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SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Poulsbo counselor offers
neurofeedback training
By Rodika Tollefson |
| As a licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist, Karen Cochrane says her approach is grounded in her firm belief “in the extraordinary healing potential of the human mind, body and spirit.” So, when she learned several years ago about a neurofeedback training system that puts the client’s brain, rather than the clinician, in charge, she has immediately embraced the opportunity of offering neurofeedback training to her clients... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Health initiative targets Greater Gig Harbor
By Rodika Tollefson |
| An effort spearheaded by two health-related organizations is working toward creating a healthier community for Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula areas. Called Healthy Communities of Pierce County, the project is a joined effort by the Pierce County Medical Society and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The goal is to improve public health by making changes that would lead to more physical activity and better nutrition — from improving walking trail systems to promoting more recreational activities and better nutrition... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
State survey rates
Abiding HomeCare “Zero Deficiencies” |
| Abiding HomeCare was recently surveyed by the Washington State Department of Health, and was found to have “zero deficiencies” in its operations... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Fitness as a lifestyle: Trainer Stephanie Smith says it’s never too late to exercise
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Stephanie Smith knows all about being too busy to exercise. A mother of three children and a business owner, she sometimes has to find creative ways to fit in physical activity, doing things like going for short walks while waiting during the kids’ sports practice or sneaking in some lunges in between folding laundry. Smith, a personal trainer with a studio in her Poulsbo home, has made it her mission to teach people that any schedule can accommodate exercise — and that it’s never too late to start... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Effects of R-67 may be years away
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Referendum 67, which Washington voters approved in November, came into law in December, but industry representatives say it will be several months, maybe a few years even, before consumers will start seeing rate increases... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Gig Harbor YMCA expands offerings
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Officials with the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County expected a high interest in the Gig Harbor Y facility once it opened last August. But they weren’t prepared for this much, this soon. The facility has nearly doubled its goal for membership to date, has nearly double the number of classes it expected to offer, and has nearly double the number of employees it planned to hire at the present time... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Minimizing personal safety risks
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Since the average women are often physically weaker than men, it may seem that women make more vulnerable victims. But criminals don’t usually attack based on gender — they simply look for what they perceive as easy prey, someone who will not fight back... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Harrison moving ahead
with numerous expansion plans
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Harrison Medical Center is working on facility improvement plans for its Silverdale and Bremerton sites. Tom Kruse, vice president for strategy and business development, said the nonprofit organization will announce sometimes in January its master plan that would be implemented by year 2012 and will entail $170 million in investments... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Lutheran Community Services set
to establish early memory loss program |
| Lutheran Community Services NW (LCSNW) has been chosen as one of 11 organizations across the U.S. to establish an innovative early memory loss program. The program will open in January at Silverdale Lutheran Church... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Flu season peak on the way
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Although flu vaccinations are most heavily promoted in the fall, public health officials say it’s not too late to get a vaccine. The flu season in Washington state doesn’t peak until January or later (sometimes as late as March). While officials strongly encourage vaccination for vulnerable populations such as young children, adults over age 50 and those with chronic illnesses, everyone can greatly benefit, according to Michele Roberts, health promotion manager for the state Department of Health’s Immunization Program... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Gig Harbor hospital marks
construction milestone |
| Several dozen VIPs, community and business leaders attended the Topping Out ceremony at the site of Gig Harbor’s St. Anthony hospital on Dec. 14. The ceremony marked a major construction milestone — the placing of the last and highest steel beam in the building’s internal structure... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HUMAN RESOURCES
Humor in the workplace:
How to get serious about laughter
By Elaine Ambrose |
| Did you hear the joke about the priest, the prostitute and the politician who walked into the employee break room? Probably not. While there is a time and a place for jokes, it’s a bad idea to attempt to be funny at work with stories featuring religion, sexuality or politics. However, a well-timed anecdote about the befuddled customer who forgot his address can be the perfect icebreaker to dispel tension in a serious staff meeting. While timing should be considered, experts agree that laughter in the workplace can be a real asset to profitability and productivity... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - HEALTHCARE QUARTERLY
Local podiatrist elected to FPMB board |
| Dr. David M. Bernstein, of Bremerton, was elected to the board of the Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards (FPMB) at its annual meeting. Dr. Bernstein is currently serving his second, six year term on the Washington State Department of Health, Podiatric Medical Board having been recently re-appointed by the Governor.
In this role he oversees licensing, discipline and rule making for podiatric medicine in the state. The Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards was established 71 years ago. “Its mission has always been to be a leader in improving the quality, safety, and integrity of podiatric medical health care by promoting high standards for podiatric physician licensure and practice,” said Bernstein.
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SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
Techie stocking stuffers for
the technology-challenged
By Jim Kendall |
| There are so many new technologies moving into the consumer mass market and so many applications within each technology, it can make the most savvy technology-consumer dizzy. A casual search of magazines and Web sites can put the adventurous into overload almost as fast as the newest CPU’s munch ones and zeros... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
Give the class-act gift of wine
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Wine is among the most popular holiday gifts. “Wine is a celebration and that’s what people want to give,” says Steve Lynn, owner of Water to Wine shop in Gig Harbor... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
For the holidays, get more personal
than personalized mugs |
| Put aside the traditionally logo-imprinted pen or mug, and embossed portfolio folder — it’s time for your businesses to get more creative with corporate gifts this holiday season. Business experts and professionals together continue to express the importance of corporate gifts, explaining that it builds a strong connection between client and employee satisfaction. However, sometimes it can be difficult for businesses to choose the best, most appropriate gift... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
Don’t forget to organize those gift receipts |
| Gift receipts have become a common feature of holiday and year-round shopping. Gift receipts can prove handy when it comes to gift-giving provided they don’t get lost in the shuffle. These receipts make returns and exchanges easier and keep the purchase prices hidden from the gift recipient... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
Get personal when gifting |
| Celebrations and holidays dot everyone’s calendar. An important component of these festive times are the gifts that serve as mementos and gestures of affection. Bridal party gifts, hostess presents and birthday treats are just a few of the many gifting ideas. Gifts can also be given for no major reason at all, except to show that you care... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
Give experiences instead of more ‘stuff’
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Christmas: a race that culminates in your friends’ or family members’ rehearsed joyful response to this year’s round of new “stuff.” Does that sound like your definition of they year’s most heralded holiday? If you haven’t saved enough money to buy an island, or a trip to the moon, all you’re doing is increasing someone’s fine collection of possessions that require regular dusting. Instead, give the person who already has plenty of stuff an experience... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
It’s about time |
| Time can take its toll during the holidays. Why not make time work for you and your loved ones this year with gifts that make your time well spent... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
Jewelry gifts for every budget |
| It’s fun to give jewelry — one of the season’s hot holiday gifts — but not if it puts you in the red. Sure you want to shoot for the stars, but throwing caution to the wind isn’t always so friendly to the wallet... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
A gift to yourself: eliminating junk mail |
| If you’re looking to green up your life, here is an easy idea: Get rid of those catalogs you get in the mail every week and hardly ever open — stashing them somewhere for that “someday... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Yes... there is still time
for year-end tax planning
By Christopher T. Mutchler, CPA, CFA, CVE
Southard, Beckham, Atwater & Berry, CPA, PS |
| If you utilize the services of a tax professional, consider making an appointment with him or her before the end of the year to discuss tax saving strategies. A tax professional can assist you in a thoughtful analysis of your business and/or personal finances to determine if you can take any steps that might make paying your 2007 income taxes less painful... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Consider the tax consequences
before getting married |
| Once all the decision making with regards to their big day has been put to rest, couples taking the plunge often must make financial decisions before or shortly after walking down the aisle. After deciding on everything from the guest list to music to menus, couples may not be in the mood to do any more planning once everything has been put in place for their wedding day... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Year-end business financial check up |
| Business owners are often so focused on doing whatever it takes to make their business successful, that they have little time for important financial planning and protection matters. With 2007 almost at a close, now is a perfect time for business owners to take a step back and perform an important year-end checkup on the company’s “vitals... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Some thoughts on business tax planning...
By Randy Biegenwald
Certified Public Accountant |
| If you are a cash basis calendar year taxpayer, consider paying any outstanding deductible expenses before the end of the year. This is based on the theory that due to the time value of money, taxes deferred are cheaper than taxes paid now. If you use a credit card, it still counts as paid this year. Do not do this if you expect your incremental tax rate to go up next year. On the personal side, if you itemize but don’t normally have enough medical to exceed the 7.5 percent AGI limit and you have unusually high, uninsured medical expenses this year, getting them paid off, even if you have to use credit, might benefit you. This approach is also often popular with your care providers... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Tax-aide provides tax training
and volunteer opportunities |
| Are you interested in receiving free IRS certified tax training for your personal tax filing? And at the same time providing tax return preparation service to elderly and low-income taxpayers... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Kitsap County launches
“Property Tax Distribution 101” website |
| Kitsap County recently launched a new, illustrative, and hopefully useful “Property Tax Distribution 101” Web site. With just a few clicks anyone can find out exactly how property taxes are distributed per parcel among the various taxing districts in Kitsap County... (Full Article) |
SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Tax credit just the start of metal roof’s appeal |
| As energy-conscious consumers look for new ways to save on heating and cooling costs, more and more of them are looking at innovative new metal roofing systems that combine the attractive good looks of traditional roofing materials with new, energy-saving coating technologies. In the past year, such "cool roof" systems became even more appealing, thanks to a new tax credit recently authorized by Congress.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 rewards homeowners who purchase certain metal roofing systems with a tax credit of up to $500 for roofs installed between Jan. 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2007. To qualify, the metal roof must be manufactured using pigmented coatings which meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star® program.
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SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
Holiday cards benefiting
Stephens House available |
| Holiday cards designed by the Stephens House are now available for sale at Inkon Media on Bainbridge Island. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Stephens House, a foundation on Bainbridge for teens and adults with disabilities.
“We are excited to showcase designs by the students at the Stephens House, and they are flying off the racks,” said Karen Nordstrom, marketing coordinator at Inkon Media. “The Polar Bear design on the cover of this year’s Bainbridge “HollyDays” Guide was designed by Ryan Walkowsi and Julian Wood, both art students at the Stephens House.”
For more information, contact Nordstrom at knordstrom@inkon-media.com. Inkon Media is located at 921 Hildebrand. For information about the Stephens House, visit www.bispecialneedsfoundation.org.
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SPECIAL REPORT - EXECUTIVE GIFT GIVING
Bremerton Symphony
to perform holiday concert |
| The Bremerton Symphony Association, including the Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorale will perform Handel’s “Messiah” at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center, 1500 13th St., on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will include guest soloists Jessica Robins Milanese, soprano; Kathryn Weld, mezzo; Stephen Wall, tenor; and Barry Johnson, baritone.
A pre-concert chat with Maestra Elizabeth Stoyanovich will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $24 in advance or $26 at the door for adults; $10 for youth. A 20 percent discount for groups of 4 or more is available. Call (360) 373-1722 or visit www.bremertonsymphony.org to purchase tickets.
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SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Hybrid cars offer tax credit
and cleaner environment |
| With gas prices continuing to soar and global warming continuing to grab headlines, hybrid cars again saw an increase in overall sales in 2006, according to automotive industry analyst R.L. Polk. Sales increased by 28 percent in 2006 (the last year for which figures are available), matching the percentage increase from 2004 to 2005. That low rate of growth could be due in part to the expiring tax credits on some Toyota hybrids, which have long been the premier hybrids with respect to overall sales.
Geographically, no city in the country is more hybrid-friendly than Los Angeles, which led all cities in hybrid sales at just under 31,000 vehicles. That proved to be nearly half of all hybrids sold in California, which led all states with 67,533 hybrids sold in 2006.
The Portland, Ore and Seattle, Wash. metropolitan areas were were second and third respectively.
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SPECIAL REPORT - TAX PLANNING
Getting organized for tax time |
The key to minimizing tax time pain is to get organized now, so filing will be a breeze.
- Set aside a file or a box where you can store receipts for purchases you plan to deduct from your taxes. Subdivide them so they won't just be a haphazard pile.
- When tax forms start coming in the mail, place them in a designated spot so they'll easily be located.
- You are required by law to keep tax documents for three years — the time period of which an audit may take place.
- Use a computer software program to keep track of your finances. Print an itemized list for your accountant's use.
Could it be that simple?
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