Livingston Reporting - page 235

Tips On Purchasing Linear Accelerator Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medical facilities looking into purchasing Linear Accelerator equipment should budget between one million to upwards of five million dollars.  On top of the cost of radiotherapy equipment also comes with the expense of simulators, treatment planning coordinators, treatment room, machine operating costs, and the salary costs of the radiographers and physicists.  The overall expense is nothing to joke about; whether you are planning to install new equipment, replacing equipment or repairing an existing Linear Accelerator you will want to ensure the purchase stays on track.

Prepare, Plan, Propose

In can take anywhere between six months and eight years from start to finish when it comes to the acquisition of new radiotherapy equipment.  Projects span a duration that varies between facilities.  The first determination is in regards to the type of cases and the technology that is needed to treat patients.  Are you considering new construction or renovating an existing location?  New construction requires local permits, specific room requirements, electrical power and a water supply.  When renovating a room other issues arise such as room size and the location of isocenter as well as shielding.

Plan for milestones such as the vault completion date, equipment testing and acceptance date, when will vendors and IT techs be able to connect your equipment?  When planning for contractors beyond your control work in a margin of error.  It will decrease the number of uncertainties that are beyond your control and possible holdups.  When the clinical issues are decided upon the next step is to come up with a budget for acquiring the equipment and the additional expenses that are expected.

Hire, Educate, Train

It is crucial to have a team of experts on your side when it comes to the acquisition of any new piece of equipment specifically Linear Accelerators.  Experts that are hired on as an expert representing your team should include vault designers, construction firms, equipment suppliers, IT integration and support specialists, and a proven implementation team.  When installing new, used, or refurbished Linear Accelerators speak to vendor references before settling on a team of experts.  Choose a Linear Accelerator vendor that understands software, hardware, and the clinical flow.  A relationship with a supplier that also offers refurbished parts for repairing equipment is especially beneficial to any organization.

Commit To Quality

No matter if a new, used or refurbished piece of equipment is purchased there is a three step process to consider.  Review service history and major service events, machine utilization and an actual physical inspection.  When equipment is refurbished it consists of both cosmetic and mechanical updates.  New technology is crucial and mechanical refurbishment helps to protect against outdated parts and accessories.  The installation team needs to comprehend all aspects of installation from hardware, software to manufacturer’s acceptance testing procedures.

When purchasing any new medical equipment the transition between purchase, installation and service needs to be seamless; expect a long term relationship between the supplier and facility.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Acceletronics

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Four Important Reasons To Purchase Refurbished Equipment and Parts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Buying new surplus, replacement parts and equipment is a necessary part of running a business.  It is a process that without proper preparation can be stressful, expensive and time consuming.  It is important to plan for equipment failure and the need for replacement parts sooner than later.  This will ensure that when there is equipment failure within your facility that you know where to turn to find exactly what you are looking for.  It is a good idea to look for refurbished and reconditioned equipment and parts.  Here’s why!

Cost Savings: Buying refurbished and reconditioned parts and equipment allow you to save money over having to buy new surplus.  Depending on the equipment needed, parts desired, vendor, how fast you need it and if it needs to be installed it is not uncommon to say upwards of between thirty to fifty percent off the cost of new.  The same product, the same result all at a fraction of the cost.

More Bang For Your Buck: When you purchase used, refurbished, or reconditioned equipment and parts you will find that you can often purchase a name brand piece of equipment at a lower cost.  It is the same concept as when you are purchasing clothes from a thrift shop.  The same name brand pants that would cost you one hundred dollars at the mall would cost a fraction of that when purchased at a resale shop. Those hundred dollar jeans may only cost you around forty bucks but you get the same exact thing.

Dependability: When you buy products that are reconditioned or refurbished you are purchasing a piece of equipment or part that has already had the bugs worked out.  Depending on the electrical component company that you work with the testing process is more rigorous then that of new surplus.

Environmental Sustainability: Buying refurbished and reconditioned parts and equipment allow you to do your part to sustain the health of our environment.  Buying used products that have been made new again reduces equipment waste that fills up landfills and incinerators.  Purchasing refurbished and reconditioned equates to recycling.  The benefits of recycling are plentiful.  In working to sustain the environment you conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse emissions all while save energy and sustaining the environment for future generations.

There are many reasons to choose refurbished electrical components and reconditioned equipment over more costly, brand new equipments and parts.  Research a reputable reconditioned electrical part company to work with.  Establish a relationship with them to ensure their assistance when you are in a bind with equipment failure and in need of an immediate replacement part or piece of equipment.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Leave Pool Plastering To The Experts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Certain projects around the home need to be left up to the experts.  Pool owners need to understand a pool that is plastered incorrectly will end up costing more to operate.  In-ground pool maintenance needs to be performed by professionals.  Plastering is just one of the several pool maintenance jobs that need to be left to the professionals.  Many homeowners attempting plaster their own pools end up realizing the job is over their heads costing them almost double what it would have leaving it up to those skilled in the art of pool plaster.

When a pools plaster or colored aggregate plaster has been applied incorrectly homeowners naively waste money every day.  Pools without completely smooth plaster require the pump to run longer and require more chemicals to keep the pool water clean.

When a pool is plastered correctly the maintenance required on the swimming pool is less.  A quality plaster finish on your pools surface will not allow algae growth no matter how poorly a homeowner maintains their pool.  A superior plaster finish on your pools surface means fewer chemicals, less circulation and lower maintenance to keep the swimming pool looking great.

The craftsmanship that professional pool plasters can give to the finish of the pools surface makes all the difference.   A homeowner could use the same exact aggregate plaster that a professional uses however it will never be the same finish.  The workmanship a professional pool plaster company offers over that of the do it yourself homeowner is bar none.  A professional leaves a highly smooth surface that doesn’t give algae and debris a proper environment to flourish.

Rough aggregate plaster is the perfect setting for algae growth.  When algae is given the proper ecosystem, such as that found with incorrect plastering it costs homeowners extra money to run the pools pump and treat the pools water with chemicals.  Rough pool surfaces need extra attention to maintain cleanliness; where as a smooth plaster surface takes less attention and maintenance to stay spotless, free of dirt and algae.

If your homes in-ground pools plaster needs to be redone make sure to hire an expert to ensure that the craftsmanship is up to the high standards only a professionals experience provides.  Commercial and residential pool plastering companies decrease the maintenance needed to keep your pool looking as good as the first day the fresh plaster was installed.  Certain updates around the home are all the same no matter if it is done by DIY homeowners or professionals; a pools plaster is not one of those!

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Renovations Verse New Construction

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

An old age question that contractors are often asked; should we move forward with renovations on an existing home or opt for new construction?  There are factors on both sides of the discussion that need to be evaluated when deciding what is right for you and your family.  When considering between renovations and new construction take a look at the following five things.

Evaluate the costs associated with renovating verse the expense involved in new construction.  Are the renovations that are needed structural?  Structural renovations are often expensive and time consuming.  It will most often be more cost effective to start from scratch over renovating when a lot of structural changes are needed.  A new construction single story home runs around two hundred thousand dollars and two story homes around two hundred fifty thousand dollars.

Renovations, especially those involving the structure of the home can add up due to unforeseen problems that arise along the way.  This doesn’t give you complete control over the budget whereas with a new home you can get a fixed price contract.

Consider the age of your existing home.  You may have purchased this specific home because of the houses character, the charm of the existing neighborhood and other aspects that are irreplaceable.  If you fell in love with the old wooden floors and the existing ornamental ceilings then remodeling is obviously the only way to go.  Period features in older homes cannot be replicated in new construction.

Where is the home located?  Is the property one of the reasons that you initially purchased the home?  Are there landscape options mature and unable to be replicated in another location?  Vacant land to build on is often scarce.

Look at the homes existing floor plan; does it match your family’s lifestyle?  If the homes floor plan is unworkable then it makes more sense to start from scratch over.  It may be cheaper to begin with a clean slate over completely renovating the homes existing floor plan into something that can work for your family and lifestyle.

Renovations are often more difficult to budget for.  New home construction allow for a few years of lower expenses because everything is new.  It is easier to maintain a new home and more energy efficient appliance, windows and more have been used to create your home.  Also, new construction comes along with a warranty.  Renovations are an expense that is comes along with the homes current maintenance expenses.  So while you may budget your finances to achieve a new addition to the existing home it doesn’t mean that the water heater on the home or the roof won’t suddenly need to be replaced.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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Home Improvements That Pay Off

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Certain home improvements yield a higher value than others.  The first thing that comes to mind when going for renovations that increase the equity seems to always be kitchen remodels.  More important than a new kitchen is those basic home maintenance items such as a new roof, updated siding, fresh paint, basically any renovation that keeps maintenance low and appeal high.

Sometimes home improvements are needed instead of wanted.  As a handyman I have installed many new furnaces when homeowners dreamed of countertops of granite and showers that steam.  Often times as a contractor I need to remind homeowners that reliable furnaces and dry basements are far more important than updated kitchens and luxury bathrooms.

As a handyman I talk to a ton of real estate agents, architects and other contractors.  We all agree that buyers can’t get past a roof that leaks however can get over a kitchen that would seat more people with the addition of an island.  Homeowners are more likely to recoup their investment with the addition of new siding.  Replacing the siding recoups around ninety three percent of its cost, replacing the roof and windows return about eighty percent or more.

Home buyers often take basic home systems for granted.  When an offer is put in on a home it is expected that when the inspector checks the home out that the roof will not leak, the plumbing works, and heating and air conditioning systems are in order.  Basic home maintenance items will eat up a new homeowner’s budget quickly; in reality however they desire to use their financial resources to update the aesthetics of the home.  Maintenance items within the home can quickly eat away at a homeowners updating budget quicker than quick.

If 2016 is the year that you are thinking of finally get to the home improvements you have been putting off here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • What are you going to get back on your investment? How does the value of your home relate to others within the area?  If you live in a neighborhood where your home is already going for top dollar it is going to be difficult to get money back on any of your home renovations.  Installing a ten thousand dollar garage addition to create a three car garage where two car garages are the norm may not be the best investment for your renovating dollars.
  • If homes in the area have only one bathroom it may not make sense to increase the number of bathrooms in your home. A bathroom renovation can cost anywhere between nine and twelve thousand dollars.  Adding another bathroom to a neighborhood where one bath is the norm may not yield that expense in increased home equity.

It is important to understand that not all renovations are created equally.  Handymen that tell you anything other than that are lying.  Yes, you may want an in-ground pool but be sure that you know you may not get your money back out of the investment; be sure it is worth it for you.  If the value you will receive from the renovation is greater than the amount you will be able to recoup go for it!

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Spring Home Improvements That Add Value To Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Home improvements are not all created equally.  There are those renovations that are only done for the intrinsic value that they bring to the homeowner and family unit; one such exterior renovation that does just that is the installation of an in ground pool.  Homeowners most often will not get the money that they put into a pool back when they sell the home.   Whereas some renovations increase your homes value enough to cover the materials and labor.

Projects that offer homeowners a solid return on their investment all have certain qualities in common.   Low maintenance, high quality, energy efficiency renovation projects that are budget friendly make the best remodeling investments for the long term increase in the equity of your home.

Updating the homes entry way by replacing the front door is a great way to enhance the exterior of your home while adding curb appeal that increases the value of your home.  New steel front doors kick up the appeal of your home while yielding the best payback.  An updated entry with a new front entry door transforms the entire look and feel of the home’s exterior.  A new door also works to enhance the energy efficiency of the home without busting your renovating budget.

Another exterior renovation that offers a terrific return on your investment is the addition of an electronic driveway gate.  Installing a driveway gate is not only an equity building renovation it also offers other advantages to homeowners.  Electronic driveway gates increase home security, decrease insurance rates, improved privacy along with countless other benefits.

Another exterior project that works to increase the value of your home is new siding.  Old worn out siding decreases the homes curb appeal.  In fact worn out siding can decrease the value of the home by ten percent.  Updated siding on the other hand tells buyers that the homeowner takes care of all aspects of the home including the exterior.

Kitchen remodeling offers the best return on investment when looking into interior renovations.  Open space kitchens are value boosters to your homes equity.  Painting the interior of the home is an inexpensive interior update that works to increase the price homeowners can ask when selling their home.

When considering all home renovations think about the overall cost of the renovation project verse the equity value it adds to your home.  Some renovations such as painting provide an inexpensive project with a solid return on investment.   A home project does not need to be costly to improve the overall value of your home and not every renovation needs to bring an increase in the equity of the home.  Sometimes the best renovations homeowners can take on are those that provide overwhelming value to the homeowner while boosting the homes equity.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic driveway gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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Buying A Home With Less Than Perfect Credit

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Buying a home is a large financial commitment.  Often times the buyers credit score affects their ability to obtain a mortgage especially when their FICO scores are below 620.  What is an individual who is looking to purchase a home do to ensure that even with less than perfect credit do to obtain a mortgage?

One thing that is helping individuals with a poor credit score obtain a mortgage is that FICO scores are putting less weight on medical bill collections.  Medical bills actually account for more than half of all unpaid collections on consumers’ credit reports.  Below are a few things to consider when getting a mortgage with a FICO score of 620 or below.

Get Ready To Shell Out A Bit More:  Individuals looking to acquire a mortgage with less than perfect credit they should expect that they will pay more than those with credit scores on margin or better.  If you have gone through a short sale it is advisable to wait at least two years before trying to obtain a new home loan.

Recognize That You Will Want To Refinance ASAP:  A buyer that obtains a mortgage with imperfect credit should look to refinance in two years once they have improved their credit score.  A mortgage with bad credit is only a short term solution that gets buyers into a home.  Never allow bad credit to follow you any longer than it needs to.  Refinancing to a lower interest rate as credit scores increase is a way to ensure that doesn’t happen.

Speak With A Mortgage Broker Regarding Your Options:  There are many different options in regards to obtaining a mortgage.  A popular option is a thirty year mortgage; this however may not be the best option with a low credit rating.  Check with a mortgage broker to look at other options such as an adjustable rate mortgage.  This is one way to borrow money for a home loan while helping to repair and maintain a better credit score.  Often times an adjustable interest rate is lower than a fixed mortgage rate, at least in the short term.

Seek Out A Co-Signer:  If a borrower has other assets, they may be able to secure a better mortgage interest rate when securing a home loan with a co-signer.  Check with the Federal Housing Administration about having a co-signer on the loan.  When damaged credit is involved it is particularly important to check with HUD, FHA, the FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help along the way to homeownership even with poor credit.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Staging Your Home For A Spring Sale

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

One of the most important aspects in selling your home is the staging process.  While staging your home you have the opportunity to freshen up the entire home inside and out.  Spring is the perfect season to help set the stage for selling your home.  When the sunshine is out and the fresh showers are turning everything green there are plenty of chances to stage your home to attract buyers.  Make the most of spring time with these staging revisions that are sure to attract serious buyers.

Spring Shape Up For Your Landscape: To sell your home quickly during the springtime season it is important that the exterior of your home is in shape.  Winter weather brings in some nasty debris that needs to be removed before you put your home on the market.  Spring is not always ideal for planting but if part of sprucing up your landscape is to bring in some color look for plants that are frost-resistant.  Don’t waste money on plants that will be damaged by a late cold spell if it should hit.  Spring growth is a perfect accent for sellers!

Interior Spring Cleaning: The spring season is naturally known for a time to clean.  Cleaning is also the perfect addition to any plan involving selling your home.  Spring cleaning lets your home sparkle and look even more appealing to buyers.  The scent of clean will fill the home, the home will glisten and you will have had an opportunity to go through everything you own getting rid of unnecessary clutter.

Entryway Spring Spruce Up: Pick up a fresh entry mat to make the entry way to your home fresh.  A freshened up entrance will set the tone for your homes showing.  Add some seating with fresh colors to add to the appeal.  A hanging basket is another way to freshen up the space.  If you are feeling really adventurous take time to update the paint on the entry door.  These small renovations bring your entry up to date and appeals to buyers.

Stash Winter Wearable’s: Winter clothing takes up a lot of space.  Spring is the perfect time to stash the winter wear and bring out the spring and summer wear.  Boots, scarves, hats, gloves and thick winter coats take up a lot of valuable space.  Put the winter wear in storage in order to reduce the clutter and show off the extra space within your home.

Bring In The Spring Scents: Spring is full of fragrant scents.  Don’t forget to bring the scents into your home as they work to put buyers in a good mood.  Open the windows, add some spring scented candles and fresh cut flowers can change the entire feeling of your home.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Checklist To Evaluate Contractors

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Looking for a professional contractor for commercial or residential construction projects can be all consuming.  There are steps that need to be followed to ensure that the contractor you are hiring can meet the performance expectations while staying on time and within budget.  In order to evaluate the contractor’s ability to accomplish this you must take time to look into their background.

Looking into a contractor’s background can consist of several things including reference checks, viewing portfolios and analyzing online reviews.

Reference Checks:  As you narrow down contractors to work with it is imperative to ask to speak to both recent commercial and residential clients.  These clients will revile what you can expect when working with the contractor.  This will give you an idea of where you should align your expectations should you choose to work with them.

Portfolio Viewing:  There are many ways in which a contractor can show off their portfolio.  A great way contractors can visually show who they are is through an online forum such as an up-to-date website rich in photos of projects.  Websites that offer images of projects from start to finish can often be the most helpful to individuals looking to hire a contractor.  If you want a closer look at projects completed by the contractor ask them to view a job they are currently working on or have recently finished.

Online Review Analysis: Getting to know a company is made simpler with internet review forums.  Read reviews from individuals reviewing contractors that have worked on projects similar to the one that you are looking to hire them from.  People are completely honest, maybe even too much so when it comes to online reviews.  It is a great place to get to know a contractor through their client’s eyes.

Although evaluating a remodeler’s background offers a great deal of insight to the hiring process it doesn’t offer a complete picture.  When selecting a contractor for construction endeavors it is critical to the success of the project to confirm that all individuals, including sub-contractors, are licensed, insured and bonded.

It is essential that any contractor that is hired for any residential or commercial project not only be licensed and insured but also bonded.  A variety of construction bonds are offered to ensure that all aspects of a project are covered.  Below is a list of bonds that secure the project owners interest in a project from a contractors default.

Contractor License Bond:  A contract license bond includes three different parties including the obligee, the principal and the surety.  This type of bond is secured as a promise that the surety (bonding company) makes to pay the obligee (project owner) if the principal (contractor) is unable to fulfill the contract as stated.

Bid Bond:  When a contractor is bidding on a project a bid bond is required especially on government projects.  A bid bond is used to inform the owner of the project that the contractor can secure a bond if they are the lowest bidder.  It states that the bid amount covers the financial liabilities of the project.  It ensures that contractors don’t low ball a bid in order to get the job only then to ask the project owner for additional funds as the project progresses.

Performance Bond:  A performance bond is used to guarantee that a project is completed.  It ensures that the job is performed as stated within the contract and that it is completed within the time frame that is expected.

Payment Bond: Usually a payment bond is issued in conjunction with a performance bond.  Contractors post payment bonds to ensure that the subcontractors and material suppliers that are working on the project will be paid.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Construction Bonding Specialists

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The Wonderful World Of Antique Canes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Antique canes, traditional walking sticks and old-fashion umbrellas are all items that were integral in history.  They were all used as a symbol of an individual’s status from presidential candidates to celebrities.  Below you will find some interesting facts surrounding walking sticks, canes, umbrellas and more.

In pictures of magicians from the twentieth century you almost always see them holding a cane.  It was a main prop used in a magicians act.  They waved the canes over top hats, magic boxes and more always producing an illusion of grand proportions.  Master magician Cardini was often photographed with an intricate cane.  His walking stick was topped with an intricate gold topper.  When the antique cane was put up from auction by Potter & Potter Auctions in April of 2013 it sold to a collector for eleven thousand dollars.

Antique canes and walking sticks can be seen as far back as the prehistoric era.  Walking sticks and canes offered a degree of protection and stability as well as showing ones affiliation within their cultural organization as well as their status in society.

In 1988 a group of individuals came together to form the American National Cane Club.  The club was used to bond together the folks that carved antique canes and walking sticks.  The American National Cane Club is still known for their project that involves carving canes for military veterans.

Antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas come in three distinct categories: gadget, folk art and city sticks.  Gadget canes, gadget umbrellas and gadget walking sticks are still popular amongst collectors.  They offer a clever design that conceals tools and weapons within the piece.  Weapon canes were a way sinister way in which individuals would obscure lethal weapons that offered protection against potential threats.

Walking sticks and antique canes were often created from a number of unique materials from hand carved wood to narwhal tusks.  The handles were crafted using porcelain, glass, gold, gems and other embellishments.  Designs were often carved into each piece to represent the owners rank, function or profession.

Often times the knob of an antique cane was the most popular aspect. Distinct handles on antique canes and unique knobs on walking sticks made the piece more valuable to collectors.  Uncommon materials and designs can yield top dollar at auctions.  An English cane featuring a certain silver intrigue of birds and animals is thought to be able to fetch upwards of fifteen thousand dollars at auction.

Antique canes captivate a unique group of collectors because they are so unique and vary a great deal from one another.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

 

Antique Cane World

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