Harbor, formally Harbor Behavioral Healthcare, changed its name in March to encompass the array of services it provides.
“For several years, we’ve increased the type of services we offer. As we’ve grown, we’ve expanded and diversified our services to meet clients needs,” said Dale Shreve, chief executive officer of Harbor. “Our services have expanded out from the core behavior health product that we have delivered.”
Harbor didn’t want the negative stigma associated with the word “behavioral” to prevent individuals from using the new services, especially when the clients didn’t view their needs as behavioral issues, Shreve said.
Before Harbor decided to change its name, the board of directors chose to re-examine its mission and vision in September 2008, Shreve said.

Shreve

“We worked first on the mission and vision to make sure we were in sync with what we wanted to do as an organization. When we came up with what we wanted to be and do, we changed the name to reflect that officially,” Shreve said.
Harbor’s mission is “to offer those we serve health, hope, happiness and opportunity.”
Harbor’s vision states: “Harbor will be the regional employer, provider and partner of choice. We are determined to be the best we can be. We will embrace innovation and change. We can and we will make a difference.”
Harbor still specializes in behavioral and mental health services, but it has expanded its services.
No one’s life is perfect, everyone has peaks and valleys, but that shouldn’t keep someone from getting the help they need, said Jean Drees, Harbor’s director of marketing.
“Everyone has trouble sometimes and that’s OK. We’re here to help,” Drees said.
Harbor’s services cover an array of possible mental health issues, from mild anxiety or depression to severe and persistent mental illnesses. Harbor’s original core services include psychiatry, social work and counseling psychology.
Harbor has developmental pediatric services with pediatricians who have a specialty in working with children with developmental disabilities, Shreve said.  The pediatricians can diagnose and treat developmental delays such as Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Down syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Harbor has also expanded into primary health care with a primary care physician and a pediatrician. The doctors can help people with everything from flu symptoms to performing blood work and analysis, Shreve said. Although the doctors can serve the general population, that is not the focus, Shreve said.
“We want to use our expertise and niche to meet that unique need of people who have co-occurring disorders — someone with a mental health problem as well as a physical health problem, but attack it as a whole,” Shreve said. “We think you will have a better outcome treating together rather than going to a psychiatrist to deal with behavioral side and then going to some other doctor to deal with the physical health care side.”
Harbor has an Adult Day Habilitation service. The program assists adults with developmental disabilities as they spend the day doing social or vocational programming, Shreve said.
Vocational assistance is another area Harbor has expanded into. Not only does it help individuals with disabilities find jobs, but it has expanded to assist the welfare work population and general public find jobs, Shreve said.
“We realized how important work is to how we all feel about ourselves and our own mental health,” Shreve said. “Our involvement in that vocational area is important.”
Harbor also offers services in the workplace through wellness and corporate training services and employee assistance programs. Individuals can get help with stress management, as well as life balance between family and work or other commitments and work.
Among other services Harbor provides are assistance with anger management, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, stress management, grief and bereavement and domestic violence. Harbor also provides community support services and community based counseling.
For more information, visit www.harbor.org.

The City of Toledo and the Toledo Public Schools have made a proposal to swap Bowman Park with the current location of Longfellow Elementary School.
“We’re still in negotiations with Toledo Public Schools. People have strong feelings on both sides,” said Lindsay Webb, Toledo City Council member for District 6. “We don’t want the proposal to get rushed through. I want to establish a process that allows both sides ample time to be heard before a decision is made.”
Building at the Bowman Park location would place the new Longfellow Elementary School near Start High School, in a campus setting. The current building would then be demolished and the property would be owned by the city.
Toledo City Council members Webb and Tom Waniewski hosted a public meeting on Oct. 27 for both sides to offer their points of view. Webb said she’d like to see at least one more open forum hosted.
Opponents of the switch include the group Citizens to Save Longfellow Neighborhood.
“I don’t think children, kindergarten through fifth grade, belong on a high school campus,” said John Wenzel, a member of Citizens to Save Longfellow Neighborhood.
Wenzel said members of the organization have a problem with the exchange of property between the city and the school district, and would rather see a new school built on the same property.
The city won’t be able keep up the vacant property if the school is torn down, Wenzel said.
“We would rather have the certainty of knowing there is going to be a school there, then the uncertainty of what the city will do with the lot,” said James S. Metcalf, another member of Citizens to Save Longfellow Neighborhood.
The final decision will be in city council’s hands, Webb said. The legislation has been drafted, but is not yet on the agenda.

Local businessman Norm Johnston is leading the effort by Ohio Advanced Energy (OAE) to promote plans for an Ohio Solar Cluster to make the state a center for solar energy.
Northwest Ohio has already taken the lead in the development and production of solar and other alternative energies, said Johnston, chairman of the OAE.

Johnston

The time is right to move forward with plans to expand solar energy in the state and particularly in Northwest Ohio.
“Waiting out our economic situation in Ohio is not an option,” Johnston said in a recent statement. “It’s going to take bold decisive action on the part of forward-thinking individuals to help bring this state back.”
Johnston said we must take advantage of the unique window for federal stimulus funds. The OAE called for the state to allocate 40 percent of the $100 million in federal stimulus money earmarked for energy to further develop the solar industry in Ohio.
OAE officials met with Gov. Strickland in May after he signed Senate Bill 221 into law which requires Ohio to reach 25 percent alternative energy by 2025 with solar being part of the total energy package.
“If Ohio reaches that energy goal by 2016, it could get 30 percent of money invested back from Washington,” Johnston said.
He and OAE director Terrence O’Donnell met with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) at the National Academy of Science Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy. Kaptur delivered a keynote speech on alternative energy at the summit.
Kaptur has been a longtime supporter of solar energy development in Northwest Ohio, said Johnston. Kaptur and the OAE also support the use of wind power in Lake Erie as another viable source of alternative energy.
Solar and wind are complementary renewable energies whose costs will be equal with fossil fuels. Both are much less expensive than fossil fuel during peak energy usage, according to the OAE.
For example, one hour of peak solar energy in the late afternoon can meet the peak electricity demand for air conditioning, Johnston cited. Solar fields, such as the ones in Toledo, can provide electricity at rates that are competitive with what Ohioans are paying now, he said.
“We can use the automotive lean manufacturing technology in this area to make solar panels at a lower cost,” Johnston said.
He said solar can be less expensive than coal and gas generated electricity with the production of less expensive solar modules and about one-half the cost of the balance of operating systems.
Toledo has more solar exposure than any other area in Ohio with 25 to 31 percent more than Cleveland, Columbus or Youngstown. This area also has 21 to 31.5 percent more than Germany, where the demand for solar energy exists and the government supports it, Johnston said.
The OAE reports that building 1.5 square miles or more than 1,000 acres of solar farms in 30 locations across the state would produce approximately 300 megawatts of clean solar energy. Building solar fields where the grids already exists makes more sense than building them in Arizona or California, Johnston said.
“Now, we’re seeing evidence that solar fields are working in Northwest Ohio,” said Steve Weathers, president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP). “Our role is to be the facilitator that brings the right partners and resources to the table to make the plan work for this region.”
Weathers cited examples of the solar installations at the Ohio Air National Guard base at Toledo Express Airport and UT’s Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation, the two largest solar fields in Ohio.
The RGP is working with the OAE, UT and many local businesses in Northwest Ohio to develop sources for solar energy products and installation. Local companies supporting OAE include Owens Corning, Pilkington, Rudolph|Libbe, Nextronex, Xunlight and Advanced Distributed Generation.

Solar panels at Scott Park.

“Johnston understands the solar energy field and has had tremendous success in business, but he’s also a visionary when it comes to alternative energy,” said Norm Rapino, president and CEO of Nextronex Energy Systems.
Rapino said his company is close to finalizing an additional financial investment in Nextronex to make solar inverters here and expects to make an announcement next week.
Ohio Advanced Energy is a statewide nonprofit trade association formed in 2007 by a coalition of 40 academic and business members dedicated to the development of alternative energy in the state. OAE evolved from its predecessor, Northwest Ohio Alternative Energy, founded in 2003 by Johnston and the late Harold McMaster, a pioneer of solar energy in this area.
Johnston is CEO of Solar Fields, Solar Cells Investors, and Solar Kits USA LLCs, Hydrogentech Ltd. and McMaster Energy Enterprises, all based in NW Ohio.

Recently, I reported on a unique problem with a 41-year-old
1½ ton GMC grain truck that I was working on in my home shop. If you recall, the truck was hesitating badly on acceleration.
While checking the basics, I found that the ignition timing appeared to be adjusted nearly 40 degrees off of the manufacturer’s recommendations. Upon further diagnosis, I realized that the two halves of the harmonic balancer had slipped internally. This caused the ignition timing indicator mark to rotate approximately 40 degrees. The actual ignition timing wasn’t nearly that far off specification. However, the ignition timing appeared to be way off when traditional ignition timing procedures were followed. Once I manually set ignition timing, I realized the problem was with the balancer and was able to resolve that concern.
Nonetheless, this still did not resolve the customer’s initial complaint. I still needed to resolve the hesitation problem.
When I first started diagnosing this hesitation concern, I knew the root cause would most likely be the result of a problem with the fuel system. However, in order to properly adjust the fuel delivery system to the manufacturer specifications I had to resolve the ignition concern first. Now that I had accomplished that task, I could move on to the fuel system.
If you read my last  column, you will recall that the vehicle had averaged less than 500 miles a year for the 41 years it has been in service. Obviously, that is not much use. Therefore, the fuel sits in the tank for extended periods of time. The owner, Matt, uses a fuel stabilizer in the tank, which also aids in dissipating water. Nonetheless, as a result of the years of light use, it was very likely the fuel tank had water and rust in it.
I pulled the fuel filter and found that it was contaminated with what appeared to be rust. Although the filter was not completely plugged, it was very nearly so. Obviously, the fuel tank had issues. The tank was removed from the vehicle and drained and flushed. We flushed the tank with kerosene. Once the tank was reinstalled and new rubber fuel lines were installed, we filled it completely with fresh fuel.
Because the vehicle was a 1968 vintage, it was not originally engineered to handle unleaded fuel. The vehicle was designed to burn leaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline has a detrimental affect on the valve system of an engine designed for operation with leaded gasoline. It is necessary to add a lead substitute to the fuel each time unleaded gasoline is added. There are several lead substitutes on the market today and, depending on the one you use, the amount added will vary. The proper amount must always be used. A plastic measuring cup works great for that purpose.
If the owner of this truck used it more, we would pull the cylinder head and replace the valves and seats with those designed specifically for unleaded gasoline use.
Because of its limited use, redoing the valves is not necessary at this time.
Once the tank and the fuel were in order, I pulled the carburetor and cleaned it. After making all necessary adjustments to the rebuilt carburetor, I installed yet another new fuel filter. I even installed an additional auxiliary fuel filter in the system. Hopefully, the problem won’t resurface for another 41 years.
I would also like to congratulate Ford Motor Company on receiving Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” award. The 2010 Ford Fusion was voted the best car of the year this week. The Fusion is most deserving of this award. I recently had the occasion to drive one and I believe it may be the finest car I have ever driven. Great job, Ford!

Nick Shultz is an instructor of Automotive Technologies at Owens Community College. He is an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau who specializes in cases involving the Ohio and Michigan Lemon laws. He is a certified master automotive technician by ASE, General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. Shultz, a Toledo native, will take questions from readers at letters@toledofreepress.com.

What would you do if you were walking along an abandoned stretch of beach and stumbled upon what appeared to be a gold coin?
One option would be to smile, pocket your prize and go about your day with a little extra bounce in your step.  And why not?  It is not every day  one stumbles upon a gold coin, so you might as well enjoy it!
There is another option, however; another way to react to such an unusual and rare find.  Some people, upon discovering such a treasure, will find themselves pumped with physical and intellectual adrenaline as questions, theories and speculation pop into their heads regarding the gold coin’s origin and how it came to surface upon that abandoned stretch of beach.
Such inquisitive people would view finding a gold coin as more than happenstance. These people would instantly recognize the coin as a sign — one that shouts, “There must be a treasure buried somewhere nearby!”
Yes, it is true.  If one rare coin found its ways underfoot, there would be good reason to take a step back, survey the situation and formulate a hypothesis.  With passionate and thorough research, the evidence of a buried treasure nearby might begin to reveal itself and, no matter how substantial the evidence may be, it would fuel the fire to keep searching for more treasure.  In their quest to unearth the buried treasure, they would gather shovels and volunteers to dig and test their hypothesis of the treasure’s location.
Imagine you are the lucky coin finder.  Coin in hand, you stand face-to-face with your group of volunteers and begin to explain your hypothesis of the buried treasure; first, proudly showing your group of volunteers the rare gold coin you have found.  Then, you present your extensive, detailed research data.
During the presentation of your data, you are distracted by what are first the soft whispers of ridicule, but then crude heckling from your volunteers.  Collectively, they pepper you with reasons to be doubtful that there is a treasure and offer advice on why your hopes should not be high about finding more gold coins.  The doubt and pessimistic “advice” from the belligerent crowd tests your resolve and causes you shake your head with disgust as you wonder why other people are not like you; why other people cannot see what you see.
It is unfortunate, but true.  Some people do not see a gold coin as anything more than a gold coin.  Their perception — their thinking — is “linear.”  They see nothing more than what is directly in front of them.  Yet, it is also true that some people see things that are not obvious to others.  These are the people who see every little nook and cranny in a brick wall; the thinkers.  Call them what you will; these are the people who drive the American Dream.  What you must understand is that the important question is not why we see things differently, but:  “What do you see?”  This is something that you — and only you — can control.
When you are looking for your buried treasure, whatever it may be, its signs will be winking at you throughout each and every ordinary day.  Whether you meet someone new, receive a party invitation or are presented with an innovative idea, ask yourself, “Where did this come from?”  “How did this find its way here?”  “Am I seeing the full potential of this situation?”
Remember your vision is your strength and it is being constantly changed through everyday occurrences.  You will find yourself surrounded by naysayers, but be wise and dare to see what others do not.  Freely share your vision with others; then hand them a shovel and, together, dig for the buried treasure hidden right beneath your feet.
Find unique ways to dig for treasure by going to www.BoltfromtheBlue.com and entering the word COIN in the blueprint box.

Tom Richard is a Toledo-based sales trainer, gives seminars, runs sales meetings and provides coaching for salespeople. For more information, visit www.boltfromtheblue.com, call (419) 441-1005 or e-mail him at tom@tomrichard.com.

Do you have an old 401(k) from a previous employer?  We often times find that a lot of people leave their job and leave their 401(k).
Not sure what your best option is?  Leaving your 401(k) could be a great idea or a terrible choice.  Here is a summary of the three different choices you need to know about.
Those who are younger or only have a small account balance and have taken a new job or plan on getting a job in the future may want to consider transferring the old 401(k) into the new company’s 401(k) plan.  Most people are not aware of the fact that if balance is low, typically $5,000 or less, the previous employer is not required to keep the account open forever.
After a limited amount of time, a check could be mailed out creating a taxable event and an additional 10 percent penalty for anyone under the age 59½.
Transferring the money into the new 401(k) plan can help consolidate the accounts and could reduce wasted fees and expenses.  The new 401(k) loan provisions could be an important option as well for a family without a large emergency account. The new 401(k) plan could continue to be the foundation for a family’s future retirement.
The second option for people with larger balances is to leave the money where it is. Technically, an investor could leave the money in the current plan and would only need to begin to take distributions when they reach 70½.  This strategy can make sense for someone who is between the age of 55 and 59½ and will need to take income off of their 401(k) plan.  Some 401(k) plans allow a retiree access to the money after the age of 55; without the 10 percent tax penalty that could be applied in other retirement accounts.  Be sure to check with your plan provider to see if these types of withdrawals are available, or leaving the money sit may not make sense.
Rolling the money over into a self directed individual retirement account (IRA) is the third choice.  Often times we feel this is the best option for the majority of people with old 401(k)s. For one, an investor now has the flexibility to choose how his money should be invested.
In a 401(k) plan, an account owner is limited to the investment choices offered by the company plan.  The 401(k) account owner also doesn’t have much, if any, control over decisions made about the plan.
On the other hand, the IRA will give the account owner control, flexibility and unlimited choices over how his or her money is invested.  But watch out, if you fill out the rollover paperwork wrong, you could get stuck with a 20 percent tax withholding!
The recent law changes on planning for your family also make the IRA a more attractive option. Certain IRA companies that hold your account, called custodians, offer your family more choices when you die, avoiding a potential 41 percent tax trap. This is called a multigenerational IRA and gives a family the ability stretch out the taxes over their lifetime.
Although law changes like the Technical Correction Act of 2007 were passed to fix problems from the previous tax law changes, a stretch out 401(k) or IRA plan is not automatic!
Take note, the law is a voluntary, not a mandatory, rule.  So if the 401(k) account was opened before Jan. 1, 2008, or the retirement plan chooses not to offer this feature, it could still all be taxable to anyone besides your spouse.
Imagine all of those years you spent building your retirement account to have your family lose up to 41 percent instantly just because you didn’t update your plan.  So no matter if you leave the 401(k) or do the IRA rollover, make sure you completely understand your family’s distribution options at death and get it in writing.
The recent round of pink slips around Northwest Ohio has put our unemployment at record levels.  Many people find themselves in a situation they have never been in before.  It’s at this point that many of the decisions you make are irrevocable. Other decisions will have a long term impact on your financial future.
Get it right the first time. It’s like the big game with OSU versus Michigan in football, getting down the field is important, but the only thing that counts is scoring when in the end zone.  And normally, it all comes down to the last 20 yards called the red zone.
The retirement red zone works the same way.
So before you make a move, be sure to check with a coach who knows the rules and has the playbook.

For more information about The Retirement Guys, tune in every Sunday at 11 a.m. on 1370 WSPD or visit www.retirementguysradio.com.  Securities are offered through NEXT Financial Group Inc., Member FINRA / SIPC.  The office is at 1700 Woodlands Drive, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537.  NEXT Financial Group, Inc. nor its representatives provide tax advice. Always consult with an accountant.

The president is half way around the world this week, meeting with some of our Asian allies (and creditors) to discuss world economies, and America’s position in this changing marketplace. Back here at home, America wonders how it will compete in what is becoming an increasingly competitive world market in the heady days of its economic recovery.

The questions are extremely important ones, since America appears no longer to be the manufacturing giant of its past, nor can it remain the world consumer of recent years that those that have replaced it now require.

While thus involved, they might also consider that sad fact that America is increasingly a country that abhors the very competitive spirit that it once sought to foster and that was once the defining principle of its economic growth. One could reasonably now ask how a nation can expect to compete when in so many ways it seeks to eliminate competition?

Dodgeball has been banned because it causes a few bruises (like life doesn’t) and because more importantly, it can cause low self-esteem. Red pencils can no longer be used to correct papers because red is a color that carries negative connotations (you know, like this is wrong). Neither A’s nor F’s can be handed out for classroom work because its unfair to set one classmate above another and because pointing out work that’s substandard might hurt little Johnny or Jill’s feelings. T-ball has replaced baseball for the youngest so that everyone can get a hit and feel good about themselves; not that it matters, since no one is supposed to be keeping score anyway. And at the end of the season everyone gets a trophy no matter what they’ve done in order to foster a healthy self-image.

Many will point out that while all of the above is true, we still have a strong competitive spirit exhibited through sports. Football, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, and Hockey continue to exist as amateur sports for our children as they go through the educational system in the hopes of fostering a spirit now largely absent from their academic life. Sports likewise exist on a professional level in this country for us to champion the true spirit of competition.

Increasingly however, both the college and professional ranks are accepting an influx of foreign players. Pick your sport of choice and you can name the top foreign born stars that are becoming a increasing part of it.

Additionally, we find a strong movement to remove such athletic activities from our schools’ curriculums, claiming that little money remains for such extra-curricular activities with education budgets already stretched beyond the breaking point. We spend thousands of dollars per pupil to educate our youths (much of it apparently to meet government guidelines), leaving little or nothing left to instill a competitive spirit either academically or athletically. At the college level, progressive professors continue to complain about diversion of funding from more academic pursuits to athletics in spite of the fact that most college programs are self-supporting.

It sometimes seems that the entire education process is bent on drilling little more than a few government approved facts and figures into the heads of our young at the expense of teaching them how to survive. Intent on instilling a positive self-image and self-esteem, the educational process has lost sight of providing them with the ability to withstand the rigors of a dog-eat-dog world once they leave that all too soft academic life.

And while we “older folk” tend to write them off as mostly useless nonsense, thank goodness for bad old video games. For awful as they might be, they appear to be the last place left where someone can win, lose, perform on an equal footing with their peers, and yes, even suffer the consequences of their actions.

Perhaps the young are telling us something by their demand for such “toys”. Perhaps there is some genetic root to the competitive spirit within human beings that these toys appeal to. Perhaps, left with fewer outlets for a drive to compete that is increasingly stifled in this country, the demand for such “entertainment” is simply a cry that will not be denied.

The rest of the world has not failed to notice. Countries around the world where competing is still a necessity for survival and who have for years sought competitive advantage over the United States have taken note of the change here. If we are to prove ourselves able to compete in this world of the future in both the realm of ideas and the sweat of producing, if we are to win in the game of world economics, we might first try to return to teaching those who follow us the spirit of competition.

Tim Higgins blogs at http://justblowingsmoke.blogspot.com/.

Will Christmas 2009 turn out to be the season of scrooge?

As Black Friday approaches, around the world all eyes focus on retailers. While consumers prepare for some great deals on holiday shopping, investors and economists prepare for an influx of data that will provide significant insight into the health of the global economy.

Most readers know that Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Fewer understand why: the majority retailers operate at a loss from January through November, and make their profit during the holiday season – or get “back in the black,” in accounting terms.

After Black Friday, bargains for this holiday season are likely to keep getting progressively better as the holidays draw nearer. However, physical inventory will likely fall as retailers make it their top priority to liquidate inventory.

Of course, holiday shopping this year is likely going to be weighed down by several economic factors. With the unemployment rate near 10 percent and the so-called “underemployment” rate, which includes workers whose hours have been reduced, more than 17 percent, many Americans will be forced to cut back on their holiday spending.

Recently, several big banks made headlines when they hiked up interest rates on credit cards to nearly 30 percent. This too will undoubtedly have a negative impact on retail sales this season as many shoppers will find it much more expensive to finance their holiday shopping.

Finally, with mortgage delinquencies and bankruptcies nearing all-time highs – with little sign of slowing – the retail sales numbers for this holiday season will provide valuable insight into Americans’ state-of-mind in these trying times.

The real question is whether Americans have the discipline to cut out unnecessary spending, or whether priorities in this country are so mixed up that holiday shopping actually takes precedence over a mortgage.

Despite these negative factors, retailers will surely see a spike in sales this holiday season, although numbers will likely be much less impressive when compared to seasonal sales of previous years.

However, no matter what the numbers are they will undoubtedly be spun in the most positive way possible to suggest that the worst is over and the economy is on the road to recovery.

For economists it is even more important this season to look past the numbers when drawing conclusions. For example, looking at same-store sales this year won’t give an accurate representation because too many competitors have gone out of business (case-in-point: Circuit City). Instead, it’s important to look at overall retail sales to weigh the success of this season’s shopping.

Dock David Treece is a stockbroker licensed with FINRA. He works for Treece Financial Services Corp., www.TreeceInvestments.com. The above information is the express opinion of Dock David Treece and should not be used without outside verification.

Commissioner Pete Gerken, President of the Board of County Commissioners, received a letter from Dog Warden Tom Skeldon announcing his retirement, effective Jan. 31, 2010. Commissioner Gerken shared the letter with his colleagues Thursday morning, according to a news release.

“I’d like to publicly recognize Tom Skeldon’s 20+ years as Dog Warden. He has served over 10 different Commissioners in a very difficult position and I wish him well in his retirement,” said Commissioner Gerken in a news release.

Commissioner Gerken will propose to his colleagues that a search committee be formed to find the next leader for this important county office.

“Each Commissioner will have the opportunity to appoint one member to this search committee, which will be supported by the Commissioners’ Human Resources department,” said Commissioner Gerken.

Commissioner Gerken will also ask County Administration to appoint Bonnie Mitchell, current Dog Pound Manager, as the interim Dog Warden while a search takes place.

Commissioner Ben Konop told Toledo Free Press, “It’s certainly a good day for the county. The actions of the dog warden were not reflective of the community. We now get a fresh start and a new perspective when it comes to looking out for the welfare of all of God’s creatures.”

Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak offered the following statement: “I have received Dog Warden Tom Skeldon’s letter, and I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement. I look forward to working with my colleagues and county administration to develop a transition plan that will identify a strong leader for that department in the future. I will also continue to work with the Dog Warden Advisory Committee to increase dog adoptions and establish the best policies and practices for the department.”

The Sims3 World Adventures expansion

Associate Product Manager Azure Bowie guided this year’s Electronic Arts’ Blogger’s Day attendees through China, France and Egypt as TheSims3 expands with the first expansion pack in the new series, World Adventures. Traveling to these amazing lands depends on the visa level, which can eventually advance to having a vacation home in each area. Sims do not age in their travels except when they are inside their vacation home. New activities include nectar-making in Champs Les Sims, France; fireworks in Shang Simla, China and treasure hunting in Al Simhara, Egypt.

Many activities allow interaction with local Sims and tool use across different locations. On their adventures, Sims can choose from various activities including martial arts and photography where players can even sell their work and create their own profession. These activities incorporate difficulty levels while chaining together with other activities. For example, Sims can not defeat mummies until they learn martial art skills. Players can also encounter special, and sometimes dangerous challenges in their travels like avoiding curses. Sims can bring souvenirs home as well as unlock special options like a new basement building option. You can cash in as well with exclusive, extra content after registering this game plus 1,000 SimPoints for the The Sims 3 Store.

The Sims 3 World Adventures also features a musical set of “Simlish” songs performed by musicians including Nelly Furtado, LeAnn Rimes, Fefe Dobson, Pixie Lott, Matt + Kim, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head and Evan Taubenfeld. The highly recommended The Sims 3 World Adventures will also be available on iPhone and iPod touch in early 2010 (PC/Mac, rated T for crude humor, violence and sexual themes).

UPDATE on Nerf N-Strike Elite Blaster/controller:

Players can find spare Switch Shot Blasters with the special Red Reveal screen at most retailers ( Toys ‘R Us, etc.) for about $20. Separate Red Reveals will be available soon at PDP.com .

Thanks again to Electronic Arts for a memorable event.