Wednesday
November 5 2025
a supplement to the
Be prepared for the cold with the help of First Federal of Greene County. With a home improvement or home equity loan, you can finally upgrade that old furnace, take care of that leaking roof or replace those outdated floors. Keep the cold out and keep the warm and cozy in your home this winter. Visit a Loan Officer, or apply anytime online!
The elements pose a unique challenge to motor vehicles, and that’s particularly notable when seasons change. Though the shift from spring to summer, or even from summer to fall, may not be significant, drivers who want to safeguard their vehicles would be wise to take specific measures to prepare their cars or trucks for winter weather. Winterizing a car can be an essential part of vehicle maintenance. That’s particularly true for vehicle owners who live in regions where winter is marked by freezing temperatures and/or significant snowfall. As fall gives way to winter, drivers can take these steps to winterize their vehicles. Address tires and tire pressure. The experts at Kelley Blue Book note the dangers of aging and/or underinflated tires, particularly in winter. Icy,
wet, and/or snow-covered roads can be dangerous to traverse, so it benefits drivers to inspect their tires before winter. Worndown treads reduce traction and make it more difficult for vehicles to stop, which is already challenging on roads with ice. It’s equally important to keep tires properly inflated, as KBB reports each 10-degree dip in temperature can lead to a onepound loss in air pressure. Poorly inflated tires can decrease performance and safety on the road.
Check the battery and replace it if necessary. Another step in winterizing a car involves the battery, which helps keep the vehicle running. The automotive experts at Firestone note that sinking temperatures slow the chemical reaction in vehicle batteries, reducing the amount of power the battery can generate.
In fact, Firestone estimates a battery can lose as much as 60 percent of its strength in freezing temperatures. Firestone urges drivers to have a battery assessment test before winter to ensure the battery is healthy enough to withstand the coming months. If the assessment indicates the battery is weak, replace it before winter.
Check fluid levels. Routine vehicle maintenance at an auto body shop or car dealership typically involves checking and topping off fluid levels. Book such an appointment in advance of winter to ensure the vehicle has coolant, which KBB notes is formulated to resist freezing. Without sufficient coolant, a vehicle engine can suffer significant damage. Windshield washer fluid should also be filled to ensure the windshield can be sufficiently cleaned of salt
during and after snowstorms. A pre-winter oil change can also help the vehicle run smoothly throughout the colder months. Inspect belts and hoses. KBB notes cold weather weakens belts and hoses, which can become brittle and fail in low temperatures. Belts and hoses should be checked prior to winter. Engines can overheat, electrical system problems can emerge and power steering may be compromised if belts and hoses are allowed to fall into disrepair.
Winter can be a challenging time of year for cars and trucks. Various strategies to winterize a vehicle before the mercury drops can make it safer to be on the road when the weather turns cold.
The sights and sounds of the holiday season make this a special time of year that people look forward to. With its magical moments and opportunities to gather with family and friends, the holiday season is a period to celebrate and, of course, decorate. According to an informal poll by the decorating, culture and travel experts at Veranda, 65 percent of respondents said the time to decorate for Christmas is right after Thanksgiving or the first week of December.
Many stores now display holiday decorations and other wares alongside Halloween and fall items, so people can plan their decorating early if they expect to add to their holiday collections. These tips can help with decorating and make anyone deck the halls like a professional.
Choose your theme and color palette.
Consider a specific style of decorating, whether it’s traditional, minimalist, country or even winter wonderland. Then select a few coordinating colors to complement the theme and existing items in your home. Pick up these items as they become available in stores, since holiday merchandise often sells out quickly.
Focus on a few key areas.
While it’s tempting to decorate an entire home, pros know to focus on key areas like tables, doorways and mantles to create the most visual interest. This also makes decorating more manageable.
Rely on the rule of thirds. Create balanced, visually pleasing arrangements by dividing the space into nine equal parts, symbolically drawing two equally spaced horizontal and two equally spaced vertical lines. Designers often place essential elements along these lines or at their intersections to create a
more visually balanced and appealing composition. When grouping decorative items on shelves and tables, threes often look best.
Remove clutter.
It’s important to declutter a space before introducing holiday elements to create a clean, organized look. Store additional decorations and knick-knacks until after the holiday season.
Start with lights. It’s often easier to decorate by starting with lights, then weaving additional decorations into the mix. Build on lights with garlands and accent items.
Less is often more. Keep the decorating simple. A few elements here and there can have a much greater impact than several elements that draw attention away from one another. When taking out holiday decorations this year, use it as an opportunity to assess and cull the collection, which will make next year easier.
Homeowners can decorate their spaces for the holidays effectively with some guidelines professional designers often use.
Turning on the heat may be the furthest thing from homeowners’ minds come the end of summer or early fall. After all, there are plenty more days of comfortable temperatures to expect over the weeks to come. However, failing to inspect a furnace prior to when it is needed could lay a foundation for cold evenings.
Many HVAC experts recommend that homeowners have their furnaces serviced before the first cold
spell. When the heat is needed for the first time, it will be guaranteed to work if it’s been examined and any underlying issues have been addressed.
HVAC technicians are busy at the start of summer and winter. If a furnace is not working correctly, it could take some time before a professional can make a service call. Having the furnace and related equipment checked before it’s time to turn on the furnace means homeowners will
not be left in the lurch or potentially spend premium prices for repairs.
It is important to get a furnace checkup for a variety of reasons. Doing so can make the HVAC system run more efficiently, potentially resulting in savings over the winter. Regular maintenance can also help the furnace last longer, delaying the need for a costly replacement. No one wants the furnace to break down in the middle of a frigid night. Annual checkups
can reduce the risk of that happening. In addition, many furnace manufacturers offer warranties on their systems that require annual professional maintenance. Failure to have the system inspected could void the warranty.
Even if homeowners are floating in the pool and cranking up the air conditioning, they should consider having their furnaces inspected and serviced soon to prepare for the colder months ahead.
There are many reasons to welcome the arrival of winter each year. The holiday season, recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding, and the undeniable beauty of snow-covered landscapes are just some of the reasons to look forward to winter.
Winter certainly has its positive attributes, but some may shudder at the thought of colder temperatures and shorter days. In fact, some people dislike the cold so much that they take to the road each winter and make for locales noted for their mild temperatures. Snowbird is a term for individuals who leave their homes around the beginning of winter to spend the ensuing months in warm climates. Snowbirds often are retirees, but the flexibility of remote working has enabled more and more working professionals to become snowbirds, too. Those considering a pivot to the snowbird lifestyle can consider these tips to make that transition successful.
Find the right locale. Those new to the snowbird lifestyle might assume that anywhere that isn’t cold will fit the bill, but warm weather isn’t the only variable to consider when choosing where to spend your winters. Many snowbirds spend sev-
eral months at their winter destinations, so you will want somewhere that can accommodate the lifestyle you’ve grown accustomed to. First, identify your priorities, then consider variables such as the accessibility of nightlife, the availability of recreational activities and opportunities to socialize. A warm but especially remote location might appeal to some, but those who like to get out might do best spending their winters in a more vibrant locale.
Get a firm idea of the cost.
Though there are ways to save on the snowbird lifestyle, it can be costly. Whether you plan to rent a winter home or purchase a second home, there are notable costs that come with each approach. The costs of renting might
ity of the snowbird lifestyle. If you plan to rent lodgings for the winter, you must find a pet-friendly option, which can prove difficult depending on the type and size of your pet(s). Pets’ comfort also merits consideration. If you have a dog, a winter residence with access to a yard or a nearby dog park should be a priority. And some complexes that specialize in offering winter lodgings may restrict pets or charge hefty fees to allow them
seem more straightforward, as renters may think a deposit and monthly rent are the only added expenses. But snowbirds who plan to work during the winter will need to consider the tax implications if they will be living and working in a different state or province. Buying a second home also comes with its own tax implications, so it might be best for aspiring snowbirds to work with a certified financial professional who can help them navigate those costs. Specific locales may be tax-friendly for retirees, who can also work with a financial professional to identify areas where the financial implications of snowbirding may be minimal.
Don’t forget your pets. Pets merit consideration when pondering the feasibil-
Don’t forget your current home.
Snowbirds also need to arrange for the homes they live in most of the year to be looked after. If you plan to rent your primary home over the winter, that might come with hefty tax implications. If not, someone will need to look after the house while you’re gone. Snow removal and security are two notable components of winter home care that will need to be arranged before you head for warmer locales.
The snowbird lifestyle is tailor-made for people who prefer year-round warm weather. But several variables merit consideration before adults can commit to the snowbird lifestyle.
Few images capture the spirit of a season as well as a family gathered around a fireplace, embodying winter. Winter is indeed a time when families spend more time together indoors, and there’s no better gathering spot than around a warm fireplace.
Heartwarming scenes around a fireplace are even more enjoyable when safety has been prioritized. While natural fireplaces with roaring flames are notable safety risks, it’s important that individuals with gas fireplaces also embrace fire safety. The following are some gas fireplace safety strategies everyone can embrace.
Avoid the DIY installation route. Even the most skilled do-ityourselfers are urged to let the professionals install a new gas fireplace. Gas lines are nothing to mess around with, and professional installation teams have ample experience installing new gas fireplaces in homes.
Be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector on the same floor as the fireplace. During the gas fireplace installation, ask that a carbon monoxide detector with battery backup be installed on the same floor. The detector alarm will alert individuals if something is amiss, like a gas leak. Periodically inspect the detector to ensure it’s working properly.
Periodically inspect your
safety screen. Glass panels are standard features on many gas fireplaces. Such panels separate the fire within the fireplace from the people and items outside of it. Glass panels can become extremely hot, which is why most gas fireplaces come with safety screens as well. These mesh safety screens can keep curious kids and pets from touching hot glass panels, and also protect adults. Inspect the safety screens periodically to ensure they’re still intact and up to the job, replacing them if necessary.
Keep objects a safe distance away from the fireplace. Experts advise keeping objects at least three feet away from the fireplace at all times. Fabrics and other
materials that come into contact with the glass pose a fire hazard, so keep the area in front of the fireplace clear. Make the fireplace offlimits to children and pets. Though the aforementioned safety screens are a vital safety feature that can keep kids and pets safe, it’s still best to keep them away from the fireplace at all times. Turn off the fireplace if kids are playing in the room, and use safety gates to keep kids and pets away when the fireplace is in use.
Book annual fireplace inspections. Yearly inspections of the fireplace can ensure everything is working correctly. Professional inspections may detect potentially harmful gas leaks, and
annual checkups can also help individuals extend the life of their fireplaces.
Recognize outdoor gas fireplaces have their own safety protocols. Outdoor fireplaces have become wildly popular in recent years. Homeowners who install outdoor gas fireplaces on their properties must recognize that these awe-inspiring features require their own unique safety measures, including turning off the gas supply at the end of the outdoor entertaining season and protecting the fireplace from the elements when necessary.
Gas fireplace safety strategies can protect residents and extend the lifespan of these sought-after features.
When the summer entertaining season draws to a close, homeowners need to ensure their outdoor living areas can handle the weather that’s right around the corner. Although outdoor furniture and other items tend to be durable, the impact of snow, wind and ice can lead to damage over time. That is why many homeowners take steps to winterize their outdoor spaces and protect their belongings. Here’s a look at how to prepare for the winter to come.
Cover or store furniture to
protect it from the elements. Using weatherproof covers can be adequate if storing items indoors is not possible.
Deep clean: Items that will be covered or stored should be thoroughly cleaned before being removed from spaces for the season. Lingering dirt and moisture can cause damage.
Insulate and drain: Don’t risk damage to pipes, which can freeze and crack in the cold. Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain water lines to prevent pipes from freezing and
bursting. Use foam pipe insulation to avoid freezing and cover any exposed pipes.
Apply mulch: After cleaning up garden debris, consider applying mulch to garden beds and covering tender plants to protect them from the weather.
Check gutters: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and other debris. If gutters and downspouts are not cleaned, ice dams may form on the roof, causing water damage.
Inspect and repair: Inspect
walkways and driveways for any damage and make repairs now so water will not seep in and cause further issues with freeze-thaw cycles. Consider applying a sealant to protect surfaces from snow and ice.
Pools and spas: It’s essential to follow the industry or manufacturer recommendations for closing down swimming pools and spas for the season. While covers may not be necessary in all climates, they can help prevent leaves and other debris from entering the water. Water should be expelled from pipes and tubing to prevent freezing and bursting. If space allows, consider moving the pool pump indoors to prolong its longevity. Turn off the electricity to the outlet where the filter is plugged in.
There may be additional, region-specific steps to winterize a property, but these pointers are a good starting point to protect outdoor spaces.
Mother Nature can be harsh on a lawn, and it’s up to homeowners to nurse their lawns back to health after they endure the elements. That’s often the case when winter ends and homeowners discover damage to their lawns.
Homeowners cannot begin repairing winter lawn damage until they learn to identify it. The following are some telltale signs that winter took a harsh toll on a landscape.
Wilted grass:
Many things can cause grass to wilt over the course of winter, so homeowners may have to put on their sleuth’s cap to determine why grass that was healthy as recently as late fall is now wilted as the spring bloom begins. Grass adjacent to walkways and driveways
might have wilted due to de-icing solutions. Such products can prevent ice from forming on driveways and walkways. However, when they’re tracked onto the grass by people or animals or blown there by winter winds, grass can wilt.
Deep watering in spring can flush out any lingering solution from the lawn. In future winters, homeowners can be as careful as possible when applying de-icing solutions, making a concerted effort to avoid spreading any onto the grass and limiting applications to areas of the driveway and walkways that are not close to the grass.
Brown patches:
The National Association of Landscape Professionals notes that brown patches in a lawn often develop after heavy snowfall. Such
patches tend to develop where large piles of shoveled snow were deposited, so homeowners can inspect alongside driveways and walkways. The NALP advises homeowners to rake away part of the brown patches first. If green tissue is emerging beneath, then the lawn will likely be fine in due time. However, if the area beneath is not green and the surrounding areas are already turning green, homeowners may need to rake up dead tissue before applying topsoil to the affected spots. Once topsoil is spread, some grass seed can be spread, and the grass should regain its green glory.
Gray or pink grass:
Another indicator of winter lawn damage linked to snow is gray or pink grass. The NALP reports that
this is a byproduct of snow mold caused by lingering snow. Action may be unnecessary, as the NALP notes that these circular patterns often resolve on their own. If not, raking the affected areas might be enough to get the lawn on the road to recovery. If the issue persists after raking, a topsoil application and subsequent seeding may be necessary.
These are three common signs of winter lawn damage in areas with significant snowfall during the coldest months of the year. Homeowners concerned about their damaged lawns are urged to contact a local landscape professional to address any lingering issues that may persist into spring.
Allison Park
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Brownsville
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Connellsville
Cresson
Edensburg
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Indiana Jeannette
Kittanning
Latrobe
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