November (26.0 MB) - Senior Connector

Page 10Senior Connector www.seniorconnector.comNovember 2011Beware of heating contractors offering fake furnace fixesThe cool autumn weather has arrived and, for many people,now is the ideal time to have your furnace serviced orupgraded before the busy winter season starts. The BetterBusiness Bureau warns the public to be cautious aboutmisleading heating contractors who may use scare tacticsto convince homeowners to buy a new furnace or authorizeexpensive, but unneeded, repairs to their existing heatingsystem.“At this time of year we see an increase in complaintsabout heating contractors offering everything from ductcleaning to furnace inspections,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBBPresident and CEO. “While most furnace companies arereputable, competent, and fair, there are fraudulent andunethical companies that may try to frighten consumers intounnecessary installations or repairs using fear as their maintactic.”Last fall, the BBB received complaints about a heatingcontractor making unsolicited phone calls offeringinexpensive, even free, cleaning services, only to show upwith inadequate equipment and recommendations forexpensive and unnecessary upgrades.BBB has also received reports in the past of fraudulentcontractors soliciting door-to-door and attempting tofrighten consumers into purchasing a new heating systemwith warnings that their current system was leakingdangerous gases that could explode or poison those insidethe house. Last year, BBB received 61 complaints againstbusinesses in this industry. So far this year, BBB has alreadyreceived 71 complaints.Before you choose a heating contractor consider thefollowing tips:Start with the BBB. You can find out helpful informationlike owners, company addresses, and customer serviceinformation by visiting the company’s reliability report at:www.mbc.bbb.org.Hire heating contractors who:· Are licensed with the BC Safety Authority; call 1.866.566SAFE (7233)· Are or employ certified gas fitters· Are bonded and insured for liability and property damage· Can provide you a copy of the gas permit authorizing thecompany to work on your heating system· Offer warranties that cover equipment, materials andlabour· Offer maintenance and service after installation and afterwarranties have expired· Provide customer referencesGet at least two estimates for the work. All bids shouldbe in writing and should provide a full description of theservices to be provided and the materials to be used.Compare more than just cost. Check the size and ratedefficiency of the equipment each contractor recommends.Ask each contractor how he or she arrived at recommendinga particular sized system. Check the warranty offered andmake certain you understand it.Report misleading door-to-door sales practices. Directsales contracts can be cancelled for any reason within 10days of the consumer receiving a copy of the contract.Consumer Protection BC can help with allegations ofmisleading door-to-door sales practices. For complaints,contact the Consumer Protection BC at 1.888.564.9963 orgo to: www.consumerprotectionbc.caPine Cones &PoinsettiasChristmas Bazaar, Bake Sale & Teapresented by:Pine Grove Care CentreResidents’ Society313 McGowan Ave., KamloopsSat. Nov. 19 • 2–4 pmA fantastic 2-hr event!Supporting Seniors in Our CommunitySubmitted by Lianne MilobarThe Kamloops ClassicsSwim Team continuedtheir winning ways forthe third year in a rowat the Penticton IronSprint Invitational SwimMeet. The Classics had26 swimmers attend the10 team, 320-swimmerWALLACEPatTHE CHOICE IS✔YOURSEXPERIENCE DOES COUNT!Politics with PrincipleAccountabilityFiscal ResponsibilityA Social ConscienceRE-ELECT PATFOR CITY COUNCILLORKamloops Classics swim teamcontinue winning streakcompetition, winning 49medals.Outstanding performancesinclude: Sky Camille, inthe 15 & over categorytook second place in the50 Freestyle Eliminatorrace, second in the 100Freestyle and third in the400 IM. Camille posted animpressive 86 percent, Besttime average in the meet.Carel Ackermann in the14 & under group won sixmedals including four goldin the 50 & 400 Freestyle,200 IM and the 100Breaststroke.Megan Dalke, in the14 & Under Age Groupwon the 100 Freestyle, wassecond in the 400 Freestyle,and placed third in the100Fly. Dalke posted 100percent best times in themeet.Helena Marken, inthe 15 & over categorywas second in the 100Breaststroke and third inRRSP, RRIF, GIC & TFSA30 Day Cashable 1.20%DAILY INTEREST3 YRBEST INTEREST RATES1.75 %PROTECTED BY:$100,000 CDIC Insured$100,000 Assuris InsuredUnlimited Credit Union Insured1 YR1.90 %Rates as of October 19, 2011WE WILL MEETOR BEAT ANY BANK RATE*774 Seymour St.Kamloops, BC250.828.67671.800.599.8274info@bradfordfinancial.org2 YR2.10 %4 YR 5 YR2.35 % 2.60 % 2.75 %Todd Peters*Some terms and conditions may apply.Rates subject to change without notice.THE BRADFORD FINANCIAL TEAMRetirement Income SpecialistsBradford Financial Services Inc.Vanessa Cullenthe 400 IM. Marken alsohad 100 percent best timesin the meet.Dylana Milobar in the15 & over group won fourmedals, which featuredthree gold in the 200 IM,100 Butterfly, and 100Breaststroke.Madelynne Russell swamto an “AA” Provincial TimeStandard for the 11-yeargirls in the 50 Freestylewith a time of 35.02.The “AA” ProvincialShort CourseChampionships will be heldin Chilliwack on February10 to 12, 2012.Spell CheckerI halve a spelling checker,It came with my pea see.It plainly marks four my revue,Mistakes I dew knot sea.Eye strike a key and typea word,And weight four it two sayWeather eye am wrongoar write,It shows me strait aweigh.As soon as a mist ache is maid,It nose bee fore two longAnd eye can put the era rite,Its rarely ever wrong.I’ve scent this massagethrew it,And I’m shore your pleasedtoo no,Its letter prefect in everyweigh,My checker tolled me sew.