GR8TR Today Magazine

Living a GR8TR Life Every Day

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Participate In Your Community By Joining a Board

People often do not realize that many local organizations have boards who meet regularly to help with organizational issues or keep track of the finance and operational goals.  Nearly all non profits have boards.  Schools all have boards. Communities have boards or councils.  Mental health organizations have boards. Large corporations have boards, but you might be surprised to find out that smaller companies and even startups have boards.

Qualifications are going to vary greatly based on the board and what the leader and the current board members are looking for, but you might be surprised to find you are just what they are looking for.  For example, a mental health board is not going to be made up of all psychologists usually.  Instead, they will often be made up of people in the community who care about mental health.  They will bring their varied talents to the table to help look at things from different perspectives.

Boards typically meet once a month but it could be more or less.  Some are paid positions, and many are voluntary.  Some voluntary positions do pay a small stipend to cover expenses.  At a minimum, they typically feed you at the meeting and it offers a chance to give back to the community and learn about a topic in more detail.  It also improves your skills and knowledge in the area.

Typically a board is either an elected position in the broad sense, such as needing to be on a ballot and get elected.  Think city councils and public school boards.  Other positions are typically by vote of existing board members.  One person might bring you in and if you and the board agree it is a good fit they vote and make you a member.

Board sizes can be from a small group of 5 or 6 up to a large group of 30 or more.  The larger the group the longer the meetings may go if everyone likes to talk and ask questions.

So how do you get on a board?

To begin, know what area you are interested in.  If it is entrepreneurship, you will want to try to get on a startup board.  If it is education, a school board.  If it is mental health, then a mental health board.

Next you can use Google and LinkedIn and find existing organizations that match your interest.  Look on their website and see if they list board members.  Call or email and inquiry about open board positions.  Ask if you can attend a board meeting.  Have your resume polished up and ready in case they ask for it.

And keep circling back around.  If a board is full when you contact them make sure they know you would like to be considered for a position in the future.  Then follow up regularly, maybe quarterly, to see if positions have opened up.

Unless you are very familiar with the industry and how boards operate, begin by listening a lot and asking questions after the meetings.  New visitors and board members sometimes try to do too much too soon, and it can be difficult.  The first six months or more will most likely be learning and absorbing all the stuff they are doing.

Being a board member in any community organization is very rewarding.  It can lead to new friends, new opportunities and a real sense of helping people.

 

Life Lessons Learned on the Tennis Court 


To say that I was a tennis player would be a stretch. Although I love the game and like to play when I can, in reality I spend more of my time as a spectator.

My son and husband are both passionate about tennis, so between watching professional tennis matches live and on TV or sitting on the sidelines during my son’s lessons and USTA matches, I have developed an appreciation for the intricacies of the game. 

The better educated I become, the more grateful I am for the lessons my son is learning that extend to his life on and off the court.

Here are some of the parallels you can draw to life:

Success takes an enormous amount of hard work

Succeeding at tennis, like all sports, takes focus and discipline. Players must be dedicated to their goals in order to achieve success. They discover that if they are willing to put in the time and effort, they will improve and succeed; and this lesson will carry over into their academic life and future careers.

It is not about how many times you fail, but how many times you get back up

In tennis you lose more than you win. At the end of the tournament, only one person goes home with the winning trophy. Players may have won many matches to get to the semifinals or finals; but in the end, without the trophy in hand, they are not completely satisfied with the result. 

It never ceases to amaze me how these young kids put themselves out there week after week. Even behind the glass watching the matches, you can feel the immense pressure. As parents watch the outcome of every point, you can hear a pin drop. Disappointed faces are hard to cover up when their child loses the point or match. Emotions seen on the court exhibit the players’ fear of not only letting themselves down but the people around them.

The lessons they learn from losing a match can be far greater than if they had won.  

  1. Losing a match isn’t the end of the world. Life goes on
  2. Appreciate the small victories even within the matches that were lost
  3. Failure is a temporary setback; continued practice and focus are required to achieve success
  4. Experiencing loss and the feelings that surround a loss, can make victory even sweeter. In life, we sometimes have to experience suffering to recognize real joy

Learn how to handle emotions and lose gracefully

We often see kids come off the court banging their racquets, yelling at themselves or their opponents. Most of them learn pretty quickly that this is poor sportsmanship. A good sport gives his or her opponent credit for the game they have played. Recognizing an inappropriate public display of emotions is part of being a good sport. A successful tennis player will use the loss as an opening to understand what they need to work on to become a better player.

We are all faced with defeat in our lives, and sports provide us the experiences for learning to handle defeat

You are accountable, and you are in charge of your own destiny

As an individual sport, the outcome of the match is solely your creation. There are no time limits in tennis. No matter how far behind you are, it is plausible that you can make a comeback and win the match. 

You control your own destiny on the court and in life

Belief in yourself and the power of the mind are critical to success

As important as conditioning to support the physical requirements of tennis, mental toughness is what can separate the top players. A momentary lapse in focus or confidence can change momentum quickly and cost you the match. In many instances, the winner is the player that could isolate himself from the distractions.

In life and on the court, always keep your eye on the ball

You can never be fully prepared for what life throws at you, but how you handle those moments can make all the difference

Tennis players are giving us a performance. However, unlike lines in a play that can be recited over and over until committed to memory, or a dance that when rehearsed enough allows the body to move to the music almost on its own, a tennis player cannot prepare for every shot that is going to come at them. The variations can be infinitesimal, dictated by speed, angles, topspin, backspin, flatter, higher, weather, and surface. No two shots are ever identical. The player has a split second to make a judgment on where they want to place the returning shot and how the body needs to be aligned in order to achieve that result. 

You can never fully prepare for life or a match. but critical decisions made at key points on the court or in our lives can determine the outcome

 I am happy that my son has found something for which to be so passionate. I am impressed with his dedication and commitment to the sport. The young USTA players deserve immense credit for their resilience. As a child, I don’t know if I could have handled that pressure or the range of emotions–or had the buoyancy to continually put myself out there.

No matter what role tennis ends up playing in my son’s life, I am confident the lessons he has learned on the court will help him to succeed in his journey of life.

Melissa Reagan Brunetti

Tennis Mom, Freelance Writer, Certified Nutritionist

http://embracebalancedhealth.com/

Summer Learning, Reinvented: How Outstanda Pays Students to Master Math, Science, and More

When most parents think of summer break, visions of sun, free time, and maybe a little screen overload come to mind. But a new nonprofit initiative is transforming summer into something much more impactful—and surprisingly motivating for kids.

Meet Outstanda STEM XP, a virtual summer program where students don’t just learn—they get paid to succeed.

Yes, you read that right.

In this innovative program for grades 2 through 8, students complete a four-week interdisciplinary curriculum covering math, reading, writing, and science. The twist? Every time they pass a weekly mastery assessment, they earn $25—up to $100 total.

“We wanted to combine project-based learning with real-world motivation,” says Ron McDaniel, Founder of Outstanda. “We believe students should be rewarded for effort and progress, not just showing up.”

The program is entirely online and designed to be flexible. Once enrolled, students get six weeks to complete four weeks of content. Each week includes a hands-on STEM project, vocabulary building, literacy tasks, and a short assessment that must be passed to unlock the reward.

And it’s not just for straight-A students.

“Some of our most engaged learners are those who’ve struggled in traditional classrooms,” says McDaniel. “When kids realize they can earn money by mastering concepts and apply what they’ve learned to something real – they become more invested. They see the value.”

While many summer programs focus on remediation or enrichment, Outstanda strikes a unique balance: it’s challenging, rewarding, and fun, but also accessible and affordable. Families can register directly through Outstanda.org, and early bird and multi-license discounts are available.

The program is gaining attention from homeschool networks, school districts, and parents looking for educational structure over the summer.

Why It Works

Outstanda STEM XP isn’t just a feel-good idea. It’s built on research showing that:

  • Immediate, meaningful rewards increase student engagement
  • Project-based learning improves retention and understanding
  • Flexible, self-paced programs can help close learning gaps

By blending those principles with a clear incentive, Outstanda delivers something rare: a summer program students actually want to finish.

 Registration Now Open

Outstanda is currently accepting registrations for multiple summer sessions. Visit Outstanda.org to learn more, view grade-level options, and download the program flyer.

Summer doesn’t have to be a learning slump—it can be a launchpad. And thanks to Outstanda, it might just be your child’s most rewarding summer yet.

Boost a Positive Mindset

There is nothing more frustrating than to be in a negative mood and have people tell you to be more positive. It is not just a switch you can flip. Imagine telling someone “Be more rich” or “Be more athletic” – it takes steady effort over time. Instead of telling you the one secret to being more positive, we have come up with 10 ways to improve your positive mindset.

  1. Get Physical – Doing more exercise is well known to improve your mood and boost positive thoughts. Once may not do the trick, make it a habit.
  2. Change Your Reading Habits – Where you are getting your news is going to affect your mood. If you are reading, listening or watching negative news all the time, you cannot also have positive thoughts. Reduce consumption or find a source with more happy topics.
  3. Change The Time You Spend With People – You will often here that you should get rid of negative relationships. But you cannot always do that. What you can do, at least, is lesson the impact they have on you by limiting time and interactions with people who bring you down.
  4. Swap In Positive Activities for Wasted Time – Neutral activities, like unwinding in front of the TV at night, can be turned into mood boosters by swapping that time for more active activities, such as hobbies, time with friends, learning a new language, etc.
  5. Get More Social – Speaking of friends, more social people are usually happier and live longer.
  6. Develop a Positive Mindset With Stoicism – Stoicism is a simple philosophy that helps you deal with daily challenges and focus on what you can control and reduce how much other things bother you. To get started, sign up for the Daily Stoic.
  7. Ask Your Significant Other To Support Your Effort To Improve – If you have a good relationship with someone you respect and can be honest with, work together to point out negative thoughts and comments and try to focus on more positive things. The buddy system will help you both reinforce a change in focus.
  8. Get Away From Electronics More – Be more aware of your surroundings, nature, people and things happening in the real world. This means less time with your nose pointed at a device. Time to think, away from online and email, will help you be more creative and more positive.
  9. Leave Work at Work – Do you have a stressful job? Practice leaving work at work. If you go home and discuss and think about problems at work every day, you need to practice leaving work at work OR find a new job that does not have negative consequences in your life outside of the hours you are paid.
  10. Clean Up Your Diet – Positive moods are difficult when you feel sluggish and you are out of shape. Eat cleaner, healthier food more often. Cook more. Then give yourself a cheat day to eat those bad things you miss. Your mood will lift with the accomplishment of disciplined better eating as well as the well-earned cheat day where you eat your old favorites.

Improve Your Relationship With Your Teen

I have always said the age of 7-12 is perfect. You can do all kinds of fun things with your kids, and they have not usually started the process of abandoning you in favor of their friends. As you hit the dreaded teenage years, you will most likely need to change and reconsider your relationship. It will gradually become more of a “team them” and your role can stay very positive if you see yourself as a coach, and less of an authoritarian parent.

Let’s explore some ideas on how to keep a positive relationship even while they start to break off and become their own person.

1. Set Goals Together

If you set clear goals that are THEIR goals, you can help them achieve things they want to achieve. This is going to be more of a symbiotic relationship versus trying to impose your goals for them on them.

2. Be Strict Where It Matters

As they get older, be strict when you need to be on things that align with their goals, but do not try to force less important things on them. For example, they are 16 and you still try to make them play an instrument they do not wish to play or get straight A’s when their goal is to go to a community college? Maybe B’s and giving up music are appropriate at this point. When they set the goals, it is easier to say you are just helping them achieve their goals.

3. Do Something With Them That They Enjoy

Find common interests and activities that are positive that they would still like to do with you. Maybe hiking, yoga, reading… the kind of things they would not easily do with their friends because it is not universally enjoyed by everyone. (Movies are just not going to be as fun with a parent, sorry)

4. Lean, Don’t Shove

Assuming you do not have any major issues that require forceful intervention, having a strategy of leaning on them, instead of shoving them in the direction you would like to go is very advantageous to maintaining a good relationship with your teen and helping them become good people.

  • Use positive reinforcement.
  • Assist when they need something oriented towards their goals.
  • Send them the occasional article that reinforces what they want to achieve.
  • Talk about the difficulties of adulthood and how certain things make life easier (better education, good job, health and fitness, etc.)
  • Watch the occasional great documentary with them.

5. Use Vanity, Greed and Pride

Lastly, try to pay attention to nature. At some point your kids will want to look good, have more money and feel good about themselves. Instead of just giving them what they want consider using these developing feelings as motivators for them to do more things themselves. This requires you to pay attention to what they find meaningful and lean on improving that area.

Of course, this article is for people who are lucky and do not have significant behavioral or addiction problems. If you have serious issues, get help. The sooner you address it the more likely to improve things and get back on track.

Preparing for a Home Inspection

Are you preparing to buy or sell a home? A professional home inspection is a critical step to identify potential issues and ensure that your home is in good condition for potential buyers or renters. But what areas of your home will a home inspector evaluate, and what issues should you address in advance? In a recently written Guide to Passing a Home Inspection, I explore the different areas of a home that a home inspector will typically examine, with a focus on the foundation and water in the basement.

The foundation and structure of a home provide support and stability, and a home inspector will evaluate the condition of the foundation and look for any signs of cracking, settling, or other damage. Water in the basement is also a common issue that can cause damage and affect the livability of a home. A home inspector will evaluate the basement’s drainage system and look for any signs of water intrusion, such as dampness, mold, or mildew.

In addition to the foundation and basement, a home inspector will evaluate other critical components of a home, such as the roof, electrical system, plumbing system, HVAC system, windows and doors, and exterior. By addressing any potential issues in these areas before the inspection takes place, you can avoid surprises and ensure that your home is in good condition for potential buyers or renters.

In the article, I provide more detail on each of these areas and the common issues that a home inspector will look for. I also offer tips for preparing your home for a home inspection, such as cleaning and decluttering your home, addressing any obvious issues, and providing the inspector with relevant documentation.

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a home inspection is an essential step in the process of buying or selling a home. By understanding the areas of your home that a home inspector will evaluate and taking steps to address any potential issues in advance, you can ensure that your home is safe, secure, and attractive for potential buyers or renters.

To learn more about the different areas of a home that a home inspector will evaluate, and to get tips for preparing your home for a home inspection, read the full article.

Buying a New Mattress – Where Do You Begin?

Keeping in mind that a mattress is a very personal item to buy for you and your spouse or partner, there are basic guidelines you need to be aware of before you choose the mattress that will give you comfort and won’t crush your finances.

  1. Research online – You need to find a couple of websites that can offer you information about the type of mattresses you are willing to buy. Not all mattresses are the same, and they offer a wide range of comforts that you may not need. We are providing the first website for you with tons of information that can be relied upon. http://bettersleep.org/mattress-education/, the other one is up to you and your preferences.
  2. Know your budget – How much are you willing to spend buying a mattress? There are mattresses that are only a few hundred dollars, and there are mattresses that can cost you 5K.  Which one do you really need?
  3. A want or a need? – Do you want a mattress because you saw a new one advertised, or because you bought a new bed? Or do you really need one because of back problems? When you find the answer to this question, you will find the right mattress for you.  There are mattresses that can help you alleviate some of the discomforts you may have during sleep and others are specifically designed to offer comfort to that particular area of your body. The price varies depending on the type of mattress you need so you need to choose with care.
  4. Ask your Doctor – Your physician may have a recommendation for you, or at the very least a suggestion as to the type of mattress you need.  After all, he knows the pains and discomforts you are experiencing.
  5. Online shopping for a mattress? – Many millennial do not think twice about shopping, paying bills or banking online.  For them, buying a mattress can be done as easily as clicking their mouse or pad, and companies know that.  If you are comfortable buying a mattress online, by all means, you can do it, but do it with care.  Learn about their return policy, warranty, shipping, discounts they may have, and other important information you need before committing to buying it.  Some companies are offering a trial period to try the mattress you want, take advantage of their offers especially if you are buying a big-ticket item.
  6. Go to a mattress store first – You do not need to buy the mattress online, you can visit a local store to try the mattresses they have, and make the decision then.  Some stores are willing to work with you if you have found a better price online.  Do not TRY the mattress by pushing your hand on it only, see how it feels when you lay down on it.
  7. Take your spouse or partner with you – If it’s a mattress for the two of you, you need to BOTH try the mattress.  What may be a comfort to him/her, it may not be for you.  This is an item where it matters to both of you. If you are buying the mattress for a child, take him/her with you, let them choose what they want.  Later on, they cannot complain about a decision they made.
  8. Mattress Care – If you bought a mattress and are happy with it, now it is time to truly take care of it.  Read all the instructions included in your mattress and enjoy your purchase.

Purchasing very personal items that are a few hundred or thousands of dollars can be a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, especially if it involves spouses or partners.  Making the right decision is not difficult because it is an item you both need. Enjoy your shopping and your sleep!

Choosing the Right Kind of Deck for Your Backyard

Backyard decks are an amazing space for grilling during the summer, and they enhance the appearance of your yard. However, there are different materials that are used to create decks, and thus, you should determine the best material for you. Choosing the most suitable material for your deck is more significant than the shape itself. In addition to different kinds of materials, the decks that are available differ in color, texture, installation, and cost. Below are the most common categories of materials used to make decks that you can choose from.

  1. Wood decks

Decks created from wood are strong and comfortable; however, you will have to put a lot of effort into maintaining it compared to other kinds of deck materials. Wood decks require annual cleaning and also re-cleaning some years. Despite these maintenance and cleaning activities, your wood deck is likely to experience breakdowns as a result of rotting, warping and splintering, especially older decks. Therefore, you should apply a colored protectant to your old deck so that it can last for more years.

There are three common types of wood that you can select from:

a) Pressure Treated wood

These are the least expensive deck woods; however, you should perform the installation process carefully because they contain dangerous chemicals. You can choose from many shades, and they last for a very long period of time.

b) Redwood and Cedar

These kinds of decks are very common because they contain a good visual appeal and resistance to bugs. Whereas they are soft and wear out quickly, they can last for many years with suitable maintenance.

c) IPE hardwood

This kind of deck wood is found in South America and does not wear out easily. It is costly, but it can last for more than 25 years.

While wood material for your deck is a good choice as you will save a lot of money, in the long run, it requires a lot of maintenance. Also, you will spend some money after a couple of years to clean your deck so that it can remain in good condition. You will find a lot of information that is available in the various ways to clean your wood deck.

Similarly, it is simple to build a wood deck using simple tools and hardware compared to composite and PVC decks that need advanced tools. Ensure that you choose certified wood for your deck so that you can be certain of high quality and durable deck for your backyard.  Also remember you are most likely required to have a building permit to add a deck to your [city1] home.

  1. Composite Decks

These types of decks are built using a combination of plastic and waste woods fibers that increase its resistance to rot. They have the same appearance as the wood decks, and you will simply choose your most preferred color. Generally, composite decks are more costly compared to wood decks but the advantage is they require little maintenance.

  1. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Decks

PVC decks are completely recyclable, and they do not rot. They are more expensive but resist fading. They are available in a wide range of colors.

When searching for the right deck, you should take into consideration the appearance and materials that you want. If you are interested in the appearance of a wood deck but still desire a low maintenance deck, then you should choose the composite deck. Composite decks do not shrink or split, and if you are interested in a colorful and durable deck, then your best choice is the vinyl deck.

Determine your purpose of the deck that you want so that you can easily pick the right material that will enhance the value of your home.

An outdoor deck is a big investment, and thus, you should begin by determining your budget and do your homework on the different types of decks that are available. Choose a deck material on the grounds of quality and affordability.

Additionally, make sure that you ask for a warranty for the materials that you will buy. In the case of maintenance, it is important that you read the specifications provided by your deck manufacturer so that you can determine if you can manage and be sure to pick a reliable builder.

6 Tips For Being A Better Parent To A Child In Sports


Seeing your child actively engaged in sporting activities and seeing them challenge and push themselves further is always a joy for parents. Children who actively engage in sports tend to be fitter, more goal oriented and more hardworking as compared to those who aren’t. During this time, the parents play a vital role in the development that children experience. While driving your kids to and from practice and attending their sporting events might seem like a norm, there are a few parents who go the extra mile, often resulting in an overbearing attitude. We have all heard the horror stories of parents who got so involved with their children’s sports that they went ahead and did something illegal and outrageous. Not going to that extreme is easy, but understanding the fine line between support and over-intrusiveness is important.

Here are some tips for being a supportive sports parent to your child:

1. Set Good Examples

Show your child the importance of having a good routine, eating right and enjoying what they do by doing it yourself. Always practice what you preach.

2. Ask Your Child For Their Opinion

One of the biggest mistakes that parents make when putting their children into sporting activities is not asking them what they want. Only let your child be a part of a team if they want to, and don’t push them for it if they don’t want to.

3. Make Your Child’s Interests A Priority

If your child says that they have certain interests, make those a priority and try to find ways to help inculcate them into their routine. Don’t dismiss that your child has since they can end up resenting you for it.

4. Focus On The Enjoyment

A lot of parents believe that winning is the main reason for their child being in a sporting team. The focus should be on enjoyment and not on winning alone.

5. Help Them Develop Their Skills

Parents can play a large role in the development of their child’s skills. If your child has an interest in a particular sport, find ways in which they can improve their skill in it like additional training camps or a better diet.

6. Be Open To Communication

Communication is key in any kind of relationship, and being open to communication with your child is important for sports parents. Listen to what your child has to say and let them know that they can come to you and talk to you about anything.

Kids, Don’t Try This At Home: 3 Home Repairs You Should Never Do Yourself

One of the greatest rewards of home ownership is the satisfaction that comes with rolling up your sleeves and tackling a few DIY projects around the house. But no matter how many YouTube videos you watch, there are some jobs that the average homeowner isn’t ready to tackle. Here are a few home repairs best left to the professionals.

#1. Electrical Work 
Electricity is our friend, and we’re all very grateful to have it in our homes, but let’s be honest; how much does the average person really know about electrical wiring and how it works. If not handled correctly, working with electricity can be very dangerous. The electrical outlets in homes carry enough electrical current to cause serious injuries and even death. In fact, electrocution is a leading cause of workplace fatalities. 

In addition to the risk of electrocution, faulty electrical work can also lead to house fires. For electricity to work safely in a home, the current must be very carefully controlled. When wires are not installed properly, it can lead to exposed or melted wires. These wires can lead to a short circuit and an increase in the risk of a costly, and dangerous, fire. Yikes! 

#2. Roofing Repairs 
Roof repairs are tricky and there’s no way of knowing that you did it wrong until it’s too late. Although it may look like laying shingles is easy, a roofing system is actually fairly intricate. A roof is made up of several layers and unless you are familiar with how those layers work together, its very easy to end up doing more damage. Improperly laid shingles can cause bigger leaks and, in some cases, void your warranty! 

Also roof repairs, as with electrical work, can be dangerous. Consider this, one third of all construction fatalities are caused by someone falling off a roof. And those are the professionals who know what they’re doing. If you’re on a roof and don’t feel a little nervous, you shouldn’t be on the roof. 

#3. Replacing Gas Appliances 
Gas leaks are no joke. Besides the obvious risk of explosion, exposure to natural gas can cause serious respiratory problems. Improperly installed gas appliances are a major cause of home gas leaks. The biggest problem with this project is that there is no margin for error. Everything has to be done right, from fitting the hoses to how carefully the appliance is moved back into place. 

So when it comes to home repairs put up your own fence, lay your paver stones, and change our the draw pulls; but leave the dangerous jobs to the professionals.