5 Prep Tips to Brace Your Home for the Winter Cold VALLEY HO E IMPROVEMENT VALLEY AUCTIONS
(StatePoint) With temperatures dropping nationwide, it’s essential that your home and yard are prepared to face the challenges freezing temperatures and snowstorms can bring.
Moen, a leader in water experiences, shares five top tips to prep for the cold.
VALLEY HEALTH
Store and Secure Your Outdoor Living Space
If left unprotected, patio sets, lawn decorations and outdoor equipment can face rusting from water exposure, and breakage from large amounts of snow and ice. To prevent these issues, invest in waterproof patio covers for larger items like tables and grills. Store smaller objects such as chairs, children’s toys, outdoor pillows, planters and decorative signs away in dry areas like garages, sheds or basements.
Protect Pipes
While snow and ice might look magical, that thought quickly fades when pipes burst or spring a leak. When water freezes, it can expand and put pressure on pipes, increasing the chance of them bursting. Having weak or corroded pipes increases this risk. Proactively protect your plumbing through a smart leak detection device, such as the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff. This innovative
product connects directly to the home’s main water line and constantly monitors water flow rate and pressure to identify potential problems. If an issue is found, like low flow rate or high pressure, which can indicate a frozen pipe, it will alert you in realtime via the smartphone app so you can take action. It can even be set to automatically turn off the water before damage occurs. As a bonus, some insurance companies offer discounts for installing a smart leak detection device, helping you save money and providing peace of mind.
On top of protecting plumbing with smart leak detection, don’t forget to check on sprinklers and exterior hoses. Properly shut off water supplies to these areas and drain any existing water to eliminate the chance they’ll cause a frozen or burst pipe.
Beat the Chill By Checking Doors and Windows
Properly sealed windows and doors can act as a vital barrier against winter’s harsh conditions. By preventing heat loss and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, proper sealing helps reduce heating and energy costs while enhancing comfort. Determine where better insulation is needed by feeling around for cold drafts coming in through windows, doors and even unexpected areas like electrical sockets. To block the chill, do easy upgrades like weatherstripping around windows and doors, covering windows entirely with shrink film, adding covers around electrical sockets and using slide-on draft blockers at door bottoms.
A home’s heating system gets a workout in the colder months. Hire a professional to do a checkup and install a fresh air filter. Getting your furnace in top shape will help maintain a comfortable temperature, keep utility bills steady and help prevent fires. Don’t leave out carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Having functional alarms can be lifesaving if a space heater catches fire or there’s a leak from your gas furnace.
Attend to Your Home’s Exterior
Providing a little extra love and care to your home’s exterior and lawn can ease stress. To avoid a roofing collapse or leaks from heavy snowfall, check your roof – or have a professional check it – for any prior damage and address it as soon as possible. Clean out gutters to remove debris buildup and trim tree branches that may pose risks
for falling if piled with heavy snow or ice. Don’t forget to take inventory of snow removal tools, and stock up on supplies like snow shovels and salt to be ready for when bad weather hits.
For more information from Moen, visit moen.com. A comprehensive winterization checklist can be a significant factor in how much wear and tear winter storms cause on the home – and help ensure a stress-free cold weather season.
is crystal clear and allows natural light to peer through windows.
Dress your floors. Who said weatherization can’t be stylish? By placing decorative, cozy rugs on hardwood floors and tiles,
you can further insulate your rental. While these items won’t fully prevent heat loss, they do offer an extra layer of warmth and can help reduce drafts from cold floors, making them an obvious choice if you’re
a renter looking to stay warm without making permanent changes.
For more weatherization how-to’s, head to www. duckbrand. com/weatherize. By taking these steps, renters can remain draft-free and damage-free, staying warm while lowering costly electric bills.
LOOK LEAP
WHEN REPLYING TO A LBYL AD BE SURE TO MAKE ALL CHECKS OUT TO THE VALLEY TRADER. EACH REPLY IS $4.00.
You must renew your ad every 2 issues for it to run in the next issue. And it MUST be written. Ads are not taken by phone.
Please note that no ads for alternative lifestyles will be placed anymore. Ads will be placed according to publisher’s discretion. Must be 18 or over to use this column.
ATTENTION NOTICE
If you send us an ad to run in this section, you must include your real name and address or we will not be able to print your ad. No one ever knows who you are except for the person who handles the replies in my office. Thank you for understanding in this simple matter.
Did you meet someone or go further with your relationship? We want to know. Send us your testimonial.
Testimonials: (Looking for some new comments of success)
Fall 1991 and January 1992 Testimonials: My cousin and his new wife (both in their early 40’s) were visiting my mom, my sister, and I. My sister asks, “So, how did you meet?” They kind of giggled and asked each other, “Should we tell them?” They said they met through the LBYL column. My sister and I decided we would try our fare at meeting “Mr. Right”. (BTW, my cousin and his wife are still married and hopelessly in love.) My sister didn’t have much luck, but in January 1992, I saw this ad that kept drawing my attention. As described, he really wasn’t what I was looking for, but... We met later that month for the first time; got engaged in 1993 and married in 1994. We will celebrate our 25th anniversary this October and we have a 23-year-old daughter who lives out of state. Thank you, LBYL!
Mr. & Mrs. J.N.
4/4/17
Testimonial: I placed an ad 1/2/94 and met the love of my life. He has 3 boys and I have 3 girls. We were married 8/26/95 and now we’re the Brady Bunch. Thanks for helping us find each other. KP/DP
I will always be grateful to
your paper Valley Trader. My husband DH wrote to me and we have been happily married almost 12 wonderful years. We’ve been through many trials and joys and so glad we found each other. K.W/ K.H.
“Thanks Again Valley Trader, Friends! Years ago I put an ad in your paper and we were married almost 20 years & then our lord called him home.” -HR
“My brother met his wife Bonnie through your column. They have a son named Jake! He’s our pride and joy!” –CW
L.B.Y.L. Readers: It would help a lot if you put your town location in your ad. Distance is important when replying to an ad. Thanks. –The Valley Trader
PLEASE RESPOND – We have had several people who have responded to personals in our column, and received no response in return. We would like to request that you send at least a post card to each and every response you receive, just out of courtesy to those taking the time to write you. Also, don’t forget to include either a phone number or address in your letter when responding to an ad. IN ORDER TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN IC RESIDENTS AND OTHER RESIDENTS WE HAVE DECIDED TO PUT EACH IN THEIR OWN SECTION.
Tired of not meeting that special someone at work, at the bar, or wherever you have been looking? Look no further than Look Before You Leap. We want to help you! What do you have to lose? Just your loneliness. So do it. Send in your ad or send in a response. See directions at beginning of section on how to be a part of the Look Before You Leap.
Regulars:
Seeking special Christian woman, any denomination. DWtCM, 72, looks years younger, 6’, grey hair, blue eyes, nonsmoker. Healthy, kind, sensitive, thoughtful. Likes concerts, museums, art, walking, good movies, church services, etc.... Watsontown area. Honest IC’s welcome. GD27207 3/12
SWtM, older gentleman, retired. Like to meet woman, 60-70. Like all music, don’t smoke or drink. “Williamsport Area”. Send phone. I don’t internet at all.
Make Check or Money Order made out to The Valley Trader. How to prepare your letter to send:
1. Write your letter to the person of interest. Be sure to put a way to contact in your letter. Phone or address.
2. Seal letter in blank envelope.
3. Put ad code in lower left corner and stamp in top right corner. Now you are ready to mail to us. Leave rest of envelope blank. No return address, NOTHING else on it.
4. Place this sealed letter into a fresh new envelope. Place your payment along with sealed letter and seal. Put in $4.00 FEE.
5. Now address this envelope to: Look Before You Leap, P.O. Box 392, Lewisburg, PA 17837. This envelope you can put your return address on it.
6. MAIL IT.
PLACE YOUR AD FOR FREE - 1 ISSUE.
CODES: S:SINGLE,M: MALE, F:FEMALE, D:DIVORCED,Wt:WHITE,B:BLACK,IC:INCARCERATED
GH27208 1/21
Multi-Racial Male looking for female, 45-65. I’m 6’ & 215 lbs., retired & enjoying life. Casual drinker, enjoy most music, watching movies, & outdoor activities that include Van & Pick up Truck events. I don’t go to Church but I still believe in God. I’d like to meet a female for dinner, lunch, or breakfast. It all starts over a meal. Photo & phone gets photos in return. I don’t do internet at all. No IC’s please. I enjoy the outdoors & can travel most of PA. I also enjoy photography.
TB27216
IC’s:
SWtFIC, 49, brown hair, green eyes, 140 lbs. Indian/ Irish/German, smart, funny & very outgoing. Love camping, fishing, boating, anything outdoors. Looking for someone to laugh with, talk to & share our interests. I would love to settle down with someone special. TS27183IC
SWtFIC, 42, 5’3”-170, blonde hair/baby blue eyes. I’m looking for someone who would be interested in corresponding with me.
CW27184IC
SWtFIC, 42, 5’3”-170, blonde/sky blue eyes, looking for someone who would be interested in corresponding with me.
CW27186IC
FIC, kind, loyal, & beautiful. Looking for companionship through these rough times.
JR27187IC
FIC, looking for a good companionship. Someone to talk to and not walk away from me like so many others. It is hard to be alone.
JR27189IC
SWtFIC, 5’3”-165, blonde hair, blue eyes. Looking for somebody who would be interested in corresponding with me. CW27190IC
FIC, 34, easy to talk to, pretty. Looking for friendship. AM27191IC
SWtFIC, 31, 5’2”-125, dark brown hair, brown eyes. Looking for a nice male who would be interested in corresponding with me. JW27192IC
FIC, 34, pretty, easy to talk to. Looking for friendship. Please reach out, you won’t be disappointed.
AM27193IC
SFIC, 50, joyful, caring, good humor, curvy body, full lips, dark hair/ eyes. With love to give. Seeking dependable, stable gentleman to connect with.
FJ27194IC
FIC, 34, pretty, easy to talk to. Looking for friendship or more. Loyal individual, open to meeting new people.
AM27195IC
FIC looking for a penpal. New to this but feeling lonely & hoping someone can chat with me.
KZ27196IC
FIC, looking for sincere companionship. I am lonely & have nobody & wish to have a good pen pal. Please reach out to me.
JR27197IC
FIC, looking for a sincere & honest companionship. I’m lonely & have nobody by my side. Please reach out to me & be mine. JR27198IC
FIC, 34, looking for long term friendship, someone I can talk to. Won’t regret.
AM27199IC
SWtFIC, 42, 5’3”-140, blonde hair/blue eyes. Looking for somebody who’d be interested in corresponding with me.
CW27200IC
SWtFIC, 47, 5’4”-131, brown hair, brown eyes. Looking for someone who would be interested in corresponding with me.
ET27202IC
FIC, fun, caring, good natured, 50, with love to give. Curly dark hair & dark eyes, full lips. Seeking dependable, stable gentleman to connect with. FJ27203IC
FIC, looking for someone to talk to, someone to enjoy fun things with, someone to build a friendship with.
PJ27204IC
FIC, 41, looking for someone to get to know on another level. No games.
LA27209IC
FIC, 39, 5’5”-140, green eyes, long brown hair. No kids & no tattoos. KM27210IC
FIC, blue eyes, dark hair. Looking for good conversation. I can send pictures too. NT27211IC
FIC, caring, joyful, good natured, sense of humor, easy to talk to, good listener, ready to connect with someone special. FJ27212IC WtFIC, 36, kind & nurturing, loves animals & traveling. Enjoys the outdoors. Looking to meet someone to connect with & enjoy life. JW27213IC
FIC, I want a man so write me. Beautiful, 37. Send your phone number, I’ll call. NC27214IC
SFIC, 37, blonde/brown/ red highlighted hair,
lengthy to my navel. Hazel/ green/amber eyes, 5’2”36DD, 29” waist, 35” hips, Cuban/American. Looking for a man who will romance me via letter, talk on the phone, & eventually come visit. I prefer a man with knowledge, honesty, loyalty, one I can call my friend & lover both in one. I’m searching for my soulmate. I would like to get to know who you are & have you get to know me. I am willing to open up to you slowly if you are willing to correspond with me, starting out as friends. JJ27215IC
SWtFIC, 41, enjoys reading, writing & going to church. Seeking single male, age is just a number, to get to know on another level by writing, phone calls & video visits. LA27217IC
FIC, country girl, 26, brown hair, blue eyes, outgoing, open minded, honest, huge personality. Willing to try new things, Loves the outdoors, fishing, hiking, sports, travelling, quiet nights at home. Looking for friends or more. SP27218IC
WtFIC, fun, caring, 36. Looking for an older male to connect with. Enjoys adventures & quality time at home. JW27219IC
Female seeking male: FIC, sexy, fun, a lot of love & attention to give to the right person. Seeking a stable, dependable, older gentleman to connect with. FJ27220IC
FIC, seeking male. Short timer. Looking for Mr. Wonderful. Look me up on facebook. JK27221IC
FIC, long brown hair, big blue eyes. Looking to turn writing into love. I’m a mother of one & looking for love & happiness. Tattooed country girl, love to get down & dirty. SP27223IC
WtFIC, 35, looking for male, 35-55. Enjoys quality
time & laughing. Caring & nurturing. Enjoys cooking & entertaining. Looking to connect. JW27224IC
SWtFIC, 43, 5’3”-145, long blondish/brown hair, baby blue eyes. Looking for somebody who would be interested in corresponding with me. CW27225IC
FIC, 48, red hair, big brown eyes. Looking for love & friendship. Trustworthy, honest, caring, outgoing. It’s time to settle down & I’m looking for just the right type of handsome man for me. Send love my way.
WH27226IC
WE DO NOT RUN ANY IC-LBYL ADS WITHOUT YOUR IDENTIFYING NUMBER. THESE MAILINGS ARE RETURNED BACK TO US, NON DELIVERABLE. ALSO YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR MAIL FROM LBYL. Inmates, seems you may need to be on some kind of mailing list at the prison. Inquire at your place.
The Valley Trader would like to thank everyone who places an ad in this column and also the people who respond. The number of responses we have been receiving has been GREAT!!! If you meet that “special person” from communicating through our column, let us know. Did you marry? Are you dating? We would like to know! Write us a short note we can print. Of course, we’ll only print it with your initials.
ATTENTION: We have no control over where our Look Before You Leap ads arrive from, and being a free press, we will place them in our column.
VALLEY HO E IMPROVEMENT VALLEY AUCTIONS VALLEY HEALTH
1. Plan Your Budget
Establish a clear and realistic budget. Factor in costs for materials, labor and some extra for unexpected expenses. Sticking to your budget can help ensure you enjoy the outcome of the project while avoiding financial stress. Your contractor can help you strike a balance between your vision and financial resources. You may also find it helpful to consult with a real estate professional who can ensure your plans are in line with the overall value of your home and neighborhood.
2. Prioritize Functionality
Design with practicality in mind. Ensure there’s enough counter space and storage to create an efficient workflow. Consider the kitchen work triangle; that is, be conscious of the travel pattern among the sink, stove and refrigerator.
Additionally, look for opportunities to incorporate functional storage in unexpected places. One example is the exposed end of a cabinet run or side of the refrigerator, where there is often wasted space. One example is a shallow cleaning utility cabinet from Wellborn Cabinet that fits a broom, dustpan and everyday cleaning supplies neatly, giving you practical access to frequently used supplies. A variation on this cabinet offers a spice rack designed for easy access to cooking essentials. Other options in the line include an over-fridge cabinet with a combination of shelves, sheet pan or cutting board storage and a trash can-cutting board combination.
3. Choose Quality Materials
Consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements and compatibility with your design aesthetic when selecting materials for your kitchen. You may be tempted to cut corners and stretch your money further, but quality materials are a critical element of successful renovations. Prioritize high-quality materials that stand the test of time. Durable countertops, solid cabinetry and reliable appliances typically save money in the long run, and they’ll enhance the overall look and value of your kitchen.
4. Hire Professionals
Work with experienced contractors and designers. Their expertise can help you avoid
common pitfalls and ensure your remodel meets all safety and building codes. What’s more, these professionals have likely encountered and overcome all kinds of challenges, which means they’ll be well-prepared to help you navigate unexpected obstacles and provide a wealth of knowledge from previous clients to help make recommendations for the perfect finished space.
5. Stay Flexible
Be prepared for unexpected challenges and delays. Stay adaptable and open to changes and remember patience is key to achieving the kitchen of your dreams. Materials go on backorder and paperwork gets misplaced all the time. Set a realistic timeline for your project that allows for some hiccups and try to avoid becoming too rigidly attached to any single element of the design, so if you have to make a modification, it doesn’t feel like a monumental sacrifice.
Look for more ideas and inspiration for your kitchen remodel at Wellborn.com.
Inspiring Ideas for Kitchen Islands
Adding an island to your kitchen offers many functional and aesthetic benefits, and there are styles to suit every type of kitchen.
Galley Kitchen Island: This type of island is more functional than design-forward, conveniently adding extra storage and counter space. This conventional configuration works
well in most kitchen layouts, both large and small, and can be constructed to fit almost any kitchen.
Table-Style Kitchen Island: If you want a unique addition, an island table is the way to go, whether you opt for a custom-made piece or upcycle an antique. The beauty of a tablestyle island is that it serves a functional and decorative purpose, warming up a modern kitchen and adding personality.
Double Kitchen Island: Incorporating multiple islands - often called a double island kitchen - can improve traffic flow, increase storage space and seating, and create additional space for meal prep, cooking, washing and eating. Plus, islands are ideal for implementing design elements such as complementing materials and finishes, pops of color and unique cabinetry components including door styles and hardware.
Rolling Kitchen Island: This convenient solution adds flexibility with extra storage and counter space. You can easily tuck it away to open up more floor space when done, and this portable island can easily roam around the kitchen so you can place it where you need it.
Two-Tier Kitchen Island: While you can cook and eat on any island, the two-tier creates a clear boundary where you can cook on one side and eat on the other. This all-encompassing island is perfect for larger families and
VALLEY
L-Shaped Kitchen Island: If you have a lot of space in your kitchen, an L-shaped island can fill the area. The design provides extra cooking space, allowing you to accommodate multiple chefs in the kitchen. You can also add seating for family and friends.
HEALTH
Round Kitchen Island: Compared to a typical rectangular island, a rounded option is an eye-catching way to add more seating in your kitchen for
U-Shaped Kitchen Island: Best suited for large, open-concept kitchens, a U-shaped island creates storage space and room to install appliances such as a bar fridge, sink or range with prep space left to
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THEME: VALENTINE’S DAY
ACROSS
1. Past participle of spit 5. King Kong, e.g. 8. Greek portico
12. Not to be mentioned 13. Congeal 14. ____ cell carcinoma
15. Top of Kilimanjaro, e.g. 16. Periods of time 17. D-Day beach
18. *Holiday the day before Valentine’s Day
20. Shade of beige
21. Quantities on doctors’ prescriptions
22. Not amateur
23. *Letters to Juliet destination
26. Come to final conclusion
30. *Ultimate Valentine’s vow?
31. Purchaser
34. Zelensky’s capital
35. Move a plant
37. High-____, as in an image
38. Tubular pasta
39. Not Visa or MC
40. *Moving Valentine’s Day date option
42. “Annie get your ____”
43. a.k.a. ladybird
45. Maximum
47. “Rub A Dub Dub” vessel
48. Suburb of Dallas
50. Skunk’s defense
52. *Sweet Valentine’s gesture
56. Long stories
57. Rhythmic way of talking
58. Yours and mine
59. Send, as payment
60. The E of B.P.O.E.
61. A bit of water
62. Biblical paradise
63. Elfin
64. Sign of boredom
DOWN
1. Doe’s mate
2. One of Three Bears
3. Cain’s brother
4. Prom night garb
5. Bird of prey’s nest
6. *Make them in advance of Valentine’s Day
7. “Or ____?”
8. *”Cupid” singer (2 words)
9. Russia’s Terrible one, e.g.
10. Pearl Harbor island
11. Between Fla. and Miss.
13. Ship’s floating wreckage
14. Afrikaners’ ancestors
19. Group of nine singers
22. For each
23. All over the internet
24. Possible allergic reaction
25. Lassoed
26. *Baby’s breath’s partner
27. Texting vocabulary, e.g.
28. *Cupid’s mom
29. Black tie ____
32. Snob
33. Gymnast’s goal
36. *a.k.a. “love hormone”
38. Deck alternative
40. Chicago baseballer
41. Defrauds
44. Explosion
46. Pleasing notes succession
48. At the same time
49. Too much egg middle
50. Newspaper piece
51. Five and ____
52. Staff leader
53. Heavenly glow
54. Think, archaically speaking
55. Sport spectator’s TV acronym
56. Before, old English
SUDUKO