March 5, 2020
SPAAR offices will be closed the morning of Tuesday, March 10, for a staff training. The Saint Paul office will open at 10:30am and the Coon Rapids office will open at 11am. Sorry for any inconvenience.
SPAAR calendar
Looking for continuing education or networking opportunities? Check out all of SPAAR's upcoming events!

Check out what classes and events are currently available at SPAAR
SPAAR offers many free and ongoing classes and events to keep members updated, involved and in the know.
The following classes and opportunities are now available, or check out SPAAR's calendar to see more [note CE cancellation information below].

March 11, 1-3pm: Comparative Market Analysis in NorthstarMLS

March 23, 1-4pm: Beyond the Basics in NorthstarMLS

April 8, 9-11:30am: NAR Code of Ethics (C6)

April 8, 1-4pm: Residential Contracts: seller forms

April 9, 8:30am-12:30pm: Washington County Environmental Topics
Members signed up for free CE classes offered at SPAAR must cancel
at least 24 hours in advance; no-shows will be charged a $25 fee per class.
Members may cancel through the SPAAR member portal .
Registration for Housing Day at the Capitol is now open -- early bird fee available through March 9
Interested to hear the industry issues that impact your business? Take part in this year's Housing Day at the Capitol . Early bird registration is now open for $30 through Monday, March 9, using the coupon code SAVEEB.
SPAAR helps Blue Star Mothers support the troops
SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee is partnering with Blue Star Mothers of America to collect donation and there's still time to get involved!

SPAAR’s collection drive for Blue Star Mothers of America ends Friday, April 3. There is still time to collect items for We Care packages that will be sent to military troops serving active duty. Apple Valley American Legion Post #1776 supported this collection drive with a contribution of $1,000! A special thank you to Bill Tschohl for securing this generous donation. Special thanks to two offices hosting collection boxes: Counselor Realty in Arden Hills (pictured) and OEA Realty in Shoreview, which made the Blue Star Mothers its community partner for the month of March. 

Items to donate include snacks (granola bars, oatmeal, drink mix, single servings of coffee or tea, jerky and more; toiletries (deodorant, baby powder, unscented wipes and more); activities (note cards, colored pencils, adult color, puzzle books and more); and donations to help defray shipping costs are also welcome.

Questions? Contact Joe at jmckinley@spaar.com or (651) 772-6344.
City of Oakdale is now seeking public input for Bike and Pedestrian Plan
The City of Oakdale is now seeking public input to help update their Bike and Pedestrian Plan. City staff is seeking feedback on safety concerns, preferred bike and pedestrian routes, connection gaps issues and more. Read more about the City of Oakdale's Bike and Pedestrian Plan here.
NAR offers new cyber liability insurance member benefit
Malware, hacks and data loss are real threats in the real estate industry where high value transactions and sensitive customer information make real estate professionals a prime target for hackers.
NAR partnered with CyberPolicy® to create a customized and comprehensive cyber liability insurance program for REALTOR®-owned brokerages. Visit nar.realtor/cyberpolicy to learn about this member benefit available through the REALTOR Benefits® Program.
Learn about Mounds View's H2O Preservation Program
Check out SPAAR's calendar for the Mounds View H2O Preservation Programs on Thursday, April 2.
Join the Rice and Larpenteur Alliance
The Rice and Larpenteur Alliance is seeking individuals reflecting the diversity of people, businesses and organizations in the neighborhood to serve on the Rice and Larpenteur Advisory Group. The Alliance has some great momentum and exciting opportunities to make a positive difference now and for years to come. Learn more about the Rice and Larpenteur Advisory Group opportunity here .
Government Affairs community updates take place around St. Paul
Ford Site Community Meeting
Tuesday, March 10, 6pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S.
Ryan Companies is hosting a neighborhood meeting to update residents on the Ford Site development: This meeting will focus on the upcoming construction that will be beginning soon on the site. Ryan Companies will provide details about how they will be operating on the site, how they will access the site, and what residents can expect for construction activities over the spring and summer.

Ramsey Commissioner MatasCastillo Town Hall
Thursday, March 12, 5:30-7pm at the Rice Street Library
It's 2020, which means a new year of opportunities and challenges for Saint Paul and Ramsey County! We want to make sure we hear from everyone in the community about what's important to them and how we can advance our county and communities together. Event is free and open to the public. For questions, contact Ethan at ethan.osten@co.ramsey.mn.us or (651) 266-8378.

West 7th Neighborhood Meeting
Thursday, March 12, 6-7:30pm, Palace Community Center, 781 Palace Ave
These meetings are an opportunity to collaborate with friends and neighbors, discuss the issues important to you, and help me determine priorities for Councilmember Rebecca Noecker’s second term. For more information or to RSVP to your neighborhood's meeting please visit Facebook  
Limited tickets available to Home & Patio Show
Are you fluent in American Sign Language?
SPAAR is seeking volunteers fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) for an upcoming project. Can you help or know someone who fits this criteria? Please contact Joe McKinley, (651) 772-6344 or jmckinley@spaar.com .
VAREP hosts Lunch 'n Lunch on home loan education
The Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) is hosting a Lunch 'n Learn on the topic of home loan education. This free three hours of CE will be provided by the DVA St. Paul VA Regional Loan Center Training Team.

Register here for the VAREP Lunch 'n Learn on Wednesday, March 18, at SPAAR.
SPAAR is grateful to its premier sponsors
Connect with SPAAR!