Livingston Reporting - page 275

Providing Snow Removal Services For Senior Citizens

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The winter months are some of the hardest for senior citizens.  Not only does the colder weather create issues for aging population but so does the snow.  Shoveling snow can be a hazard to the elderly.  The latest stats show that upwards of sixteen thousand people end up in emergency rooms throughout the country for snow shoveling accidents and injuries.  The risks come from not only the change in the level of mobility the aging body has but also because of the risks involved with lifting and twisting that is required as well.  Another issue is an increased risk of heart attack that occurs with seniors who are more susceptible because of pre-existing issues with their hearts.

The cold air that comes along with winter is another issue that affects senior citizens.  The freezing temperatures create conditions that make it difficult to take in deep breaths.  They also further challenge already limited mobility.  With cold air comes icy door steps, road ways and sidewalks increasing the risk of falling.  When someone who is older falls they are at a greater risk for serious injury over someone much younger.  Our bones become more brittle and susceptible to breaks and sprains as we age.

When it comes to the population of seniors amongst us now we are aware their nature is one of a more independent nature.  This can be seen with the increase in the number of seniors choosing to age in place.  This is where many winter related problems stem from when it comes to the elderly.

Despite the number of warnings shared with the aging population many still attempt to continue providing their own snow removal services.  They continue to shovel, salt and snow blow on their own as they have an overwhelming fear of entrapment as well as a fear that not continuing to do these so called normal tasks makes them appear fragile and weak.  Another reason may be because of issues that arise from living within a fixed budget.

If you know someone that falls into this category that remains either too stubborn to ask for help or financially unable there are a few things that you can do to help.

Of course if you are able bodied consider shoveling their driveway and sidewalks for them.  If it is a loved one you are concerned about that lives too far for you to travel call upon their neighbors to ask for assistance.  Sometimes the people around them are afraid to insult them by offering to help or are unaware a need is prevalent.  Another option is to call upon a local snow removal company that services others within the community in which a loved one lives and ask them what type of services they can offer within a limited budget.  It will shock you how many snow removal companies will clear the sidewalks and walk ways a bit more carefully when they know the service is being provided for an elderly citizen.

In the winter months it is so important that we take extra good care of our loved ones that are aging.  Snow removal, side walk shoveling, ice removal and laying down an extra layer of salt are ways we can all chip in to help create a safer environment for senior citizens.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services, including snow removal, throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties.  For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.

CBA Outdoor Services

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Winter Roofing Part 2

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our last installment we learned that roofing contractors were prepared to handle roofing in all types of different elements, including the cold harsh winter.  We took a look into why it was so important to the main structure of your home to have roof repairs done when they are needed and present a problem.  If left to wait until warm weather moves into the area a small roofing repair could turn into a roofing contractor’s nightmare.

A roofing issue that is commonly seen and easily avoided is ice dams.  These occur when snow melts and water is left to run down the path of the roof.  The water melts the under section of snow and finds crevices that are often undiscovered by a natural rain.  The snow that is closest to the roof melts before the top layer of snow because of the heat loss coming from the home attic which causes a water layer called an ice dam that can present issues.  This is the most common time to find a leak in your roof.  Roofing contractors advise that you prevent ice dams from occurring with a bit of prevention. If you find you are unable to provide these services for yourself call on a licensed roofer and they will offer assistance in clearing potential ice dam issues.

A professional roofing contractor can replace an entire roof no matter what weather conditions exist.  Even in the above example with ice freezing under shingles it is possible to replace your homes roof.  They break the projects down into categories; flat roofs are the easiest in the winter, shingle roofs are the next best option in winter roofing and lastly the hard winter roof replacement which are neither flat nor dependent upon tar for adhering.

Flat roofs are easy because of the process that is used to install them.  Residential flat roofs adhere using two different methods: one that uses a torch to adhere the roof to the base surface and those that mechanically attach.  Either system can be installed no matter what the outside temperature is.

Shingle roofing, which is seen on most homes in the North, are those that see the most damage in the winter time.  When hiring a contractor to replace your homes roof in the winter there are a few precautions to take.  Winter roofing can be done and is safe but should only be done by roofers who understand the special requirements that need to be taken.  The roofer must understand the settings needed during the winter when using their nail guns.  A winter roofing contractor must never over drive the roofing fasteners. The pressure on the nail gun must be set to prevent the nail from going too far into the material.  It is also important that the crew understands how to prevent low nail.  Dust can change everything when it comes to your roof so be sure the contractor takes into consideration the outside surroundings before winter roofing begins.

Roofing that is considered difficult use metal roofing, slate, composites and cedar shakes.  They can’t rely on being seamless after installation and don’t have the benefit of being held in place with a tar strip.  They are installed with the use of clips, screws and nails.    Roofing with these materials is possible in the winter but does require special care.  Instead of a nail gun the roofer must painstakingly hand nail in the cold.  In high winds, metal roofing is difficult to install as the large panels are easily pulled by the wind.

It is important to remember that roofing in the winter is possible no matter what material roofing you have on your home currently or that you wish to install.  The part that needs to be considered is that you have hired a roofer that is skilled in the special winter weather techniques some roofing materials require when installed in the colder months.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Winter Roofing Part 1

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Not all home improvement projects can be planned out.  Many homeowners, especially in the North, find their homes in need of roof repair or replacement just as the weather has turned cold.  It is a common thought that roofing renovations can hold off until it warms up however this is not always the case.  Homeowners are not only concerned with the quality of the roofing to be accomplished in the winter but also the inconvenience they perceive roofing in the winter is on roofing contractors. Really the only concern that homeowners need to focus on is making sure that quality roofing can happen in the winter.  If roofers didn’t throughout the winter it would be safe to say that many roofing contractors would be out of business by the spring.  Winter roofing repairs and shingle roof replacements are possible even during the colder winter months.  In this article we will provide answers to winter roofing concerns.

When it comes to roofing jobs there are two categories that projects fall under; roofing repairs and roof replacements.   When it comes to roof repairs any repair needing to be done can be accomplished no matter what the weather is outside.  If you are considered about the seal between shingles not coming together because of the lack of warmth don’t worry as roofing contractors will use a heavy duty caulking to provide the same protection and tight seal.  If the repair is not done and homeowners proceed to let the shingles remain off the roof the damage to the structure that will be done turns a minor repair into a major one.

With winter comes not only cold temperatures but also snow.  Once snow piles onto the roof repairs often become very difficult.  Repairs should be done before heavy snowfalls to avoid leaving an opening for large amounts of snow to fall and then melt.  When the snow melts the possibility is there for the water to seep into the home which leads to structural issues as well as dry wall problems.  When snow melts it often can find a way into your home that might not have been prevalent with the rain alone.  Water that freezes seems to have a way into spots that we never even considered.  If this occurs the damage that happens is often extensive if not taken care of right away.  This is why roofing contractors don’t only work when the sun is shining.  Necessity calls at all times of the year.

We will continue our discussion on winter roofing and roof replacement during the cold in our next installment.  It is important that homeowners realize that home improvements don’t wait for the weather to warm up; contractors understand this and are prepared to work even in the elements.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Simplifying Holiday Logistics With LTL Shipping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The holiday season brings with it many reasons to celebrate and to be thankful.  It also brings with it minor hassles especially for the logistic divisions within companies of all sizes.  Christmas is synonymous with shipping.  For many retailers the months of November and December measure the success of their business as well as the economy in general.

Companies gear up for the holiday season early.  They look for strategies to get their products out into stores and in the hands of consumers just in time to meet the seasonal need.  Seasonal logistics affect all companies.  This is true even when your company does not seasonally ship their products.  The holiday madness itself affects hipping therefore affecting shipping departments throughout all industries.

With the season fast approaching it is important that your companies shipping department is running efficiently.  Freight brokers are preparing for a surge of orders coming and are looking into a variety of carrier options to adjust to the influx.  To ensure that your company does not fall short during the peak holiday season below are some tips to consider.

Advance Rate Shopping

When you shop shipping rates in advance of the seasonal rush you are more likely to be able to enact a plan that will allow you to meet the needs of your company.  Add in a time in transit rule that allows you to compare services between air and ground.  Not only will you be allowed to consider the cost but also the amount of time it will take for the transit of your products.  You are allowed to weigh the cost savings verse the time it takes to get your product where it needs to be and then make a decision based on which is more valuable to you at the time.  Advance rate shopping takes into account both regional and national shipping service options.

Implement Automatic Service Updates

Automatic service updates implement changes to the shipping software you use.  IT allows you to create a rule that applies an in hand date to your shipments.  This option assures that a product is shipped via the method that will get it to its destination when it needs to be there.  The transit method, be it truck load, less than truckload or a variety of other options in which the product will be shipped is directly affected by when it needs to be in the retailer or consumers hands.  Upgrading your software may be a costly logistic expense that needs to be considered when looking into updates in your logistic division.  Look into updates that offer the most benefit to your company with the least amount of expense.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Detroit LTL

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Proposals Using Winter as Your Backdrop Part 2

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Winter is the perfect time to propose to that special someone who has taken hold of your heart and refuses to let go.  In our previous post we listed a number of winter time proposals that were sure to melt your soul mates heart.  There were just so many great submissions that we thought we would share some more.

Christmas proposals are popular because they tend to offer the perfect timing for a summer wedding.  If you are going to pop the question at the holiday why not recruit good ole saint Nicholas in on the fun?  Santa is magical to all of us young and old.  His mission is to make holiday dreams come true.  More likely than not if you have been dating some time and are seriously committed this is her holiday dream! Incorporate Santa into a date.  Often times the holidays bring with them light displays that end with Santa.  This is a perfect proposal opportunity.  Have Santa all set up with the ring and when the time is right get down on one knee and propose.  Better yet, have her venture out with some friends and surprise her dressed as Santa!

Another popular holiday proposal tradition is during the New Year festivities.  The nice part about this type of proposal is that it can occur with friends all around and a celebration already in progress.  Let your imagination go wild with a New Year’s Eve proposal.  Classic proposals may include a ring in champagne or chocolate dipped strawberries with a side of diamond engagement ring.  Unique proposals may include adding the ring to a party favor that she pops open at the crack of midnight!

Another winter holiday that should not be forgotten is Valentine’s Day.  This one day is all about love so what better way to use it to your advantage then to pull off a stunning, one of a kind proposal.  This holiday is perfect for any type of girl introvert or extrovert.  For an outgoing girl plan a desert party with a group of your couple friends.  Have everyone over to your home, bringing a dessert and some beverages to share.  With everyone there and having a great time, dim the lights and have your favorite song play on your stereo system.  Clear a space on the floor and ask her to dance while everyone is watching.  At the end of the dance kneel down and propose with the engagement ring in one hand and hers in your other.

For a girl who is more introverted the perfect Valentine’s Day proposal should be centered on just the two of you.  Plan a day of firsts or a day revisiting your firsts.  At the end of the night ask her to join you for desert or for a glass of wine.  When the conversation is perfect and the moment is just right stop and quietly get down on one knee.  Be sure not to cause a scene.  For an introvert the last thing they want is to be the center of attention.

No matter how you propose this winter season we hope that some of these ideas help you find the perfect way to give her the moment she has been dreaming of her entire life!

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Proposals Using Winter as Your Backdrop Part 1

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The cold and snow is upon us here in the North.  With this comes the holiday season and of course holiday proposals.  Now that you have found your soul mate and the engagement ring of her dreams it is time for the perfect proposal.  Below you will find a variety of ideas to make your moment special and one that she will remember and share for a lifetime.

What is more romantic to a women who loves winter more than an outdoor proposal?  Take her snow shoeing or out for a winter hike on your favorite trail.  Before you go venture out on your own and put in place signs that ask her to be your wife one word at a time along the trail.  At the last sign use food coloring and water to write out, “Will you marry me” in the snow.

Another proposal that is unique and uses Christmas lights is to take them and spell out “Marry Me?” on the roof.  Sync lights up on the home that play to your song, she will think that is the big surprise.  At the end of song have the house lights go dark and the roof lights turn on!  I promise she will be blown away.

Another option for a winter enthusiast is taking her for a wonderful day on the slopes, cross country skiing, sledding or ice skating.  Spend the day with one another sharing in a winter activity you both enjoy.  At the end of the date suggest warming up with a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate at a nearby coffee shop. Have the shop in on your big surprise and present her with a cup of her favorite beverage.  Under the cup on the small plate have them write out, “Will you marry me?” She won’t need the beverage to warm her up anymore that is guaranteed!

A horse drawn carriage ride through snow hills.  Need I say more?  Take a warm blanket, thermos with cocoa and that sparkly diamond engagement ring you choose!  Have the driver take you through the hills, by cottages with Christmas lights and really up the ambiance. Wait for just the right moment and have the driver pause the carriage.  If the driver is up for it you can have them get some pictures of the big moment.  Get off the carriage, help her as well and kneel down into the snow.  This is a surefire way to have her melting into a puddle.

The best thing with all of these proposals is that the engagement ring will sparkle something amazing with the snow as a backdrop!  The moment is about leaving her speechless and these are some perfect ways to make just that happen.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Save Money With Reconditioned Electrical Components

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

All business owners are looking to cut costs while maintaining or improving service.  This is the battle of all businesses big or small.  The less you spend the more you profit and with profits come the ability to grow.  One way that businesses attempt to cut costs is in purchasing electrical components for their operations.  Reconditioned circuit breakers, transformers, bus ducts and plugs are just a few of the components that can be utilized to save money.

One of the things to look for when choosing an electrical company to purchase from is finding a company that works with not only reconditioned but new, used and obsolete components.  It is crucial to be able to find replacement parts for the equipment in your plant when they are needed.   Having to wait to locate components means down time for the machines that keep your manufacturing facility running which in turn means a loss of money for your business.

When purchasing reconditioned or refurbished electrical products such as circuit breakers it is important that they have been properly tested.  Only do business with suppliers who sell quality reconditioned electrical distribution products.  They should operate under strict quality guidelines.

Reconditioned products should be completely disassembled with each piece being meticulously cleaned and inspected.  Refurbished products should then painted, reassembled and tested to ensure that they meet or exceed manufacturing UL standards.  It is also important to find a company willing to stand behind their new, used and reconditioned products with at least a one year warranty in place.

When possible, before you purchase the industrial electrical component your business needs to replace talk to a customer service representative.  With their assistance you will be able to find out a great deal about the reconditioning process their products have to go through before being sold.

It is important that the company you choose to work with is a supplier of a wide variety of electrical products.  Find a company that works with all of the major manufacturers.  This will make it easier on you when looking for replacement parts for more than one piece of equipment.

One stop shopping for new, used and obsolete electrical components is crucial.  When one piece of equipment is down it affects the entire manufacturing flow.  Having one place to go that can meet all of your needs for bus plugs, ducts, transformers, circuit breakers and more can mean all the difference in getting you back up and running fast.

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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Understanding Electrical Components

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Electrical equipment is a broad phrase used in the industry.  The phrase is used to define machines that gain power from electricity.   An entire set is created from a power switch, many various electrical components and an enclosure.  Small parts such as switchboards, distribution boards and circuit breakers all work together to run each piece of electrical equipment.  When we better understand the component used to create various electrical elements within our home or business we are better able to protect them.

Anything that requires electricity to run has the potential to burn out at any time.  No one can guarantee that an electrical machines run time. The longevity of your equipment is dependent on the components that are working together to run your machine.    One thing that can help to increase the life expectancy of electrical equipment is to install it properly.  The directions that are sent with the product from a residential stove to a commercial fabricator are sent to protect your purchase.  Improper installation is the number one cause for electrical equipment failure.

If issues arise with one piece of equipment in particular be sure that you not only look at the piece of equipment to find fault but also the electrical circuit in which the piece is a part of.  It is possible that nothing in fact is wrong with the machine itself but in the circuit in which it is plugged.  This is a serious issue both in commercial and residential applications.  When the wiring is not appropriate for the equipment potential hazards become a viable threat such as electrical fires.

Often times when a piece of equipment fails abruptly there is a simple explanation.  Blown fuses from overloaded circuits tend to be a fairly common cause of equipment failure.  Check the circuit breaker to see if this may be the reason for your issues.  If the circuit breaker is not blown check to see if the equipment you are using as fuses that are directly installed to help with the internal circuit of the product.  The simplest examples of internal fuses within electrical circuits are seen in automobiles or even Christmas lights.  The product contains fuses for the protection of the internal circuit as well as the residential or commercial circuit that runs the electricity for the entire building.

With proper installation understanding circuit breakers there is a good chance the next time a piece of equipment fails you will be able to troubleshoot it on your own without having to call in help.

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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Part Two Of Mistakes To Avoid In Food Label Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our first installment on product labeling we discussed why it was so important to choose the correct font when designing a new label for your product.  This article will focus on choosing the correct layout and colors to designing a new product label.   Whether you are having a label designed or planning to design something on your own here are some important reminders to take into account before printing.

One mistake to avoid in label design is clashing colors.  The point of label is to design something that is superior to that of the competition.  You want a label that speaks to consumers rather than one that stands out because it is revolting.  Choose colors that are meant to complement one another; colors that can do this without detracting from the message that you are trying to send.  If you are promoting a product based on a theme that already exists, say a fourth of July theme, update your label to compliment the theme even if your brand or product label normally doesn’t.  Adjusting to the theme is better than creating a labeling eye sore.  Clashing colors are unappealing to the eye therefore creating an eye sore when consumers are examining the label.

Another mistake that is often seen when designing labels is crowding.  Adding too many images to the label creates a visual mess that often makes deciphering your products message difficult.  Create a clean label that uses clear images to create a vision that is strong, vibrant and well defined.  Upon first glance, within seconds consumers should know what your product is, how it meets their need and be drawn to make a purchase.

A mistake that is seen in product labeling a lot when selling food products is sending a mixed message.  You want a food label to send a clear message.  The label should provide information about the products nutrition while stimulating the consumer to purchase the product.  In food labeling you want the label to share details of how healthy and delicious you product is especially in comparison to the competition.  Is you marketing food avoid messages that can be misconstrued.  If you want people to find your product desirable and tasty avoid adding images that appear greasy or rotten.

When you are designing a label be sure to create several test versions. Have several test groups survey the different options and share with you their thoughts.  Each of your product labels may have some degree of variation.  What is important is that your label is clean and clear in design.  Your label must convey a message while also maintain readability and looking professional.  Your product label is a reflection of your company, brand and product.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Creating A Product Label That Stands Out

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

  • Simple and Clear

When you are at the supermarket next time go to the shelves and choose a few different products at random.  Look at each products label and ask yourself; what the product is used for and what is the brand behind it?  You will instantly see the difference between the good and bad labels.  Those with a simple, clear message and distinct labeling design will be able to answer those two questions for you within seconds, those without will not.  Consumers will dedicate four seconds to you product.  Make sure your product label answers those questions clearly and quickly in order to appeal to your market. Your label needs to be simple and clear while acknowledging your brand and product.

  • Honest

When you are creating a label or product package be sure to show an honest depiction of your product.   Don’t over exaggerate the benefits of the product.  If you are selling a cookie that is dipped in chocolate don’t drench the cookie in chocolate.  Honest representation is better than extreme exaggeration.  People want to visualize what they are actually getting.  Find the best manner in which to present your actual product on the label and package.

  • Authentic

The heart of your brand is based on its authenticity.  A generic label with an uncommon design style can have a terrific visual impact.  When it comes to authenticity, stay true to your brand and product.  If a competitor uses real photos, use illustrations, if most are using a horizontal label layout, choose a vertical one.  Stay true to the original spirit of your brand which creates authenticity while designing something that stands out above the competition.

  • Shelf Impact

Your product will never be seen on the shopping market shelf alone.  With this in mind understand that you are creating a label to stand out amongst similar products arranged in rows and columns.  The impact your product has on the shelf makes a world of difference when it comes to consumers choosing yours over the competition. The impact your product has while on the shelf surrounded by the competition will determine success or failure.  The label should be distinct, appealing and grab the attention of consumers on first glance.

  • Extensibility

When you design a brand package or product label be sure you leave room for your concept to grow as your company does.  When you create variations of your products the product label design and packaging should allow for continued evolution.    An example of this comes with different flavors of your product.  For instance, if you are labeling juice be sure the shrink sleeve label can easily change with the creation of other flavors.  Keep in mind product extensions when creating a label or package design as this will save you from a lot of redesigning later on.

  • Practicality

Practicality comes into play when you are thinking about the shape, function and size of your products package.  The more practical your package the easier it will be to design a label that works with your product.  Thanks to shrink sleeve labeling a variety of product shapes become more possible to choose from.   When thinking about function consider the creation of wide mouthed jars for spreads.  The more practical the product the more likely consumers are to purchase it.

Remember the tips above when you are creating your new product label design as well as your products packaging.  Keeping these six things in mind will allow you to enjoy success when marketing a new product or brand.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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