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Q: We have some new neighbors who just moved in and they have hung some loud wind chimes on their patiotrellis, which borders our house (the side where our bedrooms are located). I can hear the bells inside our home even with all the windows and doors closed. After exchanging greet ings and introducing ourselves, I asked the neighbor if he could remove the chimes since I can hear them inside my house with all windows and doors closed. I invited him to come in our home and hear for himself. He said it should not be a problem. Then, as he was speaking, his wife emerged. He introduced her and then asked her if they could remove the chimes. She said no because she loves hearing the chimes. I asked her if she could at least tie them up at night so that they would not keep us awake, and she also said no. Then she started scolding me about how I reported their patiotrellis to the city, and how I created a lot of problems for the selling process (turns out, her sister was the previous owner). The city made the former owners move the trellis since it did not meet setback requirements. She said that if anyone else were to ask her to remove the chimes, she would do it, but she would not do it for me. I relayed this information to our homeowners’ association, and someone called the husband. He said the chimes remain hanging because his
sister-in-law (former owner) had issues with me. The woman from the homeowners’ association told him that he should use his moral conscience and remove them. Needless to say, he did not. Shouldn’t the association be able to enforce this? The police department said that chimes are a civil matter and that they cannot respond to them, even though they may disturb residents during the evening hours. I have asked these people politely to remove the bells, and because the woman is holding a family grudge, she refuses to remove them. How can I get them to
A: You could try getting someone else to ask her to remove the chimes.
OK, let’s assume that doesn’t work. It’s obvious there is some bad blood between you and your neighbor. Be that as it may, there are only a couple of ways a Covenants, Conditions and Restriction is enforced. I don’t know what authority your homeowners association has.
Your CC&R and homeowner association bylaws should lay out whether the association specifically has the power to banish the chimes. Many, probably most, associations are toothless when it comes to enforcement. Their bylaws allow them to file a lawsuit, but as a practical matter they almost never do. Usually it’s the expense, coupled with the politics of running an
See Jones, Page 4
























Young people should look up to people like Kevin Maxwell Warsh and try to be like him when they grow up.

Warsh grew up in Loudonville, New York, the youngest of three and raised by his mother Judith, a freelance journalist and his dad Robert, who ran a children’s clothing store called Little Folks Shop in Delmar, New York. The median home sales price in Delmar is $461,000 today, and Loudonville is $523,000.
Our next Fed chair grew up very much in the middle class and went to Shaker Public High School where he played tennis and competed for a state championship in 1987. Warsh earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford with honors in 1992. He did not have a scholarship but as an undergraduate he did work and got paid as a research assistant for economists at the Hoover Institution. I think he and his parents paid for the education. He went on to graduate from Harvard Law School – at his father’s insistence with a Juris Doctorate in 1995. He was probably recruited by all the big players but signed with Morgan Stanley, and after a short stint in the mergers and acquisitions mailroom, got promoted to VP and executive director of investment banking.
Kevin Warsh is a great example of how hard work can make the American Dream possible for anybody, even a kid whose dad ran a little kid’s clothing store. He will
See Porter, Page 4

Tax season may not be any one’s favorite time of year, but your refund can be a powerful opportunity to rein vest in your home. According to Angi’s 2025 State of Home Spending Report, home owners are increasingly prioritizing maintenance and practi cal upgrades over purely cosmetic proj ects. With the cost of repairs and homeownership rising, using your tax refund stra tegically can help you avoid larger expenses later.
The smartest place to start is with what your home needs, not just what you want. It’s tempting to jump into a dream renovation, but addressing essential repairs – like leaks, aging systems or worn materials – can save you significantly over time. Small issues, if left unchecked, often turn into much larger and more expensive problems. Think of your refund as a way to protect your home, not just upgrade it.

Another smart use of your tax refund is building – or boosting – a home-maintenance fund. A good rule of thumb is to set aside about 1% to 3% of your home’s value each year for ongoing maintenance and unexpected repairs. If you don’t already have a reserve, your refund is a great way to start one, giving you more financial flexibility when issues arise.
If your home is in good condition, your refund can go toward high-impact improvements that enhance your daily
life. Many homeowners use their tax refunds for updates in spaces they use most – like kitchens, bathrooms or flooring. These types of projects not only improve how your home functions but can also add longterm value.
For smaller refunds, consider focusing on “mini upgrades” that still make a noticeable difference. Projects like fresh paint, updated lighting, minor repairs or servicing key systems like HVAC can improve comfort and efficiency without requiring a large investment. Even modest updates can refresh your space and prevent future wear and tear.
It’s also worth thinking about improvements that help you save money over time. Energy-efficient upgrades –like sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation or installing smart thermostats – can reduce your monthly utility bills and make your home more efficient overall. In some cases, these upgrades may also qualify for rebates or incentives, stretching your refund even further. The most important step is to plan before you spend.
Homeowners often increase their project budgets once they receive their refund, so having a clear list of priorities – needs first, then wants – can help ensure your money is used
intentionally. Getting quotes from skilled pros and understanding costs upfront can also help you maximize the impact of your investment.
Your tax refund isn’t just extra cash – it’s an opportunity to invest in your home wisely. By focusing on maintenance, efficiency and high-impact upgrades, you can make improvements that not only enhance your space today but also protect your home – and your wallet – over the long term.
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.
TOTAL SALES: 3
LOWEST AMOUNT: $745,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,250,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $849,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $948,000
1372 Bonita Bahia - $1,250,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1770 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt]
862 Dover Circle - $849,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 2212 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-13-03, $461,000
1234 Military - $745,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1738 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-10-13, $435,000
TOTAL SALES: 3
LOWEST AMOUNT: $487,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $710,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $615,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $604,000
205 West Cherry Street$487,000
02-20-26 [3 Bdrms - 1552 SqFt1987 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-22-21, $465,000
1275 Columbia Drive - $615,000
02-20-26 [3 Bdrms - 1697 SqFt2018 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-30-21, $569,000
655 Yachtsman Court - $710,000
02-20-26 [4 Bdrms - 1967 SqFt1997 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-24-03, $375,000
TOTAL SALES: 14
LOWEST AMOUNT: $175,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,496,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $582,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $617,357
428 Crofters Court - $565,000
02-17-26 [4 Bdrms - 1474 SqFt - 1975 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-25-25, $415,000
2532 Cyan Drive - $600,000
02-20-26 [3 Bdrms, Previous Sale: 09-04-24, $630,000
15 Fairway Place - $710,000
02-19-26 [2 Bdrms - 1921 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-22-22, $680,000
652 Greentree Circle - $650,000
02-20-26 [4 Bdrms - 2412 SqFt2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-24-11, $242,500
257 Holly Drive - $487,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1352 SqFt - 1973 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-17-08, $240,000
2100 Larchmont Circle - $685,000 02-18-26 [5 Bdrms - 2378 SqFt -
1986 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-20-20, $610,000
1200 Maryland Street - $500,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1034 SqFt - 1950 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-21-25, $240,000
1047 Ohio Street - $475,000
02-20-26 [2 Bdrms - 1270 SqFt1944 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-08-08, $68,500
1625 Park Lane #15 - $175,000
02-18-26 [2 Bdrms - 794 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-24-20, $160,000
1336 Renewal Lane - $675,000
02-20-26 [4 Bdrms - 2578 SqFt2021 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-02-22, $696,500
1687 Rockville Road - $1,496,000
02-18-26 [3 Bdrms - 4322 SqFt - 1993 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-12-23, $1,550,000
728 Utah Street - $475,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1034 SqFt - 1950 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-14-18, $331,500
2045 Wylie Court - $400,000
02-19-26 [4 Bdrms - 1618 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt]
2197 Yellow Rose Circle$750,000
02-20-26 [5 Bdrms - 2626 SqFt2015 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-04-15, $523,000
TOTAL SALES: 3
LOWEST AMOUNT: $360,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $589,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $510,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $486,333
377 Silver Ridge Drive - $589,000
02-17-26 [2 Bdrms - 2133 SqFt - 2017 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-21-19, $519,000
301 Three Rivers Way - $510,000
02-17-26 [2 Bdrms - 2567 SqFt - 2012 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-26-13, $369,000
617 Twin Lakes Lane - $360,000
02-20-26 [2 Bdrms - 1420 SqFt2004 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-15-06, $364,000
TOTAL SALES: 2
LOWEST AMOUNT: $350,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $555,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $452,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $452,500
1312 Phillip Way - $555,000
02-20-26 [3 Bdrms - 1196 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-09-25, $350,000
825 Spoonbill Lane - $350,000
02-18-26 [4 Bdrms - 1304 SqFt - 1976
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-24-08, $165,000
TOTAL SALES: 13
LOWEST AMOUNT: $184,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $839,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $540,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $538,154
524 Arlene Drive - $720,000
02-17-26 [4 Bdrms - 2027 SqFt1988 YrBlt]
125 Del Rio Court #4 - $184,000
02-20-26 [2 Bdrms - 860 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt]
318 Kilgarvan Court - $780,000
02-17-26 [4 Bdrms - 2102 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt]
213 Larkspur Drive - $600,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1577 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-29-15, $355,000
690 Laurelwood Circle - $540,000
02-20-26 [3 Bdrms - 1542 SqFt1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-09-09, $265,000
1801 Marshall Road #401$255,000
02-20-26 [1 Bdrms - 714 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-14-09, $77,000
2031 Newcastle Drive - $839,000
02-18-26 [3 Bdrms - 2687 SqFt2015 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-11-23, $800,000
706 Peregrine Way - $535,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1509 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-10-13, $307,500
122 Rainier Circle - $385,000
02-20-26 [2 Bdrms - 918 SqFt - 1963 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-16-12, $95,000
1967 Southwood Drive #2$240,000
02-17-26 [2 Bdrms - 882 SqFt - 1972
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-20-18, $158,000
385 Sun Valley Way - $668,000
02-19-26 [4 Bdrms - 1969 SqFt - 1993 YrBlt]
341 Walnut Avenue - $540,000
02-19-26 [2 Bdrms - 940 SqFt - 1947 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-03-21, $500,000
251 Woodstock Circle - $710,000
02-19-26 [5 Bdrms - 2320 SqFt1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-24-12, $243,000
TOTAL SALES: 17
LOWEST AMOUNT: $265,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,380,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $510,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $565,382
485 Avalon Circle - $675,000
02-17-26 [4 Bdrms - 2266 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-30-01, $252,000
210 Baywood Drive - $450,000
02-20-26 [3 Bdrms - 1017 SqFt1953 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-06-20, $370,000
1000 North Camino Alto$665,000
02-20-26 [4 Bdrms - 2276 SqFt1959 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-18-22, $635,000
502 Daniels Avenue - $368,000 02-20-26 [4 Bdrms - 1702 SqFt2003 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-01-16, $255,000
367 Darley Drive - $657,000
02-18-26 [4 Bdrms - 2627 SqFt1984 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-18-03, $469,000
1102 Eastwood Street - $475,000
02-19-26 [3 Bdrms - 1030 SqFt - 1951 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-14-17, $330,000
313 El Camino Real - $385,000 02-18-26 [2 Bdrms - 1084 SqFt1938 YrBlt]
337 Falcon Drive - $580,000
02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1772 SqFt - 1965 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-16-25, $380,000
873 Knights Circle - $1,380,000
02-18-26 [3 Bdrms - 1236 SqFt1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1990, $175,000
367 Lighthouse Drive - $265,000 02-20-26 [2 Bdrms - 918 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-08-16, $184,000
1615 Marin Street - $480,000 02-17-26 [3 Bdrms - 1377 SqFt - 1937 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-04-20, $450,000
272 Mica Drive - $569,000 02-17-26 [4 Bdrms - 1671 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-17-19, $456,000
100 Obsidian Court - $510,000
02-17-26 [4 Bdrms - 1824 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt]
136 Olympic Drive - $550,000
02-20-26 [4 Bdrms - 1978 SqFt1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-13-25, $390,000
397 Seahorse Drive - $675,000
02-18-26 [4 Bdrms - 1919 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-02-25, $672,500
135 Spencer Street - $490,000
02-20-26 [3 Bdrms - 981 SqFt - 1955 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-24-08, $73,500
518 Wilson Avenue - $437,500
02-17-26 [2 Bdrms - 849 SqFt - 1956 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-17-21, $387,500
From Page 3
be the wealthiest Fed chair ever with a net worth over $135 million, which is inspiring, but another thing he has done that young people should do if they want to be successful homeowners and retire someday financially free, is marry someone that has great FICO scores, good income and some money in the bank.
Warsh has been happily married to Jane Lauder since 2002, and her FICO scores are not public, but I bet you they are very high. One thing that is public is her net worth: well over $2 billion as a senior executive at The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.
Warsh will not need to take any bribes while serving our country, and I have a good feeling that based on his middle-class roots, he will be working day and night to make the American Dream of home ownership more affordable for average people with lower mortgage rates, full employment and 2% inflation.
Jim Porter, NMLS No. 276412, is the branch manager and senior loan adviser of Solano Mortgage, NMLS No. 1515497, a division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation, NMLS No. 1850, licensed in California by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CRMLA / Equal Housing Opportunity. Jim can be reached at 707-449-4777.
From Page 2
association, that prevents them from filing a lawsuit.
Homeowners almost always have the right to bring a civil lawsuit. But the cost, not to mention the fact that neighbors usually don’t like having neighbors who file lawsuits, usually prevents such actions.
If your association does have the power to remove the chimes, then you need to make your case heard. If there are any other neighbors who are willing to side with you, it will make your case that much more compelling.
A strong homeowners association can take care of the problem very quickly. If not, a lawsuit or ear plugs are probably in your future.
Tim Jones, Esq., is a real estate attorney in Fairfield. If you have any real estate questions you would like to have answered in this column, you can send an email to AllThingsRealEstate@ TJones-Law.com.





















The National Garden Bureau has chosen 2026 to be the Year of the Sedum. It is always the year of the sedum at The Garden Guy’s house. As I pulled photos for this column, I was stunned by the beauty, and in this case, it is Lemon Coral sedum. I quickly came up with 30 photos, which is about 25 too many, but I’ll submit around 9 and see what the editors do. But this brought up a question in my mind: Why isn’t every

one using it, especially in their containers?
Botanically speaking Lemon Coral is known as Sedum mexicanum, a clear indication of its native habitat. It is perennial in zones 7a-11b. I’m in zone 8 Georgia and it thrives 12 months of the year. There is never a time it is not an asset in a mixed container, no matter the other partners.
During the coldest months, it may look like a creeping lava








































































CATHY HOBBS TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
Now that winter is out and spring is in, for many this is a time of transition. Convert those décor elements that are dark and heavy representing winter and transition to those that are light, rich and bright. Embrace the fresh colors and patterns of spring. When looking to brighten your space, consider using some core design tips to give your space a spring boost.
Spring is all about color and vibrance. Bright bursts of color replace the cold colors of winter. Spring is the perfect opportunity to transition from “heaviness” to a style that is light and airy. Swap out heavy textures, dark throws and dark color palettes for lighter fabrics such as linen and cotton.
Now this is a time to reevaluate and take inventory. Ask yourself, “Does this piece still serve a use in my home or should it be removed or replaced?” Spring is time for renewal, so don’t be afraid to swap out your décor.
Create various lifestyle moments that speak to spring
This can be done in various ways, with textiles such as drapery, toss pillows and even area rugs. Consider swapping in fresh, bright colors for those that are darker. Additionally, look for ways to also infuse natural light.

Bring the outdoors in
Spring is a wonderful opportunity to bring in nature and organic materials. Incorporate fresh greenery, branches or simple florals.
Cathy Hobbs is the owner of

Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes, a home staging company based in New York City (www.cathy hobbs.com). She is also the owner of Highland Passive House, a Home Staging + Design Center based in New York’s Hudson Valley (www. highlandpassivehouse.com).
flow of chartreuse. But in the spring months, the stems start to elongate and there are weeks of tiny yellow flowers growing in every direction. These flowers look like a floral painting with every flower they are combined with.
They may get 3 to 10 inches tall and spread 10 to 14 inches. The bloom period began in March this year as it often does. This shows its ability to dazzle with pansies. But I have good luck coaxing Superbells calibrachoas, Supertunia petunias and Superbena verbenas through the winter, and you can’t beat having their blooms intermingled with Lemon Coral sedum flowers. I’ve got photos from March 3 to mid-May through the years.
After the bloom period, I usually remove the old bloom stems, leaving a fresh-looking plant that transforms back to its succulent filler or spiller purpose. Little branches or pieces falling on the ground will be deliriously happy and rooted, even in the crevices or cracks on my rock wall. If you are a neat freak, beware of this. I have become a Lemon Coral sedum farmer.
Many times I have come into spring with a container of just Lemon Coral sedum that has survived. I’ll simply dig a hole in the middle and plant a fresh quart of the newest Superbells or Supertunia. The handful of Lemon Coral sedum that was removed can be planted elsewhere or thrown away.
Make no mistake: Lemon Coral sedum is an award-winning plant from Mississippi State University to Penn State University, where it garnered a Perfect Score All Season. It will sizzle in mixed containers, boxes, baskets and as a ground cover. It thrives in sun to part sun and in all soil types other than those that take a pickax to break apart.
Though I am touting Lemon Coral sedum as my choice for the National Garden Bureau’s Year of the Sedum, know that Proven Winners has 13 other sedum varieties to try in the stone crop group. There’s six Rock ‘N Round, two Rock ‘N Low, four Rock ‘N Grow and one Rock N Black. Next on my wish list will be Rock ‘N Low Boogie Woogie with variegated foliage.
This is the Year of the Sedum; here’s hoping you will give some a try.
Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author.



















































While spring clean ing is not the most dreaded seasonal task among Ameri cans – in an American Cleaning Institute survey, 80% of respon dents said they would rather spring clean than fill out their tax forms – there’s no reason to make it harder than it needs to be.
Rust-Oleum, a maker of a wide array of cleaning products, offers these tips and insights for beefing up your cleaning caddy and tackling your spring cleaning checklist with ease:
Busy homes prone to tough messes need a concentrated formula that offers a reliable and effective way to remove anything from pet-related stains to crayon marks on the wall, lipstick on clothing, and grease in the kitchen and garage. That’s where a solu tion like Krud Kutter Original comes into play. The “duct tape of cleaning,” make it your go-to solution for both hard surfaces like walls, kitchen cabinets and garage floors, and soft surfaces like carpet and fabric. The beauty of a concentrated formula is that you can use it at full strength for removing paints, grease and oil, or dilute it for lighter cleaning tasks. In any case, apply your formula directly on the surface to be cleaned, allow to sit briefly, then wipe off with a clean cloth or towel. For tougher jobs, apply liberally and allow to stand for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush or scouring pad, then wiping with a wet rag.

If conscious consumption is important to you, look for products that meet U.S. EPA Safer Choice product standards and are USDA biobased-certified, such as Mean Green Refillable Ultra Powered Concentrate. This cleaning formula lasts up to four times longer than a regular bottle of cleaner, helping reduce plastic waste. But these benefits don’t mean you have to compromise
on effectiveness or efficiency. The unique design of the bottle’s water chamber lets you prepare your cleaning solution at the sink. This makes it even easier for this concentrated formula to work effectively on everything from smudges and smears on glass to grease and grime in the kitchen to soap scum in the shower.
After a long winter of extreme
weather exposure, your home’s outdoor spaces may need special attention to maintain that curb appeal. Thankfully there are strategies for removing tough stains caused by mildew, mold, algae, fungus and moss, and restoring the original look to wood, vinyl, brick and stone. With either a tank sprayer or the product’s hose-end sprayer, apply Moldex Instant Outdoor Cleaner onto the area to be treated. After allowing the product to work for 5-10 minutes,
rinse it off. Available in both bleach and non-bleach formats, the bleach formula is especially heavy hitting, providing a satisfying instant whitening effect.
Deep cleaning tasks like eliminating gunk from your oven interior, scrubbing soot off the bottom of pans, and removing embedded dirt from grout are often associated with elbow grease, which is why they get postponed for so long. Fortunately, there’s a way to work smarter, not harder. Scoop The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste onto a soft cloth or sponge, then scrub it onto the area to be cleaned. For extra stain removal power, leave it to sit for 10-15 minutes before washing the paste away with clean water.
Amid extensive spring cleaning efforts, don’t neglect everyday tasks. Whether you’re cleaning counters, showers or dirty sneakers, try a mild abrasive cleaner, such as The Pink Stuff The Miracle Paste Squeezable. This softer, easy-to-rinse formula comes in a convenient tube that lets you apply the paste directly where you need it so there’s no mess or fuss. Squeeze the paste directly onto the surface to be cleaned, gently rub using a soft cloth, sponge or sonic scrubber, then rinse thoroughly to remove any residue. By reaching for the right products for each task, you can make your spring clean feel effortless and enjoyable.
$1,300,000
$1,445,000
$1,494,100
$2,895,000
$1,900,000

















