ALDEN

• 636 Two Rod Road, Scott E. Regdos; Michele M. Regdos to Mary Scotland; Michael Weiss, $170,500.

AMHERST Highest price: $694,900 Average price: $189,282 Median price: $172,000 Number of Sales: 60

• 225 Via Foresta Lane, Cynthia A. Boggs; Mark E. Blankenberg to Patricia M. Marchiori; Gary A. Marchiori, $694,900.

• 53 Nature Cove Court, Anucha Browne Sanders to Wooksoo Kim; Isok Kim, $480,000.

• 8 Snyderwoods Court, Lawrence S. Lewis to Michele P. Batt; Paul V. Batt Jr., $463,000.

• 44 Laurel Lane, Roger B. Grady; Laurie A. Grady to Thinle Chodon; Richard C. Koya, $445,000.

• 104 Levin Lane, Michael B. Dixon; Amy J. Dixon to Lauren Gugino; Joseph D. Gugino; Joseph A. Gugino; Joanne M. Gugino, $406,000.

• 15 Woodhaven Road, Alphonso O’Neil-White to Elizabeth McAllister Nolan, $390,000.

• 35 Brambly Court, Brandon S. Davids; Alana K. Davids to Jaekyung Lee, $379,000.

• 44 Hampton Hill Drive, Jan Partnership; Arlene B. Benson to Michael E. Ferrick; Carole L. Ferrick, $342,500.

• 17 Rana Court, Todd E. Plinke; Melisa A. Plinke to Jyotsna Rajeswary, $340,000.

• 237 Londonderry, Susan M. Sawicki to Brandon S. Davids; Alana K. Davids, $320,000.

• 45 Hobnail Drive, Alexandra Tzetzo Morphis to Judith W. Stafford; David G. Stafford, $320,000.

• 268 Meadowview Lane, Renee Schwarzberg; Renee Kaye to John C. Eberl; Joanna M. Eberl, $309,900.

• 183 Plantation Court, Purnima A. Shah; Ashit S. Shah to Joanne Carol McMahon; Edward J. McMahon, $287,900.

• 50 Deer Ridge Court, Peter N. Cavaretta to Barbara B. Taggart, $260,000.

• 1 St. Charles Court, Concetta Thrasher to Jean M. Servis; Gust D. Servis, $252,500.

• 145 Telfair Drive, James W. McGill; Frances E. McGill to Sihem Bihorel; Sebastien K. Bihorel, $242,000.

• 24 North Drive, Michael P. Lapierre; Michael F. Lapierre to John Richard Mitchell, $239,500.

• 173 Fruitwood Terrace, Kathleen A. Nicosia to Christopher J. Rogers, $232,000.

• 11 Dappled Drive, Jessica L. Winkelman; Jason S. Winkelman to Mark Hajnos, $229,000.

• 16 Wood Acres Drive, Louis A. Magnano; Lea M. Magnano to Marta Gorino; Charles Gorino, $228,500.

• 79 Hyledge Drive, Walter P. Duszynski; Fedora F. Duszynski to Michael J. Wilks, $215,000.

• 246 Roycroft Blvd., Annette Bergsland; Patrick McCarthy to Caterina Berti, $214,900.

• 25 Southwind Trail, Matthew L. Fitzgibbons; Jacqueline M. Fitzgibbons to Varun Chandola, $211,000.

• 63 Westchester, David A. Casion to Peter Zimmerman; Angela M. Zimmerman, $200,000.

• 640 646 656 Heim Road, Robert R. Boroszko to Julie M. Pilon; John R. Pilon, $190,000.

• 66 Olney Drive, Lauri Romeo to Xiaojun Liu, $190,000.

• 205 Smallwood Drive, George D. Basil; Elenie D. Basil to Ginger L. Baker, $181,675.

• 70 Briar Row, Nancy H. Naylon; Richard E. Naylon Sr. to Cheryl A. Tulumello; James P. Karas, $181,000.

• 14 Chateau Terrace, Edit Norton to Michael C. Nusinov, $179,900.

• 95 Parkwood Drive, Mark F. Manzella to Lauren M. Powers; Aaron P. Powers, $179,000.

• 55 Shire Drive South, Monica Padmanabha; Ravi P. Padmanabha to Tracy L. McCoy, $178,000.

• 16 Gatewood Lane, George Smilanich IV; Michelle C. Strasser to Angelica Martino; Brandon S. Martino, $175,000.

• 172 Lehn Spring Drive, Marie J. McLouth; Allan R. McLouth to Louis J. Palmer; Kerri A. Palmer, $172,000.

• 132 Hickory Hill Road, Peter Zimmerman; Angela M. Zimmerman to Joseph N. Nagel; Mary M. Bonora, $163,000.

• 50 Lyrae Drive, Thomas G. Moyer; Maureen O. Moyer to Candance Carlson; Stewart T. Eckert, $159,900.

• 2350 Kensington Ave., Scott G. Harvey; Kelsey A. Harvey to Kimberly D. Nelson, $152,000.

• 101 Forest Edge Drive, Madelyn Yurko; Michael Yurko to Julie A. Avarello, $150,000.

• 292 Mount Vernon Road, Maureen A. Burke to Ronald J. Myers; Gillian J. Myers, $150,000.

• 34 Hillside Drive, Susan Olear Kolenko; Michael D. O’Lear to Robin Brown; Coralie R. Brown, $150,000.

• 430 Darwin Drive, Leslie Sim; Leslie Adamczyk; Kristen Ruszala; Kristen Adamczyk to Jeffrey F. Wojcicki, $147,500.

• 100 Yorktown Road, William Baaki to Ronald Stilwell II, $140,800.

• 402 Winterset Court, Amy M. Jasinski to Thomas J. Hanifin, $138,000.

• 142 North Drive, Kathleen Thomas; Kathleen S. Thomas to Daniel J. Jeffrey; Breanne E. Finucane, $137,000.

• 276 Bernhardt Drive, Paul Deiana-Molnar; Meagan K. Ayer to Lori Illuzzi, $128,500.

• 390 Kaymar Drive, Sarah N. Moore; Nicholas P. Moore to Curtis Anthony; David P. Rodriguez, $125,000.

• 75 Guilford Lane, Eric M. Soehnlein; Sarah L. Niland to Harriet R. Konovitz, $125,000.

• 371 S. Cayuga Road, Jillian L. Koehn to Judith D. Duffey; Donald J. Duffey, $124,500.

• 849 Wehrle Drive, Sally J. Helmbrecht; Daniel L. Helmbrecht to Nicole S. Lawler, $119,000.

• 16 Robin Road, Jonathan T. Kleinhans to Marcia M. Achatz, $110,000.

• 83 Emma Way, TK Property Holdings to Forbes Homes Inc., $100,000.

• 297 Grover Cleveland Highway, Cheng J. Yan to Michael E. Failla; Doris J. Failla, $98,000.

• 144 Meadow Lea Drive, Loretta Haremza; Christine Haremza; Emil S. Haremza; James J. Haremza to Rebecca L. Dickinson, $95,000.

• 72 Buckeye Road, Richard E. Mollenkopf-Grill; Serena K. Millenkopf-Grill to Hua Yang; Yan Li, $87,500.

• 640G Youngs Road, Marnie Grossberg; Jeffrey Grossberg to Kenneth Grossberg, $80,000.

• 4129 Bailey Ave., Kirk Sherwood to Matthew R. Tobias, $71,762.

• 95 Old Lyme Drive, Leola C. Reyders to Judy K. Deavers, $70,000.

• 5H Cambridge Square, Andrea J. Willert to Jeff Wang; Lucy Wang, $67,500.

• U8-8 Hickory Hill Road, Michelle Ann MacArthur; John H. MacArthur to Lisa Lalonde, $50,000.

• 12 Stanton St., Bruce C. Miller to Diane M. Smith, $40,000.

• 59 Acacia Drive, Lynne Pfeiffer to Gene Chaba, $13,900.

AURORA/EAST AURORA

• 34-36 Center, Minerva Smith; Minvera Barber to Audrey Slanovich; Martin A. Slanovich, $142,000.

• 2101 Grover Road, Carol Buchner Smith to Weston J. Ulrich; Andrea A. Reese, $140,000.

• 2055 Lewis Road, Rita Jean Brough; John L. Brough to Lisa M. Lun, $139,000.

• 428 South St., Robert T. Barrett to Ambitious Enterprises Inc., $115,000.

• 659 Oakwood Ave., Seebald Development to Urban Innovations, $115,000.

• 20 Stewart Court, Creekside Development to ,$65,000.

• 128 Olean St., Patrick M. Pierce to Jack R. Smith II, $40,000.

BOSTON

• 6949 Pin Oak Drive, Alliance Construction of WNY Inc. to Tracy M. Crawford; Timothy P. Crawford, $325,016.

• 7611 Back Creek Road, Michael J. Fairl; Lori W. Fairl to AnhLy-Stevens; Todd Stevens, $250,000.

• 8867 Greenbrier Terrace, Sunset Custom Homes Inc. to Michael S. Lewandowski; Karen A. Lewandowski, $195,000.

• 7436 Chestnut Ridge Road, Ellen Beckwith to Jennifer L. Gannon, $191,500.

• Vacant Land/Zimmerman Road, Charles Hodges; Sandra Gayle Hodges to Eric Mayer, $140,000.

• 7018 Sunset Lane, Randi J. Misener; Erin L. Misener to David D. Yoviene, $119,900.

• Vacant Land/Woodlee Court, Patricia R. Weigel; James R. Weigel to Neil Lipke, $115,000.

BUFFALO Highest price: $1,195,000 Average price: $127,278 Median price: $37,500 Number of Sales: 89

• 3045 Bailey Ave., JP Group Llc to Royal Crown Llc, $1,195,000.

• 1231 William St., Diversified Storage to 1237 William Street Llc, $570,000.

• 665 West Ferry St., Jeremy Allen; Heather S. Allen to Hope Joy-Homsi; Husain Syed, $520,000.

• 406 Linwood Ave., Seymour Investments to Chapin 406 Linwood Llc, $450,000.

• 578 Richmond Ave., Kathryn J. Saiia to Patrick Ward; Cara E. Calabrese, $275,000.

• 193 Norwood Ave., Sean S. Driscoll; Danette A. Driscoll to Daniel T. Boland, $252,000.

• 21 Rachel Vincent, Dato Development to Gail Robinson-Horton; Timothy T. Horton, $240,403.

• 963 Parkside Ave., Lee A. Takats to Robert F. Gannon; Mary C. Gannon, $230,000.

• 1155 Amherst St., Joan T. Ricotta to Maryann C. Petrella; Lida T. Petrella; Joseph M. Petrella, $215,000.

• 194 Vorhees Ave., Timothy Roehl to Diana Wagner, $199,100.

• 175 Sterling Ave., Robert F. Gannon to Michael F. Pizzuto; Audrey G. Pizzuto, $185,500.

• 38 40 Winspear Ave., UA Group to Barbara J. Dunn, $180,000.

• 1108 Parkside Ave., Ryan A. Dimillo to Margaret L. Knapp, $175,000.

• 31 Waverly St., Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation to Virginia Nailor, $172,195.

• 396 Pratt St., Louis Watts Jr.; Veronica A. Graham to Dorothy A. Perry, $170,000.

• 553-555 Colvin Ave., Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $152,000.

• 46 Parker Ave., DKR Mortgage Asset Trust to Enamul Malik, $150,100.

• 361 Beard Ave., Pearl Peoples; Franklin Stachowiak; Pearl Mae Ethridge Peoples; Pearl Mae Peoples; Pearl E. Peoples to Fannie Mae, $149,681.

• 35 Revere Place, Molly B. Eldridge; Brian J. Eldridge II to Nicholas M. Calandra, $141,000.

• 1757 Hertel Ave., Hope R. Jay to Ryan Cox, $139,900.

• 148 Carmel, Frank P. Barbara to James R. Heidrich, $129,000.

• 89 Crestwood Ave., Melina Napoli; Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $116,000.

• 361 Beard Ave., Fannie Mae to Brendan Murphy, $112,420.

• 71 Commonwealth Ave., Melina Napoli; Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $104,000.

• 330 Linden Ave., Melina Napoli; Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $100,000.

• 110 Commonwealth Ave., Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $96,000.

• 629 Starin, Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $96,000.

• 639 Linden Ave., Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $92,000.

• 142 Prospect, Bloom Management Inc. to Western New York Property Investors Inc., $90,000.

• 348 Cumberlan, Christopher C. Werely to Benjamin C. Turcan, $90,000.

• 30 Dakota St., Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $88,000.

• 384 Willett St., Diane Wieszala; Steven Wieszala to Jonathan D. Sarzyniak, $85,000.

• 222 Crestwood Ave., Melina Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $84,000.

• 34 Nicholson, Chelbi L. Abram to Alexandra M. Viscuso; Daniel C. Palmer, $79,300.

• 115 Seventeenth St., 115 Seventeenth Llc to Margaret E. Zindle, $70,000.

• 58 Allegany St., Mary C. Nelson to Theresa Donohue; Francis P. Donohue, $69,500.

• 13 Spann St., Judith Chwirut; John Terpin; Karen Reszel to Michael Caligiuri, $69,000.

• 63 Albert Ave., Mary C. Corp; Kenneth G. Corp. to Dina Dahal, $68,000.

• 2138 Niagara St., Mark T. Williamson to Iqbaljeet Kaila, $67,278.

• 75 Davey St., Irene Wachowski; Peter Wachowski to ME International Real Estate, $67,250.

• 491 Grant St., 491 Grant Street Inc. to Khaled Handal, $64,000.

• 471 Prospect Ave., Annette Fontanez; Ruben Fontanez to SKM Properties Inc., $60,000.

• 82 Albert Ave., Kelli L. Pohancsek to Dhanapati Dahal, $60,000.

• 589 West Utica, Francisco Borges to 716 Holdings Llc, $58,000.

• 354 Okell St., HUD to Karen K. Parisi, $55,026.

• 84 Seventeenth St., Ryan C. Pierce to 84 Seventeenth Llc, $51,000.

• 132 Rhode Island St., Serio Development to Rhode Island Llc, $50,000.

• 332 Roesch Ave., Rachel M. Brzezinski to Justine Jaeckle, $50,000.

• 97 Mariemont Ave., Household Finance Realty Corporation of New York to Daryl Ervolina; Russell Fulton, $47,400.

• 61 Depot St., Schutte-Buffalo Hammermill Llc to Gerald Kaminski; Kathleen Kaminski, $47,000.

• 87 Eaglewood Ave., Mary E. McLaughlin to Jennifer Pahl; James Pahl, $45,000.

• 29 Duerstein St., Cashflow Properties to Dayyer Group,$43,811.

• 1983-1985 South Park Ave., Stella Tomczak to Richard Magyar, $40,000.

• 874 Hertel Ave., Russel Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $40,000.

• 110 Grove St., Fannie Mae to Christopher J. Fuqua, $39,000.

• 14 Auchinvole Ave., Lourdes Iglesias; Lourdes T. Iglesias to Lindsay L. Trinh, $37,500.

• 112 Beatrice, Charlotte Maylone Swider; Edward Donald Swider; Charlotte M. Swider to Jason M. Swider, $36,000.

• 41 Dempster St., Michael Sinski to Louverna L. Woods, $35,500.

• 203 Shirley Ave., Fariha Samad; Vicar Samad to Ahed Kurd, $33,000.

• 107 Johnston St., Mary E. Ricks-Stephens to Ali Azam, $32,000.

• 115 Military Road, Melina Napoli to Nickel City Rental Group, $32,000.

• 1441 E. Delavan Ave., Syed Kabli to Cashflow Properties, $30,000.

• 28 Melvin, Stephanie Vincent to Diane V. Hanna; Daniel R. Hanna, $30,000.

• 85 Moreland, Margaret Schnibbe to Cecilia Brody, $30,000.

• 108 Geary St., Marcore Properties Inc. to Iqbaljeet Kaila, $27,419.

• 133 Aldrich Place, Marcore Properties Inc. to Iqbaljeet Kaila, $27,419.

• 54 Macamley, Doris B. Szen; Jeanne A. Bottomley to Rashiem Graham, $26,500.

• 142 Vincennes St., Ahmed A. Alode to Laura Kelly, $26,000.

• 5 Boone St., Eric Lewis to Wendy Hine; Ian Ruble, $25,450.

• 208 Riverside Ave., Helen Korbut to Rodolfo Macareag, $25,300.

• 39 Trowbridge St., Gary P. Griffin to Sandra Abdallah; Chuck Abdallah, $25,000.

• 75 Chadduck Ave., Christine Virtuoso; Victor N. Farley to Wende Nostro, $25,000.

• 99 Forman, Peter J. Donaldson to Corey J. Williams, $25,000.

• 2012 Seneca St., Pensco Trust Company; Toboada Julio to Scott J. Holmes, $24,500.

• 183 Breckenridge, Community Action Organization of Erie County Inc. to Katherine Pfohl, $22,000.

• 10 Frankfort Ave., Walter Mack Benton; Walter M. Benton to Crystal Viverette, $20,000.

• 321 Hampshire St., Hampshire Enterprises Limited to Elsadig Bashara, $20,000.

• 86 Benzinger, Dorothy M. Maniak to Eh Pooled Investments, $20,000.

• 113 Millicent Ave., Chanes Equities to Yehuda Lapian, $17,500.

• 45 Faye St., Patricia A. Shingledecker to Iqbal Ahmed, $15,000.

• 48 Theodore, Diane J. Gorney to Khalid Handal, $15,000.

• 501 Babcock St., Dawn M. Pettit to Kenneth J. Brown, $10,500.

• 84 Timon St., Clifford Washington to Arthur Springs, $10,500.

• 42 Richlawn, Jacqueline Hicks-Prophet to Ahmed Shahed; Zaheda Begum, $10,000.

• 58 Reservation, Thaddeus J. Pajak to Edward Dodge; Derek Zientara, $10,000.

• 157 Eaton, Mary J. East to Sarah Fonzi, $5,500.

• 15 Barthel St., Dierdre Hughes-Jackson to Mohammed K. Chowdhury, $5,000.

• 155 Keystone, Patrice Mims to Kabibur Rahman; Juel Ahmed, $5,000.

• 951-53 Sycamore, Rohsi Ma; Carana Sarly to Ecotrue Inc, $5,000.

CHEEKTOWAGA Highest price: $160,000 Average price: $112,040 Median price: $108,000 Number of Sales: 28

• 78 Cherrywood Drive, Michael T. Aquilino to Kristina Quirante, $160,000.

• 3260 Walden Ave., Sheila J. Justin to GJC Real Estate Holdings, $155,000.

• 39 Wainwright Road, Pamela Hanny; Gerald R. Hanny to Gregory M. Schoff; Alyssa E. Schoff, $139,000.

• 148 Croydon Drive, Regina Majewski; Daniel Majewski to Jennifer E. Missland; Eric J. Missland, $135,000.

• 85 Judith Drive, John C. Perrine to James H. Kushniruk; Heather M. Kushniruk, $125,000.

• 150 Suzette Drive, Vincenza Guzzo; Nunzio Guzzo; Jennie Guzzo; Nunzio Guzzo Jr. to Danette M. Fix, $120,000.

• 7 Dee Terrace, Margaret P. Gatta to Amanda L. Newhouse; Joel T. Barry, $120,000.

• 552 Rosary Blvd., Vanessa M. Nunemaker to Alexandra Kaible, $108,000.

• 83 Diane Drive, Erick J. Dustin to Mary Perna Greenwald; Joseph G. Perna; John F. Perna, $108,000.

• 67 Rossiter, Harry Sobolewski; Patricia E. Sobolewski; Gary A. Sobolewski to Michael P. O’Mara; Chelsea M. O’Mara, $105,000.

• 651 Mapleview Road, Jessica L. Bell to Daniel L. McDonough; Samantha A. Hahn, $104,000.

• 42 Creekside Drive, Michael Wagner; Michael W. Wagner to Cuong L. Pham, $95,000.

• 75 Sandy Lane, Jean M. Gandy to Shawn N. Warnes; Ryan C. Pierce, $95,000.

• 132 Toelsin Road, Janina Blaszak; Bogumil Blaszak to Guy A. Giordano, $94,000.

• 39 Olcott Place, Kenneth J. Mecca to Willie L. Blue Jr., $93,000.

• 65 Morris Circle, Julio Dos Ramos; Zodelba Dos Ramos to Nicole A. Thomas; James E. Thomas Sr., $90,000.

• 51 Glendale Lane, Jennifer L. Wierzbicki to Andrew Hambridge, $85,000.

• 7 Edmund St., David A. Woroniecki to Rachel M. Andolina, $75,000.

• 51 McNaughton Ave., Ian Adamski; Heather A. Adamski to Jillian M. Minotti; Alan J. Minotti, $73,900.

• 36 Allendale R, Gordon G. Johnston II to Demetria Burgin, $72,000.

• 94 Helen St., Henry E. Burdzy; Helen T. Burdzy to Bobbi Dee Kohnen, $59,360.

• 272 Cleveland Drive, Shari R. Gold to Kristen Sullivan; Joseph R. Sullivan, $59,254.

• 2182 Clinton St., Mohammed Almaisri to Michael J. Coronado, $37,100.

• 47 Hoerner Ave., Michael W. Divens; Christine A. Divens to Ewan Watson, $33,000.

• 181 Rutland Ave., Dennis Rydzynski; Kathy Hopkins; Kathleen Hopkins; Dennis J. Rydzynski; Kathleen A. Hopkins to Sarah A. Wujek, $29,229.

• 1085 Walden Ave., John Bistrow to Pinnacle Property Solutions of Western New York, $22,000.

• 181 Rutland Ave., John H. Ring III; Kathy Hopkins; Kathleen A. Hopkins to Sarah A. Wujek, $20,771.

• 425 French Road, Andrew R. Germann to Nursen Germann, $15,500.

CLARENCE

• 5090 Old Goodrich Road, Tonia Felber; Tonia A. Felber; Jerry A. Felber Jr. to Chrisnlinds Living Trust, $860,000.

• 8203 Pinestone Court, Rosaire Banks; Rosarie Banks; Peter J. Banks to 8203 Pinestone Llc, $438,500.

• 9120 Michael Douglas Drive, Sharon A. Campagna; Dennis J. Campagna to Roman P. Vega; Amanda F. Vega, $428,500.

• 8381 Black Walnut Drive, Patricia Schweizer; Edward M. Notarius to Ralph Valente; James J. Simonis, $405,000.

• 5312 Coyote Court, James K. Wicks to Jacqueline L. Winterhalter, $385,000.

• 9031 Michael Douglas Drive, Cit Mortgage Loan Trust; Mellon Bank of New York to Lavanya Lankipalli; Vanamali B. Lankipalli, $345,000.

• 9515 Bent Grass Run-B, Villas At Spaulding Green to Ronald K. Andrews; Kathleen A. Andrews, $313,241.

• 5097 Willowbrook Drive, Louise M. Szimonisz to Stefanie Zakowicz; Martin J. Zakowicz, $245,000.

• 5135 Hillcrest Drive, Scott D. Ortman; Julie A. Ortman to Louise A. Mallon, $222,000.

• 4136 Fireside Drive South, Jennifer Cuda; Jeffrey D. Fox to Susan C. Fagan; Andrew M. Fagan, $207,000.

• 5422 Village Station Circle, Cheryl K. Hendler to Dhana L. Hannibal, $205,500.

• 9564 Keller Road, Charles Gorino to Lauren Z. Eastlack; Aaron P. Eastlack, $169,000.

• 5070 Meadowbrook Road, Stanley T. Kolek; Beatrice T. Kolek to Nicholas A. Borden; Hannah E. Borden, $151,000.

• Vacant Land/5973 Wexford Manor, Patrick Wv Llc to Forbes Homes Inc., $100,000.

• 9725 Foxglove Court, Courts At Spaulding Green Llc; Blase W. Caruana to HDJ Builders Inc., $84,900.

COLDEN

• 8763 Falls Road, John A. Birkland III; Timothy P. Birkland; Eric S. Birkland to Erin L. Misener, $174,900.

• 8540 Hayes Hollow Road, Patricia Bove to Jeffrey M. Ramsey, $120,000.

• 68 Caroline Road, Sandra A. McKeever to Ryan McKeever; Heather M. McKeever, $50,000.

• 20 Union St., Harriet K. Sheldon to Constance M. Johnson, $29,000.

COLLINS

• Vacant Land/4400 East Becker Road, Jason R. Pawlak to Andrew Husul, $30,000.

CONCORD

• 12413 Sharp St., Ruth Maul; Rosemary R. Sutherland; Marcella L. Maul; Joel P. Maul to Rex J. Maul; Cheryl A. Maul, $112,211.

• 19 Elk St., Laurine M. Rozler; Frederick J. Rozler to Keene J. Gust, $52,890.

• 11275 Springville Boston Road, Ten Lives Club Inc. to Joseph J. Sciortino, $30,000.

EDEN

• 2611 W. Church St., William H. Sickau to Mary Alice Garlipp; Jared L. Garlipp, $198,000.

• 3169 E. Church St., Horst Mathwig; Helga Mathwig; Horst G. Mathwig; Helen A. Mathwig to Neil A. Cross, $145,000.

• 2346 New Jerusalem Road, Elizabeth Lester; Garra C. Lester to Peter Evenhouse, $139,500.

• 7144 Gowanda St Road, Pamela Boyd; Ronald L. Jaros; Steven M. Boyd; Pamela D. Boyd to Fannie Mae, $62,056.

ELMA

• 214 Townline Road, Gary B. Metz; Debra L. Metz to Edward J. Monheim; Dawn M. Monheim, $322,000.

• 77 Springbrook Shores Drive, Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation to Lorraine M. Jarczyk; Eugene T. Jarczyk, $307,968.

• 41 Winonan Road, Sharon M. Hornberger to Cindy L. Bork, $110,000.

EVANS

• 9755 S. Main St., Eileen Kauder; Gary A. Kauder to Jeanine L. Carrigan; George W. Carrigan, $260,000.

• 920 Lake St., Hogg Builders Inc. to Elizabeth L. Hogg, $170,900.

• 88 North Lane, Western New York Business Ventures Inc.; Pilgrim Properties Profit Sharing Plan; Daniel Glushefski to Annette Lee; Charles E. Lee, $144,160.

• 985 Church Road, First Baptist Church of Evans New York to Faith Bible Baptist Church, $140,000.

• 6730 Gates Drive, Paul J. Newman; Paul D. Newman; Marilynn L. Newman; Jason N. Newman to Judith A. Dziekonski, $108,000.

• 331 Taft Ave., Sara Kortum; Daniel Kortum to Samuel W. Hull, $99,900.

• 19 Allen St., Mark Ricci; Marlene Ricci; Marlene Burgett to Gerald C. Yeager, $91,100.

• 696 Beach Road, Paul W. Potoczak; Jean S. Potoczak to Alicia Marie Cornell, $90,000.

• 495 Peters Road, Jennifer V. Mombrea; Daniel J. Mombrea to Mary Pat Nichols; Joseph P. Nichols, $85,000.

• 171 Reeves Road, Dwight I. Thomson to Shannon Miller-Renaud, $65,000.

GRAND ISLAND

• 264 Havenwood Lane, John W. Stickl Construction Co. Inc. to Joseph F. Macaluso; Barbara J. Macaluso, $346,125.

• 121 Windham Lane, Ryan Homes of New York; Nvr Inc. to Eric M. Soehnlein; Sarah L. Niland, $275,987.

• 2085 Baseline Road, Evans Bank to Ronald L. Halleen; Cynthia D. Halleen, $258,000.

• 143 Cardinal Lane, Gloria Rees to Jarrad C. Mendel, $242,000.

• 462 Whitehaven Road, Ronald S. Maras; Cynthia M. Gioia to Thomas S. Allen; Nancy L. Allen, $201,000.

• 2125 S. Oakfield Road, Scott George; Amy M. George to Derek Ostrom, $194,500.

• 36 Settlers Row, Patrick S. Nelson; Linda T. Nelson to Colleen M. Lansberry; Bradley J. Lansberry, $189,000.

• 1320 Ransom Road, Michael R. Murray; Laura M. Murray to Lenin Gonzalez; Diana Kachurek Gonzalez, $173,000.

• 255 Laurie Lane, Barbara Quimby; James C. Quimby to Robert Richardson, $166,000.

• 3499 Sandy Beach Road, Gene Lopresti to Laurie L. Kalman, $132,250.

• 65 Crescent Road, Frances Molnar; Howard J. Molnar to Micah N. Easley; Christina M. Easley, $118,000.

• 37 Schwegler Road, Colleen M. Lansberry to Kristine M. Fahrer; Richard A. Fernandez Jr., $116,000.

• 25 Monica Road, Judy A. Loder to Lawrence Pilon, $115,000.

• 1844 Broadway, Jim Wise; James J. Wise to Laura Rizzuto, $113,000.

• 3469 Wallace Drive, Jacqueline Lunick to Colleen Harding; Nancy K. Magee, $91,500.

HAMBURG Highest price: $5,600,000 Average price: $841,288 Median price: $166,750 Number of Sales: 22

• 3701 Mckinley Parkway, BG McKinley II Llc to McKinley Enterprises, $5,600,000.

• 5036 Woodway Court, Steven P. McCarville to Timothy A. McCooey, $295,000.

• 2809 Coventry Green, Kristy Kelly; Joseph L. Castiglia to Michael J. Pierino; Jeanne L. Pierino, $220,500.

• 4750 Bayview Road, Debbie K. Moritz to Katie A. Diloro; Justin R. Diloro, $200,000.

• 3623 Cumberland Lane, Renee M. Romanowski; James J. Mecca to Nathan Volk; Sarah Lukacs, $187,900.

• 2178 Shadbush Way, Michael S. Lewandowski; Karen A. Lewandowski to Timothy P. Gleason; Melissa A. Gleason, $184,900.

• 4372 Rushford Drive, William R. Curry; Michael F. Curry; James M. Curry to Marcelline Buczkowski; Thomas F. Buczkowski, $180,000.

• 17 Dudley Ave., Ellen Zimmerman to Laura Tedesco, $177,000.

• 4769 Clifton Parkway, Michael D. Depue; Laura A. Depue to Richard Battaglia, $171,000.

• 3245 Queens Lane, Eric W. Sakovics to Joseph M. Nowicki, $162,500.

• 30 Kenton Place, Dorothy M. Bentley to Debbie K. Moritz, $145,900.

• 56 Highland Ave., Karen Wilcox; Craig M. Wilcox to Nicholas J. Getty, $145,000.

• 5380 Abel Road, Michael J. Pierino to Kristie M. Toth; Christopher R. Toth, $140,080.

• 4273 Mistymeadow Lane, Maureen E. Lounsbury; Ernest H. Lounsbury Jr. to Geoffrey M. Lehman, $140,000.

• 3611 Eric Trail, Robin L. Heer; Gregory B. Heer to Sarah R. Zielinski, $126,500.

• 5087 Mount Vernon Blvd., Jeneane Page to Amanda Phillips, $123,600.

• 4022 Sheldon Road, Grace L. Strnad to Matthew S. MacDonald, $120,000.

• 2174 Buttermilk Lane, W. Scott Leuthe to Harrell W. Little III, $118,000.

• 3735 Blair Court, Timothy G. Blevins to Bryan R. Baum, $115,000.

• 66-68 Allen St., Paul L. Knaus; Marlene R. Knaus to Ronald B. Collins; Judith M. Collins, $92,000.

• S3584 Abbott Road, Virginia Pohlman to Kimberly Koscielniak, $55,000.

• 4744 Mosey Lane, Highland Heights Development to Forbes Homes Inc., $40,000.

LACKAWANNA

• 27 Edgewood Place, Lackawanna Housing Development Corporation to Christopher A. Stephens, $60,000.

• 109 St. Jude Drive, Carole C. Barone to Daniel J. Barone, $56,000.

• 34 Autumn Lane, Mary Jane Dulinawka; John R. Dulinawka to Tami L. Dulski, $35,000.

• 36 Currant, Raymond Kowalski to Paul H. Flis Jr., $19,000.

LANCASTER

• 24 Sagebrush Lane, John F. Christopher; Brenda J. Christopher to Beth Anne Richter; Patrick M. Farrar, $324,500.

• 64 Sterling Place, Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation to Christina M. Lombardo; Anthony W. Carroll, $316,590.

• 302 Enchanted Forest North, Janice E. Gregor; Brian J. Gregor to John W. Galbraith, $235,000.

• 36 Stony Brook Drive, Carrie Ann Aman; John W. Aman to Denise M. Gibbs, $233,000.

• 324 Enchanted Forest North, Ronald N. Fix; Danette M. Fix to Stacey Foore; Michael L. Rhim, $227,000.

• 17 Stony Brook Drive, Karen M. Sweet; John B. Sweet to Molly A. Coppola; David G. Coppola, $225,000.

• 65 Pheasant Run Lane, Joanne O’Hara; Michael J. O’Hara to Vanessa M. Palumbo; Frank P. Palumbo, $207,000.

• 209 Belmont St., C. Marlenne Wolf to Judith A. McCoy; Daniel E. McCoy, $187,500.

• 21 Michael Anthony Lane, Ryan T. Scholotterbeck; Kelly M. Hamilton to Michael R. Eddy, $183,000.

• 8 Banner Ave., Anthony M. Whetstone to Paul M. Kukoda; Matthew A. Cornell, $175,000.

• 58 Briarwood Drive, Philip M. Columbus; Donna J. Columbus to Randall A. Moley; Crystal M. Fial, $162,500.

• 84 Doehaven Circle, Scott A. Santora to Karen E. Difrancesco, $157,000.

• 23 Winfield Ave., Patrick M. Farrar to Kristen K. O’Neill, $132,000.

• 41 Lakeside Crescent, Judith A. McCoy; Daniel E. McCoy to Annette Kulyk; Taras P. Kulyk, $130,000.

• 12 Harold Place, Margaret A. Kruse to Kenneth R. Agnello, $111,000.

• Vacant Land/Mount View, Margaret A. Kruse to Kenneth R. Agnello, $111,000.

• 16 Darwin Drive, Catherine Fenzel to Jeffrey J. Budzinski, $108,000.

• 120 Rumford St., John C. Carlson; Joan A. Carlson; David P. Carlson to David P. Carlson; Constance V. Carlson, $102,000.

• 79 Tyrell, Ryan Mahon; Steffanie A. Sherwood; Steffanie A. Mahon to Hayley J. Pickett, $99,000.

• 51 Irwinwood Road, Geraldine Hartman; Joseph W. Hartman; Dennis P. Cleary to Fannie Mae, $93,515.

• 47 Irwinwood Road, Patricia Schill; Robert F. Schill to Laure Kolb, $73,000.

• 8 Lavarack Ave., MM Asset Holdings to Great Places Llc, $50,000.

• 2052 Como Park Blvd., Mona C. Elser to JM Construction Landscaping, $30,000.

NEWSTEAD

• Vacant Land/Maple Road, Stefan Frederick Pannella to Aaron N. Handzlik, $10,000.

NORTH COLLINS

• 10635 Dewey Ave., Beneficial Homeowner Service Corporation to Brian Guyette, $11,000.

ORCHARD PARK

• 23 Soldier Wood Circle, Joseph A. Jusko to Jennifer Scott; William H. Scott III, $373,600.

• 250 Lawrence Woods, Audrey Cannizzaro; William S. Lukasiak to Laura Depue; Michael Depue, $364,000.

• 92 Henning Drive, Ludonna M. Braymiller; David C. Braymiller to Pamela R. Hanny; Gerald R. Hanny, $345,000.

• 260 Curley Drive, Carl Nels Anderson; Linda Anderson to Daniel Beres; Lisa N. Tata, $320,000.

• 83 Fox Chapel Drive, William J. Roof; James J. Murray to Janet M. Biddle; James E. Biddle Sr., $304,000.

• 3 Concord Drive, John A. Krull to Mollie E. Sollecito; Jason L. Sollecito, $295,500.

• 10 Nieman Drive, Susan Suchak; Sudhir D. Suchak to Glenn V. Miller, $225,000.

• 64 North St., Lena E. Calabrese to Sarah Mcalpine Smonskey; Matthew Thomas Smonskey, $195,000.

• 50 Old Orchard Lane, Melinda L. Grabowski; David N. Grabowski to James Patrick Kull Jr., $192,500.

• 281 Elmhurst Drive, Mary B. Foyle; Joseph H. Foyle to Adam E. Scheiderer, $177,500.

• 6432 Armor Duells Road, Kevin G. Kolesar; Gail K. Kolesar to Judith M. Stewart, $145,000.

• 79 Bielak Road, William F. Serowski to Laurie A. Lemanski; Everett F. Lemanski, $142,500.

• 5299-B Chestnut Ridge Road, Rosanne Radigan to Harry N. Plotycia; Elaine F. Plotycia, $118,500.

• 5229-F Chestnut Ridge Road, Mark Nickles; Mallory M. McQuay to Nancy S. Whelan; Gregory F. Whelan, $112,000.

• Vacant Land/62 Golden Crescent Way, Pleasant Acres West Llc to Richard McCarthy; Melissa L. McCarthy, $99,000.

• 172 Bielak Road, Maureen E. Wilson; Patrick T. Duffey; Jeannine M. Cormier; Donna J. Cuddihy; Susan M. Deloach; June E. Duffey to Heather A. Barry; Dan T. Barry, $95,000.

• 5420 Lake Ave., Anthony Druzbik Jr.; Anthony N. Druzbik Jr. to Brian T. Druzbik, $85,000.

• Vacant Land/Powers Road, Margaret Mary Smith to Richard Wacienga, $12,500.

SARDINIA

• 11500 Mattson Corners Road, George D. Reinhardt to Kathleen N. Valvo; Brett A. Bell, $320,000.

CITY OF TONAWANDA

• 380 Ellicott Creek Road, Daniel A. Pellow to Daniel J. Gilbert, $170,000.

• 272 Brookside Terrace, Karen H. Collura; Charles M. Collura to Trang Nguyen, $135,000.

• 348 Utica St., Heather D. Rylas; Harrell W. Little III to Andrew S. Pecoraro; Jennifer A. Myers, $103,000.

• 637 Main St., TR Homes Properties Inc. to Irish Rose Properties, $100,000.

• 97 Maldiner Ave., Donald Dean Blackmon; Freda P. Blackmon to Lyudmila Chukhanenko; Aleksandr Chukhanenko, $95,000.

• 60 Delton St., Cynthia J. Zelie to Kendra J. Zelie, $40,000.

• 260 Kohler St., HUD to James Ventry, $23,000.

TOWN OF TONAWANDA Highest price: $242,050 Average price: $110,020 Median price: $108,750 Number of Sales: 36

• 70 Snug Haven Court, Jacqueline Winterhalter to Melissa G. Johnson; Dean R. Johnson, $242,050.

• 89 Ebling Ave., Robert A. Clark; Linda M. Clark to Kelli L. Thomas; Andrew P. Crawford, $179,000.

• 155 Bathhurst Drive, Melissa G. Johnson; Dean R. Johnson to Kathleen M. Johnson, $170,000.

• 34 Springfield Ave., Shawn M. Janas to Heather C. Rampino; Angelo J. Rampino, $160,000.

• 1252 Colvin Blvd., Susan M. Landi; Barry L. Landi to Paula Verde, $146,000.

• 156 Patricia Drive, Denise M. Manning to Karen Held, $139,777.

• 1060 Parkhurst Blvd., Moses Rivera; Selece D. Rivera to John Lafferty; Jonathan Lafferty, $136,500.

• 180 Blackstone Blvd., Richard S. Bramson to Matthew K. Linneborn; Jamie L. Evans, $128,500.

• 78 Keats Ave., Margaret M. Crawford; Lynne R. Crawford to Beau Lenihan, $128,000.

• 41 Stoneleigh Ave., William A. Kuhn to Christopher Wayne Morgan; Kimberly M. Morgan, $127,900.

• 100 Wrexham Court North, Lynn D. Harning to Eric D. Smith, $127,000.

• 158 Burnside, Rosemary Cicero-Sullivan; Carla M. Cicero to Robert P. Kindzia; Anne L. Kindzia, $126,000.

• 482 Niagara Falls Blvd., Mat Properties Inc. to Martin Maloney 401K Trust, $120,501.

• 261 W. Girard Blvd., Amy L. Strauss; Judy A. Buhler to Jacquelyn F. Neunder; Anthony M. Lamparelli, $120,310.

• 159 Calvin Court South, Sharon A. Wassmer; Gary J. Wassmer to Lori M. Kempski; John D. Alleca, $119,900.

• 32 Warren Ave., Kimberly A. Jetty; Jon P. Bowman to Sarah Tykowski, $118,000.

• 109 Nassau, KC Buffalo Enterprises to Jillian Burgio, $115,000.

• 34 Marquette, Carrie Hillery; Carrie E. Rose to Barbara Joanne Spatafora, $113,600.

• 71 Clark St., Paul C. Lavigne; Mary K. Lavigne to Ryan M. Henesey; Anna C. Henesey, $112,000.

• 68 West Girard Blvd., Joshua D. Sweers to Noel L. Burt, $109,500.

• 189 Wabash Ave., Gillian M. Stott; Cheryl M. Stott to Steven D. Koniarczyk, $108,000.

• 295 Dupont Ave., Jason R. Hart to Stephanie A. Bottita, $108,000.

• 216 Nassau Ave., Christopher Zera to Mark T. Wojciechowski; Deborah F. Wojciechowski, $107,500.

• 11 Fancher Ave., Joseph L. Tripi to Antonino P. Caserta, $101,000.

• 1567 Parker Blvd., Angelo J. Rampino; Heather C. Gillmor to Enrique E. Livingston, $100,800.

• 74 Liston St., Mary Beth Young-Ferolie; Carol Susan Young; Robin A. Olkowski; William N. Calos; Lois C. Calos to Peter J. Carpenter, $100,000.

• 244 Grandview Ave., Geraldine Grisante to Mark R. Tanski, $95,000.

• 2720 Colvin Blvd., Ronald T. Palmer to Sophia M. Garbarini; Michael P. Garbarini, $95,000.

• 31 Delaware Road, Laurie M. Domzalski; Gary A. Domzalski to Timothy M. Hirschbeck; Patricia A. Hirschbeck, $94,000.

• 465 Victoria Blvd., Jennifer Yaw to Philip Gregory Minkler, $93,600.

• 47 Fowler Ave., David C. Kothen to Michele H. Sveinsson; Patrick M. Conley, $89,900.

• 47 Parkwood Ave., Elise Martin; Deanna Martin; Gail F. Martin; Rachel Martin; Daniel Martin Jr. to Tamara Siefert, $85,000.

• 249 Woodlawn Drive, Donna L. Finnegan to Jason M. Czajka, $76,500.

• 58 Lynbrook Ave., Artisan Property Holdings to Shannon Stewart, $74,900.

• 369 Nassau Ave., Vladislav Arutyunov to David D. Durno; Mark A. Candino, $62,375.

• 1203 Tonwanda St., Norrietta E. Martene to Keith Kerr; Nancy Leona Kerr; Ashley Margaret Kerr, $15,000.

WALES

• Vacant Land/Strykersville Road, Patricia C. Virkler; Rebecca E. Schumacher; Kathleen R. Rogers to Joseph S. Swatland; Angela S. Swatland, $60,000.

WEST SENECA

• 701 Orchard Park Road, Leemilts Petroleum Inc. to Frontier West Seneca Llc, $325,000.

• 17 Taylor Drive, Kellie M. Jackson; David A. Jackson to National Residential Nominee Services Inc., $270,000.

• 3887 Seneca St., Robert S. Peet; Leslie A. Peet to 3887 Seneca Street Llc, $250,000.

• 42 Lillis Lane, Mark A. Kasperczyk to Margaret P. Gatta; James F. Gatta Jr., $210,000.

• 306 Fisher Road, TPS Real Properties Inc. to Thomas J. Knoop; Ashley L. Knoop, $199,900.

• 985 East West Road, Theresa M. Vella; Mary R. Pasco to Leszek M. Bak, $195,000.

• 4620 Clinton St., Michael Milewski to Micah A. Milewski, $170,000.

• 802 Seneca Creek Road, Gourlay Family; Linda M. Gourlay; John P. Gourlay to Christopher Kibler; Karen M. Kibler, $159,000.

• 4 Windtree Lane, Rosemarie Karaszewski; Donald J. Karaszewski to Eugene W. Biddeman III; Brandi P. Biddeman, $150,000.

• 36 Cardinal Lane, Judith P. Mullen; James M. Mullen to Kathleen R. Baker; Byron H. Baker Jr., $149,800.

• 104 Brookside, Nathan M. Manna; Elizabeth J. Manna to Geoffrey Schweikhard; Sarah Schweikhard, $126,000.

• 24 Marlow, Craig Gangloff to John M. Waara, $122,000.

• 200 Woodward Drive, Kean Crowe to Susan A. David; Natalie M. David, $118,000.

• 209 Chamberlin Drive, Kathleeen Mary Tangelder; Lawrence Edward Bauer; Helen Marie Bauer; Riobert Michael Bauer; Helen Bauer; Thomas William Bauer to Douglas R. Watson; Celeste M. Watson, $110,000.

• 4 Singer Ave., Lori Gleason; Stephen Gleason to Matthew M. O’Neill, $103,000.

• 94 Cathedral Drive, Phyllis L. Sterlace; Jerry L. Sterlace; Dennis J. Kozlowski; Dennis J. Koslowski; Gail M. Fitz-Gerald; Linda A. Banks to Michael T. Pittner; Lisa A. Oshei-Pittner, $100,000.

• 266 Wimbledon Court, Diana Duncan; Rosina L. Gibson to Patrick J. Rankin; Linda B. Rankin, $95,000.

• 1021 Reserve Road, Carolyn A. Smolarek to Frank Perez, $50,000.

• 55 Blossom Road, Dorothy G. Seifert; Carlton H. Seifert to Rosanne C. Paluch; Barbara A. Moran, $5,000.

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EUREKA, Mo. (KSDK) – Six Flags St. Louis is asking the community to help them find a project that will allow employees to volunteer to make a difference for a person, family, or non-profit organization.

Each November, after the park has closed for the season, employees take part in Project 6 Day to give back to the community. This will be the fifth year for the event, which uses employees to do various projects such as painting, cleaning, landscaping, filling food boxes, or performing minor repair work.

In the past, these projects have included work at Epworth Children’s Center, food pantries, Camp Wyman, and shelters.

Employees are asking for people to submit ideas. Anyone can send a submission, which must be mailed to Six Flags St. Louis, P.O. Box 60, Eureka, Mo. 63077 Attn. Public Relations. Submissions must be postmarked no later than Oct. 18.

For more information on the types of projects Six Flags is looking for, visit their website.

KSDK

Contributed Rendering
A vision of what Destination Bayfront could look like.

The debate over what critics say was the original vision of Destination Bayfront vs. the vision that would be constructed with bond money is becoming more heated.

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© 2013 Corpus Christi Caller Times. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

CARTHAGE, Mo. —
So mowing, weeding, trimming, raking, planting, watering, fertilizing and cleanup are too much for you?

What if you had seven parks, including a swimming pool and a golf course, to maintain with the help of only four men and one secretary?

That is the task set out for Alan Bull, city parks director. He said that when he first went to work for the Parks Department, trash cans in the parks were emptied only on Mondays and Fridays. “Now we clean restrooms and dump trash every (week)day, and in the summer, we empty them six days a week,” he said.

Also, during summers, one of his employees has to spend all his time at Fair Acres maintaining the softball and soccer fields. It leaves a minimum amount of time and manpower to plan for and implement improvements. That is why Bull is pleased to be working with the Parks Visioning Committee to collect, sort and winnow suggestions from the public for meeting community recreational needs.

The committee is working with five architecture students from Drury University who will help define and refine the suggestions received from public input. The students have quite a bit of experience, Bull said, because they cannot participate until they are in the fourth year of a five-year program.

The first meeting with the public resulted in “a lot of input, a lot of sticky notes,” Bull said. After a couple more meetings, the students will present their findings to the City Council in December, and then it will be up to the public service committee to recommend what improvements can be implemented, with council approval.

The initial meeting, with about 60 people attending, indicated support for more soccer fields and improvements to the swimming pool in Municipal Park, originally constructed during Works Progress Administration days.

Bull said that in the last year or so, rather than trying to do piecemeal maintenance and improvements throughout the city, his department has refocused its efforts on a single park at a time

“We started with Griggs Park,” he said. Crews upgraded the basketball and tennis courts and the skateboard area, and improved the playground equipment and fencing. “There are more people using it than ever before,” Bull said.

The next focus is Carter Park, where roads were paved, curb and gutter and landscaping were added, and the south entrance was changed to eliminate a five-road intersection. There also is a plan to add a soccer field and restrooms.

Meanwhile, there are routine maintenance needs that cannot be put off. Bull hopes to redo the shelter houses in Municipal Park. The skating hall needs repainting, and a roof on the shelter at Central Park needs replacing. In a week or so, Blevins Asphalt will be repaving some of the roads in Municipal Park at a cost of $80,000.

The Parks Department is funded by a 15.06-cent tax on real property valuations that produces revenue of $175,886. The remainder needed to meet the 2014 budget of $437,598 is provided from the city’s general fund. More than 66 percent of the department’s budget is allocated to workers’ salaries and benefits.

Bull said a biking and walking trail linking several of the parks from the Ruby Jack Trail through the Walnut Bottoms and Kellogg Lake Park also was discussed at the last meeting. The single-track trail for mountain bike riding, which already has been funded, is on hold because of the necessity for property acquisition.

“I think there’s going to be some great ideas come out (of the visioning committee),” Bull said, “But they are just ideas. It’s up to us to implement them.”

ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE to Jo Ellis, c/o The Joplin Globe, Box 7, Joplin, MO 64802 or email news@joplinglobe.com.

Next meeting

THE NEXT MEETING of the Parks Visioning Committee will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Hall. It is open to the public.

Name: TJ Thomson

Age: 39

Occupation: Boise City Council Member, January 2010-present; Certified internal auditor, Idaho Power Company, December 2006-present

Education: Institute of Internal Auditors, certified internal auditor; Indiana University, Master of Public Affairs in policy analysis, public administration; Boise State University, Bachelor of Political Science, minor in communication; U.S. Air Force veteran, Dyess AFB, Texas, avionics electrical systems certification, Lowry AFB, Colo. and basic military training, Lackland AFB, Texas.

Prior political experience: Boise City Council Member, January 2010-present; Boise State University (BSU) Student Body President, 1997-98.

Civic involvement: Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS), 2012-present; City of Boise Audit Committee, 2012-present; City of Boise Public Works Commission, 2010-present; City of Boise Board of Parks and Recreation, 2010-12; Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Boise (2009 Graduate), Alumni Association, 2011-present; Boise Young Professionals, 2007-present; Neighborhood Watch Chair/Founder – Dawson Meadows Subdivision (West Boise), 2008-present; Boise City Police Department Volunteer, 2008-09; Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) Idaho Board of Directors and SPAN USA Field Liaison, 2007-09; Boise Citizens’ Police Academy (Graduate), 2008; 4th Judicial District Bar Association Citizens’ Law Academy (Graduate), 2008; Human Rights Commissioner MLK celebration volunteer – Rockville, MD, 2002-03; Student Body Senator for Graduate School of Public Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 2001-02; Student Body President and Student Senator for Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU), 1995-1999; Project Interchange Seminar participant, Israel, 1998.

Years living in Boise: 15

Family: My wife, Alisha, and I have been happily married for over 10 years. We are presently in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia.

Website: www.TJ4Boise.com

Social media accounts: Facebook; @TJThomson; LinkedIn

1. What makes you a better choice for voters than your opponent(s)?

I am running for re-election because I want to continue making a positive difference in Boise and keep us moving forward — to build the strongest, most livable city possible for future generations to enjoy. Over the last four years, we have had tremendous success in strengthening our local economy during a difficult recession. Unemployment rates are going down while property values are on the rise. The Boise market is dramatically stronger — outpacing the national housing recovery. Commercial and residential permitting is up and positive economic development is moving forward. We have protected thousands of acres of open space in our foothills; added multiple parks and recreational opportunities; increased sidewalks and bike lanes; improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists; added bus routes; and strengthened public safety (crime rates are at historic lows). I will continue moving Boise forward, while also presenting new ideas for strengthening our livability and local economy.

2. If elected, what are your top three priorities? How will you accomplish them? Please provide specifics.

1. A strong, diverse local economy: Protect and attract living wage jobs and spark new business growth and investment. Continued focus on small business start-ups and long-term economic opportunities. Provide businesses with the infrastructure they need to thrive, removing barriers that hinder success. Consider additional business incubators and an “Innovation District” in Boise

2. Protecting our quality of life and preserving open spaces: Lead the way on healthy initiatives, specifically addressing the child obesity epidemic — make Boise the healthiest city in America. Continue building a community that is attractive and livable, with ample parks and open space. Build strong neighborhoods with affordable, high-quality housing opportunities. Keep our water clean and improve our air quality.

3. A public transportation system for today and tomorrow: Continue to strengthen our bus system. Improved safety and access for bicyclists and pedestrians. Increase bike lanes. Support viable transportation alternatives for the future.

3. What is the one thing your city should start doing to encourage economic development and create jobs?

Boise is recovering from a difficult recession. Unemployment rates are dropping, property values are on the rise and the market is dramatically stronger — outpacing the national housing recovery, commercial and residential permitting is up and economic development has increased — including marquee additions to our beautiful downtown, such as Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Zions Bank (formerly the “hole in the ground”) and JUMP. We have had tremendous success adding to Boise’s livability with parks, open space and historically low crime rates — all of which help to retain and attract business. We still have work to do. We must attract additional skilled employees to the Boise Valley, to fill our increasing construction needs, and continue efforts to diversify our economic and workforce base. Also, let’s consider additional business incubators and an “Innovation District” that incentivizes like-minded start-ups to work and grow together — an urban environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

4. How do you envision your city 10 to 20 years from now? How should it change?

I envision a strong, vibrant city with thousands of acres of open space protected for future generations to enjoy; continued protection of our clean water; ample parks and green space spread throughout the city; a safe, robust transportation system that changes to meet future demands; interconnected trails and bike lanes; mixed-use development working in concert with our Comprehensive Plan (Blueprint Boise); a safe city with crime rates that continue to decline and remain historically low — even as we grow; a city that integrates sustainability into every decision — to assure we leave our environment in the same or better condition as we inherited; the healthiest city in America, where child obesity rates are down and active lifestyles are the norm; and a thriving, diversified local economy with ample living wage jobs and opportunity for all. We are headed in the right direction and must keep moving forward to achieve this vision.

5. Are you concerned about public apathy and involvement in civic matters? How would you get more people involved?

I have witnessed an outpour of public involvement over the last four years. Our community cares deeply about their city and is involved regularly in local decisions impacting their lives. At times, public hearings have standing room only. I receive extensive communication on a regular basis from the public through multiple mediums — including social media, phone, mail, and email. I make myself extremely accessible to our citizens, take calls at all times of the day/night and maintain a visible presence on social media, allowing direct and open interaction. I was recently recognized by the public and Fusion Magazine as “Mr. Social Media” for my extensive efforts to be accessible. Any increase in public involvement is a good thing for our city. We must continue to increase civic involvement, improve our website to be more user-friendly and assure adequate information is available to the public on every issue we are addressing.

6. Do you support either or both bonds for open space, public safety and parks? Why?

These investments help us maintain our city’s safety and add to our livability. Access to open spaces, like the Boise Foothills and neighborhood parks, has added millions to our city’s economy, improved citizen health and strengthened neighborhood property values. This assures our consistent trend as good stewards of Boise’s clean water, open spaces and natural areas. Some fire stations are no longer ideally situated or out-dated and in need of repair. Boise has grown, but our fire stations have not kept pace, hampering the ability of fire fighters to quickly and effectively respond to emergencies consistently across the city. By protecting clean water and critical natural areas like the Boise Foothills and improving parks, fire and emergency response services, we’ll create a legacy and a vibrant and sustainable future that increases our property values, creates jobs and makes Boise an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

8. Should the city upgrade its shooting range, leave it as is or do something else entirely? Why?

The shooting range has been utilized by law enforcement personnel since 1960 and city owned since 2008. If the range were sold by the city, per Idaho Code it would likely remain a shooting range, but become privately owned — providing less opportunity for the city to assure a safe environment. Moving the range to an alternate location would be extremely costly to taxpayers. Boise Police will be working with citizens over the next year to address citizen concerns, prior to proceeding voluntarily to the Planning Zoning Commission for a conditional use permit. I believe this time will be beneficial to assuring the concerns of our citizens are met. While there has never been an accident at the range, it is imperative that all precautions are taken to assure a safe environment. Other site improvements will assist with noise reductions and aesthetic improvements for trail users in the area.

9. Should Boise raise Downtown metered parking rates? How much? Why?

I opposed raising downtown parking rates and extending collection times. We are presently upgrading to “smart meters” in the downtown area, which will assist greatly in the collection of information, allow the use of credit cards, and someday, the use of smart phone technology to monitor or add time to your meter. I believe we must first collect and analyze data from the new meters, over an extensive period of time, to help us better understand if (and specifically, where) on-street parking turnover rates are a concern for existing businesses in the downtown area — and address it specifically in identified areas, to assist local business. Let’s assure adequate access to alternate modes of transportation in our downtown core — including safe bike lanes and sidewalks – reducing pressure on street parking. A vibrant, pedestrian friendly city with ample parking garage space that is heavily utilized as an affordable alternative to on-street parking.

10. If elected, what would you do to change the public transportation system in Boise?
My priority is to continue strengthening our bus system by adding additional routes to make it more accessible and convenient. We must continue adding bike lanes throughout Boise that are interconnected and safe to use. Assuring safe, attractive, and well-lit streets and pathways promotes biking and walking, as a driving alternative. Infrastructure improvements, such as crosswalks, curb cuts, wide shoulders, dedicated bus routes and landscaping also improve use and safety for citizens. Land use policies that promote mixes of housing, retail, business, parks and green space reduce travel time and congestion. “Complete Streets” design strategies reduce injuries, encourage walking and bicycling, and improve health and well-being. Thinking about future needs, I support local option authority for municipalities — a system that allows citizens to support dedicated funding for alternative transportation projects and improvements. This would allow us to invest in viable alternatives to meet future demands, such as rapid-bus or rail.

Check out my responses over at SotU!!

FTRS: In his first two seasons, Al Golden has compiled a 6-6 and 7-5 record, respectively, but the Hurricanes are 4-0 coming into this game. What is the general consensus on Golden amongst the fan base? How is he different as a coach than Randy Shannon?

SotU: Golden is, well, golden right now. He’s doing all the little – and big – things right. He relates so well to fans and media. He’s polite, energetic, and likable. Most importantly, and one of the biggest things that separates him from Shannon, is how he strengthened relationships with local high school coaches, some of which had been damaged. That was huge, and the recruiting has paid off nicely so far. And it’s hard not to pull for and respect a guy who has stood by the U through this shitstorm known as the NCAA. Beating our biggest in-state foe helped a hell of a lot too.

FTRS: Miami is not unlike Georgia Tech in having documented issues with filling the stadium. However, the Florida game in Week 2 (?) brought a full house with it. What is your assessment of the crowd issues faced by The U, and what was different about the Florida game?

SotU: It’s Florida. It’s Miami. It’s the oldest and nastiest rivalry among the state’s Big 3. And it also happens to be the last time they’re scheduled to play, barring UF’s administration getting their head out of the sand (I know firsthand that Blake James wants to keep playing the game). Florida travels as well as any school in the country. Combine all that, and you’ve got a party, which it was. However, try to fuel that same party for students/alums to make a trek literally across Dade county to the stadium for, say, Wake Forest? Therein lies the problem, especially with a 74,000+ seat stadium and 9-ish thousand student body we have. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out our problems.

FTRS: We learned the hard way last year that Duke Johnson is an absolute force as a running back AND kick returner. Where would you say he ranks nationally as a back and an all-around player? Where you he rank in Miami history at those two spots?

SotU: Well, he came close as a freshman to breaking Willis McGahee’s ridiculous 2002 record for all purpose yards, so that speaks for itself. He’s always a play away from taking it to the house. He has speed with second-level vision you want as both a ball carrier and returner. My concern is injury. He’s smaller and gets dinged up here and there. We’ve seen a nice balance in the run game with Dallas Crawford and the human dump truck Gus “Bus” Edwards. Miami doesn’t need to give Duke 20 carries/game between the tackles, but figure out a healthy mix of inside carries with touches in space.

FTRS: QB Stephen Morris has seemed marginally better in his career than was Jacory Harris. How do the two compare, and would you agree that Morris is slightly better?

SotU: Well, Morris shattered records last year for single-game passing yards and gave Miami its best QB performance in countless years. Jacory put up numbers, but also lobbed up way, way too many 50/50 balls and ensuing turnovers. Morris is significantly higher on my totem pole, especially if he can lead this team to some postseason success.

FTRS: A lot of people claimed that Miami’s win against Florida was more of a Gator loss than a Cane win, given that Florida turned the ball over 6 times. However, I see it more as Miami’s defense being extremely opportunistic, and taking absolutely everything that the opponent is willing to give them…to the point that carelessly carrying the ball WILL result in a fumble, and throwing into traffic WILL result in an interception. Do you think that Miami got lucky in winning that game, or did they truly deserve it?

SotU: I think Miami certainly deserved to win the game (you don’t stay on the field defensively for 38-plus minutes and show no sign of slowing/tiring late without good conditioning and strength, which deserves massive praise for UM’s coaching and training staff), but were both good and fortunate to some degree. The first forced fumble? Hat on the ball. Great play. First INT? Pressure, which led to a Driskel making a bad throw. A miscommunication from Driskel and a WR leads to a later pick. A sack-fumble where the LT was abused by DE Tyriq McCord. Miami had plenty to do with the result. And I say that too because Miami actually CAUGHT those interceptions. How many games have you seen a team lose because they dropped a potential game-winning pick, only to allow the winning score on the next play? Miami didn’t, but no one seems to care enough to give credit to that.

FTRS: By nature, Miami has a ton of talent all across the field on both sides of the ball, and this year they’re looking far better than the last two years. I actually expect that this is the first year that the Coastal is represented in Charlotte by someone without the word “Tech” in the name. However, every team has a chink in the armor. If someone is to beat Miami this year, how will it be done?

SotU: Probably force Miami to be one dimensional and have the athletes in the secondary to stay with Dorsett, Waters, Hurns, etc, which is a tall task. That would require an athletic, meat-grinding front seven that could stuff the run and get Morris out of the pocket. UF game was Exhibit A. Or…Miami could just lay an egg one game. No team is free of missed assignments, penalties, and bad decisions/turnovers, especially on the road.

FTRS: I gotta ask, what is the difference between Coral Gables and Miami, both geographically and culturally? I have certain media-provoked ideas about what Miami would look like…is Coral Gables similar, or wildly different?

SotU: For my first year of law school, I lived right on the edge between Miami and Coral Gables. CG is lined with beautiful streets, with gorgeous landscaping and a country club feel for the most part. If you drive off UM’s gorgeous campus, you’ll likely wind up on a scenic residential street owned by university professors and local professionals. Miami is such a mix it’s hard to describe in few words. Brickell/Coconut Grove has beautiful high rise waterfront condos. So to the beaches. There are certainly bad parts. And they are all a few minutes from each other. The culture of the City of Miami is strongly Cuban, but the city really is a melting pot of a number of different people and cultures. So…..if you haven’t made the trip to experience it for yourself, it’s a trip you should make at some point!

FTRS: What are your thoughts and expectations for this game? Who wins? Is it close? More or less emotionally taxing than last year?

SotU: Miami wins 27-13. I think we’re seeing a more physical and athletic Miami front seven, with the emergence of Denzel Perryman as a true superstar, Alex Figueroa and Tyriq McCord as rising stars, Curtis Porter as a plug in the middle, and plenty of athletes behind them. And as mentioned before, this defense is well-conditioned. And after blasting two weak opponents the past two weeks, they are pretty well-rested. Offensively, Miami is just too hot to slow right now, with a three-headed rushing attack, setting up the threat of play action to a set of fast WRs.

A big thanks to Craig Smith and his crew over at State of the U for taking the time to answer our questions! Check them out for more perspective from behind enemy lines, and follow them on Twitter!.

Follow @TheStateoftheU

Dudley Wooten

Outdoors Columnist

The last time, we spoke of imagination and how it pertains to landscaping design. We discussed how you have to dare to be different if you want something unique. This is where we’re allowing ourselves to color outside the lines as we brainstorm ideas on your wants and needs. Budget will usually guide you into determining wants from needs in the final analysis.

If you would, liken your imagination to the turtle – he only makes progress when he sticks his neck out. Our dreams are only an excursion to the limbo of things, a semi-deliverance from the human prison. If you can appreciate that, analyze this – dreams permit us to be safely insane any given night of the week. My thoughts on that are that dreams should include, but not be limited to nocturnal excursion. I’m just sayin’, think of all those who have explored and discovered. If it weren’t for their dreams, the big timber, clean water, and Native Americans would still rule here. Imagine that.

Those who discover have to have a big curious, and they must also have the uncanny ability to see what everyone else sees and think what nobody has thought. Stop right there and ponder that thought. What would it be like to see the same world everyone else sees, but to always have to analyze and dissect everything for the sake of curiosity or discovery? Would this be a blessing or a curse? Speaking of disturbed persons, could this be the underlying current in Mark Twain’s, “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so.”? Faith takes you head long into religion, and that’s what Napoleon said was the only thing that kept the poor from murdering the rich. This is a prime example of vivid imagination. We’ve gone from landscape design to French Revolution, taking the magic carpet ride through the windmills of your mind. Yes, sometimes my mind wanders, but we’re just gonna blame it on imagination.

Sometimes when I’m writing, I have to hit the brakes, because I’m starting to remind myself of Plato or Abe Lincoln. Imagine that. When I say reminding, I only mean that I’m remembering some of their quotes, and that’s a sobering thought. When I’m going at full speed and totally unbridled, I might be speaking before I think. It was Pluto who said, “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.” Honest Abe said, “Be it far better to be silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.” At this point, after due consideration of the fabrications and ramifications of this article I’ll quote Yogi Berra and say, “I really didn’t say everything I said.”

Let’s just go full circle and end this journey with a little Jimi Hendrix, “Imagination is the key to my lyrics. The rest is painted with a little science fiction.” Imagine that.

Dudley Wooten can be reached at 740-820-8210 or by visiting wootenslandscaping.com

Now that summer is over, there’s officially no excuse to ignore those fix-it projects — and if the packed aisles at home improvement stores prove anything, everyone feels the same way. But if your list is so long that you don’t really know where to start, here are a few DIY ideas to get you going. What will you be working on this weekend?

Paint The Front Door

If yours has seen better days, right now is the perfect time to give your front door a new lease on life. It’s a straight-forward job, but if you need guidance on color choice or process, check out This Old House.

Aerate The Front Lawn

While we’re on the topic of projects that could impact curb appeal, your lawn needs a little maintenance before the first frost arrives. First on the list? Aerating. This will loosen up the soil, so nutrients and oxygen can better reach the roots. Experts recommend tackling this job 1-2 days after you water. So, plan on watering on Saturday and aerating on Sunday. For a comprehensive overview on aerating, visit DIY Network.

Power Wash Your Walkways

It’s strangely satisfying to see months of dirt disappear with (highly pressurized) water. Do this now, before temps dip too low in the evenings. HGTV has a great primer on power washing.

Install A Floodlight

An evening commute often makes you notice how it’s getting so much darker, so much earlier. For a safer entrance into your driveway, better lighting is a must. Check out the tutorial on installing a floodlight over at This Old House.

Plant Spring Bulbs Now

A little work now pays off big next March/April. Better Homes Gardens has the simplified instructions for planting spring bulbs.

Replace Any Broken Screens

No one knows how the holes happen, but there they are, right in your window screen. Bob Vila will show you how to replace a damaged or broken window screen — even if you’re a novice DIYer.

Looking for more DIY inspiration? Check out these curb appeal projects.

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• Install Metal House Numbers

  Improve your home’s curb appeal with new house numbers. Metal numbers can match any style, from vintage to modern, and adds a refined look. All you have to do is drill into the masonry with a specialized bit to anchor the numbers.

• Re-Gravel The Driveway

  Because gravel driveways and paths can get “potholes” too. The good news is that all you’ll need are a few bags of gravel, a 2×4 (or something to “tamp” the gravel into place) and, if on a driveway, a car. Simply fill, tamp and then run over the filled-in spot. For a more detailed how-to, visit a href=”http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/driveway-cracks5.htm” target=”_blank”TLC/a.

• Freshen Up Your Fence

  If your backyard fence has never been stained, or the color has faded from the sun, adding a fresh coat is sure to brighten it up and protect the wood. First choose your stain and make sure your fence is clean and dry. Using a roller with a long attachment, coat about 3 feet of fence at a time. It is best to roll in the same direction as the wood grain. Then, move to the next section. Staining the fence in small sections will help make sure you cover each area completely. Allow to dry and apply a second coat if needed.

• Turn A Rug Into A Welcome Mat

  Bring new life to your old rug with a little spray paint. We love how blogger Kinsey Mhire of a href=”http://sincerelykinsey.blogspot.com.es/2012/02/wont-you-stay-awhile-rug-diy.html” target=”_blank”Sincerely Kinsey/a used masking tape to create a chevron pattern. She also used adhesive lettering, which is available at your local craft store, to personalize her mat with a message. For the full tutorial, visit a href=”http://sincerelykinsey.blogspot.com.es/2012/02/wont-you-stay-awhile-rug-diy.html” target=”_blank”Sincerely Kinsey/a.

• Install Window Awnings

  Installing window awnings is a good way to give your home some curb appeal if it’s looking a little tired and they’ll also keep the summer heat from beatingbeaming in. First, using a power drill and the supplies provided in a a href=”http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?walst=truesearch_query=Window+Awning+Kits” target=”_blank”window awning kit/a, center and mount your brackets above the window. Then slide the bead of the curtain in the mounting bar, allowing the curtain to hang down. Center the curtain on the mounting bar and use pliers to squeeze the ends, locking the awning into place. Next, attach the support beams to the bottom piece of the awning and twist to lock them into place. Afterward, attach the support arms and secure them into the wall brackets using screws.

  For a full tutorial, visit a href=”http://www.nuimageawnings.com/Instructions/assets/product_pdf/NI-55-5700-Instr.pdf” target=”_blank”Nuimage Awnings/a.

• Build A Sitting Wall

  Take advantage of the beautiful weather with an outdoor DIY project. A sitting wall is a stylish addition to any backyard and a great way to add some flair to your landscaping. You’ll need to do some measuring and digging before you get started. Once the area is dug out, lay the bricks. Use construction adhesive to make sure the wall is secure.

  Visit a href=”http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-stone-sitting-wall/index.html” target=”_blank”DIY Network/a for an in-depth tutorial.

• Paint Your Mailbox

  Add serious curb appeal by fixing up your mailbox. If it’s looking a little weather-worn or isn’t standing straight, a few quick and easy fixes will ensure you’re giving off a positive first impression to passers-by. Replace the stand or repaint the box with a fresh, vivid coat. If it’s damaged beyond repair, buy a new mailbox and start fresh. Then, add accents and decorations to personalize.

  Learn how to replace your mailbox and create a nautical design and more at a href=”http://gmctradesecrets.aol.com/decor/how-to-dress-up-your-mailbox/” target=”_blank”GMC Trade Secrets/a.

Ali Larter is a gorgeous actress, but you might not have known that she’s also an entertaining guru. In her new book “Kitchen Revelry,” Larter shows off her fabulous party ideas and recipes. And to celebrate, Domaine Home sat down with the Resident Evil star and found out her must-have items for throwing the ultimate shindig.

Larter told the site that candles along with a unique serving dish and pretty linens are essential. “When I’m feeling fancy, or when the occasion calls for it, I use Kim Seybert black, round placemats or Heath Ceramics linen runners,” said Larter. “Classic and simple, these pieces can dress up any table.”

And of course, Larter said no party is complete without a good drink. “It’s very important to always have one of your favorite bottles of something on hand. I like all kinds of reds, especially Cabs like Faust. Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Champagne is so divine — it’s always sitting in my leather and silver wine bucket,” she said.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amy Neunsinger via Domainehome.com

Now all we want to know is, when can we come over for dinner? Head over to Domaine Home for more on Larter’s entertaining must-haves.

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Do you have a home story idea or tip? Email us at homesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)

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• Hang Outdoor Lights

  Not only are these easy to install, but ambient lighting is a great way to set the perfect mood for an outdoor party. The key to getting the lights to stay up? Screw-in or heavy-duty adhesive hooks. Just drape lights between hooks, making sure that the end plug is near an electrical source. For more details, head over to a href=”http://www.homeandgardenideas.com/outdoor-living/outdoor-decor/lighting/how-hang-string-lighting-outdoor-party” target=”_hplink”Home Garden Ideas/a.

• Create Container Gardens For Your Patio

  From porches to front yards, any space can benefit from a pot of pretty blooms — and your patio is no exception. The key is to use a lightweight soil mix, which will provide excellent drainage and aeration. Head over to a href=”http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/container-essentials/index.html” target=”_hplink”HGTV/a for all the details.

• Create An Outdoor Bar

  Spring weather is perfect for outdoor parties. But if you’re bothered by constantly running in and out to grab drinks, making an outdoor bar is a great solution. The easiest way? Positioning an inexpensive tiered rolling cart off to the side of your entertaining space. Simply stock the heaviest mixers (and extras) on the bottom level, unbreakable glasses or cups on the middle shelf and then line up bottles across the top of the cart, allowing enough space for mixing. Cut garnishes (lemon and limes) in advance, so guests can help themselves.

  For a full tutorial on how to create a great outdoor bar space, visit a href=”http://www.ehow.com/how_6396745_create-outside-home-bar.html
  ” target=”_hplink”eHow/a.

• Get Your Pool Ready

  Now’s the best time to set up your pool before the weather gets too hot (you should be relaxing in it, not working!) After sifting out the debris, give your pool cover a good cleaning before boxing it away. Then you’ll want to check the water and pH levels for good measure before firing up the pump. For more details and a step-by-step tutorial, swing on over to a href=”http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-get-your-pool-ready-for-summer” target=”_blank”Do It Yourself’s website/a.

• Clean Your Outdoor Umbrella

  If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your patio umbrella, then now is probably a good time. First you’ll want to pull the canvas/fabric off of its base and fill up a garbage bin with a mix of bleach and water (one cup of bleach for every gallon of water.) Let your cloth soak in the solution for fifteen minutes and scrub down the dirtiest parts. While it’s still wet, place it back on the base and make sure it expands (this way you avoid shrinking the material.) For an easy-to-follow visual guide, head on over to a href=”http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-clean-your-patio-umbrella.html” target=”_blank”DIY by Design’s tutorial/a.

• Build A Fire Pit

  It might take the whole weekend to finish, but the end result is something you can admire and use for years. The steps involve digging a trench, filling it will gravel and assembling the walls. For the step-by-step instructions, visit a href=”http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1636191,00.html” target=”_hplink”This Old House/a.

• Fix The Fence Gate

  Fence gates that sag into the ground can be difficult to open. First, check if the gate post (the pole that hinges to your gate) is wobbly. If that’s the case, then simply secure crushed stone around the post with a sledgehammer. However, if the post is rotten, you’ll to unhinge the gate, dig up the post and replace it. For the step-by-step guidelines, visit a href=”http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20284513,00.html” target=”_blank”The Family Handyman/a.

• Mow Your Lawn The Right Way

  Secure your goggles, keep your kids and pets indoors and fire up the lawn mower. The trick to achieving a nice even gloss is to glide your machine emacross/em the hill, not up and down. Also, be sure to avoid obstacles that get in the way (that includes sprinklers, people!) More details about this project can be found on a href=”http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-mow-your-lawn2.htm” target=”_blank”HowStuffWorks’ feature/a.

It’s that season again: The one where it’s pleasant to stroll through Cockeysville neighborhoods, exploring homes for sale.

Touring homes for sale isn’t just for buyers, it’s also a great way to get ideas for your own home—from decorating tips to landscaping ideas.

Here’s a list of open houses in Hunt Valley and Cockeysville this weekend, from our partners at Zillow.com.