GOOD NEWS: A side-project of mine makes it to the front page!

Community RootsFor those of you who have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that an organization named Community Roots is close to my heart.  Besides just being started by my sister-in-law and a friend of hers, Community Roots is a non-profit group here in Coeur d'Alene that takes fresh produce and delivers it to local food banks, soup kitchens, and other emergency assistance facilities.

In the past 2 years, Community Roots has delivered over 7,000 POUNDS OF FOOD to people who need it.

Well, this past Saturday, a side project of mine, one that will partner with Community Roots to feed those in need, made it to the front page of the Local Section of the Coeur d'Alene Press.

Coeur d'Alene is going to have a community garden - called, A Shared Harvest.  Several of us are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen, but this is how it is going to work:

  • If you garden and want to grow fresh produce for you and your family (and lack the space to do it), you can sign up for a plot at A Shared Harvest.
  • 50% of the yield from every plot will be donated back to the Coeur d'Alene community via Community Roots.
  • Also, two beds will be designated, specifically, for Community Roots and 100% of the produce grown on those two beds will be given back.

Coeur d'Alene has an AMAZING network of food assistance facilities available and, being on the Board of Directors for the Kiwanis Club of Coeur d'Alene, I get to see them at work.  Their dedication to our community is enviable and we all benefit from their generosity.

Shared Harest ... Coeur d'Alene Community GardenSo far we have a mountain of support from all across the community, including:

  • Kiwanis Club of Coeur d'Alene
  • Panhandle Kiwanis Club
  • Sorensen Elementary
  • Coeur d'Alene High School
  • Lake City High School
  • City of Coeur d'Alene (presenting at town meeting tonight, live on TV)

But, the garden will be more than just a place to grow fruits and vegetables.  Plans for the garden include a sensory garden for the seeing impaired, wheelchair accessible growing beds for those dependent on wheelchair assistance, and a shaded picnic area under four 100-year-old oak trees.

If you are interested in getting involved, please feel free to e-mail me via the link on this blog.  Our next meeting is Thursday, March 26th.

If you are interested in learning more GOOD NEWS, please visit other entries in my blog...
or start one of your own!

Maryellen Garasky (in the photo above, sitting, red coat, lap top on my lap)
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

 

GOOD NEWS!  If you're looking for a home loan in North Idaho or Eastern Washington, NOW is the time to move.

The time has never been better.  GREAT houses just waiting for you!  GREAT interest rates to make your payment affordable.  And, if you're a first time homebuyer (aka: you haven't owned a home in the previous 3 years), let's not forget about the $8000 check you would get from the IRS!

Don't wait!  Call us today!

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

More good news on the mortgage front.  Kindly provided by "Mortgage Professional Extraordinare" Mike in Tucson.

Via Mike Jones (Tucson Mortgage Company, LLC):

Remember when these were all you had to call home when you were on the road?  So do I, and interest rates are lower now than they were back when these were being phased out for touch-tone payphones.

The stock market improved today by more than 200 points.  Interest rates dropped.  Rates are loosely tied to what happens in the bond market.  What happened today is contrary to what usually happens.  Bonds and stocks usually move in opposite directions. 

You don't care why.  Take advantage of it.  If you're looking for a mortgage of any kind, 30 year fixed rates for the best borrowers (good credit, W2 wage earner) are back below 5%, with APRs in the low 5s, depending on your loan adjustments.

Okay.  You're the one person who actually wants to know why.  I'll tell you.  Today's auction by the Federal Reserve of $11 billion in 30 year bonds was mobbed.  Demand was high, so rates fell.  Buyers included foreign central banks buying through investor groups.

The point is, cheap money is available for purchase and refinance.  Call me, and let's talk.

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.
Mike Jones (Tucson Mortgage Company, LLC): Loan Officer in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona
Think of me as your Tucson mortgage expert.  I only loan in Arizona.

Call me if I can help you with a purchase or refi mortgage;
(520) 349-9090

 


GOOD NEWS: Royal Family Kids Camp in North Idaho

Like many of you, I am tired of the constant bombardment of the network media about how bad life is right now.  So, I am doing something about it and I would like to encourage you to do the same.  I am blogging for 30 days about POSITIVE things I see going on in my community.  So far, I have been faithful to my calling and this is my 4th installment in the series.

Royal Family Kids Camp, North Idaho

But now, I'd like to introduce you to...

Royal Family Kids Camps

"Every year in our area, hundreds of children are removed from their homes and placed in the foster care system because of severe abuse and neglect, or even abandonment. For most of these children, they will lose hope, and feel as if their life has come to a deadend, even before it has begun.

A national organization, Royal Family Kids' Camp (RFKC) developed week-long camps for abused, neglected, and abandoned children who have been placed in foster care. For many of these children, their week at RFKC is the first time ever in their lives they have felt security, warmth, and love from dedicated adult caregivers. For them, it can be a life-changing experience.

Lake City Community Church has sponsored and operated such a camp for the past four years, and eagerly looks forward to its 5thyear. When children arrive at RFKC they are assigned a caring counselor, along with a surrogate "grandma" and "grandpa" and "aunt" and "uncle." For many of these campers, this is their first experience of how a real family functions. They discover self-worth, and a feeling of success as they accomplish projects and make friends.

We would love for you to share this opportunity in serving these children with us. If you are interested, read on..."

I would like to encourage you to get involved in one way or another.  If you live in North Idaho, please consider contacting RFKC to see how you can help.  If you live elsewhere in our great nation, look for opportunities to serve those around you.

There is no better way to take your eyes off your current circumstances than to look into the eyes of a child.

Thank you...Maryellen

 


GOOD NEWS: Free Tax Help for Those Who Have Need

Free Tax Help in North IdahoAs some of you may know, I am on a crusade to write about one positive thing I see in my community for 30 days.  Today is my 2nd installment.

This is not the first year that this service has been offered.  But, with all the changes in the economy, paying for tax assistance might be prohibitive for many people this year.  That's why I wanted to highlight this valuable service made by volunteers in and around the Coeur d'Alene area.

Assistance is provided by the AARP Tax-Aide, but serves low to moderate income taxpayers of any age.  You don't have to be a member of AARP to use this service!

LAKE CITY SENIOR CENTER
1916 Lakewood Drive, Cd'A

Appointments only:
667-4628

Mon, Wed, Fri
9 am - 12 pm

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE MASTER
Ramsey & Kathlees, Cd'A

Walk-ins only

Fri & Sat
10 am - 3 pm

SILVER LAKE MALL
200 W. Hanley, Cd'A

Walk-ins only

Mon - Sat, 10 am - 4 pm
Tues & Thurs, 4 pm - 8 pm

ATHOL COMMUNITY CENTER
Hwy 54 & 3rdStreet, Athol

Appointments only:
683-2407

Tues, 9 am - 2 pm

POST FALLS SENIOR CENTER
1205 E. 3rd Ave, Post Falls

Appointments only:
773-9582

Tues & Thurs
10 am - 3 pm

RATHDRUM SENIOR CENTER
8037 Montana, Rathdrum

Appointments only:
687-2028

Tues & Thurs
10 am - 4 pm

KELLOGG SENIOR CENTER
211 McKinley Ave, Kellogg

Walk-ins only

April 6th only
10 am - 2 pm

Shut-ins call: 667-4628 or 687-2028

What to bring: your social Security card (and those of your children), photo ID, last year's (2007) income tax return, and all your 2008 income documents (W2s, 1099s, etc.)

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

 


GOOD NEWS: Is it Contagious?

I was reading another great post from Janet Guilbault (Deflation Nation) when it struck me, "I'm going to do a series on POSITIVE THINGS I SEE IN MY COMMUNITY."  It shouldn't be difficult.  Really.  You say, "Are you kidding me?!?!?!?!?!  Have you seen the news?"  Yeah, I have.  But, I tend to believe people fall into two categories:

  1. People who expect good
  2. Everyone else

I am a Board Member of the Kiwanis Club of Coeur d'Alene and I can tell you from personal experience, we are NOT short for positive things happening in and around Coeur d'Alene.  If you question this, visit the Kiwanis Club of Coeur d'Alene's blog page that I manage for them.  Pay particular attention to:

TESH Celebration of Stars

 

 

TESH Celebration of Stars - It's Electric!

or

Special Olympics - Idaho Style!

or

The Grants Recipients Page

 

 

The other day I was watching the FOX News Ticker when they announced 87% of people believe the negative media coverage is prolonging our national slump.  How did they come up with that number?  I have no idea.  But, I can tell you, this premise was central to Kevin's BEARD OF PROTEST (Janna, don't laugh) and my giving up on prime time news altogether - a BIG deal, I was a Poli Sci Major in College with an emphasis in Writing and Literature.  "News" is was my life!

So, I start today and I would like encourage you to do the same.  My goal?  To write one positive blog entry every day for the next 30 days.  In fact, I have already started a list and am on #14.  The next two weeks are looking good...  How about you?

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

 


Great Family Fun - Thursday nights in Hayden, Idaho

If you are looking for something to do with your kids on a Thursday night, consider going to Jump-A-Lot, Indoor Party Zone in Hayden.

Jump-A-Lot in Hayden, Idaho  Jump-A-Lot in Hayden, Idaho

Gabrielle and I discovered Jump-A-Lot last summer when we were looking for something to do, but wanted to get out of the heat.  We were happy to learn a couple of weeks ago that Thursday night is family night and prices reduce to $3.95 (from the regular $7.00) per hour, per jumper.

And, the good news to all those parents who are still young at heart, parents don't have to pay for themselves!!!  Yahoo!!!

Or, if jumping isn't your thing, take advantage of the free WiFi and blog work to your heart's content while your kids jump the crazies right out!

Jump-A-Lot can be found at 10260 N. Taryne Street (on the East side of HWY 95 just North of Dakota Ave) in Hayden.

Kevin and Gabby went to Jump-A-Lot last week and it resulted in some GREAT action shots!

Gabby having fun at Jump-A-Lot  Gabby having fun at Jump-A-Lot

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

 


HOMEOWNERS EXEMPTION INFORMATION

Do you own a home in Idaho?  If you are a resident of Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Hayden, Hayden Lake, or anywhere else in Kootenai County, don't forget to file for your homeowner's exemption before the deadline creeps up on you!

Kootenai County Government - CLICK PHOTO

WHAT IS THE HOMEOWNER'S EXEMPTION?

  • The Homeowners Exemption saves the property owner money on their property taxesand is an exemption provided by state law. The exemption deducts 1/2 of the assessed value of the buildings, up to a maximum of $104,471 or 50%, whichever is less. This rate is peridically changed.

WHO QUALIFY?

  • A property owner who occupies the home as their primary residence and is an Idaho resident.

HOW DO YOU QUALIFY?

  • You reside in Idaho for a majority of the year.
  • A valid Idaho drivers license (if you drive)
  • Vehicle is licensed in Idaho (if you own a vehicle)
  • Registered Idaho voter (if you vote)

WHEN DO I FILE?

  • On new construction the owner must apply within thirty (30) days of purchase.
  • On existing homes the deadline for applying is April 15th of the year that you occupied the home.

WHERE DO I FILE?

  • The Homeowners Exemption Applications are available, and must be filed in the Assessor's Office.

Kootenai County Assessor's Office
Administration Building
451 Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE

  • Call the Assessor's Office at (208) 446-1500

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

 


Kootenai County, Idaho: Important Numbers to Know (Medical Facilities)

Photo courtesy of Timothy Eberly - CLICK PHOTOIn this series, I will be featuring the photography of Tim Eberly.  There is no one who better captures the essence of North Idaho!

No worries, I have his permission!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Facilities:

Kootenai Cancer Center

700 Ironwood Dr, Cd'A

666-3800

Kootenai Medical Center

2003 Lincoln Way, Cd'A

666-2000

North Idaho Advanced Care

600 N. Cecil Rd, Post Falls

262-2800

Northwest Specialty Hospital

1593 Polston Ave, Post Falls

262-2300

Other entries in this series include:

Local Governments

Utilities

Law Enforcement

Government Agencies

Licenses

Post Offices

Schools

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

 


Kootenai County, Idaho: Important Numbers to Know (Schools)

Photo courtesy of Timothy Eberly - CLICK PHOTOIn this series, I will be featuring the photography of Tim Eberly.  There is no one who better captures the essence of North Idaho!

No worries, I have his permission!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schools - PUBLIC:

 

Coeur d'Alene District #271

http://www.cdaschools.org/

664-8241

Lakeland District #272

http://www.lakeland272.org/

687-0431

Post Fals District # 273

http://www.pfsd.com/

773-1658

Kootenai Joint School District #274

 

889-3631

Schools - PRIVATE:

Bridge Academy

1286 E. Best Ave, Cd'A

667-0319

Cd'A Charter Academy

4904 N. Duncan, Cd'A

676-1667

Classical Christian Academy

2289 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls

777-4400

Falls Christian Academy

1687 E. Horsehaven Ave, Post Falls

773-4722

Holy Family Catholic School

3005 Kathleen Ave, Cd'A

765-4327

Schools - COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES

Gonzaga University

502 E. Boone, Spokane, WA

509-328-4220

Lewis-Clark State College

1000 W. Hubbard, Cd'A

666-6707

North Idaho College

1000 W. Garden Ave, Cd'A

769-3300

University of Idaho

1000 W. Hubbard, Cd'A

667-6426

Other entries in this series include:

Local Governments

Utilities

Law Enforcement

Government Agencies

Licenses

Post Offices

Medical Facilities

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

 


Kootenai County, Idaho: Important Numbers to Know (Post Offices)

Photo courtesy of Timothy Eberly - CLICK PHOTOIn this series, I will be featuring the photography of Tim Eberly.  There is no one who better captures the essence of North Idaho!

No worries, I have his permission!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post Offices:

Athol

5900 E. Hwy 54, Athol

683-2096

Bayview

16201 E. Perimeter Rd, Bayview

683-2733

Coeur d'Alene

111 N. 7th St, Cd'A

765-1999

Harrison

103 S. Cd'A Ave, Harrison

689-3413

Hayden Lake

109 W. Honeysuckle, Hayden Lake

800-275-8777

Post Falls

707 N. Post, Post Falls

800-275-8777

Rathdrum

763 Hwy 53, Rathdrum

800-275-8777

Spirit Lake

301 E. Maine, Spirit Lake

623-4121

Worley

29801 S. 3rd St, Worley

686-1452

Other entries in this series include:

Local Governments

Utilities

Law Enforcement

Government Agencies

Licenses

Schools

Medical Facilities

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

 
 
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Kevin & Maryellen Garasky (KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA)

Coeur d Alene, ID

More about me…

KMG Mortgage Group - Kevin & Maryellen, Idaho & Washington

Office Phone: (208) 664-3600

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