So, you're ready for your first snowmobile? It's not easy watching your buddies post pictures and videos on Facebook of their latest trip out to the mountains and not develop a want to try it out yourself too. There are a lot of options out there for snowmobiles. Choosing the right one to be your first sled can be a little intimidating.

So how does one choose the right snowmobile? There are a few questions to ask yourself:

What type of riding will you be doing?

Will you be pulling your fish house out to the middle of the lake? Cruising through powder on your way up the mountain? Is your dream to become the next 509 sponsored rider like Brett Turcotte, Chris Burandt, Cody Borchers, Riley Suhan or Nadine Overwater? Or will you just be putzing around your yard (doing donuts!), pulling your kids on the sled, making trips to the corner store when you don't want to shovel out your truck? You want to find the snowmobile that will best fit the type of riding you intend to do.

For absolute beginners, there are snowmobiles called entry-level snowmobiles.

These are often called trail models. These snowmobiles come equipped with engines ranging from 60-70 horsepower, are easy to ride and relatively inexpensive. They can be equipped with electric start for easy starting, as well as electric reverse for better maneuverability. These snowmobiles are very light and easy to handle and serve as a great way to ease into snowmobiling.

Performance snowmobiles, like performance automobiles, feature slightly higher horsepower engines. The engines generate 85 horsepower and up. These vehicles are slightly heavier than the entry-level vehicles due to engine size differentiation and additional weight related to suspension systems, shock absorbers and more. These vehicles are often equipped with reverse gear and electric start, and are much more responsive and performance oriented.

Touring snowmobiles feature a seat configuration that is designed for up to two individuals, and some features a backrest for added comfort. Touring models usually include side-mounted mirrors, larger windshields, reverse gear and electric start. These vehicles are larger and heavier than both performance and entry-level snowmobiles and are designed for riding long distances in comfort. The track length of a touring vehicle is also greater. This longer track length cushions your ride, adds stability for two people and provides more comfort and weight.

Mountain snowmobiles, made specifically for mountain riding, tend to be longer and narrower. The vehicle configuration allows for riding hillside in mountainous terrain and through heavy powder. The vehicles have specially designed long lug tracks, which allow them to maneuver through heavy, deep powder conditions. These vehicles generally have high horsepower engines, since horsepower is lost at higher elevations. The riding characteristics of a mountain snowmobile generally lend it to better handling abilities in mountain riding over trail riding.

How much are you willing to spend?

This will determine if you buy new or used. Buying a new sled will ensure you have a warranty in case you run into any issues. Keep in mind that you will also need to budget for other expenses in addition to the sled itself (sled accessories, riding gear, permit, insurance, fuel, etc.).

Pre-owned Snowmobiles at Precision Boats in Idaho Falls

Newer isn’t always better. Sometimes having a sled that is broken in will make for an easier ride your first time. If you have concerns about purchasing a used snowmobile, please give us a call or stop by to ask questions. We will always make sure your sled is good to go and be here for when you run into a tree and need us to fix it! We have the best snowmobile repair mechanics in this area. All of our technicians ride their sleds on the weekend and will know the best and fastest way to get you back riding on your snowmobile.

If you're ready to take the dive and want to start fresh, Precision Boats stocks the newest and latest models by Arctic Cat. Check out the brand new 2019 editions of Arctic Cat Snowmobiles here.

Do you have your license and permit?

Every snowmobile state and province requires that your snowmobile be properly licensed or registered. Licensing information is available through your state snowmobile association and through your local state natural resource office or highway department. Licensing requirements for driving a snowmobile vary from state to state and that information is available from your state snowmobile association.

It is always recommended that first-time riders attend a safety class, and also review the Safe Riders website for snowmobile tips and instructions that highlight the importance of snowmobile training.

Source: precision-performance.com

Many students rely on school buses to get them to and from school safely.

Did You Know: School buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road; they’re designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries; and in every state, stop-arm laws exist to protect children from other motorists.

If you are driving, remember these simple rules:

• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.
• Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop.

Parents - talk bus safety with your children:

Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Teach them to play it SAFE:

• Stay at least ten feet — five giant steps — away from the curb.
• Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
• Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
• Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.

Source: nhtsa.gov

Gas, food, rent- Like all else, there is no shortage of reasons your home insurance rates may have gone up, but the likely culprit in 2023 is the higher-than-average labor and construction costs due to inflation and expensive natural disasters. The same inflationary pressures that are driving up your grocery bill are now driving up your homeowner insurance rates as well. To put it simply; It is costing more and taking longer to repair your home, increasing the average cost per claim and ultimately the cost of homeowner’s insurance for everyone.

Inflation has reached its highest level in decades. Nationwide, the average cost of homeowner’s insurance has increased by 9% on top of a 12.6% increase in 2022. From worsening hurricane and wildfire seasons, the home insurance industry has experienced record-setting claim payouts and financial losses over the past few years. As a result, many insurance companies are increasing rates to pay for losses and to ensure they don’t go bankrupt after future climate disasters.

It isn't just homes at risk of hurricanes or wildfires that are paying more for insurance. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns all over the country, certain areas that insurers used to consider to be low risk are now viewed as the opposite, and homeowners in these areas may suddenly be seeing steep premium hikes as a result.

During this time especially, it’s important to know and understand the different factors that go into determining the cost of your insurance. Factors such as the age of your home, building material, square footage, coastal proximity, home security features and coverage limits, endorsements and discounts all play a contributing role.

As insurance agents, “Why did my homeowner’s insurance increase?” has been our most recently asked question. To help alleviate some of the premium increases we suggest the following:

1. Increase your deductible.
2. Install security devices.
3. Take advantage of discounts you qualify for
4. Avoid making small claims.

At Lallis & Higgins, we empathize and feel the pains of rising insurance costs - our families included. We want to help you understand the reasons behind rate increases, help you to save money whenever possible, while ensuring you are maintaining the proper coverage in the event of a claim. We are more than happy to review your homeowners’ coverage, discuss potential discounts and discuss any of your concerns. Working with Lallis & Higgins we promise to give you and your family the peace of mind that we can offer knowledgeable service, flexibility in our pricing and coverage, and are commited to helping the community.

We are honored to be your independent agent as well as maintaining your trust and support, especially during these times.

Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all.

Some warning signs of breast cancer are—

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.

Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer.

If you have any signs or symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away.

What Is a Normal Breast?

No breast is typical. What is normal for you may not be normal for another woman. Most women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven. The way your breasts look and feel can be affected by getting your period, having children, losing or gaining weight, and taking certain medications. Breasts also tend to change as you age.

What Do Lumps in My Breast Mean?

Many conditions can cause lumps in the breast, including cancer. But most breast lumps are caused by other medical conditions. Two common causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast condition and cysts. Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast.

Source:CDC.gov

Give wildlife a “brake” and lower your risk of hitting an animal

Wild animals are forced to cross roads and highways in search of food, water, cover and mates—placing them in the path of our speeding vehicles. Each year, there are roughly 1.5 million vehicle collisions just with deer on U.S. roadways.

How can I avoid hitting an animal with my car?

First and foremost, slow down! Keeping your speed in check gives you a better chance of stopping in time if an animal darts into the road.

• Follow speed limits. Many animals are hit simply because people drive too fast to avoid them. Taking it slow makes the roads safer for other drivers and pedestrians, too.
• Watch for wildlife in and near the road at dawn, dusk and in the first few hours after darkness. Keep in mind that where there is one animal, there are probably others—young animals following their mother or male animals pursuing a female.
• Be especially cautious on two-lane roads bordered by woods or fields, or where streams cross under roads. Most animal/vehicle collisions occur on these roads. Slow down to 45 mph or less.
• Scan the road as you drive, watching the edges for wildlife about to cross. This will also make you more aware of other hazards such as bicyclists, children at play and slow-moving vehicles.
• Don’t throw trash out car windows. Discarded food pollutes the environment and creates a hazard by attracting wildlife to the roads.
• Use your high beams whenever possible.
• Lower your dashboard lights slightly. You'll be more likely to see your headlights reflected in the eyes of animals in time to brake.

How can I help an injured animal?

Sometimes collisions are unavoidable, no matter how careful we are. Here's what to do if you hit an animal or come across an injured one.

• Do not put your own safety at risk. Unless you can move the animal from the road in absolute safety, do not attempt to do so. Use your hazard lights or emergency road flares to warn oncoming traffic of the injured animal. Never attempt to handle a large animal like a deer, or one that could give a serious bite, like a raccoon.
• Call someone with the proper training and equipment. When you need assistance, call the non-emergency number of the local police department (program the phone number into your cell phone right now so you have it when you need it) and describe the animal's location. Emphasize that the injured animal is a traffic hazard to help ensure that someone will come quickly. Stay in the area until help arrives.
• Use heavy gloves to protect yourself or avoid direct handling if you try to rescue a small animal yourself. Remember that the animal doesn't know you are trying to help and may bite or scratch in self-defense. An old towel is helpful if you need to move an injured animal.
• Gently coax or place the animal into a cardboard box and transport him/her to an animal shelter, wildlife rehabilitator or a receptive veterinarian. If there is a delay, keep the animal in a dark, warm, quiet place to minimize fear and stress.
• If you accidentally kill an animal, try to move the animal off the road—but only if you can do so in complete safety. Otherwise, report the location of the animal's body to the local police department, and it will arrange for removal. This will prevent scavengers from being attracted onto the road and eliminate a potential traffic hazard.

Source: humanesociety.org

Your car is your home away from home. Stay safe with the correct tools and gear to help you in a jam. Below is a list of Things to keep in your car:

Jumper cables

Don’t assume the person who stops to help will have cables. Or you may be called on to help someone else. This dead-battery remedy can be a whole lot faster than waiting for the garage guy you call—and cheaper too.

Car registration

Chances are it’s in your glove compartment, but maybe you removed it to prevent identity theft. Check your state’s laws, as you may be required to have it in your vehicle at all times.

Owner’s manual

Full of handy information if something suddenly goes awry, and when else do you need it but when you’re with your car?

Flashlight

As helpful for finding a contact lens as it is for changing a tire on a moonless night. Get a crank-style so that you don’t have to think about batteries.

Fire extinguisher

Again, this comes in handy for mishaps at home as well as any that happen in the car. There are automotive versions that don’t take up much room.

Multitool

Almost a toolbox in your hand, this nifty item is like a Swiss Army knife and then some, with a mini saw, scissors, wire cutters, screwdriver, bottle opener, and more.

Duct tape

Still a go-to for temporary fixes to hold that muffler or mirror in place till you get to the garage.

Emergency warning triangles

Unlike flares, they’re reusable. The bright orange is visible by day and the brilliant reflectors by night. They fold down flat when not in use, though we hope you’ll never need them.

Emergency escape tool

The two-in-one tool fits in the palm of your hand and can cut a seatbelt or break a window. It should come with twin hammerheads to shatter and then clear the glass. Keep it in your glove compartment.

First-aid kit

You might need more than that old adhesive bandage tucked in your wallet if you ding yourself while changing a tire or your kid scrapes a knee at the park. Get a kit from an organization like the Red Cross. It should have all the small necessities, including sterile gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, Band-Aids, and scissors.

• Disinfectant face wipes: Useful for sticky hands or faces or when you need to sanitize quickly. Also prevents having to break into the first-aid kit.
• Work gloves: Protect your hands when tugging at a tire or touching engine parts.
• Cellphone charger: Maybe you carry one all the time, but for those instances when you forget it, you’ll be glad for the backup.
• Paper maps: Cloudy skies, a remote location, even an accident that blocks the road can hinder the effectiveness of your GPS. A road atlas will do the job wherever you find yourself; at the very least, pick up maps for your immediate environs.
• Change of shoes: Sneakers or flats are a boon if you get stuck in a muddy environment or on your way home from a fancy party.
• Poncho: Besides keeping you dry during an unexpected rainstorm, you can use it to protect the seat from a damp passenger.
• Mylar blanket: Hey, this takes up hardly any space, so why not? Alternatively, you can keep an old comforter or a large bath towel in the trunk.
• Small money: A few small bills—two tens and a couple of fives—and a roll of quarters provide backup if you lose your wallet or discover you’re out of cash.
• Carpet remnant: For tire traction in extreme mud or snow.
• Paper products: Paper towels are good for cleaning up messy spills and such. A box of tissues gently takes care of the smaller stuff. While you’re at it, a small notepad and a pen are a good idea, in case you need to fix a note to the windshield (with that duct tape) or hand out a phone number.
• Plastic bags: Throw the used paper products in one, then dump them when you get home or to a rest stop. Also good for muddy shoes or a carsick passenger.
• Matches: Necessary at one time or another. They’re safer to tote and more dependable than a lighter. Stow in a plastic sandwich bag to maintain their effectiveness.
• Food and drink: Stock nonperishable, non-melting snacks like energy bars or dried fruit. Water bottles are fine in cool months but never in warm weather as heat causes the plastic to break down and release harmful elements into the water. Before you leave the driveway, place some bottles in the trunk in a small cooler with a few reusable ice packs.

Source: thisoldhouse.com

Review the following fall vehicle maintenance checklist to ensure your car is in tiptop shape!

1. Check your oil.

Oil keeps your engine happy, and the engine keeps your car running, so this one is very important! If your car is older, you will have a dipstick under the hood where you can manually check your oil levels. Some newer cars only allow you to check oil levels through the in-car computer, so you will have to reference your user manual if you’re not sure how to check your oil. If you’re oil levels are low, it’s important to make sure that you add more oil or take it a shop for an inspection.

2. Check your tire pressures & tread depth.

Making sure that your tires are in good shape is not only a way to save money by increasing your gas mileage, but tires in poor condition can also be a major safety issue. Over time, it’s not uncommon for tires to lose a bit of air, so if your tire pressures are low it may not be an immediate cause for concern. Give your tires a good visual inspection and make sure that the tire has no punctures. Check to make sure that the tire has a good amount of tread all around and that there are no uneven wear patterns on the tire. If you notice low-depth or uneven wear patterns, it might be time for a tire rotation, or perhaps a new set of tires.

3. Check the exterior lights and signals.

As the days get shorter, this one is especially important since you will most likely find yourself driving more at nighttime. Take some time to turn on your headlights, the high beams, and brake lights to ensure they are all working. Remember that if you notice your turn signal blinking quicker than normal, that this might mean that one of your lightbulbs is out.

4. Give your car a good car wash and wax.

The sunshine can be harsh on the exterior of your car! Giving your car a good car wash will help your car feel fresh again, it will also help remove things like sap, or magnesium chloride from the paint. Waxing the car will make sure that the exterior of your car stays in prime condition as long as possible.

5. Replace Windshield Wipers & Top Off Washer Fluid.

The sun can also cause windshield wipers to crack, which means you might not be able to count on them come our first big snow storm of the season. Replace your windshield wipers and top off your washer fluid to make sure your ready for winter. This is also a good time to give a good visual inspection to your windshield.

6. Check coolant and brake fluid levels.

The brake and coolant fluids might be a bit more challenging to check than just checking the oil, but they are both important. The coolant keeps your engine running at optimal temperatures, and brake fluids will ensure that your brakes are working effectively. A quick Google search or peek in your owner’s manual can help you find the specifics on checking these fluid levels in your car.

Your car is important, and winters can be unpredictable! Do these quick six maintenance checks, and you’ll be well on your way for a winter of safe driving.

Source: quicksetautoglass.com

Whether you’re dealing with rising gas prices or looking at ways to shrink your budget, now is a great time to reflect on your driving habits. You may be pleased to learn that you can improve your fuel efficiency with five simple steps.

Clear out the extra clutter

There are some items you should keep in your car, like an emergency kit. However, as little as 100 pounds can reduce your fuel efficiency. Clear out forgotten backpacks, sports equipment and extra books, and you’ll be amazed at how things add up. Don’t forget about the outside of your car, too. Remove excess add-ons that increase wind resistance and decrease fuel efficiency, such as:

• Roof racks
• Cargo boxes
• Bike racks

Rear-mounted cargo boxes are a better option if you need to haul additional items. At highway speeds, roof-mounted cargo boxes can reduce fuel economy by 6 to 17%, while their rear-mounted counterparts typically have a 1 to 5% impact.

Limit idling

You may have noticed that many late-model vehicles already feature the stop-start system. This allows cars to conserve fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the car comes to a stop. The engine automatically restarts when the brake is released.

Surprisingly, idling uses more fuel than restarting your car and gives off 80% more pollution than when your car is in motion. The next time you come to a stop and are waiting for someone, consider turning off your engine to save on fuel.

Keep your speed steady and within the speed limit

After reaching 45-50 mph, your car begins to lose fuel efficiency. And the faster you go, the worse it gets. It’s best to drive the speed limit and use cruise control when possible. Rapid acceleration and hard braking quickly eat up fuel, so avoid those actions whenever possible.

Check your tire pressure

When your tires are underinflated, fuel consumption can increase by as much as 3%. Plus, without proper tire inflation, you risk wearing down your treads more quickly. Check your owner’s manual or the tire wall for the correct PSI for your tires.

Perform regular maintenance

Filthy air filters, spark plugs and connections can all affect your fuel economy. When you follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your dealership, your vehicle will be more efficient and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Schedule regular tune-ups with your dealership to replace air filters, motor oil, tire rotations and more.

Now that you know five steps to improve your gas mileage, put them to work and reduce your trips to the gas station. Want to take fuel out of the equation altogether?

gmfinancial.com

Can you believe it is almost time to start school again? Here is a list of tips to help to be more prepared on the first day this year.

Instead of rolling in to school with no plan, we have compiled ten tips that will help to keep organized, create routines and support children to be their best at school.

1. Use a calendar

Your children will be better prepared for school when they can visually see when school will start again. A good idea is to hang a calendar in their room and let them mark off each day with a colorful pen until the new school year starts.

2. Start bedtime routines early

Children will need some time to get back to the sleeping pattern that they had before the summer holidays started. In order to make it easier for the kids to be awake early in the morning, parents can introduce the school sleep routine two weeks before school starts.

3. Back-to-school shopping

Pick a date to go school shopping with your children. This date should be set and organized some time in advance to have a relaxed shopping experience. Choosing their own school supplies, clothes, a backpack or lunchboxes will engage children to take part in the activity and may increase their excitement about going back to school and using all the new things.

4. Make the unknown environment more familiar

If your children are worried about the fact that they will start school in a new environment such as having a new classroom or being taught by a new teacher ask the school if you can go on a tour. Let your child see the new classroom and ask if it is possible to meet the new teachers. Going on a tour will help the kids to become more familiar with the new place. It is also a good idea to have a conversation with them about all the positive aspects at school such as their favorite subject and the activities they love at school.

5. Prepare lunchboxes and keep them easy

Studies show that pupils who have breakfast function better at school and have more energy. In advance, ask your children about healthy food that they like to take to school. Maybe your child likes particular fruits or vegetables which you can pack as well as a healthy sandwich. You can also have a look at the school’s cafeteria and see if it offers healthy snack options.

6. Find a ‘go-to-school friend’

If your child walks or takes the bus to school and there are other children in the neighborhood who go to the same school talk to the parents and ask them if the kids can walk or take the bus together. This way the kids will have more fun on their way to school and may share their worries and help each other to feel more comfortable going back to school.

7. Talk about homework

Children who understand the topics at school properly have more fun at school. Usually, good quality homework is key to understand topics and achieve good grades. Review the environment where your child does his or her homework: Is it quiet enough? Is there enough space? Besides the environment, it is also important to think about activities and Internet or TV usage. Do your children have enough time to do their homework and are they not distracted?

8. Deal with expectations

Older children will already have set themselves expectations they want to fulfill at school. Therefore, it is helpful to ask them what they expect about returning to school. It can help to read a story about children who go to school in order to start the conversation and to make it easier for kids to talk about their feelings. It is also important to ask kids if they have any questions or are unsure about anything. Let them know that other kids will be nervous as well and that teachers will help them to feel more comfortable.

9. Show them that you think about them

When getting lunch or a snack ready for school include a little note in the lunchbox to show your kids that you care and that you think about them during the day even if they are away.

10. Child care after school

A parent should be at home to help the kids to get ready for school in the morning and who supervise them when they return. If this is not possible talk to your children that it is important to follow rules and listen to the adult supervising them.

Source: novakdjokovicfoundation.org

Can you believe it is almost time to start school again? Here is a list of tips to help to be more prepared on the first day this year.

Going back to school after the long summer is always a time of excitement. While your children may be overly excited or even a little bit worried about new teachers, new subjects and meeting their friends, the days before starting school again are always busy and stressful. Instead of rolling in to school with no plan, we have compiled ten tips that will help to keep organized, create routines and support children to be their best at school.

1. Use a calendar

Your children will be better prepared for school when they can visually see when school will start again. A good idea is to hang a calendar in their room and let them mark off each day with a colorful pen until the new school year starts.

2. Start bedtime routines early

Children will need some time to get back to the sleeping pattern that they had before the summer holidays started. In order to make it easier for the kids to be awake early in the morning, parents can introduce the school sleep routine two weeks before school starts.

3. Back-to-school shopping

Pick a date to go school shopping with your children. This date should be set and organized some time in advance to have a relaxed shopping experience. Choosing their own school supplies, clothes, a backpack or lunchboxes will engage children to take part in the activity and may increase their excitement about going back to school and using all the new things.

4. Make the unknown environment more familiar

If your children are worried about the fact that they will start school in a new environment such as having a new classroom or being taught by a new teacher ask the school if you can go on a tour. Let your child see the new classroom and ask if it is possible to meet the new teachers. Going on a tour will help the kids to become more familiar with the new place. It is also a good idea to have a conversation with them about all the positive aspects at school such as their favorite subject and the activities they love at school.

5. Prepare lunchboxes and keep them easy

Studies show that pupils who have breakfast function better at school and have more energy. In advance, ask your children about healthy food that they like to take to school. Maybe your child likes particular fruits or vegetables which you can pack as well as a healthy sandwich. You can also have a look at the school’s cafeteria and see if it offers healthy snack options.

6. Find a ‘go-to-school friend’

If your child walks or takes the bus to school and there are other children in the neighborhood who go to the same school talk to the parents and ask them if the kids can walk or take the bus together. This way the kids will have more fun on their way to school and may share their worries and help each other to feel more comfortable going back to school.

7. Talk about homework

Children who understand the topics at school properly have more fun at school. Usually, good quality homework is key to understand topics and achieve good grades. Review the environment where your child does his or her homework: Is it quiet enough? Is there enough space? Besides the environment, it is also important to think about activities and Internet or TV usage. Do your children have enough time to do their homework and are they not distracted?

8. Deal with expectations

Older children will already have set themselves expectations they want to fulfill at school. Therefore, it is helpful to ask them what they expect about returning to school. It can help to read a story about children who go to school in order to start the conversation and to make it easier for kids to talk about their feelings. It is also important to ask kids if they have any questions or are unsure about anything. Let them know that other kids will be nervous as well and that teachers will help them to feel more comfortable.

9. Show them that you think about them

When getting lunch or a snack ready for school include a little note in the lunchbox to show your kids that you care and that you think about them during the day even if they are away.

10. Child care after school

A parent should be at home to help the kids to get ready for school in the morning and who supervise them when they return. If this is not possible talk to your children that it is important to follow rules and listen to the adult supervising them.

Source: novakdjokovicfoundation.org