The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, January 30, 1996 - 19 "A Family Tradition for 128 Years" Norm's Fix It 1223 KING ST., MANCHESTER Question: Is there anything | should do to my chainsaw if it's going to sit idle for long periods of time? Answer: Definitely, yes! The single most common repair | do to chainsaws (not counting sharpening) is overhauling their _ carburetors due to stale or old gasoline. The fuel that is sold today is very different from the fuels sold 15-20 years ago. Today's gas ages and loses it's octane very quickly when exposed to the atmosphere. The chemical changes that take place also cause it to attack and disintegrate the synthetic rubber and plastic components used in all cahinsaw fuel systems, such as fuel hoses, carburetor diaphrams, etc. It can cost $75 to $100 and more to repair such damages. + However, there is a product available that, when in mixed gasoline, prevents fuel oxidation for 2 years. It is called fuel stabilizer, or conditioner, and is very inexpensive. When it is mixed in the gasoline container that you use for your chainsaw or any other small engine, you are automatically protecting that fuel system from the damages that stale fuel can cause. This product is available at any small engine shop, and is even being mixed in with some 2-cycle oils by the oil manufacturers. If you use this product, you can leave gasoline in your equipment over long storage periods without having to worry about expensive repairs later. Call your local small engine shop and ask about it. - Norm Sheppard \ AEE ZN BR@CK'S 168 Queen St., Port Perry, 985-2521 Q. I am going on a 1 week cruise next month and | am not sure what I should pack. [ am a middle aged woman, and am looking for cool comfortable clothes at an affordable price. A. You are in luck! Brock's new cruise collection is comprised of great styles that have the budget conscious traveler in mind. | would suggest that you pack several knit short sets that will take you on excursions to ports of call as well as strolling on deck. Knits can be rolled for compact packing then hung up and worn wrinkle free! Look for brand names such as Katesport, Tabi and Cafe au Lait in this seasons newest colors: pale yellow, shell pink and blue heather. For poolside relaxation, you should pack at least two swimsuit one sport style suit for serious swimming and one fun suit for tanning/lounging. Christina offers a great selection of affordable swimwear both in sporty styles with bold racing stripes to soft floral 1 and 2 piece tank suits with matching sarongs to take you from pool to poolside. For evening, team up a pair of flowing cotton palazzo pants in a tropical batik print with a matching tunic, a pair of strappy sandals and you'll be the belle of the ball. Substitute shorts for the pants, add a T-shirt and you've got a different look for the next day's activities! Look for coordinated cottons in batik prints by Asian Creations to help you put this together. Add a comfy pair of leather sandals (try Aerosoles!) and a sunhat and you're on your way. Bon Voyage! D)f : FRAMER'S GALLERY 237 Queen St., Port Perry, 985-2543 Question: Do | really need a paper matting around my picture? | Answer: The main purpose of a matting is to protect artworks on paper. A major problem that occurs is that moisture condenses on a cool piece of glass then soaks directly into the artwork that has been placed directly against it. The paper artwork will then permanently stick to the glass. The deterioration of the paper will also be accelerated. The matboard is approximately 1/8" thick and is used between the art and the glass. This lifts the glass away from the surface, of the painting or print, creating an airspace. This airspace protects against the condensed moisture soaking into the paper. Matting can be used to protect treasured family documents and photos as well as prints and original artworks. -------- Tracey Strong J.B.K. Industries Inc. 178 Reach Industrial Park Road Port Perry, Ontario 985-9695 Why does my Laser printer drive me nuts in winter? T'is the season for static. The constant rotation of motors & fans in laser printers coupled with fluctuating temperatures and dry air resulting from heating systems being on & off frequently, during the cold season, plays havoc with the performance of your laser printers and personal copiers. How do you avoid this problem? 1. Short of moving south, the use of a room or central humidifier, will reduce the effect of static on your cartridge. 2. Regular maintenance of your printer, using the machine manufacturer's cleaning tools, (included with most new machines) will definitely help your printer run better. 3. Avoid carpeted areas for your printer. If this cannot be avoided, mixing a solution of 1 part liquid fabric softener and 4 parts water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray a fine mist over the carpeted area within a 6 foot radius of the printer will greatly reduce static in the area of the printer. If all else fails call J.B.K. Industries at 985-9695, or pop in at 178 Reach Ind. Park Rd.