Liability Insurance Coverage is Available Through AARST

InterContinental Insurance Brokers and American Safety Insurance Services have a Radon Insurance Program for AARST members. The program provides specialized coverage for radon professionals who meet the high standards of excellence established by AARST. AARST members who are either NEHA-NRPP certified or State Licensed are eligible for this package which includes coverage that for the first time protects mitigators from certain forms of roofing liability. Also packages may be purchase at extended terms to lock in rates for longer than one year. Contact Albert P. Everts, II, ARM - InterContinental Insurance Brokers, LLC, 175 Federal Street, Suite 725, Boston, MA 02110-2202; Phone: 617.443.1992 (Main Switchboard); 617.757.4013 (Direct Dial); Fax: 617.423.7853; E-mail: ale@iibweb.com

Key Radon Messages for the Press and Public:

Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer
* After smoking
* Class “A” carcinogen based on human data
* Surgeon general: former and current smokers at especially high risk
* Number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers
* Only way to treat lung cancer is to prevent it

Radon Health Risks are Preventable
* One of the most serious environmental health risks in the nation
* 1 in 15 homes may have high levels

High Risks to Smokers and Former Smokers
* Risks may be 10 times greater
* Non-smokers still at risk

Individual Action is Key
* It’s within your control to protect your family
* Test now – call 1-800-SOS-Radon

Easy to Test
* Test your home for radon
* Only way to know is to test
* Do-it-yourself kits cost below $25
* Most homes won’t have a problem
* Use a state certified testing lab

Homes with Problems Can Be Fixed
* Straight-forward Solutions
* Cost Similar to Other Home Repairs
* How Homes can be Built Radon-Resistant

What to Do If Your Home Has a Radon Problem
* Don’t panic; virtually all homes can be fixed
* Call 1-800-644-6999
* Use a state certified radon contractor to fix your home

Buying a Home
* Make sure your home has been tested for radon
* Ask your builder if radon-resistant features were built into your new home

Selling a Home
* Test your home prior to selling
* A radon problem does not have to complicate a home sale
* Radon problems do not decrease the value of a home

January is Radon Action Month!

January is National Radon Action Month - a time when individuals, states and other organizations join with EPA in stepping up activities and events to increase awareness about radon, promote testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon-resistant new construction.

As you firm up your own plans for organizing events in observance of National Radon Action Month in the coming weeks, please use EPA's Website to help promote your event. For example, you can post radon awards ceremonies, radon proclamation signing ceremonies, and other community events that are part of your radon outreach activities. The National Radon Action Month Website will also enable you to view other events around the country. With your active and timely participation, together, we can create a national map that promotes your specific event to the public, supports linkages among event organizers, and showcases our nationwide radon outreach efforts. Please submit your event and help make the most of this new feature on EPA's Website.

For information on Radon Action Month (January), go to www.epa.gov/radon/rnactionmonth.html .

To submit an event, go to http://www.epa.gov/radon/rnactionmonth.html#Share_Your_Activities .

You can also view activities in your state by going to the map directly at http://www.epa.gov/radon/rnactionmonth.html#Radon_Events_in_Your_Area . You can click on the drop-down for a specific state, or click on the map.

For more information, contact Gina Bowler (Special Assistant to the Director, Indoor Environments Division, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, US Environmental Protection Agency) at: 202-343-9206; fax: 202-343-2394, or E-mail: bowler.gina@epa.gov .

Return ballots for OARP Director positions by Saturday, January 06, 2007

The deadline to return ballots for OARP Director positions is Saturday, January 06, 2007. Ballots will be mailed by early December, 2006.

OARP General Membership Meeting: Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 6:30 PM

There will be an OARP General Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 6:30 PM at Spageddies Italian Kitchen (3873 Park Mill Run Drive, Hilliard, OH; 614-529-9455) for the purpose of announcing the results of the election for Directors (2007-2008 Term).

A Director's Meeting will follow to elect officers for 2007. We will also be planning the March CE Conference. Members and friends are invited. Please let Rich Spraggs know by Sunday, January 14 if you'll be attending (email or 937-773-9901).

Radon Continuing Education Conference: Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, October 14, 2006

8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Fawcett Center (the Clinton Room)

2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio

Sign-in begins at 8:00 AM. The featured presentation will by Alec Hagerty (ABR-M, C-CREC, CRB, DREI, SRES; R/E Broker, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant, Author; http://www.knowledgespongeseminars.com/) on the science of the DiSC program. This is a tool to determine what different personalities like and don't like, and how you deal with, and communicate successfully to the four different personalities. It's a fascinating and fun program suited to radon professionals and home inspectors, as they have to deal with a broad range of "personalities". This kind of program will open your eyes to some fascinating insights, including your own close personal relationships. DiSC profiles will help you reduce interpersonal conflict, improve customer service, build productive teams and organizations, and develop effective employees and managers. For nearly 30 years, DiSC's unique approach to learning, called DiSC Dimensions of Behavior, has unlocked the door to productive communication and relationships for over 40 million people.

Other presentations will be by Marybeth Rich (ODH Update), Dick Manning (AARST Update) and there will be a Roundtable Discussion.

The fee for the seminar is $75.00 per person (which includes the DiSC Workbook, morning and afternoon beverages, and light snacks).

Eight hours of radon continuing education credits will be granted.

Lunch (11:45 AM to 12:45 PM) will be on your own. There are numerous restaurants nearby (a map will be provided) and Oxley’s Restaurant within the Fawcett Center.

The Fawcett Center (2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210; 614-292-1342; http://www.fawcettcenter.com/) is situated just 15 minutes northwest of Port Columbus International Airport and within a 10-minute drive of downtown Columbus. From the East & Port Columbus International Airport: Take 670 West to State Route 315 North. Follow State Route 315 North to the Lane Avenue exit. Go East (a right turn) on Lane Avenue. Take Lane Avenue to Olentangy River Road (second traffic light). Turn North (a left turn) on to Olentangy River Road. The Fawcett Center is the first driveway on the East (right) side of Olentangy River Road. From the North: Take either I–71 or State Route 23 South to I–270 West. Take I–270 West to State Route 315 South. Follow State Route 315 South to the Lane Avenue exit. Go East (a left turn) on Lane Avenue. Take Lane Avenue to Olentangy River Road (second traffic light). Turn North (a left turn) on to Olentangy River Road. The Fawcett Center is the first driveway on the East (right) side of Olentangy River Road. From the South: Take either I–71 North to State Route 315 North, OR State Route 23 North to I–270 West to State Route 315 North. Follow State Route 315 North to the Lane Avenue exit. Go East (a right turn) on Lane Avenue. Take Lane Avenue to Olentangy River Road (second traffic light). Turn North (a left turn) on to Olentangy River Road. The Fawcett Center is the first driveway on the East (right) side of Olentangy River Road. From the West: Take I–70 East to State Route 315 North. Follow State Route 315 North to the Lane Avenue exit. Go east (a right turn) on Lane Avenue. Take Lane Avenue to Olentangy River Road (second traffic light). Turn North (a left turn) on to Olentangy River Road. The Fawcett Center is the first driveway on the East (right) side of Olentangy River Road.

If you have any questions, please email Rich or call 937-773-9901.

Mail your registration form with your check for $75.00 per person made out to OARP to Rich Spraggs, 1949 Beckert Drive, Piqua, OH 45356-4403. Seating is limited (preference will be given to OARP members). Registration forms and checks must be received by Monday, October 9, 2006! The OARP Federal ID number is 55-0884795. The fee for guests is $75.00 per person.

Dues Notice

OARP Dues are due for the period of July, 2006 to June, 2007. Send a check in the amount of $50 (made out to OARP) to Rich Spraggs, 1949 Beckert Drive, Piqua, OH 45356-4403.

Radon: it's a gas.
(April 22, 2006 CE Conference, Columbus, OH)

Spirited discussion over where to place a monitor.
(April 22, 2006 CE Conference, Columbus, OH)

Marybeth gives out her new email address.
(April 22, 2006 CE Conference, Columbus)

Radon Continuing Education Seminar

Saturday, April 22, 2006
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

8 Hours of Continuing Education Credits

Sponsored by the Ohio Association of Radon Professionals with the Ohio Department of Health.

246 North High Street in Downtown Columbus, Ohio.

We will be in the 4th Floor training rooms of the Ohio Department of Health. Check-in begins at 8:00 AM. You will need to check in at the front desk upon entering the building. This will involve signing in and getting your picture taken. Please allow time to do this so that you will be on time for the seminar beginning at 8:30 AM.

Presentations will be by Marybeth Rich, Dick Manning, Dan West, Gail Manning, and Rich Spraggs and will include topics on an ODH Update, Marketing and EPA Promotions, Successful Radon Company Business Practices, Radon Consulting Issues, an AARST Update, and a Roundtable Discussion.

Lunch (12:00-1:00 PM) will be on your own. The Nationwide Arena District starts at one block north and one block west of Chestnut and High Streets and has many restaurants. A map will be provided.

The fee for the seminar is $25.00 per person.

Directions from the north: Take I-71 South to I-670 West. When you get on 670, get over to the far left lane. Take the South Third Street exit (to your left) and follow the ramp around to your left and up over a bridge (do not take the High Street exit that will also be to your left). At the bottom of the ramp there is a light; this is Chestnut Street. If you turn right at this light and proceed to High Street, 246 North High Street will be on your left on the corner of Chestnut and High. However, Parking is available if you turn left and proceed to the end of the street. There is an old fire house (presently a museum) located at the end of Chestnut and on Fourth Street (you will be facing this building if you are stopped at the stoplight; it has red, white and blue bunting on its windows). Next to this museum (to the right), is a parking lot for $4.00 per day. You will need to turn left at the light, go right at the next light, turn right at the next street and enter that lot from behind the museum (the drive next to the Coffee shop). Fourth Street is a one way street so you need to “go around the block” to get into the parking lot. There is another place to park (a parking garage) that is on Chestnut Street closer to High Street. It is across the street from 35 East Chestnut Street. It is more money per day (at least $10.00, maybe more).

From the south: Take I-71 North to the Spring Street Exit. Take Spring Street west to Fourth Street and turn right. Off of Fourth Street is an entry to a parking lot about the middle of the lot (which is described above). It is next to the Fire House Museum. Try to park in that lot close to the museum since you will be walking down Chestnut Street (2 blocks) to High Street to get to ODH. Turn Left at Chestnut and High Streets to 246 North High Street.

If you have any questions, please email Rich at rspraggs at woh.rr.com (937-773-9901) or Marybeth Rich at Marybeth.Rich at odh.ohio.gov (614-466-0061).

Fill out your registration form and mail with your check for $25.00 made out to OARP to Rich Spraggs, 1949 Beckert Drive, Piqua, OH 45356-4403. Seating is limited; registration forms and checks must be received by Monday, April 17, 2006! The OARP Federal ID number is 55-0884795.

Schedule:

08:00 – 08:30 AM: Sign-in

08:30 – 08:40: Welcome and OARP Update (Rich Spraggs)

08:40 – 09:30: Ohio Department of Health Update (Marybeth Rich)

09:30 – 10:00: Successful Marketing Techniques Dick Manning)

10:00 – 10:15: Morning Break

10:15 – 12:00: Radon-resistant New Construction and Radon Company Successful Business Practices (Dan West)

12:00 – 01:00 PM: Lunch (on your own). The Nationwide Arena District starts at one block north and one block west of Chestnut and High Streets and has many restaurants. A map will be provided.

01:00 – 02:00: Radon Company Successful Business Practices - continued

02:00 – 02:30: Radon Consulting Issues (Gail Manning)

02:30 – 02:45: American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Update (Rich Spraggs)

02:45 – 03:00: Break

03:00 – 03:55: Roundtable Discussion

03:55 – 04:00: Closing and Distribution of Certificates

Annual Meeting

According to the OARP Bylaws, an Annual Meeting is required. The purpose of the meeting will be to confirm the election results for the Director positions. If there is not a quorum to conduct business, the Annual Meeting will be closed. Immediately following, there will be a meeting of the Directors. Anyone who attends the Annual Meeting is welcome to stay for the meeting of the Directors. Important: the entire agenda of the Annual Meeting will be to confirm the election results for the Director positions.

The meeting will be at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at Spageddies Italian Kitchen, 614-529-9455, 3873 Park Mill Run Drive, Hilliard, Ohio. From I-270 (at the west side of Columbus), exit at Cemetery Road (#13A) toward Arlington/Fishinger; turn right onto Fishinger Blvd.; turn right onto Park Mill Run Drive; Spageddies is on the right.

Call Rich at 937-773-9901 if you plan on attending.

Fall Conference, Dayton, October 01, 2005

Dave Kapturowski and Marybeth Rich: "pour me another one, Dave, I need the caffeine"

Fall Conference, 2005: "Radon in the News"

Lunch at the Fall Conference, 2005

Lunch at the Fall Conference, 2005 

Lunch at the Fall Conference, 2005 

"Radon in the News" 

Dave Kapurowski of RadonAway demonstrates fan-piping design 

Fall Conference, 2005

Kathleen Hanover, Tom Jessup, Christie Kirchmer