KMG Blog

Another Great Family Day in Eastern Washington:
Fall Harvest in Green Bluff

You might have seen my earlier blog post "Harvest Time is Here in Eastern Washington...Great Family Fun!" and, if you haven't had the chance to get to Green Bluff in Eastern Washington, I would encourage you to do so as soon as possible.

We had the official "Garasky Family Outing" today and, I can honestly say, it was one of the best times we have had as a family.  Every year we take the short trip to Green Bluff and it never fails to deliver great family fun.  There was a petting zoo, corn maze, wagon rides, live music, and BBQ waiting for those hungry laborers coming back from the orchard.

Here is our "Official" Harvest photo:

Community Roots - A Worthy Cause in North Idaho:
Feeding the Hungry

Alright, I have to admit, I blog a lot about Community Roots.  They aren't real estate related.  They have nothing to do with finance.  But, they are equally important to me and dear to my heart.

Community Roots is a small organization, started by my baby sister (sister-in-law, technically, but after 15 years, I've earned the right to call her "sister").  Two years ago she, and a very good friend of hers, decided they wanted to give back to North Idaho, Kootenai County to be precise.  They realized the need of fresh produce in our soup kitchens, food banks, and other food assistance facilities.

Coeur d'Alene is a beautiful community, but we are not without our challenges.  One of them: Coeur d'Alene has a large number of "working" poor.  To combate this issue, we have a GREAT network of food assistance facilities that communicate together in order to benefit those who are in need in our community.

This year's report:

Community Roots was able to gather 4,073 pounds worth of fresh produce!!!

Their largest contributors by far: Kilarney Farms and local Farmers Market vendors.

Just some of the food assistance facilities to benefit from Community Roots:
The Women's Shelter
Cherished Ones Ministries Soup Kitchen
Idaho Youth Ranch (Anchor House)
The Senior Center
Lake City Community Church Food Bank

And, in addition to this great news, you should know that it's all done on bikes.  That's right!  Bicycle!  To show everyone that you don't need modern conveniences to care for those in need.

You just need to have a heart and an imagination!

Thank you, Kelly and Korrine!  You make me proud to call you friends!

Downtown Fall Fest
This weekend in Downtown Coeur d'Alene

Fall is my favorite time of year.  Luckily enough for those of us who live & play in North Idaho and Eastern Washington, we aren't short on things to do this time of year.  From apple picking in Green Bluff in Eastern Washington to the many, many festivals and celebrations, my family's calendar is always full.

Join us this weekend as we celebrate Autumn with other small business owners and their families & and friends in Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho.

The Downtown Fall Festival is bigger and better than ever!

All with the usual Fall Festival activities of arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, pumpkin painting and FREE hay rides.

This great celebration will include the Downtown Farmer's Market between 5th & Sherman.

Also this weekend: The Coeur d'Alene Resort's Celebration of Oktoberfest in the Resort Plaza Shops. 

Come for the refreshments, hot dogs and other goodies for the entire family!

When:   Saturday, Oct 25th
Time:  10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.
Location:  5th and Sherman Ave in Downtown Coeur d'Alene.

Pathways to Independence Breakfast:
$130,385 WORTH OF SUCCESS!

Yesterday was the First Annual "Pathways to Independence Breakfast" to benefit TESH, Inc.  I attended the benefit with a friend and colleague of mine, Cheryl Shippy of Pioneer Title.

Since I forgot my camera at home, I took the above photo with my cell phone while speaker Vickie Lesley (whose son, Zach, was diagnosed with autism at two years of age) detailed her story.  In her speech she detailed the joys and challenges of raising a special needs child.  She was informative and passionate, invoking feelings and love she has for her child.  As a mom of a two year old, I found myself engulfed in her words and moved by her frankness.

On each of the tables was a poem that Vickie wrote for Zach when he was almost three years of age.  Among her words she writes...

"The fears, that at times, threatened to consume you,
Yet like the tide, would gently retreat
Giving you rest, comfort and Peace..."

I am happy to report that the event brought in $130,385 for TESH, Inc.

Get Your House Ready for Colder Weather!

Well, the weather is turning cold here in North Idaho and Eastern Washington.  As you get ready for the colder weather, make sure your home and garden are ready, too.

Following is great information provided to you from someone who cares!

I Love this beautiful photo of brilliant fall foliage reflected in the lake.  

Mother Nature's colorful display also ushers in the season of fall home maintenance chores.

You know: check windows, doors and locks, get the heating system inspected, check chimney or exhaust flues, and other such tasks most of us would rather not have to do. Nonetheless, if you want to have a safe trouble-free home this winter, now is the time to get started.

1) Furnace Inspection

• Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
• Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
• Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
• If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
• Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.

2) Get the Fireplace Ready

• Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
• If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
• Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
• Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.
• Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.

3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows

• Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
• Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
• Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.
• If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.
• Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.

4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts

• If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.
• Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.
• Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.
• Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.
• Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.

5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment

• Drain gas from lawnmowers.
• Service or tune-up snow blowers.
• Replace worn rakes and snow shovels.
• Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment.
• Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand.

6) Check Foundations

• Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation.
• Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.
• Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.
• Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation.
• Secure crawlspace entrances.

7) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Some cities require a smoke detector in every room.
• Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
• Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.

8) Prevent Plumbing Freezes

• Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
• Drain all garden hoses.
• Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
• Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.
• If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

9) Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces

• Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.
• Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury.
• Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where ground freezes.
• Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.
• Don't automatically remove dead vegetation from gardens as some provide attractive scenery in an otherwise dreary, snow-drenched yard.
• Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.

10) Prepare an Emergency Kit

• Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.
• Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your phone or inside the phone book.
• Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.
• Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.
• Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.

TESH, Inc. "Pathways to Independence Breakfast"
Friday, Oct. 17th, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Friday, Oct 17th I will be the guest of a dear friend and colleague of mine at the TESH "Pathways to Independence Breakfast"at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.  For those who haven't had the privilege of being introduced to TESH, please read below (information courtesy of TESH website - CLICK HERE).

Empowering People to Reach Their Potential

TESH is a private not-for-profit whose core purpose is to provide choices and opportunities to people of all ages seeking greater opportunities, self-sufficiency, and participation in their community.

Choice, Dedication, Integrity, Progress, Quality

TESH Inc. is a nationally accredited rehabilitation organization that assists people who are disabled and/or disadvantaged to achieve their highest level of independence. Since 1976, this community-based non-profit has provided essential services to over 7000 individuals.

TESH currently operates nine programs providing an array of services including:

• Vocational training and skill building that lead to employment opportunities;
• Teaching independent living skills; and
• Providing residential support for over 600 people a year

Employing an average of 100 full- and part-time staff to provide these high quality services, TESH operates under an annual budget of nearly $2.7 million, generating a significant economic impact within the four communities served.

Harvest Time is Here in Eastern Washington...
Great Family Fun!

If you have ever had the opportunity to get to Green Bluff in Eastern Washington in the Fall, you are a very fortunate person.  Every year we make a day trip to Green Bluff with friends and family.  We have a great time taking a picnic, at the petting zoos, listening to the live music, playing hide & seek in the corn maze, riding in a horse drawn wagon, you name it.  It may sound a little country, but it's BLAST!  We love to go so much that we can't wait for this time of year and we make an event out of it!

In 2006 (photo below) we went apple picking and then had an "Apple Pie Bake Off" ... complete with trash talk and a little pushing around!  I'd like to say I won, but I didn't.  Kevin's step-father handed me my walking papers in a pie shell!  Move over Paula Deen, you've got competition on the West Coast!

In 2007 we went pumpkin picking and then followed up with a pumpkin carving contest - and the judging is STRICTLY non-biased (we have our trick-o-treaters cast their vote and who ever gets the most votes, wins).  I do have to say that I carve a mean jack-o-lantern, so far I'm 15-0!  That's right, 15 YEARS to nothing!  Move over Martha Stewart!

Please visit the Green Bluff Growers website to learn more about their activities and how you and your family can make memories that will last a life time!

Blessings to you and your family!

This is Caymus (pronounced: Kay-mus), our 150 pound Newfoundland.  Caymus has been coming to the office with us (on and off) for over four years. He loves it.  We love it.  Our clients love it.

If you don't have an office mascot, maybe you should consider getting one.  It's great to have his trusting eyes look up at you.  His unconditional love.  His drool.  Wait a minute!  Did I just say "drool"?

Oops.  If any of you are Newfie lovers, you KNOW what I am talking about!

His size may be intimidating at first, but Caymus quickly wins over the affection of our clients with his waging tail and pleasant disposition.  He takes immediate action to calm even the most nervous of home buyers and they love him for it!

So, if you don't have an office mascot, maybe you should consider getting one.  They say that one sure way of making clients feel at ease and getting potential clients to read your advertising (print or otherwise) is to include photos of animals - dogs specifically.  After all, you read this - didn't you?

Blessings to you and your family!

Young Father Collapses at Work of Brain Aneurysm:
Employer to have Benefit for Medical Bills

On September 10th, 2008, at 1:00 PM, while Justin (Zitny) was working in Airway Heights, he suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. Justin was rushed by paramedics to Deaconess Medical Center where he was stabilized, but in serious condition. Deaconess conducted an angiogram and discovered a large 1.7 cm ruptured aneurysm in a blood vessel at the base of his brain. Justin was sedated and placed on a ventilator. He also suffered from pneumonia in his right lung as a result of aspirating when he collapsed at his job-site. The neurosurgeon did not feel comfortable doing the procedure to repair the rupture at Deaconess, so at about 9:00 PM, Justin was flown by air ambulance to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Justin's employer (ACI Northwest, Inc) will be hosting a picnic style lunch to honor Justin and help pay his medical bills.  The lunch will take place this Friday, Oct 3rd, 12 noon to 2 pm.  ACI Northwest will be providing all the food, but ask that donations be given on behalf of Justin and his family.  All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to help offset Justin's medical bills.

ACI Northwest is located at 6600 North Government Way (see map below).

To learn more about Justin and his recovery, please visit his website.

View Larger Map

Temp Help Needed: Pays $158,333.33 an hour

Got your attention?  You think I'm joking, right?  Wrong!  This is exactly what Alan Fishman, Washington Mutual CEO, received as income after only 3 weeks on the job - $19 million!!!!  Must be nice!

With some Americans having to choose between filling their gas tanks in order to go to work or taking their sick child to the doctor to get medicine for an ear infection - THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!

Don't get me wrong.  I don't blame Alan Fishman - after all, he was on the job for only 3 weeks before WaMu folded and is now begging the Federal Government (AKA: the American TAX PAYER) to bail them out.  But someone had to approve his salary!!!!  And, it wasn't me.

Our economy is a mess.  Pure and simple.  It's everywhere!  We can't go anywhere and not be reminded of the failing dollar, the lost pensions, the layoffs, the Wall Street meltdown - you name it.

And some, believe it or not, put the blame squarely on mortgage brokers and real estate agents.  This just gets me angry.  I don't know a single mortgage broker or real estate agent whose income even comes CLOSE!  You don't see me making $19 million!

In the interest of full disclosure: sure, there are crooks in our industry.  But they are in EVERY industry.  And, our current market conditions have done a lot to weed out the less desirable.  This has gotten too difficult and now they're onto an easier jig (like "negotiating" foreclosure bailouts).

See my blog post
"Don't Lose Your Home in a Foreclosure Recovery Scam"
dated Sept 19, 2008.

So, if you are interested in my TEMP POSITION, please fill out the following employment application - CLICK HERE!