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DID YOU KNOW?

  • Just two mature trees produce enough oxygen each year to supply a family of four - and each tree absorbs one ton of carbon dioxide throughout its life.
  • Planting catnip near your patio or deck will help repel mosquitoes. The oil from this plant has been found to be more than ten times better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.
  • To clean the caulking around bathtubs and showers, fill a trigger spray bottle with vodka, spray the caulking, let set for five minutes and wash clean. The alcohol in the vodka kills mold and mildew.
  • Use coffee grounds in your garden because they release nitrogen into the soil and act as a natural fertilizer.
  • An empty toilet paper roll is an excellent storage space for an appliance cord. Don't forget to write on the outside of the roll which appliance the cord belongs to.

CUTTING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD

If you're trying to hedge against rising fuel oil prices and thinking of cutting your own firewood, we've got some suggestions for you. Safety should be your first priority. Keep in mind that the average chain saw injury requires 110 stitches! Here's the run down on equipment. A helmet will protect you from falling branches. A face shield will protect you from flying wood chips. Kevlar gloves will protect your hands from cuts and scratches. Chainsaw chaps are made of a special webbed material that causes a chain saw to jam up if it hits your leg. Ear muffs will protect your hearing from the loud roar of the saw. Finally remember to wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy boots. Along with wearing the proper safety equipment, keeping your chain sharp is a must. Working with a dull chain is much harder and you will fatigue much quicker, leading to a higher risk of injury. Wondering what type of wood is the best for your efforts? Check out his convenient chart which rates the best firewood. You will also be able to find out the relative ease to burn each species, the relative ease to split as well as the heat produced per cord. Speaking of cord - the cord is the only legal measurement and representation of firewood. A cord is defined as the amount of firewood contained in 128 cubic feet of space when the firewood is tightly stacked. To visualize - a cord is roughly 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall and 8 feet long.

YOUR GAS GRILL

Gas Grill Grilling in the summer and Maine go hand in hand. If you need to buy a new gas grill this summer to promote your backyard fun, visit consumer reports, and check out the particulars on the grill you want. According to the latest consumer reports, a higher price tag doesn't guarantee better grilling. If the chef in your house needs all the help they can get, at least check out the grill you want to buy and make sure to capture all the newest features available to give them the upper hand. Consumer reports will help you make the best decisions when purchasing your new grill. In addition here are the basic safety tips for using any gas grill:

  • Use your grill in only well-ventilated areas.
  • Keep propane cylinders in an upright position.
  • When you have your propane tank filled check for dents, rusts and leaks.
  • Check grill hoses for deterioration and kinks in the tubing.
  • Never disconnect a propane cylinder while the grill is in use or still hot.
  • Never leave a full propane cylinder in an enclosed vehicle.
  • Do not smoke near a propane cylinder.
  • Do not ignite the grill if you can smell gas.
Happy Grilling!

GARCIA SPEAKS

Word from GarciaI have been busy "digging up" news for the animal lovers who read Schiavi Home Builders Newsletters. I've been itching to talk to you about some natural flea helps for dogs and cats. Some of the chemicals that are for sale just don't agree with my skin and it can make quite a mess. For good alternative natural flea repellents check out Herb Companion flea and tick control. There is a wealth of information on keeping your home and your pets safe from these pests. Going all natural is a little bit more time consuming, but you know we're worth it! Chemicals effect dogs in general more than they effect humans. Our smaller body weight and our metabolism can make us much more susceptible to the harmful attributes of chemicals. Visit dogchannel.com to get 10 tips on how to reduce chemical exposure for your dog. Prolonged contact with chemicals has been shown to lead to several canine health problems, including cancer. For all kinds of dog news and resources you can click on DogENews.com. There are interesting videos and articles on all kinds of important subjects. The newest article is "How to Keep Your Dog Happy." I think that should be the first one on your list to read, don't you?

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We're so glad that you were able to spend some time learning about our business, our staff and our commitment to community. If you would like more information about Schiavi Home Builders, please go to our website www.schiavihomes.com.

Sincerely,
Scott Stone
& the Schiavi Home Builders crew

Employee News

Jenna Dodge, daughter of employee Jerry Dodge, recently attended her 2nd Denmark Elementary School orientation and went on her first bus ride ever with her brother; Jonathan, her mom; Donna, and her dad; Jerry. Jenna is looking forward to starting school in the fall

Jenna ______________________________

Schiavi Home Builders is proud to be sponsoring employee Stephen Richard in his upcoming participation in the Patrick Dempsey challenge. Stephen will be joining in a 50 mile bicycle route while raising money for the Patrick Dempsey Cancer Center at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, ME. We invite you to join us in supporting Steve by visiting the fund raising website.

Click Here to Donate ______________________________


Congratulations to employee Nick Everett on his recent engagement. We wish you the best!

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Congratulations to employee John Poto and his wife Linda on the recent engagement of their son Jon. Best Wishes!

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