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instruth · 4 years ago

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POVERTY AND DEVASTATION

I always remember what it’s like to be in a state of poverty and devastation, and to let go of the past.

I have composed, written and published several poems on these.

Here are three of my personal favorites.

THE OLD HOMETOWN - by J. P. Lee

Fair land of glory loveliest song of the morn

Smiling parks red roses set among thorns

Eager are the pigtailed gals busy to pick

Gallant swains fall in line ready quick

Gay day begins with a warm cheerful visit

Butterflies flapping, floating in their flit

Love songs from the robins for one and all

Joy of my youth ever pleasing as I recall

Blooms linger when seasons cause delay

Young hearts learn patience to wait and stay.

Innocence and ease enrich my simple life

Nature overriding all hardship and strife

Simple folks endear fine humble happiness

My daily loitering brings surpassing gladness

Pausing to admire the glory of dawn

Watching the deer with her little fawn

Grazing on tapestry green along the slope

While bees and grasshoppers shyly elope

I dream of the maiden I secretly love

Like cooing doves wooing in their cove

Crossing a quiet brook to watch her charm

Yonder fence lies her cultivated rainbow farm.

I bless the approaching brilliance of day

When all around me freely lend a play

Contentment fills my soul and cheers my heart

A pastime frolicking joyfully, never to part

Simple pleasures and joys in sweet succession come

Dancing pairs bring sweet memories to beds at home

Peaceful dreams follow when the day is done

Alas! These lovely charms are past and gone.

LEAVING FOR GREENER PASTURE

- by J. P. Lee

To greener pasture thy children flee

From the womb of Mother Earth set free

Relentless weather turns thy greens to yellow

No standing ovation, no cheer, from grass to fellow

Freedom stings not numbing thy pain

New owners destroying thy smiling plain

Thy glassy brooks no longer reflect

Mossy paths mirroring a land neglect

Collapsed greenery make nests for charging ants

From afar comes the loud cry of thy vagrants.

Wealth accumulates while thy land decays

Dry wind carries its stink day after day

Peasantry once boldly gay now in great despair

Stripped off its pride to breathe its own foul air.

Times have altered thy once compassionate train

Rolling swiftly only to dispossess thy grain

Thy packed lawn of fond cheering crowd

Now empty without the sportsmen's shout

Devoid of the peaceful scene that once delights

Even the polo ponies in their thunderous flights.

Staring across the sea standing on its weary shore

In hopes for better as generous provisions come no more.

Bitter sweet is the approaching sense of dreaded hour

To please or confront the tyrant in his rigorous power.

Covering the solitary rounds in wandering

Hopping along thy rugged path, staggering

Awakened remembrance roams thy ruins again

Captures my heart but changing the times in vain.

In all my loiterings on thy plains, Mother Care

I now see the gifts of griefs I have to bear

Give me my final hope in one Almighty I can trust

No memory, no understanding only doing thy will I must

That I may come home to write my story

Around a fireplace to tell all of your history

On all that I have seen, learned or have ever knew

That I may return, be buried where I'll be reborn in you.

THE NEW LAND - by J. P. Lee

Is this what we are told - a new found joy?

Not splendor but a treacherous decoy?

Groups cramped in pigeon holes on a stand

Large families packed in a home without a land

Hoisted home up in the sky swiftly built

No warm blankets just share a family quilt

Good Heaven! Greater sorrow newly imposed

Work! Native walks are as yet to be proposed

O Fair Land, why hast thou caused us to leave

To this distant land unknown, far more aggrieved?

Do thou, sweet Mother, weep in vain

Thine fair tribes now add on to thy pain?

Thine children knock at doors for bread

Chilling bones in hunger desperation led

Good neighbors forced to sell their daughters

Not through any faults of theirs that they should falter

Bless me - why, had we brothers any sister

Our decision would not have been better

Painful to watch sweet little girls in tears

Pretty innocents in their helpless years

I weep as I watch them in their charms,

Shaking wildly in their fathers' arms

Grieving mothers kiss their mindless babes

Strike their breasts looking skyward sadly in gapes

I see the fairies and nymphs degraded

In my dreams I see my heaven has faded

These are the hard truth in times of shame

Best to forget, nothing to share, no one to blame.

In the city their statesmen talk as their ale goes round

Laughing cheering with haughty looks profound

Such luxury migrants can ill afford

Even simple pleasures dismiss accord

Wealthy men arrive from world around

Suits and hats stunning ladies surround

A wanton wealth designed in tempting display

Painful truth in my mind I mindlessly survey

For I am sickened by this man-made pleasure

Toiling in the distrusting hearts of false leisure

Accumulated wealth stored in pride

Buy a lass to play as an obedient bride

Repossess the cuddly space of the poor

For their horses, hounds and more

Lawful acquisition to rob the timid folks

Stealing their meals of oats and yolks

Dressing up their females well adorned

To reign secured while simple folks mourn

Statesmen to their sons divide the wealth acquired

To their siblings, wives, married relatives

as required.

Beating my chest in bitter sweet memory

recall

In senses with unfailing truth reveal it all

Oh past the plain the surging joy prevail

That which I have loved can never fail

That broken teacups I have taken with me

Stirs my will daily sipping my humble tea

No tales no news from barbers or farmers

It's fine - all return at meals as we gather

No theatre, no ballad, no talent time

Everything comes handy in sublime

Make our own feathered balls and stuff

Marbles rolling, guessing games and bluff

Obscure yet it sinks deep in our souls and hearts

Those simple treasures, everlasting will not part

My vacant mind frolicking in the pond

Caress my soul, my spirit neatly bond

Contented on my stool writing my poetry

Pass my time in imagined peasantry

Raise my native strength for greater gain

Instead of indulging in pitiful afflicted pain

Plant my seeds, pull out the weeds annoy

With compliments from God, my daily joy.

©Johnny J P Lee

18 February 2021

Photos Credit J. P. Lee

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thought-42 · 4 years ago

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Fictober day 6: “that was impressive”

Critical Role,1461 words, vex, others. Mention of canonical minor character death. Part one of...more than one.

Vex'ahlia is not the sort of child to have imaginary friends. She grows up with her brother always at her side, with an attentive mother and the birds and rabbits in the woods as eager playmates. She never wants for company, and is only alone if she wishes to be. So, in the words of a frustrated, playing-at-adult Vax, it is 'fucking weird' that she's got four of them.

She doesn't really remember ever being alone in her own head. They're not intrusive, and it's not as if they don't have lives of their own to lead, but if she wants someone to talk to there has always been a friend even nearer than her brother.

'I hate this,' she says, staring down at her notebook where she's scribbled a list of dates and names from history that she can't seem to keep straight. 'Why do we even have to learn this, anyway? They're all dead.'

'Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it,' the Young Lord says, confidently. 'Or something like that.'

'How terrible for you, to have an education,' the Charmer says.

'Maybe try drawing pictures of all the people you have to remember,' the Princess offers. 'Give them funny hats.'

Vex blows out a frustrated breath and goes to find Vax so they can suffer together.

It's not that Vex thinks they're real people or anything. She's not a child. And perhaps it's indulgent to the point of stupidity to cling to such games as she gets older, but to leave them behind would feel ...wrong.

She tells Vax all about them when they're children, and he's delighted by the idea once he gets over his jealousy. He makes up people who live in his head, too, and for a while they spend their days gossiping about a whole network of acquaintances, like they're fancy merchants or royals in the city, calling on each other to sit around in a fancy parlour and drink tea while they update each other on the goings-on of all of their friends. But eventually, Vax's interest fades, and he forgets the people he's made up, moves on to other games.

'That's not actually how it works, you know,' the Young Lord tells her. 'It's not all fancy dress and tea parties.'

'Bullshit it's not,' says the Charmer.

'I mean... that is kind of how it works,' the Princess drawls, and Vex can hear the amusement in her voice.

When they're fourteen, Vax says he doesn't want to hear about her friends anymore. He tells her it's time to grow up. Says they'll have real problems soon enough.

'But I don't want you to grow up,' the Princess says, nervously. 'If I'm the only kid then it's just like everywhere else. You're the only other kid I know.'

'That seems...' the Young Lord doesn't finish his thought.

'Deeply fucked up,' the Charmer finishes it for him. Vex has to agree.

'Do you need help?' she asks.

The Princess laughs. 'Noooo, I am ok! My mama is just very protective because I am very special.'

Vex thinks of the stories she's read about Princesses in towers. 'Maybe start growing your hair out, just in case.'

'I have very weak arms, I'm not doing any climbing,' the Young Lord warns them.

'I don't get it,' the Princess says, uncertainly.

'How is that even-- no, no, I don't actually care, never mind.' The Charmer always seems a little baffled by all of them. Vex thinks maybe he's older, because he talks about stuff like politics and Agreements and resource acquisition like he really cares.

Vax kicks her hard in the shin, and she focuses back on him. "Ok," she says. "You're right. I won't talk about them anymore."

And she does try. She ignores the conversations that happen in the background of her mind, ignores the prodding and the concern and the confusion and even the hurt, when it comes.

'I have a new imaginary friend, and he's way cooler than you anyway,' the Princess announces.

'Just another distraction I didn't need in the first place,' says the Charmer.

The Young Lord never really stops. He still provides cutting commentary on the ridiculous things the upper class visitors to his castle do, and only slightly less vicious mockery of his own family. It's hilarious. Not that Vex is listening. She's beyond imaginary friends, and one day her mind will stop trying to hold on to old habits.

Six months later she wakes up because someone is screaming.

"Fax!" she says, before she's even opened her eyes, but her brother is still asleep across the room. She rushes through the halls to their father's door, but when she peeks in, careful and silent, he, too, is asleep. It's only when she's standing outside on the damp grass of the lawn, staring frantically out into the night that she realizes.

She's the last to understand.

'Fucking focus, can you tell what they are? Have you seen them in sunlight? Idiot, I know you're observant, fucking think!' She's never heard this much emotion in the Charmer's voice before.

'Run! Just run you've got to run and hide, I am going to ask The traveler to help you, ok, he'll make everything better!'

'What's happened?' Vex demands.

'They're all dead,' says the Young Lord, which is probably the least reassuring response she can possibly imagine. 'They're all dead. They're going to kill us next.'

'Run!' the Princess repeats, frantic and scared.

'Fire might work,' the Charmer snaps. 'Holy water. Do you have holy water? Castles have temples and shit, don't they?'

'We're already out of the castle,' the Young Lord says. 'But they'll find us.'

'Who?' Vex asks.

'We're going to die, just like the rest of them,' he says. 'I've never heard my mother scream before.'

The Princess whimpers. The Charmer swears.

Vex says, 'You're not going to die. Keep running. Don't look back, don't think about anything but surviving. You've got to get as far away as you can and then hide.'

'They've found us,' he says. 'My sister.'

'Run,' Vex repeats, forcing herself to stay calm and firm. 'Just keep running.'

She's fairly sure he's older than her, but at this moment she feels like she's trying to calm a sobbing child.

'No,' he says. 'No. No. No. Not her, too. I've got to go back.'

'No please don't!' the Princess cries.

'Keep fucking running,' the Charmer snarls.

'I can't leave my sister,' he says.

Vex thinks about her own brother, lying peaceful and safe inside, knows she would give up anything and everything including her own life to keep him safe. But Vex has never claimed to be a selfless person. 'There's nothing you can do for her,' she says, harshly. 'Just keep going.'

They all stay awake the rest of the night. The Charmer says the people who killed the Young Lord's family were a vampire and a necromancer.

'Fat lot of good that does me without access to our library,' the Young Lord says, snidely. Vex has never felt emotions from her friends before but she swears she can taste his grief at the back of her throat. She doesn't know if the numb feeling of shock is his too or if that's all her own.

A year goes by. They keep the Young Lord from completely spiralling out into the apathy of grief by nothing less than a fucking miracle. Vex doesn't talk to her brother about it, but he knows something is wrong.

The night they run away from their father is a long one. It's unseasonably cold, and she's been trembling with fear and anticipation all day.

'I'm going to try something,' the Charmer says. 'Things might be very different, soon.'

'Oh hey, me too,' Vex says, high-strung and forcing a cheer into her thoughts that she doesn't believe herself.

'Nobody die,' the Young Lord says, listlessly.

'That was impressive, you almost sounded like you care,' the Charmer says, dryly.

'Don't worry, darling, this is going to be great,' Vex says.

Vex and Vax don't sleep for 48 hours, the rush through the silent grounds, the alleyways and side streets of the city, eating stale bread from their packs under the shelter of an overhang in the early hours of the morning, laughing hysterically together, drunk on adrenaline and the slow realization that they've done it. If something dark brushes Vex's thoughts, it is rapidly brushed aside by her joy.

The Princess sleeps, and in the night a hand brushes hair from her forehead, a green cloak trails across the floor as someone keeps watch.

In the morning, the Young Lord says, 'I've just had an idea.'

In the morning, the Charmer says nothing.

In the morning, someone new speaks for the very first time.

'Empty.'

#fictober20 #cr2 for ts #sort of #let me save you some time; none of them are chronologically concurrent #this was absolutely inspired by Hexwood b/c we were talking about DWJ yesterday #and I guess my brain ran with it

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omgdelicatedragonstudentblo-blog · 6 years ago

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feynites · 8 years ago

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Was gonna do more Reincarnation AU, but I wanted a scene from the first lifetime to set some context. So here, have a sort of ‘jump back, jump ahead’ to Kel and Pride’s firstborn! (Doesn’t contain spoilers for how the actual main frat au plot arc will resolve, though). <3

“Babe, it’s not gonna fit,” Uthvir decides, actually a little winded, as Thenvunin lets out a frustrated sound and tries again.

The gigantic stuffed halla refuses to wedge itself any further into the backseat of their sedan, however. Its horns keep getting caught, and no matter how Uthvir tries to angle it from the other side, there’s just no way to squish the sheer bulk of it in without blocking the rear view more than their better sense would let them drive with. Thenvunin gives one last heave, trying to smush it down in a way that will at least let him close the door, and then finally seems to give up, too.

It’s his own fault, really.

Uthvir told him to go one size smaller.

“We’ll just take the truck,” they say, and not for the first time. “It fits in the truck.”

The truck in question is a relatively new acquisition, and no matter what Thenvunin says, Uthvir doesn’t think it’s actually a testament to some mid-life crisis on their part. It’s a good truck, particularly useful for driving out of the city, or hauling around ridiculously massive presents. Like giant stuffed halla. Uthvir doesn’t think the red is that dramatic, and in their defense, the flames were already painted along the sides when they got it.

“But what if we have to take the baby somewhere?” Thenvunin replies, slumping against the side of the sedan. He’s red-faced and winded, and as ever, that tends to make Uthvir think of other times when he tends to be red-faced and winded. His hair is braided back, and he’s wearing the ‘World’s Best Grandpa’ shirt that Pride gave him a couple weeks ago, as part of his ongoing efforts to get his father-in-law to glare at him less.

It was a smart move, Uthvir will grant.

“The car seat fits in the truck,” they say.

Thenvunin frowns.

“But the truck is too…” he says, gesturing vaguely. “It gets drafty in the cab.”

“It doesn’t,” they counter. Because it really doesn’t, the truck is new and very nicely insulated.

“Yes it does,” Thenvunin insists.

They let out a sigh.

“Well, then, if we need to take the baby somewhere, we can use Kel’s car,” they reason. “Or Eda’s.”

“Eda might not be there,” Thenvunin argues.

Uthvir just looks at him, at that. Their middle daughter has practically move in with Kel and Pride at this point. It’s looking to be a pretty steep competition over who will get to spoil the newest addition to their family more. Thenvunin is making a pretty obvious bid with the stuffed halla that’s taller than Uthvir is, and a lot of the kids are getting in on the action. Felasel was over the other day, still convinced that Kel named the baby after him and that this gives him ‘favourite uncle status’, despite Ileth holding a pretty clear lead thanks to the fridge full of pre-made meals he gave Kel and Pride as soon as the baby was born.

This kid is getting more attention and devotion than the Archon’s son, Uthvir suspects, and he’s not even old enough to hold his own head up yet.

Though in fairness, the premature birth had just about everyone on edge. Themselves not least of all.

Finally, Thenvunin relents in earnest.

“Alright,” he concedes. “We’ll take your truck.”

“Our truck,” Uthvir insists. “It’s a family truck.”

“Your truck,” Thenvunin counters. “I had nothing to do with that purchase, and neither did anyone else, for that matter.”

They roll their eyes.

“I can see you rolling your eyes,” their husband informs them, even though there’s no possible way he could, from over on the other side of the sedan.

“I just think that considering this truck is the only way you’re going to get your massive indulgence toy over to your grandson, you could be a little more accepting of it,” they reason, as they begin the process of getting the halla back out of the sedan. They’re going to have to move everything else they’re bringing, too, and get the sedan out of the driveway, so that they can back the truck down it. The little house they’re renting in Ferelden, just ten minutes of driving away from Kel and Pride’s place, is the only building on their block that even has a garage, and it’s a tight fit for it on the narrow lot anyway.

But Uthvir just drives the sedan out onto the street, and then helps move everything into the truck. Then they drive the truck out a little further down the street, and move the sedan into the garage, while Thenvunin runs back into the house to triple-check that they’ve remembered everything. Kel texts, and Uthvir admits that they’re going to be somewhat later than usual, but she assures them that everything is fine, and sends them another picture of their grandson. Currently nestled in his papae’s arms, still perilously small and fragile.

They’re staring at the latest photo when Thenvunin comes and taps on the window of the re-parked sedan.

“Everything alright?” he checks.

Uthvir nods, and hands him their phone so he can see the picture too. Thenvunin coos over it, and then it’s all they can do to move fast enough for him as he makes for the truck, hesitance all gone because he wants to see his grandson in a hurry, now. Uthvir drives, and Thenvunin uses his own phone to call Kel and announce that they’re coming – even though the drive really does take just ten minutes – and also to wonder if there’s anything else they should bring. They can hear their daughter’s voice on the other end of the line, fond and amused. It’s hard to tell how tired she sounds, though. Uthvir was exhausted for the first month after Virevas was born, and that was without any major complications involved. When Serahlin had Tonlen, which is probably the most comparable experience they can think of, everyone had pitched in because both mother and baby had needed so much recovery time.

“Did he sleep through the night?” Thenvunin asks.

They hear Kel laugh.

“Not even a little,” she admits, voice tinny through the phone’s receiver.

The house she and Pride have acquired is on a nicer lot than the one which Uthvir and Thenvunin are renting, but it isn’t very large, and it doesn’t have a driveway. It’s a very Fereldan sort of residence, with a brick wall shielding most of the garden and home from the street view, and a slanted, aged tile roof that Uthvir had triple-checked when the couple first moved in. It’s solid, though. There’s a small mabari statue by the mailbox, just a little stone carving that most of the houses on the street have, and some of Pride’s latest art projects drying out on the covered front porch.

Pride is also responsible, Uthvir knows, for the rich green paint on the front door, and the variety of odd lawn ornaments peppered throughout the front garden. In among the embrium and andraste’s grace, there are experimental wood and metal sculptures, and decorative boards, and clay pots. All painted. Pride’s ‘workshop’ is the renovated shed in the backyard, and despite Thenvunin’s tutting, he makes a fair amount of bonus cash from his hobbies. Enough so that they don’t have to help the couple cover their house payments anymore, even with Kel on maternity leave.

They knock, but since they’re expected, Uthvir doesn’t really wait before opening the front door.

The inside of the house is a bit of a mess.

Not really in the sense of being ‘unclean’, so much as in the sense of being very cluttered. Thenvunin’s halla barely fits into the front entryway, past the new pram and the shoe rack and a small pile of accumulated cardboard boxes, destined for recycling. There is baby paraphernalia practically everywhere, making the humble little seem all but overrun with it. Kel and Pride got doubles on a lot of supplies from well-meaning family, and part of Uthvir’s day is sectioned off for the simple act of ferrying the extra toys and crib mattresses and change tables and car seats and whatnot to the alienage daycare in the lower city.

Not that this has stopped Thenvunin from bringing his own continual stream of offerings. Though, apart from the massive halla, most of what they’ve brought are things like disposable wipes and baby-safe detergent and things which Kel had requested.

“Oh for... really…?” Pride’s voice reaches them, lost from the other side of the halla.

“Well, I hadn’t gotten him a toy yet,” Thenvunin declares, defensive now.

That’s a blatant lie, but Uthvir supposes that they are now solely responsible for all previous toy gifts.

“Papae,” they hear Kel say, with a note of fond amusement.

“Kel!” Thenvunin declares, shoving forward and forcefully depositing the halla into Pride’s arms. Which merits a solid ‘oomph’, as the thing is heavier than it looks, and somehow Uthvir thinks Thenvunin is not being as gentle with it as he could be. Pride staggers back, and they finally clear the entrance. Thenvunin is already hugging Kel by then, fussing over her in his usual way; Uthvir gives her a careful once-over. She’s in a soft shirt and shorts, and looks tired, but not exhausted, at least. She hasn’t bothered to put on her prosthetic. Pride has some bags under his eyes and baby powder on his elbow, and his hair is out of its usual ties.

They move past him, on a hunch, making for the little living room. Technically the living room is part of an addition that was put onto the house by its previous owners, who attempted some renovations – several of which were abandoned, and subsequently finished by Kel, mostly last year. The room is a pleasant space, with a skylight and high windows that do their best to make the most of Ferelden’s limited sunlight. There’s a small television set, often defeated by the subsequent glare that pours in from most corners of the room, and several large, comfortable couches; and Pride’s taste very evident in the decorations, and the bold splashes of colour on the walls.

Eda is sprawled on one of the couches, with her tiny nephew resting in her arms.

Uthvir feels a rush of warmth come over them. The kind that pushes Fear back, into little more than nervy whispers over how small and fragile their grandson is. He looks so much like Kel. But his eyes, when he blinks them open, are still pale, and they wonder if they will stay that way. Like his father’s.

For her part, Eda also looks like she didn’t get much rest the night before.

Uthvir brushes a hand over her head, and then over the baby’s. Fenasal. Trust Pride to name a child for wolves.

“Morning, Nanae,” Eda offers.

“Have you had breakfast?” they ask.

She wrinkles her nose.

“I just woke up,” she admits. “Puppy here had a crying jag last night.”

“Hm,” they reply, and reach, gently, for their grandson. “Go eat, then. Time for everyone to have a break while the grandparents take over.”

Eda grins, and Fenasal makes a tiny noise, as Uthvir settles him into their own arms.

“You just want a turn,” their daughter accuses.

They don’t deny it, only offering a shrug, before they press a kiss to their grandson’s head. He is too small. His lungs are still a cause for concern, just as they’d been with Tonlen. And they think he would have been a tiny baby anyway, just like his mother. Except he has more hair. Dark curls all around the top of his head.

Eda gets up, with a sigh, and Uthvir sinks into one of the living room chairs.

Fenasal blinks up at them.

“Good morning, Baby Blue,” they say, and brush his cheek with their finger. He wriggles a little, lost in the soft fabric of his onesie, and they pat him until he settles again. The small outfit has Olwyn’s tastes written all over it. They think they remember it from Kel’s baby shower, in fact. There are little paw prints on the feet, and tiny dog ears on the matching hat.

They fiddle with one, making soft, soothing sounds under their breath.

They’re not totally surprised when they look up, and are immediately greeted by the sight of Kel and Thenvunin both taking pictures of them with their phones.

“How many have you two taken by now?” they ask. Through the archway leading into the hall, they can see Pride struggling to try and get the giant halla up the stairs, and in the general vicinity of the nursery.

“Hardly enough,” Thenvunin insists.

“Fifty-two,” Kel admits. “I want more than one of him with everybody who loves him.”

Thenvunin nods in firm agreement with that plan, and Uthvir can only shake their head. Fondly. It’s not like they won’t get copies of them all, anyway. They can act like they’re somehow above the concept, although it’s difficult to hold onto any air of superiority, with Fenasal’s warm little body nestled in their arms.

“Does he need to eat?” they check, as Thenvunin moves alongside the chair. Hovering, and looking at the baby.

“No,” Kel assures them, shaking her head. “He just had his breakfast. I was going to take a shower, but I wanted to wait on you two first.”

They nod in understanding.

“Go shower,” they say. “Take a breather. Eat some breakfast, cuddle your husband. We can watch him for now.”

“Should we have stayed last night?” Thenvunin worries.

Kel shakes her head.

“There were three of us, Papae, it’s not like we were shorthanded. It just would have meant that nobody got any sleep because of fretting over him,” she reasons, and leans over to give her father’s cheek a kiss. And then she comes over, and Uthvir leans forward to press on to her, in turn. Freeing a hand up from Fenasal to curl it around her, so they can hold their daughter and their grandson at once.

It is a very nice moment.

Kel kisses Fenasal, and them, and then finally seems content enough to go and take her shower. Uthvir can feel the release of some nameless fear in her; she trusts them to look after her son, to the point where it steals their breath for a moment, and there is one consternated instant as Fear tries to process the sentiment.

Something in them, just ever-so-slightly, shifts.

But not in a way that Uthvir can really describe. And a moment later, Kel is going, and they can hear Eda in the kitchen, and Thenvunin settles down on the floor beside the chair they’ve claimed. Leaning in to brush his grandson’s head and kiss hi cheek, which prompts more wriggling from the baby in question.

“I think he’s a little sick of everyone’s affection,” Uthvir muses. “All these presumptuous people showering him in kisses. What a trial.”

“Nonsense,” Thenvunin counters. “He’s just bashful.”

They chuckle, and Fenasel looks at his grandfather, and flails a tiny arm in his direction. Between those curls and those eyes, Uthvir thinks he’s going to be a heartbreaker when he gets older.

Uthvir hangs onto him for as long as they can. Until Thenvunin starts making jealous noises, and then they finally relinquish him to his grandfather. By then Kel has finished her shower, and she and Eda are flopped over the master bed, eating what looks like Ileth’s pre-packed breakfast sandwiches and talking quietly among themselves. They tap on the doorframe to tell Kel that her father has her son, and then commandeer Pride to help them load up the truck with everything they need to take down to the alienage.

They’re in the midst of that when another car pulls up along the street. Small and silver, and they watch as Ashokara’s horns appear out of the passenger side, and then Melarue glides over to the front walk.

Pride stiffens like a student whose contraband-laden locker is about to be submitted to a surprise inspection.

“Melarue,” Uthvir greets, and finishing putting a spare bassinet into the back of the truck. “Ash.”

“Hey Nabae!” Ashokara greets.

“Is Kassaran not with you?” they check, and nudge Pride into handing them the box of disposable diapers. He and Kel have settled on using the cloth ones, but someone in the alienage will likely make good use of the extras.

“Mama’s tour doesn’t end for another week,” Ashokara admits. Melarue nods towards them, but carries past them, zeroing in on the door like an elf with a mission. It’s their first time actually visiting since Kel gave birth, by Uthvir’s count. They’re probably more eager to see their great-grandchild than they’d like to let on.

“Is she coming then?” they wonder.

“Should be,” Ash agrees. “What are you up to?”

They explain, and after a few minutes, Ashokara volunteers to help. That frees up Pride to go inside and make himself nervous over Melarue interacting with his son. Uthvir can feel his overall nervousness about it, even though his fears don’t seem concretely defined. He just seems to find Melarue vaguely ominous. Poor man’s probably got better instincts than he realizes; he was jumpy around Uthvir for several months, too.

Not that they, admittedly, didn’t give him some small reason to be.

“The way I figure it,” Ashokara says. “If I go in now, I’ll just be competing with Nanae to see the baby. But if I do it later, when everyone’s sleepy, then I’ll have better odds.”

“Good thinking,” Uthvir agrees. “And in the meantime, you can come with me to the daycare center. Should still be lots of little babies there.”

“You’re kind of brilliant, Nabae, have I ever told you that?” Ashokara asks, bouncing a little on the balls of her feet before heading for the passenger side of the truck.

“It’s come up before,” Uthvir allows.

Depending on how they time things, they can probably get to the alienage, drop off everything, and then stop by the university and pick Virevas up once her last class for the day is done. Then they think they’ll check in and just make certain that things aren’t getting too over-crowded for Kel or the baby. They let Ashokara fiddle with the radio stations as they make their way through the city.

“You know, you don’t really look old enough to be a grandparent,” Ash opines, halfway through the drive.

Uthvir pauses.

“But then I guess Nanae really doesn’t look old enough to be a great grandparent,” she adds. “On television everyone always looks, like, seventy when they’re a grandparent.”

“And they look thirty when they’re supposed to be in highschool,” they add, mostly on autopilot for a moment.

“True,” Ash agrees, and turns her head to watch some of the scenery go by.

Uthvir feels oddly rattled, though. They check their reflection in the rearview mirror. But it’s fine. They’ve been pacing their aging based on Thenvunin’s, after all, and the slight modifications to their shape are holding well enough. The few grey hairs, here and there. Some extra wrinkles and creases. A little more thinness to their lips.

It’s not really what they look like ‘naturally’, of course, but then, they’ve been changing that since they were a teenager.

Still. The new additions aren’t quite as effortless as the rest. If they really let go, really relaxed it all, the nails and the teeth would probably stay – but the rest wouldn’t. And then they would look too young to be a grandparent. They’d look like they were Virevas’ age. Because they don’t age.

Thenvunin gets older. Their friends get older. The children get older. Even little Fenasal is going to get older.

Time steals them away, year by year. Only, not all of them. Eda looks very youthful, still. Won the elven genetics lottery, people joke. And Selene is not quite so good at subtly adding the signs of time as they are, or as Melarue is. Melarue, who keeps their hair jet black, because dyes exist. Who skirts the line, because people expect famous movie stars to have access to the kinds of miraculous spa treatments and plastic surgeons who will keep them looking young until the day they die.

They remember when the woman sitting next to them was just a tiny girl, peering into Virevas’ crib with curious eyes.

A heavy, sunken feeling settles into them, and no matter how they try, they cannot quite chase it away for the rest of the drive. The elves in charge of the alienage daycare are very happy to receive their surplus gifts, and Ashokara gets to sit with some of them while they marvel over her horns and try to climb her like a jungle gym. But Uthvir hangs back, and cannot quite escape Fear’s whispers. That they are going to outlive these children. Outlive their own children. And their loved ones.

Unless they do something.

Unless they…

It’s a harder notion to fight than usual. They know they’re a little too quiet on the drive back, but Ashokara seems content to leave them be, at least. And Virevas is happy enough to chat on her phone after they pick her up. When they get back to Kel’s house, their daughter has commandeered her son away from his admirers. Pride is napping in the master bedroom, while Eda and Thenvunin show Melarue all of their accumulated photographs.

Melarue meets their stare from across the room, as Ashokara goes to join them.

Uthvir excuses themselves into the back garden, under the guise of seeing how badly some of the plants have suffered the midst of everyone’s distraction.

As it happens, though, most of them are fine. There’s a little pruning to be done, some odd weeds here or there, so they take care of that. But it’s not much of a distraction, and Fear keeps whispering. It doesn’t matter how safe they make things. Death is still coming. No matter how they try, if they don’t cross that line, then it will still win. It will still take Thenvunin, and Kel, and Virevas, and Fenasal, and right now that knowledge feels like a clawing beast, tearing at them from the inside-out.

Their nails are a little too long, as they accidentally uproot one of Kel’s mint plants instead of a weed, and have to carefully re-plant it. Patting down the soil around it, until they hear footsteps coming up behind them.

“Are you alright?”

Thenvunin.

They let out a breath. Wiping their hands off on their pants, and turning to look up towards him.

His brows are slightly furrowed, and his braid has gotten a little messy somewhere along the way. His World’s Best Grandpa shirt has a tiny amount of spit-up on one of the shoulders, now. He looks achingly beautiful, though, in his comfortable jeans and footwraps, with his crow’s feet at his eyes, and the slight softening that’s start to come into his figure.

He looks like home, and Uthvir knows with a sudden, fervent certainty that they’ll always be gone on him. No matter what.

And that they can’t ask him to endure this fate with them. Thenvunin should never have to watch his loved ones die.

They open their mouth, and then close it again. And then they give up, and take a step towards him, and pull him close. His arms come around them as they press their face against his chest, shifting until they can feel his heartbeat through the thin fabric of his shirt. He’s still here, he’s still here, he’s still here…

We haven’t lost them yet.

…But we will.

Thenvunin folds his arms around them. They can almost feel the confused worry in his expression, as he carefully rubs the backs of their shoulders.

“What’s happened? What’s wrong?” he asks.

“I…” Uthvir starts. But they can’t quite manage to get anything else out. They close their eyes, as their throat seems to seal itself shut.

“Uthvir?” Thenvunin checks, gently.

When they don’t really manage to answer, he rubs at their shoulders again.

“He’s alright,” he reminds them. “Did it all finally catch up with you? It’s alright, you know. I understand. I suppose I’ve melted down enough over it, I should have realized… do you want to go home? Or do you want me to go and get Fenasal? Or Kel?”

Uthvir sucks in another breath, and then lets it out again. Shakily. Taking a moment to let Thenvunin’s voice and touch draw them back to the ‘now’. They’re alright, yes, that’s true. They’re in Kel’s garden, and their daughters are fine, their nieces and nephews are fine, their friends are fine, and their grandson is fine. Thenvunin is in their arms.

Another breath, and the awful, clawing thing inside of them eases its assault enough for them to loosen their grip on him.

“Sorry,” they manage.

Thenvunin tuts.

“None of that,” he insists, pulling back enough to look at them properly. “What do you need?”

They consider.

Some distance, maybe. Space to breathe. To feel normal.

“Home?” they suggest, before they remind themselves that Thenvunin probably wants to stay as long as he can.

But he just nods, easily enough.

“I suppose the house is getting a little crowded,” he agrees. “We can come back another time. Melarue is hogging the baby anyway.”

He sniffs a little, obviously just a bit irritated over that. But also, not really.

Uthvir manages a smile, and reaches up to brush his cheek.

“I love you,” they need to say.

Thenvunin’s expression softens. He leans down, and presses a sweet kiss to them.

“And I love you, very much,” he replies.

They know.

Oh, they know.

#frat au next gen #frat reincarnation au

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ldsfitnessnetworks · 5 years ago

Text

Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise

New Post From The Franchise King®

(Sponsored Post)

When I learned that Pet Butler, a franchise in the pet services space, was purchased by Spring-Green Lawn Care, I had two immediate thoughts.

This sounds interesting. Especially since Spring-Green was already in the service business.

I bet the marketing will be good. That’s because when I worked with Spring-Green in 2012, helping them set up and provide content for their blog, I got a taste of their Direct Marketing prowess.

That said, I’ve been tasked with helping them get the word out about Pet Butler. And quite frankly, it’s not going to be that challenging, because:

A. I have real-life experience with the company behind Pet Butler, and I know, like and trust the team at headquarters.

B. I love pets, especially dogs, and like all pet-lovers, I spend a lot of money on my pets. And I’m always open to spending more on pet products that I think Bear will like, along with pet services that will save me time so I can spend it on the important things in life…like car rides!

(That’s me and Bear taking a car ride)

Pet Spending Statistic: The annual American Pet Products Association (APPA) report on pet spending found that overall spending in the U.S. pet industry increased 4.4% from 2017-18 to $72.56 billion.

What Does That Statistic Mean For You?

It means pet owners spend a lot of money!

Accordingly, if you’re interested in matching your love of pets-especially dogs, to a business that provides a much-needed service to pet owners all over the U.S., you need to add Pet Butler to your list of opportunities to explore. And one of the best ways to do that is by learning about the company behind Pet Butler

An impressive 40-year old company, that, through it’s finely-tuned and proven marketing programs, is already changing the lives of current Pet Butler franchisees who had no idea that marketing of this caliber even existed to help them grow their businesses.

What follows is my interview with Ted Hofer, the CEO of Pet Butler.

Pet Butler: The Acquisition

(Ted Hofer)

Me: First off, why did Spring-Green Lawn Care decide to buy Pet Butler?

Ted Hofer: In 2015 we set a course to become a multi brand franchisor. With specific criteria in mind we sought a service-based model that would allow us to leverage our 40 plus years of operating experience and our industry leading direct marketing programs. We were very fortunate to know the owner of Pet Butler, and in great part because we shared similar values, we were able to negotiate a scenario that would work for both parties. Perhaps nontraditional in nature, we became a franchisee of the system before we bought it. This allowed us to really understand the model, evaluate its strengths and weaknesses and prepare our transition plan. In 2017 we acquired the franchise system and went to work on refining and adding the needed systems to prepare the brand to relaunch and being its expansion once again.

More Statistics: According to a recent pet owners survey, there were approximately 89.7 million dogs owned in the United States in 2017. That’s 20 million more since the beginning of the survey period in 2000. And when it comes to pets, dogs are considered to be the largest market segment, fueling majority of the growth in the pet market.

Me: Did you bring in any pet industry experts to help you learn about the business? If so, what are some of the things you learned?

Ted: We did. Before we bought the franchise system, we engaged an industry consultant to educate us on the history and trends in pet retail, ecommerce and in the pet services space. We also investigated several other pet services in advance of the acquisition to help us understand if there would be an opportunity in the future to expand the Pet Butler’s service offering. The consultant was extremely helpful in shortening our learning curve.

Pet Butler Franchise: Adding Systems And Resources

Me: What changes have you implemented (since taking over Pet Butler) that are having a powerful impact on the franchise organization?

Ted: I think the overarching theme would simply be the resources that we were able to bring. This comes in a lot of ways, but we had two years as a franchisee to help formulate our opinions on what needed to be done. The company owned franchise “our sandbox” has become our testing ground for everything. Equally as important was the creation of a franchise owner leadership group. While as a system we didn’t feel that we were ready for a formal National Advisory Committee like we have with Spring-Green, we needed to identify a group of leaders within the organization that could help us prioritize the opportunities in front of us. This group remains extremely helpful. I also think this group was thrilled to see us further invest in marketing solutions, new service exploration and of course the needed technology enhancements to the application that runs their businesses.

Pet Butler Franchise Interview: Wins

Me: Can you name one or two things you’ve done that are directly impact your franchise owners in a positive way?

Ted: There have been a series of wins for us, but the #1 priority coming in was to build cost effective customer acquisition programs that would allow a franchise owner to profitably scale the business from an owner operator model to a multi truck operation. I am happy to report that the marketing investment by existing franchise owners has increased by 30% each year over year the last two years, so that is a good indication we are doing the right things to help franchise owners achieve success.

(New Pet Butler franchise owners!)

A significant initiative within our marketing success was the introduction of an annual marketing planning session. We meet with each franchise owner to review their marketing tactics and provide analysis on their performance. We then integrate this plan into their business plan which allows them to utilize their history essentially plot their future. This seems like a no brainier but there is a lot of work here and it has been our experience that it is necessary to give the franchise owner confidence in where there money is going and why they would want to continue their growth.

Get The Facts About Owning A Pet Butler Franchise!

Fill out form.

Prior to our acquisition the marketing execution was left to each franchise. While local marketing and community involvement remains a critical component, we felt that there was an opportunity to improve the overall targeting of pet owners through the digital and direct mail channels. We have taken this responsibility in house along with all local listing management and while it is a big investment on our part, it simply needed to be done to ensure franchise owner success.

Lastly, through the planning process we realized what the impact of a heavily front-loaded spring marketing program has on each owner’s cash flow. We created a no interest marketing finance program which allows a franchise owner to borrow the money from us, invest in their spring programs and then repay it over the entire year. While this may seem beyond the scope of the franchisor’s responsibility, it was needed to help restart a significant number of franchise owners who wanted to participate but simply did not have the needed capital to invest. Having multiple years of building confidence in our programs (and the data to support it) the risk is minimal and conversely, we are now re-energizing a franchise system that has otherwise been fairly dormant.

Pet Butler: Strengthening The Brand

Me: What makes Pet Butler different than other companies that provide poop-scooping services, from both a customer’s perspective and a would-be franchise owner’s perspective?

Ted: Leaning on some of our learnings for our lawn care business, we felt that it was appropriate to professionalize our brand while still staying true to the fun and quirky personality that the comes along with our services. After all, you can’t take yourself too seriously if your primary service is scooping poop! Naturally we revisited our brand standards on trucks and uniforms, we also professionalized our email and collateral templates and began creating value added content that we share socially around pet wellness. We contracted Dr Lisa as Pet Butler’s resident pet wellness expert. “Doc” as we call her, is a licensed veterinarian and she has added a lot of credibility to the brand and give a reason for our active and prospective customers to connect with us socially.

While already a strength of the brand when we purchased it, we also increased the training and added additional dedicated contact center representatives to address all customer questions, make sales, schedule service and handle all billing related items. This is a big value for franchise owners. Franchise owners essentially outsource their front end and back end to us. This services is built into the royalty so there is no extra cost and we feel it is a core strength that allows franchise owners to focus on servicing the customer, build out their teams and achieve their vision of being a multi-truck owner.

Pet Butler: Shhhh

Me: Are you considering adding on any other pet services your franchise owners can offer?

Ted: We have introduced two new services in our company owned franchise and are working through the operational needs, marketing programs and technology required to prepare for a national rollout.

Pet Shuttle – This is fairly progressive idea. (think Uber for pets) While this service is poised to meet the needs of the millennial pet owner, it also provides the franchise owner with instant credibility with local groomers, vets, daycare facilities and more. With a shuttle service we essentially added a Business to Business component to our model. Pet Butler can help these pet services business owners grow their clientele. They love that we can shuttle pets in and out and they immediately know which of their existing customers’ need our service! They are also very willing to help promote our business as it beneficial to them. We believe that this service will growth with awareness and as we develop our urban model and international model that it will play a much bigger role.

Pet Sitting – This service is certainly the most natural to add on. There is essentially no overhead to add this service and once you have an active customer base the marketing cost in also minimal. A franchise owner can establish a highly professional team of pet sitters that is independent from their team of scoopers and scale the business as demand increases.

Pet Butler In The News

Pet Ownership Statistic: Three quarters of all Millennials own either a pet, and see their pets as the first step in forming a family and easing into parenthood. In fact, 82% of Millennials polled said that pet ownership should come before parenthood because it better prepares them for that next step. More

Pet Butler Interview: Educating Pet Owners

Me: Does Pet Butler support and or participate in pet education, like the importance of spaying and neutering pets?

Ted: We encourage franchise owners to find local events and organizations that they can participate with. Locally in our company owned franchise we have partnered with Spay Illinois. Spay work directly with a large percentage of the local rescue groups and offers discounted spay and neutering series as well as discounts on medication that may be needed. The have a 100% Spay and Neuter initiative that we support through event participation, cross marketing and by hosting vaccination events for them in our facility.

Pet Butler: Partnering With Local Pet Rescue Organizations

Me: Do Pet Butler owners get involved with local rescue organizations? If so, how and what do they do with them?

Ted: This is a very mission critical part of the local marketing programs that we train and support. We believe that the consumer has many choices and when there is a strong social mission that they can connect with and support (in varying ways) they will choose us. Each franchise owner is encouraged to work with one local rescue group per month sharing their mission and story as well as promoting the adoption of a featured pet in need. The ripple effect of this is significant. It helps a Pet Butler franchise establish its identity in the local community, it affords them the opportunity to work with some of the most wonderful and committed people in the industry and it provides the opportunity to have a business that also makes an meaningful impact on society.

Pet Butler: From Ted Hofer To You

Me: Is there something prospective Pet Butler franchise owners should know about the business…something that isn’t in a brochure or on your website?

Ted: While I am aware of my potential bias… I don’t think you will find a better franchise opportunity in the pet service industry that has the anywhere close to support we have. Our 43 years in franchising has allowed us to bring an adolescent franchise system very quickly into a world class organization. Our franchise fee and total investment is extremely low for this level of support and we are excited to find the right strategic partners to help us expand our brand. Timing has never been better in the pet industry and we feel that we are the best franchise opportunity for anyone interested in furthering their passion for pets into a business strategy.

Me: Finally, is there something you’d like to add?

Ted: I would like to thank Spring-Green for allowing and affording us the opportunity to acquire and build the Pet Butler brand. Pet Butler’s current and future success draws from a culmination of wonderful people within our company and the many influential people surrounding it. As I enter my 22nd year in franchising, I have worked with a lot of great mentors, vendors, consultants and franchise owners. I have been fortunate to have a very influential peer group and it has never failed to support me. I feel like we are building Pet Butler together and that all of our past experiences have only strengthen the opportunity in front of us. Those around me may hear me preach about the strength of franchising being in the Collective Knowledge of its franchise owners, staff, vendors and more. While this is a pillar of strength for Pet Butler and Spring-Green, equally importantly it is inherent in the franchise community. I don’t think we would be as prepared to drive this brand without some great influence and support from those around us. Thank you to all.

Me: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Ted.

Go here to learn more about the Pet Butler franchise opportunity, so you can combine your love of pets with a business you can own that provides much-needed services to pet owners in your own neighborhood.

The post Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise appeared first on Best Franchise To Own | The Franchise King®.

Originally posted on Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise via Starting a Franchise Information

syndicated from Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise via Sheldon Ingram

Syndicated from Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise via LDS FITNESS NETWORKS

#LDS FITNESS NETWORKS #best franchise #Fit Body Boot Camp #low cost franchise #personal training busi

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sheldoningram · 5 years ago

Text

Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise

New Post From The Franchise King®

(Sponsored Post)

When I learned that Pet Butler, a franchise in the pet services space, was purchased by Spring-Green Lawn Care, I had two immediate thoughts.

This sounds interesting. Especially since Spring-Green was already in the service business.

I bet the marketing will be good. That’s because when I worked with Spring-Green in 2012, helping them set up and provide content for their blog, I got a taste of their Direct Marketing prowess.

That said, I’ve been tasked with helping them get the word out about Pet Butler. And quite frankly, it’s not going to be that challenging, because:

A. I have real-life experience with the company behind Pet Butler, and I know, like and trust the team at headquarters.

(That’s me and Bear taking a car ride)

Pet Spending Statistic: The annual American Pet Products Association (APPA) report on pet spending found that overall spending in the U.S. pet industry increased 4.4% from 2017-18 to $72.56 billion.

What Does That Statistic Mean For You?

It means pet owners spend a lot of money!

What follows is my interview with Ted Hofer, the CEO of Pet Butler.

Pet Butler: The Acquisition

(Ted Hofer)

Me: First off, why did Spring-Green Lawn Care decide to buy Pet Butler?

Me: Did you bring in any pet industry experts to help you learn about the business? If so, what are some of the things you learned?

Pet Butler Franchise: Adding Systems And Resources

Me: What changes have you implemented (since taking over Pet Butler) that are having a powerful impact on the franchise organization?

Pet Butler Franchise Interview: Wins

Me: Can you name one or two things you’ve done that are directly impact your franchise owners in a positive way?

(New Pet Butler franchise owners!)

Get The Facts About Owning A Pet Butler Franchise!

Fill out form.

Pet Butler: Strengthening The Brand

Me: What makes Pet Butler different than other companies that provide poop-scooping services, from both a customer’s perspective and a would-be franchise owner’s perspective?

Pet Butler: Shhhh

Me: Are you considering adding on any other pet services your franchise owners can offer?

Ted: We have introduced two new services in our company owned franchise and are working through the operational needs, marketing programs and technology required to prepare for a national rollout.

Pet Butler In The News

Pet Butler Interview: Educating Pet Owners

Me: Does Pet Butler support and or participate in pet education, like the importance of spaying and neutering pets?

Pet Butler: Partnering With Local Pet Rescue Organizations

Me: Do Pet Butler owners get involved with local rescue organizations? If so, how and what do they do with them?

Pet Butler: From Ted Hofer To You

Me: Is there something prospective Pet Butler franchise owners should know about the business…something that isn’t in a brochure or on your website?

Me: Finally, is there something you’d like to add?

Me: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Ted.

The post Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise appeared first on Best Franchise To Own | The Franchise King®.

Originally posted on Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise via Starting a Franchise Information

#franchising #franchise opportunities #fitness franchises

0 notes

lisarendallblog · 5 years ago

Text

Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise

New Post From The Franchise King®

(Sponsored Post)

When I learned that Pet Butler, a franchise in the pet services space, was purchased by Spring-Green Lawn Care, I had two immediate thoughts.

This sounds interesting. Especially since Spring-Green was already in the service business.

I bet the marketing will be good. That’s because when I worked with Spring-Green in 2012, helping them set up and provide content for their blog, I got a taste of their Direct Marketing prowess.

That said, I’ve been tasked with helping them get the word out about Pet Butler. And quite frankly, it’s not going to be that challenging, because:

A. I have real-life experience with the company behind Pet Butler, and I know, like and trust the team at headquarters.

(That’s me and Bear taking a car ride)

Pet Spending Statistic: The annual American Pet Products Association (APPA) report on pet spending found that overall spending in the U.S. pet industry increased 4.4% from 2017-18 to $72.56 billion.

What Does That Statistic Mean For You?

It means pet owners spend a lot of money!

What follows is my interview with Ted Hofer, the CEO of Pet Butler.

Pet Butler: The Acquisition

(Ted Hofer)

Me: First off, why did Spring-Green Lawn Care decide to buy Pet Butler?

Me: Did you bring in any pet industry experts to help you learn about the business? If so, what are some of the things you learned?

Pet Butler Franchise: Adding Systems And Resources

Me: What changes have you implemented (since taking over Pet Butler) that are having a powerful impact on the franchise organization?

Pet Butler Franchise Interview: Wins

Me: Can you name one or two things you’ve done that are directly impact your franchise owners in a positive way?

(New Pet Butler franchise owners!)

Get The Facts About Owning A Pet Butler Franchise!

Fill out form.

Pet Butler: Strengthening The Brand

Me: What makes Pet Butler different than other companies that provide poop-scooping services, from both a customer’s perspective and a would-be franchise owner’s perspective?

Pet Butler: Shhhh

Me: Are you considering adding on any other pet services your franchise owners can offer?

Ted: We have introduced two new services in our company owned franchise and are working through the operational needs, marketing programs and technology required to prepare for a national rollout.

Pet Butler In The News

Pet Butler Interview: Educating Pet Owners

Me: Does Pet Butler support and or participate in pet education, like the importance of spaying and neutering pets?

Pet Butler: Partnering With Local Pet Rescue Organizations

Me: Do Pet Butler owners get involved with local rescue organizations? If so, how and what do they do with them?

Pet Butler: From Ted Hofer To You

Me: Is there something prospective Pet Butler franchise owners should know about the business…something that isn’t in a brochure or on your website?

Me: Finally, is there something you’d like to add?

Me: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Ted.

The post Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise appeared first on Best Franchise To Own | The Franchise King®.

originally posted at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFranchiseKing/~3/23vYXbmHHv0/pet-butler-ceo-interview

#Fit Body Boot Camp franchise #fitness franchises #gym franchises #franchising #Best Fitness Franchise

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rwep2014blog · 5 years ago

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Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise

New Post From The Franchise King®

(Sponsored Post)

When I learned that Pet Butler, a franchise in the pet services space, was purchased by Spring-Green Lawn Care, I had two immediate thoughts.

This sounds interesting. Especially since Spring-Green was already in the service business.

I bet the marketing will be good. That’s because when I worked with Spring-Green in 2012, helping them set up and provide content for their blog, I got a taste of their Direct Marketing prowess.

That said, I’ve been tasked with helping them get the word out about Pet Butler. And quite frankly, it’s not going to be that challenging, because:

A. I have real-life experience with the company behind Pet Butler, and I know, like and trust the team at headquarters.

(That’s me and Bear taking a car ride)

Pet Spending Statistic: The annual American Pet Products Association (APPA) report on pet spending found that overall spending in the U.S. pet industry increased 4.4% from 2017-18 to $72.56 billion.

What Does That Statistic Mean For You?

It means pet owners spend a lot of money!

What follows is my interview with Ted Hofer, the CEO of Pet Butler.

Pet Butler: The Acquisition

(Ted Hofer)

Me: First off, why did Spring-Green Lawn Care decide to buy Pet Butler?

Me: Did you bring in any pet industry experts to help you learn about the business? If so, what are some of the things you learned?

Pet Butler Franchise: Adding Systems And Resources

Me: What changes have you implemented (since taking over Pet Butler) that are having a powerful impact on the franchise organization?

Pet Butler Franchise Interview: Wins

Me: Can you name one or two things you’ve done that are directly impact your franchise owners in a positive way?

(New Pet Butler franchise owners!)

Get The Facts About Owning A Pet Butler Franchise!

Fill out form.

Pet Butler: Strengthening The Brand

Me: What makes Pet Butler different than other companies that provide poop-scooping services, from both a customer’s perspective and a would-be franchise owner’s perspective?

Pet Butler: Shhhh

Me: Are you considering adding on any other pet services your franchise owners can offer?

Ted: We have introduced two new services in our company owned franchise and are working through the operational needs, marketing programs and technology required to prepare for a national rollout.

Pet Butler In The News

Pet Butler Interview: Educating Pet Owners

Me: Does Pet Butler support and or participate in pet education, like the importance of spaying and neutering pets?

Pet Butler: Partnering With Local Pet Rescue Organizations

Me: Do Pet Butler owners get involved with local rescue organizations? If so, how and what do they do with them?

Pet Butler: From Ted Hofer To You

Me: Is there something prospective Pet Butler franchise owners should know about the business…something that isn’t in a brochure or on your website?

Me: Finally, is there something you’d like to add?

Me: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Ted.

The post Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise appeared first on Best Franchise To Own | The Franchise King®.

Originally posted on Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise via Fitness Franchise Opportunities in the UK

syndicated from Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise

syndicated from Originally posted on Pet Butler: My Interview With The CEO of This Growing Pet Franchise

#RWEP 2014 #franchise expert #franchising #fit body boot camp franchise opportunity #top rated franchise

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yunyingaixu · 5 years ago

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the color of beauty

Girls living in slums spend more money on their hair than anyone else, \"said Winston Sculley, who put a lot of red rollers on the client\'s African hair --

American hair salon in N ElmontY.

\"Somehow, they got the money for the color on top of the color, and the money for the weaving on top of the weaving.

\"A foreign company admits that there is gold in this sentence.

Over the past 12 months, L\'Oreal of France. A.

Dive into the city market in the United States and buy soft gloss Products and Carson Products separately. estimated $0. 37 billion, pick up 20% pieces from broken, few

The market known as \"National hair care.

Price: cheap 1. 4 times sales.

Terry Gardner, president of the new soft gloss/Carson division, explained why her family ended up selling to the French: \"L\'Oreal has a Ninja mentality --

Very focused, very strategic, no waste of energy.

\"The cleaver move of the French.

Family for decadesrun African-

American businesses have designed products like \"tightness\", an almost toxic syrup that makes hair straight, in the process,

Neglected but vibrant $1. 2 billion U. S.

\"National hair care\" market. African-

Americans now account for 30% of the total population of the United States. S.

Although hair care expenditure accounts for only 13% of the population.

The French bet: these American hair styles will go to the world like rap and loose pants.

L\'oréal is run by 54 people, one reason is the feeling of the beauty of racial diversityyear-

Lindsay Owen, Old Welsh

The biggest and fastest is Jones.

A growing cosmetics company in the world.

Think about it: at 1980, when defending rival Clairol dominates the U. S. S.

The market share of 61% is relatively small --

A well-known French company has decided to compete with the United States. S.

Giant on his lawn.

Twenty years later, L\'Oreal American company had a 49% share of $1. 3 billion U. S.

Color of hair, display. C.

With the steady decline of Clairol to 40%, Nielsen.

With the squeeze in profits, the parents of kailerrol, Bristol-

Miles shiguibao, just $2.

Hair care products with sales revenue of 4 billion.

This is not the only company in L\'Oreal that has been hit hard.

Lulu was bleeding heavily on the rope.

Shiseido sales in Japan declined last year.

Estee Lauder is still the third largest brand in L\'Oreal. Shares at mass-

Market leaders at Unilever and Procter & Gamble have gone bankrupt.

\"We just love the industry more than our competitors-\" Owen said --\"

Well known O. Jones. J.

And took over Clairol in person 20 years ago.

\"I really don\'t think they understand what the problem is.

His comments are arrogant but make sense.

Over the past 15 years, L\'Oreal\'s sales have grown at a rate of 12% per year, with an estimated $11 billion in sales of $2000;

Net profit, compounded at a rate of 15%, will exceed $0. 8 billion.

L\'Oreal has a pair. digit top-

Production line growth for a hot tech company with bottom

Comfortable line for a wellrun bank. Says Jean-

Claude Lareche, marketing professor at Insead, Europe\'s top business school: \"What sets L\'Oreal apart is its consistency over time.

L\'Oreal is not completely undiscovered.

Its shares have risen from the split.

Over the past decade, the company has adjusted $8 to $76 to align its main shareholder, Liliane Bettencourt.

See the pyramid behind the perfume).

The stock has a P/E ratio of 2000 times that IBES predicted, almost three times that of the entire cosmetics industry, and the company is entering the \"most appreciated\" list.

L\'Oreal is the fourth of Insead\'s World\'s Best Companies to stand out from the top 50 in the Financial Times and on Young & rub Nikon\'s list of future popular European brands.

L\'Oreal\'s acquisition of Maybelline, Volkswagen-

The market brand of cosmetics reveals the best state of the French company in its international market.

Pay Wasserstein Perella & Co at 1996 L\'Oreal.

Cash and assumed debt amounted to $0. 66 billion, a modest sum.

It sells nine times as many tablets as Memphis, Tennessee.

There is also a huge factory in Little Rock, the Ark.

A few months later, L\'Oreal\'s creative team shocked the United States. S.

By restarting the old of Maybelline-

Cool pink and red nail polish in Miami, yellow and green nail polish.

Followed by a range of innovative products with competitive prices: Wondercurl, a mascara and brush that will curl and thicken eyelashes considerably when applied;

Fast completion, fast completion

American women are short of time with dry nail polish;

Moisturizing whip, moisturizing lipstick.

All patents and exclusive Maybelline.

Sales jumped to $1 from $0. 35 billion in 1996.

This year 1 billion

Maybelline is now the number one cosmetics in the United States, with a market share of 19% and is probably the most popular.

Sell brands worldwide.

See how the French Open up the Japanese market with this typical American brand.

L\'Oreal regained control of Japan\'s vulnerable groups in July 1999run Maybelline.

The Frenchman quickly adjusted the Wondercurl mascara formula to fit the short lashes in Asia.

\"We are lucky,\" said Patrick Rabin, head of consumer goods . \".

\"The correct etiquette in Japan is that Japanese girls should bow to men and never lift their eyes.

But the new generation wants to look straight at you and when you do, you will reveal your eyes and eyelashes.

But because Japanese lashes are short and straight, the only way you can see them is to curl.

\"Wondercurl went public in November 1999, with a market share of 18% in three months, making it Japan\'s number one mascara.

News shows Japanese girls queuing up for mascara screaming.

L\'Oreal later launched a series of blush and nail polish, including Asia --

No specific mascara running during the rainy season.

A year after L\'Or éal took over Maybelline in Japan, sales rose from 5 million to 12 million.

For all companies trying to sell brands abroad, here\'s a lesson.

\"The exit is over,\" said Jill Vail, L\'Oreal luxury director . \".

\"You have to be local and strong like the best locals, but with the support of an international image and strategy.

\"So, while Maybelline\'s cosmetics are in the lab with recipe adjustments based on local skin types and weather around the world, its main face to the world remains African --

American model Tomiko

Tomiko conveyed a fashionable New York City fashionyear-

Young people from Shanghai to Berlin want to be one of them.

\"The attitude of Americans has something modern,\" Rabain said . \".

\"It\'s urban, relaxed and stylish.

The world is racially diverse and it is recognized that all races are represented in the United States. S.

Everyone has a chance, and for young people in other parts of the world, this is the real sign of modern times.

\"So L\'Oreal responded quickly

A changing world: build more than a dozen big Mac based on local cultural beauty but can attract different segments of the global market.

From the United States: The understated elegance of Kiehl\'s, the trendy New York pharmacy, the trendy re-launch of Helena Rubinstein, Ralph Lauren\'s perfume, to the masses --

Beautiful lotus market and lovely dark.

From Europe: the refined France of Lancome, the noble Italy of Armani perfume, the mass influence of L\'Oreal and the carnier laboratory.

Coming: Asian acquisitions (

Rumors of Shu umela, Japan

This will bring Eastern elegance to L\'Oreal\'s arsenal. It works.

The best-selling brand in Asia may be the trendy Maybelline, but in Eastern Europe, it was marinated by the Party as the 19 th.

L\'Oreal\'s French brand is still doing its best in beauty.

At the same time, African immigrants in Europe will be tempted by the Dark and Lovely United States.

No other cosmetics company in the world can choose their own weapons in this way.

The French company is good at bringing new innovations to the market. A decade ago O. J.

His team sold or merged the different businesses of L\'Oreal, focusing on more than a dozen brands such as hair care, skin care, makeup and perfume.

Distinguish L\'Oreal from competitorsJ.

Consciously rejected Charles Lipson\'s famous \"dream in the bottle\" philosophy and added 1,000 scientists to his R & D staff, currently 2,300.

L\'Oreal\'s R & D budget is 3.

1% of sales may be double that of other cosmetics companies (

See \"scientific hair gel \").

Larreche of Insead said that L\'Oreal is different because of the way the lab works --in-

Gloves for marketing.

For example, L\'Oreal introduced fruit shampoo in 1996, when marketers decided they wanted a \"natural juice\" shampoo for young European Greens.

Scientists in the laboratory turned their eyes on request, but found an excuse to put sugar in shampoo at the molecular level (

The growth of hair has a weak connection with fructose).

Presto: a marketing story based on science.

L\'Oreal has a 28% share of the European shampoo market, while P & G and Unilever have fallen to 19% and 12% respectively.

L\'Oreal\'s coming to support such product innovation and 12th

The largest media budget in the world.

External charges for the past decade \"-

L\'Oreal hides the slogan of its advertising and promotional expenses --

Sales jumped from 37% to 47%.

According to the Advertising Age, L\'Oreal\'s global advertising spending has risen to $1.

25 billion in 1998, almost comparable to cocaCola.

L\'Oreal has found a marketing model and is still looking for a new model --

That\'s why it\'s a leader in the cosmetics industry for interactive websites.

But that\'s why L\'Or éal recently paid about $0. 15 billion (3.

Kiehl\'s sales are five times.

The curious company, which has a history of 149, relies solely on word, and revenues have climbed to $40 million. of-mouth.

L\'Oreal is actually a pyramid of small profit centers, and there are only ten profit centers --

Often very youngemployees.

Audit and budget meetings are ongoing, not focusing on milk spilled in the past, but looking for the main indicators for the coming yearend.

Which neglected products have signs of life, but lack of capital?

Which do not meet expectations and need to be trimmed?

Such a structure makes the development of this big company very fast.

A few months ago, a German competitor shocked L\'Oreal by announcing that it would launch a trendy new hair gel in France. On Sept.

8 Rabain meets with colleagues in a crowded meeting room and agrees to roll out spoiler Hairspray when they are young --

Brand of Fructis.

If the formula is given now, the factory manager immediately agreed to provide 500,000 units to France within one month, but the lab refused. The hair-

The spray formula requires a month\'s safety test first.

Decision: plants will glue while testing the formula in the laboratory.

If the test fails, they will destroy the lot.

If they pass, they will launch.

L\'Oreal executives call it \"going to the casino \". \" On Nov.

There are 3 Portuguese gum in the French store.

A week before the German game.

\"It\'s too late if you wait until consumer research tells you everything,\" O said . \". J.

\"The battle has taken place and someone has occupied [the prize]

It disappeared.

\"L\'Oreal can also focus on costs for all marketing and research.

In 1996, the company found that the recently acquired Maybelline used 20 cents to make mascara in its huge small stone factory;

L\'Oreal needs 46 cents to produce the same product at a European factory.

L\'Oreal quickly reorganized its European production using Arkansas knowledgehow.

L\'Oreal\'s purchasing costs have fallen by 1/3 over the past decade to 19% of sales, compared with 27% and 25% for competitors and Weena in Europe\'s fitobeerdorf.

There is no predictable Paris mansion at L\'Oreal headquarters;

This is a modern hospital.

Like an office in the suburbs of Clichy.

L\'Oreal was born in 1907, when Eugène schüeller, an outstanding French chemist, created one of the first stable synthetic hair dyes.

1930 of Schuler also invented the sun.

Tan oil and the first batch-

Market shampoo without flaky soap.

But Shule has a side too.

According to historian Michael Barr

Schuler supported a fascist organization eventually known as La Cagoule. The Cowl)

Named after the red hood worn by members to hide their identity, its leaders often meet at L\'Oreal Royal Street headquarters in their 1930 s.

In 1937, dozens of political assassinations were carried out in La Cagoule.

When the Germans entered Paris, the Shule\'s murderous La Cagoule faction evolved into a \"social progressive faction\" and began to work with Gestapo and party guards.

On a notorious night in October 1, 1941, members of the group blew up seven Paris synagogues.

Schuler funded the resistance at the end of the war and managed to barely pass L\'Oreal without a criminal record until his death in 1957.

His daughter, Lillian betancu, became the company\'s main shareholder, and the new chief executive, Francois Dahl, launched a product like Ellnet hair spray that removed L\'Oreal from tampon

However, at the end of his career, Dahl experienced a painful fall --

Go out with his film director, Jean fledeman.

The former hero of the French resistance movement, then the citizens of Israel, revealed Schule\'s past in the early 1990 s, and dug up an amazing revelation after another: former Jack-

War criminals who served five years in ten years

He held a leadership position in La Cagoule and was sentenced to one year in prison and MSR is the chairman of L\'Oreal American companyS.

Until his death in 1991.

Fred deman also discovered the fact that Senator Andrey Betancourt, the husband of Lillian, wrote several profanity and-

Flash articles from Nazi propaganda agencies during the war.

Not all revelations have to do with the past.

L\'Oreal asked the Arab boycott to avoid being blacklisted and caught for its Helena Rubinstein.

Anti-charges

L\'Oreal was shocked by Jewish, fascist cleansing and catering to Arab racism.

New York Mayor Koch has called for a boycott of L\'Oreal; the U. S.

The Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Justice began investigations.

During this period, Owen

Jones, a Welsh from outside Liverpool, is studying.

Born into a middle classclass Latin-

The mother was a teacher and the father was an engineer. before going to Insead, France, he received a scholarship education in Oxford.

It is there that this young man who likes racing cars and language gifts first heard of L\'Oreal, where you can see women getting paid for taking off their clothes in the sunbathing advertisement.

After he became famous in L\'Oreal, Italy and the United States. S.

, Bettencourts-

The person who controls L\'Oreal through the holding companyappointed O. J.

He served as chief executive in 1988.

The storm is coming.

A young foreigner who runs a French idol?

\"Choosing a president is not bound by convention,\" the media --

Shy lililian betancu in e-mail.

What matters is vision, talent and courage. Mr. Owen-

Jones has these qualities.

In the next seven yearsJ.

Cleaned up Fredman-

Add to L\'Oreal\'s past.

He solved the problem of violating American law. S.

Significant investment has been made in Israel.

At 1994 Senator betdanggu, 75, resigned from the L\'Oreal board of directors and gave his seat to his Jewish son --in-law, Jean-

Pierre Meyers lost his parents in Auschwitz.

In 1997, the United States Orthodox Jewish Union awarded L\'Oreal the International Leadership Award.

Note: O. J.

Double production

In this whirlpool, L\'Oreal achieved the growth of the number of digits.

A \"passionate person\", \"arrogant person\", a \"product madman\" with \"laser eyes\" is how employees and outsiders describe him.

He got the cold euro.

The grace of old James Bond, but his conversation is full of salty Americanism such as \"Go get your ball \".

\"The French tend to say a lot,\" said Jill Vail, the luxury goods manager . \". \"What O. J.

These are facts.

Don\'t tell me a long story.

Nice to hear but no time.

Tell me the facts and tell me what to do to correct the problem.

\"Alexis Reille, a former employee who now runs his own perfume business, recalls how he ran the perfume business. J.

I used to pick a perfume without mercy.

He showed the gift.

\"The case is reducing the overall profitability of the perfume,\" Reille said . \".

\"We ignored it.

I had to reconsider the whole thing.

\"A striking glimpse of this complex business leader is a video recorded at a sales conference in 1997, but young employees are still endlessly passing on internally.

Morning and O. J.

I found myself choking on the podium.

\"L\'Oreal is a love story for me,\" he said . \"

\"For me, L\'Oreal is an important part of my life\'s direction.

\"This is a difficult company . \"J.

Sorry to say today, \"but also very sentimental.

\"The problem now is O. J.

How to maintain the development momentum of L\'Oreal. Years ago O. J.

See a picture of John F.

When Kennedy was young, he directed a small torpedo ship during World War II.

\"He\'s not 3,022 on the aircraft carrier,\" said O. J.

\"He was the captain of a small boat when he was very young.

You have to ask, is that part of why he became president of the United States? S.

What I want to do is invent a lot of torpedo ships so that I have a few future presidents.

\"One of L\'Oreal\'s emerging leaders is Katen Patel, 34. year-

The old creative journey behind Maybelline.

Patel, an Indian, grew up in Kenya with an M. B. A. from Cornell.

\"You don\'t have to be a snob in Paris to taste or understand what is beautiful,\" O said . \". J.

No, you must have an international vision and a genius in marketing.

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therealestatesparkblog · 6 years ago

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The Most Important Part of Your Investment (Hint: It's Not the Actual Property)

Lets say you have a totally renovated, totally perfect rental property. Youre really proud of it, and you should be! The property didnt just come together out of thin air. It didnt will itself into your portfolio. There was the acquisition. Maybe you even negotiated it right from the seller. Or maybe you got a killer deal from your favorite wholesaler. Or perhaps you were lucky and bought it straight from the MLS or right from the courthouse steps. There are a lot of skills you need to do all of those things. Then you had to figure out how to finance it, pay for it, or both. However you did it, you went through buying the house. Then, you prepared and executed the construction or make-ready process. You made sure you had a detailed scope of work, meticulously working through any design elements. And soon, your new rental property was ready to go! Now, it looks great. You use your favorite iPhone app, super fancy camera, or photographer to create a digital representation of your property. Of course, you pick up every leaf and mow the lawn with those perfect green lines like they have at your favorite sports teams field. Shoot, this house should literally be on HGTV, its so perfect. All of thisacquiring, renovating, financing, doing real estate dealsis important. But none of this is the most important thing about your investment. Have you figured it out yet? Yes. The most important part of your investment is your tenants. Houses Dont Create Cash FlowTenants Do Take a moment and think about it. As a real estate community, we tend to focus on the house. Believe me, I can get that way too. But the house doesnt pay the rent. The people in the house do! They are the ones living there, making the house their home. Related: 7 Types of Tenants That Are Harder to Insure (& What You Can Do About It) If you arent seriously considering where the rental income is actually coming from, you need to think again. And then go back through everything we just talked about. During your renovation, are you making sure you are addressing concerns that your tenant would have? Did you make rent rate assumptions on the returns from your property? Of course you did. And guess what? You need to have that property renovated and presented in a certain way to ensure you have a tenant interested in living there and paying that kind of rent. Rental Turns are Cash Flow Killers Have you ever gone through a brutal rental turn? Maybe it was a pet leaving a mess and questionable smells behind. Maybe it was smokers who werent supposed to smoke there. Or perhaps it was that special tenant who figured out how to put holes in walls and doors. How do they do so much damage? Did they use a sledgehammer to open the door on the regular? Who knows. Rental turns can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Serious damage is even more expensive. Take this part of the process seriously. If you are placing the tenants, make sure you have a system in place. If youre working with a property manager, understand their process. How do they screen tenants? Make sure you understand the types of tenant you have. Even if they are moving out and dont want to live there anymore, make sure you know how they are caring for their place now.When youre in the process of filling your property again, take your time. Follow the proper steps. Finding the correct tenant is so important. A Rental House is Someones Home The bottle line is that rental is someones home. They could bring a child into the world, get married, or move into retirement years while living there. Are you serving the needs of your tenants? The property needs to serve them. If you arent thinking of issues or opportunities that come up, you need to be. Have clear guidelines when routine maintenance is performed at the property. Make the rent payment process clear and simple. Understand how snow removal and lawn mowing is addressed. Related: 7 Advanced Tenant Screening Tips (So Youre Not Fooled by Wolves in Sheeps Clothing) How often do you check on your tenants? Do you know them and make sure everything is going well at home? Think about it. If there is an open line of communication, and the tenants feel heard, with their issues addressed, dont you think they might stay longer? Final Thoughts Remember, the property is important. But you dont have a cash flowing asset without a tenant paying rent. The tenant has decided to make your property their home. Dont take this opportunity lightly. Create a safe and healthy place for them to live. Understand who the tenants are, or make sure your property manager does. And then create a relationship that allows those tenants to feel cared for and happy to live in your property for a very long time. When you solve that problem, you will have an amazing property, a happy tenant, and a solid investment for the length of time you own it. How do you take care of your tenants and rental properties? Weigh in with a comment! https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/single-important-part-of-your-investment

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scrogms · 7 years ago

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Trusted Advice For Growing More To Eat In Your Garden

Organic horticulture is a leisure activity of great persistence and an eco-friendly thumb. The concept here is to expand healthy, great-tasting food bereft of chemicals, herbicides and also other abnormal chemical enhancers. You could think this sounds difficult or expensive. Read on for pointers on exactly what you will should start gardening like a pro.Digging in clay soil with a shovel can be very difficult. The clay isn't simple to collaborate with and will stick to the shovel, which only makes the issue even worse. To earn excavating clay dirt much easier, attempt using a light finish of wax, either car wax or floor wax, then rub off as well as commence excavating. The wax will certainly aid maintain dirt from adhering to the shovel, and also will certainly also maintain the steel from rusting.Plant creeping plants like ivy to cover fencings as well as separating wall surfaces. Climbers have numerous various usages as well as spread quickly. They could expand through shrubs and trees, and even cover an arbor. Some need ties connecting them to supports, but others will certainly attach themselves to any kind of surface nearby. Some mountain climbers that have proven to be dependable are honeysuckle, jasmine, wisteria, clematis, and also climbing up roses.Be diligent in your efforts to banishing weeds! Weeds can damage a when encouraging garden as well as remove all its possibility. White vinegar could be made use of as an all-natural herbicide. White vinegar could not only kill the weeds, it's additionally a safe spray that won't harm family pets or people. A spray solution is a lot easier to apply than to clear your garden of weeds by hand.When you are mowing your yard do not cut it as well closely to the dirt. If you leave your lawn a bit longer, the roots can expand further.

youtube

This results in a yard that is stronger and less likely to dry. If the turf is also brief, it creates superficial origins which causes see post doctor gardening a yard with brown spots and also dried-out patches.Start your garden off right with seeds, not plants. As a green-friendly garden enthusiast, you always wish to utilize seeds to begin your brand-new story. It prevails for business plants to be packaged in plastic that is not generally reused, and for that reason, it is far better to make use of seeds or acquisition growings just from vendors who take advantage of organic packaging.Place organic mulch as near to your vegetables as you can. The soil around plants could stay damper through using compost. In enhancement, it will certainly keep the weeds from expanding. This might save you great deals of weed-pulling time.Choose one plant to be the centerpiece. A strong focal factor will draw peoples focus on your yard, leaving them to appreciate your unique design. Frequently, it will be a plant that's really different from others in the neighborhood.Spray fragrances such as old fragrance or aftershave on lawn around your garden in order to help keep your dog away from the plants. This will certainly help mask the aromas that attract your canine, and will make your garden a much less interesting location for your family pet to be.Prevent damages from the sun by ensuring you dress properly whenever you go outdoors to garden. Sunglasses, a great unethical hat, as well as sunscreen are extremely helpful. Using sun defense will prevent your skin from burning and by extension will certainly lower your danger of establishing skin cancer.Vegetables have the tendency to soften during the hottest part of the day, which suggests they are conveniently damaged, even when handled with care. Be specific that you cut chosen vegetables directly off from the vine itself and not by twisting them off, due to the fact that you don't want to hurt the husqvarna automower 315 lawnmower plant.You ought to safeguard the knees if you are kneeling in the garden. It's hard for the majority of people to flex while standing, particularly at the midsection. Stooping is an excellent way to get to plants without causing back tension. You could acquire a knee pad, placed it on the ground and kneel on it to make sure that you wont need to handle knee pain.To garden appropriately in a natural fashion, calls for a great deal of patience, a great deal of elbow oil or even much more know-how. It makes use of vacant land to generate something tasty and healthy. Being a competent natural garden enthusiast could be attained by basically in some initiative, as well as learning a couple of handy suggestions.

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williamharis98 · 7 years ago

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A clear direction

New direction Nathan Brandon started fresh once his vision diverged from his business partner’s.

When asked for advice on how to succeed in the green industry, Nathan Brandon often thinks of one of his favorite quotes.

“Never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate,” says the owner of Pure Green in Nashville, Tenn. “Meaning, don’t do something now for immediate gratification to the detriment of where you want to go.”

These words of wisdom have guided Brandon’s green industry career, which began at age 12 when he started mowing his neighbors’ lawns for $45 per cut. In fact, he still remembers which home belongs to his very first client.

“I got into it for the sense of obligation to have my own money and not have to ask for it (from my parents). As far as why I stayed in the industry for this long, I guess I’m a glutton for punishment,” he says with a laugh. “But it’s been a good industry. It’s provided a good living for me and my family and gives me the flexibility to do the things I want to do.”

Brandon and a business partner started a full-service landscape company called Turf Managers in 2000. After more than 10 years in business, Brandon says he and his partner began to have different visions of what the company should be. Brandon wanted to start shedding the types of services that require time-consuming consultative selling, such as maintenance and installations, and instead focus more on lawn care, which he says is quicker and easier to sell online or over the phone. About four years ago, Brandon made the difficult decision to sell his portion of Turf Managers to his partner and started Pure Green.

Today, Pure Green is a $1.3-million company that provides lawn care services to an 85 percent residential, 15 percent commercial clientele. Pure Green has seven employees, with an eighth set to join the team in early 2018.

“It came down to where we were as business owners and how we saw the growth and development of the business,” Brandon says. “Our two paths were diverging and were not coming together.”

Brandon decided to build Pure Green’s lawn care program using Holganix, an organic, plant-based product that incorporates soil microbes, microbe food and nutrient enhancers to build resilient plants and healthier soils. This approach reduces his use of synthetic products by 50 to 80 percent, he estimates. Brandon markets Pure Green as an organic-hybrid company and says it’s a designation his customers appreciate.

“I started doing research and reading about and understanding soil biology,” he says. “The organic products make the synthetic products work better. When you’re using organics, you are taking care of the soil and, in turn, you are taking care of the turf.”

After starting Pure Green, Brandon’s initial goal was to reach $10 million in 10 years. He has since shifted that goal to $5 million in 10 years after realizing he was undercapitalized to get where he wanted to go in that time frame. Part of his growth strategy is through the acquisition of other lawn care companies. Two years ago, Brandon stumbled upon an opportunity to acquire a local lawn care company that was a “virtual perfect fit” for Pure Green. The company’s customer population increased his route density by about 35 percent, and he has retained 80 percent of its clientele.

“I went to talk to (the business owner) about a truck he had for sale and told him that if he ever thought about selling his business to give me a call. Within 30 minutes, he sent me an email,” Brandon says, adding that it took about nine months to secure the deal. “I wasn’t planning on doing an acquisition until year three, but that one came in year two, and it was too good to pass up.”

Brandon is currently working toward a second acquisition. He says any potential deals have to make sense both logistically and financially for him to consider them. He passed on an acquisition opportunity in 2017 because the customer base didn’t align with his routes.

“It didn’t make financial sense to pay good money and have my customer base spread out even further—I would rather just focus on marketing and sales,” he says. “It’s all about density—the more customers you have clustered together, the more money you can make.”

R&D

One challenge Brandon has faced as his company has grown is implementing the systems and processes necessary to keep things running smoothly. He acknowledges that he doesn’t have a background—or an interest—in this aspect of running a business. He employs a process he calls R&D, or “rip off and duplicate”—he tries to mimic what other business owners have done. He has gotten invaluable guidance and feedback through his membership in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a network of business owners who are happy to share how their businesses operate. EO’s Nashville chapter has more than 200 members, and Brandon has been an active participant for 14 years. He also uses a consultant, paid on a monthly retainer, to help with this aspect of the business.

“It’s something that I’ve struggled with personally because I don’t have a background in it. It takes me a lot of time and effort, and I don’t enjoy it,” Brandon says. “What is the process when you get into the office? What is the process of loading up your truck every day? All of those things have to be consistent.”

Like many LCOs, Brandon says labor is a challenge for him, and he is always looking for quality technicians to add to his team. He finds his crew members “all over the place”—he has recruited them from competitors and from sister industries like pest control. He also runs ads on sites like Craigslist. Brandon makes it a priority to always have at least one or two potential workers in mind to avoid being placed in a predicament should someone leave the company during the busy season.

“I am constantly recruiting and looking for people,” he says. “I have found that if I don’t have one or two people in the hopper, it never goes well. You get rushed, and you end up making less-than-ideal hiring decisions.”

While Pure Green’s future looks bright, Brandon isn’t sure he wants to stay in the green industry indefinitely. He doesn’t know exactly what he would do if he wasn’t running Pure Green, but he believes it would have something to do with helping other young entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Through EO, Brandon acts as a mentor and leads classes and forums to help startup companies get up and running—work he finds very rewarding. But for now, Brandon will continue to make the best decisions for his company and where he wants it to go in the future.

“I have a lot of customers asking for full-service work, but that’s just not my business anymore. If I did that, I would be taking away time and resources from my true business,” Brandon says. “There were a lot of things we used to do so we could make a dollar now—young businesses tend to just see the dollar signs. But it makes you lose direction of where you want to go.”

Photo: Pure Green

from Gardening News http://landscapemanagement.net/a-clear-direction/

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limdocxips · 7 years ago

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Gardening With Kids - InfoBarrel

Tips for Cold Climates and also Growing Green House Gardens. They are additionally efficient when it pertains to water usage as well as the weeds don 't discover their way into them. Peanuts are not a nut as lots of people believe, peanuts remain in a legume family much like peas and also beans. With aid from his partner Claire as well as child Mark, he grows a wide variety of perennials that include ferns, poppies, irises, and Andre Viette 's individual faves, daylilies.It feels so good to just go in the direction of the garden as well as choose exactly what you require after that instead of running to the drug store. The researchers are declaring that as hunter-gatherers countless 1000s of years back, whenever we discovered food our brains launched dopamine, putting us into a relaxed, delighted mindset using a mild feeling of ecstasy. The food colouring is produced normally in the "pea flower ". As a devoted garden enthusiast for several years and worked in garden nursery 's with rate of interests in hyonics extending back to the early 90 's. All in many this doesn 't issue if you enjoy sensible horticulture gifts and even the whimsical variety. All trees and shrubs will eventually transform their dimension and that 's when problems occur. Be certain to choose a medium that is not mosting likely to fail the mouth of the bottle.If you 're

the proprietor of this site:. You have to know what plant expand in the conditions you 've within your location this is for one to stay clear of unnecessary acquisitions. Influence Horticulture is a method of using little area to great impact, maintaining plants close together, which blocks weeds and requires virtually no upkeep as soon as started.These plants will certainly birth a month sooner compared to others sown in the natural ground plus a square backyard will include 36 pots, and will certainly certainly, equip plants for 36 hillsides of cucumbers, which, if well taken care of, can keep on bearing till September. A mindful evaluation of each of the benefits and drawbacks will certainly enable you to raise the threat for appropriate choice for you with each other with your lawn. A mindful examination of every one of the advantages and disadvantages will certainly aid you increase the threat for best decision for you along with your yard. A mindful assessment of all of the advantages and disadvantages will certainly assist you make the appropriate choice for you as well as your backyard. Consume alcohol a lot of liquids as on a hot day easily the PPE you have to use you can came to be dehydrated really quickly.So obtaining the hands unclean seems being really helpful to your wellness. Some kids love these yet various other children wish to utilize the precise very doctorgardening same tools that Mommy or Father use. This certain plant grows on dirt which includes a pH level of 5 to There are different tools such because the pH meter and dirt testing package which could be related to check the pH degree. They might start utilizing it for various other function like washing their autos. They consist of:. Each who is obligated to take pills or http://nyanbi.tumblr.com/post/169249852104/flower-gardening other medicaments for months just to head outdoors and live his life like typical individuals, sees that the allergic reactions could eliminate the satisfaction of the brand-new spring period. All trees as well as hedges will certainly faster or later on alter their dimension and also that 's when difficulties happen. Including baking soft drink to water and splashing the contaminated plants can help heal them as well as stop even more infections.Non-Toxic Repellents & # 13. Laundry the furnishings utilizing a soft bristled brush or perhaps a tidy soft cotton fabric .(Believe dandelions for a word photo of the sort of mayhem self-sowing, invasive plants could create!). Sometimes it 's difficult to set up home window planters alone, so you need to count around the help of specialists. Take care on paling fencings not to groove the timber. Beware on paling fencings never ever to groove the timber. One plant that grew back in wealth, although it we had not been see for time, was the kangaroo paw which does not include crucial oils. Another choice is to try hanging baskets with blossoms on the lighter side of the window frame.

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blackpjensen · 7 years ago

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Morbark Announces Acquisition Of Rayco Manufacturing: This Week’s Industry News

Want to keep up with the latest news in lawn care and landscaping? Check back every Thursday for a quick recap of recent happenings in the green industry.

Morbark Announces Acquisition of Rayco Manufacturing Morbark, LLC has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Rayco Manufacturing, Inc. This transaction represents the first addition since affiliates of the private equity firm Stellex Capital Management LP acquired Morbark in 2016. Rayco brings a lineup of innovative equipment into the Morbark family across multiple product categories. In particular, Rayco stump cutters, aerial trimmers, forestry mulchers and crawler trucks will enhance and complement the existing Morbark family of products. Rayco founder, John Bowling, will continue his work with the team to develop new products and help improve the company’s existing product lines. He will continue to have an economic interest in the combined business and will be a member of Morbark’s Board of Directors.

Green & Growin’ 2018: Speakers, CEUs Announced & Registration Open Online registration is now open for Green & Growin’ 2018, January 15-19 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The show includes more than 50 education sessions presented by green industry and business experts. Topping that list are keynote sessions with Eric Chester and Bryce Lane. On Tuesday, January 16, Chester presents “On Fire at Work — How Great Leaders Ignite Passion in their People” an inside look at how the world’s top corporations engage and inspire excellence. The author of five best-selling books on employee management, Chester is an award-winning speaker. On Wednesday attendees are invited to Breakfast with Bryce Lane, a green industry champion from North Carolina State University. A nationally-acclaimed garden speaker and NSCU Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus, Lane is the former host of UNC-TV’s Emmy award-winning television show, “In the Garden with Bryce Lane.” The show also has new mobile app and the North Carolina Contractors License Review Course will be offered for the first time.

Ditch Witch Hosts High School Students for National Manufacturing Day In recognition of National Manufacturing Day, Ditch Witch hosted 220 high school freshmen on Thursday, Oct. 26 to help inspire the next-generation of manufacturers and celebrate modern manufacturing. Participating Oklahoma high schools included Perry, Covington-Douglas, Morrison, Mulhall-Orlando and Guthrie. Students from each school received a tour of the Ditch Witch and Subsite Electronics facilities. On the tour, students heard from factory employees and had the opportunity to ask questions about their work.

Harvey L. Massey Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From Association of Fundraising Professionals Massey Services Chairman & CEO, Harvey L. Massey was recognized with the H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals on November 1. This award is the organization’s highest honor and is presented to an individual who demonstrates a history of exceptional leadership and is personally active in philanthropy. Massey has been an unwavering philanthropist for 33 years. He and his wife, Carol, are longtime supporters of the Central Florida community, especially in the areas of the arts, healthcare and education. They formed the Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation in 2014 to further solidify their personal and professional commitment, and have made major contributions to the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital for early childhood autism research, the Veterans Memorial Park of Central Florida, the Burnham Institute, Rollins College and funded a public sculpture for the “See Art Orlando” community project.

Advanced Turf Solutions Welcomes Four New Sales Representatives Advanced Turf Solutions has recently added four new sales representatives to its team: Jeff Kolbe and Joe Leimbach in the lawn and landscape markets in Chicago and Cincinnati, respectively, Brad Fry in the golf course market in Southwestern Michigan, and Brian Winka in the sports turf market in Missouri.

New Outdoor Classroom Debuts at Tampa-Area School, Thanks to TurfMutt Grant Thanks to a $10,000 grant from TurfMutt, an environmental stewardship and education program managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) Research and Education Foundation, and Massey Services, headquartered in Orlando, a new outdoor classroom is debuting at Guardian Angels Catholic School in Clearwater, Florida and is ready to help kids learn valuable science, math and other lessons about the environment and living landscapes. The new outdoor space is the result of one fifth-grader’s creativity and hard work. Student Marissa Weber of Palm Harbor, Fla. won the TurfMutt “Be a Backyard Superhero” contest earlier this year. A dedication ceremony will take place November 9 at 8:15 a.m. at the school.

Limited Edition GreenCare for Troops T-Shirts For Sale Project EverGreen and Nufarm are offering special edition “A Greener Call of Duty” t-shirts for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to support the GreenCare for Troops initiative. The shirts, which will be available through November 22, retail for $20 and can be ordered online. Orders received by November 15 have guaranteed delivery by December 20 in time for Christmas. The winning t-shirt design was selected by attendees at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville.

Brandt Hires National Sales Manager For Turf Products Ken Mangum has accepted the position as National Sales Manager for BRANDT’s turf business, which includes the BRANDT, GRIGG and BRANDT iHammer product lines. In this role, Mangum will oversee the company’s turf and ornamental territory sales managers, engage key customers and work with the senior management team to set the strategic direction for the turf team. Mangum will report to John Guglielmi, BRANDT Specialty Formulations National Sales Director.

Exmark Awarded NJPA National Contract for Landscape Maintenance Equipment Exmark has been awarded a national cooperative contract by the National Joint Powers Alliance to be a vendor of professional landscape maintenance equipment, attachments and accessories. The four-year contract, which includes an option for a fifth-year, was approved August 18, 2017. The contract gives more than 50,000 NJPA members in the United States and Canada access to Exmark commercial walk-behind, stand-on and zero-turn riding mowers, as well as turf management equipment including aerators, spreader-sprayers, seeders and more. The contract is valid in all areas where local laws and statutes permit cooperative purchasing.

EPA Approves Kabuto Fungicide SC for Spring Dead Spot PBI-Gordon Corporation announces that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently granted Federal registration for Kabuto SC Fungicide for use in the treatment of spring dead spot (SDS) in warm-season turfgrass. Labeled for use on golf courses, sports fields, and residential and commercial turf, Kabuto is a proprietary formulation for the preventative control of SDS, and the preventative and curative control of dollar spot (including control of carboxamide resistant dollar spot). It inhibits all stages of development in the fungal lifecycle, and can be applied up to eight times per year as part of a resistance management program.

PERC Announces Second Annual ‘Propane Leadership Award’ Recipients The Propane Education & Research Council announced a Pennsylvania dealer and a Louisiana landscape contractor as the recipients of the second annual Propane Leadership Award at the 2017 GIE+EXPO. PERC awarded Louisiana-based Rotolo Consulting, Inc. and R.S. Hollinger & Son, Inc. in Mountville, Pennsylvania, with the honor. Brandt Martin (RCI) and Lynn Hollinger (R.S. Hollinger & Son, Inc.) each received a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat to commemorate the award. RCI began using propane commercial mowers in 2011 and changed one-third of its fleet to propane within a year. Now, the company uses nearly 100 propane mowers, as well as close to 100 propane autogas-powered trucks to meet the needs of its growing customer base. For R.S. Hollinger, bringing propane equipment to the dealership’s sales floor helped the company get a leg up on its surrounding competition, one of the factors that convinced Ebling’s Service Plus in neighboring Myerstown to acquire the company as Hollinger and his brothers plan for retirement.

Rain Bird Announces New Irrigation Training Schedule Rain Bird Training Services will host over 60 irrigation training events throughout the United States from October 2017 through May 2018. These classes are open to irrigation professionals at all experience levels, including contractors, distributors, golf course superintendents, designers and architects. All Rain Bird training classes count toward valuable continuing education units (CEUs) from the Irrigation Association, as well as some counties and organizations nationwide. Rain Bird Training Services offers three different ways for irrigation professionals to enhance their skill sets, become better water managers and improve their career prospects.

Read last week’s industry news roundup: Phipps Conservatory Displays Vertical Gardening

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dmvalerts · 8 years ago

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Bowie E-News

Bowie: May 2017NewsThis Weekend in BowieDon’t miss these popular events this Saturday, April 29:- Plant Sale in the Bowie Library parking lot (on 450), 8 a.m. to noon.- Arbor Day celebration at Acorn Hill Park on Stonybrook Drive, 10 a.m.- Prescription Drug Take Back event at the Bowie Police Department, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.More information on these events is provided in the Events section below.Centennial Finale & Family Fun Fair – May 6 Bowie’s yearlong centennial celebration concludes on Saturday, May 6, with a very special event at City Hall. Join us as we celebrate the past 100 years of Bowie history and march forward into the next 100 years! The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with a short closing ceremony and the burial of a time capsule that will opened in 2117. Then, beginning at noon, the Family Fun Fair will feature rides and games for kids, a DJ with music from the last 100 years, a display of big trucks from the Fire Department and the Public Works Department, an Open House at the Police Department, critters from Bowie's Big Purple Barn - and more! Admission and kids' rides are free. Food will be available for purchase from vendors at the Fair.Hydrant Flushing Ends May 2The Bowie Public Works Department wraps up its annual fire hydrant flushing and testing program next week. The final neighborhoods on the schedule are: April 28 - Yorktown & Overbrook May 1 - Whitehall May 2 - Rockledge Hydrant flushing takes place from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The flushing may cause some discoloration of your water. The water is safe for drinking and bathing even though it may be discolored. The discoloration is a result of rust and sediment buildup in the water lines and is not harmful. It should clear in approximately 24 hours. However, since the water mains are all interconnected, flushing of hydrants in adjacent sections could affect your water as well. Clothes washing is discouraged when flushing is scheduled in your neighborhood or nearby. If your clothes do become discolored by the water, keep them wet and rewash them using a rust remover once the water has cleared. Rust remover is available at City Hall and Public Works offices. For more information, please call the Public Works Department at 301-809-2344.City Council Continues Fiscal 2018 Budget DeliberationsThe City Council will continue its annual review of the Proposed Budget for the coming fiscal year and the Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2018 - 2023. The sessions take place at City Hall at 8 p.m. on the dates listed below. They are open to the public. The public is invited to comment on the proposed budget at a public hearing on May 1.• City Council Meeting, Public Hearing and Budget Worksession #4 – May 1 Residents may comment on the budget at a Public Hearing during the Council meeting. The worksession that follows the Council Meeting will focus on the budgets of the City Manager’s Office, the Police Department, the Finance Department and the Nondepartmental budget.• Budget Worksession #5 – May 8 This final Budget Worksession will include a review of the budgets for the Department of Planning and Economic Development, the Information Technology Department, the Equipment Acquisition and Replacement Fund, General Fund Summaries, and the Appendix, which includes the Plan of Compensation.SCMAGLEV High Speed Train ProposedStudies are underway to evaluate the feasibility of bringing very high speed train travel to the Washington, DC/Baltimore corridor. Some of the routes under consideration would pass through or very near Bowie. Visit http://bit.ly/2p8tCik to view a map of the proposed routes. Detailed information about the project is at http://bit.ly/2oNFAuz Appreciation Awards Breakfast – May 10The Business Recognition Breakfast is Wednesday, May 10, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Bowie Comfort Inn. Cost per person is $35. Please RSVP by May 5, 2017 at 301-262-0920. For additional information, visit the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce website at www.bowiechamber.org. Being a Considerate NeighborSummer is a great time to be outdoors. We ask residents and their guests to respect everyone’s right to a peaceful and quiet environment. Please refrain from making any loud or raucous noise that unreasonably disturbs your neighbors. Lawn maintenance equipment may be operated Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The same hours apply for playing music, and for parties and other events. For more information, contact the Code Compliance Office at 301-809-3008.Green Bowie Programs• Free Trees. The City of Bowie is offering 250 free trees to residents through Energy-Saving Trees, an Arbor Day Foundation program that helps conserve energy and reduce energy bills through strategic tree planting. City residents can reserve their free trees at http://bit.ly/2p8qEdO. An online tool helps residents estimate the annual energy savings that will result from planting trees in the most strategic location near their homes. Residents can reserve up to two trees and are expected to care for and plant them in the location provided by the online tool. The types of trees offered include: Bald Cypress, Eastern Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, Northern Red Oak, Red Maple, and Shadblow Serviceberry. The program will continue until all 250 trees are reserved. The two-to-four-foot tall trees will be delivered directly to participants at an ideal time for planting. For more information, please contact Kristin Larson at [email protected] or 301-809-3044.• Certified Backyard Habitat Tour. On Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Green Team Gar¬dens for Wildlife group will host its sixth Annual Certified Habitat Tour. Visit six homes that have been certified by the National Wildlife Federation as Backyard Wildlife Habitats to learn how your neighbors welcome birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to their yards. This year’s tour features the 2016 Distinguished Yard winner, which is the top honor in Bowie’s annual Beautification Awards. More information and a map of the sites is available at http://bit.ly/1dk1qzZ or by contacting Kristin Larson at 301-809-3044 or [email protected].• $20 Compost Bins Available at City Hall. City residents may purchase up to two compost bins per household. Payment is by cash or check at the Finance window during the City’s business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and by check only at the reception desk during City Hall’s night and Saturday hours (Monday to Thurday until 10 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.). Details at http://bit.ly/2p8uQu6 $50 and $100 Tree Rebates. Purchase certain trees at any Maryland nursery or store this year and receive a rebate. There are 11 species of trees eligible for rebates. Applications and program details can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1Dt6yvL. • $50 Lawn Mower Rebates. Buying a new mower? City residents who purchase a new mulching, electric, or manual reel mower are eligible to receive a $50 rebate from the City of Bowie. To obtain your cash rebate, bring proof of City residency and the receipt for a mulching, electric, or manual reel mower to the Finance Department at City Hall. Questions? Call 301-809-3020.Bowie Solar Co-op Deadline is May 31Neighbors in Bowie and surrounding Prince George’s County can now join the MD SUN Bowie Solar Co-op to get assistance with going solar. The Solar Co-op is based on the same principle as buying in bulk, and registration for the co-op itself is not a commitment to install panels. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, each participant generally saves up to 20% off the cost of their system. For more information and to register for the co-op, visit http://bit.ly/2p8xb8B Bike to Work Day – Friday, May 19If you ride your bike to work on Bike to Work Day, we hope you will stop by one of two Bowie pit stops at Bowie Town Center Food Court and Old Town Bowie Fire Station between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. for snacks and giveaways. Join thousands of area commuters and show your support for bicycling by taking part in a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work. Register at http://bit.ly/2oNDR8x or by calling 1-800-745-7433. Register by May 12 for a free t-shirt and bike raffles. Contact Frank Stevens at 301-809-3053 or [email protected] for more information.Farmers’ Market Opens Sunday, May 21Join us for the Bowie Farmers’ Market Opening Day on Sunday, May 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Market vendors will offer fresh locally grown produce, fruit, cut flowers, plants, breads, pastries, jams, jellies and more. The Market operates in the parking lot of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts at Bowie High School (15200 Annapolis Road) through October 29, 2017. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or [email protected]. Keep up with news of the Bowie Farmers’ Market on Facebook at http://bit.ly/2p8riIh Heritage Day on May 21On Sunday, May 21, from 12 to 4 p.m., enjoy free pony rides, balloon hats, hands-on-fun and crafts at Belair Stable. There will also be tours at the Mansion; the NTrack Modelers at the Railroad Museum; and an open house at the Genealogy Library on that date. Admission to all venues is free. For more information, contact the Museums Office at 301-809-3089 or [email protected]. Memorial Day Weekend Parade is Saturday, May 27The Parade begins at 11 a.m. at the Bowie High School Annex (3021 Belair Drive). Participants will march along Belair Drive to Sussex Lane, then onto Stonybrook Drive to Sage Lane. The reviewing stand, along with concession stands and restrooms, will be located in Acorn Hill Park on Stonybrook Drive. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1TIxEsT or call 301-809-3078 to participate. Summer Concerts Begin May 28Enjoy a variety of musical genres this summer at concerts sponsored by the City of Bowie. Concerts are held at Allen Pond Park on Sunday evenings from May 28 to September 3 at 7 p.m. and on the Town Green in Old Town Bowie from June 10 to July 29 at 4 p.m. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair for seating. View the concert schedule at http://bit.ly/1RxW8xj. Concerts are canceled in the event of inclement weather.Memorial Day Holiday – Monday, May 29Monday, May 29 is a City holiday. City offices are closed. There is no refuse or recycling collection on this day. Since there are no makeup dates, the next pickup will take place on your next regularly scheduled day.Community Development Draft Action Plan Available for Review and CommentThe Annual Action Plan provides a description of the City’s programs for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and other funds allocated toward the implementation of objectives outlined in the Five Year Strategy Plan, which is included in the Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development. The Five Year Strategy Plan identifies community needs and proposed solutions in the areas of housing, special needs, economic development, and non-housing community development. The City’s CDBG activities benefit low and moderate-income persons by making improvements through the Senior Citizen Housing Rehabilitation Program. View the plan at http://bit.ly/2oNK18t a Mentor to a High School StudentThe Bowie Youth & Family Services Teen Mentoring Program is accepting mentor applications for the 2016 - 2017 school year. For more information or to apply, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Rhonda Simon at [email protected] or 301-809-3033.More Children’s Books Needed!Do you have children’s books that your children have outgrown or that are gathering dust at home? The Bowie Education Committee is collecting books to be given away to children at Bowiefest on June 3. For more information, or to donate, please contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or [email protected] Beautification Awards The City, in cooperation with Soroptimist International of Bowie-Crofton, is accepting nominations for the Annual Beautification Awards. Anyone can nominate a home or townhouse, business, school, or specialty garden that reflects the beauty of Bowie. All nominations must be for locations within the corporate limits of the city. The submission deadline is June 23, 2017. For more information, or to obtain a nomination form, visit http://bit.ly/1TIxy4m or contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or [email protected] check out the beautiful display of floral artwork in the Blooms Exhibit in the City Hall Art Gallery. The exhibit runs through June 16. It is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are City Hall hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The public is invited to an artist reception for the Blooms Exhibit on May 17, from 7 to 8 p.m. at City Hall.Dolphin Tank EventThe Bowie Business Innovation Center is hosting a “Dolphin Tank” Pitch Event and networking reception on May 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kenhill Center. Young companies that are clients of business accelerators and incubators in Prince George's County will pitch their company or business idea and receive feedback from a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs, angel investors and industry veterans who make suggestions for improving business models, marketing approaches, and business challenges. The audience also asks questions and offers advice. All are welcome to attend this free event, but registration is required. Visit http://bit.ly/2oNCNl1 The City of Bowie is currently seeking candidates for the following openings:• Executive Office Associate (closes 5/5/17)• Director of Information Technology (closes 5/12/17)• Entry Level Police Officer (open)• Lateral Police Officer (open)• Engineering Assistant (closes 4/28/17)• Assistant Director - Public Works (closes 5/5/17)Visit http://bit.ly/1zzVBTI for more information.Thunderstorm and Lightening PrecautionsAll thunderstorms are dangerous and all thunderstorm produce lightening. Thunderstorms can occur singularly, in clusters or in lines where warm, humid conditions exist. Lightening’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property and can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Remember that “heat lightening” is actually lightening from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard, but the storm could be moving in your direction. You should familiarize yourself with these terms to help you identify a thunderstorm hazard:• Severe Thunderstorm Watch – when conditions in your area are favorable for the development of a severe thunderstorm but does not necessarily mean severe weather is actually occurring.• Severe Thunderstorm Warning – is issued when trained storm spotters or radar indicates a thunderstorm is or will soon produce dangerous hail or high winds and lightening capable of causing significant damage. To prepare for thunderstorms, you should:• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.• Postpone outdoor activities. • Suspend outdoor activities at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder is heard.• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.• Get inside a home, building or a hard top vehicle.• After you see lightening, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. For more information on thunderstorm precautions, go to Ready.gov or contact Emergency Manager Lee Cornwell at 301-809-3079 or [email protected] You Believe in Magic?Have you ever wanted to learn how to perform magic or amazing card tricks? Professional magician and stage illusionist Alex deTessieres will host two magic workshops at the Senior Center on Thursday, May 18 at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Alex has a very fun and patient approach to his instruction. Each workshop will be 90 minutes long and will focus on beginner magic with cards and small magic effects. The sessions will be highly interactive and group participation is encouraged. All magic props and supplies will be provided and will be yours to keep. No previous magic experience is necessary. The cost is $10 per person. Individuals with special needs are welcome. Register at the Bowie Senior Center by May16. Participants, ages 10 to 17 years old, are welcome at the evening workshop, but must have a parent present.Alex deTessieres will also host two free magic shows at the Senior Center. The May 2 show is at 12:30 and is for seniors. The May 16 show is at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Learn more about the magician at http://bit.ly/2oNEsqM Volunteer Fire Department Needs VolunteersAre you interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or helping to support the important work of the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department? Being a volunteer can be a very rewarding experience. Orientation sessions are held monthly at Station 43 on Pointer Ridge Drive. Visit www.bowievfd.org or call 301-809-0122 for more information. Events4/29 – Spring Plant Sale 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Bowie Library Parking Lot on Annapolis Road. Purchase perennials, annuals, shrubbery, and vegetables at this sale sponsored by the Bowie-Crofton Garden Club and the Bowie Green Team. For more information, visit www.bcgardenclub.org or contact Kristin Larson at 301-809-3044 or [email protected]. 4/29 – Arbor Day Celebration 10 a.m. at Acorn Hill Park on Stonybrook Drive.4/29 – Prescription Drug Take Back Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bowie Police Department. Safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs and over the counter medications at this event sponsored by the Bowie Police Department and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. For more information, contact Cpl. Moten at [email protected] or 240-544-5774.5/1 – City Council Meeting, Public Hearing on Budget, and Budget Worksession #4 8 p.m. at City Hall. The public is invited to comment on the Proposed Budget, Capital Improvements Program and Constant Yield Tax Rate. Budget Worksession #4 will follow the Council Meeting and will focus on the budgets of the City Manager’s Office, the Police Department, the Finance Department, and the Non Departmental Budget. 5/2 – Magic Show 12:30 p.m. at the Bowie Senior Center. Free. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.5/3 – Bowie Business Innovation Center Dolphin Tank Event 6 - 9 p.m. at the Kenhill Center. Registration required at http://bit.ly/2p8IFZr. Call 301-383-1550 for information.5/5 – 5/13 “The Uninvited” at Bowie Playhouse. For tickets and information, visit www.pglt.org or call 301-832-4819.5/6 – Centennial Finale and Family Fun Fair 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a Family Fun Fair from noon to 5 p.m. on the grounds of City Hall. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or [email protected]/6 - Weed Warrior Day at Whitemarsh Park 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive English ivy from Whitemarsh Park. This is a great Student Service Learning opportunity. Children age 14 and younger must be under the direct supervision of a parent/guardian or Troop Leader at all times, and no volunteers under age 16 can use tools but may participate by pulling and bagging vines. To register, contact Kristin Larson at [email protected] or 301-809-3044.5/7 – Exhibit: Outlander Comes to Bowie! 6:30 p.m. at Belair Mansion Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or [email protected]/8 – City Council Budget Worksession #5 8 p.m. at City Hall. Budget deliberations will wrap up with this final worksession where the following budget sections will be reviewed: Planning and Economic Development Department, Information Technology Department, Equipment Acquisition and Replacement Fund, General Fund Summaries, Appendix, and Wrap-up.5/9 – Senior Center Program: Board Game Workshop 5 - 7 p.m. at the Bowie Senior Center. Free. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.5/10 – Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Visit www.bowiechamber.org or call 301-262-0920 for more information.5/10 – Senior Chorale Concert 4 to 5 p.m. at the Bowie Senior Center. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300. (The May 11th concert at the Senior Center is sold out.)5/14 – Mother’s Day at Belair Mansion 12 - 4 p.m. Peruse the Mansion exhibits and then enjoy a 20% discount in the Museum Shop. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or [email protected]/15 – Variety Show: Singin’ In the Rain 10:30 a.m. at the Bowie Senior Center. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.5/15 – City Council Meeting - Adoption of 2018 Budget and Capital Improvements Program 8 p.m. at City Hall.5/16 – Kids Kaboose 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Bowie Railroad Museum. Railroad fun and games for youngsters ages 1 - 10. Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or [email protected]/16 – Magic Show 6 p.m. at the Bowie Senior Center. Free. This show is open to the public. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.5/16 – Stakeholders Meeting 7 p.m. at the Kenhill Center to update interested parties on sewer extension work for Whitemarsh Park. This project will involve work on Forest Drive.5/17 – Senior Chorale Concert Celebrating 100 Years of Bowie 7:30 p.m. at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for this performance may be obtained at the Senior Center for $8 each. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.5/18 – Magic Workshops 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. at the Bowie Senior Center. The 5:30 show is open to all participants ages 10 and up.5/19 – Bike to Work Day 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. Pit Stops at Bowie Town Center Food Court and Old Town Bowie Fire Station, 9th Street. Register at http://bit.ly/2oNDR8x or by calling 1-800-745-7433. 5/20 – Putting Our New Quilt to Bed 1 - 2:30 p.m. at Belair Mansion. Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or [email protected]/20 – Tour of Certified Backyard Habitats 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various locations in Bowie. Call 301-809-3044 for details or visit http://bit.ly/1dk1qzZ. 5/21 – Farmers’ Market Opening Day 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.in the parking lot of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts at Bowie High School. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or [email protected]/21 – Bowie Heritage Day 12 - 4 p.m. Activities at the Belair Mansion and Stable, the Railroad Museum and the Genealogy Library. Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or [email protected]/24 - 26 – Senior Center Information Fair: Family Relationships in an Aging Society Various activities will take place during the Fair, including a skit about marriage on 5/24 at 12:30 p.m., a discussion on senior issues on 5/25 at 10 a.m. , and a Vendor Fair on 5/26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300. 5/27 – Memorial Day Weekend Parade 11 a.m. The parade begins at the Belair Annex to Bowie High School, 3021 Belair Drive and ends at Acorn Hill Park on Stonybrook Drive. For information, go to http://bit.ly/1TIxEsT or call 301-809-3078. 5/28 – Sunday Sunset Concert Series – US Navy Band Commodores 7 - 8 p.m. at Robert V. Setera Amphitheater, Allen Pond Park. For the full summer concert schedule, visit http://bit.ly/2oNLPym – Memorial Day Holiday City offices are closed on this date. There will be no trash or recycling pickup on the holiday. Note: The City of Bowie’s next Community Shredding Event will take place in late June. Look for an announcement in next month’s News Flash. If you would like to edit your subscriptions or the way you receive these messages, please LOGIN to your account to manage your information or call 301-809-3032 for assistance.

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