Virus Alert

I just got this virus alert from my friends at Creative Computer Solutions (CCSI) here in Vancouver, WA.


We have seen a large increase in the number of viruses that are being passed around via email. Two of the major ones we are seeing is a Hallmark Greeting Card and a Adobe Flash Player update. You should delete any Hallmark Greeting Cards, and do not install any Adobe FlashPlayer updates. As always, if you do not personally know where an email is coming from, delete them. If you get a greeting card, call the person to personally say "season's greetings" but do not open the email. More information about the virus can be found at:www.symantec.com.

Everyone Needs an Editor

You've just spent a lot of time - hours perhaps - writing a press release, a technical specification, some marketing copy, a menu or whatever it is that pertains to your project or business. In fact, you're practically married to the thing and you can recite the content word for word. So what do you do now?

• Do you send it off to the printers and order expensive copies?
• Do you attach it to an email and send it out for company-wide distribution?
• Do you make twenty copies of the document and take it with you to a meeting?
• Do you send it out to media for area-wide (even nationwide) advertising?
• Or do you stop and think, "Maybe this needs a fresh pair of eyes".

Everybody needs an editor - professional writers, business executives, administrative assistants, public servants - EVERYONE. Except for casual emails, anyone who wishes to make a positive impression on their colleagues or customers should run their written materials by an editor. This fresh pair of eyes will help ensure that what you say about your company or project will leave a lasting, positive impression.

Once you've decided to hire an editor, there are some steps you can take that will save the editor time and SAVE YOU MONEY. Here are some self-editing exercises:

1. Print a hard copy. Sometimes, seeing your writing on paper will reveal more errors than what you can see on the screen.
2. Read your writing out loud. In this exercise, you'll hear where you've used improper grammar as well as an overuse of rhyme or rhythm. You'll immediately recognize when you've omitted some words.
3. Read it backwards. You've read your paper so often, you can hear it in your head. Try reading in backwards. You'll catch misspellings, incorrect word choices and duplicated words.
4. Spellcheck, but don't rely on this tool. The spellchecker will not pick up all improper word choices (i.e. choose / chose).
5. Delete that clever turn-of-phrase. You may enjoy your cleverness, but you might lose your readers. It's best to keep ideas simple.
6. Kill the commas. Except in the usual places - such as before the word "but", in a series, or around a parenthetical expression - consider the use of other forms of punctuation or when in doubt, leave it out.

Once you've tidied up a bit, you can send this to the editor who will fine-tune your work while at the same time, maintain your voice, your objectives and your ideas.

Why pay when you can get it for free?

I didn't intend for this blog title to sound suggestive, but if it got you here, then GREAT!

But seriously...

I got an email the other day from someone asking if I wanted to be paid for writing reviews (good or bad) about new websites. I've been doing something similar to this and on the surface of things, this sounded like a hot deal. The company was called seoblogreviews.com. Naturally, I always check these things out. It didn't take long to find out that others were being approached for the same thing and at the end of the day, seoblogreviews.com sounded pretty dodgy.

The idea appealed to me, however. I'd be willing to do this for free. I love checking out new sites just as much as I enjoy checking out new businesses that open up in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR area. I'm a huge fan of supporting local business and if I can help give a positive launch to a new website, count me in! I'd be happy to give you free advertising on my blog.

If this sounds like something you'd like me to do, contact me at info@goofproofservices.com. Be sure to check out Goof Proof to learn about other services which can help you communicate in the best possible way with our customers.

The New Blue Parrot Productions Presents Oliver!


The New Blue Parrot Productions presents Lionel Bart’s musical masterpiece, Oliver! This show, loosely based on Charles Dickens’ book “Oliver Twist”, opens at the Mountain View High School Theater located at 1500 SE Blairmont Drive, Vancouver, WA. Show times are 7:00 pm, October 3 - 4 and 10 - 11; two matinee shows will be performed at 1:00 pm on October 4 and 11.

Oliver! is a production of The Blue Parrot’s Children’s Theatre. Directed by Jennifer Johnson and produced by Brian McClatchie, the show is cast with children from all over Clark County, ages 6 – 19. With the help of Mike Turley (Music Director) and Hannah King (Choreographer), this talented troupe will be performing some of the most famous songs from London’s West End. This musical score includes “Food Glorious Food”, “Consider Yourself”, and “I’d Do Anything”. Rounding out the staff is dialogue coach, Ethan Tudor. Ethan performed in Oliver! in London during the 1970s and is pleased to be participating in his twelfth production of this show.

Nothing sums up Oliver! better than the famous line, “Please, sir. May I have some more?” Audiences will laugh and cry as they follow a hungry orphan from his workhouse beginning to wealthy end. Oliver will meet many colorful characters in his journey to find love and family: the Artful Dodger, a leader of street urchins named Fagin, the ill-fated Nancy and her man, the sinister Bill Sykes. Theatergoers will lose themselves in London during the 1800’s, when industrialism emerges, poverty runs rampant and the down-and-out still hope for a better life.

Tickets for Oliver! are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and youth (16 and under). Groups of 15 or more are eligible for a group rate of $9. A $55 Family Value Pack is also available. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.newblueparrot.com/ or by phone, 360-696-1155. For further information, contact Pam Turley at 360-696-1155 or pturley@newblueparrot.com

The New Blue Parrot Productions (NBP) is comprised of The New Blue Parrot Theatre and The Blue Parrot Children’s Theatre. It is a non-profit performing arts company, serving Clark County and the Portland Metro area.

NBP provides professional, quality musical, comedic and dramatic live theatre. Its programs are produced in partnership with the Evergreen School District. To learn more about the Company and its educational programs, log on to www.newblueparrot.com.

Papa's Ice Cream Open for Business in Washougal Town Center

Finally! I've been waiting for something really cool to open up in the new building on Main Street, Washougal. And it doesn't get much cooler than this - an ice cream parlor!


Ivan Gering is Papa of Papa's Ice Cream and he is all things in this business - ice cream scooper, coffee maker, janitor and owner.


Papa's serves only the best - Umpqua Ice Cream from from Oregon, all-beef hotdogs, homemade granola and a secret-recipe, extra-special, chocolate chip cookie for the creation of the ultimate cookie sundae. Wash all this down with a cup of coffee made from beans roasted locally in Vancouver.


Folks with an extra-demanding sweet tooth can satisfy their cravings for candy at the candy counter stocked with a wide assortment from the Candy Basket in Portland. Kids will have fun with the penny candy shelf which stocks everything from root beer gummi bottles to old-fashioned rock candy on a stick.

My kids fell in love with Ivan who is a friendly, jolly sort of person. My son was particularly impressed with Ivan's plans for a Wii setup in the restaurant. Ivan really wants his place to be one where kids can hang out and enjoy themselves - a nice safe place to have fun. Kids and their parents will enjoy Ivan's birthday party plan which comes with a signature Papa's BIG Dish ice cream sundae which includes 10 generous scoops.

Papa's Ice Cream is located at:

1700 Main, Suite 130
Washougal, WA 98671

360-835-8555

Hours:
8:00am - 9pm: Monday - Saturday
1:00pm - 9pm: Sunday

I encourage everyone to check out this place. It's new. It's different. And it's fun. If you go, tell Papa Ivan, Stephanie Hatton from Goof Proof Services sent you.

New Cat & Dog Supply Story in Washougal

Our four-footed furry friends can rejoice with more choice for pet goodies in Washougal. There's a new place in town catering for cats and dogs - specializing in unique, quality pet products MADE IN AMERICA.

Jill and Benjamin Brock opened Precious Paws in the old Goodell's Heritage Upholstery Co. location (Does anybody know if they are still in business? Perhaps a new location?).

Jill's focus is creating a community gathering spot for pets and their people. According to Jill, "It's a place where people can shop locally (save gas!) and buy local products at great prices." At the moment, she carries lots of pet toys, designer bedding, food bowls and clothing. In her spacious back room, is a large selection of custom, locally made cat towers of all shapes, colors and sizes. The two store cats, Precious and Paws, are happy to demonstrate the joy this cat furniture can bring.

She's in the process of stocking quality foods and invites pet owners to come in and make requests. Jill is happy to make special orders for special needs.

Is your pet having a birthday? Jill bakes pet cakes!

Do you want to adopt a kitty? Jill and Benjamin have a rescue operation and they'd love to find new homes for their cats.

Precious Paws is located at:

1708 E. Street
Washougal, WA 98671
Ph: 360-210-5440

Hours: 10am to 7pm - 7 days a week

Stop in and say hello and if you go, please tell them Stephanie Hatton from Goof Proof Services sent you!

Cool Clothes for Kids in Camas, WA

FINALLY! There's a place within five miles of my doorstep where I can get great kid fashions at a fraction of the price.

Clothes Time, owned by Angie Rupe, just opened its doors to sell to kids and teens from ages six on up. This is a resale shop for top brand names like Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Roxy, Hollister and much, much more. However, this resale shop is different. The owner will pay CASH for your like new items. I brought in a small stack of items that my kids either outgrew or simply didn't like and took the store credit option. That's even a better deal than cash!

It didn't take me long to spend my credit and more. I picked up a $12-pair of brand new suede Vans for my son. My daughter found a pair of Hydraulic jeans for under $10 and a small stack of t-shirts from Roxy and American Eagle.

This place is fun to shop and the owner is easy to work with. The inventory changes daily - it's like shopping a new store for the first time - every day. If you visit, tell Angie, Stephanie Hatton from Goof Proof Services sent you.

Ventilator Dependent Care Homes Open in Vancouver, WA

The partners of Right Choice, LLC, Faia Stevenson and Alla Polyakov, have united to provide the only ventilator care homes in Vancouver, WA. They built homes where people come to live as ventilator dependent residents who can still have rich lives to live with many opportunities for accomplishment.

Their Mission Statement:

Our goal is to provide the highest level of care to ventilator dependent residents. To do this, we will continually encourage our residents to reach their highest level of physical capability. We will strive to enhance their quality of life through a holistic approach to their social, spiritual and physical environment.

Their homes feature:

• Private bedrooms
• Private bathrooms
• Cable and phone hookups
• Central heating and air
• French doors which exit to patio
• Landscaped grounds and gardens
• Close proximity to shopping
• Pet-friendly owners

They offer the following services and amenities:

• Highly-trained RNs, LPNs and CNAs
• 24-hour care with fully-trained staff
• Full cooperation with resident’s selected rehabilitation program
• Three delicious meals per day, with snacks, offering variety and reflecting diversity
• Accommodation for special diets
• Regularly-scheduled evaluations for removal from supportive equipment
• Full array of stimulating activities including the following: music, arts & crafts, gardening, outings, social events, live entertainment and holiday celebrations.
• In-home salon/barber service
• Discounts available for couples

I know Faia and she is a very genuine, kind person. If you, or someone close to you, need ventilator care, I strongly recommend that you contact Faia at her facility:

Better Options for Elders AFH
An Eden Alternative Home

15214 NE 25th Circle
Vancouver, WA 98684
360-607-8028

Tell Faia that Stephanie at Goof Proof Services sent you!

Gas Thieves Strike in Washougal

Well, it had to happen. Right across the street from me, in fact. This prompted me to make a visit to my local Napa Auto Parts store in Camas to purchase a locking gas cap. Unfortunately, another Chrysler Town & Country van owner beat me to it. Fortunately, Napa was able to get me one the next day.

Note to Chrysler: Add locking gas caps to the base model of your new cars or join other automakers who install gas tank latches inside their cars.

It's apparent our gas situation has opened up more than just one can of worms. It's a sad day when the price of gas makes people turn to desperate measures simply to get enough gas in their car to take them to work or school. All the more reason to focus efforts on public transportation alternatives - isn't that right, Vancouver, Clark County? (I support Light Rail - most definitely)

The fact of the matter, folks, is that this price will only go up. In Europe, they've been paying twice the amount the US has been paying for a gallon of gas. In England, they're paying approximately $8 per gallon only they sell it by the litre.

This commodity is becoming so precious; I wouldn't be surprised if gas stations start doling it out in specimen cups...

A Vespa is looking better all the time...

Camas Days 2008

Camas Days is one of the best hometown events I've ever been to. If you're a vendor, I encourage you to participate. If you want to spend a fun-filled family day in a great town, I can guarantee you'll feel the trek to Camas is worth your while. Portland and Vancouver folks - we're really not so far away...

The New Blue Parrot Presents Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

My good friends at The New Blue Parrot Productions will present Seven Brides for Seven Brothers from July 17th - August 2nd at Mountain View High School in Vancouver, WA. Click here for more information about this production.

I've had a lot of experience with this company, both as a volunteer and as a parent of an actor in their childrens theater. These folks do a stellar job at putting on quality family-friendly performances.

Don't miss this chance to become acquainted with our local theater in Clark County. If they ask how you heard about them, tell them Stephanie Hatton of Goof Proof Services sent you.

Columbia Credit Union's First "Green" Branch

I just had chance to check out Columbia Credit Union's new "Green" branch which opened here in Washougal. This flagship branch will set the standard for the company's move towards efficient and sustainable building practices. It's a beautiful building - warm and inviting. Its unique architectural design seems to reflect the natural beauty of the Columbia River.

But enough of the poetical yada yada. It has some cool stuff! For example, it has a rainwater recycling cistern (shouldn't be too hard to fill that). Rainwater collected in this will be used for irrigation and non-potable water systems within the building (okay - the toilets). This will save the branch about 13,000 gallons of water every year! According to this handy brochure which I picked up from their grand opening, this equals a day's worth of drinking water for 27,000 people. Wow, wow, wow...

In the center of the building and very noticeable from the outside, is a large skylight. If there's enough light coming through skylight (hopefully someday soon), the lights within will dim; a handy energy-saving feature.

If you happen to be sitting at the desk of one of the banking staff, take a look at the chair you are sitting on. All guest chairs are made out of woven recycled seat belts. Very clever and comfortable.

There are many other features - too many to list here. I suggest visiting the branch and asking for a tour. The staff is very friendly and very proud of its new building.

Tell them the Goof Proofer from Goof Proof Services, sent you.

I Joined My Chamber of Commerce

It took me some time to decide to join my local chamber of commerce, but I finally did. I'm glad I did. The Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce is a great group!

I was immediately welcomed and was invited to introduce myself and my business at this month's meeting. They even gave me a plaque, which I proudly display. I was especially pleased with the quality of speakers from the community and greater Vancouver. I am impressed with the range of activities offered by this Chamber - free seminars and after-hour events are just a couple of the many ways in which the Chamber involves the business community.

When I first opened Goof Proof, I ran to all points of Clark County and into Portland, to promote my business. The result - several wonderful personal and business relationships. However, as I got busier (a good thing!) I felt it was time to look closer to home. Now, not only do I save on gas, I'm meeting local business people who share my interest and love of the area in which I live.

My New Project - A Library for Chabad of Clark County

I can't resist a good book. When the opportunity to create this library presented itself, I was right there - front and center - volunteering to take the lead on this wonderful project.

So I ask you...

What’s better than discovering a really good book on Judaism? I know – it’s having access to a whole library of really good books on Judaism!

Chabad of Clark County is pleased to announce that plans are underway for the Center’s very own Jewish Learning Library – a lending library for the Jewish community.

There are several ways to participate in the building of this library:

Join our committee – help with planning, book search, administration, book conservation, fundraising – the sky’s the limit!

Purchase a book from our Wish List - contact me at shatton@goofproofservices.com for a copy of this list.

Donate your gently-used books. We’re looking for books within, but not limited to the following categories:
Cookery
Family
Holocaust
Current Affairs
Literacy
Spirituality
Sabbath and Holidays
Children

Donate money towards administrative supplies, upkeep and the purchase of new books and shelves.

For more information about this wonderful project or how to donate, contact Stephanie Hatton at 360-798-8672 or Ira Rosen at 503-886-9314.

I Love My New Website!

I am pleased to announce that my new website, Goof Proof Services, is now live. I am so pleased with this site, that I simply must introduce the mastermind behind the design.

Zak Pine of ZIP Graphics is an amazing person to work with. I simply browsed a few websites, gave him a general idea of the type of design I was thinking of and he came up with a concept that surpassed my expectations.

If you provide the content (or hire Goof Proof to write it for you!), he'll strive to make what you say about your business look professional yet unique amongst your competitors. Not only will he create your basic website, but he'll also maintain your updates for a very reasonable yearly fee. No more messing with restrictive templates that inhibit your creativity and how you wish to present your business. Zak will take care of you for as long as you need him.

Check out his website at ZIP Graphics or send him an email . Tell him Goof Proof sent you!

Free Business Advertising

Do you want to become one of my favorite businesses and get free advertising as well? Would you like to get your local business "blogged" without having to blog yourself?

If you live in the Portland or Vancouver area - and especially the Camas/Washougal area - give a me a call at 360-798-8672. I'd love to visit your business and learn more about you do and what you offer. I'm all for shopping locally and supporting small businesses.

I promise to write a positive review, highlighting the best aspects of your company and the services you offer.

To learn more about me and what I do, log onto www.goofproofservices.com.

I look forward to meeting you!

Please don't say "Please R.S.V.P"

It's a sad, sad day to open a beautifully engraved invitation with one of my pet peeves printed right in the middle of the page. It says "Please R.S.V.P."

What the sender is saying is "Please, respond, please". They might as well be saying "purty please". Doesn't that make the sender sound just a little bit desperate?

And no, it's not OK to write Please R.S.V.P. because we're in America. Sorry. The following reference comes The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005:

R.S.V.P. is a French abbreviation of répondez, s'il vous plait, meaning respond, if you please.

The next time you feel the urge to beg your guests to respond to your invitation, simply say "R.S.V.P. by...", or "Please respond by...".

I hope you enjoyed this little lesson from the Department of Redundancy Department.

Alphagraphics - Printing and Marketing Expertise

AlphaGraphics of Vancouver - here's a company that I support 110%. This new store on 3000 164th Ave. in Vancouver, WA is operated by my special friend, Julia Maglione and her husband, Eric.

I can't express in better terms than what is already stated on their website: At AlphaGraphics, we do more than just design, copy and print — we help our customers communicate.

I've visited their store and was immediately impressed with the state-of-the-art technology which is used to assist their clients in all manner of communications. I was especially amazed at the scope of marketing tools available to businesses of all sizes.

I encourage you to visit this store. You won't be disappointed. Tell them Goof Proof sent you!

The Jewish Business Network presents "A Day of Hope"

Join the Jewish Business Network of Vancouver, WA for A Day of Hope. This is our 2008 fund raising event featuring a full dinner and dessert buffet, open bar, Monte Carlo Casino Night and Chance Auction. Also, see a special presentation of my trip to Odessa, Ukraine and the Good Family Orphanage.

Proceeds from this event benefit the "Good Family" Orphanage in Odessa, Ukraine, as well as support our local family fund and camp scholarship program.

Date: February 9, 2008
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Hilton, 301 W. 6th St., Vancouver, WA
Reservations: $45 per person

Reservations required. Contact The Jewish Business Network at 360-450-3256 or log onto www.theJBN.org.

For a sneak peak of this event, check out this article from the Vancouver Business Journal.

Happy New Year from Goof Proof Services

Greetings and best wishes to you all in the new year. I hope 2008 brings everything you are hoping for: a "Sold" sign for your house that's been on the market for too long, more income and less expense on your business ledger, less bickering between presidential candidates and the big wish - less war, more peace.

This year, I'm offering a couple new services: press release writing and word processing. Expanded details on those services will be on my website, shortly.

In case anybody is wondering who I serve, it's You! You, personally and You, in business. Sorry, You students - I don't do student papers. Why? Well - because you're students and you're learning! And to use a tired cliche, you will learn by your mistakes.

I look forward to working with all of You in the new year.