With the full summer behind us, and some signs of Indian summer before us, this is a good time for some safety reminders from all of us here at Maine Real Estate Choice.
Our team here in Naples Maine wants you, your family, and our communities to be as safe, and as day-to-day successful as possible! It really doesn’t take much to do something kind on a random basis as you go about your day. Think of a random act of kindness you can do both at home for the ones you love most, and out-and-about in our community, for this coming week. Recently I was treated with the person in front of me picking up the tab for my coffee and bagel driving through a local drive-thru, and it simply and quietly made my whole day! In returning the favor the next day, the simple joy can be infectious in the best possible way. You can offer the coupons you may choose not to use, to the person behind you at the grocery store, and ask them to pass them on if that is not their thing. Simple things each day, like holding a door open a bit longer than you might for someone at a store – and being mindful of when the person in front of you in line is holding a $20 bill and you hear the total is $20.12 and quickly grabbing the 12 cents out of your pocket and saying “Hey, here you go, instead of breaking another bill!” goes a long way to making everyone having a simple moment that can make a difference in someone’s day.
Along with random acts of kindness, come this Tuesday we will all need to be very mindful during our morning commutes to work – and later in the afternoon – of not only kindness, but important driver safety. The full School Bus schedules are now underway. Here is our review and reminder of all of our responsibilities.
Maybe you are a young driver and this is your first season driving – congratulations! – and in that case you – along with everyone – needs to be very aware of the severe penalties for passing a stopped school bus. Where this takes place the most, is on a four-lane road like the entire Route 302 through Windham / North Windham from River Rd to Whites Bridge Rd. If a school bus is stopped with it’s Red Lights Flashing, all four lanes of traffic must stop – in both directions – and if you think a moment of distractioin can not make your life incredibly difficult, please remember that Maine Prosecutors and the Maine Courts take this infraction very seriously. And, if you possibly could have endangered a child and you have angered a parent into seeing you prosecuted – be aware that the absolute minimum fine is $250, with the following link being the reality based upon Maine Law 29-A §2308.
> $250-$1000 fine
> 30 day license suspension (administrative)
> Maximum of 6 months jail
Another good heads-up this week, is to look closely at your home heating needs. How much fuel do you have? This link can be helpful:
www.MaineOil.com
http://www.maineoil.com/
in finding your type of heating fuel, and up-to-the-day investments needed to fill your tank. We have seen gasoline and home heating oil prices rise over 25% in the past week due to last week’s Hurricane Harvey, and with Hurricane Irma heading towards the US Mainland this next week as it passes through the Carribean to points-unknown, it is important to understand when you will need to fill-up, and to plan accordingly.
Finally, on a fun note, coming up at Point Sebago is the annual Folk / Bluegrass Fest! Here are details for Saturday September 16th:
Be safe, and get out there and enjoy our great Maine Lakes Region!