valley home sweet home 2007

www.valleyhomesweethome.com Volume 1 Issue 1

The home focused, community based magazine for the California Central Valley

magazine

Valley

Inside This Issue:Understanding Credit Scoring...The Right Price for Your HouseMargarita MamboCommunity Corner

Cover home (listing soon) by:Steve Hyman

Coldwell BankerSee more of Steve’s homes inside

67 Chevelle courtesy of Duke Baker of

Baker Construction

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING IN OUR MAGAZINE, CALL (209)552-9878

Premier Issue!

april_mag_layout_all 033107.indd1 1 4/3/2007 8:49:19 PM

Building a sound fi nancial future for you and your family starts with home ownership. We specialize in helping fi rst-time home buyers select the best mortgage program to meet their long-term goals. If you are currently paying $1,000.00 per month in rent, you will pay your landlord $60,000 over the next fi ve years.

Call us today for FREE consultation and we’ll send you a copy of our Home Buyer’s Handbook and Credit Scoring Guide.

Building for tomorrow starts today...

Your home equity could bethe key to his college education.

Ask about our low- and no-money down programs!

Elite Mortgage & Associates3719 Tully Rd., Ste. AModesto, CA 95356

Cell: (209) 996-3213Offi ce: (209) 527-0747

Email: [email protected]

Chanin HardisonLoan Offi cer

Call today for free consultation!

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in this issue april 2007

THE OLD RECIPE BOXCinco de Mayo May 5

Margarita Mambo p. 10

CONTENTS:

Understanding Credit Scoring & Credit Repair p. 3

The Right Price for Your Home p. 5

Television Violence,Drugs, and Sex:

Protecting Your Children p. 9

COMMUNITY CORNERGeorge A. Rogers Parkp. 12

ON THE COVER:67 Chevelle courtesy of Duke Baker, Baker Construction

Home (listing soon) by:Steve Hyman, Coldwell Banker

Chanin’s Cents p. 2

In Memory of Corporal Michael D. Anderson Jr.

USMCBack Page

Audrey McGill Steve Hyman Danica Vanderwaal Tim Rushing

GO TEAM:Baseball Pitching Tips for Kids p. 11

10 Tips for Choosing and Placing Unique Outdoor

Yard Artp. 13

Say you saw it in Valley Home Sweet Home Magazine! Volume 1, Number 1, Page 1


Say you saw it in Valley Home Sweet Home Magazine! Volume 1, Number 1, Page 2 Say you saw it in Valley Home Sweet Home Magazine! Volume 1, Number 1, Page 2 2 2

Dear Reader,

I am proud to present to you the premier issue of Valley Home Sweet Home Magazine. It is a home based community focused magazine. What that means is this magazine will bring you local news and information, while focusing on any product or service offered here in the California Central Valley.

I was born here and for much of my life, raised here. When I was fresh out of high school, I moved away to Southern California to pursue a college education and the larger world. But I always seemed to be drawn back here to the Central Valley. I moved back to Modesto years ago and I’ve stayed here ever since. I think it is true that your home is where your heart is. My heart is defi nitely here, with my family and friends.

When my husband and I were presented the opportunity to publish this magazine, we had no idea of what we were getting into. What we did have an idea of is how tired we are of hearing people bashing the valley. I want to pull my hair out when I hear someone say “there isn’t anything to do here” or “Modesto sucks.”

I am of the opinion that life is what you make of it… I am also of the opinion that there are a lot of people out there that would rather complain about their situation that change it. I personally think that you can have fun no matter where you are. It’s all about who you’re with, not your location. But what a great location! Where in the world but this valley can you snow ski in the morning and sit by the ocean eating dinner by candlelight in the evening? If your activity of choice is not here, it’s certainly very close by!

People here in the valley are friendly and active and we want to illustrate that in these pages. That is one of the strong draws of the valley. Up and down the valley there are many, many great restaurants that provide a wide variety of excellent food. And the services, wow! You can do, or have, anything done here that you can do or have done anywhere else. Businesses and the population here are growing like nowhere else.

Valley Home Sweet Home is still growing. and we will strive to offer a magazine that focuses on the Central Valley and all the wonderful people, places and services that are waiting for you.

Welcome to Valley Home Sweet Home.

Chanin Hardison, Director of Production and Marketing

Director of Production and Marketing:Chanin Hardison (209) 996-3213

[email protected]

Modesto Marketing Manager:Pamela Baker (209) 552-9878

[email protected]

Chanin’s

Cents

Hispanic Account Executive:Lupita Martinez (209)681-8281

[email protected]

Hispanic Account Executive:Amparo Arteaga (209) 552-9076

[email protected]

Editing Supervisor/Visual Effects Supervisor/Graphic Artist:

Steve Hardison



Elite Mortgage & Associates3719 Tully Rd., Suite AModesto, CA 95356

(209)527-0747CA Dept. of Real Estate Licensed Broker #01380846

Understanding Credit Scoring & Credit Repair By Audrey Rushing-McGill, Elite Mortgage & Associates

Credit remediation is a subject consumers often face with fear and trepidation. With the exception of

recognizing that the best score wins, the average home shopper knows very little about the credit scoring process. Sub-prime borrowers often fi nd themselves at a loss when trying to fi nd ways to upgrade their credit history. The good news is there are ways to improve less-than-perfect credit scores and obtain a loan for the home you really want. The fi rst step in the process is making sure that you have a current copy of your credit report. Congress recently amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act so that consumers may now receive one free credit report annually. (Go to www.annualcreditreport.com)

Most A-Paper scores generally begin around 680, but don’t despair if you come up shy, there is always room for improvement. Increasing your score just 5 points can save a signifi cant amount of money. For example, if your score is 698 and you increase it to 703, then you could save yourself thousands of dollars over time as a result of a slight improvement to your home loan’s interest rate.

While credit repair is necessary for some, it’s not the only way to increase your credit score. Even if you have

stellar credit, you can enhance your score through these steps:

• Evenly distribute your credit card debt to change the ratio of debt to available credit. If you have debt on only one card, and four additional credit cards with zero balances, evenly distributing the debt of the fi rst card could move you closer, and possibly into, that ideal bracket.

• Keep your existing accounts open and active. The average consumer is usually anxious to close credit card accounts that have zero balances, but doing this can cause them to lose the benefi ts of a long-term credit history.

• Keep credit inquiries to a minimum. Each inquiry into your credit history can impact your score from 2-50 points. Even though you're only looking for one loan, multiple lenders may request your credit report. To compensate for this, the score counts multiple mortgage inquiries in any 14-day period as just one inquiry.

If credit repair is what you need, and you decide to make your own improvements, visit as many websites as possible to get information regarding credit laws and consumer rights. A good place to start is the Federal Trade Commission's website.

Addressing credit issues can be uncomfortable to say the least. But by taking these steps now, you’ll be that much closer to obtaining the home of your dreams!

DON’T MISS OUR NEXTOPEN HOUSE FORUM

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 20071:00 to 3:00 PM

Open House Forum: Realtor questions. How do I buy a home? How to list a home. How do I repair my credit score? Is

it time to refi nance? How can I get a construction loan? Is down payment assistance available? Any questions related to homes will

be answered at our open house. Call (209)527-0747

Senior Loan Offi cer: Audrey McGill

Loan Offi cers:Chris DeVaugh, Nancy Perales, Adam Lancaster

Hard Money Specialists

Residential, Commercial and Construction Loans

Realtors:Steve Hyman, Coldwell Banker & Tim Rushing, Prudential

Free Booklets on varied subjects to attendees

Audrey McGillSr. Loan Offi cer



Corporate Owned. OUTSTANDING opportunity to purchase the home of your dreams at BARGAIN basement price. IMPRESSIVE 4BR/3BA with over 2300 sg ft of LUXURIOUS open living space featuring liv/din area, separate family room, decorator colors, faux painted pillars and walls, custom BBQ island and much more!

Bank Owned Cosmetic Fixer In Super Area! Living & Family Rooms, Covered Patio, Peaceful Lane.

Modesto $274,900

Good Home With Great Floor Plan, Newer Tile Floors Give That High Quality Look, Carpet Needs To Be Replaced, Owner Might Replace, Or You Can Choose When You Buy.

Modesto $299,000

Fresh Paint, New Carpeting & New Microwave Completed For your Viewing Pleasure! Full Bath Den-Study Or Bedroom Downstairs. Ceramic Tile Floors In Kitchen Which Is Open To Family Room. Cozy Fireplaces In Family Room and in Master Suite! Tandem 3 Car Garage. Easy To Show!

Modesto $389,950

Very Nice 4BR/3Full Bath 2290 SqFt. Large Master w/Jetted Tub, Separate Shower,Walk-In Closet. New Kitchen Cabinets & Appliances, 2 Family Rooms With Separate Dining Area. Newer roof(3yrs), Both A/C units about 6yrs old. Must See.

Well-Maintained Hm Near Desirable Sonoma School & Park Newer/Updated Features Throughout Incl.Refi nished Cabinets,Newer Roof,Tile Flooring & Newer Carpet.Sep.Formal LR Plus Lrg Formal DR are Perfect For Entertaining.Oversized FR w/Amazing Brick Frplc,Mstr Bdrm Has Easy Access To Sparkling Pool.See It Today!

Modesto $499,999

Modesto $349,955

Modesto $457,900

“The Listing Specialist”Steve Hyman

[email protected]

220-A Standiford Ave.Modesto CA 95350 (209)312-0417

Lic#01429770


Say you saw it in Valley Home Sweet Home Magazine! Volume 1, Number 1, Page �

The Right Pricefor Your Home by: Sean Remington

Your Realtor wants to sell your home as soon as possible, for the best price. He or she will use

a Comparative Market Analysis to help you determine a fair price for your home. A comparative market analysis is based on information from similar properties in the area. The analysis uses information on properties that are currently for sale, properties that have already sold, and expired properties (ones which did not sell). The current sale price of similar homes will indicate what the competition is asking. Properties that have recently sold will indicate what buyers are willing to pay, just as properties which have expired may indicate what buyers are not willing to pay.

By carefully considering these three aspects your Realtor is able

to determine a “fair market value”--the price which a buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to receive for the property.

In the real estate world, a large group of people are looking to buy

homes at any given time. These are the seller’s best prospects. This ready group of buyers is wasted, however, if your house is overpriced.

While shopping for a home, buyers will visit many similar homes

in their price range and measure the features of each one against the price. They decide which house offers them the maximum value for the price. Buyers do not expect a home to be a “steal” or dramatically under-priced, but they do expect it to be a fair value. If your home is overpriced and they have been shopping around and comparing properties, they will probably refuse to look at your home. You and your Realtor may know that you would sell for $10,000 less, but the buyers do not know this. As a result, your overpriced property may receive little attention.

Don’t be fooled into thinking your house is worth more than

someone is willing to pay for it, or that it’s just a matter of waiting for the “right” buyer to show up. Surveys show that the longer a house is on the market before being sold, the greater the drop in price from the listing price when it does sell. The buying public eventually sets an accurate price. An overpriced house just sits on the market, waiting for a price adjustment before it will attract a buyer.

Consequently, your Realtor may advise you to reduce the asking

price if buyers fail to surface after a certain period of time on the market. If you are serious about selling your home, you should take your Realtor’s advice. If the first price reduction doesn’t generate a buyer, another reduction may be necessary. The monetary value of a house is only what someone is willing to pay for it, but if the market analysis is done correctly, you will get the maximum amount--and a timely sale. •


The team at A Real Estate Resource offers free information to the public on buying a home and how to protect that home afterward with either a homestead or a trust. The company has free workshops offered every month. Call to reserve your seat at 209-324-9878.At A Real Estate Resource we do more than just write the contract for you. We help you figure rehabilitation costs for fixer-upper properties. We will figure your bottom line before you sell to show all of the costs involved and give you an idea of time frames to help meet your goals. You get the financial calculations on paper in front of you so you can see the full picture of time and money to make your decisions.

DANICA [email protected]

A REAL ESTATE RESOURCEBUYINGSELLINGBROKER

13027 YOSEMITE BLVD. WATERFORD, CA

3 bed 2 bath 1097 sq ftdead end street. $295,000

3 bed 2 bath 1600 sq ft priced at $325,000

3 bed 2 bath Sylvan areaEverything new $380,000

3 bed 2 bath 3 car garage1614 sq ft $339,000

Commercial ½ acre 4/2, hwyFrontage must see $385,000

2 Bed 1 bath ¼ acre lotgarage and shop $199.000

3 bed 1-1/2 bath very large lot1098 sq ft $279,000.

½ Acre Commercial corner2 bed 2 car Garage $300,000

3 bed 2 bath La Loma areain-law quarters $325,000

3 bed 2 bath 1280 sq ftCorner location $305,000

Immaculate lots of upgrades5 bed 3 bath $449,000

3 bed 2 bath close to shoppingwill pay buyers fees $315,000

4 bed 2 bath almost acre. 2 garages& a large shop, pool all for $587,000

4 bed 3 bath former modelEvery upgrade $480,000

1 bed 1 bath cute cute cuteR-2 lot $199,000

A REAL ESTATE RESOURCE




This One-Of-A-Kind Custom Home is ready for your move-in! Enjoy quality handcrafted construction throughout this Energy efficient jewel with it’s Vinyl Windows, Tile Floors, Stylish Kitchen, & Up-graded Light Fixtures. You also get RV Parking & an Over-Sized Garage w/ Commercial Grade Rollup Door! Call Today.

This home is in Mint condition with it’s newer comp roof only 4 yrs old, new garage dr w/opener, 1 yr old carpet, lino, & exterior paint. All new dual pane Vinyl windows. Extra cement walkways in back with covered patio. A great value & in move in condition. Like-new condition on a quiet cul-de-sac street.

Turlock $305,000

This is the Perfect homesite for your Custom home with 2.6 acres for animals, or FFA / 4-H projects. Live in the country while being just minutes from town. Don’t miss this great opportunity to live just down the road from the Golf Course.

Turlock $375,000 This Gated-community condo is perfect for the college student or a first time buyer with it’s newly tiled floors, & the new Custom Oak Kitchen cabinets. The Coreon counters add style & class. The mstr bath has been updated with a new shower & tub unit that adds value and convenience. Pool recently resurfaced.

Turlock $243,000

Great duplex property for the savvy investor. One side has a newer room addition done with permit, tile floor in kitchen and many nice upgrades. This is the perfect opportunity to own a great rental w/income potential or live in one side & rent the other. It’s a great time to buy real estate! Rates are low!

Move-in-Ready! This well-kept home has it all with RV access, Quality Custom Oak kitchen cabinets, a bright open floorplan and is just one block from CSUS. Students will love the close proximity to their classes and savvy Parents will realize the investment potential of this sparkling clean home. Call Today!

Turlock $375,000 Turlock $306,000

For Free Home Searches . . . Visit www.TurlockRealty.com

Ceres $359,900

Now in escrow

Duplex


Say you saw it in Valley Home Sweet Home Magazine! Volume 1, Number 1, Page 8 Say you saw it in Valley Home Sweet Home Magazine! Volume 1, Number 1, Page 8

CALL KIRK BROWN(209) 545-6800(877)-347-4486

5321 Pirrone Rd. Ste. B, Salida 953685321 Pirrone Rd. Ste. B, Salida 953685321 Pirrone Rd. Ste. B, Salida 95368

Dish It Out



Television Violence,Drugs, and Sex:

Protecting Your ChildrenBy: Archie Harris

A child has just cursed their parent. The same child has recently developed violent tendencies and is also making poor ethical

decisions. The parent wonders, “Where has this behavior come from? Certainly not from me.” While children are influenced by many different sources, behavior experts cite television as one of the leading coercions in society today. Violence, drugs, sex, and harsh language is commonplace on TV. However, it is also full of beneficial, morally sound educational programs that any parent is happy to have their child watch. So, the question many have is how to find the balance between protecting a child from the negative content on TV while still being able to expose them to the enormous amount of positive content. Satellite television providers, such as Dish Network, are using modern technology to aid mothers and fathers in finding this balance. Finding The Good Through All The Bad In years past, parents were basically limited with two choices when it came to protecting their child from the harmful images on television. Sit and watch every program with their children to make sure they don’t wander onto the wrong channels, or don’t let them watch television at all. With the first choice, almost no mother or father has the time or desire to watch every show their kids watch. The second choice only isolates kids from all the beneficial and educational shows that can help a child grow and develop. PBS Kids, BabyFirst TV, Discovery Kids, The Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon are examples of the programming available on satelite broadcasting that is considered safe for younger viewers. The satellite TV technology of Dish Network offers a way to provide this type of educational content while eliminating the worry from placing a child alone in front of a television. Technology For Worry-Free Viewing With every type of Dish Network satelite receiver,

one can use the Parental Controls and System Locks to choose which programs are available when a child turns on the television. This is a free service offered by Dish Network that creates password protected locks to restrict the viewing of programs in two ways. One way is to set parental locks based on the rating that a program receives. By way of government regulations, TV shows are now given a rating that is based on the same rating system that theatrical movies receive. This allows mothers and fathers to have a good idea of the type of content within the television show and decide whether it is suitable for their child. Dish Network satellite services offer password protected locks on these ratings, and gives the option of added protection. The other way Dish Network allows parents to protect their kids is to set password protected locks on individual channels. Any channel on the Dishnetwork can be locked by password. Local channels, music entertainment channels, movie channels and even Pay-Per-View programs can be kept away from younger eyes. Through Dish Network satellite TV technology, a parent decides what is appropriate for their children to watch, sets a password that only they know, and then walks away without worry. Using Satellite Programming For A Better Tomorrow Never before has it been so safe and secure to allow children access to the wide variety of healthy, educational shows on television. Dishnetwork is using state-of-the-art technology to ease the worried minds of mothers and fathers everywhere. In the coming years, they will continue to upgrade this technology as it comes available, and parents will continue to be grateful of that. •

Archie Harris is a satellite television guru who has been following industry trends for over fifteen years. Mr. Harris has been publishing articles about satellite TV packages and the lastest deals on the internet for the past seven years. Consumers and first-time buyers have come to rely on Mr. Harris’ articles to make the most informed decisions about purchasing satellite systems such as Dish Network and DirecTV.


Key lime Pie MargaritaHere's what you need to make it (per blenderful):6 ounces Tequila, 2 ounces Triple Sec, 6 ounces sour mix, 3 tablespoons Key Lime Curd, ice, Whipped Cream.

And how to do it:Pour all of the ingredients except the ice into the blender and blend for about 10 seconds. Then add in a handful of ice and blend for about 30 more seconds. Pour into a Graham Cracker lined margarita glass (a must). Top with a touch of whipped cream and enjoy!

To submit recipes contact Chanin Hardison at [email protected]

The Old Recipe BoxMay 2007

Key lime Pie Margarita

The Old Recipe BoxThe Old Recipe Box The Old Recipe BoxThe Old Recipe Box

Coconut MargaritaHere’s what you need to make it (per blenderful):6 ounces tequila; 3 ounces triple sec; 4 ounces cream of coconut; 4 ounces sour mix, 2 ounces pinapple juice; ice And how to do it:Pour the ingredients except the ice into your

blender and blend for about 10 seconds. Then, throw in a big handful of ice and blend for another 30 seconds. Yowza!

Midori MargaritaHere’s what you need to make it (per blenderful):

6 ounces Tequila, 3 ounces Midori, 5 ounces Sweet & Sour Mix, ice.

And how to do it:Pour the ingredients except the ice into your blender and blend for about 10 seconds. Then, throw in a handful of ice and blend for another 30 seconds. Perfection!

Chocolate MargaritaHere’s what you need to make it (Per serving)

1-1/2 ounces Tequila, 1 ounce Godiva liquor, 3/4 ounce cream or half & half, 1 tlbs Hershey’s syrup; 2 ounces orange juice, ice And how to do it:Did I say shaker? Yes…this is one of those delicate recipes where subjecting chocolaty goodness to the force of your blender with all that ice just doesn’t fl y. So throw the ingredients into your shaker for a few quick shakes and pour into a..get this…margarita glass with crushed oreos lining the rim! Yumm!

blender and blend for about 10 seconds. Then, throw in a big handful of ice and blend for another 30 seconds. Yowza!

Here’s what you need to make it (per blenderful):

Cinco De Mayo, Saturday May 5thMargarita Mambo:



GO TEAM!Baseball Pitching Tips for Kids

by: Roger Nelson

Every kid that loves baseball has fantasized about being a great pro pitcher and throwing a perfect game. It’s one of those universal American dreams of little boys everywhere. While dreams like these should never be quashed, its important for responsible adults to teach kids how to pitch a baseball with

the correct form and control. Without such guidance, overly enthusiastic children run a real risk of doing dam-age to their arms, elbows, and shoulder joints when throwing baseballs.The first thing every kid needs to learn before he takes the mound to pitch in a baseball game is the correct form. Not only will this give his pitches more power and control, it will also put less strain on the impor-tant and vulnerable parts of the body. There are two big keys for baseball pitchers. First, it must be taught to youngsters that effective and safe pitching is powered mainly by the legs, not the arm. A good training tip is to have players watch several pro baseball games, paying close attention to the form of the pitchers as they wind up and throw. Have them note how the legs are what propel them, and that the arm is really just a means of directing the ball. Kids aren’t analyzers, and most of them will attempt to pitch a baseball using all arm strength. This is sure path to injury!The other crucially important aspect of pitching a base-ball that must be taught early is the role of the elbow. The natural tendency, especially in kids, is to simply try to throw the baseball as hard as they can each and ev-ery time. Again, this invites injury and can actually rob them of speed on every pitch.The proper form is to train the elbow to lead the hand. The elbow should stay ahead of hand until just before release of the baseball. This takes some practice, but once a child learns to do it without forcing it, he s on the path to better control, more power, and (most importantly) a safe baseball throwing motion. Caution: in conjunction with this move, baseball pitchers must learn to keep their throwing arm’s shoulder in close to their body. One of the biggest hazards is letting the shoulder jut forward or to the side early in the pitching motion. The elbow moving ahead will put strain on the shoulder joint if it isn’t kept close in. Again, this takes repeated practice, especially for kids for whom baseball pitching is new and whose bodies are not yet under their full control. A good idea is to impress upon the young pitcher that speed isn’t the top priority in good baseball pitching, control is. This serves two purposes. First, it will help you slow him down in order to ingrain the proper and safe movements outlined above. Second, it’s generally easier to build up speed after control is learned when throwing a baseball than it is to learn control after speed. •

Pictured above: Coach Ismael Ontiveros and the Orville Wright Elementary School Baseball team.

Note: Coach Ontiveros would like to find funds to put up a fence by the baseball field to keep players from chasing balls out into the street. A couple of kids have nearly been hit by cars and he’s very concerned about their safety. He would like to build a 4’ chain link fence, which will cost around $1900. Modesto city doesn’t have the funds to do this. If you have any ideas about anyone who might be interested in donating money, time, and/or materials for this project, contact Coach Ontiveros at (209)521-4134.



COMMUNITY CORNERThe George A. Rogers Neighborhood Park

George Rogers was a respected and beloved teacher, poet, and musician who had a tremendous influence on the neighborhood where he taught, as well as the

community where he was born, raised, and lived. When he died of cancer 2004, his family, friends, and colleagues successfully partnered with the city of Modesto to re-name the public park adjacent to his school in his honor. They also promised to help take care of the park and raise money to underwrite park improvements, develop educational programs, and fund scholarships for the Airport District neighborhood children of Orville Wright School where Mr. Rogers taught for 30 years.The George A. Rogers Neighbor-hood Park is one of the newest parks

in Modesto. It sits on a small rise with panoramic views of the Tuolumne River Regional Park. The park features a little league diamond, picnic area, and playground equip-ment. Future improvements will include a picnic shelter, basketball court, and skateboard park. In the center of the park stands a majestic valley oak tree. An attractive and sturdy new park sign was recently installed and dedicated. This park is considered by many to be a jewel in a city known for its parks.

To date, several thousand dollars have been donated to a park fund established with the Stanislaus Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization headquartered in Modesto.The Friends of George A. Rogers Park – in association with the City of Modesto Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhoods Department and the Stanislaus Community Foundation – is seeking donations of time, money, and materials for a variety of projects, including a new safety fence for the little league diamond, scholarships for students graduating from Johansen High School, and park clean-up activities.

If you are interested in supporting this worthwhile project, please contact Ken White ● [email protected] ● 3430 Tully Road, Suite 20-209, Modesto, CA 95350.The residents of Modesto and the Airport Neighborhood understand that well-maintained parks, accessible recreational activities, and equitable neighborhood programs are key elements of a safe, family-friendly, thriving, and attractive community. Parks like the George A. Rogers Neighborhood Park contribute to a sense of place and community. A place we call home. •

The George A. Rogers Neighborhood Park is a fundof the Stanislaus Community Foundation.



10 Tips for Choosing and Placing Unique Outdoor Yard Art by: Deborah Boland

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to garden art. It all boils down to finding pieces that are unique and special

to you and that make you feel good. Many homeowners wouldn’t dream of putting any kind of garden art in their backyard unless it was very traditional. They like formal garden art like stone or concrete statuary of angels, gargoyles and goddesses. Formal garden art also includes ornate birdbaths and heavy classical water fountains. Others take their garden art far less seriously and want unique outdoor yard art with a more modern look and feel. This group of backyard lovers enjoy nostalgic and fun resin or bronze sculptures of children and animals of every kind. I’ve even seen alligator statuary yard art! Other examples of this semi-formal garden art include copper art for patio and yard, stainless steel yard art, topiary wire garden sculptures, as well as handcrafted items like one-of- a- kind birdhouses, stain glass stepping stones, pottery, and other unique outdoor yard art. Then there’s the crowd who declare that art should be just plain fun and crazy. They like informal garden art. Their taste is off the wall. They love to shake things up with a few pink flamingos, or to decorate their gardens with unusual household objects like broken china plates, a dressmaker’s dummy, even an old toilet seat lid. They like to transform old junk into beautiful works of art. No need to waste anything. Try placing recycled metal garden art in your backyard or use architectural salvage to create garden art from old windows. Whatever you consider garden art, here are 10 places to display

it to bring out its full charm. • In a boring, bare part of the yard to add interest and

stimulate conversation. • At the end of a path to add drama. • In any area to add comic relief. How about some

playful topiary wire garden sculptures of your favorite animal like a lion or a dinosaur?

• In front of an ugly spot to hide dead patch. • Directly in line with an unwanted view of the

neighbor’s yard to create privacy. • On a wall or fence to visually break up the long

monotonous line. I have a beautiful concrete painted face hanging on one part of my fence and a mirror hanging on another to add interest. Any garden wall art sculpture will do.

• In front of a colorful burst of foliage to punctuate the space. My classical white bird bath looks gorgeous just in front of my huge pink rose bush.

• Hidden behind some greenery so it just peeks out a little to create a feeling of antiquity. This will put plants in the spotlight.

• Within the frame of a beautiful view to enhance the view even more. My backyard is on the lake and the view is made even more beautiful by a piece of unique outdoor yard art --A fountain of Poseidon the sea God that we have made part of the view.

• In a rock garden to create feeling of garden gallery. The rocks are natural pedestals for the art and create a wonderful playground for eye to bounce around in and land on art.

Don’t forget about the view from inside. Take a look out your window to see where you might place

garden art so that it draws you out into the backyard. Finally, less is more. Too much garden art will make your backyard look junky. All you need is a few interesting pieces of unique outdoor yard art to personalize your backyard and give it a sense of place. •

Deborah Boland © 2006 All Rights Reserved


In Loving Memory of

CORPORAL MICHAEL D. ANDERSON Jr., USMC

In the face of Grave Danger, our HeroInspired his Squad with his “Come boys, follow me”

Ability and Leadership Skills.

Mike Jr. was Killed In Combat ActionFallujah, Iraq, December 14, 2004

“Operation Phantom Fury”, aka: “Battle For Fallujah”

3rd Bn / 5th Marines, Kilo Co, 1st Mar Div.

“Stellar Stud Marine”www.cplandersonjr.org


valley home sweet home 2007

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