Why I am a JA kid

I remember being a student at Evergreen Jr. High. Yes kids, back in the dark ages we didn't go to middle school, we went to JUNIOR high.. but I digress.

Being a Jr High-schooler I was encouraged to try lots of new things like basketball and 4-H, and Junior Achievement.

Junior Achievement was enlightening. We partnered with Kaiser Aluminum and learned about how their business worked, and about how business in general works. Then, once we thought we understood we were encouraged to develop a product, market the product and see if we could make our business work.

In the end we decided that pizza pans were a product that no home could be without, and it was a product we understood. So Kaiser produced the aluminum pans for us and we sold them. I don't really remember if we sold a lot, and honestly I am not sure that success was the point.

I learned a lot through my experience with Junior Achievement and I believe that JA helped me to get to where I am today. This is why I am an active JA volunteer today. It is my hope that I can help kids understand a bit more about free enterprise, entrepreneurship and business. I hope that I can encourage kids to at least consider the possibility of working for themselves, instead of always working for someone else.

I hope that you will take a moment today and visit http://www.ja.org/ or http://www.jaspokane.org/ to learn about the Junior Achievement program. Spending one day in a classroom in your neighborhood might just be the encouragement a child needs to begin thinking about his or her future in a whole new way. If you would like to volunteer for May 12 at Greenacres Elementary please call me at 509-892-9139 or 509-216-2894.

As for the pizza pan, seems it is long gone now. But you can still order the JA special from Papa John's and they will donate to JA on your behalf.

thanks to callme crochet for the pizza photo!

Spring home checkup

Spring is here and the weather is lovely. I would like to suggest that you consider taking a nice walk.... around the house.

According to the NW Insurance Council, a non-profit trade association, the following home maintenance projects can keep your home in good condition and help save you money on repair bills in the long run. Most of these suggestions will also help you avoid costly insurance claims as well.

• Rake debris away from side of house and other structures.
• Clean out gutters and check downspouts for damage.
• Take down storm windows and check and repair screens before installing.
• Remove plants/trim shrubs around dryer vent.
• Inspect foundation and crawl space for any signs of water intrusion or pipe leaks.
• Remove strainers and clean any floor drains in basement, garage, outside stairwells.
• Inspect the attic. Look for moisture or water stains that may indicate roof leaks.
• Scrub mildewed areas and treat any mildew and fungus on decks

April Fools Computer Virus

Millions of people got up this morning and wondered if their computer would work. Would checking their facebook and email result in lost data or identity theft?

Not only is it wise to have a good anti-virus software installed AND running, it is wise to have a conversation with your insurance agent about coverage for lost data and identity restoration.

Prevention is only half of the equation. It is also important to have the tools in place to deal with the aftermath.

Please call me today at 509-892-9139 to find out more about your protection options.