LOCAL

LOCAL
Workshop to targetfirst-time home buyers
YOUNGSTOWN -- Family Financial Education Services, a program of Family Service Agency, will sponsor a first-time home buyer workshop from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the agency, 535 Marmion Ave.
The free workshop will cover basic home-buying information, such as determining affordability, budgeting, credit problems and the loan application process.
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that will satisfy the education requirements for some mortgage programs.
Reservations are required by calling (330) 782-5664. No reservations will be taken the day of the program.
MISC.
Central humidifier fights'dry-home syndrome'
While your home's heating system is designed to keep you warm during the cold winter months, it can cause your home to become too dry.
Symptoms you experience as a result can range from a dry nose and throat to colds.
One of the most effective methods of dealing with "dry-home syndrome" is to use of a whole-house humidifier.
A central humidifier supplies humidity to a home through the ductwork in a forced-air heating system.
Whenever the furnace blower kicks on, the low-voltage electrical circuit that operates the humidifier does so as well.
The humidifier operates when a room-mounted, moisture-sensing device called a humidistat detects the air in the home is too dry.
Homes with no duct work or those heated with hot water or electricity cannot use a central humidifier.
In these cases, small localized units are the answer.
Floating hardwood floorsexpel moisture problems
What makes floating hardwood floors different from traditional hardwood flooring is that such floors aren't glued and-or nailed to the wood subfloor or concrete slab.
Hardwood flooring always has been a problem to install over concrete slabs due to attachment difficulties and moisture. The floating floor eliminates all that. Instead of being glued to the subfloor or slab, the various planks are edge-glued to one another. The planks rest on a one-eighth-inch layer of foam that is placed upon a vapor barrier -- one layer of 6-mil plastic sheeting. The vapor barrier protects the floor from moisture damage, and foam insulates the floor, reducing condensation and producing a much more giving surface.
Remember, wood and water don't mix. For a beautiful, long-lasting finish, use only finishing and cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer.
La-Z-Boy unveils comfyHome Theater Collection
Got the popcorn, the cold drink and the good flick? La-Z-Boy's got the ticket for comfy home seating.
The furniture manufacturer has just raised the curtain on its new Home Theater Collection, dubbed "Matinee." Featured are seven unique pieces that can lock together and form an array of configurations, such as love seats and double-tiered, stadium-style seating. Included are right and left one-arm recliners, a two-arm recliner, and a console with a storage drawer and stand-alone wedge.
Seat cushions are set at a 15-degree angle, the ergonomically correct movie-watching position and do not block stereo Surround Sound. Recliners are available with a power recline system for users to extend to any position. Consoles feature snack trays, pullout drawers and retractable cup holders.
Like choices? The collection offers 54 leathers and 52 fabrics. Prices range from $299 for a console with a drawer to $1,899 for a leather recliner with a power option. Visit www.lazboy.com for more information.
New stain remover usesactive oxygen to clean
With so many stain removers on the market, it's just plain overwhelming.
Currently, oxygenated products are all the rage. Orange Glo International has just come out with OxiClean Active Stain Remover, a multipurpose, liquid spray. The cleaner, which is chlorine-free and color-safe, uses active oxygen to fight stains, such as greasy foods, pet messes and set-in stains. OxiClean Active Stain Remover can be used on laundry for pre-treating, on carpeting or on other fabrics.
A 21.5-ounce bottle of the cleaner retails for $3.59 at Kroger, Wal-Mart, Target and Sam's Club stores. It is also available for purchase at www.oxiclean.com.
No-push wheelbarrowruns on 24-volt battery
It's convenient to have a rugged wheelbarrow handy for those fall chores: moving and stacking firewood, hauling landscape stone, spreading mulch and gathering old branches and fallen leaves. Even with a wheelbarrow, these are physical, demanding jobs.
With a battery-operated, self-propelled CargoMaxx wheelbarrow, there's a lot less demand on an individual's strength. A 24-volt rechargeable battery allows for up to six hours of continuous use. The wheelbarrow can haul up to 400 pounds and features a thumb switch, a maintenance-free motor encased in the wheel hub and a 12-gallon, galvanized steel cargo pan.
The CargoMaxx wheelbarrow is available online at www.countryhomeproducts.com for $299.
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