Music & Arts Grant Recipients – 2023

Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2023 California Casualty Music & Arts Grants! Our field team had the opportunity to do in-person presentations to award all the very deserving recipients with a check for $250 to put towards supporting their schools’ music or arts program.

Learn more about the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant, and our other Community Impact Program, the Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant.

 

Music and Arts Grant - Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark Elementary

Local President Melissa Funk, recipient Mckenzie Pollano, and Dee Dee Templeton from California Casualty.

Music & Arts Grant at Tenaya Middle

Tenaya Middle School

Music & Arts Grant recipient Nickie Seno and Chris Nieto from California Casualty

Music and Arts Grant - Adams City High School

Adams City High School

Jason Malmberg – District 14 Classroom Teachers Association President, Brendan Parker – Recipient, Jolie Spence – California Casualty, and Chris Garcia – Principal

Music and Arts Grannt Stonecreek Junior High

Stonecreek Junior High School

Chris Nieto from California Casualty and Music & Arts Grant recipient Kimberly Aguayo

Music and Arts Grant Edith Teter Elementary

Edith Teter Elementary School

California Casualty Music & Arts Grant recipient Kim Green

Music and arts grant Topeka High School

Topeka High School

Paula Reilly, Associate Principal; Dustin Dick, Principal; Josh Davis, Grant Recipient; Angela Neuroth, Topeka NEA President; Lindsay Buck, KNEA UniServ Director; Rebecca Stumpf, California Casualty

Music and arts grant South Elementary School

South Elementary School

Jolie Spence, California Casualty; Jessica Bush, recipient; and Kathey Ruybal, BEA President

Music and arts grant Liberty Elementary

Liberty Elementary School

Dee Dee Templeton from California Casualty and Music & Arts Grant recipient Stacy Ryan

Music and arts grant Sabin Middle School

Sabin Middle School

Daniel Carragher, Principal (it was pajama day); Megan Langdon and Jessica Medina, recipients; and Jolie Spence, California Casualty

Music and arts grant West Putnam Elementary School

West Putnam Elementary School

Patrisa Espinosa, principal at West Putnam Elementary, and recipient Stephanie Adegbenro 

 

Music and arts grant Woodglen Elementary School

Woodglen Elementary School

Jolie Spence from California Casualty and Music & Arts Grant recipient, Devan Willis

Music and arts grant Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School

Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School

California Casualty Music and Arts Grant recipient Lindsey Sparacino 

Music and arts grant Joe Stefani Elementary School

Joe Stefani Elementary School

Jessica Coronado, recipient of the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant

Music and arts grant Ella B. Allen Elementary School

Ella B. Allen Elementary School

Chelice Gilman, California Casualty Music & Arts Grant recipient

Music and arts grant Bear Creek K-8 School

Bear Creek K-8 School

Jolie Spence from California Casualty with Music & Arts Grant recipient, Angelina “Crow” Medina

Music and arts grant Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School

Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School

Nancy Corsaro, recipient of the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant

Music and arts grant Midway Elementary School

Midway Elementary School

Mitzi Hull, recipient of a 2023 Music & Arts Grant from California Casualty

Music and arts grant Cheldelin Middle School

Cheldelin Middle School

Music & Arts Grant recipient, David Blake and Dee Dee Templeton from California Casualty

Music and arts grant in Idaho

Koelsch Elementary

Lara Luthy, Boise Education Association president; Marci Greear, Music & Arts Grant recipient; and Layne McInelly, Idaho Education Association president

Music and arts grant - Charles in Idaho

Owyhee Elementary

Lara Luthy, Boise Education Association president; Charles Diemart, Music & Arts Grant recipient; and Layne McInelly, Idaho Education Association president

Music and arts grant - Emily in Idaho

Hillside Junior High

Lara Luthy, Boise Education Association president; Emily White, Music & Arts Grant recipient; and Layne McInelly, Idaho Education Association president

Music and arts grant - Miano Elementary School

Miano Elementary School

Monique Mowad, recipient of a California Casualty Music & Arts Grant

Music and arts grant Powell Middle School

Powell Middle School

Amanda Crosby, LEA President; Mindy Enley, recipient; and Jolie Spence, California Casualty

Diablo Vista Middle Cchool

Diablo Vista Middle School

Chavonta Edington, Music Teacher Ben Loomer, Principal Jeffrey Osbom, and Angie Rajczyk from California Casualty

olympic high school

Olympic High School

Angie Rajczyk from California Casualty with Grant recipient Unjoo Chang, and Principal Courtney Lyou

 

Mark West Charter School

Mark West Charter School

Angie Rayczyk from California Casualty with Music & Arts Grant recipient Lisa Chapman, and Principal Michelle Franci

 

valley verde elementary

Valley Verde Elementary School

California Casualty’s Angie Rajczyk with grant recipient Criag Yen, and Principal Mignon Perkins

olympic high school

Tynes Elementary School

Music & Arts Grant recipient Mary Stuckmeier, APLE President, Linda Manion and Principal, Tonya Gordillo

 

Barton Elementary School

Barton Elementary School

Principal, Sandy Bartoldus, and Music & Arts Grant recipient, Rosa Guzman

 

Locke College Prep Academy

Locke College Prep Academy

Music & Arts Grant recipient, Larry McDuffie with Principal, Peggy Gutierrez

lindstrom elem

Lindstrom Elementary School

Principal, Dr. Olga Rios, Jana Charles from California Casualty, and grant recipient, Lara Cummins

 

Madison elem

Madison Elementary School

AVP, Vivian Hanson, Santa Ana USD Trustee, Katelyn Brazer Aceves, Principal, Sara Marin, Grant Recipient, Maria Hollingsworth, (student aide, unknown) and President of SAEA, Sonta Garner-Marcelo

 

How to Tell When You Need New Brakes

How to Tell When You Need New Brakes

When to get your brakes checked

Your car could be trying to tell you something. Every screech, squeal, or grind could be its way of asking for new brakes.

First, a word about how brakes work…

Most vehicles today have disc brakes. When you press the brake pedal, the car pushes pressurized fluid through its brake lines. The fluid goes into a pair of calipers (clamps) lined with brake pads. They start to squeeze the rotors (metallic discs) from either side. The rotors are located behind each wheel and so the resulting friction slows the spinning, and eventually stops the car.

This constant squeezing and release causes wear and tear. Cars will need new brake pads every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, and new rotors between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. The actual mileage depends on your driving habits. Frequent braking, braking at high speeds, and driving a heavier car will take their toll on your brakes.

How to tell when you need new brakes

The good news is that your car gives you warning signs when brakes begin to wear out. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to get your brakes checked.

Squealing or screeching sound

Brake pads are built with a small piece of metal that becomes exposed as the pads wear down. The metal vibrates against the rotors, causing a high-pitched squeal or screech. That usually happens when the thickness of the pad is at the lowest possible level while still being considered safe to drive. So, if you hear the squeal, you will want to act soon. If you let it go too long, it will become a heavy grinding sound and it can start damaging other parts.

Pro Tip: Know that brake squeaks and squeals can happen if a car has been sitting for a while. That’s because the pads are covered with moisture, rust, and grime. Those noises go away after a few uses of the brakes.

Low brake fluid warning light

Your brakes use hydraulic fluid and cannot function without it. If you see a low brake fluid light, that means something is going on. There could be a leak in the system. Or it could be you’re your brake pads have worn down, causing the fluid to fill the space that’s lower in the reservoir.

Pro Tip: Look for a driveway puddle after your car has been parked for a bit. This type of fluid ranges from clear to yellow brown in color. You’ll find the leak near the wheels. It’s not safe to drive if you have a brake fluid leak. It may cause the brakes to fail.

Car pulls to one side while braking

If the car is pulling to one side or the other when you brake, you’re probably only getting brake power to that side. That’s an indication that you need new brakes or pads or that you have a jammed caliper. Either way, you’ll want to get it checked out.

Pulsating during braking

If your car vibrates, shakes, or pulses as you brake, it could be due to warped or unevenly worn rotors. It also could be caused by adhesive that gets hot and smeared across the rotor. Mechanics call this “glazing” and it can compromise brakes.

Rattling or clicking when you brake

Some vehicles hold brake pads with clips, bolts, or pins. If they become loose, they’ll begin to rattle. You may hear a clicking sound when you brake.

Poor brake performance

If your car takes longer to stop than usual, or if you are pressing the brake pedal down to the floor to get your car to stop, there is a problem. Causes include worn rotors, low brake fluid, and brake pads that are too thin. It could also be an issue with your car’s hydraulic system.

Grinding sound while braking

This is a sign that your brake pads are completely worn. The grinding sound you hear is “metal on metal” as the caliper and rotor scrape against each other. Because this can easily damage them and other parts, you’ll need to get this addressed right away.

Stay on top of maintenance

When one part of the braking system is damaged, it can affect other parts. Driving with worn brakes also can damage your tires. It can wear them down and cause them to be unbalanced. Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep it well maintained and protect it with the right insurance.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

20 Best Gratitude Quotes

20 Best Gratitude Quotes

It’s time to stop and reflect on the good that is around us. Starting each day with an inspiring message of gratitude not only sets the tone for positivity, it also benefits you in numerous ways. Being thankful increases feelings of happiness and optimism. Gratitude fosters positive self-esteem and improves relationships. It helps to reduce stress.

Embrace the power of gratitude with these inspiring quotes.

  1. “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” – Henri Matisse
  2. “If you want to find happiness, find gratitude.” – Steve Maraboli
  3. “Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Robert Brault
  4. “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” Alphonse Karr
  5. “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward
  6. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
  7. “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Aesop
  8. “The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.” –  Special Olympics CEO Mary Davis
  9. “An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” – Yogi Bhajan
  10. “The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now.”  – Oprah Winfrey
  11. “Remember that what you now have was once among the things that you had hoped for.” – Epicurus
  12. “Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one’s voice.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
  13. “This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.”  – Maya Angelou
  14. “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” –  John F. Kennedy
  15. “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” – Cynthia Ozick
  16. “Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” – Jim Rohn
  17. “Gratitude sweetens even the smallest moments.” – Anonymous
  18. “All that we behold is full of blessings.” – William Wordsworth
  19. “Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” – Zig Ziglar
  20. “The more you are thankful, the more you attract things to be thankful for.” – Walt Whitman

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

 

Oregon Education Association Foundation – Supporting Students in Need

Oregon Education Association Foundation – Supporting Students in Need

California Casualty has proudly worked with the Oregon Education Association (OEA) as their exclusive auto & home provider since 1974. Recently our Account Development Manager, DeeDee Templeton, made a visit to the OEA headquarters in Portland to meet with board members of the OEA Foundation to deliver a special contribution on behalf of the California Casualty Charitable Contributions Committee.

In attendance and pictured above (left to right):  Stephen Siegel – OEA Region I Vice President, Jennifer Underhill -OEA District 2 Board Director, Forrest Cooper – OEA District 4 Board Director,  Enrique Farrera – OEA Vice President, and DeeDee Templeton- California Casualty Account Development Manager. 

 The OEA Foundation provides educators with grants up to $100 to help students meet basic, urgent, and immediate needs so they can succeed in school. Over the past 28 years, the OEA Foundation has purchased countless pairs of eyeglasses, provided many students with their first warm winter coat, paid for dental work and doctor visits, fitted new shoes on lots of feet, and even replaced a broken bedroom window. The Foundation is completely funded through the generosity of our members and community partners, and 100% of funding is used to support Oregon’s students. 

The California Casualty Charitable Contributions Committee values the great work of the OEA Foundation and is honored to be able to provide support to the education community. OEA Vice President, Enrique Farrera stated “The OEA Foundation and students from all over Oregon appreciate the collaboration of California Casualty and their financial support. Without their contribution we would not be able to help so many students.”  

To learn more about the OEA Foundation and support this organization, visit here.

Holiday Savings Tips – Best Times for Bigger Purchases

Holiday Savings Tips – Best Times for Bigger Purchases

You may have your eye on that new PlayStation for your nephew. But the holidays are also a great time to buy other big-ticket items from washing machines to kitchen appliances and even cars. That’s when many will go on sale.

If you’re looking to save this season, follow these tips for how to score bigger purchases for less, and how to save for everyone on your list.

The Best Times to Buy

You can usually find the best deals on Black Friday and on Cyber Monday—the Friday and Monday, respectively, following Thanksgiving. These are the times that many items go on sale. (See the next section for specific items.) Similar sales will be found on other major holidays, including New Year’s Day, President’s Day/Weekend, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. Small Business Saturday, a relatively new celebration, occurs the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Super Saturday, the Saturday before Christmas, often is a good time for last-minute deals. Finally, Amazon Prime Day and similar days from other retailers can offer substantial savings. That’s good for your budget.

In addition to holiday sales, off-season purchases can save you plenty. Buying an air conditioner at the end of summer, or a snow blower after winter is done, can be cost-effective. You’ll just have to wait until the next season to use it.

 

Holiday Sales

Some items take center stage during the fall and winter holiday season. These are often popular gift items, but not always. Bankrate reports that December is the best time to make these purchases:

Household appliances: New appliance models typically come out in November. That means sales start on last year’s models to make way for the new ones. This includes washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, blenders, toasters, vacuums, humidifiers, carpet cleaners, and more.

Technology: November and December are great times to buy smart devices, tablets, smart watches, and computers, which often go on sale this time of year. Save even more by buying the previous version after the new one comes out.

Exercise equipment: December is a popular time to buy exercise equipment, with January coming in at a close second. Companies often have sales on home workout equipment, from treadmills and ellipticals to rowing machines and exercise bikes, starting Black Friday.

Security cameras: Prices are known to drop on these essential devices just around the time that thieves become active—during holidays. That’s when companies try to get rid of older models to make way for new ones, and often offer discounts.

Toys and games: Retailers start discounting toys and games close to the holidays so that they won’t be stuck with too much stock. However, popular toys sell out fast, so you may need to pay full price to get one.

New vehicles: Car prices drop at the end of the year as salespeople push to make their quotas. The best time to buy a new car is October through January 1. If you miss that window, May is when the new models start coming and dealers look to get rid of older stock.

 

More Ways to Save

Whether you’re buying a big-ticket item or a meaningful, smaller gift, use these tips to save even more.

  • Compare prices of an item at various retailers before you buy it. Use apps like Honey and PriceGrabber.
  • Look for online promo codes at sites like CouponCabin, RetailMeNot, and
  • Use online shopping portals, like BeFrugal, Rakuten, and MrRebates, to get money back when you shop. Or use credit cards with cash back rewards.
  • If shopping online, look for free shipping. There’s a free shipping day in mid-December, and many retailers participate.
  • Many stores offer discount codes during the holiday season and additional discounts for teachers, students, veterans, military families, seniors, nurses, and first responders. Look for or ask about discounts that apply to you.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute. You will tend to overspend due to the stress of getting something.

 

Looking for extra cash for holiday gifts?

Some insurance companies allow you to skip payments around the holidays. At California Casualty, you have the option to skip your auto insurance payment for two whole months. (You also have this option to skip in the summer.) Ask your agent for details.

 

Happy holidays from all of us at California Casualty!

 

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

 

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