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8 things to know

about your credit report By Bev O’Shea NerdWallet.com

Why should I monitor my credit? Regularly checking your credit reports and credit scores can help you catch and fix errors or detect identity theft. It also lets you see progress as you improve your credit.

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Who needs to do it? Everyone, even people with no credit activity. If someone has your Social Security number, he or she may have applied for credit in your name. How do I start? Get your free annual credit reports from the major credit-reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Access them on AnnualCreditReport.com. What am I looking for on my reports? Make sure: • Information is accurate and up to date.

• Accounts listed are actually yours. • No one else’s information has gotten mixed into your file.

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What if I find errors? You can ask the credit bureaus to correct them.

Then what? Once you’ve made sure the credit bureaus have correct information, keep an eye on your credit score and watch for new information on your reports. Some credit card issuers also offer free scores.

What do I watch for with my score? Make sure good credit habits are accurately reflected. Paying on time and whittling down balances should build your score. A big swing you don’t expect could indicate identity theft.

How often can I check without hurting my score? As often as you like. Checking your own credit does not affect your score.

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Downtown Your Town

Friday, June 23, 2017 • 3

BY LINDA AGEE Just about every mid-size city in America has its share of franchised restaurants, malls and stylish modern buildings. But what sets a city apart and makes it unique is its history which is often reflected in its architecture. Shawnee has its share of turn-of-the-century buildings downtown and the Historic Shawnee Alliance (HSA) is working with local business owners to preserve them. But preservation alone is not enough. These buildings must be made functional and downtown made a destination to ensure survival. Many downtown business owners, in partnership with the city and other local entities, are working on that. You’ve probably already seen what a dramatic difference the city’s Streetscape project has made in downtown with new sidewalks, bicycle racks, brick intersections, and landscaping. Ornate vin-

tage-style street lamps line Main Street and light up the whole area at night, making the area feel safer. Other recent improvements include Shawnee Splash (within walking distance to local neighborhoods), a new Pottawatomie County museum under construction, and for the first time in over 30 years, central heat and air in the Municipal Auditorium. Safe Event for Families (SEFF) also recently took over ownership of the Ritz Theatre and is making some much-needed improvements. The Jones Family Company, LLC recently donated two vacant lots where the Criterion Theatre once stood to the city. These lots, across from the library, will eventually be incorporated into an overall Town Square and a plaque placed there to honor theater founder Jake Jones, Sr. Preliminary design includes a fountain, stage, sidewalks, and landscaping. Building and business owners along Main Street are also making a difference. Many have taken advantage of the HSA’s Facade Grant Program that matches up

to $4,000 for facade improvements in the downtown business district. New businesses recently opened include Savvy Bites (selling gourmet cooking items), The Lunch Box delicatessen, and an art gallery. And construction is underway for an Italian restaurant and coffee shop. Soon, you will begin to see new signage pointing to and throughout downtown. The city recently awarded a long-awaited contract for wayfinding signage throughout the city. When plans culminate to widen Kickapoo from Kickapoo Spur to Farrall, there will be a Roundabout at Main and Broadway, making it easier for

people to get downtown. The HSA is also looking into working with other groups such as SEFF and Bluezones to create a Farmer’s Market in the downtown area featuring fresh produce, made-in-Oklahoma products, and handmade items. The market is expected to not only promote healthy living, but also create a community atmosphere. And last but not least are the fantastic events hosted annually by SEFF. These include a “Night on the Bricks” Redbud festival featuring a free community dinner, Frontier Days, a Christmas Parade and of course, Boo on Bell.

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New dangers FREEPIK.COM

Safety tips for the modern home

By Deena Bouknight More Content Now

arents tend to be so careful about making sure cleaning agents, medications, guns and pesticides are safely out of the reach of little ones. Yet, it may be surprising that cosmetics and personal care products top the list of reasons why poison control is often called, especially for children younger than 6. In 2014, more than 150,000 children were affected by products that fall into this category. Information provided by kidshealth.org, reviewed by physicians, reveals that perfume, hair dye, nail polish and nail polish remover can be especially harmful. Lipsticks and lip glosses are enticing because of colors and smells, but some contain traces of metals — whole tubes ingested or rubbed in eyes could cause health problems. Some other potential dangers: • Art supplies are another potential danger. Healthy Schools Network filed a report in 2011 recommending young children avoid permanent or dry-erase

Trying to keep kids safe can be overwhelming. Kidshealth.org suggests parents evaluate a home on a child’s level to determine what can be picked up, reached or climbed.

markers as well as some glues and paints, primarily because of toxic fumes. Possible health effects include blurred vision, severe nasal congestion, headaches and dizziness. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in California takes the matter so seriously that “The California Education Code Section 32064 prohibits schools from ordering or purchasing any product that contains toxic or carcinogenic substances for use in grades K-6.” OEHHA puts out guidelines for determining which art supplies are safe. • Innocent-looking potted plants cause more than 27,000 children to need medical attention annually, reports Poison Control. And, since essential oils are derived from plants, misuse and overuse — or unintentional ingestion — can cause symptoms ranging from skin rashes to seizures to poisoning. • Children are curious by nature. If it comes in a shiny package or looks interesting, they are often going to put it into their mouths. Pet medications, such as flea and tick prevention and heartworm preventatives, are often presented in interesting shapes and colors. In February, Fox News presented a report citing that children 5 and younger account for 88 percent of calls to poison control centers

because of exposure to pet meds. Even if the meds are secured in a cabinet or on a high shelf, the Fox report cautions parents to make sure the pet swallows the medication completely and does not spit part of it out somewhere accessible to a child. Plus, after a pet receives a topical flea or tick treatment, the child should not touch the pet for a few days to avoid exposure to the strong chemical. • Another top concern is the swallowing of objects — everything from e-cigarette-liquid containers to magnetic balls to small toys and batteries. And careful where those squishy, interesting-looking detergent pods are stored. Cleveland Clinic last year advised parents keep such items out of reach, and to call a poison control hotline or an emergency medical technician immediately if there is any indication such items were swallowed. Trying to keep kids safe can be overwhelming. Kidshealth.org suggests parents evaluate a home on a child’s level to determine what can be picked up, reached or climbed. The United States Environmental Protection Agency offers checklists to make homes as safe for children as possible. One such is at bit. ly/2pHeWoY

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BE FAST to recognize stroke symptoms By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

n the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds. Eighty percent of strokes are caused by a clot that blocks blood flow to the brain, and these medical emergencies require immediate attention. The earlier a stroke is recognized and treated, the greater the chance of recovery. “Two million brain cells die every minute an ischemic stroke (those caused by blocked arteries) is allowed to continue. This is why the term ‘Time is Brain’ was coined. It highlights the importance of rapid treatment,” said Dr. Olajide Williams, director of Acute Stroke Services at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. “In general, public awareness of stroke symptoms is low, especially among the most vulnerable low-income populations. We need a lot more awareness.” Strokes can occur at any age, although they are more common among older Americans and African-Americans, Williams said. People with the following conditions are at highest risk for stroke: high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation,

previous heart attacks, tobacco smokers, high cholesterol and disorders of blood coagulation. Strokes occur more commonly early in the morning and in the early evening, Williams said. Remembering the acronym BE FAST is an easy way to learn how to recognize a stroke and act quickly to minimize its damaging effects. B: A sudden loss of Balance E: Sudden loss of vision in one or both Eyes F: Uneven Face (face droop) or uneven smile A: Sudden Arm weakness S: Sudden slurred Speech, trouble speaking or confusion T: Time is critical; call 911 immediately A stroke can cause long-term disability, but “there are more than 6 million stroke survivors coping with the effect of stroke,” Williams said. “Many are able to

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return to their normal activities such as work, family and play. Rehabilitation programs (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) play a major role in recovery from stroke.”

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DIG it

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By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

s your dog delighted by digging holes in your yard? Is it making you crazy? Before you banish your pet to the house or worse — begin punishment — realize that there’s probably a good reason your dog is digging. “Digging is a normal behavior in dogs and could be caused by several different reasons. Some breeds are more likely to dig, but the first cause of unwanted digging is probably boredom and lack of exercise,” said Brandie Gonzales, pet lifestyle expert for Rover.com. “If you don’t have space for your dog to burn off that excess energy, or if you miss walks, your dog is more likely to use the yard for running, jumping, rolling and digging.”

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Since it’s summer, a dog’s predilection for digging could be because he’s overheated. “Dogs may dig down below a warm surface to create a cool space

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to relax,” Gonzales said. “It could even be the opposite on a cold day. Pet parents should plan their yard to ensure it includes a safe, shady space for cooling off or a dog house if they’re outdoors when it’s cold.” Some dogs are hunters and dig to catch prey like burrowing insects. A clue to this would be if your dog is focused on a single area of the yard or digs at the roots of trees or shrubs. “Dogs may also dig to bury valuable items like toys, or to track rodents like gophers, squirrels and rats. To stop unwanted digging, the most important step is figuring out the cause,” Gonzales said. Digging in the yard can also be an attention-getting behavior. Owners need to be concerned if dogs are digging to break out of the yard. “Owners should check for holes or escape routes near fences. If you can, dig a trench around the fence line and fill it with concrete. If you’re unable to do so, you can use bricks or large rocks to block off the dirt directly below the fence,” Gonzales said. Some dogs dig instinctually. “It’s definitely best to read up on

different breed behaviors for insights. Terriers, for example, love to dig. Puppies are particularly prone to digging as well, but all dogs may turn to this behavior if they are feeling neglected, bored or under-exercised,” Gonzales said.

Create a dig zone If a dog is going to dig no matter what you’ve tried, give him a place to do it. “Dogs generally love dirt and digging: It’s a fun and stimulating way for them to express themselves. Designating a spot in the yard, for instance with a dog sandbox, that’s just for their needs will help satiate those digging urges,” Gonzales said. If you catch your dog digging away from the designated area, the Humane Society suggests immediately interrupting the behavior with a loud noise and a firm “No dig!” Then take them to the digging zone. “Just filling the hole back in or covering it up is probably not going to stop a determined digger,” Gonzales said.

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LANDSCAPING trends Personalizing the front yard, lighting are hot with homeowners By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

he 2017 Houzz Landscaping Trends Report shows that homeowners want to boost their curb appeal and make their homes stand out from their neighbors’ with unique front-yard spaces. And, a member survey from Angie’s List finds that they often don’t want to do that work themselves.

Some love for the front yard The Houzz survey questioned 1,000 U.S. homeowners who are in the midst of, planning or recently completed an outdoor project. More projects, 69

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percent, took place in the backyard, but 44 percent were upgrades to the front yard, one of the home’s main focal points. “There are lots of benefits to having a great yard, including increasing both your curb appeal as well as the price you could get if you were selling you home,” said Cheryl Reed, spokeswoman, Angie’s List. “A great yard adds to your home’s resale value, with experts giving ranges of 5 to 20 percent.” The Houzz report found that 2 in 5 renovators wanted to make a statement with a new front yard that reflects their personal style. “Giving your yard a little TLC is the best way to bring your own personality

to the outside of your home,” Reed said. “Planting flowers that are your favorite colors, installing unique water features or even putting rock instead of mulch in your flower beds are great ways to put a personal touch on your yard. Just be careful not to over-personalize if you are looking to sell your home soon. You may love whimsical yard art or a classic 18th century birdbath as lawn focal points, but your potential buyers may not.” Eighty percent of respondents said they were responsible for taking care of their home’s landscaping, and the study revealed an increased interest in low-maintenance plants (67 percent in 2016 versus 76 percent in 2017). Also gaining in popularity are insect/ bird attractant and native plants, while planting gardens decreased from 41 percent in 2015 to just 34 percent in 2017.

What we’re adding Two-thirds of homeowners use their yards for relaxing, while 56 percent like to garden and 40 percent enjoy entertaining outdoors. During the summer months, respondents said, they spend 6.9 hours a week in their outdoor space compared to only 2.4 hours during

cold-weather months. Outdoor lounge furniture was the most likely feature homeowners would add (36 percent) followed by a fire pit (32 percent). One in 10 is considering an outdoor kitchen. More affordable and available in a wider variety, landscape lighting is enjoying a growth trend and is the most common outdoor system upgrade (45 percent). Smart lighting is hot, with nearly 1 in 5 installations able to be controlled from a mobile device. Other top features are LEDs, low-voltage, solar and wireless. The Houzz survey also showed that 63 percent of homeowners will hire a professional for a landscaping project, but only 1 in 5 will hire help to maintain the space. The Angie’s List member survey found that more than 70 percent of respondents are planning to spend as much or more on home improvement this year as last and that they’ll hire help to complete at least four chores from the to-do list. The most favorite chore to outsource — yard work. “Nearly half of us are prepared to pay for professional lawn and yard work this year,” said Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks.

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Finding their way Let teens, tweens help with family travel planning

By Deena Bouknight More Content Now

et’s face it — most parents do not have a grasp on social media the way their children do. So why not let them muddle through innumerable travel sites and reviews to lay the groundwork for a family trip? Parentmap.com’s 2014 “Let Them Plan: 11 Tips for Travel with Teens” article conveys the benefits of such a proposal: buy-in, life skills and — most importantly — minimized eye-rolling.

How to start Start the process early — a year ahead, even. If no particular vacation spot is determined, consider allowing tweens or teens to list their top three. Ask them for preliminary research and a short proposal that includes possible costs, a loose itinerary and travel logistics. Regroup and decide which suggestion is most appealing in terms of activities, budget constraints and time frame. If parents have reasons for pushback — it’s too far away, too expensive, too limited on activities — they can help narrow the field. The important thing is to let the kids have input each step of the way. Parentmap.com advises parents to definitely enlist tweens and teens when it comes time to navigate accommodations and transportation. Expect and enjoy these words exiting from enthusiastic mouths: “Wow, mom, check out this place! Look at the deal I found!” The more involved, the more invested.

Some sites, such as Travel + Leisure magazine’s, offer inclusive tours with family-friendly itineraries. Legwork is completed; it is simply a matter of choosing one that tweens and teens find appealing. Suggested is Classic Journeys’ trip to the Galapagos, for example. This trip immerses the family in culture, allows for interaction with penguins and giant tortoises, and has cool snorkeling and lava tunnel activities, as well winddown wine tasting for parents. Thompson Family Adventures pairs tweens and teens with pen pals of the same age in Africa prior to a planned safari. After arriving at the destination, tweens and teens get a chance to meet

the pen pals and engage in fun outdoor excursions. American parks with rock climbing, hiking, camping and rafting are hits with outdoorsy tweens and teens. The goal, shares T+L, is for kids to dump digital devices, reconnect with family and make lasting memories. Leticia Barr, author of the Tech Savvy Mama blog, shares tips for making Disney World a positive experience. One is choosing a nearby resort where tweens and teens can have some independence at life-guarded pools and waterparks. Another is for kids to buy the Disney photo app to instantly see photos from rides.

Before the trip Barr also writes about tweens and teens familiarizing themselves online, prior to the trip, with park maps to learn the lay of the land. Other travel experts advise parents to insist kids study physical maps. If visiting a city with a subway, they should learn routes. Not only is map-reading a great life skill, but guiding the family to a destination is empowering. Rely on the phone’s GPS only as a last resort. Finally, prepare for bumps in the road. The best-laid plans sometimes go awry, so make sure tweens and teens are ready to jump in with creative alternatives.

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oasis PERSONAL Adding privacy to your yard

By Melissa Erickson

ummer’s sunshine and warm temperatures make it the perfect season to enjoy your yard. If you’re like most people, though, you probably like to take in summer breezes with a bit of privacy and away from the eyes of neighbors also enjoying the outdoors. Depending on where you live, getting privacy can be tricky. Neighbors can suddenly trim or cut down trees, allowing easy viewing of your backyard from upper-story windows or high decks. The problem can be worse in urban areas. In San Francisco where the yards are small and neighbors may be in apartments or other tall buildings, “there’s almost a fishbowl feeling,” said Michael Hofman, executive vice president, Janet Moyer Landscaping. “Most people have a memory of when they were children sitting in their grandparents’ yard, sitting on a swing, laying in the grass. They want to re-create that memory for their own family. That can be easy or hard depending on where you live,” Hofman said. When redesigning a yard to attain more privacy, many people find it hard to visualize what they want. “People often know what they don’t want more than what they do want,” Hofman said. A landscape expert can help design and achieve what they have in mind.

Fencing in Robert Frost said, “Good fences make good neighbors,” and fences are a classic solution to adding privacy.

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