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REALTOR

Jaime Hancock Garden Column 2Preparing your home for sale 3

Watching out for you and your neighbors 6Back to school 8

TCJ Pin of the Week 10

Saturday, August 8, 2015An Advertising Feature of

The Topeka Capital-Journal

2 | Saturday, August 8, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

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Jamie Hancock

A Note FromThe Gardener

Welcome to August, one of our consis-tently hot months of the gardening season. July and August are typically when we, die-hard gardeners, change our sleeping patterns rising at 6 AM to work in the gar-den before the heat of the day. (We dont look very pretty so dont look too closely.) This is not only a beat-the-heat idea it is a real safety issue. There are several things gardeners and outdoor workers need to do to be safe this summer. Protecting them-selves from the sun and heat is number one next to tool safety.

In the continental United States the suns rays are most hazardous between 10AM

and 4PM and greatest in late spring and early summer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The suns ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays can also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.

UVA rays have a longer wave-length than UVB rays and are less likely to cause sunburn but, UVA rays penetrate more deeply and are considered the chief cul-prit behind wrinkling, leathering, and other aspects of photoaging. The latest

studies are showing the UVA not only in-creases UVBs cancer causing effects, but may directly cause skin cancers, including melanomas.

Sunscreens and sunblocksSunscreens chemically absorb UV rays,

sunblocks physically deflect them. Re-member the greasy white zinc oxide on noses and ears. That was a sunblock. Sun-screens absorbed UVB rays but did little to block UVA until more recently. New chemicals like octylcrylene and benzo-phenones and avobenzone (Parsol 1789) have revolutionized sunscreens making

HANCOCK continues on 13A

Safety tips in the garden

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, August 8, 2015 | 3

By Linda A. DitchSpecial to The Capital-Journal

One of the hardest jobs homeowners face when they decided to sell their house is looking at the dwelling theyve lived life in for years through the eyes of a poten-tial buyer. That homey feel that gives you comfort when you come home each night might not be so appealing to someone looking to buy.

This is where REALTORS can help. They are trained to look at the home as a buyer would and help the seller note any problems. Marion Hawks, President of the Topeka Area Association of Realtors, said, Making recommendations that are specific to that home and its needs can be very beneficial to the seller.

Hawks noted the first details she pays attention to when touring a home is the overall cleanliness, curb appeal, pet or-ders, smoke smell, and clutter. The most important rooms buyers consider are the kitchen and bathrooms, so having those rooms pulled together help the overall ap-pearance of the home.

Some of the improvements that are beneficial to obtaining the highest price for a home can be as simple as de-clutter-ing, repainting using neutral paint colors, updating tired light fixtures, and mak-

ing sure that the home has curb appeal, Hawks said. Typically a home that shows well both inside and outside is the first one sold.

Some tips for upping the appeal of your home to buyers include: Clean, clean, clean: Not just your

typical, everyday cleaning. This is when you deep clean everythingcarpets, win-dow sills, door frames, ceiling fans, base-boards, light fixtures, ovens, and windows. You may want to consider hiring a profes-sional cleaning company to come in and do the initial work, and then have them stop in every couple of weeks for touch-ups while the house is on the market. De-clutter: Youre going to be pack-

ing for the move anyway. Now is the time to get rid of the mess. Deodorize: How does your house

smell? The aroma from the bacon for breakfast or fish for dinner may have been tantalizing at the time, but the smell isnt so nice for a home buyer. Do you have pets? You may be accustomed to their smell, but a buyer will notice it right away. Go neutral: The dark mauve bath-

room walls, or the vibrant yellow ones in the kitchen, may appeal to you, but not

HOME continues on 4A

Preparing your home for sale

StOck pHOtO/MEtrO crEAtivE cOnnEctiOn


to everyone. Grab the paint brush and change any unusual wall colors to neutral ones of whites, grays, or tans. Then buyers will notice the room, not the walls. Simplify: In the de-cluttering process,

be sure to pack up personal items such as the family photos and knick-knacks. Also, keep the dcor in each room simple, with minimal furnishings and artwork. Dont forget the closets: While these

are great places to stash stuff when com-pany comes, remember buyers will be

looking in all the closets to check out the space. Make sure the closets are organized so they are a selling point for your house. Make minor repairs: Leaky faucet?

Scuffed paint on the walls? Loose door-knob? Those minor issues can be major negatives in the buyers eyes. Up the curb appeal: Walk up to your

front door as though you were a guest. What do you think? Spend some time cleaning up the entranceplant flowers, weed the flower beds, trim the shrubs, and sweep the walkway. Painting the front door, as well as adding a wreath or some

potted plants, can also make a big differ-ence.

What about major improvements? Should a homeowner invest in a kitchen or bathroom upgrade before selling? What about a new roof or exterior paint?

Not necessarily. Updating the kitchen and bathroom wall colors is a good idea. So is making sure the rooms are spotless. Plus, adding touches to the bathroom to give it a spa feel is a good idea, as is paint-ing the homes exterior if it is in rough shape. If youre considering doing more major upgrades, check with both your

REALTOR and a remodeling contractor to see if the investment is one you will re-coup through the homes sale.

Getting your home ready to sell may mean an investment of your time, but it doesnt have to put a big dent in your wal-let. Your REALTOR can tell you what needs to be done so you get the biggest bang for your buck.

DIY continues on 5A

Continued from 3A

Home: Create an inviting place


DIY Gone Wrong It all looks so easy on TV. Installing new floors, painting kitchen cabinets, putting up a new tile backsplash, and similar projects, all look relatively simple to do. However, they can be much harder to complete than they look. Plus, unless you are vigilant about the details, the finished project may look less than professional.

Many people enjoy do-it-yourself projects. The problem with these efforts when selling a home is if there are flaws, or if you try to cut corners, this becomes a red-flag to a potential buyer. That cost-cutting project may cast a negative light on the overall quality of your house.

Look, not everyone is a handyman. Now is not the time to take on a new project by watching a video on the internet. Unless you are an expert DIYer with years of experience, it is probably best to hire a contractor for these types of projects. Check first with your REALTOR to make sure you will get a good return on your home-improvement investment. Then leave the work to the pros.

Continued from 4A

Story correction for Getting on track to purchase a home that ran in the At Home Living Aug. 1, 2015 issue

Capitol Federal is HCCIs primary lender and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka provides a grant to cover closing costs. Other participating lenders include Capital City Bank, Community Bank and Core-First Bank and Trust.


By Dustin LemmonSpecial to The Capital-Journal

If someone starts a neighborhood watch group in their area, the common assump-tion is that it was prompted by a crime such as a string of burglaries, but thats not always the case.

For Janet Rice, who formed Woodval-ley Watchers six years ago, it started with a simple conversation between her and a former neighbor, Barb Stewart.

We said we should start (a watch group), so I contacted Safe Streets, Rice recalled.

Safe Streets is a Topeka organization that helps people like Rice organize neigh-borhood watch groups. They also help or-ganize National Night Out events in the area.

Kristi Pankratz, director of Safe Streets, said its not uncommon for two neighbors to get together and form a watch group like Rice did. While some are stirred to ac-tion due to a property crime that occurred

in their area, thats not the most common reason neighbors pull together.

Usually its a result of speeding on streets in a neighborhood, Pankratz said, noting that other traffic issues are also a motivator.

Once a group gets started it can grow quite large and stay quite active. Thats certainly been the case for Woodvalley Watchers.

We started out with about 10 people in my drive way (at the groups first National Night Out event), Rice recalled, and that has grown to about 400.

The original watch group encompassed about one square block, Rice noted, but now theyve expanded to incorporate sev-eral more blocks, including Horne Park, where they now hold their National Night Out gathering each August.

Thanks to increased participation, Watchvalley Watchers now meets once a month and usually has a guest speaker, Rice said. The events are open to anyone WATCH continues on 7A

Watching out for you and your neighbors

PHoTo ProviDeD By KrisTi PAnKrATz/sAfe sTreeTs

Left: Dusty Nichols with Emergency Management speaking at South Village neighborhood watch. Right: Community Officer Ben Heusted speaking with Crestview neighborhood watch.


who wants to attend.Banding togetherWhile Rices group didnt form to stamp

out one particular problem it has brought neighbors closer together, and helped them develop a strong relationship with local police, firemen and the district attor-neys office, Rice said.

Pankratz said thats the point of neigh-borhood watch programs. By joining to-gether, neighbors form stronger relation-ships and become more proactive toward addressing problems in their neighbor-hood.

It takes it back to pardon the clich the good old days when you watched out for each other, Rice said.

There are approximately 90 active neighborhood watch groups in Shawnee County, Pankratz said, and around 20 more that are inactive. To qualify as ac-tive, a group has to meet at least once per year, although Safe Streets recommends they meet at least quarterly.

Like the Woodvalley Watchers, most watch groups are started by one or two individuals who want to make their neigh-borhood safer, Pankratz said. There are no size restrictions for such a group, but those with many active members are the

most effective, she added.Ideally, the more people you can get in

the neighborhood the better, she said. It may start with a handful and grow. Usu-ally, what I really encourage is talking to your neighbors.

Summer months can be a great time to start a neighborhood watch group as more people are out and about, and there are more opportunities to connect with neigh-bors. Crime statistics also tend to spike in the warmer months.

The National Night Out event also provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet. The event started in 1984 as a way for communities across the country

to increase community awareness about programs such as neighborhood or block watch groups.

If someone wants to start a watch group, or find out if one already exists in their area, they can call Safe Streets to learn more. The number is (785) 266-4606.

For those thinking about starting a group, Rice has some advice.

Dont be discouraged because it seems people are not apt to get involved if there is a problem, she said. If there arent a lot of people coming (to your meetings) its not necessarily a bad thing.

Continued from 6A

Watch: Banding together


By Shanna SloyerSpecial to The Capital-Journal

The roar of diesel engines and the sight of school supply-lined aisles signal that back to school is right around the corner. While parents everywhere breathe a col-lective sigh of relief, students may experi-ence a variety of emotions ranging from excitement to anxiousness. Here are a few ideas for making the transition back to the classroom a little easier on everyone.

Visit the schoolEspecially important for very young

students or those who are new to a school, making a trip to tour the building can al-leviate anxiety and put many fears to rest. Most schools are happy to accommodate students who want to look around before the first day of classes, and many even schedule orientations or back-to-school nights for this purpose.

Whenever possible, its helpful for elementary-aged students to meet their

teacher before the first day, or find a pic-ture in a yearbook or online so the student can put a face to a name. Help the student get familiar with their classroom by point-ing out where they can hang their back pack and keep their school supplies, where lunch is served, the location of restrooms, and who to ask for help if its needed. Sec-ondary students feel more confident when they tour the building, find their assigned classrooms, and practice opening their lockers before classes start.

Establish routinesAfter a summer of sleeping in and stay-

ing up late, the school schedule can be overwhelming if students arent prepared for the change. Try having them go to bed 15 minutes earlier each day leading up to the first day of school. Start practicing the morning routine by having students wake up and get ready within an appointed amount of time.

Go over the routine for what students will do when they get home from school

in the afternoon. Children of all ages gen-erally need a break from academic work after a day of sitting, so a snack and some free time before beginning homework can help refocus restless bodies.

Make it a celebrationBack to school can be an exciting time

of year and a milestone in your childs life. A new grade and a new beginning should be celebrated. Take your student along to shop for school supplies, and allow them to choose one or two special supplies that arent on the list that will help them get excited about returning to school.

Consider throwing a back-to-school send off party or play date and inviting your childs classmates so that they can get reacquainted before school begins. When kids see the adults in their life in-vested in school, they are more likely to feel excited as well.

Create a launching padDesignate an area in your home where

students will store backpacks, lunches,

shoes, coats and homework so that morn-ings are less chaotic. Post a checklist of items nearby so students can see what they need to have with them when they leave the house each day.

Talk about itTalk with your child about starting

school and allow them to share their fears and excitement with you. Ask your child to think about how they can handle any fears they have. For example, if your child is afraid of not knowing where to sit in the lunchroom, have them practice introduc-ing themselves to new people. Even teen-agers can benefit from expressing their concerns out loud.

For younger children, allow indepen-dence in completing tasks that they will be expected to do for themselves at school, such as tying shoelaces, zipping up coats, and using the restroom.

SCHOOL continues on 9A


School safety tipsContinued from 8A

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following safety tips to ensure that children get to and from school safely this school year. Review safety rules with your child before the first day of school so they know what to expect.

School Bus Safety Board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or school building. Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. Walk where you can see the bus driver. If you can see the driver, the driver can also see you. Look both ways before crossing the street to board the bus. Many bus drivers will signal to students when it is safe for them to cross and board. Ask your childs bus driver what their policy is. Go over the rules of being on the bus with your child. Remind them to stay seated, with their back and head resting on the backrest of their seat.Young Drivers Many crashes occur when teen drivers are going to and from school. Talk to your new driver about your expectations for when they are driving. Require the use of a seat belt, limit the number of teen passengers, and dont allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations, texting or other mobile device use to minimize distractions. Limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your states graduated drivers license law.Bicycle Riders Bike riders should always wear a bicycle helmet, regardless of how short or long the ride. Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as car traffic. Use appropriate hand signals. Respect traffic lights and stop signs. Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility.Walking to School Choose a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection. Identify other children in the neighborhood with whom your child can walk. Be realistic about your childs pedestrian skills. Small children or those who are impulsive or less cautious around traffic shouldnt walk without adult supervision. Practice the route to school with your child before the first day.Before and After School Safety Elementary-aged students need supervision before and after school hours. Arrange for a neighbor or other trusted adult to see children off on the bus and meet them when they arrive home. Young adolescents should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age. If adult supervision is not available, parents should make arrangements to supervise their child from a distance. Young teens should have a set time when they are expected to arrive home and should check in with a neighbor or parent by phone. Remind children home alone to keep doors locked and avoid opening the door unless you have told them to expect someone. An after school routine of snack, a short break, chores and homework can occupy young teens, who should be aware that you could call at any time to check in. Designate a trusted adult who lives nearby as the person to call in case of an emergency.


Supplies:Spray PaintSpindlesTopper (I had this bird with a broken beak, but you could use anything or nothing at all)Fine fishing lineScissorsDrill and tiny drill bit (real technical on the size, I know)E6000 glueSomething to use as a top piece. This is the base to a thrift store candle stickMetal ring (not pictured)

1. I spray painted my spindles and my candle stick base with spray paint. I used white, aqua, and green that I already had left over from another project.2. When they were dry, I drilled tiny holes at the top of each spindle. Be sure to place a piece of scrap wood under the spindle to catch the drill on the other side.3. Then I measured, marked, and drilled holes in the candle stick base. This will be the piece that the spindles hang from.4. Then I sanded them all to shabby them up a bit5. Next I started threading my spindles with the fishing line. I cut eight pieces of fishing line, one for each piece. I cut four 12 inch length and four 24 inch lengths. The 12 inch pieces I pulled through the four colored spindles. Then I threaded them through the top piece and knotted them several times so they would dangle and not fall through the small hole.6. The 24 inch fishing line I cut for the white spindles would be the line that connects to the ring at the very top for hanging. I threaded the line through the hole then knotted it several times before pulling it through the holes in the top piece.7. Then I threaded them through the top piece, trying to keep them all hanging at the same level, and attached them to the ring at the very top. It took a bit to get the spindles to all hang evenly. I wish I had a secret for that but Ive got no help for ya there.8. I added this ceramic bird that had a broken beak (I just couldnt throw him away) to the top using E6000 glue. This little bird originally came from Kirklands and once had feet as well.

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the sunblock aspect invisible. No more white greasy noses. Look for these ingre-dients in the products you buy.

Sunscreens/blocks can come in sprays, gels, creams, oils, sticks, and lotions. If one irritates your skin try another. Sunblocks only work if you use them.

SPF (sun protection factor): measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening from UVB, com-pared to how long the skin takes to redden without protection. If it takes 20 minutes without protection to begin reddening, us-ing an SPF15 sunscreen theoretically pre-vents reddening 15 times longer or about 5 hours (20min. x 15spf = 300min. Divided by 60 = 5 hours). It is best to reapply after 2 hours, after swimming, or after heavy sweating while working in your yard.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recom-mends SPFs of at least 15, which block 93% of UVB. While SPFs higher than 30 block only 4% more UVB, they may be advisable

for sun-sensitive individuals, skin cancer patients, and people at high risk of devel-oping skin cancer. They also allow some margin for error if too little sunscreen is applied.

HeatEveryone needs to recognize symptoms

of heat exhaustion and do what they can to prevent it. Things to watch for are: heavy sweating, feeling weak and/or confused, dizziness, nausea, headache, fast heart-beat, dark-colored urine which indicates dehydration.

If you think you have heat exhaustion, get out of the heat quickly. Rest in an air-conditioned building or find a cool shady spot. Drink plenty of water or other fluids but avoid caffeinated drinks. They can make heat exhaustion worse. Take a cool shower or bath or apply cool water to your skin. Take off tight or unnecessary cloth-ing. If you do not feel better within 30 minutes, you should contact your doctor.

The simplest thing is to avoid heavy garden work in the hottest part of the day

and in the sunniest part of your garden. I go out early and work in the garden on the west side that is still shaded by my house. Once it is fully engulfed with sunlight I move closer to my house in the shade and work again until the sun moves in. There is usually a pleasant breeze and it is a very comfortable time of day. I do the opposite on the east side after 4 PM.

Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity. Carry water with you and take a good long drink every 15-20 minutes even if you dont feel thirsty.

Dress appropriately for the heat. Wear loose fitting but tightly woven clothing. Netted or open weave in clothes or hats can allow sunlight to burn the skin and in-crease the heat factor. Loose fitting sleeves and pant legs can actually help keep you cooler.

Wear UVA/UVB rated sunglasses that wrap around not allowing light in from the sides. This can also help prevent cataracts. Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.

Use an umbrella to carry shade with you as you stroll through your garden or when you take a longer walk. Its worth it.

Jamie Hancock is a horticulturist with Kansas State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

Note: Applications for this years Master Gardener program are due August 14th at 5:00 pm in the Shawnee County Extension Office 1740 SW Western. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardner, applications are available online at www.shawnee.ksu.edu.

Note: Fall Lawn Care will be presented at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library at 7:00 pm on August 13. Come and learn what to do to improve and enjoy your lawn.

Note: Gardens to Attract Bees and Butterflies will be presented at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library at 7:00 pm on August 27th. Learn some simple and interesting ways to make your garden a haven for pollinators.

Continued from 2A

Hancock: Prevent heat exhaustion


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