Welcome to another edition of “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” We are here to give you the inside scoop on real estate, the construction industry, what’s up, what’s down, what’s hot and what’s not. We’ll share real estate stats, home prices, building permit numbers, construction pointers and give you hints on renovations that will give you a return on your investment. We will talk about products, how to take care of your home and so much more. As we all know, there is plenty going on in the … [Read more...] about Sharing Big Thoughts About Tiny Homes
Columnists
Protecting Lives and Property During Fire Season
The recent large wildfires in Northern Arizona, the Tunnel and Crooks fires, have everyone thinking, “Am I ready for an emergency evacuation?” Weather patterns, drought and the fact that we are surrounded by forest makes all of us vulnerable to fire danger. The best plan to protect yourself and your family is to have one. A system called Ready, Set, Go! by the Arizona Emergency Information Network was used to inform people who had property in the vicinity of both the recent wildfires. There … [Read more...] about Protecting Lives and Property During Fire Season
Be the Change You Want to See
According to the Emsi Quarter 2 2022 Data Set, Yavapai County’s population is 209,468, and those in the labor force as of December 2021 were 110,085, or about 44% of the total population. There were 107,600 employed (97%) and 2,485 unemployed (2.3%). Statistics show that baby boomers, the 76 million Americans that were born between 1946 and 1964, have been exiting the labor force in record numbers. Yavapai County’s 55 and older population is 120,979 (58% of the total population), while the … [Read more...] about Be the Change You Want to See
Maintaining the Sounds of Summer
As the temperatures increase and the days stretch out, it is clear that summer is upon us. For most, this means spending more time outside, near water or traveling. It also means increased considerations when it comes to caring for hearing aids. Fortunately, hearing aids are built with these considerations in mind. Moisture Hearing aids are essentially tiny computers. Thus, the internal electrical components are susceptible to damage from moisture. While most hearing aids are not … [Read more...] about Maintaining the Sounds of Summer
We Can All Play a Role in Caring for Dogs
We’ve all seen the pictures and heard the stories about dogs tightly chained to a tree in the heat of summer or the frigid cold of winter – the dog shivering outside in the cold hoping to be brought inside to the warmth of a home and its family, the dog that is driven out to a remote area and dumped or that dog running after the car and then sitting there for days waiting for their person to come back for them. We also hear about the couple that lived next door and had a great dog but had to … [Read more...] about We Can All Play a Role in Caring for Dogs
How the 988 Suicide, Crisis Lifeline is Designed to Save Lives
In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-8255) network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country. On July 16, the U.S. will transition to using the 988 dialing code, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing Lifeline. The 988 dialing code is more than just an easy-to-remember number, it’s a direct connection to … [Read more...] about How the 988 Suicide, Crisis Lifeline is Designed to Save Lives
Educating about Teen, Adolescent Pregnancy
In honor of National Teen Pregnancy Awareness Day, which was May 6, I wanted to write about teen pregnancy. Did you know that teen or adolescent pregnancy is considered to be all females/pregnant people under the age of 20? At 18 and 19 they can vote, join the military, move out, rent an apartment, etc. Years ago, we had a few young girls at my high school who were pregnant. I recall discussing teen pregnancy with my grandmother and she told me stories about how they had homes for young girls … [Read more...] about Educating about Teen, Adolescent Pregnancy
Creating a Winning Financial Plan, Part II
In May’s Quad Cities Business News, we discussed the foundation of a winning financial plan, including creating a budget and managing debt. In Part II, we will continue to build on that foundation. Education Being qualified for employment is essential. What is it you have a passion for? Can you gain skills on the job? Do you need a college degree or some special training for IT? What is your pleasure? How about a trade? Are you considering being a plumber, electrician or handyman? Perhaps … [Read more...] about Creating a Winning Financial Plan, Part II
How Do Your Favorite Companies Do Business?
Have you ever stopped to think about the reason you do business with the companies that you do? Sometimes, I’ve gone into a fast food place, ordered something from a business, or a service or a product over the phone and had such a poor experience that I’ve wondered, how do they stay in business? It’s interesting that some put so much emphasis on customer service, while others just don’t. However, customer service isn’t the only thing that draws and keeps customers coming back. What does it for … [Read more...] about How Do Your Favorite Companies Do Business?
Let Food Be Thy Medicine
I was feeling a bit fatigued, sluggish, perimenopausal and experiencing some stress. My adrenals were in overload. I believed these feelings were caused by a busy catering season and some of life’s stresses. I knew I needed some guidance and nurturing. I scheduled an appointment at the Mobile Health Doc with Dr. Rebecca Chatfield. I went in for a consultation and exam. My next step was bloodwork. I sat relaxed, squeezing a little stress ball and the medical staff member drew five vials of … [Read more...] about Let Food Be Thy Medicine