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TREE AND LAND MANAGEMENT INC.

In 2003, two college graduates decided to start their own Tree Service/Land Management Company. Both trained arborists, David Dence Jr.and Michael D’Agata followed their passions and Greater Heights Tree and Land Management was born. Operating on the principle that a customer’s 100% satisfaction is most important, they have grown into Southern Vermont’s most experienced, reputable tree service and land management company. As a local company, Dave and Mike are committed to the proper care and management of our area’s trees. In addition to safe tree removal, tree bracing and

cabling, pruning, stumpgrinding, landclearing and tree planting services, they offer root collar excavations, deep root fertilization and root system invigoration services to landowners interested in the proper care of their landscape investments. They also offer crane services for both residential and commercial applications. Greater Heights Tree and Land Management is the place to call for free tree hazard assessments and expert, knowledgeable advice on your treescape needs or concerns. For more information please visit www.greaterheightstree.com.

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Spring Home & Car Care | Friday, April 26, 2019

Emerging deck trends Decks are reimagined in many different ways with continually evolving trends. Deck trends continue to improve on the form and function of outdoor living spaces. Custom-built decks can expand usable outdoor entertaining spaces. Decks can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, improving the functionality of outdoor areas. Certain deck trends have emerged as industry experts' top picks for the upcoming remodeling and renovation season. For those thinking of revamping an existing deck, or building an entirely new one, these trends are on point.

Established perimeters "Picture framing" is not a new trend, but one that has taken greater hold in recent years. The term refers to aesthetically appealing designs that conceal the ends of deck boards for a clean ﬁnish. Some designs feature contrasting material colors on the ends for even more impact. This helps create reﬁned perimeters for a polished look.

Roof-top decking

Wooden walkways Decking can be the more traditional design people envision with a patio table or outdoor furniture. But it also can consist of wooden walkways or a low-laying patio to accentuate the yard.

Mixed materials Homeowners may be inspired by commercial eateries, breweries and urban markets in their exterior design choices. Decks featuring composite materials and aluminum railings blend sophistication, urban appeal and comfort.

Distressed hardwood Builder and Developer, a management resource for professional homebuilders, says that the trend for using distressed hardwoods at home has migrated outside. Some decking manufacturers have recently introduced low-maintenance composite deck boards that mimic the look and feel of distressed, rustic hardwood ﬂooring. This weathered appearance gives the look of age without the upkeep of real aged wood.

Personal touches Homeowners can customize their decks with personal touches. It's not unheard of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more impact. And a vast array of decking colors now enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas.

Fire pit conversation area Many decks can incorporate water or ﬁre elements for visual appeal. Gas-fueled ﬁre elements can expand the functionality of decks beyond the warm seasons, or make enjoying them practical on nights when the temperature plummets.

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Urban areas also can beneﬁt from decking to create usable outdoor spaces. In fact, many new condominium and townhouse communities are incorporating roof-top decks into their designs, particularly in communities with water views or other impressive vistas. HGTV experts suggest roof-top decks feature light-colored materials and ﬁxtures to help keep the area cool even in direct sunlight.

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Friday, April 26, 2019 | Spring Home & Car Care

Signs your soil might be compacted Compacted soil is relatively simple to ﬁx. But when untreated, compacted soil can threaten lawns, plants and other vegetation.

and nutrients they need to grow in strong. The can lead to weak lawns that are vulnerable to various issues. However, homeowners need not avoid their lawns to prevent soil compaction. Rather, learning to recognize signs of soil compaction and paying special attention to heavily trafﬁcked areas of the yard can help homeowners identify the problem early and address it before grass begins to suffer. Cooperative Extension, which is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of

Compacted soil can result from any number of activities, including walking on a lawn. When soil on a lawn is compacted, grass roots might not receive the water, oxygen

Food and Agriculture, notes that the following are some sign potential indicators of compacted soil.

Hard soil Soil that is difﬁcult, if not impossible, to penetrate with a shovel is likely compacted. Even healthy soil is sometimes resistant to penetration, but if homeowners put some muscle into their efforts to penetrate the soil and still can’t do so, then the soil is compacted.

Standing water Water standing on top of soil for a long time is doing so because the soil is likely so compacted that the water, which roots need to thrive, cannot get through.

Excessive water runoff Runoff occurs when watering lawns. But if nearly all of the water intended for the lawn and the soil beneath it is seemingly being diverted away from the grass, then that means the water cannot get through to the soil or that so little is getting through that the lawn’s health is in jeopardy.

Surface crust

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Surface crust, which blocks oxygen and water from penetrating the soil and tends to inﬂict areas like footpaths and playgrounds due to heavy foot trafﬁc, contributes to runoff and soil erosion.

Loss of vegetation or poor plant growth

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Oxygen is essential for the roots of grass to breathe and grow strong enough to support healthy lawns. But according to the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, compacted soil can produce a decrease in oxygen content that can make it hard for roots to thrive. Soil compaction can result from a number of activities, including walking on grass or driving or parking vehicles on grass. When soil is compacted, it breaks into small particles that reduce the amount of pore space in the soil. That makes it hard for water, oxygen and nutrients to get through, threatening the strength of the roots and putting the grass in jeopardy. Aerating a lawn can help homeowners foster strong root growth and healthy grass. When to aerate may be contingent upon local climate, so homeowners who suspect the soil in their yards is compact should consult with a local landscaping professional to determine the best time to aerate their lawns.

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Compacted soil prevents water, nutrients and oxygen from accessing the root zone. As a result, plants, including trees, are vulnerable to disease and even death.

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Spring Home & Car Care | Friday, April 26, 2019

Potential culprits behind thinning grass

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Various issues can cause grass blades to thin. Working with a landscape professional is a great way to combat such issues before they compromise the look of a lawn.

Leaf spot The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst notes that leaf spot diseases affect both cool- and warm-season turfgrasses. Various fungi can cause leaf spot. Symptoms and the timing of the appearance of leaf spot will vary depending on which fungi is causing the problem. For example, bipolaris sorokiniana, which affects grasses in warm, wet summer months, produces small spots that are dark purple to black. Dreschslera poae is another fungi that causes leaf spot, and it also produces dark purple to black spots.

That's because the ascochyta fungi invade leaf blades through wounds, such as those that can result from mowing. Ortho® notes that dull

lawn mowers can contribute to the disease, which might disappear on its own and can even return after it's seemingly been cured.

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.

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Ascochyta leaf blight Lawns suffering from ascochyta leaf blight will become straw-colored. According to the lawn care and pesticide experts at Ortho®, when a lawn is affected by ascochyta leaf blight, its healthy grass blades will be mixed in with diseased grass blades. Most prevalent in the spring, this disease can affect grass at any time during the growing season.

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Thick grass is often a hallmark of a healthy lawn. If grass begins to thin, homeowners may feel as though all the time and effort they spent tending to their lawns was for naught. Thinning grass can be caused by any number of things. And while it might take a little effort to address, thinning grass can be treated if homeowners correctly identify that cause of the problem.

However, it tends to appear in the spring when the weather is cool and moist. Understanding the different fungi and when they typically strike can help homeowners identify what is causing their grass to thin. In such situations, professional landscapers can be invaluable resources as well.

Friday, April 26, 2019 | Spring Home & Car Care

Rethink your kitchen layout Kitchens are the most popular rooms in many homes. Even though The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average person spends just 68 minutes each weekday consuming food, and around 37 minutes preparing meals, the kitchen is not just a spot for food. It also is a gathering place for conversation, homework and family time. In recognition that so much time is spent in this heart of the home, many people are embracing some of the more popular trends concerning kitchen layouts to maximize the comfort and efﬁciency of these rooms.

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Communal zones Unlike the days of yore when the kitchen was utilitarian, today's home ﬂoor plans make kitchens a focal point of a home. Food preparation also is no longer a solitary task. Thanks to larger kitchen footprints and multiple zones set up for meal creation, a greater number of people can hang out in the kitchen and help with meals. You'll ﬁnd multiple sinks, large islands and more counter space are key components of modern kitchen layouts.

Dining nooks Kitchen designs are bringing back banquette seating in a cozy nook. This design is a practical use of space, and can ﬁt in large and small kitchens alike. It also can give a kitchen a high-end look, as builtin banquettes can highlight a bay window or seem custom-made for the space. Banquette seating can ﬁt a number of people comfortably and provides a sensible and casual dining spot solution.

Family table The trend experts at Southern Living magazine indicate that formal dining and living rooms are now used infrequently. As a result, kitchens have evolved to accommodate meal prep and dining. A large family table in the center of the room brings people into the kitchen to get more involved with food, according to San Francisco designer David Kensington.

Counter culture Taking a page out of a favorite corner diner or bar, kitchens are increasingly outﬁtted with a large island ﬂanked by chic counter stools, according to the design pros at Domino. Family members can pull up a stool and grab a quick snack. It's also a great place for friends to engage in conversation while a host or hostess prepares cocktails and appetizers for an evening soirée.

Work zone Many families like to have an area of the kitchen set up as a tech zone where kids can do their homework and even parents can do some work, such as paying bills. Setting aside an area of counter space as a small desk area can be a great idea. Such areas also help parents keep a watchful eye on children while they're surﬁng the internet.

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Homeowners looking to ﬁnance their next improvements should speak to a ﬁnancial advisor and shop around for the best types of funding for them.

$19,920, $9,274 and $6,919, respectively. Homeowners may find that the more expensive renovations require them to secure some type of financing. Those who have never before sought such financing may want to consider these options.

Before starting a home improvement project, either on one's own or with the assistance of a professional contractor, homeowners must ﬁrst consider the costs involved. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, more than one-third of homeowners do not understand what hiring a professional will cost, and then cannot successfully budget and secure ﬁnancing once they have set their sights on a renovation project. HomeAdvisor says that some of the more popular projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, can cost, on average,

1. Cash-out refinancing With cash-out refinancing, a person will begin the mortgage process anew with the intention of paying off the current mortgage balance, and then taking out additional funds for other purposes. Cash-out refinancing is a way to tap into a home's existing equity for use on improvements or other expenses, such as college tuition.

2. Home equity line of credit The ﬁnancial experts at Bankrate indicate that a HELOC works like a credit card, with the house as collateral. There is a credit limit, and borrowers can spend up to that limit.

The interest rate may or may not be ﬁxed. However, the interest may be tax-deductible if the ﬁnancing is used to improve, buy or build a home.

3. Home equity loan Individuals also can borrow against equity in their homes with a fixed interest rate through a home equity loan. Most lenders will calculate 80 percent of the home value and subtract a homeowner's mortgage balance to figure out how much can be borrowed, according to the financial advisory site The Simple Dollar.

4. Personal loan Homeowners can shop around at various ﬁnancial institutions for competitive personal loans to be used for home improvement purposes. Funds may be approved within one business day, which can be ideal for those who want to begin their improvements soon.

5. Personal line of credit A personal line of credit allows borrowers to borrow only the money needed at the time, and offers a variable interest rate that is generally lower than ﬁxed loan rates. Again, like a credit card, PLOC gives a person a maximum borrowing amount and is ideal for ongoing purchases.

6. Credit cards In a pinch, credit cards can be used to finance improvements, but they do come with the cost of very high interest rates if the balance is not paid in full by the time the bill comes due. However, for funding smaller projects and maximizing rewards points through home improvement retailers or specific credit card company promotions, credit cards can be a way to earn various perks in addition to the benefit of improving a home.

Spring Home & Car Care | Friday, April 26, 2019

6 options for funding your next home improvement project

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Bright colors

Pastel colors

Complementary colors

Harmonious colors

Monochromatic colors

A garden full of bright colors like red, orange, magenta, and yellow can provide a landscape with vigor and energy. The NGA notes that brightly colored flowers can withstand especially bright sunshine, meaning gardeners can marvel at their appearance even when the sun might be adversely affecting other plants and flowers.

Pastels, which include soft pink, powder blue, lavender, and peach, create a tranquil feeling in a garden. This makes pastel perfect for those who want their gardens to be a relaxing, peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The NGA notes that pastels may looked washed out in the midday sun, so they might be best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Complementary colors are those that are opposite one another on the color wheel. Orange and blue are examples of complementary colors. According to the NGA, complementary colors can add creative energy and vitality to a garden.

These colors are those that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as orange and red. The NGA recommends harmonious colors for gardeners looking to create a unifying feel in their gardens without resorting to a monochromatic color scheme. Harmonious colors give off a gentle feeling that can make for a relaxing garden atmosphere.

Monochromatic gardens can be awe-inspiring even though they stick to a single color and don’t provide an array of aweinspiring colors. The NGA notes that gardeners with monochromatic gardens make them interesting by using plants of various sizes and shapes.

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Friday, April 26, 2019 | Spring Home & Car Care

How color can affect your garden

Flower gardens can add color and awe-inspiring appeal to a property. The National Gardening Association notes that gardeners can find nearly every color of the spectrum in flowering perennials. So whether you prefer soft pink, are partial to bright red or want to relax in a garden and gaze at something deep blue, chances are you’ll find a perennial to tickle your fancy. The NGA offers the following breakdown of colors to help gardeners learn how their gardens can set the mood they’re looking for.

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Spring Home & Car Care | Friday, April 26, 2019 METRO CREATIVE

How to help flowers withstand heat waves No gardener wants to see their flowers succumb to the summer heat. Fortunately, there are many ways to help flowers survive heat waves.

Water at the appropriate times of day. The National Gardening Association notes that it's best to water in the early morning and evening because less water will be lost to evaporation during these times of day than during the afternoon, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest.

It's not just when but also how you water that can affect flowers during summer heat waves. Aboveground sprinklers might be great for lawns, but the NGA notes that such sprinklers can encourage the spread of disease on certain plants, including roses. Many gardening professionals recommend soaker hoses when watering flowers because they promote deep watering that can help the plants withstand the summer heat. If you must use an overheard watering system, set the timer so plants are watered in early in the morning or evening.

Routinely check the soil moisture. Soil moisture can help gardeners determine if their flowers have enough water to withstand the heat. The NGA advises gardeners to dig a 12-inch deep wedge of soil from their gardens to determine its moisture levels. If the top six inches of the soil is dry, water. If that area is still wet or moist, the plants have enough moisture to withstand the heat. Check these moisture levels more frequently during heat waves than other times of year.

Avoid overwatering. Novice gardeners may be tempted to water more frequently when they see wilted leaves on their flowers. But wilted leaves are not necessarily indicative of suffering plants. Plants release moisture to protect them-

selves from excessive heat, and that release of moisture can cause leaves to wilt as the plants try to protect themselves by providing less surface area that can be exposed to the sun. So long as soil moisture levels are healthy, the flowers should be fine, even if their leaves have wilted.

Plants are vulnerable to ozone, too Human beings are not the only living organisms vulnerable to ground level ozone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ground level ozone occurs as a result of chemical reactions between pollutants, such as those produced by cars, power plants and refineries, and sunlight. Humans exposed to ground level ozone may be vulnerable to respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. But plants are vulnerable to ground level ozone, too. When sufficient ozone enters the leaves of a sensitive plant, it can slow the plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth and increase its risk of disease and damage resulting from insects and make it more vulnerable to injury caused by severe weather. Ground level ozone also can reduce photosynthesis, the process in which plants convert sunlight to energy so they can survive and grow. Black cherry, quaking aspen, tulip poplar, and white pine are just some of the trees that are sensitive and potentially vulnerable to ozone exposure. When plants suffer because of ozone exposure, the result produces a ripple effect that impacts the entire ecosystem, adversely affecting species diversity, habitat quality and water and nutrient cycles.

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Heat waves are an inevitable part of summer in many places across the globe. While humans can escape indoors to air conditioned rooms when heat waves hit full swing, flowers planted around a property have no such luxury, putting their survival in jeopardy whenever the mercury rises to especially steamy heights. Wilted flowers that have succumbed to the summer sun are a sight many gardening enthusiasts can recognize. But there are ways to keep flowers safe and vibrant during periods of extreme heat.

Choose the right watering method.

Friday, April 26, 2019 | Spring Home & Car Care

Develop a vehicle maintenance schedule Service schedules can be designed to adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations and drivers’ personal preferences.

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The oft-sudden expense of vehicle repairs can throw monthly budgets into disarray. Maintaining a routine service schedule is one way for drivers to keep repair costs down. The online automotive resources Edmunds.com says many car owners do not adequately prepare for scheduled maintenance, and may not give maintenance a thought until it's too late. The ﬁrst step drivers take upon purchasing a new or preowned vehicle should be to familiarize themselves with the vehicle's owner's manual, which is ﬁlled with valuable information and likely includes maintenance interval recommendations. Next, drivers should learn about

their vehicle, which is particularly relevant when buying a preowned vehicle. Getting to know how the car or truck rides, as well as any sounds it may make, can provide drivers with a solid foundation they can then use to keep their cars running strong. Routine service typically includes tire rotation, oil changes and topping off of ﬂuids. So just how long between service appointments can a car go? Here are some generalized estimates.

Oil change Oil chemistry and engine technology have improved so much that most cars can go well beyond the once-recommended 3,000 mile interval between oil changes. Now many vehicle manufacturers recommend between 5,000 and 10,000 miles between changes, advises Edmunds. Drivers should err on the side of caution if they do a lot of stop-and-go driving and short trips. Other drivers may want to invest in vehicles that have oil change main-

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So you want to be a mechanic? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to underestimate the level of know-how required to be an automotive mechanic, and just how essential the job is. There are an estimated 30,000 parts on the average car, and data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers indicates around 74,705,000 cars were produced in 2018. Auto mechanics are in high demand. Although many high schools offer adequate training to prepare individuals for a job in automotive mechanics, most mechanics are now expected to have completed an associate degree or certiďŹ cate program in automotive training to keep up with ever-evolving vehicle technology. Students can enroll in a vocational education program, receive a certiďŹ cate and then go

Tire rotation Rotating tires helps prolong the life of the tires and alleviates uneven tread and wear. During the rotation, each tire is removed and relocated to a different position to ensure that all the tires will wear evenly. Michelin Tires states that tires should be rotated around every six months, or between 6,000 and 8,000 miles.

Vehicle ďŹ&#x201A;uids Your best bet is to see what the manufacturer recommends in regard to ďŹ&#x201A;uids such as transmission ďŹ&#x201A;uid, differential oil, brake ďŹ&#x201A;uids, coolant, etc. Some transmissions need regular maintenance, while others can go 150,000 miles between changes, according to the vehicle information site The Drive. Coolant typically can last 100,000 miles. For these types of changes, it may be best to go to a mechanic or service center familiar with your make and model rather than a quick-lube center, as knowing when to drain and reďŹ ll can be more complicated.

on to employee training. Upon completion of that training, students can become master mechanics. Training and schooling typically takes two years. Salary.com reports that the average automotive mechanic salary in the United States was $38,551 as of December 2018.

Spring Home & Car Care | Friday, April 26, 2019

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Keep tires road-worthy for safer driving Tire function is an important part of maintaining vehicle safety and performance.

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Making driving more safe can come down to ensuring that the vehicle is in good working order starting from the ground up. The National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration warns that an average of 200 people die each year in tire-related crashes. In 2016, 733 people across the United States lost their lives in accidents in which tire malfunction was a contributing factor. Roughly 70 percent of single vehicle accidents are tire-related. Taking tire maintenance seriously can greatly reduce the chances of blowouts, accidents and fatalities.

simply checking the tires' inflation pressure can make a significant difference in how long tires last. For example, a tire that is consistently 20 percent under-inflated may see its life expectancy reduced by 20 percent. Tires that are not properly inflated also can have a high rolling resistance. In such instance, the engine must expend more effort to move the vehicle - thus eating up fuel. Pressure should be checked at ambient temperature before driving, states AAA. The recommended inflation pressure can be found in the drivers manual or on the tire.

Maintain the right pressure

Check tire tread

Caring for tires not only improves safety, but also it extends the life of the tires, saving drivers money as a result. Michelin Tires says that

Tires rely on good tread depth to maintain traction and shed water during wet conditions. AAA recommends checking tread with a visual inspec-

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Learn about tire aging Check the owner's manual for speciﬁc recommendations concerning replacing the spare tire for the vehicle. Some manufacturers state after six years, while others say 10 years is the maximum service life for tires. While most tire centers will use newly manufactured tires when replacing tires, you can double check the age of any tire by looking at the sidewall for the tire identiﬁcation number (TIN), offers NHTSA. The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture.

Keep up on maintenance Wheel alignment, tire rotation and tire balancing are all key to minimizing wear and extending the life and safety of tires. Each vehicle has specific recommendations, and drivers should consult their manuals to find those specifics.

Tips for staying safe with keyless systems Auto manufacturers have long embraced technology that can streamline the automotive experience for drivers. For example, several years ago keyless entry and ignition systems were introduced, initially on high-end vehicles before they became standard on many other models. Keyless entry systems require a fob, which sends a signal to the receiver inside the vehicle. The fob transmits a low-frequency code to the car's internal computer system, which engages the locks and will allow the driver to push a button on the dashboard or console to start the vehicles. The fob can be stashed away in a pocket or purse and still send the signal, which makes it convenient for drivers. Drivers with arthritis or hand injuries also may ﬁnd keyless systems an asset. Because fobs work on wireless systems, hackers potentially can intercept the fob-to-car signal. That enables a thief to not only open the vehicle's doors, but also to potentially drive away as well. Even though the fob/car security pairing is unique and can create billions of codes, researchers at Radboud University in

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the Netherlands and the University of Birmingham found that, by intercepting the wireless signal just twice, they could narrow down the possible combinations from billions to just 200,000. After that, a computer can figure out the code in just half an hour and unlock the car. Potentially, a thief can gather car codes as drivers enter their vehicles during the day, then return later to steal a number of cars. Thieves who purchase signal amplifiers also pose a threat. These amplifiers magnify the reach of the fob signal so that a vehicle owner can be in his or her house with the fob, but the thief can walk up to the car and open it - even if the fob is far enough away that it should not engage. One way to circumvent this is to buy a signal-blocking pouch that can hold the key fob. Also, an old-school steering wheel or gear shift lock is an effective way to provide another layer of protection.

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Drivers also should be aware of their surroundings as they approach their vehicles. Thieves may count on keyless entry systems to be able to hop into a vehicle once the owner gets within range and drive away.

MANCHESTER

T CARE CARPE INC. VISIT OUR NEW FULLY STOCKED SHOWROOM! Wood & Laminate Flooring • Carpet & Vinyl • Tile

D. DORR SEPTIC TANKS

NEW HIGH PRESSURE SEWER JET

SALES CONCRETE Septic Tanks Dry Wells

POYETLENE Septic Tanks Dry Wells

• Sand • Gravel • Topsoil

• DumpTrucks • Excavator • Backhoe • Dozer

MANCHESTER CENTER, VT.

Complete Carpet and Floor Care are • Floor Care & Maintenance • Smoke & Water Damage Restoration • Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Floor Sanding & Refinishing Family Owned & Operated Since 1986

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For Service Call: ROTO-ROOTER SEWER & DRAIN SERVICE Manchester Center . . . . . . . (802) 362-2344

Excavating We specialize in Septic Systems (802) 362-2344

Spring Home & Car Care | Friday, April 26, 2019

tion and with the "quarter test." Insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of Washington's head facing down. If the top of his head is not visible, the tires have at least 4/32" of tread and are acceptable for continued use. If the top of Washington's head shows, tires need to be replaced.

www.manchestercarpetcare.com Route 7A North in the Manchester Valley Industrial Park

Friday, April 26, 2019 | Spring Home & Car Care

Recharge with the sun Your pathway to a solar home or business, explained The return of the sun and lengthening days make spring the perfect time to plan and plant gardens. But have you ever considered harvesting the sun for more than just zucchini? If you have utility bills, including an electric bill, heating bill or transportation fuel costs, then solar can help you reduce the costs you pay every month. Solar electricity that you produce during the summer gets stored as a credit on your bill for use during the winter months through net-metering. If you are looking to replace your fuel oil or propane with efﬁcient, electric powered, cold-climate heat pumps, also referred to as mini-splits, then solar electricity can power your heating and cooling. Yet another bill you no longer worry about. And solar power can offset your transportation costs if you plan to get an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles require less main-

tenance than gas powered cars, and you’ll be glad to have home-grown fuel, with only a few additional panels required to power your car all year. Vermont boasts more than enough sun to power your electric use with solar panels. We also have plenty of incentives in place for 2019 to make this the year to put solar at the head of your project list. 2019 is the last year that the federal solar tax credit remains a full 30%. After this year, the tax credit will be sunsetted, so if you want the most out of your system, a 2019 installation will deliver the best value. The federal tax credit also applies to on-site preparation for solar, covering tree removal, and even a portion of rooﬁng expenses if they are solarrelated. Businesses investing in solar to lower their overhead costs can take an additional 7.2% tax credit on

their state taxes, AND businesses can claim bonus equipment depreciation up to 100% the ﬁrst year, making solar power a wise business strategy with an excellent return. The Vermont state solar incentive takes the form of a production bonus that net-metering customers receive from the state, now set to reimburse solar customers at three cents higher than retail rate for the power they produce when they install and for the next ten years. We also have a fast-approaching state deadline on June 30th, 2019, after which the bonus will be dropped to two cents above retail rate per unit of energy over 10 years. Your solar does not have to be operational by June 30th to get grandfathered in, but your permit paperwork (prepared by your installer) does need to be in to the state ofﬁce by that date to get the better rate. Many folks are looking for ways

to extend their solar power, and battery backup systems now provide multiple use options for using your power, during expensive peak times for those with a time-of-use rate, using your solar at night, or during power outage. Excellent financing is available for those who want to avoid tying up a chunk of change in the equipment costs, with $0 down, low interest rates and 30% interest free for the first 15 months, enabling you to apply your tax credit to the principal within the first year of the loan. Solar power is warrantied for 25 years, with a useful life of 40 years, so once your system is paid off, your power is truly free! Danielle Laberge is a Sales Represntative for Grassroots Solar, Inc, a local solar installer based in Dorset, Vt. For a free site assessment and quote, contact her at danielle@grassrootssolar.com, or 802-688-9271.

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Manchester

802-442-8121

802-362-4760

Arlington

Rutland

802-375-2319 802-774-5085

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Saturday, May 18, 2019 | 8 AM – 1 PM Bennington Transfer Station 904 Houghton Lane | Bennington, VT 05201

For residents and small businesses of: Arlington Bennington North Bennington Old Bennington Dorset

MONARCH AUTO BODY

• We will also also be beaccepting acceptingboth bothprescription and over-the-counter medications.drugs. prescription and over-the-counter

Glastenbury Manchester Manchester Village Pownal Rupert Sandgate Searsburg Shaftsbury Stamford Sunderland Woodford

• Oil based and latex paint will be accepted. Visit bcswavt.org for more information on acceptable materials.

• The collection is free for residents. Proof of residency will be required. • Small businesses must pre-register and pay for the amount delivered by May 3, 2019. • For more information or to pre-register a business, contact:

Joe Gay | 802-236-5973 John.Gay@casella.com

Michael Batcher | 802-442-0713 x-2