From the Minutes: McCune-Brooks Board Meet.

"REVIEW OF APRIL 2010 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Mr. Wright reviewed the April financial statements with the trustees. Fiscal year 2010 ended in a loss. The net operating loss for the year was close to $4.7 million. A portion of the loss was due to the fiscal year adjustments and corrections. April Inpatient volume numbers were lower due to the closing ofthe Generations Department. Office visits for physician clinics were above average for the year. April current liabilities decreased tremendously from the $4.0 (sic) bond payment.

April 2010 statements were ordered filed for audit.

CONSULTANT’S PROPOSAL

As the hospital did not meet the days cash on hand ratio required by the bondholders, the bondholders have suggested the hospital hire a consultant company that the bondholders are familiar with to review hospital operations. The two proposals were reviewed. On motion made by Mr. McDonald and seconded by Ms. Flanigan a motion to accept the bid from QHR was unanimously approved."

From what I’ve read, retirement ain’t what it used ta be. They say a lotta folks just keep on goin’, and goin’ and goin’.

By the year 2050, there are supposed ta be over twice as many over the age of 65 livin’ in the U.S. as there are now. That means that a large block of voters will be old enough ta know better I suppose.

They say that the big business types are tryin’ ta figure out what this enlarged mass of maturity will be buyin’ and what their eatin’ habits and entertainment interests will be. I’d have ta guess that like most groups of consumers, they’ll know it when they see it.

Women seem ta be noticeably outlivin’ the men folk and difference seems ta be increasin’. I won’t make any speculation on that statistic at all.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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Weekly Columns

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Roof Brackets Make Repair Jobs Safer

Q: When you write about fixing gutters or stuff on the roof, you always say to secure yourself with a rope so you don’t fall. But where exactly is a person supposed to secure the rope? -- Dale J., Dothan, Ala.

A: Many home repair guides will tell you to secure the rope to a sturdy feature -- like the chimney. I’m not too comfortable with telling people to tie a rope around their chimney, because they’re not always as sturdy and secure as one might think. A chimney that’s crumbling or leaning is definitely unsafe (in a lot of ways, not the least of which is to the roof worker).

For a roof with a low pitch (an angle that’s not too steep), roof brackets can be installed during repair work. These are slipped underneath shingles, about a foot and a half up the roof eave, and nailed directly into a rafter (so they are anchored securely). Multiple brackets are spaced about 4 feet apart.

During the job, your safety rope (or ideally, a roof safety harness) is attached to a bracket. The rope itself should not be so long that you can’t pull yourself back onto the roof or over to the ladder should you slip off the edge. Once the job is finished, the brackets are removed and the shingles cemented back down.

Again, the brackets work most effectively on low-pitch roofs. If your home’s roof is very steep, or if the roof is several stories up, don’t attempt roof repairs yourself. Contact a professional roofer to handle the job -- he’ll have the tools, the helpers and the safety equipment to match what your roof requires.

HOME TIP: Tape a flashlight to the wall or floor joist near the entrance to the attic, so it will immediately be available for you to use when checking dark corners.