4,000 Reasons to Love Bees
(StatePoint) May 20 is World Bee Day, an opportunity to celebrate not only the beloved honey bee, but North America’s 4,000 species of native bees, many of which are busy right now.
“Throughout spring and summer, these insects dutifully pollinate crops and wildflowers, playing a vital role in fostering healthy ecosystems,” says Clay Bolt, manager of Pollinator Conservation and Great Plains communications, World Wildlife Fund.
According to Bolt, native bee species are beautifully varied in their appearance, behaviors, feeding habits and habitats.
They can be striped, metallic, fuzzy, thin and rotund, in a spectrum of colors. The world’s smallest species—the Euphorb mini-fairy bee—is only found in southern deserts. At 2 millimeters, it is about as long as a U.S. nickel is thick.
Different bee species fly at different times— early morning, daytime or night. Many emerge seasonally in spring or summer,
while others remain hidden underground for years awaiting summer monsoons. Bees inhabit diverse environments, from cold mountain peaks to beaches. Generalist species visit many flower types, while specialists pollinate only specific flowers. And unlike bumble bees and other hivedwelling bee species, such as honey bees and stingless bees, over 70% of the world’s bee species are in fact solitary, hardworking moms who quietly nest in overlooked places like decomposing logs and alongside garden paths.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what is a bee?” you might be surprised to learn that they are vegetarian wasps. However, unlike their wasp relatives, which often feed their young protein in the form of paralyzed insects and the hamburger they might steal from your picnic table, most bees provide their offspring with protein made from pollen mixed with nectar. The mother bee compacts these materials into a pellet and places it within her nest cavity, lays a single egg atop the mixture, then seals the chamber where the young bee will develop entirely without maternal assistance.
How can you help bees?
Sadly, bees face threats to their survival, but there are steps you can take to help protect them.
Bees need healthy, pesticide-free foods throughout their lives. This is one of the greatest gifts you can offer these pollinators, especially because parks and gardens often grow flowers that only bloom during peak summer. By planting a variety of plants that flower from early spring through autumn, the number of native bees and other pollinators visiting your garden will increase exponentially.
“Through small acts of kindness, you can transform the lives of these remarkable creatures, while filling your heart with profound hope and wonder as you witness their delicate yet ongoing care of our shared world,” says Bolt.
World Bee Day also kicks off World Wildlife Fund’s new “Stories of Hope and Wonder,” an ongoing series that connects people to the wonder of nature and offers hope for a future benefiting both people and wildlife. Each month, “Stories of Hope and Wonder” will feature a different species overcoming some of nature’s toughest obstacles to ensure its survival. To access these stories, visit www.worldwildlife.org/ hopeandwonder.
Bees are industrious creatures that are essential to vital food systems and healthy ecosystems. While bees are at risk, individuals can make all the difference in their own backyards this World Bee Day and beyond.
VALLEY AUCTIONS VALLEY HEALTH
buying peace of mind – a wellchosen faucet, sturdy cabinetry or durable flooring can elevate your home for years to come,” said Danielle DeBoe Harper, senior creative style manager, Moen.
Once you have a map of projects in place, plot when you want to tackle each one on the calendar.
Defining Your Home’s Aesthetic
Before diving in, ensure you’re investing in an aesthetic that resonates with you versus what is trending online.
“As you embark on the exciting process of styling your first home, it is essential to determine your personal taste so that it truly reflects who you are,” said DeBoe Harper. “Whether your style leans modern, traditional, industrial, farmhouse, glam, or a combination of a few, understanding your preferences will help you establish the overall atmosphere of your home.”
Luckily, there are many places to find inspiration. Try browsing the aisles of a home
décor store—what lamps or pillows are you just dying to put in your cart? When visiting a friend’s home, mentally note what you love and what you’d leave. At the grocery store? Pick up a few home décor magazines on your way out. And, of course, your phone or computer holds a treasure trove of style inspiration, from renovation tutorials on social media to style and décor trends on your favorite brand’s website.
Diving In
Before getting to work, ensure you have versatile supplies for various projects. The essentials include: a hammer, flathead, Phillips screwdrivers, painter’s tape, and a power drill.
Now it’s time to DIY. Not sure how to approach a project? Lean on inspiration from friends and family, use YouTube tutorials to walk you through it, or get instructions from an expert at your local hardware store. Of course, make sure whatever you choose is something that’s safe to DIY.
“One of the first projects I recommend is
painting, since it’s a relatively affordable update that can completely transform the way a room comes together—and even how it makes you feel,” said DeBoe Harper. “You can paint an entire room or update a piece of furniture or cabinetry with a new color. Other highimpact projects that can be done at a lower cost include swapping hardware, like cabinet knobs or pulls, installing a new showerhead, building bookcases, changing the kitchen faucet or hanging peel-andstick wallpaper, all of which can enhance your look almost instantly while boosting DIY confidence.”
For even more DIY renovation tips and inspiration, visit Moen.com.
And remember, successful DIY renovation is built on planning, preparation and a willingness to learn. With these tips for first-time homeowners, you can shape a stylish, comfortable space tailored to your needs.
Options for Addressing Concrete Failure
When homeowners notice signs of failure in their driveways, sidewalks or patios, they often assume replacement is the only option. However, concrete repair can revitalize slabs without a full replacement, typically at a lower price.
Repair: New technology makes repairing concrete laess invasive, more affordable and quicker than total replacement. Consider Thrasher Foundation Repair’s PolyLevel process, which refers to a system using a twopart polyurethane polymer to fill voids and lift concrete slabs to their original position. It’s injected through a pencil eraser-sized hole and expands into a structural foam that compacts the soil. Quick, noninvasive and aesthetically pleasing, it’s a fast installation process with a curing time of 15-20 minutes so the surface can be used the same day. This repair process is recommended for cracks, settled and unlevel slabs or sunken steps.
“Repairing concrete, rather than full replacement, can save homeowners as much as 50-80%, depending on square footage,” said Dan Thrasher, CEO of Thrasher Foundation Repair. “It’s often a more economical solution that provides peace of mind, visual appeal and long-lasting results.”
Staining: After a repair, slabs may appear mismatched. Staining concrete adds visual appeal while helping to prevent pitting, flaking, cracking and moisture-related issues.
Replacement: As a long, disruptive and inconvenient process, full slab replacement can be overwhelming, both in terms of time and money. Some situations do call for full slab replacement, however, such as concrete older than 30 years, deep cracks and large potholes or a poorly installed base.
When choosing the right way to address concrete
failure, it’s important to consider your time and budget. When in doubt, contact a professional who can walk you through the process by visiting GoThrasher.com. #17447
Source: Thrasher Foundation Repair
Before You
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
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
DO NOT SEND CASH IN YOUR LETTERS
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:
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 8/4
Male Christian Widower, seeks female companion, Christian, over 65, no smokers. RP27227 5/12
IC’s:
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
FIC, 26, looking for a life long partner, someone who loves outdoors, famly & having a good time. I’m country girl with lively personality, love hard, caring & trustworthy. SP27224IC
SWtFIC, 54, 5’4”-180, brown hair, green eyes. Looking for somebody who would be interested in corresponding with me. LT27225IC
SWtFIC, 30, curvy, sexy, beauty queen, lovable, good humored, passionate. Seeking my king who is dependable, nonjudgemental, stable. Looking to fall in love.
BH27226IC
FIC, Native American Indian, joyful, loving, caring, good humored, with love to give. Curvy, full lips, seeking LTR with dependable, stable gentleman to connect with. FJ27226IC
SWtFIC, brown hair, blue eyes, 124 lbs. Looking for someone to correspond with, someone to share everyday life with. If interested, please enclose name & address.
PJ27232IC
SWtFIC, 43, 5’3”-160 lbs. Long blonde hair & blue eyes. I’m looking for somebody who would be interested in corresponding with me.
CW27233IC
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.
