eNews
April 29, 2019
SPAAR offices will open late tomorrow, April 30, due to a staff training in the morning. SPAAR's Maplewood office will open at 10:30am and SPAAR's Coon Rapids office will open at 10:45am.
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Join in the gardening fun on May 2

Master Gardener? Like flowers? Definitely-not-a-green-thumb? All are welcome!
 
SPAAR's Community Engagement Committee is partnering with Lyngblomsten Care Center in Saint Paul to plant flowers this Thursday, May 2. SPAAR volunteers will be working with Lyngblomsten residents and staff to prepare planters and raised gardening beds for the growing season.
 
Volunteers will work from 1:30 to 4:30pm at Lyngblomsten located at 1415 Almond Avenue in Saint Paul. Questions? Contact SPAAR at 651-772-6344 or spaar@spaar.com.  
 
Register here for this fun volunteer opportunity. This event is rain or shine (rain will move the activity indoors) so hope to see you there! 
Take part in a Hmong Cultural Lunch and Learn on May 6
The Minneapolis Area REALTORS® (MAR) Global Business Council welcomes you to enjoy traditional Hmong cuisine as you learn about the Hmong culture in Minnesota. Through the voices of Hmong immigrants you'll hear about their journey to the US and especially into Minnesota. Learn about Hmong culture, traditions and stories, and understand the struggles of the Hmong community and how we, as REALTORS, can better prepare the Hmong clientele for a smoother transaction. Speakers will include Sophia Vuelo, Ramsey County Judge; Susan Kaying Pha, Brooklyn Park Council; Fong Fang, Cardinal Financial; and Shang Berg, REALTOR®.

The event takes place on Monday, May 6, from 11:30am to 1pm at the Tapestry Restaurant at 394 University Avenue in St. Paul. A buffet lunch is included with registration, which is $15.

Interested in attending? Contact Linda Stoeckicht of MAR at lindas@mplsrealtor.com by Wednesday, May 1.
Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
SPAARky says:
 
Be able to get away 
Don't allow your car to be parked in when you're showing a property. When possible, try and park in the street so you are able to drive away easily. 
 
We like hearing what tips SPAAR members have to share, too, such as:
Don't respond to emails requesting personal or private information such as passwords or financial information. Even if a message appears to be from your bank or a trusted vendor, reach out to ask as most credible companies will not request private information in this manner.
Learn how to bring a safety class to your office!
Did you know SPAAR offers the class Safety Matters? This one-hour class is approved for one Continuing Education credit, and can be presented at your office sales meeting. Inquire for more details by emailing spaar@spaar.com. Let's work together to make safety a top priority!
What is your #1 safety tip to share?

In keeping with the safety theme introduced in this newsletter, what is your #1 safety tip?

Share your safety tip and provide your name and email by sending an email to Jennifer at  
jkovacich@spaar.com.

We've had so many GREAT safety tips shared since SPAAR began its weekly focus on safety. Please share one of your tips if you haven't already (or send another)! It's great to learn from each other. THANK YOU to all who have submitted one or more safety tips. Keep them coming!
Nominations requested for the next SPAAR HERO
 
Each month, a member of SPAAR is recognized for their community involvement by being named SPAAR Hero. SPAAR Hero is coordinated by the Community Engagement Committee. Each month's SPAAR Hero is recognized in a news release, on social media and on SPAAR's website, and receives $250 for the nonprofit or cause they support. 
 
Know someone who should be recognized as a SPAAR Hero? To nominate a SPAAR Hero, please provide details of the nominee's community service and the name of the cause or organization they support to Joe McKinley at (651) 772-6344 or jmckinley@spaar.com.
Help stop opioid abuse!

Have you heard the radio ad featuring Chris Galler of Minnesota REALTORS®? There are ways that you can help to stop opioid abuse and urge people to safety dispose of unused medications. Remind clients to lock up their medications during any showings at their property. Learn more here.

Learn more facts and find a list of safe medication disposal sites here in Minnesota.
Member golf opportunities are on the horizon. Sign up today!
Sign up for Toys for Joy and the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation golf tournaments today!
SPAAR in the news
See SPAAR in the news? We'd love to know about it. Please let us know if you see articles in your local paper about SPAAR members, events or other news. You can send an email to jkovacich@spaar.com or mail to Jennifer Kovacich at SPAAR (325 Roselawn Ave E, St. Paul, MN  55117) or simply let us know the station or publication. Thank you!
Housing Market Statistics

Get up-to-date housing market information here. SPAAR provides four different types of reports so you can offer your clients the most accurate housing data available. Click below to see how the market is doing:
Local Market Updates
SPAAR welcomes its newest members
Welcome, new members! We look forward to working with you.
New Member
Organization
Taylor Bauer
 Source One Realty, LLC
Lisa Boerum
 eXp Realty
Melody Brekhus
 Coldwell Banker Burnet
Travis Connor
 Realty Group, Inc.
Judith Copeland
 People Realty, Inc.
Nicole Cullinan
 Space Crafting Photography
Timothy Hogan
 HIP Realty
Wendi Johnson
 Greater Midwest Realty
An Na Kim
 Edina Realty, Inc.
Rebecca Kovanda
 M/I Homes
Jennifer Ogbogu
 Realty Group, Inc.
Robert Shutan
 Coldwell Banker Burnet
Zackery Sterzinger
 Minnesota Premier Realty, Inc.
Richard Tobin, II
 eXp Realty
Ryan Washburn
 RE/MAX Results
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