My New Blog

Hope Lodge, Jefferson at Cherry, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Purpose: To alleviate the cost of illness for cancer patients and their caregivers.

This is an American Cancer Society funded program, along with donations and volunteers.

April will mark the 25^th month of the Grand Rapids Hope Lodge and they are pleased to

offer help to everyone, ages 18 years and older, from any health care provider here

in Kent County.

Hope Lodge offers rest and relaxation for anyone experiencing cancer surgery, cancer treatments

or those who are ill and need to see physicians here in the city and live outside of Greater G.R.

There are no set fees for this respite but contributions are accepted.

There are 20 bedrooms available and each has a “locker” or pantry located off the kitchen and

dining area. Locals engage in donating “community dinners” on Tuesday and Thursday evenings;

these are furnished by local churches, college or school groups, companies or corporations. We

all realize what a giving community we enjoy here in w. Michigan.

Hope Lodge was built LEED Certified: the use of recyclables constitute 86% less waste in building

materials, 26% less energy use, almost 90% of all materials used for building come from within a 500

mile radius, and low-flow plumbing, with a savings of 28% of our water!

A remarkable building, a caring and giving community! Thanks to Susan for a tour, the information

and for her generous gift of philanthropy!

There are three factors to consider while making your decision of whether to list and sell today. What will occur when the “option arm-adjustable rate” mortgage loans come due this year? How many delinquent loans will end up in foreclosure in 2010? Will the increasing inventory of homes reaching “negative” equity (owners owe more than the home is current worth) cause owners to walk away? – This last question is based on whether the size of negative equity as well as the inability to pay the existing mortgage will leave the home owner with little option or recourse. This presents a major problem for current real property owners: their home is no longer a financial investment.

At this time, March 30, 2010, is the current turning point for our Federal Government to stop buying mortgage back securities, which have kept our mortgage rates at historic lows. As of April 30, 2010, the current Federal Homebuyers Tax Credits will expire, unless another emergency bill is passed in Washington, D.C. Last of all, IF we see a major quantity of homes hit our market, coupled with rising interest rates, it could further difficulties in the housing industry.

This is a small window of time, a tremendous opportunity, to sell and purchase a home. Make your choice based on a long term investment, a location that is convenient for working, schools, household needs and as a shelter. Most of all, make this important decision based on the affordability, your budget and your future plans.

The EPA has designated January to be Radon Action Month.

Home construction over the past 20 years have led to “tighter”, more energy efficient homes; tighter homes have the ability to hold more radon gas indoors.

RADON: Colorless, odorless gas that occurs when radium decays in the soil. This gas moves up through the ground and into homes via cracks and holes in a home’s foundation, collecting in enclosed spaces in basements or ground floor living areas.

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA estimates it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smoking individuals and the number two leader of lung cancer overall.

Testing is easy and inexpensive! A charcoal absorption canister is available through any local or county health department, with a minimal cost for the purchase and processing of lab results. ($15-$20)

A professional home inspector or service most likely will charge $100 or more for this same type of canister and lab work/results. IF a reading is above the acceptable level and EPA standards, a mitigation system is required. This system is a simple vent (PVC) pipe with a fan, is relatively inexpensive and can be installed in a short length of time. Once installed, a second radon test should occur to confirm that the radon levels have fallen to acceptable levels and that the new system is functioning properly.

Haiti – Ongoing News

The stories of Michigan’s generous and caring people are never-ending: City of Holland, teaming with Without Walls Vineyard Church and their gathering for “A Day for Haiti”, Schuler Books & Music’s donation of printing and distributing a medical translation manual, Amway Corporation’s jet transportation services and countless local organizations, clubs, churches, college-, high school- and elementary students’ contributions, local hospitals’ supplies & doctors and nurses services! There is just no way to name them all and give them the proper thanks. For an informational and eye-opening look at what is happening in Haiti, on this 15^th day after the quake,visit www.oamichigan.com

Courtesy of AmyBethHale/YouTube, October 21, 2008.

"Fantastic video on the progression of information technology, researched by Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod, and Jeff Brenman, remixed. By the way, I did not create this video! Search on the names above if you want more info - they are responsible."

No Cost Tips To Save Energy This Winter

We would all like to conserve energy and save on our utility bills. Here are a few suggestions that will help drive down the expenses for you and your family over this winter season.

• Dial down the thermostat during the sleeping hours; use more blankets!
• Close heating vents and doors in rooms seldom used.
• Use a power strip for all electronics, for ease of off and on; turn off when not in use!
• Wash all clothing in cold water.
• Remember to keep vents and filter clean on the clothes dryer; run evenings and on cold days.
• Don’t just close windows, lock them!
• Open blinds and curtains on sunny days for some instant solar heat.
• Make sure your dishwasher is full before starting.
• One can save five percent in energy cost for each lowered degree on your thermostat; wear a sweater!