JACO'S 'HOME IMPROVEMENT' IS BIG EVENT

Happy winner: Judy Jaco of 1011 E. Jackson Blvd. was pleased with her newly-enclosed garage with block windows by Hy-Lite Products Inc. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

It was neither a yard sale, auction nor family reunion that had vehicles lining the curb in front of Judy Jaco's home at 1011 East Jackson Blvd.on Sept. 9.

Jaco was the winner of the semi-annual home face lift contest sponsored by HomeFront Productions.

Her 40-year-old home received some $5,000 worth of free material and labor, while the activities were described on radio -- both nationally and locally.

"It's really exciting," Jaco said. "This is going to be so nice."

Two companies affiliated with the contest ventured to Missouri to do the installation of their products. Two local companies, meanwhile, had provided valuable assistance before hand. Steve Roth, director of marketing for Style-Mark Inc., of Archbold, Ohio, put up crown molding throughout the house. He also put up three decorative medallions and a chair rail in the dining room. Made of durable urethane millwork, the Style-Mark products are lightweight and easy to install. Roth said they help prevent water penetration and absorption and insect infestations.

"A lot of Mrs. Jaco's furniture has the dental design," Roth said. "She was really excited when she saw it in our catalogue. It matches her furniture very well."

Aluma-Craft of Cape Girardeau did preliminary work at the house.

Meanwhile, Karl Hatrak, director of innovations and product/process development for hyalite Products Inc., of Beaumont, Calif., helped install a hyalite acrylic block casement window in Jaco's bathroom. Made of clear wave acrylic blocks in a vinyl frame, the new window unit will give more privacy to the bathroom and "an upscale, contemporary look," according to Hatrak.

Hatrak also helped transform Jaco's carport into and enclosed garage by installing two 115-inch long walls of acrylic block panels above the existing half-wall structure. The 55-inch tall acrylic block units consist of three mulled window units to allow filtered light into the garage, but protect the privacy of the family.

On hand to help install the units -- as well as doing preliminary measuring and other work -- was Jackson Glass.

"With their assistance it went real smooth," Hatrak said. "This is our first time to provide our product for a contest."

The event -- as well as Jaco and her family and neighbors scurrying about the kitchen to fix the crew breakfast -- was brought live to listeners on KZIM Radio and on the 77 stations that carry HomeFront, with host Don Zeman. Zeman, a contractor for 26 years, has been a home improvement radio host for six years in the Columbia-Jefferson City area. His program now plays in 21 states and 77 markets. He also has a "Handyman Hints" television spot, carried by KFVS-TV. His web site is located at www.homefront.com.

"I tell people we're the Wal-Mart of home improvement shows," Zeman said. "I don't care if we get in any major markets. I want to blanket small markets."

He noted that his HomeFront vehicle was recognized by numerous fans as he drove to Jackson. A neighbor of Jaco's, meanwhile, ventured over to meet the radio personality.

"I do enjoy it," Zeman said. "I still look forward to getting up every Saturday morning. It's always a different show. I don't think you can act like you're excited."

Zeman, Hatrak and Roth all bragged on the hospitality of the Jacos and of the community. Zeman said the Jackson Police Department had contacted him prior to his visit, offering assistance if parking along Jackson Blvd. proved to be a problem.

The semi-annual contest asks listeners to tell why they would like a free home facelift. One year the winning contestant composed an original song to explain. Jaco took a different approach. She took a carpenter's apron and glued as many miniature tools as she could find to it and spelled out "Help!"

Each company donated up to $2,500 to the face lift.

"It's like Christmas in September," she said. "Only no bill comes the next month."