Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. The Beacon - November 2011 1

The Beacon

Issue 3, Volume 10 November 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

3-Dary Right to Cancel a Purchase ......................... 2

Theft in the Neighborhood ........... 3

5 Signs of aMortgage Scam ............................ 3

Nominate Your Neighbor for the"Good Neighbor" Award .............. 3

River Mist H.O.A. ....................... 3

Credit Repair ............................... 4

Taking Controlof your Diabetes ........................... 5

Health Briefs: November .................................... 5

Yard of the Month ........................ 6

Dear River Mist Community,I would like to extend you a warm welcome. As of October 1, 2011, I,

Jason Green, will start as your new community manager. I am excited and pleased to have been chosen as your new community manager. I will work diligently to assure that you are satisfied with the superior level of service that Spectrum offers.

As an industry leader, we pride ourselves in doing all we can to meet and exceed the needs of our clients. In order to provide the very highest level of customer service we have a number of departments in our office with trained specialists ready to take care of your needs. When calling our office please inform the receptionist of the nature of your call so that we may properly route your call to the correct department.

We urge you to review and become familiar with our website, www.spectrumam.com. You will find many convenient services available, which are designed to make it easy to pay assessments online by credit card or e-check, submit improvement requests, and report violations. You will also be able to access the association’s governing documents, contact information, and community messages from your Board of Directors. Please register as soon as possible so you can enjoy all of the above services.

You are our primary responsibility. I am here to serve each owner and help you in any way possible. Please do not ever hesitate to contact me if you have concerns or question. My email is Jgreen@Spectrumam.com , phone is 210.494.0659, and my fax number is 210.494.0887. It is Spectrum’s policy to return all calls and emails the same day.

Regards,

Jason GreenCommunity Manager

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The Beacon

Check us out on the web atwww.rivermistsa.com

Our community website is a treasure trove of information regarding community events. Regular updates are posted regarding the retaining wall repairs as well as other useful information. You can sign up to receive the electronic newsletter, email updates andalerts that are sent out by our talented webmaster. You can also now find us on Facebook. Just go on Facebook and type “Rivermist Homeowners Association” in the search box.

Sincerely,Your Board of Directors

The 3-Day Right to Cancel a PurchaseFrom the Texas Attorney General’s website Revised: https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/3day.shtml

Many consumers are under the impression that they have a 3-day right to cancel any and all consumer purchases. However, this is not true. The right to cancel law applies only to very specific situations.

The 3-day right to cancel law applies to sales made at facilities other than the seller’s place of business. Such locations may be the consumer’s residence and places rented on a temporary or short-term basis, such as hotel rooms or convention centers.

A “home solicitation transaction” takes place whenever a consumer purchases goods or services for more than $25 payable in cash or installments at a place other than the seller’s place of business. The place other than the seller’s place of business may be the consumer’s home, but it may also be a place that the merchant has rented on a temporary basis, such as a hotel room or convention center.

Door-to-door sales laws do not apply to certain transactions, such as:

Sales of insurance and farm equipment; Real estate purchases under $100; A sale where an attorney or broker assists in the transaction; Sales made pursuant to prior negotiations at the merchant’s

business establishment, where the sale is the result of those negotiations; and

Sales conducted entirely by mail or telephone, with no other contact between the buyer and seller.

Under Texas law, the door-to-door seller must advise you orally and in writing that you have a right to cancel the sale within three days. He or she must also give you a contract or receipt stating the date of the sale, the name and address of the merchant, and a statement of your right to cancel the contract which includes the address where

you send your cancellation notice.The contract or receipt and the notice of your right to

cancel must be in the same language as that principally used in the sales presentation. For example, if the buyer and the salesperson spoke in Spanish during the sale, the

contract must be in Spanish.Canceling a SaleIf the salesperson provided you with the right forms, to

cancel the sale you may simply sign the one titled “notice of cancellation,” date it, and mail it back to the seller. To

obtain a full refund, you must do this before midnight of the third business day after the sale. Keep a copy of the form.

If the salesperson did not provide a cancellation form, you may still cancel your contract. Because the seller violated the law by not providing the form, you have extra time. But remember, you must cancel in writing. Be sure to keep a copy of the contract and your letter notifying the seller of the cancellation. Of course, the sooner you do this, the better.

After you cancel, the seller has ten business days to refund your money, return any note you may have signed concerning the sale, and return any trade-in items. The seller of the goods must notify you within ten days whether he or she intends to retrieve the goods or abandon them. He or she may not require you to mail or ship the goods back.

If the seller fails to notify you of his or her intention to repossess the goods within twenty days after cancellation, you may not be forced to return the goods at a later date. You are not obligated to return goods to the seller until you have recovered either your money or your agreement to pay money. The seller must restore your property to its original condition if any “improvements” were made to it and you want it restored.

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The Beacon

Nominate Your Neighbor For The

“Good Neighbor” Award!!!

If you catch your neighbor doing something wonderful and think it deserves recognition in the Rivermist Beacon, email the Board of Directors and let us know. You can reach us by sending a short note to: hoa.bod@rivermistsa.com .

The Board of Directors has received reports of recent theft in the neighborhood so please take steps to protect your home, your valuables and your families.

• Lock your home, car, and garage doors• Set car and house alarms• Take valuables out of your car• Lock your windows• Park in your garage or driveway

And if a stranger comes to your door, do not open it but acknowledge them through the closed door and tell them you are not interested-per SAPD thieves don’t want to break into your house when you are home so make sure if you are that they know-if someone will not go away call 911

SAPD wants people to report suspicious activity so if you see something off call the non-emergency line at 207-SAPD and they will check it out. Remember «observe and report» - do not confront criminals-we don't want anyone hurt!!!

So everyone take care, look out for your neighbors and spread the word.

Sincerely,Your Board of Directors

5 Signs of a Mortgage Rescue Scam

From www.ftc.gov

• Promises to Stop a Foreclosure or Modify Your Loan • Guarantees Your Home Will be Saved • “97% Success Rate” • Requires Fees in Advance • Advises You to Stop Paying Your Mortgage Company

Looks, Sounds, and Seems Official... But Isn’tLook-alike companies are imitating legitimate lenders and

government agencies.

Bexar County, River Mist Homeowners Association, Inc.Change in Management Companies

Dear Homeowners,

As of November 1, 2011 Spectrum Association Management will begin managing our association. We are excited and pleased to announce this change. Be on the lookout for additional information you will receive shortly in the mail outlining some of their services and providing you with your registration information for their website.

Regards,Your Rivermist Board of Directors

Theft in the Neighborhood

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The BeaconCredit Repair: How to Help Yourself

Part 1 in the Rivermist credit series from www.ftc.gov

You see the advertisements in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet. You hear them on the radio. You get fliers in the mail, and maybe even calls offering credit repair services. They all make the same claims:

“Credit problems? No problem!”“We can remove bankruptcies, judgments,

liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever!”

“We can erase your bad credit — 100% guaranteed.”

“Create a new credit identity — legally.”The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says

do yourself a favor and save some money, too. Don’t believe these claims: they’re very likely signs of a scam. Indeed, attorneys at the nation’s consumer protection agency say they’ve never seen a legitimate credit repair operation making those claims. The fact is there’s no quick fix for creditworthiness. You can improve your credit report legitimately, but it takes time, a conscious effort, and sticking to a personal debt repayment plan.

Recognizing a Credit Repair ScamEveryday, companies target consumers

who have poor credit histories with promises to clean up their credit report so they can get a car loan, a home mortgage, insurance, or even a job once they pay them a fee for the service. The truth is, these companies can’t deliver an improved credit report for you using the tactics they promote. It’s illegal: No one can remove accurate negative information from your credit report. So after you pay them hundreds or thousands of dollars in fees, you’re left with the same credit report and someone else has your money.

If you see a credit repair offer, here’s how to tell if the company behind it is up to no good:

The company wants you to pay for credit repair services before they provide any services. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, credit repair companies cannot require you to pay until they have completed the services they have promised.

The company doesn’t tell you your rights and what you can do for yourself for free.

The company recommends that you do

not contact any of the three major national credit reporting companies directly.

The company tells you they can get rid of most or all the negative credit information in your credit report, even if that information is accurate and current.

The company suggests that you try to invent a “new” credit identity — and then, a new credit report — by applying for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number.

The company advises you to dispute all the information in your credit report, regardless of its accuracy or timeliness.

If you follow illegal advice and commit fraud, you may find yourself in legal hot water, too: It’s a federal crime to lie on a loan or credit application, to misrepresent your Social Security number, and to obtain an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service under false pretenses. You could be charged and prosecuted for mail or wire fraud if you use the mail, telephone, or Internet to apply for credit and provide false information.

Your Rights Regarding Credit RepairNo one can legally remove

accurate and timely negative information from a credit report. The law allows you to ask for an investigation of information in your file that you dispute as inaccurate or incomplete. There is no charge for this. Some people hire a company to investigate on their behalf, but anything a credit repair clinic can do legally, you can do for yourself at little or no cost. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA):

You’re entitled to a free report if a company takes “adverse action” against you, like denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment. You have to ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting company. You’re

also entitled to one free report a year if you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you’re on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identity theft.

Each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — is required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months, if you ask for it. The three companies have a central website, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address for consumers to order the free annual credit reports the government entitles them to. To order, click on www.annualcreditreport.com , or call 1-877-322-8228

You may order reports from each of the three consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can stagger your requests, ordering one from each company throughout the year from the central address. Don’t contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually or at another address because you may end up paying for a report that

you’re entitled to get for free. In fact, each consumer reporting

company may charge you up to $10.50 to purchase an additional copy of your report within a 12-month period.

It doesn’t cost anything to dispute mistakes or

outdated items on your credit report. Under the FCRA,

both the consumer reporting company and the information provider (that is, the person, company, or organization that provides information about you to a consumer reporting company) are responsible for correcting inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. To take advantage of all your rights under the FCRA, contact the consumer reporting company and the information provider.

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The Beacon

POSTMENOPAUSALBLEEDING COULD BE SIGNOF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

After a woman goes through menopause, it is not normal for her to start bleeding again, said a gynecologic oncologist at Baylor Col-lege of Medicine. Most postmenopausal bleeding is caused by the thinning of the cervix; however, in some cases bleeding is a sign of endometrial cancer and should not be ignored, said Dr. Concepcion R. Diaz-Arrastia, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at BCM.

When caught in the early stages, endometrial cancer can be cured, Diaz-Arrastia said. However, there are few symptoms and no screen-ing methods and often isn’t found until later stages. That’s why it is so important for women to be conscious of things that may be associated with the disease, like bleeding.

Endometrial cancer is the most common uterine cancer. It oc-curs in the endometrium or the lining of the uterus. More than 40,000 women are diagnosed with endometrial cancer every year in the United States. Women who are obese and/or have a history of irregular menstrual cycles have an increased chance of developing endometrial cancer, Diaz-Arrastia said. If you notice postmenopausal bleeding, contact your gynecologist and set up an appointment as soon as possible.

SYMPTOMS POINT TO DIABETESMaintaining a healthy weight, eating a low-fat diet and exercis-

ing regularly can help prevent the onset of diabetes and the many side affects of the disease, according to doctors at Baylor College of Medicine. Those with a higher risk of diabetes should also have their blood glucose levels screened regularly.

RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES INCLUDE:• Obesity• Sedentary lifestyle• Unhealthy eating habits• Family history and genetics• Increased age• High blood pressure and high cholesterol

A fasting glucose level of 70 to 100 mg/dL is considered normal, 100-125 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetes condition and 126 mg/dL or above indicates type 2 diabetes.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES INCLUDE:• Frequent urination• Excessive thirst• Increased hunger• Weight loss• Fatigue• Lack of interest and concentration• Blurred vision• Vomiting and stomach pain

HEALTH BRIEFSNovember 2011Taking Control

of your DiabetesImproving Self-Management

By: Concentra Urgent Care

According to the American Diabetes Associat ion (ADA), approximately 21 million Americans have diabetes , and more people are being diagnosed every year. Diabetes is associated with many health problems, disability and premature death. Knowing how you can improve your lifestyle to better control diabetes is the key to reducing related complications, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputations. Actions you can take include:•Monitor your blood sugar and take your prescribedmedications: By keeping track of your blood sugar, you can achieve better control of your diabetes. Always take your insulin or oral diabetes pills as prescribed by your health care provider.•Watchyourdietcarefully:Byeatingwell-balancedmealsinthe correct amounts, you can keep your blood glucose level as close to normal as possible. A dietician or books such as the ADA’s 101 Nutrition Tips for People with Diabetes can help.•Loseweight:TheADAstressesthatlosingevenasmallamountof weight can reduce your risk of complications from diabetes. A dietician can help you find ways to eat the foods you like while reducing your intake of calories.•Increasephysicalactivity:Apersonalhealthcoachcanhelpyou become more active. And it doesn’t mean that you have to go to the gym; it can mean walking around your house or working in your yard. Exercise helps improve your strength, flexibility, and endurance.•Sleepwellandreducestress:Gettingtheappropriateamountof rest and managing your stress will improve diabetes control.For more information about managing your diabetes, contact your health care provider, your Concentra health specialist, or you can visit the ADA’s Web site at: www.diabetes.org

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Congratulations October

Yard of the MonthWinners

12202 Ranchwell CoveThe Lauzon Family

8011 Agua DulceThe Edgehouse Family

10806 RiveraThe Benavides Family

Nominate Your Neighbors for the Yard of the Month!!!

If you see a great yard on your street and think it deserves recognition in the Rivermist Beacon, email the Board of Directors and let us know. You can reach us by sending a short note to: hoa.bod@rivermistsa.com .