Posted by Jim Dunphy on Thu, Jan 21, 2010 @ 01:59 PM
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, Carrara Companies recently joined in the effort in assisting a local family in their time of need.
The McClellan family of Akron had recently fallen on tough times, including having taking custody of 3 grandchildren ages 1, 2, and 3 who completed a family of 8 when joined by mom & dad and their 3 teenage children already living at home. Life was crazy enough when in late October the family had a basement fire in their home.
As if having to live outside their home and provide for the needs of six children were not enough during the clean-up and repair process, smoke damaged contents in the home included Christmas presents that had been stowed away early for safekeeping by Santa’s elves.
In light of this situation, Carrara Companies’ owners Justin and Julie Sucato decided to help. Plans were put into motion to help with toys, clothes, and food for the McClellan Family. Next, the date was set for a surprise visit at the McClellan residence from Santa’s Helpers along with Santa Claus (proudly portrayed by 28 year Santa Veteran – Nationwide Insurance Agent, Rick Zivsak) following the move back into their home two weeks before Christmas.
On the evening of Dec. 17, the McClellan Family State Farm Insurance Agent, Jennifer Kaiser, joined Carrara Companies Vice President, Julie Sucato with her daughters, Olivia and Ava, help make the McClellan Family Holiday a little brighter by delivering food and toys just in time for the holiday! The smiles and joy shared by all was truly an example of what the holiday season is all about!
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Fri, Dec 18, 2009 @ 01:24 PM
While the most wonderful time of year has arrived, it has still been a rough year for the economy and peoples' spirits. In hopes of bringing back some of the excitement for the holidays, Carrara's sales team of Ed Duke, Eric Schlaubach, and Jim Dunphy will be out spreading the holiday cheer.
"We have had such a great year, we wanted to give back during this joyous season, and let others know there are still reasons to celebrate," says Ed Duke Sales Director for Northeast Ohio. "People tend to get so wrapped up in what's going on, it's important to remember to laugh, be in good spirits, and just have fun."
This season, the trio will be visiting a lot of local businesses and agencies with goodies in the sack, and smile on their faces. "I look forward in doing this every holiday. I just cannot imagine not doing it,"says Eric Schlaubach, Sales Director of Central Ohio.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Tue, Dec 15, 2009 @ 12:06 PM
According to the United Sates Fire Administration (USFA), each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. There are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following these precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty:
Tree Selection & Care
- Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases. Click here for a brief video provided by the USFA.
- Selecting a Tree for the Holiday: Needles should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
- Caring for Your Tree: Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
- Disposing of Your Tree: Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
- Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree: Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame candles, lighters or matches.
Holiday Lighting
- Maintain Your Holiday Lights: Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
- Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets: Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires-- they should not be warm to the touch.
Holiday Decorating
- Use Only Nonflammable Decorations: All decorations should be nonflammable or flame retardant and placed away from heat vents.
- Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace: It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
- Artificial Holiday Trees: If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.