2 0 1 3H o w To G u i d e

A guide of “How To” topics featuring solutions from local area merchants

A Special Supplement to April 30, 2013

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Ashe Memorial Gardens & MausoleumAbove ground burial at a price comparable

to or less than ground burial“Local Companies Serving Local Families”

3470 US Hwy 221 North • Jefferson, NC 28640336-982-2121

www.ashelawn.com

Badger Funeral HomeFor assistance in your funeral planning or

monument needs, contact Josh Roten 300 North Main St. • West Jefferson, NC

28694 • 336-246-7114Recorded Obituary - 336-246-5526

www.badgerfuneralhome.com

Why Pre-plan a Funeral?• Makes your wishes known to your family.• Ease the burden placed on the immediate family.• Shows concern for those who are overwhelmed by grief.• Eases the momentary burden when the need may be great.• Today’s prices for tomorrow’s needs.• There’s no better way to plan for tomorrow than by taking action today.

Serving Ashe County with Dignity, Integrity & CompassionYour Open Door in Your Time of Need!

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Getting StartedThe fi rst step in choosing an Internet provider is to determine how you will want to use the Internet in your home or business: email, online banking, virtual gaming, information searches, streaming video/audio, etc. It may be that you choose a few of these or all of the above.

The next step is to determine how much you want to spend on installation and monthly charges. You may have choices in selecting Internet plans with a variety of download/upload speeds, ranging from 200 Kbps to as much as 50 Mbps depending on the capabilities of the providers in your area. For limited use of the Internet such as email and light browsing, a lower speed option will likely mean a lower price option as well. If you want to download music or television shows or watch videos, you will need a much faster connection with broadband access. And as technology advances, more and more applications will become available to whet your appetite in further uses of the Internet. Over time, download speeds have continued to grow at a rapid rate because of new, innovative applications and user demand. And if there are multiple people in your household using the Internet at the same time, you will need a connection greater than 3 Mbps.

Connections AvailableCheck with your local service providers on the type of technology they use to deliver Internet service. Everything from broadband copper and broadband cable to FTTP

(Fiber-to-the-Premise) connections may be available choices for you, so depending on the method of technology used, you may be able to subscribe to additional services, including phone and digital television or cable services. Some providers may offer additional savings with bundled services and/or service contracts. And, most provide the software you need and will help you set up your computer so that you can make the Internet connection for the fi rst time.

DSL (High-Speed Internet)Average DSL speeds range from 200 kbps to up to 8 Mbps, depending on the provider. With DSL, you get full advantage of graphics and enhanced streaming audio, video, gaming and multimedia. With DSL, you also will need a modem to access DSL service through your Internet Service Provider.

Broadband CableCable modems link you to the Internet through your cable TV line and can deliver streaming audio, video and multimedia. A modem is required with the service connection.

FTTPFTTP (Fiber-to-the-Premise) is a new technology that uses fi ber optics instead of copper cable to deliver telephone, Internet and digital TV services, and it can carry large amounts of information over long distances without losing quality. Known for its superior performance, fi ber has practically limitless capacity, and no modem is required for your Internet connection.

Additional EquipmentWhile DSL providers include modems with their service, they and others may offer a gateway that includes a router with Ethernet ports, fi rewall protection or even a built-in Wi-Fi router.

Service ConsiderationsIf you think you’ll need extra help in getting started, is there a local offi ce with full-service customer support available to answer your questions and step you through the process? Just as important, is there 24-hour technical support available to you after the installation process is complete? In choosing an ISP, you should not underestimate the importance of the quality of service and the availability of good support. Check to see if the Internet Service Provider has a local business offi ce for customer service support as well as 24-hour technical support.

Top 10 Questions You Should Ask:1. Which speed is right for you?2.How advanced is the technology offered through the service provider?3.What are the activation costs and fi nal cost of the service per month?4.Can you get a wireless connection for other computers in your home?5.Can you bundle Internet with other services through a single provider?6.Is there extra equipment required?7.Is a contract required?8.Is all software provided?9.Is local customer service available to help you get started?10.Is 24-hour technical support available?

How to Choose an Internet Service Provider

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With the American Dream of home ownership, 1.5 kids and a couple of dogs or cats, comes, inevitably, a lawn. The question is: what kind of equipment do you need to properly care and tend for your own slice of heaven? Here are some ideas:

Size MattersLawn mowers come in all shapes, sizes and ranges of power. The most frequent mistakes homeowners make is getting something too large or too small for their needs. While there are no handy formulas for fi guring this out, there are a few tips:While riding lawn mowers are cool and now frequently come with cup holders (an innovation way too long in coming), some lawns are just too small to comfortably operate a lawn tractor. For these yards, the best choose is a good push mower.Yards of a half-acre or more likely would benefi t

from a lawn tractor. These range in horsepower, attachments and ease of use. A qualifi ed dealer or retailer will be happy to walk you through the steps of determining your specifi c needs. You should be prepared to tell the dealer how big your yard is, whether you intend to use the tractor for other tasks, such as plowing the garden or grading the driveway, how often you intend to mow and so on. Various tools. The range of available equipment for lawn and yard needs is dizzying. To wade through the clutter, ask yourself a series of questions:1. What do I want to accomplish? Do I have enough border, for instance, to justify a machine to cut the borders out periodically, or would I be better served with a simple blade shovel?2. How much am I willing to spend single-use machines?

Repair and MaintenanceJust like a car, many yard tractors come with factory warranties. Ask for the specifi cs before purchasing. Also ask what happens if a piece of equipment breaks dow. Will the dealer pick it up, or do you have to haul it there? Be sure to keep track of any owner manuals. The manuals often list replacement parts, and have a complete maintenance schedule.

Maintain Your EquipmentFollow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance. Change oil and clean or replace air fi lters regularly. Get periodic tune-ups, keep the underside of the deck clean. Take time to winterize equipment each fall.

Important Points• Select proper equipment for your circumstances• Keep equipment maintained properly• Compare warranties• Who will service equipment

Lawn Equipment

604709

Mountain Kubota of Boone7968 Old US 421 S | Deep Gap, NC 28618

828-264-711

Getting StartedDo your homework before you set foot inside an insurance agency. First, identify what you want in auto, health, home, life, business, and other insurance products. Write it down.

The Right AgencyAsk how long the agency has been in business and what insurers it works with. Longstanding agencies have clout with insurers and they can be your advocate if you face a claims problem. Don’t be shy about asking for references and following up on them.

Here are Some Words to Know While Shopping for Insurance• Conditions: Explanations in the policy of your and your agent’s responsibilities.For example, how claims are to be fi led and what proofs you must submit with your claim.• Coverage: Description in the policy on specifi c circumstances in which you can receive benefi ts.• Deductible: The amount of a loss or claim you must pay before you can collect.• Premium: The cost of the insurance policy.

For a quote on Medicare Supplement Give Us A Call

336-846-6721125 E Wade Vannoy Drive - Jefferson, NC 28640

www.mygianc.com

GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY, INCProviding Personalized insurance coverage for families and

businesses throughout the High Country

AUTO - HOME - BUSINESS - LIFE & HEALTH

00604390

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19 South Third AvenueWest Jefferson, NC

336-246-2611www.parkertie.doitbest.com

Parker TieCompany, Inc.

Building and Supply Company“Serving the area’s building supply needs for 75 years!”

“Where The Best Cost Less”

Supplying our community with a complete line of building supplies, plumbing, electrical,

hardware and Do It Best paints Since 1935

The Right PaintDreaming of the perfect color for your interior painting project is fun, but it’s just one step in understanding how to choose paint. Walk-ing into the paint store is like opening a robust menu of options: satin latex low-volatile organic compound (VOC), high-gloss alkyd with primer, matte latex bright white, etc. Before the in-store paint expert runs through your options, it’s best to have done some homework to be sure you choose the best option for your home.Latex vs. Oil-based PaintsDespite a host of dedicated followers, oil-based paints (or alkyds) have been overshadowed by the ease and versatility of latex paints. Cleaning up equipment after using oil-based paints requires paint thinner or turpentine. Oil-based paints still have their uses, but for most interior projects, la-tex is the way to go — they’re simply the easiest to apply.More accurately called water-based paints, the paints labeled “latex” are often either artifi cial la-tex or acrylic. As of 2001, latex paints held nearly 80 percent of the market for interior projects. Latex won’t yellow or chalk (become powdery) — both of which are risks with oil-based paint — and it offers a series of environmentally friendly options.

Finishing TouchesThe fi nish of your paint is how refl ective it is. In

general, the shinier the fi nish, the easier the sur-face will be to clean, although there are a number of innovative fl at/matte and low-sheen paints for-

mulated for easy cleaning. From no-shine to high shine, here are the options: • Flat or matte • Eggshell • Satin • Semi-gloss • Gloss

Which Paint for Where?Here’s a quick list of recommendations for spe-cifi c situations:Most companies make a paint specifi cally suited for ceilings. Usually it’s a bright white, fl at or matte latex that goes on easily without spatter-ing or dripping, and it covers irregularities with-out multiple coats. Best choice: latex, fl at/matte, bright white.Kitchens are usually high-traffi c, high-abuse ar-eas full of water, grease and other potential paint pitfalls. If your kitchen has any old grease stains that just won’t come clean, spot treat with an oil-based (alkyd) or alcohol primer. Best choices: latex semi-gloss (walls), latex semi-gloss or gloss (trim).The high heat and humidity of a bathroom cre-ates the perfect environment for mold and mil-dew. You’ll want a painted surface that resists wa-ter and won’t let those nasty spores get a foothold. Instead of choosing ceiling paint, use a semi-gloss latex for bathroom ceilings. Best choices: latex semi-gloss (walls and ceiling), latex semi-gloss or gloss (trim).

For a child’s bedroom, most parents want some-thing durable and easy to clean. More and more people are choosing low- or no-VOC paints in or-der to reduce chemical off-gassing. This is an es-pecially good choice for children’s rooms because of the health concerns associated with VOCs. Best choices: latex satin (walls), latex semi-gloss (trim).

Choosing Eco-friendly PaintAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in our homes is one of the top fi ve health risks in the United States. It regularly contains two to fi ve times more organic pollutants than outside air. Indoor air pollution is caused by chemicals emitted from products such as cleaning supplies, pesticides, furniture, glues and building materials. The concentration of harmful pollut-ants in indoor air can be more than 1,000 times normal levels during or immediately following home-improvement projects such as painting.The toxic effects of paints are attributed mostly to their volatile organic compounds. Solvents, fun-gicides/biocides and chemical pigments release toxic fumes into the environment in mass quanti-ties immediately following application, and at low levels for years afterward. The good news is that eco-paint is one of the fastest growing segments of the green building movement, so going green with your interior painting project is easy, although a bit more expensive in some cases. Another plus — you’ll defi nitely notice less odor when using no- or low-VOC paints.

Low-VOC paints are those that contain less than 250 grams of VOCs per liter, but you can fi nd brands that contain as little at 25 grams per liter. The shinier the fi nish, the more VOCs the paint probably has.No-VOC paints are those that contain less than

5 grams of VOCs per liter, but adding standard chemical pigments can increase that to 10 grams per liter. So, darker colors will have more VOCs than lighter colors.Recycled latex paint, although still a detriment to

indoor air quality, is a way to ensure excess paint is redirected from the landfi lls and put to a good use. One shining example of this practice is the city of Portland, Ore., which has been accepting and recycling latex paint since 1992, reclaiming more than 1 million gallons since inception of the program.

Natural Paints:There are a number of companies making paints

based on plant resins, minerals, clay, milk casein and natural pigments rather than petroleum and chemical products, focusing on creating paints with less of an environmental impact overall.Whether you want to add new color to a room

with greener paint or you’re interested in trying to master the extra-hard fi nish of alkyd paint, with these general principles to guide you, you’ll fi nd just the right paint for your interior painting project. 605772

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A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP IS A NECESSITYGood health and sleep are closely linked. Just as we improve our eating habits for better health, we should also improve our sleep habits for better health. Sleep debt is a costly problem in our society, both fi scally and physically.

Four out of every fi ve people suffer from back pain and studies show we are not as productive or safe when we do not get enough rest. Back pain comes in a close second to the common cold as the most frequent cause of lost work time.

Sleep should be a priority and not just a negotiable need that is determined by our busy schedules. Good sleep not only lessens costly back problems but helps to prepare us for a more productive, alert and safe day ahead.

Poor sleep and back prob- lems are like the chicken and the egg theory. Which came fi rst? Are backaches the cause of lack of sleep or does lack of sleep cause back prob- lems? Both may be helped with the right mattress.The lower back or lumbar region is the most common area for back pain because it bears the wear and tear of bending, stooping, sitting, and lifting. A good mattress supports the back and allows the muscles to rest and reju- venate during sleep.Poor sleep does not allow this to happen, nor does a poor sleep surface. Experts recommend mattresses that offer superior support without being too hard. The bot- tom line is: The right mat- tress is very important to our overall health.

THE BIGGEST MATTRESS MYTHThe old adage “hard is better” is truly a myth. No single sleep surface is right for everyone. Therefore a store that carries a varied selection of comfort levels is the place to start.

Such variables as body tem- perature, sleep position, and lighting should be taken into account. Mattresses come in plush, pillow-top, ultra plush, ultra plus pillow-top, fi rm and cushion fi rm.

Everyone has natural curves in their back. Usually the harder the surface the more the back has to drop out of alignment to meet the mattress.

The optimal mattress has enough padding to support your back without allowing it to drop out of its natural alignment. A plush mattress with good support will do just that.

VALUEMost people sleep about one-third of the life. What else do you do for that amount of time that affects the other two- thirds of your life?

We think nothing of spending $1000 on a TV that comes with a one-year warranty and that, if you are lucky, will last fi ve years.

But many people think it’s appalling to spend $700 to $800 on a new queen mattress that comes with a 10- year nonprorated warranty and will easily last 10 years.This same mattress, if picked properly, will give you many nights of great sleep and ultimately better productive days, too.

Many will pay up to 40 percent more for a new car than they did a decade ago, yet the same person expects to pay the $299.99 prices of a decade ago when it comes to buying a new mattress.

Value is relative, but when you think of using an item everyday, 365 days a year for 10 years, a good quality mattress for $800 is costing you a little less than 26 cents per day.

Shopping for the best value doesn’t mean fi nding the lowest price. Bargain bedding is no bargain when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.

Are you the type of person who will spend $150 on running shoes that you wear three or four times a week but is only willing to spend $330 on a mattress that you sleep on eight hours a night for 10 years?There have been many advancements in mattress manufacturing. Many are designed by orthopedic doctors with proper support and great comfort levels to keep you properly aligned all night. Mattresses have many price points to meet everyone’s pocket book.

Bottom line: If you aren’t satisfi ed with your current bedding and sleep comfort, there is a proper support mattress out there for you in your price range. And remember, how you sleep at night generally determines how you will feel for the rest of the day.

Mattress Shopping TipsHas your lifestyle changed since buying your last mattress?

Has your body changed in ways that affect your need for support or your comfort preference?

How much space do you have?

Does your partner have the same needs?

How do you test a mattress?

Remove your shoes and lie on

the bed. Lie down in several diferent positions, especially the one you sleep in. Pay close attention to lower back support and postural alignment, and make sure you feel plenty of comfort at the shoulders and hips. Shop with your partner so the selection of your new bed is made together.

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Local

May 4, 2013

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May 4, 2013

May 4, 2013

LAMPS & PICTURES

DURHILL PLUS

$49900

EDINBURGH FIRM

$56900

PORT CHARLES SPT

$86900

iComfort Insight

Queen Flat Set$129900

iComfort Savant

Queen Flat Set$179900

iSeries Applause

Queen Flat Set$129900

iSeriesCeremony SPTQueen Flat Set

$149900

JIM’S CORNERFURNITURE

Directions: Just 5 miles from Jefferson on Hwy 194N/88W. Turn Right on Northwest Sch. Rd.

160 Northwest School Rd. Warrensville, NC (336) 384-2929 Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 • Saturday 9:00 - 3:00

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