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 BIG, Inc., a local non-profit business networking group, is pleased to announce a partnership with Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (JILM). BIG, which stands for Business Ideas Group, was founded in 1981 by local business leaders. To this day, many of the founding companies are providing goods & services in the area and participating in BIG, Inc. BIG members meet weekly to exchange information, professional contacts and quality referrals. (Visit their website www.BIGJupiter.org for additional information)
The members of BIG unanimously selected the Jupiter Lighthouse to be the focus of their community effort because “the Lighthouse is the icon of North County.” Annually, hundreds of visitors visit the Jupiter Lighthouse on “heritage travel” excursions. These visitors contribute to the local economy by staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, enjoying golfing & kayaking outings, and shopping. The seasonal visitors are a base of economic activity that effects all the businesses in this area. In many ways, the Jupiter Lighthouse is a silent business partner. Dr Joel Hersch, BIG President said, “Affiliating ourselves with the Lighthouse is a demonstrable gesture of our strong commitment to the residents and visitors of this community.”
Yet, relatively few local residents are aware of the historical significance of the Lighthouse and the land it occupies. For more than than 5000-years, the lands surrounding the Lighthouse and the Jupiter Inlet have been the bedrock of human habitation in this area. Additionally the Jupiter Lighthouse has been a beacon in history since 1860 – when Abraham Lincoln was President!
Susie Orchard observed, “We live here and make our living here. It is a privilege to be involved with the stream of history that came before us.” Gay Johansen, who was raised in the area recalls, “As a child, when Jupiter was still mostly dirt roads, a memorable Sunday outing included a visit to the Lighthouse. It has been a part of my whole life.” Vittorio Bertuzzelli added, “Partnering with the Jupiter Lighthouse is good business and a win-win situation for all involved.”
The Jupiter lighthouse is funded through grants and private donations. To safeguard this important landmark, BIG members are putting their personal and professional energies into volunteering and fund-raising campaigns. To initiate the relationship between BIG and the Jupiter Lighthouse, BIG members contributed $1000 and purchased a commemorative brick on the upward path to the Lighthouse. BIG members will be visiting local businesses in the coming months asking them for active participation by displaying a coin-box brochure stand inviting loose change for donations. BIG is also working with the Jupiter Lighthouse Board of Directors on the Lighthouse Music and Food Festival scheduled on Nov 19th.
Businesses seeking information regarding anything written in this article, and how they can participate are asked to contact Susie Orchard, jupiter Lighthouse Volunteer – Business relations at 561.762.6411 or AHelpfulNeighbor@gmail.com
Why Your Realtor Recommends A Home Watch Service
Realtors are like compasses guiding people through the hazards of buying and selling properties, navigating them to a safe harbor. Their specialty is the real estate valuations and negotiations. Realtors can help identify transaction professionals – home inspectors, title companies and financiers. After the closing, the Realtor’s fiduciary responsibility is complete.
Some investors look to Realtors for referrals of qualified trade people for remodeling and home improvements. BUT when it comes to overseeing a project-in-progress Realtors generally don’t have the time to follow-up with all the details. Diligent record-keeping is essential for future alterations involving product literature, warranty information, measurements & digital photographic histories. Additionally the availability to meet multiple times with local building officials regarding permits or design changes is time-consuming. Realtors are involved in buying & selling transactions. What happens afterward is the job of the Household Manager or Home Watch caretaker. For your peace of mind look for someone who is licensed, insured and bonded to be your home watch caretaker or household manager.
About 5-years ago, an investor from Ireland contacted me to prepare his local property for sale. The house had been rented to a family that owned several large dogs and needed to be thoroughly cleaned, painted and staged – in less than a week! With the help of several of my pre-qualified vendors working simultaneously, the task was accomplished on time. The owner returned to Dublin and attempted to sell the property himself…while the marketplace collapsed. It took 6-months for me to convince my client that he needed the services of a Realtor who specialized in his neighborhood. Shortly after that, my client said his Realtor would “look after the house” and that he no longer needed my services. A few months later I was at the next door neighbor’s house, and in the course of 20-minute conversation I noticed my former client’s air conditioner never cycled “on.” When our conversation ended, I looked at his electric meter – there was NO power in the house! A phone call to Ireland later that day … and I was rehired to watch the house until it was sold.
Choose your professionals do what they do best.
A Helpful Neighbor, Inc
Household Management & House Watch Caretaker Services
… ensuring peace of mind …
in Jupiter, Jupiter Island, Juno Beach and Tequesta
561.762.6411
What would happen if you had a serious accident, or a crime encounter, while you are away from home ???
How do you prepare for THE unthinkable? Things can happen. And if they do, they will be so disconcerting that only advance preparation could help you manage the stressful situation — with information! Having copies of your important medical contacts, your prescription information, and your credit & debit card information can help take the sting out of a traumatic event. Be aware of the sensitivity of this information and protect it as you would cash…
The website http://www.housewatch-jupiter.com/resource page offers an Emergency Contact List. This form, once filled-in with your information, will help to identify at a glance, the medical professionals that you have relationships with, including your primary care physician, your specialists and your pharmacy. Take the time to fill-in this paperwork and keep a printed copy in the glove compartment and/or in your suitcase along with your Healthcare Surrogate and Living Will.
You might also make copies of your credit and debit cards, along with the phone numbers of the issuing institutions. I was robbed, while on vacation a decade ago, and this list saved hours of aggravation! Though alas, I had not made a passport copy and this oversight wasted 3-days (of a 7-day holiday) while waiting for the Embassy to issue a replacement passport. A copy of the stolen passport would have shortcut the process considerably. Digital copies can be left in care of a trusted family member or friend who will be available to respond if the need arises.
Enjoy your vacation, and take care & be prepared.
Is someone watching over your home when you go away?
A Helpful Neighbor, Inc
Household Management & House Watch Caretaker Services
… ensuring peace of mind …
in Jupiter, Jupiter Island, Juno Beach and Tequesta
561.762.6411
TALL tell tale clouds…
Preparing for the arrival of a hurricane can be time-consuming and tedious. So do a little bit at a time! Develop a game plan for evacuation. Know where you can evacuate, and for what duration. Look for two or three locations. Arrange housing for your pets (many Florida motels do not allow pets) that would be available on short notice. Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Even if you only plan to evacuate a few miles inland, the roads could be choked with traffic and it may take hours to get there. Then carefully review your hurricane shutters: locate all the parts & check for proper operation and fit.
If you live in an Association, you should become familiar with that Association’s governing “docs” regarding shutter installation & removal. Some Associations allow you to close your shutters when you depart for the Summer; while others require that you install shutters no sooner than 3-days before the hurricane. Removal is also governed so contact your Association Manager. You may find that you’ll need to return, or to hire a contractor to put-up (& take down) your shutters when the times require.
As mentioned before, a good Internet site for monitoring the progress and forecast of a tropical storm or hurricane is www.palmbeachpost.com/storm. This site will enable you to plan the timing of events leading up to the storm. Keep in mind that bolting a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood over a window or door opening is tricky even in a calm wind; and it’s almost impossible in heavy wind.
In addition to getting the storm shutters installed in a timely fashion, it’s important to get the barbeque, kids’ toys, and patio furniture out of the yard. Also, your patio umbrella could take flight in the forceful winds and land in a neighbor’s window. So look for a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g that might become airborne.
Whether you plan to evacuate (recommended) or sit it out (NOT recommended), you should bring-in supplies for a week of “camping”. Although the storm will be uncomfortable, the aftermath can be worse as far as comfort and serenity. Plan for NO electricity, NO phones, NO air conditioning, and NO hot water (or possibly no water at all) for at least a week after the storm. Stock your pantry as early as possible because supermarket inventory will dwindle rapidly as the storm approaches. AND be sure you have sufficient propane for the barbeque as well as a UPS power back-up (for the rechargeable batteries in your cell phone, radio & flashlights).
Is someone watching over your home when you go away?
A Helpful Neighbor, Inc
Household Management & House Watch Caretaker Services
… ensuring peace of mind …
in Jupiter, Jupiter Island, Juno Beach and Tequesta
561.762.6411
Why asking the Association Manager to home watch your property ISN’T always best …
Most of us live in a Development of one sort or another – either a condomimium (COA) or a Home Owners Association (HOA). It is almost impossible to purchase a residential property in South Florida that is not in one of these types of communities. This is a popular concept .
You enjoy the benefits of fee simple ownership except for the obvious trade-offs of NOT being able to do anything to your property without Board approval, or driving most any type of vehicle. And your neighborhood is maintained according to the documents and the current preferences of the sitting Board.
There are times when you will want to maintain an “arm’s length distance” from the Management Company and/or the Board of Directors (BOD) governing your Association. One of those times is when there is project underway that effects YOUR property. Yes, the Management company is selected and paid by the owners, and the BOD has an ethical and fiduciary responsibility to the homeowners. But well, let’s be candid, neither the Management company nor the BOD know, or like, all owners equally.
If the Association is paying a professional manager, should this individual be receiving moneys to protect the interests of individual owners? Is this a potential conflict of interest, besides being a misuse of “company time” and a salary that secures service for all owners?
Imagine the plumbing in the bathrooms of a multi-storey building being replaced, or a leak in your ceiling when you aren’t there, shouldn’t the person that signs-off on the repair be an agent of your choosing instead of someone who represents everyone?
We have all witnessed the “can’t see it from my house” syndrome when an installation has gone awry. So, who will be watching-out for your interests when the balconies are being replaced or a new neighbor is landscaping his yard – to the detriment of yours? YOUR household manager or home watch caretaker will be taking photographs AND reporting to you about your property before it’s assumed that you have no opinion.
Is someone watching over your home when you go away?
A Helpful Neighbor, Inc
Household Management & House Watch Caretaker Services
… ensuring peace of mind …
in Jupiter, Jupiter Island, Juno Beach and Tequesta
561.762.6411
Technicals: Hurricane Definitions
As the “snowbird” season dwindles into Summer, it is time to prepare for our OTHER season – hurricane season. This watchful time begins on June 1 and will be at hand until November 30. Like the first snow of the winter in the north country, I await the release of the storms’ names list. This year we’ll be visited by Arlene, Bret, and then Cindy. After that I lose track but stand-by holding-on to my hat for the big gusts…..
As you probably know, tropical depressions precede hurricanes. They are watched carefully as they can become tropical storms and sometimes – hurricanes. A tropical storm is cyclonic system with winds greater than 39-mph but less than 73-mph. A tropical storm watch is issued within 48 hours of a tropical storm making landfall. A tropical storm warning is issued within 36 hours of landfall.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, developed in 1971 by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Bob Simpson, is the guiding principle in determining hurricane categories. This scale categorizes a hurricane by sustained wind speed and the potential for damage on landfall.
Category 1 74 - 95 mph very dangerous
Category 2 96 – 110 mph extremely dangerous
Category 3 111 – 130 mph devastating damage
Category 4 131 – 155 mph catastrophic damage
Category 5 > 155 mph catastrophic damage
A Category 3 hurricane or higher is considered a MAJOR hurricane. As with a tropical storm, a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning are issued 48 hours and 36 hours, respectively, in advance of expected landfall when sustained winds are 74 mph or greater.
One of the best websites for monitoring the progress of storms in the Atlantic can be found at www.palmbeachpost.com/storm. And although nobody can predict exactly where a hurricane will track until it’s on your doorstep, this site does a reliable job of providing an enormous amount of information.
Your household manager or home watch caretaker is the key “point person” to go to for storm preparation as well as post-storm reporting, digital photographs and clean-up co-ordination.
Is someone watching over your home when you go away?
A Helpful Neighbor, Inc
Household Management & House Watch Caretaker Services
… ensuring peace of mind …
in Jupiter, Jupiter Island, Juno Beach and Tequesta
561.762.6411
Water…
for Landscape & Lawn Care
We know that lovely-looking landscaping adds to the aesthetics and value of your property. The water needed to maintain traditional landscaping can equal or exceed 50% of your monthly water usage! To preserve Florida’s water resources there is increasing awareness toward water conservation landscaping. By using native plant materials and reducing expansive lawn areas, as well as including appropriate trees and shrubs to create shade, and adding mulched pathways you can create a unique outdoor space while saving precious water resources.
The South Florida Water Management District publishes a guide (available on-line)
http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/xrepository/sfwmd_repository_pdf/ww1_waterwise_intro.pdf
that offers practical ideas to landscape your yard. These will help you to create less water-dependent green space
and enhance the beauty and value of your Florida home.
Additionally, your regular landscaper and household manager or home watch caretaker can also help with water conservation by regularly walking the yard and garden looking for broken sprinkler heads, brown grass and dead plants. This attention to detail will help to keep your property in the fine condition that you expect and will use water resources more efficiently.
Is someone watching over your home when you go away?
A Helpful Neighbor, Inc
Household Management & House Watch Caretaker Services
… ensuring peace of mind …
in Jupiter, Jupiter Island, Juno Beach and Tequesta
561.762.6411
Time away…
Mother Nature has her say !
My husband and I are back from a rare treat – a REAL vacation to a faraway place. Not only was our destination a foreign country (instead of a relative’s kind offer to “visit”) but it was the first time we were out of touch via cell phones and computers. It was an unhurried, spontaneous adventure where we could explore. We took this trip in early April (and that’s why there are no blogs) because it was the best time for fine weather on our trip, AND also no threat of hurricanes to our clients’ Florida properties.
So, now we are back… thank you for visiting the website. And for those who took the time to comment on the blog, your words and thoughts are appreciated. Through your efforts I learned that some of you had problems loading the website. (The hosting company migrated to new servers while we were away and has reported ”successful completion.” Please write again if you continue to experience problems.) And also, if you would like future blogs to include a topic of interest regarding property management and house watch caretaker services in South Florida, drop a line.
One of the places we visited was Ostia Antica — the harbor city of ancient Rome — a few miles from Rome’s international airport. This website (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz_L21XFtps) shows an interpretation of how the city looked during it’s peak. This is how how it looks today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HK_x-40nRo&feature=BFa&list=UL99yXBOHpots&index=1
Why am I telling you? Because amid the blooming cherry blossoms, knee high grasses, and colorful butterflies Mother Nature is a possessive force! It is a struggle to keep her from regaining what we have made ours. Even in ancient Rome things happened to people’s houses! Ostia lost it’s status as a port city when it silted-over and was further ruined in 250-350 AD when it was struck by BOTH earthquakes and tsunamis. 
Today intelligent design, adherence to Building Codes, responsible urban planning, AND respect for the forces of Mother Nature are key to property preservation and future valuation. In some cases, it is impossible to prevent damage to one’s home, BUT the services of a household manager or home watch caretaker are critical for a timely restorative response.
Is someone watching over your home when you go away?
A Helpful Neighbor, Inc
Household Management & House Watch Caretaker Services
… ensuring peace of mind …
in Jupiter, Jupiter Island, Juno Beach and Tequesta
561.762.6411
It’s not too early to start thinking about closing-up your Florida property before leaving for the North country! When you create your “To Do” list consider any trouble spots inside or outside your property. The following items should be included on the list:
- Contact your air conditioning contractor for a preventative maintenance call.
- Schedule your pest control service to treat insect trails & ant hills in/near the house.
- If applicable, talk to the landscaper and pool contractor about a maintenance schedule.
- Repair broken sprinkler heads.
- Review & update your Flood, Windstorm & Property insurances.
- Set-up a mail monitoring service to handle / forward your mail and deliveries.
- Make TWO copies of your household vendors list: one copy for Florida and the other to take with you.
- Be sure your household accounts and utilities bills have up-to-date contact information.
- Visually inspect the hot-water heater for signs of leakage.
- Check your interior & exterior water spigots. Be sure that they can be shut-off.
- Inspect the sealing gaskets & glass panes in doors and windows, as they could leak humid air into the house.
- If you leave a car behind, call the insurance company about a change of status.
- A thorough housecleaning will help to prevent the growth of mold spores.
Notify your Household Manager or House Watch Caretaker
of your travel plans.
There are FREE checklists available by going to the “Recommendations” or the “Contact Us” pages to request the forms. The services of a licensed and insured Household Manager or House Watch Caretaker provide peace of mind and also appoint the “go to” person if the unexpected happens while you are away.
A Helpful Neighbor, Inc
Household Management & House Watch Caretaker Services
… ensuring peace of mind …
in Jupiter, Jupiter Island, Juno Beach and Tequesta
561.762.6411
Most likely you never think about your electric water heater until there’s a problem.
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