Your Next Home - November 2020

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November 2020 Residential

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W E S T

Commercial

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Rentals

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Vacant Land

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Waterfront

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Farms

SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 2 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES. A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY RECORD PATRIOT

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Let the Lighthouse Team work for you Now and into 2021!

375 6th St, Manistee

South View Lot #27, Onekama

Great Central Location!

4 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths Full Basement, Garage Hardwood Floors & Granite Countertops Close to Downtown, Schools & Beach

Build Your Dream Home!

1.65 Acre Building Site Quiet Street of M-22/ Maidens Rd Views of Portage Lake & Lake Michigan NEW PRICE!

Offered at $169,000

Leah Gannon • 517-607-5347 2088 Carty Rd, Manistee

House on 20 Acres!

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Full Basement, 2 Car Attached Garage 2 Other Outbuildings 19.86 Acres with Spring Fed Pond & Creek

Offered at $250,000

Heather Barker • 231-510-5505

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Offered at $42,000 Kerri Mackey • 231-510-8380

11272 Chippewa Hwy, Bear Lake Updated Farmhouse on 16 Acres!

3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath Many updates and wired for Generator 2 Car Garage, Big Red Barn, Hay Barn, Tractor Barn & Indoor Riding Arena with storage NEW PRICE!

Offered at $299,900 Casey Tennant • 231-233-7613

Your Next Home • November 2020

your

DIRECTORY

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES & REALTORS...........PAGE

Lighthouse Realty................................................................1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................3 REALTOR Contact & Website Information.....................................4 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 11 Valleywood Cove & Marina.......................................................... 21 Essential Real Estate...................................................................... 23 MOM Board of Realtors................................................................ 24

LUMBER COMPANIES

Somsel Lumber............................................................................... 15 Carter Lumber................................................................................. 19

INSURANCE AGENCIES

State Farm Insurance Agency..........................................................5

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Treadstone Residential Mortgage............................................... 13 Shelby State Bank.......................................................................... 17

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ DECOR COMPANIES

REDEEMED........................................................................................9

ADVICE FOR THE HOME

Did you know? Holiday shopping......................................... 5 Safe Entertaining Options...................................................... 6 Plan for a longer cooking time if you smoke a turkey this Thanksgiving............................... 7 The secrets to cold weather entertaining.......................... 8-9 Factors to consider when planning year-round outdoor dining spaces............... 10-11 Storage solutions for pet supplies................................ 12-13 Prevent pet-related damage to the house......................... 14 Did you know? Homeowners Insurance & Pets................. 15 How to give safely during the pandemic..................... 16-17 Shop safely this Cyber Monday........................................... 18 Did you know? Cyber Monday Spending.......................... 19 What to do to prepare your garden for winter............ 20-21 Stave off cabin fever with family nights.............................. 22

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Your Next Home • November 2020

Ranch Home on 20 Acres!

2088 Carty Rd, Manistee 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Full Basement, 2 Car Attached Garage 2 Other Outbuildings 19.86 Acres with Spring Fed Pond & Creek

OFFERED AT $250,000

Little Manistee River Frontage!

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

2551 Stronach Rd, Manistee 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath Home Full Basement, 2 Car Garage on 2.06 Acres with 150ft of River Frontage!

heather@golighthouserealty.com

OFFERED AT $144,000

Buildable Lot with NO Association!

Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

17429 Fourth St., Arcadia

Level and Cleared .63 Acre Parcel At the North End of the Village Soil Evaluation/Perc Test & Survey on File

OFFERED AT $62,000

Build Your Dream Home!

Lot 2 N. Lakeview Rd, Bear Lake 1 Acre Parcel with 143ft of Lake Michigan Frontage!

Only 40 Steps to the Beach, Stairs already in place Property is part of Pierport Shores Association

OFFERED AT $199,000 November 2020 • Your Next Home

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INFORMATION

Carter Lumber....................................... 231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com Essential Real Estate............................. 231-942-9334

Lighthouse Realty Manistee.................. 231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Heather Barker................................. 231-510-5505 Lynda Beaton.................................... 231-383-0404 Therran Ferguson............................. 231-510-1790 Leah Gannon.................................... 517-607-5347 Brenda Gauthier............................... 231-233-6378 Kerri Mackey..................................... 231-510-8380 Judianne Sibley............................... 231-239-1333 Casey Tennant.................................. 231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors................... www.momboard.com

REEDEEMED.......................................... 231-887-4222

Shelby State Bank......................................................... www.shelbybank.com Somsel Lumber..................................... 231-362-3103 State Farm Insurance - Mary Sturdevant........................

231-723-9905

Treadstone Residential Mortgage......... 616-326-2201 www.treadstonemortgage.com Valleywood Cove & Marina................... 833-278-3745 4

Your Next Home • November 2020

Did You Know?

Holiday shoppers on the lookout for the perfect gift might want to avoid buying clothing or electronics for their loved ones. A 2019 study from the personal finance website WalletHub found that 34 percent of gift recipients in the United States intended to return gifts they received for the holiday season. Among those who planned to return gifts, 68 percent intended to return clothing while 23 percent indicated they planned to return electronics. Clothing is often returned due to issues with sizing, but fashion sense also can vary significantly from individual to individual.

That can make clothing a tricky item to gift a loved one. Electronics also can be difficult, as techies may have loyalties to certain brands or simply prefer devices that are compatible with items they already own. So unless shoppers know which devices their loved ones already rely on, it may be best to avoid giving gadgets this holiday season.

Of course, shoppers who want to gift clothing or electronics can always give gift cards to their loved ones’ favorite stores.

Give your home the protection it deserves.

Your home is where you make some of your best memories, and that’s worth protecting.

Mary Sturdevant Ins Agcy Inc Mary Sturdevant, Agent

I’m here to help.

LETS TALK TODAY.

306 Parkdale Ave Manistee, MI 49660 Bus: 231-723-9905 November 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Safe entertaining options

Entertaining has changed quite a bit in 2020. Government-issued restrictions dictated how many people you could invite into your home or even your backyard. Large family gatherings, such as weddings or birthday parties, were put on hold. Many people are still cautious about crowds and maintaining their distance, even from close friends and family and even as safety protocols have been loosened.

Those who are eagerly awaiting hosting dinner parties or backyard gatherings can take various steps to ensure the health and safety of their guests. These guidelines can help make entertaining that much safer.

Keep the guest list small While you may want to invite as many people as possible, keeping the guest list small can help you keep better track of contact tracing should anyone develop symptoms or feel ill. It also limits the number of people with whom you come in contact.

If you plan on entertaining routinely, stick to the same guest list over and over rather than inviting new people.

Maintain social distancing The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to urge people to remain at least six feet apart from one another.

Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets also can be inhaled into the lungs. The CDC and other health organizations maintain that keeping at least a six feet from others reduces the likelihood that respiratory droplets will land on another person. More distance is always better. Leave room between seats around the dining table, and discourage crowding around entertaining areas.

Wear masks Masks can be worn when maintaining distance is not possible.

Although masks may not always be comfortable or fashionable, there are ways to incorporate them into the theme of your gathering. Ask everyone to wear a specific color or style of mask.

Purchase extra masks for guests if you suspect someone may not

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own one.

Offer individual portions Self-service buffets and drink bars may be risky. Instead, you can don proper safety gear and serve food to your guests to minimize the amount of people touching food or beverages.

Have individual drinks Canned soft drinks, beers or small bottles of wine may also help limit the spread of the virus by providing individually portioned beverages rather than having people pour or ladle drinks out of communal offerings.

Provide hand-cleaning options Encourage guests to wash their hands frequently and make sure there’s plenty of soap in the bathroom. Individual paper towels, while not as eco-friendly as reusable cloth towels, also can improve bathroom hygiene. Keep containers of hand sanitizer in high-traffic spots around the entertaining area as well.

Check for symptoms No one wants to play bouncer at their own dinner party, but checking to make sure guests are well or experiencing symptoms can minimize risk. The CDC urges anyone who is feeling unwell to avoid gatherings.

Hosting a gathering in the era of COVID-19 can be challenging.

However, it’s possible to do so safely if hosts and their guests adhere to safety precautions set forth by local governments and the CDC. Your Next Home • November 2020

HOME Thanks in large part to a global pandemic that has lasted for much of 2020, Thanksgiving figures to be celebrated a little differently this year than in years past. Family gatherings may not be as large and highways may not be as heavily trafficked as they are on what is normally one of the year’s biggest weekends for travel. In addition to smaller gatherings, many families may opt to host Thanksgiving dinner outdoors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the COVID-19 virus spreads very easily through person-to-person contact, and the risk of spreading the virus is even greater when spending time indoors with other people.

As a result, some families are planning to host Thanksgiving dinner outdoors on their patios or decks this year. That decision has prompted some to consider different ways of cooking their Thanksgiving turkeys, including smoking.

Smoking has long been associated with cooking foods like brisket at home, but smokers also can be used to make delicious Thanksgiving turkeys.

Thanksgiving hosts who want to smoke their turkeys outdoors this year are urged to take a few trial runs and watch some online tutorials before trying their hand at smoking. Smoking relies heavily on controlling temperatures, which can fluctuate dramatically and quickly inside a smoker. As a result, smoking a turkey November 2020 • Your Next Home

Plan for a longer cooking time if you smoke a turkey this Thanksgiving

may require simple but frequent adjustments to dampers so the temperature inside can remain steady at around 225 F. Hosts who suspect they will be busy hosting or preparing side dishes on Thanksgiving may want to cook their turkeys in more traditional ways, such as baking the bird in the oven.Those who can devote the time to controlling the temperature on their smokers also should know that the turkey will take much longer to cook in a smoker than in an oven. According to the online grilling resource Heygrillhey.com, cooks should plan to smoke their turkeys at 225 F for approximately 30 minutes per pound.

That means smoking a 15-pound turkey will require at least 7.5 hours cooking time. That’s a significant factor to consider for people who want to host Thanksgiving dinner outdoors this year.

In order to avoid serving smoked turkey after the sun has gone down and temperatures have dipped, Thanksgiving hosts may need to wake up especially early and fire up their smokers around the break of dawn if not earlier.

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HOME

The secrets to cold weather entertaining

Upon the arrival of cold weather, people tend to move indoors and limit their time spent in the elements. For those who live in places where there are restrictions placed on indoor entertaining and gatherings, it may be challenging to find ways to spend time safely together as temperatures drop.

The COVID-19 virus as well as other respiratory viruses are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets released into the air while coughing, talking or sneezing, states the Mayo Clinic. A person is more likely to inhale these droplets from an infected person while indoors, especially when they’re in close contact with that person. When outdoors, there is a lower risk of contraction.

Outdoor entertaining in winter may be challenging, especially in regard to keeping everyone warm. The following are some solutions that can help people stay warm and have fun outside.

Invest in fire pits Fire pits are an affordable way to heat a patio or another outdoor area. They can be great places for friends and family to gather around and enjoy special occasions. They’re readily available from garden centers and home improvement retailers at a variety of price points.

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Permanent fire pits can be built by a homeowner or professionally built by masonry experts.

Install an outdoor fireplace A step up from a fire pit, outdoor fireplaces not only add warmth, but also improve the ambiance and value of an outdoor entertaining area. Set up outdoor furniture right next to an outdoor fireplace and you have a cozy alternative living room where everyone can gather.

Explore outdoor heating systems Few things are more effective at warming up outdoor entertaining areas than patio heaters and infrared heaters. These devices are far more effective than average fire pits or fireplaces. One or two heaters will be enough to keep a large entertaining area warm.

Keep cozy options available Guests should dress warmly, but having a basket of throw blankets, scarves and parkas available for Your Next Home • November 2020

extra warmth while mingling is helpful. Use outdoor rugs to insulate from the cold from the ground up.

Serve hearty foods and beverages Stews, chilis, soups, and other hot foods can help guests warm themselves up from the inside out.

Warmed cider, hot chocolate and mulled wines also can be served to help people stay warm.

Get moving Incorporate activities that encourage guests to move around and stay warm. Beanbag tosses, dancing and even sports like flag football can keep guests’ blood flowing.

Entertaining outdoors doesn’t have to stop when the weather cools. Find ways to stay comfortable and safe when entertaining outside in the cold.

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R E D E E M E D Furniture, Decor and More!

Over 50 Vendors! Stop In Today!

231-887-4222

172 Memorial Dr. • Manistee (Next to Family Dollar) November 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME Al fresco dining is popular in spring and summer, and that popularity reached new heights in the summer of 2020. With much of the world still grappling with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and government officials fearing rising case numbers if indoor gatherings were allowed, many restaurants were limited to offering only outdoor dining to patrons. Such restrictions reintroduced many people to the pleasure of outdoor dining.

Outdoor dining may be synonymous with summer, but there’s no reason why good meals can’t be enjoyed outside year-round. That’s especially true when homeowners and hosts take stock of certain factors when planning outdoor dining spaces they intend to use all year long.

• Lighting: If you plan to keep outdoor dining going after summer, then some extra lighting may be necessary. The sun sets in late afternoon/early evening in fall and winter, so you won’t be able to rely on natural light to keep the dinner table aglow. Lighting also can make outdoor dining in summer more enjoyable. Outdoor string lights can add a relaxing vibe to a deck or patio. If you intend to string the lights up year-round, make sure poles are sturdy enough to withstand winter winds.

• Weather: Table cloths can add a touch of class to outdoor dining tables. But those table cloths are 10

Factors to consider when planning year-round outdoor dining spaces

only effective if they remain on the table. Summer breezes might not prove too great a challenge in that regard, but fall, winter and spring weather might make it hard to keep table cloths on the table where they belong. A simple set of table cloth clips can ensure the wind doesn’t blow table cloths around while people are eating or completely off the table when everyone is inside. Hurricane candle holders also can make it easy to maintain the ambiance candles provide without having to worry about the wind extinguishing the candles in one strong gust.

• Seating: Guests might have no problem dining on traditional summer barbecue fare like burgers and hot dogs while sitting in camping chairs. But hosts who want to serve meals that require the use of a knife and fork will need to make sure all guests have a seat at the table. A foldable picnicstyle table that can be easily stored in a garage or shed can do the trick. In addition, some deck and patio tables are expandable, making them ideal options for hosts who may want to work around Your Next Home • November 2020

social distancing guidelines and serve holiday meals outside this year.

• Grill: Charcoal grill devotees may find it frustrating to keep coals lit long enough to get hot so they can keep enjoying grilled meals after summer and throughout fall, winter and spring. A hybrid charcoal/grill smoker that does not expose the fire to the elements as much as a traditional charcoal grill can do the trick, and such a grill also gives cooks the chance to slow cook and smoke foods all year long. For those with no special devotion to charcoal grills, a propane grill can light up in a matter of seconds regardless of the weather.

Outdoor dining can be enjoyed year-round, especially when hosts take steps to prepare their outdoor spaces for four seasons’ worth of gatherings.

The Power of Team Work

When listing and selling your home you’re not just getting a Realtor you are getting a team including a certified home inspector, point of sale specialist and someone who specializes in all aspects of your home maintenance needs.

L&K Maintenance LLC Owner/Operator Len Dunlap Call/Text 231-510-6771 doesitbest@gmail.com Specializing in Home and Commercial Real Estate Inspections

Kerri Mackey Realtor

(231) 510-8380 Mobile

kerri@golighthouserealty.com

November 2020 • Your Next Home

• We specialize in all your home maintenance needs • Home and commercial Real Estate Inspections • Authorized in Point of Sale Specialist

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

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HOME

Storage solutions for pet supplies

Pet owners soon learn that having a pet means carving out a portion of home real estate for all of the supplies necessary for keeping companion animals healthy and comfortable. From food to toys to bedding, many pets require a laundry list of items.

Developing a storage strategy means keeping items within reach but potentially out of sight. These suggestions can help individuals calm pet-related clutter.

Food storage Many dry pet foods are sold in bulk, which can be convenient for pet parents. Buying in quantity not only reduces the number of shopping trips, it also can help keep per-unit costs down.

The U.S. Food & Drug Adminstration notes that proper storage of pet food and treats helps maintain the products’ nutritional value and prevents spoilage. It also can keep pets from getting into their food and eating too much.

Purchase a food grade and BPA-free plastic storage container that can accommodate the volume of food and has an airtight lid to maintain freshness. If you are pouring the food directly into the container, save the product UPC code, brand name, lot number, and “best by” date from the packaging in case you need to file a complaint about the food.

Small containers can be used for treats or other edible items. Store all food in a cool, dry place.

Toys and more Investing in some similarly sized clear storage containers makes it easy to wrangle all of the accessories that come with pet ownership. Label the containers and fill them with the items you need, such as rubber balls, pet waste bags, coiled leashes or collars, squeaking toys, grooming brushes and combs, extra bird cuttlebones, fish nets, 12

warming stones, or whatever other supplies are needed for pets large and small. Devote a shelf or shelves in a storage closet for these items so they’re always readily available.

Medications Store medications separately from products used for children and adults in the house. Keep medications in the original packages so labels can be referred to as needed.

Place them in a sealed container so they’re not easily opened by children or pets.

Toys in use Many dogs and cats (or other small animals allowed to roam the house) will want access to their favorite toys. An easy solution is a ground-level basket that is slipped under a side table in the living room or den. It’s easily accessible but kept out of sight. Clean-up means a quick sweep of toys that quickly can be tossed in the basket.

Bedding Depending on the animal, bedding may mean a cozy stuffed fabric bed or a pile of shaved cedar. Both can be bulky. A designated spot for storage helps keep the home organized, and dog and cat beds can be coordinated to the color scheme of the house so they blend in.

Pets require many different supplies that, when properly stored, will not seem like they’re intruding on pet owners’ space.

Your Next Home • November 2020

What’s in a name?

Everything A company’s reputation is like a good handshake—significant and impactful.

our passion Positively Impact Lives

Stuart Wilson Loan Officer | NMLS 1778344

616.326.2201

our niche

StuartW@ treadstonemortgage.com www.treadstonemortgage.com

Mortgages – Better. Faster. Smarter.

three uniques 1. Best people in the industry.

2. Proactive communication throughout.

3. Make a complex process simple.

November 2020 • Your Next Home

214 Fulton Street E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Treadstone Funding propelled by Neighborhood Loans NMLS 222982

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HOME

Prevent pet-related damage to the house

The benefits of having a pet are innumerable. Pets can be companions, protectors, service animals, and even help produce products that can be sold, such as eggs from chickens. While there are many positive attributes to pets, one potential concern is the impact they have on the home.

Pet-related damage can occur when pets are angry or happy. Boisterous animals may scratch or claw at furniture and floors. Some animals may climb or chew. Woodwork and furniture can be damaged by pet paws and teeth, but that’s not where it ends. The following are some potential pet-damage problems and how to avoid them.

Marking Many animals use scent markers to establish their territory and communicate with other animals. As a result, both male and female pets may spray urine in certain areas of the house. While it may not eliminate the problem immediately, making sure to neuter or spay cats and dogs can reduce the likelihood that they’ll mark indoors or attempt to seek out and mate with feral animals they smell canvassing the property.

Accidents In addition to marking, pets that have not been properly trained or were trained and are experiencing a behavioral or medical issue may begin soiling in improper areas, such as outside of the litter box or in the home. Obedience training can head off some issues, but if a medical condition is suspected, consult with a veterinarian promptly.

Dirt, fur and more An investment in regular grooming can help keep certain damage at bay, states Home Advisor. Regularly brushing and trimming coats, keeping nails clipped and bathing will keep a home fresh and minimize damage. Other pets may not be groomed but require cleaning of cages or other habitats. Bird droppings and feathers can get on surfaces.

Cleaning daily or very frequently can help keep a home tidy.

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Provide toys and scratching posts Pets need an outlet to tame anxiety and energy. If they don’t have suitable outlets, pets may cause damage to a home. Cats will take to furniture to stretch their paws if they don’t have scratching posts or special mats. Dogs, particularly puppies, can be orally fixated. When the urge to chew sets in, unless there are appropriate chew toys, furniture, moldings and other items around the house may become fair game.

It is important to note that declawing a cat to prevent damage should not be a consideration. It is a surgery that can cause ongoing health problems. Nail caps can be used as a safe alternative.

Escape artists In some cases, pets may chew or scratch their way through doors and window screens. Others may dig under fencing or climb, leaving damage in their wake. Boredom, anxiety or lack of training may be behind these behaviors, according to Pets Weekly. However, the urge to roam also may be tied to pets not being fixed. Work with the vet or a trainer to help stop these issues.

Pets can cause damage around the house. But certain strategies can help decrease the likelihood that pets cause damage around the house.

Your Next Home • November 2020

Did You Know?

Pet owners who arrive home to discover that their pet has caused damage to their domiciles may wonder if that is covered by their homeowners insurance policies. Allstate insurance states that homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage inflicted by pets on

personal property or the dwelling itself. This also applies to domestic farm pets, as would be the case if a goat or ewe broke fence posts or the barn door. The cost for replacement

or repairs for pet-related accidents is the pet owner’s responsibility. However, the liability

protection provided with most standard homeowners policies may offer coverage if your pet damages someone else’s property, such as if your puppy chews up the moldings while a

neighbor is pet-sitting. It is always important to review and discuss policy coverage with an

insurance agent to learn what level of protection you have. In addition, quality crates and/or

fencing can help keep mischievous pets out of trouble and reduce damage in and around the house.

POLE BUILDINGS LET US QUOTE YOURS Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva November 2020 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

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HOME Donations are the lifeblood of many charitable organizations. Unfortunately, donations also can be the lifeblood of criminal operations designed to scam would-be donors.

The potential for charity scams could be even greater in 2020. Charities accept donations year-round, but the spirit of giving that prevails during the holiday season makes the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas especially popular times to donate to charity. In addition to being on the lookout for the usual scams, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia warns prospective donors to beware of potential scams involving the COVID-19 virus.

Recognizing the challenges people in their communities have faced as a result of the economic fallout of the pandemic, donors may be more inclined to donate to charities purporting to help laid off workers, small businesses or others adversely affected by the outbreak. That’s admirable, but prospective donors must recognize that their eagerness to support COVID-related charities may make them vulnerable to criminals looking to exploit their charitable nature. In recognition of that, the OAGDC offers these tips to men and women who are considering donating to charity in 2020.

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How to give safely during the pandemic

• Be wary of recently launched operations.

Operations that were formed in response to the pandemic may be viable, but the OAGDC also warns that many have been formed by scammers looking to exploit the outbreak for their own gain. Be especially wary of crowdfunding campaigns.

• Ask questions. The OAGDC says that any charity, even those formed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, should be able to provide you with the same information as charities that have been around for years. Prior to donating, ask for the charity’s name, address, telephone number, and mission. In addition, don’t feel skittish about asking how your donation will be used and the percentage of each donation that goes to programs that directly help the people you’re trying to assist.

• Be vigilant before donating via peer-topeer social networking websites. It’s especially difficult to verify how donations made via texts or websites are ultimately used. While these can be convenient ways to donate, the OAGDC urges donors to be especially vigilant about vetting before donating to charities through these channels.

Your Next Home • November 2020

• Never donate using cash, gift cards or wire transfers. Reputable charities do not ask for donations to be made in this way. The OAGDC advises donors to use credit cards whenever possible.

• The terms “COVID-19” or “coronavirus” do not authenticate a charity. A reputable name or logo does not mean the charity is actually reputable.

Prior to donating, donors can confirm a charity is legitimate by contacting organizations such as Charity Navigator, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance or the National Center for Charitable Statistics.

Scammers will no doubt try to exploit the pandemic to take advantage of donors during the upcoming giving season. Savvy donors can employ various strategies to ensure their charitable donations end up in the right hands.

November 2020 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Shop safely this Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is a lucrative day for retailers. According to Adobe Analytics, which measured transactions from a majority of popular online retailers in the United States, consumers spent an average of $11 million per minute between 11 p.m. EST and midnight EST on Cyber Monday in 2019. And it wasn’t just the final hour of Cyber Monday that proved popular, as total sales in 2019 increased by roughly 19 percent compared to Cyber Monday a year prior.

The internet has made holiday shopping easier than ever, and retailers capitalize on that convenience every year on Cyber Monday. Savvy consumers recognize there’s great deals to be had on Cyber Monday, but the popular shopping holiday also marks a great time for cyber criminals to target unsuspecting online shoppers.

Holiday shoppers spend more time and money buying gifts online every year, so before the buying season begins it’s wise for shoppers to consider a few strategies for shopping safely this Cyber Monday.

• Beware of malvertising. In recent years, cyber criminals have employed malvertising to trick online shoppers into taking them to websites that look reputable. But looks can be deceiving. Malvertising injects malicious code into legitimate online advertising networks. If consumers accidentally click a malicious ad, the malvertising can trigger a code that installs malware or adware on their computers, redirect users to a malicious website instead of the one the ad suggests or redirect users to a website that looks just like a legitimate retailer’s site, even though it’s not. Update antivirus and ad blockers prior to Cyber Monday. In addition, update browsers and plugins, which can often prevent malvertising attacks.

• Update your software. Skipping or delaying software updates on a computer, tablet or smartphone can make online shoppers vulnerable to hackers and other cyber 18

criminals. Install new operating systems on your devices when such updates become available, and check to see if any new updates can be installed before shopping on Cyber Monday.

• Avoid searching through search engines. When shopping, resist the temptation to look for deals through search engines. Cyber criminals can insert malicious links into search results, directing unsuspecting to consumers to malicious websites designed to target their personal information. When looking for deals, visit the websites of established retailers instead of conducting searchs through browsers like Google or Firefox.

• Read a URL before buying anything. One old yet still effective trick cyber criminals employ is creating websites that look identical to those of trusted retailers.

These copycat sites may only be one letter different from legitimate sites. By reading URLs closely prior to entering any personal information, such as their credit card numbers, consumers can protect themselves from copycat websites.

Cyber Monday is a popular shopping holiday. Cyber Monday shoppers should be as cautious about cyber criminals as they are excited about finding great gifts for their loved ones.

Your Next Home • November 2020

Did You Know?

According to Adobe Analytics, Cyber Monday spending reached historic heights in 2019.

Online spending on Cyber Monday totaled $9.4 billion in 2019, which marked a $1.5 billion increase in total spending from the year prior. A global pandemic figures to compel even more shoppers to shop online in 2020, though economic uncertainty and high rates of unemployment may make it hard for some online retailers to exceed their Cyber Monday sales figures from 2019. Though holiday shopping belts might be tightened in 2020, small businesses with e-commerce capabilities and strong online presences should not let that get in the way of their efforts to capitalize on Cyber Monday. In recognition of the struggles small businesses have faced during the pandemic, many local governments have emphasized the importance of supporting locally owned small businesses. Communities across the country have answered that call in many ways, and chances are strong locals will continue to do so this holiday season. Small business owners who are ready to meet consumer demands this holiday season, even if those demands are not as great as in holiday seasons past, can capitalize on what figures to be a unique time for shoppers and businesses alike.

At Carter Lumber in Ludington, we make the transition into a new home as painless as possible. We have years of experience helping new residents turn their new homes into the permanent home of their dreams.

For more information on how we can help you, visit us in-store or online.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

November 2020 • Your Next Home

From kitchen and bath designs to decking, we make the remodeling and building process easy.

We’ve been rooted in the community for decades and are proud to welcome you to our beautiful lakeside community.

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HOME Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall.

Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter.

• Remove weeds and debris. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. So it’s imperative that weeds and debris are removed before the ground hardens in winter.

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What to do to prepare your garden for winter

Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result.

• Prepare the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries.

Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends.

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• Remove dead or diseased plants. Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the winter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for the garden to thrive in the spring.

• Protect fruit trees. If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter.

A gardener’s work is never done, and the work to create beautiful spring gardens begins in the fall.

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Stave off cabin fever with family nights

If the global pandemic has taught the public anything, it is how to be resourceful. Many components of daily life have changed as a result of the COVID-19 virus, and quite a number of people have discovered new things about themselves in the process — including interesting ways they can keep busy.

Indulging different hobbies and forms of entertainment has long been a way to stave off the cabin fever that often accompanies cold weather and spending increased time indoors. Now these activities also are ways to pass the time in safe manners when social distancing from others. Reconnect with the joys of playful interaction afforded by any number of board games, video games, movies, and other activities.

There are many great methods to getting the family together in entertaining ways. Consider the following ideas.

Themed movie night Set aside one night each week for a family movie night. The twist is that each week the movie selection must fit a particular theme or contain a certain criterion chosen randomly from a jar. For example, if “animal” is selected, then the movie must be about animals or have an animal as a main character or component of the film. A theme helps add some variety to the movie selection process.

Classic game night Many homes have a closet or drawer filled with various games. Chances are many of them are classic offerings that have withstood the test of time, such as 22

Monopoly® or Scrabble®. Revisit these beloved games and see if you can improve your strategies.

Action game night Look for games that involve action and give all ages a chance to win. Action games combine a physical activity and family interaction. Games can be commercial offerings with regimented rules, or freestyle games that the family creates. Relay races, timed scavenger hunts or physical games like Twister® are some options. You also can divide up into two groups and engage in a heated game of charades.

Puzzle or trivia night Puzzles can put the brain to the test. Research shows that puzzle and trivia work can strengthen cognition.

Puzzling actually stimulates the brain and can potentially ward off Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study published in the Archives of Neurology.

If you like to do jigsaw puzzles, you can improve visual-spacial reasoning by figuring out where pieces fit into the big picture.

Spending time at home can involve movie or game nights that become part of families’ weekly routines.

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Your Next Home • November 2020