March 12, 2020
SPAAR Cares: providing protection against coronavirus/COVID-19
The Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® (SPAAR) has put together protocols to keep SPAAR members safe as we stay vigilant about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on our community and all those we serve.
 
To support SPAAR members and guests who visit the SPAAR offices, all visitors will find hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes and facial tissue available for use. In addition, SPAAR staff will be sanitizing all gathering spaces, including meeting and classroom space, more often than usual and before the start of each new gathering.
 
In a concerted effort to keep all members and guests safe, SPAAR asks that should you experience flu-like symptoms, persistent cough or similar, that you consider rescheduling your class or event.
 
NAR has put together a guide for REALTORS ® for use in their day-to-day business, including how to approach open houses, driving clients to showings and other workplace precautions. You can access the REALTORS® guide about coronavirus here .
 
SPAAR cares and values all its members and guests and cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for all. 
Note: as of March 12, all of the education and events in this newsletter will take place as scheduled. Should any classes or events be cancelled, SPAAR will provide notice to registered members as soon as possible and provide noticed via SPAAR's social media and newsletters. Contact SPAAR at spaar@spaar.com or call (651) 776-6000 if you have questions about schedule changes.
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 17, 1-2pm: SPAAR Toastmasters

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

April 10, 10am-12pm: Realist Tax Intro

April 10, 1-3pm: Comparative Market Analysis in NorthstarMLS
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
Interested to hear the industry issues that impact your business? Take part in this year's Housing Day at the Capitol .
SPAAR helps Blue Star Mothers support the troops
SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee is partnering with Blue Star Mothers of America to collect donations 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.

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.

Questions? Contact Joe at jmckinley@spaar.com or (651) 772-6344.
Not for Sale: members may purchase discounted tickets to the April 9 performance
Join SPAAR for a special performance of  Not for Sale , a World Premiere Drama, at History Theatre on Thursday, April 9 at 7:30pm. SPAAR hosts a wine and cheese reception with the playwrights at 6:30pm before the show.

Not for Sale  is set in the late 50s and early 60s and tells the story of Arnold Weigel, a rising star in the Twin Cities real estate business, who puts his career on the line when he begins to represent families of color as they attempt to buy homes in the all-white neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Tickets $10 each. Sorry, no refunds available. Prepaid tickets will be available for pick-up at SPAAR prior to April 9; prepaid tickets will also be available at Will Call at the History Theatre the evening of the performance. The History Theatre is located at 30 East 10th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101.

Sponsored by SPAAR and SPAAR’s Diversity Committee as part of its Fair Housing Month programming. Questions? Contact Joe McKinley: 651-772-6344 or jmckinley@spaar.com.
All members welcome: YPN session focuses on homeownership
Mark your calendar for this year's Cheers for Charity on April 22
Take part in this year's Cheers for Charity and enjoy a evening of great fun, food, libations and company and it's all for a great cause.

All of the event net proceeds will benefit REALTORS Charitable Foundation.

State of the City Addresses in March welcome attendees
SPAAR's Government Affairs wants to keep members in the know of upcoming State of the City Addresses and will post the information of these events within SPAAR's jurisdiction as they are known, including the following:

Northfield State of the City Address, March 16
The program will feature Mayor for a Day essay winners, Board Member & Commissioner Excellent Award recipient, Ethical Leadership Award recipient and other award recipients. As well as an updated on the City’s 2018-2020 Strategic Plan and core services.

South St. Paul State of the City Address, March 16
The updates will occur as an agenda item during the regular Council Meeting at South St. Paul City Hall, Council Chambers.

Dundas State of the City Address, March 18
Get an update on the State of the City for Dundas, the new developments and City plans for 2020. Meet members of the Dundas and Northfield business community and dine in one of the area's newest catering facility, Ruth's on Stafford.

Burnsville State of the City Address & Reception, March 18
Burnsville residents, business leaders and others interested in learning more about the current state of affairs and future of Burnsville are invited to the community’s annual State of the City Address.

Eagan State of the City Address, March 19
The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to hear from Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire as he presents his 2020 State of the City Address.
Take a swing to support Toys for Joy
Enjoy an afternoon of fun at Topgolf to support Toys for Joy for an afternoon of golf fun and lunch. Register here for the May 4 Golf for Toys event .
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 Learn 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!