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3 T E P BY S T E P A DV I C E A BOUT C HOOS I NG L OC A L BUS I NE S S E S
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How to Choose
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September 6, 2014
HOW TO Choose the Concealed Carry Firearm Right for You In January, 2014, Illinois became the last state in the U.S. to allow citizens to carry a concealed firearm outside the home for personal protection. With all the other states years ahead of Illinoisans, the question I get the most is “what is the right handgun for me?”There is no “cookie cutter” answer to this question because there are so many variables to consider, like your physical size, strength, age, experience, ability, among others. The first thing I would say is do not buy a handgun because it looks cute or cool.The look of the handgun is not what you’re after; it’s the functionality & comfort in your hand that counts the most.There are two basic types of conceal carry handguns: revolvers & semi-automatic pistols.The first thing you need to
do is get familiar with how both of these operate because they are completely different. Once you’ve become familiar with the two types the next step is to physically handle each type.What you’re looking for here is comfort and the right fit in your hand.All guns are powerful.When fired, you need a firm, comfortable grip for accuracy and control, whether you choose a revolver or semi auto.The firearm you choose should not be more powerful than you can safely handle because it will affect your accuracy. When considering weight, you must also take into count the weight of the firearm loaded with ammunition. Most revolvers will either hold five or six bullets, while some semi autos can hold up to seventeen bullets, adding quite a bit of weight. Weight also is
a consideration while wearing the handgun.Think about how you will conceal your weapon while choosing which model is right for you.Will you wear it in a holster all day? You might keep it in your vehicle only. Some will conceal it in a purse. Others may wear it on their ankle.The possibilities are numerous & varied. If you are going to wear your concealed handgun on a hip holster, you will want to consider a thinner, small to medium size framed handgun, possibly a polymer (plasticlike) light frame. If you are going to keep it only in your vehicle, a larger, heavier frame gun might suit you. These are some of the questions you have to ask yourself & with the help of a knowledgeable, trained sales associate, you should be able to narrow your search down. I also advise
people to try to shoot a variety of different handguns before making their choice. Many shooting ranges have the most common types available for rent.You really won’t know how you’re going to like a handgun until
you’ve handled & fired it. Please remember. Firing a handgun, or pulling the trigger is only a small step of handling and owning a firearm. Responsible gun ownership, proper and safe handling
and safe storage of your new weapon is paramount to ensuring you and those around you remain safe while you take on the huge responsibility of choosing to conceal a firearm inside and outside your home. Stay safe my friends.
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Locally Owned Family Business, Celebrating
21 Years In Business.
985 W. Pershing Rd., Decatur, 217-875-6625 940 N. Rt. 121, Mt. Zion, IL, 217-864-3741
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Septemer 6, 2014
How to Choose
HOW TO CHOOSE A Funeral Home Making funeral arrangements can be hard. And dealing with the death of a loved one who has not planned ahead can be a challenge. That’s why it is better to think ahead so you can have a clear mind while making these difficult decisions. Most people don’t have much experience with planning funerals. When the time comes to visit a funeral home, you will find prices vary dramatically. Indeed, funerals can be costly, but planning ahead of time will help you make wise decisions as opposed to waiting and doing it under difficult and stressful circumstances. Here are some things to consider when you must select a funeral home. The first step is to find out if your loved one has made any funeral arrangements and whether these plans need to be changed. Sometimes having family members that live out of town may be an issue along with some other factors that may get in the way of what has already been planned. If no arrangements were made, ask family
and friends to see if the deceased made any specific wishes about his or her funeral. And if possible, respect those wishes. If pre-arrangements with a local funeral home exist, then contact them. Arrangements bought years ago may not cover the entire cost of the funeral or represent the latest wishes of the deceased. But it may cover a good part of the expense and give you an idea of their final wishes. If you are in this situation, check with all of the family members and make sure that everyone is in agreement about what was pre-arranged or make adjustments as necessary. If no arrangements have been made ahead of time and you have no affiliation with a funeral home you may need to ask family, friends and/ or your minister for a recommendation. It is always recommended to focus on funeral homes with excellent reputations. You may also want to consider your own experiences at funeral homes in your city. If you cannot get referrals, look on the Internet. Select three or four funeral homes that might fit your needs and then call or visit
each one with a close friend The Federal Trade Commission mandates or relative. that funeral homes must provide customers with a Budget is a major concern for most people. Ask lots of general price list. questions and take notes After deciding on a about services the funeral funeral home and the type home may offer and of service you desire, if payment arrangements completing the proper can be made. Funeral directors should be patient documentation is the next step. The funeral with you and be director will help you more than willing to help. with the required forms It is important to get and permits. Talk to the written estimates for funeral home and tell them everything. Ask about who in the deceased’s hours for viewing, in-house family is authorized to versus off-site services, make decisions. Then be cremation services, very detailed about your additional fees and special expectations and what kind requests. Since prices of arrangements you want. vary it is especially Tell them if something is important, when comparing not being done according one funeral home to to your intentions. another, to compare the same type of service When other relatives or and merchandise. friends are involved, it
is best to find a funeral home that fits your family’s needs. Talk with them honestly and openly and don’t allow yourself to be pressured into additional services you don’t need or can’t afford. Stay within your budget. Good funeral homes will guide you through the process to ensure that the funeral runs smoothly for everyone. In your time of grief and hardship, understand that preplanning can give you a small measure of comfort and peace. By planning your funeral ahead of time it can eliminate a lot of the questions your family would have if you chose not to. Not to mention the cost savings of paying at today’s prices and not burdening your family at a future date.
Care. Comfort. Plan.
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217-875-2004 • 2801 N. Monroe St. www.moranandgoebel.com
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How to Choose
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September 6, 2014
HOW TO
Choose In-Home Care Sometimes, people need help in order to live independently. Seniors and even young people with debilitating disease could live at home with assistance. Nursing homes are no longer the only option. While many of them provide compassionate care, the move can prove to be expensive and traumatic. It forces the patient to leave their familiar environment and belongings.
determine the level of care required. This professional may even have suggestions for you. After speaking to several in-home care providers, you can compare the range of services they offer. Typically, they will fall into three categories: MEDICAL CARE
Providers vary greatly in terms of the types of medical care they provide. Medicare In-home care is becoming certified agencies are needed more common. Clients who to provide skilled care services need assistance with daily that Medicare or health living activities can still live at insurance companies cover. home surrounded by family These providers cover short and friends. It is the perfect term needs that are restorative compromise. or rehabilitative in nature. Professionals visit Other licensed home care the home of the patient to agencies provide daily living provide services. Not only is it assistance and these agencies convenient and comfortable, it can assist you from 2 to 24 is typically less expensive than hours per day. the care offered at a full-time Always inquire about facility. the qualifications of any Because it is growing in in-home care providers popularity, many in-home care you are considering. All companies often specialize workers should have the in services ranging from proper training, degrees and housekeeping and errand certifications. Many agencies running to personal care. have RN’s supervising the aides who will be caring for Talk to your loved one’s primary care physician or do a you and this extra expertise can be comforting to you and web based search to help you your family members. understand your choices. The doctor can help you select a provider and help you
If you are unclear about the exact level of medical
care your loved one will require, ask your physician or ask the agency you are considering to come and do a free in-home assessment. The doctor may also be able to suggest qualifications inhome care providers should have to best meet your needs. PERSONAL CARE Caregivers can help with daily grooming, mobility and any special diet requirements. They can help prepare meals or run simple errands. This is the type of service that many people coping with chronic conditions or debility related to advance age require. COMPANIONSHIP Homebound people often need companionship. An in-home care professional will provide a friendly face and good conversation as well as general care. It might be a matter of reading aloud to your loved one, discussing the daily news or playing a game of cards. Quality in-home care providers understand that patients also need mental stimulation and human contact in order to stay well.
Before entering a contract, understand the services that will be provided. A good home care agency will have a nurse and staffing coordinator on call 24 hrs a day seven days a week. The agency will be fully licensed in the State of Illinois and their staff will all be employed and fully insured so that you are not exposed in the event the caregiver has an accident or injury in your home. Additionally a good agency will thoroughly screen, run background check and drug test all employees before they are hired. They will also attempt to find aides whom you enjoy and fit with your personality. In summary, a good in-home agency should
be able to put you at ease and enable you to be confident that they can care for you or your loved one. Everyone, including you, should be comfortable with the people who work for the company. In-home caregivers will quickly become part of your life, especially as they enter and exit the house. Seek advice from people who have been in a similar situation. The best in-home care provider is about finding the right combination of services. Once you have the right company, the client will receive companionship, comfort and assistance that make in-home care such a fantastic choice.
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• All care is supervised and supported by RN’s • Personal Care (Bathing, Dressing, Grooming, Ambulation) • Medication Assistance • Transportation & Errands • Meal Preparation • HousekeepinW 2888A S. Mt Zion Rd. • Decatur, IL • 217-876-7100 • Also oXfices in: BloominWton • ChampaiWn • Charleston • Danville • Peoria
Visit Us Online: www.Alpha-Care.com
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Septemer 6, 2014
How to Choose
HOW TO
Choose a Furniture Store
When your looking to update your home, where you shop can make all the difference. Are you searching for modern trends or reliable, sturdy pieces. Whatever your style, it is always best to find a shop with excellent service and the kind of furniture that will last for many years. So how can you find a quality furniture store in your area? First, consider the kind of furniture you need. Are you searching for a formal dining table? Perhaps you need to upgrade your child’s bedroom set? Maybe you need an ergonomically correct desk for your home office.
Get a feel for your sense of style. Look at the furniture you own already and imagine what will match your existing pieces. If you can identify your design preferences, it will be easier to find a store that fits you. When you know your preferences, start searching for a store that matches your sensibility. Many stores cater to certain price points, while others focus on specific styles. For instance, if you are searching for an oak dining room set -- table, chairs, buffet and hutch -- you should look for a store that sells what you want as a set. Purchasing pieces separately is more work without any guarantee that
it will look good together. On the other hand, if you only need a nightstand, shop at retailers that sells pieces rather than only suites. Concentrate on your sense of style. If you prefer contemporary furniture, don’t waste your time in a countrystyle furniture store. While that store may have a tempting sale, your purchase will not make you happy in the long run. Unless you are remodeling your entire home, your new pieces should match the overall decorating theme in your home. When hunting for the right store, be aware of colors, textures and
materials that will match your decor. Cohesiveness will add to the comfort level of your home. When stepping into the furniture store, take a look around. Do you see accessories that may provide striking accents to the pieces you already own? Does the furniture in the store match your interior color
schemes? By making a quick assessment, you will know if you should continue toward the showroom. Look at the prices of different pieces. Does the furniture offered fit your financial plan? If not, cross that store off your list. The prices should be appropriate for
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the quality of the furniture. Handmade objects will be more expensive than mass produced pieces. The bottom line is that you should always take the time to determine your needs, style and budget before looking for the right furniture store. - Our Lines A.R.T. Furniture Allan Copley Ambella Home Arteriors Artistica Bernhardt Bradington Young Canadel Cresent CTH Sherrill Currey & Co. Designmaster Emerson Et Cie’ F. Schumacher Fairfield Chair Fine Furniture Global Views Harounian Rugs Hekman Hickory White Highland House Hooker Hunter Douglas Jaunty John Richard Jonathan Charles Kincaid Lexington Loloi Masland Momeni Motioncraft Norwalk Northcape Intl. Old Biscayne Parker Southern Phillips Scott Precedent Rizzy Sherrill Sligh Stanley Stanton Stark Surya Taylor King Temple Theodore Alexander Uttermost Vanguard Wildwood
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How to Choose
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September 6, 2014
HOW TO Choose the Best Daycare for Your Child Selecting a daycare can seem like a daunting task. It is important that you choose a place where you’ll feel comfortable leaving your child. Daycares can vary widely in terms of professionalism and quality, so it is vital that you research each place you are considering. Making on-site visits will tell you plenty about the quality of the facility. Schedule an appointment with the director so you can ask questions. Have your children accompany you on this trip so you can see how they will react to this environment. Observe your child and gauge his or her comfort level. Here are other factors to consider when choosing a daycare.
STAFF The quality of a daycare rests on its employees.These staff people must be reliable and responsible. Request information on background checks of the staff.Ask about the ratio of caregivers to children.Adults cannot do their jobs effectively when they have to care for 30 children at once with no extra assistance. Good hygiene habits are a must. Sickness is easily spread among children and adults at a daycare. Observe how the employees interact with children.They should communicate well and like kids.
The best daycare employees do not play favorites.They spend equal time with everyone and make every child feel important.
BUILDING The facility should be in a safe and inviting environment. It should have bright colors and fun decor. The lighting needs to be adequate. Inspect the bathrooms, dining areas and nap rooms. Everything should be decorated with children in mind. Look outside at the play areas. Every area should be designed with safety in mind. Look for locks on doors, sharp edges and dangerous objects that might be in a child’s reach.
ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES No child should be bored at a daycare. High-quality daycares offer activities to keep your child preoccupied throughout the day. Ask the director what kind of activities are available for children. It should be a mixture of free play and structured activities. Crafts, music, stories and ageappropriate lessons will help your child grow.
DISCIPLINE Discipline is an essential issue.Ask the daycare how they deal with specific discipline issues.What are the
consequences for undesirable behavior? Also, if your child has difficulties with sharing, talk to them about how they might handle it.They should give you thoughtful answers.Ask for a copy of the daycare’s rules.
How do they address your child during the visit? Does the daycare have toys and activities that interest him or her? If your child is of speaking age, you can ask directly for
OTHER QUESTIONS The daycare should have a stringent sickness policy. It will protect your child from catching viruses frequently. You don’t want to pay for a month of daycare only to have the child stay home because of illness. As well, the daycare should ask for a copy of the child’s vaccination records. Throughout your visit, look to see if your child seems genuinely interested and comfortable. How does he or she interact with the other children. If your child is shy, see how the teachers get timid kids to engage with others. Observe how your child interacts with the teachers.
his opinion of the daycare. Selecting a daycare is such an important decision. Look at each option thoroughly before making a final decision. Follow your gut instinct. If you feel something is wrong at a particular facility, don’t be afraid of crossing them off your list.You can find another daycare that is more comfortable for you and your child. With a bit of close observation and intuition, you should have no trouble finding
a suitable daycare for your child.
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