Home and Garden, and Real Estate- January 08, 2023

Home & Garden

INSIDE

PROJECT OF THE WEEK: A do-ityourself water wheel project, F4

IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: Keep on the lookout for these little, white, cottony tufts, F4

PLUS: How to workout at home — in just a few feet of space, F5

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Birds of a feather can flock forever with this antique, F6

MORTGAGE RATES: U.S. mortgage rates climb for second week, F7 WMASS DEEDS, F7

10 simple things you can do to start fresh in the kitchen

By A aron Hutcherson The Washington Post

THE NEW YEAR IS A time for celebration, reflection and housework. I always feel calmer, more creative and more productive when I have a clean and organized space, so when the ball drops, I try to set myself up for as much happiness and success in the next 12 months as I can by starting with a tidy living space.

And given that it is often described as the heart of the home — and it’s my line of work — the kitchen is of utmost importance.

Tackling the entire kitchen can be an intimidating task, so here’s a manageable list of things to clean, ingredients to check, equipment to organize and more.

If you cross all of them off your list, then great! But even just one or two tasks will make a noticeable difference.

1. Replace old spices

If you do nothing else on this list, please listen to me on this one: It’s probably time to replace your spices. Whole spices can last for years and pack the most potent punch, but dried herbs and ground spices aren’t very flavorful for long, which is why it’s generally recommended to replace them every six months or so. The issue isn’t that they’ve expired or gone bad but that they lose flavor over time and

slowly devolve into tasteless powder. Do yourself and your recipes a favor by buying new spices.

2. Organize your food storage containers

In my previous kitchen, the cabinet where we kept all of our food storage containers was a minefield of delicately balanced Tupperware, old takeout containers and other vessels for holding leftovers that we had accumulated

over the years. I feared they would come toppling down every time I opened the door — and sometimes they did.

The best thing to do is to simply organize them. Stack containers that are the same, as you would with cups, and nestle smaller containers inside larger ones to save space.

The lids can be stacked on top of one another, or you can put all of them inside a box or bin so they don’t end up all over the place. And while you’re at it, make sure that every container has its corresponding lid, because just like socks, containers and lids always

(COURTESY OF GRACIE OAKS)

Create peace with this do-it-yourself water wheel project

LIKE A GENTLY turning windmill or a weathered old barn, there’s just something peaceful and relaxing about a water wheel. The sight and sound of the simple wooden wheel turning under the gentle pressure of running water seems to strike a familiar chord with almost everyone.

This do-it-yourself water wheel project is an easy and inexpensive way to enjoy the tranquility of water cascading over a wooden wheel right in your own backyard. A great outdoor accent for spring, the project will also attract birds and keep the local plant life happy. Made from redwood (as pictured; cedar, cypress or treated lumber also work well), the project uses a pump to keep the water circulating. Step-by-step instructions and full-size traceable patterns make it simple enough for

most woodworkers—the wheel itself is constructed from a series of traceable arcs. To build, simply trace the pieces onto wood and cut everything out.

Next, assemble using glue, screws and nails. Finally, apply paint or stain and sealer. The assembled project stands about four feet tall, and the wheel itself is three feet in diameter.

The Water Wheel plan, No. 891, is $9.95 and includes detailed step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size patterns and a shopping list and cutting schedule. Please include $3.95 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Republican, 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083. To order by credit card, visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.

Reich | In the Garden

Keep on the lookout for these little, white, cottony tufts

KEEP ON THE lookout for little, white, cottony tufts on houseplants. These tufts, which might appear on plants as unalike as gardenias and jade plants, are not some mutant flower common to plants all over the world. These white creatures are insects called scales.

Scale insects are of two sorts. One type, the armored scales, never have that downy look and stay in place beneath their protective, waxy shield. The white, cottony tufts are produced by mealybugs and cottony cushion scale, which are members of the other group of scale insects, the naked scales. The “cotton” is composed of wax filaments.

All scale insects eat by inserting their hollow, pointed stylets into plants and sucking out plant juice. Plants infested with scale are weakened, often to the point of death. As the insects feed, they excrete a sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew. On the plant, the honeydew is food for a fungus which grows as a sooty coating on the plant. The fungus does no direct harm to the plant, but it is unsightly and can become severe enough to actually shade a plant from light.

Cottony cushion scale and mealybugs obviously must be gotten rid of. In my experience, the insects are easy to keep in line, though difficult to permanently eradicate. Poisoning with insecticides is a last resort. Unless the plant is extremely valuable, a better recourse — often justifiable in order to prevent spread of scale from one plant to another — is to throw out an infested plant. At the very least, infested plants should be isolated from other

plants.

There are less aggressive controls than chemical poisons or plant sacrifice. A sure but tedious method for killing scale insects is by swabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. This method is one hundred percent effective so long as you’re diligent. A hot water spray, dip, or shower isis another way to kill mealybugs and cottony cushion scale. Most plants tolerate 113 to 120°F water for 5-, 10-, or 15-minute durations; new leaves and flowers were less heat tolerant. This treatment should leave the plant unharmed, but just to make sure, test a single leaf first.

Mealybugs and cottony cushion scale also can be evicted with a stream of water. The insects are just barely mobile so it is unlikely that they would clamber back up the stems once dislodged. A dousing with soapy water is even more effective in penetrating the insects’ waxy covering.

Safer’s Insecticidal Soap is a relatively benign insecticide which is similar to, perhaps more effective than, plain soap and water. I spray

it on a plant, leave the plant for about fifteen minutes, then wash the plant off in the kitchen sink with a spray of plain water from the faucet. I first test soapy water or insecticidal soap on one leaf, because either material can damage some plants. Biological control is another possibility. Commercially, the “Mealybug Destroyer” ladybug has been imported from Australia to control scale in California citrus groves. If the thought of deliberately cohabiting with insects is repulsive, how about a fungal disease? The fungus Beauvaria globulifera is not available commercially for scale, but it is reassuring to know that even scales have diseases to keep their numbers in check. Diligence is needed to control scale. Although any of the above methods may get rid of adult insects, eggs may be unaffected. Repeated control is needed to knock down each new group of hatchlings and any adults that managed to escape control. Though scale insects weaken or kill their host plant, these insects sometimes are useful

Don & Dave Runyan | Project of The Week

Lee

Nothing cute about these downy tufts on the underside of these leaves; they are so-called scale insects. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

How to work out at home — in just a few square feet of space

By Rosa C artagena The Washington Post

YOU DON’T NEED A tricked-out finished basement or even a separate room to create a functional and adaptable exercise space at home. In fact, you don’t need much more than an underused corner.

To figure out if you have enough space, D.C. personal trainer Bianca Russo suggests standing in place, raising your arms and turning in a complete circle. If you’ve got enough clearance to do that, you can have a home gym.

Working out under your own roof has unique advantages, too. “There’s an attraction to having less barriers to entry and [not] having to leave your home [or] pay for a gym membership,” says Anna Claire Loper, a personal trainer in Philadelphia. Loper aims to help “everyone in every body” — including her transgender clients and people with disabilities — feel comfortable getting fit. “Being home really creates a safer space.”

Even if you only have a patch of square footage to spare, read on for advice from Russo, Loper and other fitness experts on how to turn it into a real workout spot, using equipment that can be easily stowed out of the way.

1. Mats

If you live in a multifamily building or your workout space is on an upper level of your home, consider padding the floor to keep from antagonizing whoever’s downstairs.

Russo suggests using a foam, puzzle-style floor mat. It will cover more area than

a standard yoga mat and you can build onto it piece by piece. “And, you know, it doesn’t get in your way, it doesn’t flop up,” says Russo, who specializes in training queer and transgender clients, and people of all body sizes.

Yoga mats, though, are useful for plenty of other reasons. Within the confines of a standard mat (typically about six feet long and two feet wide) you can get your heart rate up and build strength. “There’s a lot that you can do in between those four corners,” says Haley Richers, owner of Haus Yoga in D.C. In her sessions, she amps up traditional positions with leg lifts and plank variations for strength building. For cardio, she adds mountain climbers in fast reps. “Those full body moves help maximize your time — you’re hitting a bunch of big muscle groups,” she explains.

Yoga blocks are another essential at-home tool for balance support and as a “sweat device,” says Richers, because “a block will feel like 50 pounds after a little while holding it over your head.”

Mimi Rieger, of D.C.based Mimi Rieger Yoga, also suggests incorporating a bolster, which adds support for restorative yoga sessions and, when you’re not mid-flow, can be used for your office chair. “It just helps you sit up taller,” she says.

2. The multipurpose system

One space-saving tool that fitness experts rave about is the TRX suspension trainer, which can be used for cardio, strength-building and interval training - and then get tucked away into the included mesh bag. Created

by a former Navy SEAL, the TRX system features a set of bands with handles. The bands connect to an anchor point that allows you to leverage your body weight for hundreds of exercises, from chest presses and planks to squats and lunges.

“You can do push-ups and pull-ups and tricep and bicep work - you can really do a full body workout with a TRX,” says Louise Green, a trainer in Vancouver and author of “Big Fit Girl: Embrace the Body You Have.” She notes that people with larger bodies who struggle with getting up and down can use the TRX to accomplish exercises usually done on the ground, such as rows and squats.

3. Resistance bands

Resistance bands are crowd-pleasers, too. The experts we interviewed cited them frequently as a compact and affordable tool that anyone can use just about anywhere to build strength. Bands come in different weights to offer more or less resistance, and you can adjust them as needed. Some have handles; others — called mini bands — come in a loop.

For the handled variety, Russo recommends the set from Black Mountain Products, which you can enlist for dozens of exercises

including bicep curls, rows and squats. Loop bands are useful “for lower body movements, upper body movements, and for both push and pull movements,” says Loper. “It’s a super versatile piece of equipment and it’s very inexpensive.” A new set of three typically costs about $10 or Loper suggests scouring Facebook Marketplace for a secondhand set.

4. Free weights

If you’re looking to build muscles, you’ll also want a set of weights to complete your workout space. Some trainers swear by dumbbells, others by kettlebells or barbells, but it comes down to personal preference and lifting experience. Dumbbells are standard home-gym fare and a beginner’s set typically includes 5 pounds, 8 pounds and 12 pounds. Use them for common exercises such as dead lifts, curls and chest presses. Russo points her clients to this set that comes with a stand.

Kettlebells can be a bit more affordable — and compact. With just one kettlebell, you can hit multiple levels of strength and conditioning, and most cost under $30. “You could have an entire program with like three days or five days a week, and each time — using the same kettlebells — do

something different,” says Loper. Though kettlebells are great for basic exercises such as dead lifts and lunges, experienced users can move into “ballistic skills” — which require an advanced level of control for fast-paced movements called the swing, the clean and the snatch.

5. Other must-haves

For D.C. trainer Errick McAdams, the other small necessities for home gyms are a jump rope for quick cardio, a pull-up bar for advanced clients, and a step-up — a box that can be used for both stair and seated exercises. He recommends the 12-inch red-and-black steel version from JFIT, priced at about $60. The box also grants support for incline push-ups, tricep dips and seated oblique twists, among other moves. Stepups are highly effective for conditioning and cardio, and only occupy one square foot. Russo recommends foam balance pads from Airex and exercise balls for clients seeking balance exercises and core stabilization. Though exercise balls are rather bulky, she points out that they can double as office chairs. Or, try a creative storage solution like a hammock designed specifically to keep the ball up and out of the way.

(ISTOCK IMAGES)

& Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

Birds of a feather can flock forever with this antique

WHAT COMES TO mind when you think of Victorian antiques? Silver-plated tableware, delicate porcelain dinner services, early photographs and daguerreotypes, and souvenirs commemorating Queen Victoria herself? How about taxidermy? Decorating with preserved animals became fashionable in England by the 1850s and caught on in America in the following decades. This taxidermy bird diorama was made about 1870. It sold for $3,410, more than twice its high estimate. If you are interested in buying or selling antique taxidermy, check your Department of Wildlife or Fish and Game for regulations. Some species are illegal to buy or sell. Birds were especially popular in taxidermy. Bird feathers,

CURRENT PRICES

and sometimes entire birds, appeared on stylish hats from about 1860 to 1920. Taxidermy was seen as an art and a science. Displaying preserved animals in the home was considered a way to show both interest in nature and mastery over it. However, not everyone approved of the trend. Opposition to hunting and killing birds in mass quantities led to the creation of the Massachusetts Audubon Society 1896. The name came from an earlier society founded by a student of wildlife illustrator John James Audubon’s widow. Similar groups appeared in other states and the National Audubon Society was formed in 1905. It is still operating today.

Q. Years ago, I was given a 3-cent postage machine with a hand crank that was

used in drug stores during the war years. It gives three stamps for a dime and was distributed by H.M. Branson Distributing Company, 2nd Street, Louisville, Kentucky. I’d like to know what it’s worth.

A. The first class postage rate was 3 cents from July 6, 1932, until Aug. 1, 1958. It was also the rate during World War I, from Nov. 2, 1917, to July 1, 1919. We found advertisements listing the H.M. Branson Distributing Company as a distributor of Rock-Ola phonographs and Bally pinball machines in the late 1940s to the late 1960s. Any coin-operated machine sells. Vintage postage machines sell for about $100. If rare, they sell for more.

memorative buckles sell for more, some for over $100. Many buckles listed online are fakes made in China and sell for $10 or less. You can find more information on the Smith & Wesson Collectors Club website, theswca.org.

Q. I’d like some information about the company that made an old desk we have. It’s 27 inches high and has a flat top, one drawer, and a shelf below. It has a paper label that says “William Leavens & Co., Manufacturers, Boston, Mass.”

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Pair of lamps, funnel shape base, textured black surface, brass band around bottom, fluted U-shape milk glass shade with straight sides and open at top, Lightolier sticker, 26 1/4 x 5 inches diameter, $85.

Pottery bowl, incised stylized black cat, curled up, black glaze, brown ground, black rim, marked, Margot Kempe, 1970s, 3 x 9 1/2 inches, diameter, $115.

Wood carving, sleigh, glider style, two horses, painted red and black, gold trim, rocking motion on four rocker feet, 36 x 13 1/2 inches, $245.

Coffee table, Danish Modern, teak, surfboard shaped top, folding aluminum legs, 13 x 51 1/2 x 14 inches, $315.

Pen, fountain, Visconti, Divina Desert Springs, tortoiseshell finish with silver striations, palladium, celluloid, marked resin inset in clip and on nib, Visconti, Florence, original box, c. 2000, 6 inches, $430.

Doorstop, cat, lying down on oval rug, cast iron, black, green eyes, Albany Foundry, No. 77, 3 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches, $585.

Purse, mini-bag, Chanel, quilted black suede leather, foldover top, flap with 8 faux pearls arranged in circle with blue faceted stone center, circular leather handle, stamped mark, “Chanel Made in Italy,” 9 1/2 x 6 x 2 inches, $650.

Toy, motorcycle, camouflage pattern, military man rider in uniform, leather strap with rifle, Union Cord on tires, key wind, siren, Arnold, 7 inches, $925.

Jewelry, pair of bracelets, bangle, hinged, black gutta-percha band, flanked by yellow gold bands, Victorian, 6 inches, circumference, pair, $1,060.

Salt and pepper shakers, sterling silver, frog form, textured backs, marked, Tiffany & Co., 1967, 2 x 2 inches, pair, $1,375.

Q. I have six never-used Smith & Wesson belt buckles. They’re made from various metals, including brass and silver. I’d like to sell them. Are they worth anything?

A. Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson formed a partnership in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1852. Facing financial difficulties, they sold the company and opened Smith & Wesson in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1856. The company became one of the leading manufacturers of handguns in the world. Over 100 different Smith & Wesson buckles have been made in various metals since the 1970s. Prices vary widely depending on material, rarity and authenticity. Originally the buckles came in a cardboard box with papers showing authenticity. Later the boxes were made with clear plastic lids. A common buckle in its original box, with papers, sells for about $35. Gold- or silver-plated buckles and special com-

A. Members of the Leavens family were in the furniture business in Boston beginning in 1874, when George M. Leavens and Thomas Trefry went into business as Leavens & Trefry. The company became G.M. Leavens & Son in 1885. In 1898 it became William Leavens & Company. The company made Mission style furniture, which they called “cottage furniture,” reproduction Colonial furniture and other styles. The customer chose the finish. The company was sold to another Boston furniture company in 1948. A small desk might be worth about $100, depending on condition.

Q. I inherited a silver-plated tea set that includes a teapot, coffeepot, sugar, creamer and tray. The bottom is engraved “WMF Canada.” What is it worth?

A. The initials “WMF” stand for “Wurtemberg Metalware Factory.” The company started as Straub & Schriezer Metalware Factory in Geislingen, Germany, in 1853. Later it became Straub & Son. It became Wurtemberg Metalware Factory in 1880. The company made pewter- and silver-plated tableware and cutlery. Its Art Nouveau style silver-plated items made from 1900 to 1910 are popular with collectors today. WMF is still in business, making pots and pans, knives, cutlery, kitchen gadgets, tableware, small

SYNDICATE INC.)

appliances and other household products. The value of your tea set depends on style, the number of pieces and condition. WMF silver-plated tea sets like yours have sold recently for $260 to $330. An art nouveau tea set from 1906 in unusual shapes sold for $2,000 last year.

TIP: Clean the feathers on a stuffed bird with chunks of fresh white bread. After cleaning, spray lightly with hair spray.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

Terry

Taxidermy birds were fashionable in the 19th century. Opposition to the trend led to conservation movements that still exist today. (2023 BY COWLES

Mortgage rates climb for second straight week, up to 6.48%

By P rashant G opal Bloomberg

MORTGAGE rates in the U.S. rose for a second straight week.

The average for a 30-year, fixed loan was 6.48%, up from 6.42% last week and the highest since early December, Freddie Mac said in a statement Thursday.

Seesawing loan costs aren’t likely to inspire confidence in would-be homebuyers, who have been pulling away from the market for months.

With demand in a slump, sellers also are holding back, reluctant to accept discounts or to give up cheap mortgages they locked in before the Federal Reserve started hiking its benchmark interest rate last year.

“Mortgage application activity sunk to a quartercentury low this week as high mortgage rates continue to weaken the housing market,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

With inflation still running hotter than the central bank would like, policymakers last month affirmed their commitment to monetary tightening and signaled that rates will probably stay elevated for some time, according to meeting minutes released Wednesday.

Deeds

AGAWAM

Amanda Marie Cotto and Jeffrey Craig Barsaleau to Stephine S. Busbee, 55 Royal Lane, $240,100.

Anthony J. Smigelski Jr., and Patricia A. Sniegowski to Fahad Rajee, 1001 Suffield St., $335,000.

CNC Russo Realty LLC, to V & K Realty LLC, 44 Russo Circle, $100,000.

Della Ripa Real Estate LLC, to Elaine Della Ripa, 17 Liberty St., $310,000.

Hillside Development Corp., to Scott Patrick Smith, Scott Smith and Samantha Smith, 154 Nicole Terrace, Lot 2, $560,000.

Joan Drozdal to Erick Colon, 129 Corey Colonial, Unit 129, $218,000.

Marlene A. Christy to Blue Fields Property LLC, 54 Ramah Circle N, $640,000.

Robert L. Bell and Francine A. Bell to Ba Van Tran and Jenny Ly, 40 Nolan Lane, $485,000.

Salvatore Anzalotti III, to Tammy M. Basdekis, 13H Mansion Woods, $222,500.

Timothy D. Pelletier to ZF SPV LLC, 22 Kathy Terrace, $270,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Orin L. Bracey Jr., and Maryellen O’Reilly-Bracey to Olivia Lussier, Munsell Street, $90,000.

JHP Builders LLC, to Paul A. Valentine and Lisa J. Valentine, 475 South Washington St., $585,000.

M&G Land Development LLC, to Nohika Cherubin and Michael A. Koch, 71 Bardwell St., and Bardwell Street,$425,000.

BERNARDSTON

Joan L. Hamilton and Thomas B. Hamilton to Rachel A. Schneider and Brad D. Smyth, West Road, $65,000.

Pamela T. Buzzell, trustee of the Pamela T. Buzzell Investment Trust, and Roger S. Buzzell, trustee of the Roger S. Buzzell Investment Trust, to Donna Giard, 277 South St., $910,000.

BLANDFORD

Catherine F. Waninger to Mountain Stream LLC, OtisTolland Road, $35,000.

BRIMFIELD

Janelle N. Morin to Austin Browne, Brookfield Road, $36,000.

CHESTER

Susan E. Berger to Joseph Michael Barnicle, 100 Prospect St., $175,000.

CHICOPEE

Barbara Ann Hebert-Pranes to Joseph Richard Lepage, 105 Britton St., $225,000.

Douglas Jonathan Dichard and David Bibeau to Fatima Zahrae Azouina and Youssef Ramram, 8 Bonneta Circle, $280,000.

Julia Albizu to Lisa Lynn Dashnaw and Diane B. Forrett, 31 Ohio Ave., $315,000.

Krzysztof J. Przybylek and Elisa M. Przybylek to Ethan Bloomfield and Ethan S. Bloomfield, 163 Ingham St., $320,000.

Lisa A. Rubner and Todd A. Rubner to Gloria Vasquez, 71-73 Maple St., $288,000.

Maple Tree Investments LLC, to Fidelino R. Morales Perez, 190 Bemis Ave., $282,000.

Mary T. Popko to Donna Cabot, 0 Dobek Ave., $28,000.

Michael F. Pawlishen to M A R

Real Estate LLC, 31 Prospect St., $425,000.

Nelson Garcia to Jesenia Garcia, 86 Woodstock St., $170,000.

NRES LLC, to Michelle Rosa and Israel Ortiz Gonzalez, 274-276 Hampden St., $363,000.

Raquel M. St. Pierre and Raquel Maria Salvado to Ethan A. Iglesias, 188 School St., $250,000.

Ronald R. Chouinard II, representative, and Loretta Claire Chouinard, estate, to Jeffrey Chagnon, 159 Silvin Road, $160,000.

Sarah Ledoux-Bielecki, Sarah E. Ledoux and Timothy M. Bielecki to Sarah B. Fisher, 163 Mountainview St., $240,000.

COLRAIN

Federal National Mortgage Association, “aka” Fannie Mae, to Virgnia Brown, 10 Purington Lane, $117,500.

CONWAY

Leroy T. Rose and Lorna E. Rose, “aka” Lorna Rose, to Mass Postal Holdings LLC, 38 River St., $60,000.

CUMMINGTON

Aaron Robb, Dana Robb, Barbara M. Robb, Lynn M. Robb and Heather M. Robb to Lisa A. Harvey and Jonathan N. Ginzberg, 61 Nash Road, $451,000.

DEERFIELD

Marcia A. Adamski to Marci Nault, 6 Duncan Drive, Unit B Meadows of Deerfield Condominium, $252,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Gerard N. Aubrey, trustee, Gerry Aubrey, trustee, and Panther Nominee Trust, trustee of, to

Aaron Richards and Kelly Breton Richards, 34 Favorite Lane, Lot 5, $253,000.

John Foster Jr., and Kristine Foster to Grace N. Lacharite, 56 Avery St., $449,900.

Judith A. Bocchino to Michael Ryan Henshaw and Tiffany Henshaw, 54 Dearborn St., $275,000.

Tayyab Rahil and Najila Shazi to Hien Phu Nguyen Jr., and Lan Tuyet Phan, 15 Channing Road, $398,900.

Thomas P. Sweeney and Karen L. Sweeney to Ryan McCarthy and Kristin McCarthy, 41 Rollins Drive, $630,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Joseph P. Yarasavych and Christina T. Yarasavych to PaulMichael McKenna, trustee, and Yarasavych Irrevocable Trust, 116 Cottage St., and 5 Orchard St., $100.

David Marek to Arthur Aina Olaleye, 30 Pomeroy St., $385,000.

Loudville Condominiums LLC, to R. Jeffrey Pollock, trustee, and Restatement of Declaration of Trust of R. Jeffrey Pollock, 5 Conrad Circle, $539,900.

GRANBY

David R. Jodoin and Deborah A. Jodoin to Craig Helbok, 134 Aldrich St., $500,000.

Hannah Larrabee to Hannah Larrabee and Allison Marie Mascolo, 62 West St., $100.

GREENFIELD

Sarah A. Gulan, conservator of Donald K. Holmes, to Mark R. Penfield and Melissa Penfield, 17 Garfield St., $285,000.

Lorrie A. Hassan and Mary Joanne Kennedy, trustees of the Isotti Family Nominee Trust, to Siena A. Isotti and Matthew

to the APR. If your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, you will be subject to private mortgage insurance, or PMI. FHA mortgages include both UFMIP and MIP fees based on loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. VA mortgages include funding fees based on loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. The Republican does not guarantee the accuracy of the information appearing above or the availability of rates and fees in this table. All rates, fees and other information are subject to change without notice. The Republican does not own any financial institutions.

Deeds

Thomas Phillips, 45 Harrison Ave., $185,000.

Kevin P. Dix to Lisa K. Lewis. 65B Fairview St., Unit 17B Pine Hill Park Condominium. $205,000.

A.R. Sandri Inc., to Barlow Paving & Excavation Inc., 48 Montague City Road, $225,000. Greenfield Community College Foundation Inc., to 270 Main Greenfield LLC, 270 Main St., $700,000.

Charlene Manor LLC, to Greenfield Management Systems Inc., 130 Colrain Road, $9,290,000.

Doleva Real Estate Inc., to Liam Lane Holdings LLC, 318 High St., $570,000.

Diane L. Doleva, personal representative of the Estate of John Edward Doleva,“aka” John E. Doleva, to Liam Lane Holdings LLC, 361 Silver St., $700,000.

Dauntless Path LLC, to Ashley Beachesne and Mark Alan Wallace, 344 Log Plain Road, $225,000.

Tatiana Kushner and Oleksandr Lyvytsky to Leah Daniels, 46 French King Highway, $400,000.

Vladimir Agapov and Yelena Agapov to Leah Daniels, 0 French King Highway, “aka” 44 French King Highway, $35,000.

HADLEY

Ronald J. Barrett and Amy L. Meserve, attorney-in-fact, to Jeremy Ober, 46 Huntington Road, $360,000.

Gregory F. Hancock to 30 Russell Street LLC, 30 Russell St., $750,000.

HAMPDEN

Zachary J. Muscaro and Ashley L. Muscaro to Peter E. Miccoli and Tamara J. Miccoli, 19 Deerfield Circle, $300,000.

HATFIELD

Roger W. Trudeau and Gail A. Trudeau to Terence J. Kennedy and Adeline S. Kennedy, 33 Elm St., $619,000.

HOLLAND

Donna L. Demetrius, trustee, Diana L. Demetrius, trustee, and 2019 Donald Demetrius Irrevocable Family Trust, trustee of, to Steven F. Whittredge, 24 East Brimfield Road, $250,000.

Elizabeth Ann Murray, estate, and Robert A. George, representative, to George J. Carling, 8 Davis Road, $85,000.

Cormier & Sons Construction & Homebuilding LLC, to Ryan G. Beecher and Kelly A. Beecher, Lot 6, 517 Old County Road, $499,853.

Shaina Labonte to Thomas J. Sparling and Vitalina R. Sparling, 134 Mashapaugh Road, $325,000.

HOLYOKE

Holyoke City, Reysely Adon Rodriguez and Pioneer Valley Redevelopers LLC, receiver, to Germika L. Davis, 40-42 James St., $315,000.

John J. Ferriter, representative, and Vincent J. Stankiewicz Sr., estate, to Onix Cruz and Yahaira Cruz, 15 Green Willow Drive, $220,000.

Renovations of Real Estate LLC, to Jennifer Calvo and Marvin Quinones, 51 Taylor St., $264,000.

Richard L. Irwin, representative, and Sheryl A. Irwin, estate, to James Clarke Gilbert II, 32 Lindbergh Ave., $385,000.

Salim Abdoo to Ryan Eugene Knoechelman, 284 Maple St., $275,000.

Stanley Hill to Three Lions LLC, 1697-1699 Northampton St., $408,000.

Thomas W. Spencer IV, to Travis McBryde, 30 Myrtle Ave., $245,000.

Tyler M. Limoges, Estee C. Limoges and Estee C. Abrahamson to Kamil Bak and Christina Marie Dabek, 16 Cranberry Drive, $331,400.

Michael P. Stoddard Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, Christopher M. Stoddard, trustee, and Patricia M Stoddard Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, to Andrew Freed and Theresa Vibberts, 49 Liberty St., $540,000.

Western Mass Realty LLC, to Carmen Rosado Martinez, 51 N Summer St., $189,000.

LONGMEADOW

Cheryl A. O’Connor, Gail F. Clapp, Bruce E. Felper and Regina H. Felper to Susan K. Carey Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and Ryan P. Carey, trustee, 111 Academy Drive, $365,625.

Diane Denis Aye, representative, Robert Denis Jr., representative, Marlee Denis Mooney, representative, and Louise B. Denis, estate, to Christine Aye, 110 Rugby Road, $475,000.

Richard M. Gaberman, representative, and Joanne H. Bertrand, estate, to Adam J. Dube and Alyssa Picknelly, 33 Eton Road, $483,000.

LUDLOW

Bruce Tetrault to Krzysztof J. Przybylek and Elisa M. Przybylek, 0 Massachusetts Ave., $525,000.

Diane A. Drozdowski, Deborah J. Geoffroy, Janice M. Ouimette and Janice M. Sasur to Alicia M. Ferreira, 22 Eden St., $265,000.

James Saloio Jr., trustee, Irene Saloio Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and James Saloio, trustee, to Tina M. Elmer and Phyllis R. Lacasse, 79 Chapine Greene Drive, $230,000.

Richard E. Patnode, representative, and Robert J. Patnode, estate, to JT Realty Associates Inc., 29 Baker St., $230,000.

MONSON

Kyle Williams and Mellissa Presz to Brent Ketner, 3 Heritage Lane, $401,000.

Linda J. MacLeod-Goodman, trustee, and Faerie Hill Realty Trust, trustee of, to Daniel Edgerton and Angela Daley, 296 Wales Road, $332,000.

Luc Hardyn to Choctaw American Insurance Inc., 12 Munn Road, $369,900.

Stephen L. Phillips, trustee, and Alan R. Phillips Survivors Trust, trustee of, to Samuel Antonio Duarte and Lila Rivas Pena, 11 Upper Hampden Road, $253,000.

MONTAGUE

Jose A. Ortiz to Brianna Christine Doxzen, 6 Eleventh St., $210,000.

MONTGOMERY

Brittany Cormier, representative, and Nancy Cormier, estate, to No Limit Assets LLC, 78 Pine Ridge Road, $170,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Neil A. Kelley Sr., trustee, Jeanne A. Kelley, trustee, and Jeanne A. Kelley Living Trust to Elisa S. Daus and Lorena E. Silverman, 661 Park Hill Road, $675,000.

Jessica Hertzberg to Adam Freed, 451 Rock Hill Road, $367,100.

Brenda J. Philips, personal representative, Glenda Philips, estate, and Glenda H. Philips, estate, to Hermine C. Antelman,

415 Fairway Village, $340,000.

Liliana G. Klass and Leslie R. Jaffe to Leslie R. Jaffe, trustee, Liliana G. Klass, trustee, and Leslie R. Jaffe Revocable Trust, 58 Ice Pond Drive, $100.

Jay Cebik and Jennifer R. Cebik to Kenneth Lee and Suzanne Kamala Lee, 485 Bridge Road, $397, 950.

NORTHFIELD

The Moody Center Inc., to Thomas Aquinas College., 36 Winchester Road, $600,000.

MNorthfield1 LLC, to Thomas Aquinas College, 19 Moody St., 31 Moody St., and Highland Ave., $502,000.

ORANGE

Mark Meehan, trustee of Richard Alan McLaughlin Sr. Living Trust, to Joseph Dumais, Athol Road, $45,500.

Ian Hurley to Maris Clement and Brandon R. Newell, 19 Clifton St., $269,900.

PALMER

Jacqueline Rygiel to Renee R. Butler, 2358 Main St., $350,000.

Michael J. Olbrych to Bailey T. Canedy, 9 Countryside Drive, $300,000.

Todd M. Kirkland and Laura Pompeii to Marlene M. Williams, 66 Randall St., $336,000.

PELHAM

Pamela K. Borglum to Jessica Renee Ladin and Zachary Saul Ladin, 39 Harkness Road, $357,500.

Robert L. Vallee and Shawn L. Vallee to Dimiero Investments LLC,166 Packardville Road, $165,000.

RUSSELL

Jacob R. Motyl and Laura J. Motyl to Shamrock Ridge Farm LLC, Lot 77, Sylvester Hamilton Road, $58,000.

SHUTESBURY

Tamie Kelsey-West and Matthew M. West to Laura J. Ketteringham, 548 Wendell Road, $295,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

Trustees of Mount Holyoke College and Mount Holyoke College to David Barthelette and Averi Barthelette, Morgan Street, $110,000.

Calvin Josef Eckerle to

Christopher D. Cocomazzi and Lauralie J. Cocomazzi, 20 Lawrence Ave., $195,000.

Christina J. Kirk to Tiffany Kirk, trustee, and Kirk Family Irrevocable Trust, 55 East St., $100.

Jane Marie Joslyn, Donna Ridgway Skibel, Carolyn A. Saples and Nathan Joslyn, attorney-in-fact, to Patricia Hourihan, 33 Mary Lyon Drive, $380,000.

Mountain Brook LLC, to JN Duquette & Son Construction Inc., 17 Lyon Green, $120,000.

Mountain Brook LLC, to JN Duquette & Son Construction Inc., 13 Lyon Green, $120,000.

Mountain Brook LLC, to JN Duquette & Son Construction Inc., 21 Lyon Green, $120,000.

Kerry L. Hussey and David R. Hussey to James Takuraneyi Hokonya and Nyaradzai Changamire, 4 Pershing Ave., $360,000.

Jutta Partyka, personal representative, Eva Agnes

Rosa Partyka, estate, and Eva Wadsworth, estate, to Patrick K. Asselin and Chloe V. Asselin, 147 Mosier St., $360,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

David M. McGrath to Stephen Allen Miller and Lisa Marie DeGrace, 126 East St., $405,000.

SOUTHWICK

Bonnie M. Girard to Joshua Gibbs and Lya Kolb, 7 Logie Lane, $330,000.

Hedge Hog Industries Corp., to Lyudmila Andreyeuna Maksyuk, Tetyana Maksyuk, Olga Maksyuk and Andriy A. Maksyuk, 8 Noble Steed Crossing, $549,000.

Janet C. Whitney to Eric Shilyuk, 136 Hillside Road, $315,000.

Ralph DePalma to Premier Self Storage LLC, 662A College Highway, $175,000.

Tri-PBJ Enterprise LLC, to Frank Grillo Enterprises LLC, 81 Point Grove Road, $1,000,000.

SPRINGFIELD

691 State Street LLC, to M Mistri LLC, 691 State St., $500,000.

72 Waverly Street LLC, to Neha Chavan, 72 Waverly St., $310,000.

Alex Owusu to Mirtha Laguerre Lundy, 12 Haskin St., $251,000.

Andrew W. Vivenzio to Sumner Avenue LLC, 390 Sumner Ave., $370,000.

Garden

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F4

to humans. A natural, carmine-colored dye, cochineal, is made from the dead bodies of a type of scale insect that attacks opuntia cacti.

And the secretions of another scale, the lac insect,

Deeds

CONTINUED FROM PAGE F8

Birnie Medical LLC, to Neos Realty LLC, 300 Birnie Ave., $12,000,000.

Christopher S. Gaffney to Tynisha A. Henderson, 260 Plumtree Road, $255,000.

David Levitt and Lori J. Levitt to Sneh Kumar, 30B Halifax Court, Unit 30B, $265,000.

Diane S. Salstead to Nancy Vaz, 191 Pine Acre Road, $237,500.

Dubs Capital LLC, to Marie Noel Saintilus, 10-12 Brookline Ave., $395,000.

Glen J. Jusczyk to Justin Harrison, 294 Gifford St., $220,000.

Hassan Ali to Leon L. Woods, 6365 Wilmont St., $105,000.

Central City Boxing & Barbell Inc., to Tyler Street LLC, 0 NS Tyler St., $350,000.

Isidoro Raul Sanchez, Isidoro R. Sanchez and Francisca A. Olvera to RBT Enterprise LLC, 114 William St., $450,000.

J. Elizabeth Lee and Kathrina E. D. Hardy to Jose Montoya Lopez and Claudia Rosales, 644 Union St., $64,250.

J. Norbert Properties LLC, to Justice H. Pellegrino, 36 Crestwood St., $600,000.

J3 LLC, to Erasmito Gonzalez, 30 Scott St., $325,000.

James W. Gelinas, representative, and Dionicio Antonio Moya, estate, to Alexander Henriquez, 140 Chestnut St., Unit 406, $83,000.

Jart Realty Trust, trustee of, and Jeffrey T. Barbeau, trustee, to Nilsa Enid Laboy, 977 Boston Road, $335,000.

Jeffrey L. Hammond, trustee, and J L H Realty Trust, trustee of, to Forest Orchard LLC, 396 Main St., $220,000.

Jens Martinez to Janthony Ramon Maria Molina, 73-75 Sterling St., $307,000.

Jerry Luciano and Nancy Cortes to Cynthia L. Maldonado, 99 Jenness St., $251,000.

JJJ17 LLC, to Reinaldo Perez Rodri-

is used to make shellac. Unfortunately, there is no redeeming value of mealybug or cottony cushion scale on houseplants.

Any gardening questions? Email them to me at garden@ leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column. Come visit my garden at leereich.com/blog.

guez and Jesue Perez Rodriguez, 72 Wrentham Road, $295,000.

Joan Diaz and Victor M. Garcia to Matthew Bourque and Sarah Shainwald-Bourque, 246 Lamont St., $269,000.

JoeJoe Properties LLC, to Hawa Kibodya, 18 Rittenhouse Terrace, $362,000.

Juan R. Rodriguez Jr., and Juan Ramon Rodriguez to Bryan Rae and Renee M. Rae, 70 Harrow Road, $445,000.

Ketisha Bradshaw Smith, custodian, Kendra Bradshaw Smith, Pauline Wilks, Lamont Smith, Patrice Smith, Jordan Hardy and Tasha Smith to Tasha Smith, 40 Fayette St., $100.

Kimberly A. Santiago and Victor L. Santiago to John Joseph Beas Jr., 206 Corcoran Boulevard, $245,000.

Lori A. Beston to Ruth M. Holland, 56 Mandalay Road, $214,500.

Mark Glenn to Quaker Capital LLC, 121-123 Northampton Ave., $235,000.

Michael J. Avigliano and Paul C. Smith to Jeffrey Donaruma, 97 Hadley St., $279,900.

Michael J. Jolicoeur and James A. Jolicoeur to Mark Melikian, 103 Kent Road, $340,000.

Michael Palmer and Tammy Lynn Eng-Palmer to Ruet Properties LLC, 5 Lynebrook Road, $200,000.

Miguel A. Garcia to Home Staging & Realty LLC, 284-286 Lexington St., $105,000.

Ming Tsang to Gage M. Miller and Cassidy B. Whitten, 10 Hemlock Court, $190,000.

MMF Realty LLC, to Argenis Ramos, 770 Bay St., $250,000.

Moises Zanazanian and Marie I. Zanazanian to Diana Morales-Ramirez and Filomena Ramirez Perez, 54-56 Grover St., $280,000.

Nationwide Abstract LLC, to James Coombs, 40 Dennis St., $145,000.

Nodia W. Wright to Kinan Al Haffar and Shirin Kokobaeva, 225 Belmont Ave., $352,000.

OPM Investments LLC, to Linnette Naomi Barbosa Ortiz and Juan

GARDEN NOTES

STOCKBRIDGE

Upcoming events

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming program; Saturday, Jan 14, 2 to 3 p.m. “Crip & Clear: A New Year’s Meditative Journey.” All adults (18-plus) are welcome, and no experience with mindfulness or meditation is needed. Please wear clothing and shoes suitable for winter

Domingo Gonzalez Guzman, 163 Bowles St., $260,000.

Phyllis R. Lacasse to Aaron Rothwell and Emily Duffy, 24 Putnam St., $245,000.

R M Blerman LLC, to Serapio Ramos Perez, 105 Alden St., $250,000.

Selocin Inc., to Kerline Prophete and St. Jean Dorleans, 43 Ringgold St. 45, $310,000.

Tasha Smith, representative, Linval Livingston Smith, estate, and Ketisha Bradshaw Smith to Ketisha Bradshaw Smith, custodian, Kendra Bradshaw Smith, Pauline Wilks, Lamont Smith, Patrice Smith, Jordan Hardy and Tasha Smith, 40 Fayette St., $100.

Thomas A. O’Sullivan to Alexander Sierra, 198 Senator St., $275,000. University of Saint Joseph to Ty G. Mezzetti, 417-419 Sumner Ave., $200,000.

Wylene Bailey, estate, and Bobby L. Bailey, representative, to Andres Martinez-Matamoros, 91 Northampton Ave., $190,000.

SUNDERLAND

Gerald Baranoski to MF Properties LLC, 129 Plumtree Road, $274,900.

WALES

Jon C. Breed and Doreen M. Breed to Ryan Kroll and Paige Syriac, 95 Main St., $60,000.

Kerrie A. Manchester to Nathan R. Quattrocelli, 75 Main St., $224,000.

WARE

Mary Ann Isabelle and Mary Ann Souza to Blanco Realty LLC, 20 Parker St., $10,000.

James E. Beauregard and Heather C. Beauregard to Sainphonie Berlus and Giner Berlus, 150 North St., $255,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Anthony Becker to Adriel Ernesto Hernandez, 69 Hanover St., $265,000.

walking. In the event of inclement weather, this will be held inside the main building. If the weather invites some outdoor walking, it will include 20 minutes of this 60-minute experience. Chairs will be provided indoors. Cost is $12 members, $15 nonmembers; For more information, or to register, visit berkshirebotanical.org. Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.

Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@ repub.com two weeks prior to publication

Bikash Chhetri and Hem Chhetri to Sirat Al Byati and Shurooq Kadhim, 905 Dewey St., $330,000.

Bosari Inc., to Richard Borsari and Thomas Borsari, 100 Windsor St., $100.

Debbie D. Leavitt to Malia Homebuyers LLC, 23 Elm Circle, $135,000.

Edward J. McCarthy, Wendy L. McCarthy and Wendy L. Clark to Anthony R. Fiala and Laurie A. Fiala, 309 Circle Drive, $500.

Joseph Greenberg and Odette A. Greenberg to Andrea B. Morissette and Steven Morissette, 166 Canterbury Way, Unit 25, $440,000.

Kathleen L. Bernardo, representative, Kenin Strout, estate, and Beverly T. Lynch to Erik Tancrati and Jennifer Cadigan, 61 Alderbrook Lane, $333,000.

Monica M. Borgatti, David A. Johnson, Monica Borgatti and David Johnson to David A. Johnson, 1198 Amostown Road, $47,197.

Normandeau Realty LLC, to Tempus Unlimited Inc., 25 Hayes Ave., $325,000.

WESTFIELD

Amanda R. Pyzocha, Amanda R. Kinnunen and Jeffrey Pyzocha to Stephen Hupfer, 4 Oak St., $220,000.

Betty J. Welch, Jay M. Welch and Kelley E. Tresnak to Amanda R. Pelletier, 49 Ely St., $200,000.

DJJ 539 LLC, to Nizan Holdings LLC, 539 North Road, $2,480,000.

Jacquelyn M. Person and Barry Person Jr., to Stephanie Lyn Martell, 419 Southwick Road, F25, $275,000.

Joan C. Bryskiewicz to Anthony Bortolussi, 132 Pontoosic Road, $262,000.

Joseph M. Allie to Kevin Thompson, 324 Russell Road, Unit 208, $155,000.

Karly M. Grimaldi to Hannah Elizabeth Taylor, John W. Taylor and Augusta Jean Taylor, 10 Greenwood St., Unit 6, $135,000.

Kimberly Sulek to Kmak LLC, 135 Meadow St., $185,840.

Mary Jean Ryan Revocable Trust, trustee of, and Nancy Jean Gallerani Busque, representative and trustee, to Alan Kennedy, 555 Russell Road, Unit D19, $150,000.

Nextgen Construction Service Inc., and Next Gen Roofing to Nextgen RE LLC, 17 Sackett St., $100.

Theresa Monfette and Theresa Skrodzki to Thomas Hopper, Robert Monfette, Susan Delargy and Linda Costa, 113 New Broadway, $100.

WESTHAMPTON

Richard C. Barry Jr., personal representative, and Nancy T. Harris, estate, to Kestrel Land Trust Inc., Reservoir Road, $400,000.

WHATELY

Justine Pasiecnik, personal representative of the Estate of James M. Pasiecnik, to Jonathan C. Galenski and Justin Galenski, 269 River Road, $460,000.

WILBRAHAM

Adam May and Christine May to Hunter E. Boody and Lauren Boody, 6 Patriot Ridge Lane, $640,000. Elizabeth Ann Chmura and Elizabeth A. Chmura to Keith A. Nunes and Patricia R. Nunes, 11 Hunting Lane, $399,900.

Jeffrey D. Wicks and Millicent K. Mack-Wicks to Jonathan Mish, 10 Forest Glade Drive, $639,000.

Nancy Labrie, Gerald Kane Jr., Mary Campbell, Brian Kane, Margaret Assad, James Kane and Margaret E. Kane to Marcus D. Verteramo and Beth A. Verteramo, 11 Old Orchard Road, $427,000.

Paul E. Dernavich and Virginia M. Dernavich to Alireza Jarihi, 4 Laurel Lane, $494,000.

Robert T. Kelliher Jr., and Margaret F. Kelliher to Chad Roy and Megan Roy, 2 Springfield St., $158,000.

WILLIAMSBURG

Gerald Connell, Michael Connell, Thomas J. Connell and Edward Connell to Jason Harder, 1 Ashfield Road, $50,000.

seem to lose their mates.

3. Empty the ice bin

I don’t really think too much about ice — and maybe you don’t either — but perhaps we should show it some love this time of year. How? By tossing it out and starting anew. Like other items in your fridge and freezer, ice can absorb odors and develop an off flavor over time (especially because it’s typically not stored in an airtight container). Cubes can also get stuck together, making it difficult to grab a few to cool off your drink of choice. So go ahead and dump out the bin and freeze some fresh cubes.

4. Sharpen your knives

Knives are integral to the cooking process. A dull knife not only makes cooking more difficult but is also more dangerous than a sharp one. You can sharpen your tools at home — I recommend using a whetstone — find a local knife sharpener (some hardware stores offer this) or get your knives sharpened via a mail-in service. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be slicing and dicing with ease.

5. Inspect your leavening agents

If you’re an experienced

will last three to six months in the pantry after opening, baking soda six months,” staff writer Becky Krystal wrote in her primer on baking powder and baking soda. “To test the viability, [cookbook author Shirley] Corriher recommends mixing 1/4 teaspoon baking powder into 1/2 cup very hot water or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda into 1/2 cup very hot water mixed with 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar. If you see fine bubbles, you’re good to go.”

Yeast, if stored in the freezer, should last for at least a year. A good habit when working with yeast in a recipe is to mix it with warm liquid along with a pinch of sugar, then wait a few minutes to see if it foams up. If it does, you can proceed with mixing it with the rest of the ingredients; if it doesn’t, you can make a quick run to the store for a new batch.

baker, you know how important leavening agents — i.e. baking powder, baking soda and various types of yeast — are to the finished result. Old, inactive leaveners result in tough, flat baked goods, and unless you bake frequently enough to regularly cycle through these items, chances are that they are already past their prime. “Opened baking powder

6.

Clean the filters in over-range microwaves

I’ve lived in my apartment for about a year and never looked under the microwave over my stovetop until just now. Suffice to say that it’s time for a good cleaning. All it takes is warm water, soap and a couple minutes of your time. (I took a short break from writing this article to cross this task off my listmaybe you should just do it now, too.)

7.

Throw out your sponge

Cleaning the equipment we use to clean other things feels like some sort of twisted form of sanitary inception. Nevertheless, it needs to be done. First, you should be cleaning and sanitizing your sponge regularly, ideally daily. But even with frequent cleaning, sponges should still be replaced every two weeks or so.

8. Take stock of your cookware

Nonstick cookware does not last forever. Exactly how long it lasts varies with your level of care and usage. Over time, the surface of these pots and pans can lose its nonstick quality and/or flake off into your food.

If you notice any chips or scratches, or simply that food is sticking more than it used to, it’s time to get rid of your nonstick cookware. You can replace it with your favorite brand or consider an alternative material such as carbon steel.

And if you already have carbon steel cookware, or more traditional cast iron, now is also a good time to reseason it if you haven’t

cooked with it in a while.

9. Care for your cutting boards

Wood is alive, and like any other living thing, that means your wooden cutting boards need to be taken care of lest they become a shadow of their former selves.

“They can warp, crack and lose their smooth surface if not properly maintained,” Krystal wrote.

Beyond proper washing and drying, wooden cutting boards should be regularly treated with food-grade mineral oil or wood conditioners to keep them in top shape.

Should you notice a smell, a good scrub with salt and lemon can help treat odors.

And if your boards start to

get fuzzy, give them a light sanding to smooth them out.

10. Clean under the sink

If that part of your kitchen is like mine, it’s a wasteland under there. I go in for only seconds at a time to grab what I need or stow something away and potentially never see it again.

Let’s change that: Take everything out, wipe it down and then put everything back in a neat, orderly way.

Now you can actually see how many bottles of dish soap you have instead of just periodically buying another because you think you might be running low, when in reality you’re stocked up for months (he writes, speaking from experience).

Knives are integral to the cooking process. A dull knife not only makes cooking more difficult but is also more dangerous than a sharp one.

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

10:00 AM - FEEDING HILLS (Agawam) 548 North West Street sgl fam, 1,960 sf liv area, 0.62 ac lot, 8 rm, 4 bdrm, 1.5 bth, fpl, Hampden: Bk 20834, Pg 142 11:00 AM - LONGMEADOW 1241 Williams Street sgl fam, 4,798 sf liv area, 0.64 ac lot, 7 rm, 4 bdrm, 2 bth, Hampden: Bk 19718, Pg 327 12:00 PM - SPRINGFIELD 118 Wait Street sgl fam, 1,500 sf liv area, 0.11 ac lot, 7 rm, 3 bdrm, 1 bth, Hampden: Bk 13352, Pg 196

TERMS: Cashier’s or certified check in the sum of $5,000.00 as a deposit must be shown at the time and place of the sale in order to qualify as a bidder. NO CASH No personal checks will be accepted. Cashier/certified checks should be made out to whomever is going to bid at the auction. The balance to be paid within thirty (30) days at the law offices of Korde & Associates, P.C. 900 Chelmsford Street, Suite 3102, Lowell, MA 01851, Attorney for the Mortgagee.

Auctioneer makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information contained herein.

KITTENS (2) $195.00/each. Call 413-244-7901

Maine Coon (Mixed kitten?) Has "M’’ on forehead. $500/BO. Info. text or call 413-523-6002.

Black Exotic Yorkie male puppy, 1st shots, dewormed. Very tiny, parents on premises. $1,000. Call 413-777-3536 or 413-657-0960

English Springer Spaniel, Liver/white female, ready Dec. 1st. Vet checked, 1st shot. $1 500. 413-596-8190

FRENCH BULL DOG PUPPIES Parents on premises $3500 to $4500/each. Call 413-478-0763

Golden Retriever puppies, dad is chocolate Labradore. 7 females, each $1,500, 3 males, each $1,300. Call or text 413-309-1747

Golden Retrievers Puppies, 1st shots & dewormed. $500. 2 females & 1 Male Call 802-895-2784

Yorkshire Terrier puppy, male, has most of his shots. Great little dog. Only $2000. (413) 549-5225