With services like lawn mowing, lawn care, hedge trimming and tree chopping, its surprising to hear Carmichael Gardening Services is owned and operated solely by husband and wife team Brian and Jane Carmicahel.

They established the business three years ago, until Brian quit his full-time job to focus on their business.

Before then, I was just mowing lawns in the afternoons and around my full-time job, Brian says.

We did a course funded by the government to help small business. You get a certificate three or four in small business, and we did that in Toowoomba while we were still working and running this business for about six weeks.

Starting a new business was scary, but the key lies in learning to be resilient in times of rejection.

Dont give up, Brian counsels. Dont be disappointed by rejection and lack of customers. Keep going and it will come. Keep putting your name out there, talk to people in the street, put out business cards, flyers; youve got to keep looking forward every day.

Pic: Brian Carmichael. Source: Supplied.

One marketing tactic Carmichael Gardening Services uses is putting leaflets in houses with untidy yards when mowing a house on the street, something which has been quite effective so far.

They also ask for business referrals from current customers, but says a challenge is trying to get more repeat customers.

Its been fairly tough, especially when it doesnt rain; were now at our fourth month without rain. It gets harder and harder, but its a good chance to catch up on admin and on things around our own property, Brian says.

Originally posted here:
A Budding Gardening Business

Two more elderly Aurora residents fell victim to a group of scam artists who have been targeting senior citizens throughout the city.

According to police, at about 1:15 p.m. Saturday, three people knocked on the front door of an Alyce Lane home and greeted the 89-year-old residents.The men had arrived in a white minivan, and mentioned something about lawn mowing services before making their way into the home.

Aurora Police Department spokesman Dan Ferrelli said the oldest suspect, an approximately 55-year-old white man, began to distract the couple with talk about lawn service.

A second man, approximately 35 years old, joined in distracting the victims, while a third suspect, approximately 25 years old, allegedly burglarized the home.

Ferrelli said the men then left the house, saying they would be back the following day.

The victims found an undisclosed amount of cash missing from a bedroom, Ferrelli said.

Ferrelli said the same group of men is suspected in at least three other burglaries and one attempted burglary that have recently occurred.

The crimes have targeted victims between the ages of 80 and 90 years old.In each incident it is believed that the older suspect distracts the victims while a second or third partner burglarizes the home, Ferrelli said.

The thieves have taken cash, jewelry and tools.In one instance, the engagement and wedding rings of an 87-year-old woman were swiped by the suspects.

The men have worked in a group of two and three. They are all described as white males. In addition to the white minivan, police believe the suspects may also be driving a black pickup truck.

More:
Scam artists continue to target elderly in Aurora

WASHINGTON (AP) Offering a pre-Veterans Day salute to U.S. troops, President Barack Obama said Thursday that the "American patriots" who voluntarily go into harm's way to keep the country safe and protect its cherished freedoms have the respect and admiration of a grateful nation.

The commander in chief also spoke movingly of having met a service member who was left on death's doorstep after being wounded in an explosion during his fifth tour of duty in Afghanistan, and how that individual was brought back to life, in part, through hours and hours of music therapy.

"He's even playing, as I understand it, a little bit of golf," Obama said as he opened a musical tribute to service members, veterans and their families. "We honor them with the beauty of music, music that has the power to inspire us and fill us with pride and, yes, sometimes to help us heal."

The program is the latest edition in the PBS series "In Performance at the White House." It was taped inside of a large tent erected on the South Lawn with a view of the White House, and was attended by first lady Michelle Obama, Cabinet secretaries and several hundred service members, veterans and families.

It was scheduled to be broadcast Friday on PBS stations nationwide.

The night featured rock and roll by the band Daughtry, performing via satellite from a USO concert in Japan, and country music from Willie Nelson. Hip-hop artist Common, singer Mary J. Blige, John Fogerty and Latin musician Romeo Santos also performed.

Obama said the mix of rock, country and everything in between was "fitting because here in America, no matter where you're from, no matter what music you listen to, we're all united in our respect and admiration for our brave men and women who wear our country's uniform."

Obama has said lifting up those men and women is one of his top priorities.

He met Wednesday with the top two officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary Robert McDonald and Sloan Gibson, the deputy secretary, urging both to continue working to improve services, health care and accountability for veterans, the White House said.

Obama also regularly touts administration efforts to cut the staggering backlog of disability claims filed by veterans, reduce homelessness among them and help veterans, their spouses and children pursue higher education under the post-9/11 GI bill.

Continue reading here:
Obama, first lady salute 'American patriots'

WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are headlining a White House music event Thursday honoring U.S. troops.

Hours before the evening event in a huge tent on a rain-soaked South Lawn, the first lady put a spotlight on children from military families by inviting some who attend high schools in Maryland and Virginia to a workshop with country singer Willie Nelson and hip-hop artist Common.

Mrs. Obama said military kids are some of the most resilient young people she has ever met. She said their families move an average of six to nine times by the time they receive a high school diploma and that, each time, the students have to adjust to new homes, schools, neighborhoods and friends.

But there is a lesson in the continued inconvenience, Mrs. Obama said, even though it may not always be readily apparent.

"As tough as it is, this stuff makes you stronger and more resilient, and it's going to make you successful," she said as she welcomed the students to the ornate East Room for a tutorial on the history of music and the military. Nelson played guitar and sang. "So it's a badge of honor," she said.

Nelson and Common were to perform during Thursday's program along with recording artists Mary J. Blige, John Fogerty and Romeo Santos. The rock band Daughtry was scheduled to perform via satellite from a USO concert at Yokota Air Base in Japan.

The program is the latest installment of the PBS series "In Performance at the White House" and is to be broadcast Friday on PBS stations nationwide.

Obama has said caring for U.S. troops and veterans is a top priority of his administration.

He met Wednesday with the top two officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary Robert McDonald and his deputy, Sloan Gibson, urging both to continue working to improve services, health care and accountability for veterans, the White House said.

McDonald is just a few months into the job after replacing a secretary who resigned amid a nationwide outcry over lengthy wait times for veterans in need of medical care at VA hospitals and falsified records covering up the delays.

See original here:
Obama, first lady headlining salute to troops

A well kept lawn is definitely one way to maintain a top class house. Keeping your lawn exquisitely trimmed and preened requires weekly edging and mowing. If you cant find the time to do all these necessary things to maintain a pristine lawn, then let LJs Landscaping do it all for you. Our years of experience maintaining some of the most beautiful lawns ensures that the service we deliver will meet your complete satisfaction.

And you neednt worry about the typical problems associated with hiring landscapers for your lawn. Your beloved dog (if you own any) wont venture through the gates; nor will you have to endure the backbreaking task of cleaning your driveway. All that is taken care of, by us. Other Reasons to Choose Us:

Get A Free Quote Today For a free estimate on lawn mowing in Cincinnati, call us at (513) 535-1239 or fill out the contact form on the right. We offer both residential and commercial lawn services.

Please note: we do not offer one-time cuts.

Read more here:
Affordable Lawn Mowing Services - Cincinnati, OH | LJ's ...

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB ) -- Laws over how Louisville homeowners get rid of yard waste are changing.

As of January 1, 2015, yard waste placed in plastic bags will no longer be picked-up by service providers. Angela Kessans is the Public Education Coordinator for the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Waste Management . She explains the changes and the best way to avoid fines and extra costs.

Changes to yard waste collection in Louisville:

Regular Plastic Bags Not Allowed After January 1

Residents who utilize yard waste collection services must use one of the following containers: Reusable bin, paper yard waste bag, or compostable plastic bag meeting astm d6400 standards.

WHAT IS YARD WASTE? Yard waste includes organic waste generated during regular household landscaping and gardening activities. Rocks, dirt, gravel, flower pots, and pot liners are not considered yard waste.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO SETTING OUT YARD WASTE FOR COLLECTION? Yes. Mulching and/or composting at home are often the fastest and cheapest ways to manage your yard waste. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I NEED TO HAVE MY YARD WASTE COLLECTED? Best: Reusable containers are often cheaper than using single-use bags in the long run. Bins should have sturdy handles for collection crews, a capacity between 20 and 40 gallons, weigh no more than 60 pounds when filled, and be covered with a secure lid.

Next Best: Paper yard waste bags that are not over filled and are folded closed.

Still Good: Compostable plastic bags should clearly state they meet ASTMD 6400 standards for composting. Bags marked "biodegradable" do not meet the requirement for this regulation. The compostable bags should be securely tied.

WHY IS USING COMPOSTABLE BAGS IMPORTANT? After your yard waste is collected, it is delivered to a compost facility. Regular plastic bags are not compostable and must be separated from the yard waste. Removing plastic bags increases processing costs and remaining shreds reduce demand for the compost.

Read the original:
Laws for disposing of yard waste change January 1st for Louisville homeowners

By Rbecca Groff, correspondent

November 1, 2014 | 8:00 pm

Tis not quite the season yet, but winter and its accompanying notorious four-letter word are edging closer with each falling leaf.

While many of the areas snow removal companies offer diversified services that include concrete work and green services such as mowing, fertilizing and landscaping, the time to prepare for the snow removal portion of their business is at hand.

Its a big conversion going from lawn care and landscaping over to snow, said Greg Scharf, who has owned and operated Gregs Lawn, Landscaping and Snow Removal for the past 31 years.

We work on trucks year-round getting them ready for the snow season. Snow is the worst thing you can do to a truck, he said.

Scharf has four full-time mechanics dedicated to keeping the trucks and equipments in operating condition. While he plans to add on a great deal of part-time seasonal workers to help with snow removal, he said it is becoming more difficult these days to find them.

The economy is changing and people are loosening up with their purse strings a little bit more, he noted. With more people putting on house additions and the like, that is what is consuming a lot of the labor pool. We just cant bring them on fast enough right now.

In a good season, such as last years persistent snowfall, this line of work isnt for the faint of heart.

We were running 24 hours a day, and last year it seemed like it hit us every weekend, he recalled. It just kills your guys.

Continued here:
Getting ready for the winter season

Get a Fast and Free quote right now!

call 804 672 CUTS (2887)

Need great lawn care in Richmond? Trust Weeded! Lawn Service with all of your mowing and maintenance needs. From cutting your grass weekly (on time every time, according to your schedule), to the best landscape upkeep services available in the Central Virginia area Weeded! has what your yard needs! And theres more! We also offer mulching, pruning, trimming, plus additional turf and hardscape care to all Richmond, Midlothian, Chesterfield and Glen Allen area homes.

We are your year round yard maintenance solution with summer just being the beginning. Each week from the beginning of November to the first Friday of December, leaves on driveways, walkways, decks, and in the grass areas will be picked up and removed during our regularly scheduled visits. If you have a designated area for leaf storage, we will place them there; otherwise we will remove them from your property. We return in mid to late December to perform a more through cleanup, during which time we will again remove any stray leaves from the grass and hard surfaces, as well as remove leaves from beds easily accessible to our crew. In January we wrap things up with a final cleaning.

We also offer lawn aeration and over-seeding services to help make your lawn its greenest and best possible so that your yard shines during mowing season and makes your home the envy of the neighborhood.

Please call us today to start your lawn care off right! We proudly serve the Richmond, Virginia area including Chesterfield, Glen Allen and Midlothian.

Read more here:
Richmond Lawn Care; Weeded! Lawn Service | Maintenance ...

Editorial: "Viewer Feedback: Unwelcomed Performance" Editorial: "Viewer Feedback: Unwelcomed Performance"

Updated: Thursday, October 30 2014 7:22 PM EDT2014-10-30 23:22:28 GMT

Updated: Tuesday, October 28 2014 6:32 PM EDT2014-10-28 22:32:07 GMT

Updated: Thursday, October 23 2014 7:20 PM EDT2014-10-23 23:20:08 GMT

Updated: Tuesday, October 21 2014 7:29 PM EDT2014-10-21 23:29:59 GMT

Updated: Monday, October 20 2014 10:00 AM EDT2014-10-20 14:00:36 GMT

Kenny provided the following, If Alabama wants to move forward it is going to have to free itself from the reputation of oppression it has built for almost two centuries. Some may call it freedom of speech but I see it as sedition and hate in an effort to continue keeping us on the bottom and the wrong side of history.

Eyrma responded with, Cowards sneaking around at night, scurrying about like rats to try and spread their fear, weakness, and self hatred. They really should get together and just leave this country and find one of their own.

Nate submitted, I believe there's a simple way of ending racism. Stop talking about. No one in this generation has been a slave. No one has experienced it in over 100 years. These groups such as the KKK, black panthers, Al Sharpton, etc. are keeping racism alive.

Lastly, Todd adds, They have the right to do this. It is in the constitution - for the most part. Just throw the flyer away; freedom of speech; for the record - I do not support them. This is America.

Continued here:
Editorial: "Viewer Feedback: Unwelcomed Performance"

Dale P. Kimm

BLAIRSTOWN Dale P. Kimm, 92, Blairstown died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, at the Blairstown Legion Hall. Interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, with graveside military rites conducted by the M.J. Kirby American Legion Post 170 of Blairstown and Iowa Military Funeral Honors.

A memorial fund has been established.

Dale P. was born Feb. 8, 1922, in Blairstown, the son of Porter John and Esther Elizabeth Shafer Kimm. He served his nation honorably during World War II in the United States Army.

Dale P. was owner of Kimms Ready Mix, formerly Kimm & Son, for many years. They provided many services over the years including Ready-Mix Concrete, Concrete Construction, Dump Truck Hauling and Ag-Lime Spreading. He was a businessman in the Blairstown community for many years, a member of M.J. Kirby American Legion Post 170 and a member of the Turners.

Dale P. was known for driving around town and picking up cans, taking his Dickie (what Dale P. called his lawn mower) around for a drive, and mowing your lawn if he thought it needed it. In many different ways, Dale P. would help the community of Blairstown, its organizations or any person, often with no recognition needed. Dale P. had a nickname for everyone and always called the little kids Bohemies or Popcase and always had a pocket full of quarters for his grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, Dale J. Joe (Corrine) Kimm, Blairstown; grandchildren, Danielle (Zach) Schulte, Norway, Abbie (Scott) Rathje, Atkins, Kylea (Zach) Zmoos, Santa Teresa, NM, Maggie (Ben Jones) Kimm, Blairstown, Dale Jr. (Kelly Martin) Kimm, Blairstown, and Andrew Enderle; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Charlie Schulte, Grayson and Harper Rathje and Ellie and Raegan Zmoos. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Francis Franny Kimm, Earl Putz Kimm, Russell Red Kimm, Kenneth Matt Kimm, Marion Paulson and Regina Blondie Wichman.

Dale P. was preceded in death by his parents; two sons in infancy, Rodney and Michael; daughter, Janet; first wife, Margaret; brother, Harlan Kimm; sister, Dalene Dellamuth; son, Jon Henry Buck Kimm; and his second wife, Lois Enderle.

The family wants to thank the Keystone Care Center Staff and Compassus Hospice for caring for Dale and a special thanks to Brenda Engelking who provided him with exceptional loving attention.

Phillips Funeral Home in Blairstown is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at: http://www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.

Go here to read the rest:
OBITUARY: Dale P. Kimm