Toledo Blade

The five retirees were gathered tightly around the table in the mall food court.
They seemed to be intently playing some sort of game, acting much like men around a poker table. It was lunch time. The quintet of seniors had finished sandwiches, salads, oriental food and tacos. Still on the table within easy reach were their drinks of choice – coffee and diet pop. They were deep into their after-meal topic du jour when the “game” broke out among four of them. The day’s discussion so far had centered on illness and medications, specifically how many pills they took and how often they were taken. It is a popular subject among senior citizens. At first glance, what they were doing appeared strangely reminiscent of the children’s card game of “Fish.” You may remember how it goes: One player says to another, for example, “Gimme all your twos.” If the second player has a deuce, he must surrender it to the questioner who gets another turn. If the player asked is not holding a deuce, however, he responds, “Go fish.” Then he gets to call out a card from an opponent of his choosing. The game goes on until one player has all the cards. Well, there were no playing cards in front of these guys. There were four little pill boxes for their necessary daily medications. The “game” went something like this: The first man, about 67 years old, held up a tiny pink pill. It was a diuretic to help him cope with high blood pressure and diabetes. “Anyone else have one of these?” he asked. Two of the other men, one in his early 70s and the second in his mid-80s, were also diabetics. They each proudly presented their own diuretics from their respective pill boxes. The fourth retiree, also in his early 70s, had such a pill, too, but his was solely for high blood pressure. They paused to compare the strength of their pills. Next they discussed the effects the diuretics have on them, especially if they take them too close to bedtime. The number of nocturnal trips to the bathroom ranged from two to a half dozen. No surprises there. Then another man took a turn. “Anyone have one of these?” he inquired. He was holding a blood thinner. Two others said they did. At this point, purists of the game of “Fish” might have claimed a second turn for him. His pill, you see, was the brand name version, called Coumadin. The others were holding up generic versions of that prescription, called warfarin sodium. Not exactly the same, it was pointed out. The “game” was interrupted for a while as the relative merits of a brand name blood thinner vs. a generic blood thinner were hotly debated. Several of the men took a few moments to compare their heart surgeries and reasons for taking the medication, but it’s a topic that comes up often and usually requires extensive discussions. The number of pills in the little containers ranged from five to eight. These were the ones to be taken at intervals through the day. Other tablets remained at home on a table or sink to be taken at bedtime or after the evening meal. I looked closely into each pill box and felt compelled to ask, “Anybody have a Viagra tablet? Any Cialis? How about Levitra?” The replies were, as I expected, mostly a wave of the hands and some loud guffaws dismissing the need for performance enhancements. Good humor isn’t lost on these seniors. A few more rounds went by, but after the first couple of comparisons, it was down to more unusual pills prescribed for an ailment that was not common around the table. I should add here that, unlike playing cards, no pills changed hands. A couple of times, one man admitted that he had forgotten the exact purpose of a pill he had just pulled out, but was required to take daily at a certain time. Here’s where these four guys had a clear advantage over similar discussions occasionally popping up at other tables in the food court. One of the “players” was a retired pharmaceutical salesman, who could identify most of the drugs and tell the user why it was most likely prescribed. I felt a bit left out as the fifth retiree at the table who wasn’t “playing,” but merely observing. My pill box has five tablets for each day of the week, but they’re all taken after dinner. I don’t have to carry it around with me all day so I couldn’t get in the “game.” Jim Wilson, Sr. commented on Extra whipped cream on mine, please
I can smell the coffee and the popcorn now. What a great time in my life -- when everything was simple. We would load up our cars or even take the bus to downtown Toledo, where we would see our friends, take in a movie, eat at Don's Drive-In or Woolworth’s, and ride the lions at the Lion Store. Who could forget Tiedtke’s? The smells would tickle your nose whenever you got near. Wow, the simple times! If we could only bring them back. Thanks for the memories, Ken. Marian Cheesman Lockwood commented on Extra whipped cream on mine, please I remember doing my Christmas shopping at the Elyria Woolworth’s when I was barely tall enough to see the displays. And I was absolutely fascinated by the pneumatic device that 'transported" your check or large bills or whatever business had to go upstairs for final transaction (much better than watching a hamster on an exercise wheel). Oh, how I miss Woolworth's and its "five and dime" treasures! Thanks for helping me relive a few golden moments from my childhood. Dave Simmons commented on Extra whipped cream on mine, please I worked at a Woolworth's in North Ridgeville, Ohio, from October 1959 to June 1960 as stock boy, dishwasher, clown-costumed cookie seller, etc. What a great experience for a high school kid! I think I made 85 cents an hour. I remember those menus. I spent lots of time on Saturdays mopping behind the counter, clearing dirty dishes and running dishes through the dishwashing machine behind the counter. Thanks for the blog about this.

I am not among the ever growing number of people who have a disdain for ESPN. Sure, the World Wide Leader is obsessed with covering big market teams and its over-the-top coverage of the Brett Favre saga was embarrassing. But it’s a business, and any smart businessperson knows that ratings equal money. I totally get that. So I understand why ESPN is force feeding us fantasy football segments on their shows.
I understand it, but I don’t like it. Last night I flipped on SportsCenter and was greeted by a live fantasy football draft participated in by everyone from Chris Mortensen to Method Man to Summer Sanders. Look, Chris Mortensen is the guy Favre texted to say he was retiring. Journalists dream of being in such a position. Now he’s doing live fantasy drafts with washed up rappers? Really? You’re better than that, Morty. Listen, I love watching sports. I love playing sports. I love reading about sports and I love listening to sports talk radio. But thankfully I have not caught the fantasy bug. I simply do not get the fascination. When it comes to nerdyness, fantasy football ranks somewhere in between Star Wars and the WWE. It’s fake!!!! But what I dislike more than fantasy football is fantasy football talk. Nobody is worse than the guy at the bar who brags about picking Adrian Peterson and Randy Moss with his first two picks in the company fantasy draft. Be quiet. Again, I’m in the minority. I totally understand that. But that will never keep me from making fun of my geeky friends that participate. Other things I do not get: • Blogs. Not this one of course. I’m talking about the guy living in his parents’ basement that works 20 hours a week at PetCo. Why do I care what he thinks? I’m interested in what Joe Posnanski has to say, what Terry Pluto has to say, what Dave Hackenberg has to say. But maybe I’m being a little too critical of blogs and bloggers. This guys does great work … http://www.orangeandbrown.blogspot.com/ • MMA. I’m not a violent guy. I don’t particularly enjoy watching people’s faces get beaten in. Again I’m in the minority, and I totally get that. Exceeding my distaste for this sport is my distaste for the yahoos who follow it. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, head to a bar when it’s showing an MMA Pay Per View. Here’s what you’ll see: Shaved heads, barb wire tattoos, Austin 3:16 shirts, and guys ready to break glass bottles over each other’s heads if their favorite fighter gets beat. • Senseless baseball stats. WHIP, OPS, OPP, BS, LBS. It’s amazing that baseball experts will watch countless games yet still rely on these dumb statistics to make evaluations. I’m not trying to be negative, as there are some things in sports that I do get. For instance, the Olympics have been fantastic. And I absolutely get football. Only 15 days until BG-Pitt. That’s reality, not fantasy.

If you are an avid collector, you can’t help it. Whenever you find something that you like, you buy one piece, and then another, and another, until finally you have most of the collection. From clocks to pottery to figurines and more, you collect all sorts of items.
Unfortunately, most of your prized collectibles are packed away in storage. You would like to display some of them, but every time you try, you just end up with a mass of clutter. You could use some pointers on creating eye-catching displays. In order to display collectibles effectively, the trick is to keep them close together. Don’t scatter collectibles in various rooms around your home or in various areas throughout a room. For the best impact, group your collectibles together in one area of a room where they would most likely be found. If you have a collection of ceramic plates, for example, group them together in the kitchen or dining room in a large hutch or on a plate rack running around the room. Don’t scatter them in various nooks and crannies, and expect them to look unified. To reduce the risk of creating a cluttered look, try to make sure that the room where you display your collectibles has some clear surfaces where the eyes can rest. If your kitchen is fairly busy, for example, then you may want to consider displaying your ceramic plate collection in the dining room where there are more clear surfaces. When selecting a place in which to display your collectibles, keep security in mind. You want your collectibles to remain intact, so make sure the shelf, rack, cabinet or other item you use is safe and sturdy. You don’t want the plate rack where you put your collectible plates to come crashing down off the wall, nor do you want it within the reach of young hands. The same goes for very fragile collectibles. The best place for collections that cannot hold up to touch, such as antique lace, is behind glass, whether in a glass-fronted shadowbox or picture frame or under a glass tabletop. With the right room, area and place for your collectibles, you may start arranging them. For maximum visual interest, vary the shapes and sizes of your collectibles and keep shorter ones in front where they can be seen. If possible, group collectibles so they tell a story. Place your ceramic plates, for example, in the order you were given them or by season or theme. Use accessories where needed. Plate stands, pedestals and mirrors all work well to enhance displays. After you have finished arranging your collectibles, stand back and take a hard look at the display. If you feel any sense of clutter, consider removing some of your collectibles and rotating them. Whether in a foyer or family room, collectibles make for stunning displays. As you prepare to use yours, keep the following tips above in mind and remember that you can always make changes where needed.

Some people like the hustle and bustle of urban living, waking to the sounds of traffic and falling asleep at night with city lights just outside the window.
Others prefer the bucolic countryside, falling asleep to the sounds of crickets chirping and waking to sunshine streaming in through the window, unimpeded by neighboring buildings. If you are one of the latter, read on. The home at 10639 Shayni Lane in Whitehouse, Ohio, is awaiting a new owner. This home, in the Whitehouse Valley neighborhood developed and built by Trellis Homes, offers so much for the homebuyer seeking a suburban paradise. The large lot accommodates a side-load garage and plenty of room to play in the back yard. Quality Anthony Wayne Schools are nearby. And that’s before you even step inside. A long, poured concrete walkway leads from the driveway to the front door, nestled under a sheltering porch. Inside, the door’s sidelights let in plenty of natural light – but you’ll want to turn on the lovely chandelier in the evenings. Its light will not only illuminate the foyer, but will shine out through the foyer’s second-story window. A plant ledge by this window is a great place to display precious objects. A wide staircase rises from the foyer. To the right is the living room, and beyond that, the formal dining room. Straight ahead from the foyer is a short hall that ends in the kitchen. Off the hall is the laundry room, a guest closet, a powder room, and access to the 2 ½ car garage.


The kitchen is quite spacious, with oak cabinets topped by crown molding. The white Kenmore appliances help keep the kitchen light and bright, and a dappled countertop looks like stone. The center island is lit from above by a trestle pendant light. A huge pantry and planning desks nearby are regular features of Trellis homes. Behind one door are the stairs to the partial basement.
Informal dining takes place in the kitchen’s sunniest spot, thanks to the adjacent sliding doors. A brushed nickel chandelier hangs above the spot where your table will go. One of the nicest features of this home is the family room, right off the kitchen. A step down makes a nice boundary for this generous space, carpeted in easy-wearing Berber. A gas fireplace with a marble surround and a deep oak mantel anchors the room, and a ceiling fan overhead helps to keep things comfortable. This home has such an ideal layout for a family. Imagine getting dinner ready in this spacious kitchen while one child does homework at the table and another plays in the family room. On the second floor, the handrail of the staircase becomes a balcony overlooking that soaring, two-story foyer. Three bedrooms up here each have double closets with sliding doors. They share a linen closet and a full bath. The master suite is quite impressive, with a double tray ceiling and large ceiling fan. The master bath includes a garden tub, a private commode, and a walk-in shower with two molded seats. A large vanity in oak is topped by durable, attractive cultured marble. A linen closet nearby provides extra storage. The Whitehouse Valley neighborhood is young and still growing. Future plans include park areas and walking trails. Trellis Homes, developer of Whitehouse Valley, has been in business for more than 30 years. They offer a five-year unlimited warranty on the basement, and a one-year builder’s warranty. Plat II is now open and ready for building contracts. Five homes here are already completed, and 20 lots are still available.

There are very few active buyers in the real estate market these days -- but every one of them seems to be looking to buy a foreclosure or a short sale.
Foreclosure is a fairly well understood process, but as "short sale" signs sprout like weeds, you may wonder what it's all about. When a lender agrees to accept a mortgage payoff amount less than what is owed in order to facilitate a sale of the property by a financially distressed owner, it's called a short sale. The lender forgives the remaining balance of the loan. Can It Work For You? Buying a home in a short sale can be a hassle, so why should you consider it? It boils down to the bottom line. You'll get the property for a substantial discount. Because the lender is eager to continue to get paid back the money it loaned out -- it may also offer favorable financing terms. Because the seller plays an active role in the short sale process, you will have their cooperation (and most likely won't need to evict them upon taking possession of the home). This is not always the case with a property that has gone through foreclosure. But a short sale is one real estate deal where you really need to get help from an experienced agent or attorney. Not all real estate agents know how to handle a short sale, so make sure you consult with one who can demonstrate special training or a good track record with short sales. Here are 10 important steps when considering a short sale: 1. Identify Potential Short-Sales Locate preforeclosures in your area. You can use an online database, search courthouse listings, legal ads or by using an experienced real estate agent as a buyer's agent. Try to determine how much is owed on the house in relation to its approximate value. If it seems high, it's a good candidate because it indicates the seller might have trouble selling it for enough to satisfy the loan. Pass on those in which the owner has a lot of equity in the home -- the lender likely will prefer to foreclose and resell closer to the market price. 2. View The Property Gauge its condition and come up with a rough estimate of how much it's going to take to repair or renovate. If it needs work, many "normal" buyers won't consider it, which is good for you. 3. Do Your Research What is the property worth? What's the profit potential? If you're an investor or even a homeowner planning to live in the home a short time you'll want to profit from the deal. 4. Find All Liens And Mortgages Ask the seller or his agent what liens are on the property, and which lender is the primary lien holder. 5. Figure Out The Financing You have to know how you're going to pay for the property. If you're a good credit risk, the existing lender may be willing to give you a loan. Because they already have a lot of your information in the short-sale paperwork, they may be able to expedite the loan application process. Once an agreement is worked out, it is common the lender will require closing in as few as 20 days. This is too late to start shopping for a mortgage. 6. Contact The Lender You or your agent should speak with the loss mitigation department (or perhaps the resource recovery department) rather than the collection or customer service department, which is only interested in recouping past due loan payments. Finding the decision maker can be one of the biggest initial challenges. You will first need to have the homeowner complete and sign (notarization is usually required) an authorization letter, which gives the lender permission to discuss the mortgage situation with you. 7. Complete The Lender's Short Sale Application, If They Have One Many lenders have an application specifically for a short sale request. 8. Assemble The Proposal The proposal generally consists of a package of materials including the application and authorization letter plus: • The purchase and sale contract -- signed by you and the seller -- to buy the property for a specified price. The lender is not going to entertain tentative offers. • A hardship letter. It's important to remember a lender will not even discuss a short sale until the homeowner has fallen behind on payments -- usually 90 days. The lender must be convinced taking a smaller loss now is better than a bigger loss later. • A statement of the property's value. This can be an appraisal or a broker's price opinion. The lower the estimate of the property's current market value, the better it will be for you. Compile a list of all the negatives and problems of the home that negatively affect the value. • Detail the costs and liabilities. You want to show the lender it would be much better off letting you take the property off its hands. If you can convince the lender the home is a money pit, all the better. Take photos of any damages and get estimates of the repair costs. • A settlement statement. This statement (which can be prepared by a closing agent or real estate lawyer) outlines the purchase price, the closing costs and any other costs or fees involved in the transfer of the property. 9. Negotiate It's not uncommon for the lender to reject your offer or to come back with a counteroffer. As with any real estate transaction, you should figure out beforehand what your absolute highest limit is, and don't be afraid to walk away if the lender won't meet your figure. 10. Seal the deal Once you've reached an agreement that all three parties -- you, the seller and the lender -- are OK with, get everything in writing and officially recorded. Make sure the seller understands all of the terms of the deal. Next comes the closing and the property is yours.

For those who have trouble with the usual kneeling, bending and stretching that go along with gardening; the joy of gardening does not have to be impossible. People with disabilities have their homes and vehicles adjusted to their needs. So why not do the same things with their gardens? With some extra planning, sturdy materials and willing helpers, gardens can be brought to new heights.
Higher work areas make it much easier for those who need to sit to participate in the hands-on care of a garden. An easy, delightful way to raise up a flower garden is to plant flowers in an old wagon. When you find the wagon, fill it with pots of flowers. Keeping the flowers in pots will ensure that they receive and retain adequate water and fertilizer and that the nutrients don’t slip through the slats. Landscaping timbers, stacked one on top of the other, about seven timbers high, is also ideal for a raised flower or vegetable garden. Make sure that the slats that actually raise the bed, the part where the dirt will be placed, has plenty of space for water drainage. You can grow flowers, vegetables or both. Another way to bring the ground up to you is to use planters. You can find large, plastic planters at many stores. You will have to limit your plants to one variety per planter. While you’re raising your garden, don’t forget to raise your greenhouse and your compost pile, too. Here are some other tips for keeping gardening easy. Make a planter out of a hoe and save your back. Get a length of hose about the same length as your hoe. Tape the hose to the hoe and attach a funnel to the top of the hose. After you have made the planting rows with your hoe, go back with the hoe and drop the seeds through the funnel. They will tumble down the hose and into the row. You won’t even have to lean over. Make hauling topsoil, seeds and other things easy by hooking a bicycle basket on your walker or keeping a small wagon handy. Convert a golf cart into a tiny tractor. If you like hanging baskets, make them easier to lift up and down by mixing peat moss with potting soil. A garden kneeler with handles on each side will also provide a helping hand when you’re rising from the ground. While these tips are certainly not earth-shattering, they're worth a second look, especially if you love gardening but have problems doing the everyday gardening chores.

(ARA) - The bulbs are in the ground and your seedlings are sprouting. What's next for "green-thumbers?" Summer repotting season, of course!
"Summer is a great time of year to repot house plants," says Bob Gillingham, president of Plant Stand Inc. and a self-professed repotting enthusiast. "Think of it as spring cleaning for your house plants. You're tidying up their living space and, if you do your repotting outdoors, giving them a welcome breath of fresh air as well." Repotting a house plant is a simple chore that can reap big rewards as repotted plants get new opportunity -- and room -- to grow. As you take on summer repotting projects, Gillingham recommends keeping in mind these potting pointers: * First, be sure repotting really is necessary. Poor watering practices, overly compacted soil or oxygen starvation can cause roots to grow along the sides of the pot, making the plant appear root bound. Gently break open the root ball. If you find roots inside the root ball, it's time to repot. If the root ball is hollow, remove the soil, return the plant to its original pot and reconsider your watering practices. * Know your soil. Check with your local garden center to determine what type of soil is best for your plant. * Pick the right pot. A general rule of thumb is to repot a plant in a new pot that is at least 1 to 2 1/2 inches wider in diameter than the previous pot. * Be gentle. Tip the pot and cradle the plant stem in one hand. Gently tap on the bottom until the plant slides free. Separate dense and matted roots. Place mesh or stones over the drainage holes, cover the bottom of the pot with about an inch of soil, then slip the plant into the center of the new pot, and surround the root ball and plant with fresh potting soil.
* Replace repotted plants in their original location or outside during summer. Potted house plants can thrive outdoors as long as they are exposed to the appropriate amount of sun or shade and temperatures aren't too high. Wherever you place your pots -- indoors on a carpeted floor or outside on your deck or patio -- be sure to protect the floor beneath the pot. Proper drainage is essential for both plant and pot health, Gillingham says. If your pot is sitting in a puddle of water on the floor or in a collection tray both pot and plant can suffer. Over water your plant and the catch tray will overflow, water will pool unseen beneath the tray, and your carpet, wood floor or deck may be damaged. Courtesy of ARA Content

(NAPS) — An increasing number of people, it seems, are discovering a great way to bring out the beauty of a home is with a container garden. According to the National Gardening Association, more than 21 million homes have discovered the joy of container gardening.
Getting the most beautiful results from potted flowers takes a little artistry and some simple gardening know-how. Bayer Advanced™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim offers these tips to create a beautiful patio garden: 1. Establish a color theme. This is good advice for any type of flower gardening. Try different flowers in shades of one color or blend complementary colors such as red and violet. For an even stronger impact, mix contrasting colors like yellow and blue or yellow and red. 2. Mix plant forms. Use taller, more upright plants — snapdragons, salvia or geraniums — in the middle of the pot, then step down in size as you move toward the edges. Plant cascading flowers such as sweet alyssum, violas and lobelia right near the outside of the pot so they’ll spill over the sides. 3. Plant closely. You’ll get the best show if you pack plants in closer than you would in the open ground. 4. Use a touch of white. White flowers can make everything else look better, so add a few if you need an extra punch. 5. Add bold foliage. Strong foliage plants, purple fountain grass, say, variegated English ivy or Dusty Miller, contribute texture and make your flowerpots even more striking. 6. Group different-sized pots. The varied heights add structure and organization to your display. 7. Make replacements as needed. If one plant or pot is finished blooming, replace it with something that looks better. Make the most of seasonal changes. 8. Remember to water once a day in hot weather. More frequent watering takes nutrients from the soil, so you also have to fertilize more often to keep plants blooming. “When plants are grouped closely in pots, insect problems can quickly get out of hand, so you have to be observant and be ready with control measures,” advises Walheim.

(ARA) - According to the EPA, the average house contributes twice as much to global warming as the average car. With hot summer weather just around the corner, now is the time to give your home a "check-up."
Here are seven tips from the Comfort Institute to cut your air conditioning (AC) bills, improve comfort and help the environment. 1. Have your duct system tested for air leaks. Many assume that windows and doors are the major cause of a home's energy wasting air leaks. But according to research by the Department of Energy (DOE), gaps in the typical home's duct system are much more significant. The DOE states that the typical duct system wastes 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central heat pump or air conditioner. Authorities recommend having an AC contractor test for leaks and then seal them with a brushed on fiber-reinforced elastomeric sealant. Duct tape usually dries out and fails. It turns out duct tape is great for many things, but sealing ducts isn't one of them! 2. Ask your AC contractor to perform an Infiltrometer "blower door" test. This is a computerized instrument originally invented by the DOE. It pinpoints where your home's worst air leaks are, such as duct leaks, and also measures how leaky the overall house is. Many homes have significant air leaks into the attic: hot dusty air often gets drawn in through recessed can lights and pulled down stairs. New sealing products are available to fix these significant leaks. Many AC contractors offer the test as part of a "Home and Duct Performance Checkup" that also checks insulation levels and overall duct performance. 3. Close your fireplace damper. Did you remember to close it last time you used the fireplace? Shut it now or waste precious cool air all summer long! 4. Replace your air conditioner or heat pump air filter. Most systems need this done every month to ensure safe and efficient operation. Keep forgetting to do it? Ask your AC contractor for an extended surface area whole-house air filter that only needs to be replaced once a year. It also does a far better job of keeping your equipment and the air in your home clean. 5. Have your air conditioner cleaned and tuned. A pre-season tune-up is a great investment. It reduces the chances of breakdowns in the middle of summer and more than pays for itself through more energy efficient operation. Make sure the AC contractor cleans both the indoor and outdoor coils, and checks refrigerant gas charge by measuring "superheat" or "subcooling." 6. Attics often get up to 140 degrees hot, so consider adding attic insulation. In most areas, the DOE now recommends R49 insulation, which is typically 18-inches or more. However, it is essential that air leaks in the attic floor first be sealed. If you have HVAC equipment or ducts up in the attic, a radiant barrier foil or paint also makes sense. 7. Consider replacing your old air conditioner or heat pump. Just like a car, central cooling equipment doesn't last forever. Is your system more than 12 years old? Planning to stay in your home more than a few years? Many authorities recommend replacing it before it fails permanently. A new system improves comfort, is more dependable and creates less air pollution. New units are up to twice as energy efficient, which saves money on your monthly electric bills. However, government and utility research has found that more than 90 percent of newly installed high efficiency systems have energy wasting mistakes. Do some homework before talking to contractors. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov and www.comfortinstitute.org. Print out the free Comfort Institute reports, "Tips and Secrets To Buying A New Heating and Cooling System" and "How To Identify a Good Heating and Cooling Contractor." Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Spring is just around the corner and with it comes visions of the great outdoors. The time is right for homeowners to plan and build a deck that will extend living spaces to the outdoors and create an environmentally friendly and easy to care for space to entertain friends and family.
"Adding any deck can make your home feel brand new," says Martin Grohman, chairman of Correct Building Products, makers of CorrectDeck CX decking and railing products. "But with a composite deck, homeowners can take advantage of previously unused outdoor spaces without the maintenance and hassle of traditional wood materials." The experts at Correct Building Products provide the following five reasons to build an ultra-low maintenance and environmentally friendly deck: It's good for the environment. Adding a deck can decrease the expanse of lawn to fertilize and water. Using a PVC-free, ultra low-maintenance composite product made from recycled hardwood and plastic is sustainable, lasts for years, and is recyclable. Ultra-low a maintenance decking products eliminate the annual need for scrubbing, sanding and staining or painting. They only need the occasional sweep or spray with a garden hose. You can then spend time enjoying your deck year after year rather than working to maintain it. Create a safe outdoor play area for pets and children. With appropriate railing and gate systems, deck space is safe for animals and kids of all ages. Newer composite decking surfaces are even safer with no worries about injuries caused by cracks and splinters in wood decks.
Create a great outdoor entertaining space. A grill plunked down in the grass is one thing, but why not create a permanent home for your outdoor cooking station next to a gleaming patio table and comfortable deck chairs? Ultra-low maintenance composite decking resists stains and spills wipe up easily. Additionally, cooking indoors during the summer heats the house and can add to air conditioning bills. Take a vacation in your own backyard. Fuel prices are rising and travel is becoming more expensive. A deck can create an outdoor living space that makes being in the yard feel like a retreat everyday. If you're considering a deck, Grohman suggests taking an environmentally responsible step beyond the traditional stained wood planks. "An ultra-low maintenance product is worth the investment," he says. "The products come with a lifetime warranty and will save time, labor and materials. Best of all, it's sustainable." Courtesy of ARAcontent

A prominent local architect and preservation advocate said he believes the United Way building in downtown Toledo should be saved, possibly by being sold if the agency no longer wants the structure.
“It shouldn’t just be discarded,” said Paul Sullivan, a Toledo architect who is a past president of the Toledo chapter of the American Institute of Architects. “We have programs that recycle bottles. We should be able to recycle buildings.” Earlier this month, the local United Way announced it plans to construct a smaller building, and tear down its current home, considered by some to be a downtown landmark. The organization has said it can no longer afford its $400,000 annual upkeep, and estimates renovations to be too costly at about $10 million. Mr. Sullivan toured the building yesterday with United Way representatives, Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop, and Steve Seaton, director of support services for Lucas County Job and Family Services. Lucas County Commissioner Peter Gerken is touring the building today. A tour of the building with its architect, Byron West, is scheduled for next month, according to Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner. Yesterday, the commissioners unanimously approved a resolution urging United Way to reconsider its demolition decision. “I certainly commend their decision to build downtown. That’s important for our community,” said Mr. Konop, who offered the resolution. “However, in an age where downtowns are competing with each other throughout the country to attract and retain young people and professionals, I don’t think it’s prudent to tear down buildings that have uniqueness and that have history in this community.” The resolution also asked United Way to help with a feasibility study for moving the county’s job and family services department to the building. The job and family services building at 3210 Monroe St. has been occupied since 1971, and likely will need $6 million to $10 million in renovations in the next several years, according to an engineering study, Mr. Seaton said. Mr. Konop said if the county has to upgrade the job and family services building, it would be better to spend the money downtown. Commissioners Tina Skeldon Wozniak and Mr. Gerken supported the resolution, but said their first obligation was to the county’s taxpayers. “We understand the idea that having buildings torn down downtown isn’t the best idea, but at the same time we’re going to make the best decision for the taxpayers,” Ms. Wozniak said. Bill Kitson, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Greater Toledo, said the agency is continuing to move forward with its plans for the new building. “The county’s resolution is not binding,” he said. “We still have not been presented with any viable financial solution. These have been pleasant tours, but no one has put any viable financial solution in front of us.” Mr. Kitson said the agency has met with commercial real estate experts who advised there was little chance of selling the building. On Friday, University of Toledo President Dr. Lloyd Jacobs toured the building with a dozen staffers. Following the tour, he said it would require too many upgrades for the university to invest in the building. “A developer would have a difficult time of making the financials work because we’re having a difficult time making the financials work,” Mr. Kitson said. The United Way would hate to sell the building and see it either demolished for parking or sit empty and abandoned, he said. Selling the building also would leave the agency with having to find a downtown location that is open and accessible to its clients, which it was unable to do when examining options for the property, Mr. Kitson added. Mr. Sullivan, a past chairman of the Landmarks Preservation Council of Northwest Ohio who has been involved with renovating and preserving a number of downtown buildings, said he “found the building to be very well-kept,” though he said the roof and some of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems needed to be upgraded. However, he described those as issues of deferred maintenance rather than intrinsic problems with the building. He added, “I don’t have an intimate knowledge of the building,” and said those were his impressions after yesterday’s tour. Mr. Sullivan said he is a United Way donor. “I think the world of the United Way,” he said. “Obviously, they are trying to do the right thing and do it in a fiscally responsible way.” The United Way’s board has approved borrowing from its board-designated, endowment-like fund to pay for the new construction. The board approved tapping up to $6.4 million from the fund, which it often uses to subsidize administrative costs, then reimbursing the fund with $2 million to $3 million from a targeted capital campaign. Mr. Kitson said the board’s choice was made for the long-term financial health of the organization.

Developer Larry Dillin is asking Toledo City Council to approve a fourth amendment to the development agreement for the $20 million public portion of the riverfront Marina District planned for the city's east side.
The last plan approved by council would have sold 58 acres along the Maumee River to Mr. Dillin for $3.6 million for a residential and commercial development.
In the latest plan, the city would convey just 18 acres to Dillin Riverfront Properties Inc., Mr. Dillin's Perrysburg-based company, for $1.2 million.
Mr. Dillin would still have the option to purchase the other 40 acres for $3.4 million. That money would be reinvested into the public portion.
The city plans to use $3.9 million from a $5 million loan from the State Infrastructure Bank to complete the roadway portion of the public improvements during 2008. Mr. Dillin would be required to "personally guarantee" repayment, the new proposed agreement states.
Dave Amstutz, the city's director of development, said the changes would allow construction to begin quicker this year.
The land Mr. Dillin is buying would be part of the overall planned $320 million private development.
Mr. Amstutz said the first phase of the construction would concentrate on building Riverside Drive and would delay a planned linear waterfront park that has been publicized as the linchpin for the project.
Mr. Dillin could not be reached for comment last night.
Councilman Mike Craig, whose dis-trict includes the Marina District, said the new agreement, if approved next week, would be better for the city than the one currently in place.
"It puts the city in a better position since we are taking a smaller bite of the apple and our expenses are much less," Mr. Craig said.
"It puts Dillin in a much worse position. But he believes in this project to such a degree, he is willing to put his own personal assets on the line," he said.
On July 29, council authorized the sale of $8.2 million in notes plus a number of permanent improvements for the $20 million public portion of the project.
The issuance and sale of bonds was approved 10-2 with Councilmen Frank Szollosi and Michael Ashford voting against.
The Finkbeiner administration now says the project will no longer be financed with the same level of general obligation debt or assessments.
The administration's proposal now before council says they have "concentrated upon maximizing non-[general obligation] sources of funds to complete the project."
The total 125-acre district is bounded by the river, Front and Main streets, and I-280.
The city has gone through several plans and more than one developer over the last eight years to jump-start the project.
Contact Ignazio Messina at:
imessina@theblade.com or 419-724-6171.

Dr. Catherine Anna Marco has been named a “Hero of Emergency Medicine” as part of the American College of Emergency Physicians’ 40th anniversary.
Dr. Marco is a professor at the University of Toledo college of medicine’s department of surgery, division of emergency medicine. She also is director of the medical ethics curriculum at the medical school, the former Medical College of Ohio, and has conducted research and administrative, clinical, and editorial work. The American College of Emergency Physicians is recognizing doctors who have made significant contributions to emergency medicine, their communities, and their patients.

Lucas County commissioners today are expected to decide whether to put a 0.16-mill, five-year additional levy on the November ballot to reopen COSI.
Yesterday, representatives from four local businesses said they would escalate their efforts to campaign for the levy — and would help the museum create new exhibits if the levy passes. “Up until last year, we had a world-class educational science center. We need it back,” said Steve Krull, senior vice president of Owens Corning. “It is really a small investment to make, and a huge benefit to our community.” The levy — which would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $5.21 a year — would be COSI’s third attempt. Officials with the education center say if it is not approved, it will be the last. The exhibits will be shipped to other museums across the country.
COSI closed its doors at the end of last year, after operating for 11 years. Mr. Krull as well as representatives from three other local companies gathered at the shuttered COSI building at Adams and Summit streets to advocate for the levy. In addition to the Owens Corning representative, officials from Xunlight Corp., First Solar Inc., and BP PLC’s Toledo Refinery all said they would form the “Businesses for COSI” committee to push for the levy’s passage. All the companies have pledged to help COSI create new exhibits — especially about alternative energy and energy conservation — if it is reopened. “We will do what it takes to make it successful,” said Ronald Unnerstall, business unit leader for BP’s Toledo Refinery. Many of the business officials said having an educational center like COSI helped them recruit and keep well-qualified applicants in the community. “One of the reasons why people want to live here is a sense of community,” said Carol Campbell, vice president of human resources for First Solar. “When you see a shuttered COSI, it doesn’t speak well for our community.” They also said they would be stepping up their efforts, compared to previous levy campaigns. “With a lot of things in life, you don’t appreciate them until they’re almost gone,” Mr. Krull said. County Commissioner Pete Gerken said the new partnerships made him more likely to support the levy. “It gives it a different flavor,” he said. “It doesn’t look like a retread of what didn’t work before.” Commissioners Tina Skeldon Wozniak and Ben Konop said they likely would support the levy today. So far, the levy campaign has raised $220,000, according to Lori Hauser, COSI’s director of operations.

There’s a proposal out there to instantly bring 500 of the area’s brightest young minds to downtown Toledo, triggering a wave of revitalization that could fill empty storefronts, attain the “critical mass” of urban dwellers needed for growth, and go a ways toward plugging the so-called “brain drain.”
And it’s entirely legal. The idea to move the University of Toledo college of law to downtown has again entered public discussion. One idea was to relocate the college to the United Way building at 1 Stranahan Square. The agency has announced plans to build a small headquarters nearby and demolish the signature downtown Stranahan Building. But Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, the UT president, dismissed that idea after touring the building Friday. He said the building would need too much renovation to be useful to the university. Of course, there are other downtown properties that might better suit the university’s needs. The concept of moving the law school downtown has a history of drawing groans from law school faculty members, many of whom prefer to stay where they are on UT’s main campus near the Secor Road entrance.
Yet there is a number of UT law graduates and public officials who see moving the law school downtown as a catalyst for urban growth. These proponents say that after some initial sacrifice on the university’s part — mostly in renovation costs — the relocation would bring great long-term benefits for both UT and the city. “The university and the city are linked, we are wedded together, and what is good for one is nine times out of 10 good for the other,” said City Councilman Joe McNamara, an attorney with the downtown firm McNamara & Schaller and a graduate of New York University school of law. He added: “A strong Toledo with a vibrant downtown helps the university because it makes it more attractive for the best talented students to move here.” Leading proponent Ben Konop, a county commissioner and part-time law instructor at UT and Ohio Northern University college of law, said the law school cannot insulate itself from the struggles of downtown Toledo.
“If downtown fails, I think the university will have a hard time succeeding and growing,” said Mr. Konop, a University of Michigan law school graduate. “The fate of our region, in large part, depends on the future of downtown.” Moving downtown also would bring benefits to UT’s students, who would be in the center of northwest Ohio’s legal universe, proponents say. They would be within walking distance of federal, county, and municipal courts, public service agencies, and many attorneys’ offices. The Toledo Bar Association counts 1,185 attorneys with a downtown Toledo presence. Proximity could help students network and make connections leading to internships and jobs. Nearby internships Moving the school downtown was a campaign issue for Keith Wilkowski during his 2005 run for Toledo mayor. A 1982 UT law graduate, Mr. Wilkowski is a former city law director, Lucas County commissioner, and Toledo school board member.
He is also a likely candidate in next year’s mayoral race. “It makes all the sense in the world to have the law school located near the court system and the lawyers,” he said last week. A few of the nation’s top-ranked and most prestigious law schools have downtown locations, including Northwestern University school of law in Chicago and Georgetown law in Washington. “There are a number of law schools around the country that are located away from their main campus, and they do it in part because the internships that their students can undertake at a law firm just down the street are very valuable — part of the educational experience,” said David Van Zandt, dean of Northwestern’s law school, which is about 15 miles from the university’s main campus in Evanston, Ill. But within UT’s law school, the notion of moving downtown remains as unpopular among faculty as it was during Mr. Wilkowski’s run and the following year, when Mr. Konop made it a key issue for his county commissioners campaign. UT Law Professor William Richman, who feels the law school should stay put, said that Dean Douglas Ray recently sent faculty members an e-mail informing them that the downtown proposal had reappeared. “Immediately three or four faculty members fired back e-mails with ‘what a terrible idea,’” Mr. Richman said. “And even some were emeritus faculty members, who have no dog in the fight.” The law school’s three-story, 115,000-square-foot building dates to 1972. While sections of the interior decor may bear an early 1970s institutional feel, the building’s courtroom and classrooms are generally up-to-date with wireless Internet and computerized “smart board” technology. It received more than $625,000 in renovations between 2005 and 2007. “I think I can say the law school community would favor remaining on the university campus,” Dean Ray said. “A move would inconvenience both students and faculty, and I think that the faculty sentiment is really based on what’s best for students.” Proud of central sites Moving into any building downtown likely would necessitate millions of dollars in renovations.
Professor Richman said that by trading a campus setting for an office building, students and faculty would lose easy access to UT’s recreation facilities and medical care, as well as interaction with other academic disciplines. “Many times I have heard students and their parents comment on how the University of Toledo has a pleasant suburban residential university campus, unlike say Cleveland State, which is in downtown Cleveland, unlike Akron, which is in downtown Akron, unlike Capital, which is in downtown Columbus.” But some highly regarded law schools tout their urban locations. Georgetown, which is ranked near the top of first-tier law schools by U.S. News and World Report magazine, boasts of being “in the very heart of Washington.” There is similar pride at the University of Maryland school of law, a top-50 school in downtown Baltimore. “We have access to the federal government, the state government, and the local government where we’re located,” said Jamie Smith, director of communication. Maryland students’ relationship with downtown is in many ways symbiotic, he said, as they regularly apply their growing skills helping local residents. “In Baltimore there are all kinds of low-income communities and public interest groups who benefit from students providing representation,” Mr. Smith said. However, Professor Richman, an alumnus of Maryland’s law school, noted that there is usually more geographic distance between downtown law schools such as Maryland and Northwestern and their main university campuses than the 3½ miles separating UT and downtown. Because downtown is fairly close, UT students already have maximized their internship and volunteer opportunities with downtown law firms and agencies, the professor said. UT in recent years has been among U.S. News and World Report’s top 100 law schools. A Michigan example The Cooley Law School branch in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., is an example of a law school that helped spur urban redevelopment.
The school opened five years ago inside a former pharmaceutical distribution warehouse in what was considered the city’s “homeless district,” Associate Dean Nelson Miller said. Soon new restaurants, shops, and a cosmetology school sprouted nearby. And many of its more than 550 students chose to live downtown, fueling the market for new housing units. “It really did seem to kick off the surrounding development,” Mr. Miller said. Councilman McNamara sees similar possibilities for downtown Toledo. Law students who work and attend school downtown would have more reasons to live downtown, eat downtown, and enjoy downtown entertainment. “The law school moving downtown is another piece of the puzzle of rejuvenating downtown,” he said. Contact JC Reindl at: jreindl@theblade.com or 419-724-6065.

With the opening of Toledo's new downtown sports arena still more than a year away, project officials concede the city's struggling economy is confounding efforts to find a company willing to pay millions of dollars for naming rights.
"Obviously, when possible, you'd like to get a major sponsorship commitment of that level sooner than later, but we've never, quite frankly, experienced an economy as unusual as this one," said Joe Napoli, vice president of the Toledo Mud Hens.
"That's been a bit of a challenge for us."
The new arena will be operated by Toledo Arena Sports, Inc., a nonprofit organization that is a subsidiary of the Mud Hens organization. Mr. Napoli said his organization is in contact with several companies and eventually will find a sponsor - but now may not be the best time to sign a deal.
"For a company to make a long-term commitment for naming rights in the current environment is a new experience, even for us," Mr. Napoli said. "I can't even compare it to our last experience, because it's not the same."
To negotiate the naming rights, county officials hired Gateway Consulting, a Cleveland-based firm whose other clients include the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers, along with the Mud Hens.
"We could sell the naming rights tomorrow, but I don't think that's the best thing for the project," said Tom Chema, a consultant with Gateway.
Mr. Napoli and Mr. Chema wouldn't say how much they were asking for naming rights, but because the stadium will be open year-round and will host other events besides sports, they are expecting much more than the $5 million that Fifth Third Bank paid to sponsor the Mud Hens' home.
Naming-rights revenue is intended to help Lucas County pay off debt from the arena's construction.
The planned 8,000-seat arena, situated between Madison and Jefferson avenues in downtown Toledo, will host the Toledo Walleye minor-league hockey team, plus concerts and other events. It is scheduled to open in the fall of 2009.
County officials said they are looking for other teams - perhaps an Arena Football League team, or one from the NBA Development League - to play at the arena.
With a price tag of about $100 million, the arena's price tag easily doubles that of the Fifth Third Field, which opened for the Mud Hens in 2002.
The county plans to borrow about $90 million, using 35-year bonds, to finance the project. The balance will come from state grants, investment income, and other sources.
An increase in the county's hotel-motel tax and revenue from the stadium is expected to fund the debt service, as was done with Fifth Third Field.
The money for arena-naming rights, along with other sponsorships and ticket sales, will immediately go back to the county to help it pay off the debt. County Administrator Michael Beazley said he expects the revenue to be between $1 million and $3 million per year.
In the Mud Hens' deal with Fifth Third, the bank owns the naming rights for the stadium for 15 years plus a 10-year option.
Officials said they still were negotiating the period for which the arena's naming rights would be sold.
If the economy worsens, Mr. Napoli said, they even could wait until after the arena opens to sell naming rights.
"Everything is within the realm of possibility. We still have 14 months to go. We still have an exceptional chance to sell the naming rights," Mr. Napoli said. "But I would certainly not hit the panic button if that did not occur."
He said he had faith in the project's ability to attract residents downtown and promote the area, but it may be necessary to wait until the national economy improves in order to maximize the facility's value.
But despite the economy, Mr. Napoli said his organization has had "exceptional" success selling club seats and other sponsorships within the stadium.
"That's been surprisingly fruitful, taking into account the economy," Mr. Napoli said.
On Aug. 11, Standard & Poor's issued its highest possible rating for $34 million in one-year bond-anticipation notes that the county issued for the arena project.
The county already has bid most of the project's construction, with about $9 million in contracts remaining.
So far, county officials say the project is actually $4 million under budget - savings that could pick up the slack if the naming rights are sold for less than expected.
Contact Alex M. Parker at:
aparker@theblade.com or 419-724-6107.

The University of Toledo will not purchase the United Way building, President Lloyd Jacobs said yesterday after he and a dozen UT staffers toured the downtown Toledo property.
The United Way of Greater Toledo last week announced plans to build a new structure and tear down its current home because of the extensive and costly renovations that it has said would be required to stay.
According to United Way estimates, updating the 1969 building would cost at least $10 million, while new construction would cost $6 million - including the current structure's removal.
Though Dr. Jacobs said he admired the "interesting and beautiful" structure, he said it would need too much renovation to be useful to the university.
It had been suggested as a possible location for UT's law school.
Dr. Jacobs said he liked the building's downtown location, but said it had a "tremendous amount of infrastructure needs," citing its roof, plumbing, wiring, and the amount of work it would need to remodel its offices into university classrooms.
Yesterday's tour was led by Brian McCarty, the local United Way's director of facilities, and Bill Kitson, the local chapter's president and chief executive.
The tour started on the building's roof and worked its way to the basement, with participants examining offices, roaming hallways and stairwells, and peeking in closets and bathrooms.
On the roof, Mr. McCarty said leaks are a problem, as he pointed to a spot he patched within the last few weeks. The roof has passed its 20-year life expectancy, he said.
Mr. McCarty also showed UT officials the rooftop cooling tower. Its machinery is 40 years old though its intended life span was just 15 years.
"It's a constant headache for me," he said.
OneSphere, a Perrysburg firm that surveyed the building in 2003, said in its report to the United Way that "this unit has definitely reached the end of its useful life."
The same report found that some aspects of the building functioned well, but it recommended numerous upgrades, as well as making the building more accessible for people with disabilities.
In a stairwell, UT representatives examined a large crack caused by a 1986 earthquake, which measured 5.0 on the Richter scale.
Tour participants asked about plumbing, water damage in the building, electrical systems, phones, Internet capability, sprinklers, and the building's mechanical systems.
The tour ended after Mr. McCarty showed the building's air conditioning system. The system shuts down when it overheats, which has left the building without air conditioning several times this summer, Mr. Kitson said.
The compressors are overworked, Mr. McCarty said.
"It's like keeping your car motor floored, night and day," he said.
"After awhile, it can't handle the load."
The Lucas County commissioners have expressed interest in examining the building, potentially for the county's department of Job and Family Services. Mr. Kitson said county officials will tour the building next week.
The United Way has drawn fire from preservationists, as well as Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.
The structure was designed by prominent Toledo architect Byron West to house the United Way and other nonprofit agencies in one building. Its construction was heavily financed by $3.8 million from the Stranahan Foundation.
Michael Young, a former Toledo city planner who is now an urban designer in San Diego, said in an e-mail to The Blade that he remembers the building's signature "multiple planes, and mysterious castle-like profile."
"Even today, after 46 years in Toledo and another 11 in California, I have not found another building like it. The United Way building was distinctive then, and it is exceptional now. It is a triumphant departure from the featureless and impersonal office buildings that have dominated architecture in the past 50 years."
Contact Kate Giammarise at:
kgiammarise@theblade.com or 419-724-6133.

Developer Larry Dillin, who has been selected by the Finkbeiner administration to move along a $320 million development in East Toledo's Marina District and revitalize the area of the former Southwyck Shopping Center, is the guest on this week's edition of Deadline Now.
Toledo City Council last month authorized the sale of $8.2 million in notes, plus a number of permanent improvements for the $20 million public portion of the riverfront Marina District. Council is expected to vote Aug. 26 on authorizing a $1.5 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency brownfield loan to Mr. Dillin to be used for environmental cleanup at Southwyck.
Mr. Dillin and Jack Lessenberry, the show's host and The Blade's ombudsman, talk about the challenges of both projects. They also discuss how the sluggish economy could affect the developments.
Deadline Now will be broadcast at 8:30 tonight and at 2:30 a.m. tomorrow on WGTE-TV, Channel 30.