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www.HuskeysPaint.com | (828) 214-7100 | April 2025
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Building Community, One Step at a Time Turning Small Gestures Into Strong Bonds
Taking time to connect with others has always brightened my day. Something as simple as a quick chat with a neighbor or taking a minute to lend a hand to someone in need is a nice reminder that we’re all in this together. Unfortunately, in today’s hectic world, everyone seems constantly attached to screens, and losing the human connection with those around us can be easy. The technology of modern life isn’t the only problem, either. Growing social divides and inequities also contribute to what’s being called a loneliness epidemic. A recent poll found that one-third of Americans regularly feel lonely. That’s why I think community-building is more critical than ever. When we pause to build relationships, we create something special — a shared belonging that can
Connect more with strangers. Meeting new people and bringing them into our lives is the only way to grow our social circle and give others a sense of belonging. This doesn’t mean you must start inviting everyone you meet home for dinner. Having genuine conversations with the people we see regularly, such as cashiers and maintenance workers, can help reduce social divides and foster a sense of inclusion. Support local efforts. Getting involved is a great way to improve our shared environments and drive progress. Shopping at local businesses, supporting a community event, or joining a neighborhood project helps create something bigger than ourselves. These activities also open the door to new connections with like-minded people. Focus on genuine relationships. Whether in our workplace or neighborhoods, getting caught up in transactional relationships can be all too easy. However, true communities are built on genuine relationships — where all parties give without expecting anything in return. By offering our time, sharing advice, or simply listening without strings attached, we foster trust and mutual respect and build the foundation for genuine friendships. Celebrate small wins together. While we work toward something bigger, it’s common to forget the small achievements along the way. However, communities grow stronger when we
unite to celebrate shared successes, regardless of size. Whether congratulating a neighbor on a personal achievement or attending a local milestone event, these moments promote connections and positivity and remind each other we’re all part of something bigger. Strengthening Our Community Bonds Connecting with others can have a ripple effect, creating a network of support and understanding that benefits everyone. I’ve learned that community- building doesn’t require grand gestures — small, consistent actions make the most significant difference. This week, I encourage you to join me in finding time to connect. Attend an event, chat with your neighbor, or help someone in need. When we invest in each other, our communities get stronger, and we help create a more connected, compassionate world.
improve the lives of others. Tips for Building Community
Strengthening our communities doesn’t have to be complicated. It often begins with a few simple steps. Here are five things we can all do today to enjoy a
better community tomorrow. Start with people you know.
We don’t have to look far to begin creating stronger connections. A simple way to build and improve a community is to show up more for the people we already know. Being better supporters and friends — whether by offering help or serving as a sounding board — is a great way to be a strong community member while encouraging others to do the same.
— Trent Huskey
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TIPS TO MASTER THIS ALL-IMPORTANT SPACE Declutter Your Entryway
In many ways, your front entryway is your home’s command center. It’s where some of your most precious possessions reside and the first thing guests see when they visit. Unfortunately, it can also be your home’s most cluttered and disorganized space, leading to everything from desperate, already-late-for-work dashes to find your car
keys to pets looking at you quizzically as you embark on a scavenger hunt for their leashes. Here are two quick tips to clear up that all-important space and save you from hustling to find those items that always seem to vanish whenever you need them. Stop the Shoe Stack If your front entryway typically looks like a sneaker factory hit by a tornado, the first step is to get all that footwear — especially if it’s wet or muddy — out of your way and into easily accessible locations. You can utilize baskets or shelves to organize those items by person and even assign each area a name or number to help family members (or guests) find them without hassle. The same goes for gloves, hats, scarves, socks, boots, umbrellas, and other weather-specific attire. If your entryway space is minimal, consider adding hooks and shelves to a nearby wall to keep these essentials — plus purses, keys,
and other daily accessories — in one spot. Best of all, everyone will know where to place certain items instead of dropping one glove in the living room and another in the kitchen. Imagine that! Perfect the Pet Parent Playbook Of course, you also need to keep things neat for your beloved animal companions. Leashes, pet clothing, and waste scoopers should also have designated spaces in your reorganizing entryway. Storing your pet essentials in a dedicated place will be especially helpful when your furry friends wake you up in the middle of the night so you can take them outside to do their business. From making a great first impression to keeping tasks convenient for your family, a decluttered front entryway is one of the best and most practical gifts you can give your home.
Are you ready to double down on bold home design? Double drenching is the latest painting trend that soaks your walls and trims in various hues of one color to create a layered and dynamic look. Think of it as wrapping your room in a stylish color hug, enveloping the whole space in vibrant variations of blues, greens, or browns. This trend thrives on harmony and dimension, pairing slightly lighter or darker shades of color for the trim and accents to create contrast with a monochromatic vibe. Ceilings, window frames, doors, and furniture are all the perfect canvas for a splash of shading. With this style, there’s no room for white baseboards — it’s about showcasing the many variations one color can offer to create a rich atmosphere. Wrap Your Room in Color The Power of Double Drenching
So, why settle for a single tone when you can drench every inch of your space in a symphony of shades?
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With graduation season right around the corner, many parents are preparing to become empty nesters, which for many means downsizing to a smaller home. But rather than downsizing, there’s a new trend helping empty nesters take advantage of the space in their newly emptied nest: fun-sizing. Fun-sizing is all about reimagining the space you’re already in. Rather than relocating or completely overhauling your home after the kids leave, fun-sizing encourages homeowners to embrace their passions and create dedicated spaces in their homes rather than leaving for greener (and often smaller) pastures. While there are as many fun-sizing options as kinds of people, here are four top fun-sizing trends that can help make your home a haven. Create an alcove. If your living room feels like an overcrowded wasteland, creating an alcove is an excellent way to break up the space. From there, you can fun-size your new space into a mini-library, a small arts and crafts desk, or even a comfy spot to sit and relax with a good book. Dig into your basement. It’s easy to transform a dull basement. If you want to stay in shape without the hassle of going to the gym, rubber floor pads, better lighting, and mirrors on the walls turn your basement into a gym- goer’s haven. And if athletics aren’t your cup of tea, fresh carpeting, a comfy couch, and a flat-screen TV can turn your basement into a great place to entertain friends. Look outside. While a pool might have been the best feature of your yard when your kids were around, it can be a hassle — and expensive — to maintain. You can fill in that unused pool to make space for the outdoor kitchen or a large deck perfect for hosting summer barbecues. ‘Shed’ your troubles. Getting “away” is a fantastic way to relax, but did you know you can create a vacation spot from your old shed? A little work can transform an old shed into a yogi’s retreat, a sports fan’s cheering section, or a place to write the book you always swore you’d get around to. REIMAGINE YOUR ROOMS 4 FUN-SIZING TRENDS TO MAKE YOU LOVE YOUR HOME AGAIN
ARBOR ARIES
CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND FOOLS
GARDEN KITE
BASEBALL CHERRIES
RAINBOW SHOWERS
With delicious vegetables seasoned with tangy ginger, this recipe is sure to please vegans and meat-eaters alike! Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
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4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided 2 tsp fresh chopped ginger root, divided 2 cloves garlic, crushed
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3/4 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup snow peas 1/2 cup halved green beans 3 tbsp water 2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, mix 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. 2. Add broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and green beans, and toss lightly. 3. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. 4. Stir in water and soy sauce. Add onion, salt, and the remaining ginger; cook and stir until the vegetables are crisp and tender.
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. Box 261, Whittier, NC 28789
Clean - Courteous Painters - You Can Trust!
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Simple Actions to Build Community Today
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Claim the Compact Storage Crown Soak Up All the Shades Why Downsize When You Can Fun-Size? Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
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Trash-Bagging Makes Rainy Days Fun
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DITCH THE SCREENS AND GRAB A TRASH BAG
A NEW WAY TO PLAY OUTSIDE Looking for a fun, wholesome way to bring the family together? “Trash-bagging” is a quirky, budget-friendly activity for adults and kids alike. Combining trash bags, rain, soap, and grassy hills, this outdoor pursuit, which became popular on social media, is a great way to embrace simple fun while creating lasting memories. How It Works Don’t let a little rain keep you from having a good time. Getting set up for trash-bagging takes only a few steps: Gear Up: Grab large plastic trash bags — at least one for each participant — and poke holes for your arms and head. These “sliding suits” keep you slick and ready to glide. Add the Soap: Using a squirt bottle, spray some soapy water onto the outside of the trash bag to create a slippery surface. Always use biodegradable soap safe for the grass and wildlife to protect the environment. Pick Your Hill: Choose a grassy hill free of rocks, sticks, and other debris. A gentle incline works best for safe and smooth sliding.
Let the Rain Do the Work: Trash-bagging is the perfect rainy day activity, as the rain naturally lubricates the hill and adds to the fun. If there is no rain, you can use a hose to create the same effect.
Slide and Repeat: Take turns sliding down the hill. To keep the fun going, reapply soapy water and replace sliding suits (i.e., trash bags). Why It’s Worth Trying Trash-bagging is a unique way to enjoy quality family time. It’s incredibly budget-friendly — requiring only a few everyday items — and offers a creative alternative to expensive outings. This activity appeals to all ages, so you can get everyone involved and moving outdoors. Plus, trash-bagging is an excellent way to unplug from screens and reconnect. It reminds us that the best memories don’t require a Wi-Fi connection — just a little creativity and willingness to try something new.
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