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22nd Century Media<br />

Improvement<br />

The Frankfort Station • The Mokena Messenger • The New Lenox Patriot<br />

22centurymedia.com


2 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Melka a one-stop shop for seasonal<br />

gardening and landscaping needs<br />

Melka Landscaping & Garden Center<br />

has been serving the community for over<br />

30 years. Melka Landscaping & Garden<br />

Center offers a wide range of products<br />

and services, including a full-service garden<br />

center, tree/shrub nursery, colorful<br />

greenhouses, a Weber grill showroom,<br />

landscape design services, plant installation<br />

and lawn maintenance, brick paver<br />

patios and much more. If one is tackling<br />

a DIY project or in-need of professional<br />

landscape services, Melka’s is the local<br />

business to contact.<br />

Grilling season is year-round. Melka’s<br />

is the one-stop shop for all one’s Weber<br />

Grill needs and accessories. Shop their indoor<br />

showroom for cookbooks, brushes,<br />

cleaners and more. Make sure to join their<br />

“frequent filler program” for propane tank<br />

refills. Melka Garden Center fills propane<br />

tanks year-round.<br />

Melka Garden Center is located at<br />

11606 179th St. in Mokena, located four<br />

blocks west of Wolf Road and just East<br />

of the Metra station. Open seven days a<br />

week from April through December. Visit<br />

their website at jimmelkalandscaping.<br />

com for store hours, new plant arrivals,<br />

landscape design photos and more. Melka<br />

Landscaping & Garden Center is the onestop<br />

shop for all one’s seasonal gardening<br />

and landscaping needs.<br />

Submitted by Melka Landscaping & Garden<br />

Center, 11606 179th St. in Mokena. For more<br />

information, call (708) 349-6989 or visit jim<br />

melkalandscaping.com.<br />

River Road Tops brings decades of<br />

experience to Lockport<br />

River Road Tops first<br />

opened its doors in Lemont<br />

in 1994.<br />

Since then, it has expanded<br />

its space and business<br />

and moved to Lockport.<br />

It is a family-owned<br />

and -operated business that<br />

has been open for 18 years,<br />

with more than 37 years of<br />

experience.<br />

Its expanding showroom<br />

is designed to showcase<br />

several different materials,<br />

colors and designs that are<br />

available. It extends quality<br />

service to its customers,<br />

as well as offers custom<br />

and personal advice on<br />

home design that cannot be<br />

matched elsewhere.<br />

No other fabricator can<br />

match our experience or<br />

impeccable craftsmanship.<br />

River Road Tops specializes<br />

in custom cabinets<br />

and countertops for any<br />

residential or commercial<br />

space. Offering custom<br />

cabinets and countertops<br />

means having a lot more<br />

space, as well as several<br />

different options. River<br />

Road Tops presents its<br />

customers with a wide variety<br />

of products.<br />

In addition to cabinets<br />

and countertops, River<br />

Road Tops also specializes<br />

in custom kitchens and<br />

baths, entertainment centers,<br />

fireplaces and wall<br />

units. It is proud to present<br />

its customers with quality<br />

materials such as granite,<br />

marble, quartz, limestone,<br />

solid surface and laminate.<br />

River Road Tops thinks<br />

that its business is only<br />

as good as its satisfied<br />

customers. Most of the<br />

work that has been done is<br />

through referrals from all<br />

of our satisfied clients.<br />

The owner helps customers<br />

throughout this<br />

entire process. Whether it<br />

may be picking out a material,<br />

style, or even color,<br />

he thinks that working<br />

with the customer from<br />

start to finish leads to the<br />

right design. Every detail<br />

is handcrafted to make it<br />

personal.<br />

Submitted by River Road<br />

Tops, 3341 S. State St., Lockport.<br />

For more information,<br />

visit riverroadtops.com or<br />

call (815) 723-8700.<br />

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL!<br />

Expiration Date 9/8/19


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 3<br />

Our customers<br />

have voted<br />

us #1!<br />

Custom Kitchens,<br />

Bathrooms,<br />

Flooring &More<br />

Before<br />

17050 S. Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL60477<br />

tpkitchenandbath.com<br />

Open 7Days aWeek•708.429.6601


4 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Tinley Park Kitchen & Bath Shoppe<br />

recognized as ‘Best in the Southland’<br />

If you head into the Tinley Park Kitchen<br />

& Bath Shoppe in the downtown historic<br />

district, you will see a showroom<br />

that welcomes you with gorgeous home<br />

designs. What you will also see is three<br />

People’s Choice Awards and nine Best<br />

of the Southland awards hanging on the<br />

walls, a testament to the company’s commitment<br />

to quality.<br />

John Cancialosi, president of Tinley<br />

Park Kitchen & Bath Shoppe, said receiving<br />

the awards never gets old or routine.<br />

“It’s a great feeling, true validation that<br />

we are doing things right here,” he said.<br />

Established success<br />

At a time when the marketplace is as<br />

competitive as ever, Tinley Park Kitchen<br />

& Bath Shoppe enjoys a level of success<br />

and recognition that has provided renewed<br />

opportunities and longevity. The<br />

company will celebrate its 15th anniversary<br />

next year.<br />

After 15 years of applying his skills in<br />

the cabinet industry, Cancialosi opened<br />

Tinley Park Kitchen & Bath Shoppe to<br />

help customers achieve their dreams in<br />

rooms throughout their homes. The process<br />

of designing a project and working<br />

with people throughout the region has<br />

never gotten old for him and he still finds<br />

it very satisfying.<br />

Cancialosi said he has seen generations<br />

of customers over the years, with<br />

children of his original customers coming<br />

in for remodeling projects.<br />

“The best thing is the repeat customers<br />

we have seen over the years,” he said.<br />

“They call us back when they move to a<br />

new home, or when they want to remodel<br />

another bathroom or kitchen in their existing<br />

home.”<br />

Difference maker<br />

According to Cancialosi, when it<br />

comes to getting things right and making<br />

every project an individual source of<br />

pride, it’s his team that is the real difference<br />

maker for more than a decade.<br />

“I truly believe the team we have assembled<br />

here it what sets us apart from<br />

all the rest, from the designers to the<br />

craftsman out in the field. Everybody<br />

realizes we work as one large team. I<br />

have had the same people here for 12-14<br />

years,” Cancialosi said.<br />

Proven process<br />

When you come into the showroom,<br />

you will see many examples of the cabinets,<br />

counters, tile, hardware, flooring<br />

and other accessories offered by Tinley<br />

Park Kitchen & Bath Shoppe. Cancialosi<br />

said his team handles everything in the<br />

process from soup to nuts, a true design<br />

build company.<br />

“We do everything from the moment<br />

a client come into our showroom and<br />

sit down with us to talk about what they<br />

would like to see,” he said. “We put a<br />

plan of action together, layout a design,<br />

go through the proposal and contract<br />

stage, and get them on the calendar. Our<br />

craftsman in the field take over from<br />

there.”<br />

According to Cancialosi, projects<br />

typically get scheduled between 30 to<br />

45 days in advance. He says he is in the<br />

showroom six days a week and he still<br />

enjoys the creative part of the job.<br />

“I think the best part of my job is the<br />

creative process and seeing the customer<br />

satisfaction at the end of the job,” Cancialosi<br />

said.<br />

Submitted by Tinley Park Kitchen & Bath,<br />

17050 South Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.<br />

For more information, call (708) 429-6601<br />

or visit tpkitchenandbath.com or Tinley Park<br />

Kitchen & Bath on Facebook.


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 5<br />

Home Improvement Time?<br />

We canhelp!<br />

FREE HOME EQUITYREVIEW AVAILABLE<br />

Reviewyour home equity options to financeyour home improvement project.<br />

What is on your project list?<br />

p Updateyour kitchen or bathroom<br />

p Install hardwood floors, tiles or newcarpeting<br />

p Replaceyour furnaceorair conditioning<br />

p Finish your basement<br />

p Redo your patio deck or fencing<br />

p Add asunroom or afamily room<br />

p Repair your foundation or waterproof acrawlspace<br />

p Renovate your garage or shed<br />

p Replaceyour roof or siding<br />

p Repave your driveway<br />

p Landscape your yard<br />

p Getnew energy-efficient windows, doorsorinsulation<br />

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6 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Imagine landscape possibilities and start the<br />

project with AreA Landscape Supply<br />

Outdoor living spaces<br />

still rank high on lists for<br />

important home trends<br />

across the country. Gorgeous,<br />

spacious, versatile,<br />

show-stopping statements<br />

are desired for the once<br />

mundane backyard. With<br />

fall approaching, the importance<br />

is even bigger to<br />

steal the last bit of enjoyable<br />

weather on your patio.<br />

Consider a few upgrades,<br />

imagine the possibilities<br />

and let’s start the project<br />

together.<br />

You might imagine gathering<br />

family and friends<br />

around a gas fire pit with<br />

sparkling fire glass that<br />

allows more fall evenings<br />

outdoors; Cooking meals<br />

on a built-in grill and eating<br />

on a durable brick paver<br />

patio; Illuminating more<br />

possibilities with landscape<br />

lighting that repels<br />

mosquitos and calms down<br />

with the soothing ambience<br />

of a color-changing<br />

waterfall. AreA Landscape<br />

Supply has all of these<br />

products and more.<br />

Someone else might<br />

imagine curb appeal that<br />

invites family and friends<br />

with a brick paver walkway<br />

leading visitors to the<br />

front door; A fresh, rich<br />

layer of premium mulch<br />

combined with the decorative<br />

stone that makes the<br />

color of the house pop is<br />

a bold statement to visitors<br />

and neighbors; The<br />

addition of landscape<br />

pathway lights, accent<br />

lights and wall wash lights<br />

transforms this home into<br />

a showpiece with added<br />

safety for early fall nights,<br />

too. Find these products,<br />

and more, at AreA Landscape<br />

Supply.<br />

At AreA Landscape Supply,<br />

you can find the South<br />

Suburbs’ largest selection<br />

of Unilock brick pavers<br />

& retaining wall block,<br />

plus boulders, flagstone,<br />

premium mulches, gravel<br />

and decorative stone, pool<br />

sand, drain tile and drainage<br />

accessories, pond and<br />

waterfall supplies, low<br />

voltage landscape lighting,<br />

outdoor fireplaces, fire pits<br />

& accessories (including<br />

fireglass pebbles, round<br />

wood grates, and dome<br />

mesh safety screens), fertilizers,<br />

grass seed mixtures,<br />

sod and more.<br />

Top fall projects typically<br />

include products<br />

such as: Fertilizers and<br />

grass seed, mulches, outcropping<br />

and decorative<br />

stone. Most products are<br />

available in bulk for large<br />

applications, or bagged in<br />

small quantities. The experienced<br />

sales staff can<br />

answer questions, help calculate<br />

materials and recommend<br />

the best product<br />

for your project. Our team<br />

of delivery drivers takes<br />

pride in offering courteous<br />

service, safety, and respect<br />

for your property while out<br />

on deliveries.<br />

Orders can be placed<br />

quickly and easily over the<br />

phone. Request either the<br />

highly popular same day<br />

delivery, or place your order<br />

on will-call for a future<br />

delivery. You can also stop<br />

in, see the selection, and<br />

take your in-stock choice<br />

home immediately.<br />

Submitted by AreA Landscape<br />

Supply, 18851 South<br />

Wolf Road in Mokena. For<br />

more information, call (708)<br />

479-8400 or visit www.AreaLandscapeSupply.com<br />

or<br />

www.facebook.com/Are<br />

ALandscapeSupply.<br />

DECORATOR'S SUPPLY<br />

DECORATOR'S<br />

SUPPLY HOUSE<br />

Paint Sale<br />

$<br />

10 00 OFF<br />

(retail price)<br />

A GALLON<br />

20% OFF<br />

ALL SUNDRIES<br />

(rollers, brushes, etc)<br />

Sale goes thru 9/14/19<br />

5 gallon limit<br />

FREE Delivery on<br />

orders over $250<br />

19811 S. La Grange Road, Mokena, IL 60448<br />

(708) 478-0777<br />

www.decoratorssupply.benmoorepaints.com


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 7<br />

Window World of Joliet promises superior<br />

products at lowest price in the area<br />

Window World of Joliet increases curb<br />

appeal, improves energy efficiency and<br />

enhances the quality of life, one home at<br />

a time.<br />

Window World of Joliet is an ENER-<br />

GY STAR® partner and offers Americanmade,<br />

energy-efficient custom replacement<br />

vinyl windows, Therma-Tru entry<br />

doors, Larson storm doors, patio doors<br />

and vinyl siding.<br />

“According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing<br />

old windows with ENERGY<br />

STAR® certified windows lowers household<br />

energy bills by an average of 12 percent<br />

nationwide,” said Window World of<br />

Joliet owner, Brian Hopkins.<br />

Window World of Joliet offers hundreds<br />

of custom options for windows,<br />

siding and doors to fit any budget. A zero<br />

percent financing option is available to<br />

qualified applicants as well as many additional<br />

options.<br />

All of Window World of Joliet’s products<br />

have earned the Good Housekeeping<br />

Seal of Approval, backed by the industry’s<br />

strongest lifetime warranty (including<br />

labor).<br />

Window World of Joliet takes pride not<br />

only in the quality of their products, but<br />

in the manner in which they deliver them.<br />

From start to finish and after, their knowledgeable<br />

and friendly staff serves exceptional<br />

attention to detail and customer<br />

care. In fact, Window World Ranks No.<br />

1 by J.D. Power for “Highest in Customer<br />

Satisfaction with Window and Patio Door<br />

Retailers”.<br />

One of the most popular and bestselling<br />

products is the Window World of<br />

Joliet 4000 series double-hung window.<br />

It can be opened from the top or bottom<br />

sash, allowing fresh air to circulate<br />

throughout your home. The tilt-in sashes<br />

make cleaning very easy.<br />

“Window World of Joliet’s best-selling<br />

double-hung replacement window is an<br />

impeccable combination of sophisticated<br />

engineering, high-tech craftsmanship,<br />

careful installation and a lifetime of backing,”<br />

said Hopkins. “Moreover, Window<br />

World of Joliet’s double-hung windows<br />

are characterized by easy maintenance<br />

and classic aesthetic styling. Not only are<br />

these vinyl windows an easy choice for<br />

improving curb appeal, energy efficiency<br />

and home value but also ideal for your<br />

wallet.”<br />

Despite the ever-changing landscape<br />

of home improvement, Window World of<br />

Joliet promises to deliver superior products,<br />

professionally installed at the lowest<br />

price. Guaranteed.<br />

Window World of Joliet is a locallyowned<br />

and operated business serving<br />

Cook, Grundy, Kankakee, Lake, LaSalle<br />

and Will counties.<br />

Submitted by Window World of Joliet, 2363<br />

Copper Court. in Crest Hill. For more information,<br />

call (815) 729-3100 to schedule your<br />

free in-home demo or visit windowworldjoliet.<br />

com.


8 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

When should one see a financial professional?<br />

It can be challenging to achieve one’s<br />

financial objectives. Fortunately, one does<br />

not have to go it alone — but when should<br />

one seek help?<br />

Here are some of the key life events in<br />

which one might be able to benefit from<br />

the services of a financial professional:<br />

First professional job — Eventually,<br />

one will land that first job, which will offer<br />

benefits and a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored<br />

retirement plan. Since<br />

one may not have any experience with a<br />

401(k), one may have several questions:<br />

How much should they contribute? What<br />

sorts of investments should they choose?<br />

When should they change their investment<br />

selections? A financial professional<br />

can help them review their plan and explain<br />

the aspects that may affect one’s investment<br />

choices.<br />

Marriage — When one gets married,<br />

they and their spouse may decide to merge<br />

their finances, including one’s investments.<br />

But if each of them brings similar<br />

investments to the table, they might create<br />

some redundancies. A financial professional<br />

can look at their respective portfolios<br />

and recommend ways to diversify.<br />

Generally, the more diversified one is, the<br />

greater one’s protection against market<br />

downturns that primarily hit one type of<br />

asset class. (However, while diversification<br />

can help reduce the impact of market<br />

volatility, it can’t guarantee profits or protect<br />

against all losses.)<br />

Children — Once one has children, they<br />

will have new responsibilities — and they<br />

will have some new financial issues that<br />

should be addressed. If something happened<br />

to them, could their children still<br />

have the same lifestyle and educational<br />

opportunities? Would they even be able<br />

to stay in the same home? To help ensure<br />

one’s children’s security, one may need to<br />

add more life and disability insurance.<br />

While life insurance could help pay<br />

for one’s children’s education, one also<br />

should prepare for education costs as if<br />

they will be around. So, one may want to<br />

consider an education savings investment<br />

such as a 529 plan. A financial professional<br />

can help one with their insurance and<br />

education-funding needs.<br />

Retirement — Once one retires, they<br />

will face a variety of financial decisions,<br />

but here is one of the most important<br />

ones: How much money should they<br />

withdraw each year from their retirement<br />

accounts? To choose an annual withdrawal<br />

rate that’s appropriate for one’s needs,<br />

they should consider several factors: how<br />

much they have in their retirement accounts,<br />

how much Social Security they<br />

will receive, what other sources of income<br />

(such as part-time work or consulting)<br />

they might have, their age at retirement,<br />

their spouse’s projected retirement<br />

assets, their retirement lifestyle and so on.<br />

It might not be easy for them to consider<br />

all these elements and then arrive at a suitable<br />

withdrawal rate, but a financial professional<br />

has the experience, training and<br />

technology to help determine a figure that<br />

could work for them.<br />

These are not all the life events that may<br />

lead one to contact a financial professional,<br />

but they should give a pretty good idea<br />

of the type of assistance one could expect<br />

over time. So, consider reaching out for<br />

the help one needs when one needs it. Doing<br />

so could help make one’s life easier<br />

as they move toward their financial goals.<br />

Submitted by Edward Jones - David Sesterhenn,<br />

20238 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort.<br />

For more information, call (815) 469-6315 or<br />

visit edwardjones.com/dave-sesterhenn.<br />

Dave Sesterhenn<br />

Financial Advisor<br />

20238 S La Grange Rd.<br />

Frankfort, IL 60423<br />

815-469-6315<br />

david.sesterhenn@edwardjones.com<br />

www.edwardjones.com<br />

Member SIPC


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 9<br />

Impressive luxury townhomes are closing fast at Brookside Meadows<br />

This is it. One of the best values<br />

in a new home will soon be<br />

gone forever. Brookside Meadows,<br />

Crana Homes’ community<br />

of award-winning luxury<br />

townhomes in Tinley Park, is<br />

nearly complete. These attractive<br />

luxury townhomes range<br />

from the upper-$200s – including<br />

site - so demand is high and<br />

buyers are advised to act now<br />

while some choice sites are still<br />

available.<br />

It’s an ideal location with<br />

beautiful designs, quality construction<br />

and great value. When<br />

shoppers review their new home<br />

“wish list” it’s clear that Brookside<br />

Meadows is perfect for first<br />

time buyers, last time buyers or<br />

those who want a great place to<br />

raise a family. These energyefficient<br />

luxury townhomes are<br />

impressively designed and set<br />

apart in a quiet section of Tinley<br />

Park. But Brookside Meadows<br />

is over 75 percent sold out<br />

so now is the time to select a<br />

site and create a home from the<br />

award-winning floorplans of the<br />

Fahan II, the Lennan II and the<br />

latest design, the Dunree II.<br />

Need to stretch out? The Fahan<br />

II is a beautiful 3,303 total<br />

square foot luxury townhome<br />

(including a 1,216 sq.’ basement)<br />

with an attached two-car,<br />

dry-walled garage and cement<br />

driveway. The two-story stately<br />

entrance foyer opens up to<br />

a split level floor plan that has<br />

three bedrooms (fourth bedroom<br />

optional) and two-and-ahalf<br />

baths. A large open kitchen<br />

design with stunning granite<br />

countertops is surrounded by<br />

generous custom maple cabinets<br />

and a ceramic tile floor. The<br />

first floor master bedroom offers<br />

an optional coffered ceiling and<br />

the optional master bath plan includes<br />

a soothing soaker tub.<br />

An elegant loft overlooks a<br />

great room adjacent to the kitchen.<br />

Beautiful oak is selected for<br />

doors, railings and trim. Ceramic<br />

tile covers the floors in the<br />

foyer as well as the bathrooms,<br />

which also feature granite vanity<br />

tops. A full lookout basement<br />

and a patio are included in the<br />

Fahan II.<br />

The Lennan II is a comfortable<br />

two/three bedroom split<br />

level home with two-and-a-half<br />

baths, and includes most of the<br />

outstanding features and options<br />

of the Fahan II with the<br />

spacious master suite relocated<br />

to the upper level and the addition<br />

of an impressive dining/<br />

family room.<br />

With 3,167 square feet of<br />

total space (including a 1,049<br />

sq.’ basement), there is plenty<br />

of room to entertain family and<br />

friends in comfort and style.<br />

The Dunree II is a sharp three<br />

bedroom, two-and-a-half bath<br />

home with 3,194 total square<br />

feet (including a large 1,226 sq.’<br />

basement) with a master suite on<br />

the first floor. The foyer, powder<br />

room, kitchen and living room<br />

all have stunning hardwood oak<br />

floors. Attached is a two-car,<br />

dry- walled garage with a cement<br />

driveway. The home also<br />

includes a 12’ x 12’ deck.<br />

All homes have deluxe landscaping,<br />

underground utilities<br />

and a first floor laundry room.<br />

Where available, buyers can select<br />

options like an impressive<br />

fireplace, walkout basement,<br />

coffered ceilings, skylights and<br />

a soaker tub in the master bath.<br />

Brookside Meadows includes<br />

sprinkler systems, smoke detectors<br />

and Lake Michigan water<br />

in all homes. Energy-saving<br />

features like a high-efficiency<br />

furnace and Lo-E glass, Energy<br />

Miser hot water heater, vented<br />

soffits, 1.75” insulated entrance<br />

doors, energy efficient appliances<br />

and Tuff-R insulated wall<br />

sheathing are all standard.<br />

Brookside Meadows is close<br />

to everything: retail, dining,<br />

transportation routes, Metra rail<br />

station and airports. The school<br />

system is among the best in the<br />

state and Tinley Park, named<br />

“The Best Place In America<br />

to Raise a Family” by Bloomberg’s<br />

BusinessWeek, maintains<br />

40 parks and the huge Bettenhausen<br />

indoor recreational center.<br />

It’s easy to see why this community<br />

is nearly sold out. The<br />

sales center, with fully furnished<br />

and beautifully decorated<br />

models, is open 10 a.m.-4<br />

p.m. Monday through Thursday<br />

and noon-4 p.m. Saturday and<br />

Sunday and open Friday by appointment.<br />

Submitted by Crana Homes, 19839<br />

Mulroy Circle in Tinley Park. For<br />

more information, call (708) 479-<br />

5111 or visit cranahomes.com.<br />

1 st Floor Master SuiteWith Walk-in Closet and Large Bathroom<br />

3Bedrooms Plus Loft,2½Baths<br />

Ideal Location with QuiteOpen Space-Chicago Water<br />

ExcellectSchool District<br />

Beautiful Open Concept Floorplan<br />

LowMonthly MaintenanceFees (Lawn Care &SnowRemoval)<br />

QualityConstruction -Great Value<br />

Homes Readyfor Immediate Occupancy<br />

DunreeII<br />

Contactthe Sales Center fordetails at 708.479.511 and visit online anytime at www.cranahomes.com<br />

Decorated Models areOpen<br />

Mon-Thu10am-4pm Sat/Sun Noon-4pm FridaybyAppt.<br />

Exit I-80 at La Grange Road south for just under twomiles to La PorteRoad<br />

andturn east for one-half mile to Brookside Meadows.<br />

Since 1970<br />

OPPORTUNITY


10 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Koreman creates unique landscapes for its clients<br />

Koreman Landscape<br />

Company, of Frankfort,<br />

has installed landscapes<br />

and outdoor living spaces<br />

since 2000. The company<br />

specializes in large, unique<br />

outdoor living spaces like<br />

pool decks, kitchens, fireplaces,<br />

retaining walls and<br />

patios. Koreman Landscape<br />

also designs and installs<br />

unique plantings.<br />

Everything starts with a<br />

good design, says owner<br />

Paul Koreman. The design<br />

process begins with paying<br />

close attention to what<br />

the client is asking for. The<br />

large variety of available<br />

materials and plants can be<br />

overwhelming. Koreman<br />

uses his experience to offer<br />

the best choice of layout<br />

and materials that will<br />

work for the client and the<br />

property. All details are<br />

considered, even outdoor<br />

lighting.<br />

After the client chooses<br />

the final design, Koreman<br />

sources all materials and<br />

equipment before the job<br />

begins<br />

to ensure a quick and<br />

easy installation. The expert<br />

craftsmen at Koreman<br />

Landscape have all the<br />

skills needed to create an<br />

outdoor living space that<br />

provides years of carefree<br />

enjoyment. If the client<br />

requests a change during<br />

construction, all employees<br />

are empowered to stop<br />

and listen to the client. The<br />

goal during construction is<br />

to make sure the client gets<br />

what they expect.<br />

The relationship continues<br />

after Koreman Landscape<br />

finishes the job. Clients<br />

are given a personal<br />

tutorial on how to water<br />

and care for their plantings<br />

or hardscapes. All<br />

hardscape installations<br />

and plantings are guaranteed.<br />

Weekly or seasonal<br />

landscape maintenance is<br />

available from a dedicated<br />

crew who specialize in the<br />

care and upkeep of landscapes.<br />

The company offers<br />

cleaning and sealing<br />

of pavers to keep the new<br />

outdoor living space looking<br />

great.<br />

Submitted by Koreman<br />

Landscape Company, 21032<br />

S. 80th Ave. in Frankfort. For<br />

more information, call (815)<br />

464-5643 or visit koreman<br />

landscape.net.<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

21032 80th Ave. • Frankfort, IL •koremanlandscape.net • we accept all credit cards


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 11<br />

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Not valid with any other offers. May not apply to equipment<br />

located in crawl spaces or attics. Price per unit. Excludes<br />

boilers. With this coupon. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid<br />

during regular business hours. Expires 11-15-19.<br />

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located in crawl spaces or attics. Price per unit. Excludes boilers.<br />

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24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE www.amberheatingandair.com


12 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Fox’s Restaurant still about family after 50 years<br />

Three generations later,<br />

Fox’s Restaurant and Pub<br />

is still providing quality<br />

food and service to residents<br />

all over Chicago’s<br />

south side and the surrounding<br />

suburbs.<br />

Thomas and Therese<br />

Fox started their restaurant<br />

with a simple desire<br />

to serve good food to other<br />

families. The rich history<br />

of the restaurant is kept<br />

alive today by Thomas<br />

Fox’s descendents, and<br />

Fox’s is now a beloved<br />

spot by residents not only<br />

at its original location in<br />

Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood,<br />

9956 Western<br />

Ave., but also in Oak Lawn<br />

and Plainfield. The restaurant<br />

also has a strong tie<br />

to a key part of Chicago’s<br />

rich history.<br />

“In 1963 my grandpa<br />

bought his first carry-out<br />

store front on Walden<br />

Parkway in Beverly,” said<br />

Ryan Fox, general manager<br />

of the Oak Lawn location.<br />

“From there, he<br />

expanded from two storefronts<br />

to three, and then<br />

in 1967 May Capone, Al<br />

Capone’s sister, had a delicatessen<br />

on Western [Avenue].<br />

“Her and my grandpa<br />

used to trade meats and<br />

pizzas. Eventually, she<br />

said that she wanted to<br />

get out of the business<br />

and sold the building to<br />

my grandpa, which is now<br />

Fox’s Beverly.”<br />

Fifty years later, Fox’s<br />

Restaurant and Pub still<br />

serves up everything from<br />

tasty pizza, to classic Italian<br />

fare and more at a fair<br />

price.<br />

The Foxes expanded<br />

their family of restaurants<br />

to include an Oak Lawn<br />

location, 9240 S. Cicero<br />

Ave., as well as a Plainfield<br />

location, 14206 S.<br />

Lincoln Highway.<br />

Fox’s prides itself on offering<br />

customers a familylike<br />

atmosphere that serves<br />

fresh, in-house-made<br />

meals daily.<br />

That quality is endorsed<br />

by the regulars who return<br />

FOX’S<br />

GAME DAY DINE-IN SPECIALS<br />

69 ¢ Wings (INCREMENTS OF 5) • $ 12<br />

$<br />

1.50 12 oz. Domestic Drafts • $ 3<br />

year after year.<br />

“I think one of the biggest<br />

things that makes us<br />

unique is we’re really big<br />

on family,” said Ryan Fox,<br />

who added, “Everything is<br />

made fresh in house, we<br />

make our own pizza sausage,<br />

our own dough and<br />

we grind our own cheese.”<br />

Live entertainment for<br />

families on the weekends<br />

also makes Fox’s Restaurant<br />

and Pub a go-to spot<br />

to bring the family.<br />

For those who want to<br />

bring a quality meal home,<br />

Fox’s also has an extensive<br />

catering menu to help take<br />

the work out of special occasions.<br />

Its catering menu offers<br />

Italian food with an American<br />

influence and includes<br />

everything from salads and<br />

pasta to hamburgers.<br />

“I’m proud of what my<br />

family has accomplished,”<br />

Ryan Fox said of the family<br />

business. “I like making<br />

people happy when they<br />

come in.”<br />

Submitted by Fox’s Restaurant<br />

and Pub, which<br />

has three locations: 9956<br />

Western Ave. in Chicago’s<br />

Beverly neighborhood; 9240<br />

S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn;<br />

and 14206 S. Lincoln Highway<br />

in Plainfield. For more<br />

information, including hours<br />

and menus, visit foxsrestau<br />

rant.com.<br />

Written by 22CM Boost, the<br />

content-writing division of<br />

22nd Century Media, publisher<br />

of this special section<br />

and newspaper.<br />

Valid Only on<br />

Large Cheese Pizzas<br />

Game Days<br />

During Game<br />

12 oz Craft Drafts<br />

Not valid with any<br />

$<br />

10 Domestic Buckets other offers<br />

1/2 Pan Pasta with Meat<br />

or Marinara $18<br />

1/2 Pan Finger Wrap<br />

Sandwiches $19.99<br />

16 Piece Chicken with<br />

3 Sides $23.99<br />

Not valid with any other offers. Valid on Game Day only<br />

during the game. Other restrictions may apply.<br />

Carryout & Delivery Only • Expires 12/30/19<br />

Not valid with any other offers. Valid on Game Day only<br />

during the game. Other restrictions may apply.<br />

Carryout & Delivery Only • Expires 12/30/19<br />

Not valid with any other offers. Valid on Game Day only<br />

during the game. Other restrictions may apply.<br />

Carryout & Delivery Only • Expires 12/30/19<br />

Steak, Seafood & Sandwiches<br />

9655 W. 143rd St.<br />

Orland Park<br />

708-478-2111<br />

11247 W. 187th St.<br />

Mokena<br />

www.foxspubs.com<br />

$12 Large Cheese Pizza<br />

(Max 5 Pizzas)<br />

Not valid with any other offers. Valid on Game Day only<br />

during the game. Other restrictions may apply.<br />

Carryout & Delivery Only • Expires 12/30/19<br />

14" Cheese Pizza &<br />

8 Wings $25<br />

Not valid with any other offers. Valid on Game Day only<br />

during the game. Other restrictions may apply.<br />

Carryout & Delivery Only • Expires 12/30/19<br />

12 Piece Chicken with<br />

3 Sides $18.99<br />

Not valid with any other offers. Valid on Game Day only<br />

during the game. Other restrictions may apply.<br />

Carryout & Delivery Only • Expires 12/30/19


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 13<br />

It’s Illinois Spine & Scoliosis Center’s<br />

10 Year Anniversary !<br />

Dr. Anthony Rinella, Dr. Kris Siemionow, Dr. Amir El Shami, and the<br />

entire ISSC team would like to thank – YOU – our patients and their<br />

families for allowing us to be part of your care for the past 10 years!<br />

We look forward to continuing to serve you for many more years to come!<br />

Illinois Spine & Scoliosis Center<br />

Personalized Comprehensive Spine Care for ALL ages!<br />

(877) 694-7722<br />

12701 West 143rd Street #200 | Homer Glen, Illinois 60491<br />

Multiple Locations<br />

Se Habla Español | Mówimy Po Polsku


14 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Home improvements that offer the most value<br />

A fresh coat of paint can improve<br />

the look of one’s home, but<br />

beyond the paint, which home<br />

improvements are worth the effort<br />

and expense? If one considers<br />

the cost of the improvement<br />

versus the resale value, they can<br />

measure the actual percent return<br />

on your investment.<br />

Here are the Top 5 remodeling<br />

projects with the highest<br />

return on investment. Remember<br />

to evaluate these against necessity<br />

based on one’s personal<br />

situation. For instance: if one’s<br />

windows are really old and no<br />

longer keeping out the cold, then<br />

new windows may actually hold<br />

more value for your home —<br />

savings realized on one’s utility<br />

bill and in resale.<br />

Top 5 (for most homes)<br />

• Attic insulation (up to 117 percent<br />

return) — involves sealing<br />

off any air leaks and using<br />

fiberglass loose fill insulation.<br />

•<br />

Manufactured Stone Veneer<br />

(up to 92.9 percent return) —<br />

replacing the bottom one-third<br />

of the exterior vinyl siding.<br />

• Garage Door Replacement<br />

(up to 91.5 percent return) —<br />

based on a new four-section<br />

door on steel tracks.<br />

• Entry Door Replacement (up<br />

to 91.1 percent return) — steel<br />

door with half glass panel<br />

(steel has a higher return than<br />

fiberglass).<br />

• Minor Kitchen Remodel (up to<br />

83.1 percent return) — assuming<br />

the cabinet boxes stay in<br />

place with new fronts, drawers,<br />

hardware, countertop,<br />

oven and faucet (approximate<br />

cost of $20,000).<br />

Other thoughts on improvements<br />

An easy place to increase the<br />

value and curb appeal of one’s<br />

home is your landscaping. First<br />

impressions are often lasting<br />

ones. Make sure trees are neat<br />

and shrubs are trimmed — one<br />

does not need to spend a ton of<br />

money to create a welcoming<br />

look. If one does not have a lot<br />

of time for flowers, look for lowmaintenance<br />

options with a little<br />

color. Hanging baskets or planters<br />

are great alternatives to standard<br />

flower beds.<br />

Kitchens are especially important<br />

when assessing one’s home’s<br />

overall value. One can make improvements<br />

to their kitchen without<br />

spending $20,000. Painting<br />

the cabinets and installing new<br />

hardware are relatively easy options.<br />

With a reasonable budget<br />

($5,000) one can also update<br />

their appliances (stainless steel<br />

is still the first choice) and their<br />

countertop (quartz is durable and<br />

attractive).<br />

If one is considering a home<br />

improvement project, talk to a<br />

home financing specialist from<br />

Marquette Bank. Recent rate reductions<br />

have made home equity<br />

lines of credit a more attractive<br />

option for home improvement<br />

financing.<br />

Submitted by Marquette Bank, 9533<br />

W. 143rd St. in Orland Park. For<br />

more information, call (888) 254-<br />

9500 or visit emarquette<br />

bank.com/welcomehome.<br />

201<br />

WINNER<br />

10% OFF With Ad!<br />

ADDITIONAL 5% OFF FOR ALL FIRST RESPONDERS & SENIOR CITIZENS *<br />

• Flat & Shingle Roofs<br />

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Financing<br />

Available!<br />

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ESTIMATES<br />

815.774.0900 • 708.479.2002<br />

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FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED<br />

License # IL 104015809<br />

*Excludes Repairs


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 15<br />

DON’T LET YOUR DRYER<br />

START A<br />

FIRE!<br />

WARNING!<br />

APEK Inc. is more than<br />

just another roofer<br />

Before<br />

If your dryer takes longer than one cycle<br />

to dry your clothes, then you may have a<br />

fire hazard in your vent.<br />

After<br />

We are honored to be receiving the<br />

Southwest Choice Award for “Best Roofing<br />

in Southwest Suburbs” for the second<br />

year in a row. Winning this award only inspires<br />

us more as a company to keep improving<br />

on our motto when we started to<br />

“give quality service at budget conscious<br />

pricing.”<br />

It has always been our goal as a team to<br />

give the homeowner in need of an exterior<br />

upgrade (Roofing, Siding, Soffit, Fascia<br />

and Gutters) to give a product and service<br />

that they can afford and also be proud of<br />

the look of their home.<br />

When we opened in 2008, we only<br />

had a few employees but big dreams of<br />

helping homeowners in need reach their<br />

home exterior goals. The owners Jim and<br />

Becky have put in the time and effort every<br />

day since in order for this company to<br />

become what it is now. The level of care<br />

and expertise found in APEK Inc. cannot<br />

be beat.<br />

Since then APEK has gained knowledge<br />

and experience in the industry and<br />

every year grow stronger and more efficient<br />

with their workmanship. As a<br />

family-run business, we understand what<br />

you want in a home exterior company. We<br />

know what you crave the most is knowledgeable<br />

salesmen, excellent customer<br />

service and genuine people who guide<br />

you in the right direction, especially when<br />

making big decisions about your home.<br />

This is one of the major aspects that sets<br />

us apart from the rest.<br />

APEK is excited to offer financing with<br />

the hope that this alleviates some of the<br />

stress and worries that come with big decisions<br />

for your home exterior projects.<br />

APEK does our best to make sure we can<br />

help in any way possible to make this an<br />

easy and unforgettable experience for<br />

you. We are familiar with the hardships<br />

life can throw at you and that’s why we<br />

want to make a point of going the extra<br />

mile for all of our customers.<br />

If you’re looking for work to be done<br />

on your home’s exterior, then call and<br />

make an appointment today for your free<br />

estimate with an APEK salesman. They<br />

will have all of the information you need<br />

and be able to answer any questions you<br />

may have about the entire process from<br />

start to finish. Make sure to check us out<br />

on Angie’s List and BBB.<br />

APEK Inc. knows that updating your<br />

homes exterior is a big project and we are<br />

here to make sure the whole process goes<br />

smoothly for you.<br />

Submitted by APEK Inc. 1005 Industry Road<br />

in New Lenox. For more information, call<br />

(815) 774-0900 or visit apekinc.com.<br />

Dryer Vent Cleaning<br />

Installation<br />

Alteration<br />

Repair<br />

WE ACCEPT<br />

SAVE $ 10<br />

ANY SERVICE!<br />

815-215-2090<br />

www.dryerventwizard.com<br />

Call Today!<br />

815-215-2090<br />

www.dryerventwizard.com


16 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Dryer Vent Wizard works to make clothes dryers safer<br />

Hidden buildup in<br />

clothes dryer vent<br />

is fire hazard<br />

Most people know they<br />

need to clean out their<br />

dryer lint tray between<br />

each cycle, but what lurks<br />

behind the wall is just as<br />

important for safety and<br />

avoiding fire traps, as well<br />

as fully efficient dryer performance.<br />

Joe Enzenberger,<br />

owner of Dryer Vent<br />

Wizard, opened his New<br />

Lenox-based business in<br />

2009.<br />

Lint is the villain —<br />

lint that has been allowed<br />

to build up and linger too<br />

long in the dryer exhaust<br />

vent.<br />

It is estimated by the<br />

U.S. Consumer Product<br />

Safety Commission and<br />

the U.S. Fire Administration<br />

that 15,500 fires associated<br />

with clothes dryers<br />

occur annually. These fires<br />

account for an average of<br />

20 deaths, 370 injuries and<br />

more than $88 million in<br />

property damage. “Failure<br />

to clean the dryer vent”<br />

was the leading factor cited<br />

in U.S. Fire Administration<br />

reports.<br />

“It is something very<br />

few people know about or<br />

think about,” said Enzenberger,<br />

whose company<br />

specializes in dryer vent<br />

cleaning, repair, alteration<br />

and installation. “It is<br />

the leading cause of dryer<br />

fires.”<br />

Lint accumulation also<br />

can cause dryers to stop<br />

working or to work inefficiently.<br />

A dryer vent<br />

clogged with lint can add<br />

as much as $18 to $24 per<br />

month to energy costs.<br />

“Improper venting<br />

causes problems, as well,”<br />

he said. “The dryer exhaust<br />

duct and connections<br />

should be made of rigid<br />

metal or semi-rigid metal<br />

and secured with metal<br />

heat-resistant tape rather<br />

than duct tape. I often find<br />

plastic or foil accordiontype<br />

material, which can<br />

easily trap lint and is more<br />

susceptible to kinks and<br />

crushing.”<br />

Warning signs include<br />

• Clothes are taking more<br />

than one cycle to dry, especially<br />

jeans and towels;<br />

• No lint visible on lint<br />

screen;<br />

• Dryer repeatedly stops<br />

during a cycle;<br />

• Clothes have moldy<br />

smell after dry cycle;<br />

• Clothes are very hot after<br />

a dry cycle;<br />

• The top of your dryer is<br />

hot to the touch while<br />

running;<br />

• There’s excess lint left on<br />

your clothing;<br />

“This has been a consumer<br />

education process,<br />

but it’s hard to get the<br />

word out,” said Enzenberger.<br />

“Most don’t call<br />

until they have a serious<br />

problem with their dryer.”<br />

He suggests people<br />

treat clothes dryers as a<br />

household item in need of<br />

regular maintenance. Consumers<br />

can protect dryer<br />

performance and promote<br />

safety by cleaning the lint<br />

screen between each use,<br />

ensuring the connection<br />

between the dryer and<br />

wall is made of compliant<br />

material and remains<br />

un-kinked and having the<br />

dryer exhaust duct cleaned<br />

regularly. Dryer manufacturers<br />

recommend inspection<br />

and cleaning at least<br />

annually.<br />

Now is the perfect time<br />

to have an inspection and<br />

cleaning of clothes dryers<br />

and dryer vent systems.<br />

Another important tip:<br />

never let your clothes dryer<br />

run when you are out of<br />

the house or asleep.<br />

Submitted by Dryer Vent Wizard.<br />

For more information,<br />

call (815) 215-2090 or visit<br />

dryerventwizard.com.<br />

SHOREWOOD<br />

1002 West Jefferson Street<br />

Shorewood, IL 60404<br />

Phone: (815) 741-2941<br />

Fax: (815) 741-2875<br />

CRETE<br />

3445 Eagle Nest Drive<br />

Crete, IL 60417<br />

Phone: (708) 672-7511<br />

Fax: (708) 672-7508<br />

NEW<br />

LOCATION<br />

HOMER GLEN<br />

12608 W 159th St<br />

Homer Glen, IL 60491<br />

Phone: (708) 301-0222<br />

Fax: (708) 301-0230<br />

WWW.SHOREWOODHOMEANDAUTO.COM


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 17<br />

Tri-Star Cabinet and Top Co. builds customized cabinetry<br />

Tri-Star Cabinet and Top Co.,<br />

was founded in 1966. They<br />

spent their first several years at<br />

a small factory in Joliet, before<br />

moving to its current location in<br />

New Lenox in 1970. After experiencing<br />

significant growth,<br />

Tri-Star expanded the location<br />

to an 85,000 square foot factory<br />

and warehouse also including a<br />

two-story showroom. Over the<br />

years, they have added on and<br />

updated the showroom which<br />

now features full kitchen displays,<br />

islands, bars, vanities,<br />

boot benches and a living room<br />

set up which houses a fire place<br />

surround, bookcases and a desk<br />

area.<br />

All of the cabinetry is manufactured<br />

on site in their factory<br />

at 1000 S. Cedar Road in New<br />

Lenox and shipped directly to<br />

your home by Tri-Star Cabinets<br />

own delivery trucks. Tri-<br />

Star has spent the last 53 years<br />

successfully serving the Chicagoland,<br />

Northern Indiana, and<br />

Southern Wisconsin areas and<br />

continues to be one of the largest<br />

and most well-recognized<br />

brands in custom cabinetry.<br />

With the combination of their<br />

employees’ vast experience in<br />

woodworking, integrity and<br />

trust, Tri-Star comes together to<br />

create some of the finest custom<br />

cabinetry in the marketplace<br />

today. For more than two generations,<br />

the talented and skilled<br />

craftsmen at Tri-Star have been<br />

building beautiful cabinets<br />

for some of the most selective<br />

homeowners, homebuilders and<br />

interior designers.<br />

Tri-Star’s talented design<br />

team works closely with homeowners<br />

to understand and accommodate<br />

each client’s needs<br />

and desires. Whether you prefer<br />

modern or traditional, elegant<br />

or contemporary, Tri-Star will<br />

build a product that is suited<br />

to your style and space so that<br />

you enjoy your new cabinets<br />

for years to come. Each cabinet<br />

that is designed and produced is<br />

the result of years of experience<br />

and product research that allows<br />

them to guide their clients<br />

through an extensive customization<br />

process, including the<br />

selection of wood species, color<br />

choices and specialty finishes.<br />

Tri-Star offers solutions for<br />

more than just your kitchen and<br />

bathroom. Whether you’re looking<br />

to update your living room<br />

with organizational cabinets<br />

or add some cabinets to your<br />

garage, Tri-Star can fulfill all<br />

your custom cabinet needs. Tri-<br />

Star Cabinets has been a great<br />

source of cabinets for schools,<br />

churches, doctor’s offices, dental<br />

facilities, hair salons, dug<br />

outs, outside bar areas and so<br />

much more.<br />

Estimates are free of charge<br />

and in-home design consultations<br />

are also available at no<br />

charge. A sales designer will<br />

come to your home to measure<br />

the space, give ideas and guidance<br />

to help create custom cabinetry<br />

for any room in your home<br />

and help create useful space for<br />

those relatively unused spaces<br />

in your home.<br />

Tri-Star’s showroom is open<br />

to the public seven days a week.<br />

Stop in anytime to view their<br />

samples and displays and speak<br />

with an experienced designer to<br />

answer any of your questions.<br />

Submitted by Tri-Star Custom Cabinet<br />

& Top Co., 1000 S. Cedar Road<br />

in New Lenox. For more information,<br />

call (815) 485-2564 or visit<br />

tristarcabinets.com.<br />

Quality You Can Trust<br />

~SINCE 1966~<br />

Free Estimates &<br />

In-Home Consultations<br />

1000 S. Cedar Road • New Lenox, IL<br />

815-485-2564<br />

Showroom Open 7 Days a Week to the Public!<br />

www.tristarcabinets.com


18 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Prusak Roofing helps homeowners get<br />

ready for seasonal elements<br />

Is your roof ready for fall and<br />

winter weather? You may think it<br />

is, but have you looked at your<br />

roof recently? Your roof is your<br />

home’s first defense against<br />

wind, rain and snow. A good,<br />

solid roof — free of defects —<br />

will protect a home from the ravages<br />

of fall and winter weather<br />

for many years. Your roof must<br />

be able to withstand the extreme<br />

challenges that weather brings.<br />

Cold, windy days, heavy gusty<br />

downpours and snow and ice<br />

storms all play havoc with your<br />

roof. For<br />

peace of mind and protection<br />

of your home, your roof must<br />

be prepared to handle whatever<br />

weather nature brings.<br />

Don’t let the outside conditions<br />

impact the inside of your<br />

home. A small roof leak today<br />

can lead to a major water problem<br />

tomorrow. Missing or damaged<br />

shingles provide pathways<br />

for rain and melting snow to<br />

make their way into your home.<br />

Your roof must be water tight.<br />

If you have any concerns about<br />

your roof, gutters or siding, you<br />

should contact a professional to<br />

have them addressed immediately<br />

before extensive damage can<br />

happen to your home.<br />

If you suspect you may have<br />

a roof, siding or gutter problem,<br />

contact Prusak Roofing for a free<br />

estimate. We will complete a full<br />

inspection of your roof, gutters,<br />

fascia and soffit systems, explain<br />

any problems you may have and<br />

provide recommendations on<br />

how to fix them. Minor roof issues<br />

can generally be repaired at<br />

a reasonable cost and can extend<br />

the life of most roofs. If your<br />

problem is more complex, you<br />

will be able to address it before<br />

it causes additional damage to<br />

your home.<br />

You can trust Prusak Roofing<br />

with your roof. We are the contractor<br />

of choice for thousands<br />

of new and repeat customers<br />

throughout Chicago and the suburbs.<br />

We are family owned and<br />

operated since 1963. A company<br />

owner will come to your home,<br />

assess the situation and discuss<br />

options with you. We are extremely<br />

proud of our A+ rating<br />

with the Better Business Bureau.<br />

You can also find us on Facebook<br />

and check us out on Angie’s List.<br />

If you think you have storm<br />

damage from the heavy wind<br />

and rains this past spring or damage<br />

is discovered during the roof<br />

inspection, Prusak Roofing will<br />

work with your insurance company<br />

to assist you in the claims<br />

process. If damage is detected<br />

due to storms in the area, you<br />

may qualify for a new roof. Prusak<br />

Roofing is your best choice<br />

for roofing, siding and gutter<br />

projects. We are committed to<br />

customer satisfaction, quality<br />

workmanship and honest business<br />

practices. Our goal is to<br />

provide our customers with a<br />

positive experience from beginning<br />

to end. Look at our reviews<br />

online.<br />

Prusak Roofing offers roofing<br />

and siding services, including<br />

new roofs, tear-offs, re-roofs,<br />

new siding/gutters and downspouts,<br />

roofing and siding repairs<br />

and blown-in insulation<br />

service. We also offer an annual<br />

maintenance program that can<br />

add years to your roof, siding<br />

and gutters. Don’t delay, contact<br />

Prusak Roofing today for a free<br />

estimate.<br />

Submitted by Prusak Roofing, 8907<br />

Odell Ave. in Bridgeview. For more<br />

information, call (708) 422-2624 or<br />

visit prusakroofing.com.<br />

Shorewood Home and Auto offering highest customer satisfaction for 45 years<br />

This year will mark 45 years<br />

in business for Shorewood Home<br />

and Auto. The beginning of this<br />

year we purchased Circle Tractor,<br />

a John Deere dealership located<br />

in Homer Glen. With the addition<br />

of Homer Glen we will have three<br />

locations located in Will County,<br />

including our original location in<br />

Shorewood and our Crete location<br />

which was acquired in 2008.<br />

Three locations gives our customers<br />

a vast amount of inventory to<br />

choose from.<br />

A lot of companies say they<br />

give high levels of customer<br />

service. Our high levels of customer<br />

satisfaction are achieved<br />

through utilizing over 100 yearsplus<br />

of power equipment experience.<br />

We offer our customers<br />

one-on-one demonstrations of<br />

their new equipment purchase to<br />

make sure that they are comfortable<br />

when they get their machine<br />

home, have minimal wait times<br />

for warranty repairs and give our<br />

commercial customers loaner<br />

machines when we cannot repair<br />

a machine within 24-48 hours.<br />

Here at Shorewood Home and<br />

Auto we strive to give every customer<br />

that walks into our stores<br />

the highest level of customer satisfaction<br />

no matter the situation.<br />

We offer to our customers<br />

products from leading manufacturers<br />

in the power equipment<br />

industry. We carry the full line<br />

of John Deere Turf and Utility<br />

products, including riding<br />

tractors starting at $1,499 all<br />

the way up to 125HP luxurious<br />

utility tractors. If a tractor is not<br />

your style, we offer a full line<br />

of time saving John Deere zero<br />

turn mowers. You can get around<br />

your property in the comfort of a<br />

John Deere Gator available with<br />

heat and air conditioned cabs.<br />

On the construction end, we offer<br />

the expanded line of commercial<br />

compact equipment. We<br />

offer multiple sizes of skid steers<br />

and compact track loaders, zero<br />

tail swing mini excavators and<br />

five different size compact wheel<br />

loaders. As with everything we<br />

sell, we offer parts and service at<br />

each location.<br />

We carry leading handheld<br />

brands Stihl and Echo. Both<br />

manufacturers offer gas trimmers,<br />

blowers, chainsaws and<br />

hedge trimmers among accessories<br />

for all. If you don’t prefer<br />

dealing with gas-powered items,<br />

check out the latest in Lithium<br />

Battery technology. Stihl and<br />

Echo offer trimmers, blowers,<br />

chainsaws and mowers all with<br />

industry leading run times.<br />

For our commercial landscape<br />

customers we offer a full line of<br />

John Deere commercial mowing<br />

equipment, full line of Exmark<br />

equipment and the full line from<br />

Wright Stander.<br />

We offer parts for everything<br />

we sell and even some items that<br />

we don’t sell. Our service technicians<br />

are all factory trained. We<br />

have service departments at each<br />

of our locations. Everything we<br />

sell is backed by a highly-trained<br />

parts and service department. We<br />

separate ourselves from other<br />

dealers and big box retailers with<br />

our focus on service after the<br />

sale. We want to see our customers<br />

coming back year after year,<br />

whether it is the do it yourselfer<br />

or you would like our service department<br />

to keep your equipment<br />

in tip top running condition.<br />

We appreciate all of the business<br />

from our past customers<br />

and look forward to our new opportunities<br />

in Homer Glen.<br />

Submitted by Shorewood Home and<br />

Auto, 12608 W, 159th St. in Homer<br />

Glen. For more information, call<br />

(708) 301-0222 or visit shorewood<br />

homeandauto.com.


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 19<br />

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• S<strong>HI</strong>NGLES<br />

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• EPDM RUBBER<br />

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• FASCIA &SOFFIT<br />

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20 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

First impressions matter, even for homes<br />

Has your home lost its<br />

curb appeal?<br />

A neighbor across the<br />

street has been trying to sell<br />

her home for nearly three<br />

years now. Inside it is beautiful;<br />

granite countertops,<br />

hardwood floors, multiple<br />

fireplaces, updated bathrooms<br />

with the latest fixtures<br />

and the list goes on.<br />

People who do the virtual<br />

tour, or eventually see<br />

the home’s interior, are<br />

duly impressed, and yet no<br />

reasonable offers. Why?<br />

Even though she’s in the<br />

real estate business, she<br />

broke a cardinal rule: Just<br />

like people, your home<br />

makes a first impression,<br />

and it’s the exterior that<br />

does it. It happens when<br />

others pull up a picture online,<br />

or get a real time look<br />

from one’s driveway.<br />

In her case, maybe the<br />

peeling paint on the siding,<br />

or missing and curling<br />

shingles have something<br />

to do with it. Or perhaps<br />

it’s the porch that looks<br />

more like a deck. Not to<br />

overlook the chimney that<br />

needs rebuilding, the 90-<br />

foot asphalt driveway with<br />

a half dozen potholes, or<br />

the missing overhead garage<br />

door.<br />

Let’s face it, improving<br />

or maintaining the exterior<br />

of your home is not a priority<br />

for many of us. It’s<br />

not “sexy”’ or very bragworthy<br />

to mention the<br />

‘’beautiful” new roof you<br />

just got, especially when<br />

your friends keep going<br />

on and on about their new<br />

bathrooms or kitchens.<br />

The choices of different<br />

exterior materials for the<br />

middle-class homeowner<br />

are much more limited<br />

when compared to selections<br />

for inside projects.<br />

For many people, there’s<br />

just not much fun in picking<br />

out siding, and certainly<br />

little exercising or<br />

flexing of one’s creative<br />

muscles.<br />

And then there may be<br />

a few other trials. I’m sure<br />

you’ve heard horror stories<br />

of the window salesman<br />

who wouldn’t leave.<br />

Or perhaps you were the<br />

victim of one whose aftershave<br />

or cologne lingered<br />

in your kitchen for days.<br />

Or you may have had the<br />

experience of hearing<br />

these words from the foreman,<br />

“It’s no problem, I<br />

will fix.”<br />

Taking care of the outside<br />

of one’s home is more<br />

a need or a necessity than<br />

a want or desire. It’s very<br />

utilitarian to make sure<br />

your gutters drain properly,<br />

the roof doesn’t leak or<br />

your windows aren’t wasting<br />

your heating dollars.<br />

And yet, there is a certain<br />

majesty in the simplicity<br />

of an exterior project<br />

well done. You can feel it<br />

when you pull into your<br />

driveway that first week or<br />

two after its completion.<br />

Whether it’s your pride as<br />

a conscientious homeowner,<br />

or just the relief of having<br />

handled a long-standing<br />

problem, it’s a good<br />

feeling. And, if you’re new<br />

to choosing a contractor<br />

or completing a project<br />

of this sort, don’t worry:<br />

You’re in good hands.<br />

At Lindholm Roofing,<br />

it is our desire to give you<br />

this feeling and to make<br />

your exterior remodeling<br />

or replacement project<br />

go right. The project coordinators<br />

who come out<br />

to visit and assist you are<br />

courteous and knowledgeable<br />

professionals with an<br />

average of nearly 20 years<br />

experience in exterior<br />

home improvement.<br />

Our company has been<br />

in business and owned<br />

by the same family for<br />

70 years. Because of this<br />

longevity, our record of<br />

craftsmanship and attention<br />

to detail, as well as<br />

our steadfast agreement to<br />

honor our warranties, we<br />

have earned the respect of<br />

many village building departments,<br />

leading insurance<br />

companies and, most<br />

importantly, tens of thousands<br />

of homeowners.<br />

Let us be the one to help<br />

with any of these projects<br />

and we’ll be sure your<br />

home makes a good first<br />

impression.<br />

Submitted by Lindholm Roofing,<br />

3588 N. Milwaukee Ave.<br />

in Chicago. For more information,<br />

call (773) 283-7675<br />

or visit lindholmroofing.com.<br />

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22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 21<br />

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22 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

See pristine, state-of-art homes<br />

on third annual Tour of Homes<br />

Builders from across the southwest<br />

suburbs will showcase their<br />

new construction as the SouthWest<br />

Suburban Home Builders Association’s<br />

2019 Tour of Homes makes<br />

its third annual return for two weekends:<br />

Sept. 14-15 and Sept. 21-22.<br />

The free, information-rich tour<br />

aims to introduce potential homebuyers<br />

to their move-in-ready homes<br />

by showcasing diverse structures<br />

crafted by talented area builders.<br />

In the past two years, the event has<br />

successfully fostered a rare, one-onone<br />

connection between builders and<br />

consumers, making the event a mustattend<br />

for anyone who is looking to<br />

call the bustling southwest suburbs<br />

home.<br />

“We’re just really trying to promote<br />

the Tour of Homes name and<br />

keep growing the event to have it be<br />

a name people know and an event<br />

people look forward to each year,”<br />

said Shannon Rocha, the executive<br />

director of the association. “We really<br />

want the public to be able to see<br />

what our SSHBA members do.”<br />

Nineteen homes — including<br />

townhomes, single-family homes<br />

and duplexes — are highlighted in<br />

this year’s tour.<br />

The tour of homes stretches across<br />

Lemont, Orland Park, New Lenox,<br />

Channahon, Lockport and Frankfort.<br />

Maps of the featured homes will be<br />

made available as the event nears, allowing<br />

attendees to plan their routes.<br />

Many of the builders’ names will<br />

be familiar to repeat attendees, and<br />

those who have yet to attend will<br />

surely recognize the names as being<br />

some of the best in the business.<br />

“Most of the builders that are in<br />

it, this will be their third year that<br />

they’re continuing to put their homes<br />

in,” Rocha added.<br />

For those who have not previously<br />

attended the tour but are looking for<br />

a new home, Rocha said don’t be intimidated<br />

by the prospect of buying<br />

a new home; it is just as easy as purchasing<br />

a preexisting home, she said.<br />

Further, those in the market for a<br />

new house can rest assured that all<br />

SSHBA builders represent the best<br />

of the best in the industry, as the association<br />

vets the builders and ensures<br />

that they are up to date on industry<br />

trends and rules, among other<br />

expertise.<br />

SSHBA’s membership comprises<br />

roughly 180 members and 50 builders<br />

in the southwest suburbs, with<br />

members of the Orland Park-based<br />

association hailing from as far as<br />

Channahon, Morris and Coal City.<br />

The highly anticipated Tour of<br />

Homes enables SSHBA to connect<br />

its members with the broader public<br />

in an intimate, hassle-free setting as<br />

individuals and families are able to<br />

come and go at their leisure.<br />

The SSHBA Tour of Homes has<br />

three premier sponsors: James Hardie,<br />

Lakeside Bank and Hines Supply.<br />

This year, the SSHBA also will<br />

have a kick-off party for the tour<br />

where builders will be presented<br />

with various awards.<br />

For more details on the upcoming<br />

tour and to learn more about this<br />

year’s featured builders, visit www.<br />

sshbatourofhomes.com.<br />

SouthWest Suburban Home Builders<br />

promotes high standards, professionalism<br />

and service within the<br />

building industry and supports the<br />

American dream of home ownership.<br />

Submitted by SouthWest Suburban<br />

Home Builders. For more information,<br />

visit sshba.com.<br />

Written by 22CM Boost, the contentwriting<br />

division of 22nd Century Media,<br />

publisher of this special section and<br />

newspaper.<br />

Illinois Spine & Scoliosis<br />

Center gets patients back<br />

into tip-top shape<br />

Home Improvements<br />

can be a time of heavy lifting,<br />

whether it’s moving<br />

boxes or rearranging furniture<br />

putting you at risk of<br />

sustaining back and neck<br />

injuries.<br />

“The easiest way to<br />

cause an injury is not<br />

keeping the core muscles<br />

in shape,” said Dr. Kris<br />

Siemionow, chief of spine<br />

Surgery and assistant professor<br />

of orthopedics and<br />

neurosurgery at the University<br />

of Illinois in Chicago.<br />

“The most common<br />

cause for a spinal injury is<br />

overuse,” he said. “Often,<br />

when you overexert yourself,<br />

your muscles fatigue,<br />

which left unrested, can<br />

lead to worse injuries such<br />

as strains, pinched nerves,<br />

or even breaks”.<br />

One common ailment<br />

is a disk herniation. This<br />

painful condition is caused<br />

by problems with the rubbery<br />

disks between the individual<br />

vertebrae of the<br />

spine.<br />

“A herniated disk is extremely<br />

common,” said Dr.<br />

Anthony Rinella, founder<br />

of the Illinois Spine &<br />

Scoliosis Center. “It’s often<br />

caused by repetitive<br />

motions that involve looking<br />

up. Disk herniations<br />

in the neck area common<br />

cause of pain radiating<br />

toward the shoulder and<br />

down the arm.”<br />

Fortunately, there are<br />

treatment options available.<br />

Patients are often<br />

successfully treated with<br />

conservative management<br />

options, such as pain<br />

medication, therapy, and<br />

injections. But a small percentage<br />

of people with this<br />

condition will eventually<br />

need surgery. Traditionally,<br />

this procedure involved<br />

taking out the problematic<br />

disk and fusing the<br />

remaining disks together<br />

with metal hardware.<br />

While this fusion process<br />

provides spinal stability,<br />

it can also limit the<br />

patient’s range of motion.<br />

A newer procedure, called<br />

cervical disk replacement,<br />

has solved this problem.<br />

Like the standard cervical<br />

fusion, this surgery<br />

involves removing the<br />

disk to relieve pressure<br />

on the nerves. But instead<br />

of a metal plate, surgeons<br />

insert a flexible piece of<br />

plastic.<br />

“The biggest benefit is<br />

that this maintains motion<br />

of the neck in that area<br />

where normally a fusion<br />

procedure would weld the<br />

two bones together,” said<br />

Siemionow. “The cervical<br />

disk replacement basically<br />

Please see spine, 24


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 23<br />

SEE THE NEW HOME OF<br />

YOUR DREAMS<br />

Visit the SSHBA Tour Of Homes!<br />

To map a route to all 19 homes<br />

on the Tour Of Homes, visit<br />

www.SSHBATourOfHomes.com<br />

More information on each home and<br />

builder can also be found online.<br />

TOUR<br />

BUILDER<br />

MODEL<br />

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IMAGINATIVE<br />

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24 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Amber Heating & Air Conditioning<br />

has long tradition of quality service<br />

Amber Heating & Air Conditioning<br />

has a long tradition of<br />

quality service families and businesses<br />

in the Chicago south suburbs<br />

trust. They are known for<br />

being comfort craftsmen since<br />

1959. Amber Heating & Air Conditioning<br />

is celebrating its 60th<br />

year of doing things right and<br />

staying ahead with technology.<br />

Done. Right. Guaranteed. Amber<br />

Heating & Air Conditioning<br />

prides itself in being one of<br />

the best choices for heating and<br />

cooling services in the south<br />

suburbs. The difference is their<br />

trusted expert service, commitment<br />

to doing things right,<br />

customer service, technician to<br />

homeowner communication and<br />

100 percent comfort guarantee.<br />

Their team of professionals<br />

work to inform and educate one<br />

on how to improve their home’s<br />

comfort, safety and efficiency.<br />

They are able to provide clients<br />

with expert advice, service and<br />

value because they keep up with<br />

the latest technology training<br />

and certifications, making sure<br />

their professional technicians<br />

are highly trained to get one<br />

back to being comfortable.<br />

Clients have been trusting<br />

Amber Heating & Air Conditioning<br />

with their home and<br />

businesses comfort for over 60<br />

years. When one turns to the expert<br />

at Amber, they put you first.<br />

As a Carrier Factory Authorized<br />

Dealer and Carrier President’s<br />

Award Recipient, it is one’s<br />

satisfaction — not just a sale —<br />

that counts.<br />

That is why Amber strives<br />

to provide personal follow-up<br />

and quick, knowledgeable solutions<br />

to one’s home comfort<br />

problems. One deserves quality<br />

service and value. Amber Heating<br />

& Air Conditioning professionals<br />

know the importance of<br />

keeping one’s heating and cooling<br />

system operating at peak<br />

performance. High utility bills<br />

and costly breakdown repairs<br />

are the last thing one wants to<br />

be spending their valuable time<br />

and money on. Scheduling a<br />

system tune up and cleaning<br />

can keep one comfortable and<br />

save during the heating season<br />

ahead.<br />

Amber Heating & Air Conditioning<br />

stays ahead of the industry<br />

with specialized training and<br />

technology. Factory and HVAC<br />

industry training provides the<br />

skills needed to combat comfort<br />

issues Amber’s clients face dayto-day<br />

and during the most extreme<br />

weather conditions. Many<br />

homeowners call with similar<br />

concerns with hot and cold<br />

spots with uneven temperatures,<br />

high energy bills or concerns<br />

about air quality. The latest<br />

technology with Aeroseal duct<br />

sealing has equipped Amber’s<br />

team with solutions to improve<br />

one’s home comfort, reduce energy<br />

bills and breathe healthier<br />

indoor air.<br />

Did one know duct work<br />

throughout their home’s walls,<br />

ceilings and basement leak? According<br />

to the Department of<br />

Energy, “95 percent of homes in<br />

the U.S. have leaky ductwork.”<br />

Aeroseal shares, ”In houses<br />

with forced-air heating and<br />

cooling systems, ducts are<br />

used to distribute conditioned<br />

air throughout the house. But<br />

in typical houses, about 25-40<br />

percent of the air that moves<br />

through the duct system is lost<br />

due to leaks, holes and poorly<br />

connected ducts. The result is<br />

higher utility bills and difficulty<br />

keeping the house comfortable,<br />

no matter how the thermostat is<br />

set.”<br />

The experts at Amber can<br />

help one take back their home<br />

with the innovative duct sealing<br />

solution that makes it easy.<br />

All of this is important to one’s<br />

home comfort. It makes a big<br />

difference when one has to<br />

make a big decision about their<br />

home comfort.<br />

Comfort is our Business, and<br />

one’s home should be the comfiest<br />

place of all. Take a look<br />

at what clients have been saying<br />

about working with Amber<br />

Heating & Air Conditioning:<br />

-“The team is very professional.<br />

They are professional<br />

from start to finish they are<br />

clean and knowledgeable.” 100<br />

percent rating by homeowner<br />

M.D. from Tinley Park, Verified<br />

Purchaser.<br />

-“My son recommended your<br />

company as an honest and professional<br />

company.” 100 percent<br />

rating homeowner M.H.<br />

Frankfort, Verified Purchaser.<br />

-“Been with Amber Heating<br />

& Air Conditioning for 24<br />

years and have maintained a<br />

service contract with them all<br />

this time.” 100 percent rating<br />

customer review by homeowner<br />

D.F. from Orland Park, Verified<br />

Purchaser.<br />

At Amber, their customerfirst<br />

philosophy is paramount<br />

in everything they do, ensuring<br />

quality service every time. The<br />

team at Amber will stop at nothing<br />

to ensure one is more than<br />

satisfied. If one is looking for an<br />

honest and professional company<br />

for all their heating, cooling,<br />

installation, service/repair and<br />

air quality needs, call Amber<br />

Heating & Air Conditioning at<br />

(708) 377-5316 or via the website<br />

amberheatingandair.com.<br />

A 24-hour emergency service<br />

is available. Amber Heating &<br />

Air Conditioning is there when<br />

one needs them, and they take<br />

pride in providing the right<br />

comfort solutions for one’s<br />

needs.<br />

Submitted by Amber Heating & Air<br />

Conditioning, 11950 S. Central Ave.<br />

in Alsip. For more information, call<br />

(708) 377-5316 or visit amberheatingandair.com.<br />

spine<br />

From Page 22<br />

functions similar to a joint replacement<br />

that maintains motion.”<br />

While the procedure has been around<br />

for some time, it is relatively new in the<br />

United States.<br />

“It took time for there to be adequate<br />

research and for insurance companies<br />

to support the new technology,” Rinella<br />

said. “Current studies suggest this is a<br />

major step forward for cervical spine surgery,<br />

perhaps the biggest step in the past<br />

30 years.”<br />

Along with preserving range of motion,<br />

there are other benefits to the procedure.<br />

Cervical disk replacements typically have<br />

a shorter recovery time than a fusion procedure.<br />

Patients often go home the same<br />

day and are completely healed in four to<br />

six weeks. There are also less follow-up<br />

appointments needed.<br />

This recovery time is also more comfortable<br />

for the patients, because no immobilization<br />

devices, such as neck collars,<br />

are required. Compared to metal,<br />

the plastic device used in cervical disk<br />

replacement puts less pressure on the<br />

disks above and below it, which helps<br />

prevent arthritis or degeneration. Perhaps<br />

most importantly, the procedure quickly<br />

improves the patient’s quality of life by<br />

reducing their symptoms.<br />

“Patients usually see immediate improvement<br />

in their radiating pain symptoms.<br />

There’s a very high rate of success<br />

compared to other surgeries,” Rinella<br />

said. “In patients that do need surgery,<br />

we find that this new technology is very<br />

promising. And we are one of the few<br />

spine surgeons using this advanced technology.”<br />

Submitted by Illinois Spine & Scoliosis Center,<br />

12701 W. 143rd St., Suite 200 in Homer<br />

Glen. For more information, call (877) 694-<br />

7722 or visit myissc.com.


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 25<br />

Lorenz Appliances named Dealer of the Year<br />

Integrity and reliability have<br />

been pillars of Lorenz Appliances<br />

since Don Lorenz Sr. opened<br />

the family business in the 1960s.<br />

Now, his sons, Don Jr. and<br />

Brett, continue serving suburban<br />

residents with that same level of<br />

customer service amid growth<br />

that includes a new builders<br />

showroom in Mokena.<br />

The efforts of Lorenz has not<br />

gone unnoticed — by customers<br />

or in the industry. On Aug.<br />

24, Don Jr. and Brett accepted<br />

Lorenz’s award as Dealer of the<br />

Year in its chapter (of nearly<br />

1,000 stores). The honor was<br />

given by Brandsource, a buying<br />

agency associated with about<br />

4,500 companies nationwide.<br />

Don Jr. said Lorenz utilizes<br />

Brandsource’s resources, which<br />

has helped with its constant<br />

growth and success (up 25 percent<br />

from 2018, he said).<br />

The success stems from an allegiance<br />

to customer service and<br />

competitive pricing.<br />

“I’m not out to gouge anyone<br />

or get rich out of a deal,” Brett<br />

said. “My father always said<br />

treat a customer fairly and they<br />

will come back to you.”<br />

And the service extends until<br />

the end of the process: to the delivery.<br />

Many appliance giants outsource<br />

delivery services. The<br />

disconnect in the process leads<br />

to a lack of accountability. But<br />

with Lorenz, the customer will<br />

know and can trust who is delivering<br />

their product, emphasizing<br />

the company’s motto: Not the<br />

biggest. Just the best.<br />

“Being an independent dealer,<br />

we’re able to take care of customers,”<br />

Don Jr. said. “We keep<br />

a high level of customer service<br />

unti our products get delivered.<br />

And we stand buy those products.<br />

“Good customer service and<br />

competitive pricing has us winning<br />

over box stores.”<br />

Lorenz Appliances carries the<br />

top brands and latest models in<br />

a full catalogue of appliances,<br />

from a variety of refrigerators,<br />

ovens, and washers and dryers to<br />

air conditioners, humidifiers and<br />

outdoor cooking equipment.<br />

Visitors to Lorenzappliance.<br />

com can find the latest addition<br />

to Lorenz’s inventory, as<br />

well as information on current<br />

sales, promotions and upcoming<br />

events. Already with a flagship<br />

store in Homewood (18320 Governors<br />

Highway), Lorenz’s added<br />

a modern showroom at 19081<br />

Old LaGrange Road in Mokena<br />

in 2018, allowing Lorenz Appliances<br />

to better serve its friends<br />

across the southwest suburbs.<br />

Lorenz Appliances was the<br />

winner of a 22nd Century Media<br />

SouthWest Choice Award for the<br />

Best Appliance Store in the area,<br />

according to residents’ votes.<br />

Submitted by Lorenz Appliances,<br />

18320 Governors Highway, Homewood,<br />

and 19081 Old LaGrange<br />

Road, Mokena. For more information,<br />

call (708) 206-0896, email<br />

sales@lorezappoliance.com or visit<br />

lorenzappliance.com.<br />

Written by 22CM Boost, the<br />

content-writing division of 22nd<br />

Century Media, publisher of this<br />

special section and newspaper.<br />

Sale Price: $ 699<br />

Model: MEDB835DW<br />

8.8 cu. ft. Extra-Large Capacity Dryer<br />

with Advanced Moisture Sensing<br />

Sale Price: $ 699<br />

Model: MVWB835DW<br />

Extra-Large Capacity Washer with<br />

Deep Clean Option- 5.3 Cu. Ft.<br />

Sale Price: $ 449<br />

Model: WED4850HW<br />

7.0 cu. ft. Top Load Electric Dryer<br />

with AutoDry Drying System<br />

Sale Price: $ 449<br />

Model: WTW4855HW<br />

3.8 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with<br />

Soaking Cycles, 12 Cycles<br />

Come visit our Mokena Showroom!<br />

19081 Old Lagrange Road<br />

708-206-0896<br />

www.lorenzappliance.com<br />

Store Hours:<br />

Mon. Tues. Thur. 9am-7pm | Wed. 9am-5pm<br />

Fri. 10am-5pm | Sat. 10am-5pm<br />

Closed Sunday


26 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Pro tips for taking the perfect photos of your home<br />

StatePoint Media<br />

Whether you’ve completed<br />

an amazing renovation,<br />

or you are selling<br />

your house, you’ll want<br />

to take perfect pictures of<br />

your home to share.<br />

Acclaimed photographer,<br />

Jeffrey Davis, the<br />

photographer of choice<br />

for The New American<br />

Home and Progress Lighting,<br />

is sharing some tips<br />

to elevate your residential<br />

photography game to a social<br />

media-worthy or even<br />

magazine-worthy level.<br />

Lighting fixtures are<br />

a critical focal point in<br />

homes, yet photographing<br />

lighting in a room is challenging.<br />

“Lights always<br />

look better when turned<br />

on,” says Davis. “Try to<br />

pick a time of day when<br />

lights can be on, but you<br />

can still get outside views<br />

that won’t be burned out.”<br />

Jennifer Kis, director<br />

of marketing communications<br />

for Progress Lighting<br />

and a veteran of many<br />

residential photoshoots,<br />

agrees. “Lighting is often<br />

the statement piece of a<br />

room. Having the chandelier<br />

turned on in the great<br />

room, for example, adds<br />

to the general light of the<br />

room and creates a warm<br />

and cozy feeling.”<br />

Another important tip<br />

is to focus on the lighting<br />

fixture itself. “Since lighting<br />

fixtures are hung high<br />

in a room, angle the camera<br />

that way. Shooting at<br />

eye level is rarely the right<br />

angle,” says Davis.<br />

Whether or not lighting<br />

fixtures are the focus,<br />

having the right light at<br />

the right time is an essential<br />

piece of taking perfect<br />

pictures. Spend extra time<br />

scouting shoot locations<br />

and the design layout of<br />

the home. Take notes<br />

when planning the shoot to<br />

ensure that natural light is<br />

shining in the right space<br />

at the right time of day.<br />

Next, focus on the composition<br />

of the shot. The<br />

proper balance elevates the<br />

image and makes the design<br />

elements of the room<br />

stand out. When aiming<br />

for a picture of the whole<br />

room, try shooting right<br />

down its center. Using<br />

the room’s architectural<br />

framework as a guide, pick<br />

angles that feel natural to<br />

the space and that casually<br />

direct the eye to the<br />

subject matter being showcased.<br />

The viewer’s eye<br />

should wander around the<br />

image, finally landing on<br />

the intended focal point.<br />

Colorful accessories and<br />

the right room angles create<br />

a visual path through<br />

the room, engaging the<br />

eye naturally to add depth<br />

and interest to the image<br />

and taking the ordinary to<br />

extraordinary. Clear out<br />

the clutter in the room and<br />

style the space, remembering<br />

that less is more. Try<br />

focusing on details and vignettes<br />

that create a story<br />

of the area and give the<br />

room personality.<br />

For an ideal finished image,<br />

Davis recommends a<br />

print file size of 4,000 pixels,<br />

14-inches x 14-inches<br />

at 300 dots per inch in tiff<br />

or jpeg format. For online<br />

use, he recommends images<br />

sized 1,800 pixels,<br />

12-inches x 12-inches at<br />

150 dots per inch, in jpeg<br />

format. For residential<br />

photography inspiration,<br />

check out progressltg.com/<br />

ExperienceProgress.<br />

By adopting the key<br />

principles of professionals,<br />

you can capture the beauty<br />

of your home interiors to<br />

create amazing photos of<br />

your home.<br />

Get more bang for your buck with these home improvements<br />

StatePoint Media<br />

The warmer weather means<br />

it’s time to think about home<br />

improvement projects. Whether<br />

you’re getting your home in tiptop<br />

shape for your own enjoyment,<br />

or getting it ready to put<br />

on the market, not all home improvement<br />

projects are created<br />

equal when it comes to return on<br />

investment (ROI). Here are top<br />

areas on which to focus:<br />

Interiors<br />

The kitchen is the heart of the<br />

home and it’s one of the best areas<br />

to renovate in terms of ROI,<br />

according to Remodeling magazine’s<br />

annual Cost vs. Value<br />

Report, which puts the price tag<br />

of the average minor kitchen remodel<br />

at $22,507, with 80.5 percent<br />

of the cost recouped upon<br />

resale.<br />

To give the kitchen an updated<br />

appearance, replace the flooring,<br />

countertops, sink and faucet. A<br />

fresh coat of paint in a trendy<br />

shade, such as Living Coral,<br />

Pantone’s Color of the Year, can<br />

add a vibrant pop of color to<br />

energize any kitchen. Not looking<br />

to go that bold? Consider an<br />

accent wall, or stick to a classic<br />

palate of gray and white in terms<br />

of cabinets and countertops.<br />

White on white is also a popular<br />

new style for kitchens and bathrooms.<br />

Other features home buyers<br />

are paying close attention to are<br />

laundry rooms and such energysaving<br />

elements as Energy Star<br />

appliances and windows, according<br />

to the survey “What<br />

Home Buyers Want in 2019”<br />

by the National Association of<br />

Home Builders.<br />

Curb Appeal<br />

The popularity of outdoor<br />

projects remains strong and it’s<br />

for a good reason. According to<br />

the Cost vs. Value Report, the<br />

biggest bang for your buck in<br />

2019 will come from replacing a<br />

garage door. The report says the<br />

average price is $3,611, and 97.5<br />

percent of it is recouped when<br />

the house is sold.<br />

Other outdoor projects with<br />

high ROI include adding manufactured<br />

stone veneer to the exterior<br />

(94.9 percent), adding a<br />

wood deck (75.6 percent) and<br />

replacing siding (75.6 percent).<br />

Looking for a simpler way to<br />

make an impact? Sprucing up<br />

the landscape by planting flowers<br />

or bushes or even just clearing<br />

the yard of debris will make<br />

a big statement.<br />

No matter what updates you<br />

end up making, it’s always a<br />

good idea to notify your insurance<br />

agent. “Certain upgrades<br />

may change the value of a house,<br />

so homeowners need to make<br />

sure they’re properly covered,”<br />

says Bob Buckel, vice president<br />

of product management, Erie Insurance.<br />

“There are a few things<br />

to look for. Ask your agent about<br />

guaranteed replacement cost<br />

policies that can cover the cost to<br />

rebuild a home in today’s dollars<br />

following a covered loss.”<br />

Some upgrades may also make<br />

you eligible for discounts, Buckel<br />

adds, especially if they make<br />

the home more secure. “For<br />

example, Erie Insurance offers<br />

certain safety discounts such as<br />

for installing smoke alarms or an<br />

automatic sprinkler system.”<br />

Now you have a checklist of<br />

DIY projects. But before you<br />

start, take a moment to assess<br />

which ones are worth your time<br />

and money.


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 27<br />

To trend or not to trend<br />

Superior Cabinet Supply answers timeless question<br />

When it comes to kitchen remodeling,<br />

many homeowners wrestle with the question<br />

of whether or not their cabinet selection<br />

– both color and style – will still be<br />

popular in 10 to 20 years for resale value<br />

and appeal. Certainly, this is a valid concern<br />

with any investment in your home.<br />

Do you want the latest trend in navy blue<br />

or bright teal or the play-it-safe many<br />

shades of white or gray? What will stand<br />

the test of time?<br />

Recently, Houzz (the online design,<br />

home improvement and idea-gathering<br />

go-to website) surveyed 1,300 of their<br />

website users who had completed a kitchen<br />

remodel in the past 12 months or plan<br />

on starting one in the next three months.<br />

According to the 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen<br />

Trends Study results, the most popular<br />

cabinet style is Transitional (that’s a blend<br />

of traditional and contemporary), Shaker<br />

or Shaker-like cabinets and the winning<br />

color pick is (drumroll) …white (43 percent)<br />

then stained wood (25 percent) and<br />

lastly, gray (11 percent).<br />

A Kitchen and Bath Industry expert,<br />

Mary Jo Peterson (certified kitchen and<br />

bath designer) and columnist for Kitchen<br />

and Bath Design News had this to say:<br />

“Your best bet is to choose a wood stain<br />

finish somewhere between blond and brunette.<br />

Well-built cabinetry will last much<br />

longer than the finish will stay in style.<br />

Pick a simple door style and a medium<br />

finish, and if you want a new look just<br />

change out the hardware every 5 years.”<br />

Paul Dybdahl (another CKD) suggests,<br />

“if you are considering the purchase of<br />

painted cabinets a shade of white is always<br />

classic”.<br />

There are and always will be many<br />

opinions out there. So how do you make<br />

a decision based on all these opinions?<br />

Thoroughly peruse several kitchen and<br />

bath trade magazines and a variety of online<br />

sources such as HGTV, Coastal Living,<br />

Country Living and professional design<br />

experts on Houzz.com. Narrow your<br />

choices to two favorites and bring your<br />

ideas to Superior Cabinet.<br />

“Ultimately, your cabinet purchase decision<br />

is a subjective one” said Frank and<br />

Sandy Klauck, owners of Superior Cabinet<br />

Supply in Frankfort. With 34 years<br />

of experience as a kitchen and bath dealer<br />

and designers, Superior Cabinet has seen<br />

what was trending in 1985 come full circle.<br />

“White or gray cabinets were in then<br />

and they are in now,” Frank said. Sandy<br />

goes on to say, “When Frank designed<br />

and built our current home 18 years ago,<br />

we decided on a simple Shaker-like door<br />

style in natural maple by Mid Continent<br />

Cabinetry. Eighteen years later, I still love<br />

my cabinets and the Shaker door style is<br />

definitely a top choice amongst our customers.<br />

The pictures seen here were submitted<br />

by our customers and I would not<br />

hesitate to say they have a timeless appeal.”<br />

Submitted by Superior Cabinet Sup-ply,<br />

19800 S. Harlem Ave. in Frankfort. Visit the<br />

showroom and website today at superiorcabinetsupply.com<br />

or call (815) 464-2700 for<br />

more information.


28 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Expert tips for lighting your home’s outdoor spaces<br />

StatePoint Media<br />

Many homeowners<br />

spend time and money<br />

perfecting curb appeal, but<br />

forget to make it shine at<br />

night. Experts say a welllit<br />

home exterior and surrounding<br />

landscape is both<br />

beautiful and functional.<br />

“The addition of outdoor<br />

lighting is transformative,<br />

making it possible<br />

to see beauty that would<br />

ordinarily be hidden at<br />

night, while also extending<br />

your living space to<br />

the outdoors at all hours<br />

of the day,” said Linkoln<br />

Dixon, product manager at<br />

Progress Lighting. “Additionally,<br />

lighting provides<br />

safety and security, creating<br />

visibility and eliminating<br />

hiding spots.”<br />

To help you tailor lighting<br />

for enhanced beauty,<br />

visibility, security and ambiance,<br />

consider these tips<br />

from the experts at Progress<br />

Lighting:<br />

Just like inside the<br />

home, layering light outside<br />

is essential to create<br />

a welcoming atmosphere.<br />

Light layering uses three<br />

layers of light: ambient,<br />

task and accent lighting.<br />

Begin by selecting ambient<br />

lighting that provides<br />

a comfortable level<br />

of brightness. Wash the<br />

home’s exterior with light,<br />

using a combination of<br />

downlights and uplights to<br />

cast a warm, gentle glow<br />

on outdoor living spaces<br />

while providing indirect<br />

lighting to entryways.<br />

Next, select task lighting<br />

to add focused illumination<br />

that makes entrances<br />

and pathways visible and<br />

shadow-free. A rule of<br />

thumb for lighting doorways<br />

is to size lighting<br />

in proportion to the door<br />

itself. Select wall sconces<br />

and lanterns that measure<br />

anywhere from 1/4 to 1/3<br />

the size of the door. Mount<br />

outdoor sconces and lanterns<br />

at eye level, with the<br />

center of the light source<br />

between 5 1/2 to 6 feet off<br />

the ground and 8 to 10 feet<br />

apart.<br />

Install soft, non-glaring<br />

path fixtures about 14<br />

inches high that direct<br />

most of the light downward.<br />

Define the edges of<br />

the path by placing lights<br />

about one foot from one or<br />

both sides of the walkway,<br />

staggering the placement<br />

slightly to create a natural<br />

flow.<br />

For steps, install lights<br />

directly into the risers.<br />

This soft light provides<br />

just enough brightness to<br />

mark each tread and prevent<br />

glare.<br />

Finally, add accent and<br />

decorative lighting that<br />

accentuates your home’s<br />

architectural features. For<br />

entertaining areas, select<br />

wall-mounted fixtures<br />

such as sconces or lanterns,<br />

or overhead lighting<br />

that focuses task light<br />

on work surfaces. Outdoor<br />

chandeliers and pendants<br />

are a stylish way to bring<br />

the design appeal of indoor<br />

lighting outside. For a professional,<br />

pulled-together<br />

look, choose light fixtures<br />

with the same finish as<br />

door pulls, fencing and<br />

outdoor furniture.<br />

Other accent lighting<br />

choices that add flair include<br />

post lights, spotlights,<br />

strip lights and water-feature<br />

lighting.<br />

As a finishing touch, use<br />

timers, dimmers or motion<br />

sensors to control lights,<br />

turning them on or down<br />

as desired.<br />

Remember, outdoor<br />

lighting must be rated for<br />

outdoor use to ensures it’s<br />

waterproof and that dust<br />

and rain won’t interfere<br />

with the bulb or circuitry.<br />

For more outdoor lighting<br />

tips, trends and inspiration,<br />

visit Progress<br />

Lighting at bit.ly/Lighting<br />

Outdoors.<br />

In short, if you’re going<br />

to spend energy on your<br />

home exterior, make sure<br />

people can see it. The right<br />

outdoor lighting will add<br />

beauty to your home and<br />

make it safer.<br />

What to know before replacing home windows<br />

StatePoint Media<br />

As with any home upgrade, a<br />

little research can help ensure a<br />

top-quality installation with the<br />

best materials on the market.<br />

Here are the most important factors<br />

to consider before purchasing<br />

replacement windows:<br />

• Energy Efficiency: Energyefficient<br />

windows can keep utility<br />

bills in-check while helping<br />

manage climate control. Seek<br />

out the ENERGY STAR label,<br />

which indicates a product is energy<br />

efficient according to standards<br />

from the U.S. Environmental<br />

Protection Agency and<br />

the Department of Energy.<br />

Numbers don’t lie so be sure<br />

to also check the National Fenestration<br />

Rating Council Label<br />

to compare performance between<br />

energy-efficient windows<br />

in the following categories: U-<br />

Factor (how well the window<br />

retains heat), Solar Heat Gain<br />

Coefficient (how well it resists<br />

unwanted heat gain), Visible<br />

Transmittance (how well it lets<br />

in natural light), Air Infiltration<br />

(how drafty the window is), and<br />

Condensation Resistance (how<br />

well it resists inside surface condensation).<br />

• Test Specifications: All windows<br />

on the market are tested for<br />

their structural integrity, as well<br />

as their resistance to air and water.<br />

Investigating these ratings is<br />

important, particularly in regions<br />

that see wicked weather.<br />

• Insulation: For maximum<br />

energy efficiency and comfort,<br />

look for new technologies such<br />

as Neopor insulation and INN-<br />

ERGY thermal reinforcements<br />

that deliver high-performance<br />

and meet ENERGY STAR certification<br />

standards. Windows<br />

offered by ProVia, for example,<br />

include these features and are<br />

tested against the most stringent<br />

requirements for air and water<br />

infiltration, wind load resistance,<br />

ease of operation, forced entry<br />

and more.<br />

• Material: Windows are available<br />

in such materials as vinyl,<br />

wood, aluminum and fiberglass.<br />

Understanding the benefits of<br />

each can help you arrive at the<br />

right decision for your home,<br />

priorities and budget, and new<br />

options even mix materials,<br />

combining different advantages<br />

into one product.<br />

• Warranty Availability: Replacement<br />

Windows can cost<br />

thousands of dollars and should<br />

last a long time, so consider<br />

protecting your investment by<br />

opting for windows that come<br />

with a comprehensive lifetime<br />

warranty that’s transferrable to<br />

the next homeowner. This can<br />

potentially increase your home’s<br />

value should you put it on the<br />

market.<br />

• Style: The style of your new<br />

windows can complement the<br />

architectural features of your<br />

home, provide visual interest<br />

and boost curb appeal. Using online<br />

design resources and visualizer<br />

tools can help you see how<br />

particular hardware finishes,<br />

colors, add-ons, finishing options<br />

and accessories will look<br />

on your home.<br />

• Recognition: Third-party<br />

recognition for a particular brand<br />

or product is a strong indicator<br />

that you’re investing in a quality<br />

product. A recent “Remodeling”<br />

magazine survey of remodeling<br />

contractors ranked ProVia vinyl<br />

windows as number one in window<br />

quality, citing its unique<br />

ability to customize as needed,<br />

its personalized customer service,<br />

strong warranties and mix<br />

of state-of-the-art manufacturing<br />

equipment and human craftsmanship.<br />

Lastly, the brand was<br />

recognized for strong attention<br />

to detail, as it follows an 80-plus<br />

item checklist for quality control.<br />

More information can be<br />

found at provia.com/windows.<br />

Before upgrading, get savvy.<br />

Doing so can help you make a<br />

decision that will improve your<br />

home’s beauty, keep your family<br />

comfortable and safe and save<br />

you money.


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 29<br />

Schedule fall furnace cleaning through<br />

Dykstra Home Services before winter<br />

We all know fall is on its<br />

way, unfortunately, winter<br />

isn’t that far behind.<br />

That means it’s time to<br />

contact a professional to<br />

ensure your furnace is up<br />

to the task of keeping you<br />

and your family warm this<br />

winter. Schedule your fall<br />

clean and check now.<br />

The Dykstra Family has<br />

been in this business for<br />

over 90 years. You can<br />

trust everyone at Dykstra<br />

Home Services to make<br />

sure you’re comfortable<br />

this winter.<br />

All Dykstra technicians<br />

are factory trained, drug<br />

tested, licensed, bonded<br />

and insured.<br />

“It’s very important to<br />

have someone highly-qualified<br />

when they are in your<br />

home working on equipment<br />

that use natural gas<br />

and electricity,” said Jennifer<br />

Milazzo, president of<br />

Dykstra Home Services.<br />

Dykstra technicians are<br />

trained to check all parts of<br />

the furnace to ensure they<br />

are working properly.<br />

One example is the heat<br />

exchangers, which are the<br />

core of any furnace. Milazzo<br />

said their technicians<br />

have found problems with<br />

aging heat exchangers a<br />

number of times over the<br />

years.<br />

Dykstra offers the latest<br />

in high tech, efficient<br />

Carrier furnaces, said Rich<br />

Dykstra Sr.<br />

Carriers’ line of furnaces<br />

are all designed to work at<br />

top efficiency, according<br />

to Dykstra Sr. “The Carrier<br />

Infinity model, for example,<br />

is 98 percent efficient<br />

and can save a customer an<br />

average of $300 a year in<br />

both electric and gas utility<br />

savings,” he said. “It’s also<br />

designed to give the home<br />

the most comfort. The unit<br />

is essentially on cruise<br />

control and delivers the<br />

most even, consistent temperature<br />

while using the<br />

least amount of energy.”<br />

Milazzo encourages people<br />

to schedule a Dykstra<br />

technician early before the<br />

cold temperatures set in.<br />

A certified womanowned<br />

business, Dykstra<br />

Home Services is a third<br />

generation residential and<br />

commercial heating ventilation<br />

and air conditioning<br />

company. Dykstra has<br />

been in business for more<br />

than 93 years. Servicing<br />

all makes and models.<br />

We also offer solutions to<br />

rooms that are too cold in<br />

the winter, or too warm<br />

in the summer as well as<br />

backup Generators.<br />

Submitted by Dykstra Home<br />

Services, 13450 S. Cicero<br />

Ave., in Crestwood. For more<br />

information, call (800) 421-<br />

3220 or visit dykstrahome<br />

services.com.<br />

Women Owned Business<br />

SERVING C<strong>HI</strong>CAGOLAND SINCE 1926<br />

• Air Conditioning<br />

• Heating<br />

• Plumbing<br />

#IL12960<br />

800-421-3220<br />

dykstrahomeservices.com<br />

“Piecing together your home comfort!”<br />

For qualified buyers. -See store for details.<br />

CLEAN AND<br />

CHECK SPECIAL!<br />

Residential Furnace<br />

clean & check<br />

ONLY $ 98<br />

(Reg. $125)<br />

Includes 30 point<br />

inspection and cleaning<br />

as well as water heater<br />

safety inspection.<br />

CALL NOW!!


30 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Get a great lawn in less time this season<br />

StatePoint Media<br />

It’s no secret that your home’s<br />

exterior gets the spotlight during<br />

the summer. Once the weather<br />

warms up, neighborhoods fill<br />

with the sounds of yardwork.<br />

Expertly manicured grass and<br />

enviable curb appeal require<br />

maintenance and the right equipment.<br />

If “old reliable” isn’t cutting<br />

the lawn as well as it used to<br />

and you’re searching for a new<br />

mower, there are many makes<br />

and models to consider. One type<br />

you may be less familiar with is<br />

the zero-turn mower, which offers<br />

superior maneuverability<br />

and can get yard work done faster<br />

than a standard walk-behind<br />

mower.<br />

“A high-quality zero-turn<br />

mower means getting back to relaxing<br />

in your free time faster,”<br />

says Adam Mullet, vice president<br />

of sales and new products<br />

at Hustler Turf Equipment, a<br />

leading brand of outdoor power<br />

equipment, and the originator of<br />

the zero-turn mower.<br />

When shopping around, consider<br />

the following tips and insights:<br />

Don’t Shop With Your Wallet<br />

As with any home appliance<br />

purchase, this is a big decision.<br />

You’ll want something that can<br />

withstand the test of time and<br />

is backed by warranty. Keep in<br />

mind engine size and horsepower.<br />

Powerful engines cut grass<br />

faster and last longer, but also<br />

cost more. Financing options offered<br />

by manufacturers can help<br />

you avoid compromising.<br />

Size Matters<br />

The size of the area you’ll be<br />

cutting matters most.<br />

• A larger deck speeds up<br />

mowing and is ideal for big<br />

properties with wide open areas<br />

of grass.<br />

• The wider the cutting deck,<br />

the more grass cut with each<br />

pass. If you need to maneuver<br />

through tight spaces or have a<br />

small yard, consider a machine<br />

with a condensed, more easilycontrolled<br />

mowing deck.<br />

• Zero-turn mowers made for<br />

residential use are typically much<br />

smaller than the average ride-on<br />

mower. For a compact option<br />

at a great value, consider the<br />

DASH by Hustler Turf. Built to<br />

the brand’s high standards, it has<br />

a patented automatic park brake,<br />

foot-operated deck lift and the<br />

ability to fit through most gates,<br />

making it a good choice for front<br />

and backyard mowing. Available<br />

in two welded, fabricated steel<br />

deck sizes – 34-inch or 42-inch<br />

– with a heavy-duty 1x2 fully<br />

tubular frame, it’s small enough<br />

for easy garage storage.<br />

• For bigger yards and tougher<br />

terrains, consider options<br />

like Hustler Turf’s residential<br />

FasTrak. Boasting speeds up<br />

to 8 MPH, it features a removable<br />

floor plan for easy maintenance,<br />

a fully welded, tubular<br />

frame available in sizes up to 60<br />

inches, and 22-inch large drive<br />

tires. A 20-inch high-back seat<br />

with full mechanical suspension<br />

shields riders from bumps, and<br />

cushioning takes pressure off the<br />

tailbone and lower back.<br />

Mow in Comfort<br />

You’ll use this machine regularly<br />

for years to come, so prioritize<br />

comfort. Remember, the<br />

open-concept of a zero-turn allows<br />

you to get on and off easily.<br />

Be sure to sit on each mower and<br />

look at the seats and support offered.<br />

Shop Local<br />

Consider visiting locallyowned<br />

and operated lawn care<br />

centers, where dealers are deeply<br />

familiar with product lines,<br />

region-specific lawn care needs<br />

and ready to answer questions<br />

about mower performance and<br />

maintenance.<br />

More information on zero-turn<br />

mowers can be found at hustlerturf.com.<br />

When buying a mower, prioritize<br />

makes and models offering<br />

efficiency and comfort that meet<br />

your lawn care needs.<br />

On-trend ideas for updating your home exterior<br />

StatePoint Media<br />

If it’s time to upgrade your home exterior,<br />

you may need some guidance, particularly<br />

if you want to make on-trend choices<br />

that will instantly boost your curb appeal.<br />

Bear in mind that many younger, trendsetting<br />

homeowners are gravitating toward<br />

the natural, earthy look, and they are<br />

achieving this with manufactured stone.<br />

As you make your own upgrade, consider<br />

the following<br />

Prioritize Authenticity<br />

Not all manufactured stone is of equal<br />

quality. Do a close inspection to ensure<br />

the products you select are molded and<br />

colored to look and feel like natural stone.<br />

Select Your Cut<br />

Choices abound when it comes to the<br />

cut of manufactured stone veneer. However,<br />

linear shapes that provide a sense<br />

of calm and order are very popular right<br />

now, making profiles such as the Chisel<br />

Cut offered by ProVia a smart move for<br />

staying on-trend. The natural texture<br />

complements the chiseled form, and looks<br />

great grouted or dry stacked.<br />

Be Serene [hed]<br />

Gray is in right now, and this is likely<br />

due to its low-key aesthetic. Likewise,<br />

any color on the gray-scale will add instant<br />

appeal, including black and white.<br />

Choose Your Grout<br />

You can add a lot of design drama with<br />

the right choice of grout color. Here’s a<br />

simple guide to help you choose:<br />

• For an understated, elegant look,<br />

match the grout color with the dominant<br />

color shadings in the manufactured stone.<br />

This is a subtle-but-sophisticated choice.<br />

• To bring bold drama to the home,<br />

choose a grout color that’s the exact opposite<br />

of the stone color. With light stone,<br />

use dark grout, and with dark stone use<br />

light grout. The effect is eye-popping, and<br />

shows off the shapes and textures of the<br />

manufactured stone.<br />

• Blend both approaches above to reflect<br />

an array of earthy colors. Choose a<br />

grout color that matches one of the shades<br />

found in the stone. It will naturally contrast<br />

with the other shades.<br />

• For a pulled-together look, weave<br />

a matching color choice throughout the<br />

various home exterior elements -- siding,<br />

garage door, front entry door, roofing, etc.<br />

-- to reflect a designer aesthetic and provide<br />

instant curb appeal. Just like a wellcoordinated<br />

suit, shirt and tie, this look<br />

projects confidence.<br />

Visualize<br />

The decisions you make regarding your<br />

home exterior are important, so do a bit of<br />

homework first before committing. Free<br />

online tools and resources can help you<br />

pick colors, cuts and other important features,<br />

by allowing you to get a better sense<br />

of how they will look on your home. Visit<br />

provia.com/grout-visualizer to access<br />

ProVia’s Grout Visualizer, a handy tool<br />

that allows you to mix and match stone<br />

and styles with grout options.<br />

The exterior of your home makes a<br />

statement. Make sure it’s making the right<br />

one. Select elements that suit your personality<br />

while also staying on-trend.


22ndcenturymedia.com Home Improvement<br />

22nd Century Media | August 29, 2019 | 31<br />

Schaaf celebrates 60 years in Chicagoland<br />

Sixty years, seven locations,<br />

hundreds of different products,<br />

thousands of cherished customers<br />

and one owner, Schaaf Window<br />

has had a long and storied<br />

history in this area. The familyowned<br />

business celebrates its<br />

60th anniversary this June, a<br />

testament to its success and long<br />

history of having the best customer<br />

service in town.<br />

Schaaf Window was founded<br />

in 1959 as Schaaf Glass Company<br />

by George Schaaf Sr. and<br />

his father, Fred. They began the<br />

company by re-glazing windows<br />

out of three garages behind his<br />

father’s home in Englewood and<br />

ran the business out of his home.<br />

About a year into their business,<br />

they were big enough<br />

DreamMaker of Orland Park wins top national<br />

award for customer satisfaction since 2018<br />

to move into a real office and<br />

warehouse, so they made a deal<br />

with a local car dealer to use his<br />

building while he used the parking<br />

lot. At this time, they added<br />

glass storefronts to their product<br />

offerings.<br />

Just two years later, they had<br />

already grown out of the building<br />

and George decided that this<br />

time he would build his own,<br />

against his father’s advice. He<br />

built a brand new building in<br />

Evergreen Park and even outgrew<br />

that one so fast that he<br />

was forced to convince the lady<br />

next door to sell him her house<br />

in order to construct another<br />

new building. In these years, the<br />

company began offering patio<br />

doors and framed mirrors.<br />

For the second year in<br />

a row, DreamMaker Bath<br />

& Kitchen of Orland Park<br />

has been named one of the<br />

Top 60 home remodelers<br />

in the nation and awarded<br />

one of the highest customer<br />

satisfaction and trust<br />

scores by GuildQuality<br />

(GQ), an independent customer<br />

satisfaction surveying<br />

company for the building<br />

industry.<br />

GuildQuality’s (GQ) annual<br />

awards are given so<br />

that consumers can read<br />

unbiased, detailed reviews<br />

from previous customers<br />

to verify the quality of the<br />

company they are considering<br />

hiring for a project.<br />

Each year, Qualified Remodeler<br />

magazine lists the<br />

winners in its July “Customer<br />

Satisfaction Leaders”<br />

issue.<br />

DreamMaker Bath &<br />

Kitchen, which has been<br />

serving the area since<br />

1991, has a GQ “All-Time<br />

Recommendation” rating<br />

of over 98 percent. They<br />

also won the award in<br />

2018 and have been given<br />

a “Guildmaster with Highest<br />

Distinction” Award every<br />

year since 2015.<br />

“As GQ explains in the<br />

awards issue, ‘trust’ is a<br />

paramount concern among<br />

today’s home remodeling<br />

consumers,” said Glen<br />

Borkowski, who owns and<br />

operates DreamMaker of<br />

Orland Park together with<br />

his wife Denise. “We attribute<br />

our ongoing success<br />

to our exceptional<br />

Even with the addition, the<br />

company grew too large, and<br />

George again had to build a new<br />

location, this time in Bridgeview.<br />

They moved into this building<br />

in 1972 and immediately began<br />

expanding their product lines. In<br />

1974 the business really took off<br />

when Schaaf began assembling<br />

their own windows. The success<br />

of the window business led to<br />

the separation of the glass and<br />

the window departments, and the<br />

official incorporation of Schaaf<br />

Window Company.<br />

In 1980, George turned an old<br />

stadium in Bridgeview into offices<br />

and a shop. He had helped<br />

build the stadium when it was<br />

going to be used for a local<br />

semi-pro baseball team, but he<br />

communication skills and<br />

the convenience of being<br />

a ‘one-stop shop.’ From<br />

the first meeting, we work<br />

with our customers on<br />

budget, design and product<br />

selection, which leads to a<br />

hassle-free remodeling experience.<br />

And, we let our<br />

customers know exactly<br />

what to expect from start<br />

to finish – there are no surprises.”<br />

According to Denise,<br />

was never paid by the builder.<br />

He bought the land and decided<br />

to turn it in to a new location<br />

for Schaaf Glass; however,<br />

five years later Schaaf Window<br />

moved into this location and<br />

Schaaf Glass moved back to its<br />

old building. Again, the company<br />

grew so that additions had to<br />

be made and eventually an entire<br />

adjacent building was constructed<br />

to add capacity. While at this<br />

location, Schaaf Window added<br />

millwork and interior doors to its<br />

product lines.<br />

In 2003 Schaaf Window<br />

moved to its current location in<br />

Tinley Park. It has since become<br />

the largest independent window<br />

company in Illinois, and added<br />

shower doors and installation to<br />

who has been involved<br />

in the kitchen and bath<br />

remodeling industry for<br />

over 25 years, nothing<br />

says more about a home<br />

remodeling company than<br />

how pleased its customers<br />

have been with the entire<br />

remodeling experience.<br />

“Their experience clearly<br />

influences whether they<br />

would recommend us or<br />

not,” she said. “We mention<br />

our GQ rating to prospective<br />

clients, explain<br />

the services we provide<br />

and ask if they have visited<br />

our website and clicked on<br />

the “GuildQuality” link. If<br />

not, we email them the direct<br />

link to our account and<br />

explain that all remodeling<br />

companies are not created<br />

equal and they can use the<br />

its mix of products. It is also now<br />

co-owned by two of George’s<br />

children, Bob and Barb, along<br />

with George himself. Today,<br />

Schaaf continues its commitment<br />

to superior customer service<br />

and offering high quality<br />

products.<br />

As summer rolls around and<br />

you start your home improvement<br />

projects, keep Schaaf in<br />

mind and see what 60 years in<br />

the industry can do for you.<br />

Submitted by Schaaf Window Co.<br />

Inc, 18445 Thompson Court in<br />

Tinley Park. For more information,<br />

call (708) 342-0900, or visit schaaf<br />

window.com.<br />

rating system to find the<br />

best fit for their remodeling<br />

project.”<br />

Glen has both a Certified<br />

Graduate Remodeler<br />

(CGR) and Certified Aging-in-Place<br />

(CAP) designations<br />

from the National<br />

Association of Home<br />

Builders (NAHB), as well<br />

as an A+ rating from the<br />

Better Business Bureau.<br />

He is very active in the<br />

Orland Park Chamber of<br />

Commerce.<br />

Submitted by DreamMaker<br />

Bath & Kitchen of Orland<br />

Park, 15645 71st Court in<br />

Orland Park. For more information,<br />

call (708) 429-6670<br />

or visit dreambkop.com.


32 | August 29, 2019 | 22nd Century Media home improvement<br />

22ndcenturymedia.com<br />

Celebrating our 60th Anniversary<br />

Serving<br />

Chicagoland for<br />

60 years!<br />

2019 WINNER<br />

Visit our 4,000 square foot showroom to<br />

view our wide selection of products<br />

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE<br />

ON WINDOW REPLACEMENTS!<br />

Windows<br />

Interior & Exterior Doors<br />

Mirrors & Glass<br />

Professional Installation & Service<br />

Reglazing • Shower Doors<br />

Celebrating our 60th Anniversary<br />

18445 Thompson Ct. Tinley Park, IL<br />

708.342.0900 | www.schaafwindow.com<br />

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