Sunday Jazz at the Bird Viewing Preserve

Enjoy the Fall Weather with an Afternoon of Jazz

If you're seeking a relaxing way to spend your Sunday afternoon on October 15th, look no further than the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. The preserve, renowned for its natural beauty, will transform into a haven for jazz enthusiasts as it hosts an enchanting afternoon of live music. On this special day, you can unwind while listening to the captivating tunes of local jazz musicians and enjoy the breathtaking views that envelop the area. This wonderful event will be featuring two remarkable jazz acts, the Bill Zappia Trio and BEE.


The Bill Zappia Trio

Bill Zappia is a pianist whose musical journey has taken him from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music to performing with an array of renowned artists and in numerous Broadway shows. His versatility, creativity, and improvisational skills have earned him a place among the jazz greats. Bill has collaborated with notable musicians, such as Scott Henderson, Ann Hampton Callaway, and Eric Marienthal. His has also performed on the Broadway stage, including notable shows like "Mama Mia," "Hairspray," and "Hats."


Yolandus Douglas Jr., affectionately known as YL, is an extraordinary drummer who has shared the stage with pop legend Barry Manilow and performed at prestigious venues worldwide. His musical odyssey extends to motion pictures, television appearances, and theater performances, including "The Color Purple Broadway Musical." YL's impeccable rhythm and soulful beats have been listened to at numerous concerts and festivals. His long list of musical collaborations includes icons like Eartha Kitt, Joe Williams, and Shirley Caesar.


Derek Jones, a bassist recognized for his mastery of the electric, fretless, and double bass, will grace the event with his skills as well. As an educator, Derek combines real-world experience with academic theory to prepare aspiring musicians for professional careers. His list of collaborators is a testament to his exceptional skills, including artists like Jeff Coffin and Nickel Creek. Since 2004, Derek has also been the bassist for Cirque du Soleil's production of "KA" at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.


BEE: The Harmonious Collective

BEE, short for Boris, Eugeny, and Eric, represents a harmonious collective of jazz artists, each bringing their unique talents to the stage.

  • Boris Shapiro: With over two decades of experience mastering jazz, Boris is known for achieving results that others believed to be impossible. His passion for the genre is evident in every note he plays.
  • Eugene Shapiro: A jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader, Eugene holds a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies and has led the Shapiro Project for over two decades. His collaborations include sharing the stage with artists like Carl Fontana and Art Van Damme.
  • Eric Runquist: A highly accomplished bassist, Eric has been playing professionally since his teenage years. His early experience, including playing with Joe Williams at just 15, set the stage for a remarkable career marked by recordings, tours, and captivating live performances.


For a mere $20, you can secure your spot at this musical extravaganza by purchasing tickets through the City of Henderson's website, here. Whether you're an avid jazz enthusiast or just looking for a delightful way to spend your Sunday afternoon, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve promises an unforgettable experience filled with jazz harmonies and the serene beauty of nature. Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 15th, and come enjoy the magic of live jazz at the preserve.

Turn Extra Cash into Lasting Legacy: Help Your son/daughter Own a Home!

April 28, 2025
Helping Your Child Buy a Home: Smart Strategies with Tax Benefits  Many parents want to help their children buy a home, but doing so in a way that also provides financial and tax advantages is key. Here are a few strategies to consider when assisting your son or daughter with homeownership while maximizing tax benefits. 1. Gifting Money for a Down Payment The IRS allows individuals to gift up to $18,000 per recipient annually ($36,000 for married couples) without triggering a gift tax. If you stay within this limit, your child receives a down payment boost without tax consequences. 2. Loaning Money to Your Child Instead of gifting, you can lend money at the IRS’s Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), which is often lower than traditional mortgage rates. Structuring it as a formal loan allows your child to build equity while you may receive interest income. 3. Co-Signing or Co-Owning the Home Some parents choose to co-sign a mortgage or co-own the home. While this can help secure better loan terms, it also means shared financial responsibility. If you co-own, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on your tax return, depending on usage. 4. Buying the Home as an Investment Property If your child pays you rent, the home could be classified as an investment property. This allows you to deduct expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, and maintenance. However, rental income must be reported to the IRS. Final Thoughts Every financial situation is unique, and tax laws change. Consulting with a tax professional or estate planner ensures that your support aligns with your financial goals and tax strategy. Helping your child buy a home is a generous step—doing it wisely ensures benefits for both of you.

Using Our Screening Score Sheet for Rental Applications

April 21, 2025
When applying for one of our rental properties, we use a comprehensive screening score sheet to ensure all applicants are held to the same standard. The score sheet evaluates various aspects of your financial stability and rental history, helping the landlord make informed decisions while maintaining a fair and transparent process! Here’s a breakdown of how we assess your application utilizing the screening score sheet: 1. Length of Residency: While longer periods at previous residences typically suggest reliability and commitment, we understand that some applicants may be first-time renters. We welcome first-time renters, and on the screening score sheet, you can assign yourself a "1" under "Length of Residency" if this is your first rental experience! 2. Collections: We review any outstanding collections, including monthly utilities or bills, as well as loans (excluding medical bills). This helps us assess your overall financial responsibility. Your estimated monthly payment for all your loans, utilities and bills is also taken into consideration. 3. Rent-to-Income Ratio (per household): To ensure you can comfortably afford the rent, we require that your monthly income is at least 2.5 times the rent amount. This ratio helps us verify your ability to manage rent payments alongside other living expenses. 4. FICO Score: While there is no specific minimum FICO score, we do take it into account when evaluating your financial health. A higher score indicates a history of responsible credit management. 5. NSF/Late Payments & Landlord Disputes: We look into your rental history to ensure that there are no frequent NSF (non-sufficient funds) or late payments, and that there are no unresolved disputes with previous landlords. Please note that all application charges are non-refundable, and every occupant over the age of 18 must submit a separate application. Our scoring system ranges from 0 to 21, with 15 being the lowest acceptable score. All approvals or denials are ultimately decided by the property owner. We do not operate off a first come first serve basis, so if you are curious about the status of applications prior to applying, please don’t hesitate to call our office! By using our screening score sheet, we aim to create a rental environment where both tenants and property owners can thrive. This score sheet can be found on our site, under the Before You Apply Manual, as well as under “Rental Resources”.

Declutter and Earn: Join the Outdoor Swap Meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson!

April 16, 2025
Looking to declutter your home while making some extra cash? The outdoor swap meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson is the perfect opportunity! Whether you’re cleaning out your closets, clearing space in your garage, or finding a new home for gently used toys, books, and clothes, this event is your chance to turn those items into money. Each booth equals two parking spots, and registration is required at least one week in advance. All booths are assigned randomly, ensuring a fair and fun atmosphere for all. Remember, only second-hand items can be sold, so it’s a great way to recycle and give your items a second life. Event takes place April 19th & May 17th! The swap meet opens at 7am, so come early to shop! Admission is free for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families looking to find unique treasures. Ready to get started? Simply register on the City of Henderson website to secure your spot. It’s time to clean out, earn some extra cash, and find something new – don’t miss out on this exciting event at the Downtown Recreation Center!
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