Dream Factory Day proclaimed

The Adams County commissioners recently proclaimed Sept. 17 as Dream Factory Day in Adams County.

The Southern Ohio chapter of Dream Factory (SODF) celebrated its 15th year earlier this year. For the national organization, 2005 is its 25th year. The local volunteers organized with the help of a chapter in Wilmington. According to Deana Grooms, area coordinator, the chapter has completed 89 dreams since it organized in 1990.

Initially the volunteers did everything from car washes to a street carnival booth to raise funds. Since then, several corporations, Wal-Mart, Fifth Third Bank and General Electric, have become sponsors. They also receive memorial contributions and private donations. Dream Factory is a favorite charity of school children, Sunday school classes and Bible school groups.

SODF receives referrals for children ages three through 18. Dreams are granted to critically or chronically ill children, as determined by their own physician, but they don't have to be terminal. The referrals come from a variety of sources such as schools, family members and acquaintances.

There are more than 32 Dream Factory chapters across the nation. SODF traditionally serves Adams, Brown, Highland, Ross and Scioto counties and is operated by the following volunteers: Deana Grooms, president and area coordinator; Russ Grooms, president; Sharon Mack, secretary; Jenny Rogers, treasurer; Randy Mack, chapter representative to the national Dream Factory board in Louisville, Ky.; and Jim and Barb Brand of Winchester.

The volunteers of SODF meet every month. The next meeting will be held on Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. in Prather's IGA deli. New volunteers are welcome to attend. For more information, please call Deana Grooms at (937) 544-7137.

Anyone interested in helping Dream Factory may send contributions to the Southern Ohio Chapter of the Dream Factory, P.O. box 492, West Union, 45693.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.