May Newsletter

From the desk of Steve Wickland

By now, you've probably heard the surprising announcement

that the Ann Arbor News is shutting down after decades of

cranking out a daily newspaper. It was a pretty big shock to

us Ann Arborites. Well not to worry. For all the Ann Arbor

news-worthy events, real estate happenings and other items

of interest—check out my blog. I think you will find it both

entertaining and informative.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As many of you know, I recently moved my practice

to the Ann Arbor Keller Williams Market Center last November .

The KW

business model just made sense to me as a way to grow

my business and to better serve my clients. While other real

estate firms down-sized or closed offices in 2008,

Keller Williams actually added new market centers which

affirms my feelings ... this is the place for me to assist my cients achieve their real estate goals.

CONGRATULATIONS!

KELLER WILLIAMS is now the 3rd Largest Real Estate Company
in the United States with 72,794 Agents in 693 Offices.

Memorable Quotes

"The hardest thing to understand in the world is the income tax ."

Albert Einstein

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached,

don't adjust the goals ... adjust the action steps.“

Confusious

“The successful person makes a habit of doing what the
failing person doesn't like to do .”

Thomas Edison

“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose
and direction ."

John F Kennedy

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times."

Charles Dickens

www.WicklandGroup.com

Search 1,000s of Listings!

TIPS FOR A SAFE AND "GREEN" SPRING CLEANING

It's that time of year again ... Spring Cleaning Time! But before you break out the cleaning supplies, take a few minutes to make sure you know how to properly handle and dispose of household products so that you keep your family and our community safe.

Americans generate 1.6 million tons of waste each year from common household products with potentially hazardous ingredients. These products can include drain openers, oven cleaners, mold and mildew removers, paint thinners, strippers and rust removers. Leftovers of these products often referred to as "household hazardous waste" (HHW) may contain corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive ingredients.

Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these materials can pollute the environment or possibly harm your family. Many communities in the United States offer a variety of options for safely managing your HHW. Check with your local solid waste authority for collections in your area.

Here’s what you can do to keep yourself, your family and your environment safe during your Spring cleaning:

1. Read and follow the label – before you buy, always check the product labels. It is important to look for labeling that reads DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, TOXIC, CORROSIVE, FLAMMABLE or POISON. These warnings tell you if the product is harmful to you, your family or the environment and explain how to use, store, and dispose of it safely.

2. Keep products in their original containers - store them safely away from children and pets.

3. Dispose of products safely – never pour corrosive, toxic, flammable, or reactive household products down the sink, toilet, or bathtub drain unless the products are made for that purpose.

4. Try alternative products when available – for many everyday tasks, there are readily available products that can serve the same purpose, but that may be less harmful (and cheaper) alternatives. For example, mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water makes for an excellent glass cleaner.

- US EPA

If you are currently working with another Broker, please do not consider this a solicitation.

ARE YOUR EASTER EGGS SAFE?

While many families will color eggs this Easter for egg hunts or just for decoration, the following are some tips you should know for keeping your eggs safe.

Dyeing eggs: After hard boiling eggs, dye them and return them to the refrigerator within two hours. If eggs are to be eaten, remember to use a food-safe coloring. As with all foods, persons dyeing the eggs should wash their hands before handling the eggs.

Decorations: One Easter bread recipe is decorated with dyed, cooked eggs in the braided bread. After baking, serve bread within two hours or refrigerate and be sure to use within three to four days.

Blowing out eggshells: Because raw eggs may contain Salmonella, you must use caution when blowing out the contents to hollow out the shell for decorating. Use only eggs that have been kept refrigerated and are uncracked. To destroy bacteria that may be present on the surface of the egg, wash the it in hot water and then rinse in a solution of 1 teaspoon liquid chlorine bleach per half cup of water. After blowing out the egg, refrigerate the contents and use within two to four days.

Hunting Eggs: Hard-cooked eggs for an egg hunt must be prepared with care to prevent cracking the shells. If the shells crack, bacteria could contaminate the inside. Eggs should be hidden in places that are protected from dirt, pets, and other sources of bacteria. The total time for hiding and hunting eggs should not exceed two hours. The "found" eggs must be re-refrigerated and eaten within seven days of cooking.

-US Dept. of Agriculture

If you know of anyone who you think would be interested in this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to them. If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please reply to steve@WicklandGroup.com with Unsubscribe in the subject line.