October 2023 Mat Su Great Lander

In ThIs Issue

PREPARING FOR WINTER

VALLEY CHARITIES’ CORE

VALUES PROMOTE A HAPPY WORKPLACE

F ind the B enjamin

W in the B enjamin i n t he e njamin

Rules on page 20

OctOber 2023

RAM 1500 BIGHORN RAM 1500 WARLOCK

JUST IN TIME FOR PFD

apply. Additional Gemini Air purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. If you cancel your service in the first 14 days of order, you may be required to return the included Gemini Air within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Gemini Air purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at directv.com/CancellationPolicyStream for more details. DIRECTV Sports Pack: Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply to all sports programming. Regional Sports Networks included with CHOICE Package or higher. Actual number of channels and games varies by market. DIRECTV Sports Pack auto-renews monthly at the then prevailing rate (currently $14.99/mo. for via Internet and $13.99/mo. for DIRECTV Satellite. Price for new and existing satellite customers changing to $14.99/mo. beginning 11/5/23) unless you change or cancel. Price subject to change. Cancel anytime online at directv.com or by calling 800.531.5000. However, once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV Sports Pack through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. If you cancel your service, you will no longer be eligible for this offer. Visit directv.com/sportspack for more information about Sports Pack. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Package, Advanced Receiver Service Fee, Regional Sports Fee (varies by zip code) and equipment fees for TV connections are included in two-year price guarantee. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), and transactional fees are not included in two-year price guarantee. Offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Premium Channels Offer: Access Max through Max app or max.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see

On The Cover

3710 S CHERRIER LANE #1 • BIG LAKE • MLS# 23-10564 • $750,000

Waterfront condo right on Big Lake! Only 2 units in the project. Approximately 121 ft of swimmable shoreline right out your front door. This spacious unit features the primary bedroom on the main level, open concept living perfect for entertaining, beautiful soaring windows & a large deck to enjoy all day sun & gorgeous views! The large lot & extra garage space are perfect for all the toys!

Shannon Parberry

Associate Broker (907) 232-0227 Sparberry@mtaonline.net

Kate MacDonald REALTOR® (907) 214-1004 katelyn.mac623@gmail.com

When Experience Counts

Enjoy multigenerational living in this new home! Located in a premier neighborhood close to everything & perfect for commuting. Backs to creek. 4BD, 3.5BA, 3 CarG, 2,665sf living area.

MLS#23-11802

UNDER CONSTRUCTION! The lot backs to Crocker Creek for a beautiful backyard setting. Still time to pick items & personalize. 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,595sf, 2Car Garage.

MLS#23-7450

ALMOST COMPLETE! 1.88 acres w/ mtn. views in a new sudb. that allows horses & chickens. CCRs are protective but not too restrictive. 3BD, 1.5BA, 4 CarG, 1,412sf living area.

MLS#23-3592

Wasilla city acre lot! Level topography and duplex friendly! A cleared established area for a building already exists along with dedicated driveways, utilities, well and septic. MLS#23-10884

South Fork Eagle River lot! Enjoy beautiful views from this 1.49 acre lot w/ well and septic installed. Transition easily into building by using the portion that is already cleared. MLS#23-11461

3 premier Kenai city lots sold together! 1.13 acres total. Zoning on these level lots allows for single family residential or multifamily. Utilities on site and/or adjacent to lot(s). MLS#23-11622

7669 E DOWNSTREAM DR.

4500 N EDENFIELD ROAD 925 N GAMBIT CIRCLE

4221 BIRDSONG DRIVE 1704 SECOND AVENUE

7121 S TURNER DRIVE

30+ Years Selling Anchorage & Mat-Su Valley Associate Broker, REALTOR ®, Consistent Top Producer

Alaska Fine Homes & Real Estate, LLC

48400 S Bendapole Road

$129,900

Beautiful Cabin with well and septic. Off grid property. Electricity for well and cabin via a generator. AS-IS sale.

MLS# 23-10666

WASILLA

2891 S Donovan Drive

$425,000

Daylight basement has one room with window that could possibly be used as a bedroom or a second office area.

MLS# 23-3469

Ask Cora

Hey Cora, I have owned my house for only 2 years and my septic has failed! I am really angry, and I think I should be able to sue someone over this. Who can I sue, how do I do that, where’s a lawyer? Signed, Boiling Mad!

Dear Boiling. Well, I can hear you are mad for sure. So let’s break this down and see what advice I can give so that you know what you can do. You may not like my answer... just saying.

• How do you know your system has failed? If it’s just backed up – that might just be a clog or a “break” in the line to the tank. This is not an expensive fix and does not require that the entire system be replaced. Your first call should be to an engineer. They can help you determine if the system has failed and needs to be replaced or if it just needs a little work. If you purchased your home only 2 years ago, call your realtor that represented you and they will have a record of the engineer that signed it off when you purchased your home. (if you need the name of a couple engineers, call me)

• Is your home new? Was it just built 2 years ago? If so, you can contact your builder and see if he will give you the name of the excavation company that installed the system. That excavator may be able to help you. The excavation company that put in your system had to follow the drawings that the engineer provided. So, the installer and the engineer will be your friends on this. Again, this may be something simple and an easy fix.

• If your home is not new, and it’s several years old, then again, go back to the engineer that did the adequacy test when you purchased the home. Your realtor will have this info or it’s in the documents that you received when you closed on the house. These two individuals will be able to help you navigate the next steps on what to do or how bad the situation is.

Now, I want to be clear here; the engineer most likely is not responsible for your septic failing IF that’s what it is. They can only test the system and pass it or fail it depending on how it responded that day. It’s a snapshot in time, at the time it was tested, it passed. I have had septic systems pass and 12 months later, the owner went to sell – and it didn’t pass.

What happened, why would this be? Many, many factors. Now, just to be clear I am not sewage expert, I do not have a degree in wastewater engineering (oh there are so, so many funny references that I could say right now, but I am going to keep this professional). But I have worked with many people with failed systems and spent copious amounts of time with septic engineers (aw, yes, fun times) and installers. Here are

some of the things I have learned:

75 acres at mile 60 of the Parks Hwy. Well, septic and electric on location. Creek running through. Detached garage of no value. Legal driveway easement to the property. This can be commercial property.

$595,000 • MLS# 23-6495

Jack

Lovely new subdivision in Wasilla

Far enough out of the way that I couldn't hear any disturbing traffic noise. Very peaceful and quiet. Well treed and level. Perfect for building.

$35,000 • MLS# 22-11940

Estate

over it or park a car on it. These are sensitive systems and weight on it can break pipes going to and from the tank or even damage the tank.

• Size Matters! A typical 3-bedroom home has a 1000-gallon septic tank with a leach field specifically engineered for 6 people to live in the house. This means flushing, bathing, washing clothes, washing dishes, cooking etc. Every family is different. Some people run their dishwashers several times per day, and some run them once per week. The amount of water and solids (I am sure you can figure out what “solids” are) that goes into your system can have a direct effect on the life of your system.

• Toilet paper, all toilet paper is not created equal! Toilet paper with cotton is not recommended for septic systems, Cottonelle, Charmin etc. These are very hard on systems because they don’t break down. I have found that the Marathon from Costco is probably the best one to get or sometime specifically for septic systems. Fancy toilet paper can cause your system to back up! Back up is not good, it’s gross!

• Grease, yuck-a-doodle! Grease is terrible for your system; it cannot break down. It clogs the sides of the pipes and creates a barrier in the leach field that will not allow grey water to filter through. Do not dump grease or oils down your drain.

• Feminine products, these are made of COTTON do not flush them into the system! Septics don’t like cotton, oh it may seem like it’s handling it – but believe me, like eating old potato salad that’s been left out in the sun at a picnic, it will come back, in a very unsightly way, eventually.

• Garbage disposers, for some reason, septics only like things that have been through a human body! They don’t like raw vegetables, old fridge leftovers and other “back of fridge science experiments! Avoid dumping those down your garbage disposers.

• Excessive weight, avoid driving your car, truck, motorhome over your system! Pay attention to where it is located on your property and don’t put an extra driveway

• Water table, yes, this one sounds strange, but a change in the water table could cause your system to fail. This year, we have seen a lot of heavy rain, and heavy rain means creeks and rivers are high, but also the underground rivers and tributaries can put pressure on your tank and cause your leach field to drain slowly because of ground saturation. Nothing you did, nothing the install did, it’s just ...nature.

• Soaps, yeah, different types of soaps you use in your washer or dishwasher could damage your system. Remember that these systems are design to “compost”, if you will, the waste. If you use a lot a heavy chemicals, (and yes bleach is one of them) you kill the good bacteria that is working hard to make this system work. If you kill off all you good guys, there will be nothing there to “process” the compost. Slack off on the chemicals and be kind to your good bacteria.

• Maintenance, yup, you MUST have it pumped and cleaned at least every 2 years. Now, let’s say that there are 2 people living in a 4-bedroom house. This is a 1250-gallon tank, so that a big tank for 2 people. Once every two years should be fine. However, if you live in a 4-bedroom house with you, your spouse, the boys Robert and Roger, who enjoy playing in a mud hole, the two “tween” girls, Erica and Erika who shower several times per day and your twins... Timmy and Tommy. Not to mention your in-laws, who bring up the Minnie Winnie every year and park it next to the house and hook into your septic system. This, my friends, needs a clean-out every year FOR SURE! Don’t think you are saving money by skipping a year, it will only cost you in the long run. Okay, now do you see why it’s only good for that snapshot in time? Because the engineer cannot speculate on how you are going to live with your septic. They don’t know if you are going to be a good bacteria killer or a grease monkey or an over-user-abuser! The septic passed at the time it was tested. Now you carry the torch for your septic, you care for it and follow the rules of how to keep it from failing for as long as possible! Show that thing that you are the keeper of the tank! The ruler of the underground community and the father of the flush!

Call me or text me if you need the names of different installers, engineers, pumping companies etc. We are happy to help and remember experience matters and I am full of it!

road access on 5 acres with an abundance of wildlife! Property features well, septic, outhouse, sauna house, garage & woodshed. All furniture and tools stay with property.

COYOTE GARDENS

The world renown Coyote Gardens is FOR SALE! Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of Alaska’s most well known gardens and a sweet Alaskan log home on almost 5 acres of serene living. The gardens have been featured in multiple magazines around the world showing off the multitudes of beautiful Alaskan plants as well as willow furniture, decor & a Tea House created by the homeowners. Two dwellings on the property. With no CCRs.

$349,000 • MLS# 23-5013

SOUTH NANCY LAKE

This custom built home only 30 min. from downtown Wasilla includes 2 primary ensuites one with handicap access including roll-in shower, a gorgeous kitchen, upgraded finishes throughout & all on 10 UNRESTRICTED level acres! PLUS a detached 30’ x 16’ studio easily converted to an ADU/MIL & a detached 1,260 sq. ft. garage with carport for plenty of storage. This home has many features.

$747,500 • MLS# 23-6455

Nice

home with that off grid feel. There is another cabin that needs work, could use as Airbnb when fixed up. Lots of possibilities. No property taxes.

Nice updated ranch style home on 1.5 acres with plenty of room to expand or park your toys! Great commute location yet tucked in a nice quiet area off the beaten path.

CRS, ABR, GRI, E-Pro

841-2188 maggiebillinger@yahoo.com

Remote cabin with

Nice bluff lot with 360° mountain views!

GLENNALLEN WASILLA

MLS #23-4526 $150,000

MLS # 23-9390 $362,000

MLS # 23-3222 $89,000

ranch style

SLANA

MLS #23-8569 $169,000

WASILLA

23-11002

OFFICE: 907 631 3033

1174 N LEATHERLEAF LOOP A, WASILLA, AK 99654

This traditional ranch-style home is perfect for new home buyers or those looking to downsize! The master bedroom and living room boast ceilings adorned with crown molding and integrated rope lighting. Enjoy the open concept living room with the cozy fireplace in the living room that flows seamlessly into a spacious kitchen—ideal for gatherings with family and friends. Extra-long driveway.

Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

Introducing a Slice of Heaven: 10 Acres of Pure Bliss with Breathtaking Views and Endless Possibilities! MULTIFAMILY ALLOWED! Nestled in a truly convenient location, this remarkable 10-acre parcel of land with panoramic views that stretch in all directions, it’s a captivating canvas for your dreams to come to.

Kaitlin Hotchkiss 907.521.5241

Do you need a multi generational home? Parents living with you now or older child that can’t afford today’s rental market but would like their own space? Then this is the opportunity for you! This home has undergone a full-scale transformation, every aspect from windows and doors to bathrooms and floors has been completely updated! Towering vaulted ceilings.

Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

Welcome to your dream home built by award-winning Precision Homes. This is a custom masterpiece nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Chugach Mountains. This abode captivates with its elegant, stone-wrapped fireplace and a kitchen sporting modern upgrades, a large pantry, and a stylish tiled backsplash.

Devon Doran 907.354.2685

Everything you would want in an Alaska ranch home with a creek in back yard, large 1.53-acre lot, close to worldclass recreational opportunities and just a few minutes from downtown Palmer. Lot has loads of wild berries, watch the salmon spawn in your creek and moose wander in your back yard. Barn is easily modified to support horses. New hot water heater. Schedule your showing soon. James Kelley 907.440.0220

Nestled on in the serene Victoria Estates, discover this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch home exuding warmth and elegance. Meticulously maintained, it boasts a beautifully landscaped yard, secure fenced backyard, and a paved driveway. A perfect blend of comfort and charm waiting just for you.

Devon Doran 907-631-3033

Charming starter home centrally located! This home boasts a newer roof (2018) and a renovated kitchen and bathroom in 2017. Benefit from a separate laundry area adjacent to the bathroom not the mention the two extra rooms that could be an office, art room, library you name it! The circular driveway offers ample parking and the two generously sized sheds give you plenty of storage space!

Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

Beautiful new construction duplex built by Golden Spike Winner, Precision Homes. This spacious duplex features 3BR/2.5BA/2-Car Garage per side. This is a ‘’to be built’’ and features/specifications are subject to change throughout construction. Photos online are ‘’photo similar’’.

Devon Doran 907-631-3033

5855 E SUMMIT CIR • WASILLA $385,000 MLS#

1198 S ISLAND STREET • WASILLA $649,900 MLS# 23-3458

3055 S MARTH RD • PALMER $425,000 MLS# 23-10013

10151 KAYE LAKE ROAD • WASILLA $144,900 MLS# 23-8993

5271 S TENNYSON CT • WASILLA $325,000 MLS# 23-11641

3545 PHENIX AVE • WASILLA $434,000 MLS# 23-8967

2050 E CHICKALOON RD • WASILLA $240,000 MLS# 23-10362

1141 W BLUFF VIEW DR • WASILLA $625,000 MLS# 23-9979

Buy, Sell with Elise Ell 907-242-0442

Elise Ell Buchholz

Jack White Real Estate Mat Su

865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy., #200

Wasilla, AK 99654

SPECTACULAR HOME!

Gorgeous home has huge mud room with double doors to living area, tv projector, main bedroom suit on entry level, with big laundry room, kitchen dining, deck off dining room has views of mountains and living room open, top level has bedrooms and office. Basement has another bedroom and storage area, with garage.

$475,900

CHARMING 5 BEDROOM

5 BR, 4 BA home, w/ oversized 2 car garage & many upgrades. Covered front deck, lg. family room, living room and bonus room, large back deck, with fire pit. $525,000

BAR AND HOTEL

This bar has familyfriendly atmosphere. Amazing price. Nice kitchen appliances. Some of the best food in the Valley. $650,000

WILLOW, 1.38 ACRES

This cabin is occupied by a tenant. Nice lot with views of mountain. Has Parks Hwy. frontage, Possibilities are endless. Electric is on property. $69,900

PERFECT TINY HOME

Quaint rustic Alaskan log cabin on a hill with nice deck in front Beautiful double rock fireplace. Gas, Electric, well, and septic on property. Fenced area for dog, or Chickens. Need just a little TLC to make this a perfect tiny home. $125,000

READY TO COMPLETE

PRICEREDUCED

Cool two story home with basement. Great for entertaining, 3 BR, 2.5 BA, tons of storage. Lovely lot on a hill that overlooks Big Lake. Large pantry in Kitchen.

$399,999

Established business for adventure seekers for nearly 40 years. Accessible by snow machine, fat tire bike, boat, or aircraft. Located next to runway.

$895,000

Spectacular property. Beautiful views, wildlife galore, and tons of sealife. Great area for glacier and wildlife tours. Includes airstrip and accreted land seaward!

$1,500,000

This lot has been cleared, has driveway, well, septic and ran to basement, electric, foundation, and trusses for the roof is included in the purchase. $130,000

BEAUTIFUL

51 acre parcel of land with amazing 360 degree views! Inside Denali State Park. Lots of wildlife w/ two-story cabin that needs TLC. Well and septic. Come and see!

479,000

On 2.93 acre lot. Enjoy spectacular views as you sit and observe the raw beauty of an Alaskan sunset. Adjacent lot also available, purchase both for the perfect building site. Circular driveway already on this cleared lot, ready for your new home.

$100,000

STUNNING CUSTOM LOG HOME SHOP AND GARAGE SPACE ILIAMNA, 130.82 ACRES

3224 sq. ft. home is in move-in condition with new interior paint. Main floor features an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, large kitchen w/ updated appliances, breakfast bar, dining, and living room w/large windows & lots of light. 2 BR, 1 BA on the main floor. $548,900

18 ft. ceilings, 3 large overhead doors (212 ft., 1-14 ft.) in-floor heat, office area, 1-1 bedroom apartment, w/living room, kitchen, bath, dining. Great location, well kept building, large paved parking area, good floor plan for a variety of business options. Must see to appreciate. $1,600,000

A fishermans and hunters dream. Large platt includes, 4 salmon ponds, Tons of bear and other wildlife on beautifully breathtaking land. $2,900,000

Deluxe Assortment Pack

20 lb. Lean Ground Beef

10 lb. Rib Steak

10 lb. Chuck Roast

10 lb. Round Steak

5 lb. Stew Meat

5 lb. Pork Sausage

5 lb. Bacon

10 lb. Pork Chops

10 lb. Pork Steak

20 lb. Whole Fryers

10 lb. Chicken Thighs

5 lb. Chicken Breasts

10 lb. Ham

Approx. 130 lb. $899

Poultry Pack

10 lb. Whole Fryer

8 lb. Game Hens

5 lb. Bnls Skinless Chicken Breast

5 lb. Chicken Thighs

5 lb. Chicken Drums

5 lb.

Pork Pack 5

4

Variety

4

12

4 lb. Short Ribs

4 lb. Boneless Pork Chops

6 lb. Pork Roast

5 lb. Ham Streak

10 lb. Whole Chicken

10 lb. Chicken Drumsticks

5 lb. Assorted Cold Cuts

Approx. 80 lb. $679

Gourmet

3 lb. Shoulder Bacon

2 lb. Breakfast Sausage

8 lb. 93% Ground Beef

2 lb. Shrimp

5 lb. Beef Ribeye Steak

3 lb. Beef New York Steak

2 lb. Filet Mignon

3 lb. Pork Chops

7 lb. Boneless Chicken Breast

5 lb. Italian Sausage

Approx. 40 lb. $439

Budget

5 lb. Chuck Roast

5 lb. Ground Beef

5 lb. Round Steak

5 lb. Pork Chops

5 lb. Pork Country Style Ribs

2 lb. Pork Sausage

3 lb. Bacon

5 lb. Chicken Breast

5 lb. Chicken Thighs

5 lb. Chicken Drumsticks

Approx. 50 lb. $299

Approx. 45 lb. $289

C harity in the V alley

Valley Charities’ core values promote a happy workplace

By Randi Perlman

Operated by Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI), Turna-leaf Thrift Store has been providing Valley residents with all sorts of affordable necessities for many years, but what stands out the most when you enter the store is how purposeful and gladto-be-there the employees are. Whether it’s an associate stocking items on the floor, the cashier ringing up your purchase, or the person receiving donations from many generous supporters, you are greeted with courteous service and a smile.

Levi Chord, Store Manager at turn-A-leaf for over three years, believes a large part of the reason for that can be attributed to VCI’s core values of Pioneering, Partnering, Serving, Community and Compassion. VCI strives to provide a nurturing environment where everyone is valued and respected, and that philosophy shines through. Chord notes that throughout the Covid pandemic, he was only away from his job for about two weeks and the store was closed for just a little longer than that. Turn-A-leaf was one of the only thrift stores in the Valley accepting donations during that time. This allowed folks to purge closets, basements, and spare rooms while hunkering down, then gave them a cheerful place to bring their ‘goods with a purpose’. It also gave Chord and his staff an opportunity to thoroughly clean out the intake warehouse, organize and put things in order.

Chord manages a staff of 12-14 employees, along with 4-6 revolving volunteers, some with special needs. Strong partnerships with other community agencies are crucial to VCI’s mission, and some of their partners include DPA (Department of Public Assistance), Set Free Alaska, True North, My House, Red Cross, VCRS (Valley Community for Recycling Solutions), Knik House, the Food Bank, and MASST (Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training). MASST is an Alaska Jobs Program administered through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The MASST Program is truly a win-win for all involved. The State of Alaska places job seekers 55 years and older in businesses and nonprofit organizations called host sites and provides job training to help them become self-sufficient while bringing much needed support to those organizations and strengthening the communities they serve. This program helps Alaska retain the valuable resources of older workers while enabling them to maintain an independent lifestyle and make meaningful contributions to their communities. The salaries of MASST workers are paid by the state, enabling the host site to work with the individual and see if it’s a good fit without impacting their bottom line. Many program applicants are then hired and become full or part time employees.

One of Chord’s workers for most of the three

years he’s been manager at turn-A-leaf is Barbara Ross. Ross came to Alaska in 1967 to help with the aftermath of the earthquake and has had quite a varied background as a nurse’s aide, former teacher, government work, and owner of a data processing business, not to mention a single mom of 9 children! She is proud to share with you that she is 86 years young and came to turnA-leaf through the MASST Program. She didn’t want a desk job and was looking for something different. “Life is not cookie-cutter,” stated Ross. Chord knew right away they had the perfect spot for her, sorting through incoming treasures in the warehouse, and he was right. About a year ago, Ross was hired out of the MASST Program and became a warehouse employee. Turn-A-leaf has several other long-term employees, including one who has been there for 11 years and one for 16 years!!

Ross loves her job at turn-A-leaf because of the many good people she works with, and says she feels appreciated. She enjoys the many learning opportunities and interesting people she interacts with daily and likes the fact that each day is different because she never knows what treasures will come through the door. She says, “steady work keeps me busy and makes the time fly” and she’s constantly amazed at the variety of items that are donated, particularly clothing. Turn-a-leaf still

offers and honors clothing vouchers. On Wednesdays year-round, all adult clothing is $1.00, all kids clothing is 50¢, and all outerwear for all sizes is half off!

Chord proudly states, “we’ve had lots of change, growth and evolution over the past 3-4 years since I’ve come on board. The thrift store is always improving and learning new ways to make things better while ‘connecting those who need help with the help they need’. Item donations are accepted and appreciated, and shopping at turn-A-leaf Thrift Store enables Valley Charities to continue fulfilling the large and growing resource needs in the Mat-Su.

Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing life-changing programs and opportunities to Mat-Su Valley residents. VCI has been quietly serving Mat-Su Borough residents for over 60 years. Through their Housing Assistance Partnership Program, Mat-Su Reentry Program, Medical Equipment Lending Program, and turn-A-leaf Thrift Store, alongside many strong community partnerships, VCI serves the needs of Valley residents and helps them thrive. These compassionate programs encompass and fulfill VCI’s vision to make the Mat-Su Valley a healthier and happier place to reside for everyone. For more information, visit www.valleycharities. org or contact them at 907-376-5740.

H ome & G arden

Preparing for winter

Julie Cascio, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, jmcascio@alaska.edu

907-745-3677

Autumn’s colors are changing, showing that winter will soon arrive. Take steps now to prepare for cold, snow, wind and icy conditions in your yard, home, and vehicle.

With outside temperatures hovering below 32 degrees Fahrenheit undo hoses and sprinklers; drain then put away in a protected area to avoid cracks or other damage. Empty buckets, watering cans and rain barrels.

Pull plants out of the garden. Enjoy ripe and ready to eat vegetables. Place the outer leaves, vines, stalks that will not be eaten in the compost bin with the falling leaves currently covering the lawn and driveway. Prune to remove dead, damaged or disease parts of perennials. Remove old nonbearing canes of berry bushes. Cut back canes or branches that have frown to long. Surround perennials in containers with insulating mulch. Or store in the ground or

in a sheltered location like a crawl space or cool garage. Place windbreaks or fences to shelter woody perennials. Tall, strong fences help prevent moose from eating the apple trees. For more information go to www. CESpubs.uaf.edu for Alaska Gardener’s Fall & Winter To-Do List, HGA-00429

To provide some brightness to dark winter evenings, before snow falls is a safer time to put up outside lights along the roof line, fence, driveway, or trees. White ones for all winter, colored lights for upcoming holidays are a few suggestions.

Check the home’s heating systems and cook stoves. Check the filters for heating systems and the fuel oil tanks. Have fireplace chimneys cleaned regularly with properly sized chimney brushes to remove creosote build up. Store well dried wood away from the house to Alaska fireprevention specifications in an accessible location.

Prevent water system freezing by enclosing and insulating any pipes in unheated areas under or outside the house. Pipes inside

an outside wall also need to be protected. (Call if you want to hear the story of freezing pipes in my house, and ways to avoid this.) www.CESpubs.uaf.edu for Keeping

Your House Warm During a Cold Alaskan Winter (UAF-CES publication EEM04955)

Prepare for times when electric power goes off. If you have a generator, practice with using it. Have it placed in an easily accessible site with proper ventilation. Know which electric appliances, lights, etc. will work with that generator. Also know what should be turned off that will not be usable when the power is off or the generator is on.

Be prepared for food, water sources, flashlights and usable batteries, radios, medications needed, pet supplies, and connections to know where family/friends not in the house are. Emergency Supply Checklist SAL-00007 is another source for additional info.

Be prepared to enjoy our lovely Alaskan winter by taking steps this fall.

&

or email to: contest@greatlander.com

The winner will be announced in the November, 2023 Mat-Su GreatLander!

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. One winner per month. Must be 18 years or older to play. Submissions must be received by GreatLander Publications no later than October 30, 2023 to be eligible to win. Employees of Anchorage Printing, Inc. are not eligible to play.

THE NEW 2024 WOLVERINE X2 1000

Introducing the newest member

Introducing the newest member of the amazing Yamaha SxS family. The all-new value-packed Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000 features exceptional comfort and capability, along with confidence-inspiring handling for tackling a wide variety of terrain. Boasting Yamaha’s Proven Off-Road performance, durability, and reliability, the Wolverine X2 1000 is the ultimate compactfeeling 1,000cc Sport Utility Side-by-Side to REALize Your Adventure.

YAMAHA 3919 SPENARD RD ANCHORAGE AK, 995173002

907-243-8343

Professional drivers depicted on closed areas. Side-by-Side models shown are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Models shown with optional accessories. Vehicle specifications subject to change. ©2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.