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HOME AUGUST 2019 4 mdbildes / stock.Adobe.com A compartmentalized caddy is a good way to organize a workstation for schoolwork. Making it portable builds in flexibility. The more pleasant the space, the more conducive the environ- ment for academic success. Six ways to set up the perfect workstation (StatePoint) — Before the school year kicks into high gear, it's important to give yourself the tools needed for academic success and maximum organization. Here are six ideas to set up the perfect workstation: 1. Clear up clutter. First, determine how you use items. If paperwork is refer- enced multiple times a week, store it on your desk in a file tray or upright sorter. If you use these items more rarely, you can store them in a drawer using a hanging fil- ing system. Likewise, keep the tools you use most — pens, pencils, calculator, on your desk. A compartmental caddy is a tidy way to store such items of varying sizes. 2. Give it some life. Plants can help liven up a work atmosphere, bringing vitality to the space. Improving indoor air quality and being associated with mental health benefits, houseplants are more than just beautiful. And introducing them to a workstation may just help boost pro- ductivity during long study sessions. 3. Visualize it. Great for prepping school presentations or easily viewing documents, a projector is a great addition to a student's workstation. Those in the Casio LampFree lineup feature high- brightness, are low-maintenance and have a lifetime of up to 20,000 hours, making them a good choice for students. 4. Write it down. No workstation is complete without a handy notebook, kept close by. Whether it's making to-do lists, jotting down quick thoughts or taking notes, this is a must-have item, even in today's digital world. 5. Add it up. A basic desktop calculator is essential to any student's workstation. Those from Casio feature 12 digits, and run on both battery and solar power so you can work anywhere, and with inde- pendent memory, you can easily take breaks from tasks and return to them later. 6. The right light. If possible, set up workstations near sources of natural light for a mood and focus boost. For nighttime study sessions and for those without win- dows, high-quality task lighting is critical. Versatility is key, so look for a desk lamp with an adjustable neck as well as dim- ming capabilities. For space-savers, check out desk lamps pulling double-duty — many of today's models feature USB charging ports at their base. With school approaching, keep these tips in mind Callen Construction examines popular window styles MUSKEGO — "When it's time for new windows, homeowners have a multi- tude of options from which to choose," said Christopher Wittmann, sales manager and exterior product spe- cialist with Callen Con- struction. Double-hung and single- hung windows are easily two of the most favored selections in terms of win- dow styles. "The key difference between double-hung and single-hung is the type of sashes, or the moveable parts of the window, that are integrated into the frame," Wittmann said. Double-hung windows have two movable sashes so the window can open from the top and the bottom. A single-hung window has two sashes, however, the top sash is stationary while the bottom sash is moveable. One important advantage of these types of windows is improved ventilation, which is especially true for the double-hung variety. Both windows are versatile, meaning they can be incor- porated into most spaces of a home without issue. Since both sashes can move and tilt in, you can clean both sides of a double-hung win- dow from inside the house, thus eliminating the poten- tial dangers associated with using a ladder outside. A recognizable character- istic shared between case- ment and awning windows is their ability to open out- wards. It's not suggested to place these windows near high traffic areas to avoid possible accidents. "With regards to case- ment windows, they provide a considerable amount of sunlight and viewability since the framing does not interfere with the sizeable glass pane," Wittmann said. They are also known for their ventilation properties. Conventionally, awning windows are framed with substantial picture win- dows, which are stationary and don't open. "Bay windows are ideal for developing angles and adding prominence to a home," Wittmann said. From versatility to energy efficiency, the benefits of new windows are wide- ranging. As you study your options, keep in mind a key to selecting the right win- dows for your home is to carefully examine the physi- cal space where the window will be installed, as well as the surrounding area. "Con- sider the functionality of the window, the space, the design, style, and even traf- fic flow on both sides of the glass," Wittmann said.

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