Choosing Solar Panels Few projects in the home improvement sector are greener than installing solar panels. After all, our reliance on fossil fuels can be blamed on everything from skyrocketing home heating and cooling costs to the potentially devastating effects of global warming, making it clear that anything a homeowner can do to reduce our dependency on non-renewable resources is a smart move from a green perspective. Add to that the fact that the sun is the most renewable energy resource in the solar system, and there’s no doubt that going solar is as green as it gets.
The Cost of Solar Panel Installations Thanks to the rapidly advancing rate of technology, variations in the cost of solar from city to city and region to region, and the wide range of needs presented by different projects, it’s nearly impossible to pin down an average cost for solar panels across the board. Your best bet is to collect bids from several local contractors experienced in solar panel installation to get a specific estimate for your home. What we can tell you is that the benefits of solar panels reach far beyond your initial investment. Solar panels are guaranteed to reduce your home energy bills for the next 20 to 30 years, making them an excellent example of a home improvement that is certain to pay for itself over time— and then some.
The True Value of Solar Panels
That being said, a wise homeowner looks beyond investments and returns when considering whether to go green. Making your money back is a big incentive, but there are other aspects of going green which are far more valuable. For example, what value would you place on freeing yourself from the mental burden of worrying about next month’s electricity bill, reducing your contribution to the production of harmful greenhouse gasses, or passing a better world onto your kids and grandkids? The truth is that these things have value far greater than any energy savings you might enjoy, making the real value of going green far greater than any figure using dollars and cents. Here’s a quick breakdown of the economic, health, and environmental benefits of going solar.
Energy Savings and Solar Panels
Obviously, going solar has some nice financial benefits related to lower energy costs, though how those savings play out is largely determined by the type of photovoltaic system you install on your home.
·Grid-Connected Solar Panels—Grid connected systems are plugged into the wider utility grid in your area. When your solar panels are producing more electricity than you’re using, the excess is diverted to the utility company and your meter runs backwards, reducing your energy bill accordingly. (Check with FPL to see if they have a “net metering” program.) When you use more electricity than your solar panels can provide, you draw from the larger system and your meter runs forward. Not only does a grid connected system substitute clean solar energy for the energy provided by your utility, but it provides incentive to conserve and reduce energy usage as well, since it’s in your best interests to draw as little power as possible beyond what your solar panels provide.
·Off-Grid Photovoltaic Systems—These systems run independently of your larger utility hookup. An off-grid system costs a little bit more than a grid connected system, mostly due to the installation and upkeep of batteries required for storing energy. Nevertheless, having an independent source of energy can come in extremely handy and will reduce your energy bills by supplementing your municipal utilities with a nearly free post-installation energy source.
Other Benefits of Solar Energy
·Emergency—Off-grid systems can provide a welcome supply of electricity during times when service from the utility company is interrupted thanks to storms or other problems. That can come in pretty handy, whether you’re looking for a post-hurricane cup of coffee or need to protect computer equipment and keep your home office up and running.
·Supplemental Energy—Off-grid systems are also a good solution for outdoor lighting, electric fences, or other low-demand energy needs.
·Remote Locations—If you live more than one-fourth of a mile away from existing electric lines, off-grid systems are often just as economical as paying to extend utility services to your location.
·The Environment—Whether you choose a grid connected or off-grid system, installing photovoltaic solar panels will reduce your dependency on fossil fuels and help curb the production of greenhouse gases and other fossil fuel related pollutants. Multiply that by the 20 to 30 years of operation you can expect from a quality set of photovoltaic solar panels, and the substantial environmental benefits of going solar start looking pretty impressive.
Making the Leap: Solar Panel Installation
Be aware that installing a photovoltaic system in your home isn’t a piece of cake. It can be tricky, and requires that your plumbing contractor understands the ins and outs of local regulations, acquiring the proper permits, working with your utility company, and making the most of any rebates that your municipality or utility provider may offer. Furthermore, since installing solar panels involves your home’s electrical system, roofing, and the installation of the panels themselves, it’s important that your plumbing contractor has intimate knowledge of all three aspects (or works with roofing contractors and electricians, as well) to ensure that your solar panels and the rest of your home operate at peak efficiency when the project is finished.
If you think going solar is the right choice for you, be sure to call Hi-Tech Plumbing for a complimentary analysis at 561-790-6966. Either way remember if you have a plumbing mess, Hi-Tech Plumbing is here to relieve your stress, whether it’s your Home, Business or Boat, at Hi-Tech we keep you afloat, so Don’t Fret…Call Hi-Tech Plumbing today.
There’s no doubt that Chris Bohjalian is one of America’s most
Author Chris Bohjalian, flanked by hosts Ron and Tammy Smith of Wellington. Photos by Lenny Sukienik.
prolific writers of our generation. There’s no doubt that most writers go on national book tours to promote their work. And there’s no doubt that nobody enjoys it more than Chris Bohjalian.
The JCC of the Palm Beaches recently invited Christo speakinAn Evening with Chris Bohjalian, author of Skeletons at the Feastheld at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Ron and Tammy Smith of Wellington, FL. They opened their lovely home for this private book reading that would have made Charles Dickens proud. Dickens (who by the way studied at Wellington House Academy in London) was a man who enthusiastically toured Europe and America, not just promoting his books, but lecturing and reading in a way that mesmerized, entertained and brought joy to his fans.
And this is exactly what Chris does and demonstrated so well that evening in the Smith home, which was his third presentation in two days in southeast Florida, including stops at Books and Books in Coral Gables and the JCC in West Boca.In fact, he is still on his book tour and manages to continue his weekly column in TheBurlington Free Press, called “Idyll Banter” which he has been doing for the past fifteen-years, during many his book tours. “I’ve written a column for the newspaper every single Sunday going back to February 1992. I’ve been writing for the paper since 1988,” Chris said. “I’ve been writing that column longer than I’ve had novels published. I haven’t missed a Sunday when I’ve been on tour. It takes more than twenty-four cities in twenty-four days for me not to file my Sunday column!”
Skeletons at the Feast is Chris’ twelfth novel centers on the lives of three individuals attempting to flee from the advance of the Russian Army during the last months of World War II. One of the characters is Uri Singer, a young Jewish man who is trying to pass himself off as a German solider. He meets up with Anna Emmerich, a young woman from a wealthy Prussian family and Callum Finella, a Scottish POW. The book is one of the greatest novels ever written in terms of depicting the horrors of the time period. Not to read it would be a travesty. It’s inspired in part by an actual diary a friend asked Chris to
read in 1998 that had been kept by his friend’s grandmother from 1920 to 1945.
“The reality is that the Anne Frank’s of this world were few and far between,” he said. “The diary that I looked at was about 180 typed-pages single-spaced and I’d say about 150 of those pages were about sugar beets. His grandmother was a matriarch of a sugar plantation. But thirty pages were about the Second World War and fifteen pages were among the most riveting I’d ever read.”
Chris also briefly spoke to the crowd about his newest book, recently released in hardback, Secrets of Eden, a book that focuses on domestic violence in a small town.This one particular act of violence that’s depicted in the novel is an action that’s immersed in secrets, gossip, seduction, betrayal and intrigue that will have you reading it from cover to cover in one fell swoop! The ending is pure literary brilliance and it will leave you satisfied yet at the same time yearning for more. Secrets of Eden is his thirteenth book and it debuted at No. 6 on both The New York Times and the Publishers Weekly bestseller lists!
Chris began speaking to the crowd and immediately his appealing, laid back yet commanding presence was awe-inspiring to witness. The ambiance of being in a private home during his lecture was very impressive. Tammy Smith, while introducing Chris, personally invited him to come back and speak in her home the same time every year.He thanked her for her lovely introduction and asked if she could travel with him everywhere he goes to introduce him.
“I’ve written thirteen books and certainly Secrets of Eden and Midwives will always be among my favorites,” Chris said.“But I think even if given the privilege of writing twenty-five books, Skeletons at the Feast is always going to be my absolute favorite. It’s the only time I’ve ever finished a book where I felt a postpartum sadness that I was saying goodbye to these characters. And if you’ve read the novel you know the last line. And that last line is my favorite sentence I’ve ever written in thirteen books and nearly 850 newspaper columns. But it’s also the first sentence to the sequel that I will write at some point over the next two to three years.”
Chris Bohjalian speaks to the Wellington audience, holding a Red Bull.
After speaking to the audience, many adoring fans, local and loyal book club members and friends of the hosts, Chris stayed around for a while and spoke to these people and signed many books. Previous to his presentation he was thoughtful enough to answer some questions in a quiet setting nestled comfortably outside in the Smith’s enclosed pool area, specifically for readers of AroundWellington.com.
Around Wellington: What’s the craziest question someone has asked you any book tour?
Chris Bohjalian: Once when I was in Austin, TX on the program that precedes Good Morning America at 6:43 AM – the woman interviewing me says (he imitates a perfect southern drawl), ‘Now, I know your books are set in Vermont, can our viewers in Texas find them right here?’
AW: Do you think violence comes from control?A need to control?A lack of control?
CB: You’re onto something when you say control, lack of control. A number of the women I interviewed who survived abusive relationships and in some cases were still in abusive relationships – would say things to me that would lead me to shuddering for them; such as ‘He’s only mean when he’d drinking.’ ‘He didn’t used to be mean but he’s been out of work.’ ‘He’s under a lot of pressure at the office. When he’s not under pressure at the office he’s a good man.’ The reality is that none of those are valid excuses for abuse. There are no valid excuses for abuse. But when you said the lack of control I think you were onto something really interesting. And one of the things that victims rights advocates and state’s attorneys said to me is that there’s often one incident that causes the batterer to explode like a furnace. One incident is often the ‘I’m leaving’. It’s the ‘I’m going to get a restraining order’ or it’s the ‘I’m serving you with divorce papers.’
AW: And this makes it especially hard on children such as in your book, Secrets of Eden.
CB: And that is one of the reasons why Katie Hayward is in the book.Katie is the literary descendant in some way of Connie Danforth in Midwives.Originally, Katie’s role in the book was simply to be that Greek chorus.Someone who has been inside the house and has seen George and Alice and can report to the reader on what she witnessed. But her voice grew in my mind as I got to know her better. What I love about Katie – is this is the first time my teenage daughter provided direct editorial consultation. My daughter Grace read the manuscript and told me what was and wasn’t authentic. She’s a good reader. A good writer. But I don’t think writing is her calling because she’s interested in the performing arts.
AW: I want to ask you about the word ‘there’.
CB: Sure.
AW: Do you remember where you were or what you were doing when you came up with the idea of using that particular word in Secrets of Eden? It’s very moving. It’s very haunting.
CB: I actually don’t. I can tell you a lot of details about other scenes in the books and I knew I had that vision of the baptismal pond when I was thinking of early scenes in the book. But I don’t know where I came across the idea of ‘there’. It’s certainly a word that will haunt the fictional Stephen Drew – that sense of grim resignation on Alice Hayward’s face when she emerges from the pond and knows that now she won’t be kept from the kingdom from any ecclesiastical technicality.
AW: Did you write the first draft before you had chosen all of your narrators?
CB: I might have written about forty or fifty pages when I was having lunch with Lauren Bowerman, a former Vermont State’s Attorney, because I needed to understand firearms and what you might see at a crime scene that might give you an indication that maybe this wasn’t a suicide? She said, ‘Oh I get it, blowback. You want to know how much of the bastards brains were up the gun barrel?’ I loved everything about the sentence. I love the alliteration. I love the rhythm and I love the bluntness. Because in some ways Secrets of Eden is four interlinking novellas and each novella begins essentially where the previous one ends in some way. When I was first writing the book it had two narrators in alternate chapters. First, Stephen gives you a version of some part of the story and then Heather Laurent gives you a version of some part of the story. And our conversation during lunch that day changed everything.
AW: How many drafts would you say you write of each book, does it vary?
CB: It varies, but as Gabriel García Márquez says, ‘the only reason writers publish is to stop re-writing’ – my books go through many drafts because I don’t know how they’re going to end. What that means is that I’m halfway through the book when I get an understanding of where my characters are leading me.
AW: Do you ever have time to meet other writers – you know, people of your caliber?
CB: (He chuckles.) Actually, I meet other writers all the time who are much better then me and way beyond my caliber!
AW: Such as?
CB: I know a lot of writers. Here’s a fun fact. I’ve had six New York Times bestsellers, counting Secrets of Eden, two movies, two books in the process of becoming movies and I’m the least successful writer from my Alma Mater.
AW: From Amherst College?
CD: Amherst in a strange, wonderful five-year period produced the following – Harlan Coben, a terrific mystery writer; the late David Foster Wallace, one of the most important writers of our generation; two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Read of The Portland Oregonian; one-time Pulitzer Prize winner of The Wall Street JournalBetsy McKay; Academy Award–winningscreenwriter Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich); Emmy Award-winning TV writer Dick Levin; FoxTrot cartoonist Bill Amend and oh yes, Dan Brown of The Da Vinci Code.
AW: Is it true that Secrets of Eden previously had another title?
CB: I was going to call it Remind Me Who I Am, then I was going to call it Remedies for Sorrow, but I wasn’t really wild about either of those titles.When I was editing the book yet again I came across that scene you’ll recall when Stephen has fled the pulpit and left the church and taken up with Heather. He’s talking about the Garden of Eden and what we’ve lost and how unbelievably stressful it must’ve been for Adam and Eve when they’re waiting to be discovered. That’s when I came up with the notion of secrets.And I do view this novel as a literary thriller and all of the characters have got secrets and that’s when I decided I’d call the book Secrets of Eden.
AW: Do you have any actors in mind to portray specific characters when your books are adapted into film?
CB: I don’t and I don’t envision my books becoming movies. It’s not because I don’t love movies, because … oh my gosh I love movies!As a matter of fact Secrets of Eden will be a movie released in February 2011. It will air on the LifetimeMovie Network and in all likelihood coinciding with the paperback release. They did a beautiful job of Midwives with Sissy Spacek, and the same person who produced Midwives, Craig Anderson, will be producing Secrets of Eden.Craig does great work!
AW: Did Oprah Winfrey actually call you and talk to you?
CB: Oprah Winfrey actually called me to tell me that Midwives was going to be a part of her book club. Oprah is every bit as telegenic, intelligent, charismatic and funny in person as she is on television. And in my opinion no one has done as much for fiction in this country as Oprah Winfrey. Oprah has reminded all of us of what words and reading and books can mean to the soul.
AW: There’s something about books. They’re very magical.
CB: They are magical. I don’t know what they’re going to look like in ten years.
AW: What happens when someone comes to you and asks you to autograph their kindle? Where do you sign?
CB: You’re getting at something very important. It’s not so much that you can’t sign a kindle it’s the idea that there’s something in our soul that wants to have a book signed. I love it when my friends who are writers sign their books. I can turn around in the library in my house and look at the books on the shelves and just from the spine I know where I was when I first read the book and I think there are a lot of us who feel the same way.
AW: I don’t know if you can answer this, but if you can pick one writer whose books will last forever – who would that be?
CB: I know you said one – but I’m going to give you two. I’m going to give you F. Scott Fitzgerald for the best short novel I can think of, The Great Gatsby. I don’t think anyone understood as well as he did the connection between class and culture and the human heart. I don’t think anyone wrote sentences as consistently luminescent as he – and okay, I’ll give you just one. You said one and we’ll play by your rules. There’s the one.
A native of Toledo, OH and a graduate of Kent State, Marla E. Schwartz has been a professional journalist since her teenage years and is a Senior Writer for Miami Living Magazine, and a freelance writer for CRAVINGS South Florida in Aventura, as well as Around Wellington Magazine and Lighthouse Point Magazine. An avid photographer, her images have appeared in numerous Ohio publications, as well as in Miami Living, The Miami Herald, The Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and The Palm Beach Post. She has had numerous plays published and produced around the country. Her short play, America’s Working? was originally read at First Stage in Los Angeles and in the same city produced at the Lone Star Ensemble. It was then produced at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL and then taken to an Off-Broadway playhouse by its producers Adam and Carrie Simpson. Her piece, The Lunch Time Café, was a finalist for the Heideman Award, Actors Theatre of Louisville. Feel free to contact her at: meschwartz1@hotmail.com.
Hi Readers. This month I’m experimenting with a slightly new format that I hope will inspire more of you to write in and share your stories and questions. All submissions will be kept confidential and anonymous at your discretion. If you would like to submit something for publication, you can email me directly at lisa@lightworkerlisa.com.Not all stories will be published, but I will try to respond to as many as I can.
Dear Lightworker Lisa,
I have enjoyed all of your inspirational and uplifting columns. However, I have a question I still need advice on and would love your help. I’m sure I’m not the only one who may be going through the ups and downs of everyday life, so I thought I’d ask you this,” How can I find balance?” I feel like I am on a roller coaster ride everyday! I am a mother of two very young children, one who has a severe disability and needs 24 hour care. Like so many others I am unemployed, have lost my home, and now am going to be a single mother shortly. I want so much to find that balance between children, and finding a way to start my new life with basically nothing in the financial sense. I want so much to believe that with faith I can get through this, but as usual fear gets in the way. I have asked my angels for their help, but in the mean time I would love some of your words of wisdom.
Thank you so much – Signed “Starting Over”
Dear “Starting Over”,
You are definitely dealing with some challenging situations and I don’t want to make light of them in any way. You have valid concerns and I’m happy to have the opportunity to address your questions of balance, faith and fear; all of which most of us face on a daily basis.
Balance – Picture a seesaw and think about how it functions.At the very center of the seesaw is a support upon which the seesaw pivots. When the support is properly positioned in the center it allows the seesaw to be level, which is necessary for it to be balanced. Ergo, to be balanced is also to be level and if being balanced is also being level, then we can use the analogy that being level-headed (clear and focused) might help one to feel being in balance. Essentially, before you find balance you must find your center.Your center is that place within you that grounds you and supports you. Whereas, one person’s center might be their head, another person’s might be their gut and yet another’s might be their heart.Ironically, it is at the center of the heart where one finds faith.
Faith – Bottom line is at every crossroad where there is a choice to make. The key is to make the best-informed decisions we can when we are faced with that choice. Some choices are easy and some are excruciatingly difficult.Unfortunately, life does not always come equipped with a net. That is why we must do our homework and gather our information so that when we make our choices, especially the difficult ones, we are fully armed with the knowledge to do so. Then, we need to trust our gut or listen to our heart center and just jump. Faith is having the courage to jump in spite of fear.Of course, there still are times when we make informed decisions and things don’t work out the way we had hoped or planned. There is no guarantee that having faith will result in your desired outcome. You may end up with something completely different, but ironically the end result may turn out to be better than you originally anticipated. Faith doesn’t necessarily make things right, but it can give you new perspective, give you the strength to forge ahead when things appear to go wayward, and it can also help you to transcend the short-term pain and refocus on the long-term possibilities.
Fear – As you said life is like a roller coaster ride and we never know what’s around the next corner or to quote Forest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Even when we think we can count on the stability of something, it can turn out to be unpredictably unstable because life is kinetic and, according to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “the only constant is change.”Bear in mind that without change there is no growth and growth is a very good thing. Without growth, without movement, without change what is living?Consider life as an adventure, a journey, not as a final destination. It is important to not be static. Little to nothing can happen in a state of stasis. Even when the caterpillar is in the cocoon and seems to be doing nothing, he is hidden inside growing, evolving, and living. Don’t be afraid to evolve into the person you are meant to be.Don’t be afraid to live. Think of fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. Then, let go of your fear and enjoy the ride; you may like where it leads you.Additionally, try a chocolate and if you don’t like the first one, try another. You might actually find a new favorite.
In conclusion be proactive on your journey, take responsibility for the things you have control of and be patient with the things you don’t.Find your center, find your faith and see past your fears.You can do it.I know you can.
I’m here if you need me.
Lightworker Lisa
Until next time, may your days be brighter and your lives be lighter.
Lisa Dawn Wax, aka Lightworker Lisa, has been certified in Massage Therapy and Reiki Healing for over 15 years. In addition to being a born Lightworker she is a certified Angel Healing Practitioner and Reiki Master; both of which basically confirm her intuitive abilities to help, heal and teach. Using reiki (energy healing), divine messages and intuitive readings, she has helped many people to identify the source of their pain, clarify current life situations, and successfully redirect their focus into positive channels.If you are in need of affordable healing and/or life coaching with immediate results, please call her at 561-594-3948 or visit her new website www.lightworkerlisa.com.
I humbly present you this satirical essay for solving the state deficit problem. This follows the format of Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal,” which offered an outrageous solution to the social problems occurring in eighteenth century Ireland (just in time for April Fool’s Day).
A Proposal to Resolve the Persistent Deficits Accumulated by the States of the United States without Sacrificing Essential Public Services
Nowadays, the citizens of the United States seem to be highly concerned with the consistent deficits that the states have been accumulating. There is a high incentive for those, such as myself, who look for ways to curb budget gaps. Unlike the federal government, all states are required to have a balanced budget by the end of the fiscal year. This places an enormous pressure on the states, especially during an economic downturn, when there is a smaller amount of taxable income.
It has come to my attention that there are several private institutions that are able to weather those harsh times. As a result, I propose that large corporations pay off the debts accumulated for the fiscal year; in return, the corporation will be granted the naming rights of a section of the state. For instance, if Apple, Inc. covered one billion dollars out of Washington State’s two-point-eight billion dollar deficit, the tech giant would have the ability to rename several of its counties.
There are several benefits to this plan. Firstly, and most importantly, it relieves the state from having to remove funding from vital areas, such as public education. Many ambitious plans have come to a halt due to budgetary problems. Allowing corporations to pay off the deficit will encourage the passage of new and beneficial projects without worrying about adding to the state’s budget woes.
Secondly, this plan will encourage competition amongst businesses to pay off the most debt. For example, if McDonalds pays off five billion dollars worth of California’s twenty billion dollar deficit, similar companies (perhaps Wendy’s) will attempt to outdo the fast-food establishment by donating seven billion dollars to the state. Standard economic theory states that the greater the competition, the more benefits there are for the consumer.
Thirdly, having areas renamed for companies will indirectly ensure brand loyalty amongst the people living in the municipality. The contributing corporations tend to have several offices in major tourist destinations. Thus, whenever these citizens travel abroad, the name recognition will lead to an increase in sales for that particular company.
Fourthly, civilians will not see any increase in taxes. It is indeed politically difficult to convince citizens that the best way to curb the state’s overspending is with additional fees and/or fines. The only suffering, if any, the people will have to face would be the annoyance of referring to your county as “Wal-Mart County.”
Fifthly, this proposal will uplift the reputation of the donating company. Most consumers favor major corporations that give a large contribution to a just cause. Since deficit reduction appears to be a popular topic, the institutions that pay for these debts will be considered by many as heroes of the United States.
There is no other decent proposal to solve this problem. Let no one convince the public that cutting frivolous spending is a way to reduce the deficit. The alternative plan does not offer as many benefits as mine.
Nor should anyone believe that reducing Medicare and Medicaid spending through health care reform is a viable option. Such delusions are the dreams of idealists who do not understand the complexities of such programs. However, I would not object to letting health care corporations pay off some of the states’ deficits.
The general public should ignore the plea that we could raise taxes on the wealthy. Since most companies that would donate to the states are under the authority of the wealthy, tax increases would discourage corporations from contributing for the common good. It would actually benefit companies and society more if they received a tax cut, allowing them to further donate to the state.
The proposed plan is the best course of action to reduce the growing deficits of the states. I would also like to reassure you that I have no stock or investment in any of the companies I have mentioned. The policy I have discussed is only for the common good for the country I love and its citizens.
…Just kidding! April Fools!
Evan Baumel is a senior at Wellington High School. He’s involved in Debate, National Honor Society, Key Club, politics and writes for the school newspaper.
Customers of US Building Inspectors frequently comment on the technical expertise, professionalism, and outstanding customer service that they receive when they call for any type of an inspection relating to a home or commercial property. “People appreciate that we spend extra time explaining what our services entail,” says Patti Neri, co-owner of US Building Inspectors, “It is not uncommon for us to share stories at the end of a day about how appreciative a buyer was concerning the amount of the time we spent with them to carefully respond to each and every question they had about exactly what is covered in a typical home inspection, (i.e. do we check to make sure the house isn’t affected with Chinese drywall? Or mold? Wood rot? Termites? Or other structural issues?”)
Customers buying homes these days are quite often out-of-town, purchasing a home or condo sight unseen, or simply working long hours and are not able to be present at the time of inspection.They rely heavily on our comprehensive, but easy-to-read, detailed reports, complete with an array of photos, so they can have a strong understanding of the items outlined.Providing each customer with straight-forward answers to their questions enables them to make an informed decision whether or not to move forward with the purchase. “We look at every home inspection as the buyer having put a contract on a house not just because of how it looks and feels inside and out, but they’ve also decided on the surrounding area for its schools, restaurants, churches or temples, equestrian events, and/or proximity to family or friends.”
Therefore when inspecting the home, US Building Inspectors realizes that every property will have its positives and negatives, faults and failures, but putting it in perspective is what matters most to the buyer. Anyone can put a damper on a home purchase; but it takes a special talent to “disclose, disclose, disclose” while explaining how faults found within can be resolved. Buyers (and realtors alike) appreciate their ability to find items they were not aware of, but equally appreciate the extra time US Building Inspectors will spend to share how these items can be repaired or replaced – within reason.
Tom and Patti Neri, Co-owners of U.S. Building Inspectors
US Building Inspectors reaches five areas including (Broward, Palm Beach, the Glades, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties). The latest and greatest information concerning things like Chinese drywall, mold issues, air quality concerns, and new legislation
(that will affect Home and Building Inspectors, and Mold Inspectors in the State of Florida) is their expertise.
“We are constantly in contact with the ‘Who’s Who within the State of Florida’ concerning every environmental issue that can affect the public, so we can have answers to questions most people ask,” reports Neri.Many people inquire about windstorm mitigation inspections, which is a program, set up by the State of Florida, to help homeowners save money on their annual homeowners’ insurance policy.“When it comes to helping a customer save money”, says Neri, “we try to act like a protective, older sibling, and give them options.”Everyone, young, old, first-time buyers, or those who own properties all over the world, appreciate good advice.
“These days a good part of our day is consumed with existing homeowners calling our office about their family being sick whenever they come home.”
This is sometimes referred to as “sick house syndrome,” which can mean the house has hidden environmental concerns, such as moisture in the walls, or underground, Chinese drywall, or even chemically-sensitive customers whose immune system has been compromised.When a family has experienced chronic illness, many times the culprit is — you guessed it – mold! A difficult conversation to have with customers, according to Neri.Many people cringe at the word itself.In fact, not all mold is bad, or dangerous to everyone.Not all mold has smell, color, or is visible.Not all black mold is toxic black mold.One might be able to live in a home with a particular species of mold, and never have an adverse reaction to it, but YOU may come in the person’s home for less than 5 minutes, and experience a scratchy throat, itchy, watery eyes, and tingling in the lips, or respiratory distress.So what one person experiences as a reaction to mold, another may show absolutely no symptoms whatsoever.It depends who is hypersensitive to what.An elevated mold problem should be treated just like a broken air conditioner, in that it needs to be fixed.
Many would rather sweep a mold issue under the rug and spray it with a bleach-and-water solution, or paint over it, rather than deal with it.Eventually, someday it needs to be dealt with.“Today 5% of the people on this planet (perhaps the statistic is more now), are hypersensitive to certain species of mold, and we need to treat every instance as though we are dealing with someone in that 5%,” says Neri.Sometimes unsuspecting homeowners have already tried to find the environmental issue themselves or tried using a contractor or handyman to identify the source of a problem within their home, to no avail, only to call US Building Inspectors as a last resort.“Aggravated and having spent every last dime on those whom have not been able to remedy their problem, we get the call from the desperate homeowner, and end up as their ‘knight in shining armor.’It’s a good feeling to go home at the end of the day knowing you did a good day’s work”, reports Neri.
Inspecting for environmental issues is what US Building Inspectors does on a daily basis.They can take air quality samples and have the results back within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. People in our community see US Building Inspectors as a “big brother who looks out for them.”
US Building Inspectors does the following types of inspections.
·A complete roof to foundation inspection
·Chinese drywall inspections
·Mold inspections
·Air quality testing, where air samples are sent to a lab
·Windstorm mitigation insurance savings inspections where the homeowner can save up to 45% of their annual homeowners insurance premium
Air quality testing makes up 30%-50% of their house calls these days, due to the seasonal allergens present in the air, along with the burning of the fields out in Belle Glade that affect South Floridians’ immune systems. Many families have one or more whom suffer with chronic upper respiratory infections and the like, and their doctors ask them to have US Building Inspectors take air samples throughout the home to come up with some conclusive answers of what exactly is in the air they are breathing. This helps the doctors help those affected within the family. Home buyers request air quality tests 75% of the time in order to prevent finding out there is a problem in the walls after they close on the house and have already moved in.
Both Tom and Patti Neri, owners of US Building Inspectors, have a combined extensive background in the construction and building industries.
Having been in the inspection business for approximately ten years, both husband and wife have a solid foundation in the building inspection industry. Patti’s family was in the pest control and fumigation business for many years in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with work-related projects in pre- and post-construction buildings, in bothcommercial and residential job sites.She worked out in the field with her family, in addition to sales, developing automated computer systems, human resources, and accounting within the office.“I learned the right and wrong way buildings were constructed,” states Patti, “and for many years, I was the only woman on the job site, but was never intimidated by the guys. I learned more than the average bear when out there, and saw a lot of defects and faults that the city and county inspectors took a blind eye to.” At a very young age, she learned the business, and then went on to run the company.
Tom, on the other hand, came from a long background of contractors in Illinois, and moved with this family from Barrington, Illinois, back in the early 70’s to sunny South Florida. His experience paid off well when he changed gears to inspect faults and failures with a trained eye from so many years as a contractor.With their combined experience Tom and Patti Neri have a keen eye for detecting what’s functioning properly and what’s not in the world of residential and commercial inspections.
“The realtors, buyers, sellers, and real estate attorneys really appreciate Tommy,” says Patti. “He’s got that mid-Western way about him displaying undying patience, and has a gift for wording things just the right way so as not to instill fear or anxiety in the Buyer, while balancing the fact that the Buyer has hired us to be an unbiased, independent expert and deserves the truth. It’s an art to be able to talk to the buyer about issues without making them feel like they’re buying a mistake.” She adds, “We don’t want the Buyer to call us, or their realtor, after the closing, with words of despair. We believe in telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth….but it’s all in your delivery.”
“Most contractors and builders use us when buying a home for themselves. They trust us,” says Tom. “They know we inspect homes on a daily basis, not build them.There’s a big difference between building a home, and inspecting one.We have many tools to assist us in ensuring the systems of the home are functioning as the manufacturer intended.A huge difference!”
US Building Inspectors takes extra time making sure that their customers understand the results of the building inspection by speaking to them in layman’s terms, not talking over their heads or using intimidating lingo.
Digital pictures are also included in the report at no additional cost. We have had people tell us, “This is the most comprehensive report I’ve ever seen.”Having an easy-to-read report with clear photos turns out to be a time and money-saver for all involved. When the handyman or contractor understands exactly what he needs to fix, the repair goes more quickly and nothing is lost “in the translation.”
Tom and Patti Neri belong to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. They are also both Certified Mold Inspectors and Certified Mold Assessors. They look for mold and test the air quality, but are not mold remediators.That’s not our area of expertise.We’ll find it for you and explain what needs to be done, but we know our limits.
Many mold remediators “came out of the woodwork” after the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 with no expertise or licensing. That will all come to an end soon, says Neri, when the industry becomes regulated.
Their biggest frustration in the business is to come in contact with those solely looking for the lowest price.She warns customers who are looking for the lowest price (and nothing else) that you get what you pay for and end up oftentimes buying a home with many unexpected projects and costs. It’s all for the sake of saving a buck where they shouldn’t. Buying a home is probably the single largest investment most of us will make in a lifetime. If you spend the money for a good, solid inspection, you will go to the closing with peace of mind.
With US Building Inspectors, you get a thorough, honest, detailed inspection as Tom and Patti Neri have a passion for “getting it right the first time.”
The Neri’s are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Kimberly and Chelsie. They are about to become grandparents for the first time, expecting a baby grandson in August. Meanwhile, they are also the proud owners of many pets and exotic animals.
They are also involved with the organizations Women in Distress and Kids in Distress.They believe in giving back to our community in the volunteer work that they do.
One thing is for sure…having visited with Tommy and Patti Neri, at US Building Inspectors, I discovered they are a terrific, local, family-run business with lots and lots of heart! Give them a call today and tell them you read about them on AroundWellington.com.You too can experience some of the best quality customer service I’ve experienced in a long time!
Do you know about Hoboken?If you do chances are you know it was the birthplace and childhood home of Frank Sinatra.You may also know it was the location of the first organized baseball game played at Elysian Fields on June 19, 1846.A place of many firsts, Hoboken was the site of America’s First Brewery, the first zipper and the Maxwell House Coffee plant.It was also the place the first Oreo cookie was sold – now that is an important first!
Located across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Hoboken offers the most spectacular views of the city you will ever find.This one mile square town is often referred to as the “sixth borough”.A cosmopolitan community with a diverse population and a rich history, Hoboken is the perfect “off the beaten path” destination for anyone visiting the New York area.Accessible by ferry, bus or the New Jersey Transit PATH train, Hoboken is a short 10-minute ride from Manhattan.
Hoboken was first noticed by a navigator on Henry Hudson’s 1609 voyage up the river that now bears his name.The Lenni Lenape (later known as the Delaware Indians) camped on the island seasonally and used the green-colored serpentine rock in the area to carve tobacco pipes.In 1658 Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor of Manhattan, bought the area from the Lenni Lenape for 80 fathoms of wampum, 20 fathoms of cloth, 12 kettles, 6 guns, 2 blankets, 1 double kettle and half a barrel of beer.So it seems the beer drinking in Hoboken began long before America’s First Brewery!
Speaking of beer drinking, with bars of every type on almost every corner, Hoboken has plenty of nightlife.There are bars with live music, wine bars, trendy bars and neighborhood bars where “everybody knows your name”.Ok, so maybe they won’t know your name when you arrive, but hang out for a little while and you will make a friend or two – that’s Hoboken!Some suggestions for your bar crawl: Scotland Yard where you can listen to blues or Maxwell’s where live music is a regular event.In fact, groups having performed at Maxwell’s in the past include Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Nirvana.For a friendly, no frills, sports watching and drinking place check out Hobson’s Choice – a personal favorite!
The view from the W Hotel in Hoboken
If you prefer the trendy bar scene, be sure to visit The Chandelier Room located in the W Hotel.This posh new bar will dazzle you with the breathtaking crystal chandelier suspended from the ceiling while simultaneously wowing you with those amazing views of the Hudson River and Manhattan.
There is more to Hoboken than the nightlife, this is a town full of historical landmarks with interesting stories.The Hoboken Museumis a great start for information. (www.hobokenmuseum.org) A walking tour of Hoboken includes sites such as the Yellow Flats in the 1200 block of Washington Street , circa 1890.These apartments were once home to Hetty Green – the “Witch of Wall Street”.One of the wealthiest women of her day, her reluctance to spend money was legendary.It is said her injured son lost a leg because she was unwilling to pay for his medical attention!
Washington Street, Hoboken. Photos by Terri Farris.
The Hoboken Terminal, a Beaux-Arts style building, was constructed in 1907 as the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad.Much like the town of Hoboken, the Hoboken Terminal was also a place of “firsts”.In 1930 Thomas Edison was at the controls for the first departure of an electrified train.Also, the first installation of central air-conditioning in a public space was at Hoboken Terminal.
Across from Hoboken’s historic City Hall on Washington Street you will find Carlo’s Bakery, home to TLC’s reality TV show, Cake Boss.Opened in 1910 by Carlo Guastaffero, this family owned business is now managed by his grandson, Buddy a/k/a the “Cake Boss”.Buddy’s cakes are works of art and when the show is filming, you will find long lines of tourists standing outside to get a peek.www.carlosbakery.com
Hoboken City Hall
Hoboken has numerous parks including Frank Sinatra Park located along the waterfront of the Hudson River.During the warmer months, the park is the site of numerous festivals and events including “Movies Under the Stars”.It is also another great place to check out those Manhattan views!Visit www.hoboken411.com for details on upcoming events.
With the opening of Hoboken’s first W Hotel along the waterfront in 2009, visitors to the New York area were given yet another reason to cross the Hudson River. The W Hoboken offers an oasis from the hustle, bustle and noise of the city. Reserve a “Spectacular Room” or a “Cool Corner Room” and watch the Manhattan skyline unfold before you with the sunrise in the morning or as the lights of the city begin to sparkle at night!
Head downstairs to the Living Room where you can enjoy signature cocktails, high speed internet access or board games & books. Make an appointment at Bliss Spa for first class pampering or workout to offset those cocktails in the Sweat Fitness Center.With the W Hoboken’s “Whatever, whenever” service policy, your wish is their command! www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels
Dinner at the Zylo Steakhouse located in the W Hoboken is not to be missed.With a menu combining traditional Italian fare and steakhouse options, you are sure find something to please your palette.The décor is inspired by Hoboken’s shipbuilding heritage and combines industrial materials with colorful artwork and back-lit glass walls creating a cozy ambience all against the backdrop of those magnificent Manhattan views! www.cornerstonerestaurants.com/zylo/index.html
Next time you visit New York, get out of the city and head over to Hoboken – you never know what you will find!Did I mention the views?
Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. You can contact Terri at tfarris60@hotmail.com.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Movies Coming This Spring and Summer (Part 1)
by Anna Sanclement
Some good flicks in the science fiction and fantasy realm are coming up in the next few months. Of course, many are waiting for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse to arrive, but from here until mid-July, there are many others worth a second look.
Not to mention that one of these great films will be a promising sci-fi/fantasy adventure featuring one of the many sought-after Twilight vampire actors, Jackson Rathbone, who plays Jasper in the acclaimed series.
Clash of the Titans
This movie is a remake of the film made in 1981 called by the same name, but with the perks that modern technology has to offer these days, the effects in this new version look magnificent.
Sam Worthington stars as Perseus, with Ralph Fiennes appearing as Hades and Liam Neeson as Zeus.
The story is based on the Greek mythology tale of Perseus. Fighting against Hades to save his family, Perseus leads a dangerous mission to defeat him. Clash of the Titans opens April 2nd in theaters nationwide.
Kick-Ass
Kick-Ass is a movie based on a comic book that goes by the same name. The movie was produced by Brad Pitt and directed by Matthew Vaughn.
Aaron Johnson stars as Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass, Nicolas Cage is Damon Macready/Big-Daddy and Chloe Moretz is Mindy Macready/Hit-Girl.
The story centers around a teenage boy who decides to become a real life superhero. He tries, but fails miserably at first. He succeeds the second time around, though and gets involved in a huge entangle with a big time mobster. Kick-Ass opens April 16th.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The super anticipated 3rd installment to the Twilight Saga, Eclipse is, like its precedents, based on the best-seller book written by Stephenie Meyer.
Eclipse will go deeper into the relationship between Bella, Edward and Jacob as they face a new dangerous challenge when a vampire baddie comes back looking to get revenge on them.
Kristen Stewart returns as Bella, Robert Pattinson as Edward and Taylor Lautner as Jacob. Most of the movie’s cast also returns to reprise their roles, and there will be some new additions as well. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse opens on June 30th nationwide.
The Last Airbender
This movie is based on the first season of the successful Nickelodeon cartoon series Avatar: The Last Airbender and will be the first of a planned series trilogy.
The story brings us to a world that is ruled by four tribes that each controls water, fire, air or earth. A war begins when the fire tribe wants to take over and control the rest of the tribes along with the entire world.
The Last Airbender stars Noah Ringer as Aang, Twilight’s Jackson Rathbone as Sokka and Nicola Peltz as Katara. The film is opening on July 2nd nationwide.
Be sure to check back next month for more movies coming soon in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Movies Coming This Spring and Summer Part 2.
Sky events this month, April of 2010:
The Last Quarter Moon happens on Monday the6th, with the New Moon occurring on Wednesday the 14th. The Last Quarter Moon will be on Wednesday the 21rd and we will see a Full Moon on Wednesday the 28th.
This month brings the Lyrids meteor shower into view, which will be peaking on April 22nd. Under clear dark skies, observers can expect to see up to 20 meteors per hour.
The radiant for the shower will be to the east a few degrees to the right of Vega in the Lyra constellation. Look for the meteors to start streaking sometime after midnight.
Saturn will be in display all month and it can be seen soon after sunset as it rises in the east. The ringed planet will remain visible all night, reaching its highest point in the sky at about 11:00 p.m. midmonth.
Venus has been back in view for a few weeks now and it is rising higher in the sky at twilight. Look for it low on the western horizon as the sun goes down; it will be the bright ‘star’ easy to spot with the naked eye.
With a pair of binoculars you may be able to spot Mercury just a few degrees to the right of Venus during the first couple of weeks of the month. Once you spot it you may be able to see it with the naked eye.
Mars is high in the southwestern sky early on in the evening; it is shrinking now and will be appearing much smaller in the weeks to come. At midmonth, Mars will pass by the Beehive star cluster, making for a very pretty sight, especially with binoculars or a wide-field telescope.
Anna Sanclement writes from home and has recently started to write articles for various Internet sites. She has also finished a novel and has written many stories and a movie script, just for fun.
Deborah Morgan of Palm Beach Harvest Speaks about our Growing Hunger Problem in Palm Beach County
Deborah Morgan, Executive Director of Palm Beach Harvest, speaks about the immediate need to feed the hungry in Palm Beach County at a fundraiser called La Fete du Masque at Paradiso Ristorante in Lake Worth on March, 25th, 2010.See our Archives, then Photo Galleries for photos of this event too.
Our Faith Farm Auto Auctions are very exciting and they are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
So, if you need a great, used vehicle at an unbelievable price, be there this Saturday! We are auctioning Everything from a Pick-up to a Mercedes!
We also have boats, motorcycles, a scooter, jet skis and a camper for your recreational pleasure!
All proceeds from our auctions help to support our 58-year-old ministry that provides a free, 9-month, faith-based recovery program for men and women who have lost control of their lives due to alcohol and/or illegal and pharmaceutical drug addiction.Fighting Addiction IS Everyone’s Battle!
WELLINGTON TO SHOWCASE THE “100 FACES OF WELLINGTON” PHOTO EXHIBIT
Wellington is excited to announce that it will be showcasing the works of internationally published and local photographer, Gary Kane’s “100 Faces of Wellington” exhibit. The exhibit will be unveiled in April and will feature a collection of photos documenting the unique character and diversity of Wellington. The yearlong exhibit will consist of 100 photos taken in and around the area.
The photo exhibit will be on display from April 2010 through March 2011 at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12165 West Forest Hill Blvd. The unveiling of the “100 Faces of Wellington” will be on Thursday, April 22, 2010 and is open to the public from 6:30-8 PM.
During the event, limited edition prints and merchandise will be available for purchase with a special artist signing.
For more information about the “100 Faces of Wellington” exhibit, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kane Photography at 561-333-2198, or info@kanephotography.net.
For information on the Art in Public Places Program and other Wellington programs, events, and activities, please visit the website at www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings. Wellington Parks & Recreation Department is committed to A Great Hometown!
Thanks to the rapidly advancing rate of technology, variations in the cost of solar from city to city and region to region, and the wide range of needs presented by different projects, it’s nearly impossible to pin down an average cost for solar panels across the board. Your best bet is to collect bids from several local contractors experienced in solar panel installation to get a specific estimate for your home. What we can tell you is that the benefits of solar panels reach far beyond your initial investment. Solar panels are guaranteed to reduce your home energy bills for the next 20 to 30 years, making them an excellent example of a home improvement that is certain to pay for itself over time— and then some. 
A native of Toledo, OH and a graduate of 
