Kesslak Agency Inc.

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Have some new jewelry in the house? Protect it! Ah, Valentine’s Day is near, and love is in the air. Well, love and a few other things, such as chocolates, romantic dinners, candy hearts that say Be Mine - and, of course, jewelry.... It’s exciting to receive jewelry from a loved one or to give it as a gift. Not to mention romantic. But if you’re lucky enough to have some new jewelry this Valentine’s Day, you should take a few minutes to think about something you probably don’t find exciting or romantic: insurance. Don’t know where to turn? Don’t worry. At Kesslak Agency, Inc., we think it is exciting to help our customers protect what’s most important to them so we’re ready to help and can answer all of your questions. Things to consider when insuring jewelry: You may need to purchase additional coverage. Your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry only up to set amounts. If the cost of replacing your jewelry exceeds that limit, you will want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage. You can check your policy or give us a call at 814-269-1474. You can also email us at [email protected] or find us at www.kesslakinsurance.com. Do you need an appraisal? You may need to have an independent appraisal if the insurance company requires it or if you don’t know the value of your jewelry. Each item should be listed with a description and value on paper. What kind of coverage is offered? You’ll want to determine if items are covered no matter where they are, whether they’re in house, or on an international trip, and if the policy offers full replacement cost. You also should ask if you will be required to replace your jewelry if lost or stolen, or if you can simply keep the cash settlement. Pictures can be helpful. Lost or stolen pieces of jewelry sometimes can be recreated if the jeweler has a good photograph to work from. Of course, it’s important to store your jewelry securely when it’s not in use; a safe in your home or a safe-deposit box is best. We want your jewelry to be replaced if it’s lost or stolen, but we’d rather your sentimental and valuable pieces stay with you and your family for years to come. Here’s hoping your Valentine’s Day is full of fun and romance. And if there’s no jewelry involved, well, enjoy the chocolate, lingerie, and gifts cards !

Veterans Day Top 10 ways to honor a veteran on Veterans Day... Americans celebrate Memorial Day in the spring and Veterans Day in the fall. While it can be easy to confuse the two holidays, Memorial Day is set aside to honor American’s war dead; Veterans Day is intended to honor the service of all U.S. veterans, both living and dead. In fact, celebrations surrounding Veterans Day often place a special emphasis on thanking all living U.S. military veterans who have or are currently serving in any U.S. armed service. And it’s the perfect time for all Americans to show appreciation for their service. The best way to thank a military U.S. veteran for his or her service depends on the individual and his or her needs. But the most important thing is to do something to show your gratitude. Here are 10 ideas to get you thinking about how to be grateful for veterans on November 11. 1.Raise. Display the American flag in your yard to demonstrate your support of veterans everywhere. 2.Listen. Strike up a conversation with a disabled or homeless veteran and be an active listener as you hear about their experience. 3.Speak. Simply say, Thank you to veterans you see. 4.Reach out. Contact a disabled or homeless veteran whom you know and spend some quality time together. 5.Support. Send a donation to organizations that support the special needs of veterans. 6.Find. Trace your ancestry and identify how many veterans are in your family. 7.Write. Send a letter to someone who’s currently serving in the military. 8.Visit. Visit a disabled veteran in his or her home or a homeless veteran on the street. 9.Learn. Educate yourself on the challenges veterans face when retiring from service to rejoin civilian life. 10.Share. Use your social media to help celebrate Veteran’s Day and acknowledge the service of all veterans. To learn more ways to honor a veteran on November 11, visit http://www.wallawalla.va.gov/Misc/Honor_Veteran.asp. To all our American heroes, we at Kesslak Agency, Inc. thank you for your service to our country. Did you know? Veteran’s Day is always celebrated on November 11, regardless of the day of the week. It’s also a federal holiday, so federal government employees take the day off on Monday if the 11th falls on a Sunday, and they take the day off on Friday if the 11th falls on a Saturday. Contact Us! At Kesslak Agency, Inc. we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 814-269-1474 or send us a note at [email protected]. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected! Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Securing Fall Trees Before the wind blows, secure your trees and shrubs The seasons are changing, and the colors of autumn abound. ... Regrettably, fall’s stunning display is often accompanied by some unwelcome weather hazards in western PA namely, wind that can cause considerable damage to the very trees that produce those beautiful fall leaves. At Kesslak Agency Inc., we want your yard and home to stay great throughout the season. Take a look at the following tips to ensure you keep your trees and shrubs healthy and avoid destruction that can result when the wind blows. To protect existing trees Bundle ‘em up. Go to a home and garden store and buy enough landscape fabric and plant ties to cover trees and shrubs vulnerable to the changing weather. Wrap them up for the winter and then unwrap them after spring has sprung. Exercise pruning prowess. Proper pruning is essential to ensure trees can withstand winds, so make sure you use correct pruning techniques or hire a professional. Trees and more trees. If you have trees that are especially susceptible to wind, consider planting more trees. Experts say to choose trees, like conifers and evergreens, to create a windbreak. As an added bonus, a windbreak placed in correct proximity to a home can reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent. Keep in mind: conifers should be planted at least 20 feet away from a structure, evergreens at least 30 feet away. When planting new trees Know which way the wind blows. Pay attention to the wind patterns in your part of PA, through the fall and winter seasons and how they affect your particular lot. Plant trees in areas where structures, such as your home, garage or shed, can serve to shelter them from the wind. Give them some space. Plant trees far enough away from structures and foundations. A smaller tree should have at least a 10-square-foot space to itself, and a larger tree needs at least 30 square feet. At Kesslak Agency, Inc., we hope these tips will ensure that you and your yard hang tough all season long... even when the wind starts howling.

4.What could you do with an extra 60 minutes every day? Join the #MY60 Challenge and find out. www.safeco.com/MY60