More Stimulus Help for Homeowners

If you haven't already, you should apply for heating assistance through  NJ Shares, LIHEAP or USF.  If your household qualifies, one of these programs will credit payments directly to your PSEG account monthly.  Additionally if you check off the box titled "Weatherization", your home will be added to the list of homes which will be considered for weatherization, go green and energy efficient upgrades such as insulation, weather stripping, caulking, window replacements, and in some cases appliance/furnace/hot water heater replacements.  I qualify and my home has been selected.

La Casa de Don Pedro was scheduled to come to my home at 9:30am to perform a weatherization inspection.  At 9:29 they pulled up in front of my house, and by the time they parked the van and started walking to my front door it was 9:30am on the nose.  I was greeted by two pleasant young men who immediately introduced themselves, provided their identification, explained the purpose of their visit, what they hoped to accomplish and what I could expect.
They performed tests on the furnace, hot water heater, window seals and the house foundation.  The inspection included drilling a hole in a wall to determine if the walls were insulated, checking the manufacturer dates, makes and models of my refrigerator, furnace and hot water heater. The same day they installed weather stripping, energy efficient light bulbs, and CO2 detectors.
Upon the completion of my home inspection, I was provided a laundry list of next steps which included replacing my hot water heater, refrigerator and a window and installing insulation in the walls of my first and 2nd floor.  The process was explained in detail, the expectations were reviewed and timelines walked through before they left.  My questions were answered and I was able to make copies of all docs that I signed giving them permission to perform the various inspections.  They swept up behind themselves and removed any debris they created. Yes, I was impressed.
Two hours after they left the 1st plumber called to make an appointment to come to my home to inspect the hot water heater job.  Three hours later the 2nd plumber came to my home to inspect the hot water heater job.  This job as it had been explained to me by La Casa de Don Pedro had been put up for bid.
The next day, that's right the next day, the plumber called at 8am and arrived at 9am sharp to install my new energy efficient 40 gallon hot water heater.  My hot water heater upgrade included new copper piping, an auto feed from the hot water heater to the furnace (I no longer will have to manually add water to the furnace when the water is low), a new low water shut of switch on the furnace and the installation of a new digital thermostat in my dining room.
In the weeks to come I will be contacted by the window and insulation contractors and either Sears or Lowes regarding my new energy efficient refrigerator (yes the same size as I currently have).
I spent a few minutes speaking with the plumber that installed the hot water heater (you know me, forever inquisitive), he shared a bit of his story of what it has been like for him and his business trying to weather through these difficult economic times.  He said he is very grateful for the stimulus programs that Obama has in place.  He has been able to hire back 5 of his laid off workers due to the ARRA (stimulus package) and added that 80% of his business now comes from the ARRA.

All of these upgrades and replacements are FREE to me, my tax dollars being put to work.  I love my president!

Get started here http://njshares.org/; or http://njshares.org/aboutNJShares/whoWeHelp.asp; or  http://njshares.org/whereToApply/index.asp.

Brown Marmorated STINK BUG

Do you have these visitors in your home?

Since 2000, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has been confirmed in several Mid-Atlantic States and in Oregon and California. It is believed that its distribution is much wider than currently documented.

To determine the risk to agricultural and ornamental industries, we must first determine where the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is currently located. With the help of sightings from homeowners, Rutgers University will be able to quickly develop monitoring methods and control techniques for this invasive plant pest.

If you believe you have the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, please see the How to Identify the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug link http://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/ and then fill out the secure electronic form, which will be sent to researchers currently working on monitoring this pest. If you are able to capture a specimen, please do so in any type of container. For more information please see the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension fact sheet FS002 (PDF file).

To report a sighting https://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/report.asp.

For more information on this project, contact George Hamilton hamilton@njaes.rutgers.edu at the NJAES Pest Management Office.

Two Dogs In Need of a Loving Home

Friends,

Please meet Pinky on the left, a two-year-old female pitbull mix, and her daughter Charmaine on the right, a ten-month-old female pitbull terrier puppy. Until very recently, they lived outside in the freezing cold with little food.
A very kind person has taken them in, but they will not be allowed to stay with her forever. They will soon be up to date with shots, and spayed. Both of these beautiful girls are friendly; they are housebroken, but could use a little leash training.
Animal shelters have been hit especially hard by the recession, and the number of dogs looking for good homes is staggering. Some won't consider placing pitbulls in the best of times. Perhaps you or someone you know is looking for a great family dog. Maybe you could help spread the word about these two. We could really use your help.
Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions. The dogs are currently in a private home in northern New Jersey. Let me know if you would like to meet them!

Thank you for your time,

Susan McAdoo
smcadoo@earthlink.net
 

New Project "That Show with Michael Rakosi"

Here's a plug for my friend Andy Clayman's new project called That Show with Michael Rakosi, the soft launch can be viewed at www.thatshowwithmichaelrakosi.com.

Feedback encouraged and graciously accepted at:
Andy Clayman
President/CEO
Mediaworks, Inc.
212-219-8600
www.mediaworksnyc.com
 

Ugly Homes Wanted

I noticed an interesting ad placed in the Arts section of the Montclair Times, a few pages in from the last page in the lower right corner of the page, very easy to miss.  Now with that said, is this a legit ad, I don't know but I figured it can't hurt to call and find out, right?

Ok, so I called and left a message for Landmark Builders (recorded greeting) on the answering machine.  I am awaiting a return call.  I will publish a post on my findings once I speak with someone at Landmark Builders.  In the meantime, below are details from the ad.

The ads states 30 Ugly Homes are needed for a Television Program.  The prject needs Ugly Kitchens, Bathrooms, Siding, Windows as well as other Ugly areas of the home.

These Ugly aspects of the home will be repaired and or remodeled, the process of which will be video taped for training film purposes and future television shows on Home Remodeling Works.

This remodeling is to be specially priced work with compensation back to the homeowner for a signed release.

Contact 888-565-4700 or 609-567-2828, ask for the TV project department.

If you decide to call about your home, it would be great if you could share your experience on the blog.  Commenting is available at the bottom of this post. 

Thanks and Good Luck !!!!

Writing Contest for Seniors 60 Yrs Young & Older

Are you 60 or older and have an amazing story to tell? Here's a wonderful opportunity to have your voice heard by many.
Essex County senior citizens are welcome to enter in this year's Legacies Writing Contest. Seniors 60 and older can submit an original story about a special person, life-changing experience or significant period of their life.  All writers who submit stories will be invited to the Division of Senior Services Legacies luncheon celebration in May. The winning authors will be honored and their stories will be published in the Essex Advisor.

Information & rules:

1. Writers must be Essex County New Jersey residents who are 60 years of age or older.
2. Entries should be original stories focusing on a special person, a life-altering experience or a significant period in your life.
3. The suggested maximum length is 1,500 words.
4. Stories must be typed or legibly hand-written on 8.5 by 11 inch paper.
5. Entries must have a cover page with the author's name, date of birth, address and telephone number.
6. The story title with no identifying information should appear on the first page of the story text. All identifying information about the author is removed when stories are judged by the review committee.
7. Seniors may submit only one entry.
8. Previously published stories may not be submitted.
9. Seniors should keep a copy of the story submitted. Entries will not be returned.
10. Stories should be sent to the following address: Essex County Division of Senior Services Attn: Legacies Contest 50 South Clinton Street, Suite 3200 East Orange, NJ 07018.
11. The deadline for submissions is March 22nd.

It's Snowing Today, YIPPEE !!!!

Yes there are some and I am one of them who likes a good snowfall.  This is great, I hope it snows all day today and tonight.  I wouldn't mind a few high winds later today either creating some snowdrifts.  How wonderful it would be to have things shut down, I mean really shut down for just a day at the least.  To have everything stop moving at a hurried pace and just sort of crawl along until coming to a dead stop.

As I look out the front window of my tiny office, I am pleased to see that my neighbors are in agreement at least for now.  The sidewalks have not been shoveled, cars are parked in driveways covered by snow and the snow keeps falling.  It's so pretty and quiet.  The view from my bedroom is even more enjoyable as I watch the birds make their way to and from the birdfeeder.  They don't have to watch out for those pesky cats today because they are all undercover not caring much for the snow.

Later I am hoping to see the children come outside to play, although everyone knows that the first layer of snowfall is not the best for making snow figures; it's still too light and fluffy, but they can go sledding, cross country skiing and by gosh they can just play in it. This may be the only chance they get this season to play in the snow.  These past few winters have made a pitiful appearance with very little snowfall.  Snow has been almost non existent, certainly not worth mentioning. So here it is, in all it's glory finally and Mother Nature did not disappoint.

This is a win win for everyone.  The folks who don't like snow have something to talk about; they get to share their dislike for the snow with others who don't like driving, shoveling or dressing for it.  Ahhh come on, it's something for them to do.  They love complaining about it.  Children get a day off from school to play in it and disconnect if only for a little while from technology that has robbed them of these rare opportunities to engage in basic fun. Wow, let's see; an activity that does not require nor is there room for a computer, cell phone, video game, ipod, batteries, or electricity.  Playing in the snow is not easy; it's hard work and it's fun.  I clearly remember being exhausted and hungry when I came in from sledding and making snow people; as a matter of fact just walking and moving around in it eventually tired me out.  Educators get a day off to recharge their batteries.  Parents who stayed home from work get to send all the children outside to play.  Older kids and young adults get to earn some money shoveling.  Writers get a beautiful day to write.  I could go on and on but right now I am going to bake some yeast bread and I want to get started. 

Yeah, I'm glad it snowed and I'll be sad when I have to go out and join the others in disturbing it by shoveling it out of the way, you know, when the shut down is over.
 

Not Everyone is a Public Speaker

I am not a public speaker. I admire people who can get up in front of an audience and speak without all the issues I imagine I would have if it were me in their shoes. I can be a critic.  When I decide to spend my valuable time attending an event where a speaker is scheduled to appear, I have a somewhat high level of expectation that my time will not be wasted and the story or information being provided by the speaker will be of some use or value.

We all know people who are gifted with a natural ability to tell a story.  In speaking to an audience they have an increased sense of comfort, unlike the average person.  They do not shy away from eye contact or recoil when confronted about the topic presented.  They draw you in, lead you down a path convincing you to want to hear more. Their body language speaks volumes and beckons you to engage in dialog.  They have the "IT" factor.

Other successful speakers who do not come by their abilities as naturally, are fairly good in reaching, moving and engaging their audience because they have spent time researching the material, crafting the art of public speaking, and honing the skill of engaging an audience.  Whenever I am invited to hear someone speak, I hope the speaker is one of the two.

Entrepreneurial public speaking opportunities are springing up all over the place seeded by this recession/depression.  People are hanging out shingles for all types of employment counseling, career pathing, and networking.  If the angle has anything to do with getting a job or just being unemployed, someone has hung out a shingle.

STOP torturing us!!!!!  In these past months, I have been invited to and attended many job search, networking, career pathing, surviving unemployment types of seminars and workshops sponsored by various well meaning agencies, organizations and individuals.  I have some breaking news, NOT EVERYONE IS A PUBLIC SPEAKER!!!!!

Yes, many of us are out of work and we all have stories to tell about how horrible it has been, what it has meant to our families and the journey we have traveled looking for normalcy but here's the thing people; unless you have something to say that is fresh, new or different, we have heard it all. 

Here's an idea, speak about how you helped someone get a job now that you are back on your feet and employed again, give specifics on how you helped get this person re-employed, bring your business cards to the event, offer to be a resource, don't give statistics on how many people are out of work etc etc.  If you cannot speak to how you have directly helped someone, or provided resources, stay home, until you reach this leg of your journey.

Be prepared, if you are offering a service now that you have hung up a shingle, for example let's say you are providing consultant services as a resume expert, bring samples of effective and non effective resumes.  Know your topic.  Sure you can use note cards and other supportive materials but don't read to the audience.  We can read.

Plan an interactive activity with the audience.  Spice it up a bit, get people to network with each other in the seminar.
Many of these types of events are in the evening. Serve a light snack and a beverage.

Be sensitive, tailor your topic(s) to the audience and stay away from setting the tone to high or low.  The audience will be made up of people from all walks of life with various backgrounds and levels of expertise.  You need to be able to connect to them.  I attended one networking seminar where the speaker spent most of his 45 minutes talking about networking with a king in the Sudan, presidents of major oil companies, and boasted about having gone to school with the vice president (I thought it was interesting that he did not use Joe Biden's name, maybe he couldn't remember his name); a real snooze fest.  During the break, people talked about how disconnected and aloof this guy was and some left the event.

I look at what I deemed as failed speaking events as food for my blog, so in that vein I guess they did have some value after all.