Memorial Day 2015

All gave some... some gave all.

I have always found it strange to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day.  I can never bring myself to say those words.  Yes, we all look forward to the first long weekend that marks the unofficial beginning of summer and the first barbecue of the season, picnic, trip to the lake... or the Indy 500.  But, while all of those things make Memorial Day weekend a fun time, we need to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day... a day to remember and honor those who died protecting the rights we cherish. 

As I have done in past years, I'd like to share some information about how Israel honors its fallen heroes.  On Yom Hazikaron, the Israeli Memorial Day, a siren is sounded twice throughout the country during a 24 hour time period, from sunset to sunset. The first siren marks the beginning of Memorial Day at 8:00 p.m. and the second is sounded at 11:00 a.m, before prayers are recited at all military cemeteries.  When the siren is sounded, the entire nation observes a two-minute standstill of all traffic and daily activities.  For the entire day, all places of public entertainment are closed and all radio and television stations play music appropriate to the mood of the day and broadcast programs honoring fallen soldiers.  Everyone participates in honoring those who died serving their country. 

As we enjoy time with family and friends on this Memorial Day, let us be sure to take time to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we cherish.

And, as we remember those who died in service to our country, let us give thanks to those who are serving now and to all our Veterans for their past service to our country. 

MEMORIAL DAY LINKS:

Memorial Day History
American Widow Project
The Origin of Sounding Taps 
Arlington Rememberance by Trace Adkins
Buglers at Arlington National Cemetery

Sojourner Center Partners With Lost Our Home Pet Rescue in Opening Pet Companion Shelter

Source:  Lost Our Home Pet Rescue/Jodi Polanski, Founder and CEO

It's Official! The paint is dry, the kennels are in place, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony is complete! On May 12, 2015 the Sojourner Center Pet Companion Shelter opened for business. We are truly blessed to be part of this wonderful partnership with Sojourner Center. We've cared for pets of families fleeing domestic violence at our shelter since 2008; now pets can stay together with their families at Sojourner Center. The healing power of pets can be shared by not only the family who owns the pets, but by families who don't have pets, but would love to snuggle up with a dog or cat to help healing. Those of us who are pet lovers know how powerful the gentle support of pets can be. Dr. Maria Garay, CEO of Sojourner Center, welcomed everyone and shared why the Pet Companion Shelter is so important to her. She thanked PetSmart Charities for their donation of $50,000 which made this shelter possible. Other donations came from Red Rover, the AKC Humane Fund, and an anonymous donor.   Jodi Polanski, Founder and CEO of Lost Our Home Pet Rescue spoke about the journey for the last year and a half, from when she and Dr. Garay met and first envisioned a safe place where families and pets could be together, to today's culmination of those dreams. Lost Our Home Pet Rescue has provided temporary pet care to families for many years, but this is the first opportunity for families to truly be together. This project has been a lot of hard work, but it is so rewarding to see the final product. A beautiful, welcoming place for pets to be safe while everyone heals from domestic violence How great to have Mayor Stanton at the ribbon-cutting. He talked about the impact of this ground-breaking center, and how Sojourner has been helping families for nearly 40 years break the bonds of domestic violence and begin new lives. Mayor Stanton also got to meet our first resident at the shelter: Clark the Cat. Clark is seen here with Mayor Stanton and his "brother", Robert. Robert said Clark is like a brother to him, and he'd rather sleep in the car than be separated from him ever again. Clark lived at Lost Our Home for 2 months while awaiting this shelter's opening. We are so happy we could get them closer together so Clark can hang out with Robert whenever possible. Then it was ribbon-cutting time! The young man in the front is Robert, who we mentioned above. Also in the picture are Dr. Maria Garay, Sojourner CEO; Jodi Polanski, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue Founder/CEO; Deborah Edwards, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue Board President; Michael Goodwin, CIO PetSmart Charities; and Dave Ryan, Sojourner Board President. And of course Petey was there! Petey asked for our help to choose which bow tie he would wear, and our Facebook Family overwhelming chose the paisley. Who better than Petey to personify overcoming personal struggles? He has never experienced abuse, but going through an amputation and keeping his fun-loving spirit throughout has been an inspiration to us all. We are sure he will continue to inspire those at Sojourner as they start their very important journeys of healing from domestic violence and moving forward to a safe and secure future. Leave a legacy of care, remember us in your will and trusts 2323 South Hardy Drive Tempe, Arizona 85282 (602) 445-7387 (PETS) info@lostourhome.org

Buying a Home is 35% Less Expensive than Renting!

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Posted: 18 May 2015 04:00 AM PDT

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is from an average of 16% in Honolulu (HI), all the way to 55% in Sarasota (FL), and 35% Nationwide!

The other interesting findings in the report include:

• Interest rates have remained low and even though home prices have appreciated around the country (3.9%), they haven’t greatly outpaced rental appreciation (3.7%). “In the past year, these two trends have made homeownership even more affordable compared with renting.”
• Some markets might tip in favor of renting if home prices increase at a greater rate than rents and if – as most economists expect – mortgage rates rise, due to the strengthening economy.
• Nationally, rates would have to rise to 10.6% for renting to be cheaper than buying – and rates haven’t been that high since 1989. 

Bottom Line

Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. Rents are predicted to increase substantially in the next year, so lock in your housing cost with a mortgage payment now.

The Difference Your Interest Rate Makes

Courtesy of Keeping Matters Current/The KCM Blog

Some Highlights:

• Even a small increase in interest rates drastically impacts your budget.
• Securing a mortgage now while rates are still low means you can get more house for your money.
• Spend your money on your dream home, not on interest.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Today I'd like to share a very eloquent Mother's Day message that was posted on Facebook by my friend and colleague, Kirsten Johnson.   Thank you, Kirsten, for allowing me share this!

I want to share something that comes to mind not only on Mother's Day, but often....

I think of women I know who have not had the opportunity to have children either because of a medical condition or because they have not found the right person to have kids with, like in my situation. Please do not judge these women or ask them why they do not have kids, because I can guarantee it is not because of lack of want, it just is what it is right now. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of these ladies. It is a journey.

I think of people who I have met along the way who did not have a mother who was present in their lives either physically or emotionally. Their stories hurt my heart. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who did not have the true presence of a Mother. It is a journey.

I think of many of you who I know who have lost your mother and the "missing" her never goes away. The wanting to pick up the phone and call her to say Happy Mother's Day and I Love You doesn't go away. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have lost their Mother. It is a journey.

I think of those mothers who have lost a child to sickness or tragedy. My heart hurts with you. No Mother should have to feel this pain. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have lost a child. It is a painful journey.

I think of the nearly 17,000 kids in foster care in Arizona and the 500,000 in the United States that are confused and conflicted about their Mother, wondering why she abandoned, neglected or hurt them. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of our Kids in Foster Care. It is a scary and painful journey.

I want to recognize those mothers who have found their way to adopt or foster a child. Thank you for giving a child a sense of family and what it means to have a Mother. Biology has nothing to do with being a Mother. Love has everything to do with being a Mother. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have adopted, fostered or are thinking about doing so. It is a journey. 

To all Mother's....your children are a gift! Thank you for giving them a loving home. Do not ever forget how important your role is to your children. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of yourselves, other mothers, fathers and your children. It is a journey.

We all have a story when it comes to our mother and our motherhood! Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of One Another. It is a Journey.

Where Should I Retire?

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Posted: 01 May 2015 04:00 AM PDT

Some Highlights From The Report:

• 80% of all pre-retirees in the South Atlantic region plan to stay there in retirement
• 4 out of 10 pre-retirees plan to relocate in retirement
• Retirees in the South Central Region are most satisfied with their Cost of Living
• For more information or to read the full report: Click Here