Fall Workshops, Cancer Support, Hiring Contractors?

[Howard Hartman]

Here’s what you’ll find below:

• ReServe Maryland First Impressions
• JSSA’s Upcoming Workshops and Groups
• Hope Connections for Cancer Support
• Office of Consumer Protection Advises Homeowners to Use Only Licensed Contractors for Home Repairs

Reserve Maryland First Impressions
ReServe Maryland connects the state’s nonprofits and public institutions (partners) to experienced professionals 55+ (ReServists) who want to give back. In exchange for a stipend paid by the partner organization, ReServists in Maryland work in a variety of capacities - from infrastructure to direct service - to help organizations stay on mission.  ReServe Maryland supports its partners in building a stronger and more vibrant Maryland. 

Upcoming Event: 
ReServe Maryland First Impressions (Gaithersburg)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Open to continuing professionals 55+; click here to register.
For more information, click here.

JSSA’s Upcoming Workshops and Groups

Registration is now open for JSSA Fall 2012 Growth and Learning Programs in Maryland and Northern Virginia.  JSSA offers groups, clubs, programs, trainings, seminars, workshops and child, family and senior services.
Pre-registration for groups is required. For Rockville group information, please call 301-816-2633 and for Northern Virginia please call 703-896-7918. 
Click here for listings.
Click here for Fall 2012 brochure.

 

Hope Connections for Cancer Support

Hope Connections for Cancer Support helps people with cancer and their loved ones live with the emotional and physical impact of cancer through participation in professionally facilitated programs of emotional support, education, wellness and hope.  They offer support groups for people with cancer and their caregivers; educational workshops with top oncology professionals; stress reduction and nutrition classes; and opportunities for people affected by cancer to connect with and support each other.  Thanks to the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations, all programs at Hope Connections are provided free of charge to participants.

Contact Information:

5430 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 100

Bethesda, MD  20814

301-493-5002 voice

For more information, click here. 

Office of Consumer Protection Advises Homeowners to Use Only Licensed Contractors for Home Repairs
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) warns County residents to be cautious when hiring contractors to repair damage caused by severe storms and advises consumers to do their homework before signing a contract for any home repair or improvement, or tree service work. 

The Office of Consumer Protection offers the following advice to homeowners:

• Make sure the home improvement contractor is licensed with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) by calling 410-230-6309 or click here to check online.
• For tree service or removal, check to see if the business is a licensed tree expert with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forestry Division at 410-260-8521 or click here to check online.
• Get estimates from three contractors.  State law requires a written contract for any work completed.  A home improvement contract should include the terms and conditions of the warranty.  The manufacturer’s warranty should be a separate, written document.  The contract must also include:  the contractor’s name, address and home improvement license number; the approximate starting and finishing dates; and a description of the work to be done and materials to be used.
• State law prohibits home improvement contractors from collecting more than one-third of the contract amount as a deposit.  If the contract is signed in your home, the contract must allow the consumer three days in which to cancel the contract.  Under emergency situations only, the consumer may waive this three-day right to cancel, but must sign a special form to do so.
• Check the contractors’ complaint records with the Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636 or online by clicking here and the Better Business Bureau at 202-393-8000 or online by clicking here, and with the MHIC and DNR.
  

Show Times:  Click here. 

Where to Watch:  Comcast and RCN channel 6; Verizon channel 30; or On-Demand at the County's website by clicking here.