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Hyacinth

The hyacinth flower is well-known among gardeners and flower enthusiasts for its sweet, earthy and robust scent. The plant’s fragrance is so sweet, in fact, that it acts as a natural deterrent from animals and pests that may otherwise find its bright bulbs quite enticing. These blossoms make stunning additions to bouquets, as exemplified by Teleflora’s Spring Equinox and Spring Favorites arrangements.​

Freesia

For a fruity scent delivered in a colorful package, look no further than the freesia. According to Balcony Garden Web, these blossoms are popular among European florists, who favor the flower for its wine-like aroma. Freesias can be grown in a variety of colors, including white, like in Teleflora’s Spring Rhapsody bouquet, and hot pink, like in the Roman Holiday arrangement.​

Rose

Who among us doesn’t love to stop and smell the roses? There’s a reason these flowers have become synonymous with rich, luxurious fragrance – they’re truly nature’s perfume. Roses are just as versatile as they are sweet-smelling, and can be incorporated into bouquets for any occasion. For a sunset color palette, check out the Blossoms in Vogue arrangement. Evoke classic romance and old Hollywood glamor with the Always on My Mind Long Stemmed Red Roses bouquet.​

Peony

When peony season rolls around, be sure to pick yours up right away! This blossom is only in bloom for a fleeting amount of time, typically between April and June. The wait is worth it, however – these colorful buds are packed with sweet fragrance. Get your peony fix with Teleflora’s Perfect Peonies and Teleflora’s Pretty in Peony arrangements.​

Sweet Pea

Often used as a fragrance in perfume, lotion and other bath products, sweet pea flowers deliver a light yet wholesome aroma. Fresh sweet peas provide a smell that mixes nicely with other florals and classic buds that fit neatly into any arrangement. Show your friends and family you love them by gifting this delicious fragrance, available in Teleflora’s Isn’t It Romantic and Kensington Gardens by Teleflora arrangements.​

Lily

Lilies have long been a go-to fragrant floral. These dramatic, open buds fill any space with their yummy, enticing perfume. Lilies are grown in many colors, and are perfect for all occasions. One of the most popular arrangements among Teleflora’s lily lovers is the Always a Lady bouquet, which features stunning pink blossoms. For a touch of whimsy, check out the enchanting Yellow Fellow arrangement.​

Summer is full of amazing scents, and these are just a few flowers that will bring the season inside. Tell us below what flowers are your favorite!

Sergio Hurtado joined the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) in the past year, working as a zoning inspector in Rockville, MD. A typical day on the job for him involves investigating land-use complaints and ensuring building activities comply with zoning for their areas. Recently, Hurtado learned that he was randomly selected as a $500 winner in the Union Plus 30th Anniversary American Dream Sweepstakes.

The Union Plus member benefits program is celebrating three decades of serving union members with an American dream-themed sweepstakes sponsored by the Union Plus Credit Card Program.* Each week, 12 winners were randomly drawn to receive a $500 Mastercard® gift card prize. And, one winner, Frank Valone, an AFSCME retiree, was drawn to win the $30,000 grand prize.

Hurtado said he learned about the sweepstakes by reading one of the Union Plus e-newsletters. When he was informed he had won, it was difficult for him to believe.

When asked about the American dream theme of the sweepstakes, he described what it means to him.

“The American dream is about working in an area, which is fulfilling to you. It’s about having more time for family and being able to provide for them comfortably. That’s pretty much what it is, for me anyways,” he explained. “It applies to union members’ work as well. There are always times when employees might be treated unfairly and it’s important to have the representation and support, which unions provide.”

Now that Hurtado is $500 richer, he said he is starting to think of a few ways to spend the winnings. “I probably won’t buy anything too big. I’ll probably just pay some bills and buy some presents for my family members,” he said.

To read the stories of the Union Plus American Dream Sweepstakes winners, visit unionplus.org/winners.

​
For a limited time, buy an LG G5, G6 or L10 smartphone on AT&T Next online, and get a free* LG G Pad X 10.1 tablet with a 2-year agmt w/elig. data service¹.

^{*Limited time offer, while supplies last (ends 5/5/17 in Puerto Rico). Online only. Fees, charges & restr’s apply. See below for full offer details.}

Or, buy a Samsung Galaxy smartphone on AT&T Next® and get a Samsung Gear S2 Classic watch for free** with a 2-year agreement².

^{**Limited time offer, while supplies last (ends 5/5/17 in Puerto Rico). Online only. Fees, charges & restr’s apply. See below for full offer details.}

Not yet with AT&T? Switch now and get up to $650 in bill credits³ when you trade in your current smartphone, and buy a new one on AT&T Next. 

Plus, with AT&T Next, you can get the latest smartphones for $0 down⁴ – including the Samsung Galaxy S8, LG G6 and iPhone 7. 

^{Tax due at sale. Req’s well-qual. credit, elig. installment agmt & svc.  If svc cancelled, device balance due.  Activ./upgrade & other fees, charges & restr’s apply.  See $0 Down details.}

In addition, as a union member, you could:

• Save 15% on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans (excludes unlimited plans)<sup>5
  
  Requires valid proof of membership with an AFL-CIO member union in AT&T stores.  Member must be account holder.  Svc. Discount applies only recurring mo. svc. charge of qual. Plan, no overages and may take up to 2 bill cycles.  Addl. rest. apply. See discount details below.</sup>
   
• Save 20% on select accessories<sup>6 
  
  Limits, exclusions and other restr’s apply. See offer details.</sup>
   
• And get the $25 activation fee waived on select devices<sup>7
  
  Requires activation of new line of service. Qualified wireless service required.  See offer req's.</sup>

Not only does AT&T have the nation’s largest network⁸, it also has the nation’s best data network⁹, so your loved ones can stay connected to family and friends while enjoying reliable, fast connection on their devices. 

When you visit an AT&T store, you’ll be helped by a fellow union member. Be sure to reference Discount Code 3508840, even if you choose an unlimited data plan, to ensure you can take advantage of union-member specific benefits such as the 20% accessory discount and the $25 activation fee waiver. Ask your AT&T store rep which plan is best for you. 

Things to Check Around the House

No matter where you live, now is a good time to take inventory of what to take care of at home, to ensure that you’re ready for the months ahead. Be sure to check off the following items:

• Check the batteries in the smoke alarms and flashlights
• Replenish any emergency items like water
• Have your air conditioner inspected by a professional
• Check exterior doors and windows for cracked or broken glass

Review Insurance Needs

It’s important to evaluate homeowners insurance coverage on a regular basis. This will help make sure that coverage keeps pace with the cost to repair or rebuild a home and replace its contents, including any upgrades made over time. While this could lead to higher premiums, it helps to be more adequately insured and less vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses.

The following are just a few items that can affect insurance and the premium being paid:

• Home remodeling project
• Installation of a pool or trampoline
• The age of a house and roof—and the materials
• A home-based business

To ensure that you’re properly covered, contact an insurance agent and review coverage every year. In addition:

• Consider combining your policies. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling policies.
• Purchase umbrella liability insurance to protect yourself against claims that may exceed your current coverage limits. Umbrella policies generally offer $1 million or more in additional coverage at reasonable rates.

Think About Your Future Home Financing Needs

A regular mortgage check helps you think about whether your mortgage still aligns with your current goals, such as making renovations, buying your next home or a vacation property, refinancing your current mortgage, or helping one of your children buy their first home. Checking in with your home mortgage consultant to evaluate your current situation only takes a few minutes and is a great opportunity to help ensure you’re making the changes necessary to meet your goals. Even making a small adjustment, such as changing your payment schedule, could benefit you in the long run. 

And remember, after closing on a loan through the Union Plus Mortgage Program, you’ll be eligible for special benefits that include receiving a My Mortgage Gift^SM award from Wells Fargo – $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing your home, for use at participating retailers – and access to mortgage assistance through Union Plus in times of hardship such as layoff, disability or strike.^1,2 

Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits.

The best time to think about protecting possessions is when you first buy or receive them. Here are five things to consider after you’re done shopping:

1. Save receipts, warranty cards and instruction manuals, and file them safely. Include copies of receipts with a home inventory list.
2. Be sure to record serial and other identifying numbers, such as vehicle identification numbers, in a log or with your home inventory documentation.
3. Determine whether service contracts, offered frequently by retailers, are worth the cost. For example, electronics (e.g., digital cameras) become out-of-date quickly; it may not be worthwhile to repair them two years from now. On the other hand, a refrigerator, which usually lasts years, might be a good candidate for a service contract, depending on the price.
4. Double-check your insurance coverage. If you doubt whether your policy covers a new possession, contact your insurance company at once. Your homeowners or renters policy likely covers a new TV. However, for certain valuables, such as jewelry, watches and collectibles, policies may have specific “caps.” You should check your limits. Often, you can purchase a scheduled personal property (SPP) endorsement to extend coverage limits for more expensive items.
5. Whenever possible, etch identification numbers onto valuables. This works well with TVs, DVD players and computers. Check with your local police—many lend engraving tools free of charge. You can use the same number on all items—such as your driver’s license number, phone number or birthday—but be sure to record it. Try to etch items in places where number removal would not damage the valuable’s appearance. Of course, etching is not appropriate for all possessions—jewelry, for example. For valuable, etching can’t mark, be sure you have good photo documentation, and an appraisal and receipt, if possible.

1. Start Heartworm Preventives
   If your pet isn’t on heartworm preventatives year round, it’s time to start up again! Heartworm disease is a potentially devastating disease that can cause heart failure and potentially death if left untreated.
   
   Treatment is costly and can be difficult. Prevention is the key in heartworm disease. If you have never had your pet on a preventative before, your veterinarian will likely want to run a quick blood test to ensure your pet is heartworm negative prior to prescribing any medications.
    
2. Start a Flea and Tick Preventive
   Some areas of the nation require year round prevention of external parasites, but if you stop during the cold winter months, now is the time to start back up. Ticks can carry many diseases, some of which can be dangerous, such as Lyme Disease. Flea infestations in your home can be very costly to treat and often require an exterminator. 
    
3. Update Vaccines
   There is a good chance warmer weather will mean more excursions to places where dogs are welcome. If you and your furry best friend frequent the dog park or other public places, be sure they are up to date on all required vaccinations and deworming.

The new Union Plus Pet Health Insurance, powered by Pets Best, offers two routine care plans that cover items such as heartworm/flea/tick preventative medications, vaccinations, an annual wellness exam and more. The routine care plans can be added onto to the Accident and Illness Plan or the Flat-Rate Accident Plan.

Learn more about Union Plus Pet Insurance
 

Electrical

Improper wiring often causes home fires. Older homes are especially prone to electrical problems.

Signs of a problem:

• Blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers suggest your electrical system isn’t handling your power needs.
• Outlets that are hot to the touch are hazardous. Aluminum wiring, used by builders in the 1960s, could be the culprit.
• No “reset” or “test” buttons on outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and garages could indicate the outlet isn’t protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a safety device that guards against electrocution.

Frequent use of extension cords signals you need additional outlets installed.

Roof

Moisture leaks are the biggest concern.

Signs of a problem:

• Missing, curling or cracked shingles, or mineral granule deposits in gutters are signs that the roofing is worn and water may be getting into your house.
• Moisture around or water dripping from the ceiling near a skylight could indicate improperly installed flashing.
• A moldy, mildewy eave space tells you water has penetrated your roof.

Icicles hanging from the roof edge or gutters indicate ice dams, which form when snow melts and refreezes, then forces water to back up under the shingles.

Drainage

Improper drainage causes water-damaged foundations, roofs and more.

Signs of a problem:

• Landscaping that slopes toward the house lets water collect. Re-grade the dirt so water drains away from the foundation.
• Loose, leaky or clogged gutters can back up water at the roofline. Perform regular inspections to see that gutters are clear and work properly.
• Short downspouts don’t properly drain water away from the house. Extend downspouts and sump pump discharge pipes well away from the house to prevent water from soaking into the ground near the foundation.

Plumbing

Drippy faucets and overflowing toilets are obvious signs of plumbing problems — call a professional if you suspect you have a bigger issue.

Signs of a problem:

• Noisy pipes and loud clanks indicate too much water pressure and/or pipes that are too small. Either problem can cause pipes to leak or rupture.
• Leaks around the toilet base tell you the wax ring that seals the base is broken. Undetected leaks can cause the floor to rot.
• Rusty pipes along with water stains below them are a sign that water has been or is leaking.

Furnace and Air Conditioner

A typical furnace is used year-round — central air conditioners also use the furnace’s blower — so get the unit inspected annually.

Signs of a problem:

• Cracks and corrosion indicate damage or deterioration and may require an expert’s closer inspection.
• Gas odor could indicate a leak in a gas furnace or other gas appliance. Leave the house immediately and contact a professional to investigate.

1. Entry storage. From the strollers and car seats of the baby stage to the sports gear and backpacks of the older years, a never-ending parade of stuff comes with having children in the house — and the more places you have to put this stuff when you walk in the door, the better! Look for a house with built-in entry storage, from closets and cabinets to cubbies and shelves. Having an entry out of view of the rest of the house is ideal, so you can enjoy your home without staring at the gear in the entryway all the time.
    
2. Convenient laundry. A laundry in the basement may not be the first thing you notice at an open house, but if you have young children, you might want to give the laundry zone a little more thought. Having the washer and dryer on the main level — in a mudroom or off the kitchen, for instance — comes in incredibly handy when you’re wrangling small children who go through more wardrobe changes in one day than Lady Gaga. A laundry near upstairs bedrooms is another good option, since this will likely mean a lot less schlepping of heavy baskets up and down the stairs.
    
3. Stairs that can be safely gated. Speaking of stairs, if you are looking at homes with more than one level, pay attention to the stairs and railings. Look for stairs that can be gated easily at the top and bottom, and sturdy railings without any wide gaps.
    
4. Ditto for the kitchen. While being able to see what’s going on in the living room while you chop veggies for dinner is a definite plus, it still pays to consider how you can gate off the cooking area to keep curious little hands out. 
    
5. Built-in storage. Built-in storage means more places to neatly stash your family’s stuff, without worrying about anchoring tall, topple-prone pieces of furniture to the wall. Ideally, look for built-in shelving in the living room or family room with open shelves above and closed cabinets below.
    
6. Kid-friendly bathroom. We’re not talking about a themed bathroom here, but a functional space that will work well for your family. Look for a bathroom with a tub and plenty of room to maneuver.  Other details to look for include a bathroom mirror that comes down close to the sink (so little ones can actually see themselves), and storage space for bath toys and extra towels, and if you have a large family, multiple faucets are a big plus.
    
7. Bonus space. When you have kids, extra space is always a good thing. Look for an area of the home that has the potential to be used in a number of different ways, from playroom to home office to nursery for a future sibling. 
    
8. Fenced yard. Even a small yard can offer big possibilities to a child, from building play forts to digging in the dirt. For your own peace of mind, look for a backyard that is fully, securely fenced, so you can let creative play happen without worrying your little explorer will go toddling off toward the street.
    
9. A view of the outdoors. Being able to take care of a little chore inside and still have a view of your child playing can be a huge help. A bonus benefit of having a good view of your outdoor space — whether through generous windows, sliding glass doors or French doors — is that it will encourage you and your family to actually use it!
    
10. Master suite. As a parent, having a space to call your own is so important. Look for a master bedroom with its own private bathroom and a spacious closet. 

If you are ready to buy a house, check out the Union Plus Mortgage program that offers benefits and protections designed with union families in mind.

Learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage Program

Feeling overwhelmed by the home-buying process? Don’t get swamped, get focused. Beyond the basics of location, price and condition, what do you really want from your home? Consider adding these 10 items to your home-buying wish list if you love entertaining. 

1. Welcoming entry. Greeting guests is easier when you can usher them into a spacious entryway. Look for one with room to maneuver and good lighting. On the exterior, look for a covering over the entry to keep visitors dry during inclement weather.

2. Coat closet. A coat closet near the main entrance is helpful for stashing guests’ coats and bags, and it keeps these items out of sight. If the house has a spacious entry, you can fill this need with wall hooks or a coat tree, but if the entry is more compact, a closet will really help keep things tidy.

3. Kitchen counter seating. Inviting friends and family to pull up a seat and chat while you cook is a fun way to start a casual gathering. Look for a kitchen counter with plenty of space to prep, plus one side with room for guests to pull up a stool.

4. Walk-in pantry. You need space to keep your ingredients and entertaining essentials like serving platters organized and accessible. Look for a walk-in or butler’s pantry with deep shelving and good light.

5. Open floor plan. Open-plan spaces are ideal for encouraging mixing and mingling during parties. Look for a spacious living area where you can put flexible seating to fit a big group and for good flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas.

6. Formal dining room. If you prefer hosting cozy sit-down dinners, a formal dining room is a must. Look for one with distinctive architectural features and enough space to fit your dining table and chairs, plus a buffet.

7. Main-level powder room. A petite powder room is a big help when entertaining: It’s typically easy for guests to get to, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up your main bathroom each time you have people over. Look for a powder room (also called a half bath) on the main level but preferably not directly off the dining room.

8. Basement rec room. A finished basement can be a big plus, especially for those in areas with cold winters. A fully finished and heated basement offers bonus living space for extras like a bar, pool table or big-screen TV.

9. Deck, porch or patio. Vast lawns are gorgeous to look at, but a deck or patio is where friends tend to gather. Look for one that’s next to the house with enough room to set up an outdoor living space or dining area. A covered porch can protect your gathering from bright sun and inclement weather. 

10. Indoor-outdoor flow. Encourage mingling both indoors and out with sliding glass or French doors. Look for large glass doors leading from the living room, dining room or kitchen (in an open-plan space) to a back deck or patio.

If you’re ready to buy a home, be sure to remember the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program. You can earn $500 cash back for every $100,000 in home value when you use a real estate agent, approved by SIRVA.

1. Don’t Assume You Should Have One: The first thing to understand – garage sales are a lot of work – make sure it’s going to be worth your while. Look at the items you need to sell and do a quick estimate of how much you might make. Estimate that you might only sell 40-60% of your stuff. Be realistic with what you think you might get for high-valued items by looking at sites like Ebay for historical sale data of similar items. Look at what kind of options you might have to sell your high-valued items locally – either at thrift stores or online. Look at the pros and cons of doing that versus having a sale.
    
2. Don’t Go Alone: If you can pair up with someone else or a neighborhood sale, you can split the responsibilities and cost. Especially if your neighborhood plans to do the advertising for you. Leverage the traffic that might be coming through your area for local sales.
    
3. Don’t Drop Prices Early: For your high-value items, be sure you get out of them what you need in order to make the sale worth it. On your first day, be sure to take down the name and number of people who are seriously interested. Let them know that later in the day or the next day – if it still hasn’t sold, you might give them a call to negotiate further.
    
4. Be Descriptive: In all of your marketing – signs, advertising and social media – offer up details on what you’re selling. Include brand names, large items, categories, etc. The more descriptive, the bigger the chance someone might see something of interest that drives them to your sale
    
5. Use Social Media: Be sure to post pictures of your sale items to your social media channels (encourage friends/family to share) – you never know, you might get a few sales by just posting a few pictures. If anything, it’s free advertising and might get some more people to your sale!

If you’re selling items to eventually move – be sure to remember the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program when you’re ready to find your next home. You can earn $500 cash back for every $100,000 in home value when you use a real estate agent, approved by SIRVA, to sell or buy a home.  

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