Cell Phones for Seniors

While on Facebook today I saw an ad for cell phones for seniors... curiosity got the best of me and I clicked on it.  It is a site called "Social Choice" and in this article they present a questionnaire about your cell phone usage that would lead you to the best choice for your particular needs.  Of course there were ads embedded in the article for various phones and services, but, if you overlook those and just read the article and answer the questions, you get to the information that you really want.  I was told to check out the "Jitterbug."  That won't be happening anytime soon, as I love my iPhone and am quite happy with my Verizon service.  But, for those who have less demanding needs than I do, the Jitterbug might be a good choice.  I must confess that I didn't retake the questionnaire, so I don't know what other options they suggest, but, if you're a senior with minimal cell phone needs, I'd recommend answering the questions and seeing what is suggested for you.

I would also recommend that, no matter what service your are currently using, you call your provider and see what they can recommend for you.  Their offerings change and what worked for you 6 months ago might not the best for you now.  I recently changed my Verizon plan to something called "Small Plan" which includes unlimited talk and text, 1 gig of data, and "hot spot" availability (allowing me to use my phone as wi-fi connection for my computer).  For security reasons, I try not to use public wi-fi (especially in airports and hotels), so the "hot spot" allows me to have my own personal wi-fi.  Doing so uses up phone data, but it hasn't been an issue for me.  Anyway, the plan is relatively inexpensive (under $80) and includes my husband's phone (a flip phone which he says he's never getting rid of).

http://socialchoice.com/g/seniorphoneplans/?ss=best%20cell%20phones&c=8776&nr=3&pagetitle=Top%203%20Senior%20Cell%20Phone%20Plans&adsource=3&fref=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29t&yc=2203b_fc7

Update on RedStone Development in Indian Land

Source: Charlotte Observer

Article By Katherine Peralta
kperalta@charlotteobserver.com

Today the Charlotte Observer reported that the following businesses will be opening at the new RedStone Shopping Center (on U.S. 521 near S.C. 160, across from Lowe's and Edgewater) in the summer of 2017.

• Portofino’s
• Red Rocks Café
• Sharonview Federal Credit Union
• Lee Spa Nails
• Moe’s Southwest Grill
  

Other future tenants at the center will likely be a salon and day spa, as well as coffee, sandwich and yogurt shops, said Keely Hines, the MPV leasing agent for the project.

The development will be anchored by a 14-screen movie theater. Construction on phase 1 of the project, which includes 54,900 square feet of retail space for shops and restaurants, kicked off in February. 

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/whats-in-store/article72584702.html#storylink=cpy

RedStone is a 310,000-square-foot development by MPV Properties.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/whats-in-store/article72584702.html#storylink=cpy

For the complete article, click HERE.

Lancaster Animal Shelter Supply Drive

Sun City Residents Helping the Animals 

of Lancaster County

Lancaster County has an over population of homeless dogs. There is limited space at the Animal Shelter and very few foster homes. Our mission is to help support the Animal Shelter. We will focus on obtaining donations (see list of items below) for Lancaster County Animal Shelter; providing donations for low cost spay and neuter programs to Lancaster County Animal Shelter. 

- LASS (Lancaster Animal Shelter Supporters)

 Stuff the Rolls Royce Supply Drive

March 15, 2016

LASS (Lancaster Animal Shelter Supporters) would appreciate any donations of Purina puppy chow or cat food, Purina kitten chow,  Friskies wet cat food, cat litter, blankets, towels, Dawn-original blue, bleach, paper towels, laundry detergent, rubbing alcohol, small squeeze bottles, dog leashes, puppy pads and collars etc. Special needs include Nitenpyram(capstar) for dogs and cats of all sizes, KMR powder for kittens and cats, Nutrical for cats; Capstar and Frontline Plus. Donations may be given to Janine Gross, Diane Rashall or Sue White.  Checks can be made out to Lancaster County Animal Shelter or Lancaster Animal Shelter Supporters.

UPDATE

LASS President, Janine Gross

Thanks to the generosity of Sun City Carolina Lakes residents, the supply drive was a huge success!  While "Stuff the Rolls" was the theme, donations were transferred to other vehicles for transport to the animal shelter.  There were 5 full loads delivered by one pick-up truck and four SUVs!  We are truly blessed to live in such a caring community!

The need for donations continues!

If you would like to make a donation to LASS for the support of the Lancaster County Animal Shelter, please contact me. 

MARKET TRENDS

Free Monthly Market Report

• Is this a good time to buy or sell?
• What's going on in the real estate market?
• Are home prices higher or lower than last year?
• Are there more homes on the market now compared to this time last year?

Berkshire Hathaway's Free Monthly Market Report shows you real estate market trends in your zip code. You can view a one-time report or sign up to get a free market report emailed to you each month.  Click HERE to get your report.  

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Free Neighborhood Report

Thinking of buying a Home? That's great! Now what? 
You probably have a lot of questions, like:

• Is this a good time to buy?
• What are home prices in the area?
• What have other buyers paid for their homes recently?

If you know where you want to purchase your home, or have a few locations in mind, I can help.  Berkshire Hathaway's Free Neighborhood Report shows you which homes are on the market right now, photos & details about homes that have recently sold or are currently for sale, average sale prices in the area, how much other buyers paid for their homes, and more. 

Thinking of selling your home? Good for you, that's a big decision! Do you know what's going on in your neighborhood, like:

• What price your neighbors are asking for their homes for sale?
• How much buyers paid for homes in your neighborhood recently?
• The average time it takes to sell a home in your area.

Berkshire Hathaway's free Neighborhood Report gives you details about the homes you'll be competing against in your neighborhood, what buyers have actually paid for homes near you, and how long, on average, it takes to sell a home in your area. 

Click HERE to get your report.   

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Property Search for Sun City Carolina Lakes
Click HERE for current single family home listings in SCCL.
Click HERE for current condo/townhouse listings in SCCL.

Contact me to receive automatic updates for these searches.  You will be notified any time there is a new listing, a price change, or any change in status of a listing.
 
 

Charlotte Has Partnered With Mecklenburg County To Build The Longest Biking Trail in North Carolina

Source:  charlottestories.com
Article by Scott Jensen / Founder at Global Flare

Scott is a videographer, journalist, and entrepreneur. He earned his MBA from UNCC and is now focused on telling the world how awesome Charlotte is.

Get ready to ride (walk or run)!

For details, click HERE.

The Ultimate Guide to Homeowners Insurance for Dog Owners

                Report courtesy of

 "Dog owners often find themselves facing a particular dilemma when trying to secure homeowner's insurance. While insurance is a must for anyone wanting to own their own house, many home owners face higher premiums, inferior policies, or even blacklisting by insurance agencies -- simply because they own a dog. 

Homeowner's insurance doesn't just protect against natural disasters, theft and other mishaps. It also shields policy holders against lawsuits arising from injuries or damages, even those related to pets. However, thanks to the increasing cost of litigation -- especially those surrounding dog bites and other dog-related incidents -- many insurance companies refuse to write coverage for homeowners who also own certain breeds of dog.

If you're a homeowner and a dog lover, this guide is for you. Here, you'll find facts on the relationship between dog ownership and home insurance, which breeds create the most problems for homeowners, and how to find the cheapest and most affordable homeowner's insurance possible."

Below are the report's list of dogs considered "bad breeds" and links to several other similar articles contained in the report.  For additional information, go directly to the US Insurance Agents website.   

I personally found the article titled "14 Dog Breeds Blacklisted by Insurance Companies" (Psychology Today) to be especially interesting, because it included several surprising breeds (including the gentle giant Great Danes).

The following types of dog are most often considered "bad breeds" by many insurance companies:

• Akita
• Alaskan Malamute
• Chow Chow
• Doberman
• German Shepherd
• Pit Bull
• Rottweiler
• Siberian Husky
• Wolf Hybrid

For more on which dog breeds are most often targeted by insurers:

• 10 Dog Breeds Blacklisted by Insurers (MSN)
• 14 Dog Breeds Blacklisted by Insurance Companies (Psychology Today)
• The Case Against Dog Breed Discrimination by Homeowners' Insurance Companies (Humane Society)
• Homeowners Insurance (Bless the Bullys)

5 Tricks to Keep Your Pipes from Exploding this Winter

Courtesy of HOUSELOGIC
Article by Jamie Wiebe

Learn how to prevent your pipes from freezing, even if you think they may already have started to freeze.

It's best to winterize your pipes before the snow sets in.  But don't fret if you forgot — there are still ways to help keep pipes from bursting, like running your faucets and opening cabinet doors.

 Below are the main points.  Click HERE to read the entire article.

• Turn On Your Faucets
• Open Cabinet Doors
• Wrap Your Pipes
• Pull Out Your Hairdryer
• Frozen Pipes? Shut Off The Water   

Where Are Americans Moving?

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/the KCM Blog

 

Some Highlights:

• For the 4th year in a row the Northeast saw a concentration of High Outbound activity.
• Oregon held on to the top stop of High Inbound states for the 3rd year in a row.
• Much of this Outbound activity can be attributed to Boomers relocating to warmer climates after retiring.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

I'd like to thank someone for this adorable photo, but I found it on Facebook and there was no credit given.

Wishing you a cute puppy kind of day!

Video About Charlotte

This incredible VIDEO OF CHARLOTTE (courtesy of CharlotteStories.com) will make everyone want to move here! 

Scott is a videographer, journalist, and entrepreneur. He earned his MBA from UNCC and is now focused on telling the world how awesome Charlotte is.