coconut point press may - june 2009

According to the media, Lee County’s real estate market is still on shaky ground. But real estate agents in the area see a very dif-ferent picture.

“Economists love to generalize. But the truth is, it’s not that easy,” says Michael Burke, a luxury real estate professional specializing in Lee and Collier Counties. “In many neighborhoods, the real estate market is actually improv-ing, but when you lump them all together the few that aren’t do-ing well just drag the numbers down.”

A perfect example of this phenom-enon at work is the oft-repeated reports of Lee County’s high foreclosure rate. In reality, a high percentage of the foreclosures are occurring in a few specific

neighborhoods – Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres are two of the main ones – while other neighborhoods are doing just fine. Therefore try-ing to combine all of the neigh-borhoods in one statistic makes it difficult for potential buyers and sellers to get an accurate read on the local real estate market.

“In Southwest Florida, every gated community stands on its own,” Burke says. “Whether you are buying or selling it is critical to work with a professional agent that has a knowledge of that local market.”

The statistics for Naples, Bonita, and Estero alone show a decided upward trend. So far the number of pending and closed sales have increased every month in 2009. In addition, sales are up consid-

erably over 2008, and the gap is widening all of the time: For example, closed sales in January 2009 were up only 2 percent over January 2008, yet by March 2009 closed sales had increased 17 per-cent over the previous year.

Interestingly, although the num-ber of listings is still at a level considerably lower than previous

years, they are starting to bounce back – for instance, nearly 2,500 homes were listed in March, up from 2,172 listed in February. “The increases in the number of listings from month to month, while small, are important be-cause they demonstrate that sell-ers are beginning to trust the local real estate market again,” Burke says.

Even more important, particu-larly to buyers, is that the average price has yet to follow the other statistics back up. For example, in March 2008 the average price for homes in Napes, Bonita, and Estero was around $600,000. By March 2009 it had dropped to about $360,000.

“The drop in average sales price is good for buyers because it

means they can get a great home for an even better price,” Burke said. “It’s also good for sellers because low prices tend to draw out more potential buyers, and if a seller is smart enough to price their property competitively, they will be able to sell it quickly.”

These factors have contributed to a local real estate market that is not nearly as bad as some econo-mists claim. “It’s not all doom and gloom here, like some of the general statistics would have you think,” Burke said. “In fact, most neighborhoods are doing well, and any real estate agent experi-enced with the area will be able to tell you which ones to avoid.”

D. Michael Burke, p.a.Bonita Springs/Estero/Naples

Luxury Real Estate Expert

H.4114 Beautiful 4 bed+den, 4.5 bath, 3474 under air, 4195 total sf, w/stunning European flair throughout in this 2 story home w/loft, dramatic rod iron/wood curve staircase & master suite on the first floor. Hardwood flooring, crown molding, built-ins, granite in all baths, kitchen & master suite on the first floor. Gourmet kitchen, stainless steel & paneled built-in appliances, gas cook top, French style cabinet’s w/crown. Gorgeous views to the fam-ily room w/wall to wall double French doors leading to the paver patio w/floor to ceiling curtains surrounding, built-in custom gas heated pool/spa all surrounded w/rod iron fence, beautiful tran-quil views of the 18th tee & lush landscaping beyond. Offered at $1,250,000. Call Michael 239-777-0473

H.4115 Fantastic open floor plan, 3 bed+den, 3.5 bath, 3-car ga-rage 3431 under air, 5147 total sf, w/windows across the entire back of this home built by HCH, offering beautiful views of golf course, landscaping & lake beyond. Impressive hand forged iron front door, 20x20 tile, faux paint, designer window treatments, crown molding, tray ceilings, custom-built-ins, granite counter-tops in all baths & kitchen. Gourmet kitchen, maple cabinets w/crown molding, built-in stainless & paneled appliances, gas heated cook top. Custom built-in entertainment center in fam-ily room w/custom bar w/granite, sliders leading to paver lanai, w/fabulous custom waterfall on one side & fireplace, outside kitchen, gas heated built-in pool/spa on the other. Plus more in-credible features throughout, must see! Offered at $1,299,000. Call Michael 239-777-0473

offered by: D. MIChAEL BuRkE, P.A., REALTOR®

healty Living ....................................2Cook ............................................3, 10Travel ................................................4Money Matters ..................................6Get Puzzled .......................................7Feature homes .......................5, 8 & 9In and Out ....................................... 11

Feature Columnist .......................... 12Calendar of Events ......................... 13Important Numbers .........................13Monthly Market Reports ..................13Problem Solving ..............................14Relatively Speaking ........................15

EstEro | Bonita springs | naplEs

.com

May / June 2009

To have Your Home Featured In the Next IssueCall D. Michael Burke, P.A. 239.777.0473

Website owned and maintained by Michael Burke of John R. Wood REALTORS, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

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www.CoconutPointRealEstate.com

John R. Woods Realtors26269 South Tamiami TrailBonita Springs, FL 34134

Sweet Bay at Shadow Wood at The Brooks, Bonita SpringsSweet Bay at Shadow Wood at The Brooks, Bonita Springs

Woodsedge at Shadow Wood at The Brooks, Bonita SpringsWoodsedge at Shadow Wood at The Brooks, Bonita Springs

Big Picture Holds Little Truth for Local MarketsBy Katharine Swan

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FEATURED PROPERTIES

2 | May | June 2009

The Publisher, Maximum Impact Publishing is inde-pendently owned and operated and is not affiliated with any real estate association, board or company. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers. The Publisher regrets any inaccuracies contained herein, but accepts no liability for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the advertisement in which the error occurred. Errors must be brought to the newspaper immediately and before any subse-quent insertion of the advertisement. We reserve the right to restrict all ads to their proper classifications and to edit or reject any copy.

Toll Free Phone/Fax1-888-431-9444

[email protected]

(NUI) - Grandmothers might say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stom-ach, but many North American dads should be paying attention to another old saying - the one about eating an apple a day. The experts at the Weight-control Information Network (WIN) want to make sure every dad is feeling jubilant and healthy this Fa-ther’s Day and for many more to follow.So, what can dad do to stay healthy? Get-ting active can help men maintain a healthy

weight. Couch potatoes should start with a level of activity that feels doable and then gradually increase frequency, duration and intensity of their workouts. For example, a person could start out walking 10 minutes a day the first week, then move up to 15 minutes the next week, until he meets his goal.Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, weight training and swimming for fun. Chores, walking up stairs and play-

ing with the kids count as healthy physical activities, too.Of course, even with exercise, men need to watch what they eat. A healthy diet includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats and seafood, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. And even healthy foods need to be eaten in sensible amounts.Consider the following information about portion sizes from WIN:Cereal. One cup or the size of a fist.Fruit. One medium fruit equals a baseball in size. One-half cup of fresh fruit looks like half a baseball.Ice cream. Aim for half a cup, about the size of half of a baseball.Lean meats and seafood. Three ounces of lean meat are about the size of a deck of cardsLow-fat or fat-free cheese. Picture four stacked dice - that’s about the size of one and a half ounces cheese.Rice, pasta or potatoes. One-half cup, about the size of half a baseball.Men whose waists measure more than 40 inches face an increased risk of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, coronary heart disease and some types of cancer. Men are more likely than women to carry extra weight around their stomach, where it may cause more problems than fat located else-where in the body.

5 Cool Tips to Beat the Summer Heat(NC)—Protecting oneself from the sun’s rays and heat can be daunting. Here are the latest tips on staying cool when the heat hits:1. Wear a fabric that wicks moisture away from the body: such as Brooks active wear with HVAC, a new thermo- regulating technology.2. Choose a hat that has a thick weave, ismadeofthickfibersandisresilient: Tilley Hats have a UPF of 50+, the maximum rating. For children, look for Please Mum’s UV protectant hat with backflap.3. Drink eight glasses of water each day to stay hydrated: Try natural artesian Fiji Water which has naturally occurring electrolytesandamineral-richprofile for optimal health.4. Look for the latest sunscreen ingredients: Tinosorb, a new ultra-violet light-blocking ingredient and the L’Oreal patented molecule Mexoryl, which protects skin from short-range UVA. Sure to do the trick is Vital Sun Protection from Kiehl’s Since 1851.5. Protect eyes with sunglass lenses that offer 99 - 100 percent UV and UVB protection: Look for lenses that specify UV 400 protection.

(NC)—Taking care of your bones is an investment that is important for a lifetime. Your bones can gradu-ally be robbed of their calcium by a condition known as “the silent thief”. Identifying the Thief: Osteoporosis, which liter-ally means “porous bones”, is known as the “silent thief” because bone loss occurs slowly and with no symptoms. Bones can become severely weakened by osteoporosis and something as simple as sneezing forcefully or bending over to pick up a heavy bag of groceries can cause bones to break. Building up Your Bone Bank: Your bones are like a bank account. Old bones cells are constantly being broken down (or withdrawn) and new bone cells are being deposited. If your withdrawals outweigh your deposits, you’re heading for trouble. The bone bank has the greatest ability to accept deposits from child-hood to young adulthood, so getting enough calcium and vitamin D to build a good savings account for

withdrawal later in life is especially important. Later in life it is still very important to get enough calcium in your diet to replace the calcium that is lost each day. Exercise also helps keep bones strong.Calcium and vitamin D are like the dynamic duo. Vi-tamin D helps our body absorb calcium, so you must get enough of both. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium which are also well absorbed by the body. Milk has the added bonus of being fortified with vitamin D so it makes a great addition to your diet. Many adults do not drink as much milk as they did when they were young. Find ways to include more milk in your diet such as on a whole grain cereal in the morning. Cereal and milk make a healthy anytime of day snack, especially at bedtime. Replace wa-ter with milk when making hot chocolate or where possible in soup. Make your coffee a latté by adding lots of milk to it.

(NC)—Enjoying the warm weather with friends and family is one of the best ways to get the most out of summer. Whether it’s sitting outside in the backyard or grilling delicious favorites on the BBQ, there is so much to enjoy.

Summer creates different challenges in the kitchen than meal preparation during other seasons. Warmer temperatures can affect foods being served and special attention is required to make sure food safety is main-tained.

Bonnie Lacroix, a registered dietitian and professional home economist with a PhD in consumer food safety, says that consum-ers can do a great deal to reduce or elimi-nate food safety risks during the summer season. “Everyone should have their own food safety plan at home. There are many

practices people can incorporate into cook-ing and entertaining.”

Some safety tips are even more important during the summer, especially when food is set out for guests.

• Platters with vegetables, dips, cheeses, and deli meats should be kept fresh by keeping the platter on ice and replacing containers of dips and other foods, not re-plenishing them. Do not leave the food out for more than two hours.

• Do not let foods linger during preparation – cook them thoroughly and serve them quickly. Keep hot foods hot with warming trays or crock pots.

• When frozen food, such as meat is thawed, cook immediately after thawing. Allow suf-ficient time for food to defrost properly. If

not completely thawed, the food will take longer to cook.

• Meat should be cooked to an internal temperature minimum of 74°C or 165°F. You cannot determine whether meat is done by simply looking at the color of the meat or juices, so use a food thermometer to check.

• Use leftovers within four days for best quality or freeze for later use. Reheat solid leftovers to at least 74°C or 165°F until “steaming” hot.

• When the kids are off to day camp or play dates, make sure their lunches and snacks are packed in a cooler bag with a freezer pack to keep foods fresh and safe.

Dads, WIN Back Your Health for

Strong Bones Are an Investment worth Protecting

Summertime Food Safety Tips

Healthy Living

May | June 2009 | 3

Black & White Bean Bacon SoupIngredients: 3-4 strips side bacon1 can each white kidney & black beans12 oz crushed tomato3 cups chicken, pork OR vegetable stock½ red onion - Chopped4 each of garlic cloves, green onions & celery stalks - Chopped1 LARGE carrot - Chopped3 ears fresh corn kernals (or 1 can of corn)¼ cup fresh coriander - Chopped1Tbsp grated cheddar or jack cheeseSalt, pepper and other spices you like Directions:

Fry bacon over medium heat until done, but not too crispy. Remove from pan & drain fat until there is just enough left to sauté up chopped onion & garlicDrain & rinse cans of beansPrepare broth in a 1.58 gallon (6 litre) pot. Cut up bacon and add it along with the beans, celery, corn and green onion to your stock. Turn on your stove to me-dium high and cover. Add corriander and a can of tomatoes to the soup, but reserve a bit of corian-der as a garnish. Strain the vegetables and meat from the liquid using a colander & a mixing bowl.Puree everything in a food processor.Add the vegetables back into the broth over low heat and stir it well. Ladle soup carefully into bowls and garnish with the cheese and corriander.

Bruschetta with Mushrooms, Avocado & GreensIngredients:

A baguette loafOlive OilCrimini mushroomsShallotsAvocadoBacon Micro – greens (NOTE: could also use arugala or other small, tender, bitter greens)

Directions:

Finely and uniformly chop mushrooms and shallots. Sautee in butter or olive oil over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring only occasionally. While this is cooking, cook bacon over medium-low heat until cooked and slightly crisped.When the bacon and shallots are al-most done, slice the baguette on a bias, angling the cuts down.Brush the tops of the bread with olive oil and place in the broiler for a few minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown.Chop or slice the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Top the bruschetta with the mushroom mixture, the avocado, bacon & a few micro-greens.

Barbecued Lamb with CilantroIngredients:

2.5 lb boneless leg of lamb

Marinade:1 cup dry red wine3/8 cup soy sauce¼ cup olive oil¾ cup chopped cilantro1 bay leaf2 cloves garlic, sliced

Directions:

Combine marinade ingredients. Mari-nate lamb for 4-5 hours in a 9x13 bak-ing dish, turning once. Turn grill to medium high. Remove lamb, reserving marinade, and cook, 8 minutes for the first side, 6 minutes second side, to sear, basting every few minutes. Turn off one burner (or move over half your coals) and put lamb on the cool side of the grill to cook indirectly. Cook until thermometer in the largest area registers 135-140 degrees for rare in the largest portion, approx 25 min-utes, while continuing to baste.Remove from heat and serve.

verb1 [ trans. ] prepare (food, a dish, or a meal) by combining and heating the ingredients in various ways. shall I cook dinner tonight?

4 | May | June 2009

Destination Information

(NC)—With North Americans gearing up for a busy sum-mer travel season, a refresher-course in savvy travel could save time, money and prevent hassles. Test your travel know-how with this quiz from travel resource website Savvy Traveller. 1. Travelling around Europe with no fixed itinerary, you decide daily where to go next and find a new hotel each night. True or False: The best ‘last minute’ hotel rates can

be found by walking in and speaking to the hotel’s front desk.False: Hit an internet café for last minute hotel deals from discount travel websites which are often significantly lower-priced than what you’ll be quoted if you walk in and ask for a room.2. You never seem to get a good seat on the plane. True or False: checking-in online gets you the best seats available.

True: While it won’t guarantee there are no screaming ba-bies, a reliable way to select a good seat is to get yourself in front of a computer the minute your flight is ready for advance check-in. Some airlines now offer the ability to select or change a seat at no charge while others have a fee to guarantee a good spot. 3. On the way to the airport to attend your friend’s beach wedding, he gets cold feet and calls it off. True or False:

you bought trip cancellation insurance so you’ll get a full refund. False: Trip cancellation insurance is great because it pro-tects you for a range of unforeseen events like if you get sick, lose your job or are called up for jury duty. But, if your friend has a change of heart you are out of luck, un-less you have purchased insurance that includes additional coverage. Travel Guard, for example, offers Change of Mind, which will pay $400 toward the non-refundable portion of your deposit.4. You are packing for your trip to Paris and absolutely must take eight pairs of shoes with you for the week. When you get to the airport, your bag is two pounds over the weight limit. True or False: You will be cramming those shoes in your carry-on or paying a surcharge. True: Airlines are getting tougher with their weight restric-tions. Don’t take the risk unless you are prepared to pay for overweight baggage. Don’t overstuff the carry-on ei-ther – airlines check it, too.Packing tips, the latest travel information and links to valu-able resources are available at www.savvytraveller.ca.

By Jane Stokes(NC)—Travel is at its best when it expands the mind—and even more so when those impressions excite our little ones. Participation, for example, in just the right age-specific program while on vaca-tion is bound to spark a curiosity for their new surroundings and also encourage a delight to try new things. Tasty TreatsTake a look at the Petit Chef program launched by Club Med. Kids, from 6 to 10 years, join others to learn how to choose and prepare healthy foods. With the help of a professionally trained Petit Chef, they make salads, guacamole, fresh salsa, handmade pasta, pizza from scratch, and even a light carrot cake. A different recipe every day gives children an opportunity to learn basic cooking techniques, the practice of following directions, plus kitchen safety. Nutritional tips are integrated to underscore that a healthy choice is a smart decision—and it’s also tasty and fun. Look for the Petit Chef program at the Ixtapa Pacific and Sandpiper properties, with more locations to come.Color your worldCrayola has its own “artistic edge” plan for your kids. At the Club Med Sand-piper resort in Florida, virtually all children from toddlers to teens are participat-ing in the Crayola Creativity program. To tickle appreciation and imagination, kids create their own impressions of local culture by learning about such things as marine life, the everglades, Spanish history, influence, and language. Then, to extend the learning experience beyond the vacation, Crayola supplies follow-up activities so kids can keep on coloring their world with every new discovery. Take to the courtsAnd if tennis is your passion, an innovative program called Petit Tennis intro-duces pre-school children to the forehand, volley, serve, and backhand volley, by using role-play with storybook characters. Imagery and storylines are cre-ated around the techniques and boundaries to teach the pillars of the game. Petit Tennis then applies small-format courts and age-adapted equipment—like lower nets and larger rackets—to help nurture a strong emotional bond to tennis at a very early age.

(NC)—Year after year we see a shift in travel trends. Recently, vacationers have moved away from week long vacations to more affordable three-and four-day getaways. Whether by choice or necessity, 2009 has embraced the ways of the frugal traveler. Along the way comfortable, affordable accommodation will be in demand. Many hoteliers like Choice Hotels offer a variety of value added amenities from free Internet to on-site swimming pools. Travellers seeking family-friendly destina-tions will find award winning, affordable Choice Hotels properties across the map. Before you head out on the road Choice Hotels offers these tips to help ensure you make the most out of your trip.Plan.Plan.Plan. Know your route and plan fun activities along the way - Virtu-ally, every destination has an official tourism website or Chamber of Commerce highlighting seasonal events to help build your vacation itinerary. It’s not all about the destination. Take your time. Make stops along the way and enjoy the route. Tip: Give each child a journal and disposable camera to record their memories along the way – giving them a project will keep them engaged and occupied during your travels. Play it safe. Schedule a tune-up to ensure your vehicle is in top mechanical shape before hitting the road and pack your first aid kit or rent a car from a Choice Hotels partner and earn rewards.Stay connected. Tell family and friends of your travel plans and leave a copy of your itinerary with someone close to you should you need to be reached in an emergency and carry a pre-paid phone card with you. Select the Purrrr-fect hotel. Hotel selection is a key factor when planning your trip. If travelling with your dog look for pet-friendly accommodations that will help your pooch get a comfortable night’s sleep. Many hotels have recognized the demand for laying out the welcome mat for four-legged family members and have whole-heartily complied. Eat well. Enjoy local foods and pack healthy snacks for the kids – children travel better on full stomachs.

Travel and moreDo You Know the Truth About Travel?

Road Trips Are a Cost Efficient Way for Families to ReconnecT

Give Your Kids a Vacation Advantage

h.3977 - Fantastic upgrades thru-out in this 3 bed+den, 2 bath, 1975 under air, 2686 total sf home. Tile on diago-nal, including guest bed & den, granite countertop all baths & kitchen. De-tailed custom tile in-lays, glass etching on French doors, designer light fixtures & ceiling fans, under mounting lighting. Gourmet kitchen, stainless appliances, built-in oven, 42” paneled cabinets. La-nai w/pavers, built-in heated pool/spa, large lake view w/stunning fountain. Offered at $429,900Call Michael 239-777-0473

Grandezza, Estero

C.4396 Cozy, spacious 2 bed, 2 bath, second floor Coach home with 1480 under air, 1630 total sf. One of the few units available with a landscaped view. Tile floor, dramatic high ceilings. Golf, amenities and clubhouse included in monthly fee. Offered at $195,500.Call Michael 239-777-0473

Fountain Lakes, Estero

h.3112 3 Bed+Den, 2.5 bath, 2483 under air, 4357 total sq ft. Ceramic tile in main living areas, high ceil-ings, archways throughout. kitchen w/granite counters, raised cabinets & crown molding, state-of-the- art stainless appliances, attractive curved breakfast bar overlooking Nook & Great Room. Lanai w/heat-ed pool/spa, built-in flower beds w/private serene view of wooded area at $569,000.Call Michael 239-777-047

Grandezza, Estero


Realestate .com

h.2011 4 Bed, 3 ½ bath, 2910 under air, 5079 total sq ft. Beautiful serene lake views, tropical landscaping, nestled on a cul-de-sac. kitchen, w/stainless built-ins, granite coun-tertops, decorative backsplash tile. Formal living & dining room, family room w/fireplace & built-in. Lanai w/pavers, built-in heated pool/spa w/private entry to master suite. Offered at $749,000.Call Michael 239-777-0473

Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs

LLC

239-948-1147McClain Home Inspection, & Home Watch Service

Web Site: www.grmcclain.com Email: [email protected] Home Inspector

home Inspections from $199.00 • home Watch Service from $20.00/mo.

Twin Eagles, Naples

h.3999 3+Den, 3 bath, 2493 under air, 3500 total sf. Rich in detail & incredible views of large lake & golf course beyond. Tile, tray ceilings w/crown, archways, window treatments. kitchen, 42” cabinets, granite counter tops, nook w/miter window. Lanai w/pillars, built-in pool & pool bath.Offered at $599,000.Call Michael 239-777-0473

Grandézza, Estero

Pool.Service UnlimitedPhone: 239.592.5539www.pool-service-unlimited.com

So you can enjoy your pool!So you can enjoy your pool!

The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.

– Mark Twain –

h.2908 Spectacular open great room floor plan, with 3 Bed+Den, 3 bath, 2939 under air, 3925 total sq ft. Many added touches in this designer deco-rated home for a casual lifestyle with custom features throughout. Enjoy the kitchen w/state-of-the-art built-in ap-pliances, 42” wood cabinetry, granite counter tops. Offered at $979,000 w/custom pool w/views of a lake, golf course and woods located in a private gated community.Call Michael 239-777-0473

Grandézza, Estero

L.680 Build your own custom estate home on this large lot on the 10th fairway in this exclusive golfing community, w/two golf courses de-signed by Nicklaus & Player. Private Community offers miles of scenic walking trails, biking paths, parks gardens, 47,000 sf clubhouse, har-Tru tennis courts, fitness club, dining & has hosted the ACE Group Classic & PGA champions Tour! Offered at $129,000. Call Michael 239-777-0473.

6 | May | June 2009

moneymatters

(NUI) - Every penny counts, especially in tough times. So hearing, “You’ve got to spend money to save money”

may seem counterintuitive as people tighten their belts. But simple and inexpensive things can be done around the

house to ensure you save energy and money.Start with your appliances. They total the majority of your household’s en-ergy consumption. In a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive for Whirlpool Corporation, 84 percent of consumers surveyed stated energy as the most important attribute with regard to appliance efficiency. Look for the ENERGY STAR label on ap-pliances to help save money on utility bills. “People may be surprised at the affordability of ENERGY STAR quali-fied appliances,” said Mary Zeitler, consumer scientist, Whirlpool Insti-tute of Fabric Science. “The ENERGY STAR-qualified Whirlpool Classic is a top-load washing machine that pays for itself in water and energy savings in less than five years.”As you ready your home for energy efficiency, consider the following tips from the Department of Energy:Replacing single-pane windows with new ENERGY STAR windows could save $126 to $465 in annual energy

bills, depending on your climate zone. If you aren’t ready to replace them, caulk the window seals around the glass for better insulation. Properly sealing and insulating your attic can save 10 per-cent annually in energy bills.Weather-stripping the seams around your house provides better insulation; keeping cool air in will help reduce elec-tricity bills during the summer. “Saving money doesn’t mean abandoning convenience,” said Marilyn Strefling, senior consumer scientist, Whirl-pool Corporation. “By scraping dishes into your compost or disposal and not rinsing them before loading into an ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwasher, you can save up to 20 gallons in water, which translates into consider-able savings for the environment and extra money in your pocket.” While doing household tasks, remember the following:Drying a few loads of laundry in succession takes advan-tage of leftover heat in the dryer.To make your wardrobe last, carefully read fabric-care la-bels to ensure that clothes are properly cleaned.Using a coil-cleaning brush and vacuuming underneath the refrigerator increases efficiency.

Simple Tips to Keep the Change

(ARA) – In this economy, people are looking to save money wherever they can. That means many are turning to an old favorite: coupons. There’s no question that cou-pons can save shoppers serious money at check-out, but grocery coupons have come a long way since the days when they could only be found in the Sunday newspaper. Today’s shoppers can print coupons from the Web, add electronic coupons to their store savings cards and even use their cell phones to select coupons to be redeemed at check out. It’s easier than ever to cut that food bill in half thanks to coupons, and here are three easy ways to get started saving money in new ways. 1) Click-and-Print Coupons: There are several Web sites that compile grocery coupons so you simply click on the ones you want, then print and cut them out to take to the grocery store. You can also find printable coupons on the Web sites of your favorite brands, like Pillsbury.com and BettyCrocker.com.

2) Electronic Coupons: Online coupon sites like Short-cuts.com allow you to load electronic coupons onto your store savings cards. No need to print or clip. Just click on the coupons you need and they’ll be automatically redeemed at check out when you use your store savings card. 3) Mobile Coupons: You can now get coupons right from your constant companion, your cell phone. One service to check out is Shortcuts.com Mobile (go to www.shortcuts.com on any cell phone with a Web browser). Just click the coupons you want and within five minutes they’ll be loaded up on your store savings card and ready to use at check out. It’s easy to save money at the grocery store, especially when you have the right tools, like your computer and your cell phone. In no time you’ll be saving serious dol-lars in the check out line.

(ARA) - Automobile insurance rates, maintenance and repair costs and vehicle ownership ex-penses continue to rise. Gasoline reached record high prices in 2008 and the U.S. Energy Infor-mation Administration expects fuel prices to rise again in the fu-ture. Thankfully, you don’t have to alter your driving habits or buy a new car to get some relief. Here are some quick, inexpensive and easy ways to save money with your car.

* Get slick to reduce mainte-nance costs and to save fuel.Upgrading to one of today’s mod-ern high performance motor oils can make a meaningful improve-ment to your car’s fuel economy and engine life. For instance, independent studies have docu-

mented that Royal Purple motor oil improves fuel economy by as much as 5 percent and signifi-cantly reduces engine wear. Us-ing high performance synthetic motor oil, as opposed to conven-tional oils also allows for more miles between oil changes, re-ducing maintenance costs and the amount of time spent on main-tenance. You’ll pay a little more for premium motor oil but the savings in fuel and reduced main-tenance costs more than make up for the higher price. You can find out more about at www.royalpur-ple.com .

* Reduce your insurance costs by doing your homework.One of the simplest ways to re-duce insurance cost is simply to shop around. Prices vary from

company to company, so it pays to do your homework. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies direct-ly or access information on the Internet. Your state’s insurance regulator may also provide price comparisons. Other ways to reduce insurance costs can be found by visiting the U.S. Insurance Information Insti-tute’s Web site.

* Mind the air to save money on fuel.The U.S. Energy Department re-ports that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. One study estimates that 50 to 80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are under inflated. Astonishingly, we could save up to 2 billion gallons of gas

each year simply by properly in-flating our tires.

Secondly, a clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so re-placing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine. More tips to save money on fuel are

available at www.fueleconomy.gov.

An astute driver can save hun-dreds of dollars a year on auto-motive expenses without buying a new car or changing lifestyle. All it takes is a little time and research, and the good sense to choose better performing prod-ucts.

How to Reduce the Costs of Owning Your Car

Three Ways to Save Money with Coupons

May | June 2009 | 7

Across1- Birthright seller5- Off-track10- Perjurer14- Flying stinger15- Scout master?16- Rights org.17- Greek goddess of strife18- Judge, e.g.19- Earth’s satellite20- Scarf21- Mediate23- Polo Grounds legend 25- Pod occupant26- Self-_____: always disabled with 00:01 left31- South American ruminant35- Take advantage of 36- “Farewell!”38- Clear the board40- Portico42- ___ Gay44- Throw45- Excursions47- Evade49- Weightlifter’s unit50- Fold52- Harshness54- Pop’s partner

56- ___ de France57- Region in W Africa62- Ancient Semitic for “Lord”66- Star of the first magnitude67- Blender setting68- Verdi opera69- Lyric poems70- Academy award71- Stepped72- Desire73- Brings up74- In ___ (actually); Down1- Female sheep2- Franklin D.’s mother3- Warts and all4- Conclusion5- Manner6- Poetic daybreak7- What’s ___ for me?8- Precipitous9- Light reddish brown10- Without full use of a leg11- Desktop picture12- ____ vera13- Flee22- Dell24- Song syllable

26- Finely powdered earth27- Bar, legally28- Capital of South Korea29- Movie theater30- Implements32- Singer Garfunkel33- New Zealand aboriginal; 34- Plus37- Swing around39- Catch a view of41- Modern art?43- Counselors46- Identical48- Long fish51- Apathy53- Allow as a discount55- Small rodent57- Basic monetary unit of Ghana58- Aeons59- Potato preparation60- Killer whale;61- Close63- Broadcasts64- Flaps65- Fill with cargo66- Pledge

Answers on page 14Crossword puzzles provided by

BestCrosswords.com

The objective is to insert numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. What could be simpler?

Answers on page 14Compliments of www.sudokucollection.com

Answers on page 14Compliments of www.WuzzlesandPuzzles.com

What’s a math challenge you ask? A math challenge is group of numbers formed in a block filled with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Each number is only used once.

Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation. Some of the numbers are missing. You fill in the missing numbers.

Try to fill in the missing numbersUse the numbers 1 through 9 to complete the equations.Each number is only used once.Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation.Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

Get Puzzled

CrosswordPhrase Scramble 1Unscramble the tiles to reveal a message.Hint: Famous Lines from Famous Things


Realestate .com

Visit www.CoconutPointRealEstate.com for Additional Pictures of These and Other SW Florida Homes or Call D. Michael Burke, p.a. 239.777.0473 for Additional InformationWebsite owned and maintained by Michael Burke of John R. Wood REALTORS, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

h.3936 Estate home w/abundance of upgrades & details thru-out. 3 bed+Den, 3 bath 2824 under air, 4154 total sf w/separate formal liv-ing & dining room. Tile on diagonal, tray ceil-ings, crown molding. Gourmet kitchen, w/granite counter-tops, 42” maple cabinets w/crown molding, built-in appliances, designer cook top hood, nook with large miter window offering outstanding views of golf course & lake. Incredible lanai w/pavers, stunning pil-lars, finished ceiling & built-in heated pool & spa. $749,000.

Call Michael 239-777-0473

Grandézza, Estero

h.4085 3+Den, 3.5 bath, 3154 under air, 5701 total sf stunning courtyard home. Attention to detail and fabulous upgrades thru-out. Sur-round sound, built-in entertainment center, state-of-the-art security system, gourmet kitch-en, granite, tile, hardwood floors, tray ceilings, faux paint, designer window treatments, plan-tation shutters, built-in entertainment center & much more…Paver Courtyard w/private cabana, built-in gas heated pool & flower beds. Offered at $899,000.


Shadow Wood at The Brooks, Bonita Springs

h.2168 3+Den, 3 bath Mediterranean style great room open floor plan, with 2481 unde-rair and 3282 total sq ft. Coffered,volume ceilings, gourmet kitchenwith granite counter-tops, and upgraded tile. home offered at$519,000 with a beautiful lakev-iew located in a private gated golfing community.


Grandézza, Estero

C.5230 - Absolutely beautiful views in this 2+Den 2 bath 1646 under air, 1994 total sq ft carriage home. Offering views of two large fountains, expansive lake, beach area & gorgeous sunsets! Immaculate unit, tiled screened lanai, decorative paint/wallpaper, window treatments, plant shelving thru-out. New HVAC installed April 2008 Offered at $239,000.


Lighthouse Bay at the Brooks, Bonita Springsh. 3630 - 2+Den, 2 bath, 2000 under air, 3627 total sq. ft. Faux finishes, window treatments, chair railings, crown molding, tile, hardwood floors.. endless upgrades. kitchen, granite countertop/backsplash, cabinets w/crown molding. Expansive sliders from great room to lanai w/built-in pool w/tropical views & lake beyond. Of-fered at $419,000.


Grandézza, Estero

C.4675 - 8th floor, 3 bed, 3.5 bath 3240 under air, 4110 total sf. Spectacular pan-oramic views ofthe Gulf of Mexico & Es-tero Bay. Exquisite turnkey designer deco-rated, marble flooring &counter-tops, faux finishes, custom cabinetry, kitchen w/built-in paneled appliances, granite countertops. Offered at$1,395,000.


The Colony - Palermo, Bonita Springs

V1206 3 Bed, 2 bath, 2336 under air, 3629 total sf. Immaculate courtyard villa, w/heated built-in pool, pavers, tile in-lays surrounding the pool. Fabulous window treatments, archways, crown molding, tile, tile in-lays, designer fixtures/ceiling fans thru-out. Separate living/dining room w/views of golf course & lake. Offered at $299,000.


Grandezza, Estero

h.3625 - 3 Bed+Den, 3 bath, 2455 un-der air, 4046 total sq. ft courtyard home w/Tiki Bar. Great for entertaining w/built-in pool & spa. Numerous upgrades thru-out.Tile, crown molding, blinds, topelight-ing, state-of-the-art kitchen. Discounted golf membership & golf cart also for sale. Offered at $499,000.


Grandézza, Estero

h.3582 3 Bed+Den, 3.5 Bath, 3014 un-der air, 5693 total sf Courtyard home w/beautiful expansive views of lake, golf course & woods. Numerous upgrades thru-out, crown molding, plantation shutters, tile, hardwood floors, custom built-ins, Bose surround sound. Stunning gourmet kitchen, w/granite countertops, 42” cherry cabinets w/crown molding, decorative tile.Offered at $759,000.


Shadow Wood at the Brooks, Bonita Springs

h.3817 3 Bed+Den, 2 bath, 2207 under air, 4027 total sq. ft. Tile on diagonal, win-dow treatments, accented painted walls, tray ceilings w/crown molding, stunning archways thru-out. Gourmet kitchen, 42” raised paneled cabinets, pantry w/wine cooler, nook w/mitered glass. Great pri-vate guest suite w/bath leading to the large lanai w/built-in pool. Offered at $449,000.


Grandézza, Estero

C.5318 3 Bed, 3.5 bath, 2665 under air, 3225 total sf. End unit residence w/tropi-cal views of Estero Bay, golf course and wooded preserve. Numerous upgrades. Gourmet kitchen, built-in stainless appli-ances, upgraded cabinets/drawers. Great Room w/expansive solar tinted windows, floor to ceiling glass sliders leading to the incredible tiled terrace. Luxurious master suite and bath w/double sink granite van-ity and roman style tub surrounded in tile. Offered at $649,000.Call Michael 239-777-0473

The Colony – Castella, Bonita Springs

Choose success. Choose Michael.Few real estate agents are as driven as Michael Burke. A member of numerous local real estate committees, this multi-million dollar producer keeps tabs on the local market by staying intimately involved. Whether you are selling or buying, Michael brings to the table strong negotiation skills, state-of-the-art marketing methods, integrity, and the ambition it takes to achieve 100 percent satisfaction. His drive to succeed is tempered only by his understanding of his clients’ needs.

Choose Michael Burke as your real estate agent, and sit on the side of suCCess.


Realestate .com

Visit www.CoconutPointRealEstate.com for Additional Pictures of These and Other SW Florida Homes or Call D. Michael Burke, p.a. 239.777.0473 for Additional InformationWebsite owned and maintained by Michael Burke of John R. Wood REALTORS, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

C.5026 - Turnkey, 2 Bed, 2 Bath, 1209 under air, 1428 total sq. ft. first floor unit, tile in main living areas, neutral tones & decorative window treatments Per-fect for the avid golfer, w/views of the golf course/lake from the living room, lanai & master bedroom. Wonderful bundled golf community, with numer-ous amenities. Offered at $239,900. Call Michael 239-777-0473

Spring Run at the Brooks, Bonita Springs

h.3826 - 2 Bed+Den, 2 bath 2000 under air, 3449 total sq. ft. Decorated in neutral tones w/relaxing Tommy Bahama Décor’. Tile on diagonal, tray ceilings, crown molding, plantation shutters, window treatments, high ceilings. Automatic roll down shutters front/rear & new high efficiency A.C w/extended warranty. Sliders leading from greatroom, kitchen nook & master suite to Lanai w/solar heated built-in pool & flower beds w/tranquil views of lake & landscape beyond. Offered $419,000. Call Michael 239-777-0473

Grandézza, Estero

h.3620 Beautiful designer decorated 4 Bed+Den, 4.5 bath, 3495 under air, 4867 total sq. ft. Estate home w/countless up-grades. Tile on diagonal, tray ceilings, rope lighting, window treatments. Formal living, dining room & den w/double door entry w/stunning built-in. Gourmet kitchen, built-in appliances. 42” cabinets w/crown mold-ing, family room w/expansive corner slid-ers opens the room to the lanai w/tropical wooded views beyond. Built-in pool/spa & grill, w/separate guest suite entry w/private bath off the lanai. Offered at $899,900.Call Michael 239-777-0473

Grandézza, Estero

C.5016 - First floor turnkey immaculate 3 Bed, 2 bath, 1627 under air, 2007 to-tal sq. ft. condo Blinds thru-out, tile, carpet, double door entry to bedroom/den. Large kitchen w/raised paneled cabinets & crown molding, comfortable living room w/ spectacular views of lake & golf course. Master bedroom, large walk-in closet, private entry to the lanai. Offered at $239,000.


Grandézza, Esteroh.3911 2+Den, 2 bath, 2000 under, 3406 total sq ft. Neutral tones, beau-tiful designer window treatments, tray ceilings w/crown molding, tile, arch-ways. Fantastic Great room floor plan with entries from the kitchen nook, great room and master suite out to the lanai. Tranquil views from the lanai and built-in heated pool of a tropical preserve and golf course. Offered at $345,000.


h.3828 3 Bed, 3 bath 1878 under air, 3938 total sq. ft. Private guest Cabana, spacious kitchen/nook, center island, cab-inet’s w/crown molding & large sliders opening to the courtyard w/pavers, built-in heated pool & spa. Tile in main living areas, intercom, blinds, high ceilings thru-out. Master bedroom & greatroom with separate entrances to the screened lanai. Offered $419,000.


Grandézza, Estero

h.3837 2 Bed + Den, 2 bath 1750 under air, 3539 total sq. ft. Views of the 17th fairway w/tropical landscaping surround-ing. upgraded w/tile main living areas, tile inlays, blinds, crown molding, chair railings. Large sliders thru-out in living room, breakfast nook, master suite leading to the lanai w/paver, built-in heated pool & outstanding views beyond. Offered $499,000.


Spring Run at the Brooks, Bonita Springs

C.3595 - 3 Bed, 2 bath, 2190 under air, 3236 total sq. ft open great room floor plan. Open kitchen w/granite counters, upgraded cabinets. Plantation shutters,decorative ceiling fans, 12’ ceilings, living room w/stunning full wall of glass sliders leading out to the tropical lanai w/heated builtin pool and spa. Offered at$495,000.


Grandézza, Estero

C.4252 3 bed, 3 bath, 2910 under air, 3530 total sf. 17th floor decorator ready residence w/ Gulf & Bay views. Exquisite granite counter-tops, custom woodcabinets, marble baths, private elevator, & stunning high ceilings.Located in an upscale private, gatedcommunity w/the finest amenities,included. Offered at $795,000.


The Colony - Palermo, Bonita Springs

The Colony – LaScala, Bonita Springs

Grandézza, Estero

C.5257 - 19th floor 3 bed, 3.5 bath, 3295 under air, 4215 total sf w/breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay & Gulf of Mexico. Designer decorated 10’ ceil-ings, crown molding, plantation shutters, window treatments, tray ceilings, gran-ite countertops, state-of-the-art kitchen, custom artist’s murals. Must see to truly appreciate the beauty & views of this residence. Residence is one of only 13 units offering a private indoor separate two-car garage w/adjoining large A/C storage room, $995,000.Call Michael 239-777-0473

The Colony – Palermo, Bonita Springs

C.5305 3Bed+Den, 4.5 bath, 4068 under air, 4988 total sf. Decorator ready residence in an exclusive community w/panoramic views of the Gulf & Bay. Private elevator, vestibule, tray ceilings, crown molding. kitchen w/built-in stainless appliances, granite countertops, custom 42” cabinets. Master suite w/private entry to terrace & marble baths. Offered at $1,150,000


Choose success. Choose Michael.Few real estate agents are as driven as Michael Burke. A member of numerous local real estate committees, this multi-million dollar producer keeps tabs on the local market by staying intimately involved. Whether you are selling or buying, Michael brings to the table strong negotiation skills, state-of-the-art marketing methods, integrity, and the ambition it takes to achieve 100 percent satisfaction. His drive to succeed is tempered only by his understanding of his clients’ needs.

Choose Michael Burke as your real estate agent, and sit on the side of suCCess.

10 | May | June 2009

Orange Mascarpone BruleeIngredients:

3 large eggs1 cup mascarpone cheese2 cups milk1 orange3-4 Tbsp. of sugar (the finer the better)

Directions:

Separate 3 eggs & reserve the yolksAdd orange zest to the egg yolks. Be sure to wash your orange first. In a saucepan, combine the milk and cheese together with a whisk and slowly bring to a boil, but do not let it boil for longer than 30 seconds.Remove the milk and cheese from heat immediately and combine with your eggs, whisking them well to blend.Return this mixture to your stove, but do not let it boil. Allow it to cook until it coats a spoon, and remove from heat.Distribute into ramekins (will fill 2 - 3 1/2” dishes but you can distribute it otherwise if you wish) and chill until set. NOTE: You can accelerate the chill-ing process by freezing the ramekins if you’re sure you won’t forget about them overnight. Otherwise, leave them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.Sprinkle sugar across the top and break out your mini-torch. Apply heat evenly while turning your dish to ensure that the sugar caramelizes as evenly as pos-sible. NOTE: The finer sugar you choose to use will produce better results at this step.

Tomato and Cheese Omelet with MushroomIngredients:

3 or 4 eggs¾ cup of milk1 Tblsp of flour1 Tblsp of butter1 tomato - chopped½ an onion - choppedHandful of mushrooms - choppedCheese - GratedSalt and pepperCooking oil (or more butter)

Directions:

Crack eggs into a bowl. Add 1 table-spoon of milk for every egg.Prepare frying pans (1 small & 1 large). Add a tablespoon of butter to the saucepan for the mushroom sauce mix. NOTE: Your large frying pan only needs to be warm so that your omelet won’t burn. Add onions and mushrooms to small frying pan. Add a tblsp of flour and 1/2 cup of milk to the saucepan. Mix well, to make sure flour is disolved. Add salt & pepper. Beat eggs and milk together and pour the mixture into a large frying pan. Then put a lid on top of it. Keep stirring the other two pans. NOTE: The butter, milk and flour should now be form-ing a cream. Once the mushrooms and onions have cooked, add them to the sauce. Add tomato and cheese on one side of the omelet and fold the other side over them so it can all heat up.Once the cheese has melted, put the omelet onto a plate and unfold it.Add the sauce and fold the omelet back up for serving.

Vegetable Shrimp Salad with LemonIngredients:

4 large lemons (or 6 small ones)1 red, yellow and green bell peppers1 head each cauliflower and broccoli2 bunches green onions1 lb shrimp (preferably fresh)Olive oilDijon mustardSalt / pepper / sugar (or substitute) Directions:

Wash & clean out peppers, then cut into thin strips and put into a large salad bowl.Start the shrimp boiling. Cook until no more transparency. Run the shrimp under cold water or it will continue to cook and end up rubbery.Remove the tails on the shrimp and de-vein if needed, letting them chill in the refrigerator while you finish with your cutting.Cut your broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized morsels and add to the bowl with the peppers.Chop onions and add to the bowl with the other chopped vegetables.Add the now chilled shrimp to the veg-gies.Pour on the dressing and mix it all up.Garnish with lemon to serve.

Dressing:Squeeze lemons (1 cup juice)Add about a 1/2 cup olive oil Add 1/4 cup Dijon mustardAdd salt, pepper, and sugar to taste(About 1/2 teaspoon of each)NOTE: The sweet should just barely be noticeable and balance out the tart.Whisk it all up.

verb1 [ trans. ] prepare (food, a dish, or a meal) by combining and heating the ingredients in various ways. shall I cook dinner tonight?

May | June 2009 | 11

In and Out

(NC)—The trend of outdoor living has grown exponentially over the last few years as North Americans realize that their home exteriors can evolve from grass-cutting, weed-pulling burdens to beautiful, luxurious extensions of their indoor living space.

“This trend is growing because people dis-cover that properly decorating their outdoor space can return their investment tenfold, with immediate increases in property value and square footage and most importantly improvements in quality of life with their family and friends,” explained Stéphanie

Pelland, marketing communication man-ager for the Sico retail brand and a member of the international color forecaster Color Marketing Group.Here are a few things Pelland advises you consider before creating your designer home exterior:The Seamless decor“Whether your home’s style is modern minimalist, country or traditional, your outdoor decor should be a reflection and an extension of the inside of your home,” she explained. “The colors, patterns and styles of the rooms that your yard extends from should complement the outdoor décor to achieve a seamless look.” To help create this transition Sico recently launched new high-quality exterior paint and high-end stains that can help home-owners effortlessly match and complement their inside and outside decors. “Offered in all of Sico’s 1,696 colours, our new exceptionally-performing 100 per cent acrylic latex exterior paint maxi-mizes the beauty of a home and, through our glamorous color combinations, gives it enhanced charm and personality,” Pelland explained.

“Simply changing the color of doors, shutters or window frames can instantly transform a home from dull to dynamic – whether the exterior is made of aluminum, wood, stucco or brick,” she explained.As for patios and decks, Pelland said Sico introduced a line of stains, including a translucent, high-end exterior wood fin-ish designed to bring the richness of inte-rior wood outside creating a pleasant flow throughout your living spaces. “Our new coating adds lavishness to a property by delivering a luxurious, exceptional wood finish that’s high end, both in looks and performance.”What about furniture?Pelland advises to follow the same basic principal as indoor decorating and that’s to invest more on the classic pieces you want to last and accessorize with more trendy selections that you can easily change from year to year.This year’s top outdoor living elements include all-weather sectionals and beds, durable stylish outdoor rugs, hammocks, patio heaters and attractive fire-pits.

extend your

Indoor decor

(NC)—If the grass is always green-er on the other side of the fence, it may be time to rethink your lawn-care strategy. Brown, patchy or weed-ridden lawns are often the re-sult of improper care. You too can have lush, green grass by employ-ing some lawn care fundamentals.

A real estate agent will emphasize the added benefit of curb appeal when selling your home so follow these need-to-know tips to get your lawn in tip-top shape this summer: Mowing your lawn:• Never cut more than one third of its height. Cutting grass too short weakens the plant, lowers weed resistance and it becomes susceptible to scorching from the sun. Opt for longer grass during times of intense heat or drought.• Leave the clippings on the lawn as a frequently mowed lawn produces short clippings that release important nutrients as they decay and reduce water evaporation. • Mow your lawn in varying patterns and do so in the evening to allow the grass a chance to recuperate before exposure to the sun.

Watering your lawn:• Water in the early morning to allow for proper penetration, avoiding excessive evaporation from the afternoon sun. • Your lawn should receive enough water to penetrate to the depth of the roots. A well-watered lawn will spring back. Signs of an under-watered lawn include drooping grass, a bluish/grey color and footprints that remain visible in the grass.

Managing weeds:• Maintain a thick coverage of grass - this is the best defense against weeds. • Reseed your lawn every spring to help encourage thicker growth. • Get rid of weeds by using herbicides. Manual weeding is also an option, but the entire root must be removed or the weed may return.

Maintaining soil:• Healthy soil is an essential requirement for a healthy lawn. Although soil composition varies dramatically by geography, most lawns can benefit from fertilization. Use a soil test kit to determine which fertilizer (if any) will help your lawn. • Ensure your lawn has an even layer of topsoil. A lawn with too many bumps or depressions can cause water to run off high areas and collect in lower areas.

Summer Thermostat Wars

(NC)—We’ve all been there before, glarng at each other across the thermo-stat dial. Each individual in the house has an ideal temperature; one prefers a wall of desert-like heat while another is happy to chill in teeth-chattering conditions. We each know which side we fall on in our own thermo-war at home, but is there a happy medium? The answer is ‘yes’.

Dress down. Before dropping the tem-perature on the thermostat, consider dropping a layer of clothing instead. Short sleeves, shorts and breathable fabrics are a much cheaper option to turning up the A/C.

Stop temperature tampering. A programmable thermostat can be set to increase the temperature slightly overnight, when outdoor temperatures

are lower. Once the thermostat is set, other members of the household may not be as tempted to tamper with the temperature.

Tip: setting the temperature above 25 degrees will help save on energy costs, while every degree below 25 degrees will add an extra three to five per cent to your energy bill.

Blow off hot air. Before turning up the A/C, turn on your floor and ceiling fans first. They are an efficient means to bringing down the temperature on your thermostat war. In the summer, ceiling fan blades should operate in a counter-clockwise direction to create a cooling wind.

TIps on How To GeT THe

perfecT Lawn

12 | May | June 2009

Feature ColumnistThis column is produced by the Financial Planning Association and provided by Al Procaccino, a member of FPA and Certified Financial Planner with Castle Financial.

Whether you’ve already cleaned out your desk or are expecting your department to be next at work for cuts in this economy, it definitely makes sense to plan a job search before you actually have to do one. Call it a response plan.

Here are some basic steps in getting that process started:

Start or build your emergency fund: Unemployment insurance won’t even come close to meeting your cash needs when you’re out of a job. Start slashing your spend-ing and funnel that extra cash into an emergency fund that won’t be touched for anything but essentials – housing payments, food and in-surance expenses. Get a head start on building an amount equal to 3-6 months of those expenses as soon as you can, first by cutting your basic spending and then possibly by pay-ing the minimums on debt purchases until you get that fund in good shape. If you’ve still got your job after you hit your emergency fund target, then keep your tight spending in force and go back to attacking any debt that you have more forcefully.

Get advice on finances, taxes and possible legal issues: There’s noth-ing better than going into an exit in-terview with a plan to put yourself in the best situation possible when you lose your job. You might start by talk-ing with a Certified Financial Plan-ner™ professional and a tax expert

about any spending, saving or tax specifics you should focus on now as a way to blunt the damage from lost income later. And depending on the situation and your room to negotiate, it might not be a bad idea to invest in the services of a workplace attor-ney to make sure you know what to ask for in an exit package. Always ask if you can build unused vacation and sick days into a package and see what you can do about extending health benefits before you start hav-ing to pick up the cost.

Research health coverage before-hand: It makes sense to research individual, high-deductible coverage that might be an affordable alterna-tive to staying on your employer’s health plan while you’re looking for your next job. Many quality carri-ers offer enrollment online, but ask around and see if friends or associ-ates know good agents who can find coverage that fits you so you’ll be prepared if you need it.

Get personal disability coverage now: Disability coverage offered through your workplace may barely cover you if you are disabled while working, but once your job is gone, there goes your coverage. It’s always a good idea for individuals to have some personal disability coverage of your own, and you should buy it while you’re employed because you need to prove income before you can get the maximum coverage based on your current income.

Understand your unemployment benefits: Generally, it’s a good idea to file immediately for unemploy-ment benefits, even if you’re getting severance. Check on these provi-sions as soon as you can. Also, if you get a job before your severance or unemployment runs out, use those funds to top off your emergency fund and then attack debt so you’re in a good position to weather any future storms.

Take advantage of any free job ad-vice and assistance you can: If your employer is providing office space, resume-writing assistance or any other benefits to help you transition to your next job, by all means, take advantage of them. It’s particularly smart to get advice with resume writ-ing because as industries change, the type of experience that hiring execu-tives want to see on resumes changes as well.

Network: Make sure you’ve identi-fied key professional groups both lo-cally or nationally that will allow you to meet colleagues and hiring execu-tives in your industry or the indus-try you hope to work in next. And plan to do little things that keep you in touch with potential employers – make sure your cell phone, e-mail and voicemail are always working, and make sure you have resumes, cover letters and an interview outfit always at the ready in case you have a sudden opportunity to interview.

www.castlefinancial.com

Planning a Cost-Effective Job Search

Marketable job skills can be broken down into five basic categories that job-seekers can use in showing applicable skills from one job/career to the next.

Communication: the skillful expression, transmission and interpretation of knowledge and ideas. • Speaking effectively; writing concisely & listening attentively• Expressing ideas • Facilitating group discussion and providing appropriate feedback • Negotiating and persuading• Perceiving nonverbal messages • Reporting information and editing• Interviewing

Research and Planning: the search for specific knowledge and the ability to conceptualize future needs and solutions for meeting those needs. • Forecasting, predicting • Identifying problems & solving them• Imagining alternatives and creating ideas• Identifying resources and gathering information • Extracting important information and analyzing

Human Relations: the use of interpersonal skills for resolving conflict, relating to and helping people. • Developing rapport • Listening and counseling• Motivating • Cooperating and sharing credit • Delegating with respect • Perceiving feelings, situations • Asserting

Organization, Management and Leadership: the ability to supervise, direct and guide individuals and groups in the completion of tasks and fulfillment of goals. • Initiating new ideas • Handling details • Coordinating tasks • Managing groups and delegating responsibility • Teaching, coaching & counseling• Selling ideas or products • Decision making with others and managing conflict

Work Survival: the day-to-day skills that assist in promoting effective production and work satisfaction. • Making and implementing decisions • Cooperating and enlisting help• Being punctual and managing time • Attending to detail • Enforcing policies• Accepting responsibility • Setting and meeting deadlines

Transferable Skills Sets for Job-Seekers

RESOURCEFUL TIPS

(ARA) - With more applicants seeking fewer jobs, it becomes increasingly impor-tant to do more than simply “dust off” your resume. Anthony Davis, director of career services at Brown Mackie College in Fort Wayne, Ind. offers advice to help those now seeking employment.

1. Escape your own paradigm. “We tend to get locked into one view of ourselves. It can be helpful to consider re-inventing yourself before applying for any positions,” says Davis. “Before updat-ing your resume, consider what skills and abilities you have that can transfer to your job search.”

“The priority in evaluating yourself should be to become aware of your skill base,” says Davis. “It requires introspection to identify both hard and soft skills.” Hard skills are demonstrable, measurable abili-ties. They include proficiency in working with different computer programs, or the number of years of experience. Soft skills are intangible. They include interpersonal skills, and critical thinking - skills that are difficult to measure, but ones that can be included in a resume and mentioned during interviews.

“For example, someone who worked as a food server could list sales skills, computer

skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task. This can open whole new areas of prospective employment. People don’t readily think of their own assets this way,” Davis says. “Look at yourself as a total person. What hobbies do you have? What sports do you play? What skills have you picked up through life that you can transfer and apply to an occupation?”

2. Keep your expectations high, but real-istic. “We’re in recession. Those who love to eat steak may need to consider hamburger,” Davis says. “What’s available in your la-bor market right now?” He recommends considering work values in addition to money. “Values change based upon life circumstances. It’s not just a one-time pro-cess. People change with age and circum-stance,” says Davis.

Are you looking for authority on the job, or do you prefer to work alone? Is creativ-ity important to you? As Davis points out, “Living true to your work values equals work rewards.” He emphasizes the impor-tance of matching prospective career fields,

and employers, with your own work values. “Don’t make yourself out to be something you’re not,” he says. “Be truthful. You may sell something else to land the job, but you won’t be able to maintain it. It’s OK to say ‘No’ to an employer based on values.”

3. Do your research. “Research everything. Look into the cat-egory, the prospective employer, and your local labor market,” says Davis. “Consider where you live and where you are will-ing to work. Read projected outlooks and talk with others in the field. Find out what qualities you need to cultivate to be a good prospect.”

In summary, Davis points out, “If the old saying ‘you get what you put into it’ holds true, then if you put four hours per week in your job search or career change, you should find yourself a great four-hour-a-week job. Keep the faith in yourself and give it your all. Make finding your next position a full-time job.”

Reinvent Yourself for Today’s Job Market

[email protected] | 239-777-0473

C o c o n u t P o i n t R e a l E s t a t e . c o m

EstEro | Bonita springs | naplEsMarKEt rEport

D. Michael Burke, P.A.

GerMAIN AreNA: (Estero)For further information, Ever-blades tickets & other shows call (239) 948-7825 or visit www.GermainArena.com.

GulF CoAST TowN CeNTer: (Ft. Myers)8-10pm – Weekend concert series.

HAMMoND STADIuM: (Ft Myers)For the Miracle baseball schedule call (239) 768-4210. Hammond Staduim, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Rd.

CAlooSAHATCHee rIver roAST/BBQ FeSTIvAl: (Ft. Myers)May 9, Sat 10am-10pm, May 10, Sun 10am-4pm. Lee Civic Cen-ter Grounds, 11831 Bayshore Rd. 2nd Annual food & entertainment event for all ages.

BroADwAY PAlM DINNer THeATer: (Ft. Myers)Thru June 6th, The Wedding Singer. For more info & listing of shows visit www.BroadwayPalms.com or call 239 278-4422.

TASTe oF THe BeACH: (Ft. Myers)June 7, Sun, 11am-5pm. Com-munity festival with more than 20 restaraunts & live music. Main Street, Ft. Myers Beach. For more information call (239) 454-7500.

BArBArA B. MANN THeATre: (Ft. Myers)May 5, Tues, The Beachboys. For more info & listing of shows, visit, www.bbmannpah.com/index.php or call (239) 481-4849.

HISTorIC PAlM CoTTAGe & NorrIS GArDeNS: (Naples)May 2-30, June 3-27, Tues-Sat 1-4pm. (239) 261-8164.

SuMMer JAzz oN THe GulF: (Naples)June-Sept. Live jazz throughout the Summer around the Naples Beach Hotel. Call (800) 237-7600 for more information.

THurSDAY oN THIrD: (Naples)May 6-9 pm. Enjoy music & other entertainment in the court-yards & plazas of Third St.

THIrD THurSDAY oN THIrD: (Naples)June 18, 6-9pm. Summer time music & entertainment in the courtyards & plazas of Third St.

TASTe oF CollIer: (Naples)May 3. Food & live entertain-ment. Old Naples on Third St. Call (239) 272-1907 for more information.

FArMerS MArkeT: (Naples)May 2, 9 & 16, Sat 7:30am-11:30am Featuring nearly 50 vendors. Located behind Tommy Bahama.

PHIlHArMoNIC CeNTer: (Naples) 5833 Pelican Bay. For more information & current shows visit www.philtickets.org/tickets/index.aspx or call (239) 597-1900.

CoCoNuT PoINT MAll: (Estero)Live entertainment located at Plaza Del Lago Dr. patio. Wed w/Lo Monaco (Maurice the tenor), Thurs & Sun w/Andrea Garofolo, Fri w/Frank Tourino singing the hits of Sinatra, Elivs, & more, Sat w/The Manipulators singing rock, funk, soul & jazz.

may / june events 2009 Bonita springs, estero, Ft. myers, naples

EMERGENCY Police, Fire, Medical ............................................ 911Lee County Ambulance (Non Emergency).....................................................................335-1600Lee County Sheriff (Non Emergency).....................................................................477-1200LEE CoUNTY EMERGENCY MaNaGEMENT(Weather & Disaster Spills) ........................477-3600Poison Control Center ......................... 800-282-3171HoSpITaLS:North Collier Hospital...................................513-7000Health Park Hospital ....................................433-7799CHaMbER of CoMMERCE (Local Area):Bonita Springs Area ....................................992-2943Estero Area .................................................948-7990LIbRaRY (Local Area):Bonita Public Library ...................................992-1043Estero South County Regional Library ........390-3200LICENSE (Lee County):Animal License ...........................................432-2083Boat Registration/Fishing License ...............339-6000Drivers License ..........................................278-7192VEHICLE REGISTRaTIoN - Lee County.....................................................................339-6000VoTERS REGISTRaTIoN .........................339-6300MEDICaL (Lee & Collier Counties):Gulf Coast Hospital - Ft. Myers ...................768-5000Lee Memorial Hospital - Ft. Myers............... 332-1111North Collier Hospital (NCH)Downtown Naples .......................................552-7000North Collier Hospital (NCH)North Naples ...............................................436-5000Poison Control Center ........................ 800-282-3171NEwSpapERBonita Banner ............................................765-0110Coconut Point Press ...................................777-0473Ft. Myers News Press ................................335-0233Naples Daily News ....................................992-3609

pUbLIC SCHooLS (Lee County):Edison Community College ................. 800-749-2322Florida Gulf Coast University ............... 800-590-3428School District of Lee County ......................334-1102REaL ESTaTE SERVICESMichael Burke P.A., John R. Wood Realtors.....................................................................777-0473Homestead Exemption - Lee County...........339-6120Property Appraiser - Lee County .................339-6100SoCIaL SECURITY .......................... 800-772-1213SoUTHwEST fLoRIDa INT’L aIRpoRT.....................................................................590-4800TRaNSpoRTaTIoNAirport Shuttle Service ................................216-7777Greyhound ..................................................334-1011Lee County Bus Transit .............................533-8726U.S. poSTaL SERVICELee & Collier Counties ......................... 800-275-8777UTILITIES (Lee County):Embarq .............................................. 866-304-6820ELECTRICFlorida Power and Light....................... 800-262-1322fLoRIDa RECYCLING & waSTE ............332-8500GaS SERVICE - Teco (Peoples Gas)............................................................. 877-932-6747SoLID waSTE - Lee County .....................338-3302TELEpHoNE Sprint (Bonita) ..................................... 800-699-0728Sprint (Lee County) .............................800-339-1811TV CabLEComcast ............................................ 800-432-4770Time Warner ...............................................574-2020waTER/SEwERBonita Springs ............................................992-0711Unincorporated Lee County ................ 800-485-0214VETERINaRIaNSFlorida Veterinary 24-Hour Emergency............................................................. 239-992-8878

Important “239” numbers

prol [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING INC.

• Residential• Commercial

Leslie MaloneyPresidentOfc (239) 992-2226Cell (239) 580-7914

Licensed & Insured

• New Construction• Rental Property

• Water Damage

Pro-Line BC.indd 1 11/13/07 10:45:28 AM

To view more closed details visit www.CoconutPointRealEstate.com and click on Market Reports

20321 Grande Oak Shoppes Blvd., Suite 308 • Estero, FL 33928

Rich MathewsState Farm Insurance Agency

Call 992-8896

3 Bed 2 0 1988 2002 No No $299,900 $280,000 140.85 93.36 17-Apr-09 2+Den 2 0 1750 2002 Yes Yes $419,000 $402,500 230.00 96.06 25-Mar-09 71 2 Bed 2 0 1276 2001 No No $175,000 $165,000 129.31 94.29 17-Apr-09 1522+Den 2 0 1884 2002 No No $309,000 $255,000 135.35 82.52 9-Apr-09 2+Den 2 0 1646 2000 No No $235,000 $227,500 138.21 96.81 31-Mar-09 2+Den 2 0 1734 2000 Yes Yes $529,000 $500,000 288.35 94.52 15-Apr-09 702 Bed 2 0 1333 2000 No No $209,000 $180,000 135.03 86.12 14-Apr-09 582+Den 2 0 1513 2001 No No $299,000 $240,000 158.63 80.27 1-Apr-09 1862+Den 2 0 1792 2001 No No $374,900 $340,000 189.73 90.69 23-Mar-09 146 4+Den 4 2 5688 2003 Yes Yes $2,595,000 $2,350,000 413.15 90.56 15-Apr-09 1463+Den 3 1 4067 2001 Yes Yes $1,535,000 $1,375,000 338.09 89.58 14-Apr-09 1192+Den 2 0 1632 1998 No No $259,900 $250,000 153.19 96.19 14-Apr-09 5173 Bed 2 0 2000 2000 Yes No $419,500 $400,000 200.00 95.35 8-Apr-09 3683+Den 3 1 3042 2005 Yes Yes $1,250,000 $1,100,000 361.60 88.00 31-Mar-09 573 Bed 2 1 2060 2002 No No $350,000 $335,000 162.62 95.71 30-Mar-09 210 3 Bed 3 0 2509 2001 Yes Yes $399,000 $350,000 139.50 87.72 8-Apr-09 1013+Den 2 0 1975 2005 Yes No $388,000 $330,000 167.09 85.05 3-Apr-09 2423+Den 3 0 2537 2005 Yes Yes $699,000 $625,000 246.35 89.41 26-Mar-09 1063 Bed 2 0 1449 2004 No No $199,900 $170,000 117.32 85.04 20-Mar-09 58 4+Den 5 0 5491 2002 Yes Yes $1,925,000 $1,400,000 254.96 72.73 17-Apr-09 4533 Bed 3 0 2088 1998 Yes No $399,000 $380,000 181.99 95.24 15-Apr-09 763 Bed 3 0 2600 1994 Yes No $649,000 $589,000 226.54 90.76 8-Apr-09 1572+Den 2 0 1956 1995 Yes No $419,000 $400,000 204.50 95.47 6-Apr-09 833+Den 2 1 3106 1995 Yes Yes $799,900 $750,000 241.47 93.76 30-Mar-09 553+Den 3 0 2506 1997 Yes Yes $719,000 $650,000 259.38 90.40 24-Mar-09 174 3+Den 4 1 4068 2003 No No $1,099,000 $1,000,000 245.82 90.99 31-Mar-09 141

CoMMUNITY aDDRESS bedroomsfullbath

Halfbath

Living area

Yearbuilt

private pool

private Spa

Listprice

Sellingprice

Cost/Sq. ft.

% ofasking

Closed Date

DoM

COPPERLEAF AT THE BROOKSSago Pointe 22911 Sago Pointe Dr, #2206Jasmine Lake 23781 Jasmine Lake DrLIGHTHOUSE BAY AT THE BROOKSLighthouse Bay 10791 halfmoon Shoal Rd, #103Lighthouse Bay 10801 Crooked River Rd, #102Lighthouse Bay 23721 Eddystone Rd, #7204SPRING RUN AT THE BROOKSWillow Creek 9184 Spring Run BlvdSunset Stream 9189 Spring Run Blvd, #1905hidden Lakes 23780 Clear Spring Ct, #1502hidden Lakes 23770 Clear Spring Ct, #1410SHADOW WOOD AT THE BROOKSLake Forest 9300 Lakebend Preserve CtOrchid Ridge 22840 Mossy TrailMorningside 22981 Rosedale Dr, #101Laurel Meadow 23180 Oakglen LnGlen Lakes 10591 Glen Lakes DrIndigo Isle 9261 Indigo Isle Ct, #102GRANDEZZA Saraceno 20141 Saraceno DrSavona 12582 Grandezza CirSolemar 11800 Solemar CtSabal Palm 20081 Seagrove St, #904PELICAN LANDINGBay Creek 3651 Bay Creek DrCosta Del Sol 3429 Marbella Ct, #1105Lakemont 3521 Lakemont DrBaycrest 25357 Galashields CirPelican Landing 24390 Pennyroyal DrAscot 25050 Ascot Lake CtTHE COLONY La Scala 5051 Pelican Colony Blvd, #1701

Local Weekly Open Houses and [email protected]

239-333-9323

“Michael Burke is one of the most thorough, innovative, caring and creative realtors we have ever dealt with. We whole heartedly recommend Michael and his team. His professionalism and dedication to serving his clients needs is the Ultimate real estate experience.” - Darlene and Don Polyschuk (Toronto Canada)

“Having purchased and or sold over one dozen homes in the last 20 years, I found Michael to be unique among the realtors I have dealt with in the past. Like many others, Michael has a comprehensive understanding of the southwest Florida real estate market that serves his clients well, which is compelling given the current economic climate. What sets him apart is the high level of integrity and the attention to detail that we found to be part of our transaction. I would solidly recommend Michael Burke to anyone looking to sell or purchase property.” – Matthew & Regina Staudt (Upper Saddle River, NJ )

Hear what your neighbors are saying about Michael Burke . . . .

14 | May | June 2009

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

CROSSWORD ANSWER

SUDOKU ANSWER

PhRASE SCRAmblE ANSWER

I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United Stated of America

(NC)—In these economic times, a card may be the best way to tell dad you love him. But which one should you choose? With Father’s Day around the corner, here’s an easy way to make the perfect se-lection. Before you go card shopping, ask yourself: What kind of dad is he? Gadget lover: Your dad’s fasci-nated by cool new technology.Best choice: He’ll appreciate the latest – a sound card that features dual speakers and an interactive remote control to bring him a

message. There’s even one that plays an Abbott and Costello rou-tine. Comedian: He’s the king of silly and you love him for it. Best choice: Get him a card that reflects his specific type of hu-mor. Is he more Homer Simpson or Hoops & Yoyo? big softie: Your dad’s never been shy about telling you how much he loves you. Best choice: Reciprocate his feel-ings. Choose a card that expresses your feelings for him.

Social advocate: Dad’s your hero. He’s living proof that one person can help make the world a better place. Best choice: Get a card that makes a difference, like a Hallmark RED card – a portion of the sales goes to fight Aids in Africa.movie buff: He memorizes movie credits and quotes his fa-vorite scenes. Best choice: A card with a movie quote is your best bet. Something like, “I am your father” from Star Wars is perfect.Sports fan: Frankly, he’s a tad obsessed. Best choice: From fishing to golf, there’s a card for most sports. There’s even a music card that plays the opening theme of Mon-day Night Football. music lover: He loves you, but his record collection is his pride and joy. Best choice: Pick a card that plays a tune. These days, there are lots to choose from, including Smash-mouth, Lynrd Skynrd and Johnny Cash.

How to Pick the Right mAth ChAllENGE 1 ANSWERS

(NC)—Household bleach is the go-to solution for many North Americans when they want to keep their whites bright and re-move pesky stains. Though bleach is found in laundry rooms across North America, many people are unsure of how to properly use it to clean other areas of their homes. Here are some ways you can put bleach to work in your house.1. Remove tough mildew stains from bathroom tiles: using a so-lution of one cup of bleach and 1 gallon (3.8 litres) of water. Apply the solution directly on the tiles

and let it stand for five minutes before rinsing. Repeat if neces-sary on heavily soiled surfaces. 2. Reduce the level of bacteria on children’s toys: using a hard surface disinfectant such as Ul-tra Javex Bleach by Clorox. To help keep your kid’s environment clean, soak hard plastic toys in a mixture made from 3/4 cup of bleach and 1 gallon (3.8 litres) of water. Let the toys soak for ten minutes before rinsing and air drying.3. Keep cut flowers looking fresh longer: by adding 1/4 teaspoon

of bleach to 1.75 pints (1 litre) of water. 4. Clean and deodorize your pet’s food and water bowls: by filling them with a mixture containing one tablespoon of bleach and 1 gallon (3.8 litres) of water. Let the solution stand for two min-utes before draining, rinsing and air drying the bowls. Remember to always read and follow precautions and usage di-rections before using cleaning products, including storing clean-ing products out of reach of chil-dren.

Cleaning with Bleach 101

Father’s Day Card

Problem Solving

May | June 2009 | 15

Relatively Speaking

(ARA) - Kids are increasingly aware of the issues impacting their environment, and are even more engaged and excited about making their world a greener place. Parents can involve their children in “going green” with a few simple steps, and show them how they, too, can make a big contribution to Mother Earth.

Families can turn everyday tasks into fun and productive steps for children that illustrate how they can help make our planet a green-er and healthier place. It doesn’t take a lot of effort - helping your kids “go green” can happen at home, at school or even through play.

The first step is to learn about the issue and start a conversation with your child in a way that makes sense to them. Parents can utilize eco-themed toys or movies as a fun way to start a dialogue with their kids about the importance of protecting their planet. Look for a green theme in products, toys and shows they already love, like the new “Barbie Presents: Thum-belina” DVD.

Inspire your kids to start thinking “green” with a few of these sim-ple eco-tips that can make a big difference:

* Plant a garden at home: Carve out a small patch in your yard just

for your child to plant a garden. Incorporating toys like the Thum-belina Solar Garden Activity set are a great way to introduce kids to gardening.

* Turn recycling into a game: Turn this chore into something fun that the whole family can par-ticipate in by creating a fun sort-ing game or by decorating differ-ent recycling bins with recyclable materials.

* Choose reusable goods for everyday eats: Take a reusable water bottle to sports or dance practice and pack lunch in a fun reusable lunch box or bag.

* Conserve water: Talk to your kids about how much water they save by taking a shower instead

of a bath and by turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth.

* Save electricity: Assign a “Power Captain” of the household - someone responsible for turning off the lights whenever the family leaves leave a room or the house; give the Power Captain points or small rewards for every light they turn off.

Before you know it, your kids will be on their way to an eco-friend-ly lifestyle. Encourage them to spread the word to other family members and friends to join the green movement. Together ev-eryone can help preserve a green, clean and healthy Earth for gen-erations to come.

(ARA) – You play, laugh, snuggle and sleep together. In fact, you’re best friends! But, just like their owners, pets have their quirks: chewing socks, begging, stealing food and some things they just can’t help, like shedding hair ev-erywhere.

One out of three dog and cat owners admit that they’ve left the house with pet hair on their clothes in the last three months, according to the Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair survey. It’s time for houseguests to walk in the front door of your home and notice how great your home looks, not how hairy you or your furniture is.

Here are some weekly house-cleaning tips to reduce the pains

of cleaning up after your pet so you can finally declare, “Wel-come to the Sofa!” without the fear of hair, scratching or fleas getting the best of you.

* Stop those bad habits: Wheth-er puppies are teething, or your dog just has a bad habit, it is frus-trating when your beloved pet chews on furniture. One option is to spray your furniture with chewing deterrents, which are available at pet stores. For cats who scratch, scratching boards are a must-have.

* Play fetch with pet hair: Most pets shed, lovingly leaving their fur behind on your upholstery. For upholstered furniture, the new Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair does the trick. It is a hand-

held solution which traps hair – picking up as much hair as 145 of the traditional sticky sheets.

* Make fleas stay away: Elimi-nate flea problems naturally and with a pleasant smell using pep-permint and eucalyptus oils. They can be used on your pet’s coat and you can also use eucalyptus leaves under your pet’s bedding to prevent fleas and add a pleas-ant smell to the bedding.

*A million toys and nothing to do: No matter how many toys you have lying around the house, dogs often still act bored or prefer your shoes. In order to help main-tain your dog’s interest in toys, rotate them so a few are available each day.

(ARA) – With North Amer-ica’s population aging, billions of dollars are spent each year on senior care expenses. But with econom-ic worries affecting many families, cutting costs has become more important than ever. With a little creativity, seniors and their families can save a substantial amount of money.

Compare Prices: Family members and caregivers can help seniors out by compari-son shopping for goods and services online. Changing

homeowner’s insurance policies alone can save hundreds of dollars each year. Review all bills and find out if it is less expensive to bundle services like phone and cable.

Take Advantage of Existing Services: The fall prevention alarms ad-vertised on television can be a great tool to help seniors prevent serious injuries from falls and other medical emergencies, but most of them come with a costly monthly monitoring fee. Look for a personal alarm system that can connect directly to 911 and charges no monitoring fees and has no service contracts.

Consider Home Care: According to a 2007 MetLife survey, the av-erage annual rate nationally for a private room in a nursing home is $77,745 and is steadily increasing each year. The annual base rate for an individual residing in an assisted living community is $35,628. The average annual cost of home care can be half the cost of nursing home care.

Reverse Mortgage: Many senior citizens have owned their homes for decades and can take advantage of a reverse mortgage - a loan that allows a homeowner to convert a portion of their equity into cash. Unlike a traditional mortgage, repayment of a reverse mortgage is not required until the borrower no longer uses the home as their principal residence.

Buy in Bulk: Seniors often use the same products, such as personal care items or incontinence supplies, month after month. Purchasing such nonperishable items in bulk online or from a warehouse store can save a great deal of money. Also consider signing up for automatic monthly delivery for health and personal care products. Auto delivery ensures products will no longer run out and shipping is often free.

Father’s Day Isn’t Just for Fathers

Four Easy Tips to Live Harmoniously with Your Favorite Fur-ball

How to Help Kids ’Go Green’How to Save Money on Senior Care

(NC)—You may not have called him “dad,” but you looked up to him just the same. And without him as a role model, you wouldn’t be who you are today.“Father figures are the unsung heroes of our lives,” says Jennifer Kinnon of Hallmark. “They deserve to be recognized for their contributions to our well-being. Father’s Day is the ideal time to honor them with gifts and cards.”Who are the father figures in your life?

Grandfather: You value his kindness and uncon-ditional love almost as much as his stories.Big brother: When you were kids he always watched out for you. And he still does. Favorite uncle: He’s more than a familiar face at family functions – he really understands you. Stepfather: He always seems to understand what you need from him.Family friend: You just click. He’s always been there rooting for you.

Breakfast • Brunch • Lunch • Dinner

Early Bird Specials starting at $8.95

M-F - 8:00AM - 10:00PM Sat - 8:00AM - 3:00PM (reopen @ 7:00PM)

Sun - 10:00AM - 2:00PM

...amazing Gourmet Wine Dinner

Come join us on Saturday Nights for our

Reservations required

Available for private partiesCall 239.948.2216

Not valid with any other offer. One coupon Per Household

Residential / Commercial ProgramsCompetitive Landscape Maintenance Programs:

Cutting • Trimming • Edging • Bed Maintenance • Small Tree & Shrub Trimming

• Fertilizer/Pest ControlFamily Owned and OperatedFully Licensed and Insured - Lee / Collier CountyReferences AvailableSenior DiscountsMulchingAnnual Flowers

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FREE APPLICATION OF FERTILIZER

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(up to 5,000 square feet - with contracted monthly maintenance program)




Save with these coupons!

Website owned and maintained by Michael Burke of John R. Wood REALTORS, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Advertising Supplement to The News-Press 335-0339 or 335-0318 P72312A/B

*

D. MICHAEL BuRkE, p.a., SW FLORIDA’S LuxuRy HOME ExPERT239.777.0473 | [email protected] | www.CoconutPointRealEstate.com

MONDAY.... Ladies Day... All Ladies Receive $5.00 Off (#3, #4, OR #5 WASH PACKAGE)

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THURSDAY.... MANLY DAY All Men Receive $5.00 Off And A Coupon For a Free Draft Beer (#3, #4, OR #5 WASH PACKAGE)

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Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

Registered Investment AdvisorCertified Financial Planner • Certified Fund Specialist

The first and most important step toward success is the feeling that we can succeed.

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coconut point press may - june 2009

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