Tag: Meridian Idaho

MODERN TREASURE HUNTING IN THE TREASURE VALLEY

by Shell DeToni, posted in Copywriting, Formerly Michelle Ochsner, PROFESSIONAL WRITING SERVICES

Storage Auctions May Lead to Bounty, or You May Come Up Bust

Storage Wars

MODERN TREASURE HUNTING IN THE TREASURE VALLEY

Storage Auctions May Lead to Bounty, or You May Come Up Bust

By Michelle Ochsner

Treasure hunting; Mans journey of discovery with high hopes of striking it rich. The excitement of finding priceless items captivates and allures even the most frugal. Storage auctions are Americans latest attempt to get rich quick and these buyers are no different from any other treasure hunter.

A Storage Unit is repossessed by the facility owner in an attempt to recover the debt by auctioning off items found inside. Auctions are publicly listed online with real-time listings and in classified advertisements found in the paper.

Experienced buyers know all too well that the odds of finding that rare life-changing item are slim to none. But the hunt keeps them coming back. However, as exhilarating as it seems, cleaning out a unit is hard and sometimes expensive work.

Winning a bid on a storage locker packed with garbage bags and shabby boxes will almost always cost you money. By the time you pay for the unit, hire people to help clean it out, pay for gas, and dump fees you’ll be in the negative. There are occasions when you’ll find a hidden treasure that pays for the bid and then some; but for the most part, garbage is garbage.

Furniture and appliances are items that will make money. High-end household property with neatly packaged boxes or totes are a buyer’s best bet. The contractor’s tools and scrap metal also pay well. These will bring in the most profit. However, these will also be expensive units because of everyone bids on them.

With TV shows like A&E’s Storage Wars, regular bidders are dramatically impacted. Newbie’s swarm the scene making ridiculously high bids, drive prices way too high. The lure of an event brings more people and higher bids.

Many storage units are untidy and disorganized, so an optical illusion can make items seem to be in far better condition than they actually are. These units will often go for more than $1500.  Upon entry, the buyer discovers that those pieces are damaged beyond repair and it’s off to the dump. These units often fool even the most skilled professionals.

Idaho laws and regulations are strict and with eight years of experience, Meridian storage manager, Diana LaBeau knows the ins and outs. “It’s not like the TV shows. Auctions last about ten minutes and then everyone goes home. State law requires bidders to sign in and no one is allowed to touch the contents until a purchase is confirmed; we can’t even enter. Storage managers go well out of our way to prevent these auctions. It’s definitely a last resort and we don’t enjoy them because some people are losing everything including family heirlooms. Some have lost their jobs while others are destitute. It’s sad.”

Owners usually do not make a profit from auctions.  As a business, it’s necessary to try and make up the loss of revenue and unfortunately this is how it’s done.

There are Moles, and Then There are MOLES

by Shell DeToni, posted in Copywriting, Formerly Michelle Ochsner, PROFESSIONAL WRITING SERVICES

Identifing Moles Clip.PNG

Identifying Moles

When it’s time to call a doctor

By Michelle Ochsner

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers in the United States. Being proactive by examining your skin regularly helps reduce your chances of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin malignancy.

The best defense against melanoma is the usage of sun protection barriers. Noted in the 2011 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology sunburns and indoor tanning are the main contributors to skin cancer. Less than 40% of children wear sun protection, and 34.4% of adults had burns from ultraviolet lights from the sun. The CDC declares up to 90% of melanomas are due to exposure to UV rays.

No matter your age, it’s never too early to self examine moles and check for signs of skin cancer. Detection is important to catch cancer of the skin early. The ABC’s of Melanoma and when to contact a doctor are:

Asymmetrical Shape: It isn’t necessary for the mole to be in any particular shape. However, the mole should not show a discrepancy from one side to the other.

  • Border: Normal moles are regular in uniformity. The border should not be ragged, blurred, or uneven.
  • Color: Moles can be exceedingly light, or nearly black. If there is an assortment of color, such as brown, red, white, black, or blue, a medical consultation is essential.
  • Diameter: The mole should not exceed 6mm in diameter, the size of a pencil eraser.
    Elevation: There are many moles raised from the skin that are not malignant.

Nevertheless, get them checked. Always better to be safe.

According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, most moles on the body are benign. It is important to check your skin regularly as most melanomas are found by the person, not a doctor. Those with more than 100 moles are at higher risk and will benefit from yearly checkups.

The most effective way of prevention is to know your body. You’ve only got one, and you know it better than anyone else. A good way to track a mole is to take pictures and compare those photos yearly. If there are signs of cancer, contact your doctor immediately.

CONTROLLING ENERGY

by Shell DeToni, posted in Copywriting, Formerly Michelle Ochsner, PROFESSIONAL WRITING SERVICES

Controlling Energy Clip

Ways to Improve Your Home’s Efficiency

By Michelle Ochsner

Heating and cooling your home can impact your energy cost up to 50 percent.  Here are some tips to help reduce those costs and increase comfort.

  • Upgrading or adding insulation will give your home an adequate thermal barrier that most houses lack, depending on the year it was built. Insulation levels are measured by R-Value to determine the heat flow. The higher the value the more resistant. In the Treasure Valley, energystar.gov recommends having R49 in an uninsulated attic, R38 to existing insulation, R20 for wall insulation, and R30 for floor insulation.

Check with the local power company as they may have insulation incentives through certain home improvement programs.

  • Seal all heating and cooling ducts and seams with duct sealant or metal-backed tape to prevent air leaks. Wrap with insulation to greater prevent seepage to stop air from getting through the thin metal walls. This improves energy costs by up 20 percent. If the ducts in your home are difficult to get to, call an HVAC contractor. Compare prices and ask friends or family who might know of a reputable company. Ask for referrals, and call them.  Protect your investment by hiring a contractor who is legit.
  • Upgrade old windows throughout your home. Windows can let the cool air in during the winter and hot air during the summer. The department of energy recommends replacing old windows, skylights, and glass doors with more efficient frameworks to prevent air leaks. Look for National Fenestration Rating Council, NFRC, ratings when selecting a better performing window. Select double pained windows with wood, vinyl, or fiberglass frames that include compressing seals for a more airtight fit.
  • Shading accessories are a great way to help save on energy costs. Thermal drapes that are thick and heavy will not only block out solar heat but also prevent cool air from seeping in. One can also add an insulated lining behind the drapes for an added layer. Place vertical thermal shades or shutters on windows facing east and west. On inside south-facing windows, put up horizontal shades or shutters. Outside your home place overhangs, awnings, or plant trees and shrubs to block out sunlight.

 

EAT MY DUST

by Shell DeToni, posted in Copywriting, Formerly Michelle Ochsner, PROFESSIONAL WRITING SERVICES

System Kleen Clip

Live better in a clean healthier environment.

System Kleen will improve the quality of your life!

By Michelle Ochsner

Ozone, dust mites, and mold oh my! Did you know that pollutants inside your home are likely twenty times higher than outside? Your family is exposed to more air pollution and toxins indoors than out. Eliminating harmful particles and pollutants dramatically improve the air quality in your home.

Immunity and overall health is improved once pollen, dust, mold, and bacteria are removed from your home meaning fewer respiratory problems. Say goodbye to those stuffy noses and breathe easier in your home as allergies are greatly reduced. Who wouldn’t want to improve their overall health?

System Kleen is a local cleaning company at the top of the Better Business Bureaus list, striving to excel far above its competitors to serve the Treasure Valley. Owned and operated by Kent Mortensen for 20 years, System Kleen specializes in duct and carpet cleaning for commercial properties and apartments, as well as other services for residential properties utilizing their commercial-grade equipment.

System Kleen operates state of the art equipment to create large amounts of suction to remove more dust and debris than any other cleaning system. Kent’s fleet consists of fifteen vehicles and nearly every technician is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, IIRC. All vehicles are upgraded accordingly and technician training is continuous to ensure a job above and beyond customer expectations.

Kent and his team of technicians utilize environmentally safe cleaning agents with the equipment to clean and sanitize your home or commercial building. Carpets and upholstery are cleaned with the Butler System cleaning machine, assured to outperform any other system. System Kleen uses Power-Vac trucks to clean furnaces, the entire air duct system, chimneys, dryer vents, and water heaters.

You will be amazed at how your home or office smells after years of debris and bacteria are removed. The air will actually smell clean as fresh air is circulated throughout the duct system while the carpets and furniture are like new again.

Technicians are also certified in water clean-up and restoration in case your carpets get flooded. Water damage happens. System Kleen works promptly and safely so you can be confident about the health of your family. There is not a job too big or too small for this crew.

Kent is a genuinely nice guy accompanied by a team that is respectable with outstanding work ethics. His personnel are individually trained and guaranteed to be dependable and skilled. “We really care and are proud of our workmanship.”

Kent guarantees 100% satisfaction with System Kleen services. Why not let System Kleen help you start living better today? Call to get your free estimate 208-884-3300 or go online to systemkleen.com.

 

 

KEEPING THE AGING ACTIVE

by Shell DeToni, posted in Copywriting, Formerly Michelle Ochsner, PROFESSIONAL WRITING SERVICES

Senior Living Clip

Senior Services for Meridian Residences

By Michelle Ochsner

With the number of seniors increasing in the Meridian area one can’t help but wonder about the support system the community has. Issues such as social, health, and nutrition are a growing concern for many in the area who are approaching their twilight years.

The quality of relationships Meridian develops with this vastly growing population is vital to their survival. As unhappy as seniors are when their life is disrupted by age, we should be just as distressed when our elderly suffer abandonment.

Here are some resources for the seniors in our community.

CENTER AT THE PARK (THE MERIDIAN SENIOR CENTER)

http://www.meridianseniorscenter.com

1920 North Records Way                                                                                                       Meridian, Idaho 83646
208-888-5555

This nonprofit organization has developed a 13,800 square foot facility in Julius M. Kleiner Park off Fairview across from the Meridian Cross Roads. The center offers daily activities such as bingo, and art classes. Transportation is provided to home-bound seniors for lunches served Monday through Friday at noon. On Wednesdays after lunch, seniors can grocery shop at Albertsons on Ten Mile Rd. Please call the reception desk between 8 am and 9:30 am for the transportation schedule.

“Volunteers are also encouraged to contact the center to aid with education, recreation, information and help to seniors, and encourages volunteering and opportunities for life enhancement programs,” Center at the Park.

SHOPKO PHARMACY

3499 E Fairview Ave                                                                                                                      Meridian, Idaho 83646                                                                                                                    208-884-0294

The pharmacy will not only fill those scripts in a timely manner, but they will also deliver them to your door or put them in the mail free of charge! Now that’s service the seniors of Meridian can count on.

ISU-MERIDIAN HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY FAMILY DENTISTRY

Delta Dental of Idaho Dental Residency Clinic at ISU-Meridian                                                             1311 E. Central Drive Meridian, Idaho 83642                                                                                                     208-373-1855

http://www.isu.edu/meridian/family_dentistry.shtml

ISU Family Dentistry provides dental care for everyone especially those with limited funds.

ISU COMMUNITY HEALTH SCREENINGS

208-373-1700

Provided for adults with no health insurance at various locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Please call for a location nearest you.

Screenings take place from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and patients should plan about an hour. Services included:

  • Basic physical exams (including blood pressure, medication review, & foot care)
  • Oral/Dental evaluation
  • Depression & alcohol screening
  • Flu Shots (Based on availability)
  • Hearing screenings
  • Mammogram referrals
  • On-site testing for blood sugar levels, and HIV

MEALS ON WHEELS

Home Delivery 208-908-4990

Meridian Senior Center 208-888-5555

Volunteer Program 208-489-4886

To help end senior hunger, Meals on Wheels is an organization that’s supported by volunteers. Programs serve meals at locations such as senior centers. Home deliveries are available for those seniors who have limited mobility.

Idaho Care Line

Dial 211

For other services in the area offered to seniors.