It isn’t always fun, but every once in a while your car really needs a good interior cleaning! This can be done before or after the washing of the exterior of your car according to ehow.com. First, take a trash bag, and get all of the trash that has been accumulated out of the car. This includes papers, empty bottles and anything else that doesn’t belong.
The second step is removing all of the items that do not belong in the car. (If you’re anything like me, then you might have books, magazines, extra clothes, shoes, and many other things in your car). Next, grab a towel and some car cleaner, and wipe down all vinyl surfaces to help control dust. Use a paper towel and glass cleaner to wipe windshield (front & back), all windows, mirrors, and radio unit to avoid streaking.
Last but not least – vacuuming. First remove all the carpets from the car, as often dirt and trash can get pushed underneath. Use the vacuum attachments available to reach small spaces in the car to the best of your ability, and shake carpets out before placing back into the car. For finishing touches, place a new air freshener in your car!
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Have a special event that you want to remember forever? Jen Osojnicki is an experienced lifestyle photographer with a glowing passion for working with individuals, couples and families to capture ‘the shot’! Jen’s enthusiasm and unique style is evident in every picture she takes and she enjoys capturing relaxed emotions, allowing for your true personality to be captured. Jen mainly focuses on family portraits, weddings/engagement photos, senior portraits, and also environmental/business headshots.
Jen’s passion is in wedding photography, and as she puts it, she loves “documenting love”! She truly enjoys capturing your special day and works in an unobtrusive manner to record your event as it naturally unfolds. Jen knows how important your wedding is, and only schedules one wedding shoot per day so that all her attention and time is focused on you! She also has several wedding packages to choose from, or you can customize a package that works best for your needs. And don’t worry about missing a shot. Jen uses only professional Cannon digital equipment and always has back-up equipment in case something unexpected happens.
In addition to weddings, Jen also enjoys individual and family portraits, and unique photographic events, such as the increasingly popular “Trash the Dress” sessions. Jen’s unique style and knowledge of current trends are evident in her pictures and her use of different outdoor locations really brings photos to life with bright colors and unusual scenery. The beach, train tracks and abandoned buildings are some of Jen’s favorite locations. Viewing Jen’s gorgeous photo gallery for yourself is really the only way to understand her natural and energetic style!
Don’t just choose any photographer to capture your memories. Make sure you select one who has the passion and drive to capture your day in a meaningful and memorable way that you can look back on for years to come! Choose Jen Osojnicki! And through Berry Insurance’s Partners Program, Jen is offering an exclusive discount of $50 off a sitting fee! Call Jen today to schedule an appointment!
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your Massachusetts personal or wedding insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Having the right amount of air in your tires it vital since low tire pressure can be very hazardous! Keeping tires filled to the correct pressure will extend the life of the tires, improve gas mileage, and also provide an overall smoother ride. Tires that are filled to the correct air pressure are more able to stop on command, and are also less likely to skid out when taking turns.
Do not just simply add air to your tires. Be sure that you actually need to first! When checking the air pressure in your tires they should be cool (because they are less inflated), so wait about an hour after driving. Every car is different when it comes to the correct tire pressure. You can check the side of the driver’s seat, the inside of the gas cap, or in the glove box to find the correct pressure for your tires. If you cannot locate the pressure in any of these locations, you can always find it in the Owner’s Manual of your car or check with your dealer.
Once you’re ready to fill the air, the valves on the tires should be removed one at a time. Use a tire gauge to check the current pressure of the tire, and then decide if it needs air or not. Sometimes, the front and rear tires require different pressures, so be careful to be mindful of this! Take the air gun and add the amount of air necessary. Added too much? Don’t worry; there is a way to fix this (as long as you do not explode the tire first)! Just push on the release lever of the air pump. This process should be repeated with each tire, replacing the valve caps as you move around the car so that you will not lose them!
As a final reminder, be sure to check the air level of your tires before and after air is added. This will help you determine if there are any leaks in the tire and if you’ll need to get a plug or replace.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
The Workforce Training Fund (Express Program) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides funding by way of grants, for small companies to better train employees. The Express Program is offered by the state of Massachusetts to any organization with less than 50 total employees. Any employee benefiting from The Workforce Training Fund must be trained within Massachusetts, and also primarily doing business within the state. The program currently has over 140 approved vendors that can be used to complete training in a variety of industries and topics. The training the state allows to be funded under this grant can be found here!
To apply for this education grant is not a daunting experience like you might be thinking! Just fill out an application online, and wait about fifteen business days to hear a response! The state decides how the $1,000,000 in the fund will be allocated throughout the small businesses that apply. Applications are taken on a rolling basis and priority is given to those businesses that have never received funding in the past!
A 24-month time span is given for training courses to be completed by the employees within the approved company. This allows for approved companies to be reimbursed by the state grant upon completion of training. Both full-time and part-time employees are welcome to participate, though contract workers and government agencies are excluded and are not eligible for funding through this grant.
This program is a great way for Massachusetts Business Owner’s to train and improve the skills of their employees through the use of FREE government funding. All you need to do is apply!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
The youMove Massachusetts statewide planning effort is a game plan for improving public transportation within Massachusetts. Advice is taken from Massachusetts residents, so your actual issues can be heard and addressed. As residents offered opinions on ways to better the transportation system in Massachusetts, the MassDOT created a list of goals the youMove project would focus on:
Improve transportation systems reliability
Focus more attention on maintaining our transportation system
Design a more efficient transportation system
Encourage shared use of infrastructure
Increase capacity by expanding existing facilities and services
Create a more user friendly transportation system
Broaden the transportation system to serve more people
Provide adequate transportation funding and collect revenue equitably
Minimize environmental impacts
Improve access to our transportation system
MassDOT faces some difficulties as the project moves forward and as its complexity deepens. Residents need to be willing to accept changes to be made and more efficient ways of transportation. Millions of dollars in structural remodeling and a huge time commitment will be necessary for this youMove Massachusetts project to be successful. This project has been underway, steadily moving ahead, for a few years now. The changes that have been made can be seen on this map, as can the costs associated. If you would like to share your comments with the State of Massachusetts on public transportation, please click here.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
With hurricane season upon us here on the East coast, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants Massachusetts residents to understand what to do in case of a natural disaster. Usually when natural disasters hit, panic overwhelms communities because citizens are not prepared. Staying calm and having a plan when faced with a challenge is imperative. Being prepared with an emergency evacuation plan allows for proper/timely migration for you and your family from affected areas.
What do you have that you’d want to protect? Some of the most popular responses range from family, homes, businesses, boats, and even animals. Below are some tips to protect what’s yours in case of a hurricane.
In protecting your family, be sure to make an emergency action plan. An emergency action plan designates a specific safe area, where all family members will meet if separated. A contact person should also be established so that all members of a family understand what to do, where to go, and who to call in case of an emergency.
Protecting property, such as a home or business, begins with having recent pictures of the interior and exterior of your home or building. An inventory of your personal belongings is also recommended. Business owners should discuss an action plan with employees, so that panic does not occur. All loose items should be secured because of high wind speeds, and computer data should be backed-up in case of a power outage. During hurricanes electricity is often lost, which can cause a power surge. To avoid this, unplug all sensitive electric equipment.
Pets are often considered a part of the family, but in an emergency, they can often be the last thing on your mind. The State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team assists in getting animals to safety in emergency situations. Animals are often taken to nearby shelters to be taken care of if injured, or kept until their owners come to claim them. Having a tag on your animal is imperative during times of emergency, mostly because this is the only way that Massachusetts shelter employees know an animal is up to date on their shots, and to whom they belong. Also, knowing a few pet friendly hotels in the area could be very beneficial in case of an emergency. Planning ahead makes natural disasters more manageable!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
In 2009, President Obama first declared the month of September as National Preparedness Month. This year, with the wake of Hurricane Katrina only 5 years behind us, having our nation caught off guard during emergencies is something we never want to see happen again. Once again, the President has declared this month to be one focused on preparation. Being ready when disaster strikes is the main objective, as natural disasters are not going to be stopped, but they can be planned for.
With Hurricane Earl gearing up to sweep the East coast this weekend, hurricane tips are in high demand. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants residents of the Commonwealth to be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best! You can also check out more tips at Ready America.
First, all families should have a plan! Where is your family going to meet if getting split up? Planning before disaster strikes is half the battle, so be sure that each member of your family knows the plan and the contact person for their family. Second, be sure to familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area, as well as having an emergency bag already packed and ready in case you must leave home in a hurry. Lastly, stay educated! Make sure you know the latest updates going on within your town and the surrounding communities!
It’s September and Berry Insurance wants all citizens to be prepared for the worst, so get your family emergency plan ready for this weekend’s hurricane! Prepare, Plan, & Stay Informed!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Today’s current economy is undoubtedly causing you some stress and anxiety, especially if you are considering making a large purchase, such as a home. You might be wondering how it is even be possible to get a mortgage or refinance your existing loan, or even what that process might entail due to the market today. And with all the credit failures and closings of businesses, how do you know you are choosing the right mortgage broker? Thankfully, there’s Greenpark Mortgage.
Greenpark Mortgage, founded in 2001, is committed to providing the community with dedicated mortgage professionals who not only offer the best possible rates, but also the highest levels of customer service. They are one of the most highly regarded amongst mortgage companies in Massachusetts and take pride in working with you to obtain the best possible interest rate due to their strong relationships in the market. And with 5 convenient locations in Franklin, Methuen, Needham, Quincy, and Westborough Massachusetts, Greenpark is sure to have a local agent near you.
Virna Brown, Senior Mortgage Consultant with Greenpark, operates out of the Needham, MA branch and conducts business in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Graduating from Bryant University in Rhode Island, as well as being a lifetime Massachusetts resident, gives Virna the upper hand in being familiar with the New England market. Virna uses her knowledge of the area and her mortgage expertise to help guide clients in the right direction for their specific situation.
While Virna specializes in working with new home buyers, she can also assist with other mortgage needs, such as refinances, or FHA, VA, USDA, Debt consolidation or Rehabilitation loans. Her patience, understanding and knowledge of the industry make this difficult process easier for you to navigate. And Virna wants you to know that Greenpark also offers a great discount for any members of the Massachusetts Teachers Association – just give her a call to find out the details! Virna’s twenty years of experience, passion for helping others, and commitment to clients continues to help individuals, couples and families land in their dream homes!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Partners of Berry Insurance program, or how Berry’s social media engineers can help you with your digital marketing strategy, be sure to call us today! And for more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Mass511 was first brought to Massachusetts residents by The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2000. It provides real-time traffic updates and travel information accessible on the road. Mass511 is a free service provided by a public-private partnership involving the state of Massachusetts and Sendza.
The Mass511 service gives drivers real-time traffic information, as well as information to help drivers make productive travel decisions. Although this program is in affiliation with MassDOT, the person answering the telephone is a member of the private company Sendza, but can help with your questions. This service does not cost anything for the state of Massachusetts, or for the person dialing. It does not matter whether the number is called from a land line or cell phone.
From a mobile phone, simply press 511, from a home telephone you must call a telephone number provided at the site. Click here to view the phone number that pertains to the area you wish to learn about! For those worried about dialing a cell phone while driving, it’s always recommended to make the call using a hands-free device; or simply call before you leave the house! As an alternative, you can also listen to local radio stations where traffic information is played regularly!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Not only in New England is texting while driving a major problem; it’s a national crisis affecting everyone on the road! Driver distractions can be classified into three categories – visual, manual, and most dangerous, cognitive. Cognitive distractions, such as texting, cause a driver to multi-task, lessening their ability to concentrate and focus on driving, as seen in this video clip.
Do you ever feel like you’ve been driving and don’t remember how you got from point A to point B? This happens because drivers perform some tasks when driving without consciously knowing it, such as beginning to break at the sight of a yellow light. Cognitive distractions, such as texting while driving, require the brain to multi-task, which prevents the brain from fully focusing on any single task. These distractions prevent your brain from concentrating, which results in “looking at”, but not actually “seeing”, up to 50% of your driving environment. This is referred to as “inattentive blindness” and inevitably leads to accidents.
Each state has their own regulations about texting while driving, but here in Massachusetts (as of October 2010); texting is illegal for all drivers when operating a motor vehicle. Will some drivers still text, even though it’s illegal? You betcha! Thankfully, a mobile guardian has been created to help prevent drivers from the common distractions of their phones, and hopefully help return safe driving practices to the road.
TextArrest is a software company that established an application (or app) for smartphones. This app limits texting capabilities on a phone while a vehicle is in motion. At 5mph, the app automatically kicks in and does not allowing texting while the vehicle is in motion. This app can be used for business fleets or for personal use (can we say, teen drivers?). There are a variety of plans available that can be viewed and purchased on TextArrest’s website.
While not available as of yet, TextArrest is actively working to partner with insurance companies willing to offer discounts for this having the TextArrest app on their cell phone. Regardless of the potential future discount, the TextArrest app can save you money today on your Massachusetts auto insurance by reducing accidents caused by texting while driving.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
