Schuylkill County Real Estate: November 2008

Attention all Realtors! This week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued guidance under the Fair Housing Act clarifying what constitutes sexual harassment and the legal remedies available to victims of sexual harassment in housing.

HUD's guidance makes clear that as long as an individual demonstrates that the harassment was unwelcome, he or she may file a claim regardless of whether they experienced the loss of a housing opportunity or tangible economic loss.

HUD's guidance also explains that property owners and property managers have a duty to prevent or stop sexual harassment committed by employees, agents, or contractors and that they may be liable for acts committed by such persons.

For example, if an apartment manager authorizes a maintenance worker to enter a tenant's home to make a repair, and the maintenance worker sexually harasses the tenant, the management company may be held vicariously liable for the maintenance worker's actions.

"Individuals have the right to housing without being subjected to sexual harassment," said Kim Kendrick, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "This guidance lets individuals know that they do not have to tolerate sexual harassment in housing and advises landlords of the consequences of failing to abide by the law."

Want more information? Log onto www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

Think Fair Housing is outdated or a little-used law? FHEO and its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program investigate more than 10,000 housing complaints annually. Realtors need to know the rules and COMPLY!

People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 669-9777 (voice), (800) 927-9275 (TTY).

www.move2pennsylvania.com

My husband and I just started using Skype to communicate between ourselves (he travels and it's great to call home at night) and also our ex-exchange students. We've had a half dozen kids live with us over the years and they're spread out from France to Russia to Germany to Uzbekistan...

Skype-to-skype calls are free! So if we log onto our computer here and call Russia, and our "daughter" in Karelia is online, we can talk as long as we want for free!

Skype-to-landline or cell phone calls are cheap: about 2c a minute.

The quality we've experiences so far is excellent. Speaking to Veronika in Russia on Skype has been clearer than on our landline.

So we're considering cutting off the landline (about $70/mo to verizon) and going strictly with Skype. We can get a skype phone and people can still call us, and we can call out--for $3/month! Unlimited!

Has anyone done this? What's your experience with Skype?

I know VOIP in general is new and not always high quality. I switched to a VOIP phone system in my office and saved a huge amount of money. I have been pleased with the system so far (I am using vocalolcity).

Anyone using Skype wireless or Dual-phones?

Erica

I've been a member of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce for 12 years, and just completed my year as President. If you're thinking of moving your business here, or are relocating here, you need to know the benefits of joining this aggressive business advocate group. Most of our members are small businesses, but we have businesses of all sizes in our membership.

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating a competitive advantage for our members. We are working constantly to offer programs and services that lower operating costs, increase management expertise and improve the community environment to make it more business-friendly. The following is a list of Chamber competitive advantage programs.

Health Insurance: The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with ChamberChoice, has an exclusive health insurance program with Highmark Blue Shield. This program boasts the most attractive Highmark Blue Shield medical plans, plus dental and vision. Only Schuylkill Chamber members receive the exclusive ChamberChoice program and value added services, including a $15,000 term life insurance policy for all enrolled employees, COBRA administration, online billing and administration, wellness and human resource support, and a dedicated client resource center. What this means for you is an exclusive rate with great savings to help control your bottom line.

Human Resources: Businesses have a number of laws and compliances that they must follow. Are you aware of what they are? Following guidelines every time you interview, hire, discipline or terminate an employee can mean the difference between increased productivity and exposure to liability. What goes on in your business everyday leaves you open to risk too. The Schuylkill Chamber is working in partnership with All Staffing to ensure that any help you need from a human resource perspective is covered, whether it be through the assistance of creating an employee handbook or addressing an issue that is impacting your business. Each Chamber member is entitled to their choice of one complimentary Human Resource Compliance Assessment or Safety Compliance Assessment - a $350 value.

ATX Communications: The Chamber has partnered with ATX Communications, one of the most successful, telecommunications providers in the country, to provide a new Chamber benefit to members. ATX integrates a broad spectrum of technically advanced services - from complex Internet applications, network services and systems integration to enhanced fax and electronic invoicing - with traditional long distance, local calling and wireless products. An unparalleled commitment to delivering this wide range of products complemented by personalized customer support has been the foundation of ATX's success. Contact ATX at 1-800-220-4096 for more information on services.

Schuylkill Living Magazine - Schuylkill Chamber members receive a free subscription to Schuylkill Living Magazine - a $20 yearly value. This quarterly magazine also offers discounted advertising rates for all Chamber members.

Northeast PA Business Journal - Receive a free subscription to the Northeast PA Business Journal - $28 yearly value.

Eastern PA Business Journal - Receive a free subscription to the Eastern PA Business Journal - a $46 yearly value.

Schuylkill Plus - Chamber members receive a 10% discount on advertising. Comcast Spotlight Advertising - Chamber members receive a 12% discount on TV advertising with Comcast Spotlight for all new members. Northeast Penna.

Manufacturers & Employers Association (MAEA) - Chamber members receive a 20% discount on non-member prices for fee-for-service programs. Member to Member program - an opportunity for members to advertise their business and offer discounts on their products and services to fellow chamber members and their employees.

Made in Schuylkill County - Made in Schuylkill CountyChamber members who manufacture a product or item unique to Schuylkill County are showcased on this searchable web site. What do you use that is "Made in Schuylkill County?" You would be surprised!

THE SERVICES ADVANTAGE The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce offers many services to its members that have the potential to increase business, improve competitiveness and share operational efficiencies. Among the programs are:

Direct Exclusive Referrals - The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce refers ONLY its members and provides detailed information to each inquiry that is handled by the Chamber staff.

Networking Opportunities - You and your staff are the best marketing tool you have, and the Chamber offers many opportunities for you and your stall to build your business network. On a monthly basis, we have Second Wednesday Breakfast Meeting, Business After Hours Mixer (when there are 5 Wednesdays, there is a 5th Wednesday Mix and Mingle) as well as seminars/workshops to help keep you in the know of the issues affecting your business. Other events held yearly include: Walk for Business & Industry; Regional Luncheon; Schuylkill Job and Career Fair; Member Spooktacular; Business Expo; Holiday Party; Luau & Pig Roast; Luncheon; Awards Breakfast; and Golf Outing.

Community Involvement - Involvement in the activities of the Chamber allows members to have a direct voice in the future of Schuylkill County. The Chamber Program of Action, developed yearly, determines which current issues will receive priority consideration by Chamber committees.

Government Relations Programs - The Chamber maintains a continuing relationship with local and county government, state legislators and federal representatives monitoring activity and expressing the business community viewpoint on issues that will affect the economy and the region.

Research And Library Services - The Chamber maintains extensive files of economic, demographic and other useful information for its members. Chamber staff will assist any member in gathering data.

 Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce 91 South Progress Avenue Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901

Voice: 570.622.1942 / 800.755.1942 Fax: 570.622.1638 info@schuylkillchamber.com

www.move2pennsylvania.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"On Thanksgiving Day all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime." - Unknown

"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?" - Erma Bombeck

"In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican." - H. L. Mencken

The Ramus family is eating a 25-pound turkey today that my 16-year-old son shot on the last day of turkey season here in PA.

Besides giving thanks for Dakota's turkey, we're thankful that here in Schuylkill County we had an incredible November in our office, and December is looking to be stellar as well! In the past 2 weeks we put a record number of properties under agreement .... the highest number of properties in one month for all of 2008.

Now that's something to give thanks for!

One of the greatest features of hunting in Pennsylvania is the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program that allows sportsmen and women to donate extra deer meat to their local food banks. Since the program was established in 1991, the generosity of our hunters has made a huge impact in the lives of the less fortunate.

Hunters Sharing the Harvest provides more than 200,000 meals annually to food banks, churches and other social organizations feeding the needy. Last year, hunters donated 100,000 pounds of venison. This year, in these tough economic times, these donations are even more needed and appreciated.

If you have some extra deer meat to share, please bring it to one of the participating processors in our region. Participating hunters can donate all or just a portion of their venison. If the entire deer is donated, the hunter is asked to make a minimum $15 tax-deductible contribution to help cover processing.

From their website:

The primary objective of Hunters Sharing the Harvest is to coordinate the distribution of venison from hunters to hungry people via an integrated network of meat processors and food banks. HSH facilitates the efforts of hunters, conservation groups, state game departments, businesses, and charitable organizations to the benefit of the deer and the needy in Pennsylvania. With approximately 1 million deer now living in Pennsylvania, the need exists to manage population levels. Reducing the population helps to lessen the toll of damage to crops, landscaping, and motor vehicles. Balancing populations with available habitat benefits deer by ensuring the availability of ample food, cover, and genetic diversity. Hunting is the premier method of wildlife management, yet there are fewer hunters in Pennsylvania than in the past, and they are hunting under much more liberal seasons and limits. In order for hunters to be an effective part of deer management, they need the HSH program to help them distribute any extra venison that is harvested. HSH then completes this food chain by providing a means to utilize their efforts in helping to solve the social problem of hunger.

In Pennsylvania:

1,135,000 people (approximately 1 out of every 11) live at risk of hunger

An estimated 450,000 people per month meet a part of their food needs through a food pantry/cupboard or soup kitchen

Venison is a 100% natural, low fat, high protein food source that is eagerly sought out by food distribution organizations given the low protein content of most distributed foods

Last year HSH coordinated the delivery of nearly 200,000 meals of venison to hungry Pennsylvanians

The site lists local county coordinators. In Schuylkill County, the coordinator is Doyle Dietz, 570 366 1764 yankeegiant@verizon.net

Our local processor is Tabitha Mease, Mease Meats, Inc. 570.345.2586 (T)

68 Sawmill Road Pine Grove 17963

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

November 26 Thanksgiving Eve Entertainment at The Wooden Keg The Wooden Keg Tavern, One West Caroline Ave., St. Clair. 570-429-1909.

November 26 ROXX 8 – 11 p.m., Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. The Party Band for all occasions! Always selects and performs great songs for people to dance and listen to. $4.50 cover charge. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

November 27 Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner at The Restaurant at the Station There’s nothing more nostalgic than the holidays, so doesn’t it make sense to celebrate with food and family at The Restaurant at the Station, 18 N Railroad St, Tamaqua…a Landmark Destination since 1874? Thursday Nov 27, 12PM to 5PM enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or start a new tradition with one of our delicious specialty entrée’s. Don’t forget to contact us for your family and company Christmas parties too! Make your reservations today! Call 570-668-5020.

November 27 Open Mic / Karaoke at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse 7-10 pm, Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. Everyone is welcome, from seasoned players to first-timers. A great place to test out new material or shake off your first-show jitters. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

November 28 - 30 FREE Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides Given by Pleasant Valley Ranch at DPS Tree Farm in New Ringgold. Take a ride out to the trees to choose and cut their own tree. For more information go to www.dpstrees.com

November 28 Ride the "Holiday Express" with STS What is the Holiday Express? This holiday season (starting on Black Friday - November 28th) all passengers riding any of our "Fixed Route" buses can ride anywhere, any bus, all day long, for only one dollar ($1.00). Possibilities are endless! What are the "Ride the Holiday Express with STS" dates? Friday, November 28th; Friday, December 5th; Friday, December 12th; and Friday, December 19th. How does it work? When first boarding one of our STS "fixed route" buses - all fare paying passengers and Senior Citizen riders will be handed a ticket. Fare paying passengers will pay only $1.00 for their fare and Senior Citizens just need to show their pass in order to receive their ticket as usual. All passengers must then complete the stub portion of the ticket by filling in his/her name; address and phone number. The stubs will then be collected by our drivers. Three prizes will be awarded for each Friday ride. Every time passengers ride any bus that day - this ticket must be shown to the driver in order to receive the special rate fare. When will the prizes be drawn for the "Ride the Holiday Express with STS"? Prizes will be drawn each Monday morning following the previous Friday's event. Drawings will be held LIVE - on the air - in the studio of MAGIC 105.5. at approximately 9:10 a.m. Dates for the LIVE broadcasts will be: Monday, December 1st; Monday, December 8th; Monday, December 15th and the last broadcast will be held on Monday, December 22nd. For more information regarding the "Ride the Holiday Express" with STS promotion, please contact Joan Breslin, Marketing and Service Support Coordinator, at 800-832-3322 or 570-429-2701. Happy Holidays from "STS"!

November 28 Black Friday Mystery Discount Schaeffer's Harley Davidson, 1123 Brick Hill Rd., Orwigsburg. Get your Christmas Shopping started during Black Friday. Bring your items to the register and reach in a box to discover what your discount will be. Mystery discount is available in the Parts Department and Boutique. Denise 570-366-0143

November 28 - 29 Hawk Mountain Holiday Open House Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton PA 19529-9379. 10 am – 4 pm Mary Linkevich, 610-756-6961. Celebrate the coming of the holiday season at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Free programs and activities for the entire family, warm cider, soft pretzels, and end of autumn bargains. Includes live owl program, all-natural ornament making for children, holiday arrangements, and plenty of holiday cheer.

November 28 Dickens Christmas in Shenandoah 6 p.m. at the Miners Memorial on Washington St. Tree Lighting Ceremony, Caroling, Horse Drawn Carriage rides, cookies Hot chocolate and Cider in the Senior Citizens Building music from the Shenandoah valley High School band.

November 28 Soji 8 – 11 p.m., Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. Started playing piano as a child in Nigeria. Learned guitar in Boston while in search of less classical sound in High school. Went on to experiment with different styles at college in Amherst MA. Shortly after, moved to NC and started playing open mics. Soon convinced to start playing shows, where he has done in North Carolina, Boston, London, and now in PA!_Soulful vocals and mesmerizing lyrics that are sure to be enjoyed. $4.00 cover charge. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

November 29 - 30 Schuylkill Ballet Theatre presents "The Nutcracker" Schuylkill Ballet Theatre’s 29th Anniversary Performance of The Nutcracker will be performed at a new location-Schuylkill Haven Area High School. Tickets available by calling 570-622-2286. Or for purchase at: Head to Toe by Deb, Schuylkill Haven; Lewis News, Schuylkill Haven; Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, Pottsville; Gramma’s Restaurant, Pottsville; Ramada Inn, Pottsville; Dutch Kitchen, Frackville; Flowers for Me, Minersville; Friedensburg Country Restaurant, Friedensburg; La Dolce Casa, Tamaqua; Valenti’s, Orwigsburg. www.schuylkillballet.com

November 29 - January 10, 2009 The Restaurant at the Station’s Annual Toys for Tots Fundraiser The Restaurant at the Station’s Annual Toys for Tots fundraiser! Nov 29 thru Jan 10 enjoy our Gingerbread House display – handcrafted by local bakers – and VOTE for your favorite with a few coins. All proceeds are donated to make sure the kids have a very Merry Christmas so vote soon and vote often! PLUS bring in a new unwrapped toy and give it to your server Nov 29 through Dec 7 and you’ll receive 10% off your lunch or dinner entrée! Just our way of saying “thanks” for the kids. Stop in at Tamaqua’s Historic Train Station or call for more information 570-668-5020.

November 29 - 30 Schuylkill Holiday Gala Saturday November 29 from 4 - 8 pm and Sunday November 30 from 2 - 8 pm, at the Pottsville Masonic Center, 4 South 2nd Street, Pottsville. There will be 25 Christmas Trees on display on the 5th floor social hall, donated by local tree growers and sponsored by local businesses. They will be decorated by local non-profit organizations. When the Gala is ended, these trees will be given to needy families in Schuylkill County who would not otherwise be able to purchase and decorate a Christmas Tree for their families. Also, on the 5th floor will be local craft vendors selling Christmas Crafts along with homemade food and beverages. On the upper floor auditorium will be performances from local community musical and choral groups.

November 29 Surprise Saturday Sale Schaeffer's Harley Davidson, 1123 Brick Hill Rd., Orwigsburg. You won't know what is on sale until you show up! Denise 570-366-0143

November 29 - 30 Christmas Craft Fair 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Leesport Farmers Market, 8 miles North of Reading, 1 block east off Rt. 61. Over 500 craftsmen displaying a wide variety of arts and handicrafts. Admission and parking are free. Refreshments available. Rain or shine. Woody Weist 610-926-1307

November 29 Hillside SPCA Craft Show located in center court, Schuylkill Mall, Frackville. Call 570-874-1252 for more information. www.shopschuylkillmall.com

November 29 Lighting of they Vineyard 5 - 9 p.m., Benigna's Creek Winery, Klingerstown. Acres of lights dancing in sync to music. Horse drawn carriage rides. Free admission. Free food. Rick Masser 570-425-3090

November 29 Acoustic Blues Trio 8 – 11 p.m., Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. $5 cover charge. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com November 30 SKIP: "Sing Karaoke in Public" 6 p.m. SKIP, "Schuylkill, Keep It Pretty", will assume a stage name: SKIP: "Sing Karaoke in Public" for their Open Mic & Karaoke fundraising event at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 E. Sunbury Street, Minersville. Musicians, comedians, and karaoke fun-lovers of all ages are invited to take the stage. Your $3.00 cover charge will support SKIP's countywide recycling, environmental and educational programs. A cash menu of food and beverages will be available. For more information, contact SKIP at 570-628-3758 or go to the Lazy Dog website at www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com.

November 30 Webkinz Bingo 1 p.m., Sovereign Majestic Theater, 209 North Centre St., Pottsville. Tickets $5. www.sovereignmajestic.com

www.move2pennsylvania.com

November 28 - 30 FREE Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Given by Pleasant Valley Ranch at DPS Tree Farm in New Ringgold.

Take a ride out to the trees to choose and cut their own tree.

Opening Weekend (November 28th - 30th, 2008)

Black Friday was never so much fun! Gourmet dip tasting and free gift wrapping available in the Christmas Shop. Plus, don't forget to register to win the "Farm On the Hill" picture that is on display. Concession Stand with Hot Dogs, Nachos and drinks! What better way to warm up while you wait for your tree (or your wife in the Gift Shop)! The petting zoo looks to be a lot of fun with the addition of three goats named Milky Way, Cookies-N-Cream and Cookie Dough. See if you can guess who is who.

OPEN HOUSE (December 6th, 2008)  After you've excersied by finding the perfect Christmas Tree come in to the Gift Shop and enjoy the dip tasting and special 5% discount when you purchase a choose-n-cut tree! The real fun is from 6-8pm. There will be tractor rides through the tree fields and a crazy Midnight Madness in the Gift Shop. All Gift Shop purchase will be 25% off and watch for the special red tag clearance items for up to 80% off! The Concession Stand will be open and there will be free marshmallow roasting for the kids!

PET DAY (December 10, 2008) Come enjoy the afternoon with your pet and visit the Christmas Shop for special treats just for them! We'll also have some specials just for the owners, too! Be sure to bring a leash and we'll have "clean up" tools available for anyone who needs them. We want to make sure everyone has a great tree experience! Plan to be greated by the newest addition to the Shoemaker family. He's a Beagle pup named Roscoe and he's looking forward to meeting everybody! Tree shaking, drilling, and baling are always offered as a courtesy to our customers. We also offer a tree bag to help make the after Christmas clean-up a little easier.

For more information go to www.dpstrees.com

Holiday hours are Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm. Sunday open 10 am to 4 pm.

Hidden Valley Golf Course, Friedensburg, PA

January 24 & 25, 2009

By popular demand…..2 day event!!

Snow Date February 21 & 22, 2009 (Notification of snow date via WPPA Radio or 943-2597)

Check in registration from 8:30 - 9:15am Orientation 9:15 - 9:30am Shotgun start at 9:30am – Groups of 10 shooters - Rain or Shine Snow Cover postpones event to February 21 & 22. Walk, no carts! $40/1 day or $70/2 day for Adults and $20/$30 for Kids under 16. After event fun, food and fellowship included. Outing registration payment deadline is January 7. Registration by groups is encouraged. Participants are limited to 180. Register Early!!

All participants must bring and wear Blaze Orange cap and vest. Safety First! No broadhead arrows or crossbows. Blunt tips available for purchase; replace blunts with field tips within 20 yards at each hole for shooting at target blocks, if so desired. Hole Sponsorships available for $40. Prizes will be awarded for low gross per group. Sponsoring a hole, or donations of items for raffle, or target blocks is an excellent means to show support for the Schuylkill County Conservancy and Schuylkill County Sportsmen’s Association.

Donations, Gifts, or Hole Sponsorship due by January 7. Please send registration payments, hole sponsorships, donations or prizes to: Schuylkill County Conservancy, PO Box 318, Orwigsburg, PA 17961

Contact info: (570) 943-2597 or schuylkillconservancy@gmail.com

PROCEEDS BENEFIT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S ASSOCIATION AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CONSERVANCY

www.move2pennsylvania.com

November 23, 2008 6:00 pm

Life's a Beach: A Benefit for the Jeff Rizzardi Family

6:00 -10:00 PM held at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 E. Sunbury Street, Minersville. Your $10.00 ticket price goes directly to the Rizzardi Family Fund established to help during Jeff's medical recovery. It also buys you a great time with great beach music spun by DJ Fran Doyle, great door prizes and great company. Wear a tropical outfit and win a prize? A cash bar and food menu will also be available. Space is limited. Buy your tickets in advance at the Lazy Dog or by calling Arlene at 544-3822.

Stay tuned for news about additional future benefits.

Good luck!

After a few months working on a complete redesign of our website, we're finished! We have to upload a few listings, but other than that we're ready to roll it out. Check it out:

http://move2pennsylvania.com

Our goal was to make a site that is classy and easy to navigate--simple. Not a lot of clutter. We formerly had a point2 site and it was just too canned--looked too cookie cutter.

So a chance meeting at one of my listings led me to a web designer who had prior experience in the real estate field, and he helped me create exactly what I was looking for. He knew what agents want, so it was relatively painless. Here is Zach's contact info if anyone wants to have him take a look at their site:

Zachary Schenkler Co-Founder & President

Ojeez, Inc Ojeez.com / Ohubz.com / Owebz.com

zach@ojeez.com