Up & Coming Weekly

18 UCW FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2010 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM If diamonds are the "… girl's best friend…" to your significant other, you may want to make sure you discuss how to protect that investment. Whether it's a ring, necklace, watch, bracelet or other jewelry item there are steps you should review with your insurance agent about what happens in the event of a loss to that pre- cious item. Losing an engagement ring or other expensive piece of jewelry can be a devastating experience for both the giver and receiver. While no one can put a price on sentimental value, insuring your jewelry will keep it financially pro- tected and provide peace of mind. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies include coverage for expensive personal belongings like jewelry, but many policies limit the dollar amount for theft so you may have to purchase an additional rider on the policy. It is always good practice to review your policy whenever you purchase new expensive items. The following tips will help protect your new treasure: • Let your agent know about new jewelry immediately. Find out how much coverage you have and if any additional coverage is needed. Most agencies call this process"scheduling" jewelry. • Some companies offer coverage for theft and mysterious disappearance. Ask your agent what types of loss will be covered for your particular item. • If the jewelry is an antique, was purchased several years ago or exceeds a cer- tain monetary amount it will need to be appraised for a dollar value. Ask your agent for the name of a reputable appraiser. • Newly purchased diamond jewelry often will include a card that gives the four C's — color, clarity, cut, and carat in addition to a photograph. Provide your agent a copy of this information and keep a copy for yourself. • Keep a copy of the store receipt for yourself and your agent and include it with your home inventory. • Take a picture of the item. Keeping a visual record of all of your personal pos- sessions will help you document your loss and speed up the claims process. • If you don't use the item on a regular basis you may want to consider keeping it in a safe deposit box. Ensure Your Jewelry Is Covered by RON DARDEN & BRYAN MIRANDA RON DARDEN & BRYAN MIRANDA Contributing Writers COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com A few simple steps can keep valuables protected. Are you interested in learning how to become an interpreter for the deaf? Did you know that you can attend Fayetteville Technical Community College while becom- ing adept at sign language being taught from the mountains of North Carolina? Have we com- pletely confused you now? Well, welcome to the land of the North Carolina Information Highway and a joint venture between Blue Ridge Community College's Interpreter Education Program and Fayetteville Technical Community College! There are more than 20,000 deaf individuals located just between the greater Fayetteville area and Lumberton alone. The need for more interpreters is obvious, but collegiate interpreter programs in this area are few. The Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) and FTCC partner- ship is just the right answer for you to graduate with an associate of applied science degree in Interpreter Education from Blue Ridge Community College — while staying right here at home in Fayetteville. How does the program work? Students take the two year degree program courses through a variety of methods: face to face, online and through the N. C. Information Highway. Through online learning, students will become acquainted with deaf culture, American Sign Language linguistics, and comparative cultures, while other general education courses may be taken face to face at FTCC or online. "How do I learn sign language online?" you may ask. The heart of the curriculum, becoming proficient in American Sign Language interpreting, occurs through the N. C. Information Highway room available on FTCC's main campus. There, students interact with the BRCC instructor and several other community college learners while "attending class" through the use of televisions, microphones and the N. C. Information Highway located in the FTCC classroom. If you think that this may be the program for you, contact Tina Royal at FTCC (royalc@faytechcc.edu or 910-678-0024) or Ann Condrey at BRCC (annc@blu- eridge.edu or 828-694-1874). New programs begin in the fall, but don't hesitate to begin now. The Information Highway will put you on the right road: The road to success. Learn American Sign Language at FTCC by BRENT MICHAELS The Pledge of Allegiance in American Sign Language 4145 Ferncreek Drive • www.pilatesoffayetteville.com • 910-484-2163 Pilates & Yoga O F F A Y E T T E V I L L E GIRLS NIGHT OUT - Wednesday, February 24 Join us for Pinot & Pilates on Wednesay, Feb. 24 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be FREE Pilates Classes, mini makeovers, jewelry, clothing, door prizes, wine, cheese and you! Call 484-2163 to make your reservation as space is limited. BRENT MICHAELS, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 editor@upandcomingweekly.com

• Cover