What do a countertop company and a surfboard company have in common? Both are run by Ken Trinder, whose novel anti-microbial countertop may soon be seen in hospitals.

A love of surfaces and materials motivates Ken Trinder, who runs both a countertop business, EOS, and a custom-made surfboard company, Shire. As Trinders countertops stand poised to enter new markets--a green product just hit Home Depot shelves, and he has hopes that an anti-microbial line will become a hospital fixture--he still finds time to let off steam by surfing and crafting custom boards (which can fetch up to thousands of dollars at auction).

FAST COMPANY: What is it about surfaces that gets you excited? Isnt that superficial of you?

KEN TRINDER: No, theres a creative element to both these concepts, making new proprietary types of countertops, and developing and handcrafting surfboards. They start as a hands-on process. There are things I do on the countertop side that tie back directly to things Ive learned making surfboards. Surfboards are made of resins, and the countertops have resins in them as well, so theres a tie-in there as far as understanding how those things work and react with each other. I know it sounds like those two things would be the most unrelated things in the world, but it all goes back to the same thing, the chemistry.

EOS has three countertop types, each of which is innovative in its own way.

We had the idea of making a new type of countertop that was polyester acrylic, and we took it upon ourselves to see if we could make it an inch-and-an-eighth thick all the way through. The typical thickness out there is a half-inch. But in the traditional half-inch thickness, you might have four or five hours of labor taking that half-inch sheet, cutting strips off it, and gluing up underneath it to have the illusion of it being an inch-and-a-half thick.

So you offer something thats thicker and more durable, but you save on labor costs.

In our industry, people always thought something with more product would make it more expensive. But it works out that we can do it in a way thats price competitive, when you factor in the labor savings.

Your second countertop is GEOS, a green product.

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Surf And Destroy (Old Business Models)

When it seemed like everyone was outfitting their kitchens with granite countertops and Sub-Zero refrigerators, Pam Kueber was on the hunt for steel cabinets.

Ten years ago, Kueber and her husband bought a 1951 ranch house in Lenox, Mass., with ugly plastic tiles in the bathroom and a 1970s kitchen that was showing its age.

But rather than bringing the house up to date, she wanted to take it back to its mid-20th-Century character.

A communications professional with a degree in journalism, she put her reporting skills to work on ferreting out sources of vintage materials to renovate her midcentury home.

Five years into her search, she struck gold: a set of aquamarine Geneva steel cabinets in what was once a cooking school run by nuns in New York City.

Her experience prompted her to start a blog to share her research with like-minded souls. Today her Retro Renovation blog, retrorenovation.com, attracts about 220,000 readers a month and is the go-to site for homeowners with a passion for restoring midcentury homes.

Kueber shares resources and tips on great finds, like the stash of 1960s tile a guy in Mansfield, Ohio, found recently when he was cleaning out a contractor's house.

"It's like Whac-A-Mole," she said of the constant chase of the latest bonanza.

The blog celebrates what Kueber calls "midcentury modest" homes, houses like hers that sprang up across the U.S. in the wake of World War II.

Unlike the chic, glass-walled atomic ranches that are revered as the epitome of midcentury modern style, these are the simpler Colonials, ranches and split-levels that housed a much larger segment of the postwar population.

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Blog writer helps owners restore their midcentury homes

VAN NUYS, CA--(Marketwire -05/17/12)- Caesarstone made a first-time appearance at EuroCucina 2012 in Milan, Italy April 17-22. The world-renowned event, EuroCucina, the International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition, is the only international kitchen tradeshow, and is known for bringing the biggest and best names in kitchen design and innovation together to showcase the latest in kitchen products, furniture, and accessories.

One of 150 stringently selected exhibitors, Caesarstone -- who was the only surfacing company in attendance -- showcased a remarkable and fully functional kitchen gleaming white with the embossed, textured surface, White Crocodile -- part of their Motivo line. At the heart of the kitchen, which was the main attraction of Caesarstone's nearly 1,000 square foot booth, was a massive 30-foot long island equipped with touch screen functionality which allowed for the three countertop surfaces and 12 massive drawers to slide open, revealing more space, and other functional aspects of the kitchen. Behind the island was the custom cabinetry made up of nine sliding doors all covered in White Crocodile.

"The kitchen accomplished so much more than simply functional yet elegant design. The technology built into the kitchen was truly innovative. With the press of a button you could reveal the sink and stove, as well as create a bar on the other side. All the drawers and cabinets were covered with 4mm thick Motivo White Crocodile using a technique which involved slicing a 2cm Caesarstone slab to 4mm thick pieces. EuroCucina really gave us a chance to shine. To show how far we've come as a global company and that we are leaders in innovation," said Maggie Amir, Brand Manager, Caesarstone USA, Inc.

Designed by Caesarstone, the kitchen made a lasting impression on the thousands of designers and international industry professionals in attendance. Hundreds stopped by the booth each day for Happy Hour to enjoy food and beverages prepared by top chefs and hosted by representatives of each of the 44 international Caesarstone divisions.

"I think this event really allowed Caesarstone to prove that we are not just a stone company. The kitchen reflected our vision of the company itself: Innovation, sophistication, forward-thinking design, and unique applications. We have always encouraged our customers to be inspired and to create their own extraordinary spaces. Being a part of such an internationally acclaimed event was truly an incredible experience," commented Sagi Cohen -- CEO, Caesarstone USA, Inc.

About Caesarstone USA Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer. Caesarstone is headquartered in Southern California with sales divisions and major distribution centers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone's Independent Distributors are located in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Philadelphia, North Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Arizona and Utah. Caesarstone's premium quartz countertops and surfaces complement any design, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. Caesarstone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide. Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, Caesarstone countertops and surfaces are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. Caesarstone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety).

Using only sustainable materials, Caesarstone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). For more information about Caesarstone and its products, please visit the company's website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

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Caesarstone Makes a White Hot Debut at EuroCucina 2012

The Thermador MD24JS Built-in MicroDrawer Microwave installs directly into standard-depth cabinetry and slides open at the touch of a button.

The flush installation creates an attractive smooth presentation.

Kitchen countertops are busy landscapes. As with any endeavor, tools of the trade can sometimes clutter the work area. However, cutlery and cutting boards are much easier to store away and out of sight than appliances are. Usually.

The Thermador MD24JS Built-in MicroDrawer Microwave employs a creative use of space that allows it to always be at the ready while not being in the way. Installing directly into standard-depth cabinetry, the 24-inch built-in microwave slides open at a touch (no handle) and features a full-flush front for an attractive aesthetic that blends into the environment of the kitchen. With a MSRP of $1,649, the luxury appliance is designed for high-end home kitchens with a focus on sleek and sophisticated clean lines.

As a kitchen essential, the microwave is a central hub that is integral to meal-making and with a 1.2-cubic-feet capacity, the appliance is large enough to fulfill the demands common to everyday use. The full-featured microwave offers convenience as well as control with 10 cooking modes. In addition to popular one-touch settings like popcorn and defrost, the luxury appliance also includes sensor-based cooking programs that monitor humidity and adjust cooking time and power accordingly. And with all that open counter space up on top for food preparation, there will be plenty of room to explore all that it can do.

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Thermador microwave goes under the countertop

The Caso Hand Held Vacuum Sealer doesn't take up a lot of room and features cordless operation. The kitchen gadget can be used for food storage as well as for preserving wine.

Wine and dine with the Caso Hand Held Vacuum Sealer.

Cluttered kitchen countertops don't exactly scream out for new gadgetry. Even when the learning curve is small, space may simply be an issue. So when an interesting appliance comes along, sometimes it can fall upon deaf ears. Change it up and make it into a form factor that can be held in the hand and suddenly people might start to listen.

For many, the concept of a vacuum sealer is sound, but the space the large, blocky appliance normally requires makes it a no-go. The Caso Hand Held Vacuum Sealer features a rechargeable battery and cordless operation. Docking into a base station in order to recharge, the unit also features a slim design that allows it to stand by at the ready without taking up a lot of counter space.

Included with the unit are specialized, reusable zip bags that can be used in the microwave, the freezer or even for sous-vide cooking. Not only is food storage (and food preparation) improved with the countertop gadget, but the device also includes nozzles that allow it to be used to vacate air out of open wine bottles. With its ability to make food and wine last longer, the handy gadget might not take up a lot of space on the countertop, but refrigerator and freezer shelves are another matter entirely.

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With space, vacuum sealer makes some noise

Mike Davidson Enterprises delivered a truckload of furniture, doors, countertops and other potentially usable supplies to Habitat for Humanity-Restore in South Dover Thursday afternoon.

The recycling company hopes this is the beginning of a long relationship with the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity, which constructs homes for the needy, said Davidson Enterprises Marketing Manager Janell Foster.

The goods delivered Thursday were a combination of new and used goods the company had come across as part of its work in the community, she said. The company sorts, reuses, and recycles construction materials and keeps them out of the landfill.

Waste wood is chipped for natural and color enhanced mulches, metal is sorted and recycled and cement is pulverized for crushed concrete reused in construction.

Habitat Restore Manager Shannon Sommeling welcomed the shipment from Davidson. The load came on the heels of recent donations from IHOP and Red Lobster in Dover, he said.

Receiving Associate Joyce Bernard lead a team of volunteers in unloading the Davidson truck. They included Walter Bollech, Howard Macleary, Caitlin and Emily Jaquish, Danielle Tilghman and Rich Bright.

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Mike Davidson Enterprises forms new relationship with Habitat for Humanity-Restore

By Philip Chua

YES, billion microorganisms! Thats not a typo. Thats how many unwanted and potentially dangerous bugs there are on average in almost any kitchen. So, it is not the bathroom that is the germiest in any home; it is the kitchen!

The germs are everywhere in the kitchen, from sink sponges countertops, cutting boards, kitchen utensils, refrigerators to sinks, towels, and even stove tops.

The cleaning sequence is obvious, even before learning about this scientific fact in the intro above: do the kitchen first before doing the bathroom. And of course, proper hygiene is observed by washings hands well, or by taking a shower, if desired, after cleaning the bathroom, especially the toilet bowl.

Significantly minimizing the bacteria in the kitchen, if not eliminating them, can be achieved with meticulous washing with soap and water. Using chemicals, like lysol or other kitchen toxic cleaning solutions sold in the market today, is not safe. Long term use of these household chemicals has been suspected to be hazardous to health, possibly linked to some metabolic illnesses and cancers afflicting people, including non-smokers.

A safer chemical alternative is Acetic Acid (regular, common vinegar), which could help minimize bacteria after the areas are washed with soap and water. Vinegar also dissolves some of the mineral deposits (from water) on pots and pans and sink, bath tubes and shower areas. One part vinegar and nine parts water (10 percent solution) is an effective mixture.

Sponges used for cleaning dishes are the items where the greatest number of bacteria are found, especially when they are stored wet in a dark place. A sunlit area is better for hygiene. They must also be washed thoroughly after each use. The washed sponges could then be sterilized some more by microwaving non-metal sponges in a microwaveable container with water for a couple of minutes once a week. They could also be soaked in vinegar solution for about 20 minutes every week, rinsed and dried. Sponges should be replaced at least once a month, or sooner depending on use. Wash cloths should be washed daily. Putting sponges in dish washer is not enough, thats why vinegar soak is helpful.

Remember that when you use sponges or towels on the countertops, dishes or pots and pans, you could be merely transferring the germs from the sponges and towels to those items. Therefore, make sure that your hands, the sponges, and towels are clean before using them on washed utensils, etc.

This germ-transfer practice is obvious among those food handlers at restaurants, who are gloved but use their hands to touch countertops, tongs, their body parts, and then the bare food items, like sandwiches, etc. Unless these individuals are as conscious and aware that the clean gloves are strictly for touching the food items, like surgeons gloved hands are limited to touch the sterile (germ-free) operating drapes and body

organs, the food will be contaminated, in spite of the gloves, when improperly used. Also, if the same pair of gloves are used for more than a couple of hours, they too, like bare hands that are not washed within an hour, accumulate bacteria. Water is a super solvent and cleaner.

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Billion germs in your kitchen

McClatchy photo/courtesy Erica Berger

Pam Kueber, in her retro kitchen, shares resources and tips on great finds for home renovation.

When it seemed like everyone was outfitting their kitchens with granite countertops and Sub-Zero refrigerators, Pam Kueber was on the hunt for steel cabinets.

Ten years ago, Kueber and her husband bought a 1951 ranch house in Lenox, Mass., with ugly plastic tiles in the bathroom and a 1970s kitchen that was showing its age. But rather than bringing the house up to date, she wanted to take it back to its mid-20th-century character.

A communications professional with a degree in journalism, she put her reporting skills to work on ferreting out sources of vintage materials to renovate her mid-century home. Five years into her search, she struck gold: a set of aquamarine Geneva steel cabinets in what was once a cooking school run by nuns in New York City.

Her experience prompted her to start a blog to share her research with like-minded souls. Today her Retro Renovation blog, retrorenovation.com, attracts about 220,000 readers a month and is the go-to site for homeowners with a passion for restoring mid-century homes.

Kueber shares resources and tips on great finds, like the stash of 1960s tile a guy in Mansfield, Ohio, found recently when he was cleaning out a contractors house. Its like Whac-A-Mole, she said of the constant chase of the latest bonanza.

The blog celebrates what Kueber calls mid-century modest homes, houses like hers that sprang up across the United States in the wake of World War II. Unlike the chic, glass-walled atomic ranches that are revered as the epitome of mid-century modern style, these are the simpler Colonials, ranches and split levels that housed a much larger segment of the postwar population. Now many of them are housing young homeowners, who can afford their modest prices and appreciate their vintage style.

Her blog sometimes addresses high-style mid-century homes, but I write about pink bathrooms and knotty pine kitchens more, she said in a recent phone conversation. And more than write about them, she touts their appeal.

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‘Mid-century modest’ homes see a resurgence

SCOTTS VALLEY Half a dozen volunteers sit at fold-out tables or lean against the countertops at campaign headquarters, cell phones pressed to their ears, their voices echoing against the hot pink walls that once housed a now-shuttered yogurt shop on Mount Hermon Road.

Members of Save Our Schools Scotts Valley have been in full-blown campaign mode for the last two months, after Scotts Valley Unified School District officials filed paperwork with the county elections office to place a parcel tax measure on the June 5 ballot. Their voices remain calm, but it's a facade that masks the urgency behind their message.

Their schools are depending on them, they only have four weeks left, and they need to reach as many of the 12,500 registered voters in the district's boundaries as possible.

If passed, the Measure K parcel tax would be in effect for three years starting July 1, tacking on an extra $48 to property tax bills each year with exemptions for contiguous parcels and anyone receiving Supplemental Security Income. It would raise up to $1 million through 2014-15, just enough to keep from having to lay off more teachers and cut more programs.

The state could cut more than $1 million out of next year's district budget, said campaign head Derek Timm, who has two daughters enrolled at Vine Hill Elementary School. If that happens, and we don't have a parcel tax, and the district doesn't come up with additional funding sources to help stabilize

It's not yet clear how much funding the district will receive from federal, state and local sources in 2012-13. But tentative figures presented in late March showed revenue of about $15 million, a drop of more than $2 million from this year.

That figure does not include income from a statewide, education-related tax initiative backed by Gov. Jerry Brown for November's general election. Vickie Clark, who heads the district's business office, has to prepare the budget as though the initiative will fail, triggering cuts of $370 in per-pupil spending.

So far, Timm said, voters have expressed support for Measure K. No one filed an opposition statement with the county elections division.

Only property owners will pay the tax, though the majority of them do not have school-aged children. Timm said many would support the measure because property values are higher in areas with good schools.

I think that's the big benefit that property owners can miss out on if they don't think about it in those terms, he said.

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Parcel tax supporters out in full force: Effort aims to garner support for Measure K

AVON Chamberlin Granite Co. of Torrington, CT, purveyors of monuments, granite countertops, kitchens and baths, has named John Yates, Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer, its new Senior Designer, to head up its brand new kitchen and bath showroom on Rte. 44 in Avon center. This new location is operating under the name, Chamberlin Kitchen & Bath LLC.

Opening the new showroom in Avon will greatly bolster our efforts to cater to Hartford Countys middle and higher-end kitchen and bath needs, noted Tyson Chamberlin, CEO of Chamberlin Kitchen & Bath. Johns thirty-four years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry will strongly benefit our design team, sales and services, he added.

Prior to joining Chamberlin Kitchen & Bath, Yates designed for Ducci Kitchens in Goshen, Platon Design Group in Englewood, NJ and before that he owned Maine Kitchen Design in Yarmouth, Maine for nearly ten years, where Yates designs were chosen to represent the state of Maine for the nationally recognized book, Leading Kitchen & Bath Designers. Originally from Springfield, MA, Yates was the lead designer for Kitchens by Chapdelaine in East Longmeadow, MA for more than sixteen years. During his many years at Chapdelaine, he became the top sales/designer in the Northeast for Plain & Fancy Cabinetry five years in a row. Ironically, and now coming full cycle, Yates has returned near to his old stomping grounds and Plain & Fancy is one of Chamberlins top cabinet lines.

Mr. Yates kitchen and bath designs have been displayed in numerous newspapers and magazines, both locally and nationally and, among other things, he earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from American International College in Springfield, MA.

He and his wife, Eileen Kindl, live in New Hartford, CT.

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Torrington company expands into Avon