18 minute read
Business & Service
MONEY & FINANCE
10 Myths About Credit Unions
NOBLE CREDIT UNION
@NobleCUFresno | Sponsor
How much do you know about credit unions? Test yourself on these 10 myths:
Myth #1: You must meet strict eligibility requirements.
Fact: While credit unions do require that members meet certain requirements to satisfy a common bond, many of these are broad, and few of them truly limit membership.
Myth #2: Getting to theATM is difficult because my branch isn’t nearby.
Fact: With over 30,000 free ATMs available, availability is not an issue. In fact, credit unions offer more ATM access than most of the biggest national banks.
Myth #3: Changing my banking from a traditional bank to a credit union will be a hassle.
Fact: Credit unions offer the same services as banks, including automatic bill payments and direct deposit. Most services will transition easily and go uninterrupted.
Myth #4: With all the fancy advertising, banks must have more money than credit unions.
Fact: While this may be true, it’s because credit unions are not-for-profit organizations. Rather than spend money on advertising and marketing, credit unions rely on the community for marketing. The money saved is rolled back into services for members or distributed back to members as dividends.
Myth #5: Credit unions don’t offer reward programs.
Fact: Many credit unions do offer reward programs on credit and debit cards. Do the research and be sure to take a look at the fees that are associated with the various accounts, even those offering rewards. At a credit union, you’ll save on fees. Do your bank rewards outweigh the fees you’re paying on each account?
Myth #6: Credit unions aren’t very tech-savvy.
Fact: Credit unions don’t promote mobile options as aggressively as banks, but that doesn’t mean they don’t offer them. According to a study by CFI Group, bank customers rated their satisfaction at 86 out of 100 in online and mobile banking versus 90 out of 100 among credit union members.
Myth #7: Credit unions are just like banks.
Fact: Credit unions are not just like banks. Members own a piece of the organization and own a vote in determining how the credit union is managed. Credit unions also return all earnings back to members with their low fees and great dividend rates.
Myth #8: Credit unions have an unfair advantage over banks because they don’t pay taxes.
Fact: Actually, credit unions do pay taxes. As a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative, there are some taxes that credit unions don’t pay. Those “unfair advantages,” of course, are passed on to members.
Myth #9: Credit unions are not regu-
lated.
Fact: Credit unions are held to the same laws and regulations as banks. In fact, credit unions face more restrictions on the investments and loans they make.
Myth #10: Credit unions are good places to save money, but that’s about it.
Fact: Credit unions offer consumer loans, debit and credit card services, online banking and bill pay, checking accounts, retirement investments, mortgages, car loans and more. They CR File Photo are a great place to take care of The Noble Credit Union Clovis branch is located on 175 N Clovis Ave. between all your banking needs.Sierra and Herndon Ave. Noble Credit Union, a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, has been treating each member with kindness, dignity, and honor while helping members make sound financial decisions for 80 years. The Credit Union offers members full access to a wide range of financial education and services, including low rate auto loans, MyRewards Visa credit card, mortgage and equity loans, online and mobile banking, and more. For more information about membership at Noble Credit Union, call (559) 252-5000 or visit NobleCU.com.
Business & Service Directory
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NOBLE CREDIT UNION
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Parsons Transportation Group Inc. has an opening for Engineer II in Fresno, California to perform conventional and moderately-complex engineering assignments, applying engineering techniques and analyses within the civil engineering discipline. Utilize standard engineering theories and practices and Company procedures, as well as CAE (computer aided engineering) and CAD (computer aided design) applications. Telecommuting permitted.
Mail resumes to Parsons Transportation Group Inc.; Attn: GM c/o People Central, 100 W. Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91124. Please refer to Job #R116950.
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Veterinarian Offers Advice on Adopting Pets
CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF
@ClovisRoundup
With many stuck at home because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, some may be considering adopting a furry friend to keep loneliness at bay.
Pet companionship offers several health benefits. According to the National Center for Health Science Research, studies show that people with pets generally had lower heart rates and stress levels than people did not have pets.
Pets are also thought to provide benefits to mental health, especially among people who suffer from anxiety and isolation.
But there are many important questions to consider before adopting a new friend, Veterinarian Katy Byrd says.
Byrd is a veterinarian at the Stonecliff Animal Rescue in Lemoore and is a relief veterinarian at the HOPE Animal Foundation.
The Roundup spoke to Byrd to learn what you need to know before adopting a new pet.
Before you even consider anything pet-related, Byrd said to make sure that you are capable of taking care of a pet. This means making sure you have the resources, time and space necessary to care for an animal.
“There is a lot of education and time that goes into taking care of a pet. You need to make sure you have the time to train it and the resources to feed and house it,” Byrd said.
It is helpful to make a mental checklist of the things you want to know before adopting a pet. First, you should ask yourself what you want in a dog or cat.
“Know what kind of companion fits your needs. Do you need a high-energy dog that you want to go running with or do you need a couch potato? Do you need something sturdy but gentle enough to be around young children? I would really encourage people to do their research on breeds and ages for dogs,” Byrd said.
Age and breed have major impacts on a pet’s behavior and needs. It is more difficult to change the behavior of older animals, for example, but many older animals are already trained and don’t come with any surprises.
“Adults are already house trained, already trained in other ways, and they are calmer. You know what size you are going to get and what breed it is. Sometimes with puppies it can be difficult to tell what the breed is,” Byrd said.
Once you know what kind of pet you are looking for, it is time to think about where you will get your new pal from.
People who want to rescue a pet can choose from a primary facility, such as Clovis Animal and Receiving Care Center or Miss Winkles (both are temporarily closed due to coronavirus concerns), or a secondary animal rescue organization, which includes local nonprofits such as Animal Rescue of Fresno.
Avoid getting a pet from a breeder, as that contributes to Fresno’s ongoing animal overpopulation epidemic.
“We are in a situation where we discourage people from breeding new animals. When you get an animal, especially from a private party that has been purposefully bred, you are rewarding them for introducing more animals into our already overpopulated animal state,” Byrd said.
Rescuing animals also comes with several advantages that breeders do not offer. Rescued pets are already spayed or neutered and already have the necessary vaccines, which saves you money.
“A rescue is already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped so you save a lot of money on the front end of getting a pet,” Byrd said.
When you adopt, remember your mental checklist of questions and arrange for the pet provider to answer them. These questions can include whether the animal you are adopting is good with other dogs, cats, or with children.
Byrd said it is a good idea to ask about the pet’s medical history and if the animal was a stray or owner relinquished.
“With owner relinquished animals, an owner is able to tell the staff a lot more about them when they are relinquishing their animal, things like whether it get along with other pets or if it’s house trained,” she said. “The staff probably won’t have that information if it is a stray.”
Byrd said that the more agencies an animal goes through, the higher the likelihood that it has suffered from psychological trauma.
“In my opinion, the more agencies an animal has been through, they may be more mentally traumatized. The reason is every time an animal gets moved from where it is, it essentially gets its heart broken because the only people that the animal knows are now not its caregivers,” Byrd said.
If you do adopt a pet who has experienced trauma, remember to be patient and regulate their day.
“They tend to need a lot more positive reinforcement, especially at first,” Byrd said. “Try to make everything scheduled and regular in terms of meal time, going out to use the bathroom, housing arrangements. Make sure you don’t get an animal
Envato Elements
According to the National Center for Health Science Research, studies show that people with pets generally had lower heart rates and stress levels than people who did not have pets.
at a chaotic time like Christmas where people are coming and going.”
Byrd said she discourages people from adopting pets that are extremely fearful around other animals and staff at the shelter, as fear often manifests as aggression.
“If they are really shy or reserved around the other animals or staff, that sometimes means that their personality is going to be much more fearful and those animals tend to be more difficult to work with because most aggression arises from fear,” she said.
Once you choose your new friend and bring it home, Byrd said that it usually takes a little more than a week for pets to settle into its new environment.
“There have been studies done by the veterinary community that say that around day eight, an animal will start to general interact with the family in a more normal way, whether it’s a pet that seemed reserved and now is high energy, or one that was fearful and now is getting more affectionate,” Byrd said.” So it is over a week until you can expect for them to have as they normally would.”
Rescuing an animal can be beneficial for both you and your new friend. Follow Byrd’s advice and perhaps, years from now, you will look at your cat or dog, now an old friend, and say, “Who rescued who?”
CAROLE GROSCH
cgg266@comcast.net
Despite the challenges faced due to Covid 19 restrictions, Soroptimist International of Clovis (SI Clovis) was determined to continue to reach high school girls in their community through the Dream It, Be It (DIBI): Career Support for Girls Program. It was more important than ever to provide support and hope to girls facing a wide variety of challenges.
Through relationships previously established with the Clovis Unified School District and San Joaquin Memorial High School, SI Clovis recruited ten girls to participate in a hybrid DIBI program. The event was presented over a span of five weeks via Zoom and at socially distanced meetings at a local park.
SI Clovis club members and guest speakers presented the DIBI curriculum. Tools such as setting goals, overcoming obstacles, exploring careers, and self-care provided resources for success. In addition, emphasis was placed on how each girl could be a future student facilitator at the next in-person DIBI.
SI Clovis offered ongoing mentoring once the DIBI event concluded.
They worked with the CUSD Transition Team for Alternative Education High School Programs to support girls who face additional challenges and may be homeless or in foster care.
The culminating highlight of this challenging year was in partnership with Elle Style Bar in Old Town. Two senior girls living in group homes had their hair styled and makeup was done for their graduation from Gateway High School on May 28th, 2021.
Avery, born in Russia, was adopted and brought to the USA when she was three years old. She entered the foster system when she was thirteen.
After finding out she was pregnant, she moved to a group home and entered Gate-
Courtesy of Linda Gillis and Lesley Chance
Avery (top) and DJ (bottom) visit Elle Style Bar in preparation for graduation, then, the big day.
way High School in January. Determined to graduate on time, she completed 70 credits and was awarded a scholarship for her hard work. Avery will be attending Fresno City College to become a radiology technician after welcoming her baby in August.
DJ is registered at Fresno City College and will pursue a career related to the medical field. When asked about her journey this year, she eloquently replied, “Stars are only visible in darkness. You need to see the light to achieve great things. I did that by believing I could.”
SI Clovis extends congratulations to Avery and DJ, who overcame huge obstacles and demonstrated tremendous resolve to achieve their goals. Soroptimist International of Clovis is the local branch of Soroptimist International. This global volunteer organization provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
For more information, visit siclovis.org.
Staying Hydrated in the Summer Heat
GET FIT CLOVIS
@GetFitClovis
Water is all around us and whether it is to keep an animal, an ecosystem, the world, or a plant hydrated it is essential to all life as we know it.
Just as the green leaves of a plant need water to keep growing and nourishing its cells, human beings depend on water to survive and maintain their bodies.
“It keeps us alive,” said Sarah Connelly, a clinical health educator at Kaiser Permanente. “Our body is made mostly of water so it is very important that we have it.”
Humans depend on water to regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, distribute oxygen to the cells, maintain normal bowel function, balance fluids, and its just conducive to good health, explained Connelly.
Water is also the backbone to cellular structure and the skins vital nutrients, said Edgar Macias, from Macias Dermatology, without water the skin shrivels and dies.
Water can keep you full, which helps in controlling calories, said Connelly. When the body is thirsty you may feel hungry but instead of reaching for a snack, drink a cup of water and wait a moment. If the water satisfied your hunger, your body is telling you it is dehydrated. Substituting a high-calorie drink, like a soft drink, with water can also help reduce calorie consumption.
As a rule of thumb, six to eight glasses of water should be the normal intake of a healthy person but the amount can vary depending on the body size, daily activity, health issues and the weather.
According to medical news today eight cups of water equivalents to about two liters, and that is water intake on a regular day basis. Unfortunately, most of the American population does not reach this recommendation.
“Many people in general are not used to drinking just water anymore,” Connelly said. “We’ve gotten kind of fancy where it has to be in a decorative bottle, have color, bubbles, vitamins, or caffeine. Really all we need is water like our grandparents drank.”
Sports drinks are good if a person is going to a sports camp, bicycling, or in any way engaging in vigorous activity where extra salt and sugar is needed along with liquid, she added, but normally you just need water.
The body loses water continuously
Courtesy of ProStock-Studio/Envato Elements
With temperatures reaching 100 degrees and more, it is important to keep hydrated.
through breathing, perspiring, urinating and even passing stool.
Exposing skin to water and chemicals, like chlorine, also tends to dry out skin, Macias said.
Knowing if the body needs more water is simple. Thirst is a sign of dehydration.
“We really should drink water so that we don’t get thirsty, the same way we fill our cars up with gas before we run out,” Connelly said.
If the body’s water supply is not replenished symptoms of dehydration can occur. Symptoms include dry mouth, extreme thirst, feeling tired or sleepy, dizziness, confusion, or lightheadedness. Dehydration can even lead to heat stroke, which is a prolonged exposure to high temperature without drinking water where the body loses its ability to control temperature.
The key is to prevent dehydration.
Keeping water accessible at all times of day can help boost your water consumption. Having a reusable water bottle can do the trick.
Add a wedge of lime or lemon to make water more enjoyable and improve the taste without changing its nutritional value.
Make a routine. Drink a cup of water when you wake up, after brushing your teeth, before, during and after workouts, with meals, and before going to bed.
We get busy and forget, said Connelly, but there are even smart phone apps that can serve as a reminder to drink water.
“Remember water is important for life,” Connelly said.
Courtesy Clovis Planning Commission
The Clovis Police Department donated clothing and toys to the Fresno Mission to help with the rising homelessness in the community on June 18, 2021.
Clovis PD Holds Clothing and Toy Drive for the Homeless
SYDNEY MORGAN
sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com
On June 18, the Clovis Police Department organized a clothing and toy drive to help with the rising homelessness within the community.
“Places like the Fresno Mission are trying to solve this [homelessness] problem,” said Lt. Jim Munro, who has been working with the Clovis Police Department since 1998.
The Fresno Mission is a non-profit organization that rescues, restores and empowers the community through services like providing food, offering programs, academics and spiritual counseling, and jobs for those in need.
“Everybody realizes what a challenge the homeless issue is,” said Munro.
This event was the first clothing and toy drive that the department put together, and the participants that helped make it successful were the 150 police officers and employees within their department.
“It was good to see our department members come together for the good of the community,” said Munro.
Members of the Department and members of the Fresno Mission came together to fill a box truck full of gently used clothing and toys, that members went out and purchased on their own time, and the materials were taken to the Fresno Mission.
“The Fresno Mission will distribute it to people in need, or they will sell it at their thrift store to make money to help the homeless problem,” said Munro.
What started as a simple email asking for members of the department to take part in a drive to give back to the community, ended in a box truck full of needed toys and clothes for people in need.
“They [the police department] jumped in head first,” Munro said “to help a cause we know is worthy.”
At the heart of the Clovis Department is the wellbeing of their community, and through this event they were able to give back to their community in a way they haven’t before.
If you have any interest in helping people facing homelessness and want to ensure a better and safer community through donation, contribution or volunteer work, you can contact the Fresno Mission at 559-268-0839 or go to their website at www.fresnomission.org.
Safe Disposal of Medical Sharps
Medical sharps should never be placed into household or public waste or recycling containers. All sharps should be placed into a sharps disposal container immediately after use to reduce the chance of injuries caused by loose sharps. Medical sharps that are improperly disposed of can injure anyone that comes in contact with your trash including Republic Services crews and may pose a public health hazard. Republic Services will provide residential customers one (1) free approved sharps disposal mailing kit upon request*
For more information or to request a sharps kit, contact customer service at (559) 275-1551.
*Republic Services offers additional sharps kits for an additional charge.
El material médico punzocortante no debe colocarse nunca en la basura doméstica o pública, ni en contenedores de reciclaje. Todo material punzocortante se debe colocar en un contenedor de basura para material punzocortante inmediatamente después de usar a fin de disminuir el riesgo de lesiones por causa de material punzocortante suelto. El material médico punzocortante que se deseche de forma inadecuada puede lastimar a cualquier persona que entre en contacto con su basura, incluyendo a los equipos de Republic Services y, además, representa un peligro para la salud pública. Republic Services les facilitará a los clientes residenciales, bajo solicitud, un (1) estuche para desecho de material punzocortante aprobado de forma gratuita por medio del correo postal.* Para más información, o para solicitar un estuche para material punzocortante, entre en contacto con servicio al cliente al (559) 275-1551.
*Republic Services ofrece estuches para material punzocortante complementarios por un costo adicional.
