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Housing Fair informal seminar.
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2009 Seminars & Workshops
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"Ask an Expert" tables
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2009 Keynote
Seminar:
25 Ways to Save More and Spend Less in 2009
Learn 25 great tips for saving big and small bucks in a dismal economy. John Ewoldt, Dollars & Sense columnist at the Star Tribune, will talk about ways to reduce your budget. Ewoldt will cover a broad spectrum of tips including savings at the supermarket, restaurants, utilities, insurance, building supplies, wholesale clubs, health and other services. Attend this seminar and save yourself hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
John
Ewoldt's reports have also been featured on Minnesota Public Radio’s Mid-Morning Show and
KARE-TV, as well as a cover story on bargains in Mpls/St. Paul
Magazine. He has written on everything from good deals on buying
a new car to shopping high fashion consignment stores.
(Keynote
seminar: 11:00 am -12:15, Auditorium)
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Special Workshop:
Woodcraft for Kids
Elpis Enterprises will assist children and parents in building
a wooden bird feedert that your child can take home. A parent/adult
must accompany each child for this workshop.
(Continuous, NE Corner by stairs)
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Special Demonstration:
House of Pressure (HOP)
The House of Pressure is a see-through home that helps show how
a typical home can operate with respect to safety, comfort, durability
and efficiency in housing. Walk in and talk to volunteers from
the MN Building Performance Association. In addition to having
your questions answered, you’ll be able to view a range
of diagnostic tests and building science solutions to common home
energy issues. The House has typical air leaks, an operable forced
air duct system, dryer, exhaust fans, fireplace, tuck-under garage – and
smoke generators for the fireplace, water heater and car exhaust.
(Continuous. NW Corner, show floor)
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Building with Concrete Block: Walls, Stairs, Patios, Etc.
Vin Molloy from Patio Town will show how to build retaining walls, patios, stairs, decks, driveways and walks using retaining wall units and interlocking pavers. Learn cost effective construction techniques to repair or improve your home and yard. Seminar will include a slide presentation and discussion of tools, technique and site considerations with a question and answer period to follow.
(1:00 - 2:15 pm, Room 120)
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Choosing
a Remodeling Contractor
Michael Anschel of Otogawa-Anschel Design will share
information about the process of choosing a professional remodeling
contractor. So often, the consumer is only told to get several
estimates, and to make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured.
Find out about the “must have” prerequisites for every
remodeler and gain a better understanding of the process through
this educational presentation.
(1:00
- 2:15 pm, Room 132)
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Current Kitchen Design Trends, Including Handmade Tiles
Christine Nelson, a National Kitchen and Bath Association design award winner, will discuss the current trends in kitchen design in appliances, cabinets, counters, and sink products. A section will be dedicated to using color thru handmade tiles in the backsplashes. Christine is always open to questions and lively discussion which all will benefit from! A slide presentation will show many examples of all the current trends and handmade tile backsplashes.
(1:00
- 2:15 pm, Room 126)
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Distressed Homes For Sale
Due to rising foreclosures, there are more vacant homes on the market than ever before. At the same time, there are fewer buyers for these homes. Prices of vacant homes have fallen drastically over the past year. If you don’t mind looking past some dirt and taking on a few repairs; you can find an incredible bargain. This presentation will show you how to find, fund and fix a bargain home. Information on a home tour of vacant properties that are for sale in the South Minneapolis area will be made available. Presented by Cynthia Frost of Total Freedom Realty.
(1:00 - 2:15 pm, Room 146)
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Glass Block Windows
Improve the beauty and security of your home by adding glass block
windows in the basement, bathroom or kitchen. Installation can
be difficult and challenging. John Neiss with John Neiss
Glass Block Window Company will share with you the history of glass blocks,
techniques of installation and the tools you’ll need to do the job.
(1:00 - 2:15 pm, Room 119)
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The Green Gardener
When is the best time to water? Do I need to fertilize my lawn and garden? How do I start composting? What is a rain garden? Karen Van Norman will address questions such as these to encourage ecologically sound practices in lawn care and gardening.
(1:00
- 2:15 pm, Room 133)
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Home Electrical Wiring Systems
Learn the basics of your home electrical wiring. We will look at the power distribution or control panel box and different types of circuits. See how to test and check electrical switches; fuses and wires for continuity and wire an actual “live” circuit. Additional topics covered will be: different types of tools and
test equipment, including formulas for calculating voltage, amperage
and resistance. Presenter is Paul Schwartz, instructor for Adult
Community Education classes Minneapolis and St. Paul Schools.
(1:00 - 2:15 pm, Room 128)
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Home Modification/Barrier Free
Maria McCarthy with McCarthy Builders and Remodelers will discuss what home modifications are and why they are important to the elderly or physically challenged. Topics covered will be: aspects of design and assistive devices, modification strategies to meet users’ needs, common home modifications and where to locate products.
(1:00 - 2:15 pm, Room 149)
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Plumbing Repair Basics For The Home
This workshop, sponsored by Randy Lane and Sons Plumbing,
will show you how to save “big dollars” on home plumbing repairs including fixing leaky faucets and repairing toilets. Free toilet leak detectors will be distributed.
(1:00 - 2:15 pm, Room 131)
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"Ask An Expert" Tables
Session 1: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
(All are along north wall by kitchen)
Home Access Solutions
Either a loved one or you can continue to live at home or apartment safely and independently. Stop by and talk to a certified aging in place specialist from Augustana Therapy Services. Learn about: Home Access Assessments, Modification Solutions and Funding Resources. The Home Modification/Barrier Free workshop in collaboration with McCarthy Builders will be presented in the afternoon discussing services, home assessment specifics and home modifications.
Home Inspections
Building a deck this spring? Do you need to install guardrails? Are footings required? Perhaps you are contemplating finishing off your basement. What is an egress window? How high should the handrail be? The Minneapolis Building Inspectors can answer these questions and many more! These are the very folks that will visit your home to inspect your construction project, so take this opportunity to get your questions answered.
Home Video Surveillance
Are you a homeowner who wants to add a security element to your home? What are the differences between digital and video tape surveillance? Learn about the latest in video surveillance equipment. Get your questions answered about equipment ranging from “nanny cams” to commercial surveillance systems. Gil Dignen, instructor for Adult Community Education classes in Minneapolis, has an extensive background in video security and electronic surveillance through his positions at General Electric, Government Communications and Northwest Airlines. He has also attended and instructed numerous classes for law enforcement agencies in photography and electronic surveillance.
Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who will be available to answer your questions on horticultural topics using research-based information.
Reupholstering
Patrick Shaughnessy first learned the craft of reupholstery almost two decades ago and has enjoyed teaching it to others for the past several years. Amateur craftspeople interested in restoring old furniture by repairing or replacing cushions, springs or upholstery should stop by and talk to Patrick.
Session 2: 12:30 am – 2:30 pm
(All are along north wall by kitchen)
Healthy Homes
Minneapolis Regulatory Services works to ensure the safety, health, accountability, and livability of our community. Within Regulatory Services, the Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Department focuses on lead hazard grant projects, asthma interventions, education, outreach, indoor air quality concerns and the enforcement of health and housing codes. Eliza Schell will be available to answer questions regarding indoor radon, asbestos, mold, lead hazards, asthma triggers and integrated pest management.
Home Inspections
Building a deck this spring? Do you need to install guardrails? Are footings required? Perhaps you are contemplating finishing off your basement. What is an egress window? How high should the handrail be? The Minneapolis Building Inspectors can answer these questions and many more! These are the very folks that will visit your home to inspect your construction project, so take this opportunity to get your questions answered.
Home Video Surveillance
Are you a homeowner who wants to add a security element to your home? What are the differences between digital and video tape surveillance? Learn about the latest in video surveillance equipment. Get your questions answered about equipment ranging from “nanny cams” to commercial surveillance systems. Gil Dignen, instructor for Adult Community Education classes in Minneapolis, has an extensive background in video security and electronic surveillance through his positions at General Electric, Government Communications and Northwest Airlines. He has also attended and instructed numerous classes for law enforcement agencies in photography and electronic surveillance.
Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who will be available to answer your questions on horticultural topics using research-based information.
Minneapolis Sustainability
Create a more sustainable community without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In Minneapolis we are defining this as Living Green, Living Healthy and Living as a Community. Gayle Prest will provide valuable resource information and answer your questions.
Solid Waste and Recycling
The Division of Solid Waste & Recycling is committed to protect the health and safety of Minneapolis residents by providing solid waste management services that result in a clean and livable city. Susan Young, the 'trash lady,' will answer all your trash-related questions. Graffiti programs and removal information will also be available.
Reupholstering
Patrick Shaughnessy first learned the craft of reupholstery almost two decades ago and has enjoyed teaching it to others for the past several years. Amateur craftspeople interested in restoring old furniture by repairing or replacing cushions, springs or upholstery should stop by and talk to Patrick.
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Keynote:
11 am-12:15 pm Workshops: 1:00 - 2:15 pm |
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