Evansville's downtown Friday event series are starting again with a "Lunch in the Park" during the noon hour and a Downtown Cruise-in featuring more than 200 classic cars and show cars from 5:00PM to 9:00PM. These events are part of the monthly Fabulous First Fridays which continue June 6th, July 11th, August 1st and September 5th.

To read more about these events, read the Evansville Courier Journal article by clicking here.

This is an FYI for small business owners. Several local businesses have reported to have been taken by a scam by a Louisville company selling advertising in the Tri-State area. From the information in this article it seems that the company is promising to deliver ads which they never place. In order not to fall for the scam, ask the advertising company you with whom you had no prior business relationship, for references and for copies of ads already placed.

You can find more information on this scam by clicking here.

The next board meeting regarding Roberts Stadium will be on May 7th at the Center from 5:30PM to 7:30PM Locust Rooms A through D. Board President Wayne Henning has said the board may take a vote before making a recommendation. Gateway has been studying whether the city should renovate Roberts Stadium or build an arena. The consensus, based on comments at a public hearing, has been for a 10,000-seat arena Downtown. Prior meetings have been interesting and informative. I will certainly try to make it to this meeting.

Read the full story from the Evansville Couier Press by clicking here.

May 1 to May 4 – Ohio Valley Birding Festival.

Numerous events have been scheduled.

Details available at http://www.wesselmannaturesociety.org/events/index.php

May 7 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This nature story and craft class is for parents and children up to 5 years old. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Call 479-0771, ext 102 for more information.

May 10 Opening Day of 2008 Canoeing Season! (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information.

May 11 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information.

May 14 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This nature story and craft class is for parents and children up to 5 years old. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Call 479-0771, ext 102 for more information.

May 16 Clean Your Files Day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the Recycling Center at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Bring your personal papers, files and other documents for free shredding (up to 10 lbs.) and/or recycling. Call 479-0771, ext. 101 or 436-7800 for more information. May 10

May 16 Moonlight Paddle! (5:30 p.m.) at Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area. Join Canoe Evansville for a guided paddle under the full moon at this serene natural area north of the City. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information.

May 17 Moonlight Paddle! (5:30 p.m.) at Hovey Lake. Join Canoe Evansville for a guided paddle under the full moon at one of the few existing remnants of a bald cypress swamp in southern Indiana. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information.

May 17 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information

May 17 Nature Detectives! (1 p.m.) at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Find out. who (or what) left the track in the mud; what a feather or piece of bone can tell you about the animal that it belonged to; and what might be living in a freshly dug hole in the ground. Make a plaster cast of an animal track, then take a short hike to explore the forest for animal clues that were left behind. $4 per person. Call to register at 812-479-0771 ext 102.

May 18 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information

May 21 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This nature story and craft class is for parents and children up to 5 years old. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Call 479-0771, ext 102 for more information.

May 24 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information.

May 25 Intro to Hiking and Backpacking 101: With Top Spot Outdoors (1 p.m.) at the Nature Center at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. With Jon Dubber, Top Spot Outdoors. Jon will cover the basic equipment needs and planning of day hikes and backpacking trips followed with a short hike into the Nature Preserve. Free (donations to the Nature Preserve accepted).

May 25 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information.

May 25 Wetland Wildflower Walk (2 p.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Join Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Kate Lynch for a revealing walk through the wetlands. Learn to identify spring wildflowers and the benefits of native plants to the ecosystem. Free; donations accepted. Contact 499-2952 for further information.

May 28 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This nature story and craft class is for parents and children up to 5 years old. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Call 479-0771, ext 102 for more information.

May 31 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program! (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. $15 per person. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 105 for registration information.

Source: http://www.wesselmannaturesociety.org/events/index.php

Contractors will begin tearing down some local businesses near downtown Evansville to make way for a new interchange. The intersection at the Lloyd Expressway and Fulton Avenue will see big changes starting May 12th. This will cause some delays particularly during rush hours. Plan ahead if you have to use the Lloyd during the construction time and allow for extra time for your trip.

For the full article from WFIE Channel 14, visit http://14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=8240447.

We are often asked which closing documents to keep after the closing of a property. The closing documents are normally handed to the respective party in a folder. These should entail all documents that are signed. The documents mentioned below are the most important ones. We have seen certain closing companies to deliver a CD/DVD with all closing documents. This helps in cutting down the amount of paper used for each closing. Should you loose the folder or CD/DVD the closing company should still have a record on hand. Please call me at 812-499-9234 if you have any questions.

Closing Documents You Should Keep

On closing day, expect to sign a lot of documents and walk away with a big stack of papers. Here’s a list of the most important documents you should file away for future reference.

• HUD-1 settlement statement. Itemizes all the costs — commissions, loan fees, points, and hazard insurance —associated with the closing. You’ll need it for income tax purposes if you paid points.
• Truth in Lending statement. Summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan, including the annual percentage rate and recision period.
• Mortgage and note. Spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and the agreed-upon repayment terms.
• Deed. Transfers ownership to you.
• Affidavits. Binding statements by either party. For example, the sellers will often sign an affidavit stating that they haven’t incurred any liens.
• Riders. Amendments to the sales contract that affect your rights. Example: The sellers won’t move out until two weeks after closing but will pay rent to the buyers during that period.
• Insurance policies. Provide a record and proof of your coverage.

Sources: Credit Union National Association; Mortgage Bankers Association; Home-Buyer’s Guide (Real Estate Center at Texas A&M, 2000; http://www.realtor.org/rmotoolkits.nsf/customermain?readform

We had previously reported that the Vanderburgh County Property Spring Taxes are due on May 12th, 2008. According to County Auditor Bill Fluty this date will be delayed as there is a good amount of work that needs to be done. He estimates that the new due date for the property taxes will be late May or even early June.

For more information, click here to see the TriStateHomepage article.

Did you know that Indiana has 34 wineries with four more scheduled to open this year?
I did not, and it is sure interesting to find more about these wineries and perhaps make a weekend trip to visit these. Each winery is different and the producers offer their wines to the public. In late 2006, seven Indianapolis-area wineries banded together to form the Indy Wine Trail. Please contact http://www.indywinetrail.com/ or 888- VINO-INDY -888-846-6463 to obtain a map of the wineries.

To learn more about Indiana's wineries, please read the Evansville Courier Press article by clicking here.

The sale of Evansville's Red Spot Paint & Varnish Company to a Japanese subsidiary shows that our local economy has ties world wide. Red Spot is not the only company in Evansville doing business around the world. There are several others and each contributes to Evansville's steady economy which translates into steady jobs and appreciation in housing.

To learn more about Red Spot in the news, read the Evansville Courier Press article by clicking here.

Lipizzaner Stallions
Roberts Stadium
Sunday April 27 at 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM (2 shows)

In 1970, Producer Gary Lashinsky created a new family arena attraction, starring The 'World Famous' LIPIZZANER STALLIONS.

Many horses and riders were brought from Europe to perform in this unique family oriented arena attraction. Over the years, twenty-three million people throughout North and South America, Great Britain, Europe, Australia and Hawaii have seen this internationally acclaimed spectacle.

2007/2008 represents the 37th Anniversary season of The Lipizzaner Stallions. All new music, choreography and routines have been incorporated in this anniversary edition with a major emphasis on the historical background and foundation of the Lipizzaner breed, from its original breeding and use as a horse of war to a horse of nobility and aristocracy to a living form of equestrian art. The show emulates the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, in its presentation of Lipizzans, and maintains a traditional as well as entertaining performance similar in many ways to what you would see at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

Source: http://www.robertstadium.com/

We have good news in regards to Bristol-Myers Squibb and the head quarters of Mead Johnson in Evansville. Bristol-Myers Squibb plans to keep a majority ownership of Mead Johnson into the foreseeable future, the drug company announced today.

Bristol-Myers said it plans to file a registration statement by the end of the year to sell from 10 percent to 20 percent of its Mead Johnson subsidiary to the public through a stock offering. Speaking during a conference call today, Bristol-Myers executives said the sale would allow Mead Johnson to grow and still give Bristol a steady source of cash.

This is good news for Evansville as there will be not work interruption or job loss. To read the full article, go to http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/apr/24/25web-MeadJohnson/.

As the saying goes: April showers bring May flowers! With more rain in the springtime months of April and May, now's the perfect opportunity to get your rain gutters in tip-top shape. As a homeowner, you're probably wondering what the best way would be to maintain those gutters – and we have got the answer for you! We have compiled a handy list of tips that will help you to save money by doing it yourself, so that you can simply enjoy the rain once it comes.

If you need any additional tips, please feel free to call me Rolando at 499-9234 or Kathy at 499-0246. Also, if you have friends or family who are in need of real estate service or advice, we hope you'll give them our name. We are always happy to help!

                                  FIVE TIPS FOR SAFELY CLEANING YOUR RAIN GUTTERS

1. Maintenance means everything: Ideally, you should clean your gutters twice per year. Maintaining clean gutters will help you to avoid drainage problems that could potentially lead to more costly repairs.

2. Climb on up: Borrowing (or investing in) a good, sturdy ladder is the key to ensuring your personal safety and to making the task as hassle-free as possible. Make sure that the ladder is placed on a flat, steady surface, and follow the rule of two: never stand on the top two rungs of a ladder, as it becomes very difficult to maintain your balance.

3. Protect yourself: Thick, heavy gloves are a must when performing this kind of task. Gutters may have sharp or jagged metal pieces as well as screws or nails that may pose a danger to your hands and fingers. Want additional protection? Safety glasses are also a good idea!

4. Up on the roof: Santa might find rooftops to be a walk in the park, but for the rest of us, they aren't generally ideal perches. However, if you have a flat roof or a roof with a low slope, you may find it easier to accomplish the cleaning by situating yourself up top. Always use extreme caution, wear non-slip shoes and never opt for this choice in bad weather!

5. Scoop, blast and repair: Once you're ready to start cleaning, follow a simple three-step process to get the most out of the task. Scoop out any debris, blast the drains clean with a high-powered hose, and repair any leaks you may find along the way.

Just in case you have noticed a change in the taste of Evansville’s tap water the information below will clarify the cause.

This should be remedied in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Evansville Water Changes
If you drink or shower in Evansville water, you might notice a difference in the smell and taste. American Water Enterprise group will be changing their disinfection methods starting today, but you may not notice the strong chlorine smell for a couple of days.

This procedure is very common and will help clean out the city’s distribution system. The temporary chlorine smell should only last for the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Source: http://tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=6124

Vectren Electric will distribute 500 redbud trees on April 25^th from 7:30 a.m to 1 p.m. at their headquarters at 211 NW Riverside Drive. Vectren Electric has partnered up with Allied Waste Services of Evansville for customers and employees to drop their recyclable items in large recycle bins set up for the day at the event. We congratulate Vectren Electric for this undertaking and we are planning to pick up a tree to be planted in our garden.

Free Trees For Earth Day

Vectren electric customers invited to celebrate Earth, Arbor Days

Vectren electric customers are invited to celebrate Earth and Arbor Days this week with a handful of programs and events that are designed to educate them about environmental stewardship: considering and minimizing their impact on the environment.Partnering with Keep Evansville Beautiful, Vectren will distribute 500 redbud trees* in honor of Arbor Day, April 25. In addition, Vectren has partnered with Allied Waste Services of Evansville for customers and employees to drop their recyclable items in large recycling bins set up for the day at the event.

All are invited to Vectren’s headquarters at 211 NW Riverside Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to pick up a tree while supplies last and/or drop off their recyclable items: newspaper, aluminum and glass.

“Planting a tree might not sound like a significant undertaking, but trees not only beautify our region, they also play a key part in reducing carbon dioxide, the root cause of global warming according to most in the scientific community,” said Chairman and CEO Niel Ellerbrook. “From recycling household products to minimizing paper waste or even using less energy, each of us needs to think differently about how our lifestyle impacts our environment. Also, remember to plan before you plant your redbud tree and call 811 before you dig.”

A Plan Before You Plant brochure and Call Before You Dig information will be provided to all those who pick up trees. Customers also will be encouraged by Vectren to enroll in its online billing program, eBill, to get more customers to choose paperless billing. Currently, more than 85,000 customers are enrolled in the free billing option that delivers their Vectren bills to a desired email address, which translates into savings of more than a ton of paper per month. Vectren’s electric utility serves all of portions of seven counties in southwestern Indiana, including Dubois, Gibson, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick.

* The number of trees is limited, and they will be available on first-come, first served basis. Limit one per customer.

Source: : http://tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=6083

Recycle Day

Date: 5/3/2008 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Cost: free

Location: Evansville Day School
3400 N Green River Rd
Evansville, Indiana 47711

ITEMS TO BRING:
(Please be sure items are clean and sorted.)

Aluminum cans Metal food cans
Cardboard Catalogs/magazines
Newspaper Mixed paper
Glass containers #1 & #2 plastic bottles

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY

436-7800

• Ask how your child is doing . . . "are you feeling scared?"
• Listen well - make good eye contact
• Take their fears/concerns to heart
• Speak in calming tone
• Reassure that although it is scary, all is okay
• Spend extra time together
• Have your child let you know if they continue to feel scared
• Seek help if needed

We can all participate and do our part to prevent that medicine run off enters our water system. Deaconess Home Services will accept your unwanted or expired medications. This year’s goal is to collect 80 LBS of medication. Collection will be on Wednesday April 23^rd from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Deaconess Home West parking lot across from the West side Schnucks.

Operation Medicine Cabinet:

Date: Wednesday April 23rd
Time: 7 a.m.
Location: Deaconess Home Medical West Parking Lot (Across from Schnucks West)
Contact: Maria Morris - 812-431-7678

Event Details:
A one day community event will be held on Wednesday April 23rd from 7a.m.-9a.m. at the Deaconess Home Medical West parking lot (across from Schnucks West). Home Instead Senior Care and Deaconess Home Services is spearheading a new community event aimed at educating and encouraging the proper disposal of unwanted or expired medications. All medications will be supervised by law enforcement and then taken to a hazardous waste collection site where they will be incinerated. We will have donuts and other refreshments for people dropping off medications. If you choose, you can drop off medications without getting out of your car! Our goal is to collect 80lbs of medications, so do some spring cleaning in your medicine cabinet!

Source:http://tristatehomepage.com/content/community/event?event_id=13657&month=&date=&year=

Although timeshares are not for every person, to some it’s a great way to enjoy a vacation. There are several issues to look out for before you buy into a time share.

Timeshares And Camping Clubs

What you need to know before you buy

A timeshare or camping club can be a great way to enjoy a vacation. But it’s important to do some research before you spend any money. The sale of timeshares and camping clubs is regulated by the state of Indiana through the attorney general’s office. To help you with your decision, we’ve compiled the following information.

Understanding Timeshares
A timeshare is the right to use and occupy a unit in a building on a periodic basis, typically for a period of one week each year. A developer of a timeshare who offers to sell more than 12 timeshares in a project must register with the attorney general’s office, and update this registration annually.

Understanding Camping Clubs
A camping club allows people to keep a trailer, tent, camper or other similar device at a land-based site for a certain period of time. Registration with the state is required for any camping club developer who gives a purchaser of an agreement lasting more than one year the interest in, or right to use, a camping site for more than 30 days.

Right Of Cancellation
Indiana law gives a purchaser the right to cancel a timeshare or camping club purchase within three days after the execution of the sales contract. Sundays and legal holidays do not count in computing this period. Indiana law also requires developers to provide purchasers with a cancellation form. The purchaser’s notice of cancellation is effective on the date postmarked. Any written notice delivered other than by mail or telegraph is effective at the time of delivery at the developer’s place of business.

Guidelines When Thinking About A Timeshare Or Camping Site

• Resist high-pressure sales. You are not obligated to make a purchase merely because a developer gives you a prize or a reduced price vacation as an incentive to attend a sales presentation.
• Read the contracts and literature provided. Ask questions, and make sure you understand what you are purchasing. Not all timeshare properties are of equal value, depending on their location and the week of the year that you are purchasing.

Resources
The Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office works to safeguard the rights of Indiana citizens every day. If you have questions or complaints regarding timeshares and camping clubs, or other appropriate consumer issues, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-382-5516. 

Source: http://www.indianaconsumer.com/consumer_guide/timeshares.asp

The Evansville Otters are proud to participate in the 4^th annual exhibition game on Friday May 16^th for the Jacobs Village area. Last year the Otters raised $ 11,193 for Jacobs Village. We hope some of you will have time to attend this game and be there fir a worthy cause.

OTTERS & JACOB'S VILLAGE ANNOUNCE EXHIBITION GAME

The Evansville Otters and Jacob’s Village are proud to announce the 4th annual exhibition game at Bosse Field to benefit Jacob’s Village, a non-profit residential community. The Otters will be playing the Southern Illinois Miners in a game that is set for Friday, May 16 at 7:05pm. Tickets can be purchased at Bosse Field, all Ritzy’s locations, and at Jacob’s Village. Tickets cost just three dollars for general admission seats and box seats for just five dollars with all proceeds going to Jacob’s Village.

Jacob’s Village is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of people with functional disabilities by offering accessible living accommodations in a caring, home-like environment. With a professional, caring staff, residents have the support system they need to lead lives filled with opportunities. Everyone who lives at Jacob’s Village benefits from an environment that fosters enjoyment, lifelong learning, independence and community involvement. Whether going to work, participating in our fitness program, attending a car show, going to church or participating in an array of other available activities, residents of Jacob’s Village are continually encouraged to expand their boundaries, to grow more self-sufficient, and to live joyfully.

Last year the paid attendance was 3,443, which raised $11,193 for Jacob’s Village. The dream and prayer of Jacob’s Village is that everyone living here will enjoy a life rich in experiences and opportunities. For ticket information please contact the Evansville Otters, Jacob’s Village, or all G.D. Ritzy’s locations.

Source: http://www.evansvilleotters.com/index.html

I came across this article and thought our readers in the rental business may want to read this. The suggestions are quite simple and may make the difference of renting a unit sooner than later. 

 Rental Strategies - Are You Attracting Good Residents?

By Rob Massey

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2008-A common mistake made by novice landlords is a lack of preparation or work on the home before putting it on the rental market. The reality is, however, that the most discerning prospective residents, who normally are your ideal renters, demand attention to detail. Here are a few vital tips:

Painting-The rule is simple. The house needs to look as though it was just completely painted. The reality is that it’s not always necessary to have just completely painted the entire house, but it needs to look as though it has been. This is easily achieved by starting with the same neutral color throughout the whole house.

Housecleaning-There are different definitions of clean, but most knowledgeable property managers insist that there needs to be a clean smell throughout the house, perfectly clean kitchen appliances, and bathrooms that invite use without the need for prior cleaning.

Carpet cleaning-Not only will your carpet look and smell better, but it will actually help extend its life. A thorough cleaning of the carpet between vacancies should never be skipped.

Outside condition of the property-This is the part that will formulate a “first impression.” Make sure the shrubs and trees are properly trimmed; the grass is cut and tidy; the walks and driveway are edged and groomed. The exterior paint condition is critical as well. Peeling or dirty exterior paint is a sign of an untidy house and not what you want to convey in your first impression.

Attracting desirable residents starts with the proper preparation of the condition of your rental house. Don’t fall short in this most important step in this process. RE

Rob Massey is the founder of RentalHouses.com and vice president of industry development for Rentals.com. Contact him at rob.massey@rentals.com.

Source: http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-04-14/rental-strategies-are-you-attracting-good-residents/

We wish the Evansville Chamber of Commerce a productive trip to Louisville for the fourth annual Inter-City leadership visit. Since Louisville just broke ground on a new arena located in the down town area, Evansville’s delegation may reap some benefits for our own new arena.

To read this full story on the Inside INdiana Business website, go to http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=28846.  

Real Estate Tax Deadline

Date: 5/12/2008

This is just a reminder that the spring property real estate taxes are due in less than one month.

Since May 10, 2008 is on Saturday so the deadline is moved to Monday May 12, 2008

Evansville can be proud of Mater Dei High School students who came in first and third at a fuel efficiency competition in Fontana California last week.

The first place vehicle ran the California Speedway track at a clip of 2,843 miles per gallon, while the third-place entry reached 2,383 miles per gallon.

I hope we will see our cars one day with the same fuel mileage. This would certainly help us as well as the environment.

We have received news that Congressman Brad Ellsworth of Indiana has received the U.S. Chamber of Enterprise Award for his support of policies and help to grow and strengthen businesses.

The Spirit of Enterprise Award is awarded annually to members of Congress based on the members' support of pro-business legislation. The U.S. Chamber based the award on 20 key votes taken in the House in 2007. Ellsworth was one of only 24 Democrats in Congress to receive the award. We congratulate Congressman Ellsworth on this award.

Ellsworth Receives U.S. Chamber Spirit of Enterprise Award

WASHINGTON - Rep. Brad Ellsworth today was presented with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award for his support of policies that help grow and strengthen businesses. "At a time when Hoosier families and businesses are struggling in a weakened economy, it's important for Congress to support policies that keep American businesses strong and growing and create new jobs for American workers," said Ellsworth. "I am honored to receive this award, and I will continue to look for common sense ways to help Indiana businesses and workers in the ailing economy."

The Spirit of Enterprise Award is awarded annually to members of Congress based on the members' support of pro-business legislation. The U.S. Chamber based the award on 20 key votes taken in the House in 2007. Ellsworth was one of only 24 Democrats in Congress to receive the award.

"Representative Ellsworth has proven to be an effective ally to the business community, supporting legislation that helps grow the economy and creates new jobs for hardworking Americans," said Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO. "The Chamber is grateful for Brad's commitment to these important issues and is proud to present him with this award."

A complete list of 2007 Spirit of Enterprise Award winners is available at: http://www.uschamber.com/issues/legislators/soe

Source: http://www.ellsworth.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=318

With the severe weather season warming up, I thought it would be a good idea to review your safety procedure during severe weather threats. I have listed a few safety tips for tornado outbreaks. It never hurts to be cautious. I strongly recommend a NOAA Weather Radio. Newer versions can be programmed county-specific. If you do not know you’re S.A.M.E. Codes you can Google for the information, just enter your name of your county the state and add S.A.M.E. Codes. Vanderburgh County’s code is: 018163.

I would also recommend signing up for the free thunder call from wife.com. This service will alert you with a call to your phone about increment weather. All you have to do is sign up at the web site below: http://www.thundercall.com/wfie/ 

Know Your Tornado Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately. 

What to do Before a Tornado

Be alert to changing weather conditions.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
• Look for approaching storms
• Look for the following danger signs:
  • Dark, often greenish sky
  • Large hail
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
  • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

What to Do During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!

Source: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/to_before.shtm

Facts about Evansville

·        Evansville Regional Airport was established in 1928 on 260 acres (1.1 km²) of land along U.S. Highway 41 and funded by a city bond issue, the original airport construction included a small terminal, weather bureau, hangar, runways, boundary lights, grading, and drainage work.

The original terminal was replaced in 1988 with the new William H. Dress Terminal. The new terminal was designed by Hafer Associates and provides 140,000 square feet (13,000 m²) of space and ten carrier gates.          

      Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evansville_Regional_Airport

Speculations on the sale of Mead Johnson Nutritional business are heating up again. Nestle SA, a Swiss multinational food conglomerate is mentioned as a possible buyer for this division of Bristol-Myers Squibb. Even though the world wide nutritional markets are not exactly performing at stellar levels, the purchase for Mead Johnson Nutritional only makes sense is you have world wide distribution systems in place. We hope that the end result will keep Mead Johnson Nutritional in Evansville.

Mead Johnson may be in Nestle's sights
By Dan Shaw (Contact)
Originally published 04:24 p.m., April 8, 2008
Updated 04:25 p.m., April 8, 2008

Ever since Bristol-Myers Squibb said it was trying to decide what to do with its Mead Johnson Nutritionals business, speculation has arisen that Nestle may want to buy it.

On Monday, Nestle SA obtained the large amount of cash it would need to make such a purchase. The Swiss food company agreed to sell its Alcon subsidiary to Novartis, a Swiss drug company. The deal, to be completed in two installments, will eventually net Nestle about $39 billion. That is far more than enough to buy Mead Johnson, an Evansville maker of Enfamil and about 70 other food products.

In December, James Cornelius, president and chief-executive officer of Bristol-Myers, said he was concerned that subsidiaries such as Mead Johnson and ConvaTec, a maker of skin and wound treatments, did not complement a drug company. Bristol-Myers, he said, would be considering “strategic alternatives” for those businesses.

Representatives of Nestle could not be reached for this article. They told the Wall Street Journal the company would likely first spend money from the sale of Alcon on small acquisitions.
Pete Paradossi, a spokesman for Mead Johnson, said “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation.”

Nestle and Novartis have made a number of deals in attempts to concentrate themselves more on their respective specialties. In September 2007, Nestle bought Gerber Products, a maker of baby food, from Novartis for about $5.5 billion. In July of the same year, it bought Novartis Medical Nutrition for about $2.5 billion.

Alan Newman, senior-vice president with Hilliard Lyons, said the current credit troubles would make it difficult for a company to get a loan to buy Mead Johnson. The sale of Alcon at least gives Nestle the needed money.

“A buyer that’s armed with cash and that has a good strategic fit makes even more sense to me,” he said.

Buying Mead Johnson would seem to suit Nestle’s plan of becoming a leading food company.
“Everybody ends up sticking to their knitting in tough economic times,” he said.

As the price of staple foods rises, Nestle has come to depend more and more on its nutritional business, which enjoyed sales of about $10.9 billion in 2007. And Mead Johnson has performed well in recent years.

In 2007, it saw sales of $2.6 billion, more than any other Bristol-Myers subsidiary. That was up from the $2.3 billion it had had in sales the previous year.

Nestle is not the only company that has been buying up baby-food companies in recent years. In November 2007, the French company Groupe Danone paid about $16.8 billion to complete its purchase of Numico, a Dutch maker of baby food.

Source: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/apr/08/08web-MeadJohnson/?ebj=1/.

Local house sellers optimistic
There is continued good news about Evansville’s real estate market. Dave Mathews, a local veteran real estate appraiser revealed in an interview with Carol Wersich of the Courier and Press that “Evansville keeps chugging right along without having too much of a problem.” Matthews, who owns David Matthews Associates, added: “The local housing market is good by historic standards.”

Our predictions still stand that the Evansville housing market will rebound in the third quarter of 2008. We will continue to keep you informed as soon as we have additional information. For the full story by the Courier & Press, go to http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/apr/08/08web-Housing/.

Gymnast opens East Side school
Evansville has to offer a new gymnast school run by Carly Cresswell-Watson, a 27-year veteran and gymnast teacher. Her new school is called Revolution Gymnastics and the school is located at 1307 N. Royal Avenue. All classes are geared towards aspiring gymnasts and cheerleaders. We wish her all the best in her new venture. For the full story by the Courier & Press, go to http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/apr/08/gymnast-opens-east-side-school/.

In our continued effort to provide our readers with information on real estate and homes, we have decided to provide you with general maintenance information for your home. Please feel free to call us if you need qualified contractors for the repair work. You can reach me at 499-9234 and Kathy at 499-0246 or visit our website at: www.TheTrentiniTeam.com 

TIPS FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF WORK AROUND THE HOME 

• Make a list: Spend some time taking stock of the kinds of maintenance and improvement projects you'd like to begin.  A well-considered list will help you to set reachable goals.

• Assess your skills: Make sure that you carefully consider which projects you are fully capable of completing.  For example, unless you have sufficient experience with electrical, plumbing or construction work, you should probably leave those tasks to the professionals.

• Establish priorities: Which projects are most important to you?  Which projects will be the most costly?  Which is more important: timeliness, quality or cost?  Before beginning any do-it-yourself project, it is always wise to determine specific goals and priorities so that you are fully prepared when it comes time to begin.

The Alvord Boulevard Neighborhood Association's annual yard sale details have been released.

This year the event will begin on Saturday, June 7 at 7 a.m.

This is a great event for the community. For more information, please read the Evansville Courier Press's article by clicking here.

These are the upcoming events for Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve until April 19^th, 2008:

April 9   Toddler Tales! (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. A nature based story time and craft for preschool aged children and their favorite adult. Free; donations accepted.

April 11   Groundbreaking for Howell Wetlands Education Center (3 p.m.) The Wesselman Nature Society is constructing a new Howell Wetlands Education Center in order to expand the educational opportunities at the wetlands. This project will begin as a basic structure providing a large classroom sheltered from the elements, sufficient restrooms, and storage for educational and property maintenance supplies. Please join the Wesselman Nature Society and Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel for the groundbreaking of this new facility!

April 12   Junior Girl Scouts: "Your Outdoor Surroundings" badge workshop (9 to 11 a.m.) at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Learn about outdoor careers, outdoor hobbies and games, conserving natural resources through "minimal impact" practices, and take a hike along the Nature Preserve trail system. $8 per girl, Max. 25. Call to register at 812-479-0771, ext 102.

April 16   Toddler Tales! (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. A nature based storytime and craft for preschool aged children and their favorite adult. Free; donations accepted.

April 19   Celebrate Earth Day at Howell Wetlands! (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Howell Wetlands!  Earth Day is a time to celebrate our natural treasures.  Join us for a fun-filled day of family activities. There will be hikes, crafts, games, animal encounters, music and much, much more. Free. Click on the hyperlink above, or call 812-499-2952 for more information.

For more infomration about the Wesselman Nature Society and the organizations events, please visit their website by clicking here.

For those interested in ice skating, Disney’s High School Miusical on Ice will perform in Evansville from April 11^th to April 13^th, 2008:

Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour!
April 11-13. Roberts Stadium, 2600 Division St. Featuring songs from made-for-TV Disney movies, High School Musical and High School Musical 2, this show dazzles audiences with a cast of world-class skaters. Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. $13, $18, $24, and $35. (812) 423-7222 or www.ticketmaster.com.

For those interested in historic homes we can highly recommend the upcoming homes tour in the Reitz Hill area on Sunday, April 12, 2008.

For more information please contact Evansville Philharmonic office at 812-425-5050.

Homes of Note Tour
April 12. Enjoy the charm and character of some of the city’s most interesting homes located on and around historic Reitz Hill. Proceeds benefit the Philharmonic Guild.

The tour features six homes; with tours of gardens, courtyards and interiors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $12, available at Schnucks Supermarkets in Evansville and Newburgh; Evansville Philharmonic office, 530 Main St., and other locations. For more information, call (812) 425-5050 or visit the Philharmonic Guild's website by clicking here.

The opening of the new Howell Wetlands Education Center is scheduled for April 11^th at 3.00PM.

Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel will be there for the groundbreaking of the new facility.

The new facility will not only be educational but a nice family destination to see nature with in city limits.

For more details about the Howell Wetlands, the Wesselman Nature Society or educational programs, please contact Lauren Preske, Howell Program Manager at (812) 499-2952 or lpreske@wesselmannaturesociety.org.

The American Red Cross relies on Heroes to do its work in this community. Whether it's giving blood, time or financial support, you can be a Red Cross Hero!

All Heroes will be recognized at a celebration banquet to be held on April 9 at 6 p.m. at The Centre.

For more information about how YOU can be a Hero, call Adrienne Mayse at 812-471-7200.

Contact Information:

Todd Denk
812.476.1383
715 Locust Street, Evansville, IN. 47708

For more information, click here. 

Just a quick reminder that the Home Show will open today at Roberts Stadium from 5.00PM to 9.00PM. Saturday’s hours are from 10.00AM to 12.00AM and Sunday’s hours are from 11.00AM to 5.00PM. Kathy and I will be at the F.C.Tucker Emge booth on Saturday from 10.00AM to 12.00AM. Hope to see you there.

Welcome to the Tri-State's largest 3-day event focusing on home-related products and services!

The 61st Annual Fifth Third Bank Home Show presented by the Evansville Courier & Press is a true Tri-State tradition.

The event, now in its sixtyfirst year, introduces homeowners and renters alike to a myriad of home improvement related businesses -- all in one place! From kitchen remodeling to pools and yard barns, the Home Show provides an opportunity for consumers to shop and browse hundreds of booths and gain great ideas AND great deals at the same time.

A deal has been reached for the sale Casino Aztar in Evansville to Nevada-based Eldorado Resorts, LLC. This is good news for Evansville as the future of the present owners of Casino Aztar and is in question. The day to day operations of Casino Aztar are transferred to Tom Dingham who has been appointed by the Indiana Gaming Commission to take on this task. In his televised speech yesterday afternoon, Tom Dingham indicated that he would meetwith Mayor Weinzapfel to today to bring him up to date with the new developments. This is good news for Evansville as Casino Aztar ahs played an important role in recent economic developments in Evansville. To read this story on the Inside INdiana Business website, visit
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=28623.

In an effort to stream line the renewal of vehicle registrations, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is placing 3,500 computers in more than 400 libraries around the state. To encourage on-line registration the department is offering a $ 5.00 discount. The positive result form this is that lines at BMV offices will be shorter. To read this story on the Inside INdiana Business website, visit http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=28626.

We often forget that a home is in need of preventive maintenance just as a car. This weekend, my son Luciano and I went into our attic to see if there are any leaks or damages due to the winter weather and all the rain we had the past few weeks. The attic inspection did not reveal any concerns. We then inspected our crawl space. With all the rain and moisture we had, the vapor barrier was damp and wet in some places. A call to my favorite home inspector revealed that we do not need to worry about the moisture at this time, but we need to go back and check the crawl space once we have a dry period.

With this in mind, I would like to help our readers with this short article on home maintenance. Even the smallest amount of maintenance will have a positive effect on the well being of your home. Please call me if you need a handy man to help you in any of the work you would like to get done. 

How to Gear up for the Spring Selling Season - Home Maintenance Checklist

RISMEDIA, March 29, 2008 -- The first day of spring is March 20th and as most homeowners keep to the age-old Spring tradition of deep cleaning, this ritual is even more important as homeowners gear up for the Spring selling season. According to a recent poll, nearly 80% of Angie’s List members said they keep up with routine maintenance, either doing it themselves or by hiring help. The vast majority of these homeowners say their diligence helps them save money and avoid more costly repairs down the road.

“In today’s market, it’s imperative to have your home in the best shape and condition possible in order to get it sold and attract buyers,” says Cecilia Sherrard, a buyer, seller and relocation specialist for Realty One Real Living. “Starting from the curb, make sure your home is one you’d want to see inside.”

“Making a list of items to check around the home this season - and then actually following through with the tasks - can help reduce home maintenance and utility costs,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

The 20% who don’t keep up say they just don’t know what to check and when, they forget about doing it or they just don’t have time for it. Angie’s List, a provider of ratings and reviews of local service companies, went to the experts to develop a list to help the veteran maintainers, as well as those still in the dark, keep up with the house this season.

Spring Cleaning

The first step to spring cleaning is making a list of which areas of your home need to be freshened up.

• Experts recommend a professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months. Schedule an appointment with carpet cleaners now to cut down on your wait time.
• Check your gutters. Professionals recommend gutter cleaning in the spring and the fall. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage.
• Use a garden hose to remove the film left by dirty snow and rain from your siding and deck. Attach a soft-bristled, long-handled car brush to the hose for some extra help. Use a mild cleanser to get those tough-to-clean spots.
• Remove wet leaves and debris from your deck, front porch and around your house on a regular basis. Allowing the debris to accumulate can trap water, lead to staining or mold build-up, as well as create an ideal environment for termites.

Home Maintenance

Snow, ice and wind can wreak havoc on your home, so be sure to go over the structures in early spring. Finding damage early will increase your chances of getting an early repair, as many home improvement companies begin their busy seasons this time of year.

• Scrutinize your crawl space for water accumulation or excessive moisture, and keep an eye out for water damage on the sub-floor and joists beneath the kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas.
• Give your roof a “once-over” for damage inflicted during the winter. Depending on the style and pitch of your roof, you may want to use a ladder and a pair of binoculars to look for missing or broken shingles and other damage. If you don’t feel comfortable on a ladder, call a professional before the busy season begins.
• Check the weather stripping around doors and windows. The winter season may have caused some damage. Also remove any storm windows and replace with screens.
• Check the valve where water enters your house, outdoor faucets and valves to toilets, bathroom and kitchen sinks. Turn each off and on several times to identify any leaks.

Outdoor Maintenance

By preparing for outdoor projects early, homeowners can get a jump on things like landscaping - but don’t forget about your driveway! Water that seeps into your driveway can freeze, causing cracks and other damage.

• Talk with your landscaper or local garden center about the best way to enrich your soil for the types of plants in your yard. Proper fertilization can keep your soil and your plants in great shape throughout the year.
• If you’ve postponed tool care, now is a good time to get in the garage and take a closer look at your garden equipment. Does the mower need serviced? It’s a good idea to call now. Garden service companies will get busy in the next couple of months. Don’t forget to clean and sharpen other garden tools as well.
• Spring is a good time to examine your asphalt driveway’s surface for damage. Regular resealing is the best way to protect the surface and keep it in good shape. If you’re planning to hire a professional to seal the driveway, summer is peak time of year - so call now to get on their schedule.
• “Start with the entry door,” says Sherrard. “Paint or replace and take notice of missing screens or old storm doors. Add a new mailbox, lighting fixture, or address to add a new feel. Clean up the garage and landscaping.”

Appliance Maintenance

Regular maintenance on major home appliances can help to ensure their efficiency and lifespan.

• Get your air conditioner serviced. Technicians can test your air conditioner as long as the temperature is above 60 degrees. Call now to get on their schedule before the first warm days of spring.
• Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on garage doors with a light household oil - don’t use petroleum-based lubricants. You can call a professional to take care of this, as well as service the opener mechanism itself. Don’t attempt to service the opener mechanism yourself. Your garage door opener can be one of the most dangerous appliances around your house.
• Get your water heater serviced. Maintained properly, water heaters will last for years and deliver gallon after gallon of hot water. Left alone, they’ll quickly lose efficiency, sucking dollars out of your wallet with every degree of heat.
• Spring rains are just around the corner, so be sure your sump pump works properly. To test, fill the sump pit with water and go outside to make sure the pump is actually discharging water. You can also eliminate any build-up in the system by pouring white vinegar through the unit.

Home Projects

You may have already received your tax return. A recent poll found that 25% of Angie’s List members plan on using their tax checks to invest in home repairs. Some investments will have a better return than others, so choose your projects wisely.

“Clean out closets and cabinets providing as much empty space as possible,” says Sherrard. When preparing to sell, “Pack away all personal items including photos. The emptier your home, the larger it appears. Buy a new bed in a bag for your bedrooms. Dust everything including the basement.” What’s more, says Sherrard, buyers look at mechanicals and corners.

“Freshen the home by airing it out thoroughly and sanitizing baseboards, woodwork, floors and lighting fixtures,” she says.

• The roof, furnace and water heater, won’t garner great returns, but are expected to be in good shape. Proper home maintenance saves you money on a daily basis and positions you well for a sale.
• Kitchen and bath renovations are expensive but great investments if you are going to be in your house at least five more years. They’re also the rooms buyers pay the most attention to and can make or break your sale.
• Turning attics and basements into livable space, or adding decks, can bring a better return than adding square footage, and the upfront costs aren’t nearly as exorbitant. Finishing touches matter, though. Wall-to-wall carpeting and drywall in a basement will bring a lot more than cheap paneling and a drop-in ceiling.

“A clean home is desired as it reflects the owner’s level of activity when it comes to maintenance and keeping up with the property,” says Sherrard. A lot of these tips are cheap and some even free. When done properly, Sherrard reminds that “your home should now give you the feeling of checking into a hotel; decorated, yet depersonalized and clean!”

According to the website, 1,334 of Angie’s List members participated with the poll. Responses are representative of Angie’s List members, but not the general public. For more information, visit https://www.angieslist.com and http://www.youshouldown.com.

Source: http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-03-18/how-to-gear-up-for-the-spring-selling-season-home-maintenance-checklist/
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