38 - Sunday, June 7, 1992 ~ North Shore News HELP’S AT HAND HELP’S AT Hand, by North Shore Community Services (NSCS), is a forum for discussing government policies and = pro- grams, benefits, consumer and legal rights, taxation and public services, Answers are intended only as a yseneral guide and should not be applied to individual cases without further consultation. Question: Our family will be movicg this summer and we are considering ce different ways of transporting the contents of our house. We aren't sure if we will hire a moving company or rent a truck and do it ourselves. Can you tell us what to look for and what to avoid? Answer:it is wise of you to think carefuliy about your op- tions. The costs and risks involved in a move can vary depending on what you choose to do. Rental trucks and U-Haul trail- ers can be convenient and eco- nomical. For many people, it is the only cption. For this arrangement, phone around and check out the costs. Ask about mileage charges, drop-off costs and insurance. To rent a trailer or truck you will need to provide the company with an imprint of your credit card and your signature. This is common practice and shouldn’t alarm you, but do take _Steps to reduce the chance that unauthorized charges are made to your credit card. Be particularly alert when the condition of the vehicle and its mileage is being noted on the * rental contract. ; There are many .commercial movers available. It is advisable to shop around when using a moving company. SUMMER REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN Hire a reputable company and. if possible, get recommendations from friends who have recently moved. Don't he afraid to ask for references from the moving com- pany and follow them up. Written estimates are important to get. Keep in mind, however, that is is not uncommon for the final cost to exceed the quoted estimate. Unfortunately, some companies engage in “‘low-bailing’” — siving an estimate which they hope is lower than the competition so they get the contract. When the van arrives at the destination the driver could de- mand a much higher payment. If the full amount isn’t paid the cus- tomer is faced with having his or her furniture stored, at an addi- tional expense, until the bill is paid. The Motor Carrier Act, under which moving companies are regu- lated in British Columbia, ensures that as long as the customer is prepared to pay up to 10% more than the estimate, the moving company must unload and deliver the furniture. You do have {5 days to come up with the extra money. Beware of contracts that try to get you to waive the [5-day extension period. Make sure that you have ade- quate insurance coverage before the .goods are loaded, either through the mover or by checking coverage under your own policy. For general information on the laws protecting you as a mover and precautions to take, you can call Dial-a-Law at 687-4680 and ask to listen to tape number 86. This column is prepared. with financial assistance from the Notary Foundation. For more in- formation call NSCS at 985-7138. Registar by calling $37-P:LAY ordre by any recCentre. For Is, watch foryour Summor Leisure Guide, which Isinthe mail. Environmentalists fart Here Be a part of Canada’s original green movement — with kids, Sunday, June 21. You are invited to enter this year’s North Shors News Annual Sailing Race. This is a fun event, perfect for the whole family. The race begins at 10:00 a.m. off Dundarave Pier and officially ends at 3:00 p.m. with the finish line off Kitsilano Yacht Club. Mark your calendar twice, once on Thursday June 18, 7:30 p.m. for the Skippers’ Meeting, and again on June 21, for Race Day. . The Awards: Award plaques will be awarded in the categories listed below. All judging will be conducted by the Awards Committee during the race itself; there will be no inspection of vessels at the moorage. wi Gest Sribe Attempt @ Best Dispiay of Flags mi Best Decorated Boat @ Best Dressed Crew — Honourabie Mention — Henourable Mention # Sest Junior Pirate — Honouradle Mention -—— Honourable Mention wg Most Sporismanilike Attitude 35-44 feet Best Varnish and Paint (Vessel) 45 teet & over ta General Excelience of Presentation ms First to Finish - Media — Honourable Mention w@ First to Finish - Winner Overall im Sest Nautical Dressed Crew m@ Most Enthusiastic Sailing Club All plaques will be presented at the awards ceremonies. In case of a winning skipper not attending, an alternate winner will be chosen, where applicable. In) addition to the plaques, there will be inscribed medallions for each skipper and Salty Dog Certificate for all crew members. For more information: call Cheryt Carter at 604/985-2131 | ENTRY FORM | Skipper’s name w Youngest Crew Member w@ Oldest Crew Member w Oldest Boat @ First Across Stert Line wz Last Across Start Line © ® First to Finish — under 25 feet 25-29 feet 30-34 feet Address. (Dus.) a Vessel name Phone (res.). Vessel type Sail numbers or logo. Rig Length of deck Age oldest crew member. Postal Code +. Sy Hull color. Age youngest crew member. Media Sailing Club 1139 Lonsdale Ave., 9 “™Ponsoree North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 2H4