NEWSLETTER
Published by HOA Publishers, Inc. • 5420 Pioneer Park Blvd. Suite C, Tampa, FL, 33634 • 727-403-5506
SEPTEMBER 2020
SUPPORT STUDENTS THROUGH COMMUNITY PROGRAMS by Family Features
As kids prepare for the upcoming school year, school supplies remain critical to their success. While school districts struggle with the challenge of delivering education and resources to students amid a pandemic, many parents are working to determine how they will ensure their children have the necessary supplies. Community youth programs are innovating to fill gaps and ensure kids from low-income families in particular are equipped with learning materials and supplies, enrichment activities and food. For example, when schools closed, local corps of The Salvation Army started adapting creative alternatives to their youth programs to provide activities, snacks and educational materials like coloring sheets, scavenger hunts and more to keep kids entertained and learning. If you’d like to make a similar impact in your community, consider lending a hand in one of these ways: TUTOR OR MENTOR STUDENTS. Although most kids across the nation face the same challenges with academics, some are at more of a disadvantage because their access to remote learning resources is limited or parents are unable to assist at home. You can help by volunteering to tutor students as they practice learned skills and get back into the swing of a new school year. DONATE SUPPLIES. There are 30 million children in the United States whose parents will have to choose between buying school supplies or other necessities like putting food on the table. Consider adding extra common items like crayons, markers and glue when you shop for your own children and dropping them off at your local youth center. Campaigns like The Salvation Army’s “Stuff the Bus” events allow shoppers to purchase and drop off requested items at collection bins located at the front of participating retailers. GET INVOLVED WITH EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. If you have a particular skillset or experience, for example as a high school or college athlete, lending
your knowledge to a local youth group can help provide a constructive outlet for kids while enriching your own life.
may be able to donate food, assist with organizing the meal kits or help coordinate deliveries.
VOLUNTEER FOR MEAL DISTRIBUTION. Many children rely heavily on schools for meals; in fact, the food some students receive through their schools’ breakfast and lunch programs may be the only meals they get in a day. Across the country, organizations have partnered with local school districts to provide meal kits, coordinate food distribution routes and pickup locations to get meals to kids and families. Depending on the needs in your area, you
Help fund youth programs. Uncertainty caused by COVID-19 has many people reconsidering their finances, and that means the donations and contributions many programs rely upon have slowed. If your situation allows, consider a monetary contribution to a youth-oriented cause, which can help deliver programming even if you’re not able to volunteer in other ways. Learn more about getting involved in your community at salvationarmyusa.org.
Purposeful Youth Programs While many children from low-income families rarely experience life outside of their immediate neighborhoods, youth programs can help kids discover new skills, passions and hobbies while connecting with others in a safe, healthy way. Along with community centers dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual growth of moms, dads and kids, organizations like The Salvation Army provide after-school programs for students of all ages and numerous music, art and athletic programs at its 7,600 centers across the country. The organization’s “Stuff the Bus” program also helps make activities and programs more accessible to low-income youth in local communities, including: After-school programs offer homework assistance and counseling for children of all ages, as well as one-on-one assistance with homework, study skills and literacy advancement. Dance, art and music programs are offered in no- or low-cost environments. Classes range from choir, band and dancing to drawing, writing and acting. Sports, clubs and extracurricular activities give children from lowincome neighborhoods a chance to play team sports and learn valuable athletic and life skills. Parental involvement coaching equips parents with the skills needed to support and sustain their children’s educational needs. #15370 • Source: The Salvation Army
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September 2020
NEW FOOD TRENDS CAN SAVE TIME AND MONEY by Family Features
As families continue to adjust their meal routines amidst a worldwide pandemic, there are trends you and your loved ones can follow to improve your general health, maintain a budget and spend more time together. HOME COOKING: According to a study conducted by Hunter on how COVID-19 has changed home cooking, 54% of Americans are cooking more and 50% have more confidence in the kitchen. Many, perhaps for the first time, found that cooking at home and learning cooking techniques could be a fun family activity. TRUSTING FROZEN: Frozen foods have seen a renaissance in 2020. Many families discovered that new technologies allow frozen foods to deliver innovations in flavors, recipes, authenticity and affordability without compromising taste. For example, Aqua Star’s frozen Cutting Board Meal Kits are available at grocers nationwide and feature full chefinspired meals like Chipotle Shrimp Street
Tacos and Southwest Chili-Lime Tilapia. SAVING MONEY: It’s common knowledge for many consumers that eating at or ordering takeout from a restaurant is more expensive than cooking at home. Eating at home showed families just how much they could save, and this trend is likely to continue. According to a Simon-Kucher Restaurants Survey, 26% of consumers who ate meals from casual restaurants before the pandemic anticipate eating meals primarily at home for up to a year after lockdown. MORE SEAFOOD: According to a national survey by Aqua Star, one of the country’s largest seafood companies, 75% of Americans want to eat more seafood. Seafood provides nutritional benefits for a multitude of recipes, but many people don’t know how to prepare it. One of the easiest ways to introduce your family to seafood is through familiar comfort food recipes and convenient one-pan meals. ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING: Nearly daily
trips to the grocery store can be an expensive habit since impulse buying is a bane to healthy eating and saving money. As online grocery shopping grows in popularity, it provides families with a convenient, time-saving way to keep must-haves on hand without overspending at the store. DINNERS WITH FAMILY: After years of families grabbing meals on the run, sheltering in place has brought many back to the dining room table. For a simple family meal that focuses on frozen seafood and pantry staples, try this recipe for Shrimp Scampi that involves just a few steps of preparation that can even allow kids to help in the process. If you don’t have time to cook, Aqua Star’s Shrimp Scampi MicroSteam Bowl is a simple way to enjoy the same flavors in minutes, from the microwave, with no clean-up required. Find more at-home seafood solutions at aquastar.com. #15289 • Source: Greenleaf Foods
SHRIMP SCAMPI Cook time: 20 minutes • Servings: 4 • • • • • • • • •
8 ounces pasta linguine 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup dry white wine or seafood broth 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 dash crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 pounds large or extra-large Aqua Star shrimp, shelled • 1/3 cup parsley, chopped • 1/2 lemon, juice only
- Cook pasta directions.
according
to
package
- In large skillet, melt butter and oil. Add garlic and saute until fragrant. Add wine or broth, salt, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Bring to simmer and reduce by half. - Add shrimp and saute until shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-4 minutes depending on size. Stir in parsley, lemon juice and cooked pasta..
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September 2020
Wyndtree News 3
CURRENT BUYER & SELLER PERKS IN THE HOUSING MARKET By Paul & Denise Virgadamo Keller Williams Realty • 727-919-8994 info@teamvirgadamo.com • www.TeamVirgadamo.com THE BIGGEST PERK FOR SELLERS: LOW INVENTORY
Today, there are simply not enough houses on the market for the number of buyers looking to purchase them. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Total housing inventory at the end of June totaled 1.57 million units, up 1.3% from May, but still down 18.2% from one year ago (1.92 million).” The red bars in the graph below indicate that the inventory of homes coming into the market continues to decline. It was low as we entered the pandemic and has reduced even further this year. Houses today are selling faster than they’re being listed, and that’s creating an even greater supply shortage (See graph below): Today’s housing market is making a truly impressive turnaround, and it’s also setting up some outstanding opportunities for buyers and sellers. Whether you are thinking of buying or selling a home this year, there are perks today that are rarely available, and definitely worth looking into. Here are the top two. THE BIGGEST PERK FOR BUYERS: LOW MORTGAGE RATES
The most impressive buyer incentive today is the average mortgage interest rate. Just last week, mortgage rates hit an all-time low for the eighth time this year. The 30-year fixed-rate is now averaging 2.88%, the lowest rate in the survey’s history, which dates to 1971 (See graph below):
The lack of inventory has been a challenging situation for a while now, and with low mortgage rates fueling buyer demand, inventory is even harder for buyers to find today. Buyers are eager to purchase, and because of the shortage of homes available, they’re encountering more bidding wars. This is one of the factors keeping home prices strong, an advantage for sellers. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR notes that this trend may continue, too: “Home prices rose during the lockdown and could rise even further due to heavy buyer competition and a significant shortage of supply.”
This is a huge advantage for buyers. To put it in perspective, it means that today you can get a lower rate than any of the past two generations of homebuyers in your family if you decide to purchase at this time. In addition, the National Mortgage News notes how today’s buyers have increasing purchasing power due to these low mortgage rates: “Purchasing power rose 10% year-over-year…With interest rates hitting record lows, buyers were able to afford $32,000 “more house” as of July 23 than they could the year before with the same monthly payment.” This is a great perk for buyers who are hoping to potentially get more for their money in a home, something many are considering today as they re-evaluate the amount of space they ideally need for their families. It is an opportunity not seen in 50 years, and one not to be missed if the time is right for you to buy a home.
With low inventory and high buyer demand, homeowners can potentially earn an increasing profit on their houses and sell them quickly in this sizzling summer market.
Bottom Line Whether you are thinking about buying or selling at home, there are some key perks available right now. Let’s connect today to discuss how they may play to your advantage in our local market. The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. We do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. We will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
September 2020
Wyndtree News 4
4 WAYS TO HELP TRANSITION PETS TO POST-QUARANTINE ROUTINES by Family Features
As states ease COVID-19 restrictions and people get out of the house to return to work, pets around the country may see their daily routines of hanging out with everyone come to an end. Some dogs and cats handle routine changes easily. For others, a routine change at home can cause behavior issues, nervousness or separation anxiety. A Suzy survey of 5,000 U.S. pet owners found nearly 70% of respondents are concerned their pets will have new or additional anxiety when they return to work. It’s important to prepare pets for changes in routine, especially those that are new to a home, for their well-being and harmony of the whole family. Consider these post-quarantine transition tips. MAKE A PLAN
The key to any plan is making sure everyone knows what to do. This goes for veteran pet owners and the owners of more than 221,000 new pets adopted or fostered since March, according to the 24Pet ShelterWatch Report. Pet owners should agree on the plan for their pets and details should be shared with children who help with care. “Pet owners should make a plan with minimal and realistic changes to help their dogs or cats adapt to new routines,” said veterinarian Elizabeth DeLomba, MBA, senior veterinary services consultant at VetriScience Laboratories. “Start by offering your pets belongings that make them feel safe and comfortable and add small things that promote mental and physical stimulation.” PRACTICE THE NEW ROUTINE
Ease your pet into being alone by spending short periods of time away from him or her both in and outside the home and work your way up to hours of separation.
Use practice time to get your dog or cat used to what happens before you leave for work, comfortable with a crate or other safe space and acquainted with a new toy, treat or someone who will check on him or her during the day. Before you leave, take your pet for a walk or play at home to get energy out prior to your departure. When it is time to leave, don’t make a big deal out of leaving. Say goodbye long before you leave then leave calmly. TRY A CALMING SUPPLEMENT
The survey revealed that 65% of respondents plan to use a nutritional supplement to help their dog or cat cope with any anxiety a new routine brings. Over the counter calming supplements like VetriScience Composure chews can help pets relax during stressful times without changing their personality or energy level. Calming supplements come in bite-size chews or a liquid dosage and can help relieve stress for dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. “Fear and anxiety disorders affect 23 million dogs in the U.S. alone,” DeLomba said. “Supplements may offer a convenient approach for managing separation anxiety and other behavioral issues. The ingredients in supplements work together to make a positive impact on behavior and anxiousness, which results in a calmer, more focused pet.” KEEP THEM STIMULATED
Don’t let your dog or cat feel bored when home alone. Play music, keep a television on or use a white noise machine to create some constant sound. If your pet isn’t into watching television, keep him or her busy with a treat-dispensing toy that requires some work. Or stuff a toy with peanut butter, freeze it and give it to your dog when you leave. These ideas can help keep your pet’s mind stimulated and encourage him or her to focus on something other than being alone. Start thinking about a plan for your pet and ask your veterinarian if you have concerns about behavioral changes. Learn more and find the full survey results at vetriscience.com. Photos courtesy of Getty Images #15314 • Source: VetriScience