Cop on the Roof Special Olympics Fundraiser - August 19th, 2022

Friday, August 19th is “Cop on the Roof” the Tinley Park Police Department will be raising funds for Special Olympics. I’ll personally be there between 8AM and 10AM.

We will be at my favorite Dunkin, on 171st and 80th in Tinley Park 7935 W. 171st Street

***I just purchased 100 gift cards to hand out to anybody I see donating towards Special Olympics on Friday****

“The Tinley Park Police Department will be
participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run
"Cop on a Rooftop" fundraising event for
Special Olympics on Friday, Aug. 19 at various
Dunkin' locations across Tinley Park.
This fun, community-driven event is a
partnership between law enforcement and
Dunkin' stores to raise funds to support the
more than 26,000 participating athletes of
Special Olympics.
Come out to any of the below
Dunkin' locations and help the cause!
•7086 W. 183rd Street
•7935 W. 171st Street
•9500 W. 179th Street
Visit the Special Olympics Illinois website to
learn more about the 2022 Cop on a Rooftop
even. “

UPDATE**

You guys gave us 1,000 likes, so we donated $1,000 dollars to the Special Olympics.

Thank you to everyone that came out to support the Special Olympics.

Between 8AM and 10AM, we gave out 150 gift cards to everyone we saw donating.

You guys are the BEST

It was great seeing old faces and

meeting new friends.

Special THANK YOU to the Tinley Park Police

Department and Dunkin on 171st & 80th.

Why Community Living is Gaining Popularity

Community living is an increasingly popular option for older adults and young people. There are several benefits, including cost savings, social interactions, providing individuals with a sense of belonging, etc., which are a great contribution to the popularity of community living. So here are some reasons why community living is becoming more popular.

1. Cost Savings

The biggest reason more older adults and young people are choosing the community living option is that it is less expensive than a retirement home or an assisted living facility. This is due to the fact that retirement homes or assisted living facilities often charge higher fees, which individuals are not ready to spend. However, in the case of community living, individuals can find a roommate with whom they can share all household costs, such as rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.

2. You Have More Flexibility

If you decide to live in a community, you will have more freedom and control in your life. For example, if you're an older adult who wants to stay active and independent, but you want some help with things like paying utility bills, taking care, scheduling errands, and shopping for food, community living is the perfect option. You will be able to live your life on your terms. If at any time you want more or less help from the staff in the community, they will help accommodate that. For example, if you want help with more financial matters, let the staff know, and they will take care of it for you.

3. You Have More Social Opportunities

You can experience more social connections in a community than living alone. In addition to regular planned social events and outings, you can spend time with other residents during mealtimes, get to know each other by sharing stories and experiences, and even play games or participate in activities together. Additionally, you will be able to do things with people in the community and have access to many resources like transportation services, housekeeping services, and other amenities, depending on the community.

4. You Have More Support

There is a sense of community and support in living in a community. You can do things with your neighbors and be involved in the overall activities, such as sitting together during meals or participating in group activities. You will get to know other residents by seeing them daily and meeting new people through the staff. You will have a support network ready to lend a hand when needed. If you choose, you can also look forward to being involved in the decision-making process regarding your life and living environment.

5. It is Affordable

Community living is a great option for those looking for a lower-cost alternative. Its affordability can help many older adults who are on a fixed income. This means that you can be comfortable and happy with your lifestyle in a community without having to worry about how you will pay your rent or mortgage. There is also the option of renting from a leasing community, where you can choose which home you want and then rent it monthly. Another option is buying an existing home in a community.

6. Provides a Sense of Belonging

The sense of belonging you feel living in a community is priceless. Everyone has their best interest at heart when you live in a community. Your friends and neighbors will greet you in the morning or send you off with hugs and smiles when you leave for an appointment. You don't have to worry about the person cooking your meals because you know they will be very safe during their time in the kitchen. You can always rely on the staff in a community to take care of your needs.

Conclusion

Community living is a great option for many people looking to live fulfilling lives. You get to live in an accepting environment surrounded by like-minded individuals, and you have the security of knowing everyone is there for your best interests. You can go about your daily life more flexibly, making all the difference.

Guest Contributor: Regina Thomas

How To Cover Costly Home Repairs

Major home repairs often come unexpectedly and at a high cost. From broken windows to a leaky roof or pipes, home repairs can set you back hundreds or thousands of dollars. Avoid financial devastation by understanding your options for funding emergency home repairs, courtesy of the experts at Junior Rooter Plumbing and Sewer

Cost of Common Emergency Home Repairs 

The price tag on home repairs varies by location, whether you complete the work yourself or outsource the job and the scope and complexity of the repair. According to experts, annual home maintenance and repair costs total roughly 1-4% of a home's value.

Seven Ways To Pay For Home Repairs

Emergency home repairs, by definition, are time-sensitive. Delaying due to money concerns can escalate issues and drive up repair costs. Here are seven ways to pay for sudden and expensive repairs:

1. Homeowners Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for home repairs if the damage stems from a covered loss such as fire, theft or specified weather events. This option only makes sense when repair costs exceed your deductible.

2. Government Assistance
Depending on your situation, you may qualify to receive aid from government programs for emergency repairs. Visit your state or local government’s housing department website to check program offerings and eligibility requirements.

3. Home Warranty
A home warranty plan covers the service, repair and replacement of major home appliances and systems as listed in the annual service contract. Home warranties can be helpful when you have older appliances and systems that you anticipate will need repair in the near future.

4. Home Equity Line of Credit
A HELOC is a revolving credit line that allows you to borrow against the value of your home. You withdraw money as needed and repay according to the terms of your credit agreement.

5. Refinancing
If interest rates are low enough and you plan on staying in your home for a while, try refinancing to free up some cash. Refinance to lower your monthly mortgage payment and divert the money saved to an emergency repair fund. Or opt for a cash-out refinancewhich pays you a lump sum of the difference between your existing mortgage and a new, higher one.

6. Credit Card

Using plastic can be a smart move with the right card. Look for one that offers an introductory 0% annual percentage rate on purchases for a set period. This allows you to cover repairs without paying interest.

7. Emergency Fund

The best idea is to establish an emergency fund exclusively for home maintenance expenses. Adjust your budget to include regular contributions. Factor in hidden costs such as storage fees to keep furniture and other valuables during repairs.

Tips To Secure Reliable Contractors

Have you ever heard someone say, “I got a guy for that” when referring to home maintenance tasks? Finding a good contractor is just as crucial as finding ways to pay for repairs. Here’s how to make sure you “got a guy” for key areas of your home:

•       Plumbing: Check that any plumber you hire is licensed and insured.

•       Roofing: Look for a reputable pro who has extensive experience.

•       Electrical: Inquire about service warranties.

•       Concrete: Ask about their portfolio

Regardless of whether you need plumbing, roofing, electrical or concrete repair, ask for recommendations for local services from your community. You can also peruse online directories to read reviews before contacting a company. Scope out deals and promotions that can help you save on any necessary repairs or replacements.

Ease the stress of emergency home repairs. Set money aside each month for repairs. If you’re strapped for cash when repairs arise, choose a financing option that allows you to spread payments out over time. And, most importantly, hire quality repair services that enable you to fix your home without damaging your finances.

Guest Contributor: Emily Graham

P.A.W.S in Tinley Park

Yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call from Jeff and Stephanie Cote, letting us know that someone stole the catalytic converter off of PAWS’ van (How anybody can hurt and take from a non for profit, is beyond me).
I swear, Jeff and Stephanie are angels, they said, “let’s come together to help them out”.
Jeff and Stephanie donated $1,000, and we put in $1,000 dollars.

It is unfortunate what happened, but we’re blessed to be able to help out a non for profit like PAWS in Tinley Park.

We’re so proud to live and help out our community whenever we can.

In addition, as of this morning, the community has raised $6,375!!!!!

6 Tips For Hiring A Plumber For Home Renovation Projects

Most people cannot imagine their home without having plumbing services like running water and a working toilet. Still, this is something many people take for granted. It could arguably be one of a home's essential services for its residents.

Thus, it is no surprise that anyone doing home renovation projects would search for a plumber to assist them with upgrading or installing their plumbing hardware. The only problem they may face is finding the right one. Below are some of the best tips for hiring the right plumber for your next project:

1.     Choose An Accredited And Licensed Plumber

Although some people prefer to tackle minor renovations, many would hire a contractor to assist them with larger projects. Renovation and design experts will always recommend that homeowners use professional plumbing services to prevent any issues with the renovation project. 

For any plumbing-related project during the renovations, homeowners should opt for a plumber with the correct accreditation and licensing to perform the project's tasks. Without these in place, it may cost the homeowner more money when the fixtures or pipes start leaking or causing problems.

2.     Ask For References And Experience

Plumbers should be able to produce a portfolio of references and demonstrate their experience working on various projects. When they refuse to give homeowners any of this reassurance, it may be best to find one willing to give it without hesitation.

Homeowners should be able to trust the plumber with the vital task of making their plumbing work better. Having the references and experience to show will ensure they are reliable enough to do quality work, especially when they recreate a bathroom look that could be more complicated than others.

3.     Evaluate Their Costs Before Hiring

Some plumbers may be more expensive than others, but for a good reason. The more experienced they are, and the more services they offer, the more their costs could be. Although not every homeowner will be able to afford a top-notch plumber, others provide the same quality service for less.

It may be a good idea for anyone doing renovations to request quotations from all the plumbers in the area and compare their costs to each other. Settle on the best plumber that will fit into the renovation budget, and make sure that they can provide a breakdown of all the costs before hiring them, so there are no hidden surprises later. 

4.     Check For Warranties And Insurance

All professional plumbers should have warranties to offer the homeowner and insurance for their work in case any problem arises. When searching for the best plumber, ask them for these and check that they are acceptable and valid before deciding to avail of their services.

The warranties and insurance will protect both parties against damages that may occur during or after the renovation. If they are in place, repairing the defective parts shouldn't have any extra costs later. Older houses may have more things that could go wrong during renovations, and having the peace of mind that everyone has cover will make the project less worrisome.

5.     Do Some Research On The Plumber

Luckily, with many company profiles now online, customers can find reviews and comments about their services at the click of a button. Before starting the renovations, search for all the available plumbers in the area or the ones the homeowner is interested in and read more about them.

In doing so, the homeowner should understand the variety of services each plumber offers and how satisfied their other customers are after completing projects. Homeowners should feel comfortable leaving the plumbing part of the renovation to the plumber, making it essential to find the right one for their needs.

6.     Inquire About Their Availability

Unfortunately, no one can plan when to have a plumbing emergency, but having a reliable plumber on standby for these occasions could make the problem more bearable. Not all plumbers will offer after-hours service, so before adding their number to the emergency list, ensure that they provide this service.

There is possibly nothing worse than sitting without working plumbing and no one to assist. So, having a list of emergency numbers that include those of available plumbers would be very handy. Keep this list in the kitchen or anywhere everyone can access it.

The Final Word

Instead of adding even more stress to an already taxing renovation project, find a plumber that will relieve some of the worries. A licensed professional should provide the best services they have to offer their clients for the amount they charge for doing the work.

The homeowner must find the plumbing services that will benefit them the most, including help during the renovations and after. After all, renovations are supposed to make the living space a better place for the residents, and with the best plumber on the block, the home will undoubtedly be that and more.

The Ultimate Decorating Ideas List for Revamping Your Walls

A good wall refreshment is often just what a home needs to liven up a bit. Some nice art or a creative choice of paint can completely transform a space. We selected five brilliant decor ideas that will level up any wall, anywhere.

Do a partial wall feature

This is a quick and interesting way to give your walls a touch of elegance without spending a ton on materials. The two most popular types of accent walls are painted and tiled. There are also wood panelled ones, but rarely so in modern homes.

Most of the room is painted in a neutral colour, such as white, grey, beige, pastel etc. The accent wall then contrasts either with a complementary hue or a more intense shade of the base paint. Tiles can also have motifs or be arranged in decorative patterns.

The rule of thumb is to do only a section of a single wall. For example, paint a diagonal half. Paint around a feature you want to point out. Tile only halfway up. Such accent walls are usually located directly across from the entrance, or opposite the window that lets the most daylight onto them.

Make a photo gallery

A variation of the accent wall idea, you could make a gallery feature. Look through your photos of family, friends, travels, etc. and choose a number of favourites. Frame them and hang them all up. This is ideal for a living room or wherever you prefer to host company. It serves as a fantastic conversation starter.

Before you hammer in any nails, play around with different arrangements. See which layout looks the most pleasing to you. Typically, you’d want matching minimalist frames, e.g. thin black ones. You want the pictures themselves to stand out. However, you can go for a bold turnaround and frame them in colours, and then arrange them to form an overall pattern.

Use temporary wallpaper

Wallpaper is one of the most dramatic changes you can make. There are a myriad of patterns and designs to choose from. However, traditional wallpaper is tricky. Applying it is a lot of labour and requires a fair level of skill. This makes it quite costly to do so on any significant surface.

As a budget-friendly, equally effective alternative, try temporary wallpaper. It likewise comes in a plethora of designs. You can opt for a vivid botanical wallpaper, a peaceful marine motif, bold solid colours, or elegant geometry. Because it’s temporary, you have much more freedom to experiment.

These wallpapers are far more amateur-friendly to apply, and easier to remove when you feel like changing them. Most brands come in sets of easy-to-manage pieces, but there are also self-adhesive rolls that you can tailor yourself. You get the same impact at a fraction of the cost, and with much more flexibility.

Make a chalkboard wall

This is a fun twist on the usual “paint for change” idea. Instead of usual wall paint, opt for chalkboard paint. Your best bet is to coat a medium-sized surface, like a door or a single wall. It’s a fairly straightforward DIY with a lot of potential.

If you set it in your living room, you have instant, free, and mostly mess-free entertainment for guests or their children. If in the kitchen, it’s a practical way to keep stock of the pantry and freezer. In a home office, you can turn it into a flexible command centre. In a child’s room, it can be used for both fun and study.

Focus on your windows

Finally, an interesting way to add some spice to your space is to accentuate the windows. Making them the focal point is an excellent way to break up a mundane stretch of wall. It’s especially handy when you can’t alter the wall itself for whatever reason.

Windows can be made into stunning statement pieces. Utilise colourful curtains, bold panels, patterned frames, even curtain accessories.

Refreshing your walls doesn’t have to mean just artwork or a new coat of paint. Think outside the box and apply a unique touch that will really show off your character and make your home a place of joy.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

How To Turn Your Garden Into a Wonderful Oasis With These Simple Tips

There are many creative ways to beautify your garden and yard so you can enjoy it without having to spend a lot of money or time on it. With a little ingenuity, ideas, and materials, you can make a great oasis for relaxation and delight in your garden. What is more, creating the ideal garden for leisure and enjoyment should not be a burden, but rather an inspiring and creative thing to do in your free time! To that end, here are some simple tips on how to turn your garden into a wonderful place to enjoy with your family!

Feel free to decorate

No matter how big your lawn, garden, or yard is, it's necessary to highlight certain aspects in order to create a distinctive setting. You can do so by adding beautiful lanterns or other garden decorations. If you don’t have one, make sure you check out various interesting home and garden products as seen at https://www.hpotter.com, including not only lanterns but also classic terrariums, trellises, and window boxes, garden planters, small planters, side tables, and torches. Each of these products is handmade from high-quality materials, including raw copper, stainless steel, and even hand-blown glass. One thing is for sure, each element you add will elevate the aesthetic look of your garden!

Use what you have at home and DIY

We always happen to have some things in our homes that we don’t really need. Instead of throwing them away, find them a beautiful purpose. For example, glass bottles can be used for a variety of things if you have a lot of them on hand. From storing herbs and flowers in them to making a lawn edge, or putting candles in them to make a romantic atmosphere for a special night!

Likewise, reach for some distinctive elements if you want your garden to be memorable and much liked by all of your visitors. For example, it can be a row of intriguing geometric shapes, beach finds, or anything else you want that will give your garden a particular reflection.

Take special care of the grass

Greenery is unquestionably the foundation of a lovely garden where you may sit, relax, and enjoy your time alone or with your family. To that end, well-kept, high-quality grass is more valuable than any ornament. It is a natural carpet that you can walk on barefoot, where kids may play, and which serves as a useful cover during hot and rainy weather. However, you need to pay special attention when it comes to choosing and maintaining the grass in your garden. First, selecting the right variety of grass requires consideration of both the soil type in your yard and the climate where you live. Of course, it is also crucial to consider whether the lawn will be used for entertaining, relaxing with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, or simply as a house adornment.

This is important because there are many different kinds of grass, some of which grow better in the shadow and others flourish in direct sunlight. You must make a decision based only on your needs. 

As regards maintenance, wait until the fresh grass is around 6 cm tall before beginning to mow. Naturally, the mower's blades should be sufficiently sharp, and they shouldn't cut more than a third of the grass at once. For the best grass quality, apply fertilizer at least two to three times annually (make sure you carefully follow the instructions and water the lawn well).

Decorative trees 

The foundational or standard components for landscaping the garden, in addition to the well-maintained grass, are trees and flowers. You don't need pricey horticultural services to create a lovely garden design; instead, you just need practical yard decoration ideas. For the plants mentioned, they are the ones who ultimately determine the aesthetic of the garden.

Therefore, fruit trees and miniature trees are good options for tiny yards. We can distinguish between formal shapes like round, columnar, and pendulous trees based on the shape of their crowns. Corners are planted with plants that have columnar crowns, which gives the garden a softer, more rounded appearance. For instance, the entry to the house is where you should plant the pendulous plants.

Flowers

One flower doesn’t make a garden - is our motto. Indeed, you should make an effort to enrich your garden with flowers since they will give it a scent and a feeling of serenity. What is more, they can enliven it and make it look like a genuine sanctuary. Make sure you choose happy colors like yellow. Tulips, for instance, can make your garden welcoming and lovely! 

Don’t be afraid to experiment in your garden and enjoy your creativity in the process! Good luck!

Get Rid Of Household Pests By Following These Super Useful Tips and Tricks

There’s nothing quite as irritating as household pests. If you are a homeowner who’s been dealing with an infestation, then it’s important that you act quickly. The longer that you take to respond to your home’s infestation, the more likely that it will get out of control. Pests can quickly take over a person’s home, introducing infections, diseases, and germs.

If you have never had to deal with a household infestation before, then it’s unlikely that you will know what to do. This post will simplify eliminating pests for you, by offering some super useful and easy tricks that you can follow.

Pest Removal

The easiest way to get rid of household pests is to contact a professional pest removal company, which will be able to employ a mix of chemical and preventative treatment to ensure that pests are expelled and then aren’t able to re-establish themselves. According to the pest removal specialists from SmithsPestManagement.com, pest removal agents can prevent pests from taking a toll on your home and on your garden. People often overlook the fact that pests don’t just damage people’s homes—they also damage gardens. In fact, your garden is probably where most of the damage is going to be, since that’s where infestations usually begin, depending on the animal or pest that’s behind the infestation, of course. Things like cockroaches don’t cause much external damage, whereas rats and mice can.

Storing Food

The best way to eliminate an infestation is to contact a pest removal specialist. The best way to prevent one is to be careful with where you store food. Most infestations begin in people’s kitchens, because they leave food out, or leave perishables in cupboards where they can attract pests. Always store your food tightly in sealed containers, preferably in the refrigerator. Once food has expired, make sure that you remove it quickly. You should also ensure that your cupboards aren’t littered with crumbs, since crumbs can attract pests of all kinds to your house.

Stagnant Water

Another thing that attracts pests into people’s homes is the presence of stagnant water. If you want to ensure that pests don’t come into yours, then make sure that you don’t leave any around. If you have pets, then make sure that you change their water regularly, not just for pests, but also so that they always have fresh water around to drink. An alternative to a bowl for your cat or dog’s water is to get a fountain for them. Pet fountains are becoming very popular among pet owners since they give them an opportunity to give their pets fresh water that hasn’t been sitting around, exposed to dust and allergens all day.

Sealing Doors

Some pests get into people’s homes through cracks in their doors or windows. A good way to prevent this from happening is to seal up any cracks that you have in your home’s doors or windows. All that you need to do to do this is to go out to your local hardware store and pick up the sealant. Alternatively when you hire a pest control professional (or if you do) then you can ask them to seal up any gaps or cracks in your home’s windows or doors. Most pest control specialists will be more than happy to oblige your request, although some may charge an added fee.

Buying Pets

One way of controlling pests in your home is to buy a pet, like a cat. Cats can help to control mouse and even bug infestations. You should be aware that if you are going to buy a cat for your house, they could end up bringing dead mice into your house, which probably isn’t something that you want (or very hygienic). Dogs can also be used to control pest infestations, although dogs are better for larger pests like rabbits and foxes.

Cleaning Up

Make sure that your house is as clean as possible if you want to ensure that your house doesn’t suffer from any pest infestations. Cleaning up your house is very easy to do and won’t take up much of your time. People with dirty houses tend to be the first ones to get an infestation (although an infestation doesn’t necessarily mean that you are a dirty person or that your house is dirty). Make sure that you don’t leave any food waste lying around because that, in particular, is what attracts most pests.

If you have household pests, then you need to contact an exterminator. If you don’t but you want to prevent them from getting into your house (or you have had an infestation in the past) then follow the other guidance given in this post.

Oak Park Bench in Tinley Park

Have you guys checked out the benches on Oak Park Ave in Tinley Park??? If you get a chance, swing by Cody Heiden’s bench.

“It has 6 metal sculpted animals, the Crab eating Macaque, is made mostly from salvaged pipe wrenches, pipe cutters, and various recycled metal tools.”

It is located just north of Teehans, across from Scoop.

The Top Ways To Keep A House Clean And Cozy

There are many things we can do to make our homes cozier and cleaner, but we need to be curious about learning about those things. Here, we'll provide you with a few ideas that might enable you to accomplish this and even improve your life as a whole.

Hire Someone

Why not pay someone to clean your house for you if you are too busy or just don't feel like doing it every day to get the most out of it? To get the best outcomes, you need to choose the best home service specialists out of the many that can assist you with your issue. There are numerous techniques to determine whether a particular company is worthwhile. Obtaining a referral from a close friend or family member who has already used a particular business is one option. Another option is to check the reviews on their website or, even better, on independent websites online.

Your home’s cleanliness won't be an issue for you once you locate the proper one. Many people do not realize the extent to which a home designer can assist them in achieving comfort in their own residence. These professionals will listen to how you envision your home to look and will then provide you with numerous options for making that vision a reality. It won't be difficult to construct what you need if comfort is more important to you than money.

Make a Cleaning Plan

We all know how meticulously clean our parents and great-grandparents were. Once they finished cleaning the whole house, they would move back to the start and go again, and they would do this until they could physically do it. We're not saying you should do the same, but you should have a strategy for what you need to clean each day. If you have a plan, it will be much simpler for you because you will divide the cleaning jobs appropriately. This way, you won't have to spend the entire day cleaning, which is challenging and exhausting but necessary if you want to finish the work. You won't be concerned by the scent or appearance of your home because it will always be clean, and you won't have to rush to clean your room when friends want to visit.

Do Not Wear Your Shoes Indoors

There are numerous issues with what many people nowadays, particularly in the west, do when they walk around their homes wearing their shoes. Most cultures forbid this. The worst part about wearing shoes inside your house is that you risk bringing in numerous diseases that could really harm your health. Additionally, it is much more difficult to maintain a clean home if you are continuously bringing sand, mud, and other items inside. We advise you to stop this harmful habit altogether by leaving your shoes by the door. Also, it is not a great thing to walk around in your shoes for the whole day. You need your feet to rest, so it is best that you wear them when you are only outside.

Let the Children Help out

Parents typically believe that it is their responsibility to keep the house clean and comfortable, but this need not be the case. If you are a parent, you should think about asking your kids to assist you with the task you had in mind. The best thing you can do to help with the cleaning is to come up with games that will amuse the kids while giving you a helping hand. Additionally, you may assign them the duty of cleaning their rooms once a week in exchange for a little incentive. Children may contribute when it comes to decorating also, because you want to make them feel comfortable. That means that you can give them the task of decorating their rooms, with your supervision, of course. They could go for something themed after their favorite cartoon or just pick some colors that they want for their walls, sheets, and other things that are there.

DIY

Adding something you made yourself to a space is one of the best ways to make it seem cozier. You can try out a variety of DIY projects that will let you enjoy the process of making something from scratch as well as the final product. There is always room for improvement, so even if something does not turn out the way you expected it to, you shouldn't be concerned.

Since it is so simple to accomplish, we should all try to make our homes cleaner and cozier. We hope that we have given you some suggestions on the best approaches to accomplish your goals.