Maui Real Estate

Yet another company in Maui is downsizing, but the news is not too bad, considering that all the office furniture will not end up in the landfill, but in countless Public School classrooms participating in the Realtors Wishing Well for Maui Students.

The Program was created by last year's President of the Realtors Association of Maui, who asked all Maui Public Schools Principals to provide her with a Wish List of things, big and small, needed in their schools. Then, she asked Realtors to step up and volunteer as coordinators for all the schools. Vivian Franco, Realtor with Prudential Locations Maui, is one of the two coordinators for Kamali'i Elementary School.

Since its beginning, the Wishing Well has coordinated donations of money, volunteer work, furniture and school suplies valued at more than $250,000. There are still many needs, and people can see a complete list of "Wishes" at www.ilovemauischools.com

So, if you know anyone who is remodeling, moving or even downsizing, and would like to donate some items, tell them to contact the Wishing Well by e-mailing Vivian at alohafromvivian@aol.com, or the Wishing Well at lacy@ramaui.com

The Program has a very efficient communication system by which all coordinators are immediately contacted by e-mail. In turn, coordinators contact the schools, and, within hours, all items are picked up and distributed with the participation of hundreds of volunteer

The popular book "The Secret" has given many people hope that things can get better  just by thinking positively. That's a good thing, except that it may lead some people to believe that something that "looks too good to be true" might actually be true.

This has led many scam artists to prey on wishfully thinking readers of "The Secret." Imagine you start thinking positively that you are going to get some money you were not expecting. Next thing you know, you get a letter or e-mail saying that you just won the Spanish lottery, or that a distant relative has made you the sole receipient of a large sum of money. And some people might react by exclaiming: "The Secret actually works!"

So, be careful, and make sure your friend and relatives are careful too. There's nothing wrong with thinking positively, and putting all your energy in achieving something you really want. And sometimes, great things happen just by chance. But, most of the time, positive thinking must be accompanied by positive action to get the things you want.

So, beware of scam artists ready to prey on peoples wishful thinking. If in doubt, do your research. Normally, if you just Google "Spanish Lottery Scam" (or any other name followed by the word "Scam"), you'll surely find lots of people who have been prey to the same scam.

 

Vivian Franco, Realtor (S), Prudential Locations Maui, HI