Look locally when shopping for your fall home improvement needs Decorative Touch The fall season is the perfect backdrop for deep cleaning, home spruce-ups and home improvement projects you've been putting off, inside and outside of your home. Now is the time to shop around for those household items you need and desire. It is also time to find just the right company to take on your home repair projects and renovations. Consider these local businesses: Decorative Touch is an oasis on Route 9 in Howell."A truly unique shopping experience" …"I love this store.You carry all these unique items that you don't find in all the other furniture stores."…"Every time I come in the store looks totally different.They are constantly redesigning their showroom." These are words used to describe the two stores on Route 9 in Howell collectively known as Decorative Touch.This ever-evolving store is a small gem filled with unique home décor, one-of-a-kind pieces, art, accessories, lamps, mirrors and furniture for any room in your home.Whether it is just a little small corner that you just can't find the right piece to give it that finished look, or decorating and furnishing a whole home, Decorative Touch can do it for you.The home décor store is located at 2561 Route 9 north in Howell, one mile north of I-195.There is also a warehouse store called Home & Patio located at 6201 Route 9 north.There they carry beautiful patio furniture at discounted prices. Friendly, no-pressure service is the hallmark of the personnel at both locations. Regardless of your budget you will always be able to find something.The Decorative Touch store changes so often that many customers come back every month just to see what's new.Come in and you surely will be pleased with a unique shopping experience. For more information, call 732-942-1385. Town Appliance There have been plenty of times when people have work done in their homes only to find that when it was completed they were disappointed with the resulting quality and professionalism. For people in the shore and surrounding areas, those days are now over thanks to Michael Pilato, "The Honest Handyman." "He can be on the scene anywhere to take care of anything that needs to be done,"Mike's wife Christine said."He is very truthful and honest about his prices." Mike has been in business for more than 30 years and can do anything and everything from kitchen and bath remodeling to painting to custom woodworking.And that's just the beginning."His specialty is carpentry and cabinet making but he really can do a lot more than that,"Christine said."He can do Sheetrock, custom countertops, decks, window and door installations, you name it." "The Honest Handyman"does most of his work on homes in Ocean County and lower Monmouth County.He is also a licensed building inspector and has had his business registered as Bayberry Woodworking for more than 20 years."As of this date Mike has never had a complaint filed or a dissatisfied customer," Christine said."Mike only does quality work. People will tend to go with him just based upon the first impression they get when they meet him.He really is just a regular guy — very neat, clean, and professional always."Thanks to Mike's professionalism, Christine said that business has been very steady."He can take care of a lot of odds and ends and he does things that some others don't really do," Christine explained. Mike is not just a one-man gang; he does have at least one other worker with him at all times. Hourly rates are available and estimates are free. For more information about Mike "The Honest Handyman," call 732-920- 4345 or visit www.mikeshandymanservices. com. V&S Landscape Supply Family owned and operated since 1948, The Showroom at Atlantic Plumbing Supply Opdyke Furniture has become a landmark casual furniture store at the Jersey Shore. The merchandise is an upscale, eclectic mix of casual indoor/outdoor furniture, home accessories, electric fireplaces, and of course a spectacular Christmas shop during the holiday season. Known for quality and service, Opdyke's changing inventory always has something new and exciting to offer. Whether you are furnishing a home or just visiting the shore, Opdyke has something for everyone.The store is open seven days a week and there are two convenient locations: 2036 Route 35 north,Wall, 732-449- 5940, and 308 Sea Ave., Route 35 south, Point Pleasant, 732-892-2020. Prown's Town Appliance offers a large selection of all major appliances, from basic to highend styles.With their major buying power, they can pass on significant savings to the customers.The sales representatives are courteous, knowledgeable and helpful.They know what they sell, and offer informed advice to assist customers in selecting the appliance that best suits their needs.The team members go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction, treating each customer with individual attention, and making sure their buying experience is a pleasant one. Town Appliance's 25-plus years of experience as well as the sterling reputation for integrity means you can buy with confidence. From helping you select the ideal purchase, to arranging a convenient delivery date, to post-purchase follow-up and assistance, the Town Appliance staff will always be there for you.The repair company, Mr.Appliance, provides expert, prompt and efficient repair service on all appliances. Stop in and browse the centrally located, 5,000-square-foot showroom in downtown Lakewood. For more information, call 732-364-5195 or visit www.townappliance.com. Ryser's V&S Landscape Supply has been family owned and -operated for more than 20 years.The business began with a simple vision: offering top-of-the-line materials and high-quality service for landscaping projects of all sizes.That vision still holds today.With more than 4 acres of the latest landscape supplies,V&S Landscape Supply is both a partner to landscapers and a guide for homeowners. The highly trained professionals know exactly what it takes to do a landscaping project right,which is why they are the partner you can trust when you need to get things done. From putting together a quote to getting materials to your site on time, the team is focused on making your job easier.As an authorized dealer of Andes Stone Collection and industry-leading EP Henry materials, the company proudly stands behind everything in the store. In fact,V&S Landscape Supply carries the largest variety of EP Henry landscape and hardscape products in the area. Stop in and see the V&S Landscape Supply difference.With service to the entire metropolitan area and convenient delivery service, they are your one-stop location for everything landscaping. Call 732-780-8444 or stop by at 950 Route 33, Freehold. James Christopher Builders LLC takes great pride in quality work, customer service and satisfaction.As a full-service company, with experience in both residential and commercial environments, James Christopher Builders offers clients full design services as well as complete project management and construction. They value client references and offer them with every estimate.Visit www.JamesChristopherBuilders. com to see the company's full range of services, including photos and details of projects that will inspire you.Call James Christopher Builders for your next home improvement or commercial needs.The company will work with you,with ideas and pricing, to bring your visions to light. The Showroom at Atlantic Plumbing Supply, featuring American Standard, JadoPorcher, Grohe and so much more, is the place to go to make your renovation dreams come true.The 2200-square-foot Long Branch showroom and the newly renovated Toms River location are stocked with working displays that feature the newest trends and classic styles in bathroom fixtures and kitchen faucets. Browse bath furniture, fixtures, faucets, whirlpool tubs, shower ensembles, custom glass enclosures, coordinating accessories and lighting. Meet with one of the design consultants to talk about creating a stunning, spa-quality bathroom and they will walk you through the selection, specification, ordering and delivery process.They do all the paperwork and detail confirmation, saving you time and effort.And, if you are a designer, contractor or builder, just give them the parameters, send your client to one of the showrooms, and the staff will work with them to pick out their fixtures and coordinate with you to fulfill the order. Yes, it's just that easy. Let the customer service professionals at The Showroom at Atlantic Plumbing Supply help you to choose just the right elements to make your bathroom or kitchen simply exquisite. For inspiration, visit www.TheShowroomAtAtlantic.com.The Long Branch showroom is located at 702 Joline Ave., and can be reached by calling 732-229-0334.The Toms River showroom is located at 2810 Route 37 east, and can be reached at 732-929- 0400. Prown's is pleased to be celebrating its 83rd anniversary. For nearly 75 years, the third generation family business had been located on Broad Street in Red Bank,until its recent move to 135 Monmouth St. It all started on July 20,1925,when Max Prown went into the 5- cent and 10-cent business with Julius Cooper. The store, named "Prown-Cooper," was located at 47 Broad St. In 1929,Prown bought the business out from Cooper and the store became known as National 5-cent, 10-cent, and $1 Stores (because the company expanded to six store locations from Woodbridge to Lakewood). The multiple locations didn't work out that well,as Prown spent most of the time in his car.So he closed all the stores except Red Bank.The store name was changed to Prown's, with the famous slogan"Prown's has everything." One evening in August,1960, an electrical short led to a major fire that completely devastated the store and several other shops and offices.Although 61 years old at the time, Prown announced that he would rebuild bigger and better than ever.With the help of several local businesses, they were able to continue to operate the home improvement division from a temporary location. On Feb.15,1961,Max Prown and his 40 employees reopened at 32 Broad St.At this location, the store continued to prosper, selling everything for the home.Prown died in the summer of '68,and his son Jules D.Prown inherited the business. He announced that the store would continue under the leadership of his cousin and long-time store general manager, Edward A Straus.After working several years in the store, David Prown was asked to carry on the family business as president following the retirement of Straus in the early '90s.With the changes in downtown Red Bank and changes in the consumer shopping opportunities, it became clear that the days of a"five and dime,"single location, variety store were nearing their end.On Jan. 1, 2003, David Prown announced the transition of the Prown's business from a variety store to a dedicated home improvement business specializing in custom windows, doors and window fashions.The store moved around the corner to 135 Monmouth St.,and is now a full home improvement showroom that is open seven days a week.While many other businesses have come and gone, Prown's clear and simple approach to customer service sets it apart and carries them forward today in the dedicated home improvements business. For more information, call 732-741-7500 or visit www.prowns.com. Ryser's mission is to provide the highest quality and largest selection of landscape supplies and services to residential customers, property owners, and trade professionals. Whether your design is traditional to trendy, whether you need a bag of soil or a tandem of topsoil, if you're a new property owner or an established contractor, you can depend on Ryser's to serve your needs with the best products, reliable service and highest integrity.The company specializes in service and gives every detail their full attention.They can help you enhance the beauty and value of your property, or help you satisfy your clients'every need. Ryser's welcomes visitors to the organized and well-stocked supply yard where you will find an enthusiastic staff, the supplies and tools to complete the project, and creative inspiration. Ryser's features: • prompt delivery (often same day) • many products available on special order (don't see it, just ask) • custom design and installation of driveways, patios, walkways, drainage trenches and retaining walls • in-home consultation and free estimates • friendly, professional advice and project guidance • fully trained, qualified staff Visit Ryser's at 145White Road in Little Silver, call 732-741-8338 or go to www.ryserslandscapesupply. com. "The Stone Gallery" at Seaside Materials is positively a can't-miss opportunity when designing and building your dream home.Vision and clarity is what you should expect upon entering"The Stone Gallery."Like the tagline says, it's"Your Idea in Stone."Seaside Materials created a showroom specifically dedicated to the fine finishes of masonry construction, interior and exterior.The staff of natural stone professionals will direct your thoughts and create your dream.When creating your outdoor retreat,you need to develop a space that transcends you to a place that calms your soul,where you can escape and find peace.The colors and textures of natural stone have long been praised as the element of natural soothing beauty."The Stone Gallery"at Seaside Materials is a Mecca where you can see, feel and touch the most unique natural stone products in the world,and create"Your Idea in Stone." Stop by Seaside Materials at 659 Broadway in Long Branch; call 888-STN-IDEA, or visit www.seasidematerials.com.