Channel 4 News
Nashville Opts Out Of Law
POSTED: 8:23 am CDT August 31, 2009
UPDATED: 8:33 am CDT August 31, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Change is coming for many state and local parks all over Tennessee.
At midnight on Sept. 1, the new law that allows carry permit holders to take their weapons into parks will take effect.
Several communities in Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Franklin, chose to opt out of that law.
Columbia, Mount Juliet and White House voted not to opt out of the law, effectively allowing guns in parks
Monday, August 31, 2009
Seniors' credit card debt grows fastest in recession
By Nancy Trejos • THE WASHINGTON POST • August 31, 2009
WASHINGTON — Alice Smith thought she would live comfortably and quietly in her Hyattsville, Md., retirement community. Instead she is fretfully dodging calls from her creditors.
She owes more than $10,000 to four credit card companies and more than $7,000 to a credit union — in part, she said, because of spending to help her family.
She doesn't give exact figures because she is unsure of them: With late fees and higher interest rates, the amount she owes has grown. Her income has not. Through a pension and Social Security from her former job at a National Institutes of Health laboratory, she receives about $2,000 a month.
Her rent is $955. She doesn't know how she can ever pay down her debts. So she thinks she just might not.
"I am 80 years old," she said, "and I don't need this headache at my age."
Older Americans are among the most vulnerable in this recession. They are carrying debt loads they can barely handle with their fixed incomes, dwindling retirement savings and, in many cases, devalued homes.
Average credit card debt among low- and middle-income Americans 65 and older carrying a balance for more than three months reached $10,235, up 26 percent from 2005, according to a recently released study by the public policy group Demos.
It was the fastest increase of any age group. Soon-to-be retirees also are struggling with debt.
All generations struggle
It's a surprising reversal of fortune for a generation that had been considered more financially responsible than younger generations. Frequent or frivolous use of credit cards had not been a common trait of older Americans, particularly those 65 and older, because credit was not as easily available in their formative years. Now, even they are finding they have little choice but to borrow money.
"What's changed in this challenging economy is that no generation is immune from tough times. And it means that many older adults find they need to use credit cards as a means to stretch a fixed income, meet rising costs, pay for unexpected medical or household expenses, or to even help adult children," said Angela Rabatin, an adjunct professor of finance and contract law at University of Maryland University College and Prince George's Community College in Maryland.
In 2007, the most recent figure available, the percentage of 55-to-64-year-olds who had to use more than 40 percent of their income toward paying down debt was 12.5 percent, higher than any other age group, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, which studies pensions and benefits.
Those who were 65 to 74 did not trail far behind, with 11.2 percent contributing that big a chunk of their income toward their debt.
"Even going into the downturn of the economy, a significant percentage of people were at that threshold considered dangerous for debt," said Craig Copeland, a senior research associate at the institute.
Rising medical costs and less-generous health insurance plans, in particular, are burdening retirees and soon-to-be retirees. As the battle over health-care reform rages on, many are turning to borrowed money to pay for prescriptions and doctor visits.
WASHINGTON — Alice Smith thought she would live comfortably and quietly in her Hyattsville, Md., retirement community. Instead she is fretfully dodging calls from her creditors.
She owes more than $10,000 to four credit card companies and more than $7,000 to a credit union — in part, she said, because of spending to help her family.
She doesn't give exact figures because she is unsure of them: With late fees and higher interest rates, the amount she owes has grown. Her income has not. Through a pension and Social Security from her former job at a National Institutes of Health laboratory, she receives about $2,000 a month.
Her rent is $955. She doesn't know how she can ever pay down her debts. So she thinks she just might not.
"I am 80 years old," she said, "and I don't need this headache at my age."
Older Americans are among the most vulnerable in this recession. They are carrying debt loads they can barely handle with their fixed incomes, dwindling retirement savings and, in many cases, devalued homes.
Average credit card debt among low- and middle-income Americans 65 and older carrying a balance for more than three months reached $10,235, up 26 percent from 2005, according to a recently released study by the public policy group Demos.
It was the fastest increase of any age group. Soon-to-be retirees also are struggling with debt.
All generations struggle
It's a surprising reversal of fortune for a generation that had been considered more financially responsible than younger generations. Frequent or frivolous use of credit cards had not been a common trait of older Americans, particularly those 65 and older, because credit was not as easily available in their formative years. Now, even they are finding they have little choice but to borrow money.
"What's changed in this challenging economy is that no generation is immune from tough times. And it means that many older adults find they need to use credit cards as a means to stretch a fixed income, meet rising costs, pay for unexpected medical or household expenses, or to even help adult children," said Angela Rabatin, an adjunct professor of finance and contract law at University of Maryland University College and Prince George's Community College in Maryland.
In 2007, the most recent figure available, the percentage of 55-to-64-year-olds who had to use more than 40 percent of their income toward paying down debt was 12.5 percent, higher than any other age group, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, which studies pensions and benefits.
Those who were 65 to 74 did not trail far behind, with 11.2 percent contributing that big a chunk of their income toward their debt.
"Even going into the downturn of the economy, a significant percentage of people were at that threshold considered dangerous for debt," said Craig Copeland, a senior research associate at the institute.
Rising medical costs and less-generous health insurance plans, in particular, are burdening retirees and soon-to-be retirees. As the battle over health-care reform rages on, many are turning to borrowed money to pay for prescriptions and doctor visits.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I Have Resigned from the HOA
Good morning all, I just wanted to let you all know that I have resigned from the HOA Board. And as expected, They accepted.
"Mindy:
I am acknowledging receipt of your resignation from the board. According to the Covenants that is the action that the board should take.
Bob Wolfgang"
"Mindy:
I am acknowledging receipt of your resignation from the board. According to the Covenants that is the action that the board should take.
Bob Wolfgang"
That does not mean that I will stop this blog because I run the blog for the community and has not a thing to do with the HOA.
Any questions, suggestions, ideas feel free to email me...I would really like to see the community become closer.
Thanks and you all have a good day!
Mindy (mssphotography@aol.com)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
HOA Board Changes as of August 2009
President: Bob Wolfgang
Vice President: Gary Petersen
Sec. - Open Position
Member - Gary Gentry
Member - Fran Oroson
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Loss of a Good Friend and HOA President Gerrie Kovolchuk
It saddens to me to make this announcement of the passing of Gerrie. He was a very important addition to The HOA Board and a great friend to all that knew him.
There will be a special service held on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 2:00 PM at:
First Church Unity
5125 Franklin Road
Nashville, TN 37220
615-333-1323
Website:http://www.firstchurchunity.org/tp40/default.asp?ID=114450
All are welcome to attend.
The request has been made instead of flowers being sent, please make a contribution to Alive Hospice.
I know our thoughts and prayers go out to Debbie and her family during this rough time.
Kovolchuk, Gerald Age 66.
Passed away on August 15, 2009 after a brave battle with cancer.
A native of Sudbury, Ontario Canada, is preceded in death by his parents the late Dorothy and Harry, also preceded in death by brothers Barry, and brothers in law Collin Young and Dennis Wastila.
He is survived by his loving wife Debbie, daughter Correy of Rochester NY and daughter Rebecca and husband Jason Bowers and his very precious granddaughter Miranda. Also survived by his death is, his sisters Marilyn, Wendy and brother Greg, sisters in law Mary Nicoline, Doreen Lacey and brothers in law George and Mike Donovan.
Gerry spent most of his career as plant manager in the commercial air conditioning industry in upstate NY, while his wife is currently employed as an Accounts Receivable Manager for National HealthCare Corporation in Murfreesboro, TN.
Special thanks to Alive Hospice staff attending and caring for Gerry. In lieu of flowers send donations to a hospice or a charity of your choice.
Visitation with the family is Wednesday at 2 p.m. followed by a memorial service at First Church Unity at 5125 Franklin Pike, Nashville TN.
Gene Lovelace Chaplain of Alive Hospice officiating.
There will be a special service held on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 2:00 PM at:
First Church Unity
5125 Franklin Road
Nashville, TN 37220
615-333-1323
Website:http://www.firstchurchunity.org/tp40/default.asp?ID=114450
All are welcome to attend.
The request has been made instead of flowers being sent, please make a contribution to Alive Hospice.
I know our thoughts and prayers go out to Debbie and her family during this rough time.
Kovolchuk, Gerald Age 66.
Passed away on August 15, 2009 after a brave battle with cancer.
A native of Sudbury, Ontario Canada, is preceded in death by his parents the late Dorothy and Harry, also preceded in death by brothers Barry, and brothers in law Collin Young and Dennis Wastila.
He is survived by his loving wife Debbie, daughter Correy of Rochester NY and daughter Rebecca and husband Jason Bowers and his very precious granddaughter Miranda. Also survived by his death is, his sisters Marilyn, Wendy and brother Greg, sisters in law Mary Nicoline, Doreen Lacey and brothers in law George and Mike Donovan.
Gerry spent most of his career as plant manager in the commercial air conditioning industry in upstate NY, while his wife is currently employed as an Accounts Receivable Manager for National HealthCare Corporation in Murfreesboro, TN.
Special thanks to Alive Hospice staff attending and caring for Gerry. In lieu of flowers send donations to a hospice or a charity of your choice.
Visitation with the family is Wednesday at 2 p.m. followed by a memorial service at First Church Unity at 5125 Franklin Pike, Nashville TN.
Gene Lovelace Chaplain of Alive Hospice officiating.
Monthly HOA Meeting
If you have any concerns, problems, or questions, Please feel free to leave an email at Nashborogreens@yahoo.com. This will be valuable to our meetings.
Thanks,
Mindy
Little things make a difference in today's job market
Commentary by Schatzie Brunner • August 17, 2009
If you aren't looking for a job at the moment, you may be concerned about needing to look for one in the near future.
We've had some good economic news in the past two weeks, but none of us is being deceived into thinking that the unemployment rate can be fixed overnight. Instead, it may continue to climb a bit higher before retreating. New statewide numbers for Tennessee will be released on Thursday.
If you are among the job seekers, it's worth knowing a few tricks that could nudge you ahead of the competition at interview time. With so much competition for so few jobs, company executives screening applicants are putting a higher premium on the little things, not just looking for talent.
For instance, some executives will ask to ride in your car on the way to lunch. They want to see if your car is neat and clean and if it is in good running order. Some see the state of your car as an indication of your values and organizational skills. A month's worth of coffee cups strewn about the back seat will not impress.
Another tip is when preparing or psyching up for an interview as you sit in the company parking lot in your car, don't decide to use the rear view mirror to check your teeth for evidence of last night's meal. Do that before you get to the interview session.
You never know who is looking out the window to watch as you prepare to enter an office. Remember, as a job applicant, you are on stage from the moment you approach the front door.
Once you are in the waiting room, hand your business card to the receptionist and say your name and the name of the person with whom you have an appointment. Then, smile as if the receptionist is the most important person in your life and sit down.
Playing the waiting game
Once you're seated in the reception area, read that day's edition of The Tennessean or The Wall Street Journal if it is within reach. Or check your calendar. Do anything except look bored or fidget; this isn't the time to sit and stare at the wall. Nor is it the best time to check in at home and discuss what you're planning for dinner.
You'd be surprised how many recruiters call the receptionist back and ask what the job seeker was doing while waiting for show time.
Finally, if you meet several people in the interviewing process, and someone makes a comment about one of the other people with whom you've interviewed, don't get pulled into agreeing or defending the person being talked about. Some recruiters see that as the sign of a poor team player and a sure-fire path to the exit.
Schatzie Brunner worked at Turner Broadcasting as talent coordinator for Larry King Live and as a CNN news anchor. She now runs a consulting business, holding workshops on how to communicate clearly. She also is a keynote speaker. Visit her Web site at http://schatziebrunner.com.
If you aren't looking for a job at the moment, you may be concerned about needing to look for one in the near future.
We've had some good economic news in the past two weeks, but none of us is being deceived into thinking that the unemployment rate can be fixed overnight. Instead, it may continue to climb a bit higher before retreating. New statewide numbers for Tennessee will be released on Thursday.
If you are among the job seekers, it's worth knowing a few tricks that could nudge you ahead of the competition at interview time. With so much competition for so few jobs, company executives screening applicants are putting a higher premium on the little things, not just looking for talent.
For instance, some executives will ask to ride in your car on the way to lunch. They want to see if your car is neat and clean and if it is in good running order. Some see the state of your car as an indication of your values and organizational skills. A month's worth of coffee cups strewn about the back seat will not impress.
Another tip is when preparing or psyching up for an interview as you sit in the company parking lot in your car, don't decide to use the rear view mirror to check your teeth for evidence of last night's meal. Do that before you get to the interview session.
You never know who is looking out the window to watch as you prepare to enter an office. Remember, as a job applicant, you are on stage from the moment you approach the front door.
Once you are in the waiting room, hand your business card to the receptionist and say your name and the name of the person with whom you have an appointment. Then, smile as if the receptionist is the most important person in your life and sit down.
Playing the waiting game
Once you're seated in the reception area, read that day's edition of The Tennessean or The Wall Street Journal if it is within reach. Or check your calendar. Do anything except look bored or fidget; this isn't the time to sit and stare at the wall. Nor is it the best time to check in at home and discuss what you're planning for dinner.
You'd be surprised how many recruiters call the receptionist back and ask what the job seeker was doing while waiting for show time.
Finally, if you meet several people in the interviewing process, and someone makes a comment about one of the other people with whom you've interviewed, don't get pulled into agreeing or defending the person being talked about. Some recruiters see that as the sign of a poor team player and a sure-fire path to the exit.
Schatzie Brunner worked at Turner Broadcasting as talent coordinator for Larry King Live and as a CNN news anchor. She now runs a consulting business, holding workshops on how to communicate clearly. She also is a keynote speaker. Visit her Web site at http://schatziebrunner.com.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tax-Free Weekend Approaches
WKRN Channel 2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The tax-free holiday in Tennessee is nearly upon us.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday through Sunday night, Tennesseans can shop tax-free for clothing, school supplies and computers.
Clothing less than $100 per item, school supplies less than $100 per item and computers less than $1,500 are tax-free.
The basics like shirts, dresses and pants are included, as well as coats, gloves and mittens, hats, hosiery, neckties, scarves, belts, shoes and sneakers.
Items like binders, notebooks, paper, rulers, pens, pencils and scissors are included, in addition to clay and glazes, oil paints and watercolors and sketch and drawing pads.
With no tax, shoppers in Davidson County will see savings of nearly 10%.
"When you think it's almost 10% of what you're paying, you know, it does add up," shopper Katrina Brown told News 2.
"Obviously the economy needs some help and if it's motivation for people to go out and shop, it helps retailers and if people have to get the items anyway then they can save some money," added shopper Rob Stigall.
In the past, shoppers have saved anywhere from $8 million to $15 million.
The savings, however, come at a cost to the state.
For the month of June, sales tax collections were $68 million less than estimated and for 16 of the last 18 months, sales tax collections have experienced negative growth.
In addition, not only does the state not collect taxes during the shopping period, the state is also responsible for repaying the municipalities the taxes they don't charge.
The state cancelled a planned sales tax holiday in April because it simply couldn't afford it.
Sophie Moery with the Tennessee Department of Revenue told News 2, "The state is obviously suffering the effects of the national economic downturn and we have had negative growth in sales tax for at least the past year."
The sales tax holiday began in 2006 in Tennessee.
The August tax-free event is always the first Friday of every month.
This weekend's sales tax holiday ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.Visit TNTaxHoliday.com for complete details and a complete list of tax-free items.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The tax-free holiday in Tennessee is nearly upon us.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday through Sunday night, Tennesseans can shop tax-free for clothing, school supplies and computers.
Clothing less than $100 per item, school supplies less than $100 per item and computers less than $1,500 are tax-free.
The basics like shirts, dresses and pants are included, as well as coats, gloves and mittens, hats, hosiery, neckties, scarves, belts, shoes and sneakers.
Items like binders, notebooks, paper, rulers, pens, pencils and scissors are included, in addition to clay and glazes, oil paints and watercolors and sketch and drawing pads.
With no tax, shoppers in Davidson County will see savings of nearly 10%.
"When you think it's almost 10% of what you're paying, you know, it does add up," shopper Katrina Brown told News 2.
"Obviously the economy needs some help and if it's motivation for people to go out and shop, it helps retailers and if people have to get the items anyway then they can save some money," added shopper Rob Stigall.
In the past, shoppers have saved anywhere from $8 million to $15 million.
The savings, however, come at a cost to the state.
For the month of June, sales tax collections were $68 million less than estimated and for 16 of the last 18 months, sales tax collections have experienced negative growth.
In addition, not only does the state not collect taxes during the shopping period, the state is also responsible for repaying the municipalities the taxes they don't charge.
The state cancelled a planned sales tax holiday in April because it simply couldn't afford it.
Sophie Moery with the Tennessee Department of Revenue told News 2, "The state is obviously suffering the effects of the national economic downturn and we have had negative growth in sales tax for at least the past year."
The sales tax holiday began in 2006 in Tennessee.
The August tax-free event is always the first Friday of every month.
This weekend's sales tax holiday ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.Visit TNTaxHoliday.com for complete details and a complete list of tax-free items.
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