Autumn has officially been with us for over a month now, but the lovely fall weather seems to have dissuaded many of us from our annual pursuit of “fall cleaning”. Fortunately the frost last week prompted me to get moving as it is time to prepare our lawns and gardens for the harsh winter weather, and ensure our home is going to be cozy and comfortable for the long winter evenings and inclement days.
Here are some guidelines to help you along the way.
• Wash your windows inside and out. The skies might be gray outside, but a shiny, clean window can improve your outlook. (I know – bad pun)
• Weed any gardens, remove over-extended annuals, and protect your perennials as required.
• Store your patio and lawn furniture away. Make sure they are washed, dried and covered with plastic or old sheets to keep them at their best.
• Check any caulking, weather stripping, and seals on exterior windows and doors and repair it where necessary.
• Check your indoor and outdoor lighting and replace light bulbs.
• Drain and store any garden hoses. The same goes for rain barrels.
• Have your eaves troughs and downspouts checked for debris and blockages and cleaned as required.
• If you have a garage or storage shed, re-organize it so the seasonal equipment for winter is readily accessible. It is also a good time to clean the floor and clear the cobwebs.
• Have your fireplace and chimney inspected, cleaned and ready for winter use.
• Change your furnace filters for cleaner air and a more efficient heating system. It is always a good idea to have a service contract with a local company and have a thorough check of your heating system every fall.
• Prepare your bed for a cozy winter. Flip your mattress and launder or dry clean all the bedding that does not get done on a regular basis such as mattress pads, pillows, blankets, bedskirts, and bedspreads.
• Clean out your cupboards and pantry. Store or dispose of seasonal items that are not required in the winter. If you are still one who loves to bake holiday treats, start your grocery shopping list while you are cleaning and sorting.
• Enlist some help and pull out your appliances to clean behind and under them. Make sure you check the lint catcher and vent pipes for your clothes dryer.
• Finally, take stock of your supply of reading material and hot cocoa mix. Winter is very long in this part of the country.
Join Us! November 6th at Boston Pizza! Community Care for South Hastings is hosting a fundraiser for United Way Hastings & Prince Edward. Bring your family and friends because 10 percent of all the food sales will be donated to our local United Way. Not only do they fund 2 of our programs, they fund 73 others in our area. Let’s make November 6th “Date Night” in Belleville.
Fraud Prevention Workshop: The Belleville Public Library will be offering another Financial Literacy workshop in partnership with Quinte First Credit Union on Friday, October 27 at 2:30 pm in the Library’s 3rd-floor meeting room. This free workshop will cover preventing identity theft and fraud. The workshop is presented by a Quinte First Credit Union representative and contains no sales pitches, only advice on how to keep your personal information safe!
For more details please call the Information Services Department at 613-968-6731 x 2037.