There is no doubt in  my mind that this fall has been very mild and pleasant, however the time has now come for us to prepare our gardens and yards for the winter months to come.

In most climate zones, Fall is actually a better time of year than even spring to plant or transplant trees, shrubs, and many other perennial plants. The soil tends to be warmer which promotes root growth, and — unlike with spring planting — there’s not the potential of a long, hot, dry summer facing the young upstarts. It’s also the time of year when you can save a bushel of cash on gardening equipment and nursery stock. If you don’t already have one, you definitely want to start a compost pile in the Fall to provide a receptacle for all the  leaves and other yard debris you should rake up before winter sets in.  The best medicine for a garden is organic matter and composts heaps are the answer.  Nothing in my kitchen that is  organic is thrown away, everything goes into the compost heap, watered and turned regularly with great results in the spring.   If there are any problems plants infested with insects, mildew or other pests, remove the damaged material and throw it away rather than putting them in the compost heap. Never add meat, fish or dog waste into your compost pile.

In addition to being the best time to plant most springtime flowering bulbs (e.g. tulips, daffodils, crocuses, irises, etc.) as well as trees and shrubs, many perennial plants and vegetables can be divided in the Fall. Dividing most perennials – once they’re sufficiently mature – will both make them healthier and create multiple plants out of a single one, all for the cost of nothing more than a little light labor. Do your research in advance to determine which types of perennials should be divided in the Fall and the best methods for doing so. In general, perennials should first be thoroughly watered and the entire plant dug out of the ground, with its root ball intact. The root ball should then be separated into smaller plants by pulling it apart with a pitch fork or, in some cases, even cutting it apart with a shovel or other sharp tool. The smaller plants should then be immediately replanted in the ground and watered again.

Most people love garlic and now is the time to plant them. Place healthy, good sized certified disease free cloves about 2 inches deep with the pointy end up, cover with soil and a thin layer of straw.  During the winter months the roots will start developing and be ready to grow in the spring.   Generally after my last mowing of the lawn when I leave the clippings on the grass I fertilize one last time before winter arrives.  Good luck have fun and see the results in Spring.

Last but not least for the Montreux,Galena and surrounding are  I use the website noaa Galena and it gives you the correct temperatures for our region.

Once again Reno “The Biggest little city in the World,” puts itself on the map.

In Durham N.C. on September 18^th 2012 they won the championship just after 4 seasons against the Pawtucket Red Sox.   A.J. Pollock won the most valuable player award for the Triple-A national championship game and remark that, ”This was a great experience and that the entire team came together to make this happen.” Both Pollock and first baseman Mike Jacobs were called up to the majors by the Diamondbacks.

Aces manger Brett Butler was thrilled to win, this being his first time.   He had won a National League title in 1989 but had never been a part of the last team standing.  The Aces moved from Tucson, Ariz., in 2009.  Stuart Katzoff said,” It is great to have been in business only four years in Reno and already win a championship.”  Stuart Katzoff, is the managing partner who owns the Aces with his father Jerry and Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon. “As old and established as Triple-A is, this is pretty special.  This means everything to us.  We always wanted to provide affordable entertainment in Reno, but affordable family entertainment also means winning and we love to win.  The cherry on top is to win a championship and be part of a great organization that wins.”

Fans welcomed home the players on Wednesday morning.  Archie the team’s mascot, posed with the championship trophies and fans got their shot as well.

Opening Day  2013 will start by the Triple-A championship trophy being officially present to the city of Reno fortunate enough to host the best minor leagues in baseball.  Don’t wait to get your pass… act now.

Address
Reno Aces Baseball Club
Aces Ballpark
250 Evans Avenue
Reno, NV 89501

www.renoaces.com

The Reno Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum has had more than 175,000 visitors since it opened last year on September 10 2012.  It is located downtown Reno at 490 South Center Street, in the old Reno City Hall.  They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays thru Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 12 to 5 p.m.  Cost is $8 per person and children under 1 are free. On Wednesday after 4 p.m. it is $4 through 2012. Memberships start at $85 for a family.  Their phone number is 775-786-1000 and their website is www.nvdm.org.

The museum is part of the Association of Children’s of Science-Technology Centers, which allows members free reciprocal admission to other centers around the world.  One visitor traveled all the way from Osaka Japan to visit the museum.  Centers must be more than 90 miles away from your home institution but includes places such as the Children’s Museum in San Francisco and the Science and Space Center in Sacramento.  Each have their own policies so do check before you go.

Some of the permanent galleries range in topics from Nevada’s History, to green energy and construction, to the life of Leonardo Da Vinci.  Every- thing is hands on and meant to be explored, manipulated, created and discovered.  The galleries are ever changing and on the weekends the museum offers family classes on topics that range from cookie decorating to DNA extraction.

One interesting fact about Reno is that the Truckee river flows away from the ocean, starting at Lake Tahoe it flows to Pyramid lake and the museum has a 85ft model displaying this. It also has The Cloud Climber which is  three stories tall, has 44 platforms and more than three miles of cable netting.  The Newmont Mining tire at the museum weighs 8,900 pounds and was an actual tire used at the mine one of the world’s largest gold producers.  There are 1,845 stars in the Under the Stars astronomy gallery.

Make your child’s next birthday educational with a party at The Discovery. Each birthday party includes an impressive list of standard features. Members and nonmembers, please call 775-398-5905 for special prices.

Who do the biggest names in servers, search, healthcare, cloud and financial services trust to provide power management solutions.  Server Technology, www.servertech.com.  Now based in Reno, Nevada to take advantage of the NO STATE TAX and more.

Since 1984 they have been the first in power innovation.  From the first power and network control products ever developed, to the first power on/off and reboot modes, to the first remote power management products, the the first “fail-safe” product, to the first rack-mountable CDU, to the first IP-addressable CDU, Server Technology has led the industry in innovation and cutting-edge technology.  It is the largest commercially successful patent library in power management.

For over 25 years, Server Technology has been providing the world’s biggest companies with trusted power management solutions.  Solutions to improve uptime and energy efficiency while reducing carbon footprint and operating costs.  Solutions that give you the critical information you need to run your data center better.  Intelligent cabinet-level power distribution units (CDUs) that set the industry -standard for quality and functionality.  Power monitoring, measurement and management solutions that give you the information needed to run your operation.

They are proud to note that 97% of there customers buy from them again and again and again.  This show their quality, performance and reliability of their products.  The speed in which they deliver them to you, how they take care of their customers, take care of service, product knowledge and technical support.  This is one of the reasons why the top Fortune 500 companies order from them and trust them to deliver daily.

90% of their orders ship in 5 days, from a fully stocked warehouse in Reno, Nevada.  From concept to build in 60-90 days on new, custom products.   They are so committed to quality that they have an in-house state-of-the-art Power Test Lab where their products are validated and tested for long term reliability. The lab has complete testing facilities for thermal, shock and vibration, and emissions along with testing capabilities to ensure compliance with applicable safety standards. Their engineers are available to provide the help you need for all their products and services, and they offer 24×7 support.  They are knowledgeable in both domestic and international data center support, with the on-site data center experience that you expect.

Server Technology has just welcomed their newest member Marc Marazzi VP of international sales.  Marc Marazzi recently said,
“Server Technology has been so successful in the US and generally speaking the US adopts technology faster than international,” Marazzi said. “Server Technology has seen the way that international business and international requirements are starting to trend, and wants a bigger piece of the action. They believe they can absolutely get that bigger piece of the action, but the only way to do that when you are in Reno is to have someone driving that for you in Europe. Server Technology  currently has sales offices in England, Germany and Singapore. Based out of London, Marazzi will help expand Server Technology’s international presence, particularly since the data center power distribution company has already established such a strong base in the US.

Just to mention a few of their customers: Cisco, Google, IBM, Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft, Dell, Amazon.com and many more.

Reno should be proud that a company of this standard and size has chosen our biggest little city  to be their headquarters.

The Reno-Tahoe Open begins today until August the 5th 2012.  Last night we had our 12th Annual Concert on the Green featuring the Reno Jazz orchestra and Musician, Director & Producer Way Wallace. The picnic began at 4.30 pm with free Salsa lessons by Dancin! Performing Arts Center and the music went on from 5.30 pm to 7.30pm.  The concert was sponsored by Dickson Realty, Ashley Quinn, Ticor Title, Montreux, Country Financial, Hometown Health and Parc Foret our newest Village at Montreux.

The weather was fantastic… we had over 500 attendees with their children enjoying the outdoors and the music.

Montreux is honored to be one of only 33 events that are part of the race for the Fed-Ex Cup.  Some of  the world’s best players are right here for us to watch and learn from. This tournament not only provides a national window on our community and course, it lends credibility to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf course, further establishing it as a top-ranked course.

On Tuesday July 31st, Monteux Cares First Tee Day, are hosting 100 children, ages 7 to 18 to demos, pep talks and autographs by the players, the always fun “skill challenge” and lunch all hosted by Montreux Cares. Montreux Members children are welcome to come and enjoy or volunteer.  The First Tee is a non-profit youth development organization teaching life skills through golf-based programs.

Salute Our Troops Patriots’ Luncheon will be held for the 3rd year in the Clubhouse and the featured special guest speaker last year was Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret), the commanding officer of the USS Cole during the attacks in Yeman int he year 2000 in which 17 Americans lost their lives.  This year 2012 the speaker will be Scott Bill and Sgt. First Class Leroy Petry, a Congressional meal of Honor recipient.  This Luncheon, is presented by the Grand Sierra Resort as well as key sponsor U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo. Sold out event.

The Reno-Tahoe Open has been a generous contributor to the community of Northern Nevada, donating $2.2 million to various charities and schools over the last 13 years.

For more information on the event go to www.renotahoeopen.com.  Here are a few golfers that will be attending, Stuart Appleby,  John Daly, Chris DiMarco, David Duval, Justin Leonard, Rocco Mediate, Chris Riley and many, many more top players.

There are many individuals and businesses who are motivated to relocate to Nevada by the fact that Nevada does not impose a state income tax.

The benefits to an individuals who live in Nevada and become a Nevada resident will usually escape state taxation of their income, except for income arising from sources within another state.  A corporation organized and domiciled in Nevada could significantly reduce its state tax burden.  States generally tax corporate business income based on the corporation’s level of activity within and outside that State.  So when you shift part of the corporation’s business to Nevada it will reduce the state tax.  This will also eliminate state taxation of corporation’s non-business income if the corporation is organized and domiciled in Nevada.

Trusts with Nevada fiduciaries can gain a significant tax advantage as well.  With a Nevada fiduciary, non- California source income, distributed to non-California beneficiaries or retained and taxable in the trust, will escape California taxation.

The single, most important prerequisite for a taxpayer to take advantage of Nevada’s “tax hospitality” is domiciling one’s self in the state.  It must be his primary home and his principle place of residency. Once has to pass the “close connection test”, identifying Nevada as the state which they have the closet ties during the taxable year.

Various factors are considered in determining whether a taxpayer has close ties with a particular state.  Here are a few to consider.Where you are physically present. Where you have sources of income. Where you are registered to vote. Where you own a home. Where you claim the homeowner’s exemption. Where you driver’s license is issued. Where your closest business contacts are, i.e. Attorneys, accountants, banks etc. Where your closest social contacts are, including clubs.  Where your vehicles are registered. re Where your minor children attend school, and whether you paid resident or non-resident  tuition.  Which state has jurisdiction in the administration of your will and trusts.  Where you obtained a homestead exemption.  Where you maintain a safety deposit box. Where you filed an affidavit of domicile. Where you own a cemetery plot.

While no factor by itself can positively determine residency, registering to vote or claiming the homeowner’s exemption in California, for example, has been found to  make the taxpayer a California resident, regardless of the other factors.  For more information regarding the above, one should always contact a specialist in Nevada Tax laws.

If you own a home it only make sense to protect your equity from others and it is amazing how few people actually take advantage of it. Most people I speak to don’t even know it exists. This is usually your largest investment and by simply completing a “Declaration of Homestead” form and recording it with the county recorder in the county where the home is located. The recorder charges a fee of usually around $14. In Washoe County, the recorder’s address is: Washoe County Recorder, 1009 East 9 th  street, Reno,  Nevada  89512

Nevada law permits you to protect up to $550,000 of equity in your home. Nevada is one of the most generous homestead exemptions in the country. If you aren’t protected, your home is in danger of being sold should collectors choose to. The Homestead Law does not protect you against debts secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, payment of taxes, IRS lien, mechanic’s lien, child support or alimony payments. Protecting your home with the homestead exemption will protect you from credit card judgments, accidents and personal loans. You can protect only your primary residence — the property in which you live the majority of the time.You can record your homestead at almost any time, even if you have already lost a lawsuit or had a judgment entered against you.

If you have already filed a Declaration of Homestead on your property remember that you will need to prepare and record a new one if you: Sell your home and buy another one, move your mobile home from one lot space to another, marry, divorce or become widowed, get a new loan.

It is always recommend that homeowner’s  seek competent legal counsel regarding the ramifications of filing a Declaration of Homestead.  Below is the Declaration of Homestead form for your to use.

homestead declaration form

One does not realize how far-reaching local business has on a community.  Thinking Locally affects the entire Nevada population, Tax’s,  employment  and more.    Len Stevens, executive director of  The Chamber, said “Think Local” can benefit economic development as well. It’s not just about developing new jobs but showing camaraderie.  It shows togetherness.  That’s what attracts business,” he said.

The Reno-Sparks area is encouraging it’s local population to support local business’s which will then create more jobs locally and benefit the entire area.  Studies have shown that by spending 10 percent more locally  can create as many as 2,500 jobs and have a $350 million impact annually.  The chain re-action begins and  tax revenues grow. This is truly a win win situation.

Many of us have chosen to live in this area for a multitude of reasons, the weather, tax friendly, outdoor activities, clean air etc.  I think now is the time for us to give back a little and support our local community.  The gaming industry can no longer sustain the economy or Northern Nevada.   With Reno-Sparks excellent location to the West, our international  airport and our real estate prices becoming more realistic it is a great place to reside.

If each one of us makes the effort to spend more locally, I for instance support the Farmers Market’s each summer and only support the local farmers, it will create more jobs and an economy that will improve.

RealtyTrac announced today that Nevada has now dropped to 3rd place in the foreclosure rate.  This would include foreclosure related filings such as, Bank repossessions, defaults and scheduled auctions.  Sadly, in May one in every 313 homes had a foreclosure related filing.  In total Nevada had 3,755 filings down from 11,039.  Washoe County had 421, down from 1,152 and Clark County 3,122, down from  9,203.

Assembly Bill 284 which was passed in October 2011 might be responsible for this as it required stricter documentation during  the forcelosure process and has slowed the number of distressed homes released on the market.  Unfortunately Nevada is more than likely going to see more short sales and auctions as lenders learn how to navigate through a Assembly Bill 284.   RealtyTrac CEO Brandon Moore said, “U.S. foreclosure activity has now decreased on a year-over-basis for 20 straight months including May, but the jump in May foreclosure starts shows that it’s  going to be a bumpy ride down to the bottom of this foreclosure cycle.”

If you are considering doing a short sale on your home please remember that it is not always necessary to use an Nevada Attorney,when short sales are free. Consider the following; will the attorney guarantee their services and pay you a full refund if they fail to perform? If you meet with an attorney who won’t agree to refund your money should they fail to get your short sale approved, you should move on. Keep your hard earned money. Why pay an attorney for a service that should not cost you a dime. Many banks are now waiving their right to pursue deficiency, and some banks are even offering “cash back” to homeowners as an incentive to short sell.  Remember there are many short sale agents that are specialists in this field.

In February prices in homes rose showing a slow recovery in the area’s real estate market.  The median sales price in the Reno market went up by 2 percent compared to the same time period in 2011.  With low inventory in the market the prices of homes for sale have increased.

509 homes sold last month which is a 17% increase from last year. This is what we need for a sustained recovery; monthly increases coupled with improving annual rates of change. Once we see this on a broader level we will be able to say the market has turned around.

The housing situation in the Reno area, while certainly not booming, is seeing some stability and possibly some gains. Inventories of unsold homes are declining, and the average time a house spends on the market is shrinking.