Champion Windows quarterly newsletter Summer 2009

1. ISSUE 10 • SUMMER 2009
AROUND T H E H O U S E
Labor Day Facts
LABOR DAY 155.1 million
Number of people 16 and older in the
Like a pair of bookends, Memorial Day and parade. A picnic, concert and speeches nation’s labor force in May 2009.
Labor Day mark the traditional opening and followed the parade. This was repeated on 7.7 million
closing of summer. While you’re enjoying the the same date the following year. Number of workers who hold down more
than one job.
upcoming three-day weekend, stop for a In 1884 the Central Labor Union selected 288,000
moment to ponder the significance of Labor the first Monday in September for its When do they sleep? Number of
Day and how it has changed through celebration and urged similar unions and moonlighters who work full time at 2 jobs.
10.4 million
the years. trade groups in other cities to follow suit. As
Number of self-employed workers.
In the late 19th century, terrible working the promotion of workers’ rights continued to 5.7 million
conditions were rampant in industrial cities. develop and grow throughout the country, The number of people who work at home.
The average American worker during this era support for this “workingmen’s holiday” grew $45,113 and $35,102
The 2007 annual median earnings for male
put in twelve hours a day, seven days a week as well. Throughout the next two decades, and female full-time, year-round
just to meet his family’s basic needs, and state and local municipalities began to adopt workers, respectively.
children were not exempt from this grinding the holiday. Finally, in 1894 Congress 17 million
Number of commuters who leave for work
labor. Labor, craft, and trade groups were declared that the first Monday in September between midnight and 5:59 a.m. They
created to improve these working conditions, would be Labor Day. represent 13 percent of all commuters.
raise salaries, and enforce child labor laws. Historically, Labor Day has been more than 76%
Percentage of workers who drive alone to
Activists promoting workers’ rights proposed a day for celebrating the hard-working
work. Another 10 percent carpool, and 5
a day to celebrate the American worker. American. It’s also been a day for protests, percent take public transportation
Labor Day was a time for parades, festivals, grievances and discussions to improve (excluding taxicabs).
and speeches. working conditions and salaries. Labor Day 3.4 million
Number of workers whose commute to
It is unclear who was responsible for is now more associated with sports, leisure, work of 90 or more minutes each day.
beginning this tradition, but the first proposal and the end of children’s summer vacation - Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009
to create an official holiday came from the a fact we can attribute in part to the
Central Labor Union in New York. On significant improvement of workers’ lives
Tuesday, September 5, 1882, more than through both legislation and
10,000 workers assembled in New York City cultural awareness.
to participate in America's first Labor Day
Adults Returning To College
It’s back-to-school time for the kids . . . but Chances are all you’ll need is a little “nudge” but you might be surprised at how much you
how about you? A growing number of adults, and those skills will come right back. In fact, have to learn. Participate, but don’t dominate.
faced with job losses, questionable job adult students often do better, earning higher 3. Sit in front. It’s not just for “nerds” - it’s
security and heightened competition in the grades and maintaining a higher GPA than for students who want to earn A’s. Besides,
workplace are headed back to college their younger classmates. Maturity and real- you probably don’t see or hear as well as you
campuses. This could be a great time to earn world experience really do help after all! did in your twenties.
an advanced degree or certification, or even Worried about fitting in with students 4. Take care of yourself. College can be
try something entirely different. young enough to be your kids? Keep this in physically exhausting! Wear comfortable
Returning adult students have plenty of mind: according to a 2007 Census report, shoes; use a rolling backpack if your load is
financial assistance options. The first step is 15% of all college students in the U.S. are age heavy. Eat right and get enough sleep, even if
to fill out the Free Application for Federal 35 and older. In some colleges, especially this means letting the housework slide or
Student Aid, or FAFSA, found here: two-year campuses, that number can be 50% asking for an extension on a project.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Another source is or more. You’re not alone! 5. Get help. This is the time for family
FastWeb (http://www.fastweb.com/), which Here are some tips: members to step up and help out more,
lists thousands of scholarship and internship 1. Dress the part. Most college students wear especially when you’ve got homework or a
opportunities - including some that are jeans or sweats, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers. project to do. Consider hiring help for certain
available just for non-traditional students. You’ll be more comfortable in casual (but not tasks you’d normally do, such as car
Need a refresher in math or grammar? Most sloppy) attire as well. maintenance or yard work. Your time is
colleges have tutoring services available free 2. Don’t be a know-it-all. With real-world important, too.
of charge to current students, and may offer experience, it can be tempting to feel superior
remedial courses to bring you up to speed. to “green” classmates in a familiar subject,

2. PUZZLE FUN FOR EVERYONE!
Tomato Pie!
Ingredients:
1 deep dish pie crust - frozen, refrigerated,
or your own recipe
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped,
or 2 tsp. Dried basil
4-5 medium tomatoes, sliced thick
1 cup grated mozzarella
1 cup grated cheddar
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
Salt & pepper
Preheat oven to 350º F. Place the tomatoes in a
colander in the sink in 1 layer. Sprinkle with salt
and allow to drain for 10 minutes. Layer the
tomato slices and basil in pie shell. In
a bowl, combine cheese,
mayo, and bacon. Spread
on top of tomatoes.
Bake for 30 minutes
or until lightly
browned.
Fall Gardening
Just because it’s nearly autumn doesn’t mean you have to wrap up gardening for the season, even in northern climates.
Delicate vegetable plants such as tomatoes might not survive the first frosty cold snap, but other plants will. Here is a
short to-do list for your fall garden:
• Plant cold-hardy vegetables such as swiss chard, lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Visit http://www.almanac.com/garden/plantingtable/index.php to find a planting guide for your area.
• Cold frames, cloches, and windbreaks are ways to keep delicate plants growing just a little while longer.
These can be made with simple materials and do not need to be expensive to work.
• Plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, and even garlic.
• This is also the time to plant trees and shrubs.
• Divide perennials including peonies and ornamental grasses.
• Pot up annual herbs such as basil, rosemary, or chives for use indoors all winter.
Champion Is Now Green Seal™ Certified
Green Seal™ is an independent, non-profit organization that A study commissioned by Green Seal and EnviroMedia
uses science-based standards and the power of the Social Marketing and conducted by Opinion Research
marketplace to create a more sustainable world. Corporation reveals peoples' opinions and behaviors about
Founded in 1989, Green Seal provides science-based products that claim to be environmentally friendly.
environmental certification standards that are credible, Half of the 1,000 people surveyed say they are buying just
transparent, and essential in an increasingly educated and as many green products now as before the economic
competitive marketplace. Our industry knowledge and downturn, while 19 percent say they are buying more green
standards help manufacturers, purchasers, and end users products. Fourteen percent say they are buying fewer
alike make responsible choices that positively impact business environmentally green products.
behavior and improve quality of life. To find out more information about
Green Seal, please visit
82 Percent of Consumers Buying Green http://www.greenseal.org/
Despite Battered Economy
Four out of five people say they are still buying green
products and services today-which sometimes cost more-even
in the midst of a U.S. recession.
Call Champion Today at 1-888-365-GLASS
and ask for your free “Energy Savers” pamphlet
Source: www.greenseal.org

3. Community Champion: Shirley Murphy
About Shirley
If you are online ads. It’s like a singles ad, she Shirley has two daughters and four
a homeless says; personality highlights and nice grandchildren. Her hobbies include
schnauzer in photos make people want to meet the scrapbooking, flower gardening and
Southwest Ohio, animals. She also helps to screen card making. She has recently
you want to potential owners, making sure they entered a scrapbook showcasing the
know understand the responsibility of stories of her foster Schnauzers into
Shirley Murphy. owning a dog and have a compatible a local county fair competition
home and lifestyle. which we are sure will win ribbons
Shirley’s schnauzer Sammy
Shirley and the schnauzer rescue and inspire more animal friends. She
Shirley Murphy has been with encourage people to adopt pets from has also helped another Champion
Champion Window in Cincinnati, rescue groups and the SPCA or other associate, Sue Denny, get involved
Ohio for 12 years as the Affiliate animal shelters, not from pet stores. with fostering her first dog. Good
Service Coordinator. She’s also a Pet stores can be sneaky about their luck and thank you Shirley and Sue!
dedicated, enthusiastic volunteer for use of puppy mills - “raised on a
Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati ranch” often means raised in a cage on
(www.schnauzerrescuecincinnati.org). the ranch with irresponsible breeding
Shirley herself has fostered and placed procedures and poor living conditions.
over thirty dogs in the mere twelve Do your homework before adopting;
months she’s been a volunteer. make sure the animal you choose is
Rescue dogs come from many right for your lifestyle. Finally, spay or
sources. Some are found on the street, neuter your pets (including cats and
others are given up by owners. They rabbits) to help reduce the number of
also come from the SPCA and puppy unwanted pets that end up in shelters
mills that shut down. The group takes and, too often, euthanized.
in dogs that are healthy and well For more information on fostering,
Shirley and two of her three own rescued
trained, and also those with health or pet adoption and responsible schnauzers, Oscar and Quincy
behavior problems. Shirley and the ownership visit www.Petfinder.com,
other volunteers help to rehabilitate www.spca.com or www.akc.org. To
and socialize foster dogs so that they’re find local organizations in your area
ready to be adopted into “forever that help homeless pets contact the
homes” with families that love them. SPCA or a veterinarian.
When the dogs are ready for
adoption, Shirley and other volunteers
showcase the dogs using adoption
networks such as Petfinder.com. Champion has a full line of
Shirley, who is an amateur dog doors available in their
photographer, makes sure the dog has patio doors Sue and her foster schnauzer Coco,
who has recently found her “forever” home
a great photo and a description for the
Are You Our Next Community Champion?
Acts of kindness, getting involved, championing a cause; finding a way to make a difference can positively affect your
family, a perfect stranger and your community. We are looking for customers who are champions in their community to
share their stories. Please send us your story and photo via e-mail at ath@ChampionFactoryDirect.com.
We may feature you in an upcoming issue of “Around the House”.
Energy Saving Ideas for Fall
The days are getting shorter, nights a little fireplaces can cause fires, and also make • Continue replacing incandescent light
cooler. The perfect time to make your fireplace or wood stove burn bulbs with energy-saving
energy-saving plans is now, before the first less efficiently. fluorescent bulbs.
frost! Here are some seasonal ideas to get • Stock firewood to take the chill off cool Take advantage of the economic stimulus
you started. autumn nights instead of turning on plan while there’s still time! Get a tax
• Have your furnace serviced now, before the furnace. credit of up to $1500 when you install an
repair companies get busy. A clean, • Add caulk and weather stripping to doors energy-saving home improvement such as
tuned-up heating unit uses less energy. and windows as needed to prevent drafts. Champion windows or doors, and even all
• Clean radiators, air returns, and change Seal spaces around electric outlets, a season patio rooms.
air filters. common pathway for cold air to get in.
• Get your chimney cleaned also, before • Add insulation in attics and other spaces
Call Champion Today at
sweepers’ schedules fill up. Buildup of in your home as needed. 1-888-365-GLASS
creosote in the chimney of wood-burning to find out more about this
limited-time program.

4. 12121 Champion Way
Cincinnati, OH 45241
The EASY choice
is the BEST choice.
ChampionFactoryDirect.com
$1,500 TAX CREDIT
Just A
Click Away!
Check Out Our New Website
ChampionFactoryDirect.com
Champion Windows and Doors, including those in our
All Season Patio Rooms, can get up to a $1,500 Federal Tax Credit.
See your tax consultant for details.
AROUND T H E H O U S E
Referral Program
Are your family, friends and
$
100 Homeowner Referral Coupon
neighbors noticing your home’s
new look? If they express an
interest in what you’ve done, please
give us their name. If the referral $100 awarded for a referral that leads to a sale
leads to a sale, we will mail you a
check for $100.00! Refer as many
Your Contact Information
people as you like. Simply complete NAME ______________________________________PHONE __________________________
the referral coupon and mail it to
your local Champion office. ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________
CITY __________________________________STATE __________ZIP __________________
Referral Information
Look
NAME ______________________________________PHONE __________________________
inside
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________
for great
CITY __________________________________STATE __________ZIP __________________
Fall
tips and COMMENTS ____________________________________________
stories! DATE SUBMITTED ______________________________________