Old neon signs across the Tenderloin are flickering anew, thanks in part to a city program that's helping businesses refurbish building facades with support from property owners.

The SF Shines program has spent about $51,000 over the last five years restoring about 10 signs, leveraging an additional $40,000 in private funding from property owners, Gloria Chan, spokesperson for the Mayors Office of Economic and Workforce Development, told Hoodline.

SF Shines supports other projects associated with facade improvement, including ADA compliance, storefront window replacement and awning replacement, Chan said.

Qualifying businesses must have at least three years left on their lease and property owners must contribute at least some funding toward any neon improvement or restoration project, Chan said.

This ensures there is support and engagement from the property owners...and the owners are working closely with tenants," she said.

Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, a nonprofit focused on getting people housed and preventing displacement, helped the owners of the Verona, Fairfax, Kinney, Jefferson, Boyd, Elk and Hartland hotels submit SF Shines grant applications.

These matching fund programs are a very smart policy approach, especially for encouraging facade improvements, Shaw said. Owners are much more willing to put up money if the city is also investing in the project, he added.

And while Shaw supports SF Shines' overall goals, he said he's "much less interested in getting a new awning or a paint job as I am getting a neon sign lit up again." Neon brings back a bit of the Tenderloin's history, and also help light up the sidewalks, he added.

SF Shines is a very forward-thinking program, said Randall Ann Homan, co-author of San Francisco Neon: Survivors and Lost Icons.

Historically, cities have torn down old, busted neon signs, and here they are working to refurbish them, she said.

These signs are handmade, handprinted works of art, Homans partner and co-author Al Barna said. All of the tubes are formed by hand.

In addition to being artwork, neon signs do double-duty as a beacon for a gathering place, since they typically identify small, independent businesses, Barna added.

There is now a whole row of neon signs alight starting with the Hotel Verona at the corner of Eddy and Leavenworth, followed by hotels McKinney, Fairfax and Jefferson in a line eastward down Eddy.

That is very rare anywhere, let alone in San Francisco, Shaw said.

While a row of neon signs may be rare today, in the 1940 and 50s, San Franciscos streets used to be crowded with them, Homan said. This was especially the case in the Tenderloin and Civic Center area, which was leveled by the 1906 earthquake.

The neighborhood was basically all rebuilt at the same time, in the wake of theCity Beautifulmovement, Barna said. New buildings with exterior ornamentation and design motifs needed to be properly illuminated.

Store signs were initially alabaster and backlight with gas lighting or incandescent light bulbs. When neon came along, it was much more energy efficient and inexpensive, Homan said. They were the LEDs of their time.

But signs of yesteryear tended to burn out within five to seven years, and many business owners didnt want to spend money on repairs and maintenance, Barna said. Many signs have been demolished or left inoperable because they were too pricey to fix.

Nobody in the Tenderloin today is talking about demolishing their neon sign, Shaw said. Everyone recognizes the value of neon signs, its not even a risk that theyll be demolished. It is just a question of whether they will be restored.

There were some issues in the past of erratic performance by neon sign companies Shaw worked with, but lately he and the property owners have been working with Rago Neon out of Hayward.

Rago has displayed a very high level of professionalism, which makes a big difference, Shaw said.

Homan and Barna said there are several historic signs they'd still like to see refurbished, including the old martini glass at the Gangway (841 Larkin St.) and the towering Golden Gate Theater sign at 1 Taylor St.

If youre interested in learning more about the neon signs in your neighborhood, check out Homan and Barnas website,or sign up for one of their upcoming tours.

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City, Property Owners Restore Tenderloin's Neon Signs - Hoodline

Home window replacement and installation is stressful enough. The last thing you need to deal with is hiring an unreliable window company that overcharges and underservices. Luckily, you wont have to deal with the hassle that comes along with hiring an unreliable window replacement company if you hire All Seasons Window & Door Co.! Since we were founded in 1981, All Seasons Window & Door Co. has been one of the leading window contractors in Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas.

What makes us one of the leading home window companies in North Carolina and South Carolina? Here are a few characteristics:

At All Seasons Window & Door Co. we are committed to providing our customers with an outstanding customer experience. Our process is simple: we meet with our potential customers for an initial consultation focusing on what qualities they are looking for in their replacement windows. Then, we prepare and install your replacement windows as quickly as possible. We know window replacements are huge investments that can be a hard commitment. Thats why we have specially trained customer service representatives on call throughout the day to answer any questions or concerns and help you understand everything you need to know about replacing your windows.

Part of ensuring our customers are pleased from their initial consultation to after installation is providing them with phenomenal materials at a moderate price. Typically, people tend to shell out thousands of dollars for a quality window replacement in Charlotte, NC. But at All Seasons Window & Door Co., we believe customers shouldnt have to break the bank for quality materials and service. Thats why we offer an array of materials, such as vinyl replacement windows. One of the benefits of using vinyl replacement windows is the affordable price. Unlike other materials, such as wood, you wont have to worry about spending more than your initial budget for your window replacement. But just like common expensive window materials, vinyl has maximum durability, strength, and resilience. So instead of pushing the limits of your budget to have mediocre windows, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have affordable replacement windows that are top quality.

So, what makes our windows better than other replacement windows in Charlotte and surrounding areas? Mainly the strength of our windows and the techniques we use to install them. Its true: our replacement windows are some of the strongest in Charlotte. North Carolina is prone to inclement weather, such as hurricanes and severe thunderstorms. This means that many residents have to invest in storm windows or repair their windows often. But with our windows, you wont have to worry about any inclement weather, such as high wind speeds or heavy rainfall, as well as other external factors, interfering with the condition and quality of your replacement windows. In fact, our windows have been proven to last longer than most replacement windows in Concord NC, where there is heavy storm activity. This debunks the myth that price is equivalent to quality. Our window replacement cost is lower than most windows in Concord NC, as well as Charlotte and surrounding areas, yet you wont have to undergo another window replacement for at least twenty years.

That leads us to the technique we use for our window installations. If you have researched window replacement techniques in Matthews NC or in other parts of Charlotte, then youre most likely aware that most companies use a standard window installation technique that involves using a premade product and an easy-to-abide-by outline. Instead of using the standard window installation procedures, we customize every installation process to satisfy your needs. For example, the commercial window installations we do always require a different technique and process than our residential window installations. While this is attributed to the fact that commercial buildings and residential buildings have different requirements and outlines, it is also attributed to our commitment to satisfying everyones needs and desires. In other words, we are willing to alter our standard installation techniques to make sure that each and every one of our customers receive the windows of their dreams.

Speaking of tailoring our general window installation process to each of our customers, we demonstrate our value of specialty and uniqueness through our completely customizable window replacement options. As previously stated, we offer an array of window materials to satisfy everyones budget, design preferences, and dreams. Each of our available materials comes in different colors and textures. This allows you to obtain windows that seemingly flow with the overall design of your house, as well as your personal design aesthetic. Whether you want a completely personalized replacement window, or a standard minimalistic window, our specially trained employees can help you find the perfect materials and design features for your needs.

Between our devotion to customer service, array of customizable options, and the fact that we offer one of the most affordable window replacement costs in Charlotte NC and surrounding areas, you cant go wrong with All Seasons Window & Door, Co. The notion that we have remained one of the top window contractors in Charlotte NC for over thirty years further proves that we have well above the necessary experience and education to produce and install quality windows in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas. Since we have been around for a while, we have gotten the chance to turn our company into a family and become acquainted with most people in the community. In other words, the Charlotte area knows that All Seasons Window & Door, Co. isnt just about business. Instead, we are committed to providing the community with safe, durable, and affordable windows that residents can feel comfortable and confident in.

So say goodbye to the days of worrying about inclement weather completely destroying your windows, or having to shell out thousands of dollars to repair or replace your windows. Instead, contact one of our specially trained employees to help you with your North Carolina window replacement. We will make sure your windows exceed safety standards, satisfy your design preferences, and stay in the range of your budget. Overall, there isnt a window project too big or too small. Give us a call at (704) 399-4244 or fill out the form on this page to contact one of our customer service representatives and schedule a consultation today!

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Window Replacement Charlotte NC | Entry Doors Charlotte NC

Replacement Windows for Robert P May 17, 2017

5 5 1

they were prompt and did and excellent job and cleaned up afterwards

Robert P

5 5 1

From start to finish the job was done first class. I expected no less and it was delivered.

Sam S.

5 5 1

New in this area and didn't know what to expect. Owner and workers very professional. Work exceeded my expectations. Planning on using them for two more projects.

Ed R.

5 5 1

We hired Top Tier Home Improvement to install the LeafLock Gutter System on the front and back of our house. The look has added value to our home and they are functioning well so far. All company representatives were easy to work with, helpful and friendly. These gutters are more expensive than the typical gutters, but if you have a lot of trees/falling leaves...and you want something that is going to last, I recommend LeafLock gutters and Top Tier to install them. Thanks ya'll!

Aubrey S.

5 5 1

very professional... work done on time and within budget

Mike D.

5 5 1

True Professionals

Heidi F.

5 5 1

Final project turned out great!

Jessica F.

5 5 1

Great!

Leon B.

5 5 1

Corey was helpful when explaining everything and answering our questions. When they showed up, they were on time and efficient. A pleasure to do business with!

Nathan B.

5 5 1

Cory's enthusiastic belief in the LeafLock gutter system and his detailed explanations sold me. Justin and Chris expertly installed the gutters and fully answered all my questions. They always let me know when they were arriving or leaving the property. Worksite cleanup was meticulous; Justin even used his leaf blower on all my concrete surfaces. The gutters upgraded the curb appeal (and maintenance-free function) of my house from mediocre to knock-your-socks off!

Teresa P.

5 5 1

This company is very customer-oriented! After explaining my need for a new exterior door, Cory helped with suggestions to find the perfect door for us. Very easy to work with as far as scheduling the job also. He truly cared that we were completely satisfied with the job when it was finished! Andy and Darren (they installed the door) are truly professional and did excellent work, custom-fitting the door to the frame perfectly. Also easy to work with as far as scheduling. They are friendly, sweet, and truly trustworthy. Would highly recommend this company to anyone!!! Install or Replace Gutters 12/07/*2016 Comment: Very professional company. The gutter system (LeafLock) was completely explained to me with a demonstration using the actual parts of the gutter system itself. Installers were friendly and professional as well. They had to come back the next day as it was getting dark, which they did with no problem. While they were on the roof they even went out of their way to remove the multiple satellite dishes left by previous owners! I would highly recommend this company to anyone!!!

Barb R.

5 5 1

Explained everything in great detail, they were prompt & professional and reasonable. I would recommend Top Tier to anyone looking for their services.

Hermeine T.

5 5 1

I may have paid a little more for this job than I should have but it seemed to be in the ball park, even if at the higher end ( price guide only arrived after I hired them. I needed the job done ASAP and they were on time, efficient and pleasant to work with. It was a very straightforward job. They were the second company to call and I hired them because the first company never showed.

a homeowner

5 5 1

Very polite, nice company to work with.

Maria C.

5 5 1

Friendly, reliable people to work with.

Rita S.

5 5 1

I was completely satisfied with my experience. I was promptly contacted once I submitted the request for a quote. During the initial appointment, everything was well explained from the material being used to the various options that I had as well as the final cost of the project. The installers came and the work was completed in a timely manner. They walked me around after finishing and everything was cleaned up and the gutters looked great.

Gerald N.

5 5 1

Prompt response

a homeowner

5 5 1

they are responsive, they are experienced thus, installation is much quicker than most, they clean up after the work, and they keep you informed.

Don S.

5 5 1

I am so happy with my new windows. My old windows were old and wooden, I had to paint and seal every year. My new windows look great and are so easy to clean! Top Tier's crew was great and were very neat and punctual. I'm so glad this is done before Winter gets here.

a homeowner

5 5 1

My wife and I hired Top Tier to install new windows at home and are very happy with our decision to chose Top Tier. At our first appointment the Sales Manager showed up on time, which I really appreciate and answered all questions we had. The installation worked out well. Overall our experience was great and I highly recommend Top Tier

Benedikt Z.

5 5 1

My wife and I hired Top Tier and were very pleased with the service offered. The Sales Manager was right on time and answered all questions we had. The install company was very professional and did the job in the agreed time. Overall the service and quality of the products is excellent and we highly recommend this company.

Benedikt Z.

5 5 1

I recently had Top Tier Home Improvement install seamless, clog free gutters on my home and was very pleased with the entire process. The consultant that came to our house was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions and the crew that installed the system was very prompt and professional. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and did exactly what they said they were going to do. Overall I was very pleased and would highly recommend them. After this experience, I will definitely be calling Top Tier in a few months when I am ready to tackle my next project and replace the windows in my home.

Adam K.

5 5 1

Top Tier installed clog free gutters on my home, I was extremely pleased with everything from start to finish. The gutters look wonderful!

Natalie A.

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Windows - siding - gutters in Charleston, SC | Top Tier ...

June 21, 2017 8:46 PM

DENVER (CBS4) One company is helping out with replacement windows after a new law goes into effect that will allow strangers to break into a vehicle if a child or pet is in danger.

In Colorado, it is illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Come August, the state plans to implement a law which would allow bystanders to break a vehicle window if a person, dog or cat were found to be in danger inside.

(credit: CBS)

That person would not be subject to any criminal prosecution.

Mobile Glass in Colorado Springs says theyll cover the cost to replace the window in those situations.

Were trying to make everybody aware that, this is your safe zone, so you know that you can go ahead and break the window, theres no strings attached, you can contact us and we can go ahead and take care of that, said Mobile Glass spokeswoman Abby Martinez.

The offer applies to those living outside the Colorado Springs area. Mobile Glass says they have a nationwide network of glass professionals.

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Glass Company To Help Replace Shattered Windows With New Law - CBS Local

Boston is overhauling its school buildings with $1 billion dedicated for the next decade to upgrade, renovate or replace the aging building stock as part of its Build BPS facilities master plan.

The 10-year plan released in March found that almost half of the districts buildings were in fair condition while more than half of the 125 schools had poor air quality.

As part of the plan, in August, the city will launch its $13 million 21st Century Schools Fund for school leaders to tap into for short-term capital investments such as technology and new furniture.

Current projects underway or planned for the next year include: a $9.8 million replacement of the roofs at the Dever and McCormack schools and the boilers at the Channing, Condon and Boston Latin and a 3,000-window replacement project over the summer at Community Academy, Curley, Ellis, McKay, Sumner, Tech Boston and Young Achievers for $29 million.

By the end of 2017, construction will be done on the new $73 million Dearborn STEM 6-12 Academy. The city broke ground on a $20 million renovation of the John Eliot K-8 Innovation Upper School on Tuesday, due to be completed by the fall of 2019, with an art studio and a robotics engineering lab overlooking the Charles River.

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BPS proceeds with $1B overhaul - Boston Herald

KEWANEE (AP) Shafts of light stream in from dozens of cracks in the roof of the historic Ryan's Round Barn, but this isn't just any barn where time and the elements are taking their toll.

It's a state, and national, treasure and one that's at the mercy of the state's budget battle.

Located in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park off state Route 78 between Annawan and Kewanee, the barn was built in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, a Henry County native who became chief surgeon at St. Anthony Hospital in Chicago.

At 61 feet tall and 74 feet in diameter, it's the largest round barn in Illinois. Its interior has three-and-a-half levels and a central silo, four gambrel dormers spaced evenly around the edge, and a cupola at the top. Ryan wanted a place in Henry County to be a retreat for his family. He built the barn for a "new" breed of cattle he had heard about in Scotland: Black Angus.

Ryan died in 1932, and an Annawan banker sold his farm to the state in 1968. The barn was among a number of buildings the state had slated for demolition until the Friends of Johnson Park came together to preserve it.

In 1974, the barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ten years later, it was re-roofed with original-style wooden shingles. After more than 30 years later, the barn roof needs work again.

Three years ago, estimates put the cost of the roof at $201,000 to $245,000, depending on whether asphalt or wooden shingles were used.The type of shingles needed "depends on who you talk to," said Steve Christian, president of Friends of Johnson Park Foundation.

"I love barns and I love history," said Christian, now retired.

Christian said that when state candidates campaigned in 2014, the group was told Illinois didn't have funds for the roof work. A lack of a state budget in 2015 brought the re-roofing effort to a halt, a story that's much the same today as legislators languish in a budget deadlock in Springfield.

The barn's interior is basically sound, although the siding holds moisture from the leaking roof and has started to deteriorate. The leaks also have caused some rotting in the hay mow in the loft.

"It creates havoc with everything that's underneath it or everything that touches it," he said.

Christian's group explains to visitors that the barn is not a multi-side structure appearing to be round. Instead, the structure was made with 16-foot lengths of pine soaked in water and bent to shape. Even large interior beams are bent, with five one-inch boards laminated together to form the beams.

As for why the barn is round, Christian said that while it was more expensive to build, the barn was labor-saving in the long run. One man with a pitchfork could feed 50 cattle with little movement. However, the advent of tractors and evolving farm machinery eventually made round barns obsolete, he said.

"You can't bring a tractor in and turn it around," he says.

While the barn may not attract crowds as large as the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Christian said the landmark "holds its own." More than 1,000 visitors go through the barn tours each year.

"We draw a pretty good size crowd here, and we have people from all over the world," he said. On June 3, that crowd included visitors from California and Puerto Rico.

The barn also could use new paint. A 2004 estimate put the cost of that at $3,200, a price that's only gone up since then. The Friends have set aside money from tour fees to repaint the barn this summer, but they worry even that project might not happen. They still need approval from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and haven't gotten it yet, even more bad news for the barn.

Landmarks Illinois, a preservation non-profit group, this year named the barn as one of 10 endangered historic entities in the state. While the friends group tackles smaller barn projects, such as repairing metal flashing at dormer windows, the roof work is beyond their abilities, or their pocketbook.

"We can handle window replacement," Christian said. "But at a $2 donation, we cannot come up with a quarter-million dollars to put a roof on.

"Our hands are tied," he said. "We can't do anything until we get a budget."

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While legislators go round and round, historical barn suffers - SaukValley.com

Mitchell County farmer Elaine Havlovic has won the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation from the Americas Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, to the Stacyville Community Nursing Home (SCNH).

SCNH will use the grant toward funding their ongoing window replacement project.

We were thrilled to be selected for this grant, and are very thankful for Elaine Havlovics thoughtfulness in naming SCNH as the recipient, Sandy Chilson, SCMH Administrator said. The money will help us continue replacing windows in the facility. This is a multi-phase project, improving the appearance and energy efficiency in our home.

The Grow Communities programs purpose is to make a positive impact in farm communities by partnering with farmers to support the causes that are important to them in their communities. Each year, farmers enter for a chance to win a $2,500 donation that they direct to a local nonprofit.

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Havlovic names Stacyville Community Nursing Home to receive donation - Mason City Globe Gazette

The Window Replacement Project, managed by the Fairfield Ludlowe High School Building Committee, has determined that PCB containing paint exists at this facility. This paint has been encapsulated by years of repainting of the schools interior. Environmental testing has determined that there are no air quality issues or health risks posed by the encapsulated paint.

The Fairfield Ludlowe High School Building Committee, Fairfield Health Department, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the US Environmental Protection Agency are working closely with the Town of Fairfield and its environmental consultants to determine details of the abatement plan for these areas as part of the work of the Fairfield Ludlowe High School Building Committee. Work on the Window Replacement Project is not affected by the encapsulated paint.

To accommodate community interest in this issue, a public forum is planned on Tuesday, July 11, at 7 p.m., in the 2nd Floor Board Room, 501 Kings Highway East, Fairfield. Experts from the Fairfield Health Department and the projects environmental consulting firm will be on hand to answer questions.

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Fairfield Ludlowe High School public forum July 11 - Fairfield Sun

HOT SPRINGS - The Harlou Building, located at 407 N. River Street, in Hot Springs, was recently awarded an historic preservation grant from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

The Deadwood Fund Grant, totaling $16,329 a local match will join this will assist with the repair of windows, the installation of storm windows on the second floor, and the replacement of a non-historic storefront window.

The Harlou Building was constructed in 1893 with Hot Springs iconic building material, local sandstone.

There are four large arched windows with prominent keystones across the second-story faade of the building.

It is called the Harlou Building because HARLOU is carved into a central plaque at the top of the building. The name is a union of the names of the two men who had it built, Dr. Hargens and S. Loudenback.

The second story is from the Victorian era and architecturally, it borrows from Romanesque design, with extremely tall, found, arched windows with large keystones and triangular cornice decorations.

The Harlou Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 as contributing to the Hot Springs Historic District.

It previously housed both grocery and furniture stores, the public library, a bakery, Masonic rooms and professional offices.

The Harlou Building joins four other properties that received Deadwood Grants this year. These include:

Wylie Park Pavilion, Aberdeen -- Built about 1912, this pavilion received a $10,000 grant to assist with repair and replacement of wood siding and for painting.

Mortimer Cabin, Oakwood Lakes State Park. This 1869 structure received $13,000 grant award to assist with the replacement of chinking and to repair logs, the stone foundation, and the gable roof ends.

Gale & Ward Bank Building, in Canton was built in 1880. It will receive $12,000 to aid with the re-pointing of the brick masonry as part of a larger rehabilitation project

Ipswichs First Baptist Church, built in 1926, will receive $12,000 to help with replace the roof.

These new recipients represent a total award amount of more than $63,000 with planned matching funds topping $157,000.

The grants are awarded through the State Historical Societys Deadwood Fund grant program. Funding for the program is from Deadwood gaming revenue earmarked by state law for historic preservation projects throughout the state. The program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

This is the 20th year for this historic preservation grants program, said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. In 2016 we awarded $108,204 between 11 projects which had matching funds of $291,301. The resulting total public-private investment is $399,505. This program is designed to encourage restoration or rehabilitation of historic properties and is one more way we can promote and protect our history and culture.

Deadwood Fund grants are awarded twice annually. Grant application deadlines are Feb. 1 and Oct. 1, with applications reviewed at the spring and winter meetings of the State Historical Societys board of trustees.

The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education, and is headquartered at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the societys world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit http://www.history.sd.gov for more information.

For more information on the Deadwood Fund grant program, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2217; tel. (605) 773-3458; or website history.sd.gov/Preservation.

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Harlou Bldg. receives preservation grant - Rapid City Journal

Windsor Windows & Doors renovated its third employee home through the organization's Employee Home Makeover program early this month. Daniel Marquez-Ramirez, group lead for insulated glass production and 11-year Windsor veteran, was the most recent recipient of the home makeover.

The Marquez-Ramirez home in the Capitol Park neighborhood in Des Moines received roofing and siding repair, window and door replacement, exterior paint and landscaping updates with the help of more than 25 Windsor employee volunteers. Through the planning process and over the course of six days, 25 volunteers donated approximately 675 hours to the project. All expenses were covered by Windsor Windows & Doors.

To date, Windsor volunteers have donated an estimated 768 hours on two previous home makeover projects. The program launched in August 2016 and recipients are selected by a company selection committee. Employees are encouraged to submit individual applications for home improvements they would like assistance with, but may not be able to make on their own due to financial reasons or labor requirements.

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Windsor Windows & Doors Gives Employee Home Makeover - Window and Door