Jolley Farms

We always love to sing the praises of our clients who are doing exciting things or are being recognized in the media! Jolley Farms of Canton grows micro greens and specialty vegetables for fine restaurants and green grocers throughout Western North Carolina, and recently supplied ingredients for the meals served to President and First Lady Obama at Grove Park Inn! Visit their website’s directory of restaurants and markets that carry fresh Jolley Farms micro greens, lettuces, Asian and Southern braising greens, petite and baby vegetables, and so much more! http://www.jolleyfarms.com/

Check out this story about Jolley Farms on BunnyCooks.com

We are proud to have them as clients (and also members of our family!)

Summer Safety Tips!

Protect your family and your home this summer by taking these simple precautions during your favorite activities.

Swimming:
• Stay with your kids while they’re at a pool, even if they can swim.
• Enclose your pool with a fence that’s at least 4 feet high with a self-locking gate. The lock should be out of kids’ reach.
• At a minimum, keep safety equipment like a life preserver and shepherds hook (a long pole with a hook on the end) ) nearby for emergencies.

Grilling:
• Only use grills outdoors. Carbon monoxide builds up quickly in enclosed spaces like garages.
• Keep grills away from other outdoor activities to prevent burns.
• Check your gas grill for leaks. Your local propane gas supplier can suggest a leak-detection solution.
• Don’t pour starter fluid in a gas grill or an already-lit charcoal grill.

Landscaping:
• Wear sturdy shoes and fitted clothing while mowing the lawn to keep your feet and skin protected, and turn off your mower before removing a stuck object.
• Use only GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets outdoors. Test them monthly by following these instructions.
• Replace power cords that are frayed or damaged.• Unless power tools are marked “submersible,” don’t get them wet.
• Be aware of pets and children—and keep a safe distance—while using lawn equipment.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

Health-Care Reform: How Will it Affect You?

Don't want to read through the 2,000 page health-care bill? No problem. Below I have summarized how it will affect women, men, and the elderly. For more information go to HealthReform.gov

*If you have a pre-existing health condition and could not previously get coverage, you may qualify for a new, affordable federal plan.

Women

As of September:

*Your insurance company can no longer drop you from your health care plan if you get sick.
*Insurance carriers must cover preventative screenings, such as breast exams, mammograms, and Pap smears.

By 2014:
*It will be illegal for insurers to charge women higher premiums simply for being a woman.
*You can not be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions- including previous C-section or injuries caused by domestic abuse.
*All insurance carriers will be required to cover maternity care.
*Providers will be required to cover newborn care and pediatric services, as well as screening for postpartum depression.

Seniors

*More affordable prescription drug coverage.

*Improvements to Medicare Advantage. By 2014, this plan assures that at least 85% of every dollar these plans receive is spent on health care.

*The law increases the number of primary doctors, nurses and physicians assistants.

*Improves long-term care choices.

Below is a link to a brochure with helpful, easy to understand information about the bill and how it will affect you!

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11467.pdf

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Get Prepared!

Hurricane season is upon us and we all need to be prepared. Even those of us in the mountains are not exempt from the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms. Think back to 2004 with Hurricane Fran and Ivan. We were all affected by the devastating aftermath of these storms. Some have said that this could be one of the worst hurricane seasons in history, so let's get prepared! Below is important information from National Hurricane Center on how YOU can protect yourself, your family, your home and be prepared this hurricane season:

Develop a Family Plan!

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

Secure Your Home!

RETROFITTING YOUR HOME
The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it's important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas:
ROOF STRAPS SHUTTERS DOORS GARAGE DOORSA great time to start securing - or retrofitting - your house is when you are making other improvements or adding an addition.
Remember: building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past catastrophes. Contact the local building code official to find out what requirements are necessary for your home improvement projects.
FLOOD INSURANCEThe National Flood Insurance Program, is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the escalating cost of disasters. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners
Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.
National Flood Insurance Program call1-888-CALL-FLOOD

For more information and to track the storms visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Please feel free to email or call us if you have any questions. Stay safe!