home & garden 2010

A product of

20102010

Page 5Page 5

Sugar kettles do Sugar kettles do

more than hold water,more than hold water,

as one in a Teche Areaas one in a Teche Area

yard proves in a scenicyard proves in a scenic

view. view.

Page 9Page 9

Women are the topWomen are the top

recyclers, according torecyclers, according to

a survey. Now is thea survey. Now is the

time to get back intime to get back in

the practice, beforethe practice, before

Earth Day. Earth Day.

4Page 14

Make your home saferMake your home safer

with these timely tips. with these timely tips.

HOME & GARDEN THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 20102 THE DAILY IBERIAN

by Whirlpool

EED4400WQ

Super

Capacity

5-Cycle

Washer

SuperCapacity ElectricDryer

$329

$359

ETW4400WQ

Available in 30”, 36” & 42” • Quiet, Stylish And Easy To Clean!

HOODS!HOODS!HOODS!

YOUR APPLIANCE SPECIALYOUR APPLIANCE SPECIALTY STORETY STORE• Extra large home appliance section• Fast, dependable service • Complete parts department• Factory-trained technicians• Friendly courteous sales staff• Interest free financing or low monthly payments• Built-in appliance department• Extended warranties available • Convenient hours• We sell quality appliances at competitive prices

1331 East Saint Peter St., New Iberia

337-364-0495

A&A APPLIANCE CENTER

30” Starting at

$5900

OPEN SATURDAYS 8 -12

12MONTHSINTEREST FREE

RefrigeratorsStarting at$419

Spring Spectacular

1319 E. Main • New Iberia, La. • 365-7127

WATKINSFloor Covering

EXPERIENCED INSTALLERSRicky Watkins 30 yrs., Larry Meyers 48 yrs. &

Gregory Chancellor 18 Yrs.

39Years In Business

Large Inventory• Floor Tiles• Lots of Remnants• Vinyl • Laminate Flooring• Quick Step & Laminate by MOHAWK• Ceramic Tiles• Carpets

I ND EX

Raise home’s value

Simple ways to help your property ..........PAGE 4

Hard to find but worth it

Sugar kettles add water feature ................PAGE 5

Decked out

Get patio in good shape ............................PAGE 7

Dealing with flood

Coping with water damage ........................PAGE 8

Recycling time

Renew the commitment, go green ............PAGE 9

Threatening insects

Combat ‘silent destroyers’ of wood ..........PAGE 11

Beautify exterior

Make old home feel brand new ..............PAGE 12

Nature in your yard/garden

Invite plant life, songbirds ........................PAGE 13

Make your home safer

Beef up security, stress safety .................PAGE 14

Home & Garden is a supplemental publicationof The Daily Iberian, P.O. Box 9290,New Iberia, La., 70562.

Publisher..........................................................Will ChapmanManaging Editor................................................Jeff ZeringueAdvertising Manager................................................Alan RiniProduction Manager..........................................Jerry SextonBusiness Manager.........................................Amanda SenecaCirculation Manager....................................John “JP” Poirier

PATRICK FLANAGAN / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Dana Dugas, who owns South Louisiana Solar, touts alternative and renewable energyconversion for Teche Area residents.

Gradually get into solarizing

BY PATRICK FLANAGAN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

After attending a solar energyschool in Jacksonville, Fla., twoyears ago, Dana Dugas opened

South Louisiana Solar in an effort toexpand the business of alternative andrenewable energy in the Teche Area.

Although Dugas has quoted several solarpanel roof installations, he has yet to findsomeone ready to pay the $40,000 to $45,000price-tag for the project.

“The prices have started coming downbut it’s still not really affordable,” Dugassaid.

While the cost for a full solar conversionof a home remains outside the reach ofmany area consumers, Dugas said he hassold quite a few solar water heaters. Thecost: $7,500. Yet, by investing in a solarwater heater, consumers can become eligi-ble for the Advanced Energy Project Creditby filing Tax Form 3468, which allows qual-ifying candidates to receive a 30 percentrebate from the federal government and a50 percent rebate from the state.

With a combined rebate of 80 percent,consumers can save $1,500 off the $7,500

SEE SOLARIZING, PAGE 3

Water heaters aregood investment to start conversion

HOME & GARDEN THE DAILY IBERIAN 3THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010

Hwy. 182 West By Spanish Lake • Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30-5:30 • Sun. 10:00-4:00 364-4879

IBERIA GARDENS & NURSERY• Mexican Pottery• Landscape Edging• Garden Supplies

& Chemicals

• Bulk Soil & Mulch• Glazed Pottery• Seasonal Flowers,

Vegetables & Bulbs

• Rose Bushes• Flowering Shrubs• Shade & Fruit Trees• Palm Trees

SOLARIZING: ‘Just the solar water heater is saving me about $50 per month’ - Dugas

cost of the solar water heater. Dugas saidwithin three years, a solar water heaterwill pay for itself, and thereafter, theappliance will generate a monthly profitfor the consumer.

By using a solar water heater in his all-electric, 2,500-square-foot home, Dugassaid, “just the solar water heater is savingme about $50 per month.”

“With all the talk of going green andsaving the earth, you’ll start seeing moreand more being done, and the more that’sdone, the less expensive this will end upbeing,” Dugas said.

While Dugas specializes in the retailand instillation side of the alternativeand renewable energy industry, one NewIberia resident — locally dubbed the“Cajun mad scientist” — represents theside of the industry where theory andexperimentation merge.

At age 9, Jonathan Granger single-handedly assembled a treehouse — on theground — and then using a pulley systemof cables and ropes, he hoisted the appa-ratus into the air to secure the structurein the tree. Granger has since grown intoadulthood, and despite holding down acareer as a chemical engineer and being afamily man, he maintains his passion foringenuity and invention.

Instead of constructing tree houses,Granger now directs his inventivenessinto his 2,500-square-foot home, which hasbecome the prime test subject for a multi-tude of alternative and renewable cus-tomization projects that employ solar andthermal energy conversion as a measure

to reduce the home’s utility costs.To reduce his gas bill, Granger has cre-

ated a “heat exchange” system by adorn-ing the home’s roof with three solar pan-els, which he has connected to a modifiedhot water heater and a customized con-trol panel. Granger’s heat exchange sys-tem uses a 140-h.p. pump that onlyexpends 40 watts of power to pump waterup to the roof where it can be heated upto 155 degrees by the solar panels. Whenthe water reaches the specified tempera-ture, which Granger can set by a turn ofthe dial on his homemade controller, thewater then trickles down into a collectorthat disperses the warmed water through-out the home.

“A system like mine purchased off theshelf, you’d be looking at upward of$5,000,” Granger said. Yet by using anassortment of items found by the road-side and a junk yard, such as bed frames,hot water heaters, telephone wire and caralternators, Granger paid only $500. As aresult, he has reduced his gas bill to theminimum rate of $30 per month.

Granger also is working on a devicethat uses waste combustion to createenergy. The apparatus, which Grangersaid uses a “closed-loop system,” con-sists of a small hot water heater, a Tacopump and copper coiling located inside afour inch pipe. To generate pressure,Granger said the devise creates energyby heating liquid freon.

As the freon is heated, it expands andgenerates pressure until it is com-pressed into a gas that travels throughthe copper coils and into a condenser,where it is cooled and recondensed back

into liquid form.“There’s a lot of waste energy in

Louisiana that you can combust. Most ofit is going into the landfills,” Grangersaid. “Without the sun, we have finiteenergy on Earth, so why not use thatwaste energy?

“If I can design the right combuster,there’s enough refuse to power all of NewIberia using the exact same system as apower plant, just smalle.”

Nevertheless, as Granger continuesmaking headway with his renewableenergy inventions, he is forced to con-tend with the constraints of time andmust divide his time appropriatelybetween his career, family and hisrenewable home energy experimenta-tion’s.

“I don’t want to neglect my family, butat the same time, I have a strong desire todo this,” he said.

FROM PAGE 2

When it comes to enjoying the

good life, gas water heaters are

truly the smart choice. Why?

They heat water twice as

fast as their electric

counterparts, for half the

cost. In fact, you can enjoy

two bathtubs full of warm

water for the same cost as a

single tub of water heated

with electricity. Considering

water heaters are the second

biggest energy consumer in

your home, gas makes a

whole lot of sense. And

dollars. So what are you

waiting for? Take a long,

hot bath with comfortable,

affordable natural gas. Visit

us at CenterPointEnergy.com.

Fig.2Gas Water Heater

Fig.1Electric Water Heater

429

Don’t get soakedwith an electric water heater.

BY STATE POINT MEDIA

It’s a busy time in the wild world ofreal estate. After a nationwide c risis,there has been a surge of home sales

across the country and homeowners onceagain are looking for ways to increase thevalue of their houses — regardless oftheir intent on selling them.

Experts say there are a number of sim-ple ways to help your property see a risein value.

“To draw buyers in, you need to createa visual story of how they could live inyour home,” says Starr Osborne, founderof moving-management and design com-pany Tailored Transitions and author of“Home Staging That Works: Sell YourHome in Less Time for More Money.”“You need to prepare your home in such away that it tells them a tale of the won-derful life that awaits them.”

With a few quick moves, telling thatstory can be easier.

Consider an Inspection When it comes to the inner workings of

any home, a lot can go wrong. There arealso plenty of inopportune times for ahouse’s plumbing or electricity to sudden-ly go out. Plan a proper home inspectionand rest easier knowing your property isup to code.

Get a Fresh Perspective By bringing in a home stager for a cou-

ple of hours, you’ll gain insight into yourhome from someone with an establishedbackground in real estate. By offering the

odd decorating idea, he or she can helpbring your home in line with the latestand most popular design trends.

Stage Your Home There are many ways easy or tempo-

rary upgrades to your home that cancome in handy if you’re showing it toprospective buyers. “Home staging hasinfiltrated the selling process all acrossthe country,” says Osborne. “Clearly, stag-ing boosts sales prices.”

According to a recent HomeGain sur-vey of 2,000 realtors nationwide, 91 per-cent recommended staging before selling.Simple solutions from replacing faucetsto moving furniture can dramaticallyimpact your home’s sale price.

Unclutter If you’re looking to sell, improve that

first impression. Make sure your lawn,shrubbery, walkway and driveway are all

tidy. Get rid of messes and consider a newdoormat or some nice planters. Removingbooks and lamps helps unclutter a livingor family room.

Fix The Easy Stuff Repair paint cracks with spackle and a

new coat. Fix cracked or missing base-boards, thresholds and tiling. Make surehinges are well oiled and that doors andwindows open and close easily.

Add Some Color By investing in some nice paints and

applying a fresh coat, any home can begiven new life quickly and easily. Assignspecific colors to different rooms, andyou’ll find that walking around the houseis a whole new experience.

In a quick-fix marketplace where homevalues have decreased while transactionsincrease, deciding to sell or not can be abig decision. But a few simple tweaks canraise your home’s value, whatever deci-sion you make.


• Imported Pottery All styles 10% - 30% off• Cajun Hibiscus • Fabulous Hanging Baskets• Colorful Bedding Plants • Houseplants & Interior Palms• Vegetables, Herbs & Seeds• Perennials, Groundcovers, Succulents• Landscape - Quality Trees & Shrubs,

Fruit & Citrus•Garden Chemicals & Fertilizers

HEBERT’SGarden Center

533 W. St. Peter - 364-8421

HOURS: MON-FRI 8:00-5:30 SAT 8:00-5:00SUN 12:00-5:00

Now OpenSundays 12-5

For those busy days!NEW! REAR PARKING

& NURSERYENTRANCE

Ask Us About OurNew LandscapeDesign Service!

“We Plan...You Plant!

GET TO HEBERT’S NOW!

NEW! We’ve Expanded Our Selection For Spring

MORE OF WHAT YOU’VE ASKED FOR...

We’re Here To Help...Call Us!

Dan Doerle

Turn to the Experts

Doerle’s Heating & Cooling1320 E. Main St., New Iberia

Phone (337) 367-2511

Simple ways to increase the value of your home

WWW.STATEPOINTMEDIA.NET

Uncluttering inside rooms and outside areas are keys to increasing property’s value.

BY HOLLY

LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Sue Legnonremembers herfirst sugar kettle,

a gift from husband Tedfor the couple’s 15thanniversary.

Legnon always want-ed one, she said, andTed Legnon found thefirst from an antique

dealerin Bald-win.The ket-tle, nowa promi-nentwaterfeaturein theland-

scaping of the couple’sOak Place home in NewIberia, came from asugar cane farmer inSt. Mary Parish,Legnon said.

It is now one of threein the Legnon’s flowerbeds, nestled into andsurrounded by otherindigenous, “old-fash-ioned” plants, Legnonsaid.

Sugar kettles have always been a valu-able find and retain a sentimental qualityfor Teche Area residents. Their value inrecent years has increased because origi-nals have become hard to come by,Legnon said. Reproductions are readilyavailable at a fraction of the cost, shesaid.

The kettles offer a convenient vessel toadd a water feature in a garden asopposed to digging ponds, especially in an

area with such a high water table andprone to flooding.

Kelly Suire, owner of Water GardensUnlimited, said anyone interested ininstalling in-ground ponds as opposed toutilizing objects like kettles need to consid-er several factors in the planning process.

She said the location of the feature isone of the most important elements to


1302 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.(Across from NISH), New Iberia

369-7082

COUNTER HEIGHT TABLE& 6 STOOLS

$699

LANE RECLINING SOFA & RECLINING LOVESEAT

$1699

BIG SCREENENTERTAINMENT

CENTER $799

12 Months

Interest Free

Financing WAC

Walter Carlo

Brown Bonded LEATHER SECTIONAL $999

COFFEE & 2 END TABLES$$299299

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SALE!

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SALE!

Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-4

Sugar kettles addscenic water feature

HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Bird statues stand tall in and near the sugar kettle on the sce-nic property at Ted and Sue Legnon’s home.

SEE WATER, PAGE 6

Legnon


Eligible Models Down Payment Maximum Term A.P.R. Monthly Payments per $1,000 Borrowed

All New Kubota ZG and ZD Models

$0 48 Months 0.00% $20.83

10% Down 60 Months 3.49% $18.19

$0 60 Months 3.99% $18.41

www.kubota.com��

� � � � � � � � �

��

��

$0DOWN AND 0 FINANCING FOR 4 YEARS*

� � � � � � � �

The smart-money’s on Kubota’s zero-turn mowers.See your local Kubota dealer for a capital investment with high-performance returns. Hurry! Offer ends May 31, 2010.

�� !�"��#��$�� " ��$��%�� '()*(*� �+,�� -��.�� %�� %�� #��%��/� �)��*��"�� $�� " �� 0�� "�� 1 %�!�"�� !�"��.��2��#�� " � �3� �� " ��#��%�� " �� 4��$�� " �� 4�� 5�$�� .��%��"��$�� " ��"��67 3 � 8�� 9��$�� " ��!�"��7��7��: ; � �)��*�0� ��< $� �=��7��>�'�)?��"@��$� �;��,�� % �1��,��'()*(*� �;�� .�� A�"��

Sammy Broussard Eq. Ctr. of New Iberia1511 Center Street

New Iberia, LA 70562(337) 367-5296

10% Down 60 Months 3.49% $18.19

Sammy Broussard Lawn & Tractor(337) 367-5296

1511 Center St. New Iberia, LA 70562

$0 DOWN AND 0% A.P.R. FINANCING FOR 4 YEARS*

The smart-money’s on Kubota’s zero-turn mowers.See you local Kubota dealer for a capital investment with high-performance returns. Hurry! Offer ends May 31, 2010

Eligible Models Down Payment Maximum Term A.P.R. Monthly Payments per $1,000 Borrowed

0 48 Months 0.00% $20.83

0 60 Months 3.99% $18.41

All New Kubota ZG and ZD 10% Down 60 Months 3.49% $18.19

WATER: Most ponds need access to existing utilities such as electricity, water

placed in the lowest part of the yardbecause of the possibility of rain waterintrusion and therefore the likelihood ofwater runoff.

She said most ponds, above ground orin-ground varieties, need access toexisting utilities such as electricity andwater.

The amount of ornamentation desiredshould also be considered, Suire said,including the number of fish and plantsfor example before the size of a pond isdetermined.

In addition, when in the planning phas-es, Suire said filtration systems, eithermechanical or biological, should be con-sidered.

New Iberia resident and professionallandscaper Renee Voorhies said bacteriacan become a problem with water fea-tures.

She said they are a prime environmentfor parasites and care should be taken

with families with small children whomight be tempted to play in the water fea-ture.

Even with filters, Voorhies said, bacte-ria and parasites should be a concern.

“No one usually cleans they’re stuff on

a regular basis,” she said.The Legnons don’t fall into that catego-

ry, Sue Legnon said.“A lot of people want landscaping and

fountains and things that are ‘mainte-nance-free’,” she said. “Landscaping andthese things are never maintenance free.You really have to keep up with thesethings to keep them as attractive as theywere when they were first put in.”

She said doing so happens to be a joyfor the Legnons, who can be found intheir gardens most afternoons and everyweekend.

The couple own Legnon’s Boucherie onJefferson Terrace in New Iberia andspend most of their days dealing with thepublic.

“Our days are a lot of in and out, com-ing and going, talking and noise,” SueLegnon said.

“Our gardens are an escape. A place tocome when we just want to hear the birdssing, the water trickle from the fountainand breathe in the fresh air.”

FROM PAGE 5 AT A G L ANCE

Here are some details about sugar kettles:

TECHE AREA RESIDENTS find the sugar kettles have a sentimental value and quality.They have been paying more and more for originals over the years. Replicas are available ata fraction of the cost.

SUGAR KETTLES are a convenient vessel to add a water feature to a garden asopposed to digging ponds in an area.

LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION. They should not be placed in the lowest partof the yard.

FILTERING SYSTEMS, either mechanical or biological, should be considered. Bacteriacan be a problem with water features.

SUCH PONDS are not ‘maintenance free.’ ‘You really have to keep up with these thingsto keep them as attractice as they were when they were first put in,’ Sue Legnon says.

BY STATEPOINTMEDIA

Before family and friends take to your deckor patio for barbecues, parties and otherseasonal fun, you need to make sure it’s

safe and in good shape.While the outdoors can be terrific for fun and

relaxation, the elements can wreak havoc ondecks, causing old or unprotected wood to warp,crack and grow mold or mildew. And age, mois-ture and wind can cause railings, flooring orsteps to loosen.

It’s time to inspect your deck or patio and getit in shape.

“Now is the perfect time to take advantage ofwarmer days to inspect and revitalize yourdeck,” says Susan Uram of Olympic ExteriorStains.

“And it shouldn’t take you that long if youknow what to look for and have the right toolsand products on hand.”

Safety First Inspect your deck, patio or porch for split or

rotting wood, loose railings or handrails, anddamaged support beams and planking. Repairany structural damage. Replace or hammer innails or tighten loose screws, bolts and spindles.You’ll also want to check outdoor benches, chairs,tables and planters to make sure they are stable.

Apply Protection The wood on your deck has many small pores

that can fill with water and dirt, causing warp-ing, discoloration and splintering. Mold andmildew also can break down structural integrity.First, give your deck a facelift by cleaning itwith a suitable deck cleaner. Then protect itwith a high-quality stain, such as those fromOlympic Exterior Stains, which will penetrateand enhance the beauty of your wood for years.


2158 Kenner Ave - Kenner, LA

504-467-6998

Since 1965Locally Owned & Operated

Licensed & Insuredtriple

BBBCONSTRUCTION CO

POOL ENCLOSURESAND

GLASS ENCLOSURES

Get your outdoor deckready for the summer

WWW.STATEPOINT.NET

Make sure your deck is safe, clean and looking good going into the latespring and early summer. Take advantage of warm days to inpect it. SEE DECK, PAGE 8


Bugs Invading Your Property?“Our Mission Is To Help People Live, Work and Enjoy A Pest Free Environment”

Protect YourInvestment...

With A Pest ControlManagement Program

Free Estimates

New Iberia (337) 367-1414Abbeville (337) 893-3345 • Lafayette (337) 233-3800

Franklin (337) 828-4774 • Morgan City (985) 384-7042www.sugarlandexterminating.com

SugarlandExterminating Co.Call

cabinets • countertops • design & installation

8-5 Monday - Friday • After Hours & Saturdays By Appointment Only

114 Church Alley, New Iberia, LA

337-560-4232Locally Owned & Operated

By Kerry Jackson

DECK: Soak in the outdoors in style

Be sure to choose appropriate deckcleaners and stains, such as those fromOlympic, which clean properly and pro-tect against water, mildew, scuffs and UVdamage from the sun.

“If you’re unsure if it’s time to stain orseal your deck, pour a small cup of wateron a few horizontal surfaces. If water isabsorbed in less than 10 minutes, or if thesurface color darkens, it’s time to stain orseal,” points out Uram.

Beware Of Grills Everything you put on your deck can

affect it. Your grill can drip grease, stain-ing or eroding your deck’s finish. Positiongrills carefully, placing a hard rubber matbeneath them. Also be mindful of wel-come mats. They can collect moisture,leading to wood damage. Always dry outmats after it rains, allowing the deck’ssurface to dry before replacing them.

Complement with Accents Liven up your deck by using stains with

accent colors on railings, spindles, steprisers and treads. Get creative with wood-en furniture and accessories. Try stainingplanters or benches with vibrant colors.For inspiration, you can visitwww.Olympic.com for a how-to guide forgarden DIY projects. Experiment and cre-ate distinctive looks showcasing your per-sonality.

Nothing beats sitting out on your newlystained deck, soaking in the great outdoors.

FROM PAGE 7

Also be mindful of welcomemats. ... Always dry out matsafter it rains, allowing the

deck’s surface to dry beforereplacing them.

What to do if your home gets floodedWhat if water starts flooding

your home? Here are some tips from Stephen

Elliott, owner of StructureMedic, arestoration organization specializingin water damage:

If water is coming close to electricaloutlets, and if it is safe to do so, go tothe breaker outlet and shut off power.

Remove furniture and other belong-ings to a higher, dryer space.

Use drain pumps that connect tocommon hoses to drain exess water.

Run a dehumidifier to keephumidity levels down and preventmolding.

Water from outside is likely to haveyard chemicals. An anti-bactericide

can fight unwanted bacteria.If you call professionals, make sure

they are certified by the Institute ofInspection, Cleaning and RestorationCertification.

For more information, visitwww.structuremedic.com.

If you call professionals,make sure they are

certified by the Institute ofInspection, Cleaning andRestoration Certification.

BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

In recognition ofthe 40th anniver-sary of Earth Day

(April 22, 2010), now isa great time for manyAmericans to renewtheir commitment tohelping protect andpreserve the environ-ment. An easy way todo this is to recycle.

Recycling can helpsave energy, moneyand land space, createnew green jobs, andreduce greenhousegas emissions. By get-ting your whole familyinvolved in theprocess, it can also bea fun way to do moreto protect the environ-ment. And it’s easierthan you think.

A national surveysponsored by Plastics Make it Possible, aninitiative of the plastics industries of theAmerican Chemistry Council, shows thatnearly 70 percent of households make aneffort to recycle. Interestingly, of thosehomes that make recycling a priority, morethan two out of three rely on the women ofthe house to serve as “recycling enforcers.”

So, what better time than the presentfor moms — and dads — to get their fami-lies recycling?

“It’s encouraging that a majority ofAmericans are making an effort to recy-cle at home, but there is still a huge


Escape to the comfort of a country styled ccottage with the “Cottage Retreat”dining collection. All Solid Hardwood • Cherry • Black • White

Table & 4 Stools$699

337-365-6657 OUT OF TOWN CUSTOMERS

1-800-526-2771603-G. W. Admiral Doyle Dr. • New Iberia

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-6:00Saturday 9:00-2:00

HOME FURNISHINGS • TENT & PARTY RENTALSwww.freminsfoodandfurniture.com

Sofa &Loveseat$1499

Infused with the rich beauty and stunning details of grand traditional design, the“Bohemia-Spice” upholstery collection is an exceptional blending of soft fabric andsophisticated leathre upholstery.

The stylish contemporary design of the “Thorton-Red” upholstery collection usessubtle shaping and a supportive comfort to create living room furniture that is sureto enhance the beauty of any home.

Sofa &Loveseat$699

Twin size mattress only

$$549549Queenset

Twin set$349

Full set$499

$$899899Queenset

Full set$849

King set$1249

$$13991399Queen

setTwin set$1199

Full set$1399

King set$1999

Twin set$729

HOME FURNISHINGS • TENT & PARTY RENTALSwww.freminsfoodandfurniture.com

SPECIALPURCHASE!

SPECIALPURCHASE!

Serta Pedic Mahoney

$$149149Serta Pedic • Mahoney FirmSerta Pedic • Mahoney Firm

Serene Signature • Memory MattressSerene Signature • Memory Mattress Serta Pedic • Walden Pillow SoftSerta Pedic • Walden Pillow Soft

Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. 9-1 • 1614 Center St. • 365-TOOL (365-8665) • or Toll Free 1-877-239-9297

BUDGET TOOLS& MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES

SkirtingRoof Coating

Plumbing FixturesAnchors

& Much More

Mobile HomeSupplies To Fit

Your Budget

Get family recyclingin time for Earth Day

SEE RECYCLING, PAGE 10

WWW.STATEPOINT.NET

Women are the top recyclers, according to a recent survey.


P.O. Box 9917 • New Iberia, LA 70562Out of Town: 800-303-2429

Kevin ViatorOwner & Operator

337-367-PESTProfessional Termite And Pest Control

FREE ESTIMATESSherwin-Williams

904 S. Lewis St.New Iberia 364-5512

www.sherwin-williams.com

ASK HOW - ASK NOWASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

• Color Matching • Faux Finishes • Wallpaper Patterns • Expert Advice

• Competitive Prices

RECYCLING: Locate recycling center

third who don’t yet recycle,” said SteveRussell, vice president of plastics for theAmerican Chemistry Council. “Manyplastics can be easily recycled and givena second life as carpet, clothing, furni-ture, backyard decks, new bottles andbags, and other products we use everyday.”

Here are some helpful recycling tipsfrom Russell:

• Do Your Homework: Find out what isaccepted for recycling in your area.Though recycling varies nationwide,most community programs collect plas-tic bottles and many large grocerychains offer bins for recycling used plas-tic bags and product wraps. Web siteslike www.earth911.com allow you toenter your zip code to locate recyclingcenters closest to you.

• Check the Neck: For recycling purpos-es, a bottle is any container with a neckor opening smaller than its base. Be sureto put these items in your recycling bin:milk jugs and beverage bottles; bottlesfrom shampoo, toiletries, laundry deter-gent and other household cleaners; bot-tles from salad dressing, cooking oil andcondiments; and don’t forget to includejars from things like peanut butter andmayonnaise.

• Bring Bottles Back to Your Bin: Manybottles and bags are used on the go, soremember to bring them back to therecycle bin. When you’re out and about,store empties in a backpack or briefcase,or leave them in the car.

• Bring Bags Back to the Store: Manylarge grocery stores and retailers likeWal-Mart offer collection bins so you canbring back used bags and product wraps.These programs allow you to recycleplastic shopping bags, plastic newspaperbags, dry cleaning bags, and bread bags(with crumbs shaken out). Even plasticwraps from paper towels, bathroom tis-sue, napkins, diapers and cases of sodaqualify. Visitwww.plasticbagrecycling.org for moreinformation.

• Reuse!: There are many ways to reusethings we often toss out. Used bags canbecome wet umbrella covers, suitcasesavers for shoes, hand protectors whenhandling home messes, waste basket lin-ers and more. Get creative with your bagsand containers!

For more recycling tips, visit www.plas-ticsmakeitpossible.com.

FROM PAGE 9

Many bottles and bags are used on the go, so

remember to bring them back to the recycle bin.

When you’re out and about,store empties in a backpackor briefcase, or leave them

in the car.

Make your flowerslast longer inside

BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

It’s the time of year to give and get freshflowers. So how can you make

them last longer? Here are a few tricks of the

flower trade from the Flowers &Plants Association in the UnitedKingdom:

• Be sure your vase is very clean anduse fresh lukewarm water with somecommercial cut flower food added.Regularly top-up the water, adding flower foodin proportion to keep the plant healthy.

• Remove all leaves below water level. Cutat least one inch off stems, cutting on anangle with a sharp knife or scissors.

• Avoid direct heat, sunlight or drafts, tak-ing care to keep flowers away from fruit.Remove flowers that fade as they occur.


3314 W. Admiral Doyle (Near Acadiana Regional Airport) New Iberia • 364-4663

Supplies &Hardware

“Service Is Our #1 Product”

FREE 13” Stainless Roux Spoon

with purchase of 3 gallons or more propane per bottle fill

(offer good thu April 30th)

Tips to prevent attacks from termites, other insectsBY STATEPOINT MEDIA

This spring and summer, your home could beunder attack by termites, known as “silentdestroyers” because of their ability to quickly

and quietly cause serious property damage. As the tem-perature increases, so does the potential for termiteswarms and infestations by other insects seeking tochew up your home and its value.

In fact, according to the National Pest ManagementAssociation (NPMA), termites cause more than $5 bil-lion in property damage each year all across the country.What’s worse is that damage caused by these wood-destroying insects is typically not covered by homeown-ers’ insurance policies.

“No matter where you live, wood destroying insectspose serious property risks and can seriously compro-mise the structural stability of a home. Homeownersneed to regularly inspect their homes, as these hungrypests typically remain hidden until damage to yourhouse becomes visible,” says Missy Henriksen, VicePresident of Public Affairs for the NPMA.

The key to preventing pests from attacking your homeis to eliminate their access to food, water and shelter:

• Carefully inspect the perimeter of your home for rot-

ting wood, mud tubes or a visible termite presence. Bevigilant!

• Eliminate any sources of moisture or standing water,as water attracts termites and other insects.

• Divert water away from your property throughproperly-functioning downspouts, gutters and splashblocks.

• Seal cracks and small openings along your house’sfoundation, and screen windows and doors.

• Keep tree branches and other plants cut back fromthe house.

• Keep kitchens clean by wiping counters and empty-ing the garbage frequently.

• Keep all food containers sealed and avoid leaving petfood dishes out for long periods of time.

• Keep trash containers clean and sealed, both indoorsand outdoors.

• Do not stack firewood or lumber near your home, andinspect it carefully before bringing it indoors.

• If your home is newly constructed, remove old formboards and grade stakes left behind.

• If you see signs of an insect or termite infestation,contact a licensed pest professional promptly to treatit.

For more tips on seasonal pests, visitwww.PestWorld.org, where you also can use the site’s“Find a Pro” zip code locator if you have a problem thatneeds professional help.

“Remember, a termite colony can chew 24 hours a day,seven days a week, so if you see signs of a problem movequickly to contact a pest professional to eliminate it,”urges Henriksen.

WWW.STATEPOINTMEDIA.COM

Termites and other insects act up when the weather warms.


Trailer

Parts inStock

TrailerRepairs

Boat Trailers

6400 Hwy 14 • New Iberia

Utility Trailers

James Sprague

All Propane & Natural Gas

Supplies & EquipmentAvailableIncluding:

Regulators,Hoses & Fittings

Burners for every outdoor cooking needGas

Lights

LASSALLE GAS CO., INC.

Grilling & Outdoor CookingHeadquarters

Boiling Pots,Frying Pots & Baskets –Domestic & Industrial

Grade

Large Selection of Cast Iron Cookware,

including cracking pots

SINCE 1922Corner of Dale & Eden ~ New Iberia

364-4558 • 364-7161

WWW.STATEPOINTMEDIA.COM

Awnings can create an outdoor oasis, while saving on cooling costs.

How to beautifyyour home’s exterior

BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

You may not be able to afford a newhome, but you can make your oldone feel brand new. It’s time to

freshen up your home’s exterior and giveit a welcome layer of beauty, especially ifyou’ve been living in it for a while.

There are many ways to enliven yourhome and beautify its exterior — fromnew paint and decorative accents toattractive awnings to simply power wash-ing away years of grime.

Refresh and Revive A new paint job for your home is akin

to new clothes and a haircut for you. Trynew color schemes featuring accentedtrims. If new paint isn’t in your budget,pressure wash your home siding anddingy deck. Each year, remove mildew ormold on your home’s exterior, as well asyour sidewalk and driveway.

Focus on Your Door It’s the first thing people see when

entering. If you can afford a new frontdoor, choose one with decorative ele-ments, such as leaded glass inserts.

If you can’t spring for new doors, addnew hardware and fresh paint to yourexisting doors. New knobs, hinges, mailslots and knockers make a big difference.

Consider installing new moldingaround your front door to make it pop. Or

add a fabric awning or canopy. Not only willit set your house apart from others on thestreet, it will protect you and your guestsfrom the elements when coming and going.

Create an Outdoor Oasis No longer relegated to a few folding

chairs, backyards are becoming true out-door living rooms. Install awnings to cre-ate an outdoor oasis, while saving moneyon cooling costs and reducing yourhome’s carbon footprint. A retractableawning over a deck or back window cre-ates a comfortable seating area in whichto enjoy a cool drink, a family meal orsimply the great outdoors. And on hotdays, shading your windows withawnings can reduce cooling energy con-sumption by 25 percent or more, accord-ing to the Center for Sustainable BuildingResearch at the University of Minnesota.

There are many ways to enliven your home and

beautify its exterior ... newpaint, decorative accents,attractive awnings, etc.

SEE EXTERIOR, PAGE 15


4606 E. Old Spanish TrailHwy 182 next to UPS

337-365-6998www.stokestropicals.com

Shop ourTropical Paradise

and Save this Spring

BANANAS

BAMBOOSBOUGAINVILLEASSpecial Walk-In Prices

PALMS

GIN

GER

S

CLEM

ATISH

ELICON

IAS

FERNS

BU

LBS

AMAR

YLLISB

LUEB

ERR

IES

810 CENTER ST., NEW IBERIA • 367-2626

*Must present coupon.Certain restrictions apply

Expires April 17, 2010

OFF*20%Any One Item

MAGNOLIA LANE DECORATIVE FLAGS

SPRING IN...FOR ALL YOUR HOME AND GARDEN DECOR!

• WINDCHIMES

• BIRD HOUSES

• DOUBLE SIDED

• FLEUR DE LIS

• MONOGRAMMED

INITIALS

• SPRING JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES

• AND MORE

WW.W.STATEPOINT.NET

Colorful songbirdsvisit specially pre-pared gardens andyards throughoutthe summer.

Invite nature’s beautyinto your backyard

BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

No matter where you live, there isalways an opportunity to makeyour home more nature-friendly

by inviting plant life, songbirds, and wood-land creatures to your yard or garden.

Creative additions can transform sim-ple grass and flowers into a naturalhaven. Embellishments may include bird-baths, birdfeeders, and even cautionarydecals to prevent songbirds from flyinginto your window glass. In no time, bothyour neighbors and wildlife will be stop-ping by for a visit.

Match Plants To Your Home Before you begin, make sure to speak

with experts at your local garden centeror search the Internet for advice on howto use plants to attract colorful birds andbutterflies to your home. A variety of fac-tors such as shading, erosion, and divi-sion of plant species should be consideredwhen creating a vibrant haven. Justremember that putting the wrong plantsclose to your home can harm its founda-tion over time.

Welcome Your Neighbors In what may feel like a welcome change

of attitude, there is now an entire wildlifeindustry built around inviting nature’sgentle creatures to your outdoor space.

Ready-made homes are available for butter-flies, ladybugs, songbirds, and squirrels.Homes for bats and honeybees can beinstalled. Wild bird seed or even live meal-worms will attract songbirds by the dozens.

Don’t forget to include a few acces-sories for you and family members. Raingauges, weather stations, and solar sticklights are entertaining. Wind chimesmake a nap on the porch appealing, per-haps even for grandchildren.

Be Creative But Cautious If you’re going to make additions to your

yard, you’ll need to understand how song-birds and wildlife coexist with each otherand your home. One issue often ignored isthe 98 million birds killed annually fromcolliding with windows, according toWestern EcoSystems Technology.

With wild songbirds particularly proneto these accidents during their migration,some subtle and inexpensive windowdecals, such as those from WindowAlert,can prevent them from striking windows.

SEE INVITE, PAGE 14

Creative additions can makearea a natural haven.

BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

When it comes to the safety ofyour home and family, no detailis too small. This doesn’t mean

you should convert your house into a for-tified bunker.

From simple precautionary familyactivities to affordable home surveillance,there are several modest steps to beef upyour security and new ideas to integrateinto familiar routines.

Be Prepared Considering tornado season starts in

spring and hurricane season in summer,some preventive measures can keep every-one safer. Set aside one day a month to dis-cuss your family’s home emergency plan.

Aside from discussing things like evac-uation routes and checklists, assemblingpreparedness kits is key. Include itemslike bottled water, non-perishable foods,flashlight, radio, and a first-aid kit. Formore information on being prepared,visit www.redcross.org

Electrical Safety Depending on the age and layout of

your home, there could be several lurkingelectrical hazards. One of them is thepotentially tragic combination of electrici-ty and water. A special outlet called aground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)can prevent trouble by shutting downappliances whenever they come in contactwith water, particularly in rooms whereoutlets are located near water sources, likethe kitchen and bathroom. When it comesto electricity, there are precautionary

measures to always follow. By keepingelectrical circuits from getting overloadedand flammables out of the way, you couldsave yourself big trouble.

See Home When Not Home What about when you’re not home? Yes,

you can make sure windows are lockedand draw the blinds. But many familiesare going further and installing homesecurity cameras they can connect to theInternet and view from any computer orWeb-enabled cell phone. Such devices letyou know your home hasn’t been burglar-ized when you are on vacation, or that thekids have arrived safely after school andFido isn’t chewing up the furniture.

These days, installing home surveil-lance needn’t require expensive, bulkyequipment. Making the process simpler,companies such as Panasonic are produc-ing small high-quality Internet-enabledsecurity cameras that are reliable andremarkably easy to use. For its part,Panasonic has released its one-wire BL-C210 and wireless BL-C230, two sleekcameras providing quick plug-and-playinstallation and integrated Internet con-

nections. For more information visitpanasonic.com/netcam.

With built-in microphones and secureonline connectivity, not only do thesecameras allow you to watch your homefrom anywhere, but their special sensorscan identify body heat, sound, and motionand send an instant alert to your phoneor computer with a photograph when anysensor is triggered.

“It’s all about peace of mind, whetheryou’re away at work or during an extend-ed absence,” stresses Bill Taylor,President of Panasonic SystemNetworks Company of America.“Network cameras enable people to keepan eye on their kids, babysitters, andpets on a daily basis, or remotely moni-tor their property when traveling. Thekey is choosing high-quality equipmentthat is reliable.”

Ranging from common sense to hightech, there are lots of easy ways to keepyour home safer.

These decals have a special coating thatreflects ultraviolet sunlight. This light isinvisible to humans, but birds see it as abrilliant glow.

“Humans don’t notice our decals, butbirds see a stoplight preventing them fromhitting glass,” says company founderSpencer Schock. “To meet the demands offlight, birds have evolved such that theireyesight is remarkably keen — and ourdecals take advantage of this evolutionarycharacteristic. For you and I, the decalshave a subtle, frosted appearance.”

For more information, visitwww.WindowAlert.com.

Taken together, the right plants andadornments can turn an everyday yardinto a vibrant and safe space benefittingevery member of the family — as well aslocal wildlife.


524 W. WASHINGTON - NEW IBERIA 364-7486

MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER

Expert ServiceConvenient Parking

Free Advice

Faucets Hardware BurnersPlumbing Pots Faucet Replacement Parts

1006 #D Twenty Arpent Rd.,New Iberia

Ricky Bourque Cory Hebert

FOR ALL YOUR CAR & RESIDENTIALGLASS NEEDS

365-9311

FURNITURE TOPS, MIRRORS,FRAMELESS SHOWER DOORS & MORE

Specializing In Spider &Termite Control!

364-6927

Now Offering Mosquito Control!

INVITE: Decals actas a stoplightFROM PAGE 13

Easy ways to make your home saferFrom simple precautionary

family activities to affordablehome surveillance, there areseveral modest steps to beef

up your security.


Fill your home with easy rent-to-own furniture and appliances

We Finance What We Sell90 DAYS SAME AS CASH

RefrigeratorsWashers & DryersSofas & Chairs

Dining Room SetsLampsCoffee Tables

MirrorsChest of DrawersDesks

Air ConditionersReclinersBedroom Sets

“Service Is Our Business”2318 E. Main • New Iberia, La. • 365-8853

FOUR SEASONS

Home Improvement Starts Here!

Whether you want to raise the roof, get “decked out,”remodel or build a new home, we have the supplies you need!

We can assist on remodelingand new homes information

to help you get the project done.

TECHE LUMBER & BUILDING SUPPLY, INC.1304 HOPKINS ST., NEW IBERIA • 364-5421

•42” heavy-duty twin blade cutting deck•12” turning radius•Welded steel frame, cast iron front axlesNO MONTHLY INTEREST IFPAID IN 12 MONTHS3

See details below

A Better Tractor A Better Price

JERALD’S SALES & SERVICE3910 MELANCON ROAD

BROUSSARD, LA(337) 364-0531

1as rated by engine manufacturer 2 Actual retail prices are set by dealer and may vary. Taxes, freight,setup and handling charges may be additional and may vary. Models subject to limited availability. 3*NOMONTHLY INTEREST IF PAID IN 12 MONTHS - * On Purchases of $1000 or more with your Cub Cadetcard made by 5/31/10. Monthly interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if thepromotional balance, including optional charges, is not paid in full within 12 months or if you make a latepayment. Minimum Monthly Payments Required. A promotion charge of up to $125, that is a transactionFINANCE CHARGE will be added to the purchase balance. *A promotion charge of up to $125, that is atransaction FINANCE CHARGE will be added to the purchase balance. Valid on purchases of $1000 ormore with your Cub Cadet card account. On promo purchase balance, monthly payments required, butno monthly Finance Charges will be assessed if (1) promo purchase balance paid in full in 12 months, and(2) all minimum monthly payments on account paid when due. Otherwise, promo may be terminatedand treated as a non-promo balance. Monthly Finance Charges accrued at the Purchase APR will beassessed from purchase date. Regular rates apply to non-promo balances, including optional charges.Promo purchases on existing accounts may not receive full benefit of promo terms, including reduced APRif applicable, if account is subject to Penalty APR. Payments over the minimum will be applied as requiredby applicable law. As of 2/1/10, APR: 23.99% & on all accounts in default, Penalty APR: 26.99%.Minimum Monthly Finance Charge $2.00. Subject to approval by GE Money Bank.

•54” heavy-duty mowing deck•Pivoting front axle and floating deck•Dual hydrostatic transmissionNO MONTHLY INTEREST IFPAID IN 12 MONTHS3

See details below

Service. Knowledge. Selection. Financing. Delivery.

CUB CADET 2010 LAWN TRACTOR

LTX 1042

RTZ 54

CUB CADET 2010 ZERO-TURN RIDER

19 HP1 KOHLER® COURAGE™ ENGINE

ONLY

$41 /MONTH

SALE PRICE $1,6492

25 HP1 KAWASAKI® V-TWIN OHV ENGINE

ONLY

$87 /MONTH

SALE PRICE $3,4992

EXTERIOR: Many ways to enhance it

“Homeowners needn’t make drasticchanges to beautify their homes andreduce their environmental impact,” saysMichelle Sahlin, managing director of theProfessional Awning ManufacturersAssociation (PAMA). “Awnings are aneasy, economical upgrade to enhance liv-ability while reducing the load on homeair conditioning systems.”

For more information on choosingawnings, including those with high-techsensors and push-button controls, visitwww.awningstoday.com, which is main-tained by PAMA.

Add New Accents Decorative accents can lend a home

new attitude. Consider lighting sconcesor planters on either side of your frontdoor, or new shutters and awnings onwindows. And experiment with colorfulpaint trim.

Even a new mailbox can add flair.Choose one that reflects your personality

or complements design elements of yourhouse, such as its architectural style orprominent features.

“Whether you’re simply trying to makeyour house more comfortable for yourfamily or if you enjoy entertainingguests, there are many ways to enhanceyour home and its outdoor living spaces,”stresses PAMA’s Sahlin.

FROM PAGE 12

Decorative accents can lend ahome a new attitude.

Consider lighting sconces or planters on either side

of your front door, or new shutters and awnings

on windows. And experimentwith colorful trim.


ZT 34

S O U T H L A N D E N G I N E C O . , I N CMadness

16.5 hp B & S® Intek Single

34” Stamped 2-Spindle Deck

6 mph - Fwd/3 mph Rev

Model No. 915140

Classic LM

4.5 hp Kohler® XT-7

Push

14 ga Stamped Steel

Model No. 911260

$489

ZT HD 48 24 hp Kawasaki® FR Twin

48” 10 ga steel Deck

Commercial Quality at a

Consumer Price

Model No. 991068

$5199

$103.80/mo.(With approved credit)

3.9% apr for 60 Mos.

Pro-Turn 252 26 hp Kawasaki® FX V-Twin

52” 7 ga Welded Deck

Full Suspension Seat - Standard

Model No. 992184

$8199

$151.02/mo.

March 26th & 27th

New Iberia • 1318 E Admiral Doyle

Lafayette • 6151 Johnston St.

North Lafayette • 212 E Gloria Switch Rd.

Rayne • 602 The Boulevard

Phone: (337) 984-4640

(With approved credit)

3.9% apr for 60 Mos.

Celebrating

March 19th & 20thLafayette New Iberia

Mower

Southland Engine

Available;

0% apr

for 24 Mos.

$2399

$47.89/mo.(With approved credit)

3.9% apr

for 60 Mos.

home & garden 2010

Documents

product of20102010o

home garden

home safermake

home saferwith

large home appliance

home safer beef

exteriormake old home

new iberia337