The Front Page
More Fooling Around
I wasn't exactly bored Thursday night but more like inspired, I guess. I attended the WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions From Garage to Internet Seminar in Brownwood and came home with a renewed purpose. A lot of people ask me from time to time about building them a web page and the truth of the matter is I don't have just a whole lot of spare time but I have taken on a few special ones for friends and family. Nothing very creative yet but I am working on them.
WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions of Stephenville has a pretty good deal if you are looking for someone to build a site and maintain it for you. They especially have found a niche if you are selling or marketing a Texas made product or Texas themed products. I tried to get Cindy to do something similar a couple of years ago but neither one of us has had time really. I guess I should have done it instead of the News.. it would have been more profitable.. but probably not as much fun! It is a husband and wife business and their contact information is in the seminar article below if you are interested.
Anyhow, I added a Soduku puzzle from Web Sudoku to the Puzzles Page. I really have never worked a Crossword or Soduku puzzle but I know that many of you like them. I played with them a little and the Crossword is really cool and so is the Soduku with it's multiple skill levels. Soduku has become very popular. I hope to add some more puzzles as I have time so check back. The Crossword is ad sponsored and requires the latest Java which it should prompt for if you don't have it already.
Don't forget Mountaineer basketball at Paint Rock Friday night and the Valentine Coronation Saturday night at the school.
Have a good Friday and a great weekend!
Reverse Mortgages
Andrew B. Crocker, Extension Program Specialist - Gerontology Health
Submitted by Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS
A reverse mortgage is a loan against your home that you do not have to pay back for as long as you live there. For many Americans, working toward owning their own home is the dream of a lifetime. Carefully consider all your options and make an informed decision should you decide to take out a reverse mortgage on your home.
To qualify for most loans, the lender checks your income to see how much you can afford to pay back each month. With a reverse mortgage, you do not have to make monthly payments so you don't need a minimum amount of income to qualify. You could have no income and still be able to get a reverse mortgage. The loan amount is determined by the value of your home and the equity you have in it. Other than equity in your home and a clear title, the only real qualification for a reverse mortgage is to be age 62 or older. There are three different reverse mortgage plans from which you may choose and each is different from the other.
A single-purpose reverse mortgage is usually offered by state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations. While these mortgages have low up-front costs they are not available in all areas and the money they provide may only be used for a specified purpose, such as home repairs, property taxes or medical expenses.
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) are federally insured reverse mortgages, backed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These mortgages may be more expensive than a single-purpose mortgage. The money received from HECMs may be used for any purpose. Since HECMs are federally insured, any change in the valuation of your home at the end of the loan period that may leave you owing more money than the original amount will be covered by HUD.
A third type of reverse mortgage is known as a proprietary reverse mortgage. These mortgages are usually offered by private companies and may have higher total cost than the previous two. Since these loans are offered by private companies, terms may vary from one company to the next.
Single-purpose reverse mortgages are usually only available to individuals who meet certain income requirements. Proprietary reverse mortgages usually benefit those with higher value homes. Careful consideration and consultation with an independent credit counseling service may be necessary to make the decision that best suits your needs.
The cash you get from a reverse mortgage can be paid as a single lump sum of cash, a regular monthly cash advance, a line of credit account that lets you decide when and how much of your available cash is paid to you or a combination of these payment methods. No matter how this loan is paid out, you typically do not have to make monthly payments. The balance of the loan is due when you die, sell your home or permanently move out of your home. Depending on the terms of your loan agreement, you heirs may be responsible for this amount.
When a reverse mortgage becomes due and payable, you may owe a lot of money and your equity may be very small. Remember, a hallmark of the reverse mortgage is decreasing equity in your home and increasing debt to the lending institution. In fact, the debt owed to the lending institution will draw interest at a rate that is usually determined by a market average. If you have the loan for a long time, or if your home's value decreases, there may not be any equity left at the end of the loan. Reverse mortgages do not always have rising debt and falling equity. If a home's value grows rapidly, your equity could increase over time. Keep in mind that most home values do not grow at consistently high rates. So the majority of reverse mortgages end up being "rising debt, falling equity" loans.
HECM applicants are required to receive counseling from an independent counseling agency prior to initiating their mortgage. It may not be a bad idea that anyone considering a reverse mortgage, no matter if counseling is required or not, receive some sort of financial counseling. HUD maintains a list of HUD-approved counselors through their website. Go to http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/hecmlist.cfm for more information.
If you are interested in a reverse mortgage, consider the following tips from the Federal Trade Commission
* Shop around and compare your options
* Remember that all HECM lenders must follow rules set by HUD meaning that all fees, interest rates and other terms of the loan will be the same
* Be certain that you understand all the terms and conditions that could make the loan due and payable
* Be cautious if anyone approaches you about a reverse mortgage
* Generally, you have three business days after signing the loan document to cancel it for any reason
A reverse mortgage is not an arrangement into which you should enter lightly. Carefully consider other alternatives and seek independent, outside counsel before you make any decision regarding your home or the equity you have amassed in it.
For more information, contact Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS. You may also contact the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov or 1.877.382.4357.
Tuesday Night Mountaineer Basketball
The Lady Mountaineers and Mountaineers traveled to Water Valley for Tuesday night basketball action. I didn't get to make the trip but according to the San Angelo Standard-Times website In their last game of the season the Lady Mountaineers fell to the Lady Wildcats 36-45 after playing a pretty close game. The Lady Mountaineers were ahead by one after the first quarter and played an even fourth quarter.
The Mountaineers fell to the Wildcats by score of 68-99. The Mountaineers were even with the Wildcats after the first quarter and going in at the half but fell behind after two key players fouled out early in the third quarter. The Mountaineers were led by Patrick Kerr with 31 points including two three point shots and Chris Morris with 16 points including five three point shots. The Mountaineers will face the Paint Rock Indians for the last game of the year Friday night in Paint Rock.
Fooling Around
I was a little bored again Wednesday night and started another new and dynamic page. I should probably work a little more on the ones I already have! Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the new Puzzle Page. I hope to add some more puzzles as I have time so check back. It is ad sponsored and requires the latest Java which it should prompt for if you don't have it already.
Santa Anna Elementary Undergoes Reconstruction
The Santa Anna Elementary is in the process of being reconstructed. Similar to the reconstruction of the High School a couple of years ago the Elementary building is getting a much needed makeover. The reconstruction should be finished by the end of this year. I took these back during the Stock Show but forgot all about them.
| Construction Site |
Inside From Front Door |
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| Principal's Office |
South East of Front Door |
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| North West end |
South West end North of Cafeteria |
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| Boys Rest Room |
Girls Rest Room |
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| Cafeteria |
Kitchen |
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| Library |
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Super Bowl XL
We enjoyed watching the Super Bowl Sunday night as many of you probably did. We especially enjoyed watching the commercials. I was a little disappointed at the pre game and halftime shows. I am sure that there is an audience for it but I had hoped for a little more blues or jazz influence.. I guess I will have to wait for the Super Bowl to go back to New Orleans.
I was hoping for a moving National Anthem and it would have been better if Aretha Franklin had sung it by herself. Speaking of National Anthem, did you hear American Idol star, Carrie Underwood's at the NFC championship game? I missed it but watched it on the Web from the American Idol website.
The Rolling Stones were a little before my time so I wasn't too entertained by the halftime show either. Kind of hard to top last year's malfunctions I guess.I heard on the news where the five second delay was used to edit out two words from the Stones' songs. I for one was sure glad they all kept their clothes on!
Our favorite Super Bowl commercial was the Budweiser one with the young Clydesdale horse that tries to pull the Budweiser wagon and two older horses, that we thought were his parents, are pushing it from behind. All of the commercials can be seen on the USA Today's website. See the results of USA Today's favorite Super Bowl ad poll..
And there was a game played too! I didn't care much who won really. I heard earlier in the week that the any true Cowboys fan can't root for the Steelers. I was probably wanting the Seahawks to win, just because they were the underdog. It looked like that four point spread was going to stay with them the whole game, but the Steelers put it away with the second half record 75 yard touchdown run by the Steelers' running back, Willie Parker. I was really needing the Seahawks to score that last touchdown to win a quarter on a football board at work. I had the 1 on the Steelers' side and the 6,7, and 8 on the Seahawks' side.
More Rain..
Gotcha! Of course we didn't have any rain... I didn't get my roof on my garage yet either!
I know one thing for sure.. we better have some Winter weather pretty soon or it is going to be a long Summer...
When I was putting up my Christmas lights after Thanksgiving I had a mosquito on me while I was on top of the house and I had another, or maybe it was the same one on me, when I took them down after Christmas!
I have also had some on me lately and the flies are even coming out... and I noticed a couple of fleas on Jessica's Boxer Sunday... so I hope it comes a Norther some time soon...
Friday Night Mountaineer Basketball
Well the last home games of the season didn't fair so well for the Mountaineers as the boys and girls both lost to the visiting Robert Lee Steers. The Lady Mountaineers fell 33-26 in a must win situation to make it to the playoffs and the Mountaineers lost 31-61.
Their loud crowd was certainly a factor and our mistakes left us a little short of victory.
Since it was the last home game is was Parent's Night also. I took a few photos even though some of the girls were not too happy after their game. Here are the Parent's Night Photos.
Kendra Coleman fights for the loose ball
Mayra Dean takes it up for a shot
Jesse Hensley lays it in
Terrance "Air T" Jackson lays one back??
Patrick Kerr takes three point shot
Demetrius Reese shoots one up under the basket
Seminar Takes Ideas from the Garage to the Internet
February, 1 2006
Most people have at least one great idea in a lifetime, some even hit upon two or three. Whether the idea is still in the beginning stages or has already been developed into a hobby or small business, there is one local company helping individuals get their ideas out of the garage and onto the Internet. WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions focuses on developing web sites for Texas-based individuals and small businesses and will be sharing information with the public in a seminar entitled From the Garage to the Internet, to be held at the Hampton Inn conference room on February 9. A choice of two times is provided noon-1:00 or 6:00-7:00 p.m. Both seminars include a free meal.
Pre-registration is underway now. Anyone wishing to attend should sign up at www.RegisterForSeminar.com or call and ask for Sherry at 866-WE-LUV-TX. The cost is free for attendees who pre-register and $5 for those who attend without a reservation.
"We know that the Internet can be a scary thing for many small business owners and for individuals who would like to take their hobby from a pastime into a money maker," said James Gresham of WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions. "Our job is to educate the average person about the way the Web works and how it can turn a seemingly simple idea into a thriving business.
WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions takes a surprisingly down-to-earth approach to an industry traditionally filled with computer technicians who make the process confusing and expensive, and impractical for the average individual needing a website."
"One of our favorite sayings is ‘We speak Texan, not Geek,’ said Wade Miller, partner in the company. Our clients see the whole process and how simple it is for us to build, host, and maintain their web sites for them and how even the beginner can afford to be on the Web, said Miller. "In fact, nowadays, you can't afford not to have a website."
WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions’ clients report positive experiences and measurable benefits to their businesses."
Photographer Julie Lueck had this to say, "One obvious benefit is being able to pay monthly instead of having to pay a huge down payment. The second and probably most important is that WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions frees up my time to build my business."
Joe Altebaumer, who owns an insurance company, is another of a long list of satisfied customers. "We wanted our site to have a welcome feel that reflects our style of customer service. We have had a great response to that," comments Altebaumer.
Since seating for the seminars is limited, anyone wishing to attend should pre-register as soon as possible. The staff at WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions will be happy to answer any questions over the phone or through the website.
Contact: Holly Miller - WE LOVE TEXAS Web Solutions
Phone Number: 254-965-5055
Web sites: www.MyTexasWebsite.com or www.WeLoveTexas.com
Texas Cooperative Extension to Offer Food Manager Certification Training Course
Submitted by Debbie Hailey - Coleman County Extension Agent Family & Consumer Sciences
Statistics indicate that food borne illness continues to be a health issue in the United States. Each year, 1 in 4 Americans will become sick, 1 in 1,000 will become hospitalized, and 5,000 will die due to a food borne illness.
During the past legislative session, a statute was amended that allowed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to require each food establishment to have one certified food manager.
Recently, the Texas Board of Health adopted rules to implement this statute. Many of you have already received a letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding this. Under these new rules, each food establishment permitted by the Texas Department of State Health Services must have one certified food manager. New food manager certificates will be valid for 5 years.
Texas Cooperative Extension, Taylor County, is offering a Food Manager Certification
Training Course. This program will be offered for $79 on February 27-28, at the Taylor County Extension Office. Cost includes: training, materials, and the State food manager certification examination.
This program is designed to not only prepare food service managers to pass the certification examination; it will provide valuable education regarding the safe handling of food. Almost 50 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food is spent on meals prepared away from home. Therefore, careful attention to food safety will help keep customers safe and satisfied.
Food borne illnesses are estimated to cost thousands of dollars in lost wages, insurance, and medical bills. With these statistics, knowledge of how to prevent food borne illness is essential. The benefits of improved food safety include:
* Increased customer satisfaction
* Improved relationships with health officials
* Prevention of bad publicity and law suits due to food borne illness
By attending the course, food service managers will learn about:
* identifying potentially hazardous foods and common errors in food handling
* preventing contamination and cross-contamination of food
* teaching and encouraging personal hygiene for employees
* complying with government regulations
* maintaining clean utensils, equipment and surroundings
* controlling pests
Food borne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety practices. For more information about the Food Manager Certification Training course of Texas Cooperative Extension, called "Food Safety: It's Our Business," call Debbie Hailey at 325-625-4519, or Judy Gully in Taylor County, at 325-672-6048. Brochures are also available at the Extension Office.
Debbie Hailey will plan to conduct a food manager certification training course in Coleman County in March of this year. If you are interested in attending this training, please contact Debbie now, so she can make plans for the 2-day training series.
Want your own dot com?
This is a great time to get it whether you just want it for an e-mail address of your own, like james@yourlastname.com, or for putting some family pictures on the web, or getting your business on the web
1 and 1 is by far your best bet!
Any questions just send me an e-mail and I will be happy to help you get started, or just click the 1 and 1 ad on the left, or any of the links in this article.
