Home sweet (first) home - Community Shoppers, Inc.

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JANESVILLE 4 MESSENGER ■ Sunday, July 27, 2008 communityshoppers.com BUSINESS I N THE S POTLIGHT THEY’RE PRE‘FUR’RED Name of business: Preferred Pets. Owners: Gary and Barb Cerny. Address: 2522 U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, and 2180 Sutler Ave., Beloit. Phone number: (800) 953-0077 or (608) 752-0630. Web site: www.preferredpets.com. Business hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Type of business: Full-line retail pet shop. When business opened: It originally opened in 1958; we purchased the Janesville store in May 2006. In July 2007, we opened a new store in Morgan Square in Beloit. Why did you start this business? Actually, I acquired the business after working for the former owner, Brent Schiefelbein, for 29 years. Buying the business The Particulars Preferred Pets ■ 2522 U.S. Highway 14, Janesville ■ 752-0630 ■ 10-8, Mon-Fri; 10-5, Sat; 11-5, Sun ■ www.preferredpets.com was a naturalprogression for me, because I had been doing this for so long. How did you initially get into this business? I started working at Tropical Finland (now known as Preferred Pets) in January 1977. My first job was cleaning the animal cages on Saturday mornings. I hated that job, but loved being around the animals. What types of products or services does your business offer? We sell quality pet products for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, ponds and reptiles. We sell a wide selection of aquariums in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. We are known for stocking the best-quality dog and cat foods — not only do we sell them, we know pet nutrition like no other store. Both stores stock an array of tropical fish, goldfish, locally raised Koi fish and saltwater fish. The Janesville store has saltwater invertebrates, live coral and live rock. We sell baby hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice and ferrets, as well as parakeets, finches, hand-fed and handtamed parrots, cockatiels and singing New FHASecure program offers additional refinance options Q: We purchased our home using an adjustable rate mortgage, and our rate is starting to adjust. We are able to pay all of our other bills, but are really struggling now that our monthly mortgage payment has increased, and it looks like it will increase even more in six months. What can we do? A: There is no question that in today’s market, your situation is both extremely difficult yet very familiar to many people. Last year, the federal government introduced the FHASecure program, which is designed specifically for people stretched by adjusting interest rates. And just this past week, FHASecure introduced more ways to help more people qualify for refinancing into a fixedrate mortgage from an adjustable rate loan. Before we get into the details of this announcement, it is important to remember that in foreclosure, everybody loses. Neither the person losing the house nor the bank win by engaging in this long, drawn-out and, ultimately, money-losing process. As a result, neither party is Sarah Zeller/staff Preferred Pets co-owner Barb Cerny holds a rabbit inside the Janesville store. The business offers a variety of pets and pet-care products. canaries. What is the biggest challenge you face in your business? Dealing with the fallout from the recent announcement by General Motors to close the local plant. GM may be leaving us, but we are a strong, proud and confident people who not only will survive this loss but will flourish when they are gone! What aspect of your business do you enjoy the most? I am passionate about what I do, and particularly enjoy listening to my customers tell me stories about their pets. The human/pet bond is so strong and emotional. In addition, it gives me great satisfaction to know that I may have helped some- YURI URI RASHKIN ASHKIN MORTGAGE Q & A interested in going through with the foreclosure. The most important part of the FHA Secure announcement reads as follows: “Lenders may voluntarily write down the outstanding subprime mortgage principal balances to a 97 percent or 90 percent loan-to-value ratio, depending on the borrowers’ circumstances.” In other words, if a borrower fits the parameters required to qualify for this refinance — and not everyone will — the lender will be encouraged not to collect the difference in the balance. For the 97 percent loan-to-value refinance loan, some of the criteria that FHASecure will look for are borrowers who were delinquent on their adjustable rate mortgages, but who were late on “no more than two monthly mortgage pay- one solve a problem they were having with their pet. From what cities do the majority of your customers come? Janesville, Beloit, Milton, Clinton, Edgerton, Evansville, Monroe, Rockton, Roscoe and Walworth and Dane counties. What are your future plans for the business? To keep adding products to my inventory that my customers and their pets can benefit from. I especially want to expand the premium dog- and cat-food selection with an emphasis on more holistic and organic choices. Plus, I plan to expand our wild-bird department at both stores. We recently added our own variety of no-waste wild bird food. ments over the previous 12 months.” Borrowers who are delinquent on their adjustable rate mortgage, and who were late on three consecutive monthly mortgage payments or who were late at three various times over the past 12 months, will be eligible for the 90 percent loan-tovalue refinance loan. For example, Bob and Jenny Smith owe $200,000 on a house that is worth $100,000. Their interest rate begins to adjust, and they are no longer able to make the payments. Rather than lose their home, the Smiths refinance using FHASecure program, under which they now owe $90,000 for their $100,000 home; the lender will “write down” the rest of the balance on the mortgage. At this point, it is unclear exactly what this will mean, but it at least appears to be a step in the right direction that should help the homeowners who find themselves with a property that is worth substantially less than what is owed. It also is unclear exactly when these expanded FHASecure loans will become available to consumers, but I recommend Evansville’s economic plan takes step forward BY SAM KILLIAN STAFF WRITER EVANSVILLE — Officials are ready to stop planning and begin implementing the city’s new economic development plan. The city’s Economic Development Committee approved the plan Wednesday, but there still are a few details to iron out. Committee members must decide what entity will oversee the economic-development process, a decision that could take three to four months. “Once we figure that out, they will more or less take a leadership role in implementing the rest of the plan,” Mayor Sandy Decker said. The new plan is part of Evansville’s statemandated Smart Growth plan, which charts a course for the city’s growth and development through 2025. City Administrator Dan Wietecha said the group will look at examples from other cities to decide the best way to oversee development. Options could include putting a city official in charge, or creating a partnership between the public and private sectors. The committee could vote on that issue at a later date. The city council currently is not required to approve the plan, but would have to OK funding if, for example, a new city official is hired. Whoever oversees the process will focus on five areas: work force development, downtown revitalization, relations between business and government and marketing and entrepreneurial environment. That list was created during an economic summit in January; task forces were assigned to discuss how to proceed with each aspect. Wietecha said the ongoing discussion about who will oversee development shouldn’t affect the rest of the plan. “There were a handful of actions that were identified as things we can start immediately,” he said. Officials plan to install signs to direct visitors to important sites, make improvements to the chamber of commerce Web site and take inventory of downtown storefronts. “As we start to work with businesses on a retail level, we can give them some direction,” Wietecha said. “If (a new business) needs so many square feet, we can immediately look at an inventory to find out what would work for them.” Officials had hoped the plan would be in place in May, but it took longer than expected for a consultant to organize ideas created by the task forces. “It took some more time to take all of the information and collapse it into a plan,” Decker said. “It was a little more difficult than what we anticipated.” getting in touch with your current lender to let them know that you are interested in exploring that option. The lender should be interested in exploring that option, as well. Big changes: Having been in the mortgage business for 10 years (and owning my company for nine of those years), I have seen more than one slowdown in this business. However, I have been helping people obtain mortgages for long enough to see that the situation we currently see in the marketplace is extremely challenging. For that reason, I have seized an opportunity and am making the switch to the insurance industry, where I will specialize helping my clients with their personal insurance needs. I will continue to write a monthly column for the Janesville Messenger, but it will not deal with the mortgage or insurance industries. Look for it next month. Editor’s note: Yuri Rashkin is the owner of Service First Mortgage, with offices in Janesville and Utah. He has been in the mortgage business since 1998. Contact him at (608) 754-2424 or at ServiceFirst@gmail.com.
Enroll in your future today Become a professional cosmetologist, nail technician or skin care specialist. 2310 W. Court St., Janesville, WI 53548 • 608.758.4810 Academy of Cosmetology is committed to provide quality education & training in all phases of hair, nail & skin care. Experienced • Passionate • Dedicated Services provided by supervised students New Cosmetology Classes Start June 23rd An Exciting Successful Career is waiting for you Financial Aid is Available for those who Qualify Hot Summer 78517 25 % to 70 % 25 OFF at BOTH COMFORT SHOPPE LOCATIONS! % to 70 % 25 OFF at BOTH COMFORT SHOPPE LOCATIONS! % to 70 % OFF at BOTH COMFORT SHOPPE LOCATIONS! ALL MATTRESSES ON SALE F URNITURE S AVINGS! Sizzling Markdowns Red Hot Deals! EASTSIDE STORE SOUTHSIDE STORE AT AT OUR OUR 2816 N. Pontiac Dr. ...Off Hwy. 14 2506 Center Ave. ...Hwy. 51 South WHOLE HOME PACKAGE INCLUDES 7 Pc. Living Room, 5 Pc. Dinette, 4 Pc. Bedroom plus Queen-size mattress, box spring & bed frame $ 1999 SOFAS . . . . . . . . . . . . $399 up LOVESEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 349 up SOFA SLEEPERS – Twin, full or queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 499 up ENTERTAINMENT STANDS – Many sizes . . . . . . . . . $ 199 up DESKS & BOOKCASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIG SAVINGS! RECLINING SOFAS & LOVESEATS . . . . . . . . . . . $ 599 up BEDROOM SETS & SINGLE PIECES . . up to 60% off DINETTE & PUB SETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 299 up BAR & COUNTER STOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 39 up RECLINING CHAIRS IN CLOTH & LEATHER – Over 400 in stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 299 up LEATHER SOFAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 699 up ALL LEATHER FURNITURE ON SALE! NEW FLOOR SAMPLE MARKDOWNS up Twin $ 169 Set Full $ BUDGET FIRM 199 Set Price includes Mattress & Foundation Twin $ 249 Set Full $ Queen 279 Set $ 299 Set King $ PILLOWTOP SPECIAL 449 Set Price includes Mattress & Foundation LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED... BOB & BARB FAIRCLOUGH INVITE YOU TO BROWSE! 2816 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville (Near McDonald’s ) Phone 608-754-4770 Mon.-Thurs. 9-8 Fri. 9-9 Sat. 9-6 Sun. Noon-5 70 to % 70 % OFF FREE DELIVERY (with most purchases*) EXTRA FIRM Twin $ 199 Set Full $ Queen 249 Set $ 299 Set King $ 399 Set 5 yr. non-prorated warranty communityshoppers.com FABULOUS ROOM PACKAGES 7 PC. LIVING ROOMS Sofa, Loveseat, 2 End Tables, 2 Lamps, Cocktail Table . . . . 4 PC. BEDROOMS Made in Wisconsin, South Dakota & Minnesota . . . . . . . . DINETTE SETS 3 pc., 5 pc., 7 pc. Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WE’LL STRETCH YOUR BUDGET WITHOUT SACRIFICING QUALITY! PLUSH FIRM Twin $ 249 Set Full $ Queen 349 Set $ 399 Set King $ 549 Set 5 yr. non-prorated warranty LUXURY PILLOWTOP 6 for Twin $ 449 Set Full $ Queen 549 Set $ 649 Set King $ 849 Set 10 yr. non-prorated warranty 2506 Center Ave., Hwy. 51 S, Janesvill e (Across from El Jardin Restaurant) Phone 608-743-2126 Mon. - Thurs. 10-6 Fri. 10-8 Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-4 KATHY IRELAND’S EXTRA FIRM OR PILLOWTOP * $250 minimum for 6 months no interest financing with approved credit. Balance due 6 months followi ng delivery to avoid interest accrual. Special clearance items, prior sales & layaways qualify for 3 months no interest financing only. Free delivery within 40 mile radius – some items excluded & minimum purchase require d. Special orders & layaways require deposit. Pictures for example only. 78623 72354 $ 799 up $ 498 up $ 249 up MONTHS! * NO PAYMENTS NO INTEREST MONTHS! * Twin $ 499 Set Full $ Queen 649 Set $ 699 Set King $ 899 Set 15 yr. non-prorated warranty STOP IN & SEE OUR NEW VISCO MEMORY FOAM MODELS! Only On The Southside Of Town Where We Always Keep Our Prices Down! 71020 JANESVILLE MESSENGER ■ Sunday, July 27, 2008 5 Online Classifieds www.communityshoppers.com Family Owned and Operated 78514 3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 610 E. MEMORIAL DR., JANESVILLE 758-2334 1926 E. MILWAUKEE ST. 758-3230 WOODMAN’S PLAZA 2919 N. LEXINGTON 757-7849 Hours: M-F 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Replacement Windows City Glass Co. Inc. 608-754-4411 70992 FOR HOME DELIVERY CALL: (608) 752-0777 A PUBLICATION COUPON Bring this coupon to class and 50 % 50 Save % Mon., Tues., Thurs. 6-7 p.m. Mon., Wed., Thurs. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. www.jazzercise.com Off a 2-month ticket or EFT Plus 50% the joining fee Classes at 1st Cong. UCC 54 S. Jackson St., Janesville 608-754-9438 cardio strength stretch 81440 Expires 8/30/08 78622 70989 MAJESTY TOURS (608) 754-6705 “ NEW WILD ROSE CASINO ” - PRIME RIB MEAL - $14 - Aug. 2 “ DEBBIE REYNOLDS ” - Drury Lane Dinner Theatre - $89 - Aug. 3 “ CARNIVAL VICTORY CRUISE ” - 8 Days - 7 Nights - San Juan - St. Thomas - Dominica - Barbados - St. Lucia - Antigua - St. Kitts - Includes AIR - $50.00 Room Credit + More!! $1279 Interior - $1 399 Ocean View - $1569 Balcony Jan. 25 - Feb. 1 “ BROADWAY IN THE DELLS ” - Broadway - Great Meals - $74 , Sept. 11 “ WARREN CRANBERRY FEST ” - Over 1,200 booths - $40 , Sept. 26 or 27 “ CELEBRATION BELLE FALL COLORS CRUISE ” - Meal - $86 , Oct. 15 “ PIGEON FORGE - GATLINBURG - NASHVILLE ” - Fall Harvest - Biltmore Estates - Dollywood - Smokey Mountains Beauty - Grand Ole Opry - Opryland Hotel - 7 Days - $819 pp. dbl. - Oct. 20-26 “ NEW YORK CITY FALL TOUR ” - 6 S eats L eft - 7 days - $839 pp. dbl. - $799 triple - Oct. 12-18 “ TUNICA & PEARL RIVER RESORT’S CASINOS ” - Superb Lodging - Gold Strike & Golden Moon Hotel’s - REBATES 5 DAYS - $289 pp. dbl. - $279 triple - $269 quad - Nov. 10-14 “ BRAN SON S PECIAL ” Daniel O’Donnell + 9 MORE SHOWS !! 6 DAYS - $879 pp. dbl. - $836 triple - $798 quad - Nov. 17-22 “ GE RMANY-AUSTRIA- SWITZERLAND & FRANCE ” Includes AIR - 10 meals - 9 days - $1,799 pp. dbl. + tax / fuel - Dec. 1-9 “ CALIFORNIA ROSE PARADE ” - 7 Days - $1699 pp. dbl. - Dec. 28 - Jan. 3 “ CARNIVAL SPIRIT HAWAII CRUISE ” - 13 Days - Apr. 24 - May 6, ' 09 “HONOLULU-KAHALUI + LAHAINA MAUI - KONA + HILO HAWAII - NAWILIWILI KAUAI” + Wonderful Activities and Fun to VANCOUVER - $50.00 Room Credit - Several Gifts + more!! $150 Deposit Each - w/air $2,109 Interior Cabin - $2,309 Ocean View - $2,539 Balcony Visit us at: www.majestytoursllc.com 78639
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Home sweet (first) home - Community Shoppers, Inc.

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