Trees provide a variety of benefits, including improved air quality and making our communities beautiful! Happy Planting!

For those who lost power, we wanted to share some tips regarding proper food safety for the future…or if you know someone still without power:

1. A half-full freezer can last up to 24 hours without power. A full freezer will keep your food safe for up to 48 hours. Avoid opening the door as much as possible.

2. If unopened, a fridge will keep food safe for about four hours.

3. Dry ice and block ice are ideal for power outages. Fifty pounds of dry ice can hold a full freezer for almost two days!

For more information and tips to keep your food fresh, visit the following websites:

CDC

USDA

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We had the opportunity to hear Peter Franchot, the Comptroller of Maryland, speak on the economy of the state as well as his opinions and ideas for the housing industry.

We also listened to Jeff Shore, an expert in new homes sales training. Jeff stressed the importance of a positive, confident attitude and the enthusiasm necessary to establish a comfortable relationship with a potential home buyer. After listening to Jeff speak I believe all three of us left the seminar encouraged, inspired and motivated! I look forwarding to reading more of Jeff’s work as well as his newsletter that is available on his website.

Finally, it would be a disgrace if I didn’t mention our unbelievable lunch at one of the best deli’s in Maryland, Edmart.

Thank you Brooke for such a great learning experience and day!

-Bobbi

Maryland Comptroller

Myself, Melissa, Jeff Shore and Brooke

Edmart Deli corned beef

Photo Courtesy of EarthEasy.com

We may be more than half way through Summer but we still have plenty of hot days ahead of us.  Below you will find a few very important tips to help keep your yard healthy and happy on a warm day:

1. Do not over-water your lawn!   Grass reaches deep with its roots for moisture, so water about once a week.  Water heavily, about an inch or two, for best results.
2. Do not cut your grass short!  By giving your lawn an extra inch or so in length, your allowing the blades to shade your roots from the sun.  Healthy roots grow longer and stronger.
3. Do fertilize your grass every 2 months or so.  Healthy, fed grass produces thick, even blades that cool down the soil and maintain your grass even in hot weather.
4. Last but not least, the best time to water your lawn is early morning.  You have the best chance of avoiding evaporation at this time of day.

Combining the above tips will leave you with a healthy yard for the remainder of Summer and the hot beginning days of Fall!

Thanks to Eileen Jenkins, EMT and Trainer, we learned valuable emergency first aid skills including CPR. For example, to stop a nose-bleed, you hold your head down and squeeze your nostrils. Many thought the correct procedure was to tilt your head backwards (blood then drains down your throat – a no-no). Here’s another – 90% of bleeds can be stopped by applying consistent pressure. Eileen, you did a great job putting up with our not-always-on-task group.

Thanks, so much.

All of us at Kaine Homes

Melissa Blum, our energetic and creative New Home Sales Associate,  suggested that instead of our normal holiday gift exchange, we all pitch in and create “support supplies shipments” for several servicemen she knew stationed in the Middle East. This effort was strongly endorsed by all of us and made for a very meaningful Christmas experience.

We wish Jeff and Mike a very Merry Christmas and please return to us safefly and soon.

All of us here at Kaine Homes.

JEFF FONES

MIKE WILSON

ASSEMBING THE SHIPMENTS

The Calvert County Chapter of the League of Women Voters enjoyed a festive dinner and meeting at our new Model Homes in College Station. We’ve hosted previous League events and we always enjoy brainstorming with League members as to how we can bring sensible and needed affordable housing to Calvert County. I was also privileged to give a short talk on why our TRADITIONS project failed to gain traction due to the overwhelming anti-growth sentiment here in Calvert County.

Brooke Kaine

Read the letter:  http://www.traditionscalvert.com/pdf/CBF_Support_Letter.pdf