Home & Yard Handbook

There are two kinds of people in the world.  There are those who open their blinds on sunny winter days to “let the heat in” and those who know better.  Dave Burns, co-owner of Ray Sands Glass, is one who knows better.  

“The winter sun isn’t strong enough to increase room temperature”, Burns told me.  “But it is strong enough to be a menace to the interior of your home.”  Being one of the other kind of people, I asked how.  “The sun does it’s worst interior damage in the winter”, said Burns, “because it’s lower on the horizon.  Although the rays aren’t as strong as they are in the summer, they’re perfectly positioned to blast right into the room.”   Burns went on to explain that the summer sun is further from the earth but stronger, and also poses a considerable hazard to hardwood floors, rugs, leather couches, fabrics, and art.  

Then Burns told me that Ray Sands Glass carries a variety of highly efficient line of solar energy films that block out up to 99% of damaging ultraviolet rays to help protect interior furnishings and keep them looking new for years.  I admit, when I hear window tinting I think of a dark film that peels off and has stubborn air bubbles scattered throughout.   Luckily Burns is too polite to laugh at me.  Instead he introduces me to Panorama window tinting film – a virtually clear film that offers comfort, savings, and a great look.  

Panorama® window tinting film from Bekaert offers three solutions in one product.  One, it is a reflective, transparent window film that rejects the sun’s heat rays and keeps your home cool. Two, it blocks UV rays and keeps your interior new for a longer time. And three, Panorama®  window film keeps glass shards together in the event of breakage. Glass actually becomes safer. 

I asked Burns what Ray Sands Glass customers like most about their window film.  He said his customers like saving money on their heating and cooling costs while feeling more comfortable in their homes.  “In the summer, window tinting films reflect the hot sun, reducing AC costs, and in the winter, it reduces inside heat escape by 20%.” 

Panorama® is one of the few window tinting products that doesn’t absorb heat into the glass.  Panorama® is reflective; most other window tinting films are absorptive, and absorption leads to seal failure and other problems down the line.  The film has a long life span, a lifetime + 5 years transferable warranty (no other film meets that), and meets various international standards and regulations.  Thanks to the stimulus plan there’s never been a better time to experience residential window tinting.  Ask the folks at Ray Sands Glass how you can qualify for a federal tax rebate of up to $1500.  

I think the real beauty of Panorama® is… well, its beauty.  Because the film is transparent sunlight enters freely (that’s sunlight, not sun-heat or damaging sun rays) and the view is virtually undistorted.   Whether you are looking for energy savings, comfort enhancement, added privacy or fade control, the experts at Ray Sands Glass can help you select the right window tinting product from the wide variety of window film tints, finishes and performance levels available. 

Ray Sands Glass is an independently owned and operated glass retailer, family-owned and family-run in state-of-the-art facilities in Rochester, Batavia, Canandaigua, East Rochester, Holley, Leroy, and Ontario.  Dave and Frank Burns and the rest of their team have grown their business and their reputations with expert craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.  

In addition to window tinting, Ray Sands Glass is well-known for its “Get the Fog Out” thermopane window repair.  “Get the Fog Out” refers to a patented restorative window repair technology used to repair insulated glass windows that have developed foggy areas due to moisture between the window panes.  Burns is understandably proud of this technology, both because it is “green” – windows are repaired rather than replaced – and also because it saves his customers money.  “On a typical residential window “Get the Fog Out” saves a customer more than half the cost of replacing the window”, said Burns.  “We had a customer recently who was going to replace his foggy window.  We saved him $1000 by restoring it instead.”  The procedure is minimally invasive, and the work can usually be done from outside.  

“A lot of people are trying to sell their homes right now”, said Burns.  “It makes sense to take care of the windows before putting a house on the market.  It shows potential buyers that you’ve taken care of the house, and it’s one less thing to have to worry about.”  With many new home builders touting their “green” buildings, why not make your home “greener” to  potential buyers?  

The Ray Sands Glass professionals are skilled in all types of residential glass needs.  They’re happy to consult with you about your specific goals and needs.  No matter what product or service you’re looking for, I guarantee you’ll find the folks at Ray Sands Glass ready, willing, and able to give you objective information, the wisdom born of experience, and friendly, personal service.�

Growing up in Churchville we did most of our living on the West Side of Rochester, and everything east of the city was like a foreign country to me.  I remember the first time we ventured to Victor to shop for school clothes.  “There’s another mall?  I had no idea!”  I rode the whole way with great anticipation, and when we crested that last hill and saw the mall spread out before us, it was magical.  Even the name was beautiful.  Eastview. 

Granted, I was only in the fifth grade, and prone to girlish drama, but in all the years since, I’ve never lost the feeling that Eastview Mall is a special place.  Turns out I’m not the only one who feels that way.  I recently had the pleasure of talking with Marie Cornelius, Marketing Director at Eastview Mall, and she clued me into some very exciting things that are going on at Eastview Mall.  

The first is the totally rockin’, bring the whole family, spend the day and have fun, entertaining and educational Green event, formally known as “Be Green & Glamorous”.  “Be Green & Glamorous” is a day-long (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), mall-wide event scheduled for Saturday April 25, 2009.  Bring your kids, bring your old computers, bring your used clothing, and make sure you bring your appetite.

What is “Be Green & Glamorous” all about?  “It’s about finding the life left in something you no longer need, and sharing it with someone who does”, said Cornelius.  “It’s about discovering local resources to help you find ways to be greener, every day, long-term, in your home and community.  And it’s going to be great fun!”

Take a look at this partial list of events and vendors for the day, and I’m sure you’ll find several reasons to be at Eastview on April 25th:

•  Computers & Electronics Recycling in the parking lot near the Food Court.  Employees from Regional Computer Recycling & Recovery will be available to recycle your old computers, radios, cell phones and other electronics. (They will not be accepting televisions.)
•  Used Clothing Drive to benefit ABVI-Goodwill
•  Vespa Scooters display by Vespa Rochester at Country Rode Motowerks
•  Victor Student Poster, Essay and Recycling Sculpture Contest presented by the Victor Green Team
•  “Roll Out the Green Carpet” Fashion Show featuring eco-friendly fashions from various Eastview retailers.  You’ll see fashions made from organic cotton, recycled cashmere, even from recycled plastic bottles.
• Donate a non-perishable food item and receive a mini tree (while supplies last).*  Food items will benefit the Victor-Farmington Food Cupboard. 
• Additional sponsorship for the event is provided by The Home Depot, NYSERDA, Home Comfort, and Rehouse Architectural Salvage.

In addition to the special events of the day Eastview Mall offers shopping at more than 180 specialty stores, dining at six sit-down restaurants, movies at the Regal Cinema and even massage or facial pampering at Euphoria Salon/Spa.  Eastview is also home to 5 major department stores: Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears and The Bon-Ton. 

I learned from Cornelius that the “Be Green & Glamorous” event is actually part of a larger initiative by the same name launched at Eastview in 2008.  “The mall wasn’t built green”, she explained.  “We are strongly committed to making it greener, and we have undertaken several initiatives to be greener mall-wide, including store recycling, use of environmentally-friendly cleaning products, and switching to low-wattage light bulbs.”  Shoppers can find reusable shopping bags – large, stylish ones – at two dispensers in the mall and at the customer service center.  

Cornelius says that the mall retailers have been very supportive of the recycling effort – the mall is able to save an estimated 600 trees per year through in-store recycling – and a new initiative is to expand recycling to the community areas of the mall.  “Recycling requires a lot of thought and planning operationally, but when you see the results, it’s exciting, and you want to do more.”  

Even the proposed capitol improvements planned for the mall lean green, with a specific two phase plan to leverage innovation and investment to increase public revenue without expanded development.  Visit www.eastviewsignatureexperience.com for details.

Whether you’re an East-sider or a West-sider, Eastview mall is a great destination that keeps getting better.  My family and I will be at “Be Green & Glamorous”, and I hope to see you there with yours.

THE GREEN TEAM
The Victor Green Team (also known as the Victor Sustainability Advisory Committee) is an approved Town of Victor committee that works to “reduce our impact on the environment by transforming Victor into a ‘Green Community.”  The team has created “a Town Comprehensive Sustainability Plan for reducing our energy consumption, protecting our natural resources and wildlife, and ensuring the health and safety of our residents.”

The Green Team works in partnership with local citizens and businesses to provide supplemental education and resources needed to make their green efforts successful.  

Marie Cornelius, Marketing Director at Eastview, says that the Green Team has been instrumental in a valuable resource for helping make Eastview a greener facility.  “They are an important part of our team, in terms of offering both creative and strategic direction.  We have been able to take some of the Green Team Town initiatives and adapt them for our facility.”

Some of the Green Cost Saving Measures recommended by the Green Team include:

1.  Conduct NYSERDA energy audit.
2.  Set thermostats at 78 degrees in the summer, 68 degrees in the winter.
3.  Replace indoor incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs.
4.  Review exterior and street lighting to reduce energy used, ensure appropriate lighting intensity.
5.  Shut off computers at night, use sleep mode in between.
6.  Use energy efficient exit signs.
7.  Use energy efficient windows.
8.  Consider geothermal heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
9.  Purchase Energy Star equipment and appliances.
10.  Replace fleet with energy efficient vehicles.
11.  Institute no-idling policy for municipal vehicles.
12.  Institute paper reduction policy.
13.  Reduce waste handling costs with improved recycling.
14.  Eliminate plastic drink bottles and cups, replace with tap water and paper cups.
15.  Use energy efficient lawn mowers, mow less often.
16.  Conduct audit of water use.
17.  Convert to natural lawn care products and methods in place of chemical lawn treatment contracts.

The Victor Green Team sponsored a contest within the Victor school district to run in conjunction with the “Be Green & Glamorous” event.  Students were invited to create a green-themed poster, essay or recycled sculpture.  Winners will be announced at the event on April 25th.  

Learn more about the Victor Green Team here.�

By Sally Bacchetta

I know less than most people about lawn and garden equipment.  In fact, if I add up everything I know about the subject I get a grand total of… three things:  

1. Our lawn mower is a John Deere
2. My hands and I are not going to make it through another summer with my oversized, rust-frozen hedge shears
3. www.ontracequipment.com.

I discovered Ontrac a few years ago when my husband convinced me it was time to step into this century and retire our old push mower.  I really don’t like to shop, so my goal was to pick a riding mower and get out as quickly and inexpensively as possible.  We looked at mowers from one big box store to another, and compared to what we had at home, they all looked great.  Colorful.  Shiny.  Not a one of them belching smoke.  Let’s just pick one, honey.  What’s the difference?  They all cut grass.

Then we went to Ontrac, and I don’t know if it was the direct eye contact or the warm handshake that did it, but as the salesman spoke with us, I began to feel something I hadn’t felt in a very long time.  Interest!  This guy was actually interested in us.  He wasn’t trying to push a price point or a certain factory feature.  He wanted to know what was most important to us.  He asked about our yard, our lifestyle, and our budget, so he could help us find the best mower for us.  Wow!  

Keith Perry, one of the owners, along with brothers Ron and David, of Ontrac Equipment, says that’s a typical experience at any of Ontrac’s five locations.  “Every person in our sales staff wants to sell to people what they need.  That’s how we get repeat business.  We’re now selling to the sons and daughters of our customers, because at Ontrac you’re not just a part of our business; you ARE our business.”  

Perry is proud that Ontrac Equipment has been the area’s power equipment marketplace since 1981, offering expert service and a personal touch at family-owned and operated locations in Brockport, Canandaigua, Henrietta, North Chili, and Macedon.  “If it’s a piece of power equipment for your home, we probably have it,” said Perry.  “Not just premium; we also have entry-level lines.  Weed trimmers, mowers, a full line of compact utility and utility tractors…  some people prefer entry-level equipment, and others invest more upfront.  We’ve got both.”  

And zero-turn mowers?  In case you don’t know, they’re the hottest thing going right now, and Ontrac Equipment has the most complete line of zero-turn mowers on the market.  They’ve got eleven mowers designed for home owners and another nine for commercial applications.  

When I pointed out that the economy has many people pruning their budgets as well as their shrubs, Perry said, “Yes they are, but people still need to cut grass.”  In fact, 2008 homeowner sales were the best Ontrac has ever had, and Perry attributes that to his superior inventory, great financing options, and his dedicated staff.  “Ours isn’t a cookie cutter approach.  Our goal is to get the best fit between customer and equipment, every time.  We carry both Stihl and Echo - the top two names in hand-held equipment (such as chain saws and weed trimmers) and we are a John Deere Gold-star certified dealership.”  In addition to John Deere equipment Ontrac Equipment offers in-house financing through John Deere credit, with a variety of interest-free and low-interest loans.  

Ontrac Equipment’s mission is “to provide Rochester and the surrounding area with the highest quality power equipment products, and to back those products with world class service and support.”  To that end, they offer pick up/delivery and off-season service plans.  I love making the annual call to have our mower picked up and serviced, because I trust the people at Ontrac and I know it will come back in top-notch condition before spring.  

Each Ontrac Equipment store is a full stand alone business, with its own parts, sales and service departments.  That means you get the same expertise and attention to detail at every Ontrac location.  And because they’re computer networked, you can find out in an instant if what you need is available at another site.  

Perry said, “People need to come in.  We’re definitely unique, and they will be surprised by what we have available.” I know he’s right.  I guess that makes four things I know about lawn and garden equipment. 

Ontrac Equipment Area Phone #’s:

• BROCKPORT, NY (585) 637-3700
• NORTH CHILI, NY (585) 594-3700
• ROCHESTER, NY (585) 359-3700
• MACEDON, NY (585) 425-4428
• CANANDAIGUA, NY (585) 394-1990

Don’t miss this year’s premier show at the Dome Center in Henrietta 

It is a great opportunity to come see hundreds of Rochester’s best contractors and businesses all in one location. This year the BCB is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Home Fair Expo, with 290 exhibitors and 175 professionals loaded with the information and new products you have been looking for. The three days are also packed with free informative seminars, such as How to Choose a Contractor, Planning a Room Addition, and How to Save Energy with Energy Smart. There will be door prizes, raffle tickets and a silent auction to benefit this year’s charity, CP Rochester, an organization dedicated to Connecting People with Physical Disabilities to the Community (Learn more, at: www.cprochester.org). 

How is The BCB Home Fair Expo Different from Other Home Shows?    

One thing that sets this home show apart from others is that the BCB has strict guidelines for exhibitors. Each participant must be a BCB member, which means they have to have been in business for a minimum of one year, show proof of proper insurance, and adhere to all NY State regulations. This guarantees that all of the participating vendors you will meet at the show follow a strict code of ethics as a BCB member.

You can feel confident that the BCB is looking out for you, the consumer. The bureau averages about 1,000 calls a year, investigates, and settles over 90% of them. The BCB works very closely with the Attorney General’s office and the Consumer Protection Board. 

Carmen Santora, the founder and Executive Director of the BCB says, “I take pride in the fact that I have provided the public a home show every year for the past 25 years. The Home Fair Expo is a place where people in Rochester and the surrounding communities can come to find reliable home improvement contractors and businesses. It is an unusual service that we offer, and thousands of consumers come to the show every year because they know they can trust the companies and expert information they find here. People feel good about that.”

If you are starting to think about home improvement projects or just want to check out some of the coolest and latest home products, mark the dates on your calendar and be sure to stop into the Dome Center for the Home Fair Expo February 27th through March 1st.  

For more information call Carmen Santora at 338-3600, or visit www.the-bcb.net.