May 2024 Mat Su Great Lander & Real Estate

MANNY’S

AMERICAN CHARTER ACADEMY

American Charter Academy is now accepting SY25, new student applications from area students between grades K and 8th. Call or email to schedule a time to tour the school, talk to a teacher, or get more information!

Recycling

Valley Charities’ Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program

By Randi Perlman

The financial burden associated with any type a illness, injury or medical situation can be astronomical these days. Once you’ve accounted for physician visits, laboratory testing (often leading to more doctor visits), prescription medications, plus travel to and from all the above, you may suddenly find yourself in need of expensive medical equipment to help navigate through your convalescence. Did you know there is a wonderful service right here in the Valley that can alleviate the cost of acquiring that type of equipment?

Since 1956, Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) has been providing durable medical equipment to community members in need at NO COST! Through its Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program (DMELP), Valley residents can find a wide range of equipment to meet many medical needs. To better serve the community as the Valley continues to grow, DMELP, formerly housed within turn-A-leaf Thrift Store, opened its own separate location near the Wasilla Lowe’s in January 2023. The new location is packed with over 1400 items in inventory, neatly stacked and arranged in just 1400 square feet of space. DMELP is not a rental program; its inventoried equipment is provided on loan and may be borrowed for up to six months. After six months, upon request, an additional six-month extension can be arranged. Whether for yourself, a family member, a friend, or someone you care for, adult or child, and whether you have had an accident, surgery, illness, or other physical needs, VCI’s

DMELP is there to support your recovery. Some examples of durable medical equipment in inventory are canes, crutches, commodes, and wheelchairs, but there are many more items on hand. This program is only available to Mat-Su Valley residents, who can request and reserve equipment by calling 907-521-1908 or visiting www. valleycharities.org . Once reserved, equipment will be held for up to 24 hours. The current location is 2521 E Mountain Village Drive, Suite D1,

in Wasilla, between the UPS Store and the Yarn Shop and behind Brown Jug. Business hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10am to 4pm. R andy Miller has been managing VCI’s DMELP services since September of 2022. Miller has lots of life experience at various endeavors, including as a 20-year army veteran. He began working for VCI as a rent relief specialist during the Covid-19 pandemic through Alaska Housing Corp. VCI Executive Director John Rozzi thought he’d make a good manager for the long-standing durable medical equipment lending program, and his hunch was correct! Since becoming manager, Miller has made some significant improvements to the program such as implementing Standard Operating Procedures, entering all inventory and client information into a database that assigns item bar codes and alerts when item returns are due, and overseeing the installation and maintenance of a HUBSCRUB machine to wash and disinfect many items quickly & efficiently. Miller also provides information and outreach on DMELP to some of the farther reaches of the Mat-Su Borough by attending multiple Alaska Health Fairs. On the second and fourth Friday of each month, he visits the Sunshine Clinics in Talkeetna and Willow and Mat-Su Health Services in Big Lake for one hour each so folks in those areas can arrange for equipment pick up and drop off. The program serves residents from as far away as Chickaloon and Sutton on one end, and through Trapper Creek on the other.

DMELP is funded through the generosity of the

Mat-Su Health Foundation, the Alaska Community Foundation with the purchase of the HUBSCRUB, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority which funded multiple items in the program, and generous community donations of both dollars and equipment. Donated equipment not used in DMELP is then donated to a program or family that can use it. An added benefit of ensuring donations find a new home is keeping those items out of the landfill and the waste stream. DMELP partners in varied ways with health professionals, MatSu Regional Medical Center, medical suppliers, civic clubs, Austin’s Compassion Exchange (ACE Lending), Access Alaska (Anchorage), community councils, and local businesses who showcase flyers to help get the word out. DMELP brings VCI’s mission to life: ‘to enhance our community’s resources, health and social well-being through our work and partnerships’.

Valley Charities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing life-changing programs and opportunities to Valley residents. VCI has been quietly serving the Mat-Su Borough 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 call 907-376-5740.

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Ask Cora

Hey Cora, I have a bunch of questions, can you help me with these? Signed Dr. Bullet Point

• What is the first step in buying a home?

• Should I sell my current property before buying a new one? ...

• Should I do a home inspection? ...

• Should I do a final walk-through?

• How does earnest money work?

• How many houses should I view before purchasing one?

Dear Dr. Point, I am sure I can help with this. Let’s tackle them one by one.

1) What is the first step in buying a home? This one is easy…get a prequalification letter from a lender so you know exactly how much you can buy, what your payments will be and what you will need in cash on hand to close that loan. Very first thing to do!

2) Should I sell my current property before buying a new one? T his one is a little stickier. We should break this one down because it de pends on many things.

a. Are you leaving the area? Moving out of state? T his of course would make a difference. Make sure the new area you are moving to has affordable housing for you. Know where you want to live and what type of market you are g etting into. If it’s a very competitive market, sellers most likely will not accept an offer from you if buying their home hinges on you selling your old one.

b. Are you staying local, just say getting a larger house for your growing family? Do your research first and make sure you know what your new payment is g oing to be, and you are ready financially.

Experience Matters!

If you are in a market with low inventory, chances are your home will sell quickly, then you must find something quickly! Many of us don’t like to make quick decisions when it comes to buying a new home. Sometimes, in fast-moving markets, you can request a long er closing time. Like say 60 to 90 days. T his would give you time to find a house and g et all your documents ready for closing. Another idea would be to ask for 30 days after closing to move out. Now this is easy to say but can have problems. Make sure you discuss this option with your real estate professional.

3) Should I do a home inspection?

a. Seller: A pre home inspection is really good information for you. This can help you eliminate the “second round” of negotiations. I mean that you have already agreed on a price with a buyer, then the buyer gets a home inspection and now we are negotiating again. If you were to g et a home inspection, and make the necessary repairs, hand that inspection and the receipt for the repairs to a buyer. Keep in mind that home inspections aren’t cheap. T hey can r un between $500 on up depending on the age and square

footage of your home. But can save you time, trouble, headaches and may even save a sale.

b. Buyer: yes. All I have to say is yes, yup, yuppers, si, of course, don’t be stupid, yes!

4) How does earnest money work? Earnest money is an old legal term. It just means that you “earnestly” want to purchase. So, you put down something of value. Today that value is cash and it’s a required component for the contract to be legal. Without earnest money, you have no contract. It used to be that you would write a check for earnest money, you could give g old, or a g oat! But we must prove earnest money has been received by taking a photocopy of it, and it was hard to get the goat to lay still on the glass of the Xerox machine. Earnest money becomes part of your down payment or is credited to you at the time of closing.

5) How many houses should I view before purchasing one? There is no right or wrong answer on this. I showed one house to someone, and they said “this is it! It’s the one!” Others I have shown 20 homes, and they come back to the first one Sometimes, people say, “oh now, this is awful, not this one ” and they end up making an offer 2 days later. They just needed to let it roll around in their heads for a night or two before they could picture their family there. One tip I do have is, don’t look at more than 5 homes in one day – they all just blend together. There you have it – you know what to do, when to do it and how to make it all come together – well with the help of me of course! Call me when you are ready to move forward.

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2024 Trends in Home Design and Construction

From statement sleeves to acid-washed jeans, 80s fashion is back in style. Luckily, your home is safe from bold 80s design trends like popcorn ceilings, glass block walls and wood paneling. But just like in fashion, homes experience changes in trends in both interior design and construction. If you’re building with Spinell or in the market for a home, here are some of the current trends in the homebuilding industry.

Smaller Square Footage

The National Association of Home Builders reports the average square footage of homes dropped in 2023 and that trend continues into 2024. Nationwide, home sizes dropped from 2,479 square feet in 2022 to 2,411 square feet in 2023. This marks the smallest average in over a decade. At Spinell, we’ve seen this trend among Alaska homebuyers who are requesting quality space over quantity. Many prefer a more personalized space, designing each room to maximize functionality. With the higher cost of building materials, smaller homes are one way to make housing more affordable.

Added Accessory Dwelling Units

Homeowners are increasingly looking at utilizing their existing property to create more housing for family members or to generate residual income. In recent years, a growing number of homeowners have added Accessory Dwelling Units. ADUs are buildings constructed on the same property as another home. They can provide housing

for aging relatives or adult children. Homeowners are also using them as long or shortterm rental properties.

Planning for Aging in Place

Homeowners want to stay in their homes longer. Aging in place means making modifications within a home to allow homeowners to stay comfortable as they age. This often requires remodeling the home to make it safer and more accessible. This can include ramps, railings, grab bars, hands-free faucets, lower storage, smooth flooring and more. When you build with Spinell, regardless of your age, we talk about this upfront. During the building process, you can make decisions that make it easier to stay in the home for the long run. Ranch homes make it easier to accommodate accessibility issues in the future. Hallways and door-

ways that are built 36 inches will accommodate wheelchairs.

Seeking Green Home Features

Energy efficiency is the new standard for homeowners, especially as they shop for new construction. In Alaska, energy efficiency means saving money and energy during Alaska’s harsh winters. Homebuyers want energy-efficient appliances, energy-rated windows, tankless water heaters and more. At Spinell, we’ve always set the homebuilding bar high. Every Spinell home comes with modern energy-efficient features like a fivestar energy rating, a programmable thermostat, efficient insulation and more.

Upgrading the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in the home. This year’s trends are moving toward blending functionality and aesthetics. Workstation sinks are gaining popularity. These large sinks are designed for not only washing and drying dishes but provide ample space to wash fruits and vegetables. Induction cooktops offer a safer, faster and more energy-efficient way to cook. Homeowners are also adding more lighting on countertops and under cabinets.

As with any trend, some become the standard while others fade. At Spinell, we make sure that every new home is built to the highest standard with the latest energyefficient materials. And when it comes to following trends, we work with homeowners to let them choose the design elements that speak to their style.

Somewhere, hidden in this publication is a picture of a $100 bill. All you need to do is find the picture of the $100 Dollar Bill and tell us the ad and page number you found it on, along with your name, address and phone number. (If you don’t give us your address and phone number we can’t send you the money!) We will then have a random drawing from your submissions on May 21, 2024 to pick ONE WINNER

Mail or bring all submissions to: GreatLander Publications 3110 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99503

– Please include your email address –

H ome & G arden

Eat healthy, cut food costs and reduce food waste

Julie Cascio, University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, Mat-Su District

Grocery prices are continuing to rise, and consumers are feeling the pinch. Now is a great time to address healthy eating while saving money and cutting down on food waste.

With higher costs on utility bills, rising interest rates and increased food prices, consumers are finding it harder to make ends meet.

Food purchased from a grocery store or supermarket prices increased by 11.4 percent in 2022. In 2023, food prices increased by 5 percent, the USDA Economic Research Service reports. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/ Food expense is still rising.

Eating on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice nutrition. You can enjoy nutritious foods without breaking the bank. https://www. cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating-budget.html

Use wise strategies before, during and after grocery shopping to put healthy meals on the table, maintain your food budget and reduce food waste. A healthy eating style can help you be healthier now, and in the future, which in the long run can save money on healthcare costs.”

Become familiar with USDA’s MyPlate.gov. Use it as a guide to create an eating plan. MyPlate can help make small changes that pay big

dividends both in your pocket and with your health.

When planning meals:

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables

• Make half your grains whole grains

• Use low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt

• Vary the protein

• Consume foods with less saturated fat, sodium and added sugar

• Drink water instead of buying other beverages

• Make small changes that are sustainable and work within your family’s food preferences, health goals and budget Healthy eating plate, https://www.hsph.har-

vard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/ offers a a guide for creating healthy, balanced meals.

Go through your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to inventory what you already have on hand. Use these items in upcoming meals.

It’s important to make a grocery list and stick to it. Organizing the grocery list using the store’s layout helps speed up the shopping process and cuts down on impulse buying.

Everyone’s schedules are busy, so choose recipes that are quick and easy to prepare. This helps eliminate the need for takeout on days when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. My daughter loves to use a slow cooker.

She gets everything measured and set the night before then starts the slow cooker in the morning. Using “low” heat makes it ready when she is finished with work that day.

On weekends, prepare larger meals and incorporate those leftovers into other meals throughout the week. This makes for a quick and easy weekday dinner; just reheat and serve.

Other ways to save on food costs include:

• Buy in-season fruits and vegetables

• Buy sale items in bulk; freeze, dehydrate, can and store properly

• Find bargains on day-old varieties

• Have a meatless meal once or twice a week

• Beans, peas, lentils and eggs are great sources of lower-cost protein

• Chicken and pork may be less expensive than other meats

• Extend meat by adding beans or vegetables in chili or casseroles

• Check sell-by and use-by dates to ensure you’re getting the freshest product possible Planning meals, using food in the house or garden first, and shopping for what is needed helps ensure everyone is eating healthy and reduces food waste.

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

Hannah Shaw Age 6 Lyla Barnes Age 8

Ages 10-12

Sydney Dial Age 11