Download - Spring Home Improvement

Wednesday, April 27, 20112 Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement | SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

All Season Home

Improvement Co.. . . . . . . 4, 7, 11, 19

Audette's Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Bob's Cash Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Bolster's Rubbish & Recycling . . . . 19

Boucher's Construction Services. . . . 5

Brad Hendrickson

General Contractor . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Budget Blinds of Augusta . . . . . . . . . 5

Canty Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Central Maine Equipment . . . . . . . . . 7

Central Maine Hydroseeding. . . . . . . 9

Century Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

D.H. Pinnette & Sons, Inc. . . . . . . . 13

Dead River Company . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Furlongs Home & Yard Care. . . . . . 19

Gagne & Sons Concrete. . . . . . . . . . 17

Gerald MacKenzie, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 16

Gosline's Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Hammond Lumber Company . . . 9, 18

Houle's Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 18

Jason Brothers Painting Co. . . . . . . 19

Kennebec Savings Bank. . . . . . . . . . 19

Kitchen Encounters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

KSW Federal Credit Union . . . . . 6, 19

LaPointe Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Longfellow's Cedar Shingles

& Shakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Longfellow's Greenhouse . . . . . . . . . 3

Longfellow's Hydroseeding, Inc. . . . . 5

MacKenzie Landscaping, Inc. . . 18, 19

Maine Energy Pros, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 10

Mason's Lawnmower & Power

Equipment Service . . . . . . . . . . 8, 13

McKenney Tree & Landscaping . . . 19

Murray's Pools & Spas . . . . . . . . . . . 9

North Country Power Sports . . . . . . 14

NuImage Awnings of Maine . . . . . . . 6

Power Equipment Plus . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Quinn True Value Hardware . . . . . . 16

Rocky's Stove Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Selco Plumbing & Heating . . . . . . . . 5

Shop from Home Flooring . . . . . . . 19

Skowhegan Savings Bank . . . . . . . . 15

Somerset Stone Center &

Excavation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Stebra Roofing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Stevens Siding & Window . . . . . . . . 11

Sunset Flowerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Taconnet Federal Credit Union . . . . 12

Teague Distributors . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5, 8

Trailside Performance . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ware-Butler, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Waterman Farm

Machinery Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Wish - Home & Garden Décor . . . . 16

Index to Advertisers

The cover was designed by Denise Vear, Creative Services Manager.

Questions or comments?

Call Bridget Campbell, Business Development Manager at 861-9155 or 1-800-537-5508 - ext. 9155

BY BONNIE N. DAVISCorrespondent

For property owners seeking to refinance their

homes or renters wanting to spruce up their living

space, inexpensive renovations are in demand this

spring.

Local professionals have great tips for a variety of

those projects and the budgets on which to do them.

“I actually grew up learning a lot of this stuff

from my dad growing up in Portland,” said Steve

Aucoin, a local contractor and unit director of the

North End Boys & Girls Club. “I’ve moved between

doing this and desk jobs for around 30 years.”

When Aucoin met Harvey Klugman, a skilled

contractor from Brooklyn and master of drywall

installation, he perfected his craft, including hanging

drywall in horizontal rather than vertical planes.

“I must have been in my 30s when I ran into

Harvey,” Aucoin said. “He was all about renovations

and how to do them with little money.”

Aucoin learned the technique of applying drywall

tape and feathering thin layers of mud — joint com-

pound, still known as the Klugman Method.

“It’s so minimal in the amount of dust it creates

— it’s more efficient and there’s less clean up,” he

said. “Bumps come from too much mud — most

people use too much. Klugman was meticulous

about edges and using wide feathering — 12 to 16

inches on both sides of the seam — saving time and

materials. Your savings are all in little bits, but when

you add them up, it becomes larger.”

Aucoin often is called in when do-it-yourself proj-

ects go wrong.

“We’re trapped in a world of manufactured

goods. There aren’t many carpenters anymore, but

we have a lot of building material installers used to

4-by-8-foot products,” he said. “When renovating

older homes, it’s hard to hit the studs. If you’re used

to new construction, you may not know how to

make those adaptations.”

According to Aucoin, consumers are misled by

builders who say they are licensed — Maine

requires licensing for plumbers and electricians, but

not contractors. He advises homeowners to ask if

contractors carry insurance, look at previous work

and find out if they are problem solvers who can

think their way through difficulties.

“There are very few repairs or renovations that

most homeowners can do adequately,” he said. “Of

course, if you have no money, you have to try. If you

are good at reading the written word and translating

it into an effectively-done job and have some hands-

on experience, give it a try or work alongside a qual-

ified contractor and learn.”

Joe Roy, with Campbell’s Building Supply in

Madison, works with contractors as well as with

people wanting to do their own work. When a home-

owner comes in, he starts his process.

“Well, first I would show options on what’s avail-

able — I don’t want to show my hand on what to

spend. For a bathroom, I show faucets, toilets, light

fixtures and tubs,” he said. “I show options and that

leads into what they can spend — I don’t want to

insult anybody about their budget.”

Roy uses a five-step process with customers:

• Show options.

• Learn their vision or dream.

• Help design what they want.

• Figure out the budget.

Renovations on a budgetcan add value to a home

Bonnie Davis photos

Above, Steve Aucoindemonstrates theKlugman technique offeathering mud to createa smooth painting sur-face. At left, since ama-teur installation andmudding left severeridges on new drywall,an easy fix was texturedsea sponge painting witha painted chair rail.Installing inexpensivemolding fixed the non-taped gap between walland ceiling.

More on RENOVATE, Page 4

3| Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special SupplementWednesday, April 27, 2011 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

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• Design or spruce up a room

within that budget.

As is the case with many build-

ing supply companies,

Campbell’s has outside salespeo-

ple who go to homes to measure

and take material samples.

“If a customer comes in and

wants to do-it-yourself, we help

them through the process just as

we would work with a contrac-

tor,” Roy said. “There are a lot of

upgrades people can do with a

wrench, screwdriver and paint

brush. If your budget is under

$200, new paint, faucets, toilet

paper holders, towel racks, light

switch covers and decorations

make a big difference in appear-

ance. You can add molding or

update by repainting; to remove

and install tubs, toilets, etc., you

need a contractor.”

With locations in Waterville,

Skowhegan and Livermore Falls,

Ware-Butler Inc. also offers a

variety of services.

“Basically, I’m an outside

salesperson,” said Bill Veilleux,

from the Waterville store. “I take

rough drawings — sometimes on

paper napkins — to full scale

drawings; I figure out materials

for a project and the cost of mate-

rials. Then, when it’s settled and

approved, we start the tedious

process of ordering; 28 years ago,

people would just come in and

take things off the shelf.”

According to Veilleux, product

lines are enormous, with many

special products available.

“We come to a job site, figure

out materials, order and ship to

the house at no cost,” he said.

“We have three stores with trucks

going in different directions —

the last time we had to charge,

was way up in Millinocket.”

During the summer, vendors

offer barbecue demonstrations at

Ware-Butler’s. Invitations are sent

to contractors and individuals in

their customer base to introduce

new products and methods.

“We’ve build a deck out here

6-feet-by-6-feet or 8-feet-by-8-

feet; we’ve done replacement

windows,” Veilleux said. “We

have a good relationship with

local vendors; we’re here all day.

If we don’t have an answer, they

send a rep over and help measure

or whatever.”

For some jobs, Veilleux recom-

mends contractors.

“If you need a contractor, we

give you two or three names of

people who match your budget and

personality. It costs money to get

an education, whether you go to

the school of hard knocks or hire a

professional,” he said. “If home-

owners need assistance, we help.

Most manufacturers have manuals

on line, or you can watch YouTube

demos. I have years of experience

on what not to do — drywall and

garage doors are almost a trade of

their own. I work with people who

just build stairs or just build mil-

lion-dollar homes.”

“I think planning is important,”

said Judy Higgins, the kitchen

and bath wizard at McCormack

Building Supply in Winslow.

“I’ve been doing cabinets for over

25 years — 15 years here. We

offer the service of going to a

client’s home and measuring. I do

a design on my computer; it gives

the customer a visual.”

With her software, Higgins

offers a few design options to

help customers make decisions.

Aided by knowledge of promo-

tions and sales, clients often find

renovations affordable. Higgins,

who recently renovated her own

kitchen, said she spent about

$1,200 removing wallpaper,

repainting walls and installing a

new Formica countertop, quartz

sink and high-arch, brushed-nick-

el faucet.

“The floor and appliances were

fine,” she said. “My husband and

I did the work — it helps to be

married to a talented guy. We had

someone come in and do the

plumbing —that made the total

cost come up to $1,500.”

Supplying customers with the

names of qualified tradespeople is

another part of the services,

according to Higgins.

“I can recommend people with

different abilities,” she said. “I

trust giving their names so clients

will be comfortable with them

and with me. Planning, I think,

gives you a good start, so you

don’t rip something out and find

it’s not in stock. Some people

can’t see beyond what they have;

you can move the fridge and open

up the space.”

She said clients have come in

wanting total renovations with a

budget of just $400, which is not

realistic for major renovations;

$2,000 is more realistic.

“But you can repaint cabinets,

change hardware or install a new

countertop for a fresh look,”

Higgins said.

All of the professionals sug-

gested being realistic about limi-

tations and calling a professional

prior to getting in too deeply.

“Don’t bite off more than you

can chew — people underesti-

mate the task. Stop before you

get too far — these are not skill-

less tasks,” Aucoin said. “Start

small and have fun.”


RenovateContinued from Page 2

Bonnie N. Davis photo

Bob Van Gordon and Jerry Saint Amand of Ware-Butler in Waterville discuss flooring options.

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BY J.P. DEVINECorrespondent

And so it is with those in

Maine who would journey out in

the noonday, or any other time of

day, to sow the seeds of summer

gardens. It is madness of course.

We are all driven by the media-

inspired myth of fresh veggies,

herbs and gorgeous flowers filling

our vases. Madness.

But go we will, with spade and

rake, seeds and pesticides, knee

pads and sensible shoes. So here

are a few things one must consid-

er before heeding the call of

Mother Nature.

First, apparel. You’ve scanned

the magazines, visited L.L. Bean

and succumbed to all those fash-

ion pamphlets about what is

trendy to wear in the garden.

Discard them. Those are aimed at

wealthy folks who live in

Connecticut, the Carolinas and

California. This is Maine. There

are precautions to be taken here

that transcend fashion.

First thing to do is discard the

Bermuda and khaki shorts. There

are monsters out there in the new

spring grass, creepy, crawly,

slimy, infectious monsters. There

are ticks and fleas, gnats and mos-

quitoes that have been busy laying

eggs all winter to provide issue

that will infect you and bring pain

and discomfort. Any medical jour-

nal dealing with these issues will

warn you of bacteria that can

cause leptospirosis, Legionnaires’

disease, asthma, tetanus and con-

niption fits.

You will need to wear strong

pants tied at the ankles, long-

sleeved upper garments with a

high collar to protect the neck,

and gloves, certainly, not those

ladylike white things, but strong

work gloves, the kind that have

reinforced palms so thick that they

make it almost impossible to pick

up any stray coins you might have

lost there in the fall.

For protection against the dead-

ly rays of the sun, you will need

good sunglasses, not those “glam-

my” things you wore on the beach

in Bermuda, but good ones with

proper ultraviolet ray protection.

Those rays can cause photokerati-

tis, pingueculae and permanent

retinal damage.

Are you writing any of this

down? I know the big ones with

rhinestones and lacy side plates

are glamorous, but you want to be

able to see in October when you

plant the garlic. Oh! You thought

garlic grew in the market?

In addition, the Maine gardener

needs a sensible hat — a pith hel-

met is a good idea. You can pick

up authentic ones online, the kind

Dr. Livingstone wore when he

was lost in the jungle. They also

sell them in trendy pastel colors.

Peach is nice this time of year.

Check out the upscale garden cat-

alogs. They’re lighter, like the

kind the mailmen and women

wear.

Don’t forget to slather on the

right skin creams. The sun is an

unfriendly companion. It may make

the blossoms bloom in May, but it’s

very good at producing skin can-

cers, blotches and wrinkles.

As for shoes, forget the popular

Crocs. They’re fun to wear on the

deck when having lunch, but the

dewy spring grass is full of water

and bacteria that will seep through

the cute holes and give you a fun-

gus infection.

Instead, wear good boots,

preferably knee-high rubber

jobs. But in a pinch, those snow

boots you have been wearing

since Christmas will do. I think

it’s equally smart to include the

cotton face mask you often see

on Asian faces. They know what

they’re doing. It will keep a lot

of those pesticide fumes from

your lungs. Bright colors and

colognes are fine for summer

weddings, but they seem to

attract insects that have yet to be

identified by medical science. If

you must smell nice, try your

husband’s aftershave. Gnats are

annoyed by it.

Yes, it’s healthy and fun to ven-

ture into the wilderness of your

garden, to spy the early crocuses

'neath the trees. And of course you

will want the neighbors to wave,

talk about you in the market and

copy you. But fashion is for the

brave, who are very often, stupid.

Take care. Perhaps a photographer

will stray by and snap you. You

could be setting your own trends

for next season.


Maine gardeners need to apply practical fashion sense

“Mad dogs and Englishmen go out inthe noonday sun,”

BRITISH WRITER NOEL COWARD

J.P. Devine photo

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BY NANCY GALLAGHERCorrespondent

If the grass is always greener

on the other side of the fence —

or if there is no grass — it’s time

to contact Norman “Norm”

Vigue at Central Maine

Hydroseeding. The business

shares quarters with Vigue’s

Furniture Restoration at 99

Church Street in Oakland.

Vigue has operated his wood

furniture restoration business at

that location for the past 19

years. Four years ago his yearn-

ing to work outdoors inspired

the addition of Central Maine

Hydroseeding.

Hydroseeding involves spray-

ing a mixture of wood fiber

mulch, grass seed, fertilizer, and

water onto prepared ground,

using a hydroseeding machine.

The mix will have a lumpy,

green, wet, appearance.

Wildflower seed may also be in

the mix, if desired. You’ve prob-

ably seen it alongside new and

recently resurfaced roadways.

Why hydroseed instead of

other grass planting methods?

Because it eliminates the draw-

backs or challenges.

The traditional do-it-yourself

method of broadcasting seed,

adding fertilizer and covering it

with hay is an invitation to every

bird in the area to a grass seed

buffet. Weeds from the hay can

also sprout along with your new

grass. Spreading the seed evenly

is another challenge, and raking

up all that hay later is a nui-

sance. Laying sod is expensive,

may not always take and con-

sumes a great deal of water.

Hydroseeding provides even

coverage and speedy results at a

fraction of the cost of sod. Water

in the mixing tank initiates seed

germination. When the mix is

sprayed, the wood fiber mulch

sits atop the seeds, retaining

vital moisture while shielding

the germinating seeds from

birds. Growth is visible in three

to four days and the lawn will be

fully established in three weeks.

“During the summer when the

dew is early in the morning, it

holds the moisture and releases


Spraying of the green spreads modern-day magic

Contributed photo

BEFORE: Central Maine Hydroseeding owner Norman Vigue hydroseeds a new residential lawn.

More on HYDROSEEDING,Page 7

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it throughout the day,” says

Vigue. This helps roadside

applications succeed. He

emphasizes that “moisture is the

biggest thing about growing

grass.”

For the first two weeks after

hydroseeding, the lawn should

be watered two to three times

daily, making sure the seed mix-

ture remains thoroughly moist.

For the following two weeks, a

once-daily watering is recom-

mended until the first mowing.

The lawn should be fully estab-

lished and be about 3 inches tall

in most areas before that first

mowing. Central Maine

Hydroseeding guarantees its

work 100 percent to every one

of its customers following these

guidelines.

One month after the applica-

tion, Central Maine

Hydroseeding returns and fertil-

izes the new lawn at no addi-

tional cost. This replenishes

nutrients drawn from the soil at

the beginning of the growing

process.

The hydroseeding season usu-

ally begins when the earth’s

temperature is 50 to 55 degrees

Fahrenheit. It continues until the

snow flies. A late fall applica-

tion will go dormant and germi-

nate in the spring.

Vigue hydroseeds large com-

mercial and educational facili-

ties, as well as smaller residen-

tial properties. Square footage

will determine pricing.

Estimates are free.

For more information or to

schedule an appointment, tele-

phone Central Maine

Hydroseeding at (207) 465-2250

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.


Contributed photo

AFTER: Lush new grass surrounds this residence following hydroseeding.

HydroseedingContinued from Page 6

Hydroseeding involves spraying a mixture of wood fiber mulch,grass seed, fertilizer and water onto prepared ground, using ahydroseeding machine.

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BY VALERIE TUCKERCorrespondent

Making plans to paint anything

inside or outside the place one

calls home can be an emotional

process.

Decisions abound. What colors

work well together? Should it

match the furniture or the drapes?

How does one get rid of peeling

paint, mildew or grime on the old

clapboards? Is a primer coat

required? What is the difference

between linen and eggshell, or

matte and pearl?

Garnett Johnston, Hammond

Lumber’s 28-year veteran of the

subtle art and science of painting,

soothes the worries of anxious

customers in his Auburn store.

Four key questions get them on

track.

“I ask whether they are

repainting or starting from

scratch, what condition the sur-

face is in, what tools they have or

might need and what preparation

options they are planning,”

Johnston said.

The best time, money and

energy savings start with the right

tools, according to the pro.

“You can rent a power washer

to get flakes and grime off the

exterior,” he said. “Spend a little

extra to get a scraper that stays

sharp longer and a brush that

doesn’t leave its bristles or

clumps and drips behind.”

Good paint rarely fails, so if

exterior house paint starts peeling

within two years, the preparation

steps may have been the culprit,

Johnston suggested.

Quality paint lasts much longer

than the bargain brands, but it is

a waste of money and time if a

person has painted over a poor

surface. Painting wood, clap-

boards, shakes, shingles, stucco,

masonry, primed metal, asbestos

shingles and masonry block and

brick all require proper prepara-

tion, he said. Painting inside the

home provides a chance to be

creative with walls and trim. The

right colors can inspire, soothe,

create the illusion of space, or set

the mood and atmosphere for any

particular room.

“I ask customers if they want

to bring out the tones and colors

of the flooring, cabinets, uphol-

stery, or a special piece of furni-

ture, and I always suggest bring-

ing a sample of the color they

want to match or accent,” he said.

Planning to sell your house? A

fresh coat of paint can work won-

ders in the kitchen, bathroom, or

entryway. Cooler colors, especial-

ly blue, can make a home seem

fresh and clean during the sum-

mer. A person’s real estate bro-

ker, who probably has seen the

best and worst home decorating

ideas, can give advice. Paint

manufacturers can offer samples

of complex colors, but endless

choices of off-whites can be

daunting for those who just want

a light color, Johnston said.

Painting a light earth tone over a

maroon wall could require fewer

coats than repainting that same

wall with a yellow or red.


Color adds punch and pizzazz for spring do overs

Photo contributed by Hammond Lumber

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Hammond Lumber stores carry California Paints (www.california-paints.com) and colors are grouped to complement each other,Johnston said. The Historic Colors of America collection, for exam-ple, includes interior and exterior colors replicated from Colonial,Federal, Tudor, and Craftsmen periods to those more popular laterin the late 20th century. For people with youngsters in the house,the line offers a collection of “Super-Scrubbability” choices in matte,satin/matte, semi-gloss, and eggshell finishes that have low-emis-sion and environmentally-friendly finishes.

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“I try to help customers under-

stand that some colors which

look great in their dreams might

not be what they see when they

are finished painting,” he said.

Do the homeowners expect tp

buy some new furniture or appli-

ances after they paint? Plan

ahead, Johnston advised.

“Occasionally, a customer will

come in with a complex fabric

swatch with lots of colors and

shades, hoping I can pick the

perfect paint to match,” he said.

“If they want an accent color for

woodwork, that’s probably a bet-

ter choice that trying to match

the wall color.”

What’s trendy? Forty years

ago, Harvest Gold and Avocado

Green were popular appliance

colors, but today’s stoves, wash-

ers, dryers, and even fixtures can

be boldly-colored focal points.

“The great feature of paint,

though, is that you can always

paint again if you decide you

hate it,” he said.

PaintContinued from Page 8

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Whether the weekend garden-

er is concerned with rising pro-

duce costs, contaminants in the

commercial food supply or just

wants to dabble in gardening,

starting a small vegetable garden

can be easy and inexpensive

when following tips from sea-

soned professionals.

“You need to pick out one

spot in your yard that gets a

minimum of six hours of direct

sunlight per day,” said Oakland

farmer Ernie Ames.

Although his 100 Acre Farm

on 10 Lots Road in Oakland is

not certified organic, Ames start-

ed organic practices long ago.

“When my daughter was little,

she’d walk right into the garden

to eat,” he said. “I didn’t want to

use chemicals — that was about

30 years ago and I’ve never used

chemicals since.”

According to Ames, raised

beds for home gardens can be as

small as 4-feet-by-4-feet or 4-

feet-by-6-feet and produce a lot

of yield. He suggests buying

inexpensive landscape ties or

non-pressure treated boards.

“Use old boards to make a

container,” he said, “but if you

have to buy them, don’t get pres-

sure treated — the chemicals can

leach into the soil.”

Placing fabric, cloth, old

boards or layers of cardboard

(without ink) on the ground

before setting up the frame, cuts

down on weed control and saves

time as well as labor, he said.

Ames suggests using old-fash-

ioned Yankee initiative by recy-

cling old bathtubs or a plastic

children’s swimming pool for

container gardening.

“Make sure you punch holes

in the bottom of the pool for

drainage,” he said. “You can put

it in your driveway and move it

out of the way. You can line the

bottom with pea stones, but that

adds weight.”

Izzy McKay, proprietor of Half

Moon Gardens in Thorndike, said

moisture is important.

“Whenever you plant anything

in a container, you have to watch

the water requirements,” said

McKay, whose business is locat-

ed at the intersection of Routes

139 and 220. “They tend to dry

out more, and don’t assume the

soil in a container from last year

is good — replace or amend.”


Small vegetable gardenscan be easy and practical


Ernie Ames offers sturdy, organically-grown seedlings at local farmers’markets and from his farm starting in mid-May.More on GARDEN, Page 11

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Ed Domasinsky, educated at

the University of Massachusetts

at Amherst as a plant and soil

specialist, agrees that watering

is important.

“The weekend gardener

waters too much or not enough,”

Domasinsky said. “I’m a hard

core organic farmer. It’s my

forte – I love plants and I like

getting info out to people.”

When starting a garden, soil

is the single most important fac-

tor, according to Domasinsky.

For container gardening, pur-

chase pro mix from one of the

local garden stores because it

drains well and is nutrient rich.

Buying bags of compost or

manure is also an option for a

small garden.

“You’re fighting a losing bat-

tle if you don’t have good soil,”

he said. “You want humus –

black gold. It’s the end of the

biological chain – it can’t break

down anymore. If you add lime

in the fall, it takes six months to

take affect in the soil. If you

know somebody, get compost.”

Ames agreed. “ Most farms

have compost piles or you can

go to a garden center and get a

trash barrel full.”

Once the planting area is ready,

selecting the right plants is the

next step. Domasinsky suggests

buying seeds from Johnny’s

Selected Seeds in Winslow

because its products are acclimat-

ed to grow in this region.

“They’re suited for this envi-

ronment,” he said, “and it gives

the plants a healthy start.”

McKay recommends that

inexperienced gardeners buy

seedlings for small gardens and

containers. She grows both cer-

tified organic and non-organic

seedlings and herbs.

“One thing about buying

seedlings from a reputable grower

is they’ve gotten a good start —

they’ve already germinated and

made it through the critical

growth phase,” she said. “If

they’re ready to sell, they’re

ready to be planted and you’re

not dealing with water dripping

all over the kitchen table. Plus,

you don’t have to buy seed pack-

ets just to grow a few plants and

worry about seed storage —

there’s a trick to seed storage.”

However, for lettuce,

Domasinsky suggests planting

seeds. “Plant a row every few

weeks,” he said. “Once lettuce

reaches maturity, it goes by and

gets bitter.”

Hardening seedlings from a

greenhouse is also essential.


GardenContinued from Page 10


Small gardens are easy to build using inexpensive landscape ties, non-pressure treated boards and containers.

More on GARDEN, Page 13

“When my daughter was little, she’d walkright into the garden to eat, I didn’t want touse chemicals — that was about 30 yearsago and I’ve never used chemicals since.”

— ERNIE AMES

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BY J.P. DEVINECorrespondent

Doug Hebert, executive manag-

er of Century Pools on Church

Street in Oakland, is a glass-three-

quarters-full kind of guy. For

more than 20 years, Hebert has

been marketing and installing

above-ground pools for his com-

pany. Along with Sabrina

Williamson, his sparkly-eyed,

energetic assistant, Hebert knows

all the ins and outs of the popular

business.

We wondered how, in these

fragile economic times, the swim-

ming pool business was floating.

“Things are little slow now, as

in all business areas, but it’s still

winter,” Hebert said. “I know it’s

April, but home landscapes are

still jammed up with the snow

from the April Fool’s Day bliz-

zard. But pretty soon, when the

temperatures start hitting 85 and

90 and the humidity kicks in,

we’ll be busier than ever.”

Williamson, who once ran a trav-

eling carnival company, knows well

the seasonal quirks of the public.

“Summer brings the heat, and

everyone will want to get outside

and enjoy the season, and that

means soaking and splashing in a

pool,” she said.

So what’s new in swimming

pools?

“It’s all pretty much the same

good stuff. We install quality

pools, ” Hebert said during a tour

of what’s available for the average

overheated Mainer.

Pools, also installed by Bill

Douglas, include the Cypress STR

with an impressive 54-inch wall

height and an ultimate steel frame

bolstered by seven-inch steel

uprights that are stronger than the

industry standard. It boasts

Cypress Pools’ “stainless steel

service panel” that locks out wall

corrosion. The Cypress starts at

$3,595 plus tax and installation

fees, and comes with a sweet 50-

year warranty.

“On the slightly lower end,”

said Hebert as he moved to the

next pool, “there’s the XL 7000,

priced at $2,595 plus the taxes

and installation fee.” The XL

boasts a 25-year limited warranty

and comes in sizes to fit most

families.”

Century Pools is a one-stop

summer fun bonanza. The compa-

ny stocks all the materials a fami-

ly will need to start enjoying its

pool, according to Hebert.

“We’ve got a great selection of

pool covers, liners, heaters, filters

and pumps, plus the proper chem-

icals to control algae,” he said.

Williamson pointed out the

variety of pool toys, inflatable

items and balls for the kids, a

major plus.

“Gas prices are really skyrock-

eting and I think more and more

people are going to be staying

around home,” Hebert said. “And

if you’re not lucky enough to have

a camp, but still have ample

ground space, an above-ground

pool is the way to go.”

Travel may be more than a luxu-

ry this summer, what with gas,

hotels, motels and restaurant dining.

Hebert and Williamson agree that

with a lighted XL 7000 or Cypress

STR and a barbecue and beer cool-

er a few feet away, a Maine family

can turn its backyard space into a

summer paradise. It’s getting dark,

do you know where your teenagers

are? Right outside in the pool,

that’s where.


C’mon in, the water’s fine

J.P. Devine photo

Doug Hebert is getting ready for summer’s pool season.

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A backyard can be a sanctuary for some people. It’s a

place to which individuals can retreat, offering an exten-

sion of living space in the great outdoors. Chances are,

a homeowner prefers to have his or her yard fenced in

to maintain privacy. But homeowners aren’t always

fond of traditional fencing materials. A natural fence

can be an option that offers a bounty of benefits.

The purpose of a fence is to keep things in or out.

Fences are often erected to serve as a barrier between

properties and offer privacy. To achieve these goals, a

homeowner doesn’t necessarily have to construct a

wooden, plastic or wire fence. Many plants can serve as

natural fencing options and be very attractive to look at.

TreesHow about planting trees on the property? Evergreen

trees, like Leyland Cyprus, may grow quickly. The dense

foliage will quickly fill in and can create an attractive

border around the house. But evergreens aren’t the only

options. Deciduous trees can also be planted. The thick

leaves will form a privacy screen and in the winter the

leaves will drop and let light into the landscape.

ShrubsMuch in the same way that evergreen trees can offer

privacy on a larger scale, so can shrubs. There are

scores of different shrubs that can be as dense or thin as

a homeowner desires. Rose bushes can look very attrac-

tive and serve as a deterrent to animals and people try-

ing to get through the thorny brambles. The same can

be said for holly bushes, which will be prickly but

attractive with their shiny, dark green leaves and bright

berries. Certain shrubs are even marketed as natural

fencing. A chat with a landscaper can yield many ideas

of species that make great fences.

Flowers and PlantsShrubs and trees aren’t the only fencing options.

Many homeowners like the cottage look of a garden full

of wildflowers and other plants. Congregating certain

plants on the perimeter of the property can make an

informal fence. Trailing vines like ivy or vinca can be

trained to climb vertically. A thin mesh material or verti-

cal slats can be installed and the vines tied to these

items before they fully establish.

HardscapesInstead of living natural fencing, rocks and boulders or

even water features can also be used as fences. This type

of fencing may be more aesthetic than practical, however,

and can be used intermittently with other fencing options.

The possibilities for natural fencing are endless and

can be mingled to create a landscape unique to any

homeowner.

— Courtesy Metro Creative

“Let them out during the day,”

McKay said. “Let them play

around in the wind and bring

them in at night —they’re your

children, you know.”

“Go with vine crops – cucum-

bers, summer and winter

squash,” Domasinsky said.

“Don’t plant watermelon or

peppers unless the plants are

started early. Beefsteak and the

big slicing tomatoes are harder

to grow, so try grape, cherry or

Roma varieties. Break off the

bottom 25 percent and extra

shoots once they start flowering

and producing — it puts energy

into producing the fruit rather

than vegetation.”

“Herbs are great for pots. I’ve

done lettuce and leafy greens in

containers, even beans with

structure,” McKay said.

“Remember, we all make mis-

takes — don’t be afraid, and

have fun. No one else has to see

your garden — it doesn’t have

to be perfect. We’re not all try-

ing to be Martha Stewart.”

“There’s one book I recom-

mend to everyone called ‘The

Vegetable Gardener’s Bible.’

You can find it at Barnes and

Noble or online for less than

$25,” Ames said. “Whenever I

run into a problem, I look it up

to refresh my memory.”

Visit Half Moon Gardens

online, in Thorndike, at the

Waterville Farmer’s Market on

Thursdays or the Augusta

Farmer’s Market at Mill Park on

Tuesdays. Ames sells seedlings

from his farm. He will also be

at the Waterville and Augusta

markets as well as the new mar-

ket at Viles Arboretum across

from the veteran’s hospital in

Augusta on Fridays. These sum-

mer markets open the first week

of May between 2 p.m. and 6

p.m. Check local listings for the

times and dates of other markets

to find seedlings or just to seek

advice from reputable farmers.



When fall sets in, mulch perennial herbs, garlic and strawberries withstraw or leaves to protect during winter and early spring.

GardenContinued from Page 11

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BY KRIS FERRAZZACorrespondent

WINTHROP — The 25th

anniversary season of D.R. Struck

Landscape Nursery started off

with a bang. The doors opened

April 1 but closed just several

hours later as a snowstorm blan-

keted the region.

“It was our shortest workday

ever,” Robin Struck said, smiling.

A year ago, temperatures were

hitting 70 degrees and the U.S.

Route 202 business was selling

mulch to customers who already

were raking their lawns and gar-

dens, working the ground and

planting shrubs and pansies.

“It was gorgeous; we never had

a mud season,” she said.

This year, so far, has been a

whole different story. Despite

the chilly temperatures, late

snow and ice-cold puddles, how-

ever, spring has sprung inside

the gift shop that has been filled

with new and colorful garden

accessories such as spring gar-

lands, wreaths, lotions, candles

and Stonewall Kitchens goodies.

New items this season include

useful and decorative garden

stakes that feature flowers in

bright colors made from recycled

plastic. Struck said she found the

stakes while in Florida and

thought customers back home

would enjoy them.

“It’s kind of a neat way to recy-

cle and also have something nice

for your garden,” she said.

To bring spring indoors, she

has expanded the popular Michel

Designs line of botanical lotions

with new scents and added

cheerful mugs that have lids and

can be used for hot or cold

drinks.

“I know a lot of people are trying

not to use Styrofoam or plastic cups

in their break rooms, so these are

nice,” she said. Struck said she


Spring has sprung in Winthop nurserydespite chilly temperatures outside

Contributed photos

Outside landscaping can turn the back yard into a summer paradise.

More on D.R. Struck, Page 15 Spring has sprung inside D.R. Struck Landscape Nursery.

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often has customers who are look-

ing for teachers’ gifts and the

mugs, lotions and other new addi-

tions are perfectly suited for giving

as a little token of appreciation.

Stonewall Kitchen is celebrat-

ing its 20th anniversary and has

expanded its line of specialty

foods to include things such as

champagne blueberry jam.

Bridgewater Candle has jar can-

dles, votives and melting wafers

in several new scents, including

peachy Paradise Punch and baby

blue Water Lily. The store con-

tinues to carry its line of Pretty

Tools, which are small hand

tools, desk accessories and other

items designed for women and

featuring floral designs and ani-

mal prints. Struck said she added

to that line a manicure set, which

has been a popular choice in the

store for several years now.

The store is open seven days a

week.

The nursery greenhouse is fill-

ing up fast with more than 30

kinds of Hostas, loads of

daylilies, bleeding hearts, and

lupine and other varieties for a

total of 3,800 perennials that have

been divided and potted on site,

Struck said. Soon, they will be

joined by colorful annuals, hang-

ing baskets, herbs, roses, orna-

mental trees, shade trees and

evergreens, she said.

“Growers bring varieties in all

season,” she said, noting that

lilacs and rhododendron bushes

are especially popular around

Mother’s Day.

In addition to the gift shop and

garden center, which offers more

than 700 varieties of plants, the

business includes a design-build

landscape company. Several

teams of landscape contractors

build decks, patios and green-

houses.

Struck’s business partner and

former husband, David Struck,

oversees the landscape business,

supervising landscaping crews and

doing design work for customers.

“His passion all his life was to

own his own landscape business,”

she said. “He knew it in junior

high.”

There are two or three crews of

landscapers with three or four

employees on each crew, she

said. They build decks, patios,

greenhouses, rock walls, walk-

ways and other outdoor designs

for both commercial and residen-

tial customers.

While there are no major cele-

brations planned for the anniver-

sary season, the company’s

Spring Open House is scheduled

for later in May. To mark the

company’s 25th anniversary, cus-

tomers will be able to select one

plant of their choice and receive

25 percent off on the 25th day of

each month all year long.

The season will end Christmas

Eve, as usual, but not before the

company’s annual Holiday Open

House, held the first weekend in

December, and Candlelight

Night, held the following Friday.

For more about D.R. Struck

Landscape Nursery, call 395-

4112 or visit their Facebook page

at www.facebook.com and search

for D.R. Struck Landscape.


D.R. StruckContinued from Page 14

Contributed photos

Flowering trees make a colorful addition to backyard ambiance.

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BY KRIS FERRAZZACorrespondent

WINTHROP — Keeping a

home warm is getting cleaner and

more convenient all the time, and

customers need not skimp on

ambiance or efficiency in the

process.

Kaplan Electric may be best

known for the teams of licensed

electricians who work out in the

field, but back at the home office

there is a showroom is filled with

a wide range of heating systems

designed to make staying warm

clean and easy.

Whether a homeowner wants to

heat with wood, gas or pellets, the

company’s new “Home and

Hearth” division has options rang-

ing from stoves and fireplaces to

inserts. Product lines include

Kozy Heat, Regency, Archgard,

Vistaflame and Supreme.

“Right now, gas is pretty popu-

lar because it’s clean and easy,”

said Kristen Frost, business man-

ager for the company. “It’s like

turning on your TV. You hit the

remote control and they light right

up.”

Even on the coldest mornings

last winter, Frost reported she

could count on the fireplaces and

other heating units in the show-

room to warm the place up in no

time.

“It’s clean, it’s pretty and it

heats up quick,” she said of the

new heating products. “They act

like a furnace” but without the

expense of oil or having to carry

wood or build a fire.

“There are lots of styles, and

even if you want to use them year-

round for ambiance, some of them

come with what is called a ‘dump’

so you can dump the heat,” she

said.

Many of the heating units do

not require electricity, so if the

power goes out, the units still

work. For those looking to avoid

loss of power entirely, Kaplan

Electric sells Kohler generators.

The standby units come on auto-

matically when the power goes

out, so the owner does not even

have to go out and get it started.

Fireplace inserts are heating

units that can be set into a tradi-

tional fireplace to provide the effi-

ciency of a wood stove without

the inefficiency of a fireplace.

With nearly 20 licensed electri-

cians on staff at any given time,

Kaplan Electric serves the region

and beyond, doing residential and

commercial projects. The contrac-

tors do new construction, remod-

els and service. In addition to

installing electrical service, they

also sell and install generators,

solar panels, lightning rods, fire-

places and stoves.

Purchasing Agent Dick Morin

is familiar with Efficiency Maine

programs and can assist customers

interested in filling out applica-

tions for rebates and other pro-

grams.

The company’s solar program is

put into practice right at Kaplan

Electric, where one building is

equipped with solar panels that

make the company electric meter

run backward as the system gener-

ates energy independently.

“It’s pretty fascinating,” Frost

said. “I notice it when the electric

bill comes in and there is a zero

balance on one of our energy

bills.”

She said that, in addition to

energy savings, using solar power

has other benefits.

“It’s an excellent way to use the

sun, it’s obviously green, and it’s

turned out to have entertainment

value,” she said, noting that

employees enjoy tracking how

many kilowatt hours the system is

generating and seeing the meter

run in reverse.

The business, owned by broth-

ers Dan and Steve Kaplan, has

teams of electricians on various

jobs all the time, offers emergency

service and does an equal amount

of electrical work on commercial

and residential jobs, she said.

“We have a really good crew,

with top-notch guys,” she said.

“We do a lot of cross training, so

we have a lot of informed people.”

The company also sells light-

ning rods. It installs them locally,

but more often on barns and build-

ings nearer the coast. Designed to

give lightning a direct line to the

ground, the rods protect property

and prevent injury, she said.

Located on U.S. Route 202,

Kaplan Electric also sells acces-

sories and supplies for the home

and hearth, including fireplace

tools, firewood storage racks, fire

starters, grills, fans, thermometers,

hearth rugs and chimneys.

For more information, call

Kaplan Electric at 377-3066 or

visit the Web site at www.kaplan-electric.com.


Heating systems provide warmth and ambiance

Photos courtesy kaplanelectric.com

Kaplan Electric serves the regionand beyond. The contractors donew construction, remodels andservice. In addition to installingelectrical service, they also selland install generators, solar pan-els, lightning rods (photo above,)fireplaces and stoves. At left is afireplace insert which can be setinto a traditional fireplace.

14 Madison Ave. , Skowhegan Open: Tue. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

474-7352

WISH Offering you a fine selection of

home and garden decor

Hardware 125 Waterville Rd. Skowhegan, Maine

Tel: (207) 474-3449 Fax: (207) 474-0207

www.quinnhardware.com

Mon - Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Sat. 8-5 - Sun. 9-3

GERALD MacKENZIE, INC. General Contractor

Paving • Sewer and Water Lines • Excavation • Backhoe Bulldozer • Frontend Loader • Sweeping • Grading • Demolition

Call Today For FREE Estimates

P.O. Box 220 • Waterville, ME 207-547-4787 207-873-7837

Dedicated To Safety And Quality for over 30 years!

563 Maine Avenue Farmingdale • 582-1900

“We Know Stuff” www.goslineshardware.com

We have 1375 square feet dedicated to paint and painting accessories!

BY WANDA CURTISCorrespondent

May is National Lyme Disease

Prevention Month. The disease is

named after Lyme, Connecticut,

where it was first diagnosed.

According to the web site for

Maine’s Center for Disease Control

and Prevention, a woman in that

small coastal town in Connecticut

notified Yale researchers in 1975

regarding a cluster of mostly pedi-

atric arthritis cases. That led to the

eventual discovery and naming of

the physical disorder now referred

to as Lyme disease.

According to the Center’s 2009

annual report, 970 probable and

confirmed cases of Lyme disease

were reported in Maine during

that year. Fifty-five percent of

those cases were reported among

males with a median age of 45

years. However, the ages ranged

from 1 to 94 years.

Lyme disease is one of several

diseases that may be transmitted

through the bite of an infected

deer tick.

One of the first manifestations

of the disease is often a bull’s-eye

rash at the site of the tick bite,

according to Maine’s Center for

Disease Control. That rash,

referred to as erythrema migrans,

reportedly shows up within 3 to

30 days in 70 to 80 percent of

people with Lyme disease. Fever,

headache, fatigue, and muscle and

joint pains are also common dur-

ing the first weeks of the disease.

When diagnosed early, Lyme

disease usually can be treated with

antibiotics. If left untreated, Lyme

disease can lead to arthritis, lym-

phocytic meningitis, Bell’s palsy,

cranial neuritis, encephalitis, and

atrioventricular heart block.

The disease has been reported

in every county in Maine, accord-

ing to the Maine CDC’s 2009

Lyme Disease Surveillance

Report. More than 55 percent of

the 2009 cases occurred in

Cumberland and York counties.

The majority of cases are report-

ed during the summer months

between May and August, however,

Lyme-infected ticks have been iden-

tified earlier than that.

Maine CDC officials make the

following recommendations for

the prevention of Lyme disease.

• Pregnant women should avoid

grassy and wooded areas that ticks

inhabit because Lyme disease can

cause serious complications dur-

ing pregnancy and can be trans-

mitted from a mother to her

unborn child.

• Dress in light-colored cloth-

ing so that ticks can be seen

more easily.

• Wear long pants and sleeves

when walking in woods, brush

or grassy areas. Tuck pant legs

into socks and tuck shirt into the

pants. Deer ticks attach them-

selves to clothing and then move

upward.

• Use a repellent containing

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)

following label directions. Avoid

high concentrations on the skin,

especially on children.

• Pretreat clothing with a perme-

thrin-containing product that repels

and kills ticks. Follow directions.

Don’t apply this to the skin.

• Ask a veterinarian about tick

repellents or Lyme vaccines for

dogs and other outdoor pets.

• Inspect oneself, the family,

clothing, and pets for ticks imme-

diately after leaving a wooded or

grassy area. Check body folds,

behind the ears and in the hair and

scalp.

• Shower, using a wash cloth, as

soon as possible. Heat drying

helps to kill ticks.

• Mow grass and cut back brush

frequently to prevent tick habitats

in the yard. Keep woodpiles in

sunny areas.

Remember, that just because a

person had Lyme Disease once,

does not mean he or she is

immune. They can get it again.

Remove ticks promptly and

carefully. The Lyme disease

spirochete bacteria are rarely

transmitted before the ticks have

been attached 36 hours. Don’t

handle ticks with bare hands.

Avoid crushing the tick on the

skin because its bodily fluids can

be harmful. Consult a physician

for instructions on how to safely

remove ticks.

Save the tick in 70 percent alco-

hol. Ticks can be mailed to the

Vector Borne Disease Lab at Maine

Medical Center for inspection.

Consult a physician if the tick

is engorged with blood or if a per-

son develops a rash, fever, muscle

or joint pains or other symptoms

of Lyme disease after being bitten

by a tick.


Lyme disease reported in every Maine county

Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick.Consult a physician if the tick is engorged with blood or if a per-son develops a rash, fever, muscle orjoint pains.

• Grab the tick as close to its mouth(the part that is stuck in the skin) aspossible. The body of the tick will beabove the skin.

• Do not grab the tick around its bloat-ed belly. It might push infected fluidfrom the tick into the body if a person squeezes it.

• Pull the tick straight out until its mouth lets go of the skin. Donot twist or "unscrew" the tick. This may separate the head fromthe body.

— Courtesy WebMD.com

TICK REMOVAL

Deer ticks are one of two types of ticks in the United States that carry Lyme disease bacteria. One of thefirst manifestations of the disease is often a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the tick bite, as shown on right.

BY NANCY GALLAGHERCorrespondent

Spring is finally here and

many people are looking around

the house, thinking how tired it

looks. If they are ready to perk

up the nest without breaking the

bank they can consider David

Mathieu Company.

No, really. If, when the name

David Mathieu Company comes

up and it brings up thoughts of

vehicle collision repair, it’s time

to broaden one’s thinking —

vastly.

In their 83 years in business

they’ve painted a lot of items

other than cars and trucks. In the

1940s, founder David Mathieu

painted Army helmets as part of

a government work project.

They have painted airplanes,

motorcycles and boats. But more

to the point, they also paint

household furniture and fixtures.

“We’ve got a facility (in

which) to paint, so we can paint

in a safe environment,” says

third-generation owner Jim

Mathieu.

Just pick a room in the house

and they can probably help add a

wow factor with paint while

extending the useful life of a

wide range of pieces.

How about the kitchen? If

there is a dated refrigerator or

dishwasher color silently beg-

ging for an update, David

Mathieu Company can do it.

Cabinets looking a bit tired?

Don’t even think of doing them

yourself. Painting cabinet doors

and even cabinet bases can rede-

fine your kitchen.

If a claw foot tub has seen its

better days, one can restore its

original elegance or give it a

21st century twist with new

paint. The company will sand-

blast off the rust and old paint,

epoxy prime it and apply the

color of a customer’s choice.

Even bath fixtures can be paint-

ed to create a historical match.

After the paint is applied, they

will keep the item for the three-

day period during which 90 per-

cent of curing occurs.

If a person finds a vintage

iron bedstead that would be per-

fect for the guest room, it can be

aged stylishly with new paint.

Even wooden toys can be

refinished. David Mathieu

Company paints a wide variety

of surface materials, including

plastic, metal, and fiberglass.

Outdoors, a homeowner may

want to examine fiberglass or

metal exterior doors, too. A

refinish by David Mathieu

Company can create a new first

impression. A person also may

want to consider extending the

impact with repainted aluminum

or vinyl shutters.

Looking out into the yard, the

homeowner may find that the

metal lawn furniture needs some

jazzing up. Mathieu’s can give it

a new lease on life. They can

even paint the wicker furniture.

A peek into the storage shed

may make a person think about

painting the lawn tractor.

All paint is lead-free industrial

or automotive paint, according to

the people at Mathieu’s. It is

waterborne paint, as opposed to

oil-based paint, as a further nod

to respecting the environment.

No special care or treatment is

necessary after the item has been

retrieved. Call for an appoint-

ment for more information or to

schedule painting. Pickup and

delivery is available. A delivery

charge may apply for heavy

items, such as bathtubs.

David Mathieu Co. Inc. is

located at 6 Allen Street,

Waterville, Maine 04903.

Telephone: (207) 872-5518. Fax:

(207) 873-0880. Website:

www.DavidMathieuCompany.com.Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to

4:30 p.m. on Friday.


Paint can add pop to spring decoratingJust pick a room in the house and they canprobably help add a wow factor with paintwhile extending the useful life of a widerange of pieces.

Contributed photo

A stately bronze finish applied to this faucet coordinates with the periodlook of a clawfoot tub.

Landscape Supply Center Augusta Road, Winslow • 873-1621 873-1621

• Bark Mulch • Pavers • Granite • Loam • Natural Stone • Trees • Crushed Stone • Slate • Grass Seed

• Retaining Wall Blocks

Landscaping Needs For The Homeowner Do-It-Yourselfer Pick up or Delivery Available

www.mackenzielandscaping.com

19 North St., Waterville 872-6762

www.houlesphac.com

Y O U R K I T C H E N & B AT H R O O M

REMODELING SPECIALISTS! Our showroom is full of

all the supplies you need to complete your renovation. Integrated

planning with your own carpenter to ours!

Handicap accessible bathrooms, too!


Call Randy Dutremble at the Morning Sentinel (861-9203)

or Matt Sargent at the Kennebec Journal (861-9293)

to include your business in this promotion.

Windows and doors, cabinets and fixtures, paint and wallpaper... whatever your home improvement plans, you’ll find everything

you need at reasonable prices at these businesses. Stop in today! McKenney Tree

& Landscaping Licensed Arborist, complete tree service, stump removal, pruning, planting, removals

and landscaping. 737-8561

or 1-800-244-8561 www.mckenneytree.com

626-3100 www.shopfromhomeflooring.com

Carpet - Ceramic - Vinyl - Laminates - Hardwood

Sales & Installation - Free Estimates

133 Mount Vernon Ave., Augusta

222 College Ave. Waterville

872-5602

135 Waldo Ave. Belfast

338-5160

Federal Credit Union KSW

“Everything We Do, We Do For You”

Serving its members in the Credit Union tradition of people helping people. Are you eligible to join us? Call us and see!

www.kswfcu.org

JASON BROTHERS PAINTING CO.

The Proven Professionals Commercial and Residential

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR

Fully Insured Free Estimates

Jeff 453-8038 Brad II 872-5856

Wood and Gas Burning Stoves Fireplace and Gas Inserts Wood and Gas Fireplaces

Pellet and Coal Stoves Wood Cook Stoves

Chimney Services - Central Heat Mantels - Hearths - Accessories

from

Harman - Jotul - Lopi Hearthstone - Vermont Castings

Pacific Energy - Scan - Bosca Rika - Fireplace Xtraordinaire

…a ll under one roof?

2445 North Belfast Ave., Augusta 622-3410 or 1-800-627-3410

Where else can you find: Where else can you find:

…a ll under one roof?

Mon.-Fri. 8-5 ~ Sat. 8-4 www.Rockystoveshoppe.com

Rocky’s Rocky’s STOVE SHOPPE

Mon.-Fri. 8-5 ~ Sat. 8-4 www.Rockystoveshoppe.com

823 Church Hill Rd., Augusta

Call 1-800-464-3039 www.all-season.com

Garages • Vinyl Siding Decks • Metal Roofing

Windows • Gutters Home Additions

Interior Renovations Shingle Roofing Garage Doors

Porches • Sun Rooms Built - Installed - Guaranteed Free Estimates • References

YOUR FULL SERVICE CONTRACTOR

Brad Hendrickson General Contractor

Residential - Commercial Custom Homes and

Renovations

153 Smith Rd., Farmingdale 623-2093

[email protected]

Featuring:

Custom Kitchens,

Contemporary

and Traditional;

Bathroom Fixtures;

and Much More!

North Belfast Ave. Augusta

622-5025

22 Pushard Lane Gardiner

582-7500

BOB’S CASH FUEL

To Heat or Cool and Propane too, Call...

MADISON

24-Hour Service 696-3040

Premiere Dealer

“Our family serving yours for over 74 years.

• Oil Heat • A/C Service • Diesel Delivery

Furnace Cleaning Sales and Service 24 Hour Service

Bolsters Rubbish

& Recycling A weekly or at-your-needs service

Residential and Commercial Services Containers Available

P.O. Box 6 Burnham, Maine 04922

487-5048

We do more than just mow your lawn!

• Rototilling • Bushhogging • Backhoe Work • Fence Installation • Loam/Mulch • Crushed Stone • Snowplowing • Sanding • Fully Insured

Call 207-576-4757 207-724-3376

49 Hinkley Rd. West Gardiner

www.furlongslawncare.com

Residential and Commerical Lawn Care

CANTY Construction

189 Indiana Road, West Gardiner, ME 04345-3358

Septic Systems • Excavation Site Work• Gravel • Fill • Loam

Residential – Commercial 582-1687 • Fax: 582-4356

Since 1973

Member Better Business Bureau

• Granite Pavers • Wall Blocks • Stone • Bark Mulch • Loam • Compost • Trees

• Shrubs • Gravel • Stone Engraving

Augusta Rd. Winslow

873-1621

Augusta Rd. Winslow

873-1621

Route 3 Vassalboro 445-5552

Route 3 Vassalboro 445-5552

www.mackenzielandscaping.com

Download - Spring Home Improvement

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