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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-08-05, Page 9Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, August 5, 2009 - Page A9 Photo by Denny Scott Song and praise in Courthouse Park Summer Pastor Andy DeKorte of. Trinity Christian Reformed Church led an outdoor church service on Sunday, August 2. "TO BE OR NOT TO BE" We can't answer that question but, is it time to refinance your mortgage or buy a new home? For the answer, call or stop in today and speak face to face with Mike or Christy. Or, we will work around your schedule and come to our home. Mike Hodges Christy Alcock Mortgage Agent Mortgage Agent nci) L. Jo(i i(t:40g mike.h e • ! es@mi • rou • .ca Trade show showcases the green life Denny Scott signal -star staff The Center for Ap- plied Renewable Energy (CfARE) is hosting the "It's Easy Being Green" trade show, which will take place at the Columbus Centre on Parson's Court Wednesday, August 5. Billed as "The Energy Trade Show about you and your home," the event will feature green versions of ev- erything, from cleaning sup- plies to power generation, according to David Blaney, program director at CfARE. A departure from last year's symposium, the trade show will feature special presentations throughout that will inform individuals about solar energy, insulated concrete form construction and government grants. "This year we're looking at more of a trade show than a symposium," David Blaney, program director at CfARE explained. "We're going to have outdoor displays, and consumer displays to help people get to know their green options." The doors of the Colum- bus Center will open at 11 a.m., with opening ceremo- nies being held at noon. Lo- cal ' dignitaries MPP Carol Mitchell and Mayor Deb Shewfelt will be in atten- dance. There will also be a chil- dren's event hosted from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., which will feature special events for children ages five through 10. "We'revery close to hav- ing 40 exhibitors right now," Blaney explained. "And since it's a free show for consumers, they're all show- ing products and solutions for individuals." He said consumers will find many ways to "go green" at home. "We'll have small things that people can do to im- prove their • homes, like environmentally friendly cleaning products, bamboo products, and larger things too, like personal wind turbines, green cars, and construction materials," he said. The event will also fea- ture a presentation by Bill King, who will give a sem- inar about solar installation applications. For more information, visit CfARE's website at www.cfarhuron.ca, or con- tact them at 519-887-9564. DELl VEBIN FUTUIIE What do you call someone who runs their own business, braves summer heat and the winter chit is on the job in the rain, snow and sleet, is always cheerful and courteous and who brings the product rigs to your door every Wednesday without fail while also trying to conquer the intricacies of math, science and auditioning for frstchair saxophone in the school band? ■ Iledevich ilUaai-2lar Canter. Tomorrow's entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers and craftsmen are today's newspaper carriers. Loam skills that will last a lifetime, and earning a little money on the side couldn't hurt either. IC BECOME A COIJERICK SILiNA-aTAR CARRIER TODAY NM* Cell Now 524-2614 .n. no TALK TO EL i . 1 Y PARENTS AB R FINANCIAL SITUATION e e ro _ d you are p _ ate if you have ` 9 ark p mental condition. ' i '" f i ur parents` re heal' you should take t cs matters of significance - such as their financial situation. •ere are probably many things you'd rather do than talk about finances with your parents -but it's a conversation you need to have, because there is a lot that you need to discover. So, find a comfortable time in which to talk to your parents, approach the subject in as unemotional a manner as possible, and try to elicit the following pieces of information: Location of invest menta - it isn't necessarily essential that you know precisely which investments and life insurance policies your parents own. But it is important that you know some things. Do they work with a financial advisor? If so, whom? Are their Investments and life insurance policies spread out among a variety of financial institutions?You'll need to be familiar with these things in case your parents become incapacitated of die unexpectedly. You can avoid "unclaimed" property, including investments, from slipping through the cracks if you are aware of these details. • Insurance Coverage for Health and Medical Needs - Long-term care and health care expenses can be a major concern of the elderly. That's why you need to know who's insuring your parents and where your parents keep information related to their insurance policies. You should also have a basic understanding of any health insurance program they may have through a current or former employer for the payment of doctors' bills, some prescription drugs and related services. And even so, your parents may need supplemental insurance policies. Of course, the chances are pretty good that your parents already know all these things; nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to make sure they're well informed and that their health-care bills are under control. Existence of a Will - If you don't know if your parents have a Will now is the time to find out. And if they don't have a Will, urge them to have one prepared. Your parents have worked hard all their lives and they undoubtedly want their assets distributed according to their wishes, and not according to a court's decree, which is what would happen if they die "intestate" (without a Will). Even if your parents have a simple Will, they may still need to take further action. If you believe they have a sizable estate or want to give significant gifts to charitable groups, encourage them to consult with a lawyer who specializes in estate planning. Willingness to create power of attorney - Lty creating a durable power of attorney, your parents will name someone to make financial and/or health care decisions on their behalf should they become unable to do so. As you might suspect, this is a sensitive topic, so you'll want to approach "1t with great care. By bringing up liktie issues with your parents, you can gain some valuable knowledge of their financial situation today - and a clearer understanding of what you can do to help them in the future, 6. Edward • £1 •