LIVING May/June 2010 A Historical Home That's In Mansion Park A Salute To Create A Personal Made For Summer – MOTHER'S DAY PARADISE SWIMMING POOLS Military Style In Blair County Open For Enjoyment Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 1 4/14/10 1:15:42 PM PAOAGHIC: 006877 Two locations to better serve you 851 Plank Road Duncansville, PA 16635 (814) 695-1111 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 2 121 McFarland Road Tyrone, PA16686 (814) 684-1234 To keep our environment healthy we recycle our used padding and cardboard. 4/14/10 11:11:34 AM Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 3 4/14/10 11:11:39 AM LIVING features 10 HOME FRONT Mother’s Day, Military Style We salute the women in uniform, especially those from Blair County 14 SUFFICIENT GROUNDS COVER STORY 34 AT HOME IN ALTOONA Magnificent in Mansion Park This home remains a beautiful part of the region’s history thanks in part to a restoration that’s both perfect and practical Your Personal Paradise Creating outdoor environments to live in and enjoy 16 WATER SPORTS 26 HOME ROOM Getting Your Pool Ready In the Garden Get your money’s worth — this year and next Welcome spring with a variety of ideas 20 GOOD BUSINESS 38 THE GROUND FLOOR Healthy Office Makeovers The Battle Royale Increase your productivity, comfort and overall well being Choosing the best flooring options for your home 22 STEP BY STEP DECORATING 10 Room Makeover Ideas 42 ROOM TO REST Petite Powder Rooms Adding some pizzazz to these small spaces Creating comfort and beauty on a budget 24 HOME PORTFOLIO 4 44 LIVING SPACE A Sanctuary Masterpiece Welcome to Our Home Creating the perfect refuge for two busy professionals Creating casual curb appeal continued on pg. 7 > • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 4 BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 1:16:41 PM Aaron Garland Connie Himes Mary Ford Lynn Weyandt Linda DelGrosso Brad Dodson Virginia Reed Archie Hamer Dan Ferrell Donna Ricche SOLD Tammy Amrhein Rick Rush Susan Greenwood Anthony Carnicella 3119 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona Jan Criswell Strayer & Assoc., Inc. Susan Peterman 944-2121 Scott Strayer Broker/Owner century21strayerhomes.com 518 N. Center Street EBENSBURG 506 Main Street LILLY (814) 472-4761 (814) 886-2961 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 5 4201 Crawford Ave. NORTHERN CAMBRIA 1207 2nd Street CRESSON (814) 948-2000 (814) 886-2100 4/14/10 11:11:49 AM SNARE & ASSOCIATES Is A MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC in your sight... Let us help make it within reach! Making • Purchasing • Refinancing • Construction Easy! 101 Zee Plaza North Juniata St., Hollidaysburg 814-695-2000 Low Rates! www.snareandassociates.com Licensed by PA Dept of Banking 501 Howard Avenue, Building A-107 Blair Medical Center, Altoona, PA 16601 (814) 946-0721 audiohas@verizon.net www.hearbetterhere.net Crystal K. Causer, Au.D., Audiologist Dr. Crystal Causer is a current resident of West Decatur. She received her doctorate degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and has been licensed to practice Audiology in Pennsylvania for over ten years. Dr. Causer is a member of the American Speech Hearing and Language Assoc. (ASHA), the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology (PAA). Dr. Causer and Dr. McPherson see patients here and in the Philipsburg office. Kristin A. Kline, Au.D., Audiologist Kristin A. Kaiser, Au.D., graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with her Doctorate in Audiology. Kristin completed her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Kristin is a member of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology (PAA). She currently lives in Altoona and looks forward to many years in the practice. Diane E. McPherson, Au.D., Audiologist Dr. Diane McPherson joined our practice in 2008. She completed her undergraduate work at the Pennsylvania State University and received her doctoral degree from AT Still University in Arizona. Dr. McPherson has been licensed to practice Audiology in Minnesota for the last 14 years. She currently moved back home to PA and is now licensed to practice here.Dr. McPherson is a member of the American Speech Hearing and Language Association (ASHA). Diane is currently residing in Philipsburg with her son and is looking forward to resuming life back in Pennsylvania. Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 6 Offering Digital Open-Fit Hearing Aids • • • • Hearing Aid Sales and Service • Complete Hearing & Diagnostic Testing Balance Evaluations Batteries • Digital Hearing Aids Assistive Listening Devices • Ear Molds PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE 60 DAY TRIAL APPROVED PROVIDERS • Security Blue • Medicare • UPMC • Freedom Blue • Geisinger Gold • And Others Additional Payment Options Available 4/14/10 11:11:53 AM > continued from Table of Contents pg. 4 R efresh, R evive, & R estore 46 UNDER COVER Sleep Well Organic bedding provides more than ecological harmony 48 HOME RETREAT At Home in the Spa Everything you need to know about buying the correct spa Carpet & Area Rug Cleaners 1401 Valley View | 814-944-4561 www.callmonarch.com In-plant area rugs 20% discount on cash & carry 52 HOME WORK All Hands on Deck How to maintain your deck’s appearance and longevity 56 GREEN THUMB Flora and the Fantasy An unconventional approach to gardening 62 HOME COOKING Grilling Season Begins Your taste buds won’t want to wait for these flavorful recipes 3221 Rt. 764, Duncansville • 949-4060 64 LIZZY'S LIST Paint by Numbers 10 steps to achieving professional results Now a KitchenAid Full Line Dealer 66 AROUND TOWN Snapshots Familiar faces, places and events around town 20 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 7 4/14/10 11:11:56 AM LIVING Blair Living Published and distributed by the Altoona Mirror 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 www.altoonamirror.com Time to GET OUT! T This issue of Blair Living is all about living outside. As the weather turns warmer, the natural beauty of Central Pennsylvania is even more obvious; and there are so many different ways to enjoy it. From gardens to pools to spas, we’re all glad to be outside and end our annual hibernation. Even if it’s just to laze on the deck, it’s somehow much more enjoyable to be outside. In this issue you’ll find plenty of advice on outdoor living. We know our readers enjoy an active lifestyle, and this magazine is geared to getting the most out of your home from the outside — pools, spas and gardens, to name a few. But more than anything else, this magazine is yours. We want it to reflect your interests and serve your needs. That’s why we want to hear from you. So please feel free to email us at reckenrode@altoonamirror.com and tell us what you want (and don’t want) to see in Blair Living. We want this publication to serve you and the best way we can do that is to know what you want. We look forward to serving you. Publisher Edward W. Kruger General Manager Raymond M. Eckenrode Advertising Director Robert S. Eger (814) 946-7261 (814) 946-7547 beger@altoonamirror.com Retail Manager Lucy Ritchey-Weiss (814) 949-7022 lweiss@altoonamirror.com Photo Editor J. D. Cavrich Graphics Lori Blake Production representative 29200 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 114 Southfield, MI 48034 (248) 436-4080 / FAX (248) 436-4058 8 Sincerely, Sincerely, Ed Kruger Publisher Ray Eckenrode General Manager • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 8 Blair Living is published by the Altoona Mirror. Copyright© 2010 Altoona Mirror. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Blair Living cannot be responsible for content, opinions, practices or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear are assumed to be the property of the provider and Blair Living is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement. Blair Living reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:11:57 AM Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 9 4/14/10 11:12:00 AM HOME FRONT y pp Ha other’s Day, M Military Style T By S. E. Barber This year, Mother’s Day is a real celebration for Samantha and Robert Robinson — the Altoona natives are together, with their three children, 4, 2, and 1, at their new home in Fort Drum, New York. More often during their 5½-year marriage they have been far distant, with Robert twice-deployed to Iraq as part of the Army’s 88 Mike motor division and Samantha staying with family awaiting his return. “Of course we missed him,” says Samantha, “but we kept up family traditions. Robert sent me flowers when he could, and the kids and I made cards that we mailed to him.” Even though Robert couldn’t attend the births of two of his three children, Samantha mostly enjoys the role of military wife. “Robert is really proud of what he does and 10 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 10 BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:12:03 AM www.johnstonrealty.com y Often, female soldiers perform roles that men, because of cultural restrictions, cannot. From House to Home... JOHNSTON REALTY Holly O’Connor 946-8682 Homes of Distinction Agent • TOP PRODUCER IN RESIDENTIAL SALES 2009 • so am I. We’re so fortunate that he is able to serve our country.” That kind of pride is evident throughout the Altoona/Blair County area, which has several military installations, and according to Ginny Legros, a strong military tradition. Ginny is a military mom and active in the local U.S. Armed Forces Mothers support group (see sidebar). Her husband, father and brother are all veterans; and daughter, Kimberly, spent eight years in the Army Reserve, part of the time running trucks up and down country in Iraq. Ginny’s daughter, Laura, has been with the Air Force since 2002 and is currently stationed in England, preparing to ship out to Bagram, Afghanistan. “Both Laura and her husband are F-15 fighter jet crew chiefs,” explains Ginny. “They can literally take that plane apart and put it back together. Their job is making sure it’s safe to fly.” Ginny says it takes a particular type of women to go into the military. “She has to be able to stand on her own two feet, take care of herself, and get along with people, even in challenging situations.” The advantages include learning leadership and getting an education. “Laura has already completed her associate’s degree and is doing college online. And the specialized training — she could not get that anywhere else.” In fact, Laura’s role, and that of the more than 356,000 women who presently make up 16% of the armed forces, is crucial. Lizette Alvarez, in The New York Times (G.I. Jane Breaks the Combat Barrier, August 16, 2009), reports that as solders in Iraq and www.fivestarsuzuki.com Award Winning Dealer of New and Used Suzuki Automobiles and SUVs. SALE HOURS: Mon. thru Fri. 8:30am to 8pm Sat. 9am to 4pm The ONLY Suzuki dealer in the nation to achieve the Presidents Club 10 years in a row! SERVICE HOURS: Mon. thru Fri. 8:30am to 5pm F I V E S TA R SUZUKI Automobiles Ph. (814) 942-1447 TOLL FREE 877-484-8272 1200 Logan Blvd. (Rt 36) Altoona, PA continued on pg. 12 > Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 11 4/14/10 11:12:14 AM Fresh Makes All The Difference! Everything You Need for at “Women in uniform today are not just invaluable, they’re irreplaceable.” SAVINGS OF 30% & MORE! – Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh PARTY FAVORITES • Variety of Wings • Marinated Turkey Filets • Deli Cheeses & Meats • Salads • DelGrosso Food Products • Breaded Veggies & Cheese Sticks • Cookies & Pies • Produce Don’t Miss Our 3lb. $ 4 pkg. deal for... 1995 > continued from Military Style pg. 11 Poultry Specialists for Six Generations 3421 Beale Ave., Altoona • Phone 944-8296 Open Tues.-Fri. 8-5 & Sat. 8-3 Dr. Karen Lemme Audiologist, & Associates Complete Hearing Aid Sales & Services Karen R. Lemme, Au.D. FAAA, Doctor of Audiology Board Certified in Audiology with over 21 years experience • All Models Including 100% Digitals • 60 Day Trial • Most Major Insurance Plans Accepted Area's exclusive provider of Complete Hearing Healthcare which includes: Heather Nackley, M. Ed., CCC-A Certified Audiologist • Extended Warranties • Free Quarterly Checks & Cleanings • Free Batteries for Life of Hearing Aid & more. *some restrictions may apply Dr. Karen Lemme, Audiologist 941-7770 • 1-800-992-6723 601 Valley View Blvd. • Altoona, PA www.lemmeaudiology.com Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 12 ice rv e S & s& ir ake s a l p M Re All ode M Afghanistan, women have done nearly as much as their male counterparts: patrolled streets, served as gunners, disposed of explosives, headed convoys. “No one envisioned that Afghanistan and Iraq would elevate the status of women in the armed forces. The allvolunteer military required more soldiers and a different approach.” Often, female soldiers perform roles that men, because of cultural restrictions, cannot, such as interacting with indigenous women to gain intelligence, search for weapons and lend medical aid. Today, more than 90% of all military job categories are open to women. While filling only 6% of the top ranks, nearly 60 women are generals or admirals. Decorations for valor are increasingly common. All of this led Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh to conclude, “Women in uniform today are not just invaluable, they’re irreplaceable.” A recent report by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America indicates that 40% of service women are mothers who, like mothers everywhere, juggle parenting and the job. Additional factors like potential danger and long separations can, according to Donna Miles of the 4/14/10 11:12:20 AM ©istockphoto.com/bobbieo American Forces Press Service (Deployed Moms Prepare to Celebrate Mother’s Day Away), make Mother’s Day both poignant and rewarding. “Many are planning their own celebrations thinking of their children and calling home, and for some, taking comfort in knowing they’re helping make their children’s futures more secure.” Ultimately, it’s family bonds that matter most. Altoona CPA Penny Orr watched her daughter Jayme graduate from West Point in 2005 and deploy for 15 months to Afghanistan, where she served as platoon leader in an engineer battalion. Now a captain assigned to Fort Lewis near Tacoma, Washington, “Jayme came home on Mother’s Day 2008 and surprised me. Despite everything she’s accomplished, she’s still my kid. Having her back was the most wonderful gift ever!” Area Professionals Install Tankless Water Heaters provided by Penstan Supply of Altoona For more information on U.S. Armed Forces Mothers, call President Lou Ann Leamer at 814-943-7122 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 13 4/14/10 11:12:24 AM Photo courtesy of Tussey Mtn. Mulch Landscape Center SUFFICIENT GROUNDS Your Personal Paradise By Paul Stenquist ©istockphoto.com/ericvega Landscape your way to a lifestyle enhancement, right outside the kitchen door 14 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 14 F For most homeowners, landscaping once meant those plants in front of the house that hid the foundation. But with today’s emphasis on outdoor living, designing the exterior of the home has become as important as outfitting the interior. “We create outdoor environments for people to live in and enjoy,” said Jim Wertz of Wertz Landscaping. The kind of outdoor environment Jim is speaking of is much more than a patio. Today’s outdoor entertainment area frequently includes an outdoor kitchen with grille, cook top, refrigerator, sink and bar. Plenty of seating for guests is important, and a fire pit to take the chill out of cool evenings is a nice addition. Most often, the outdoor kitchen is situated just outside the kitchen doors on a patio of colorful pavers. The good times and great looks don’t have to end at the edge of the patio. Among the most popular additions to an outdoor living space are ponds and waterfalls. BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:12:26 AM “The sound of water is a great accompaniment to a relaxing evening,” added Bryant Martin of Tussey Mtn. Mulch Landscape Center. “A lot of customers want water features.” The most common water feature is the pondless waterfall. Invoking the feeling of a mountain stream, the waterfall cascades from atop a pile of boulders. The water passes through more rocks below and disappears. An underground box collects the water, and a pump returns it to the top of the waterfall. Nearly maintenance free and safe for kiddies, pondless waterfalls are gurgling merrily in many backyards. Ponds combined with waterfalls are popular as well. The typical pond consists of a thick rubber liner in an appropriately sized hole. Rocks and gravel cover the liner, giving the pond a natural look. Water is pumped from the pond to the top of a waterfall of stacked boulders, from where it runs back down to the pond. Many homeowners stock their pond with goldfish or koi. Beneficial bacteria can be added to help control algae and promote a natural ecosystem. Water lilies, hyacinths, and other plants can make the pond a beautiful focal point for the outdoor living space. “We like to border the patio with flowering plants,” said Jeff Adler of Adler’s Landscape Nursery Inc. “A combination of fragrant shrubs and flowers enhances the outdoor experience.” Homeowners with expansive properties can extend their outdoor living space with more plantings beyond the borders of the patio. “A lot of folks come in not knowing what they want,” Jeff told us. “I often ask them to find pictures of shrubs, trees and flowers that they like on the web. Then we choose plantings that will complement the environment and thrive in our climate.” Ultimately, the best outdoor living space is the one in which you and your family are most comfortable: your own little bit of paradise, just outside the kitchen door. For all your real estate needs, Call on US! Leah Geissinger EXIT REALTY JOHN HILL Sylvia Geissinger 330-3408 215-8971 944-9377 219 East Plank Road Altoona, PA 16603 Marianne Templon 937-0433 Mary Kay Parrish 330-8486 www.AltoonaPAhomes.com Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 15 4/14/10 11:12:29 AM WATER SPORTS ©istockphoto.com/stevecoleccs Getting Your ©istockphoto.com/trigem777 ©istockphoto.com/rpshycho POOL Ready for Summer S By Paul Thompson So, when is the official kick-off to summer? Memorial Day weekend? First barbecue? First picnic? How about the first pool party? Swimming pools are made for summer, but they don’t take care of themselves, especially in a northern climate where they have to hibernate for the winter. Getting your pool ready for the season doesn’t have to be difficult. Don Wertz of Bill Wertz and Sons recommends the earlier the better in getting a pool ready. “The earlier you start the better shape the water will likely be.” Of course, the shape of your pool will be dependent on how well you closed it up last fall. In an area like Altoona, where the pool sits dormant for the winter, one of the keys to protection is the cover you use. “The most important thing about the cover is that it protects the water from sunlight,” says Bob Sutton of Holiday Pools and Spas in Duncanville. “Sunlight is what causes algae to build up, and the more algae you have, the longer it will take to get your pool ready.” continued on pg. 18 > 16 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 16 BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:12:32 AM Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 17 4/14/10 11:12:43 AM The condition of your pool will be dependent on how well you closed it up last fall. Sunlight is what causes algae to build up, and the more algae you have, the longer it will take to get your pool ready. > continued from Getting Your Pool pg. 16 Opening Your Pool Of course, the easiest way to get your pool ready is to have a service do it. But if you want to save a couple of hundred bucks, here are things to keep in mind: Remove the Cover – The key here is to find a good place to store the cover and keep ants and rodents away. A good plastic trash can is one idea. Remove Anti-freeze – If you have any left in the lines, be sure it is drained properly. Check Chemicals – The way to know for sure is to have your local pool dealer run a test. Altoona’s Clean Home Dealers 1400 Valley View Blvd. Altoona Off I-99 at 17th Street Exit 943-5001 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 18 We Honor All Oreck National Advertised Promotions 630 N. 4th Avenue Juniata - Altoona 944-0887 Ongoing Maintenance – The opening of the season is a good time for regular maintenance, such as changing filters, making sure the O-rings are greased and void of cracks and abrasions. Also, check electrical connections to be sure there is no cracked or frayed wiring. Be sure skimmer baskets are free of debris. This is also a good time to inspect ladders, handrails and diving boards. Depending on the condition of your water from the winter, getting your pool ready for the season could take anywhere from a day to a week. Your swimming pool will give your family and friends hours of quality time this summer. It also represents a significant investment for you. Properly opening the pool, and then continuing to maintain it during the summer will ensure you get your money’s worth. 4/14/10 11:12:47 AM S KITCHEN DESIGN PA011521 Call Tom Kling, CKD for a design Photo courtesy of Bill Wertz and Sons 1-800-635-2843 Spas 10630 Fairgrounds Rd., Huntingdon, PA The Opposite of Pools In many ways spas or hot tubs are the opposite of swimming pools. Spas are usually used more in colder weather than pools and their “off” season is likely to be the summer. Unlike swimming pools, most people don’t shut down their hot tubs for months at a time, which makes maintenance a lot easier because there’s no “down” season. “For a hot tub, you really just need to be sure your chemicals are at the right levels all the time,” says Bill Klaban, owner of Tubbie’s, which sells a lot of spas and spa equipment. “You shouldn’t have to worry about opening and closing a spa. There are people who drain their spas during the summer, but I don’t recommend it, because it means you don’t have access year round.” Also see related article "At Home in the Spa" on page 48 www.endresKITCHENS.com Interiors ...covering your business from Top to Bottom • Office Furniture • Window Treatments • Design Services • Floor Covering Including: • Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic • Laminate 415 Orchard Plaza, Altoona, PA 800-233-1197/942-3250 2 LOCATIONS — Altoona & State College www.toptobottominteriors.com Smart Now. Smart Later. Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 19 4/14/10 11:12:50 AM ©istockphoto.com/bim GOOD BUSINESS Healthy Makeovers Photo courtesy of Top to Bottom Interiors for Your Office By Mindy Kroll Well organized and tidy office space will not only be safer, it can boost creativity. 20 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 20 A According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends 8.8 hours at work per day. That’s 44 hours per week or 2,288 hours per year. It’s not any different for hardworking Blair County residents, either. In fact, many would argue we spend much more time at the office than the national average. So it should make sense that since so much of our time is spent at work, shouldn’t the atmosphere be as healthy as possible? BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:12:55 AM Improve Air Quality “Studies show that workspaces with improved air quality have fewer health complaints and better attendance,” says Betsy Garach, a designer with Altoona-based Top-to-Bottom Interiors. “We work to help our clients reduce pollutants — also known as VOCs.” One way is to incorporate live plants and air purifiers within the space, but a better way is to use some of the new products that have little or no VOCs to begin with. The increased focus on energy conservation and a healthier lifestyle are bringing a vast number of innovative products to the marketplace. Three such products with “green” versions include carpeting, furniture and paints. All can provide little or no VOCs and that means a healthier environment for all. Photo courtesy of Top to Bottom Interiors Here are a few tips on “making over” your workspace to increase your comfort and well being. Shared spaces, such as this eating area, should be safe, clean and inviting to employees and visitors alike. Get Organized Many Blair County residents find that disorganization interferes with their productivity. Garach takes it a step further: it can also be a hazard to your safety. In the most severe cases, various cords and cables can become tripping hazards. “We recommend panel systems and desk solutions that organize data jacks, power sources, files, notes, pens, and more. It’s amazing how much work you can do — and will want to do — once things are de-cluttered.” Focus on Ergonomics Ergonomics is the study of designing tasks, equipment, and workplace layouts that fit a particular employee versus fitting a particular employee to a specific task. Studies show that officerelated musculoskeletal disorders can cost U.S. business up to $60 billion per year. Long hours of sitting in the same, oftentimes awkward, position can take a toll on a person quickly. There are several products Blair County workers can consider to improve ergonomic safety. These include keyboard trays and monitors, task chairs or bariatric seating, and LED lighting. Go “Green” Reports show that most businesses have 20% wasted space — that’s space that’s consuming energy to heat and cool. “There are a variety of spaceplanning techniques Blair County workers can use to reduce their cost and produce efficient work spaces,” says Garach. “It’s also important to use non-toxic or natural cleaning products, which not only benefits the environment but all who work in or visit your office.” Other Considerations Make sure your workspace is clean and devoid of dust, dirt, and outdoor inhalants. Consider commercial carpeting manufactured without padding, which results in less tripping and fewer concerns regarding bacteria, molds, and mildew. Use window treatments and wall coverings, and pay attention to acoustics. Finally, consider workplace perception. If other people wouldn’t consider your workspace safe, clean, and inviting, chances are, it needs a makeover. Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 21 4/14/10 11:12:57 AM 10 ©istockphoto.com/kutay tanir STEP BY STEP DECORATING Room Makeover Ideas For the Budget Decorator By Michael Holland D Decorating on a budget doesn't mean that your home will be less comfortable or attractive than one with lots of show pieces. It just means that you'll have to "roll up your sleeves" to complete certain tasks and be a bit more creative in your interior decorating approach. The list of ideas presented below will help you add comfort and beauty to any space without breaking the bank. 1 – Paint Those Walls Painting a room gives you the most decorating bang for your money. Warm colors (red, yellow and orange) make a room cheery and energetic. Cool colors (blue, green and violet) convey a cozy, more laid back feel. Paints are fairly inexpensive, ranging in price from $10-$30 per gallon. 2 – Lower the Lights One of the biggest mistakes that people make is to only use one type of lighting in a room. And the choice is usually "general" lighting which illuminates the whole room. It's okay to have general lighting available, but only use it when necessary. Instead, think about lighting specific areas in a room. Use floor or table lamps with low wattage bulbs to 22 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 22 provide lighting near seating areas. Keeping the light at a low level creates a cozy and warm environment. You'll find low priced lamps at goodwill stores, garage sales, consignment shops and discount department stores. You can even visit your local crafts store for the components to make your own decorative lamps. 3 – Rearrange the Furniture This idea won't cost you a dime. However, before you start moving furniture around, lay out the new design on paper. Try positioning some of the furniture pieces at intriguing angles. For example, my living room is narrow, so I arranged the sofa at a diagonal angle. This makes the room appear wider. Feel free to take a risk. Just make sure that you don't block doorways or walkways. 4 – Hang Prints or Mirrors Prints and other artwork add character to your home. Just viewing a piece that you enjoy can brighten your day. Mirrors are also popular because they serve two purposes. First they come in many decorative frames to suit any decorating style. Second, they can make a room appear larger. When you hang a mirror, try to position it so that it reflects an attractive view, such as a garden or a dramatic architectural element. BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:12:58 AM 5 – Decorate with Plants The natural beauty of plants will enliven any room and are inexpensive. And if you don’t have a green thumb, check your local crafts shop for inexpensive and low maintenance silk plants. 6 – Add a Stenciled or Wallpaper Border Wall stencils are a great way to add depth and texture to your walls. Stencils are basically plastic templates with the design patterns cut out. You hold or tape the stencil in place, apply paint to the cut out areas, and a clear sharp design remains when the template is removed. Stencils are durable and can be used over and over, even on furniture, lamps, etc. A wallpaper border is just as easy to apply as a wall stencil. And there are an endless number of choices. 7 – Add or Change Slipcovers Furniture can be very expensive, so rather than replace that sofa or chair use slipcovers. They are washable and come in many colors and patterns. 8 – Display Keepsakes In Groups Perhaps you have collectibles or keepsakes that are similar in some way, i.e., color, theme or material (e.g., porcelain). Display them in groups of threes or fives in an artful way. This captivates the eye and adds drama to a room. Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 23 9 – Use Spray Paint Do you have an old table that could use refurbishing? Does the metal headboard on your bed lack something? Did you find a ceramic bowl at a garage sale, but now you think it won't work? Before you toss an item aside, ask yourself one question. Could the item be enhanced with spray paint? 10 – Try the Unexpected Just about any object can be used for a purpose other than for which it was originally intended. For example, my coffee table became outdated. But instead of replacing it entirely, I kept the glass top and placed two large, inexpensive earthy pots beneath it. The effect was surprising, wonderful and unique. So keep your eyes open for the unexpected. Perhaps that old steamer trunk you saw at a garage sale would make a great coffee table. Maybe that incomplete set of three colorful, rustic dinner plates would add texture and color to your walls if they were displayed together. Michael J. Holland is author of "The Awaken Your Interior Designer! Collection". To learn more home decorating tips and ideas, visit Michael's websites at www.home-decorating-made-easy.com and www.kids-rooms-and-crafts.com. 4/14/10 11:12:59 AM HOME PORTFOLIO Geometric glass inserts add a pleasing balance to the roughness of the stone detailing. Potted flowers bring splashes of color and greenery. welcome to our home a casual, tranquil greeting For more design and decorating ideas, visit the Get Decorating website at www.getdecorating.com where you can browse more than 17,000 professional photographs, searchable by rooms or complete homes. 24 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 24 A A quiet tranquility greets visitors to this home, a casual nature where daffodils, wildflowers and ornamental grasses seem to spring up almost unexpectedly from amid the rockery. Clusters of flowerpots nestle around the doorway and ledgestone columns bring vibrant splashes of color and greenery to the home's essentially earth tone palette. Exterior and interior photos for traditional to contemporary styled homes can be seen at www.getdecorating.com. The double front door's sleek, geometric glass inserts add a pleasing balance to the roughness of the stone detailing and upper shingles. Tall, narrow windows that BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:13:01 AM • Water Service Lines • 24 Hour Service • New Heating Systems • Moen Faucets of all types Immediate Service by Expert Service Techs GOT A LEAK? It Won’t Take a Week! NO HEAT? NO PROBLEM! Water Heaters, Same Day Service COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS... Service like You’ve Never Seen Before Water bubbles softly across stone slabs at the entry. bring an abundance of natural lighting into the formal living room are in two heights to create visual interest and subtly echo the pitched roofline while retaining the overall angular architecture. Water bubbles softly across irregular stone slabs before cascading into a semicircular pond framed by stone columns — a natural serenade in miniature to welcome all who enter here. y If we do sa s! e so ourselv Expert Office Personell: Cheryl, Brian, Larry We ARE Fantastic! We Answer the Phones AND We Call You Back! Live answering service when we are closed! • 10 Year Parts and Labor Warranty • 12 Months Same as Cash • Obamaʼs 30% Energy Tax Credit Rebate Available MCALEERS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning 814.942.7153 • www.mcaleersplumbing.com Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 25 4/14/10 11:13:08 AM HOME ROOM archiesisland ISLAND HOPPING The classic Adirondack lawn chair is anything but ordinary at Archie’s Island Furniture. Offered in an array of self described “kicky palette of knockout-mood-altering changeyour-life colors,” like frosty lime, surf blue and mango. These fun spirited chairs were created to turn the corners of your mouth upward. THE TIN MAN mossonline Made of stainless steel, this watering can puts sophistication into an otherwise mundane daily chore BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE gardenartisans Colorful additions to any garden are these whimsical, glass butterfly feeders. These handblown pieces of garden art are approximately 7 inches in diameter. Although butterflies seem to prefer purple, they are available in a rainbow of colors. 26 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 26 BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:13:12 AM — Celebrating 35 Years — Improving Lives With Better Hearing A business built on 3 Trust, 3 Qualified professionals, 3 and 100% satisfaction! We offer a 60-day, no-risk money back guarantee. Simply put, if you are not completely satisfied with your improvement with hearing aids, we will buy them back. Hearing Aids To Meet Your Needs, Lifestyle & Budget! Ralph Jacobs (Owner) Call for an appointment 944-8156 or 1-800-834-6207 My promise to you. I promise to provide you with outstanding customer care and state-of-the-art hearing instruments to help you hear better. Satisfaction with your new hearing instruments is my top priority. I will guide you through the important steps to improve your hearing and get you back to your daily life. Altoona Professional Hearing Aid Center “Your Hearing Aid Health Care Professionals For Over 35 Years” GIFT CARDS Park Hills Plaza, Altoona, PA 16602 Open Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm • 944-8156 or 1-800-834-6207 • Security Blue Provider, UPMC & others Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 27 4/14/10 11:13:17 AM HOME ROOM WHAT A DRIP treegator Trees need a gardener’s loving care, too. And, these drip irrigation bags provide the care, while saving you time and trouble. Perfect for newly planted or established trees with branch heights at least 36 inches off the ground. Available in a variety of sizes FUN WITH FUNGI earthlygoods These charming metal fungi have caps that are on springs so they quiver in the breeze. They’re perfect accents in a shade garden, particularly among ferns and mosses. A variety of shapes and sizes are available. MELLOW OUT smithandhawken The soothing sound of cascading water makes any terrace or garden a relaxing sanctuary. Made of lightweight fiberglass, the fountain sits atop its own scrolled iron pedestal. 28 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 28 BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:13:19 AM Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 29 4/14/10 11:13:20 AM HOME ROOM THE CHAIN GANG ecobre Here’s a creative alternative to a downspout. Draining water from the roof follows a heavy gauge copper chain into a variety of containers — even complementing an existing water feature. The manufacturer claims the chains can accommodate a light rainfall to a heavy downpour. MAKE A STAND gardenartisans Brighten up any part of your landscape with these elegant wrought iron plant stands. The possibilities are endless. yardlover PICTURE THIS 30 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 30 For those of us who know what we like in a garden but have a difficult time knowing how to get there — landscape design software promises to help. Unlike other software, Landscape Vision uses a picture of your own home. Designing begins with real photos of over 1,000 plants. Complete with “plant bios”, you’ll know what to expect before you walk outside. There’s even a resize option to see how your design will change over time. You may never leave the house! BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:13:22 AM Save Time & Money on CONCRETE POURED CONCRETE WALLS DECORATIVE CONCRETE INCRETE Texture Recognized as the leading manufacturer in the decorative concrete industry since 1963, INCRETE System is continually active in its research and development programs, guaranteeing its customers state-of-the-art quality in texturing tools and related chemical products. Boasting a worldwide network of factorytrained installers, contractors and distributors, the INCRETE Systems product line includes everything from hardeners, releases, and sealers to the highly-detailed stamping tools and decorative wall formliners desinged to produce the famous INCRETE texture. Bassett Masonry, Inc. 814-948-5090 or 800-354-8201 www.bassettmasonry.com Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 31 Pouring concrete basements takes considerably less time than block construction. “Roughing in’’ can begin sooner. Ready-Mixed concrete can also adapt to cold weather construction, giving builders an extended construction season. Poured concrete doesn’t cost as much as you think. Controlling costs is one of the biggest concerns of builders and buyers. Efficient modern construction methods make poured wall basements cost competitive with block walls. When you consider all that solid concrete basements have to offer at a comparable price, why look any further? PA License # 020956 20-Year Water Proofing Warranty 1st Day - the site is excavated, the footings are formed and the concrete placed. 2nd Day - A crew sets forms and pours the walls. 3rd Day - The crews returns and removes the forms. The project is ready for the next stage of construction. The timetable on a similar wall of concrete block may take up to five days or more. RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED 4/14/10 11:13:26 AM HOME ROOM PAMPER YOUR PLANTS The 6’ x 8’ Enthusiast greenhouse is perfect for home gardeners to start seedlings, extend the growing season or protect favorite plants from harsh weather. The easy-toassemble frame is made of rust-free aluminum. hobbygrower. TM FOR A GOOD CAUSE artforacause These well-made tools of the trade are decorated by mentally — and physically — challenged children and then sold — with some of the proceeds donated to children’s charities. Many patterns and other items to choose from. smithandhawken PRETTY IN MUD 32 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 32 Who cares about rain when wearing bright, sunny garden boots? Made of waterproof, watertight, vulcanized rubber, this hardy footwear resists splitting and tearing. They’re designed to lift the spirit with a burst of colorful dahlias from top to bottom. You might even be tempted to wear them on a sunny day too! BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 12:17:57 PM Altoona 5.10 1-33.indd 33 4/15/10 6:24:31 PM AT HOME in Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 34 Mansion P 4/14/10 11:56:11 AM ALTOONA / PA This historic Mansion Park home has been treated to a restoration that’s both perfect and practical I n Park WRITTEN BY PAUL STENQUIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. D. CAVRICH LAYOUT BY S. E. WALKER It was in 1914 that Elias Baker’s great grandson, Fred Woods Beckman, assumed management of his family’s Pennsylvania business, an enterprise that had declined significantly after Baker’s iron-smelting furnace had gone dark. With considerable foresight, the Sweden-born, Yale-educated Mr. Beckman decided that the best way to preserve the family fortune was to develop their extensive property holdings. In the years that followed Fred Beckman built many homes on the Baker Estates acreage and contributed significantly to the development of Altoona. Perhaps his finest achievement was the meticulously well-planned neighborhood called Mansion Park. Within that development and just a couple of hundred yards from the Baker mansion that his great grandfather had built, Fred designed and constructed continued on pg. 36 > BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 35 MAY/JUNE 2010 • 35 4/14/10 11:56:17 AM > continued from Mansion Park pg. 35 > continued from Magnificent Mansions pg. 35 a beautiful grey-stone home for his family. The Beckmans remained in the residence until 1936, but the depression ruined their business, and the family was ultimately forced to abandon their home. Over the years a number of prominent Altoona families occupied the house, but time and some poorly planned renovations took their toll, and the house gradually fell into a state of disrepair. Today, thanks to an extensive renovation project undertaken by Altoona’s F.A.F.A. Partnership, that magnificent pillared colonial is as impressive as it was when it was home to the Beckmans. Rather than attempting a conventional restoration, the Partnership decided to restore the appearance of the home and preserve 36 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 36 the layout of the interior to the greatest extent possible. But in a departure from the norm, they also modernized the building, making it much more livable and family friendly than it would have been if it were restored to exact original specifications. The home’s exterior walls are constructed of large stone blocks that were quarried from a location near Altoona. Two columns flank the entrance, and red Spanish tiles grace the roof. During renovations, care was taken to maintain the appearance of the exterior. Although new windows were constructed with thermal glass, they were fitted to the original frames. All of the roof tiles were removed so that the wood underneath could be repaired. Once the roof was sound, the tiles were replaced. Fortunately, a supply of new roof tiles was found in the basement, so damaged tiles were replaced with authentic originals. The home’s front door opens to a large foyer. Much more than an entryway, the foyer is a room unto itself and is much like the reception parlors that are sometimes seen in much larger homes. A stylish fireplace, which is in near perfect original condition, warms visitors to the stately home. An identical fireplace graces the family room. Also original are the foyer’s dark wood ceiling beams and woodwork. Because one of the home’s previous residents owned a department store that sold carpeting, many of the hardwood floors had been covered. Once the carpeting was removed, it was discovered that the flooring underneath had been strip nailed to the joists. Consequently, all the floors had to be replaced. Today, most of the downstairs rooms, including the foyer, feature new BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:56:21 AM wide-plank cherry floors, while the upstairs rooms are floored with narrowplank hardwood. From the foyer, a staircase of wood and wrought iron rises to the second floor. The wood is original; the wrought iron replaces wooden spindles and contributes to a decorating theme that includes numerous wrought iron fixtures and accessories. The original kitchen was small but had been expanded at some time in the past. To make the kitchen a focal point of the house, it was made even larger and is now approximately 20 feet wide and 30 feet in length. An adjacent area that was once a butler’s pantry became part of the kitchen and now houses the side-by-side Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer. Other top-line appliances were installed, including a Viking commercial range and Bosch dishwasher. Cabinets were custom made to complement the room’s many windows, and a centerisland workstation was built. The home originally included five bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room. During renovation, one bedroom and closet were eliminated, and a master bedroom and fabulous master bath were constructed. The master bath is resplendent with an abundance of marble and a walk-in 10- by 5-foot shower, with a Kohler body spray system and an 18-inch Moen showerhead. A large soaking tub is flooded with light from a row BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 37 of windows. A private water closet adjoins. The homes utility systems were completely modernized. Because all wiring and plumbing was replaced, most walls had to be opened up, then restored when the utility work was complete. Dual heat pumps provide summer cooling and winter heat at temperatures above 30 degrees. When the temperature drops below 30, two high efficiency boilers come into play. A radiant heating system is installed under both the bathroom floor and the kitchen floor. The other rooms feature baseboard hot water heat. Seven different temperature zones ensure that every room is consistently comfortable. Comfort was obviously a determining factor in this restoration. While this Mansion Park residence remains a beautiful part of the region’s history, it is now a very livable home as well. Pragmatist that he was, Fred Beckman would undoubtedly have approved. MAY/JUNE 2010 • 37 4/14/10 11:56:25 AM THE GROUND FLOOR Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood vs. Laminate: THE BATTLE I By Melinda Kroll In this corner, composed of 100 percent wood, priced at $3 to $10/square foot, and adding as much as $10,000 in value to the value of your home is… hardwood. In another, consisting of fiberboard and a durable wear layer, priced at $3 to $7/square foot, but adding considerably less value to your home is… laminate. And in still another, boasting elements of pure wood coupled with almost as much stability of laminate is… engineered wood. Each has its positive and negative attributes. Before outfitting your home in one over another, it’s important to understand the differences. Only then can you make a truly informed decision regarding what material is right for you. Durability depends more on the finish one puts on the base wood than the makeup of the base itself. Photo courtesy of www.wilsonartflooring.com 38 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 38 Solid Wood Solid wood floors are just that — 100 percent solid wood. Not only are they stunning and elegant but they’re also one of the best ways to increase a home’s value. In fact, a recent survey of U.S. realtors revealed that installing hardwood floors can increase your home’s value by as much as $10,000! BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:56:31 AM Specializing in Kitchen Cabinetry Photo courtesy of www.mohawk-flooring.com Wood floors are versatile — they can complement virtually any aesthetic — provide acoustic insulation, and can be refinished multiple times. They only improve with age, as solid wood acquires a desirable shine over time. Solid wood is among the longest lasting of all flooring types but normally cannot be installed directly over concrete. However, the flooring expands and contracts due to changes in humidity. The wider the wood the more expansion or contraction will occur. Although installers try to compensate for this movement by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and the wall, most experts agree that you may be better off going with engineered wood for kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms. Engineered Wood Engineered wood has a top layer of solid wood, which varies in thickness, depending upon the quality; the balance is high quality layered hardwood. They’re available either unfinished or pre-finished in a range of colors and provide the same design flexibility and style as solid wood; unfortunately, they also carry the same price tag. The better makes of engineered wood have a slice cut face and are longer, up to 7 feet in length. Although all hardwood floors will expand and contract due to moisture, engineered wood fares much better. And while solid wood floors may expand or contract slightly with age, engineered floors won’t. All things equal, engineered flooring has a slight advantage over solid — particularly in regions where humidity changes are a constant, as they’re dimensionally stable. In addition, they may be installed above, on, or even below ground level. continued on pg. 40 > Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 39 • Hundreds of countertop choices • 14 different kinds of wood • 21 different stain colors • Fireplace surrounds • Laundry room cabinets • Bathroom cabinets 814-793-9900 888-708-0183 FAX: 814-793-9902 Call Today! v New Homes and Remodel Jobs Welcome! Precision WOODWORKS LLC CUSTOM-BUILT CABINETRY & FURNITURE 356 Spring Farm Rd., Martinsburg #PA048834 Evergreen Manors (814) 944-4160 5919 Evergreen Court, Altoona, PA 16602 • Affordable 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom units • Some tenants may be eligible to receive rental assistance • Close to shopping, dining, and public transportation IDA Tower (814) 944-4055 1010 Twelfth St., Altoona, PA 16601 • Conveniently located in downtown Altoona • Community room with ample kitchen facilities and large seating area • Attractive and affordable to those 62 and over, as well as persons with disabilities Country Manor (814) 695-6655 809 Country Manor Dr., Duncansville, PA 16635 • Subsidized efficiency and 1-bedroom apartments • Available for persons 62 years or older or with a mobility impairment 4/14/10 11:56:36 AM Mohawk Hardwood www.mohawk-flooring.com True or False: How Much Do You Know about Wood Floors? 1.Doctors often recommend hardwood floors for patients with allergies or respiratory problems. True! With their smooth surfaces, hardwood floors don’t harbor animal dander, fleas, dust, pollen, or other allergens. 2.Hardwood floors are impractical for large families, because they can’t handle heavy foot traffic. False! Professional basketball courts are made from maple, and trains run on oak rail ties. If Shaquille O’Neal can’t damage the court, neither will your family damage your floors! 3. Hardwood floors are difficult to maintain. False! Whether solid, engineered, or laminate, wood floors are easily maintained with a few simple precautions. Simply sweep or mop every couple of days, and make sure to mop up any spills as soon as they happen. In addition, keep pets’ nails clipped to avoid scratching, and take care when moving furniture across the surfaces. (Do not use abrasive cleaners on your floors — if you must wet mop on wood, use only a slightly damp mop, and make sure to dry thoroughly. Finally, it’s OK to add cleaning product to the water you are mopping with but be sure it is a product made for your type of floor.) > continued from Battle Royale pg. 39 However, unlike solid wood, some engineered wood floors can only be refinished once or twice. Others cannot be refinished at all. The deciding factor is the thickness of the wear layer. In addition, it’s arguable whether engineered wood will increase the value of your home as much as solid wood. Prefinished or Custom Once you’ve decided upon solid or engineered wood, your next dilemma is pre-finished or custom. Pre-finished wood arrives at your home ready to install. Custom wood flooring, on the other hand, is installed, sanded or scraped, and finished on site. It affords homeowners the opportunity to create something truly unique — something no other homeowner could replicate. With custom wood flooring, you can create a one-of-a-kind floor that reflects your family’s personal taste. You pay for this specialization, of course, but for truly distinguishing tastes, there’s nothing like custom wood. 40 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 40 Photo courtesy of www.wilsonartflooring.com BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:56:39 AM And the Winner Is… On pier and beam construction: A solid wood floor. On Slab construction: An engineered wood floor For a quick and inexpensive option: Laminate floors Cost aside, most experts believe that engineered hardwood is the way to go. However, both solid and laminate woods have their own positive and negative attributes. One thing’s for certain — there’s nothing quite like the look of hardwood floors to give beauty and distinction to a home. Zeigler Chevrolet 24/7 ZEIGLERCHEVY.COM Cars Cost Less in Claysburg 800-243-8966 • 814-239-2125 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 41 Photo Courtesy of www.woodfloors.org Laminates Laminates consist of a base, usually mdf or hdf fiberboard, topped with a print and then a wear layer. They’re usually cheaper, and make excellent do-it-yourself projects, as they’re easy to install. Many are installed by placing interlocking boards over a layer of foam, which prevents buckling in the floor and absorbs sound. Laminate floors are extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting. However, laminates cannot be refinished or recoated, add less value to your home than solid or engineered wood and, quite simply, don’t have the same “character” as wood. Thanks to a pre-printed pattern, some (or maybe all) of the boards may appear identical. But the best quality laminates can result in beautiful floors that really do have the appearance of hardwood flooring. Welcome Shop New and Used Cars in Central PA Located in Claysburg, PA, Zeigler Chevrolet is Central Pennsylvania’s car dealer of choice for new and used vehicles. Whether shopping for a car, truck, van, or SUV in Central PA our friendly staff can match you with the new or used car at a price you want. Our car dealership carries all lines of Chevy vehicles, as well as an extensive selection of quality used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. If you’re shopping in the Altoona, Johnstown, Bedford, or anywhere in Central PA, be sure to visit Zeigler Chevy for your best deal. After all... Cars Cost Less in Claysburg! 4/14/10 11:56:42 AM ROOM TO REST Petite Powder Rooms Add some pizzazz to these small spaces Written By Geraldine Bergonzi Photography By Elisabeth Fall A portrait window crafted with hand-blown stained glass echoes the floor’s curving scheme and creates a rainbow effect when afternoon sunlight streams into the space. T The floor’s hand-cut marble and limestone tiles form an organic pattern and, like the plaster walls, embrace a key element: texture. 42 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 42 Tiny by nature, the petite powder room or guest half bath is big on decorating possibilities. Occupying little space in most household schemes, it’s the perfect room to have some fun and take a walk on your decorator wild side. Indulge your guests with a touch of sleek serenity and a dollop of luxury on the side. Why not make it the jewel of your home and create a dynamic little space that exudes drama and glamour? While the options are limitless, the elements are few, and the design scheme should take its cue from your home’s established décor. Sumptuous walls are key to a simple backdrop. In 2009 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, interior designer Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt of Marsh & Clark covered the powder room’s walls with pale-blue Venetian plaster. “I rely on textures and simplicity to create drama in a small space. Natural BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:56:44 AM materials add texture and can lend a more expansive feel,” she explains. Fillbrandt suggests using synthetic plasters as a less pricey alternative; new products offer a similar look and can achieve that same polished, glossy effect. Wallpaper, too, has proven to be a popular choice for luxurious powder rooms. With so many styles and new designs available, the decision can be overwhelming. Consider the adage “less is more,” and go for a paper that creates texture, such as a faux-grass paper. Perhaps high sheen is more your style; try the look of silver leaf. If you crave pattern, consider a larger print that offers more impact and a more contemporary feel; smaller patterns tend to crowd the space. Don’t forget the ceiling. Painting or papering the ceiling can lend continuity to the space. Flooring often flows from attached spaces, but if that isn’t the case, your choices range from small patterned surfaces, such as tiny mosaic or iridescent glass tiles, to larger-scaled ceramic, marble, or stone tiles. There is also a myriad of environmentally friendly composite floor products on the market that offer green solutions. Of course, central to the room’s function are the sink and toilet. You can have fun choosing a sink and faucet combination that is high on design and a little less utilitarian. A pedestal sink or vessel sink that might be impractical for the master bath is perfect for a quick hand rinse in the powder room. Finishing touches include an eyecatching mirror, concealed storage for toiletries, a functional countertop, and sufficient lighting. Add sparkle with a mini crystal chandelier or infuse drama with a distinctive single fixture. Fillbrandt recently completed a design that employed a fiber-optic fixture that pulled doubled duty and gave the painted walls the appearance of Venetian plaster. DESIGNER TIPS Create visual interest or drama with something unusual. Use contrasting elements; pair an antique mirror with a modern vanity Think texture, simplicity, and organic pattern Make walls reflective with iridescent or metallic paints, and don’t be afraid to go dark Fillbrandt creates drama and interest with an arabesque mosaic floor design that draws the eye through the space and gracefully upward to the Venetian plaster walls. d hil FR MAY SPECIAL Senor Rates For All! Lowest Retail Rates Available OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED Avoid clutter; leave surfaces clean for guests Why The Summit’s 5,000 Members Vote us Their FAVORITE Each Day! are C C EE Use mirrors to double the feel of the space • 284 Hours of FREE classes a month! • Family Memberships DISCOUNT of 53%! • When you are here so are our CPR certified staff for your safety click for video @ www.thesummitathleticclub.com Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 43 946-1668 4/14/10 11:56:46 AM LIVING SPACE The master bedroom suite was designed around one major focal point: the see-through fireplace, designed specifically for this bedroom and bathroom. A Sanctuary Masterpiece A The black-granite vessel sink highlights the custom designed vanity that is accented with maple, which matches the paneling used throughout the master suite. 44 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 44 It's more than a bathroom, more than a bedroom By Lin Smithwick A move from California to North Carolina two years ago was more than just a change of place and pace for Steve Rasnick. It evolved into an adventure in creating the perfect refuge for two very busy professionals. When they moved to Charlotte, Rasnick, owner of Steven Rasnick Interior Design, and his partner first had to find a new home. “Neither of us had ever lived outside an urban area, so we really hadn’t thought about anything else,” Rasnick explains. Then they discovered Myers Park, among Charlotte’s oldest residential areas, just five minutes from uptown Charlotte. “It is the best of all worlds: a beautiful neighborhood with lush, rolling hills and a sense of history and timelessness,” Rasnick says. BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:56:47 AM “I knew we wanted to create a refuge, a sanctuary.” – Steve Rasnick There they found an architectural treasure — an 80-year-old home with 3,100 square feet just waiting for creative, imaginative eyes. “We loved everything about the house — tall ceilings; clean, classic lines that transcend time; and all the period detail that makes older houses so wonderful,” he says. After completing the first major remodeling project, which included removing walls and opening up the downstairs area and the creation of a dream kitchen perfect for two people who love to cook, it was time to focus on what was to become the brainchild of inspiration. “We both have hectic lives,” says Rasnick. “I knew we wanted to create a refuge, a sanctuary.” Inspired by mid-European luxury spas and elegant boutique hotels, Rasnick designed a bath and master suite area, contained in 550 square feet, that defines tranquility and peace. Guided by a basic design philosophy that every space needs one major focal point, one something that is unique, Rasnick approached his new challenge looking for that one feature. “I hate making things more complicated by having too many items competing for attention,” he says. “I think people tend to do that today when it comes to design and decorating. I firmly believe that less is definitely more.” Rasnick found that pivotal point. The one conversational piece that absorbs the attention and imagination is the doublesided, see-through fireplace that separates the bath spa area from the master suite. A Zen-like atmosphere in the entire area was created using neutral, natural color tones. The oversize tub, designed to comfortably fit two people, and the areas surrounding the tub were handmade using mosaic tiles made from Italian Carrara marble. “You can’t imagine how relaxing it is to rest in the glow of the fireplace,” says Rasnick. “It adds so much warmth and color to the white and neutral tones.” More than a bathroom, more than a bedroom, it is, as Rasnick says, an oasis. “With the warmth of the fireplace and the relaxation of the deep soaking tub, the bath was meant to be a new living space in our home,” he says. Restaurant • Catering • Banquets • Carry Out Serving up to 100 for banquets, Receptions & Rehearsal Dinners Simple, elegant lines create a sense of serenity and peace, with the warmth of the fireplace adding its special light and glow. The maple paneling surrounding the fireplace houses an audio-and-video entertainment center. Let Us Cater Your Next Affair! Lunch Th & Fri Only 11:30AM-1PM Dinner M-Thu 4-9PM, Fri 4-9:30pm, Sat 4-10PM Closed Sundays & Major Holidays Broad Ave & 40th Street • Altoona • (814)946-5216 www.allegro-restaurant.com Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 45 4/14/10 11:56:48 AM UNDER COVER Premium, sophisticated heathered flannel keeps you warm in style. Sleep l l e W You’ll sleep better on organic bedding knowing it’s good for the planet and your family M By Christine Holm More and more of us are getting on the “green” train these days. That’s because we’re learning how important it is to use “sustainable” goods. We want to help protect the Earth by using “natural” things. We’re told that “organic” is the way to go. But what do all these terms mean? Do they mean the same thing? This fair-trade bedding from Au Lac Designs in Vietnam is a good way to add luxury to your bedroom. 46 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 46 What is “organic,” anyway? According to Green By Design’s Vanessa Brunner, “While organic and sustainable materials share the same ethical and moral roots, what many people are unaware of is that the two terms are not entirely interchangeable. While organic and sustainable are not necessarily mutually exclusive either, it’s BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:56:50 AM �Organic’ refers to the methods by which foods, cottons, woolens, etc., are farmed and processed without chemicals, pesticides, radiation, or other artificial intervention. Italian design plus organic comfort equals bedtime bliss. important as a consumer to know what it means when an item is labeled �organic’ or labeled �sustainable.’” (www.greenbydesign.com) She explains that something can be considered sustainable when, for example, it’s been recycled or produced according to fair-trade standards or produced by companies that pay all employees a fair wage, so something can be sustainable without being organic. Something is organic if it meets the criteria as defined by the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP states, “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of offfarm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony.” That sounds great, but what does it really mean? You can learn more at the USDA’s Web site, www.usda. gov, but Susan Fullen-Yurek with Kushtush Organics helps sort it out for us. “�Organic’ refers to the methods by which foods, cottons, woolens, etc., are farmed and processed without chemicals, pesticides, radiation, or other artificial intervention,” she says. Still a bit fuzzy? Here’s the easiest way to know: If an item doesn’t bear the government’s seal, it hasn’t been officially certified as organic. So why buy organic bedding? For most of us, sleeping on higherthread-count cotton bedding feels better, but what’s the big deal about organic bedding? “First and foremost, it’s soft, natural, and much healthier than conventional textiles,” says Fullen-Yurek. Even better, it naturally resists common allergens, and “studies prove optimal sleeping conditions require breathable surfaces that only organic bedding and natural sleepwear can provide.” “In fact,” she continues, “recovering patients are far more comfortable and heal more easily with nontoxic and chemical-free organic bedding and sleepwear in delicate 24/7 sleeping and breathing environments. That’s especially critical for babies and growing children.” If it’s especially critical for them, you know that surrounding yourself in organic bedding will be especially great for you! Images courtesy of Gaiam, www.gaiam.com 300 Orchard Avenue • ALTOONA • 946-8682 www.johnstonrealty.com Eco-Tex-certified flannel has both warmth and charm. Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 47 4/14/10 11:56:53 AM Photo courtesy of www.bullfrogspas.com HOME RETREAT At Home in the Spa: By Mindy Kroll Everything You Need to Know to Make the Best Decision for You and Your Family T The American Society of Interior Designers recently conducted a study that identified the changes Americans planned to make to their homes as they got older. The number-one addition on the list? An indoor or outdoor spa. And why not? After all, spas are renowned for their rehabilitative qualities and medical studies indicate that spa therapy may be helpful in treating arthritis, diabetes, lower back pain and sleep disorders, among other maladies. Photo courtesy of www.jacuzzi.com 48 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 48 BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:56:56 AM Photo courtesy of www.bullfrogspas.com What’s more, they’re inherently relaxing and are a favorite gathering place for couples, families, and friends. Before heading out to the nearest dealer, however, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re making the best decision for you and your family. Location, Location, Location First and foremost, your spa needs a solid, level foundation. Obviously, a spa filled with water is heavy (experts estimate approximately 150 pounds/ square foot), so it’s crucial that the location you choose be able to support the tub as well as the water in it and those who’ll use it. Make sure there’s room to not only get in and out of the tub but also room for it to be serviced if necessary. For an outdoor unit, there’s a 4” minimum depth requirement for a concrete pad (or patio). For indoor units, pay close attention to flooring, as water overflow may cause moisture damage. The Jets When it comes to jets, it’s not quantity that’s important — it’s configuration. A combination of the right jets targeting the right areas will ensure a good massage. Before you purchase a spa, make sure you can answer “yes” to the following questions: 1. Does the spa offer the right size jets with the appropriate intensity to target all muscle groups? (Big jets are not necessarily synonymous with a good massage; in this case bigger may not be better.) 2. Can you turn jets on and off individually to personalize your massage? (This allows you to customize your massage.) 3. Does the spa allow you to divert water flow pressure from one seat to the next? (Again, this allows you to customize your massage.) 4. Does the spa have controls that allow you to add air to the water? (This allows you to control the intensity of the massage.) Altoona Soft Water & Crystal Pure Bottled Water • Chemical Free Sulfur & FREE ly Iron Removal Systems pp • Sales or Rentals (No contract required) Year Su lt • UV Lights of astioan of water ll • Conditioners w/insta nditioner! co 0/10 • Salt and Chemical Delivery Exp. 6/2 • Repair of Most Major Brands • Serving the Counties of Blair, Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Centre, Clearfield, Butler, Indiana and Surrounding Counties for Over 25 Years! 445 S. Logan Blvd., Lakemont, Altoona • 943-2768 MADE IN altoonasoftwater.com U.S.A. bbb.org continued on pg. 50 > Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 49 4/14/10 11:57:00 AM in the next issue of Energy Landscaping Choosing Colors Garage Makeover Outdoor Living Rooms Romantic Bedrooms The Great Outdoors Summer Favorites Call Lucy Ritchey-Weiss at 949-7022 for information about the August-September 2010 Edition Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 50 > continued from At Home In The Spa pg. 49 Spas are renowned for their rehabilitative qualities and medical studies indicate that spa therapy may be helpful in treating arthritis, diabetes, lower back pain and sleep disorders, among other maladies. Seating Spas are often likened to an extension of the family room. This makes sense once you see the variety of seating options available: • Lounge Seats: Many spas have seats that simulate a chaise lounge (or, in some cases, dual lounges that allow you to sit with someone else). • Bench Seats: As the name indicates, these are benches that place you in an upright position. From a therapy standpoint, they tend to be the most valuable, given their jet formations. • Pivot Seats: These allow you to experience a variety of different massages by simply pivoting in your seat. • Therapy Seats: Some spas include seats specifically designed for comprehensive back therapy. It’s important to make sure the placement of these jets appropriately target your muscle groups. • Cool Down Seats: These seats do not include jets; they’re for entering or leaving the spa so that you can acclimate to the warmer (or cooler) climate at your leisure. With so many options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But when it comes down to it, your spa is no different than any other piece of furniture. When shopping, get in and try them out. Some dealers will even allow you to do a “wet test” in the showroom; if so, go for it — the more informed you are now, the more enjoyment you’ll get later. At a minimum, ask yourself the following questions: Where will the water level hit you? Will anyone be struggling to remain above water? Is there ample room for your legs? Where will your head and arms rest? (Some spas actually have pillows!) How many people will be sharing the spa simultaneously? (Make sure there are enough seating options to accommodate the various users.) 4/14/10 11:57:02 AM Controls Most spas have a control panel built into the shell or cabinet located near the entry. This is standard. However, if convenience is at the top of your priority list, don’t settle for standard. Floating remote controls are available to allow you to easily adjust jets, heaters, and lights more effectively. For the ultimate in convenience, consider an in-house remote that will allow you to control the spa from any room in your home. How to Buy Spas are expensive, complicated machinery. They can range from $2,000 all the way up to $20,000, depending on your requirements. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework and make sure the spa is made of quality components and that the dealer and manufacturer are reputable. How much do you know about the spa manufacturer? How long have they been in business? Are they ISO9001 certified? (This means that the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of their products must adhere to specific standards.) Are you familiar with the local spa dealer? Do they have positive references? Does the dealer have trained technicians to serve your spa? Finally, what kind of warranty does the spa come with? Does it cover all structural areas and components? How long is the warranty applicable? CANDIES Home of the Mallo Cup Come Shop Boyer Candy We Ship Outlet Store Enjoy Free in re e h yw An Sa the U.S. mples While You Shop! Mon.-Fri. 10am to 6pm • Sat. 10am to 4pm 821 17th St., Altoona, PA 16602 Phone (814)944-9401 • www.boyercandies.com Will You Use It? There’s nothing worse than spending money on something that sits idly by, unused. Some homeowners wonder if a spa is worth the investment — how much use will you really get out of it? Consumer research indicates that won’t be a problem. Once you buy a spa, it becomes part of your lifestyle. Parents use the spa to spend quality time with their kids, and couples use it as a welcome respite away from the daily grind. Whether relaxing in the evenings to relieve tense muscles and prepare for sleep to entertaining family and friends, you’ll wonder how you ever existed without it. Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 51 4/14/10 11:57:03 AM HOME WORK By M Mindy ind dy Krol Krollll The Importance of Deck Maintenance I Photos Courtesy of Wolmanized® Outdoor® Wood. 52 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 52 It wasn’t that long ago that decks were novelties — outdoor innovations that only the truly affluent homeowners possessed. These days, decks are still fixtures within affluent communities — it’s just that they’ve become must-have additions vs. unique amenities. BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:57:04 AM Why have they become so commonplace? There are many reasons. First and foremost, better wood treatments make wood much more durable. It’s also a reasonably inexpensive way to add living space to a home and a wonderful gathering place for friends and family. Although some decks are made of traditional redwood or cedar, most are made from pressure-treated pine. High quality treated pine should last for 40 years or more before there’s any decay. However, splintering and discoloration can begin within just a few months of completing your dream deck. That’s why proper deck maintenance is so important. Is Deck Maintenance Really Necessary? Yes, although your deck’s not going to collapse or rot away if you don’t. The effects are more subtle. A splinter here; discoloration there. Pretty soon you have a dingy deck that’s riddled with splinters and treacherous — not just slippery — when wet. What makes it slippery? A buildup of organic material. Mold and algae will grow almost anywhere given the right circumstance — including on your deck. Cleaning and sealing your deck kills, removes, and wards off the return of these organisms. Ready To Sell Your Home? We Are! These numbers make it a very easy decision... • Over 12,000 Homes Sold • 31 Consecutive Years As... #1 In Blair County • 29 Full Time Agents • 7 Days A Week We’re Open SOLD What Does Deck Maintenance Entail? Proper deck maintenance includes the following steps: 1. Remove any furniture, tools, and toys from the deck. 2. Cover any plants. 3. Inspect the decks for loose boards and protruding nails and make any necessary repairs. 4. Clean the deck. 5. Seal the deck. When it comes to cleaning, it’s important to read the directions thoroughly. Most cleaners require that you thoroughly hose down the deck before applying them. Make sure to get rid of any dirt or debris clogging the boards of the deck. Most cleaners can either be brushed on using a broom or sprayed on with a power washer under low pressure. A word of caution: make sure that the cleaning solution doesn’t Town & Country Real Estate 300 Union Avenue Altoona 946-4343 www.centralpennhomes.com www.coldwellbanker.com www.centralpahomefinder.com Bob Pennington Broker/Owner continued on pg. 54 > Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 53 4/14/10 11:57:06 AM ALL DECKED OUT Edgar F. Linton Private Investigator Investigation Services Licensed/Bonded P.O. Box 924 Altoona, PA 16603 ed427pa@atlanticbb.net • (814) 650-9465 • www.elinton.com • Pre-Employment • Child Custody • Criminal • Missing Person • Trial Preparation • Background • Court Appointments • Civil Investigation • Divorce “Bridal Bliss” June Edition Become part of the Summer “Bridal Bliss” quarterfold bridal magazine. Each issue features a local wedding as the lead story & glossy cover. Take this opportunity to make couples aware of your services as they plan one of the “most important days of their lives.” Call 949-7022 for details Your Perfect Fit • Specializing in bra-fitting • The Right Bra With before after The Perfect Fit before Cup sizes AA to K - band sizes 28 to 52 101 West Main Street, Boalsburg, PA 16827 • (814) 466-7470 • www.yourperfectfitboutique.com Located 5 minutes from State College on the Diamond in historic Boalsburg, PA Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 54 after Many product choices face consumers these days sealing or restoring wood decks. There are wood washes, wood protectors and stains, and sun inhibitors. So which one will work best for your needs? Washes basically clean, brighten and condition a dull wood deck. They return the wood to its natural color by removing unwanted stains caused by dirt, mildew or algae. They are usually applied then brushed or scrubbed after allowing the wash ample time to soak into the wood surface. To protect > continued from All Hands on Deck pg. 53 come into contact with any plants. Most solutions contain bleach, which can be toxic to plants. After waiting the specified amount of time for the cleaning agent to work, the deck should be thoroughly hosed down once again. It’s important to exercise caution here, as too little power will not wash away the chemicals thoroughly, yet too much power can harm the softer grains of the wood. (At particularly high pressures, even the harder grains may sometimes be harmed.) Once the deck is dry, you may seal it. Like cleaning agents, sealants can be harmful to plants, so be sure that any plants are well covered. Also like cleaning agents, sealants may either be brushed on or sprayed on. Spraying is significantly faster, but it’s also harder to control. Some sealants contain stains to tint the color of your deck. If this is the case, make sure you start with a small area to make sure the stain is uniform and meets your expectations. How often should you clean and seal your deck? Experts say annually. Just consider it part of your normal spring cleaning routine — whether you do it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. 4/14/10 11:57:06 AM nearby plants use a biodegradable wash solution. Unfortunately, washes provide little or no protection of the wood’s surface from fading again. Wood sealers actually protect the wood’s surface by creating a water barrier. Doing so reduces damage caused by moisture such as mildew, warping, splitting or cracking. Some sealers also boast to protect the wood’s surface from harmful UV rays from the sun. To maximize a sealer’s protection, it should be applied every year. Stains provide the color. Many stains also provide a certain level of protection too. Check the label. With the number of color choices you have, it might be pretty consuming trying to decide on one that will leave you happy. Before committing, try staining a small sample of the same type of wood. Then use it as a guide by placing it next to and all around the deck. Many home centers can also provide guidance with special computer graphic software. Can You Do It Yourself? Yes, but it’s not always recommended. If you don’t have experience with a power washer, you may want to hire a professional simply to ensure that (a) you’re using enough pressure to remove the cleaners, and (b) you’re not using so much pressure that you harm the wood. If you do decide to hire a professional, make sure you do your homework. Most professionals charge somewhere in the neighborhood of $300-$600, but don’t rely solely on cost. Like anything else, you get what you pay for, so hiring someone at the higher end of the cost spectrum is recommended. In addition, don’t hesitate to ask for references. Reputable professionals will be glad to provide them. RR7, Box 947 Altoona, PA 16601 Phone 814-381-0640 Toll Free 866-246-0855 bsherry@closurellc.com Let Your Lender and Real Estate Agent know that you would like to select Closure for your Title Searching and Closing Needs. If you want to be sure when it comes time to close... call CloSure. www.closurellc.com All Hands on Deck! Decks are among the most enjoyable features of a home. They’re great for barbecues, outdoor dining, or simply lounging about and enjoying the outdoors. And while most decks will last upwards of 40 years, care must be taken to keep them looking (and feeling) beautiful. By making an annual commitment to cleaning and sealing your deck, you’ll ensure you and your family continue to enjoy it for years to come. Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 55 4/14/10 11:57:09 AM GREEN THUMB & the flora the fantasy By Paul Stenquist I Many of the plants in Erik’s garden are appealing to some of his neighbors. Here a monarch butterfly visits a black-eyed susan. 56 • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 56 “I�m not a gardener,“ says Erik Nilsson, “I’m a dreamer, and this is one of my little fantasies.” Erik may not be a student of horticultural science, but he does seem to have a knack for making things grow. But he’s right on target with that fantasy notion. This is not your everyday garden-variety garden. Packed to the limit with a wide range of perennials planted far closer together than any expert would recommend, this little plot of land is obviously in serious violation of most gardening rules. It’s a far cry from conventional. Some might call it eccentric. We call it beautiful. While Erik’s garden, at first glance, may appear to be without a plan, it is actually the result of some serious thought. Erik’s goals in creating this little backyard delight were threefold. First, the garden had to be whimsical, a spontaneous reaction to his mood of the moment. Second, it had to be BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:57:11 AM Smack in the middle of the garden, Erik has placed a copper, goose-shaped weather vane. Why? “I like it,” he says. In late summer after many of the other perennials have faded, black-eyed susan provides plenty of color. extremely low maintenance. No spring planting. Minimal weeding. Finally, it had to look as though it had been abandoned. Abandoned? “Yes, abandoned,” Erik answered. “I wanted this to be a metaphor for the garden that remains long after the gardener is gone. It’s all about plants that are able to make it on their own because they were given a nice place to live. In my imagination, I see the plants’ perseverance as a form of homage to the person who gave them their square foot of earth. The garden, started by a human being, is taken over by nature and becomes a shared project.” But creating this tiny tribute to the synergy of man and nature wasn’t really a matter of plant it and forget it. In truth, it took quite a bit of trial and error to find an arrangement of perennials that could survive together on the one hand, yet blend with the kind of breezy, casual informality that Erik hoped to accomplish. “I wanted a lot of large, slender plants that would wave in a gentle breeze,” Erik explained. “I like plants that seem to reach for the sky.” He created that look by placing tall, decorative grasses at the center of his approximate 24-foot by 15-foot plot. The grasses reach a height of six to eight feet at summer’s end and stand well above the plants on the perimeter of the garden. Other tall, flowering perennials, including clusters of campion, exotic-looking, bright-red, fragrant bee balm, and rocket flower — a towering perennial with long yellow blooms — join the grasses in the center of this little landscape. At this point some of our readers with a lot of garden experience are recoiling in horror at the inclusion of bee balm, a plant that is considered a weed by many. It is a prolific multiplier. But that’s part of the strategy. Other very aggressive plants, including black-eyed susan, sundrops and even veronica, can also be found in Erik’s An unconventional gentleman’s unconventional approach to perennial gardening. Providing the Summer Needs TO GET YOU FIRED UP! Certified Propane Dealer Rt. 764 Duncansville 696-3691 continued on pg. 58 > Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 57 4/14/10 11:57:13 AM The beautiful and exotic looking bee balm spreads aggressively in Erik’s garden. But that’s the way he likes it. As its name might suggest, the fragrant plant attracts bees, hummingbirds and various other critters. > continued from Flora & the Fantasy pg. 57 “ Always in Style ” Jewelry Handbags Wallets Sunglasses Shoes Giftware STORE Free gift wrapping! DOWNTOWN BEDFORD AND OMNI BEDFORD SPRINGS RESORT bed. The idea is to allow these prolific perennials to fill in every empty space. Once the bed is full of vegetation, there’s virtually no need for weeding, since the light is cut off from any seeds that might try to germinate. And because the ground is always shaded, the need for watering is minimized as well. As long as the other less aggressive perennials are tough enough to resist strangulation, the weedier plants don’t usually spread beyond their space. (Erik admits to occasionally having to rip out a few overly ambitious varieties.) Those grasses definitely fall into the “tough-enough” category, as do the extensive plantings of daylilies. The result is wall-to-wall vegetation replete with multi-colored blooms. The daylilies help a lot in achieving a wide range of color. Erik’s garden includes at least fifteen varieties of lily in colors ranging from lemon yellow to gold, orange, peach and red. The spiked leaves of the lilies complement the shape of the grasses. Around the continued on pg. 60 > Convenient shopping hours: 9-7 Daily, 11-5 Sun. 814-623-7216 www.elaineswearableart.com Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 58 4/14/10 11:57:16 AM This daylily measures almost ten inches across. It’s one of many lily varieties that Erik Nilsson included in his fantasy garden. Sundrops, or “Sally flowers” as Erik calls them in honor of the friend who gave him the plants, are aggressive multipliers that can over take a landscape. But bordered up against the heavily rooted maiden hair grass, they stay within bounds. Clustered blooms of campion rise above the garden on tall, slender stalks. Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 59 4/14/10 11:57:19 AM Take a Break from Your Day and be active at this fitness playgound RealRecess.com | 906 31st Street, Alt. | 814.931.6344 Ready for launch, a dragonfly perches atop the rocket flower. He’s one of many visitors who stopped by during our photo session. Since 1980 Inc. 942-2804 • STOCK & CUSTOM CABINETS • CUSTOM DESIGNS FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES M & TH 10-7 • T, W, F 10-5 mysite.verizon.net/thecabinetree 716 Logan Blvd. (Rt. 36 Between Holbg & Altoona) > continued from Flora & the Fantasy pg. 58 edges of the bed, Erik has planted other hardy perennials that are willing to stake a claim for their share of the space. These include columbine, sweet william, balloon flower, jacob’s ladder, loosetrife, mother-in-law’s tongue and others. One end of the garden gets quite a bit of shade. This area is packed with several varieties of hosta and some hardy geraniums that Erik dug out of a soon-to-be-bulldozed wooded area near his home. The sum of all these parts is garden abandonment raised to the level of an art form. In winter, Erik allows everything to die back to the ground, and tree leaves fill the bed. In spring, he cuts the Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 60 4/14/10 11:57:21 AM g r n Livin e d o M for .S.I.D. Design d member A r Rutherfo ol of Design Corne&liHaarvard Graduate Scho PSU Home plans for your specific lot Additions that fit your architecture Renovations with the WOW factor Fabulous furniture, upholstery lighting, carpets, marble, tile, windows, fabrics, art, finishes All at wholesale prices! MARKETING & DESIGN SERVICE maiden hair and feather grass down to about six inches tall, but everything else is left to decompose into the soil. In spring, cover of leaves and decaying plants keep the weeds under control until the perennials get going, push through the natural mulch, and spread out over the ground. Some spring flowers make an appearance early on. Erik has sprinkled a half-dozen varieties of daffodil throughout the bed. Although these are buried under perennial leaves before the end of June, they reappear every spring and bloom nicely. A bleeding heart shares space with the maiden hair grass and shoots up ahead of the grass. After it blooms, the grass overtakes it and covers it up until the next spring. Hidden behind the garden is a little bench. On warm summer afternoons, you can usually find Erik sitting on the bench watching everything grow. “I can spend hours out here,” Erik mused. “I get a lot of visitors: bumble bees, humming birds, dragonflies, butterflies. Sometimes a rabbit will pop out from under the plants. Nature is hard at work in my little part of the world, perfecting the garden that I started. I like to keep her company while she works.” Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 61 718 Colgate Lane, Altoona, PA 16602 by appointment 814-941-3595 corneliadesigns.com 4/14/10 11:57:24 AM HOME COOKING Courtesy of the National Pork Producers Council The Start of Grilling Season By Elizabeth Hemmingway T The anticipation of higher temperatures and longer days is now here! Satisfy the urge to get outdoors and celebrate the warmer temperatures by grabbing your spatula and firing up the grill. Grilling is the perfect solution for adding fresh ingredients and changing flavors; your taste buds are sure to enjoy this month’s recipe of coleslaw and BBQ pork chops. Ah, yes — let food, fun and the smell of the air get you in gear for the season. 62 Carolina Slaw PDQ Barbecue Pork Chops One 3-pound head of green cabbage, cored and shredded, 1 green bell pepper, seeded and minced, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard, 3/4 teaspoon celery seed, 3/4 cup cider vinegar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil 4 pork chops, bone-in or boneless, about 1-1/4 inch thick, 1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon prepared mustard, dash of hot pepper sauce. Cooking Directions Cooking Directions Toss cabbage and green pepper together in a large bowl. Mix sugar, salt, dry mustard and celery seed in a small saucepan; add vinegar and oil and let come to a boil over moderate heat; stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; let cool slightly. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture; too well to blend. Cool to room temperature and then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For sauce, mix all ingredients except pork chops together in a small bowl. Place pork chops over direct heat above medium-hot coals. Grill chops for about 4-5 minutes, until nicely browned on one side; turn and brush liberally with sauce. Grill for 4-5 minutes more; turn and brush with more sauce. Grill for a few minutes more, turning and brushing with sauce. Discard any leftover sauce. Serve chops immediately. Serving Suggestions Serving Suggestions Serves 4 Serves 4 Paired with grilled BBQ pork chops, this salad is a tasty Southern-style side. Nothing could be simpler than these grilled barbecue chops. Serve with coleslaw and baked beans. Nutrition Facts Calories Protein Fat Sodium Cholesterol Saturated Fat Carbohydrates Fiber Nutrition Facts Calories Protein Fat Sodium Cholesterol Saturated Fat Carbohydrates • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 62 490 calories 4 grams 28 grams 510 milligrams 0 milligrams 3 grams 58 grams 7 grams 290 calories 22 grams 6 grams 550 milligrams 65 milligrams 1 grams 36 grams BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:57:25 AM “It’s All About Value” Don’t be fooled by ALL the hype! “Quality Since 1905” We can eliminate Buyer’s Remorse 105 YEARS THE BEST QUALITY – Products & Installation OF ONLY G.B. WINELAND & SON, INC. Quality-Value Since 1905 POLARIS WINDOWS & DOORS & SLIDING DOORS (THAT WORK!) 30 COLORS & STAINS CUSTOM SIZES ARMACLAD STORM DOORS & PATIO ROOMS - STRONGEST MADE MANY COLORS & SIZES (EVEN ROUND TOPS) SIDING, SOFFIT & FASCIA, HEAVY GAUGE RAIN GUTTERS, AWNINGS, PATIO ROOMS & ROOFS, SHUTTERS, RAILINGS, ETC... 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That means the money you save can go somewhere else important to you – like into your savings. BLAIR AUTO SERVICE & POWER EQUIPMENT, INC. Rt. 36, 3 miles S. of Hollidaysburg 9835 Charger Highway, Duncansville, PA 16635 Phone (814) 695-3673 The Dawn of Spri ng . .. Remember Your MOTHER With FLOWERS Hanging Baskets by the 1000’s! • Annual Flowers & Vegetables • Perennial Flowers & Grasses • Trees & Shrubs • Pond Plants & Supplies • Mulch & Topsoill Where Quality Counts... Your Fully Stocked Garden Center 942-0791 & PLUMBING HEATING Fully Insured • Free Estimates Jim Beauchamp, Owner centralboiler.com Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 63 CB2008-01 2190 Hickory Bottom Road Martinsburg • (814) 793-3954 4/14/10 11:57:28 AM ©istockphoto.com/iophoto LIZZY'S LIST P By Elizabeth Quaine Painting is one of the least expensive ways to freshen up a room — in a matter of hours. However, the finished result will only be as good as the time and effort one puts into the preparation phase prior to applying the paint. That’s why we have listed the process below. Not only can it save you time and money, it will help turn that room from boring to extraordinary. 1. Inspect. “Eyeball” the overall room and take notes along the way. Determine what you want to do; visualize what you want the room to look like. Next, size up the room’s 64 The must haves: • Drop cloths • Screwdriver • Ziplock bags • Painters tape • Rags • Ladder • • • • • • The maybe haves: • Paint scraper • Utility knife • Razor blades • Tack cloth • Hammer • • • • • MAY/JUNE 2010 Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 64 Pliers Spackling Wood putty Taping or putty knife TSP Bucket of water, sponge and rubber gloves Fine grit sandpaper Primer Extension pole Floors ©istockphoto.com/studiovitra Your Supply List current condition. Is there structural or surface damage? Cracks? How dirty is the paint surface? Greasy? Are there a lot of nail holes? When you have completed your inspection, your notes will be helpful in gathering the needed supplies or asking for advice from your local paint store expert. 2. Empty the room. Allow yourself ample space to work by removing furniture and as many accessories as possible. In larger areas, you may be able to move heavier furniture to the middle of the room and away from the walls. 3. Cover the furniture. Use inexpensive plastic drop cloths to cover the furniture and other prized possessions that remain. Protect wall and ceiling light fixtures from paint splatters or remove them altogether. (Caution: lighting fixtures can be a fire hazard if not properly covered.) 4. Cover the floor. Canvas drop cloths should be laid on the floor to protect the surface and keep it free of paint droppings. Plastic can also be used, but they can be slippery underfoot. 5. Free the surface. Remove all switch plates, receptacles, nails, picture hangers, screws, door knobs and any other obstacles from the surface to be painted. If you are painting trim, remove all window and door hardware too. Keep them all, including their screws, in plastic ziplock bags and label if necessary. BLAIR LIVING • WWW.ALTOONAMIRROR.COM 4/14/10 11:57:30 AM ©istockphoto.com/iophoto 6. Scrape it down. Scrape or sand any peeling paint until the walls are smooth. (Caution: peeling paint may be the result of some underlying problem like moisture. Refer to an expert as necessary.) Additionally, high-gloss surfaces should be lightly scuffed with a fine grit sandpaper to help with adhesion. 7. Fix imperfections. Patch any wall or ceiling cracks, holes, dents or dings with a spackling compound. When dry, refill as necessary, eventually sanding smooth. Sand any other imperfections that may be present, such as drip marks from previous paint jobs. When surface is smooth, clean up and remove sanding dust. Follow same process with the trim work. If it requires attention use a wood filler, putty and/ or caulk. 8. Wash the surface. Paint won’t properly adhere to a dirty or greasy ceiling or wall. For best results, use TSP (Trisodium phosphate) to thoroughly wash the surface. Then rinse the surface with plain water to remove the TSP. Allow walls to completely dry. (Caution: great care should be taken washing around areas that have recently been spackled as water can dilute the compound. Wash around the patched areas rather than over them.) 9. Prime time. Patched areas or any previously unpainted surface may require a coat of flat primer. Check label instructions for details. 10. Mask edges. Use painter’s tape (a.k.a. “blue tape”) to protect a surface from unwanted paint. Things like baseboards, trim around doors and windows, the ceiling line, and adjoining walls all should be taped — especially if they are going to be a different color. Like most steps in the preparation phase, masking takes time. But in the end, it's worth it. You’ll achieve professional results and you’ll enjoy your new room for years to come. The Cabinetry of your dreams... Built to your specifications by our skilled craftsmen, from quality Appalachian hardwoods. C. & C. Smith Lumber Company, Inc. Make an appointment to visit our showroom at 197 Tower Road, Summerhill, PA 15958 814-495-4712 www.ccsmithlumber.com Central Pennsylvania’s Complete Interior Resource • Furniture For Every Room • Window Treatments • Full Line of Mattresses • All Types of Floor Coverings Quality Products at the *Guaranteed Lowest Price. FREE Interior Design and Space Planning. 201 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA FioreFurniture.net TIP Altoona Mirror To insure you complete the preparation phase thoroughly and completely, divide the task in two over one weekend. Use one day to fully prepare the room and the other to paint it. This should help your overwhelming desire to begin painting before its time. Altoona 5.10 34-68.indd 65 Econo Lodge STORE HOURS Monday thru Friday 10 am till 8 pm Sat. 10 - 5:30 - Sun. Noon - 5:00 (814) 944-7105 Use Fiore’s Revolving Charge or your own charge. *LOWEST P GUARANT RICE EED! Fiore Fu rn iture guar pric e yo antees th at th find the u pay is the lowe same ite st. If yo e days of pu m u rchase Fifor less within 30 refund ore Furn 11 0% itu re Merchan of the will di di se ffe rence. must be brand m and offe odel and grade the same red for pu purchase same term s and co rchase under th d nditions. e Fiore Fu a comperniture will acce bona fid titorʼs advertisept a copy of e men quote fro There m a com t or a petitor. boundarieare no ge accepted s, Internet offeographical . rs will be 4/14/10 11:57:32 AM AROUND TOWN Come enjoy all the delicious food from our Lunch and Dinner Menus Open seven days a week 11am-12pm Rustic style dining atmosphere where you can relax and try our Prime Rib, Broiled Steaks, Fresh Seafood, Veal, Italian/Traditional Dinners and much, much more Home of the Prime Rib Salad, Gourmet Sandwiches and Desserts Enjoy Holiday Buffets including MOTHER’S DAY, EASTER, THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS. 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