Supporting those that Support Others! Will your company be participating in this year’s annual UCP Casual Day 2012?
UCP’s Annual Casual Day 2012
A CELEBRATION OF TENNESSEE MUSIC
to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee
June 29, 2012 (or the date of your choice)
Casual Day. Casual Day is a unique and successful annual event mainly because all of the donations stay in Tennessee and are used to serve people with ALL disabilities who have no other resources. UCP builds wheelchair ramps across the entire state; provides recycled wheelchairs, walkers, bath aids, strollers, car seats, standers, etc.; provides home modifications (like widening doorways or raising countertops); offers educational seminars; hosts a free weekly recreation program; provides holiday food boxes for the most needy families; offers assistance for “Inclusive Summer Programs” for children.
Our Tennessee. Each year, a rendering is created that is unique to Tennessee and the artwork is dedicated for the use of UCP’s Casual Day. The artwork is normally used on the Casual Day T-shirt and a small poster. This year’s Casual Day theme is based on rare and valuable instruments which include a 1954 Fender Stratocaster, a 1960 Les Paul, a 1937 Martin D-28 and a 1939 Shurline 55s microphone once used by Elvis Presley!
How will your donation be used? Casual Day donations are used for the following: wheelchair ramps, home modifications, education, medical equipment, recreation, information and referral, summer activities and other programs.
Who does UCP help? People of all ages throughout Tennessee with: cerebral palsy, arthritis, spina bifida, diabetes, autism, strokes, brain injuries, heart disease, kidney diseases, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, and a long list of other types of disabilities.
About UCP. United Cerebral Palsy’s mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities and to provide support to family members.
UCP serves individuals with all types of disabilities. Our expertise is generally in service to individuals with physical disabilities which affect mobility. UCP also serves as the area clearinghouse for information about the condition known as cerebral palsy. At present, approximately 40% of UCP consumers have cerebral palsy, the second largest lifetime disability in the U.S. (mental retardation is the largest). 60% of the people UCP serves have physical disabilities other than cerebral palsy. These include such conditions as spina bifida, M.S., disability resulting from head and spinal cord injury, ALS, amputations, strokes, and heart attacks, and many lesser known physical disabilities. Visit website
Company Participation. If your company has interest to participate in this worthy cause, I invite you to contact my friend and long time Director of Middle Tennessee’s United Cerebral Palsy, Ms. Diane Dietrich. Diane can be reached at (615) 242-4091 or diane_dietrich@ucpnashville.org.
Make a donation to United Cerebral Palsy and make a difference in someone’s life! Participating companies allow their employees to donate $5 or $20 and receive some great items that are donated from sponsors to go into the packets. The employees are allowed to where their T-shirt on Casual Day and this year’s date is dedicated on June 29, 2012.
Printable PDF: 2012 UCP Casual Day Flyer
May 8, 2012
Posted by kbargers |
charity, tennessee, Uncategorized | 2012 Casual Day, blog, celebration of tennessee music, charity, company participation, diane dietrich, june 2012, kenneth bargers, Nashville, tennessee, ucp event, united cerebral palsy of middle tennessee |
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Support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville today and start a Hustle for the House Team! Join our community and help families of critically ill children!
Join us on Saturday, September 17, 2011 for the Hustle for the House 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Nashville. The race will start and finish at the Nashville Ronald McDonald House and follow a certified course through the Hillsboro West End Neighborhood. All participants are welcome to dress in their finest disco attire if the mood strikes!
Race Times: 7:30am for the 1 Mile Fun Run and 8:00am for the 5K.
Hustle for the House registration before Friday, September 9 is $25 for the 5K, $15 for the 1 Mile Fun Run and $10 for “Fido”. After Friday, September 9, registration will be $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 1 Mile Fun Run. Only pre-registered participants are guaranteed a t-shirt; t-shirts for the day of race registrants will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
TOP REASONS TO CREATE A HUSTLE FOR THE HOUSE TEAM
1. Teaming with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville will change a child’s life!
2. Your team name listed on each Hustle for the House e-blast and listing on the Hustle for the House Team Homepage.
3. Chance to win incentive prizes for the team with the most members AND the team raising the most money.
4. Winning team will be highlighted on RMHC of Nashville Twitter, Facebook and e-newsletter.
5. Perfect way to build team spirit!
How You Can Help:
Sponsorship – Ranging from $200 to $10,000, these packages allow your company name to be associated with the Hustle for the House 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run prior to and during the event. Logos or names may appear on t-shirts, event posters, entry forms and pre-event advertising. On event day your message will reach all participants and spectators via onsite signage and banners.
In-Kind Sponsorship – We accept goods and services on a case-by-case basis.
Enter the Race- $25 (5K), $15 (1 Mile Fun Run), $10 for Fido.
Race Teams – Build morale and form a team from your company, church, family, or friends! Team members receive all the benefits of individual race participants plus early packet pick-up. We encourage you to wear t-shirts displaying your team/company name or logo on race day. Team pages are easy tobuild on our Firstgiving site!
Corporate Matching Program – As an employer, you may choose to pay for all or a portion of your employees’ entry fee or provide matching funds for the entry fees and/or pledge dollars they raise. This is a great way to show your corporation’s commitment to families of critically ill children.
Visit Hustle for the House website LINK to register or start your team today! You can also download the attached REGISTRATION FORM. For detailed information about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville, please visit their website LINK.
Source: Heather Corum Powell, Development Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities Nashville; Blog distribution provided by Kenneth Bargers and Bargers Solutions, a proud member of Pilkerton Realtors, residential real estate services located in Nashville, Tennessee
August 5, 2011
Posted by kbargers |
charity, Nashville, Uncategorized | 1 Mile Fun Run, 5K race, bargers solutions, blog distribution, enter the race, heather corum powell, hustle for the house, kenneth bargers, Nashville, pilkerton realtors, registration, ronald mcdonald house charities of nashville, september 2011, sponsorship, tennessee, volunteer |
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Unmarried women continue to make up a growing segment of home buyers and are buying homes in record numbers: Last year, they composed 20 percent of all buyers last year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Single men accounted for 12 percent.
The JointCenter for Housing Studies says the three main reasons single women are purchasing homes are:
- They have a strong desire to nest (the top-ranked reason).
- They want to relocate closer to a job or family.
- They need more space.
In capturing this growing segment of female buyers, builders are reflecting more female tastes in the design of homes. For example, in new houses, builders are adding security features, gourmet kitchens, and maintenance-free yards to appeal more to the single woman buyer.
Housing experts say that single women are purchasing homes at various stages in their lives — some are new college grads and plan to one day get married while others may be divorced or just want to set up roots in their own place.
Source: “Singles Dive Into the Real Estate Market,” SecondAct/MSN (July 12, 2011); Realtor Magazine; Blog distribution provided by Kenneth Bargers and Bargers Solutions, a proud member of Pilkerton Realtors, residential real estate services located in Nashville, Tennessee
July 14, 2011
Posted by kbargers |
real estate, Uncategorized | 2011, bargers solutions, blog distribution, femaile buyers are growing segment of home buying, home buying, jointcenter for housing studies, kenneth bargers, more single women buying homes, msn, Nashville, national association of realtors, pilkerton realtors, realtor magazine, relocation, residential real estate services, single women are purchasing homes, tennessee, unmarried women are homebuyers |
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While nearly one-quarter of home owners owe more on their home than it’s currently worth, Americans still see the value in home ownership and still consider it part of the American dream.
Nearly nine in 10 Americans say home ownership is an important part of the American dream, according to the latest New York Times and CBS News poll conducted June 24-28 of 979 adults.
Overall, the majority of Americans polled also said the government should do more to help improve the housing market, and they mostly blame financial institutions for the sluggish housing market.
Here are some of the findings from the poll:
- 54 percent of those polled say the government should be doing more to improve the housing market. Only 16 percent say the government should be doing less. In fact, support for helping people who are facing financial distress from housing is higher than support for helping those who have been unemployed for several months.
- 53 percent say the government should help in providing financial assistance to those who are having trouble paying their mortgages.
- Nearly no one surveyed was in favor of discontinuing the mortgage interest tax deduction, which government leaders have been eyeing as part of budget cuts.
- 42 percent of respondents blame lenders and 29 percent blame regulators for the housing crash.
- About 66 percent of Americans say strategic default — that is, when underwater home owners stop making payments on their mortgage even though they have the means to keep paying — is not justified. Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed say strategic default is justified.
Source: “Despite Fears, Owning Home Retains Allure, Poll Shows,” The New York Times (June 29, 2011); RealtorMag; Blog distribution provided by Kenneth Bargers and Bargers Solutions, a proud member of Pilkerton Realtors, residential real estate services located in Nashville, Tennessee
July 1, 2011
Posted by kbargers |
economy, real estate, Uncategorized | american dream, bargers solutions, blog, consumer confidence, home buying, home value, homeownership, june 2011, kenneth bargers, nar, Nashville, new york times, pilkerton realtors, poll, realtormag, tennessee |
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A potential $39 billion merger between two of the nation’s largest wireless carriers–AT&T and T-Mobile–could lead to higher cell phone bills, according to some experts.
Here are some cost-cutting measures to consider making now:
1. Use a family plan. You may want to find some “family” to add to your smartphone plan to start trimming your bill. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, as well as other carriers offer family plans that aren’t just limited to those in your family. You can essentially add anyone to your “family” and still take advantage of the savings. Here’s the potential savings by bulking your plan: AT&T smartphone individual plans (which include voice, unlimited messaging and data) start at about $75 per month. A family plan that covers three users for similar features costs $145 a month–about $48 per person. A family of five? The monthly cost is $40 per person.
2. Trade in old phones. Don’t just dump your old cell phone in a drawer. Web sites such as GreenPhone.com and CellTradeUSA will let you trade your old phone for a new one. While you may have to pay a small upgrade cost, you’ll still save in having to buy new.
3. See if you qualify for a discount. Check to see if you qualify for a discounted cell phone plan if you’re a member of a national group such as AAA and AARP. Also, some wireless carriers even offer business discounts that you can apply toward your personal plan.
4. Free texting and video calls. You can curb your texting fees by using smartphone apps. For iPhone users, try Textfree With Voice; Android users might try chompSMS. (Note: These services only work with other smartphone owners who have the app.) You can also save by using video calls: iPhone users can save on calling minutes by using FaceTime video calling, and Android and iPhone users can video chat for free and also save on calling minutes by using Skype.
Source: “Here Are Smart Ways to Cut Cellphone Bill,” Orlando Sentinel (April 3, 2011); Blog distribution provided by Kenneth Bargers and Bargers Solutions residential real estate services located in Nashville, Tennessee
April 10, 2011
Posted by kbargers |
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MARKET COMMENT Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates higher. The first portion of the week had very little data. Leading economic indictors came in stronger than expected which really didn’t help us. Strong stocks pressured mortgage bonds a bit. Producer prices rose more than expected but the core rate was tame. New home sales shocked the market with a 26.9% increase. This was the largest increase in 47 years and not bond friendly.
Rates rose by about 3/8 of a discount point for the week.
The Fed meeting Wednesday will be the most important event this week. The Treasury auctions will also likely overshadow a lot of the other releases as traders digest record debt that continues to hit the market. Friday morning may be volatile as the employment cost index and gross domestic product data are very important releases.
LOOKING AHEAD
- Consumer Confidence; April 27th; Consensus Estimate 54.0 Important; An indication of consumers’ willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
- 2-year Treasury Note Auction; April 27th; Consensus Estimate None Important; $44 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
- 5-year Treasury Note Auction; April 28th; Consensus Estimate None Important; $42 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
- Fed Meeting Adjourns; April 28th; Consensus Estimate No change Important; Few expect the Fed to change rates, but some volatility may surround the adjournment of this meeting.
- Weekly Jobless Claims; April 29th; Consensus Estimate et 455k Moderately important; An indication of employment. A larger figure may lead to lower rates.
- 7-year Treasury Note Auction; April 29th; Consensus Estimate None Important; $32 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
- Q1 Advance GDP; April 30th; Consensus Estimate 3.5% Very important; The aggregate measure of US economic production. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
- Q1 Employment Cost Index; April 30th; Consensus Estimate Up 0.4% Very important; A measure of wage inflation. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
- U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment; April 30th; Consensus Estimate 72 Important; An indication of consumers’ willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE The Conference Board releases the Consumer Confidence Index on the last Tuesday of every month. The report details the levels of confidence individual households have in the performance of the economy. The data is derived from a survey of 5,000 households nationwide. The survey polls consumer opinions on current business conditions, their jobs, their incomes, and their future spending plans.
The consumer confidence index is significant in that it provides a precursor into consumers’ willingness to spend in the months ahead. However, many analysts point out that willingness to spend does not always convert to actual expenditures.
This week’s release will be eagerly anticipated. Look for any variation from estimates to cause mortgage interest rate volatility. Signs of eroding consumer confidence could lead to improvements in mortgage interest rates. However, stronger than expected figures could spike rates higher.
Source: Courtesy of Todd Kabel, US Bank, Nashville, Tennessee
April 26, 2010
Posted by kbargers |
economy, Uncategorized | bargers solutions, consumer confidence, economic indicator, employment cost index, gross domestic product, jobless claims, kenneth bargers, market comment, market conditions, michigan cosnumer sentiment, mortgage bond prices, mortgage interest rates, Nashville, prudential woodmont realty, realtor, tennessee, todd kabel, treasury note, us bank |
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My friend’s husband recently called home one Friday morning and told his wife, Anne, he’d been asked to fly to Canada with his boss and some friends for several days of fishing.
Anne was a little taken back, but her husband insisted that this was a good opportunity to get that promotion he’d been wanting.
She relented, and agreed to pack clothes for the weekend, and even climb up into the attic for his rod and tackle box.
He told Anne they’d be leaving around 4:30pm and said he’d swing by the house to pick up his things.
At the end of the conversation he added, “Oh, please pack my new silk pajamas too.”
Now Anne thought this all sounded a little odd, but went ahead with the packing.
Sunday evening when her husband returned looking tired, she asked if he caught many fish.
He said they had caught Walleyes, Bass and Pike. Then he asked, “How come you didn’t pack my blue silk PJ’s?”
Anne, with a sly smile said, “I did, they’re in your tackle box!
April 2, 2010
Posted by kbargers |
Uncategorized | bargers solutions, fishing, humor, jokes, kenneth bargers, kennethbargers.com, lol friday, prudential woodmont realty |
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MARKET COMMENT Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates higher. The bond market took a beating as stocks surged despite mixed data. Existing home sales in November rose a surprising 7.4%. However, revised gross domestic product figures showed the economy only grew 2.2%, which was weaker than the expected 2.8% mark. Personal income and outlays data came in weaker than expected helping a bit. Unfortunately, the thin trading conditions magnified the earlier losses and made it difficult to recover. For the week interest rates rose by about 1 3/8 discount points.
The Treasury auctions will take center stage next week. If foreign demand falters we will likely see mortgage interest rates head higher. The bond market will close early Thursday in advance of the New Year’s Holiday Friday. The shortened trading week may result in some market volatility coupled with thin trading conditions likely.
LOOKING AHEAD
- 2-year Treasury Note Auction Monday, Dec. 28, 1:00 pm, $44 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
- Consumer Confidence Tuesday, Dec. 29, 10:00 am, An indication of consumers’ willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
- 5-year Treasury Note Auction Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1:00 pm, $46 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
- 7-year Treasury Note Auction Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1:00 pm, $32 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
- Weekly Jobless Claims Thursday, Dec. 31, 8:30 am, An indication of employment. Higher than expected claims may help rates improve.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE INDEX The Conference Board releases the Consumer Confidence Index on the last Tuesday of every month. The report details the levels of confidence individual households have in the performance of the economy. The data is derived from a survey of 5,000 households nationwide. The survey polls consumer opinions on current business conditions, their jobs, their incomes, and their future spending plans.
The consumer confidence index is significant in that it provides a precursor into consumers’ willingness to spend in the months ahead. However, many analysts point out that willingness to spend does not always convert to actual expenditures.
Despite economic uncertainty, liquidity issues, and housing market weakness, American consumers continue to spend. However, many analysts question whether consumers can continue to buoy the economy, especially amid rising unemployment and continued tight credit.
This week’s release will be eagerly anticipated. Look for any variation from estimates to cause mortgage interest rate volatility. Signs of eroding consumer confidence could lead to improvements in mortgage interest rates. However, stronger than expected figures could spike rates higher.
With mortgage interest rates relatively low, capitalizing on current levels is recommended to protect against future volatility. Remember, mortgage interest rates tend to trend lower slowly, while increases tend to occur quickly. A cautious approach is necessary to protect from future market volatility.
Courtesy of Todd Kabel, US Bank, Nashville, Tennessee
December 28, 2009
Posted by kbargers |
Uncategorized | bargers solutions, consumer confidence index, economic indicators, kenneth bargers, market comment, market conditions, mortgage bond prices, mortgage rates, Nashville, prudential woodmont realty, real estate, realtor, tennessee, todd kabel, us bank |
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OPEN HOUSE – SUNDAY, 11/8/09, 2P-4P
105 Alpine Court, Franklin, TN
A MUST SEE! – Echo Subdivision
5,001 sf | 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3-Car Garage
MAKE A SERIOUS OFFER -MOTIVATED SELLER-WILL CONSIDER LEASE OR LEASE/PURCHASE-An awesome house w/beautiful pool and yard-great open floor plan- sunroom-bonus rm-setting of home is true Southern charm – convenient to schools, shopping, interstate-more
Click for details Property Link
Courtesy of Kenneth Bargers, REALTOR®
A proud member of Prudential Woodmont Realty
and the Jennie Clements Team
(615) 512-9836 cell | (615) 661-7800 office
kb@bargers-solutions.com | www.bargers-solutions.com
November 7, 2009
Posted by kbargers |
Nashville, open house, real estate, relocation, tennessee, Uncategorized | 105 alpine court, bargers solutions, Brentwood, Franklin, green hills, home buying, jennie clements, kenneth bargers, Nashville, open house, prudential woodmont realty, tennessee |
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Market Comment for Week of April 26th…
MARKET COMMENT Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates higher. The first portion of the week had very little data. Leading economic indictors came in stronger than expected which really didn’t help us. Strong stocks pressured mortgage bonds a bit. Producer prices rose more than expected but the core rate was tame. New home sales shocked the market with a 26.9% increase. This was the largest increase in 47 years and not bond friendly.
Rates rose by about 3/8 of a discount point for the week.
The Fed meeting Wednesday will be the most important event this week. The Treasury auctions will also likely overshadow a lot of the other releases as traders digest record debt that continues to hit the market. Friday morning may be volatile as the employment cost index and gross domestic product data are very important releases.
LOOKING AHEAD
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE The Conference Board releases the Consumer Confidence Index on the last Tuesday of every month. The report details the levels of confidence individual households have in the performance of the economy. The data is derived from a survey of 5,000 households nationwide. The survey polls consumer opinions on current business conditions, their jobs, their incomes, and their future spending plans.
The consumer confidence index is significant in that it provides a precursor into consumers’ willingness to spend in the months ahead. However, many analysts point out that willingness to spend does not always convert to actual expenditures.
This week’s release will be eagerly anticipated. Look for any variation from estimates to cause mortgage interest rate volatility. Signs of eroding consumer confidence could lead to improvements in mortgage interest rates. However, stronger than expected figures could spike rates higher.
Source: Courtesy of Todd Kabel, US Bank, Nashville, Tennessee
April 26, 2010 Posted by kbargers | economy, Uncategorized | bargers solutions, consumer confidence, economic indicator, employment cost index, gross domestic product, jobless claims, kenneth bargers, market comment, market conditions, michigan cosnumer sentiment, mortgage bond prices, mortgage interest rates, Nashville, prudential woodmont realty, realtor, tennessee, todd kabel, treasury note, us bank | Leave a Comment