NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Window World, Inc., America's largest replacement window and home remodeling company, has announced the 2012 launch of its 'One More Day' campaign, a fundraising plan dedicated to providing St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with a full day of operating expenses. The initiative is headed by Window World Cares, the charitable foundation of Window World.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120229/CL62250 )

The initiative was developed by a Window World store owner and embraced by Tammy Whitworth, chairman and CEO of Window World and co-founder of Window World Cares, to cover the additional costs that leap day will bring to St. Jude this year.

"One more day could mean the chance of a lifetime for these children," said Whitworth. "St. Jude ensures that no family ever pays for their child's care. We at Window World are honored to help make this possible."

Beginning in 2008, Window World set a goal of providing funding for one full day of operations $1.7 million for St. Jude. In 2011, Window World exceeded that goal by donating $2.3 million. In 2010, Window World Cares was named New Corporate Partner of the Year because of its ongoing involvement with St. Jude.

More than 200 Window World stores nationwide will donate toward a second day of funding for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Window World plans to execute a number of activities during the year to help meet the goal. One of the biggest events will be the Window World Family Reunion, an annual gathering that brings all of Window World together. The last two Family Reunions each raised more than $500,000 for Window World Cares. This year's reunion is scheduled to take place August 1 5, 2012.

Additionally, Window World raises funds through 'the Stinger,' a 2011 concept show car and tribute to the first ever winning Indianapolis 500 car, the 1911 Marmon Wasp. The Stinger showcases the signatures of more than 190 former Indy 500 starters. For each signature received, Window World makes a donation of $189 the price of a Window World replacement window to Window World Cares. To date, signatures on the Stinger have resulted in donations totaling more than $36,000.

To learn more about Window World Cares and its relationship with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to make a donation, please visit http://www.WindowWorldCares.com.

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Window World Launches 'One More Day' Campaign to Support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

WESTBROOK The Westbrook School Departments central office building could play a new role City Hall.

As the city explores options for selling or leasing the building that now houses City Hall, the subsequent move would also involve combining city and school offices under one roof. The frontrunner for a new City Hall is the Fred C. Wescott Building at 426 Bridge St., but the central office is a building that deserves consideration, according to School Superintendent Marc Gousse.

Gousse said this week that old plans for the initial construction of the districts central office, located next door to the high school at 125 Stroudwater St., called for a larger building than was actually constructed. The city could simply add onto the present building and make that City Halls new location, he said.

Gousse stressed, however, that no one had made any decisions yet, and he was not trying to talk anyone into or out of anything.

Its just another opportunity to take a look at, he said.

The City Council recently voted to solicit proposals from commercial brokers, in order to determine the real market value of 2 York St. were the city to sell off the property. The move is the opening act of vacating of the York Street building, which has been anticipated since Wescott Junior High School closed in 2010.

Westbrook officials have a plan to fund renovations of the Wescott building to make it suitable for use as a municipal and school department building, and even have a rough sketch of where new offices would be located, should the move become reality.

The idea, officials have said, is to consolidate unused space the city has, and sell or lease any empty buildings. The need for consolidation has only become more apparent, officials have said, since the School Committee made an initial vote last month to close Prides Corner Elementary School, built in 1950.

The committee is expected to vote to confirm the closure at its next meeting, March 14. Other buildings throughout the city that house public services equipment could also become vacant if the city builds a new, larger complex for that department on Saco Street.

City officials added the consolidation of the schools central offices to its plans to move City Hall after Mayor Colleen Hilton, in a series of high-profile decisions following her inauguration in 2010, combined previously separated school and municipal finance departments, followed by similar consolidations of human resources offices.

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Westbrook School Department central office emerges as a City Hall alternative

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

That old adage should be a warning for homeowners. What you do to a home -- in terms of renovations, furnishings and additions -- is all well and good while you sleep under its roof. But if you plan to sell, your efforts could diminish rather than boost its selling price.

A miniature backyard skate park, indoor basketball court or basement lounge complete with a stripper pole and smoke machine are the sorts of extravagances that may not directly push down your home value, but could nevertheless drive away prospective buyers or provide room for them to haggle down the price. A bright pink paint job and lawn cluttered with gnomes and flamingos is going to offer little in the way of curb appeal. That koi pond you love so much may be just a headache for a new owner.

"Swimming pools and landscaping can both backfire," says Brendon DeSimone, a Realtor in California and New York and blog contributor for online real estate database Zillow(Z) who has been featured on the HGTV television shows Curb Appeal, Bang for Your Buck and My House is Worth What?

[See also: Homes Built Out of Strange and Usual Materials]

"They are nice to have because they show really well and will lure buyers in," he explains. "But when buyers are assessing pros and cons of the home or comparing it to other homes, the upkeep -- or safety, in the case of the pool -- will factor in. Some people just may not want to sign up for having to do landscaping or pay the landscaper. So while a swimming pool or beautiful manicured lawn might reel in potential buyers, eventually those things could turn them off. Gardening and over-the-top landscaping is for a very specific buyer."

There are always exceptions to be had if the right buyer comes along. A pool in warm-weather Arizona or Southern California is certainly more attractive than one at a home in Maine where it gets only a fraction of the annual use.

Jacuzzis and whirlpools are other luxuries that can be a hit or a miss for sellers. A young couple may love the additions; a family with small children may see them as a waste of space and potential hazard.

Renovating your basement, attic or garage into an additional room? That man cave or spare bedroom may fit your lifestyle, but buyers may lament the lack of storage space and place to park their car. A basement or dormer apartment may run contrary to local zoning and be a red flag during a home inspection. Converting a bedroom into an office may appeal to a work-at-home buyer, but eliminating that bedroom in the eyes of local assessors will decrease your home's value.

External additions can be problematic if your bigger and better house is out of character with the surrounding neighborhood in size and style. It can be even worse if your do-it-yourself project lacks professional polish. Even more modest improvements -- such as doors, windows or awnings -- can hurt if they don't match your home's architectural style.

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Beware of Value-Killing Home Renovations