent swimming pools,” he explains. BBCP has built pools for such well-known Lehigh Valley residents as Larry Holmes, Michael and Mario Andretti and Matt Millen. Commercial projects include the fountain at the Saint Luke’s Hospital Anderson Campus in Easton, OAA Orthopedic

Specialists in Allentown, Hunterdon Wellness in New Jersey and pools for Holiday Inn Express, Marriott, and Hyatt hotels along with five Traditions of America properties. However, the bulk of BBCP’s work is new residential pools, renovations and service after the sale. Indeed, their website’s tag phrase is “Let us build your backyard oasis.”

“With the economic downturn, people are staying put and spending their weekend playtime at home. They want to vacation in their homes all year round,” Barry says. “A pool gives them a place to relax and chill out.”

Nearly 90 percent of BBCP’s business comes from customer referrals. They attribute this success to attention to detail, service and working hand-in-hand with customers. “We handle every project from start to finish,” he says, “from designing and building the pool to renovations to opening and closing service and repair.”

One of the issues that deter people from considering a pool is maintenance. But Bartakovits says controls have become so sophisticated you can run your pool from your smart phone, turning on waterfalls, spas, lights, etc. Automatic chemical and cleaning systems are much more efficient than the turtles and

custompoolsbybarry.com

www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015 | Special

chlorine floaters of old. Pools are not 100% maintenance free, they still will require a small amount of care weekly. BBCP also provides valet service for those who don’t want to do these tasks themselves. They also do free water testing for customers, which he recommends every two weeks during the swimming season. “Putting in a pool is a significant investment,” he says, “and you want it to not be a chore.”

BBCP has 18 employees, including Bartakovits’ sister, son and brother, as well as his wife Sharon and mascot Gracie, a Maltese/Yorkshire mix.

Several employees have been with the company for 20 years, and three have been there for 30 years. In day-to-day operations, Bartakovits is hands-on, handling all pool renovations himself and overseeing installations.

What’s his advice to homeowners

Since 1979

Page 5

contemplating a new pool or a renovation? “Make sure the company you choose is licensed with the state. We are licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and you want a contractor who specializes in pools, not someone who does it as a sideline.” BBCP is a member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, Northeast Spa and Pool association, Penn Jersey Pool and Spa Association, and a slew of other organizations.

As one of his customers says: “The quality of the product in all regards is exceptional.

Perhaps one of the best testaments to your work is the fact that you were the person who was recommended by every landscaper we spoke to. The coordination was one of the keys to the ultimate end product – a beautiful-looking swimming pool and surrounding environment.”

The Home News Subscribe Today!

610-923-0382

Lifetime Warranty  Family Owned Award Winning  Made in USA

Free In-Home Consultation & Estimate

(800) 237-0799 Cabinet Refacing  Custom Cabinetry New Countertops  Bath Solutions

Save up to 50% with Refacing!

Here to Create

Your Dream Kitchen $1,500 off

New Cabinetry or Cabinet Refacing with a Countertop!* *Get details at estimate. May not be combined with other offers.

Must present this offer at estimate.

May not apply to prior purchase.

Expires 6/30/15.

(800) 237-0799 www.KitchenMagic.com

Full Mechanical Service Company Plumbing • Heating Air Conditioning Small Business • Residences Commercial Buildings 2536 Beacon Rd. Bath 484-357-0265 KleppingerHS@gmail.comm www.kleppingerhomeservice.com Giving you the work you deserve with 20 years of experience

Page 6 Special | www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015

Your Perfect State of Organization (Family Features) Life gets busy and clutter has a way of sneaking up on everyone. It may be all those shoes, the lack of space or the fact that you have absolutely no time - there are many reasons for the mess. But, whether you're a single person living in an apartment or have a large family in a sprawling house, everyone can benefit from more organization. By simply thinking about storage differently and coming up with a smart organizational system that works for you, you'll be on the way to creating a well-balanced, happier home.

"For many, just the thought of starting the decluttering and organizing process is daunting," said Lisa Engel, VP and General Manager Digital Commerce, ClosetMaid. "By breaking it down room by room, or need by need, the process can actually become rejuvenating. You're literally creating an easier life for yourself."

Starting the process

If you're just beginning, remember: baby steps.

Focus on one small area or room - or even your junk drawer. Don't get overwhelmed by the big picture as that's when frustration mounts, causing you to walk away in disgust. Be sure to finish the project you've begun. You'll feel a sense

Proudly Serving the Lehigh Valley, Poconos, and NJ Since 1982

STANDARD SERVICES:

Licensed & Insured

Fall & Spring Cleanups Pruning & Trimming Mowing Mulching Snowplowing Backhoe Service Storm Damage

Mick Hartzog

484-942-9815 m3lpm@yahoo.com

1. Cut back grass edges 2. Power blow and clean the driveway dirt and debris 3. All Hairline cracks are filled with rubberized crack filler 4. Hot crackfill all major cracks 5. Treat all oil, gas, and grease spots with a petroleum sealant 6. Apply one coat of custom mix coal tar sand mix sealer by brush application 7. Block off driveway with string and our name proudly displaying at the end of the driveway 8. Jetblack recommends that vehicles and people stay off the driveway for 48 hours.

Call Today! 610-759-1646

Nazareth PLATE GLASS CO. INC •HARVEY VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

•STORM WINDOWS & DOORS

Come SEE us!

•INSULATED GLASS • PATIO DOORS • CUSTOM SHOWER DOORS Everything in Glass – Commercial and Residential 610-759-3682

Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5pm

w w w. n a z a re t h p l a te g l a s s . c o m 27 Mauch Chunk St. • Nazareth

www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015 | Special

Page 7

of accomplishment and be encouraged to tackle subsequent rooms and projects.

“What’s the BUZZ?”

Already started

Stuck midway through an organizational project and need some inspiration to finish? Don't be afraid to utilize online resources. ClosetMaid's idea galleries, design tools and online store can help provide affordable and stylish solutions.

Thinking of your project as a mini-makeover can help make it more exciting and less of a chore.

Try taking pictures along the way, documenting your progress can really be rewarding.

Already organized

If your home is already organized, you know that keeping clutter at bay is a full-time job.

Be sure to keep a watchful eye on areas that naturally accumulate clutter, such as entryways and child play areas. If you do have children, get them involved in the organization process by teaching them where items belong and how to store them. By labeling storage bins, baskets or drawers, your kids will always be able to help your home stay organized and clean. "If you think like an organized person, soon you will be one," said Lorie Marrero, certified professional organizer and author of the "Clutter Diet."

To find your perfect state of organization visit www.ClosetMaid.com, www.StorganizationBlog. com or call 1-800-874-0008.

10%* Off Spring Clean-Up Special

Call by April 30th *applies to labor only

Your 1st Choice Landscape Company Professional Landscape Service with Exceptional Customer Service

PA#005993

Serving the Lehigh Valley Since 2001

License License # ## License PA003267 PA003267 PA003267 License #

Over Over Over Over Yrs.. 35 Yrs. 35 Yrs Over 35Experience Yrs. Experience Experience

35 Yrs.

Experience Experience

www.appalachianinc.com

PA003267

BICKERT’S BICKERT’S BICKERT’S

Lice PA00

BICKERT’S BICKERT’S

Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC

Service and Installation LLC Heating Conditioning, Heating and andAir Air Conditioning, LLC

Service Barry Bickert Phone: 610-837-9098 Serviceand andInstallation Installation 2805 Valley View Dr. Cell: 484-634-0107 Barry Bickert 610-837-4387 Phone: 610-837-9098 Bath, PA 18014 www.bickertshvac.comPhone: Fax: Barry Bickert 610-837-9098 2805 Valley View Dr. Cell: 484-634-0107 2805 Valley View Dr. Cell: 484-634-0107 Fax:Fax: 610-837-4387 Bath, PA 18014 www.bickertshvac.com 610-837-4387

Heating andwww.bickertshvac.com Air Conditioning, Conditioning, LLCLLC Heating and Air

Bath, PA 18014

Barry Bickert arry Bickert 2805 View Valley View 805 Valley Dr. Dr. PA 18014 ath, PABath, 18014

Serviceand and Installation Service Installation

Phone: 610-837-9098 Phone: 610-837-9 www.bickertshvac.com www.bickertshvac.com

Cell: 484-634-0107 Cell: 484-634-0 Fax: 610-837-4387

Fax: 610-837-4

Page 8 Special | www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015

Home Recycled Home: A Garden of Furniture – Dresser Planter

By ALICE WANAMAKER With all of the cold weather we have been having, thinking about spring and planting season is one thing that has helped get me through one of the coldest winters in my memory bank. I love this idea of recycling unwanted furniture outside in the garden. No, I am not talking about putting your old hopper outside and filling it with plants, but why not a dresser? It’s spacious, classy, and a great way to save that furniture from the dumpster or fire pit, at least for a few more years.

What you will need: Dresser Outdoor paint (optional) Bricks Potting soil/dirt Garbage bags or plastic sheeting Plants and herbs

Step 1: You’ll want to get a dresser ready and in place. If you don’t have a dresser in your house, finding one isn’t that difficult. A quick search for “dresser” with a $20 limit on Craigslist landed me a number of options.

Step 2: You may want to paint your dresser to make it stand out or blend in depending on your garden style. If you choose to paint, using an outdoor variety will help the furniture last a bit longer. Remember, your planter will now be battling the weather!

Step 3: Line the drawers with trash bags or plastic sheeting. Again, your planter is now going to be sitting outside in all weather and will last a while longer with a bit of protection. The plastic will also help hold in some of the moisture when you water your plants.

Step 4: At this point, you will want to place bricks in the back of your dresser as well as toward the back of the drawers to help balance the weight. The dressers will become front-heavy as they are filled with dirt. Three or four bricks per drawer will help. This will also help you use less potting soil as you fill the drawers with bricks.

Step 5: It’s now time to fill the drawers with potting soil or dirt and position them slightly open in a tiered pattern. Once you have your plants in place, you won’t want to move them around too much, so make sure your drawers are just the way you want them.

Step 6: Let’s plant! Some great options are

Courtesy of www.goodhousekeeping.com.

colorful plants like morning glories, geraniums, hanging plants, and herbs.

Enjoy a few seasons with a unique garden planter that is sure to be a conversation piece!

Do you have an item (or a collection of items) that you are looking to recycle? Send a picture of your products over and I just might use them in a future project! Pictures should be emailed to awanamaker@townandcountrygazette.com.

Please be sure to include your name and contact info.

www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015 | Special

Page 9

Courtesy of: http:// www.instructables. com/id/Wine-BottlePlanter/?ALLSTEPS

Grow Bottles

Grow bottles are a great way to grow things all year round and a creative way to repurpose old wine bottles. They are very inexpensive and relatively easy to assemble, just a few quick steps!

Supplies needed: -Empty wine bottle (you may want more than one on hand just in case).

-Glasscutter -Something to help provide a straight line for glass cutting.

-Fine-grit sandpaper (Dremel or sander can also be used).

-Pot of boiling water and a source of cool/cold running water -Wool felt or similar fabric.

-Small stones, marbles, or something similar -Small plant or seeds -Safety glasses suggested Steps: -Position the glasscutter on your straight-line helper item and score the glass bottle about 2� from the base of the neck portion. Only score once.

-Place a towel or cloth in the bottom of the sink and run cold/cool water.

-Hold the bottle and carefully pour hot water over the score line (make sure you have your safety glasses on).

-Cool the score line under the running cold water.

-Repeat with hot and cold water until the neck portion of the bottle drops.

-Use sandpaper or dremel to smooth the edges of both pieces of the bottle.

Assembling your grow bottle: -Wet the fabric and fold/roll it to form a tube

approximately 7� long which fits in the neck portion of the bottle.

-Place it in the neck so that the end is extending slightly from the mouth of the bottle -Fill the base portion of the bottle approximately half full of water.

-Invert the neck portion of the bottle with rocks/marbles and your plant/seeds.

-If you are using a plant, make sure the roots reach far enough into the neck portion to touch the wool/fabric.

-Add rocks or marbles around the base of plant.

CIHYLIK FARMS & GREENHOUSES 3960 Cherryville Road Northampton, PA 18067 610-261-1261 cihylikfarmsandgreenhouses @yahoo.com

We carry a wide variety of plants, herbs, & vegetables Check us out on Watch for Facebook specials!

Opening up for the season April 1

Page 10 Special | www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015

Believing in Habitat

Believing in a better world is a huge factor in Habitat’s ongoing success to this day. The belief that through faith, the miniscule can be multiplied to accomplish the magnificent, and that, in faith, respectful relationships can grow among all people. Faith is put into action by helping to build, renovate, and preserve homes in order to help break the cycle of poverty. Without faith people simply might not be able to acquire the knowledge and courage to do something about the injustices in the world.

Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit organization that works to build simple, decent homes for hardworking, disadvantaged families in the Lehigh Valley.

Habitat Lehigh Valley is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), which is a global organization that has provided housing for more than 2 million people in communities in America as well as around the world. As one of 1,500 U.S. affiliates, Habitat Lehigh Valley embodies both the mission and goals of HFHI at a local level.

Founded in 1989, Habitat Lehigh Valley brings people together from all different upbringings,

backgrounds, and types of beliefs, to help others in need. Habitat Lehigh Valley works by partnering with local businesses, individuals and faith-based groups to both build and renovate housing for families in need in the community.

The objective is to provide the families with a decent home in a safe neighborhood.

Additionally, the families help to revitalize neighborhoods and increase the local tax base.

Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore open in January of 2013 and serves its community by offering ways to donate, reuse, recycle, and volunteer.

The ReStore helps bring Habitat’s vision and mission even closer into the community. Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore accepts new and gently used donations such as, building supplies, home furnishings, and appliances for resale to the general public at extremely discounted prices.

Shopping at the ReStore is a treasure hunt every day, the saying one man’s trash is another man’s treasure has been proven again and again at the ReStore. You can find a variety of people shopping at the ReStore including, low-income families, ‘do-it-yourselfers’ or landlords. You will also find customers looking to either help out the community, or just buy a nice thoughtful

DONATE SHOP SAVE Shopping Hours: Wed - Sat 10AM - 6PM Donation Center Hours: Tues - Sat 10AM - 6PM Building materials, furniture, tools, appliances, lighting and more. Donate your stuff or shop for something new!

(610) 776-7499 Call for a free pickup.

1053 Grape St, Whitehall, PA www.habitatlvrestore.org

www.habitatlvrestore.org

PROOF SHEET

www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015 | Special

Page 11

Rosalie Miklas

gift. Many people repurpose things bought in an environmentally and socially responsible way ATTENTION: __________________________________ DATE: 11/18/13 ______________ the store, after they purchase their product, the to keep good, reusable materials out of landfills. possibilities of what they can do with that new FAX NUMBER: ________________________________ FROM: ______________ product are endless. The ReStore has easy and Why pay fancy showroom prices? innovative ways to support its customers. The email: rosakie@millasrealty.com ADDRESS:which ___________________________________________________________ ReStore will give out ReStore Rewards, is a frequent shopper club.

“Got Stuff?” According to Janet Kolepp, This Advertisement Will Appear On The Newsletter For ReStore Director, donations are vital to the store’s success. “Over the last two years we _________________________________________________________________ have been really fortunate with donations.

It’s reflected in our sales!” she said. “And it’s a Free Premium Padding until March 26 reflection on the community; the people in the Call for your FREE Estimate! Contractors Welcome!

Lehigh Valley are very generous. But we can Accepting credit cards.

610-984-3585 never have enough stuff, so we continually Accepting reach out for donations.” Donated items in the credit cards. store come from businesses such as distributors, hotels, retailers and contractors; as well as individual donors.

All proceeds from ReStore provide additional Robert J. Miklas, Broker/Appraiser unrestricted funding to the Habitat for Humanity Rebecca Miklas, Associate Broker affordable housing programs in the Lehigh Valley.

Rosalie Miklas-Gebhardt, Sales Associate Habitat for humanity of the Lehigh Valley seeks 222 S. Walnut St. www.miklasrealty.com to put God’s love into action by bringing people Rt. 512 Ph: 610-837-4888 together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Bath, PA 18014-1068 Fx 610-837-4889 Habitat shows support of good people doing good Family Owned and Operated things for others in need. ReStore also provides

Lauren, Ar

Bath Winter 13

FIRST PROOF

“We Do The Complete Job”

GIBSON P aving S erviceS

Blacktop Paving - Seal Coating Excavating - Stoning Work - Repairs

PROTECT THE ONES YOU LOVE

Lehigh Valley Fence Co.

n Proof is approved as submitted; proceed with production. n Please make marked changes and submit a new proof. n Do not use, new artwork is being submitted by customer.

Mention This Ad Receive 10% Off Seal Job!!!

Contact us by fax, ma

11-22-1

NOTE: If you do NOT above date, we wil Maintenance Free Vinyl changes are to be Signature: ___________________________________________ Aluminum * Wood NOT be responsible 610-837-7007appear in the final pr

FREE ESTIMATES 610-262-8213

Locally Ownedand & Operated Please make any changes or sign34your approval Years Design/Installation Experience PA 052655 FREE ESTIMATES - YEAR ROUND IF YOU HAVE return this form by the date listed above.

Thank you.& SERVICE INSTALLATION/REPAIR PLEASE EM 6587 Jacksonville Rd., Bath www.lvfence.net NOTE: Once this proof has been accepted and signed or cbn-usa@co the due date has expired, we will NOT be responsible for

gibsonpaving1@aol.com

Page 12 Special | www.homenewspa.com | March 5, 2015

Back Cover