Letters to the editor

Oct. 15

Options, options

Webster’s Dictionary defines “options” thusly:

“The right acquired for a consideration to buy or sell something at a fixed price within a specific time.”

An option is a thing of value and will be paid for, unless the party providing the option lacks knowledge and is not being properly advised.

One type of option commonly in use today is not the subject of this document. I speak of an option used by stock market brokers. Subject options provided the buyer the right to buy or sell a given stock at some time in the future. None of these are free. They all cost money. Often these options are provided to high-ranking company executives for services rendered. Of course this action costs the stockholders, because if exercised the number of stock in the corporation affects the value. Sometimes cheating occurs because of a maneuver called “back dating.” Nothing more will be said about these types of options. Our focus herein is on “Real Estate Options.”

So, let us turn to real estate options, which are an item of value. Real Estate Options may be employed with or without a lease. Real estate involved may be either commercial or residential. It may involve land only or may involve developed property.

Let me say at this time that real estate options are a good way to establish a relationship between a buyer and seller. Certainly in a meltdown such as we are going through now, with supply and demand out of kilter, together with liquidity at a low ebb, using the option process under these conditions can serve the best interests of the would be buyer and the wanna be seller. Subject option may or may not involve a lease. However, if proposed buyer wishes to take possession of property immediately, the lease/option format should be adopted.

Unfortunately, offers such as the above described are not employed to the extent as in the past. The reason for this turn around is the fact that franchises and real estate broker/agents desire to move at a faster pace than once was the case. I believe that sometimes they are on the wrong track.

Nevertheless, the real estate market is flooded with thinly veiled, unpaid for options presented to the seller by real estate agents and accepted by the seller. Anytime the buy/sell agreement is loaded with contingencies an option is created in the event the seller accepts the offer.

One example of this type of option results from a situation wherein an offer to buy hinges on proposed buyers present home selling. The house may be new on the market, or may not be listed. Subject home may be in an area where the job market is weak, as well as the home market. Another hope and wish example involves financing. Any proposed buyer should have cash or have basic credit essentially approved by a lender prior to looking for a house and making an offer. In come cases, owner financing should come in handy.

For a myriad of reasons it is difficult to formulate a standard option agreement. However, a straight option agreement should at least include the following:

Buy/Sell agreement with option attached.

Lease agreement if lease is involved.

Real estate agents play their role by providing those involved with information necessary to make a legitimate decision.

I am not an attorney. This is simply a journalistic attempt to provide some useful information to persons involved in real estate transactions.

Bill Ingram, Polson

Stop smoking hints

As a nurse, I’m pleased with the decision of many business owners to provide smoke free work environments. However, I’ve also talked with smokers who express an interest in smoking cessation, but are, for many reasons, not able to attend formal cessation programs.  The following is a list of helpful “do-it yourself” hints:

1. Plan your stop date.  Preparation is key to success!

2. Eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables for the first five smoke free days. Citrus fruit is most beneficial as the citric acid mimics the nicotine acid effect in your body.

3. Push fluids. Coffee, alcohol and sodas don’t count! These liquids are made of chemicals which increase the urge to smoke and cause dehydration.

4. Change bed linens and night clothes daily for the first five days. Your body will sweat out toxins.

5. Increase physical exercise, especially outdoors.

6. Practice deep breathing several times each day.

7. Clean the inside of your car with a disinfectant and hang a scent card.

8. Clean your purse inside and out with a disinfectant.

9. Share your plan with supportive friends.

10. Rearrange furniture to eliminate your favorite smoking spots.

11. Dispose of ashtrays, matches, and other smoking “cues”.

12. Cut your fingernails short.

13. Clean your bathroom daily for 3 days.

14. Plan personal satisfaction projects for the first 3 days.

15. Avoid public places and smoking friends for the first week.

16. Replace coffee mugs, lipsticks, chapsticks, toothbrushes and anything else that you put in your mouth regularly. It’s impossible to remove nicotine from these porous surfaces.

17. Allow for 8 hours of sleep each night.

18. It is most important to see your care provider BEFORE you begin your program. Muscle cramps, restlessness, headaches and nausea are common problems.

19. Notify friends that smoking is not allowed on your property. Be firm!

20. Find a good “hermit spot” and plan a quiet personal meditation time each day. God is glad to answer your prayers and give you courage.

21. Plan a non-food reward for yourself at the end of the first week.

 Congratulations!

Lorraine S. Frost, RN, Ronan

Thanks to fire responders

We would like to thank all of those that were involved in helping us during and after our fire. Thank you to the sheriff’s office, Mission Valley Power, our neighbor, Polson Ambulance services and the many more that have helped. A huge thank you to the Polson Fire Fighters for their courageous battle and wonderful help afterwards. We so appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you so very much.

Art and Amelia Fors, Sandi and Paul Fors, Drew and Beth Hoel, Polson

RHS homecoming thanks

Many thanks to the businesses who donated to our canned goods project at Homecoming. We delivered 800 pounds of food to the Breadbasket this week. We appreciate your support and know that the community  will be fed. Support for our projects instills the importance of community service to our students. Thanks again!

 Marlena Jensen/Shelly Buhr, Ronan High School Student Council

‘New’ Evergreen a life saver

I would like to name the staff of Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center the “New Evergreen.” I know that you now have a new, fancy name, but I am just an old cowboy and can’t change. I was quite familiar with the old Evergreen of 12 years ago, having provided wagon rides for its residents.

It was good ship then, but having just recently place my wonderful mother in your fine facility, well to be frank and short, I am blown away a the many improvements that have occurred since my last contact.

Starting with the plant, it is bright, cheery and smells good. This is my main foible of centers that I have visited. I hate weird smells. Evergreen, you smell good, again being blunt.

Now to the staff, I have found all to be professional, competent, but most importantly, truly caring and cheerful. The very tone of voice that I have heard is one of compassion and care. This is above and beyond someone just “doing a job.” The entire staff’s demeanor is what truly makes the remarkable difference. To truly work with humans and treat them as the wonderful people the are, well it warms from the bottom of my hear to my eyebrows. The compassionate care I have seen not only with my mother, but with all of the residents. You folks get five stars in all categories.

Thanks to Doctor Irwin for helin in Mom’s admission, coming in on your days off, Sunday, and for your knowledge and kind bed side manner in ongoing care. He is fantastic for doing way more than what is called for. Doc, thanks for the assistance and for not talking down to me, as I didn’t know how to do this difficult task. I started with my first meeting with Debbie Siegfried and Michael Coe. I came into their office beside myself with worry and concern about all the paperwork and things needed to give my mother the best possible care. It was a piece of cake thanks to them.

The rest of the staff, well, you all are going to heaven, this I know.

the ones who I have observed or had glowing comments from my mother: Cheryl King, my mother goes on and on about the wonderful food. Her only complaint i “They have ample portions, they give you too much.” Thanks Cheryl, your skill and care are getting my mom much better.

The nursing staff, again i don’t mean to get all gushy, starts with the right attitude at the top. Our residents come first, and we will immediately notify family of needs and changes. I have received several phone calls from this great nursing staff regarding my mother, so I feel not only that she is getting the very best care in the world, but I am included in helping. So, I don’t have son guilt.

Wonderful professional folks like Debi Klemo, Cindy St. Clair, Cindy Nelson, Cindy Parker (makes me thinking that you folks almost only hire Cindys here), Larry Parker, Mary Senford, Ilene Arboubh, Jessie Plant and many (me being old I can’t remember all) others. Again, a five of five star job.

With confidence and happy heart, I can and will recommend you top facility to any and all. Yes, the new Evergreen (apologies about the nold name, see old cowboy note above) offers professional and loving care, the very best for my loved one.

Thanks for making life’s transitions a joy rather than a burden.

Robert A. Ricketts, Polson

Crews make beautiful difference

Driving along Rocky Point Road provides lovely views of Polson Bay and the Mission Mountains. That road became ever more attractive this past week after unknown person(s) picked up and bagged the trash that had accumulated in both ditches since last spring when the neighborhood had an organzied cleanup.

Thank you for doing that good deed. Your volunteerism is truling inspiring. There is no more practical way to show pride in our very special community than by picking up trash, or of course, not littering in the first place. You are a great example for the rest of us.

Penny Jarecki, Polson