VALLEY HEALTH
They’ve seen it all through 50 years of serving more than 150,000 happy customers - from basement flooding to damaged concrete - and know how to prevent these issues before they
start. Recognized with the International Torch Award for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains, they set the standard for excellence in their field as a trusted industry leader in home protection.
“Winter can really take a toll on your home, but a few proactive steps now can save you headaches later,”
CEO Dan Thrasher said. “At Thrasher Foundation Repair, we help protect what matters most - your home and peace of mind. We’re happy to share our pro tips to help you keep your home safe, dry and ready for whatever winter throws your way.”
It all begins with homeowners taking proactive steps to recognize small problems before they spiral out of control. Use this checklist from Thrasher’s experts to prepare your home for a warm, secure and stress-free winter season.
Clean and Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
When debris like leaves clog gutters, it causes water to overflow and freeze, leading to ice dams and roof leaks. These blockages can cause water to damage your roof, siding and foundation, meaning it’s critical to remove debris. Run water through gutters and check for proper water flow - if you notice pooling or slow drainage, there may be a blockage that needs attention. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation and walkways by extending them at least 10 feet away from the home. Also be sure to inspect and tighten any loose gutter brackets and fasteners so they can withstand the weight of snow and ice.
Insulate Rim Joists
Rim joist insulation plays a big role in your home’s energy efficiency. If your insulation is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient material to reduce heat loss.
Protect the Basement and Foundation
Now is a good time to inspect your foundation for any cracks or damage. Bringing in the experts to address problem areas can help avoid larger issues when spring storms arrive. A working sump pump is critical for preventing basement flooding caused by snowmelt or winter storms, so it’s important to test it to ensure proper functionality. It’s also important to inspect discharge lines for potential freezing issues to avoid water backup into the basement. Consider grading soil to ensure the ground slopes away from your home, preventing water from seeping through.
Seal and Protect Concrete
Carefully inspect walkways, driveways and patios for cracking. During winter, water can seep into cracks, freeze then expand, causing long-term damage. Seal them with a penetrating
sealant (rather than a
Optimize Humidity
Turn on your furnace’s humidifier to maintain proper indoor humidity levels and adjust your dehumidifier settings to match winter’s low humidity. This helps keep your home comfortable while preventing moisturerelated issues.
Clear Debris Around the House
Along with cleaning gutters and downspouts, it’s important to clear window wells and clean up around the foundation, too. Debris in window wells can block drainage, causing water from snowmelt to pool near the foundation then seep into the
basement.
Manage Snow and Ice Leaving snow and ice on concrete surfaces can erode and weaken the material over time. Regularly shoveling snow from driveways, sidewalks and patios helps prevent ice buildup and protects the concrete from long-term damage.
Find more winter home maintenance tips and contact the pros for assistance by
visiting GoThrasher.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (teens shoveling snow)
Photo courtesy of Thrasher Foundation Repair (contractor checking gutters) #17325
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
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
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
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
Male Christian Widower, seeks female companion, Christian, over 65, no smokers. RP27227
IC’s:
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
FIC, 26, brown hair, big blue eyes. Looking to turn paper into something more. Tattooed country girl looking to get down & dirty. SP27228IC
FIC, 48, Cherokee Indian looking for companionship & possibly more. Let’s get to know
one another. I’m a city girl & love to have fun. WH27229IC
SWtFIC, looking for companionship. I’m petite but volumptuous in all the right places. 40, brown hair, green eyes. Exotic dancer, always down to have fun & try new experiences. Indian & German. Would love to meet a special man so I can spoil him. TS27230IC
FIC, 26, long brown hair, big blue eyes, looking for a companion, someone to love me the way I am. Honest, trustworthy, loving, caring. Love to get down & dirty. SP27231IC
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.