The problem with holidays is that the majority of
us don’t really care about the mess left behind till we get back in reality where we have to clean all the things after the celebration.

That’s where the majority of people grumble concerning the food stain left on various areas of the house particularly on carpets.

Food stains on carpets are among the toughest sorts of stains to remove. These are too hard for just any kind of cleansers to eradicate. Then again, removing them from your own carpet is possible as there are different ways of how you could remove them
even without the help of the professionals.

In most cases, beverages and sauces are the common culprits. When the party gets going, most of us don’t care whether the barbeque sauces are dripping in the carpet or upholstery. Here are several of the common food stains the majority of us find in our carpet right after a party.

• Barbeque Sauce – who does not prepare and serve barbeque on an event? No doubt you like to eat and serve barbeques specifically when talking about holidays.

• Beverages and Alcohols – parties aren’t complete without any kind of drinks served to the guests. In many instances, alcohols and all types of drinks get spilled on the floor when things are going wild on a party.

• Pizza – pizza is normally served on the majority of occasions simply due to the fact that the majority of people love its taste. Its sauce is one of the top culprits in leaving food stain in carpets. Though it isn’t hard to remove, it can be quite irritating specifically when left behind on light colored carpets.

When things are not going on your path (which can take place even to the best of us), then the best thing you could do is to have the help of an expert. SUPERIOR STEAM CLEANERS gives excellent carpet cleaning services in the matter of handling food stains.
They’re well-experienced in dealing with all kinds of stains left behind by foods normally after an event. In case you’re living in Ellicott City, MD, you can drop by with your carpets or any type of upholstery that needs cleaning. You could also call them via their contact number to learn more.

Eradicating stains should never ruin the enjoyment you’ve experienced after the wonderful events of the holiday. Removing stains could be dealt easily for as long as appropriate action is followed. For those who don’t want to perform the dirty tasks,
leaving it to the professionals will be the best action to take.

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Randy Pierce is a Community Reporter and a Lifetime Member of The Village Connector Community News. He is the owner of the Ellicott City based SUPERIOR STEAM CLEANERS for the past 15 years. You can reach Randy by calling  443-277-7265 or by visiting the website at:www.superiorsteamcleaners.com

The long-struggling housing market is finally showing signs of recovery, giving many homeowners more equity in their properties. This encouraging trend is likely prompting more pre-retirees to consider if, and how home equity can be turned into a source of cash to help fund their retirement.

There was a time when owning a home with little or no outstanding mortgage balance was considered a potential financial bonanza for those in retirement. For years, home values moved higher, sometimes dramatically so. But starting in 2006, the bottom fell out of the housing market. Home equity was decimated and homeowners changed their expectations about the role equity can play in retirement.

Even with a lower value, home equity continues to represent one of the biggest assets for many Americans. It may play an even more important role when retirement savings come up short of expectations. Some already retired or approaching retirement feel like they have little choice but to tap the equity they’ve built in their home to support their cash flow needs throughout the rest of their lives.

The question then becomes how to do it. There are a variety of options available, but the right answer for you may depend on what plans you have for living arrangements in the future and many other factors.

Finding the most realistic solution

There are risks in assuming that the equity you’ve built up in your home will be a guaranteed source of income in retirement. For starters, you will always need a place to live, so you can’t assume the full value of a home is at your disposal. Here are three primary options those in retirement generally consider:

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC)

Americans became accustomed to tapping their equity through HELOCS in the last 30 years, and though it is a reasonable option for an employed individual, it may be less practical for someone in retirement. HELOCs need to be repaid, and using the proceeds from a home equity loan to help fund retirement income needs often means taking on interest costs in order to generate that income. It’s important to note that an individual puts a lien on their home by taking a HELOC (second mortgage), and risks losing it should he or she fail to repay under the terms of the loan.

Reverse Mortgage

An alternative that has become popular with many retirees is to use a reverse mortgage. This allows a homeowner to tap into the equity of the home while still occupying it. A reverse mortgage provides payment to homeowners for the bulk of the value of their homes via a lump sum, a line of credit or periodic payments. In essence this is a loan to the homeowner paid back when the house is sold at some future date. However, interest accrues throughout the duration of the loan and upfront fees apply, so it can be expensive.

A standard reverse mortgage, also called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, charges a two percent mortgage insurance premium on the full value of the home. The government now offers a lower cost “Saver” loan with a mortgage insurance premium of just 0.01 percent of the home’s value, but applying a higher interest rate. Over time, the combination of fees and interest charges can significantly deplete the value of the home’s equity as it applies to income needs. Individuals who qualify for a reverse mortgage must also be at least 62 years old. The older a retiree is, the more he or she can receive from the home’s equity. Understanding the complicated terms of a reverse mortgage before signing on the dotted line is crucial.

Selling Your Home and Downsizing

The other way to tap a home’s equity is to sell it. Many retirees find they are ready to “downsize” their living quarters to a smaller home, townhome or condo. If the market is right, they can sell their existing home, buy a new place and have equity leftover to add to their retirement nest egg. Alternatively, they can pocket the full proceeds from the home sale and rent their living quarters or explore other living options. This will greatly bolster their retirement savings, but it also adds a new monthly expense they will need to fund throughout the rest of their retirement.

Home equity offers great potential value in retirement but, like any investment, is subject to the fluctuations of the market and may have tax consequences. If you plan to tap your home’s value to support your retirement, proceed with caution. Remember that the primary function of your home is to provide a roof over your head, and using equity to fund retirement requires careful planning.

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Jeffrey D. Carlson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™, Financial Advisor, and Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. who can be reached at (410) 740-8000, 10025 Governor Warfield Parkway, Suite 209, Columbia, MD 21044.  Or visit www.jeffreydcarlson.com

The sale of a home and home equity loan products may have a tax impact, please consult your tax advisor.

Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.                                                                                      File  # 154457

Find out about Sandra Bearden and BettyAnn Leeseberg-Lange who will both speak and give educational information to help you!

Vocal Health And Power

This workshop will present strategies and solutions to enhance the amount & types of speaking done most frequently by speakers and workshop leaders. Raise your awareness of behavior, breathing and posture to develop and enhance your voice. Discover how to do basic text analysis to improve your communication of ideas and concepts.

Happie Amp

When you attend this workshop, you will learn how to get your message heard by using a small, portable, easy to use amplifier system that is compact to carry.

Sandra Bearden will share with you tips, tricks and ways to use this system that will save you time, effort and keep your audience engaged and Happie because you will … “BE HEARD”

RSVP or Find out more details at this link ~ http://www.beheardworkshop.eventbrite.com

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Reverend Sandra Bearden is the owner of Weddings by Sandy & Associates, L.L.C. and the creator of the Perfect Officiant, a training program where Officiants can gain education, training and national certification as “Certified Perfect ^TM“. You may reach Rev. Bearden at (410) 599-3224, via email at RevSandy@PerfectOfficiant.com or visit her on the web at http://www.perfectofficiant.com

As the global climate change discussions heat up in Washington, many investors are paying attention to the impact of their investments on the environment and the well being of people around the world. As this trend has increased, so has the demand for investment choices that demonstrate not only financial soundness, but also a concern for quality of life. This investment philosophy, known as socially responsible investing (SRI), has a special appeal to many individuals concerned with the future of our planet.

What constitutes socially responsible investing?

Investors who adopt an SRI strategy believe their decisions should be governed not only by economics, but also by social issues. This often means refraining from investing in companies or industries that produce products or offer services the investor disapproves of, regardless of the company’s or industry’s potential for profit or value. Investors who maintain an SRI strategy may choose to avoid investing in companies related to alcohol, tobacco, gambling and weapons. It can also mean investing in companies that promote workplace diversity, actively participate in community volunteer programs or work to improve the environment.

Benefits, drawbacks and strategies of SRI

As with all types of investing, there are tradeoffs that come with socially responsible investing. Those who practice SRI can feel good that their investment choices reflect their values. However, socially responsible investors must balance this benefit with more limited choices with regard to portfolio diversification.

Some strategies that those interested in SRI may employ include divesting from companies that don’t align with their personal morals or beliefs, and participating in shareholder activism or engagement. They may also include:

• Investing in SRI mutual funds. These funds include companies that many socially responsible investors support. They use SRI strategies as part of their fund objectives and portfolio choices.

• Micro-financing. Money invested in micro-financing service companies is used to support small businesses that otherwise would not be eligible for traditional financing.

• Community-investing. Community-investing directs capital from investors and lenders to communities that are underserved by traditional financial services institutions. It makes it possible for local organizations to provide financial services to low-income individuals and to supply capital for small businesses and vital community services, such as affordable housing, child care, and healthcare.

Building a socially responsible portfolio

To invest according to your ethical standards, research your investment decisions carefully. SocialFunds.com is a website of SRI World Group, Inc.; a news, research, and consulting firm that advises clients regarding sustainability investment issues and corporate responsibility practices. The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (socialinvest.org) is a nonprofit organization that promotes socially and environmentally responsible investing. Their website also provides extensive information that may help you get started.

If you think a SRI strategy fits your financial objectives, consider working with a financial advisor to get professional advice about possible investment opportunities. A financial advisor can help you find appropriate SRIs and brainstorm options for future investments that satisfy both your financial goals and your desire to invest ethically and responsibly.

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Jeffrey D. Carlson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™, Financial Advisor, and Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. who can be reached at (410) 740-8000, 10025 Governor Warfield Parkway, Suite 209, Columbia, MD 21044.  Or visit www.jeffreydcarlson.com

Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues

SRI World Group Inc. and The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment are not affiliated with Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

The included websites are provided for informational purposes only and are not an indication of endorsement of the content therein or affiliation with respect to the referenced sites.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.                                                                                      File  # 154364

Our organization is geared towards minority women and its primary focus is on promoting personal, spiritual, and professional growth.

We participate in, and host, activities, events, and volunteer opportunities that illustrate our passion for personal enrichment and community service, while exemplifying the endless possibilities that positive camaraderie affords! From 5k walks, to Zumba, to wrapping gifts for the less fortunate, we enjoy every bit of what we do, and participate in activities that fuel our passion for growth!

We are always looking for positive women to join our organization and feel that each member truly brings something unique to S.H.E. Rise. We feel our opportunities are limitless and can only imagine how impactful we will be not only as it relates to personal growth, but also in terms of making a difference in our communities! If you are interested in joining, please email us at sheriseorganization@gmail.com or visit our website at www.she-rise.org for more information! We would love to have you!

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Tammy Bowers is a Charter Member and Community Reporter with the Village Connector Community News. She is the Marketing/Administrative Assistant at Brickhouse Cardio Club and Marketing Manager of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle. She is also the Owner of Inspiring Hearts LLC, a boutique specializing with handcrafted and uniquely designed items that are motivational and inspirational. You can reach Tammy at 410-615-4117 or 410-812-6024 or via email at Tammy@Rollingadsmd.com.

You find you want to attend all of the classes at Brickhouse Cardio Club.  I have never felt better, looking forward to going to class and leaving the stress behind, it really works and much of it is due to the owners, incredible instructors and all the members.

Brickhouse Cardio Club in Ellicott City is more than just another studio; for many it’s a second home.  BHCC just celebrated its one year anniversary. The room is surrounded by brightly colored walls, and offering classes such as Zumba, Sentao, Hip Hop for both adults and kids, Body Sculpting, Yoga, Turbo-kick and soon a NEW class RIPPED.  So “Ditch the workout and join the party!” BHCC is an incredible club for many women to go meet people, de-stress all while working out and DANCING, getting  FIT but having fun, with women supporting each other !

Co-Owned Karen Taitano & George Andrew; they are delighted to see how many women come to classes on a regular basis and making positive changes to their lifestyles. There are some men that have attended too, but much of the students are women allowing them the freedom to let loose and enjoy the dance/fitness.  “We offer a really, warm, friendly environment where people come to burn calories, feel motivated, inspired and challenge themselves, to get a great workout.”  With a range of qualified incredible certified instructors, Karen offers many classes at a variety of time slots to accommodate her student’s schedules.  The Brickhouse Cardio club is a family “a fitness family”.

Karen years ago, put on her first pair of tap and ballet shoes at the young age of 3 and has not stopped dancing since.  She spent many of her days in her Grandmother’s dance studio growing up.

Her dream was to someday open a studio of her own.  She started teaching dance at age 12 and has taught many varieties of dance including tap, ballet, jazz, gymnastics, and ballroom dance.

Karen was also involved in cheerleading growing up and became a cheerleader at the University of Maryland.  After college, Karen continued in dance and also started teaching fitness classes and became a personal trainer as well.

When Karen first started doing Zumba, she instantly fell in love with the program.  It is the perfect combination of dance and fitness.  Anyone can do it and it makes people happy.  Shortly after becoming immersed in the Zumba program, she heard about Brickhouse Cardio club.  It was the perfect match for her.  She could provide a facility where people could come and dance and workout in a festive fun atmosphere.  Many people do not enjoy or stick to a normal fitness program at a normal gym.  Brickhouse is so different.  It is like a party all the time.  It is exercise in disguise.  People are having so much fun they don’t realize that they are working out.  People are seeing incredible results because they love coming to class.  Brickhouse offers a wide variety of classes so that there is something for everyone and it always stays fresh, fun, and challenging.

Since Karen discovered Zumba and Brickhouse, her life has transformed.  She is so happy to be able to share her passion with others and to help them to lead healthier and happier lives.  The popularity of Brickhouse meant that the fun-filled first year anniversary party was a fun, heart-raising place to be on Saturday February 23, 2013, having over 60 attendees.  ”If people are interested in being part of the Brickhouse experience, getting some fun and reward in their lives in a comfortable environment, then they can email us at… or call…. We offer support and advice to people of all levels, and no one is here to judge – merely to encourage with whatever goals you may have.”

You can drop in at only $10 a class or become a member, either way stop by and enjoy what the excitement is all about with Zumba feel the energy!  For more information contact 301-873-5170 3419 Plumtree Drive Ellicott City  or join the fan page on facebook “Brickhouse Cardio Club of Ellicott City…be inspired, get into the best shape of your life and dance your way there!  I hope to see you there!

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Tammy Bowers is a Charter Member and Community Reporter with the Village Connector Community News. She is the Marketing/Administrative Assistant at Brickhouse Cardio Club and Marketing Manager of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle. She is also the Owner of Inspiring Hearts LLC, a boutique specializing with handcrafted and uniquely designed items that are motivational and inspirational. You can reach Tammy at 410-615-4117 or 410-812-6024 or via email at Tammy@Rollingadsmd.com.

Tax Refunds Are Vulnerable to Identity Theft

Hollywood may have just produced a film playing on the issue, but real identity theft is no laughing matter. Victims are devastated by decimated bank accounts, destroyed credit scores and an intrusion on their privacy. Our growing reliance on electronic data and systems has increased our vulnerability and created new opportunities for identity theft in unexpected places—including your federal tax refund.

According to the House of Representative’s Committee on Oversight & Government Reform, identity theft-related tax fraud is a growing problem. The crime works like this: a thief steals a Social Security number and then diverts the individual’s tax refund into a personal account that is quickly drained before the victim is aware of the theft. The fraud may not be discovered until the taxpayer attempts to file a return or claim a refund, and it can take months for the IRS to investigate and return the funds to the rightful owner.

The IRS has recently doubled its efforts to prevent this type of fraud and address victim concerns, but you should also take some steps to protect yourself. Your best defense is to prevent your personal financial information from falling into the wrong hands. Here are some guidelines for protecting yourself from tax refund fraud.

Protect your Social Security number. Your government-issued identification is prized information to thieves intent on opening fake accounts and claiming refunds that don’t belong to them. Keep your card in a safe place in your home rather than in your wallet and don’t provide your number unless absolutely necessary.

Monitor your financial accounts. Check your account balances and transactions regularly to spot unauthorized activity.

Check your credit reports. You are entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian^®, Transunion^® and Equifax^®.  If you notice adverse credit actions or accounts that you did not open yourself, take action.

Keep financial documents secure. Keep hard copies of your returns under lock and key, and shred statements you no longer need. Criminals have been known to go through personal trash in pursuit of financial records.

Take extra care online. Maintain a firewall on your personal computer and avoid accessing your financial information on open networks. Clear your browser history and “cookies” (the little files that remember passwords or previous visits to websites) before and after e-filing your taxes or visiting financial sites that contain your private information.

Beware phishing schemes. “Phishing” is a method of falsely soliciting information with criminal intent. Identity thieves have become more sophisticated, using design programs to replicate logos and create emails and even websites that look legitimate, but are not. If you receive an email that appears to be from the IRS—or any institution, for that matter—that contains a request for your social security number or financial accounts, it is probably a phishing scam that should be forwarded to the agency it is attempting to represent.

Contact the proper authorities if you suspect you’ve been a victim of identity theft. If your tax refund is involved, notify the IRS by completing IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (form 14039), which can be found at irs.gov. Also contact your bank, credit card companies and the local police. Talk to your financial advisor for additional help establishing safeguards for your financial information.

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Jeffrey D. Carlson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™, Financial Advisor, and Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. who can be reached at (410) 740-8000, 10025 Governor Warfield Parkway, Suite 209, Columbia, MD 21044.  Or visit www.jeffreydcarlson.com

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.

© 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.                                                                                      File # 152957

Two hundred plus vendors representing business, personal care and wellness companies from around the region will be at The Women’s Expo. Attendees will have the opportunity to get information, ask questions, and explore opportunities for improving quality of life for their business, themselves and their families.  Many speakers will present on a variety of topics. There is truly something for everyone!

Mark your calendars for the 12th annual Women’s Expo on March 16th and 17th at 800 S Rolling Road Catonsville, Maryland 21228!

For more information on The Women’s Expo, Visit their informative website by:   CLICKING HERE

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Anita M. Hicks is a Community Reporter & Charter Member of The Village Connector Community News. She is also a Virtual Assistant who specializes in creating social media marketing campaigns.You may reach Anita at (410) 255-2609 or by email at Anita@AnitaMHicks.com.

To receive the 2013 Five Star Wealth Manager award, a wealth manager must meet 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria associated with providing quality services to clients including client retention rates, client assets administered, firm review and favorable regulatory and complaint history.

As a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Mr. Carlson focuses on helping his clients plan for their financial goals for a lifetime – through a personal long-term financial planning relationship. For more information, please contact Jeffrey D. Carlson, CFP® at 10025 Governor Warfield Parkway Suite 209, Columbia, MD 21044 or by phone at (410) 740-8000.

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Jeffrey D. Carlson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™, Financial Advisor, and Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. who can be reached at (410) 740-8000, 10025 Governor Warfield Parkway, Suite 209, Columbia, MD 21044.  Or visit www.jeffreydcarlson.com

Whatever your motive, you are invited to strap on your running shoes and join Glen Mar United Methodist Church’s Family 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 20. The course will start and end at Glen Mar, which is located at 4701 New Cut Road in Ellicott City.

The running/walking will start at 9 a.m. so it would be a good idea to settle in well before area streets are closed.  Don’t sweat the weather because the event will be held rain or shine.

The first step – registering online – requires no exertion.  Click here and follow your way to improved fitness (assuming you follow through by actually traversing the 5K). Cost is $30 per participant.  Registrants can sign up to participate individually or as a team.

Make sure to sign up early. Those who register by April 2 will receive event T-Shirts. After that date, T-Shirts are not guaranteed.  Participation is limited to 350 people.  Planners would like to max out so invite your neighbors, friends and coworkers.

Times will be recorded so the fastest and most fit will get their due, but those who walk some or all the course can still claim at least moral victories for knocking out 3.1 miles.

The event is being held not only to cut down on the number of couch potatoes in the area and give Glen Mar a foot up on fitness, but also to help a worthy cause. Money collected from sponsorships and donations will go to the Howard County Food Bank.  In addition, participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items to the event for the Howard County Food Bank.

Following the 5K, participants can enjoy free coffee, tea, juice, and guilt-free bagels and muffins.

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Connie Ballenger wrote this article.  She is a former reporter for the Howard County Times and Columbia Flier.  Connie is a longtime member of Glen Mar United Methodist Church and is on its Family 5K Run/Walk Committee.  You can reach her at cballe1031@verizon.net.