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So I've been a bit busy. And I have a full docket of schoolwork lined up for the entire weekend.
But this has been a productive week - seeking a SCORE counselor and doing some big-time thinking about this project.
And absolutely whipped. I've been up-ing my exercise and running more(and walking less) for the loop I cover during my lunchtime/break. I've really pushed this week and see the physical improvement time-wise but, boy am I whipped! I have a late-June race (yes, you did read that correctly) that I would like to enter - so....gotta up the effort.
But I'm really wiped out. Slept well last night and am very hopeful for another similar night ahead of me in a very little bit.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
SCORE Meeting -
Tuesday was a busy day capped by an appointment with three SCORE counselors. If you're unaware, SCORE is an organization of retired professionals that lend their expertise to small businesses.
I pitched my idea and got a positive response! (Score one for me!)Plus, I got some great questions to help me formulate my business plan and begin to solidify and commit to paper this project.
Big suggestion received was to look for a small, preexisting hotel or motel that may be ready for a complete re-hab and that might be actually affordable. The estimate of the project in really general terms elicited a rough estimate of $3 - 3.5 Mil to build the building and then there is the land cost.
The three counselors seemed somewhat excited - certainly positive outward responses - and encouraged me to come back and show my progress. Will do!
In this area water rights and water use is a big issue. I want to build a facility that makes the most of the water used; gray water from clothes laundering and dish washing to be used for watering the garden, and other eco-friendly tools to make the most of the least amount possible.
As these gentlemen were more involved with preparing businesses to obtain loans from the SBA rather than grants (my goal here) they had limited grant writing help - but did let me know that the Monterey Community Foundation offered a class on grant writing last September. Link to their site which, even on quick glance now looks extremely promising. Ted always contributed heavily to them - their programs have always been the best here.
Relaying the good news from the SCORE meeting at my support group brought positive responses.
I pitched my idea and got a positive response! (Score one for me!)Plus, I got some great questions to help me formulate my business plan and begin to solidify and commit to paper this project.
Big suggestion received was to look for a small, preexisting hotel or motel that may be ready for a complete re-hab and that might be actually affordable. The estimate of the project in really general terms elicited a rough estimate of $3 - 3.5 Mil to build the building and then there is the land cost.
The three counselors seemed somewhat excited - certainly positive outward responses - and encouraged me to come back and show my progress. Will do!
In this area water rights and water use is a big issue. I want to build a facility that makes the most of the water used; gray water from clothes laundering and dish washing to be used for watering the garden, and other eco-friendly tools to make the most of the least amount possible.
As these gentlemen were more involved with preparing businesses to obtain loans from the SBA rather than grants (my goal here) they had limited grant writing help - but did let me know that the Monterey Community Foundation offered a class on grant writing last September. Link to their site which, even on quick glance now looks extremely promising. Ted always contributed heavily to them - their programs have always been the best here.
Relaying the good news from the SCORE meeting at my support group brought positive responses.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Co-Housing Seminar This June -
http://www.cohousing.org/2009/pcw
With any amount of luck, it won't be scheduled the same weekend as my high school reunion!
With any amount of luck, it won't be scheduled the same weekend as my high school reunion!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Homeshare Interview - Reprint From Monterey Herald
HOMESHARE: HOUSING EXCHANGED FOR HELP AND FRIENDSHIP
Monterey Herald Sixty-Five Plus | Spring/Summer 2007
By Renee Brincks
Ted Fehring and his wife, Marie, built their Carmel home in 1951 and raised five daughters there. When Marie passed away in 2002, Ted’s daughters took turns checking in on him. All live in California and three are within an hour’s drive; still, scheduling visits was not always easy and Ted never grew accustomed to living alone.
“My days were long and the nights were longer,” he says. His daughters explored options and the family decided to try HomeShare. Administered by Alliance on Aging, the program matches senior homeowners with individuals who provide non-personal services, such as transportation, shopping or cooking, in exchange for rent. All program participants must be age 55 or older.
Fehring was introduced to Sara Shappee, and he knew he’d found a fitting housemate.
“When I met Sara, I asked what she hoped to receive from HomeShare. The first thing that came up was companionship. Then she said she likes to cook, and I know I love to eat,” he remembers, with a laugh.
At the time, Shappee says she was at a crossroads. She was searching for a new job while working toward a master’s degree, and her apartment lease was about to end. Having recently moved to Monterey after 20 years in San Francisco, she also missed the friends she’d left behind.
“I remember talking with my son and telling him I was lonely,” Shappee says. “I didn’t want a traditional roommate, but I wanted a little bit more in my life. I saw these lovely ads in the paper for HomeShare and thought, ‘I ought to find out what this is about.’”
The two have now been sharing a home for three years, and the program has changed each of their lives.
“I laugh more and I’m never sad anymore, with Sara around,” says Fehring. “The companionship is important to each of us.”
Housing and Help
HomeShare Coordinator Babs du Pont Hanneman describes the program as the exchange of housing for help. A homeowner with an extra room opens the door to a home seeker, and that individual provides approximately 15 hours of aid per week as “payment.”
“It’s a bit of a bartering system, but with non-personal care assistance,” says du Pont Hanneman. What the 15 hours entails is different in every partnership. Some seekers will drive the homeowner to appointments, church or the store. Some cook dinner or perform light cleaning duties; others take the homeowner for walks. For many seniors, the security of having someone in the house at night is an added benefit.
The match is an equal partnership, stresses du Pont Hanneman. A home seeker is not a caregiver, but is more than just a roommate. A homeowner must be of clear mind and sufficiently good health.
The Matchmaking Process
As program coordinator, du Pont Hanneman personally gets to know each potential participant. She visits with senior homeowners in their houses, and sits down for conversations with home seekers after they complete an application form. She also checks personal references and asks that seekers submit fingerprints for screening.
The process helps all parties articulate what they are looking for – and what they don’t want – in a housemate.
“It’s a little like matchmaking,” du Pont Hanneman says. She aims to connect individuals with compatible interests and complementary personalities. While some pairs are coordinated quickly, it can take a few months or more to find two people who are well matched.
Home seekers take part in HomeShare for many reasons. Some are financially strapped after expensive surgeries. Some work only part-time or have limited income and can’t afford independent housing. Like Shappee, a handful of participants have headed back to school or are paying for their children’s education. Others live far from their families and would simply like companionship.
Recent applicants include real estate professionals, nurses and individuals with their Ph.D.
For homeowners, HomeShare brings a host of benefits including companionship, day-to-day assistance and the independence that comes with staying in one’s own home.
“We’re always looking for homes, and we have such lovely people looking for places to live,” says du Pont Hanneman. “As a senior, you may find you are losing the ability to give because you need so much help. But this is your opportunity to give to another person, and that person is willing and eager to help you in exchange for you simply opening the door.”
Expanding Worlds
“People, especially elderly people, are afraid of being taken advantage of,” says Fehring.
“We sometimes believe that old saying that if seems too good to be true, it probably is. But that doesn’t apply to HomeShare.”
He recommends the program to widowed friends, but believes many are afraid they would give up freedom by sharing their home. Both Fehring and Shappee are quick to dispel that misconception, citing all they have gained.
“I’ve always said I want to stay in my home as long as I possibly can, and this is how it happened,” says Fehring. “And now, Sara and I are friends.”
“I don’t think people are aware of all the HomeShare program can offer,” says Shappee, who cherishes what she has learned from Fehring during their time together. “I have no plans to look for another home. I don’t think I’ll ever find as wonderful a place to live, or as good of company, anywhere.”
When both parties are interested in making each other’s lives better, du Pont Hanneman believes that HomeShare empowers participants.
“For somebody who is in their 80s or mid 80s, life can sometimes seem smaller and smaller,” she says. “But, this program can make life bigger.”
Ted Fehring agrees.
“The thing about HomeShare is that when it works, it shines,” he says. “It’s been shining here since day one.”
Resources
To learn more about Monterey County’s HomeShare program, contact Babs du Pont Hanneman at 831-646-1458 or bhanneman@allianceonaging.org, or visit the Alliance on Aging’s “Programs” section at www.allianceonaging.org.
Monterey Herald Sixty-Five Plus | Spring/Summer 2007
By Renee Brincks
Ted Fehring and his wife, Marie, built their Carmel home in 1951 and raised five daughters there. When Marie passed away in 2002, Ted’s daughters took turns checking in on him. All live in California and three are within an hour’s drive; still, scheduling visits was not always easy and Ted never grew accustomed to living alone.
“My days were long and the nights were longer,” he says. His daughters explored options and the family decided to try HomeShare. Administered by Alliance on Aging, the program matches senior homeowners with individuals who provide non-personal services, such as transportation, shopping or cooking, in exchange for rent. All program participants must be age 55 or older.
Fehring was introduced to Sara Shappee, and he knew he’d found a fitting housemate.
“When I met Sara, I asked what she hoped to receive from HomeShare. The first thing that came up was companionship. Then she said she likes to cook, and I know I love to eat,” he remembers, with a laugh.
At the time, Shappee says she was at a crossroads. She was searching for a new job while working toward a master’s degree, and her apartment lease was about to end. Having recently moved to Monterey after 20 years in San Francisco, she also missed the friends she’d left behind.
“I remember talking with my son and telling him I was lonely,” Shappee says. “I didn’t want a traditional roommate, but I wanted a little bit more in my life. I saw these lovely ads in the paper for HomeShare and thought, ‘I ought to find out what this is about.’”
The two have now been sharing a home for three years, and the program has changed each of their lives.
“I laugh more and I’m never sad anymore, with Sara around,” says Fehring. “The companionship is important to each of us.”
Housing and Help
HomeShare Coordinator Babs du Pont Hanneman describes the program as the exchange of housing for help. A homeowner with an extra room opens the door to a home seeker, and that individual provides approximately 15 hours of aid per week as “payment.”
“It’s a bit of a bartering system, but with non-personal care assistance,” says du Pont Hanneman. What the 15 hours entails is different in every partnership. Some seekers will drive the homeowner to appointments, church or the store. Some cook dinner or perform light cleaning duties; others take the homeowner for walks. For many seniors, the security of having someone in the house at night is an added benefit.
The match is an equal partnership, stresses du Pont Hanneman. A home seeker is not a caregiver, but is more than just a roommate. A homeowner must be of clear mind and sufficiently good health.
The Matchmaking Process
As program coordinator, du Pont Hanneman personally gets to know each potential participant. She visits with senior homeowners in their houses, and sits down for conversations with home seekers after they complete an application form. She also checks personal references and asks that seekers submit fingerprints for screening.
The process helps all parties articulate what they are looking for – and what they don’t want – in a housemate.
“It’s a little like matchmaking,” du Pont Hanneman says. She aims to connect individuals with compatible interests and complementary personalities. While some pairs are coordinated quickly, it can take a few months or more to find two people who are well matched.
Home seekers take part in HomeShare for many reasons. Some are financially strapped after expensive surgeries. Some work only part-time or have limited income and can’t afford independent housing. Like Shappee, a handful of participants have headed back to school or are paying for their children’s education. Others live far from their families and would simply like companionship.
Recent applicants include real estate professionals, nurses and individuals with their Ph.D.
For homeowners, HomeShare brings a host of benefits including companionship, day-to-day assistance and the independence that comes with staying in one’s own home.
“We’re always looking for homes, and we have such lovely people looking for places to live,” says du Pont Hanneman. “As a senior, you may find you are losing the ability to give because you need so much help. But this is your opportunity to give to another person, and that person is willing and eager to help you in exchange for you simply opening the door.”
Expanding Worlds
“People, especially elderly people, are afraid of being taken advantage of,” says Fehring.
“We sometimes believe that old saying that if seems too good to be true, it probably is. But that doesn’t apply to HomeShare.”
He recommends the program to widowed friends, but believes many are afraid they would give up freedom by sharing their home. Both Fehring and Shappee are quick to dispel that misconception, citing all they have gained.
“I’ve always said I want to stay in my home as long as I possibly can, and this is how it happened,” says Fehring. “And now, Sara and I are friends.”
“I don’t think people are aware of all the HomeShare program can offer,” says Shappee, who cherishes what she has learned from Fehring during their time together. “I have no plans to look for another home. I don’t think I’ll ever find as wonderful a place to live, or as good of company, anywhere.”
When both parties are interested in making each other’s lives better, du Pont Hanneman believes that HomeShare empowers participants.
“For somebody who is in their 80s or mid 80s, life can sometimes seem smaller and smaller,” she says. “But, this program can make life bigger.”
Ted Fehring agrees.
“The thing about HomeShare is that when it works, it shines,” he says. “It’s been shining here since day one.”
Resources
To learn more about Monterey County’s HomeShare program, contact Babs du Pont Hanneman at 831-646-1458 or bhanneman@allianceonaging.org, or visit the Alliance on Aging’s “Programs” section at www.allianceonaging.org.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Oh, Why The Next Big Thing?
'Cuz it's a big thing - big deal - big undertaking for me -
And it's the NEXT thing I plan to do with my life!
And it's the NEXT thing I plan to do with my life!
Why "Just Right"
As Goldylocks and those bears knew, sometimes living situations are too big (like when you have a large house, but it's just you now) or too small (like the cramped and tiny apartments rented for huge amounts of money). Just Right is just as it's name implies: a living arrangement that is "just right" for one who loves their privacy, but really doesn't want to live all alone.
"Just Right" was also the name of the residence I shared with Ted, my home share companion. Ted had a large home and needed companionship and someone to help with meals. He opened his home to me, sharing his space while I shared my company and cooking skills. We 'shared' for about four years, our relationship ending with his passing.
I learned a lot from Ted, most importantly the power of believing in one's self and never doubting the power of the spirit. And, "don't ask, don't get".
So I am taking the plunge - exploring the possibilities of getting this project off the drawing board and on the ground!
"Just Right" was also the name of the residence I shared with Ted, my home share companion. Ted had a large home and needed companionship and someone to help with meals. He opened his home to me, sharing his space while I shared my company and cooking skills. We 'shared' for about four years, our relationship ending with his passing.
I learned a lot from Ted, most importantly the power of believing in one's self and never doubting the power of the spirit. And, "don't ask, don't get".
So I am taking the plunge - exploring the possibilities of getting this project off the drawing board and on the ground!
What is Just Right ? Why is it the Next Big Thing?
"Just Right" is an idea and dream at this point.
"Just Right" will be a small congregate housing project located on the Monterey Peninsula for seniors.
What's congregate housing, you ask? It's similar to a boarding house style communal living arrangement where residents have private rooms with bath, but share meals and other activities of daily life.
I plan to build this project with the help and support of my friends and my community - check back often to see how I'm progressing with plans and, hopefully soon building!
"Just Right" will be a small congregate housing project located on the Monterey Peninsula for seniors.
What's congregate housing, you ask? It's similar to a boarding house style communal living arrangement where residents have private rooms with bath, but share meals and other activities of daily life.
I plan to build this project with the help and support of my friends and my community - check back often to see how I'm progressing with plans and, hopefully soon building!
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