An American classic, grilling brings joy and the scent of charcoal to spring days and summer nights. Many who live in the Cedarwood Housing Cooperative enjoy the charred flavor of a nicely-grilling piece of meat, but in the interest and safety of all the neighbors, we want to make sure everyone follows the same safety guidelines. DO NOT GRILL ON OR NEAR PORCHES OR BUILDINGS It goes without saying that grilling is a dangerous pastime and should be treated with as much caution as driving a vehicle or shooting a rifle. Lives can be lost if proper precautions are not taken to avoid injury or death. A spark or pop from a burning charcoal is fine if their is plenty of space between the grill and anything flammable, but too close and you'll be in trouble! A good rule of thumb is 10 feet from any building or other burnable item such as a trash can, lawn fixture, tiki torch or utility equipment to prevent fire. In addition, keep grills a safe distance from the porch as the white, plastic material is easily damaged which can also result in fines to the members. Keep in mind however, that grilling is not allowed in common areas, so be sure you are on your property before firing up the grill. NEVER LEAVE A GRILL UNATTENDED Prepare all the utensils and food you need before you light the first match or ask a friend or family-member to fetch things for you. Children are naturally curious and gravitate towards things that are smoking or lit up. To avoid this possibility entirely, make sure an adult is watching the grill at all times. BEWARE OF BRANCHES AND POWER LINES Branches, just like buildings, can start on fire easily. Choose a location on your property that is free from overhanging tree branches and power lies to reduce the danger of fire. If this is impossible, ask a neighbor if you can set up your grill on their porch, safely away from all dangers and at least 10 feet from any building. ALWAYS USE A CLEAN GRILL Always remove old grease and old charcoal from your grill before starting to cook. Leftover grease can catch fire, not to mention taint the flavor of your barbecue masterpiece! As a standard precaution, use a wire brush to clean off the grates and dump out old charcoal before firing up the grill. *Caution - make sure the coals are cold before dumping! Disposing of hot coals could cause a garbage fire. DO NOT USE OLD, RUSTED GRILLS Grills with rust patches, holes or broken legs are a danger to use, not to mention an eye-sore for your neighbors and management. While living here at Cedarwood, we strongly recommend trashing grills that look like trash (pardon the boldness). Rust, holes and broken parts can release unwanted burning charcoal to the ground which is a safety hazard. They are also unsightly and unstable. Instead of hanging onto the old weber your dad used to use, use the opportunity to upgrade your grill to a safer model. NEVER USE GASOLINE! It goes without saying that gasoline is a bad choice for lighting any kind of fire, but especially a grill fire. Use only charcoal lighter fluid (or a good ol' match) to start your grill, never gasoline. Using gasoline could create a serious "BOOM" you and your neighbor were not expecting. Take fire safety serious and NEVER use gasoline to start your grill. There you have it! Following these grilling safety tips should prevent a dangerous situation and encourage a safe grilling season all summer long. Now who's ready to fire up the grill?! #grilling #grillingsafety #barbecueatcoop #cooperativesummergrilling

Nestled in the heart of the South suburbs yet close enough to the city of Chicago, Cedarwood Housing Cooperative, in Park Forest, Illinois, is in an ideal location for festival-goers. We asked our residents what their favorite events of the year are in the Chicagoland area. Here they are: 1. Ravenswood On Tap From timeout.com "The stretch of Ravenswood Avenue that calls itself "Malt Row" hosts this annual festival, which prominently features the neighborhood's diverse craft brewing scene. You'll find beer from Band of Bohemia, Begyle Brewing, Dovetail, Empirical, Half Acre and more, in addition to food from local restaurants and live music." 2. Bristol Renaissance Faire "Our Faire is 30 acres of pure fun! 20 stages offer variety entertainment all day long. In addition, we dazzle you with a fully armored joust, the Queen and her glittering Court, amazing arts and crafts, delicious food, fine spirits, music, dance, parades, rides and games, and entertainers in the streets all day long." from website 3. Chicago Gospel Music Festival "Celebrating the great influence of the music genre born in this city more than 80 years ago, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival will present the top gospel artists in the country. Over the years, the festival has featured traditional choirs to contemporary urban gospel mixed with hip-hop and house music." Caption from Chicago.gov 4. Kids and Kites Festival "The city of Chicago will provide kite kits for children to build, decorate and fly, while supplies last. Other activities include face painting, balloon artists and crafts. Kids can look forward to the Big Kite Candy drop when a piñata-like kite drops candy from the sky... professional kite flyers will demonstrate their skills with oversized and uniquely-shaped kites." Caption from abc7chicago.com 5. African Festival of the Arts "Annually during Labor Day Weekend, the Festival grounds in Chicago’s Washington Park come alive in a simulated African village. Attendees are transported across the Diaspora with interactive engagements, vibrant drumming, museum quality and collectible artifacts, colorful and rich handwoven fabric and textile, and other program spaces and Interactive spaces include: Drum & Afro-folk Village, Children and Family, African Heritage, African Spirituality, Wellness (Health) Village, Books and Authors, Fine Art, Film and Video, Food Court, Seniors and Quilting, and the African Marketplace." Caption from Africa International House 6. Lincoln Park Wine Fest "After Chicago’s brutally cold winter, spring’s warm breezes will be a welcome relief when the glorious grape, along with smooth tunes, artisans and tasty edibles, set the stage for this 5th annual wine happening. Lincoln Park Wine Fest will again transform the tranquil two-acre Jonquil Park into an open-air market featuring wine and food pavilions. The highlight is ticketed wine tastings where scores of varietals will be showcased. Beyond samplings, wine connoisseurs will also appreciate hearing the expertise of brand ambassadors and sommeliers. And enhancing the fest will be a mellow live music lineup, food-wine pairings, artisans, and the products/services of wine-related vendors." Caption from website. 7. Skokie Festival of Cultures "Since its inception in 1991, the Skokie Festival of Cultures has become one of the premier ethnic festivals in Illinois, attracting more than a half-a-million visitors and dozens of cultures, all representing Skokie's tremendous diversity. Attendees will take their free 'Tour of the World,' enjoying two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food and beer, unique arts and crafts, a merchandise bazaar, and dozens of cultural booths and displays." Caption from Skokie Culture Fest 8. Taste of Randolph "Commemorating the iconic street festival’s 22nd Anniversary, Star Events and WLCO will bring together the biggest and brightest names in Chicago dining, featuring over 18 restaurants exemplary for delectable menus and irresistibly unique flavors. Silver Wrapper ​has curated a list of the nation’s hottest up-and-coming bands and musicians, as well as the biggest names in Chicago house music, performing on two stages and a DJ stage, to entertain guests on their culinary adventure." Caption from The City of Chicago 9. The Taste of Chicago "Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the world's largest food festival." Caption from City of Chicago 10. Lollapalooza "Taking over Grant Park for four days each summer, Lollapalooza is Chicago's largest music festival, attracting an estimated 100,000 attendees each day. This year, the Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Jack White and Arctic Monkeys headline the fest, topping a bill that includes acts like St. Vincent, Franz Ferdinand, Tyler, the Creator and more. With more than 180 artists, grub from local eateries and plenty of beer, this is the kind of weekend that Chicago summers were made for." Caption from TimeOut Chicago

Purchasing a home in our housing cooperative is an exciting time for many. However, for some, it can also be intimidating and stressful. As with any relocation, there are many moving parts all going on at one time: applying, financing, packing, moving, renting trucks, unpacking, setting up, cleaning, etc... After the dust settles, you may think it's time to just move on to your daily doings and simply enjoy living in your new home. For the most part, you'd be right, but there are some things you should know to prepare for a long, successful run in your new home. Below. we've compiled a list of things to consider after purchasing your first home so you feel confident that you are getting started on the right foot as a new homeowner. Pace Yourself With Projects We all know how exciting it is moving into a new space and while it's fun to picture all kinds of minor upgrades to the rooms, it is important to pace yourself. Starting too many projects at one time can be overwhelming and time consuming. Start small and take on one job at a time. Paint the livingroom this month and the bedroom next month, for example. Pacing yourself will ease up on your budget and stress levels. Don't worry, in time, all your projects will get finished, they just don't all have to get done at once. Create a Schedule for Replacing Furnace Filters As a new homeowner, all the elements of routine maintenance can be easily forgotten. Time flies when you're busy working, schooling, cooking, cleaning, etc... Even though you may have had the greatest intention to replace your furnace filter monthly, like the staff at the Cedarwood office recommended, you may have let 3 months pass before actually remembering to get it done. Be proactive, set a timer on your phone to remind you monthly or add it to your yearly planner. Some homeowners even purchase and dedicate a planner specifically for routine home maintenance so they don't forget. Some furnace filters are designed to last 3 or 6 months, but most are monthly, so plan accordingly. Check Smoke Detectors Yearly Same concept as the topic above, schedule a time every 6 or 12 months to check the batteries on your smoke detectors. Have a few spare batteries on hand in case the battery dies in the middle of the night. It's never fun trying to sleep with the sharp, chirping noise of a failing smoke detector battery. While you're at it, you might consider checking your carbon monoxide detectors and replacing any burned out light bulbs as well. Consider Storage for Newly Purchased Tools When you move into a home for the first time, there will likely be some new tools you will have to buy. As a first-time home-buyer, you may need simple tools such as a hammer, screwdriver, wrench, or pliers. These are easy to store in an empty drawer or on a shelf. But what about the big tools that you will undoubtedly need to invest in like a lawn mower, trimmer and rake? Well, whatever you do, do not let these investments sit outside to rust all year long. Find a storage location for all your outdoor equipment indoors as you buy them and consider storage before you buy. Instead of choosing that riding lawn mower that will require lifting to the basement for storage, instead, maybe you opt for the compact, lightweight lawn mower that is easier to move. Repair As You Go - Don't Wait for Repairs to Build Up It may just seem like a little nail hole in the wall, but as time goes on and your decor changes, all those nail holes really add up. Repair an empty nail hole right away so the damage doesn't build up over time. Be sure to get that leaky faucet taken care of before it becomes a bigger problem. Our maintenance staff at Cedarwood Housing Cooperative is always available to help with minor repairs. Take advantage of this feature included in your membership and call as soon as you have a problem. So there you have it. As a new homeowner at Cedarwood, or anywhere for that matter, it's important to remember the above things to be sure you are starting off on the right foot. When you're ready to commit to being a homeowner, call our office at 708-747-3833 or stop by our Cedar Street office Monday thru Friday for more information or to apply!

Financially speaking, owning a home within a housing cooperative makes a lot of sense. There are exclusive benefits afforded to co-op members that single-family homeowners and renters do not enjoy. Maintenance fees are nominal, overhead is very low and the tax burden is almost non-existent, plus regular capital improvements are done to maintain the property without spending an extra dime! Let's explore. MAINTENANCE A major benefit is the almost maintenance-free lifestyle. Many first time home buyers are concerned, rightfully so, that they will not have the money to fix things as they need fixing. For a new couple starting out, this could be the difference between actually purchasing their first home and choosing to rent yet another year. Co-op members don't have to make that choice! A member of Cedarwood Cooperative has the piece of mind that if any major problems arise, they have a skilled team of maintenance men at their fingertips to assist in taking care of the problem. In addition, other than the very few minor charges a member might incur, these problems are taken care of free-of-charge. *sigh of relief* OWNERSHIP Purchasing a membership grants the member the equity rights to one unit or "home". Once that home has been paid in full, that member no longer has to pay a mortgage, saving money every month. In addition, each member retains the equity rights of their home for the life of the membership. Therefore, when that member decides to move, they sell the home, putting money in their pocket. Renting an apartment, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. Not only do you not own the property you are living in, you are also paying to build someone else's equity. You are required to pay rent every month in order to stay living in the apartment. In addition, the owner can increase the rent at the end of your lease, creating a financial burden you may not have been prepared for. MOVE-IN COSTS Let's face it, moving itself can be expensive. You need boxes and movers and a truck and deposits and... Thankfully, new members purchasing their co-op home pay a $30 application fee, a nominal one-time membership fee, plus their first month's carrying fees ($400-$512 depending on unit size). That's it! Getting into a new home has never been so inexpensive! With renting, a prospective tenant has to pay an application fee, typically a large security deposit, sometimes a pet deposit, a pet registration fee, as well as their first month's rent. This can be a huge financial burden that takes months to recoup from. MONTHLY COSTS Members of Cedarwood Cooperative pay what is referred to as "carrying charges". This is a monthly fee which is their proportionate share of the operating costs based on the non-profit operations of the entire entity. The monthly carrying charges range from only $400-512. These charges essentially pay for regular capital improvements, maintenance, grounds-keeping and so much more. For such a nominal fee, the financial gains are immense. Single family home-owners are on the hook for every expense that arises. This includes the monthly mortgage payment, housing insurance, property taxes, possibly private mortgage insurance and more. Financially, owning your own home can be more of a liability than an asset. TAX BENEFITS Each Cedarwood Coop membership includes an equivalent share of the property taxes and mortgage interest (if any) and are included in the monthly carrying charges. This saves our members from surprise tax bills at the end of the year. In addition, these amounts are deductible on our member's personal income tax returns leading to more money saved. Renters of course receive no tax benefit from renting; their landlord does. Single-family home owners are able to deduct their property taxes on their personal income taxes. However, one must consider the heavy cost of paying those property taxes on top of mortgage, interest and insurance payments. As you can see, it makes perfect financial sense to become a member of a housing cooperative. The overhead fees are less, the maintenance expenses are nominal, and there are no surprise tax burdens lurking around the corner. If you're ready to get started, call the office today at 708-747-3833 to discuss your options.

We all know that warm fuzzy feeling we get around December when the sights and smells of the holidays start rolling out. We put up decorations, start baking cookies and write out our Christmas or Kwanzaa cards. All is well until January (or February for some) when the decorations come down and we realize the damage we've done. Eekk. Don't be the person who speckles their walls with holes from excessive holiday hanging. Instead, plan ahead and use the following tips to prevent damage during holiday home decorating. WRAP YOUR WALL PICTURES This super easy idea will not only prevent additional nail damage on your walls, but can also really liven up your housing cooperative. Instead of hanging more things on your wall, wrap up the things you already have on your wall to make them look like presents. If you're feeling really crafty, you can also glue a bow near the corner of the frame to make them look even more real. To achieve the wrapped present look, simply remove your picture frame from the wall, use festive gift wrapping paper to cover the front of the frame, tape it down on the back, and rehang on your wall. That's it! This simple trick can make a big impact with little effort and no damage! Drape Your Stockings Elsewhere Stockings hung by the chimney with care should not be nailed into the fireplace or worse, the walls. Yes, hanging stockings seems harmless at first, but when they fill up with goodies, they start putting pressure on the nail, pulling it lower and lower into the wall. This can create large, unsightly holes that you'll have to patch up in the coming year. Be creative! Drape your stockings elsewhere. Ideas: Hang on door knobs Hang on coat rack Tape to wall with removable tape Use a 3M wall hook with damage-free putty tape Use portable, heavy stocking holder to hang off ledge You get the idea. Figure out a creative way to hang your stockings without putting holes in your co-op home. And if you HAVE to hang something with a nail... LEAVE IT IN THE WALL Somethings we simply have to hang and that's ok too. The trick is to hang it once and leave the nail in the wall. Putting just one hole in the wall isn't bad, but removing the nail this year, then rehanging it next year, then again the year after that, will deface your walls and slowly lower the value of your housing co-op. Once the holidays are over, remove the item you once hung, but leave the nail in the wall. If you'd like, find something else that fits in with your decor year-round and hang it from that nail. Then, when the holidays come around, swap it for the festive decoration again and place the "year-round decor" in storage temporarily. No extra harm to the walls, walls are still decorated, and life is good. ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A HOMEOWNER? You're in luck! Cedarwood Housing Cooperative in Park Forest, Illinois is the best place to buy a piece of the American dream. Our member-owned housing community offers the benefits of home ownership with the freedom of renting. For a small initial investment of less than $30,000 (and in many cases only $10,000), you can call yourself a home owner of a beautiful, spacious co-op in Park Forest. Call 708-747-3833 to inquire about available units or search our website for more details.

Park Forest has been awarded the title "All American City" for a reason. It is a place where family, community, the arts and science all come together in beautiful harmony. Park Forest was one of the first planned communities in the United States offering a balance between homes, businesses and natural areas. Over the years, Park Forest's landscape and offerings have changed but one thing has always remained constant: Park Forest is a fantastic place to live and thrive! Learn more about park forest history. Cedarwood Cooperative is a member-owned housing cooperative located in Park Forest, IL that offers spacious, well-maintained homes at prices that the average family or retiree can easily afford. If you're in the market for a new home in a new location, we strongly encourage you to stop by our office to view our available homes and read on to learn about the top 10 places to visit in Park Forest! Offering the local, newcomer and traveler days full of fun and exploration: 10. Park Forest Tennis Club Offering 6 indoor tennis courts, saunas in each locker room, a fitness area, court-side lounge and so much more! Not just for advanced tennis players, this facility offers classes and one-on-one instruction for adults and children. Also offering leagues! 9. Park Forest Library Of course, almost every town has a library and you already know the rich amount of resources available at public libraries. But did you know that this library also offers arts and craft classes, adult DIY classes, a science club for kids and a teen zone? Yep! Check out their online event schedule then plan your day to include an exciting class at the Park Forest Library. 8. Sauk Trail Woods A 630-acre forest offering a 4 mile hiking/biking trail, panoramic-views of Sauk Lake and a diverse arrangement of vegetation. Enjoy an afternoon hike while observing the sights and sounds of nature in this beautiful section of Park Forest or catch a glimpse of a sunset during an evening stroll. 7. Southworks Maker Lab A place where ideas and dreams come into reality. Offering 3D printing, etching, wood-working equipment and so much more! Learn to use advanced technological tools while creating whatever your imagination leads you to! Fun for all ages. 6. Freedom Hall Chicago's South Side premier theater and concert hall. Offering a rich taste of music and the arts, Freedom Hall has been enjoyed by thousands of fans over many years and visited by some of the finest performers ever to touch down in Illinois. Visit their website for an events calendar, then plan your evening out at the Freedom Hall! 5. Vintrendi Winery Offering a rich variety of incredible wines, this local, artisan, winery is a must on your journey through Park Forest. Stop by and taste their seasonal blends or classic varieties and grab a few bottles for later! 4. Village Green Expansion Park Near the Village Hall lies the beautiful landscaping of the new expansion park. A simple walkway lined with vegetation and a flowing water fountain is a delightful view for residents and visitors of all ages. Check out the diverse variety of flowers and plants, then stop in the Village Hall to see all the resources available to Park Forest Residents. 3. Central Park One of the best places to visit in Park Forest is Central Park. The entire family can enjoy a day in the park, playing on the huge playground set, spending time under one of the two pavilions or walking down the pathways for a bit of exercise. Centrally-located, this park has all the amenities you could ask for including bathrooms, softball fields, tons of open grass space and so much more! 2. Rail Fan Park While still under development, this area of Park Forest highlights the crossing of 3 railroad lines right here in Park Forest. Train enthusiasts can examine the recently installed train caboose, then sit back and watch any one of the estimated 32 trains that pass through this intersection daily. 1. Aqua Center Park Forest's most exciting feature is it's massive pool and waterpark, the Aqua Center! Featuring 4 pools, 2 water slides and a kiddie sand play area, this facility draws guests in from all over to soak in the sun in a playful environment. Sit back and watch the kids splash in the pool or swim a few laps in the adults-only pool. When you grow hungry, stop by the concession stand and grab a bite to eat. For incredibly reasonable rates and a long season of summer fun, the Aqua Center has earned the #1 spot on our Top 10 Things to do in Park Forest, IL.

Maximizing the use of your kitchen is important, especially when working with limited space. Using simple storage techniques can help eliminate clutter, improve mobility and increase organization. Cedarwood Housing Cooperative offers beautifully-maintained homes with modest kitchens highlighted with natural light. Some kitchens offers an open-living concept, where others provide a more cozy, single-room layout. Regardless of the space, every co-op member has an opportunity to make their home uniquely theirs. One way our Members do this is by organizing their kitchen in clever ways. 1. INSTALL FLOATING SHELVES In addition to kitchen cabinets, having open shelving allows for more storage without making the room feel bulky. It allows our members to organize dishes, spices, and glassware easily; bringing everyday items to eye level. To keep the space looking neat, however, choose matching pieces, like shown below, and space items apart. Adding a pop of color or a small plant is a simple way to add contrast and elegance easily. 2. PAIR DOWN KITCHEN EQUIPMENT Take a thorough look at your kitchen equipment and cookware. Are there a few items you can live without? Can some dishes perform double duty? Determine how often you use a particular item. If you only use it once or twice a year, you might consider donating or selling it. If you can't remember the last time you used it, it's definitely time to let it go. Sorting through your items can free up cabinet space, allowing more room to organize. 3. MAXIMIZE CABINET SPACE Depending on the type of cabinets installed in your coop, you might be able to take advantage of under-cabinet storage. Most department stores offer hanging baskets and hooks designed to be installed on the inside of the cabinet doors. This might be a great way to organize your cabinets, while increasing your storage capacity. 4. MAGNETIC BASKETS ON FRIDGE Magnetic baskets placed on metal surfaces, such as your refrigerator, offer additional space to store small, light-weight items such as spice bottles and measuring spoons. Getting these out of your drawers and into their own space, creates a more organized look. Be careful with this method however, too many baskets or over-filled baskets can produce the opposite effect. 5. CREATE CONSISTENCY WITH SIMILAR-LOOKING CONTAINERS Converting a hodge-podge of bottles, cans and jars into a neat collection of similar-looking containers can significantly improve the look and function of a kitchen. To maximize this look, place these containers on the open shelving discussed above. Stick to dry goods such as herbs and powdered ingredients to give it a natural feel like shown in the image below. Do you have a storage idea that helps organize and maximize your kitchen space? We would love to hear it! Contact us today to have your kitchen idea featured on our Facebook page! If you're ready to become a home owner at a fraction of the cost, call us at 708-747-3833 today!

Trees have to be removed for a variety of reasons. Some trees get old and die, some become diseased; some simply end up as overgrown visual nuisances. At times, trees grow so large that they present a danger to the buildings on a property and some are damaged beyond repair during thunderstorms requiring immediate removal. Our housing cooperative takes pride in the health of the trees around Cedarwood. When a tree needs to be cut down, we act quickly to ensure the safety of our members and our buildings. After the tree has been completely removed and the stump ground down below the surface of the land, care must be taken to bring the area back up to snuff. The good news is that there are many exciting landscaping ideas that coop members can choose to do. Below, we explore three of the ways you can restore the beauty of the area where a tree has been removed and improve the curb appeal of your home. 1 - RESTORE THE SOIL AND PLANT GRASS Grass needs ph balanced soil to establish healthy roots and grow. After a tree has been removed, the wood chips and remaining roots can alter the ph of the soil so much that grass simply will not grow. To get started, prepare the ground by removing as many wood chips as possible. Wood chips take a considerable amount of time to decompose, so removing the majority of them before laying new soil is important. Then, apply a layer of nitrogen fertilizer, then a layer of top soil, a layer of compost and repeat until the area has been filled to slightly above the level of surrounding land (to account for settling). Use a hand till to break up and mix together the layers you just placed down. Then, sprinkle grass seed over the top, water thoroughly and cover with a thin layer of hay or straw. Tend to this area by watering regularly and thinking happy thoughts for best results. :) 2 - BUILD A DIY RAISED FLOWER BED This is a great way to cover up the newly made hole in the ground after a tree has been removed with bright, vibrant color. Get as creative as you want when designing this new feature. If you get the chance, walk the Cedarwood property to see the variety of ways our Members have done this. To get started, decide on a circular or angled shape. Choose a "hardscape" edging such as rocks, shaped stones or metal edging. Measure the area and purchase supplies including newspaper, top soil, and compost. Remove excess wood chips, rocks and grass from the flower bed footprint. Rake the land level and build the edging around the footprint of the flower bed. Then, lay a layer of newspaper on the bottom of the space to prevent weeds but encourage worms entering into your flower bed. Then, evenly pour top soil and compost to fill the bed to the top. Next, plant flowers such as hostas, merigolds, or purple coneflower. Finally, sit back and enjoy the beautiful new feature you've just added to your yard. 3 - CREATE A STONE PATH OR WATER FEATURE While this option requires both approval from the Cooperative office and quite a bit more cash, it is still a viable option for turning that old tree stump location into a landscaping masterpiece. You may, however, want to consult with a landscaping company as opposed to doing this one yourself. A job done right the first time, can provide years and years of enjoyment. A job done wrong could results in additional costs, headaches, and unsightly curbside appearance. Have you ever repaired the land over a previously removed tree? What did you do and how did it work out? Contact us to let us know. We'd love to hear from you! Interested in becoming a member at Cedarwood Housing Cooperative? Check out our application requirements and visit our office to apply!

After leaving the store, paint swatches in hand, you are excited and ready to choose the next color for your living room. All the colors you grabbed look amazing, but how will they translate to the walls? Are there more things to consider than just what looks good? Did you know that sitting in a pale-blue room can be relaxing? Have you ever tried covering bright red with white? Does tawny brown sadly remind your daughter of her long-lost teddy bear? Choosing a room color isn't as simple as finding one that pleases your eye. There are a handful of things one should explore before making that new color commitment. Consider this... PAINT COLOR AND YOUR MOOD Colors can alter your attitude. Warm colors such as red, yellow and orange psychologically remind us of the sun's rays, therefore, they are energizing and exciting. Cool colors, such as blue, green and purple, remind us of water and are therefore, calming and sedative. When choosing your paint, keep in mind that you will soon be surrounded by this color phenomenon. A high yellow bedroom may be cheery upon waking, but will it be too stimulating for falling asleep? Choose wisely! PAINTING OVER BOLD COLORS Some colors are extremely difficult to paint over, even with a quality primer. Before you choose that deep violet for your living room walls, consider the consequences when you're ready to change it. How many coats might you need to paint in order to cover it up? Is it possible you could choose just a shade or two lighter and still achieve the same color effect you were looking for? If so, this may prevent future painting headaches. LIGHTING CAN EFFECT COLOR The lighting in the store is likely different from the lighting in your home. Always purchase a sample of the paint you are deciding on. Test it in your home on the actual wall you will be painting to get a much truer idea of the final color. Just a small 2" x 2" paint test can make all the difference. PAINT COLOR CHANGES AS IT DRIES The same color paint in the container can look much different dried on the wall. Your firefly orange can end up looking like dreamsicle peach after it dries. Consider testing a small patch on the wall, and waiting 24 hours to make sure it's the color you want. PAINT FINISH CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE The difference between matte and high gloss is a world apart. A matte finish with a red wall in a high traffic area like a kitchen can mean stains, stains, stains. If the spaghetti splatters, that super porous matte finish will soak it right in, leaving memorabilia on the wall for all to enjoy, or not. High gloss, on the other hand, is a great choice for a kitchen as the non-porous finish will wipe up easily and leave the wall spot-free. High-gloss can, however, be a bit too shiny and exciting in a bedroom. Ask a paint expert for a thorough explanation of the different kinds of finishes and recommendations on what may be best for you. PERSONAL PREFERENCE You may love the seafoam green color you picked out for the family bathroom, but does your husband? Maybe he has a very bad memory association with that color. Always check with all the members of your household before committing to a color. You'd hate to be the cause of invoking memories better left un-turned. NO TWO BLUES ARE EXACTLY ALIKE If your goal is to achieve a glamorous monochromatic (same) color scheme, you might want to take your paint swatches to the furniture store or home. While some of us may be able to match two blues together, one from memory the other from sight, the majority of us need a visual aide. Taking your paint swatches home or to the furniture store to match the colors exactly is a great way to ensure the right color blue is actually YOUR right color blue. As you can see, there are more considerations when choosing to paint your home or cooperative than one might think starting out. Take your time and carefully select the paint that fits your needs and desires. In the end, you'll be glad you did. At Cedarwood Cooperative, we offer our members a chance to paint their walls any color they wish. As a Coop Housing Member, we encourage you to surround yourself will colors that make you smile. Do keep in mind the above considerations, however, before committing.

A great lawn starts with great care. To prevent damaged lawn and encourage healthy growth, its best to take steps up front rather than try to fix what's already on the decline. It's easier to feed and thatch grass in the spring than it is to revive dead patches in the heat of summer. But why? Why should we care about having a perfect lawn? Well, it isn't all about bragging rights around the housing cooperative neighborhood. Good healthy grass can help keep pests and rodents away, provide a welcoming surface area for gatherings, improve your co-op's curb appeal and give you a sense of satisfaction. Using the following 6 steps will get you on the right track to improving and maintaining an optimal lawn no matter where you are. 1. FERTILIZE REGULARLY You eat roughly 3 times per day. Your lawn needs to eat regularly too. How regularly depends on what type of fertilizer you use. Your choices are many, but new studies suggest that choosing organic feeding options is best. In fact, synthetic fertilizers have proven to be not as effective as organic in keeping rich, green grass with a healthy root system. Plus, it's better for the environment and your family. Compost from your garden and household food scraps is a great way to fertilize your lawn, however, applying it can be tricky. It is suggested to make compost water instead, which essentially means placing compost into a bucket full of water and allow it to sit overnight. Then, using it to water your grass. Another composting method is to purchase dehydrated compost from the store and apply a thin layer evenly over your lawn. 2. THATCH AND AERATE Thatching removes dead grass promoting new growth early on in the season. Aerating helps to loosen up the soil, making it easier for water and nutrients to seep deeper into the grass's root system. Do both in early spring and enjoy a healthy lawn all summer. 3. FILL IN PATCHES WITH QUALITY GRASS SEED Cheap seeds rarely grow quality grass that can withstand drought, pests and foot traffic. In spring, and again in fall, sprinkle high quality grass seed on bare patches in your lawn. As a member of Cedarwood, you can grab seed for free from the office in spring while supplies last. 4. WEED NATURALLY Synthetic weed killers do more harm than good. Roughly 60% of the chemicals make there way into our water supply, causing harm to our endocrine, reproductive and immune systems. In addition, these chemicals kill roughly 90% of earthworms in your dirt, which are extremely beneficial for a healthy lawn. Before weeds produce seeds, dig them up by the root with a small shovel. Discard them and fill in the small hole with a little dirt and grass seed. The good news s that a healthy lawn will actually prevent weeds by suffocating the seeds and preventing them from reaching maturity. When you focus more on getting your grass healthy, weeds naturally fall to the wayside. 5. EDGE AND TRIM REGULARLY After your lawn is in full growth mode, make sure you edge and trim regularly. A clean edge job can transform the look of a lawn instantly. I creates sharp lines that draw your attention to the lush greenery inside the borders, versus the ragged overgrowth that creeps onto the sidewalk when not in check. Trimming regularly achieves a similar effect. 6. WATER EFFICIENTLY Watering in the heat of the day not only "burns" the blades of grass, but it also wastes water through evaporation. Instead, water in the evening when the sun has almost set to allow the water to soak in and actually hydrate the roots. Also, to conserve water and naturally protect your lawn, leave grass clippings on the lawn every other mowing. Also, cut the grass higher and more often rather than lower and less often. Due to Cedarwood housing cooperative's lawn requirement, grass must remain below 3" so cut grass to a height of 2.5" and mow every week. That's it! By following these 6 easy steps, you will have a green, lush, perfect lawn in no time. Have any tips on keeping your lawn healthy this summer? Leave a comment or contact us to let us know!