Home & Garden Fall 2018

THE NEWTOWN BEE

2018

fall H ME

&GARDEN

A SU P P LEMENT T O T HE N E W T OW N BE E • SE PT E MB E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 8

2 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

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Home & Garden - 3

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

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4 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

Stone Veneer Adds Depth, Provides High Return On Investment

Mason Ben Selmani built this large indoor fireplace with fieldstone veneer affixed.

Mason Ben Selmani displays two pieces of veneer stone which are cut at a right angle so that they can be affixed to a corner on the surface of a chimney.

—Bee Photo, Gorosko

Ben Selmani of Southbury does business as Ben’s Masonry, LLC. —Bee Photo, Gorosko

By Andrew Gorosko Anyone who wants to enhance the appearance of their home should consider a rocksolid investment in stone veneer, which lends richness and complexity to the finished project while delivering great value.

According to a recent report in Remodeling Magazine, the highest “return on investment” or ROI that homeowners can get from specific improvements involves stone veneer installation.

Home & Garden sources explain that stone veneers come in two basic types — natural and manufactured.

Natural stone veneers use pieces of thinly sliced stone. Manufactured stone, sometimes known as cultured stone, is made of concrete, which has been poured into molds and

colored to simulate natural stone.

Manufactured stone is comprised of Portland cement, aggregates, and pigments, plus water.

Natural stone is generally more expensive, heavier, and more difficult to work with than manufactured stone, but it has a rich, complex, finely textured appearance.

While manufactured stone offers certain cost/weight/workability advantages, if its surface is damaged, it may be obvious that the substance is imitation stone.

Whether to use a natural stone veneer or manufactured stone veneer is the property owner’s decision.

Ben Selmani of Kettletown Road in Southbury, is a mason doing business as Ben’s Masonry, LLC. Although similar in name, Mr Selmani’s business is not affiliated with Ben’s Mason Supply & Hardware of South Main Street in Newtown.

Also, there is a business at Lakeside Road in Southbury, which is known as Benn’s Mason-

Samples of various types of veneer stone are displayed at Ben’s Mason Supply & Hardware on South Main Street in Newtown. —Bee Photo, Gorosko

Local mason Ben Selmani recently installed this mosaic-style fieldstone veneer on a client’s home. Stone veneer installations provide among the highest return on investment of any home improvement project in 2018 according to a report from Remodeling Magazine. Such installations can produce up to a 97 percent return — among the highers reported in the publication’s latest survey.

ry. Benn’s Masonry is afilliated with the Newtown business, but not with Mr Selmani.

Mr Selmani spoke about his use of natural stone veneer at a Bethel masonry yard where he stores his materials.

“I do natural veneer stone,” he stressed, explaining that it is an authentic material.

He works with fieldstone veneer in creating mosaic-style surfaces and he also creates tight, more regular patterns using ledge stone, such as granite. “It’s all natural. It never fades,” he said.

“I love the fieldstone,” he said, explaining that the rock used provides a variety of shapes, colors, and tones for projects. Most of his veneer work has involved the placement of fieldstone segments.

Fieldstone is either collected or quarried so that it can be cut into a veneer. Veneer pieces are cut to a consistent thickness and weight.

Whether grout is displayed between the pieces of stone veneer is an aesthetic decision for the property owner, Mr Selmani said. A majority of the projects that he has done do

not display grout. Chiseling is used, as needed, to suitably fit the veneer pieces together.

The stone veneer installation work Mr Selmani has done in Fairfield County includes chimneys, fireplaces, and retaining walls, as well as interior walls and exterior walls on houses.

Property owners for whom the work is done provide him with guidance on aesthetics, he said.

Asked how he prices his natural stone veneer work, Mr Selmani said it is based on the square footage of the job. Prices, which include materials and installation, range from $25 per square foot for fieldstone, to $35 per square foot for ledge stone, such as granite, he said. Discounts are provided on large jobs, he added.

Mr Selmani said that he formerly used manufactured stone for veneer installations, but now uses only natural stone because it is a better material. Natural stone does not require maintenance. “It looks real. It’s not fake,” he added.

An example of dual retaining walls finished with stone veneer which was built by mason Ben Selmani.

Home & Garden - 5

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

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6 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

‘Honey, Get Me The...’—

When A Fix Will Not Wait, Keep These Home Toolbox Ingredients Handy

Joe Summo, manager at Newtown Hardware, and Ron Dufner, owner of Stony Hill Hardware, both weighed in on the most important and frequently used items in a typical home tool kit. Among their most requested items are handy vice grips, at least one flashlight — both for emergency purposes and for shedding light on simple home repair jobs — a six-in-one screwdriver, safety goggles, and a cordless drill, which our experts believe is the most important power tool addition to a home toolkit.

By Andy Hutchison Not everybody is handy or a do-it-yourselfer. But there are a lot of small things homeowners can do to take care of common projects, like tightening screws and hammering nails for example.

Screwdrivers, hammers, and several other small hand tools or items, such as tape, are recommended by representatives of Newtown Hardware and Bethel’s Stony Hill Hardware. The local merchants both weighed in on the necessary toolbox items so just about anyone can address common or immediate household fixes.

Rolls of tape and tape measures, alike, are items to put on the list.

Ron Dufner, owner of Stony Hill Hardware, suggests the following must-haves: six-in-one screwdriver, hammer, adjustable pliers, needle nose pliers with cutting surface, tape measure, rolls of Duct, masking, electrical or other lighter weight tape, and a utility knife.

A flashlight is also something everybody should have, both for emergency purposes and for helping with doing a job, he added.

“It gets almost everything light duty done,” Mr Dufner said of these tool box contents. “You can do almost every single thing in the house with these tools.”

Joe Summo, manager at Newtown Hardware, mentions a similar list, adding groove point pliers, vice grips, and a diagonal cutter to the list of helpful tools to have in a basic home tool kit.

The cost to put together a tool kit such as this might be as little as $25 for low-end tools to as much as about $100 for highend tools, Mr Dufner said.

A homeowner can get the necessary tools for roughly $40 without getting inferior supplies, both Mr Dufner and Mr Summo agreed.

Dufner added, “Those are all fast-moving items that get rated ‘must never be out.’”

“We sell a lot of hand tools. We get two

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deliveries a week, and we get many different hand tools with those deliveries,” Mr Summo added.

Of course you will need a place to store these items.

In his shop, toolboxes start at about $12, Mr Dufner said.

He also suggests keeping the home toolbox in the car so owners have access to it both at home and while on the road.

There are different sizes for some of the tools. Eight-inch adjustable players, for example, are big enough for most jobs the average homeowner might need, Mr Dufner said.

“The next level of tool becomes slightly more specific to the task,” Mr Dufner said.

Among those in the next level is … a level.

Also, an electrical circuit tester and a

cordless drill, Mr Dufner said.

Mr Summo reiterates that a cordless drill (and bits) is the essential item if homeowners are getting into power tools. Two types of saws, a hacksaw to cut metal, and handsaw to get through wood, are other tools people might find handy, Mr Summo added.

And don’t forget the safety goggles when cutting things, Mr Summo adds.

A plunger or snake can help unclog a drain and cost someone about $5 instead of $200 to have a plumber do a simple task, Mr Dufner said.

So if you are looking to hang a picture, tighten a screw, or simply be prepared to do so when the time comes, check your tool box and head on over to one of your nearby hardware stores to pick up those essential tools.

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Home & Garden - 7

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

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8 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

Benefits Of Keeping A Native Landscape

By Kendra Bobowick What do we mean by ‘native?’

As stated on the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency’s website, “A plant is native to Connecticut if it was growing here before the arrival of European settlers.”

Unfortunately, the DEEP also points out, “Many plants that now grow here are not native.”

Locally, professionals are more than willing to advise property owners and Home & Garden readers about their preferences in native plants and how those species are being threatened by invasive, non-native plants more than ever.

Dan Holmes of Holmes Fine Gardens said, “Truly the only natives are pre-Colonial.”

Regarding the invasive plants that often outgrow natives, he said, “The most beneficial thing you can do as a homeowner is get rid of invasives.” Naming some of the most prevalent, he identified barberry, burning bush, bittersweet, and multiflora rose, which can all be replaced with native plants.

While Mr Holmes agrees that natives are adaptable — and amazing— a lot of his business involves “restoring people’s properties, ripping out the invasives, and replanting hearty natives that tolerate our summers and winters.”

“The invasives out-compete natives and grow quickly — a problem,” he added.

The imbalance of the natives and invasives is detrimental to insects, as well. “There is a real lack of pollinator habitat; its’ destroyed,” Mr Holmes said. “That’s why a meadow rather than a lawn is beneficial; and you have [plant] species that birds or bees rely on. Native flowering plants are the best thing for your property.”

Mr Holmes advised, “Use them in an artful manner,” and plant a “stylized garden using native plants.”

Regarding natural meadows or native landscapes, Mr Holmes said, “People may think it’s a weedy or messy look, but it can be quite artful, well-planned.”

Japanese barberry is an example of an invasive that can be harmful to the wild birds who also help spread its seeds.

“Our birds are not used to the fruit,” and the plant is not as nutritious as native species. The

Adopted as Connecticut’s State Plant in 1907, the mountain laurel develops several colorful blooms and is a staple of landscapes packed with regional native plants and shrubs.

A honeybee gathers pollen on the male winterberry, a popular regional — Susan Pelton photo native plant species.

birds also spread the plant as they “reseed” the ground with the barberry. Finding a safe place beneath its branches, the mouse population “goes through the roof, and the tick population therefore goes through the roof. It’s an imbalance.”

The key, he said, is to have a “good mixture of native plants and not a monoculture and attract a wide variety of insects and birds, which rely on our native plants.”

While he prefers native, he noted that there are “a lot of plants that we use here that are not invasive — Japanese maples, lilacs,” and although they are not native, they adapt well.

Donna Ellis, senior extension educator and co-chair, Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG), with the University of Connecticut Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, said that although she does not consider herself and expert with native plants, “They certainly provide diversity in the landscape, support many species of insects and larger animals via pollinator services, larval food for butterflies and other insects, etc.”

She said that with the non-native invasive plants “out-competing natives in managed landscapes and natural areas, it is particularly important to have native plants as a component of the landscape, and they can be interplanted with non-native, non-invasive plants.”

Natives Already Adapted Hollandia Nurseries owner Eugene Reelick said “The big thing about natives — they don’t require a lot of fertilizer or fungal treatments.

They have adapted to our environment.”

Blueberries are a good example. “You get a bloom, a berry, and incredible fall colors.”

Winterberry offers red or orange berries, he said. “They’re fabulous.”

Mr Reelick said, “Native viburnums are beautiful. In our industry, they are hybridized natives, still considered native and usable in native situations.”

Many species of natives lose their leaves in the winter, leaving little color or interest to the landscape. Certain types of evergreens can grow too large, he said.

“There are cedars, but not a lot of variety at

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Home & Garden - 9

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

Keeping you warm and safe RATING 101 YEAR B E L S CE

Favored by landscapers and property owners for their colorful red berries, the invasive Japanese Barberry is nonetheless a poor nutritional provider for many birds that eat it and then spread its seeds far and wide.

1917 – 2018

local garden center. So, there is mountain laurel, one native evergreen that does well in this area.” He also mentioned native juniper, which is also used. “It is a bit of a ground cover that gives you an evergreen native look in your garden.”

Mountain laurel could be tall, deer may eat them, and they might require a yearly pruning, Mr Reelick said. “You can keep them looking attractive. Birds will like it with thicker shrub — pruning is still an important part of planting natives.”

Native grasses are available in blues and reds, he said. “Fabulous. You can create a grass garden that changes with the seasons. Incredible.”

Grasses “don’t spread as much, and they don’t die back.” Species “can be compact and upright with beautiful colors and textures. They move in the wind,” he said.

A Superior Choice Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut, (NOFA), Executive Director Jeff Cordulack said, “Native plants are clearly a superior choice, since they’re adapted to this region and the insects know how to interact with them.”

Many non-native ornamentals are “never utilized because they are unfamiliar to the insects and wrong for our wildlife.” Regarding the native plants, he said, “both plant and insect are adapted to each other.”

Non-native ornamentals are “suited to other parts of the world,” with a different variety of insects. Local insects “might not be able to access,” non-native plants, he commented.

“Natives are adapted and built up resistance to insect populations in this area. The whole ecosystem benefits,” he said. “Fitting into the ecosystem is important to avoid disease and be useful to local insects. Less disease leads to less treatments and costs to the homeowner.”

The invasive versus native scenario “goes beyond North America. Original native plant enthusiasts were happy with North American species, but in the last few decades, we realize that native species grown in the northeast do better than species grown elsewhere and brought to the northeast.”

He explained, “Plants actually adapt to the region they are in.”

“Echinacea grown here rather than grown in California?” The plant grown locally “will likely do better than the California one,” he said.

As with many other plants that are indigenous to New England, the pussy willow was also used by the native Americans as a painkiller.

Regarding landscaping, he added, “It’s important to use plants insects know.”

Be careful when shopping for natives, he advised. How the plants are treated could be harmful to the ecosystem.

“When you buy them, ask if they have been treated with neonicotinoid. It would be a shame if the echinacea were introduced to toxins,” Mr Cordulack said. “Or a nice Mountain Laurel — was the supplier using neonicotinoid.” No reason to buy if the plant is going to kill the pollinators,” he said.

The neonicotinoid family includes acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam. Imidacloprid is the most widely used insecticide in the world. Compared to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, neonicotinoids cause less toxicity in birds and mammals than insects.

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10 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

Flooring Trends Shifting From Carpet And Tile—

Consumers Today Want Wood And Natural Finishes

By John Voket Across the nation and right here in Newtown, folks who are planning to install new floor coverings are shifting away from wallto-wall carpeting and classic ceramic tile to hardwood and composite materials that provide the look of natural woods.

A blog for Chicago-based 123Remodeling points out that “Hardwood planks that are wider give rooms a more spacious look. Longer and wider planks can make newer homes look modern and give older homes a rustic look,” and adds, “simple and cleaner planks give more room for designers to throw in pillows and rugs that will add to the flooring’s overall look.”

The website for Uptown Floors in Bonita Springs, Florida points out that new wood floors will help boost selling prices of homes, opposed to ones that still have carpeting.

Hardwood Floors Magazine recently wrote that consumers today have access to “hardwood looks in new engineered hardwood introductions that historically were unattainable in solid wood plank because of engineered hardwood’s versatility, multi-ply construction, and superior dimensional stability.”

Contacted at Kellogg Hardwoods in Bethel, company President Allen Kellogg said he is a carpenter and woodworker by trade and has operated his company for 25 years.

According to Mr Kellogg, many of his customers prefer both the look and durability of hardwood planking and other natural or engineered wood products and flooring systems that he purveys.

“Right now, we’re advising people who are steering toward less expensive engineered flooring systems they might purchase from a big box store that the anticipated life span of those materials could be substantially shorter than what they could get by spending, in some cases, just a little more on hardwood,” he said. “The materials I’m talking about typically have a 3/16-inch

The birch planks used for this living area were supplied by at Kellogg Hardwoods in Bethel.

—photo courtesy of Kellogg Hardwoods

veneer that is pasted onto plywood.”

When customers are coming to Kellogg Hardwoods, they are predominantly choosing materials like white oak — either in a clear grade or character grade — and ash, which is very durable, but since it is a white wood, you can stain it virtually any color to compliment existing interior colors or design accents,” Mr Kellogg said. “Red oak is also very popular, along with hard maple. These are both very durable woods. The maple can also be stained any color.”

Mr Kellogg advised homeowners who are planning to try and color match a stain to a wood flooring material to always have the installation completed before staining instead of staining the planking and then completing the installation.

“That’s another issue when you’re trying to put down pre-finished materials, espe-

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Got Pets? Avoid Pines!

Mr Kellogg said customers should be aware that certain natural woods may be better than others if a homeowner has pets or children, whose toys and activities could inflict some surface damage.

“We advise people in those situations to avoid pines and fir woods, which are very soft,” Mr Kellogg said. “They make for great flooring, but they mark-up easily. But honestly, even the hardest woods can still get scratched up by pets.”

To help protect one’s hardwood flooring investment, Mr Kellogg always recommends completing an oil-based polyurethane finish.

“Most of the installers recommend a

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You’ll be walking on eggshells trying not to scratch it,” he said.

water-based polyurethane, but that’s because they can usually do three coats in one day,” he said. “With the preferred oilbased polyurethane, you have to do one coat per day for three days, but consumers will be much happier because it preserves the surface much longer.”

Over the past eight to ten years, Mr Kellogg said he has seen a definite shift toward wood materials.

“We have customers coming in who previously went with other materials like laminate, carpeting, or linoleum who have worn them out,” he said. “It’s not unusual for me to see a customer we previously quoted five or six years ago who went with a cheaper alternative coming back for something more lasting, even if it costs more up-front.”

Tricia Mathison-Benvenuti, owner of Fine Floors by Mathison here in Newtown, says she is also seeing a declining trend in requests for carpeting especially, in favor of a range of hard surface materials that could be natural or composite.

“While I’m still seeing customers looking at tile, they are moving away from traditional shapes to more elongated and rectangular tiling,” Ms Mathison-Benvenuti said. “They are also asking to see what we offer in vinyl planks or LVT — luxury vinyl tiles — that click together, as well as COREtec flooring that is similar to the materials replacing wood for outdoor surfaces like porches and decks.”

“You can’t really wear through these [composite] patterns, you can’t walk it off, and you never refinish them,” she added. “And the COREtec actually has a cork backing, so it’s more sound-deadening, it’s easier on your back, and it’s completely water and mildew resistant — anything you may spill on it won’t collect or stain it.”

She said for both expediency and ease of installation, these types of materials can be “floated” or installed right on top of existing floor materials like ceramic tile,

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Home & Garden - 11

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

Allen Kellogg of Kellogg Hardwoods says his company is furnishing more local installers with wood that is being integrated as accents and countertops to compliment wood flooring.

—photo courtesy Kellogg Hardwoods

hardwood, and sub floors.

“These are low-maintenance materials that don’t require refinishing; they are easy to clean with just a mop, and they give the customer the look of wood,” she said.

On the other hand, Ms Mathison-Benvenuti said residents in Newtown and the surrounding region more often have the willingness and the means to invest in natural wood flooring.

“There’s no replacing the real thing, but there are some options that come close,” she said, adding that when it comes to hardwoods, “Wide board styles are really popular now.”

Consider The Waste Factor While customers who are looking to go truly authentic may actually request reclaimed or recycled barn woods and other similar materials, Ms Mathison-Benvenuti warns that clients could see a lot of their pricey investment end up in the wood pile instead of on their living room or kitchen surfaces.

“That’s why they have come out with those other products that look like real, distressed barn woods and planks,” she said.

“You can typically get those for half the price of reclaimed and milled woods.”

Mr Kellogg agreed.

“To me, it’s just old wood,” he said. “And it gets very expensive due to the waste factor. Normally, we see as much as 50 percent

waste in those reclaimed woods, versus eastern white pine or white oak, which can be milled and easily distressed for use on walls or as accents or trim.”

Speaking of trim, both vendors say they are seeing homeowners integrating wood accents or adding counters, shelves, and even backsplashes to match the woods and colors they are installing as flooring.

“A lot of accents in the kitchens are being made of hardwood, and in other rooms, people are returning to wood paneling,” he said.

“You can use any of these woods as counter tops, and we just brought in an expanded line of wood wall planks that are a wood veneer with peel-and-stick installation,” Ms Mathison-Benvenuti said. “We sold a ton of it for backsplashes, as a headboard in a bedroom, or you can take the wall plank and add the look of real wood just about anywhere now.”

Ms Mathison-Benvenuti said many of her customers are taking advantage of the various materials, including “click together” composites, to tackle installations on their own.

“Even the vinyl planks, you can just glue them down,” she said. “You can cut them with a utility knife, or thicker materials can be easily scored and snapped. They’re all really DIY. Most people will still have us do it for them, but for those who want to tackle their own installation, I can show them how to do it or lead them to installation videos.”

Kellogg Hardwoods has loads of sample

With its cork backing and waterproof quality, Tricia Mathison-Benvenuti, owner of Fine Floors by Mathison, says the wood look of COREtec luxury vinyl tiling is ideal for all spaces, including kitchens, laundry rooms, and baths.

domestic hardwood materials for prospective customers and contractors to view, but the shop customcuts and creates the flooring it sells.

“We offer wide plank flooring,” he said. “Most of the big box stores offer up to five-inch, but we typically start at six-inch in the same product for not much more and in longer lengths. That treatment looks a lot more rustic, there are a lot less joints, and it’s much cleaner.”

Reach Mr Kellogg for consultation at 203-797-1992 or kellogghardwoods.com. Contact Ms MathisonBenvenuti at Fine Floors by Mathison by calling 203-270-0250 or visiting finefloorsbymathison.com.

Tricia Mathison-Benvenuti, owner of Fine Floors by Mathison, says homeowners who want ultimate durability are going with products like COREtec luxury vinal, pictured here as both floor and tub pedestal installations that compliment sparse tiling used in a zero-entry walk-in shower.

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12 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

Business Owners Help Turn

Ana Matias, owner of Bethel Upholstery, holds an example of one of the popular fabrics in her company’s showroom.

—Bee Photo, Hallabeck

By Eliza Hallabeck Upcycling old belongings into new items may seem like a new trend, but it has been a staple of local businesses for years. Homeowners looking to freshen up a room in their house or save money by fixing a machine can find the resources locally to accomplish those goals without having to buy new.

Chintz-N-Prints owner Laura Gardner shared that her business has been in Newtown for 60 years, and “we stand behind our work.” The fabrics store, according to Ms Gardner, frequently helps costumers looking to reupholster furniture and customers looking to make clothes or other items.

“My biggest thing is they don’t make furniture like they used to,” said Ms Gardner, adding that today’s “throwaway society” can lead to cheaper products. “So if you have something of quality, it is worth redoing... Custom-made lasts longer.”

As one example of a recent “upcycle” project brought to Chintz-N-Prints, Ms Gardner said the Visiting Nurse Association of Newtown (VNA Newtown) brought replica costumes to be worn at

Chintz-N-Prints of Newtown fabric was used to reupholster this rocking chair.

ration. Recent blog posts include highlighting the VNA project, an announcement about a sale, a post about the store’s collection of vintage fabrics, and photos from one customer’s recent couch upholstery project.

A piece of furniture recently reupholstered at Bethel Upholstery.

—Bee Photo, Hallabeck

the 57th Newtown Labor Day Parade to her store to be redone.

Ms Gardner said people interested in fabrics or upcycling can see her store’s

website (chintznprints.com), Facebook page (facebook.com/chintznprintz), or its blog (chintznprints.com/blog) for information about the store or for inspi-

Preserving Good Furniture Bethel Upholstery owner Ana Matias said customers bring a range of furniture to her store to be reupholstered, “from a piece that is 100 years-old to a piece that is 6 to 7 years-old.” A good piece of furniture, she said, is well worth the effort of reupholstering it.

Recent trends in upholstering furniture, Ms Matias observed, have included preferring solid tones or textured materials. Ms Matias said people tend to want what they see in magazines, showrooms, or on the internet.

Cool tones — like greys and blues — have been popular in recent years.

When people start wanting to change a room in their house, Ms Matias said it is a good idea to get an idea of the colors they want before visiting stores to reupholster furniture.

“Anything that is old is good quality,”

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Home & Garden - 13

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

What Is Old New Again

This chair was recently reupholstered with fabric from Chintz-N-Prints in Newtown.

said Ms Matias.

Bethel Upholstery, according to Ms Matias, has been in business since 1981, and she has been the owner for the past seven years.

Newtown resident and owner of Barzetti Welding LLC of Bethel said his business, which is marking its 60th anniversary this year, has been making old things new again all along.

“We’ve been doing this for years,” said David Barzetti.

Mr Barzetti’s father, Nicholas, started the company in 1958 with Carl Molle, a machinist; and Bob Dingee, a sheet metal worker. Mr Barzetti explained his father was “the welder.”

From the first day, Mr Barzetti said costumers brought in damaged parts or items for repair, from gardening tools and snowblowers to cars.

Mr Barzetti now owns the company with his wife, Carla.

Saving And Repairing Barzetti Welding offers in-house and mobile welding services, according to the company. It specializes in TIG (tungsten inert gas), MIG (Metal Inert

David Barzetti, co-owner of Barzetti Welding LLC of Bethel, stands next to the company’s welding machine.

—Bee Photo, Hallabeck

Gas), and stick welding. It also offers one-on-one welding classes. Mr Barzetti said people between the ages of 12 and 80 have taken the welding class in the last three years.

Saving and repairing equipment that would have otherwise been thrown out has always been a part of the business at Barzetti Welding, he shared, adding that repairing items can make them good for “years and years to come.”

Mr Barzetti said his company works with many landscapers to repair equipment, and it has worked with local sculptors to “turn their vision” into something tangible.

When asked if he has ever created upcycled projects, Mr Barzetti said he has made a number of “honey-do” items for his wife, like creating a stainless steel planter for pussy willow plants. He said he also made bird house out of steel rods and sheet metal pieces.

People have been bringing more repairs to Barzetti Welding recently, he observed, further noting an uptick in truck and car repairs, like fixing rusted frames and shock mounts.

His favorite parts of the business have

These two pillows were recently reupholstered with Chintz-N-Prints fabric.

out,” Mr Barzetti recommended, “because maybe we can repair it.”

More information about Bethel Upholstery and its services is available on its website, bethelupholstery.com. More information about Barzetti Welding LLC and its services is also available on its website, barzettiswelding.com.

been working with customers and fabricating parts. Starting a project with steel and ending with something tangible is a great feeling, he shared. He also said he loves his employees and overseeing the welding classes.

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14 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

A popular trend in fencing is using aluminum for around pool areas, as seen here with this 54-inch-high aluminum 3-rail Canterbury black fence.

—photo courtesy of Ray Tarsi

This 6-foot-tall rosewood and black vinyl fence has a square lattice top.

Ray Tarsi of Addessi Fencing says, “The woodgrains actually have grains imbedded into them. If you are standing five feet away, you can’t tell that it’s not wood. It’s changing people’s minds and perspectives on it.”

—photo courtesy of Ray Tarsi

Fencing Never Looked As Good As It Does Today

By Alissa Silber There is a reason Robert Frost coined the phrase “good fences make good neighbors” in his 1914 poem “Mending Wall.” Fences have long been part of society’s desire to keep things in and simultaneously keep things out to maintain order.

Contemporary fencing trends, though, are showing much more emphasis on expressing individuality through customization than ever before.

Ray Tarsi, sales manager of Addessi Fencing, has seen a rise in clients seeking out more color options than just stark white fencing.

His company provides the installation

of everything from cedar to vinyl to aluminum to chain-link fencing and serves the Newtown community.

“I think the most popular trend right now is different colors of vinyl,” Mr Tarsi said. “You’re no longer limited to your three colors — which used to be white, beige, and gray. Now we have woodgrain [of ] all kinds of different colors.”

Whether someone wants their fence to match their house or wants a pop of color for their property, like blues or barn-style reds, they can achieve it with colored vinyl.

The creative colors come in gloss and matte finishes and have been available on the market for about five years, Mr Tarsi

Since 1980

says. However, they have not gained popularity in the area until recently.

“Now it’s really starting to pick up,” he explained. “It’s hard to get the word out at first.”

Those interested in finding out what options are available, can call Addessi Fencing, 203-794-1759, to see what would work best for their preferences and price range.

Shift In Materials Beyond just fence coloring, there has been an overall shift in desired materials.

“People are fed up with wood and… don’t want to pay to stain it every single year,” Mr Tarsi said. “So now that they

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are starting to know that there are more colors available, they are more apt to go to the vinyl.”

Sharon Herrman, director of marketing for Atlas Outdoor, says PVC (a type of plastic vinyl) fencing is an economical approach to the trend with cellular (a plastic composite) fencing offered as a higher end material.

“It’s super easy to maintain and always looks good,” Ms Herrman said of the PVC fencing. “You can get the same appearance with both of these as you would a wooden fence, so it’s not like you have to give up a type of aesthetic.”

Atlas Outdoor has been specializing in residential fencing for nearly 40 years,

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Home & Garden - 15

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

COME SEE OUR UNIQUE BARN SHOP “A lot of people like the simple pergola...” Sharon Herrman of Atlas Outdoor says for clients looking to put an accent piece into their fences. Pergolas and arbors are a popular trend that do not appear to be going away any time soon.

—photo courtesy of Sharon Herrman

growing to also offer commercial fencing, and it covers much of Connecticut and surrounding states.

Ms Herrman says the company is seeing a rise in prevalence for other fencing materials, in addition to the PVC and cellular fencing, and people can get more information by calling them at 855-8904118.

“We are starting to see a lot of ornamental steel and aluminum, particularly for pool fencing,” Ms Herrman said.

“We get a lot of requests for containment for pools or, of course, pet containment… I think there is a heightened awareness for safety. Not only do the

towns require it, but people want to get the best protection they can for their pool.”

These two styles of fencing not only offer safety for people and animals, but they also can be a nice compliment for yards that may already have additional fencing.

Some statement pieces are everlasting, as Ms Herrman says they continue to see clients selecting arbors and pergolas as accents for their fencing.

Whether selecting a fence for privacy, safety, aesthetics — or all the above — finding a fence that fits your budget and needs never goes out of style.

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The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

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Is Your Heating System Ready For Cool Weather?

(StatePoint) Savvy homeowners know that with cool weather comes a bit of preparation.

A quick audit of your heating equipment can mean less wasted energy, a more comfortable home, and lower energy bills.

Nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment in US homes never performs to its advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, according to US government estimates. And if you have an older system that was built before current efficiency standards, you could be spending more than needed on heating your home.

If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to replace your system, be sure to have it properly installed by an HVACR professional, certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest nonprofit certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVACR industry by passing specialized certification tests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The NATE-certified techs who perform maintenance and repairs do a consistently great job. We never have any concerns if the job is done right,â&#x20AC;? says Rob Kirkpatrick, a longstanding customer of Thermal Services, a Nebraska-based contractor.

Beyond having an efficient heating system properly installed, you can prepare for the season in the following ways: â&#x20AC;˘ Clean heating filters. Check them every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer. â&#x20AC;˘ Check and maintain insulation. Improperly insulated walls, floors, attics, basements,

and crawl spaces drain away heat and can also lead to moisture imbalance. Adding weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors can also improve a homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insulation. â&#x20AC;˘ Turn down the thermostat or install a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature. â&#x20AC;˘ Clean the furnace area. Do not keep chemicals or cleaning products near a heater, and do not store anything next to it that could impede ventilation. â&#x20AC;˘ Free all vents and returns of obstructions.

Do not lay carpet over vents, place furniture over or in front of them, or obstruct the flow of air. â&#x20AC;˘ Dry air feels cooler than moist air, so install a humidifier. A simple humidifier may make the home feel five degrees warmer than a home with dry air. â&#x20AC;˘ Look into geothermal heating systems, which use earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heat and are among the most efficient and energy-conserving heating and cooling technologies currently available. â&#x20AC;˘ For optimal performance of your HVAC system, get an annual service contract that includes both heating and cooling maintenance. But take care to avoid poor service and scams. To find a qualified local contractor who employs certified HVACR professionals, look for the NATE logo or go to www.natex.org.

By incorporating a few energy-friendly habits into your routine and making sure your heating system is operating optimally, this season, you can keep utility bills low while maintaining a cozy, comfortable home.

Tips To Attract Beautiful Songbirds To Your Backyard

(StatePoint) Did you know that you can create a safe haven for wild song birds in your own backyard? By taking a few simple actions, you can provide birds with vital resources they need to thrive, as well as guard them from common flying hazards.

Protect Them Before inviting birds to your yard and garden with food and habitat, first take measures to protect them.

Unfortunately, millions of birds die annually by striking glass, making the windows and glass doors of your home a potential safety hazard. Help reduce the risk of bird strikes by applying special decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight from your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s windows, particularly those highly reflective of open sky. Virtually invisible to humans, they keep birds safe without affecting your view.

The ones offered by WindowAlert, for example, give the appearance of slightly frosted translucent glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds. For fuller protection, supplement the decals with WindowAlert UV Liquid, making marble-sized dots to create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;visual barrierâ&#x20AC;? across glass surfac-

es. To learn more, visit WindowAlert.com.

You can limit other hazards to birds by ensuring cats, dogs and other predatory (but otherwise adorable) pets are monitored while outside to prevent attacks.

Dogs can be trained not to attack birds. If this proves to be an issue, consider consulting a professional dog trainer on how to break this bad habit.

Feed Them Birds in transit expend a lot of energy, but you can ease their hunt for food. Avoid the temptation to feed birds yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bread.

Stale breads that have developed mold could be potentially harmful to birds.

Instead, populate your garden with native flowering species and supply a bird feeder stocked with a variety of seeds. Strategic placement of a bird feeder is key in preventing bird strikes. Place your feeder either closer than three feet or farther than 30 feet from windows. Clean your feeder periodically to ensure its contents are fresh and free of potentially toxic mold.

Want to beautify your backyard naturally? By taking a few simple measures, you will give birds an incentive to visit!

Home & Garden - 17

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

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That ‘Junk’ In Your Home May Be Worth A Fortune

(StatePoint) From baseball cards and sports equipment to postcards and toys, is that “junk” in your attic or basement dusty treasure or just dusty? We’ve all heard of families getting rich from the sale of rare memorabilia. So how can you tell if your stuff is valuable and how can you sell it, if it is?

“The general rule is that the older the item, the more valuable it is. 1980 is not old. 1960 is kind of old. 1910 is old,” says Al Crisafulli, auction director at Love of the Game Auctions, an internet sports auction house that has helped many families identify and sell valuable items.

In one instance, Mr Crisafulli determined that a family’s baseball bat that spent decades beside their front door to protect from intruders, was actually used by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig — and Love of the Game Auctions sold it for them for more than $430,000.

He is offering these tips to help determine if your items are valuable: Baseball Cards — Cards from the 1960s and earlier are collectible, and those from before the 1940s can be extremely pricey. Do they have sharp corners, no creases and retain original gloss? Do they depict star players and Hall of Famers? A Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, or Mickey Mantle will sell for more than non-stars.

With particularly old cards from the 1880s and early 1900s, look for tobacco and candy brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal, or American Caramel. Unopened packs from almost any era can be valuable.

Memorabilia & Equipment — Look for old advertising posters depicting sports stars and food, tobacco or sporting goods brands.

This doesn’t mean ads torn from magazines,

but those used as store displays and for other purposes. Tin signs are highly collectible from the 1900s into the 1960s, but low-quality reproductions aren’t. Pre-1950s catcher’s masks, baseball gloves, and bats can be valuable, especially those endorsed by star players.

Condition is important but used equipment can be valuable.

When you go to sell sports items, consider a specialty auction, such as Love of the Game, which has the expertise to properly research sports pieces, and maintains lists of bidders specializing in this area so it can get top dollar for these items. More information is available at loveofthegameauctions.com.

Postcards — Postcards of your vacation destinations likely are worthless. But those depicting famous people, such as movie star cards and vintage baseball postcards, can be valuable. Look for early “real photo” postcards from the 1900s through the 1940s, which are photographs printed on postcard backs. No matter the type, the older, the better, and the more famous, the better.

Old Halloween or Christmas postcards from the early 1900s can be expensive. The same goes for many intricate “hold-to-light” postcards, where portions of scenes light up when held to strong light.

Toys — Look for famous characters, such as early Walt Disney items, superheroes, Star Wars, etc. The most prized toys are those in original condition with no broken pieces and paint intact. And if you have original boxes, you might strike gold!

So, while you’re cleaning that attic, basement or garage, don’t rush to purge. Before throwing out old “junk,” determine if it’s valuable!

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18 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

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Four Common Weatherization Myths Debunked!

(StatePoint) Weatherizing your home for each season can make it more comfortable — but how to do it can be confusing. Here are four common weatherizing myths — busted! — to help get your home ready for cooler weather to come.

Myth 1: It does not matter where your thermostat is placed.

Truth: Location, location, location!

You may be spending more on heating and cooling than you need to be if your thermostat is in the wrong place. Placed in direct sunlight, you run the risk of getting false readings, as it can “think” the room is warmer than it actually feels, causing your air conditioner to turn on when it is not needed. Similarly, a thermostat placed near the kitchen often reads that the home is far warmer than it truly is due to the stove and oven. The best location is on an interior wall, centrally located and near areas where you spend the most time, ensuring these rooms are the most comfortable.

Myth 2: Closed curtains and blinds in cold weather prevent heat escape.

Truth: According to the Department of Energy, shades and drapes can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10 percent. However, opening curtains and blinds during the day when direct sunlight hits can also allow for a warming effect. In winter, draperies should be closed at dusk but opened at dawn.

In addition, heat escape through windows can be prevented with window insulation products such as Duck brand Roll-On Window Kits, which create a barrier between outdoor air and a home’s interior, helping block drafts and air leaks. And it is also a myth that these are hard to install: A pre-taped edge makes

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for easy roll-on application, requiring no measuring while fitting snugly to indoor window frames to provide an airtight, crystal-clear seal.

Myth 3: It is expensive to draft-proof your home.

Truth: Homeowners can actually save hundreds of dollars annually on heating and cooling costs with proper weatherization early in the season. How do you do it? There are many inexpensive, do-ityourself weatherization products that are easy on the wallet and easy to install, requiring minimal — if any — tools.

Windows and doors are the two largest draft sources in any home and should be top priorities for homeowners. Duck brand MAX Strength Silicone Weatherstrip Seals are quick to install and seal various size gaps around windows and doors that may be allowing air to escape.

Myth 4: It is cheaper to keep your home at a constant temperature.

Truth: A common misconception is that it is better to keep your home at a constant temperature, even when you are not home. However, if the system runs less during the day, it uses less energy.

According to energy.gov, you can save as much as ten percent a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.

Still need more help? For additional tips and information, text “Weather” to 84444 to access Duck brand’s Project Selector, an online resource for project guides, instructional videos, and more or visit duckbrand.com.

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Home & Garden - 19

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

Preparing A Move—

Do Not Become A Victim Of An Unscrupulous Moving Company

By John Voket

Moving is something virtually everyone does in their lifetime — and for some, it is a regular occurrence. But unfortunately, it is often those planning a big move for the first time who become the targets of unscrupulous moving companies.

Recently, the Better Business Bureau was out in front warning consumers about a mounting list of complaints against a moving company based in Guilford, Connecticut called Flagship Van Lines LLC. The case also involves several other moving companies.

According to consumers’ complaints, BBB says Flagship’s crews, among other things, arrived on the incorrect day or didn’t shown up at all, increased prices after deposits were paid, and refused delivery of items until a higher price was paid.

Among more than 40 filings against the company in just over the past year, BBB says one complainant quoted: “Flagship Van Lines driver has stolen my household... Flagship Van Lines is holding my personal goods and basically asking for extortion.”

On July 31, the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Ohio held a press conference announcing that 12 people with affiliations with several different moving companies including Flagship Van Lines, were indicted for conspiring in a racketeering enterprise to defraud customers.

So far, the joint US Department of Transportation and FBI investigation resulted in five arrests. The US Attorney’s Office estimates there are more than 900 victims who were involved between April 2013 and July 2018.

To execute the alleged scheme, the US Attorney’s Office stated that the defendants allegedly lied to customers about how long their moving companies had

been in business, claiming many years of experience for companies that had been created just a few months prior.

The defendants also allegedly created fake online reviews, praising the work of their moving companies.

The Justice Department alleges that the five employees that were arrested hiked up their prices after moving customers’ items onto trucks and then refused to return the items until customers paid the increased price.

In some cases, prosecutors said, the employees stole the customers’ belongings if they refused to pay.

For example, the Justice Department said in July 2016, First National Moving and Storage loaded a customer’s goods to transport from Round Rock, Texas, to Columbus, Ohio. After loading the goods, the company increased the cost of the move and told the customer that she had to agree to the higher price or the custom-

er’s goods would not be returned to her.

The customer called the company to complain, and during one phone call, the customer was told by the company that her items would be auctioned if she did not pay the higher price.

After customers complained to federal regulators and others, it is alleged that the defendants would shut down the latest iteration of the moving company and open a new moving company.

In doing so, the defendants allegedly lied to federal regulators and hid the identities of the true owners in order to receive licenses to operate. The defendants and other employees of the moving companies also used aliases with customers and regulators.

The defendants are charged with conspiring to conduct the affairs of the moving companies through a pattern of racketeering activity, consisting of multiple acts of wire fraud, theft of an interstate

shipment by carrier, Hobbs Act extortion, and identification fraud.

According to the Connecticut Office of the Secretary of State, Flagship Van Lines has already changed its name to “Blessed Movers LLC.” This change was filed on July 20, 2018 and includes the same Guilford address and owner as Flagship Van Lines.

So what can you do if you are a victim of a rogue moving company? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers these red flags to help you spot a shifty mover: *The mover doesn’t offer or agree to an onsite inspection of your household goods and gives an estimate over the telephone or online — sight unseen; *The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move, and/or asks you to sign blank or incomplete documents; *The mover does not provide a written estimate (binding or non-binding); *The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance; *The mover says they will determine the charges after loading; *The mover does not provide a copy of the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and copy of FMCSA’s Ready to Move brochure, which is required

by Federal regulation.

BBB says anyone who suspects they are victims of a moving company scheme or any client of a mover failing to honor its contract, who threatens to hijack, or who steals consumer goods should immediately contact the US Inspector General’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-424-9071 or email hotline@oig.dot.gov.

Anyone looking to hire a reputable moving company can visit bbb.org, or the nonprofit American Moving & Storage Association at moving.org for information.

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20 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

Consider Unconventional When It Comes To Upgrades (StatePoint) While a simple home upgrade once meant a new area rug or fresh coat of paint, these days, there are new and unexpected ways to update your space in order to add beauty and comfort to your home.

• Think Smart: New technology can add unexpected convenience and luxury to your everyday life. Virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit, can help make your space cozy, comfortable, and secure, giving you the ability to control light bulbs, door locks, blinds, music and more with voice commands. Companion apps also allow you to control home elements through your phone from anywhere.

Particular about your shower? Create the perfect experience every day by programming temperature and water flow settings to your liking.

Enjoying family movie night and don’t want to get off the couch? With a WiFi-enabled SIMPLEconnect smart fan from Hunter Fan Company, for example, you can turn the light and breeze on and off with simple voice commands.

• Living gallery wall: Add vitality and beauty to your space with a living gallery wall, whereby plant life becomes a work of art. Known as a vertical garden, there are many ways to go about it, whether it’s affixing planters in a pattern to your wall or hanging a flat panel of succulents and moss and bordering it with a picture frame. This will create a lively visual and a healthy one at that — adding oxygen to the rooms of your home, or even nutrition, should you choose to plant herbs.

• Add a breeze: Whether you live in an old house where central air is non-existent or you just want to add some ventilation to your space with a low-key upgrade, there’s no need to call in an HVAC team. Adding a ceiling fan to the landing of your staircase, for example, can help pull and circulate cool air into the upstairs

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space. Or, consider transforming the traditionally neglected laundry room into a space that’s comfortable for getting chores done. The addition of a ceiling fan can create a breeze and alleviate the heat created by the dryer.

Choosing A Ceiling Fan When it comes to ceiling fans, experts say that by shopping around, you can find a highly functional fixture that can even serve as the focal point of a room.

“Today’s ceiling fans incorporate beautiful features, such as hand carved blades, sleek finishes, and natural elements — to appeal to a variety of different design trends,” says Steve Register, ceiling fan product manager for Progress Lighting.

So how do you select the best one for your space?

Choose Your Features • Versatile functionality. Do you want to use your ceiling fan year-round? Simply select a fan with reversible blades for the option to circulate cool air in summer or warm air in winter.

• Efficiency. To save energy and green your home, consider an ENERGY STAR rated fixture.

• Lighting. To get in on today’s lighting trends, go for a layered lighting design in your space by installing a light kit or selecting a fan with a pre-installed fixture.

• Control. Some fans feature full-range dimming and full-function remote control capabilities, to offer added convenience in controlling a room’s environment.

Size it to Your Space Size is really important when selecting a ceiling fan.

If a fan is too large, it can overwhelm the space. On the flip side, if the fan is too small, the airflow may be inadequate. The American Lighting Association suggests the following fan sizes compared to square footage: • Up to 75 square feet — 36 inches or less • 75-144 square feet — 36 to 42 inches • 144-225 square feet — 44 to 40 inches • 225-400 square feet — 50 to 54 inches Once you’ve identified the size and application of your fan, it’s time for the fun part — choosing a style that complements your style. Consider fan shape, blade features and finish to help you meet the room’s design needs.

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Home & Garden - 21

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

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Five Ways to Set Up A Kid’s Ultimate Workstation

(StatePoint) This school year, you can help set up your kids for success. It is all about having the perfect study zone at home. Here are five cool ideas for creating a workspace for kids that will promote great study habits and inspire learning.

1. Find the right real estate. Every child learns differently. So, depending on the person doing the studying, the perfect space could be a quiet, bright corner of the house away from the hustle and bustle, or it could be in the midst of family life and activity. Experiment with each set-up, periodically checking in with your child to see what is working and what is not.

2. Upgrade visual learning. Is your child a visual learner? Upgrade study time in any sized space with a short throw projector that automatically adapts the projection brightness to the lighting conditions in the room. One option that allows you to control the projector wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet is the Casio Ultra Short Throw LampFree Projector XJUT351WN, which features a mercuryfree laser and LED hybrid light source, making it an eco-friendly and safe option for young students.

3. Embrace the principles of natural wellness. It is said that certain essential

oils can promote focus and improve concentration. These can be diffused, rolled, or simply inhaled to give students a boost when it comes time to cram for an exam.

4. Make time for music. Studies have found that music can help improve memory. Making music can be an effective stress reliever in the face of school-induced stress. Consider outfitting your child’s study area with an affordable, lightweight instrument like a Casio CT-X Keyboard, which features an extensive library of 600 tones and 195 rhythms, supporting diverse musical genres. Whether it is a 20-minute study break or a jam session once homework is completed, make it possible for musical creativity to come to life.

5. Incorporate educational technology.

Education tech tools can help synthesize classroom concepts. Be sure your child’s workspace incorporates new tech like classpad.net, a web-based mathematics resource for K-12 and beyond, which students can use to draw geometry figures freehand and input calculations as they would on real scratch paper. Great for study buddies, the tool allows for simultaneous work with calculation, graphing, geometry, and data analysis/statistics.

Easy Ways To Boost Your Family’s Veggie Intake (StatePoint) Nutritious, delicious, and low-calorie, vegetables should be the star player of all your meals. But sometimes providing veggies for your family can be time-consuming and costly. Luckily, there are a number of simple ways to boost your veggie intake, and it all starts in your grocery store’s freezer aisle.

• Go frozen. Frozen vegetables are often one of the most affordable options and the quickest to prepare, reducing time spent slicing and dicing on busy weeknights.

What’s more, by opting for frozen veggies, your family will likely reduce its food waste. Frozen vegetables are easy to store for long periods of time, and recent studies have found that freezing actually helps lock nutrients in.

• Swap it out: Little ones and even some adults can be resistant to certain vegetables at first, but there are ways to incorporate them into family meals with no one the wiser. Consider cooking with vegetables that offer the look, feel, and taste of traditional starches such as rice, pasta, and potatoes. For example, Green Giant’s frozen Veggie Swap-Ins line, which includes Green Giant Riced Veggies, Green Giant Veggie Spirals, and Green Giant Mashed Cauliflower, are easy go-to items in any kitchen for quick family meals. Indeed, 52 percent of American consumers who noted they had purchased Green Giant Swap-Ins products within three months of

taking the survey said they have introduced the product into their kids’ meals without their kids knowing they weren’t traditional potatoes, rice, and/or pasta, and 49 percent admit to swapping these items for potatoes, rice, and pasta 1-2 times per week.

• Be mindful: Dining out can be especially tricky territory for those looking to eat more vegetables. Be mindful of what you order. Read the menu carefully and ask questions. Many restaurants are happy to make substitutions to accommodate your preferences. For example, see if you can replace a side of fries with a garden salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables like green beans.

• Get creative: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply making your family dinner, consider reducing calories in salads and sides by upping your vegetable intake in these dishes. Make an Italian pasta salad out of zucchini or carrot spirals. Swap out traditional rice with riced cauliflower to make a simple pilaf.

Create a tasty alternative to traditional potato tots with such products as Green Giant Veggie Tots. The possibilities are endless.

Are you looking to simplify your family’s clean-eating routine and increase your vegetable intake? With a few tips and tricks, you can incorporate broccoli, beets, squash, and more into your family’s diet while saving time and money in the process.

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22 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

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Home & Garden - 23

September 14, 2018 - The Newtown Bee

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24 - Home & Garden

The Newtown Bee - September 14, 2018

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