photo credit Dan Losowski, facebook.com/ABalancedPerspective

MEMBERS SPEAK! IT’S BACK…LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS TALK ABOUT

HOW TO SURVIVE WINTERBy Sue Henninger, Finger Lakes Writer

Three things are for certain in our little corner of the world; Three things are for certain in our little corner of the world; death, taxes, and the arrival of winter! In this newsletter, TACC business owners share their suggestions about how to best prepare your home and business for the rapidly approaching

cold, ice, and snow.continued on page 2

September 2014 Newsletter

P.O. Box 478 Trumansburg, NY 14886, TrumansburgChamber.com page 1

In this issue:

MEMBERS SPEAK:LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS TALKABOUT HOW TO SURVIVE WINTER

Pritchard Automotivepage 2page 2

Houseworth Heating & Plumbingpage 3

Millspaugh Brotherspage 4

Snug Planetpage 5

New MembersNew Memberspage 6

Member News page 7

Upcoming events:

Business After Hours Trumansburg Montessori School

September 24th

October luncheondate and location TBA

Annual Dinner Location TBALocation TBANovember 12th

page 2 P.O. Box 478 Trumansburg, NY 14886, TrumansburgChamber.com

What are some of the biggest cold weather driving challenges that you see?

The biggest threat is ice, especially black ice which often surprises drivers because they can’t see it. Rapidly alternating road The biggest threat is ice, especially black ice which often surprises drivers because they can’t see it. Rapidly alternating road conditions where the wind is blowing and the road, which was clear a moment ago, is suddenly covered with a substantial amount of snow or ice, can be tricky too. Another thing to be aware of is those transitional periods where the temperature is hovering around freezing and it starts precipitating. Rain can quickly turn to sleet and then freeze into ice so drivers really need to pay attention. Whiteouts are tough to drive in too. The tendency is to put on your high beams but this makes visibility even worse. Try to use your low beams and only pull over if you’re sure it’s safe. If you’re on a snow-covered road, drive at a reasonable speed and don’t swerve low beams and only pull over if you’re sure it’s safe. If you’re on a snow-covered road, drive at a reasonable speed and don’t swerve if you can avoid it. I always tell people, “Go easy on the gas and easy on the brake” in the winter. In other words, start out slowly and give yourself plenty of time to stop. Try to keep two-three times more distance between yourself and other vehicles on the road. Another winter “must” that’s easy to do, but that people often forget about, is to make sure to clear your windows and windshield completely before getting behind the wheel. And don’t forget the roof or big chunks of snow might fall off it when you’re driving, impairing your vision and putting others at risk. When there’s a lot of snow, whether you’re an employer or an employee, if you don’t impairing your vision and putting others at risk. When there’s a lot of snow, whether you’re an employer or an employee, if you don’t have to leave for work early, stay home and give the plows time to do their job.

Another piece of advice for when you’re driving on bad roads is to keep the radio off. When it’s silent you can actually hear the road conditions begin to change and respond before your car or truck starts to slide. In the winter it’s much colder and it gets dark earlier and you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere! I always recommend that you keep a fully-charged cell phone with you with a tow company or AAA on speed dial.

Pritchard Automotive, IthacaDan Pritchard272-8822Dan@PritchardAutomotive.com

Dan Pritchard is co-owner of Pritchard Automotive, a Dan Pritchard is co-owner of Pritchard Automotive, a fifth-generation business in Tompkins County that sells all makes and models of used cars and trucks, along with WHEEGO electric cars. Pritchard also has a full parts room, a mechanical service area, and a body and detail work shop. After twenty-nine years of working in the auto industry, Dan has some helpful advice about winter vehicle maintenance and driving when road conditions are less than ideal.less than ideal.

Do some makes and models of vehicles operate better in the winter?

I don’t really recommend any particular model of car or truck. However I believe that having a 4-Wheel or All-Wheel vehicle is best in the winter. At the minimum, putting snow tires on your vehicle will keep you safer in the varied weather conditions we have in this area. To me, a 4-Wheel with snow tires is the optimum combination. It might be more expensive up front but, in the long run, those who skimp frequently get burned, particularly in terms of tires. Just because your tires pass particularly in terms of tires. Just because your tires pass inspection doesn’t mean they’ll be safe when the roads become hazardous. The bottom line is that there are lots of models of cars and trucks that will work well in the winter as long as they are maintained correctly and the driver is alert.

How can business owners protect their vehicles during the colder months?

Though we all love to have the roads salted so they are clear, road salt is really hard on your car or truck. You need to take care of your vehicle, washing it frequently in the winter and paying special attention to the areas under the doors and the wheel wells. This will help clear that white glaze you see on the body away and prevent deterioration of your car or truck. You can wash it yourself or get it done professionally. Additionally, I recommend that you wax your vehicle in the late fall, before recommend that you wax your vehicle in the late fall, before winter really hits. This will give it a protective coating, both from the elements and from the salt.

photo credit Jim Mason

DAN’S PRE-WINTER VEHICLE CHECKLIST

• Tires: Checking their tread is key, along with making sure they have good pressure• Wiper blades: Replacing these with new ones is always a good investment•• Measure fluid levels: Your washer fluid and antifreeze ought to be full• Lights: Parking, regular, high beams, and hazards should be working well• Brakes, Belts, and Hoses: These should all be in good condition• Battery: Make sure it’s fully charged •• Emergency supplies: Keep a blanket, shovel, boots, flash flares, a first aid kit, and nonperishable food and water in your vehicle in cold weather

Pritchard Automotive

Houseworth Heating and Plumbing

P.O. Box 478 Trumansburg, NY 14886, TrumansburgChamber.com page 3

Houseworth Heating and PlumbingJoe Houseworth4562 E. Covert Road, Trumansburg(607) 387-4495

Joe has been a plumbing and heating specialist for Houseworth, a Joe has been a plumbing and heating specialist for Houseworth, a family-owned business, for twenty-five years. He, his father Dick, and his mother Sandy, make all types of service calls to residences and businesses in the Trumansburg area and Joe’s wife, Tricia, is the business’s bookkeeper.

What are some cold-weather challenges for local business and homeowners?

Really cold temperatures (15 degrees or less) can cause Really cold temperatures (15 degrees or less) can cause mechanical failures. Wind that comes through windows and doors, creating drafts in the building, can lead to pipelines freezing. Sudden rapid rises in temperature can cause snow to melt, flooding basements and often putting furnaces under water. When this happens their electronic parts malfunction and then stop working. When snow builds up it can block boiler or sidewall vented furnaces so the exhaust can’t get out boiler or sidewall vented furnaces so the exhaust can’t get out and they may shut off. High winds can sometimes trick the sidewall venters into thinking they aren’t venting properly and shut them off. Ice is not generally a plumbing or heating problem unless it builds up on a roof, then falls onto an air conditioning unit, a sidewall vented furnace or boiler, or damages your chimney.

What are the most frequent calls you receive during the winter months?

Lots of calls to clean heating systems (furnaces and boilers) or Lots of calls to clean heating systems (furnaces and boilers) or to repair frozen or broken water or heating lines. We also get calls from people who ran out of fuel so their heating lines froze. If weather conditions are extreme, like they were last winter, don’t rely on fuel companies’ automatic deliveries; check your fuel levels yourself to make sure they are adequate. In the winter some of our calls are for equipment failures. An old furnace doesn’t necessarily mean it will be an failures. An old furnace doesn’t necessarily mean it will be an unreliable one, but anything mechanical can break. Plugged chimneys can be a problem for some of our customers too.

Any common mistakes that people make when dealing with the cold weather?

Though people don’t always do it, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected yearly. Use your five senses when it’s time to turn on your heating source again. If you notice that something seems excessively dirty or smelly or is leaking, you should probably call us sooner rather than later. And, if you’re going to be away during the winter months, you should make plans for someone to check up on your home or business in case there is extreme weather while you’re gone. business in case there is extreme weather while you’re gone. Don’t just leave and hope for the best! If the heat shuts off while you’re out of town, you can have a real problem. There are also gadgets (which we sell) that you can plug into a lamp connected to your thermostat. When the building temperature gets too low, a light will turn on, alerting neighbors to come over and see what’s going on.

JOE’S TOP WINTER WEATHER TIPS

• Always make sure your building is well-maintained, inside and out.• Close up drafty areas. Use foam, calk, insulation, or window films to seal up any gaps that might let the winter wind come inside.•• Check sidewall vents and chimneys to make sure that they are clear of obstructions like bird or bee nests, snakes, or vegetation.

“Though people don’t always do it, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected yearly. Use your five senses when it’s time to turn on your heating source again. If you notice that something seems excessively dirty or smelly or is leaking, you should probably call us sooner rather than later.”

Pictured above, Joe Houseworth of Houseworth Heating and Plumbing

photo credit Jim Mason

Millspaugh Brothers

Millspaugh BrothersDenny Millspaugh50 ½ Cayuga Street, Trumansburg387-4641

Denny and Doug Millspaugh have been the Denny and Doug Millspaugh have been the co-owners of Millspaugh Brothers in the Village of Trumansburg for forty-one years. The business, a hardware and lumber store that carries just about anything home and business owners might need for their “do it yourself” winterizing projects, has been in their family for seventy-one years now. their family for seventy-one years now.

What are some cold weather challenges in Upstate New York?

Saving energy is one of the main ones. Energy costs can be very high in this area. It’s important to make sure you insulate your building well, especially the walls. With older houses in particular, you should start outside first, with the siding and insulation. Proper insulation will mean less ice buildup because the heat is mean less ice buildup because the heat is no longer escaping from the building. You should replace summer screens with winter glass in your windows and doors and they should be checked to make sure they’re not letting any heat out. Snow removal and quickly dropping temperatures are always a challenge for temperatures are always a challenge for people around here too.

Any tips you can share for preparing for winter?

The first thing you should do is get an The first thing you should do is get an energy audit. This will help you see where the leaks are coming from. You should get that done now [in the fall] so you will have time to start getting ready for winter. Don’t wait until the last minute. The other thing to keep in mind is that you need to know what you’re is that you need to know what you’re doing when you are making home improvements and/or dealing with cold weather. For example, if you go out and try to remove snow or ice from your roof without knowing how to do it correctly, you can put holes in it and end up having to repair, or even replace, the roof. If you to repair, or even replace, the roof. If you aren’t sure how to do it yourself, hire a professional!

What types of supplies should business and homeowners stock up on as winter approaches?

These days, people seem to like using wood pellets for their heat. You want to make sure These days, people seem to like using wood pellets for their heat. You want to make sure you have snow shovels and ice scrapers that are in good shape. Also be sure you have things like plastic wrap for windows and insulating sealant on hand if you need them when it starts to get colder. Once you’ve figured out what you need to do to protect your building from the weather and have gotten an energy audit, come to us for your supplies. We have it all!

• Seal and insulate your home's outer walls, ceilings, windows, and floors. When done by a knowledgeable homeowner or contractor accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), this can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. • Seal your heating and cooling ducts starting with the ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing, wrap the ducts in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. •• Seal gaps around your plumbing stacks, vents, ducts, or electrical wires in your attic with caulk or spray foam to save energy. • Seal the perimeter along the top of the basement wall where cement or block comes in contact with the wood frame with expanding foam or caulk. Also seal penetrations such as pipes and wiring which go through the basement ceiling to the floor above. •• In the bathroom, seal all holes that lead from bathroom plumbing, ductwork, recessed lights or electrical runs. Seal around drafty windows, baseboards, and floors to help avoid common mold and moisture problems.

for more tips visit http://www.nyserda.ny.gov

Energy Saving Tips from NYSERDA

“Energy costs can be very high in this area. It’s important to make sure you insulate your building well, especially the walls. With older houses in particular, you should start outside first, with the siding and insulation. Proper insulation will mean less ice buildup because the heat is no longer escaping from the building.”

Pictured above, Denny (L) and Doug (R) Millspaugh co-owners of Millspaugh Brothers

WINTER FEST 2014 IS COMING!

First weekend in December

Stay tuned for more details

photo credit Jim Mason

page 4 P.O. Box 478 Trumansburg, NY 14886, TrumansburgChamber.com

page 5 P.O. Box 478 Trumansburg, NY 14886, TrumansburgChamber.com

What are some common cold-weather issues for business and homeowners?

Eighty percent of the calls we get are because of high energy bills. All of the calls we get are because something is making the home Eighty percent of the calls we get are because of high energy bills. All of the calls we get are because something is making the home or business owner uncomfortable. Common concerns are about temperature stratifications (drastic changes) in different parts of the building, cold rooms, smelly rooms, and ice dams. We get many calls about wet basements when ice and snow melt. Three things that can absolutely ruin your building are moisture, water, and rain. Our main focus is on separating the inside of the building from the outside. The thing is, your business may look nice when the customer or client enters the front door, but if part of the building is “gross” (damp, mold spores, or other issues) it will affect the whole building. Air currents are constant and we have a very long “gross” (damp, mold spores, or other issues) it will affect the whole building. Air currents are constant and we have a very long heating season where all this undesirable stuff is trapped inside your building for up to eight months out of each year.

Which of Snug Planet’s services are most popular in this climate?

Energy audits and insulation combined with air sealing (which seals up holes in the building and keeps the air in, making the insulation work better). Attics and basements are the most popular locations for our services. No matter what we are doing for you, we will spend good, quality time with you making a plan and then we’ll send a well-trained team out to do the work. As a small business, we understand that there will always be some type of scheduling constraint so we work entirely around your schedule. There’s no need for you to close your doors to your customers while we are working there.

How can business owners save on energy-related costs this winter?

It may surprise you, but your energy bills can also be higher right before winter sets in because people often open their windows It may surprise you, but your energy bills can also be higher right before winter sets in because people often open their windows during the day and then forget to close and latch them at night. Another thing people tend to do in the winter, that actually wastes energy instead of saving it, is closing off vents in some rooms under the mistaken assumption that this will divert the heat elsewhere. This doesn’t work and it’s bad for your furnace. Others believe that turning the thermostat up to high will heat up the building faster. The truth is, it will take just as long to heat, no matter what temperature the building is at initially.

Finally, we live in a DIY (do it yourself) culture and there are lots of things you can do yourself to save energy. Specific things you can Finally, we live in a DIY (do it yourself) culture and there are lots of things you can do yourself to save energy. Specific things you can do to prepare for winter include cleaning your gutters and making sure your downspouts are cleared at least four feet from your house. However, making sure air sealing is done correctly and installing insulation can be tricky and, if you do it wrong, it will ultimately cost your more when I have to take out everything you did and start over again. In the end, you’ll have paid for something three times, instead of only once. At Snug Planet, we have all the necessary knowledge and equipment so the question you should ask yourself is “Would you rather give yourself a checkup or go to a doctor?” Keep in mind that one thing you can always count on is ask yourself is “Would you rather give yourself a checkup or go to a doctor?” Keep in mind that one thing you can always count on is winter showing up each year so the best time to think about the coming winter is actually the winter before! If you call us in September, it could be awhile before I get there to look at your building and October or November before our team can start work. Energy is part of your overhead costs and, if you can reduce energy costs, you’ll make more profits and have more money to put into other parts of your business. What we do for winter will actually end up benefitting your home or business all year long.

Snug PlanetBlake Reid1730 Mecklenburg Road, Ithacawww.SnugPlanet.com

Blake is an energy auditor who’s worked for Snug Planet, a small Blake is an energy auditor who’s worked for Snug Planet, a small business that is both an Energy Star partner and certified by the Building Performance Institute, for over five years. According to Blake, “We work on buildings and people. Every building has an issue and every person has concerns.”

BLAKE’S ADVICE FOR MINIMIZING ENERGY COSTS

• Study your energy bills. If you don’t know what you’re spending, you can’t control it.• Consider an energy retrofit. Taking steps to change what you’re doing could be cash flow-positive for you.•• Explore more efficient energy equipment like wood pellet boilers and geothermal heating systems.• Make sure that heating and hot water sources are in good working condition before winter hits.

Snug Planet

photo credit Jim Mason

Smart Start PreschoolHillary Albrecht, Owner1889 State Route 96, TrumansburgSmart-start-preschool.comAn experienced day care teacher with an extensive background in education, Hillary holds a master's degree in teaching from SUNY Cortland. She’s certified by New York State in teaching pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students and founded Smart Start Preschool after graduating, seeing it as a great career opportunity. “I’m from Trumansburg so Jacksonville seemed like a convenient location,” she says. “I decided to take on the challenge!” Hillary and her staff are passionate about using interactive curricula. She notes, “Our goal is to encourage all children to love learning. We will work with your family to prepare your little one for elementary learning in a fun and supportive classroom!” Hillary joined TACC because she feels that it will be a great tool to spread the word and supportive classroom!” Hillary joined TACC because she feels that it will be a great tool to spread the word about her new business. “I’d like to get the word out to families and to develop continuous local support for my business by being in regular communication with other business owners,” she explains. Hillary adds that she would definitely be interested in hosting a TACC event.

Though Charlotte has been raising “fiber animals” for over nine years, along with building her spinning-by-hand skills, it wasn’t unti l recently that she began to design custom mohair and alpaca cinches and other horse tack like reins and halters. Describing her product as “fancier equipment that will make the horses looks good when they compete in Western Dressage”, Charlotte says it’s been the perfect niche market for her artistic talents and love of animals. “Every time I put a cinch on the loom it will be a unique product. I’m not just creating the same thing over and over again,” she says. Charlotte’s husband Rob encouraged her to join TACC because he had met a lot of people through his membership. Charlotte agreed it would be a good idea because, as a sole proprietor, she spends a lot through his membership. Charlotte agreed it would be a good idea because, as a sole proprietor, she spends a lot of time alone on her farm. She would love to see TACC grow even more by bringing in new members, encouraging more participation, and offering more activities. She’s already volunteered for WinterFest, along with attending the Business After Hours and Business Luncheon.

Caravan FibersCharlotte Sharkey5080 Perry City Road, Trumansburg(607) 387-6627

“I’m not a salesperson, I’m more of a matchmaker,” Julia, who has been working for Warren Real Estate for ten years now, explains. She sees her primary role as keeping things on track while facilitating the transfer of property for buyers and sellers and enjoys working with all types of clients, including first-time buyers, investors, and retirees. Julia specializes in residential and commercial lake properties, particularly those on Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake (where she spent lots of time growing up). “I’m very familiar with the local landscape,” she notes. With both a farming background and a keen interest in horses, she also has expertise in farm and equine properties. Julia hopes her TACC membership will allow her to become more involved in the local community and to connect with other her TACC membership will allow her to become more involved in the local community and to connect with other business professionals.

Warren Real EstateJulia Duffee, Associate Broker/New York State Broker(607) 227-6960

Welcome New Members

page 6 P.O. Box 478 Trumansburg, NY 14886, TrumansburgChamber.com

Don’t Miss These Events at the Ulysses Philomathic Library!

UPL will hold its Fall Book Sale from Wednesday, September 17th through Tuesday, September 23rd. Items include books, CDs, record albums, movies, games, and puzzles. Regular prices begin at $1.00 to $3.00, decreasing throughout the sale.

On Saturday, November 1st, the library will host its 33rd On Saturday, November 1st, the library will host its 33rd Annual Candlelight Dinner at the Presbyterian Church in Trumansburg at 6:00 p.m. Volunteers will be thanked, new trustees will be voted in, and live music will be performed by Alice Ploss. Two other highlights of the evening will be a literary quiz by Scott Sutcliffe and an art display by Denise Milito-Stockwell. All Library Association Members are invited to attend with their favorite culinary concoction and a to attend with their favorite culinary concoction and a beverage to share. Sign up for this fun, free event at the front desk beginning in mid-October.Visit TrumansburgLibrary.org for more information about either of these events.

Save the Date

Life’s So Sweet Chocolates will host an “All-You-Can-Eat Life’s So Sweet Chocolates will host an “All-You-Can-Eat Chocolate Party” on Friday, September 5 from 6-9:00 p.m. in the Ithaca location (116 West Green Street). Tickets are $30/person and include one pass through the outrageous chocolate buffet (if it fits on the plate, it’s yours!), a choice of one soda fountain special created especially for this event, and a sweet take-away favor. Purchase tickets online at www.LifesSoSweet.comat www.LifesSoSweet.com

TACC Members’ Teamwork in Our Community

During the 2013-14 school year ESPN Ithaca and Ehrhart During the 2013-14 school year ESPN Ithaca and Ehrhart Energy teamed up to award over $3,700 to local booster clubs through the “Fueling Excellence MVP of the Game Award”, recognizing over 65 student athletes and coaches. In June, Ehrhart Energy also awarded two $1,000 scholarships to the “Outstanding Male & Female Scholar Athletes of the Year” during the ESPN Ithaca Night of Champions Awards Dinner. Both organizations are looking forward to expanding the Both organizations are looking forward to expanding the program in the upcoming school year by recognizing the "Fueling Excellence Male & Female Athletes of the Week” with contributions to the schools' booster clubs.

Additionally, Dr. Nancy Kane, dance director at TCFA, reports that this year's recital theme will be “The Art of Dance”. In an exciting collaborative venture, dance pieces performed will be based on works of visual art, which will be interpreted not only by dancers but also by high school art students!

Frontenac Point Vineyard and Estate Winery Hosts Business Luncheon

During the last Business Luncheon, TACC members were able to During the last Business Luncheon, TACC members were able to enjoy lunch, wine, and the view on the Doolittle’s winery deck. Deb Nottke prepared a delicious lunch of jambalaya, salad, corn muffins and more and Lindsay Hart presented the re-designed TACC website and answered questions about how members can use it. Frontenac’s winery tasting room closes to the general public at Frontenac’s winery tasting room closes to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 23rd, however visitors may continue to call (607) 387-9619 to set up an appointment to visit the winery.

Smart Start Preschool Opens in Jacksonville

Smart Start Preschool, owned and operated by Hillary Smart Start Preschool, owned and operated by Hillary Albrecht, opens its doors on September 1st, 2014. Smart Start Preschool’s mission is to provide a safe and encouraging environment where children can develop fundamental educational skills. Realizing that balancing working hours and child care is a common struggle for families; Smart Start strives to reduce parental stress by offering child care throughout the entire work day with flexible before and throughout the entire work day with flexible before and after-school care and it will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday year-round. The school is currently accepting applications for children from 18 months to five-years-old. For more information, visit www.Smart-Start-Preschool.com , email Hillary.SmartStart@gmail.com, or call 607-387-1006.

What’s New at Finger Lakes Writer?

Sue Henninger attended a Writers’ Festival at the Chautauqua Sue Henninger attended a Writers’ Festival at the Chautauqua Institution in June, participating in a nonfiction workshop with award-winning author Patsy Sims. She was also one of the “media volunteers” at the 2014 Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the New York State Fair in August. Sue will continue stocking the TACC brochure rack at Taughannock Falls State Park through Columbus Day weekend and TACC members can drop off their marketing materials at Trumansburg Optical.off their marketing materials at Trumansburg Optical.

Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts Dance Classes Expand

Starting this fall, TCFA will be offering dance classes for adults Starting this fall, TCFA will be offering dance classes for adults and children five days a week. New classes include Teen Hip Hop, Teen Jazz/Tap Ensemble (students work on learning and creating choreography), and Ballet III+, advanced ballet with pointe. Adult Irish dance will offer an eight-week introductory special with an option to continue through the year. Classes in musical theatre, creative movement, Irish light and hard shoe, baton, modern, acrobatics, and lyrical jazz will also be available. baton, modern, acrobatics, and lyrical jazz will also be available. To register, please call (607) 387-5939, email skl.TCFA@gmail.com, or visit www.TburgConservatory.org.

Member Annoucements

P.O. Box 478 Trumansburg, NY 14886, TrumansburgChamber.com page 7