As the rebuilding process begins after the Angora wildfires in Lake Tahoe, be extremely cautious when hiring contractors. Unscrupulous contractors may take advantage of people who have experienced a catastrophic event. Take your time in choosing true professionals to repair your home. Immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local police, sheriff's department, and insurance agent. Be cautious of flyers and business cards left on your doorstep.
Nine Checks to Not Get Scammed...
• Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors.
• Check their credentials with your local Better Business Bureau or Home Builders Association.
• Ask your neighbors what they're paying for similar work.
• Inspect contractors' licenses and proof of liability insurance.
• Get a contract in writing.
• Avoid paying money up-front. Some reputable contractors will require partial, up-front payment, but these pre-work payments shouldn't exceed the cost of materials or 20 percent of the total estimate.
• Follow local building codes and inspection procedures.
• If anyone performs work on your house or property without your permission, don't pay them, and contact your local authorities.
• Avoid signing over an insurance settlement check to the contractor.
Robinson receives Summit Award
Community Advisory Board member for First National Bank and real estate broker, Bruce Robinson, has received the Summit Award for the "Largest Single Sales Transaction Broker." Robinson was selected for an eight-month commercial real estate project he championed.
In its second year, the Summit Awards are a cooperative effort of Northern Nevada's Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM), Commercial Real Estate Women and National Association of Industrial and Office Properties.
"Several nominations were received and I'm grateful my peers recognized my hard work and efforts," said Robinson, who garnered the highest commission for his Minden project, placing him as the top single sales earner for this category.
Free seminar on growing a business
SCORE, a service corps of retired executives, and NSBDC, the Nevada Small Business Development Center together with other business professionals will conduct a free seminar focused on improving and growing a business through marketing, controlling cash flow, and better business practices.
It will be held at the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, 1477 US Highway 395 in Gardnerville from 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Call the chamber at 782-8144 for registration and directions.
JAC bus adds stop and lowers fee for senior riders
Jump Around Carson (JAC), Carson City's public transit system, has added a stop on route 3, lowered the eligible age for senior fares, and produced new route maps. The new stop is located on the corner of Curry Street and Clearview Drive, conveniently located to shopping and entertainment in South Carson. JAC runs weekdays 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The eligible age for senior fares, which are 50 cents each way, has been lowered to age 60 and older. Youths age 5-18 also pay 50 cents each way on JAC.
The new JAC maps, which detail current routes, fares and stops, are available at all locations that sell JAC passes: the Treasurer's office inside City Hall, 201 N. Carson St.; the City's Transit Operations office, 3303 Butti Way; the Western Nevada College bookstore, 2201 W. College Parkway; the Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 901 Beverly Drive; and the Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop St.
For information about JAC, visit www.rideJAC.com or call 841-RIDE.
New vice president of cancer services named at Renown
Linda Ferris, Ph.D. has been appointed as the new vice president of cancer services for Renown Health. Ferris will lead cancer care operations and oncology service development throughout the health network. She will be responsible for directing the operations, finance, business development and planning of the Renown Institute for Cancer, the region's only hospital in the area conducting clinical trials with the National Cancer Institute.
In addition, she will integrate service delivery with medical specialties, develop business relationships with private companies, state and federal agencies, assist in securing grants and contracts related to cancer services and coordinate quality and service standards with medical and administrative management to optimize patient care.
Prior to her position with Renown, Ferris served as executive director, Oncology and Surgical Services at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in Annapolis, Md.
Renown Health has new centralized phone number
Renown Health Medical Group new central scheduling phone number for all Renown Health Medical Group locations is (775) 982-5000.
"With one number to call, people in our community can quickly schedule an appointment with one of 30 primary care physicians at any of our eight locations," said Sandie Smalski, support services supervisor. "It ensures that patients will always speak with a person when they call to schedule an appointment or to ask a question."
The centralized phone number will also allow patients to schedule appointments with a physician sooner.
On average, the operators at 982-5000 field nearly 1,500 calls a day. The average wait time per call is 12 seconds. More than 450 scheduling requests are made each day.
Breakable Pier 1 glassware recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturers have announced a voluntary recall of Blue/Green Dual glassware pieces distributed by Pier 1 Imports.
The glassware can crack or break unexpectedly, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.
The recalled glassware pieces involve large and small tumblers, goblets and margaritas. The bottom half of the tumblers is aquamarine and the top half is yellow. The bottom of the margaritas and the goblets is clear and the top is aquamarine and yellow.
These were sold by Pier 1 Imports stores nationwide, its Web site and its June 2007 for about $6.
Consumers should stop using the glassware pieces immediately and return them to their nearest Pier 1 Imports retail store for a refund or merchandise credit.
For additional information consumers can contact Pier 1 Imports at (800) 245-4595 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday and between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, or visit http://www.pier1.com/.
Ben & Jerry's Foundation gives grant to theater
Wild Horse Children's Theater is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a grant from Ben & Jerry's Foundation for their touring company of "Peace Project."
This grant will allow the children's theater to offer it's school outreach program free of charge to schools in the community.
The 45-minute production will show children how to gain skills and attitudes needed to become peacemakers in their schools and communities and bring the magic of live theater to many children who would not have the opportunity without this generous donation.
Wild Horse Children's Theater is in partnership with the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada and with Ben & Jerry's. To schedule a school performance or for more information, contact 887-0438 or wildhorsearts@aol.com,
Celebration to honor positive work
Nevada's Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology was selected as a 2007 Silver Star award winner for Truckee Meadows Tomorrow's 10th anniversary Accentuate the Positive celebration scheduled for Oct. 5 at John Ascuaga's Nugget.
NCET was selected for the work it has done to positively impact the Entrepreneurship Quality of Life Indicator. NCET fosters an environment in which Nevada's high-growth entrepreneurial companies can succeed and flourish. NCET was selected from a pool of more than 150 nominations. The record number of nominations was submitted online by businesses and community members between Feb. 25 and April 30.
To purchase individual tickets or a table, or to sponsor the event, visit www.truckeemeadowstomorrow.org.