Voice News September 23 2010 Section 3

SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010 - Page 29
Home & Garden
VOICE NEWS
special fall section
Structural insulated panels provide wall
strength without studs for Hanau’s home
By Natalie Schwarz
For the last sixteen years, Dave goes 20 percent faster than wood
and Kelley Hanau, of Cortland, have frame construction because the panowned ten acres of land in the
Spring Lake Estates area in Firth.
He bought the land as an investment, with the hopes of one day
building his dream home on a hill
overlooking a small lake. The time
has finally come and the construction of his home is currently underway, but this isn’t just any new
construction, it is a home being
built with energy-efficiency in
mind.
Hanau enlisted the help of architect Mike Fakler, builder Mark
Otto, and material provider Tom
Van Scoy, to help make his dream
home into a reality. The material
that Van Scoy is providing is structural insulated panels or SIP’s. “I
want a well built house,” said
Hanau, and with this product he is
guaranteed an exterior that is stron- Mark Otto, Dave Hanau, Tom Van
ger than the typical wood frame Scoy (l-r) confer on the house.
home.
els are all in one piece. “Once you
The ingenuity behind SIP’s is get through the first few panels,
that it is a composite building mate- they go up quickly,” said builder
rial made of polystyrene foam that Mark Otto. It is believed that Hanau
is sandwiched between two layers will recoup his costs in the next 3-5
of structural board. In the case of years due to energy-savings.
Hanau’s home, the boards are plyThe use of polystyrene is very
wood. There are no studs in the ex- effective in keeping the flow of air
terior walls. This building material out, which makes the home more enis strong and energy efficient. ergy-efficient. Hanau wanted to use
“These walls are amazingly strong. this type of material because he sees
This system has been engineered that is the way the country is
to withstand category 4 hurricane headed- towards efficiency. “I bewinds” said Van Scoy.
lieve in being as economic as posUsing SIP’s is very cost-effec- sible and if I can save money on my
tive. It can save the homeowner with energy bill, I win,” said Hanau.
construction fees since instillation
Otto, who has been in the con-
Remode
ling? New C
onstru
ctio
n?
emodeling?
Co
nstructio
ction?
•Basement Finish
•Trim Carpentry
•Decks •Siding
•Electrical •Tile
One call for all your Home remodeling
projects from experienced contractors.
Jason Hagemann 430-3322 Firth
Cha
d K
es
la
r 499-5379 Hic
kma
n
Chad
Kes
esla
lar
Hickma
kman
struction business for ten years,
mentions that some builders are
hesitant on using newly designed
products in their buildings since
they are unsure on how to work with
the materials and what the outcomes will be. In his own work he
doesn’t shy away from uniquely efficient products and believes that
once more builders open themselves up to these energy-efficiency materials, they will be surprised at how practical they are and
will continue to use them on future
projects.
Hanau’s home has another interesting feature, other than its energyefficiency. There will be a tornado
shelter/safe room in the basement
of the house. It will be under the
porch, not under the main part of
the house, so there is little chance
the ceiling can be removed in the
event of a tornado. It will also have
a steel door for added protection
and the space can be used for extra
storage. Their close call with the
2004 Hallam tornado (their home in
Cortland was only a few miles from
the tornado’s path) surely added in
their decision to add a tornado shelter to their new home.
The part that Hanau seems most
excited about is his ‘man shed’ located across the yard from the main
home. Here, Hanau plans to have a
woodworking shop. His interest in
woodworking came from his father.
“Turning
wood is my
passion,”
Hanau said.
H a n a u
and his family are excitedly waiting
for
their
money-saving, energyefficient
dream home Dave and Kelley Hanau’s home under
to be com- construction in rural Firth, sports a spacious
plete, even yard.
Photos by Natalie Schwarz
though there
are a few months of construction the lake from their backyard deck
left. Once it is finished, the Hanau’s and watch the deer and fox that frewill be able to enjoy their view of quent the property.
Quality Service to the
Community for over 30 years
Residential • Commercial
Rick Young • 435-2200 • [email protected]
It’
s time ffor
or a c
hang
e
It’s
chang
hange
With the recent decline in interest rates,
now may be the opportune time to
refinance your home, purchase a new
one, or build that addition you’ve been
dreaming of for years. Now is the time.
Interest Rates have never
been so low - call today!
Licensed Electrician
A call to a First State Bank mortgage
lender at any of our convenient
locations could save you money on
your housing needs.
This is a great time to
upgrade your heating & a.c
system in your home or business!
CLIMATECH
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Call Kevin Buis • 432-0522, Hickman
Tax Credit
Available
on 16 seer
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Page 30 -
SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010
“Check out” the kitchen
when shopping for a new home
• Do I like the layout of the kitchen?
tions and day-to-day activities, which
(Consider
the kitchen from an overall
is why it is so important for prospective buyers to ensure that their new perspective and keep in mind all the
kitchen will meet the needs of their items that will require storage.)
• Does the kitchen look comfortfamily from a design and functionalable and make me feel good when I’m
in it?
• Does the kitchen help facilitate
frequent casual interactions with family and friends? (Consider the views
into the surrounding rooms. Do the
spaces enable you to easily associate with family and friends?)
• Is the cabinetry durable and well
built? Is the finish on the cabinetry
smooth and consistent?
• Does the kitchen have visual impact or a good focal point such as an
island, cooking grotto or other unique
feature? (Islands are a useful feature
that many homeowners desire. When
examining an island, identify the tasks
or storage functions it serves to be
sure it will meet your needs.)
• Does the kitchen have adequate
storage space and built-in features to
accommodate my possessions? (The
study found the biggest regret
“Test-driving” the kitchen allows you to get a feel of how homeowners have after a kitchen reday-to-day life may be in a house you’re thinking of buying.
model is that they didn’t include
lines that can help you find a home ity perspective,” said design expert enough storage features. Look for
drawer organizers, pullout trays and
you will be happy with for a very long Paul Radoy.
time.
The kitchen deserves special at- a lazy Susan.)
A recent study conducted by tention when shopping for a new Test-Drive The Kitchen
• Open and close the drawers sevMerillat, a leading manufacturer of home and has many aspects not aleral
times to be sure they roll in and
cabinetry, found that the kitchen is ways visible with a quick glance. Folthe most influential room when de- low these two simple guidelines and out smoothly and quietly.
• Open the wall and base cabinets,
ciding to buy a home, followed by you’ll be better able to decide if the
because you may discover unique
the great room and then the master kitchen is right for you.
storage solutions.
bedroom.
Keep A Checklist
• Pretend you’re making a meal and
“The kitchen is the gathering place
Ask yourself:
role-play
the necessary steps infor special occasions, family funcvolved to see if the space is laid out
as efficiently as possible.
"Local people have trusted me for 27
• Examine the thickness of the
wood
on the drawer fronts and sides,
years to help reduce or manage their
as well as the cabinet doors.
pain and keep them healthy and active."
• See if the hinges are adjustable
to make for a correctly aligned cabinet door.
• Investigate the cabinet interiors
to determine whether they’re covered
with a durable water--and stain--resistant material versus a lower-quality product.
• Check to see that the color of the
Conveniently located at
interior complements the exterior.
70th & V
an Dor
n
Van
Dorn
Most importantly, when shopping
for a new home, take your time and
2855 S. 70th St. • Lincoln
Dr. Doug
analyze all aspects of the home to enCall now for appt. 483-4409
sure it is perfect f or you and your
Vander Broek
www.holmeslake.com
family.
Although buying a home is the
largest investment most people will
ever make, the decision doesn’t have
to be as daunting as it may seem to
many. There are some simple guide-
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To achieve a green and luscious lawn, you need to be mindful
of fertilizing and mulching.
Take the “waste”
out of yard waste
Routine lawn and yard maintenance
is usually on every homeowner’s to-do
list. Keeping the lawn neat and green
can become a neighborhood goal, with
everyone competing for the title of “best
kept lawn”. Reducing resources and
minimizing waste in a landscape should
be another worthy goal.
Reducing yard “waste” is the route
more people are taking, while finding
more satisfaction in routine yard care
at the same time. Here’s how you can
reduce yard “waste” and transform it
into yard “wealth”.
Use Organic Mulches
Recycle leaves, wood chips,
grass clippings, and other yard trimmings as mulch to retain soil moisture, reduce weed growth, moderate daily and seasonal soil temperatures, and reduce soil erosion.
Plant Ground Covers
Reduce impractical lawn areas
(steep slopes, shady areas, low spots)
and keep tree roots moist and cool. Less
lawn means fewer grass clippings. It
also can reduce the amount of pesticide,
and fertilizer use.
Direct Downspouts into
Planting Beds or Lawns
Reduce runoff from downspouts
directed onto paved surfaces which
can contribute pollutants to lakes
and streams. Redirect this precious
natural resource to your yard rather
than the pavement.
Try Natural Landscaping
ternatives as your property contributes to a richer ecosystem.
Landscape the
Border of Your Yard
Perimeter plantings provide a
convenient place to recycle tree trimmings, leaves, and garden debris.
Decomposition is speeded up by
cutting twigs and other materials
into smaller pieces.
Select Plants for
Proper Size and Vigor
Reduce trimmings by selecting
dwarf varieties and always plan for
the natural height of trees and
shrubs before planting. Pest resistant varieties reduce both chemical
usage and the dead wood from diseased plants. Match plants to
proper climate, soil, light conditions,
and topography.
Manage Lawn Areas Wisely
Recycle nutrients by leaving clippings on the lawn where they belong. If
you must collect them, reuse the grass
clippings as mulch or compost. Proper
care keeps lawns growing vigorously,
which greatly reduces disease and pesticide use.
Fertilize Conservatively
Test the soil and reduce fertilizer
use to avoid excessive plant growth
which contributes to potential yard
waste. Reuse fertilizer spilled on
paved surfaces which will otherwise
pollute lakes and streams via runoff
water.
Naturalize at least a portion of Use Leaves as a Resource
your yard to reduce maintenance,
Small amounts of leaves, when
grass clippings, pesticide and fer- shredded with a lawn mower, can be
tilizer usage. Enjoy the attractive al- recycled as an organic nutrient source
if left on the lawn. This reduces the freI don’t like Spiders and Snakes! quency of raking. Leaves can also be
to mulch perimeter plantings or
Or Mice! Or Termites! or Ants! reused
as an ingredient in compost.
Only cartoon mice are cute!
Call 540-0200 in Hickman
A-1 Total Home Pest Control
“QUALITY AT A FAIR PRICE”
Serving homes in Lincoln
www.totalhomeinspect.com
& surrounding communities
before the fall invasion! Professional Treatment • Roaches • Bees • Spiders • Rodents
Jesse Thies, Mgr. WDI certified (wood destroying insects)• Termites • Carpenter Ants
Leave Space in Flower Beds
or Gardens to Trench Compost
Recycle nutrients back into the
soil by digging a small pit or trench
to bury and compost pulled weeds,
garden, or kitchen wastes.
Composted organic matter improves
the soil for next year’s plantings,
which reduces fertilizer needs.
Create a Compost Pile or Bin
For yard trimmings with no other
use, recycle. Using a recycling bin
speeds up the natural process of
decomposition. Using a bin has the
added advantage of screening the
compost from view.
Plan and Evaluate Your Yard
Reconsidering your routines may
require a little time and discipline-as opposed to proceeding as usual.
But good, environmentally friendly
ideas should emerge. The key is to
lessen the waste problem in some
way by first rethinking, then reduce,
reuse, and recycle.
Reprinted from The NEBLINE
Domestic well drilling: AWS Well Drilling 624-3895
12000 East O St. • Lincoln
489-9227
Dave Doran 610-1655
Brad Ohlman 610-1653
www.customcooling.net
In the late 1800s, some physicians
used the tomato as a remedy for
indigestion, diarrhea and liver
disease, and as a cholera preventive.
Refresh garden
containers
with fall colors
During these late summer days,
many home gardeners begin to notice their plants and container arrangements looking pretty tired. Now
is perfect time to refresh your containers with new plants and extend
their decorative appeal into the cool
season. Use autumn influences to create a whole new look and feel for any
container. Lauritzen Gardens Plant
Records Curator Sara Straate gives
tips on how to create a beautiful arrangement.
A smart and stunning container arrangement consists of three important
components: a “filler” (the bulk of the
arrangement), a “spiller” (something to
trail over the sides) and a “thriller” (a
vertical accent). There are a large variety of familiar and unique plants and
flowers that can be utilized for a fall arrangement such as this.
Plants commonly used in fall displays,
which are suited to the cooler months
include bold-colored chrysanthemums
and asters, brightly colored pansies,
delicate snapdragons and sweet potato
vine. These are all great starting points
for any container and all can easily be
found at local garden centers.
Spice up a standard container with
visually interesting plants such as ornamental cabbage and kale, English ivy,
coral bells and sedum, ornamental
grasses, sedges, coleus, asparagus
ferns, and small evergreens. These
plants give a personalized and unique
look to a container arrangement since
many do not think to use them in autumn.
Coral bells and sedum are perennials that add texture in containers. Ornamental grasses come in greens,
purples, reds or gold, and along with
sedges and evergreens, offer height to
a container arrangement. There are numerous coleus, which boast dramatic
autumn colors like rust, orange and scarlet hues. Asparagus fern provides finetextured foliage and may also be overwintered inside. If desired, move this
fern indoors before frost, and enjoy it
as a houseplant all winter. Pumpkins,
gourds, and dogwood twigs are often
overlooked elements, since they are usually set into an arrangement. However,
when placed in a planted container,
these additions allow for unlimited creative ideas.
Use this weekend’s beautiful weather
to get your hands dirty and revitalize
your containers at home.
Tiling made easy
Updated kitchens and baths are
key selling points for homes, and tiling countertops, backsplashes, and
tub and shower surrounds can add instant style and resale value to your
abode. Beautiful, durable tile can infuse color and drama and set the tone
for any decor.
Many do-it-yourselfers hesitate to
take on tiling projects because the
process is messy and the technical
demands of traditional tile adhesives,
such as mortar or mastic, can be intimidating to even the seasoned DIYer.
Fortunately, the latest tile adhesive
can take much of the muss, fuss, stress
and cost out of tiling. Tiles can be installed in three easy steps: (1) Peel
off the liner; (2) stick tile in place; and
(3) apply grout the same day. You can
forget about the messy and daunting
process of mixing and applying traditional tile adhesives. A process that
used to consume a whole weekend
can now be completed in just one day.
Spa safety
suggestions
You and your family and friends
may be able to enjoy a minivacation
every day, just by relaxing in your own
home spa.
Whether you use it to enhance togetherness, as a place to get away
from it all by yourself, scent it for
aromatherapy with soothing herbs and
fragrances, or include it in your exercise routine, your spa can be an important part of your life--as long as
you keep it clean. Here are six things
to consider:
1. Circulation: Run your spa’s circulation system every day. Proper water circulation helps spa care products
get distributed evenly and promotes
proper filtration.
2. Filtration: Many spa issues can
be caused by poor filtration. If the filter is dirty or clogged, debris stays in
the water. Because spa filters trap
many contaminants, cleaning involves
two steps: spraying off loose debris,
then using a filter cleaner to remove
oils and other contaminants. You
should clean your filter every four to
six weeks.
3. Cleaning: Contaminants such as
dirt, oil and bacteria can accumulate
at the waterline, much like a bathtub
ring. A surface cleaner and cleaning
mitts can be used to remove the ring
of oil and dirt that serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and to prevent
residue from building up around the
waterline and inside skimmers.
4. Draining and Refilling: Over
time, the water absorbs and dissolves
minerals, chemicals, and other soluble
material. A Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS) test can help determine when
it’s time to replace your water. High
TDS can make the water look dull,
become foamy and develop an odor.
How often should you drain and refill
your spa? That depends on how often
you use it. A simple formula can help:
Spa gallons divided by Daily bath-
SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010 - Page 31
Home floor plan
Preventing problems before
they occur can help you have
more enjoyment and relaxation
in your sparkling-clear spa.
ers divided by three equals Days
between draining.
5. Chemistry: Two main things
affect spa water quality: sanitizer
(bromine or chlorine) residual and
pH. When both are within their recommended ranges, the water
should be comfortable, protected
and clear--sanitizers and “shock
products” will work efficiently--and
spa surfaces and equipment are
protected. Maintain pH between 7.4
and 7.6. SpaGuard Spa Sentry can
protect water from pH changes.
6. Testing: Use test strips to
regularly check spa water chemistry. Products from SpaGuard can
help you maintain the three essential chemical areas:
• Sanitization--kills bacteria to
help prevent the transmission of
disease
• Oxidation/shock--removes residues and restores clarity and comfort
• Water balance--ensures spa
user comfort, water clarity, sanitizer
efficiency, and longevity of spa
surfaces and equipment.
Learn More
For more on spa care, visit your
local SpaGuard retailer or
www.spaguard.com.
A really green way
to cool and heat a home
A growing number of environmentally conscious homeowners are using a home
energy system that really is considered down to earth.
They’ve installed a geothermal comfort system, considered by many to be one
of the “greenest” ways to cool and heat a home. By installing this type of system,
homeowners can save energy, lower their heating and cooling costs, and help protect the environment by using renewable energy from the earth. Using such a system can also provide your home with hot water.
A geothermal home comfort system uses a series of pipes-called an earth loopburied just below ground level to efficiently cool a home in the summer and provide
heat in the winter. It is able to do this because the temperature below ground stays
fairly consistent year-round, absorbing the sun’s energy regardless of climate or
season.
Investment in geothermal systems can contribute to the growth of renewable
energy and homegrown energy solutions. And because geothermal systems utilize
the free renewable supply of energy found in homeowners’ backyards, the use of
geothermal reduces U.S. dependency on foreign oil.
It also makes it possible for homeowners to reduce both their carbon footprint
and their utility bills. According to the experts at WaterFurnace, a leading manufacturer of geothermal cooling and heating equipment, the energy savings provided by
one of their geothermal systems can be as much as 70 percent compared to using
a traditional system.
In addition, geothermal systems don’t emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide,
or other greenhouse gases that are considered to be major contributors to environmental air pollution. This can help to reduce a homeowner’s carbon footprint.
Audrey Hepburn’s given name originally was Andrey. Andrey is a feminine form of
Andrew. Belgian-born Hepburn changed the n to a u to become Audrey.
Lower Cost, Faster Results
Bondera TileMatSet can be
easily applied to any clean, flat,
level surface including drywall,
plywood, old tile, laminate and
Formica. Bondera is available at
Lowe’s stores nationwide and on
www.lowes.com. The product’s
innovative technology repels water and is mold and crack resistant. Using Bondera on a typical
DIY kitchen or bathroom project
can save you up to 40 percent
versus the cost of hiring a contractor, and it saves time as well
because you don’t need to wait
24 hours to grout.
Yohe Farm Supply
Filley • 402-662-4425
Hurry Offer Ends September 30, 2010!
Decoratin
g mistak
es eev
ver
es
Decorating
mistakes
eryyone mak
makes
Joe Meehan, of Greenwood, formerly of Hickman, has
accumulated several VOICE garden records over the years.
Last week, he came to the office with two oddities, an
Armenian yard long cucumber (a new category) setting a
record at 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and 27 inches long. He also had
a 4.15 pound yam, (also a new category). The VOICE staff
thought a yam was a sweet potato, but according to Google, it
is not. The Roger Bruss family, of Clatonia, set a record in
1994, for a 9 pound, 11 ounce sweet potato. See all the VOICE
garden records on our home page on our website at
www.voicenewsnebraska.com or in the August home and
garden section (also on our website as are all of our special
sections for easy reference.
Ask How. Ask Now.
Ask Sherwin-Williams.
• Color Matches
• Wallpaper
• Paint
• Stains
+Rachel Ashwell, designer of Simply Shabby Chic for Target, shares a
few common home-decorating pitfalls and suggests easy ways to
combat them.
Find the Light: Turn overhead
lights off and purchase an array of
lighting, such as table lamps,
sconces and floor lamps. A trio of
light sources, positioned at different heights, will create flattering
pools of light. A mix of lighting styles
will provide brighter wattage for
reading and a softer glow for ambience. If you do choose an overhead
light source, install dimmer switches
so you have the flexibility to go from
romantic to practical.
Pack Rat Tendencies: Once a
year, make it a priority to edit the clutter. If you don’t use it, lose it. If your
heartstrings tug on an item, remind
yourself that by donating to charity,
someone else can enjoy and benefit.
When editing your home, keep
beauty, comfort and function as your
criteria. Items such as decorative
boxes or storage ottomans serve
double duty, adding to a room’s decor and helping to keep the room organized.
Measure It: A tape measure is
your best friend. Before heading to
Target for decorative furnishings,
measure the space that you are intending to place your purchase in,
as well as doorways and halls, which
will allow for easy move-in. Proportions are also an important consideration. A huge bed will overwhelm
a small room, just as a little table
against a vast wall can look lost.
When you add measurements to
your shopping list, you’ll be happier
with the end result.
Furniture Flub: One of the most
common home-decorating blunders
is to place furniture against walls.
Leave some space between the wall
and pieces of furniture so they can
“breathe” and allow the room to look
larger. Clustering chairs together
creates an intimate setting.
Simply Chic: Less is always so
much more. Invest in a few key
Measuring and not trying to do too much are just a couple
of things that can make your decorations in your home stand
out, in a good way.
pieces, but don’t buy things just to
fill space. It’s always safe to purchase large furniture in solid colors. Variations of color, tone and
texture are more interesting and
soothing than jarring prints and
loud, diverse colors. Let complementary hues on walls and neighboring textiles tie everything together. Add unique, personal
touches with decorative pillows
and colorful artwork.
Look to the Windows: Curtains
or decorative window coverings are
a beautiful way to define the tone,
style and palette of a room. For example, whimsical lace panels create
a different effect than silks or plush
velvets, which evoke a warm, formal feel. If your windows are nonstandard sizes, place each curtain’s
tension rod at the same distance
from the ceiling to create an illusion
30 Years
Concrete Experience
Sidewalks, Driveways, Steps,
Patios, Curbs, Retaining Walls
& More
616 Court • Beatrice
Wilkason Concrete
223-5340
Call Ed or Anthony 402-570-5653
New Hours: M-F 7-7, Sat. 8-6
BZ
of windows at the same height. Details are also important. Rod pocket
curtains, blinds, Roman shades and
drapes help define a room’s feeling.
CONSTRUCTION
& DESIGN
Residential • Remodeling • Contracting
PO Box 401 - Hickman, NE 68372
Bruce: (402) 432-3848
Chris: (402) 440-5996
Mike: (402) 430-0512
The color of the hardware adds the
final touch, helping to bring the
room together.
A new color
palette for
a new year
Color forecasters are saying green just
may be the “it” color of 2010, reflecting,
they believe, a desire for new beginnings.
For many, it also represents renewal,
as well as being the color of spring and
new growth. In recent years, it has also
become, for many, the emblem of the environment--a shorthand for the global
movement that’s dedicated to preserving
and conserving our planet.
Green is also the easiest color for the
eye to see, and considered the most restful and comforting of all. So says Sonu
Mathew, ASID, a Benjamin Moore Paints
senior interior designer. She believes that
Benjamin Moore’s Cedar Green 2034-40,
in particular, is a compelling hue.
Said Mathew, “You’ll find it on the yellow end of the spectrum. It’s a color that,
on its own, can contribute a vibrant pop to
a room, or creates a softer look when
paired with neutrals. It is also a perfect foil
for bright contrasts, such as deep blues and
orangey reds.”
“Envision Color 2010,” offered by the
company’s network of paint and decorating retailers throughout North America.
While Cedar Green leads the parade
of what’s hot in the coming year, a total of
18 colors organized into three palettes are
proposed as palliatives for America’s collective mood, and all the cultural and social influences impacting it.
The publication is illustrated with photography of room settings with inspiring suggestions on color combinations and imaginative wall treatments.
“Of course, one pervasive trend in 2010
is going to be smart spending,” said
Mathew. “And when it comes to decorating, paint is among the wisest investments
you can make. Give a single wall a new
coat of color and it’s one of the simplest,
most economical and effective
makeovers.”
ALL TYPES OF
DIRT WORK
waterways, terraces,
tile terraces, dams, etc.
B.A.B., Inc.
1200 Oak St. • Adams
988-5565 • 988-2405
988-5705 - fax
Wal-Mart stores in Lincoln make
competition for Habitat for Humanity
Beginning Tuesday, August
31 with a “kickoff,” and continuing throughout the first half of
September, the three Lincoln WalMart stores will be “teaming up”
to participate in a project as a part
of Wal-Mart’s Community Involvement Program. The three
local stores will be helping three
of Lincoln/Lancaster County
Habitat for Humanity’s new
homeowners start and establish
a green, healthy lawn. The winner of this competition between
the three Lincoln Wal-Mart stores
will receive a BBQ lunch provided
by the other two stores.
Starting from scratch—each with
a freshly graded and ready to seed
yard—these three teams of volunteers (one team from each store) will
compete to see which can produce
the best looking lawn. Armed with
plenty of donated grass seed, flowers and shrubs, each store team will
do the seeding, mulching, watering,
and a limited amount of landscaping,
along with enough TLC required to
get each lawn started and looking
good before winter. At the end of
this process, Wal-Mart will provide
their own panel of judges and incentives for the winning team.
Michele Williamson, resource
Coordinator for Lincoln Habitat,
wishes to emphasizes the fact that
when Habitat partners to build a family a home, the family receives instruction along the way on basic
home maintenance and lawn care, but
sometimes they need a bit more direction and supervision. “As many
homeowners know, lawn care and
maintenance can be difficult. Just getting a new lawn established correctly
can be a challenge, and for first time
homeowners like ours, this responsibility can be a nightmare.”
Habitat for Humanity builds
homes for low income/first time
homebuyers. Williamson states,
“Like many of us, our homebuyers
often work long hours—some having more than one job just to be able
to purchase their new home. Often,
this means that these new
UNL extension
assists gardens
UNL Extension has always been
there when it comes to lending a helping hand with Nebraskans’ gardening
questions.
From UNL Extension Master Gardeners serving as consultants or providing assistance for community
groups to UNL Extension educators
collaborating with community gardens
or organizations, extension’s roll as
partner and facilitator often goes unnoticed.
We’ve been a very good partner
and facilitator” when it comes to assisting the community with its gardening needs,” said John Fech, UNL Extension educator in Douglas and
Sarpy counties. “We are educators,
or research disseminators, and we let
the community use it and adapt it accordingly.”
Through UNL Extension, Dave
Smith, UNL Extension technologist in
Lancaster County, has been helping
with the garden at the People’s City
Mission in Lincoln for the past four
years.
He helped them turn a grassy area
into a garden for guests of the mission.
Two years ago he helped them land
a $10,000 grant from the Woods
Foundation to put up a fence around
the garden, run a waterline to it and
pay part of a salary for one of the residents there to take care of it.
The first mail box was created
by Thomas Brown in 1810.
Brown later served as governor
of Florida.
homeowners lack the proper lawn
care tools, or resources to purchase them at the time they move
in.”
As a nonprofit organization,
Habitat for Humanity relies almost
entirely on volunteer efforts to work
in partnership with people in need,
to build simple, decent homes. So
Lincoln Habitat went searching for
some generous volunteers and donors to give a little of their time and
support to help improve their families’ chances of becoming good
neighbors. Here is where the Lincoln Wal-Mart stores answered the
call.
“We are happy to share our time
and lend our support to these families in the community,” says Jeff
Livingston, store manager of the
North Wal-Mart and project organizer. “We believe our volunteers will
benefit greatly from this experience
and have fun doing so as well.” This
kind of partnership illustrates that
Lincoln’s corporate community has
a strong sense of duty when it comes
to improving and maintaining the
neighborhoods in our city as well as
enhancing the lives of its citizens.
About Lincoln / Lancaster Habitat for Humanity
Lincoln / Lancaster County
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit
Christian housing ministry dedicated
to building decent, affordable housing in partnership with those in need
in Lancaster County. Since 1988
Lincoln / Lancaster County Habitat
for Humanity has worked with over
100 families to build homes. For
more information, call our office at
402-477-9184
or
visit
www.lincolnhabitat.org
About Habitat for
Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all
people dedicated to the cause of
eliminating poverty housing. Since its
founding in 1976, Habitat has built,
rehabilitated, repaired or improved
more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and
affordable shelter for more than
1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer,
visit www.habitat.org.
Leaves gather under this decorative bench in a rural backyard.
Three tips for
selling your home
When it comes to selling your home
in a tough market, Realtors say a few
simple, cost-effective improvements can
make a big difference.
For instance, the first thing many prospective buyers notice in a home is its
floors. Restoring-rather than replacingtired or worn floors and carpets could
make a better first impression and save
you the cost of installing new ones.
These tips come from experts at The
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC):
• Remove noticeable stains. While it’s
recommended that you use a professional, if you do the cleaning yourself,
use products made for carpet and carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions.
• Remove worn-out carpet over existing wood floors. Fill any staple holes
with putty. Then sweep, vacuum and
carefully clean.
• Keep dirt out by using entry mats
at all doors. Eighty to 90 percent of the
soil found on floors is tracked in from
outside.
Property owners, do you need help?
•Stain/Paint your home or business remodel
•Stain/Paint your addition or basement finish
•Powerwash/Paint your commercial or farm buildings
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Lincoln/Lancaster County Habitat for
Humanity wishes to recognize the
Wal-Mart Foundation for their
outstanding philanthropic gesture!
Volunteers from 3 Lincoln Wal-Marts will
be helping 3 of Lincoln/Lancaster County
Habitat for Humanity’s new homeowners
start and establish a green, healthy lawn.
477-9184
144 N. 19th St • Lincoln
[email protected]
We can
help you
get there.
With home improvement loans or if
you’re buying a home.
Eagle State Bank
Eagle, NE
781-2315 or toll free 888-781-2315
Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri. 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Page 34 -
SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010
Firth couple builds home from ground up
By Gerry Baksys
It’s hard to imagine what the
five acres looked like before the
Moseman’s moved in. A lot more
barren, that’s for sure.
A decade ago, Dan and JoAnn
Moseman bought the land in ru-
of color.”
Mission accomplished!
They have approximately
1,800 square feet on each floor of
their home. The upstairs contains
a living room, dining
room,
spacious
kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The basement
has one bathroom,
an office, two bedrooms and living
room/game
room
area.
Warm light browns
and golden/butterscotch colors permeate their home, accented by colorful
wallpaper borders in
their kitchen, dining
room and downstairs
bedrooms.
The kitchen is
both
Dan
and
JoAnn’s
favorite
room in the house. It
boasts a solid wood
floor, wood cabinets
and a spacious work
area with an island.
“We wanted to have
In the corner of the upstairs living room enough room in here
hangs a pure white quilt her mother for both of us to
made years ago, as well as the various work without bumpcounty fair ribbons the quilt won. ing into each other,”
JoAnn’s mother died five years ago, and JoAnn said. “Plus it
her father gave the quilt to her.
seems whenever the
Photos by Gerry Baksys family gets together,
ral Firth that would become their everyone congregates in the
home. At the time, Dan was still kitchen.”
in the Air Force and stationed in
In addition to all of those wonAltus, Oklahoma, but was prepar- derful features, the kitchen has a
ing to move back to Nebraska.
breakfast nook that overlooks
“JoAnn and I are from Ne- their yard. (More on that in a bit!)
braska and my sister lives right
A careful observer might noup the road,” Dan said. “After 20 tice a few small quilts hanging on
years in the Air Force, JoAnn the walls of their home, along
and I were interested in coming with hand made table runners and
back and building our own other crafty creations. JoAnn
home.”
said she created them to tie the
In 2002, Dan retired and work colors together in the various
began on their house. They had rooms.
looked at a ton of house plans,
taking ideas from places they
lived and knew what they liked
and didn’t like to create their
dream home.
“We wanted something that
would be warm, open and
friendly,” JoAnn said. “Air Force
housing is drab and dingy, so we
also wanted something with a lot
“I made quilts for our kids
when they were little,” JoAnn
said. “I quit for awhile, but started
up again when we retired and
moved back here.”
As beautiful as the upstairs is,
the downstairs level is more
amazing; not because it is decorated more lavishly, but because
it was finished by Dan and
JoAnn.
“In order to keep costs down,”
Dan said, “we had the contractors finish the upstairs and leave
the downstairs alone. It took
about five years working nights
and weekends until it was completely done.”
The basement follows the
decorating scheme of the upstairs
level: warm earth tones, color border accents … and a wood ceiling?
In the lounge area of the basement living room, not only is there
a wood ceiling (the basement
floor is carpeted and the rest of
the ceiling is plaster), but they
have a tree jutting out from the
wall.
“It took me awhile to find a tree
that would fit properly,” Dan said.
“I needed one with branches in
the right position and I applied
several coats of polyurethane to
seal it and prevent insect infestations.”
The yard
Both JoAnn and Dan work for
the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. JoAnn is the academic
transfer coordinator while Dan
works in the landscaping department. Most spouses might get
upset when their significant other
brings their work home with them,
but JoAnn doesn’t seem to mind.
There are a variety of trees
spread out across two of their five
acres of property. (The remaining
three acres are uncultivated native grassland.) There are shrubs,
bushes and even a patch of wildflowers in the spring and early
The Mosemans brought nature into their living room with a
wood panel-ceiling and a tree.
summer.
“When you build a new
house,” Dan said, “you start without landscaping. We started with
only the trees planted along the
road that act as a windbreak. Fortunately, this has been a hobby
of mine for several years now.”
Dan said he spends about five
hours a week just on mainte-
nance and additional time whenever he wants to plant new trees
or install a new feature. In fact,
he is already mapping out the location for what promises to be an
exciting new water feature.
“I’m going to have a waterfall
cascading down a small hill and
into a basin,” he said. “The basin, which will have Koi, will have
Dan points out the path his future water feature will take.
If you’ve got plans,
we’ve got the tools,
as well as reliable and
experienced employees
to get the job donewhether it is
•repairs
•remodeling or
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Dan and JoAnn Moseman stand in front of their two-story Firth
home they built from the ground up.
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a stream running through our oak
trees and ending in a slightly
larger pond right in front of Willie,
our Weeping Willow tree.”
Dan will then install a pump,
sending the water back to the top
of the waterfall. If he can, he
wants to try and find an old
farmer ’s windmill to pump the
water naturally. And of course, he
plans on installing the water feature by himself.
“I’ve always been good with
my hands,” Dan said. “When we
were in Oklahoma, we owned some
acreage out there and I installed
a water feature on our property.
That was when water features
were first starting to become
popular and you couldn’t find
anybody to do them for you.”
Their children are son, Andrew, of Brooklyn and daughter
Elissa and her husband Chris
Jones, of Madison, Wisconsin.
Elissa has a one-year-old son,
Wyatt.
SECTION 3 • VOICE
The garden of five senses
The Norris Kindergarten Sensory Garden is now up and
running. Sue Kohles, of the Nebraska Arboretum, designed
the landscape plan. Plants were chosen so students could
experience each of the five senses as they walk through the
garden.
Submitted by Sandy Delzell
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NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010 - Page 35
Refresh your kitchen... Tips for selecting
stone countertops that best fit your lifestyle
When you’re thinking kitchen preassembled with a substantial kitchen. Some marble, however, is
remodel, countertops rank right decorative edge profile. This more porous than granite and may
up there with the cabinetry as far eliminates any unfinished or awk- etch and stain if it comes into proas importance. Evaluating your ward looking exposed edges at longed contact with certain
lifestyle is important when it the sink rail. The midrange option foods. Be sure to ask your stone
comes to this selection. Are you
empty nesters
that take care
when prepping
food and cooking? Then your
options have just
expanded exponentially. However, if you are a
busy family with
children
that
tend to make
messes, you may
want to opt for a
combination of
durability and
good looks.
A granite slab
is the pinnacle of
countertop alternatives when it
comes to form
and
function. Granite or marble slab countertops can help tie in the theme of the kitchen.
Prices range from
the very expensive to the afford- is a large-format tile (16", 18" or fabricator for information on
able. More often than not, this 24" square) with a strip of gran- marble stone care and upkeep
little gem will make its way onto ite tile incorporated as the sink before selecting this material.
While a kitchen remodel on a
your “wants list.” Do your home- rail. The most affordable option
work and you might be surprised is the smaller 12"x12" tile finished tight budget might seem like an
to find out that you can afford with a wood strip to finish off the oxymoron to some, it can become
granite. It may not be that exotic countertop edge. When choos- a reality. Remember, inexpensive
massive slab you have been ing tiles, use the larger format in does not equal cheap, ugly or
drooling over, but it might be a solid shade with a minimal grout boring--it can be incredibly beauclose. By choosing a more com- joint and a matching grout color tiful when well executed. Treatmon variety, a thinner cut, a to help give the illusion of a slab. ing the kitchen like any other
If your tastes lean more toward room of the house by adding feasimple edge profile and limiting
rustic
matte-finished tures such as unique architectural
cutouts, you will likely spend less a
than you would on most man- countertop material, consider finds, overscale accessories,
made quartz or solid-surface ma- limestone, travertine, slate or framed art, lamps, plants, fabrics
terials. Remember, despite the honed marble tiles for your sur- and furniture will help exude
fact that your type of granite may face. Keep in mind that these ma- luxury. Focus on the focal points
be more common, each piece of terials come with some inherent (countertops and cabinets) and
natural stone is a totally unique drawbacks when used for the rest will fall into place. Keep
piece of art directly from Mother countertops, so research each an open mind, compromise and
one carefully prior to committing tap your inner creativity. You can
Nature.
do it!
If slabs are too costly for your to it.
For a stone fabricator near
Marble slab countertops, esbudget, consider granite tiles.
visit
www.marbleSeveral options exist that vary pecially white, are gaining in you,
moderately in price. The highest- popularity and add a sophisti- institute.com/ directory.
end option is a tile that comes cated, modern look to any
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Page 36 -
SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010
Black Walnut toxic to nearby plants
Black walnut (Juglans nigra
L.) is a valuable nut and hardwood
lumber tree. In the home landscape, black walnut is grown as a
shade tree and occasionally, for
its edible nuts. While many plants
grow well in proximity to black
walnut, there are certain plant
species whose growth is hindered
Black walnut lumber adversely
affects plants nearby.
by this tree. The type of relationship between plants in which one
produces a substance which affects the growth of another is
known as “allelopathy.”
The Source of Toxicity
Plants adversely affected by
being grown near black walnut
trees exhibit symptoms such as
foliar yellowing, wilting, and eventual death. The causal agent is a
chemical called “juglone”, which
occurs naturally in all parts of the
black walnut. The largest concentrations of juglone occur in the
walnut’s buds, nut hulls, and
roots. However, leaves and stems
do contain a smaller quantity.
Juglone is slightly soluble in water and thus does not move very
far in the soil.
Since small amounts of juglone
are released by live roots, particularly juglone-sensitive plants may
show toxicity symptoms anywhere
within the area of root growth of a
black walnut tree. However,
greater quantities of juglone are
generally present in the area immediately under the canopy of a
black walnut tree, due to greater
root density and the accumulation
of juglone from decaying leaves
and nut hulls. This distribution of
juglone means some sensitive
plants may tolerate the amount of
juglone present in the soil near a
black walnut tree, but may not survive directly under its canopy. Alternatively, highly sensitive
plants may not tolerate even the
small concentration of juglone
beyond the canopy spread. Because decaying roots still release
juglone, toxicity can persist for
several years after a tree is removed.
Species survival near or under
black walnut trees is further complicated by the fact the amount of
juglone present in the soil depends on soil type, drainage, and
soil microorganisms. Competition
for light and moisture under the
canopy also greatly affects which
species survive.
Other trees closely related to
black walnut also produce juglone,
including butternut, English walnut, pecan, shagbark hickory, and
bitternut hickory. However, all
produce such limited quantities
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compared to the black walnut that
toxicity to other plants is rarely
observed.
Implications for Horticulture
Gardens should be located
away from black walnut trees to
prevent damage to susceptible
plants. If proximity to such trees
is unavoidable, then raised beds
afford a means of protection. However, the bed must be constructed
in such a way as to minimize tree
root penetration into the raised
portion. Care must then be taken
to keep the beds free of black walnut leaf litter or nuts. If a garden
is separated from a black walnut
tree by a driveway or other physical barrier, then root extension
growth into the garden area may
be limited and juglone toxicity
problems minimized.
From observation of native
stands of black walnut, decreased
toxicity seems to be associated
with excellent soil drainage, even
among sensitive species. Thus,
any steps that can be taken to improve drainage, such as additions
of organic matter or replacement
of existing soil with a lighter type,
should tend to minimize toxicity
problems in a garden area.
Leaves, bark, or wood chips of
black walnut should not be used
to mulch landscape or garden
plants. Even after a period of
composting, such refuse may release small amounts of juglone.
Plants sensitive to juglone:
Vegetables: cabbage, eggplant, pepper, potato, tomato, asparagus, pea.
Fruits: apple, blackberry, blueberry.
Landscape plants: azalea, basswood, white birches, crabapple,
hackberry, Amur honeysuckle,
Japanese larch, lespedeza, lilac,
saucer magnolia, silver maple,
mountain laurel, loblolly pine, red
pine, scotch pine, white pine, potentilla, privet, rhododendron,
Norway spruce.
Flowers and herbaceous
plants: peony, chrysanthemum.
Plants tolerant of juglone:
Vegetables: lima beans, snap
beans, beets, corn, onions, parsnips, carrot.
Fruits: cherry, black raspberry.
Landscape plants: red cedar,
elm, winged euonymus, forsythia,
hawthorn, hemlock, hickories,
black locust, most maples, oaks,
autumn olive, pachysandra, pawpaw, persimmon, wild rose, sycamore, most viburnums, Virginia
creeper.
Flowers and herbaceous
plants: bluebells, Kentucky bluegrass, daffodil, daylily, ferns, iris,
narcissus, phlox, Shasta daisy, trillium.
Organizing your closet could make items easier to find.
Get in the closet zone
You may be better able to win
the race for (storage) space with
your closet, if you heed a few hints.
Although everyone’s closet storage
dilemmas vary, a systematic method of
organizing your stuff can lead to the
highest level of efficiency. Besides,
when your closet is clutter free, your
mornings can run more smoothly, giving you the right mind-set to tackle the
day.
• As you begin to sort through the
contents of your closet, remember the
80/20 rule: You wear 20 percent of your
clothes 80 percent of the time. The rest
just takes up valuable, reachable space.
• Arrange your collection by category, grouping shirts, pants, suits,
dresses and so on. Depending on the
nature of your wardrobe, you can also
separate casual clothes from those you
wear to work or on special occasions.
• Add a center tower of shelving on
each wall for frequently used items. It
creates a place for folded things such
as T-shirts, sweaters and denim.
• Pants, shirts and dresses can be
kept on hang rods, making them easier
to access.
• Upper storage shelving (above
the highest hanging rod) can be for
seasonal clothes you use less often as well as pieces you rarely use
at all.
• Personal and activity items such
as your everyday watch, wedding ring,
wallet, keys and phone can stay within
arm’s reach on a waist-level shelf or
drawer.
• Shoes worn most often should be
the easiest to reach. Keep special party
shoes or rarely used running shoes on
the floor or way up high.
• When space in other areas of the
home is tight, keep luggage and other
items tucked away in your walk-in.
These occasional items can be hidden
away and pulled out when you need
them.
• Don’t underestimate the power of
closet accessories. Closet systems, like
those from ClosetMaid(r), can be outfitted with drawers, doors, cubbies,
jewelry trays and pullout rods, putting
every last inch of space to work. To
learn
more,
go
to
www.closetmaid.com.
What to screen out
when buying screens
If your window and door screens
have worn out, separated from the
frame, or torn, you may need to replace them.
Whether you install them yourself or
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choose a contractor to do the job, start
the process by doing your homework.
Learning more about screen quality can
help you get the best deal.
Since all screens are not created
equal, there are several factors to consider when selecting one:
• Fire safety. Check to see that the
screen has been certified as flame retardant.
• Mildew and mold protection.
Choose a line with antimicrobial protection that can work 24/7 for an added
level of defense against stain and odorcausing microbes, such as mold and
mildew, that can damage your screens.
Screens such as those made by Phifer
now have Microban(r) protection built
in.
• Greener screens. For example,
BetterVue(r) Insect Screening is certified by the Greenguard(r) Environmental Institute (GEI) for superior indoor
air-quality performance. All products
certified by GEI must pass a series of
rigorous emissions tests and undergo
quarterly tests as well as annual recertification to ensure their low-emission
status is maintained.
These are also important features
to consider when enclosing your patio or porch. Choose screens that offer
superior visibility, attractive neutral
tones to coordinate with your home,
and extra protection against insects.
If you are in the market for new windows, be sure to consider the screening that will be installed in those windows. If they don’t already have
BetterVue(r) preinstalled, ask for it.
For more information, visit the site
at www.phifer.com.
Your
home’s
roof
plays
defense
against
harsh
weather
Chants of “Defense! Defense!”
may be routine at basketball games,
but it turns out the thrust of the message-the need to protect against bad
stuff that might lie ahead-applies
equally as well to your home’s roof.
Roofs are actually the first line of
defense against rain, snow, cold air
and harsh weather in general. And so
if you’re smart, you’ll want to check
what kind of shape yours is in twice a
year.
That means being on the lookout
for missing shingles or deteriorated
flashing (the metal that seals bends and
joints on skylights, chimneys, etc.).
More than 90 percent of roof damage
occurs in these two areas, and catching it early can be key to preventing
bigger problems.
Here are more hints that can help:
Knowing When To Inspect
Check your roof every spring after severe weather and every winter
before the worst weather sets in.
What To Look For
• Examine the roof edge for damage from wind, rain or ice dams. The
dams occur when water freezes and
backs up under the roofing system.
• Inspect for signs of mold, algae
and mildew such as dark spots and
discolored shingles. Inadequate or
faulty shingle underlayment can be
behind this.
• Look for blistering or peeling
paint due to poor attic ventilation.
Roof Maintenance
Leaves, sticks and other debris can
cause water to back up and flow under a roof, so clean out your gutters
and roof drains regularly. Also, check
that all gutters are securely fastened
to the house and that downspouts are
pointing away from your home.
What To Do If You Spot Damage
If your inspection reveals roof
damage, work with professional roof
contractors who are bonded, insured
and use quality materials. They can
help you prolong the life of your roof
and keep you from having to spend
money on costly future repairs.
A free service that helps
homeowners find a qualified roofing
contractor is available from North
America’s largest roofing manufacturer, GAF Materials Corporation.
Call (888) LEAK-SOS or visit
www.gaf.com.
The Porch
2x2
B&W
Budget Savvy
homeowners:
Spruce up
on a shoe string
Even a bare-bones decorating
budget doesn’t mean you can’t give
your home a fresh look.
“One of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up your
home is to subtract what’s in it,” says
Ginny Bean, publisher and founder of
Ginny’s catalog and Ginnys.com.
Here are a few of Bean’s lowcost, high-impact tips for giving your
home a lift:
Clear the clutter. Clear stacks
of books and magazines on coffee
tables and throws on couches. Put
books on shelves and magazines in a
rack or basket. Tuck the throws in
the linen closet and pack away knickknacks for a few months.
Rearrange the furniture. Try
floating furniture in the room rather
than hugging the walls. It’s a great
trick for making the space feel different and less structured. Swap out
an item in your living room for one in
your bedroom, or slide something
from the kitchen into the dining room.
Spring for some color. A few
touches of bright, saturated color can
refresh any room and distract the eye
from items that might be a bit dated.
There’s no need to break the bank.
Think about pillows and placemats to
incorporate the colors you want.
Accessorize. You can change
your towels, shower curtain and bath
accessories for under $100. Candles
are another way to create an inviting
room environment. Seasonal scents
such as lavender and lemon leaf add
color, freshness and intoxicating fragrance.
Go sheer. Replace heavy draperies with bright, lightweight curtains
or sheers.
Remake your bed. Put away that
heavy comforter or quilt in favor of a
lighter bedspread. Mix and match
solid-colored fitted and top sheets
with pillowcases in various patterns.
Tuck the top sheet tightly all around
and fold the edge at the head of the
bed over your coverlet or blanket.
Fold your bedspread down to rest
across the foot of the bed. Add accent pillows to create an inviting,
luxurious-looking bed.
Assess your artwork. Is your
wall decor light and bright or warm
and cozy? Go for light and bright
wherever possible.
Plant an idea. Put at least one
houseplant in every room. Fill a low
planter or kitchen serving dish with
potting soil and some grass seed. For
more decorating ideas and products,
visit Gin nys.com or call (800) 4879024 to request a catalog.
SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010 - Page 37
Going green in style
You don’t have to sacrifice style to
be eco-conscious at home. You can use
these five simple tips from Linda
Woodrum, designer of the HGTV
Green Home 2010, to make your living
environment more energy efficient, visually appealing and environmentally
friendly:
1. Welcome home--Create a welcoming entrance to your home by making sure your exterior relates to the interior. For example, antique wicker
chairs painted red and placed on the
front porch can introduce visitors to the
color scheme inside. And the unexpected color demonstrates that you can
be green without being boring.
2. Reduce, reuse, recycle-Unique pieces, such as a dining room
table made from reclaimed wood and a
light fixture made from a repurposed
basket, make a room richer and more
interesting. The HGTV Green Home
could inspire you to use everyday items
in unexpected and amazing ways.
3. Create a mood in your master
bedroom--Capture all that’s good
about a place or location through your
choice of color and decor but keep it
clean and natural with organic and recycled materials. A red four-post bed
made of reclaimed wood in the home’s
master bedroom evokes a vintage
Northeastern cottage yet is reinterpreted in a fun, contemporary color.
4. Saturate with one primary
color--It’s important to pick a color palette and stay true to it. In the HGTV
Green Home, red is used prominently.
It’s easy to recreate the look with lowVOC paint and environmentally friendly
fabrics.
5. Use durable materials in hightraffic areas--Your front and back entrances are subject to a lot of wear and
tear. A durable tile floor in the mud/laundry room and powder room is a green
option that’s easy to maintain yet appealing in a New England-style home.
Learn More
For information on the HGTV Green
Home Giveaway, visit www.hgtv.com.
In Business Since 1991
Interior/Exterior
Commercial/Residential
[email protected]
www.walterspaintinginc.com
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Page 38 -
SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010
Real Est
ate
Esta
also posted on our website www.voicenewsnebraska.com
at NO Extra Charge!
FOR
RENT
3 Bedroom farmhouse,
10 minutes South of
Lincoln, single garage, all
appliances, no smoking,
no pets. $550/mo. +
Deposit. 402-806-6773
or 402-673-5525
For Sale
1415 Hackberry St
in Bennet
1700 sq foot 3 bdrm 2 ba
house with partially finished
basement built in 2006
$210,000
Call 440-2571
or 499-7565
Proper irrigation conserves water
Automatic irrigation systems can
be designed to support zone watering. Zone watering means grouping
515 Washington St.,
Clatonia, NE
$79,500 *PRICE
REDUCED*
3 bedroom - Nice Split Level, 1.5
bath, all electric, central air, heat
pump, new 10x12 deck, new roof,
new water heater, all appliances
included. Upper level is estimated
at 968 sq. feet plus a finished lower
level with built in garage w/new
opener. Nice back yard with
basketball court and alley access.
Wilber-Clatonia School District,
asking $79,500 or offer. May assist
in finding loan for qualified buyer.
Call 402-988-3515
or 402-988-2995 for more
information or additional photos.
Open Sunday
Sept. 26th • 1-2 p.m.
There are many ways we can
conserve water.
plants with similar water requirements in the same area of the landscape. Remember that all the shrubs,
trees, flowers, and turf in a given ir-
Stop in for
Best Prices!
Hundreds of remnant carpets
Many at or below cost.
Serving the area for 58 years.
108 Concord Ave • Hickman
3 bedrooms, and 1.75 baths. Low
maintenance steel siding. The kitchen was
updated 5 years ago. New heat pump
was installed a year ago and it is an all
electric home. A wood burning stove in
the living room. There is a large family
room in the basement and a single attached
garage. PRICE REDUCED $114,900
Fran O’Leary, Realtor
402 770-7907
Open House
Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.
4900 Woodland Ave • Lincoln
(1 block north and 1 block east
of 48th & Hwy 2)
$145,500
1,062 sq. ft. home with 2 bedrooms
upstairs, 2 bedrooms downstairs,
2 full baths, 3/4 bath downstairs.
Master 12x12, kitchen 10.5x10,
living room 20x14 with vaulted
ceiling. Large fenced yard, 2 stall
garage. Great neighborhood close to elementary and middle
schools. Call 402-499-7713
414 Court • Beatrice
223-5204
rigation area or zone will receive
the same amount of water. The
water conserving value of
buffalograss will be defeated if it
is in the same irrigation area as
trees needing more water.
Choose the appropriate irrigation
system and then install and maintain
it properly. It is estimated that 7585 percent of plant problems result
from overwatering. If you know daily
evapotranspiration rates (combined
water loss from soil and plant), you
can recharge root zones without over
or under watering. You can save even
more if water emitters distribute water uniformly even when it is windy.
Drip and soaker hose irrigation
systems place water on the soil surface in the immediate vicinity of a
plant’s root system, reducing
evaporation loss and irrigating
only the desired plants. An added
bonus of these systems is the reduction in foliar diseases, which
can accompany sprinklers. These
systems best serve trees, shrubs,
and flowers.
Sprinklers are generally used
Avoid damage with
basement waterproofing
A damp, leaky basement can be
a homeowner’s worst nightmare.
Active water leaks and excessive
moisture in basement or foundation
walls can rob a home of extra storage or living space. And, if left unchecked, more serious problems
can result, including costly structural damage and high humidity levels throughout the home. That’s
why it is important to take care of
water problems before they start.
Fortunately, there are state-of-theart technologies that make basement
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for turf. If you install a sprinkler
system, the rate and uniformity
of application must be carefully
designed. Plan emitter patterns to
fit water output to the shape,
soil, infiltration rate, and wind
characteristics of your site. If
you are using a conventional
hose and sprinkler, remember
that the location and quality of
the sprinkler head determines
how efficiently water is delivered.
There is one more consideration:
runoff. You want water on the plants,
not down the gutter. Careful location
of emitters may not be enough to
minimize runoff. You may need to reshape land to reduce slopes that encourage water to move too quickly
for soil to absorb it. The slope should
direct water toward the plants that
are high water users and away from
hard surface areas such as driveways, walks, and patios. Another
way to reduce runoff is to incorporate compost into the soil to improve
the infiltration rate and water-holding capacity of the soil.
Reprinted from The NEBLINE
Everything is on Sale
10-60% off
2701 No. 48th, Suite, 2,
Lincoln 402-466-2141
waterproofing easier than ever before--even for inexperienced do-ityourselfers. New waterproofing
paints are low odor and are easy to
apply, eliminating the expense associated with hiring a contractor.
Getting started: Prepare the
surface. Before you get started,
make sure basement walls are thoroughly cleaned to get rid of dirt,
grease and other contaminants. Kill
any existing mold and mildew by
washing with a solution of household bleach and water, consisting of no
more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Next, remove any efflorescence, a powdery white deposit
found on many concrete surfaces, with
a concrete etching solution to ensure the
waterproofing paint sticks to the basement walls. Patch any holes and cracks-especially those that show signs of active water leaks or those around windows, doors, and joints. Products like
Zinsser Watertite Etch, Watertite Hydraulic Cement, and Watertite Polyurethane Sealant are specifically formulated
for basement waterproofing prep.
Apply two coats of waterproofing
paint. Waterproofing paints such as
Watertite Mold & Mildew-Proof Waterproofing Paint are guaranteed to stop
water and offer a five-year mold-andmildew-proof paint film guarantee. Low
odor and easy to use, Watertite is available in an oil-base formula, which is
great for waterproofing wet walls, or a
convenient latex formula for routine waterproofing.
To apply, use a thick synthetic brush
or large nap roller to apply the first coat
to a small section of the masonry. Use a
brush to work the coating into the pores
of the concrete to produce a continuous pinhole-free film. Apply the second
coat with a brush or roller.
Enjoy your basement. Watertite
can be tinted to a wide range of offwhite, pastel, and medium-tone colors
to help you transform a damp, leaky
basement into a beautiful living space.
To learn more, visit www.zinsser.com.
SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010 - Page 39
Sample your way to a new paint palette
Giving your home a color
makeover is easier and more economical these days with handy
tools such as paint samples that
let you try out new looks for less.
Here are three easy steps to
help you get started:
1. The Color
“Today, many of the most popular colors are often versatile ones,”
according to Erika Woelfel, color
expert for Behr Paints. “We see
colors appearing that have complex, hybrid qualities; they can
live in multiple color families. They
can shift in one direction or another and complement other
hues.”
You can get a preview of what
a wall will look like with help from
small paint samples and some
good advice online that can save
you time, trouble and money:
• Before you buy large cans of
paint, you can also purchase 8ounce paint samples through the
Behr from Home program at
www.behr.com or at any The Home
Depot store. The samples, priced
at less than $3, can be tinted to
any of the company’s Premium
Plus Ultra and most Premium Plus
paint colors and cover an area as
large as 4' by 6'. You don’t have to
commit to any color until you’ve
tried several shades.
• Take a digital photo of the
room to be painted. Go to
www.behr.com, register for the
Make your
house a
healthier home
Protecting your family from potential health hazards in your home
may be easier with a few tips from
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Unsafe and unhealthy homes continue to harm the health of millions
of Americans. The following suggestions look at some current common
problems and offer simple solutions:
Problem: Exposure to dust mites
and mold aggravates asthma and results in increased health costs each
year.
Solutions:
• Ensure proper ventilation in the
attic and bathroom to prevent excessive moisture that can promote mold
growth.
• Wash sheets and blankets in hot
water weekly and use mattress and
pillow covers to reduce asthma triggers and attacks.
• Vent the clothes dryer outside
the home to prevent mold and mildew.
• Vacuum carpets to remove allergens that trigger asthma attacks
and allergic reactions.
Problem: Falls are the leading
cause of home injury deaths. The
cost of fall injuries for people 65 and
older exceeds $19 billion annually.
Solutions:
• Remove any items that can be
tripped over (such as papers,
books, clothes, and shoes) from
stairs and places where you walk.
• Good lighting can make a difference. Keep everything well lit.
• Install grab bars in bathrooms.
Problem: For children, fire, suffocation, firearms, drowning, and
poisoning are the leading causes of
deaths at home.
Solutions:
• Install and maintain smoke and
carbon monoxide alarms.
• Make sure that cribs, playpens,
and play equipment are safe and always keep a crib free of soft objects
or loose bedding.
• If you have a swimming pool,
install four-sided isolation fencing
around the pool with a self-closing,
self-latching gate.
• In homes with young children,
control or eliminate lead-based paint
hazards and lock up products used
for cleaning, car maintenance, gardening, and pest control.
For more information, visit
www.cdc.gov/healthyhomes.
complimentary Paint Your Place
program through ColorSmart by
Behr, choose from over 4,000 colors and browse color cards, color
families, stripe cards and product
brochures.
• View the “How to” and “Help”
demos online and get style, design
and color advice from experts,
preparation and cleanup guides,
step-by-step instructions and recommendations for products and
equipment.
2. The Wall
Consider whether you want to
paint all the walls or just one. Creating an accent wall is a simple and
quick way to add depth and style,
showcase your decor and highlight the architectural features of
your home.
Choose a color that pairs well
with your existing wall color or, if
your room is a neutral hue, add a
bold shade. Just remember, warm
colors advance and cool colors retreat.
3. The Way
Once you’ve decided what color
to place where, begin painting.
Pour thoroughly mixed paint into
a bucket and use a quality 2"- to 2
1/2"-wide nylon/polyester brush.
When using more than one gallon
of paint, combine the containers
for better uniformity of color.
With your brush, paint (cut in)
around the perimeter of the wall.
Start at a top corner and continue
along the ceiling, down the side
corners
and
around
the
baseboards. Tap excess paint off
against the inside wall of the
bucket.
From the bucket, pour paint
into a paint tray and work your
roller into the tray until it is fully
loaded with paint. Use a 3/8" to 1/
2" roller cover for a light texture
and a 1/2" to 1" roller cover for
heavier texture. For larger areas,
consider a 5-gallon bucket and
bucket grid.
Starting in a 3' by 3' section at a
top corner of the project area, roll
the paint onto the wall in a “W”
formation. For an even application,
begin 3" to 4" away from the cutin section.
Work the roller back and forth
across the section until the “W”
is completely filled in. Roll over
the cut-in area. Forming a column
from ceiling to floor, paint the next
3' by 3' section directly below the
previous one.
To blend the sections and ensure a uniform finish, lightly pass
the roller over the newly painted
area. Repeat until the project is
complete. Then apply a second
coat.
Before buying a can of paint, try purchasing an 8 ounce
sample to see how it looks.
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Page 40 -
SECTION 3 • VOICE
NEWS, Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wallmans’ team up their talents on Adams acreage
Terry, Lisa and Bo Wallman on the front porch of their rural Adams home.
Photos by Machaela Beltzer
By Machaela Beltzer
Lisa Wallman, of rural Adams,
“Both of my grandmothers
is a nurse with quite a green thumb.
were excellent with flowers, so I
By day, she works in a medical ofguess I may have inherited a little
fice at Saint Elizabeth Regional
bit of (my green thumb) from them.
Medical Center, but when her shift
Spring is my favorite time of the
ends, she can likely be found outyear and we’ll have quite a few
side, digging in the dirt.
tulips, hyacinths and a few daffoLucky for Lisa, her husband,
dils on display. Soon, the irises,
Terry, is a willing helper in the onpeonies and Sweet William (make
going pursuit to beautify the
their appearance). Fall is usually
Wallman’s acreage. When Lisa has
a good show of yellow, red and
a vision that requires heavy lifting
orange chrysanthemums in differor digging, Terry is there to lend a
ent areas. Recently, we planted
hand. That is, if he’s not occupied
quite a few of the red and white
with his farming or hog confinevarieties so we’d even have some
ment operations.
Nebraska red and white in the
“It seems like we’re always
yard!”
moving or transplanting someLisa and Terry have decided to
thing. Last year, we dug up boxes
concentrate their landscaping efand boxes of iris bulbs so I could The well pump Lisa rescued from forts in the flower department and
have more room to plant new flower their property serves as a rustic forego the vegetable garden. One
varieties. It seems like when Terry centerpiece.
of Lisa’s less-than-rewarding gargets spring fever and begins plant- year. Of course, I always have to dening experiences is the dreaded
ing crops, I also feel the need to get add a few decorative yard sticks or vegetable garden. “About six to
out there and plant. I’m trying to other goodies that I’ve picked up seven years ago we planted our garplant more perennials so I don’t al- along the way; most likely at a craft
ways have to go buy flowers every show.”
den on a plot that had formerly func- “excellent stress reliever and gives
tioned as Terry’s hog lot. Things you lots of thinking time and even a
came up looking beautiful and little exercise.”
green!
Soon afterwards, we
What is paramount for her, howwatched it all start to die off because ever, is spending time with her famthe ground had too much acid/ma- ily. Arguably, Lisa most enjoys
nure/etc. Haven’t planted one spending time with her two daughsince!”
ters, Joni and Brooke. Joni is a regNever one to shy away from a istered nurse, currently working at
new planting experiment, Lisa ven- Saint Elizabeth’s while pursuing her
tures from craft fairs to flea markets master’s degree. Brooke just started
and even as far as the West Coast graduate school at Creighton this
looking for new additions to add to fall and is in the Occupational
her plots.
Therapy program. Lisa and Terry
“Last summer, while visiting San Wallman are extremely proud of their
Jose, California for my niece’s wed- two daughters. There is a fifth memding, I fell in love with all of their ber of the Wallman family, however.
flowers, but particularly a purple lily. Bo, the family Pekingese, helps fill
Of course, I had to inquire more the void left by Joni and Brooke
about it at the motel in which we when they left home.
were staying.
Believe it or not,
the manager
had the gardener dig me
and my aunt
several clumps
of the plant to
take home. So,
we had to check
in our Nigerian
Tiger Lilies at
the airport, just
like everything
else, and carry
these
big
bushy plants in
our bags on the
trip home. Yes,
they got a little
heavy and it
was kind of embarrassing. Of
course, the rest
of the family
thought
we
were crazy. The
plant is still
alive, but hasn’t
bloomed nearly
as much as it did
in the California
climate.”
L i s a
Wallman enjoys Adorned in one of Terry’s old shirts, the
gardening be- Wallman’s scarecrow signifies the changing
cause it’s an of the seasons.
Advanced carpet cleaning
3x7
fc