Celebrating Green Earth 2010

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. While back in 1970 being green may have seemed like a radical idea, in today’s day many embraced the idea of green and homeowners are no exception.

I want to share with you some simple ideas that will help you turn GREEN.

Recycle. Paper, cardboard, plastic, cans are the most common recyclables. Check with your municipality for acceptable items and whether curbside or drop-off service is available. Also check how you can recycle at work, usually we spend more time working that at home.

Adjust your thermostat. Turn down the thermostat in the winter (72) and up in the summer (78). Install a programmable thermostat to adjust temps easily, especially while you are away from home.

Reduce electricity draw. Unplug cell phone, camera and other chargers when not in use. Turn off unused lights. Install timers to automatically turn light off.

Cut out disposables. Instead of paper towels, switch to reusable, washable cloths. Give cloth napkins a try to replace paper napkins.

Upgrade appliances. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances when replacing or remodeling to save energy and on utility costs. Take advantage of rebates and tax credit incentives while they last.

Go Green & Pass It On, Especially to Children!

WAR ON POVERTY-FLORIDA HOSTS HOMEBUYING CLINIC ON SATURDAY APRIL 17th IN JACKSONVILLE

WAR ON POVERTY-FLORIDA HOSTS HOMEBUYING CLINIC ON SATURDAY APRIL 17th
Clinic designed to educate potential home-buyers on the process to becoming a homeowner


On Saturday April 17th from 10:00am - 2:00pm, the War on Poverty-Florida will host a HomeBuying Clinic for local residents interested in learning more about the home-buying process.

The FREE workshop is designed to provide a basic overview of the home buying process, availability of local home buying programs and resources with the goal in preparing participants in the pursuit of home-ownership.

What does a Realtor do? How will I know I am ready to purchase a home? What is required by the bank?

Representatives from NEFAR, CitiMortgage, Grace & Truth CDC, Florida Department of Financial Services, and Northeast Florida Community Action Agency will answer these questions and more as they cover topics such as "Becoming a Homeowner", "Thinking Like a Lender", "Trusting Your Realtor" and "Understanding Homeowners Insurance".

The event is free and pre-registration is suggested. Call 766-7275 to register. Learn more about the War on Poverty-Florida at www.waronpoverty.org.


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Tonisha Gaines
Marketing & Development Coordinator
War on Poverty-Florida
5196-A Norwood Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32208
(904) 766-7275 office
tgaines@waronpoverty.org

2010 JACKSONVILLE FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS SYMPOSIUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ben Pennymon, (904) 630-3426, benp@coj.net

JACKSONVILLE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HOSTS
2010 FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS SYMPOSIUM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 13, 2010 – The City of Jacksonville’s Human Rights Commission will host the eighth annual Fair Housing Awareness Symposium on Saturday, April 24. The event will include workshops with speakers providing information on a variety of topics related to housing as well as a vendor exhibition designed to align attendees with resources to aid them in exercising their housing rights.

WHEN: Saturday, April 24
8-9 a.m. Registration and welcome session
9-11:45 a.m. Vendor exhibition/workshops
Noon-2 p.m. Awards luncheon

WHERE: Crowne Plaza Riverfront Hotel
1201 Riverplace Blvd.

This free event offers an opportunity for Jacksonville residents to learn practical information about acquiring and keeping a home, predatory lending, credit, fair housing and disability rights, and other housing related topics.

These topic areas will be covered during informational workshops. Some of the workshops include First-time Homebuyers; Fair Housing and Disability Rights; Real Estate is the Value Real; Facing the Worst: Strategies, Alternatives and Options; Fair Housing vs. Landlord Tenant Disputes: Knowing the Difference; Predatory Lending; and more.

Local housing assistance organizations will also be on-hand at a vendor exhibition providing fair housing information. Participating organizations include Advocacy Center for Person’s with Disabilities, Association of Housing Counselors and Agencies, City of Jacksonville Disabled Services, Family Foundations, Grace and Truth Community Development Corporation, Three Rivers Legal Services, Home Depot, Sunshine State Health Plan and other local community-based organizations and housing partners.

In addition, awards will be given at the luncheon to individuals and organizations for their work on, and dedication to fair housing. Award recipients include:
Accessible Housing Award, Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation
Good Neighbor Award, Ronald Johnson
Seniors’ Choice Award, Eula Mayes
Faith Based Award, Grace and Truth CDC
Best Practices Award, The Cathedral Foundation of Jacksonville
Communication Award, GrapeVine Newspaper

The 2010 Fair Housing Awareness Symposium is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. To register, call (904) 630-1212 x3020 or e-mail JHRCRSVP@coj.net.

This event is made possible through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) acquired by the City of Jacksonville Housing and Neighborhoods Department, Jacksonville Human Rights Commission and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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Fish Pond Management Seminar

For Jacksonville Residents:


Do you want to know how to control algae in your pond, stock and manage fish populations, as well as, learn about the USDA resources available for pond construction? If so, attend a pond management seminar on Tuesday, April 20th at 6:00 pm. There is a registration fee of $5.00 to cover light refreshments and workshop materials. Pre-registration is required to Becky Davidson at (904) 387-8850.

This program is presented by the UF/IFAS Extension Office in association with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District.