National Mentoring Month: Top 5 Reasons Why to Get a Mentor

When people speak of success, they often talk about how they got their career started and how far they were willing to go to reach their goals. One of the ways to reach your goals is to find someone who will personally guide you. Remembering them this month is one thing, celebrating the success you reached with their guidance is another!

National Mentoring Month began before Greek mythology. If you read the book, “The Odyssey,” one character specifically guides others in their lives. Mentoring encompasses both professional and academic development. Some of your teachers may guide you without you even noticing.

Mentoring appears in different disciplines such as:

• Life
• Art
• Craftsmanship
• Design
• Beauty

Most people celebrate National Mentoring Month every January and everyone is invited to reminisce the bright experiences you had with your mentors.

Historical timeline of National Mentoring Month

 

Image source: National Today

Benefits of mentoring

Finding a mentor feels rewarding, especially if you find someone that shares the same interests as you do. Mentors share their experiences of how they learned their discipline. Also, refrain from thinking that a mentor is only meant for those in educational fields.

Never-ending support

Mentors support you even when you’re at your lowest point. Whenever you feel lost in life, especially in the field that you’re pursuing, your mentor supports you and encourages you to continue. They remind you that even if it’s hard, a bright future awaits.

Honest feedback

Mentors give the most honest and real feedback anyone will receive during the course of the program. This allows you to improve on your weaknesses and focus on areas that could be better.

Give motivation to continue the work

When most encounter hardships, they give up easily. However, mentors see this as an opportunity to push people in the right direction. Telling them to continue with the work as your mentor always has your back. Think about the decisions that led you to that moment and the choices you’ll make for the future.

Help you go through tough questions

In coaching, mentors ask tough questions that leave you pondering. Sit down, breathe, and think about the things you plan on doing. A mentor’s curiosity powers different minds just like a life coach. Mentors help you find the answer from your wit and gut.

Activities during mentoring month

During this month, people across the country embark on various activities to share their knowledge about different disciplines. It encourages people, onlookers, and aspirants to find someone to mentor or even find someone to mentor you if you want to pursue another path.

Others engage in activities like:

• Mentoring someone
• Finding a mentor
• Celebrating with your mentors
• Creating a community for mentors and mentees

Why love National Mentoring Month?

One of the best things about National Mentoring Month is that it allows you to share your knowledge and expertise with people looking for skills to develop. Other reasons include the following.

Ignites unity among comrades and peers

Mentoring gives a chance for people from different fields get acquainted. It allows them to grow their skills and selves to be better in their field. This also lets you meet the mentor for your chosen field or discipline.

Builds courage and confidence

Mentorship lets you build your courage to converse with different people. At times, people encounter challenges in starting conversations. However, participating in events like this help conquer those challenges!

Lets you engage with the community through mentoring

A number of states create engaging activities inline with mentoring. People across the country pursue different careers and may think of starting a new path. First, they need to know what they need and how will they do it. This happens when they find a mentor to guide them to reach their goals and aspirations.

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Remember, when you know the path you want, find a mentor!

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What Fuel Type to Use in Your Lawn Mower and Small Engines

Most homeowners own different small engine equipment to help them maintain their house. From blowing off leaves in the front yard, to cutting the grass in the backyard. Small engine maintenance involves knowing the best fuel type for the equipment you own.

Know the best fuel for your lawn mower and small engines

In buying fuel for the equipment, remember to read the manual completely and take note of the recommendations it says. However, here are some tips to help you find the best fuel for your equipment.

Lawn mower

Every homeowners uses a lawn mower to maintain their yards, both front and back. Using it regularly consumes a big amount of fuel, which results in refuelling it more often. Due to the urgency of the task, some homeowners pick a different fuel than the one recommended. This may cause a malfunction in the lawn mower.

Most lawn mowers found in hardware stores use four-stroke engines. This kind of engine needs fresh unleaded gasoline. Make sure to get gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or more. Owners may use gasoline with ethanol. However, gasoline with an ethanol content of 10% is not usually recommended.

Chainsaw

People use chainsaws to cut trees and chop lumber. However, most fuels possess an octane rating of 87; chainsaws need more gasoline to work properly without any problems. The recommended gasoline for chainsaws needs an octane rating of at least 89 or more. Most classify chainsaws as high performance engines. A number of chainsaws produce more power than a lot of race car engines. This means that chainsaws work better with gasolines that possess higher octane ratings.

Some chainsaws with two-stroke engines need an oil/gas mixture. Some two-stroke engines work best with these ratios:

• 40:1 gas-to-oil ratio (2.6 fluid ounces of two cycle oil for a gallon of gas)
• 50:1 gas-to-oil ratio

Weedeaters, Brushcutters, String Trimmers

Homeowners use these tools to maintain the length of their grass. Keep it at minimum length to avoid getting pests or hinder the growth of the plants in the yard. These tools use unleaded gasoline that has an octane rating of at least 87. Avoid using gasoline that contains an octane rating lower than 87 or even diesel. Always use fresh gasoline for these.

Just like most chainsaws, these tools mostly use two-stroke engines that require an oil/gas mixture. Most of these equipments need a 40:1 gas-to-oil ratio, which means 2.6 fluid ounces of two cycle oil for a gallon of gas.

With technology continuously improving, manufacturers such as Honda began creating 4-stroke trimmers that do not need an oil/gas mixture.

Generators

During power outages, it’s very advantageous for homeowners to use their generators. It allows them to continue working or studying. Most generators use regular unleaded gas that has an octane rating of at least 87.

Remember to turn off the generator and let it cool for at least 2-3 minutes before filling up the tank. Do not refuel the generator while it’s turned on!

Snow blowers

Any homeowner during winter struggles with snow. Snowblowers help clear out roads and walking paths.

These tools use gasoline with an octane rating of 87. They do not need gasoline with higher octane ratings. Remember to stay away from fuel with ethanol contents of more than 10%. These tools can function with standard fuels with 10% ethanol.

Remember these to avoid corrosion in the engine.

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Owning small engine equipment helps with different tasks at home and at work. Remember to buy the recommended fuel to avoid corrosion in the engine. Greg’s Small Engine helps you pick the right fuel for your equipment and maintain it.

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Tips You Need to Know About Storing Small Engine Equipment

People in Nevada endure all seasons: summer, spring, autumn, and winter. When winter arrives, every household prepares their tools and other equipment for the cold weather.

Unlike other seasons, winter involves different ways of storing equipment that necessitates utmost care and attention. Winter causes equipment to break if improperly handled and stored. Learn the different ways on how to store small engine equipment here.

Tips for storing small engine equipment this winter

Most people wonder how can they properly store their small engine equipment. With these tips, storing will become an easy thing to do.

Spark plugs

Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. Experts say that these spark plugs need replacement after 100 hours or around 4 days of usage.

How to replace or store a spark plug?

1. Use a designated spark plug wrench and slowly turn its metal base to avoid breaking the plug.
2. When successfully removed, lubricate it with a few drops of oil.
3. Smoothly start the engine a few times to ensure it coats the cylindrical walls and valves.

Just a tip:

When replacing a spark plug, remember to use a new one with the exact the same part number. Different machines use different spark plugs. Doing so prevents future trouble with the engine.

Fuel

People use fuel for their generators, lawn equipment, and their cars. However, for the winter season, there are some tips to properly store fuel. Most fuels consist of ethanol, which breaks down over a period of time. This leads to deposits forming in the engine, which can move through the system and clog the carburetor.

How to properly store fuel?

1. Take out all the fuel from the equipment. Do this by letting the engine run until no fuel is left inside the tank.
2. Once it stalls, try starting it again to ensure the eradication of leftover fuel.

How to store equipment filled with fuel?

1. Use a fuel stabilizer.
2. Start the machine, run for around 5-10 minutes. This allows the mixture to circulate in the system.
3. Afterwards, turn the machine off.

This process lets equipment filled with gas stay up to six (6) months without trouble when starting again. When winter finally passes, starting the machine becomes easy.

Oils and filters

Oils form a very crucial part in the equipment that most people own, especially with cars. However, with small engine equipment inside the house, most wonder if they store it properly during winter.

How to store oils properly?

1. Always remember to change both the oil and filters to keep the mobile parts lubricated. Changing these keeps dirt and other particles from damaging the engine..
2. When owners change the filters, it helps eradicate grass and other particles that got stuck. This increases its fuel efficiency and power in the long run.

Paper filters are not reusable and need to be changed immediately after use. On the other hand, foam filters are reusable and are more eco-friendly.

How to store filters properly?

1. Rinse the foam filter using a solution composed of hot water and dishwashing liquid.
2. Put it flat on a surface to dry it out.
3. Coat it with oil before putting back inside the equipment.

Generators

With the winter season coming, generators are vulnerable to damage due to the cold weather. Nevertheless, follow these tips to prevent destruction of the generators.

How to store generators?

1. Drain the generator completely.
2. The engine will stop when it completely runs out of fuel.
3. Take out the oil from the crankcase while the engine is still warm. Refill with an oil grade recommended in the manual.
4. Carefully remove the spark plug.
5. Pour a small amount of engine oil into the cylinders, around 0.5 ounces.
6. Cover the hole for the spark plug with a clean rag. This prevents leakage when cranking the engine recoil.
7. Reinstall the spark plug and check if the wire got disconnected properly. This prevents accidental starts that lead to injuries.

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Avoid having to repair your small engines by properly storing your equipment by consulting Greg’s Small Engine for your storage needs.

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How to Start a Lawn Mower: Step-By-Step Guide

Mowing your lawn regularly will help maintain the beauty of your yard and the health of your grass. Whether you have a new lawnmower or an old one fresh from the garage. It is normal to have trouble starting it up. Lawnmower brands and models differ, but almost all of them share one thing: gas. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a lawn mower.

Step #1

Place the lawnmower on a grassy area. Ensure there are no foreign objects under the mower-like rocks, twigs, or children’s toys. If the area is not clear, the mower blades could be damaged.

Step #2

The most obvious step when starting a gas-powered lawn mower is to check if it contains gas. Don’t forget to check the oil. If the lawn mower you own has a 4-stroke engine, check the oil by opening the cap or by using a dipstick. If the lawnmower has a 2-stroke engine, then you’ll need to mix the oil with the gas. Be sure to know what type of oil to mix and the correct ratio amount of for the lawn mower’s engine. Consult the manual that comes with the lawnmower to learn about the oil and fuel recommendations for your specific model.

Step #3

Starting a lawn mower should not be a dreadful task

When you’ve completed the first two steps, the mower is ready to go. Press the primer button three to five times. This will channel gas into the engine. Priming the engine is only needed when it has not been used for a long time. If you’ve used the mower recently, you can skip this step. If you can’t locate the primer button, refer to the user manual.

Step #4

Look at your lawnmower. Notice that there are two handles running horizontally only inches apart from each other. Hold and press these handles together. Keep them together when you pull the starting rope. Pull quickly and with force. You might have to pull several times before the motor comes alive, ready to mow some grass.

If the mower doesn’t start, check the spark plug as it may not be attached. Then, try again. If it sputters but doesn’t start, you may need more gas in the tank.

The steps above will help you start a lawn mower, but if your mower doesn’t start, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• You’ve checked, and the mower has enough gas and oil in its tank. Still, the engine does not start. The mower’s carburetor might be flooded, or its cylinder might be soaked with gas. The smell of unburned gas is a sign that this is the case.  Leave the lawnmower on the ground for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is enough time to let the gas evaporate. Try starting the mower again.
• If you’ve left your mower in the garage for too long and there was gas left inside, the gas may have gone bad. You won’t be able to start the mower. Siphon out the old gas and replace it with fresh gas.
• The starter is stuck and it’s hard to pull. The lawnmower blade might be jammed. Disconnect the spark plug.  Then turn the mower on its side. Clear the debris under the mower, and be careful around the blades. If you’ve cleared the debris, and your lawn mower still won’t start, take it to a mechanic.
• Your lawnmower is smoking. To see what’s wrong, turn off the mower. Let it cool for an hour or so and monitor it to see if the smoking stops. If it won’t stop smoking, the mower may need servicing. Take the mower to your mechanic.

Lawnmowers are essential pieces of equipment to keep your yard looking beautiful. Without them, grass will grow wildly and untamed. Do you need your lawnmower serviced by a quality company that ensures only the best for your machines? Check out Greg’s Small Engine today!

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Find out How You Can Help Others on World Food Day

World Food Day is observed on the 16th of October each year. This day is celebrated to honor the date when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was founded in 1935. It is also recognized to raise awareness about hunger, as well as encourage the public to take action is to help eliminate world hunger.

The World Food Day is celebrated by organizing food drives and distributing free meals for the homeless and less fortunate. If you have the heart to participate in this holiday, here are some of the ways you can take a stand against hunger and make a difference.

Take a photo of your meal and share it on  social media

If you think taking photos of your sumptuous meals and uploading them on the social media is meaningless, then you have been thinking wrong. By sharing photos of your meals, you are also literally sharing your food. All you have to do is to download FoodShareFilter or Feedie. Both applications were designed to help fight global hunger. Every time photos of food are shared using the app, the restaurant donates a meal to an organization called the Lunchbox Fund that provides meals for orphaned children in South Africa.

Volunteer in your local community garden

Food scarcity and insecurity affect people living in poverty and those who have limited access to healthy and fresh food. Help make a difference by volunteering in your local urban garden. Address hunger by getting outside, by connecting with people, and by distributing fresh produce to people who need it most.

Participate in local community events

There are plenty of local events you can participate in if you want to help fight hunger in your community. Search World Food Day USA on Google to find some ways you can help. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities: packing meals for the homeless, walking for hunger, or helping out in a soup kitchen to name a few. No matter how big or small, your efforts will make a difference. However, you help out will be valuable for the nourishment of those who are in need. So serve your community by giving your time and efforts.

Help improve the quality of school lunches

Help, make school lunches better

In different parts of the United States and throughout the world, a school lunch or breakfast may be the only full meal a student eats in a day. The sad part is that these meals do not always contain important nutrients a child needs for growth and development. By improving the quality of food at schools, children can enjoy better health and improve their academic performance.

Treat yourself

Did you know that by treating yourself with your favorite food at your favorite restaurant, you are also making a difference in the world’s problem with hunger and food scarcity? So go ahead and invite a friend for a meaningful and sumptuous meal. As soon as the check arrives, donate the cost of your meal by joining the #HungerFree movement. This movement is organized to help fight hunger in South Sudan, Kenya, and many other parts of the globe.

Attend an event

If you are looking for other ways to participate in  World Food Day, you can visit foodday.org and enter your zip code to find an event near you. It doesn’t matter which event you choose, whether you dine or donate, the important thing is that you are helping spread awareness. You are also encouraging people to join the fight against hunger.

Food scarcity and hunger may seem to be overwhelming global problems. But if we all decide to take action, even in our little ways, and become advocates for health and food, we can all make a difference to make this world a better place.

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How to Show Appreciation for Teachers on World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated October 5th every year. This day is dedicated to all the hard-working teachers out there. Teachers are important people in our society. They mold young people’s’ minds and guide us through life later on. We spend almost two decades of our lives with teachers, and they make a huge contribution to our education and development. It’s fitting that this holiday is observed at schools throughout the world.

Teachers are underappreciated heroes. They don’t always receive the recognition they deserve for their commitment to education. In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, here are some ideas you can do to show your gratitude to your teachers.

Write a heartfelt letter to your teacher

You can write a poem, a short or long letter, or notes of appreciation to show your teacher you care. Leave it at your teacher’s desk or give it to them personally. They will appreciate it so much.

Give them a token of appreciation

Gifts like flowers, chocolates, coffee mugs, or shirts, will put a smile on their faces. Even a simple keychain will be highly appreciated.

Bake your teacher something sweet

A cake or a couple of cupcakes will surely get you your teacher’s sweetest smile.

Plan a party for your teacher

At the end of the school day, you can organize a party for your teacher together with your classmates. Set up some food and refreshments and plan fun games to make it more enjoyable.

Make a scrapbook with the whole class

Want to take your teacher on a walk down memory lane? A scrapbook is a perfect idea. Make it with your classmates and include photos and stickers. Decorate it creatively and give it to your teacher to let them know that you appreciate all their efforts in teaching and guiding you in school and in life.

Make a recording of your thanks

Be loud and proud as you give your thanks and appreciation to your teachers. Express your gratitude over a loudspeaker or over a song. This will surely make your teacher’s heart flutter with happiness.

Organize a breakfast party

On the morning of October 5th, order up coffee and other breakfast food for your teachers. Make sure to arrive at school extra early so that you can arrange this breakfast party. They will surely love this one.

Give your teacher a personalized coffee mug

A personalized cup or mug with your teacher’s name or photo will be a great gift. This is a functional gift as well because you ’ll see them using it for their morning or afternoon coffee.

Decorate your classroom

Together with your classmates, surprise your teacher by decorating your classroom and telling them that you are grateful for all of their efforts in teaching you.

 

Why should Teachers’  Day be celebrated?

People become teachers because they care about the younger generations. Teaching children and adolescents is their talent.t. Being a teacher is not easy. It takes great patience, long hours, and care to be a teacher.

If you don’t know, a teacher is so much more than an educator. They also act as moms, dads, nurses, therapists, and many other roles that children need. Being a teacher is more challenging than you know. Good teachers are angels who watch over children at school. Every day, they fight to teach the children good manners. They mold children to who they’re supposed to be when they grow up.

Teaching is a noble job and giving one day a year to appreciate them is an easy way for the world could give back. Teachers deserve all of our respect and gratitude because, without them, we wouldn’t be where we are right now.

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6 Reasons to Buy a Portable Generator

We all have been reliant on electricity that without it, we cannot imagine what would life be. Nowadays, people have to have constant access to power to keep life running without a hitch. Businesses rely on the use of electricity, but what happens if they have a massive blackout? This is where portable generators come in. A portable generator will provide power whenever and wherever you need. There’s no need to fear blackouts. With a portable generator, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll have power whenever needed.

Here 6 reasons why people should buy a portable generator:

They are Portable!

A portable generator can come in handy in numerous ways.

Modern portable generators are lightweight and more compact than the older generations. Some even come with wheels and easy to grip handles, living up to their name – portable. These modern generators are made as compact as possible without compromising the safety standards or the ability of the generator. With this, you can bring them anywhere, perfect for tailgating or camping! When not in use, it’s compact design will allow you to store it easily.

Emergency power source when there’s a blackout

Sometimes, there will be power outages or blackouts. This can be very inconvenient for some. This can even be catastrophic when a natural disaster happens. The right portable generator can help out in these situations. It can provide enough energy to power the essential devices and household appliances. This will allow home refrigerators to preserve food, keep a phone’s battery full, provide light, and more. Another advantage of having a portable generator is when you’re working online. Having a generator will allow you to continue working even when there is a power failure.

Worth the investment

Portable generators are made to be worth the money. The models from big manufacturers like Yamaha and Honda have very efficient engines. This means that the generator uses fuel efficiently thus saving money. Modern portable generators also have inverter technology. This is where the engine speed automatically adjusts directly proportional to the load applied that will maximize the use of fuel. With the inverter technology, running time will be longer. The frequency and power of your devices will the maintained. Some generators are built with robust, heavy duty frames to be sure that they are durable in a harsh environment. Most generators have two to three years of warranty so you can get your money’s worth.

Works on remote places

If a contractor has to work in remote places with no electricity, a portable generator is an answer to their prayers. A generator can provide electricity to power the tools needed for their work. The lightweight and compact design of these portable units will also be beneficial for you. These portable generators are also easy to use. Fill them up with fuel and you’re ready to go.

These generators are generally quiet

Most modern portable generators are now made to put out less noise. Quiet operations and soundproof casings are standard these days. This feature makes them the best choice to have at work and even at home.

There are many generator choices to choose from

There are different portable generators available in the market. There’s a gas generator that is great because they are versatile and ideal to use in short bursts. There’s also a diesel generator which provides a sustained source of prolonged power during power outages. There are great choices of portable generators designed for each individual’s needs. Find what works best for you in terms of specifics and budget.

It may be difficult to find the right portable generator. The reasons listed above may help with a decision if you are having doubts. Make sure you know where and what you are using it for. This will make it easier to find the perfect portable generator for you. And if you need expert service and repair for your generator and other machines and equipment, please feel free to visit Greg’s Small Engine. 

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