It’s All About the Birds

This Green Wing Macaw puts on quite a show for the attendees.

There was plenty of fun, delight and squawking by 13 parrots on the Howery Mezzanine at the Roanoke Main Library in Downtown Roanoke earlier this week.

The parrots that were on show in all their glory are owned by members of The Southwest Virginia Bird Club (SWVBC), an organization that makes the lives of captive birds better through education .  

Here are photos of several of the birds.

This Blue Front Amazon Parrot the day of the show was named River, after River Laker, the coordinator of this event and all other events at the Main Library.

Jill, a Goffin's Cockatoo, poses for a photo.

This sweet little feathered friend was a little camera shy and snuggled closely to its owner, Sue Brewer.

SWVBC President Sue Brewer says that the club members meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Huntington Court Church.  Anyone interested in attending and/or joining is welcome.

In addition to the colorful birds, limited edition prints of internationally acclaimed professional UK bird artist Eric Peake’s parrot watercolours were on display and available for purchase.  Peake has painted more than 1300 detailed watercolour paintings of birds and has specialized in parrots for several years. 

His long list of major accomplishments include a commission for H.R.H. Princess of Wales, Princess Diana, a commission as a ‘Kentucky Colonel’ by the State of Kentucky, USA for outstanding contributions to his nation and for artistic and avian related achievements; The Bird Clubs of Virginia, USA award for educational outreach supporting responsible ownership of pet birds; The Midwest Avian Research Exposition Award, USA for his dedication to the avian community plus many commendations and art exhibition awards including Best in Show.

According to Peake’s website, he has donated more than $645,000 in artwork for various international bird projects.

For additional information regarding SWVBC, email Brewersbirds@cox.net.  Brewer says the bird club’s website will be up and running in approximately one week.

For additional information regarding Eric Peake and his artwork, email birdart@ericpeake.co.uk  or visit http://www.ericpeake.co.uk/index.html.

 

SoRo Chill & Grill Serve Southern Contemporary “Big Easy” Cuisine

If it’s an authentic contemporary southern meal with “Big Easy” flair that you’re looking for, you may not need to purchase an airline ticket to New Orleans. Step into SoRo Chill & Grille and smell aroma from the Cajun spices that fill the air.

Named after the nearby South Roanoke neighborhood, the locally owned and operated eatery’s doors were opened in September 2009 by owners Angela Drinkard and Ron Revia. They completed extensive renovations to the existing retail space that had most recently inhabited by a frame shop in Piccadilly Square Shopping Center.

The renovations include a communal table created within the bar that seats 30 people. “The communal table, often more popular in the northern states, encourages mingling with other diners and most patrons like that. It’s a less formal arrangement than a restaurant area, and bar-type foods as well as the full menu is available to order from,” remarked Drinkard. Flat screens are also featured in the lounge area.

“The eatery has two fireplaces inside, enjoyed by diners in the winter, and there is outside seating available, which has been popular for lunch with the warmer temperatures,” added Drinkard. While the owners and staff do not consider the separate dining area to be fine dining, patrons may beg to differ because Head Chef and Kitchen Manager Kristy Pilot appears to have the art of food presentation down to a science. Various bands and musicians provide musical entertainment on a rotating basis on Thursday and Saturday evenings.

Judging by the line of patrons extending to the outside deck last Saturday evening, there is no shortage of business, and those waiting to be seated appeared to be having a festive time and didn’t mind the wait.

The goal and philosophy of the owners is to invest in Southwest Virginia by patronizing local businesses and suppliers for products needed by the business. Each of the owners has their own niche. “I am more hands-on and he is more behind the scenes,” said Drinkard.

When the eatery initially opened, customers had some fun with a “trial” menu, which the owners used to get feedback so they could weed out the dishes that weren’t as popular. Two of the most popular dishes are “Shrimp and Grits” and “Pasta Mardi Gras.” A vegetarian special is featured nightly. For those who aren’t into Cajun, there are more traditional menu items including pasta dishes, seafood, burgers, clubs and salads. A mixed grill of offerings is available for both lunch and dinner and the Sunday brunch menu is extensive and varied, with all dishes made from scratch.

Drinkard and Regia have worked for and with some of the best restaurateurs in the industry. She started in the restaurant business 17 years ago and loves it. Regia grew up with his grandparents owning a restaurant in Louisiana and he also opened a Copeland’s in New Orleans under the supervision of the late Al Copeland, one of the foremost authorities on Cajun food and restaurants.

“This has always been a dream of ours,” enthused Drinkard.

Located at 3117 Franklin Road, the hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight, and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
For additional information, visit sorogrille.com.

Are You Spending Your Money Wisely?

According to a recent Gallup’s study, 64 percent of all families argue over money and 74 percent say they’re not handling money wisely.

Below are five pointers to keep in mind.

 It is important to know where your money is going and to watch your spending. Keep good records.
 Financial freedom is determined not by what you make, but what you spend.
 Interestingly, the more educated people are, the more they shop. Many consumers buy something they don’t need because of impulse buying. And many people want everything that their friends and neighbors have.  As a result, most consumers spend money as quickly as they make it. With a budget, you plan where your money goes.
 It is important to save for the future. Goal-setting for how much to save and how much to spend is critical. Studies have shown that most baby boomers have not saved for retirement. Learning to save for the future is critical.
 Many of us are so busy earning money for what we want that we don’t even enjoy what we have. Generally, we want more than what we have and therefore are working more. And relationships are often damaged as a result. We often think of the situation of working all the time as a temporary solution. But normally that isn’t the way it ends up.

How are you handling your money? And how is it affecting your relationships?

BB&T Again Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Primary Mortgage Servicers

BB&T has ranked number one among primary mortgage servicers in customer satisfaction for the second consecutive year in a row, according to the J. D. Power and Associates 2011 U. S.  Primary Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study. 

With a score of 768, BB&T performs particularly well in the billing and payment process and escrow account and administration factors.  Regions Mortgage ranked second with a score of 757 and Wells Fargo ranked third with a score of 755.

The 2011 Primary Servicer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from nearly 5,000 homeowners regarding their experiences with their primary morgage servicer and was fielded between April and May 2011. 

The study found that overall satisfaction  with primary mortgage servicers has declined to 718 on a 1,000-point scale, down 29 points  from 747 in 2010.  The study measures customer satisfaction with four areas of the mortgage servicing experience:  billing and payment process; escrow account administration; website; and phone contact.  Satisfaction  has declined across all four factors from 2010.

The study also found that friendly service and reliability are the most important aspects of overall brand image for mortgage servicers.  These key aspects are the two measures that have declined  most notably in 2011, compared with 2010.  Also, customers who retain loans  that were originated in 2009 are significantly less satisfied in 2011 than they were in 2010.

J. D. Power and Associates is a leading global financial information and education company  providing forecasting, performance improvement, social  media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions.    The company’s quality and satisfaction are based on responses from millions  of consumers annually.

Seniors Continue to have Significant Equity in their Homes

Despite declines in home prices, seniors continue to have significant equity in their homes according to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA)/RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index (RMMI).

The index fell 3 percent in the first quarter of 2011, a reflection of weakening in the housing market.  Mortgage debt levels fell the seventh straight quarter to their lowest levels since the Q2 2007, partially offsetting the decline in housing values.

Senior home equity owned by Americans age 62 years and older remains greater than $3 trillion despite concerns regarding national home price levels.

The NRMLA/RiskSpan RMMI is updated on a quarterly basis.  The index reflects the current value of home equity owned by seniors relative to the level observed in Q1 2000, the index’s base period.

The NRMLA is the national voice of the reverse mortgage industry, serving as an educational resource, policy advocate and public affairs center for lenders and related professionals. 

RiskSpan is the leading consulting and financial analytics firm in the financial services industry.  RiskSpan maintains a reverse mortgage specialty and applies its data and modeling expertise to examine the industry.  The index has tracked reverse mortgage market opportunity since 2000 by analyzing and reporting on trends in senior home values and home equity levels.

Opportunity to Apply for Emergency Home Loan Program Expires in One Week

“The deadline to apply for assistance from the Emergency Home Loan Program (EHLP) will expire a week from today,” says Brendan Vigorito, Director of Education & Community Relations with Money Management International (MMI). 

The EHLP is designed to provide mortgage payment relief for qualifying homeowners who are at risk for foreclosure and have experienced a drop in income of at least 15 percent due to circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment or underemployment due to adverse economic conditions or illness.

MMI has been approved by the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to quality homeowners for this new initiative. 

 “As of today, MMI really has not received many phone calls from homeowners regarding the program,” says Vigorito.

Quick Facts About EHLP

•  The $1 billion initiative is expected to provide help for up to 30,000 homeowners.
•  Applicants who meet the program’s eligibility requirements may receive a zero interest forgivable loan that pays past due mortgage payments, including missed payments and past due charges for up to a maximum of $50,000.
•  The zero percent interest forgivable loans will average $35,000 each, with a maximum of $50,000 awarded to eligible homeowners who are selected through the program.
•  There is no cost to apply for this program.

 The deadline for filing a pre-application worksheet is July 22, 2011.

 EHLP documents will only be accepted by approved agencies, such as MMI. To find out if you’re eligible, visit

 www.MoneyManagement.org or call 877.329.2502 to speak to an MMI counselor.

 About Money Management International (MMI)

 MMI is a nonprofit, full-service credit counseling agency that has served consumers since 1958. In addition to providing financial education services. MMI offers confidential financial guidance, counseling, and debt management assistance. Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24hours a day, 7 hours a week by phone and internet.  Services are available in English or Spanish.

 MMI’s Roanoke office is located at 7000 Peters Creek Road.

Decluttering: Please Release Me, Let Me Go

I have had a de-cluttering project in process off and on for two years and I’ve decided that it’s time to complete this project and bring relatively quick closure.  Yep, it’s time to run my closets and drawers, furniture drawers that is, like an efficient business.

Admittedly, I am a clotheshorse and my husband says that I am close to the Imelda Marcos of shoe world as far as the number pair of shoes that I own.  Of course, that’s an exaggeration.  I recall reading a magazine article that said Imelda owned 1,200 shoes in 1986.  And where would I put all those shoes even if I wanted that many?

Fortunately from a financial standpoint, I am a thrifty and frugal shopper.  Unfortunately, I have had clothing that I wanted to wear and couldn’t found and found clothing that I didn’t know I even had and don’t even recall buying, clothing two sizes too big, and identical pieces of clothing due to information overload or at least that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

I am comforted by the fact that our garage has room to park two vehicles unlike the garages of many of our neighbors.  But in all fairness, they may be able to open their closet doors without fear of something falling on their heads. 

 So early evening, I started going through our downstairs closets.  Happily, I found some clothing that I had been unable to locate and I found new to me clothing that I forgot that I had.  I found two outfits that I will pay to get altered.  And everything else is now piled up in the back seat of my car and will be dropped at Goodwill tomorrow.  Now keep in mind that these are only the downstairs closets, but that’s a good start, I think.

I have a lot more to do, but I’m going to set aside time every day until I complete this project.  I already feel some weight lifted off of my shoulders.  And I now know what is in the downstairs closets.  That’s a good feeling.

I’m already singing the song, “Please Release Me, Let Me Go,” from the departing stuff’s point of view, of course.