Traits of Good Board Members

Do you have what it takes to be a good board member? Chances are you do. If you have a mix of some of the following traits and skills, consider running for a seat on the board. We’d love to have you. Respect. If you can give others respect and expect it in return, you […]

Extended Warranties and Service Contracts: Extra Protection or Waste of Money?

When you buy cars, computer equipment, major appliances, home electronics or other expensive household items, chances are you will be offered a service contract or extended warranty for an additional fee. Often charged as a percentage of the purchase price, service contracts and extended warranties range in cost from less than $50 to several thousand […]

Kids at Play

Summer is in full swing, and for many of our youngest residents that means they have the freedom to play outside to their heart’s content (or at least until mom or dad call them back inside). While we encourage kids to enjoy summer to the fullest, we also want everyone to stay safe. Here are […]

Lost and Found: Replacing Important Personal Documents

Important personal documents, like passports, birth and marriage certificates and Social Security cards, often are necessary for you and your family to access a number of government benefits and services. When those records are lost, stolen or damaged, you’ll need to find copies and replacements. Passport A lost or stolen passport should be reported immediately […]

Avoiding Bee Stings

For most people, a bee sting is an uncomfortable experience, but not a life-threatening event. For approximately 3 percent of adults and 0.5 percent of children, however, a sting by a bee, wasp, hornet or yellow jacket can result in a whole-body allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)—a true medical emergency. The best way to prevent an allergic […]

Food Safety During a Power Outage

Power failures can be one of the most annoying—and disabling—occurrences in a community. Whether caused by summer storms, power lines crippled by winter ice, equipment failure, an overloaded regional grid or an animal disrupting a power line, electrical outages can be costly, uncomfortable—and without forethought—sometimes even dangerous. Residents can face many hazards when a power […]

Waste-Free Yards Keeps Pets Healthy

American pet owners collectively spend tens of millions of dollars every year on veterinary care and over-the-counter medicines for their furry loved ones. But what many don’t realize is that many pet illnesses can be avoided by simply keeping the back yard clear of pet waste. Dog waste is more than just a smelly and […]

How is Your Board Doing?

As board member volunteers, members work hard to make sure our residents feel at home and our community thrives. To be more effective, we feel it’s important to seek out other perspectives to learn about our perceived strengths and weaknesses. So to help us better serve you and your association, we want to know how […]

The Sweet Smells of Selling Your Home

So your house is on the market and you’re ready to make a dynamic first impression on potential buyers. Besides ensuring that your house looks and feels inviting, making sure it smells pleasant can help generate interest during showings. While traditional wisdom suggests that freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies will add a homey and enticing scent […]

Preventing West Nile Virus

With mosquito season almost here, it’s important to take precautions against a potentially serious illness—West Nile virus. This widespread disease can be a threat to humans, animals and several species of birds in the U.S., particularly during the summer through late fall when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquitoes bite infected animals and then transmit the […]