FREE HOME ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS

The PathStone Weatherization Assistance Program is available for income-eligible households in Monroe County located outside of the city limits.

HEAP Recipients www.pathstoneenergyinfo.org

Automatically Eligible Income guidelines are:

Family of 1: $34,224

Family of 2: $44,760

Family of 3: $55,296

Family of 4: $65,820

Funded by: NYS Homes and Community Renewal

Cold Weather Wildlife In Homes Boosts Disease And Property Damage Risks

Many people may practice the “love thy neighbor” creed, but when it comes to four-legged wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, and opossum that often seek refuge in yards and homes when outdoor temperatures dip and food sources become scarce, they are best kept at an arm’s length. As community development has thinned natural habitats and forced these critters into residential areas and lessened their fears of people, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has found that many areas of the country continue to report increased encounters with nuisance wildlife.

“While it can be a unique experience to spot wildlife in neighborhoods, these animals should be discouraged from taking up residence,” advises Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Not only can they damage property, many are vectors of disease, most notably rabies.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40,000 people are exposed to rabies each year, a viral infection passed through the bite and saliva of an infected mammal. Raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes and bats are the most commonly reported animals infected with rabies. Because of the risks associated with these pests, homeowners should take extra precautions to protect against them.

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Potential Culprits Behind Thinning Grass

Stripe smut

The University of Maryland Extension notes that stripe smut primarily poses a threat to Kentucky bluegrass that is older than three years. Pale green streaks that run parallel to the veins in the leaves and leaf sheaths are symptomatic of stripe smut, which tends to be noticed in spring and fall, when weather is cool. As the disease progresses, stripes turn black or a silvery gray, causing the leaf blade to shred and curl. After the blades have shred, they turn brown and die. The grass thins because stripe smut makes it vulnerable to problems like drought.

Make sure you choose the right ladder. DIYers may spend ample time shopping for drills and other electronic tools and gadgets that are fun to use. But ample time also must be afforded to the type of ladder you intend to use on a project. Estimates from the West Bend Insurance Company indicate that roughly 90,000 people visit the emergency room due to ladder accidents each year. Never use a broken ladder or an aging ladder that’s uneven. In addition, do not use a ladder that forces you to reach far away. If you’re leaning while using a ladder, the ladder is either too short for your project or positioned too far away from the wall. The National Home Security Alliance advises DIYers to place their ladder one foot from the wall for every four feet it rises above the ground. Test your ladders for their sturdiness prior to beginning work so you aren’t tempted to use a subpar ladder.

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Put a healthy spin on an old family favorite

Meatloaf is a dinnertime staple for many families. A favorite of adults and children alike, meatloaf can be prepared however cooks see fit, making it a versatile dish for family dinners. Parents who want to enjoy meatloaf with their families and do so while promoting healthy diets can try the following recipe for “Turkey, Vegetable & Oat MiniMeatloaves with Marinara Sauce” from Michelle Dudash’s “Clean Eating For Busy Families” (Fair Winds).

Turkey, Vegetable & Oat Mini-Meatloaves with Marinara Sauce Serves 6

Expeller-pressed canola oil spray

1 8-ounce package crimini (baby bella) mushrooms (about 21/2 cups)

1 small yellow onion, cut into eighths

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon extra-virgin oil

1 cup dry rolled oats

2 large eggs

1 pound lean ground turkey (or beef or bison)

13/4 cups pasta sauce, divided

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or 6 mini loaf pans with spray. Pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped and add them to a large bowl. Repeat with onion and garlic.

Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add oil. When oil is shimmering, add vegetables and sauté for 7 minutes or until water releases and evaporates completely, lowering the heat as necessary. Set aside.

Process the oats until they are of a fine consistency. Whisk the eggs in the bowl used for the vegetables. Add processed oats, turkey, 3/4 cup of pasta sauce, cooked vegetables, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir together with a fork until blended.

Scoop the mixture into 6 mounds on the pan or into each mini-loaf pan, about 3/4 cup each. Shape each mound into a 4 x 2-inch loaf. Spread remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce on top of the loaves, distributing evenly. Bake on middle rack for 25 minutes, turning pan midway through cooking, until loaves are firm or a thermometer inserted in the middle reads at least 165 F. Allow loaves to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes: You can finely chop vegetables with a knife rather than using a food processor if you prefer. Whole oats can be added to the meat mixture for a more rustic texture.

Hemp Has Significant Health Benefits For Pets

(NAPSI)—NaturVet’s veterinarian-formulated pet supplements have progressed over the last 25 years to keep up with the ever-changing needs of pet parents. NaturVet’s newest Hemp for Health product line includes four top products—Allergy, Calming, Immune and Joint— that are now available enhanced with Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Seed Powder, sharing the same great original base formulas that pet parents have relied on for years.

Although marijuana and hemp come from the same cannabis family, the plants are completely different in function, cultivation and application. Hemp is grown specifically for agricultural purposes and has been used for hundreds of years in textiles, body care products, paper products, industrial products and building materials. Most importantly, hemp is nonpsychoactive and cannot get your pet high.

Hemp has significant health benefits for pets. Hemp is high in fiber; a great source of plant-based protein; is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; and contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and 20 amino acids. Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Seed Powder work synergistically with other active ingredients to help provide support for allergies, stress and anxiety, joints, aches and discomfort, the immune system, and overall health and wellness. For more information on NaturVet products, please visit www.NaturVet.com or call (888) 628-8783.