Understanding Pet Ownership Responsibilities

By Matt Morello, Pet Supplies Plus

Each year around the holiday season, we see an influx of new pet parents. Everyone in the pet community loves seeing dogs and cats get adopted out of rescues and fosters into happy and loving homes. The holidays are often followed by a period of dogs and cats reentering shelters and rescues, as people realize they cannot take care of their new addition for various reasons.  We always look to educate prospective pet parents on the responsibilities of their ownership when they are in my Pet Supplies Plus stores asking questions.  

First and foremost, animals need attention. They need to feel companionship with their owner. If you travel a lot for work or leave early in the morning and don’t return until late at night, please be aware that dogs need to be walked several times a day. These animals need to feel companionship with their owners. Thoughtfully considering your lifestyle and understanding the level of commitment a pet requires is very important.  

Cats are a bit different than dogs in terms of the need for constant attention. They allow for much more flexibility with their use of litter boxes and the ability to put out food for more extended periods. Even though cats are more independent than dogs, they still require physical and mental stimulation to keep them sharp. Similar to people, physical exercise will keep their weight in check.  

Consider adopting an older dog, as older dogs tend to be left in shelters as most families go for younger and more active dogs or cats. Instead of going through a breeder, please consider visiting a local shelter for your new addition to the family. Most rescue dogs have been spayed/neutered and screened for temperament or any health issues. 

Animals need play toys to occupy their time. For dogs, like cats, mental stimulation is key to keeping their natural instincts. Depending on their level of chew aggression, there are endless options. For those that chew through plush toys in seconds, I always suggest antlers. Antlers are great for aggressive chewers, as they are very durable. A pro hack is to boil antlers in chicken or bone broth to provide an additional incentive for the pet. Kong toys are a great option, as you can reuse them over a period of time.  

Once you’ve assessed your lifestyle and realized the commitment, you can make an educated decision on adding a pet to your home. The team at Pet Supplies Plus in Woodlyn is ready to help guide you through food selection and answer any questions you may have about your new addition.  

Looking Out for Our Elders

By Amy Holler, Home Instead Senior Care.

For the first time in human history, there are more old than young! This is a growing trend as birth rates decline and longevity increases. Who is considered old, you might ask? Most developed countries consider 65 years of age as a reference point. This shift in population is having major global implications, including social, economic and cultural challenges. Although aging and longevity are one of humanity’s greatest feats, this unprecedented phenomenon also produces many challenges, of which the most detrimental is ageism. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism “as pertaining to the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination directed towards others or oneself based on age.”

Ageism is ingrained in our society and culture in many subtle ways. The beauty industry paints aging as a picture of fear and revulsion. Media and entertainment depict older adults in a negative, inconsequential way. Even healthcare professionals can assume ageist practices, such as talking to a family member in the exam room instead of the older adult. Myths and stereotypes surrounding aging tend to drive our thoughts and actions. 

However, ageism is being studied and analyzed by many global institutions, such as the WHO, the Global Coalition on Aging and the United Nations (UN), along with many universities and hospitals. These institutions are producing important data, which, in turn, is driving policies and legislation aimed at eradicating this type of discrimination. For example, the Homecare for Seniors Act, H.R. 2898, is being lobbied on Capitol Hill here in the U.S. This Health Savings Account (HSA) Act will allow senior citizens and their families to use their own money saved in HSAs to pay for home care services. 

The veil of ageism is slowly being pulled back across the globe. Leaders are striving to advance medicine and technology to help meet the challenges of longer life expectancy. Even so, changing how we think, feel and act toward the aged begins in our communities. The positive aging movement is sweeping the countryside, proselytizing the belief that productivity, growth and creativity are possible throughout a lifetime. We each have a wealth of opportunities to help people live and age better. As stated on a car bumper sticker, “Old People are Cool.”

Amy Holler – Franchise Owner of Home Instead Senior Care on MacDade Blvd in Holmes, PA. Contact the author at 267-551-4700 or by email: [email protected].

Current Trends in Fireplaces

by Scott Magness, Scott’s Fireplace Products

Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Inserts

With their ability to keep you warmer, improve indoor air quality and save money, direct vent gas fireplace inserts are all the rage on home renovation shows. Traditional open-flue fireplaces draw air from inside your home for combustion, however direct vent gas fireplace inserts take air from outside of your home. They are sealed to stop cold drafts and to prevent warm air from escaping. 

Gas Flames That Look Just Like Wood Flames

With advancements in gas burner technology, you can now enjoy the clean convenience of natural gas flames that dance and flicker just like real wood burning flames. Head over to your local fireplace products store to learn more about how you can have a gas fireplace that would look as beautiful as the real thing.

High Efficiency Heat

You can lower your monthly home heating bill with a high efficiency fireplace insert. Most fireplace inserts cut the chilly draft from the chimney, but superior gas fireplace inserts are engineered to keep you warmer for less. The improvements include ceramic radiant heating technology, multi-speed blowers, programmable heat controls and multi-room heat distribution kits. 

Smart Gas Fireplace Inserts

It’s common to use a remote to turn on your gas fireplace, but now with wifi and bluetooth technology, gas fireplace inserts can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, or program temperatures you want to maintain at specific times of the day or night.

Small Gas Fireplace Inserts

Smaller gas fireplace inserts are perfect for heating cozy spaces, such as a small bedroom, bathroom or home office. It’s best to pick a gas insert that fits the size of your room, but sometimes that’s not possible. If your existing fireplace opening is too narrow or shallow to fit a medium or large insert, a small insert may be your only option. Keep in mind that if you need to heat a large space with a small insert, it’s important to choose one that has a built-in blower.

For more info contact Scott Magness at Scott’s Fireplace Products; 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA. By Phone at 484-422-8334 or eMail [email protected]
Website: www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

Electric Car Charging Speed: What You Need to Know

By Joe Voci, JDV Electric, LLC

Did you know that you can charge your electric vehicle (EV) battery with the standard outlet? In the world of electric vehicles, this type of charging is called Level 1 charging. The charging station for this Level 1 charging is usually supplied with the car; therefore, all-electric vehicle owners have access to it.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: “All I need to charge my EV at home is a household outlet? Easy peasy!”

Just a moment! There’s more to know about electric car charging speed and how to use Level 1 charging.

Although using a Level 1 charging station is the most straightforward way to start charging your EV at home, it is generally only used for emergencies and roadside troubleshooting. Most of the time, it stays in the trunk of the vehicle. Here’s why:

Level 1 charging stations are 120-volt plugs, and:

  • They can take over 24 hours to deliver an optimal battery charge of 80% at a speed of about six miles per hour. 
  • They can only charge one electric car at a time (the plug cannot be used by other appliances either).

You now understand that if you want to take advantage of a faster charging speed at home, you will need to equip yourself with a more efficient charging station.

The fastest way to charge your electric car at home is with a Level 2 charging station. It can be installed on the side of your house, in a garage or in your private parking lot. It also needs to be wired directly into your main home electrical panel; a licensed and insured electrician should wire it.

Level 2 charging stations have a 240-volt plug, and:

  • They can deliver an optimal battery charge of 80% in four to five hours at a charging speed of about 15 miles per hour for a plug-in hybrid and up to 40 miles per hour for an all-electric vehicle.
  • They are plugged into a special outlet or connected directly to the electrical panel.

A Level 2 charging station is, therefore, a key element in truly enjoying all the advantages of charging at home for its practicality, ease of use, reliability and savings!

For more info contact Joe Voci of JDV Electric, LLC by phone at 610-364-5099 or email: [email protected]
Website: jdvelectric.com

How to Know If Your Home Needs Duct Cleaning Services

By Ashley Dennon, Oliver Heating and Cooling

It’s no secret that having an efficient heating and cooling system is essential. You and your family need relief from hot summer days and chilly winter nights. However, one thing many homeowners don’t often think about is everything that goes into an efficiently functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, particularly the need for air duct cleaning. That’s where Oliver Heating and Cooling comes in!

What is air duct cleaning?

The process of cleaning your air ducts helps remove buildup, including dirt, allergens, dust, debris, mold spores, bacteria and viruses. In some homes, additional filtration systems may be necessary to reach optimal indoor air quality, including adding a humidifier or dehumidifier or optimizing filters or air scrubbers.

There are a few key signs that the ducts in your home need to be cleaned:

  • Your utility bills have suddenly spiked without an apparent reason.
  • You’re experiencing a problem with insects or rodents in your home.
  • You have a buildup of dust around the vents in your home.
  • You or a family member has suddenly had an onset of respiratory or allergy symptoms.

Benefits of duct cleaning services

There are many benefits to cleaning the air ducts in your home. The most important benefit, of course, is improving the air quality for your family. Clean air improves your health and helps to keep respiratory and allergy problems at bay. In addition, removing the buildup inside of your ducts will allow for your HVAC system to be more efficient which will in turn lower your heating and cooling costs.

How often should you clean your air ducts?

At Oliver Heating and Cooling, we recommend duct cleaning every 3-5 years. Keep in mind, there are a few outlying factors that may affect your schedule. For example, you should always have air ducts cleaned after new construction or a major renovation in your home due to excess dust and debris. Also, if you have had any water damage or signs of mold in your home, air duct cleaning is essential to avoid triggering respiratory problems.

Could your home benefit from air duct cleaning? An HVAC services company like Oliver can help. You can request information online or give us a call. We’ll make sure the air quality in your home is safe for your family.

Springfield Neighbors Advertiser: David Oliver, Owner, Oliver Heating & Cooling. Phone: 877-712-1482, Website: oliverheatcool.com

Reinvigorate Your Home with the 2023 Color of the Year Raspberry Blush

By Mariel Middleton – Founder, m. ariana interiors / Stacey Middleton BHHS Fox & Roach – Newtown Square

Both nature and fashion work in cycles – though no two years are ever the same. Cycles evolve and update even as they return, familiar and yet new. Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year Raspberry Blush harkens back to the Tuscan terracotta earth tones of the 90s, the playful warm corals of the mid-00s, and a timeless nautical salmon, now turning up the volume on this classic for a joyous modern feel.

This truly dynamic near-red shade has a healthy dose of coral-pink and orange undertones for an instant dose of warmth in any room. But don’t let the professional photography lighting fool you: Raspberry Blush interacts with natural light throughout the day to a perhaps surprisingly neutral effect most often, with mid-morning rays, afternoon direct sunlight and evening ambient lighting each bringing out different shades of terracotta, dusty rose and warm beige beneath the initially vibrant hue.

Still, if you’re not ready to paint your whole home in a monochromatic bright coral red right away, there are lots of lower-commitment and renter-friendly ways to embrace the 2023 Benjamin Moore Color of the Year Raspberry Blush: 

Painted accents go a long way. See how much a painted ceiling warms up an otherwise neutral space and how the color works with mid-century modern medium brown wood tones and gold accents for a very rich environment. Using Raspberry Blush in a matte finish is also a great way to tone down the saturation on this bright hue for use as more of a neutral tone in your color palette.

Small room makeovers are a great way to feel a big difference with the least effort. Update your bath towels, shower curtain and bathmat for a completely new bathroom vibe.

Smaller accents in the same color family, like a ceramic vase, woven coasters and placemats, or an ornate pink glassware set, can be among the easiest ways to bring new color to any space.

Larger accents that bring in tastes of the Raspberry Blush color family, like a patterned rug, can help tie in many smaller accents within a space. Alternatively, go for a bolder look with a monochromatic terracotta rug and balance it with color-saturated textiles that explore the variation within the hue, like a color-blocked throw blanket or assorted throw pillows in varying shades of orange, red and coral. Or, lean into the more muted jewel-toned range of the Raspberry Blush color scale for a sophisticated aesthetic focused on textured neutrals. Try an earthy bedroom update this year by matching monochromatic sheets and a duvet cover for a trendy bedroom refresh. Make sure to include different textures, materials and patterns within a space when celebrating a single color to really nail a top-to-bottom look.

Stacey Middleton is an advertiser with Springfield Neighbors as Realtor, with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Fox & Roach in Newtown Square. Phone: 610-353-6200, Email: [email protected],
Website: www.staceymiddleton.foxroach.com

Differences Become Similarities with Acceptance and Inclusion

By Brian Beale, The Beale Team, CrossCountry Mortgage LLC

45 minutes after our son Colin was born on December 19, 1998, doctors wheeled him back into the delivery room and told us that he has Down syndrome. While the doctor tried to diagram what Down syndrome is on a cocktail napkin, my wife Mary and I sat in silence, not knowing what the future would hold or how our lives would change starting at that very moment. It wasn’t long before we gathered our emotions and agreed to face the future with nothing but positivity and hope. We started a non-profit called Lil’ Bealsy Tee-Up for Down Syndrome, raising over $250,000 over 15 years for different organizations supporting individuals with special needs, specifically Down syndrome.

Continuing our mission of raising awareness of how much people with Down syndrome have to offer society, I decided to put my background and passion for writing to work, authoring two children’s books: Colin Gets a Chance and the followup story My Name is Colin…and this is who I am. I am honored to say that Colin Gets a Chance was selected to be included in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame library in Cooperstown, New York. Both can be found online at Amazon and major bookstore chains.

Colin Gets a Chance is a story about a young boy with Down syndrome who enjoys being a part of his baseball team but never gets the opportunity to play. He sits on the bench and cheers his teammates on…until his team decides one day it’s time for Colin to get his chance.

the next two paragraphs are excerpts from Colin gets a chance, so this is a good place for the book cover
“Colin may look different than you and me, but his feelings are the same. We took a vote and we all agree. Put Colin in the game.” Tommy added, “Colin may take longer to learn, but none of us care about that. The team decided it was now their turn to cheer for Colin at bat.”

Colin got the winning hit, and this is what he said, ”I know I am be a little different than you, so thanks for letting me play. My biggest dream has finally come true. Thank you for making my day.”

The second book, My Name is Colin…and this is who I am, is a lesson about how people should not be defined by their disability and how using people-first language can help eliminate the stigma. Saying, “Colin is a boy with Down syndrome, not a Down syndrome boy” puts the person before the disability, just as others who may be a fast runner, a good swimmer, a talented musician, or who are tall, short, husky or thin, are not defined by their traits.

This paragraph is an excerpt from My name is Colin, so this is a good place for the book cover
”I was born with something called Down syndrome, but that’s not how I want to be labeled. I take longer to learn things that come easy for you, but I don’t like to be called disabled. Start using people-first language. It brings me so much joy. My name is Colin, and I have Down syndrome. I’m not Colin, the Down syndrome boy.”

The best part about both books is that all illustrations, including the book cover on each book, were done by children and young adults with Down syndrome, truly exemplifying what people with Down syndrome can do if just given the chance.

Author Brian Beale is a Loan Officer at CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC on Saxer Ave in Springfield. Phone: 610-355-8073, Email: [email protected], Website: crosscountrymortgage.com/Brian-Beale

4 Tips for Managing Your Small Business Insurance Costs

By Thomas Mallon of Thomas Mallon: Allstate Insurance

Managing business insurance costs is one of the many responsibilities you are likely juggling if you own a small business. Periodically reviewing your business insurance policy helps ensure you have the right amount of protection for your company and get the most for your money.

Keeping your bank account in mind, here are some factors to consider as you make decisions about your business insurance policy:

1.   Reduce Costs by Bundling Insurance Coverages
A business may have multiple policies with different insurance companies. For example, a business might purchase general liability coverage from one insurer and data compromise coverage from another. By bundling your business coverages into one policy, you may be able to reduce your total premium costs (the amount you pay an insurer to keep the policy in force). 

2.  Re-evaluate Your Deductibles
A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket toward a covered claim. Increasing the deductible on your business insurance policy may reduce the cost of your premium. You could then consider putting saved money back into your business each month. However, before choosing a higher deductible, consider how much money you’d have available to pay out of pocket to repair your business or replace its contents after a covered claim, like theft or fire.

3.   Meet With Your Insurance Agent Annually To Review Coverages
Business needs can change rapidly. It’s a good idea to review your policy with your insurance agent regularly. To avoid potential fines, you should let your insurance agent know when you make significant changes to your business, such as:

  • Reducing or increasing your number of employees.
  • Relocating your business.
  • Introducing operational changes (such as purchasing new equipment or expanding product offerings).

When reviewing your business’s insurance policy, different coverages may be available. Contact your insurance agent to help you understand what each type of insurance means, as well as to help review your current coverages and make adjustments based on your company’s changing needs.
Types of insurance policies include: 

  • General liability insurance
  • Business property coverage
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Business auto insurance
  • Equipment breakdown coverage
  • Employment practices liability insurance
  • Errors and omissions insurance
  • Data compromise coverage

4.  Consider Stronger Risk Management In Your Daily Operations
Identifying potential business risks and having the right insurance coverage in place can be financially significant if the unexpected happens. Additional measures to reduce business risks include:
 
Planning for a disaster at your business: It is a good idea to think ahead and have a plan in place to help your business recover after a disaster, such as a destructive storm.
Business succession planning: As a business owner, you will likely want to leave your company in good hands when you decide to retire. 
 
Reviewing and understanding your small business insurance policy is an important component of owning a business. If you have questions about your business insurance policy or would like to review your coverages, please feel free to reach out to us at Allstate – The Mallon Insurance Agency, at 610-660-6300.  We can help you ensure you’re spending money on coverages that are appropriate for your business needs.

For mor info contact Thomas Mallon, Agency Owner of Thomas Mallon Allstate Agency located at 829 W Sproul Rd in Springfield, Delco, PA – Phone: 610-660-6300, Email: [email protected]

The Importance of a Quiet Space

David Linn Cook and Joe Soster Waterproofing One of Weatherproofing Plus Inc.

This basement waterproofing “case study,” “The Lesson of the Forgotten Home Office,” tells how a large, damp, musty and unused basement was quickly transformed into a new moisture- and mold-controlled quiet home office.

Twenty years ago, a homeowner built a 6,000-square-foot raised ranch home with many amenities on 5+ acres. The homeowner, a Senior Sales Executive, stayed home two days each week, to make sales calls by phone. But he was frustrated because nowhere in that massive house was there a quiet and private room with no distractions.

For five years, he had been sneaking down to work in his home’s empty 2,000-square-foot (!) basement. There was nothing down there except for a small area rug, a folding card table with a desk lamp on it, a desk phone, a milk crate for his files, and one very old leather chair. That was all he needed for a busy day’s work.

The basement makeover project was simple: Give this man a dry and sanitary space where he wouldn’t be distracted from the weekly lawn crew, pool cleaners, two overly friendly Golden Retrievers who loved to run around the house, college sons home for the summers, and his wife’s friends who frequently came over for coffee and conversation. Amazingly, when he was at his card table/desk, quietly working in his basement “retreat,” everyone assumed he wasn’t home or that he was busy somewhere in the house. No disturbances meant he could get his work done early and then have time with his family.

The basement had damp walls, a musty smell and a noisy dehumidifier. The proposed and accepted solution was two-fold. On the house exterior, surface drains were added, the foundation was regraded, and rain gutters were cleaned and adjusted for proper and easy maintenance. On the inside, the basement walls and floor were washed down into the existing sump pump. Mold treatment and waterproof coatings were applied to the walls; the floor was covered with high-gloss paint; and some new window vents were installed. This makeover took less than two weeks. The basement was now just as empty as before, but it was well lit and naturally ventilated. No more musty smell, and no need for a dehumidifier. Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised to learn that interior french drains are not required to turn their damp, musty unfinished basement into dry storage space or a place to exercise, listen to music, watch a movie, work on some home projects, or, as in this case study, have a simple and quiet home office whose only distraction is perhaps a little tweeting by the birds outside.

For more info contact David Linn Cook of Weatherproofing Plus, Inc. By phone at 610-325-0596 or email [email protected]
Website: weatherproofing-plus.com

Fireplace Accessories – The Options Are Astounding!

By Scott Magness; Scott‘s Fireplace Products

The fireplace is a beautifully visible part of the home. It plays an important role in our lives and is a sought-after feature for people looking to build or buy a house. The fireplace reflects the heart and soul of its owners, and can turn a plain room into an inviting retreat. Yet, one of the most exciting characteristics of a fireplace is its role as a design focal point, bringing together furniture, artwork, lamps and draperies in a pleasingly harmonious décor within a room.

The Key is Accessorizing

Adding accessories is the secret to creating a fireplace that integrates form and function. A basic fireplace can be enhanced by simply adding an attractive standing firescreen, which offers a myriad of finishes, including satin and textured black, brushed nickel, natural iron, polished brass, vintage iron and many others. We also have spark guards available which can be a more traditional alternative to a firescreen.

Quickly Get Your Fire Burning

There is no more need for newspaper or traditionally hard to ignite kindling to get your fire started. Two or three sticks of Fatwood or just one Lightning Nugget FireStarter is all it takes to quickly get your fire burning.

Grates and Log Rings

  • Grates – A quality grate offers good airflow and ensures excellent combustion, plus the tight casting design holds the burning logs and bed of hot coals until they are rendered to ash.
  • Self-Feeding – The high front and low back profile of the self-feeding grate allows wood to self-feed to the rear of the fireplace where the natural draft is.
  • Safety – The self-feeding grate features a higher front edge, which minimizes the possibility of a burning log rolling off the grate into the living area.
  • Log Hoops – Made of a solid grade steel material in a bar-stock design, log hoops traditionally come in three sizes: 24”, 36” and 48”.

Outdoor Log Racks

Wood racks are designed with quality and simplicity in mind. They feature the look and strength of a traditional firewood rack, and include a standard reinforced vinyl cover that fits over the rack posts, and slides down as wood is used. The stack of firewood is protected from rain and snow while allowing cross ventilation. 

Author of this article is Scott Magness of Scott’s Fireplace Products in Newtown Square, PA.  
Phone: 484-422-8334 eMail: [email protected]
Website: www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com