Since the beginning of time, man has had a fascination and a longing to own gold. There is evidence of humans wearing gold as early as 4000 BC and it is still popular today and more valuable and sought after than ever.

With the current price of gold at this writing being $1,750.00 per one Troy ounce, it only points out how much the world trusts and respects the value of owning it. Gold is a symbol of financial security and success.

Mankind’s love for gold is due to its beauty, portability, versatility and ease with which it can be converted to works of art. One ounce of pure gold can be struck into a coin or produce a piece of wire that would stretch a mile in length. Gold can also be hammered into a sheet thin enough to transmit light through (Gold Leaf), which is used to letter signs and adorn statuary as well as finish fine quality picture frames. Gold is also used as a conductor of electricity in computers.

Gold Jewelry and what you should know about it. Although jewelry can be made of almost any material, such as silver, platinum, stainless, titanium, aluminum, plastic, leather, etc., gold remains the best choice for most jewelry.  Since manufacturing equipment and labor is a major factor in the price of creating any item of jewelry it makes sense to use gold rather than metals with no salvage value if the item is damaged or worn in the future. Gold has trade in value as well as more prestige, sense of well being and pride of possession when wearing it.

Today there is interest in alternative metals for wedding bands such as Titanium, Tungsten Carbide, Ceramic, and a number of others.

The advantage would be they hold their polish and and are very hard. They are very trendy and appeal to the younger generation and they cost only about 25 to 30 % of a similar gold ring.

The disadvantage would be they can only be used as wedding bands, not engagement rings. Additionally they cannot be sized, only replaced with another if the company that made them still exists at the time you need a replacement. If it can be replaced it is not the same band you were married with so there is no sentimental attachment to it. It can’t be engraved, only laser etched at the factory. In the case of an accident or injury, it could result in a lost finger if the emergency personnel cannot remove it in a timely manner. We have had patients sent to us because the medical facility didn’t have the proper equipment to remove them. In addition they have all the beauty and luster of a piece of hardware; not very romantic.

Gold wedding rings on the other hand can be engraved with your wedding dates, resized many times and refinished to look like new for a lifetime. Gold can be passed on to a future generation or cast into a new design if no longer needed as a wedding ring. It also has salvage value that can be used for a trade-in or sold for cash anywhere in the world making the initial cost a real bargain in the end.

Tom Sayers Graduate Diamonds (GIA) Ellen Sayers, Diamonds (GIA)
Ronald L. Sayers, Graduate Gemologist (GIA)

Types of gold used in jewelry. Pure gold as it comes from the earth or a refiner is called 24 Karat, which is much too soft to use for jewelry. For manufacturing into jewelry, alloy metals are added to give the gold strength and workability. Most jewelry in this country is 14K, which is 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts alloy metal such as copper, silver, and zinc as well as nickel, used in the manufacture of white gold. In Europe 18k is preferred and sometimes 22k, both of which are softer than 14k but have a higher purity. Class rings and lower price point jewelry is often made of 10k.

Purity is as follows: Stamped 10K or 417 (41.7%), 14k or 585 (58.3%), 18K or 750 (75%) and 22K or 915 (91.6%) pure gold. Jewelry less than 10k is not allowed to be called gold in the U.S.

Gold Stamping Act: It is illegal to stamp 14k or any other quality in a ring without a registered trademark next to it to identify the manufacture responsible for the purity indicated. It is legal to sell an item of jewelry with no stamp but if it has a stamp, it must also have a registered trademark.

About Quality: The fact that an item is made of karat gold does not guarantee it will hold up to normal wear. Thin ring shanks and hollow chains save gold and sell for less but break and wear out quickly and end up as scrap gold. Well-designed jewelry with sufficient metal content will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Platinum and silver are other metals used in the manufacture of jewelry but space does not permit a full discussion of them in this article. Please stop by our store and we will be glad to answer any questions about them.

Testimonials:
• Thanks for making me feel comfortable in the store and with your services !! ~ N. Davis
• Dear Ron, My father and I thank-you for the time that you spent with us. The information that you shared with us about our 3.01 carat diamond was very useful. Wishing you good health and prosperity… Yours truly, ~ Holly R.

By: Joanna L. Daneman, AAMS®

As an investor, you can get plenty of advice from financial experts on the evening news or cable financial shows. But you may actually be able to learn some deeper truths about investing by observing other professionals — such as winemakers.

At first glance, you might not see what these “guardians of the grape” can teach you about building an investment portfolio. After all, they’re shaping Sangiovese while you’re seeking stocks, they’re bottling Burgundy while you’re buying bonds, and they’re mastering Malbec while you’re monitoring mutual funds. Where’s the connection?

Start by considering the life cycle of wine and the concept of “vintage.” For example, a particular wine is labeled a 2005 vintage if it is made from grapes that were predominantly grown and harvested in 2005. Yet given the requirements of wine production, this 2005 vintage may not actually hit the markets until 2008 — and some aficionados may think the wine won’t taste its best until 2018.

If you translated this type of scenario to the financial world, you could say that the 2008 investment “vintage” was not promising, given that the value of almost all investments — even the quality ones — fell last year. But if you were to hold these quality investments for the long term — as you should, because investing is a long-term activity — you might find that the 2008 vintage investments may eventually become productive vehicles that can help you achieve your financial goals.

So, what lessons can you learn from winemakers? Here are a few suggestions:

• Be patient. Winemakers put a lot of time, effort and money into planting today’s grapes — for which they will not see one penny of profit for many years. Yet they have the discipline to wait patiently until the products of their labors come to fruition. Are all their wines successful? No — and all your investments may not be, either. But given enough time, quality investments can usually help you work toward your financial goals.
• Have faith in your strategy. Wine drinkers’ tastes can change from year to year. Yet winemakers don’t rip out their vineyards and replant them with today’s “hot” varietal. Instead, they cultivate the grapes they’ve planted, make the best wine they can and maintain their belief that their products will find a market. As an investor, you can’t allow yourself to be swayed by today’s hot tips and trends. Instead, build a portfolio of quality investments that can stand the test of time.
• Adapt your goals to your situation. One of the most famous winemaking regions in the world, Napa Valley, contains a number of microclimates that vary by temperature, rainfall and soil. Napa Valley winemakers know which grapes will do best in which microclimate, and they concentrate their efforts accordingly. And you, as an individual investor, should make your investment decisions based on your own “microclimate” — your risk tolerance, family situation, time horizon and other factors. In other words, you should choose those investments that are best suited for you and that have the best chance to help you meet your goals.

Investing, like  winemaking, is filled with challenges. But by observing how winemakers work, you may learn some things that can eventually help you raise a glass to your own success.

*   Registered Nurses
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*   Pediatric Speech
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Come join the Bayada Nurses team and become a hero to a wonderful child in need. We offer the flexible schedules, full benefits, weekly pay and competitive pay rates. At Bayada Nurses our healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing care with Compassion, Excellence and Reliability.

For more information
please contact SherVonne at 302-322-2300.
You can also email your resume to swilson@bayada.com
or fax it to 302-322-6300.

Anthony B. Furey, DO
Cardiology Physicians

Dr. Anthony B. Furey joined Cardiology Physicians in March 2011.  Dr. Furey has been a Cardiologist in Delaware since 1996.  Dr. Furey grew up in Chadds Ford PA. He attended Bishop Shanahan High School and Lafayette College where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.  During his four years at Lafayette, he lettered in Varsity Basketball and was Captain of the 1983 squad.

Dr. Furey attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. His post doctorate training involved internship at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH, and Internal Medicine residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA.  His Cardiology fellowship was completed at The Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Furey is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has been recognized as board certified in Adult Echocardiography by the American Society of Echocardiography and Nuclear Cardiology by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.

Dr. Furey’s professional associations include membership in the American Osteopathic Association, Delaware Society of Osteopathic Medicine, Delaware Medical Society, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Furey’s interests involve clinical and consultative cardiology along with echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.

Dr. Furey is the Medical Director of the Christiana Care Cardiac Rehabilitation program. He was named “Outstanding Specialty Teacher” in 2002 by the Christiana Care Family Medicine program and has been named Delaware Today’s “Top Doctor” in Cardiology in 2003 and 2010.

Dr. Furey and his family reside in Wilmington, DE. He and his wife Katherine were married in 1990. They have three children; Brannock born in 1993, Conor born in 1996, and Corinne born in 2001.

Charles J. Simon, MS, OD
Simon Eye Associates

Charles J. Simon, MS, OD, is the founder and CEO of Simon Eye Associates.  A native Delawarean, Dr. Simon grew up in Dover, Delaware, graduating from Dover High School.  He then attended the University of Delaware, obtaining an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, and a graduate degree in Nutritional Sciences.  An additional degree in Visual Sciences and a Doctorate in Optometry was earned from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

Dr. Simon completed externships in primary care at the JFK Hospital Eye Clinic, and in electro-diagnosis and low vision at The Eye Institute, all in Philadelphia.  He continued with post-doctoral studies at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

He began practicing Optometry in 1982, along with becoming an Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware.  Since starting his own practice, he has expanded from his first office on Bancroft Parkway in Wilmington to become a multi-location practice serving all of Delaware and surrounding areas.  Simon Eye Associates now employs 14 Doctors and over 100 staff members.  Dr. Simon attributes the growth of the practice to his firm commitment to satisfying the eye health needs of his patients.  The mission statement of the practice reflects this belief:

Dr. Simon is a member of both the American Optometric Association and the Delaware Optometric Association.  Past memberships include Student Optometric Service to Haiti and Omicron Nu National Honor Society.  His awards include the Clinical Excellence Award, Outstanding Graduate Student, Outstanding Young Men of America, and Oxford’s Who’s Who.

Dr. Simon and his wife Marina live in Hockessin with their three Chihuahuas.  He enjoys oil painting, running and biking in his spare time.

Ron Sayers
Sayers Jewelers and Gemologists

Ronald Lee Sayers, goes by Ron Sayers is 66 years old and originally from Pennsylvania.   At age 5 his parents, Leroy and June Sayers moved to Smyrna Delaware and opened Sayers Jewelers.   From the beginning Ron was given chores in the store such as counting envelopes, inserting letters and adding stamps.

Ron Graduated from John Bassett Moore High School in Smyrna then went on to Wesley College in Dover which was a 2 year school at the time and then transferred to Delaware State College and graduated with a business and accounting degree.  After joining the family business full time in 1968 Ron began taking courses at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA ) where he earned his Graduate Gemologist degree.

In 1967 Ron married Ellen Killen from Leipsic, Delaware.   Ron and Ellen have three boys,  Ronnie, a commercial waterman,   Rodney, a boilermaker and Tom,who works in the family business and is also a GIA Graduate Gemologist.

Ron and Ellen have worked side by side in the family business since 1968.  In 1989 They purchased the business from Ron’s parents and it became Sayers Jewelers and Gemologists.   Ron, Ellen and son Tom along with seven other employees run the thriving business today.   Sayers was the first jeweler in Kent County to have a gem microscope in their store and Ron was the first jeweler in all of Delaware  to have a high tech Laser welder.   Ron and son Tom also design and manufacture custom jewelry on the premises using state of the art Cad-Cam designing as well as hand carved designs.   Sayers is proud to have customers in 48 states.

Ron has served as Past President of the Smyrna-Clayton Rotary club and currently sits on the board of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and Bayhealth Medical Center.

Interests include snowmobiling, skiing, motorcycles, photography, scuba diving, flying, boating and grandchildren.

Michelle Parsons
ReNove Medical Spa

Dr. Michelle Parsons practices Wellness and Cosmetic Medicine in Rehoboth Beach.  Graduating from Jefferson Medical College 17 years ago, she is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine after receiving her training at Christiana Medical Center, practicing as an Emergency Medicine Physician in Delaware and Maryland.  Enjoying the continuity of care in private practice, Dr. Parsons went on to receive additional training in hormone and endocrine evaluation, vitamin deficiencies, nutrient replacement therapy, and cosmetic medical procedures.

“There is so much to treating the overall health and well being of a person than just addressing their symptoms when an acute illness occurs.  I like to focus on what is going on with a person’s health every day. It’s the little things that are really important in the long run. What kind of nutrients we are taking in and how that affects how our bodies and minds work.  Another example of how closely our minds and bodies are intertwined was demonstrated in a study that showed how a cosmetic medical treatment, such as a rhinoplasty, can have the same benefit to mood and well being as 10 years of intensive psycho-therapy.  Our bodies and minds are very closely related and I really embrace this concept in my practice.”

Dr. Parsons lives in Bethany Beach area with her husband and young son, who is a fifth generation Sussex Countian. Dr. Parsons sees patients in her office in Rehoboth Beach during the week. Appointments can be made by calling 302-227-1079. Please visit her practice website to see what wellness and health services are available at www.RenoveMedSpa.org.  Dr Parson’s wardrobe is from the  CAbi, spring collection, Jody Ryan.

Jeffrey Minkovitz, MD
Eye Physicians

Jeffrey Minkovitz, MD is an ophthalmologist and partner at Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Wilmington, Delaware.  Dr. Minkovitz specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, and is one of only a few Delaware surgeons specially trained in corneal diseases and transplantation. He joined Eye Physicians in 1994, after completing a cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at the world renowned Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins.  Previously, he graduated magna cum-laude from Harvard, earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, completed his internship at Harvard’s Mt. Auburn Hospital, and served his ophthalmology residency at Washington University.

Dr. Minkovitz participated in the early research on Excimer Laser photorefractive surgery beginning in 1994. He has offered this procedure to Delawareans since FDA approval in 1996, before Delaware had its own laser. These early pioneering individuals travelled to Wilmer Institute with Dr. Minkovitz, where he maintained his teaching and clinical appointment.

Dr. Minkovitz is a co-founder of the Center for Advanced Surgical Arts and serves on its medical advisory board. He is also on active staff at Christiana and Wilmington Hospitals.  While at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Minkovitz received the Outstanding Teacher Award from Wilmer Eye Institute. He was also named Top Doc in ophthalmology by Delaware Today Magazine six consecutive years, including 2010, and has been an invited instructor at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meetings.

Dr. Minkovitz served as councilor to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has held several offices including president of the Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology.

Charles Curry, MD
Delaware Eye Institute

Dr. Curry is a board certified ophthalmologist with Delaware Eye Institute in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. His practice ranges from the surgical treatment of cataracts, to the medical treatment of such ailments as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease to ongoing and preventive care through routine eye exams.  Dr. Curry said, “Making sure I’ve addressed my patient’s concerns is a high priority for me.  I want them to be informed and comfortable with the choices we make together.”

After graduating from the Indiana University School of Medicine he completed his residency at Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina where he acquired hands-on ophthalmology training with patients.  In 2003, he became certified with the American Board of Ophthalmology.   After five years of private practice in Indiana, Dr. Curry joined Delaware Eye Institute in 2007.  When not practicing medicine, Dr. Curry spends his time with his family, often camping and visiting water parks.

Delaware Eye Institute is the leading provider of advanced eye care in Southern Delaware.  Each year thousands of new patients, from infant to adult receive care ranging from routine eye exams to services for macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetes.  Delaware Eye surgeons perform thousands of surgeries for cataracts, retinal disorders, functional and aesthetic eyelid problems.

Please take time to view our website at DelawareEye.com to learn more about our doctors, our staff and our services.  With our goal of doing everything possible to enhance and preserve your vision, we look forward to helping you see your world more clearly.

Heather Rooks, DC
Wilmington Delaware

As senior clinic director, Dr. Rooks is skilled and experienced at treating the root physiological, biochemical, and hormonal imbalances associated with Type 2 Diabetes and with Hypothyroidism.

Dr. Rooks uses breakthrough diagnostic testing and analysis that’s rarely done in conventional settings, to uncover the hidden, underlying causes a person may be experiencing from Type 2 Diabetes and Hypothyroidism.

She also takes great pride in delivering personalized healthcare treatment to patients as well as providing an environment that supports and inspires patients to reverse their poor health.

Dr. Rooks graduated from the University of Delaware, with a BA in Biology and has a Minor in Women’s Studies. She attended Life University for her Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and has extensive Postgraduate education in Functional Endocrinology.

Outside the office, Dr. Rooks enjoys being with her Cream French bulldog, Romeo, traveling and consciousness raising activities, spiritual retreats and humanitarian mission trips. She also loves Yoga and any kind of fitness.

Royal Photography
302-438-1308
Roy McDowell, owner
royalphotogde@aol.com

Royal Photography’s owner, Roy McDowell, brings a wealth of experience, both creative and business, along with an unmatched ability to put people at ease, to every occasion he photographs.

Over the past 18 years, Roy McDowell has captured “that” moment for more than 300 brides and grooms and preserved high school memories too numerous to count. Such exposure has led Roy to become one of the most recognizable photographers in Delaware. He creates a lasting impression, not only of an event, but of himself. The pride, precision, and passion he exudes has compelled brides-to-be to track down, “the photographer who took their senior portrait years before”.Roy exhibits this same commitment and customer service when working with the many schools and businesses with whom he’s managed contracts.

“The consumer drives the product I provide; not the other way around”. With the help and support of family, friends, and business associates, Roy McDowell strives to achieve his goal of providing an unforgettable experience with superior photographs, exceptional customer focus, and lasting relationships.

J. Christian
Owner of  J. Christian Studio
7465 Lancaster Pike,
Hockessin, DE
(302)-235-2306

Hair styling & make-up application were provided compliments of J. Christian Studio, where hair and art perform.

J. Christian is a Master Artist with more than 30 years experience in the beauty industry. Together with his wife Marcy, they own and operate J. Christian Studio, an upscale salon located in Hockessin, DE.

As an International Platform Artist and Master Educator for Sexy Hair Concepts, J. Christian travels here and abroad teaching other Stylists about hair fashion. He regularly teaches at the Institute of Courage, a hair academy established by Michael O’Rourke, founder of Sexy Hair Concepts located in the Topanga Canyon just outside Los Angeles as well as at the Paul Mitchell School in Delaware.

By: Mary Laskaris, Realtor

Have you heard the latest buzz?
According to the American Homeowners Association, due to decreasing property values in many areas, it is 60% more likely that your property taxes are too high.

There are several steps homeowners should take to investigate whether or not their property taxes can be lowered:

• First, get your detailed property tax assessment record online or from your assessor’s office. Check the accuracy of the details of your home used in the tax assessment.
• Check with a real estate agent to get a solid understanding of what homes are currently selling for in your community. Professional agents will have the most up to-date statistics on local market values.
• If errors have made your assessment higher than it should be, first try working directly with the assessor. If the correction cannot be made informally, you will need to make a formal appeal. Keep in mind there is usually a narrow window of opportunity in which to file an appeal. Some jurisdictions set specific times every year to hear appeals, while others only consider appeals for a few months after your house has been reassessed.

Be certain to maintain fastidious records during the entire process. Proper documentation can be critical in supporting your case.

You may also be eligible for property tax exemptions ranging from a senior citizen or active duty military discount, to discounts for those who own livestock, depending on your municipality.

Mary Laskaris can be reached at (302)383.9644.
Prudential Fox and Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Mary Laskaris has been a knowledgeable resource for Real Estate matters in Delaware and Pennsylvania for over 30 years. She has negotiated over $300 million in sales during her impressive career. Mary has been continuously recognized as a Member of the President’s Circle and recipient of the Leading Edge Society award for Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors and is ranked in the top 5% of Real Estate agents in the United States. Her personal approach and high level of service is what Mary’s clients say makes her a great choice when choosing a realtor.

Mary Laskaris, Realtor 302.383.9644
Diane Penna, Realtor 302.598.9088
Corby Spruance, Realtor 302.530.1898
Kristi Prosceno, Team Manager 302.426.6187

Testimonials:

“Mary has been so patient and understanding of my needs.  She is truly a pleasure to work with.” ~ Chris C.

“Not only was Mary sensitive to the emotional aspects of the situation she was knowledgeable and professional in all aspects of the technical end.”~ Michael L.

“Thank you Mary for the much needed guidance and support, you are the best.” ~ Melania S.

“Mary was so helpful…this was our first house and we felt at ease the entire time.”  ~ Peter B. & Amanda R.

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Great value in the Chadds Ford School District! This gracious estate on 3 acres has a wonderful flow with formal living room and dining room, warm family room, handsome study, and large sunroom too! $699,000
2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, The Devon City living at its finest in this condominium building in a premier location!! Offering a multitude of units and price ranges, there is something for everyone! Call for more information and your personal tour. the money!

By: Amy Marta, owner of Clutter Bugs, LLC
with her inspiration, daughter Gabriella.
Photo by lifeartimaging.com

Are you feeling ashamed? Do you feel like you can’t have people over to your home? Has the anxiety overwhelmed you?  Call Clutter Bugs LLC, don’t wait another day….They will help you regain control of your life.

Do you want to close the door on your “dirty little secret”? You are not alone, so many people just can’t get organized. It’s not because they are lazy or unable, it is simply not knowing how to be. Someone’s home and/or workspace can tell you so much about them. Organizing is a process, not a one day project. These are words to live by or so Amy believes.

Hard to believe summer is coming to a close. With that brings school, the holidays, and company. It soon will be time to start a new year and put away all the year has brought and most of us will feel weighed down. Amy Marta owner of Clutter Bugs LLC and her associates can help you take the ouch out of organizing!

People spend time, money and effort on the outside of their homes but neglect the inside. We need to show the same TLC to the inside too! Amy knows all to well how hard it is to keep up with a busy lifestyle. With family, careers, a social life and trying to find “me time” the last thing on our minds is, “is my home and or office place functional”? The truth of the matter is probably not. 9 out of 10 times we do 5 things at once and 4 of those things suffer. Having a third party like Clutter Bugs assist you while you make your space more functional makes sense. Don’t allow your things to over take your space, because you have the right to control your environment.

More often than not, things don’t get put away because they don’t have a home. The key to getting organized is to find the best possible home for all your things. Making your space functional is not always the easiest job.  That is where she comes in…

Amy has found a way to help her clients lose the overwhelming feelings and get to work. As a mother of two, Amy knew clutter and had to make organizing a way of life. Inspired by her first child Gabriella, Clutter Bugs LLC was born in 2005. Wanting to do something she loved creating her own business was the way to go.

From moving to collecting and just plain old inheriting other people’s things there is just not always enough space.

So that’s when cluttering becomes an issue. Once it starts to pile up we can’t always get a handle on it, and that’s when you need to remember some key rules:

• Have you used this item in the last 12 months?
• When you buy something new, get rid of something old
• Resist the urge to buy sale items unless you really need them
• Making piles are just organized messes
• Give your rooms and space a purpose
• When in doubt throw it out!

There are many resources for reusing and recycling items that you no longer need.

Just because it has no home with you doesn’t mean it doesn’t have one somewhere else. From donating to charitable organizations and selling your items either in second hand shops or having your own sale can really lighten your load, and put a little extra in your pocket.

Give the gift of organization…It makes wonderful birthday gifts and unique wedding gifts.

E-mail amyclutterbugs@gmail.com
or call 302-438-8137.
Gift certificates can be bought and sent directly to the recipient from Clutter Bugs, LLC.

“Organizing Everyday Life”

Testimonials:

“Clutterbugs started me on the path to a more organized, clutter-free life!” ~ Jen L., Wilmington, De

“As a busy professional I could not find the time to tend to my home and things just seemed to be piling up. One day I looked around my home and thought, wow how did it get like this. I saw Clutter Bugs add and made the call the very next day. Amy and her team taught me how to balance being a working mother outside of the home and keep my home functioning so I no longer felt as if I was drowning. Thanks to Clutter Bugs Im back on track!” ~ Tracey K. Greenville, De

“I saw the Ad for Clutter Bugs and called Amy and I am sure glad I did. She came out, we discussed our needs, she gave us an estimate, we scheduled the work and when she arrived we finished the kitchen in 6 hours!! With Amy, you work as a team –she pitched in and helped sort and clean. She took items that I did not want with her and by the end of the day it looked like a different kitchen! It has been about 2 months and surprisingly everything in the kitchen is still organized and has a “home”. I was so happy with the results that I used Amy again for my office and I have scheduled her to help me with the Basement.  Amy is friendly, caring, and fun, and importantly, she listens to your needs. I have recommended her to my friends!”

Discover Unparalleled Fine Dining at The Farmhouse.
Where foods of rare excellence are served in an elegant provincial setting.

Intimate candlelit dining rooms, exceptional service, award-winning menus featuring The Farmhouse famous crab cakes, and many seasonal specials all contribute to a delightful dining experience. Sundays, a superb prix fixe three-course dinner is offered.  The intimate Farmhouse bar with fireplace is a local favorite. Reserve the unique subterranean wine cellar featuring the Wine Spectator Award winning wine list for a very special Chef’s Table.  Enjoy summer evenings of genteel tableside service on the Farmhouse’s covered outdoor patio. The 18th century Farmhouse is open for dinner Thursday – Sunday.

The Farmhouse is the quintessential destination.

Indoor and outdoor catering is available for parties, meetings, and corporate events.  Specializing in weddings, Chef Roland creates your menu from farm-fresh foods. No frozen or pre-made foods are ever used. The gracious Banquet Room connects to a soaring sky lit Round Room offering a beautiful view of gardens and golf course.  Sip a frosted mug of beer or special Martini in the adjacent air-conditioned Tavern with flat screen TV or dine out of doors and watch play from the Tavern’s open-air brick patio.

The Greathouse and Tavern are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Sunday Brunch is served in Country Elegance while enjoying a complimentary flute of champagne. Free Children’s menu.

Loch Nairn’s impeccably groomed Golf Course
is open to the public.

This is a true shot maker’s course with tree lined fairways winding through wetlands, lakes, and ponds.  There’s a fully stocked golf shop, locker facilities, and Men’s & Ladies Associations. Lessons are available for all levels. Be sure to stop by the unique Tavern for food, drink, and conversation.

Discover
unparalleled fine dining at The Farmhouse
Casual dining and all manner of celebration,
The Greathouse at Loch Nairn

Visit us online at www.lochnairn.com or call 610.268.2235.

By: Kevin Phillipson,
Branch Manager
Home Savings of America

When a marriage ends in divorce, the lives of those involved are changed forever. During this time of upheaval, one thing that shouldn’t have to change is the credit status you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Unfortunately, for many, the experience is the exact opposite. Unfulfilled promises to pay bills, the maxing out of credit cards, and a total breakdown in communication frequently lead to the annihilation of at least one spouse’s credit. Depending upon how finances are structured, it can sometimes have a negative impact on both parties.

The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. By taking a proactive approach and creating a specific plan to maintain one’s credit status, anyone can ensure that “starting over” doesn’t have to mean rebuilding credit.

The first step for anyone going through a divorce is to obtain copies of your credit report from the 3 major agencies: Equifax, Experian®, and TransUnion®. It’s impossible to formulate a plan without having a complete understanding of the situation. (Once a year, you may obtain a free credit report by visiting www.AnnualCreditReport.com.)

Once you’ve gathered the facts, you can begin to address what’s most important. Create a spreadsheet, and list all of the accounts that are currently open. For each entry, fill in columns with the following information: creditor name, contact number, the account number, type of account (e.g. credit card, car loan, etc.), account status (e.g. current, past due), account balance, minimum monthly payment amount, and who is vested in the account (joint/individual/authorized signer).

Now that you have this information at your fingertips, it’s time to make a plan.

There are two types of credit accounts, and each is handled differently during a divorce. The first type is a secured account, meaning it’s attached to an asset. The most common secured accounts are car loans and home mortgages. The second type is an unsecured account. These accounts are typically credit cards and charge cards, and they have no assets attached.

When it comes to a secured account, your best option is to sell the asset. This way the loan is paid off and your name is no longer attached. The next best option is to refinance the loan. In other words, one spouse buys out the other. This only works, however, if the purchasing spouse can qualify for a loan by themselves and can assume payments on their own. Your last option is to keep your name on the loan. This is the most risky option because if you’re not the one making the payment, your credit is truly vulnerable. If you decide to keep your name on the loan, make sure your name is also kept on the title. The worst case scenario is being stuck paying for something that you do not legally own.

In the case of a mortgage, enlisting the aid of a qualified mortgage professional is extremely important. This individual will review your existing home loan along with the equity you’ve built up and help you to determine the best course of action.

When it comes to unsecured accounts, you will need to act quickly.  It’s important to know which spouse (if not both) is vested. If you are merely a signer on the account, have your name removed immediately. If you are the vested party and your spouse is a signer, have their name removed. Any joint accounts (both parties vested) that do not carry a balance should be closed immediately.

If there are jointly vested accounts which carry a balance, your best option is to have them frozen. This will ensure that no future charges can be made to the accounts. When an account is frozen, however, it is frozen for both parties.  If you do not have any credit cards in your name, it is recommended you obtain one before freezing all of your jointly vested accounts. By having a card in your own name, you now have the option of transferring any joint balances into your account, guaranteeing they’ll get paid.

Ensuring payment on a debt which carries your name is paramount when it comes to preserving credit. Keep in mind that one 30-day late payment can drop your credit score as much as 75 points. It is also important to know that a divorce decree does not override any agreement you have with a creditor. So, regardless of which spouse is ordered to pay by the judge, not doing so will affect the credit score of both parties. The message here is to not only eliminate all joint accounts, but to do it quickly.

Divorce is difficult for everyone involved. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your credit remains intact. For a comprehensive analysis and written action plan to guide your through this difficult time, www.myMortgageReady.com is a program that works extremely well.

Presented By: Dawn Glazar
President, Glazar Bros., Inc.

Glazar Brothers is celebrating 64 years in the HVAC business. We are also celebrating 10 years as a Trane Comfort Specialist, being one of the first ever in Delaware.

What is a Trane Comfort Specialist?

The Trane Comfort Specialist certification means the independent Trane dealer is of the highest standing and committed to being the best in every aspect of his or her business, from installation and service, to customer satisfaction and employee training. Not every dealer qualifies as a Trane Comfort Specialist, but rather only those that meet Trane’s stringent standards and demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuing education. These dealers are committed to training to keep up to date with Trane’s latest technology, ensuring that you receive a system that is designed to achieve maximum efficiency, reliability and comfort – and a system that delivers the efficiency its ratings promise and you expect.

Many Trane Comfort Specialist dealers also have North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certified technicians. NATE is an independent, third-party non-profit certification which is earned through tests which validates the technician’s knowledge and a training program’s instruction. Organizations that are part of the NATE coalition include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

With the passage of President Obama’s Economic Stimulus Bill, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit

…if they purchase certain types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, water heating equipment, or make other energy-related improvements to their homes between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011. As a leader in producing energy-efficient home comfort solutions, Trane offers many products that are eligible under this new law. Depending on the type of system or product purchased, it is possible to qualify for a tax credit of up to $1,500 on your 2009 or 2010 income tax return or up to $500** on your 2011 income tax return. Trane also offers rebates on select systems. Call Glazar Bros., Inc today for your free estimate and more information on selecting a comfort system for your home, and be eligible for the tax credit and receive up to $1,000 in Trane rebates.

Credentials: Glazar Brothers, Inc. is a full Service Heating and Air Conditioning Company located in North Wilmington. They provide their customers with highly trained NATE certified technicians whom have passed their in house testing, background checks, and are clean and polite. They are committed to customer service, and their employee loyalty stands them out above their competition. Ninety percent of their staff has been with the company for more than 10 years, and 75% have 18 plus years with the company. They believe that their employees enjoy working for the company because they are honest, they care about their customers, and they do not make their technicians sell any service or product the customer does not need. They are staffed with two trained sales associates, Dawn Glazar and Chris Howard. Chris has over 15 years of experience in the service department, and has held several positions prior to moving into Sales. Honest, kind, and a big part of the Glazar family, Chris excels in providing his customers with the utmost care. Dawn took over the company in 2001 when her Uncle and Father decided they wanted to retire. Dawn has over 18 years experience, and holds a Master’s HVAC license, and is Certified Universal in handling refrigerant. Chris and Dawn participate in all the training required for Glazar Bros, Inc. to qualify for Trane’s elite Comfort Specialist Program. Dawn says “Having held every position in the company, I know what it is like doing the field work, working with customers, balancing a budget, and gaining the respect from my employees and my colleagues. I believe a happy employee will work harder, better promote the company, and treat our customers with respect. We offer up front pricing, honesty, integrity, free estimates on replacement systems, with no pressure Sales!”

For more information call 302-764-2520.
1402 Todd’s Lane, Wilmington, DE  19802
Monday – Friday – 8:00am – 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday – Emergency Service
www.Glazarbros.com

– Add-On & Replacement Systems
- Electronic Air Cleaners
- Heaters
- Air Conditioners
- Indoor Air Quality Products
- Humdifiers
- UV Lights
- Programmable Thermostats
- Trane Comfort Specialists