Articles by Steve Tellier

I just got off the phone with one of my favorite Lenders and he just received an e-mail this morning that his bank is lowering the boom (or raising the bar) on construction loans. It looks like people trying to get this type of loan will have to do a lot more jumping through hoops now. This Lender will now only work with you if you are using a well known Builder and will now use actual value instead of appraised value. You will probably have to have a lot more of your own money in the pile now as well. The bottom line is you will probably be better off buying an existing property unless you have money to burn.

From City of Oklahoma City News Release

Motorists can travel safely along city streets when icy weather strikes by taking one of the designated regional snow routes.  During snow and ice storms crews primarily concentrate on salting and plowing streets along the snow routes and keeping them drivable.

 Regional snow routes stretch from Norman to Edmond and Harrah to Mustang.  The regional snow route map as well as maps for all four quadrants of the metro area and downtown Oklahoma City are on the City’s Web site, www.okc.gov.  Citizens can also call the City’s Action Center at 297-2535 to request a map by mail.

From City of Oklahoma City News Release

While youngsters wait anxiously to count presents under the tree this Holiday Season, a count of a different feather will take place on Saturday, December 20 when the naturalists at Martin Park Nature Center host their annual winter songbird census.

 Bird and nature enthusiasts alike are invited to take part in the census, part of a nationwide study in collaboration with the Audubon Society’s “Christmas Bird Count.”   The census will begin at 9 a.m. when participants trek through the trails of Martin Park to count specific species of birds that overwinter in the park.

 The results of the count are submitted to the Audubon Society, which tracks the migratory patterns of early winter birds throughout North America.

 “We’re always excited to take part in this study,” said park naturalist Neil Garrison.  “The Christmas Bird Count provides naturalists and ornithologists with important data about bird populations, weather and climate change. The fact that it is an ongoing study means that we can track these changes annually, and see specifically how changes in climate affect the bird populations right here in central Oklahoma.”

 Participants in this year’s census may spy yellow-bellied sapsuckers, red-breasted nuthatches and brown creepers, in addition to some of the more common bird species that make Martin Park their winter home.

 “It wasn’t that long ago, maybe fifteen years, that house finches were a rare sighting in Oklahoma, even in winter,” said Garrison.  “Now we can see how migratory patterns have changed to such an extent that these birds now permanently roost in Oklahoma. This count helps us predict these kinds of patterns and see what changes the bird populations may make.”

 Participation in the songbird census is free, though registration is required.  For more information, call Martin Park Nature Center at 755-0676, or visit www.okc.gov/parks.  Martin Park Nature Center is located at 5000 West Memorial Road, ¼-mile east of MacArthur.  The park is operated by the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department.

 

Toys aren’t only for children.  The Oklahoma City Animal Shelter is seeking donations of dog toys to benefit the shelter’s canines. 

 The gifts will kick off the shelter’s new enrichment program, which is designed to improve the lives of the shelter animals during their stay.

 “Toys are needed for both big and small dogs.  Their favorite play things tend to be products like kongs, nylabones, balls and rope bones,” said Shelter Supervisor Jon Gary.

 The enrichment program will provide many benefits to the animals in the shelter’s care.  The toys reduce stress on the dogs, keeping them healthier and more adoptable.

 Animal adoptions at the shelter are on the rise.  More than 6,700 animals have been adopted so far this year – 1,400 more pets than last year.

 Residents wanting to help the shelter can also give the gift of time.  Volunteers are needed year round to walk dogs, play with cats and assist with shelter activities.  No experience is necessary.

 The toys can be dropped off at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter, SE 29 and Bryant.  Shelter hours are noon to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Sunday.