*******

WELCOME TO CEDAR CREEK VOICE.

Email address: http://cedarcreekvoice.wordpress.com

Cedar Creek Voice is a weekly news magazine and opinion blog dedicated to the citizens of Cedar Creek Township, as well as greater Wexford County, Michigan.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

WEXFORD  COUNTY,  MICHIGAN:

Wexford County, Michigan

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Updates are usually done every week.  

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 

CADILLAC NEWS

June 29, 2009 

Greatest Fourth reaches far and wide

 

By Jeff Broddle

Cadillac News

Locals know that each year when June turns into July, the town of Lake City shines with its Fourth of July celebration, the Greatest Fourth in the North.

What they may not know is how much influence the Greatest Fourth has outside of its Missaukee County home.

Some Cadillac business owners are expecting this year to be better than the last. Others say it’s hard to gauge how much traffic they get because every Fourth of July weekend is always fully booked.

We asked business owners throughout the area to judge how much of an impact the festivities in Lake City have on their operations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

    ****************************************

  (flickr.com)     Happy  Fourth of  July, 2009 !

                        
    Now We Can Celebrate Independence Day !
 
********************************************************** 

  HAPPY  JULY  BIRTHDAYS !

 

 

 
July 22nd…..HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JOE & SHERRIE FUSCONE!
 
                   and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JOHN & PATTI FUSCONE!
  
 July 10th …..HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GERRY FUSCONE!
 
July 23rd…..HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOEY FUSCONE, III!
 
_______________________________________________

 

GET  WELL  SOON !
  
Get well Soon, John Fuscone, after your recent shoulder surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a full recovery.
  
                  <<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  
Get Well Soon, JOE FUSCONE from all your family and friends in the area, as well as out of state.  Joe was involved in a head-on collision on Thursday, April 30th.  Joe isn’t too bad, considering that the SUV was a total loss!   He was able to walk away from it.  However, he did walk away with a fractured left wrist, some significant back pain, and now a left rotator cuff tear.  Joe underwent surgery to repair his left shoulder on 7/2/09, and is doing well.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
                               <<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>
  
  ________________________________________________________________________ 
          
 
********************************************************************************************************
      HAPPY 4th of JULY! . CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY . HAPPY 4th of JULY!
********************************************************************************************************dc                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                 

 

     For FREE  PRESCRIPTIONS,  HEALTHCARE (including diabetes & hypertension clinics;  diagnostics including mammogram & pap smear with follow up care if results abnormal);  PREGNANCY HELP; and  DENTAL CARE in Cadillac area: 

See the Page titled:  “Can’t Afford Your Prescriptions or Health Care?”

         (Names of agencies, locations, and/or telephone numbers are included.)
________________________________________________________________________

 Call, Visit, or Write your local MICHIGAN WORKS! at:

Michigan Works! Service Center,  401 Lake St., Ste. 700,  Cadillac, 49601,

Telephone: (231) 775-3408.

____________________________________________________

 FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR

A FIRST JOB, 

A NEW JOB,

OR ANY JOB: 

 Be sure to check the job listings and career information in the (NOW 20) LINKS under

the heading: JOB SEARCH!  To go directly to  these websites to check “help wanted”, ”employment” or “careers” - just click on the name of the Link itself  (all start 

with  “JOB SEARCH:…”).   The link will take you directly there.

____________________________________________________

VETERANS:  Try checking the Link: JOB SEARCH:  DESTINY GROUP – “Employers Seeking Those Who Served in the Military.  Search over 100,000 jobs.”

_____________________________________________________

UNEMPLOYMENT   BENEFITS

Click on website:  http://www.unemploymentoffice.net/State_resources/Michigan.htm

MICHIGAN:

How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?

Claims by Mail:

Jobless workers may take cuts in line by using our convenient Claims By Mail service.  Mail-in applications are available in Bureau branch offices, most Michigan Works! service centers and in the FORMS section of our Web site…

Internet Claims:

To use the on-line servcice, applicants must be filing a new or additional claim.  An additional claim is one filed to reactivate benefits when a person already has a claim in existence, interrupts the payment of benefits on the claim by returning to work and then becomes unemployed again.

Applicants filing new claims must meet these criteria:

  • Are not employed full time.

  • Have been employed during the past 18 months.

  • Live in Michigan.

  • Were employed by only one Michigan employer during the past 18 months.

  • Filed a claim for unamployment benefits during the past 10 years.

  • Did not work in family employment.

  • Were not in Military Service during the past 18 months.

  • Were not employed by the federal government during the past 18 months.

  • Did not work in another state during the past 18 months.

  • Did not file a claim against another state during the past 12 months.

  • Did not work under more than one social security number diring the past 18 monhts.

  • Are not trying to claim past weeks of benefits.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AGENCY:

To File a Benefit Claim, Call (toll free): ………………….1-866-500-0017.

____________________________________________________

Governor Granholm Announces Toll-Free Number to Help Families Facing Mortgage Foreclosure.  

“Save the Dream” campaign toll-free number is ………………….1-866-946-7432.

   ALSO:  See Link titled, ”HELP FOR THOSE FACING FORECLOSURE”  with information from HUD.

________________________________________________________________

VETERANS:  Please see the 10/11/08 Post, “U.S.Troops & Veterans’ News” regarding President Bush signing the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act,  especially the part about V.A. home loans:

“…One change in the benefits law that would be vital to many veterans at a time of turmoil in the home mortgage is an overhaul of the veterans’ home loan program that makes it easier for people with non-VA loans to refinance their mortgages through VA. This is done by raising the amount VA will guarantee and reducing the amount of equity a homeowner must have in order to refinance…”

[Editor's note:  For information regarding many Veteran's needs, see the Post "VETERANS'  HQ"]

_____________________________________________________

 ::::: H E L P ::: W I T H ::: H U N G E R ::::  

* Check Page titled: 

              “FOOD PANTRIES

 in Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford Counties”

– Or call the Chamber of Commerce of town nearest you and ask where you may donate (or obtain) needed food items.

-FOOD STAMP HOTLINE…..1-800-481-4989.

-Call DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES, WEXFORD & MISSAUKEE COUNTIES re:  food, housing, and other basic needs  ……..(231) 779-4500.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 ________________________________________________________________________ 
 

     If you wish to make a comment regarding any of the published POSTS,  just click on  ”Comment(s)”.   A box will appear in which you may type your comment or request a reply from the editor.  

 Publication is at the discretion of the Editor…..but all sincere opinions are published. 

 
                     The VOICE in Cedar Creek Voice is YOURS!
 
  • If you have an opinion about a topic, VOICE  IT!
  • If you AGREE or DISAGREE with another person who has voiced an opinion about a topic,  GIVE VOICE TO YOUR OPINION!
RULES:
  1. You must express yourself without the use of name-calling or foul language.  (Readers will take you more seriously if you just list your reasons.)
  2. The subject can be about ANYTHING – whether it’s on the blog or not.
  3. You must include your name, where you’re from (town, state, country if not in USA)  and email address for me to take your letter seriously.  However,  I never publish email addresses  and YOUR NAME CAN BE WITHHELD upon request.

SO…..if you wish to submit a letter, an opinion, a correction,  a free ad for your business, or any other information for publication,  send it along and I will respond as soon as possible.  

                Please use the following email address:

                      cedarcreekvoice@yahoo.com
________________________________________________________________________
 
                        This Post may change content during the week,
                                as new things are added or deleted.
________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
                                          
 
YAHOO! HOT JOBS
    YAHOO! EDUCATION
                May 18, 2009

No Outsourcing Here:

How to Train for

the Best American Jobs

by Patricia Cecil-Reed
 
No Outsourcing Here
White and blue-collar jobs alike have felt the sting of outsourcing in recent years, as companies send jobs overseas to countries where the labor can be performed more cheaply. There are plenty of excellent professions that are not going anywhere, and in fact are expected to grow considerably over the next seven years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Below are some of the best, in terms of salary and job growth, along with information about how to train for these careers.

Education Administrator, Elementary or Secondary School

While online education is an increasingly popular option for college-level students, younger students still need live teachers, and live teachers require supervision by education administrators.
Career Training: A master’s degree in education administration or educational leadership, plus related experience in a field such as teaching or school administration, is the most common route to becoming an education administrator.
Average Annual Salary: $82,120.
Job Outlook: 12 percent growth is expected between now and 2016. Some of the most secure jobs will be for public school administrators, since public schools are funded by public tax dollars.

Physical Therapist

Health care jobs are a great bet for job safety in terms of outsourcing worries. Not only is health care the largest industry in the US, employing over 14 million people in 2006, but it deals with a population that needs hands-on, personal care.
Within health care, physical therapists are essential. An increasing elderly population, new technology in the field, and longer life expectancies of disabled patients are all contributing factors to this important and quickly growing profession.
Career Training: A master’s degree in physical therapy and state licensure is a requirement for most physical therapists. The master’s degree program for physical therapists usually takes two years.
Average Annual Salary: $71,520.
Job Outlook: Much faster than average job growth is expected, at 27 percent between now and 2016, says the BLS.

Sales Manager

A lot of jobs can be performed overseas, but when it comes to selling merchandise, American companies still need teams of salespeople selling their products in-person, as well as managers to oversee operations. Sales manager positions are highly coveted, but are expected to stay put and even expand over the next several years.
Career Training: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing is the surest route to success. Many sales managers work their way up the ladder, starting as sales clerks or assistant managers.
Average Annual Salary: $106,790.
Job Outlook: 12 percent growth is expected between now and 2016, according to the BLS.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

While it’s true that some computer-related jobs may be threatened by outsourcing, more complex jobs like this one can’t be as routinely trained and shipped overseas. Computer and information systems managers will remain necessary because technology in the workplace is only expected to rise in coming years, and managers will always be needed to oversee it.
Career Training: A bachelor’s degree is often required, and some employers even prefer a master’s. An MBA with technology is especially desirable. Training in information technology or computer information systems management will help put you on the right track.
Average Annual Salary: $113,880.
Job Outlook: This profession is expected to grow by 16 percent between now and 2016, or “faster than average”.

Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic

This job requires more technical knowledge than it used to in the days of simpler cars and automotive technology. For this reason, the term “mechanic” is quickly being replaced by the term “automotive technician.”
Career Training: Auto technicians must keep abreast of the latest automotive technology, making a formal training program extremely advantageous to those looking to enter the field. An associate’s degree or certificate in automotive technology can be a great way to get started.
Average Annual Salary: $36,480.
Job Outlook: As more Americans look to repair the cars they already own instead of buying new ones, auto technicians and mechanics are expected to increase by 14 percent, higher than the average 10 percent for most professions.
If you’re worried about the future of your career, consider transitioning to a field where the jobs are more likely to stay put. The right training and education can help you transition to a field where jobs are growing instead of shrinking.
_______________________________________________________
Huddler's Green Home

Cheap and nontoxic ways to get rid of bugs

By Huddler’s Green Home Community

Posted Tue Jun 9, 2009 9:28am PDT

 

Summer is the time for picnics, going to the beach, and barbecues. Unfortunately, it’s also the time for indoor pests. Commercial pest control is full of nasty chemicals, even though there are natural ways to fight off many pests.  Here are some ideas for ridding your home of creepy crawlies, without needing a hazmat suit (and of course, saving you some money).

Remember: The number one rule to keeping many bugs out is keeping the house clean. So don’t let your dirty dishes pile up, make sure to sweep and vacuum, etc.  Prevent any need for nontoxic pest control by using nontoxic household cleaners or even make your own homemade cleaners.

Ants

  • Vinegar can be used to destroy ant trails. Without clear trails, the ants will get confused and may stay outside for a while. You can use it diluted with water or straight. And, of course, vinegar is also a great household homemade cleaner, so not only do you get rid of the ants, you get some cleaning done too.
  • Cinnamon and black pepper are both increasingly being used in garden and indoor insect control. You can try dusting the outdoor nests with either of these spices. Cinnamon is more beneficial as a natural barrier to stop them from coming in — it’s most effective when you find the source of where the ants are coming in.
  • Add borax to sugar. Many people believe that you should use a 50-50 concentration, however, ultimately the goal is to have the ants bring borax back to their nests.  Starting with a lower concentration such as 5% or 10% borax to sugar and gradually increasing it to 40%-50% will allow the ants to have more time to bring more back.  The mixture should be placed where you see the ants or on the ant trails.
  • Baby powder or talcum powder is not appreciated by these bugs.  The theory is if you dust the ants and the trail, they’ll stop coming.
  • Liquid soap diluted with water is an easy way to wipe out your pests while not harming your people.  When used outside as a spray, you’ll want to dilute the soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s Organic Castile Soap) — roughly 1 or 2 tablespoons per quart of water — to kill the pests but not your plants.
  • Bay leaves, cloves, and cayenne pepper have long been used for ant control.  Try putting one of these at their entry point, and in drawers, shelves, etc., where the ants are going, to prevent them from coming in.
  • Peppermint can be sprayed around your home’s perimeter and at ant entry points.  This will deter them from coming inside.

Fruit flies

  • Clean up any ripe fruit droppings and take out the trash (or if you are a green superstar, your compost!) nightly for a few days — fruit flies lay their eggs in overripe fruit.
  • Apple cider vinegar is a great natural way to get rid of fruit flies.  Pour some into a glass, and place a paper funnel over the container.  Fruit flies love the smell and will fly into the glass, but will not find their way back out the funnel (for 4 of 5 fruit flies…).
  • Leave a glass of cheap wine (apparently, fruit flies particularly like chardonnay) out.  Mix a bit of detergent in it. The flies will sip on it and die shortly thereafter.
  • Make your own fly paper by boiling water, sugar, and corn syrup together. Spread the mixture on brown paper grocery bags and wait for the flies to stick.
  • Suck up flies through the back of an old hair dryer.  The flies will go in the hot back end of the dryer and fry.
  • Basil deters fruit flies. Mix some basil oil with water and spray your kitchen.

Wasps

  • Make a trap from an old soda bottle to catch wasps.  Using a 2-liter soda bottle, cut off the top 1/3 of the way down. Flip the top so that the bottle neck is facing down into the rest of the bottle. Tape or staple the bottle neck to the outside of the bottom piece so that it fits tight. Fill the bottle part way with soda or fruit juice. You could even line the top of the bottle with jam to help attract the wasps.  Wasps will enter the bottle but will not be able to get out. Clean and refill the trap daily or as needed.
  • Remove the nest. If you find a hanging nest, wait until the wasps are less active (namely, at night). Carefully approach the nest. Put a cloth or plastic trash bag entirely over the next and quickly tie it off at the top. Remove the nest from wherever it is hanging, then submerge the bag under water and weigh it down with a rock.
More resources: EarthEasy, Get Rid of Things.

Slugs

Slugs can be a huge pest in any garden. They’re fond of eating plants, shrubs, and mosses, much to any gardener’s chagrin.
  • Fill small bowls with stale beer and place the bowls strategically in areas of the garden where the slugs are most active. Slugs apparently like stale beer, so they climb in to drink and they meet their maker (they drown in the liquid).
  • Other eco-friendly slug-fighting tactics include liquids that work similarly such as grape juice or a tea made from yeast, honey, and water.
 
 
 
More resources: Mother Earth’s Garden
Huddler’s tight-knit community of eco-minded consumers share their knowledge about sustainable products and services ranging from electric cars to organic toothpaste. This post was originally published at http://greenhome.huddler.com/wiki/pest-control.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
0627-28181-856-0703