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April 22, 2005 marks Earth Day. Founded 35 years ago, the annual celebration educates the public on simple ways to protect the earth's resources. One way to protect the planet this Earth Day is by planting a tree. Trees remove air pollution, reduce energy costs, and add value to home property, not to mention how beautiful they are to look at.

Purchasing a home involves a roller coaster of emotions, a pile of paperwork, and nerves of steel. Beginning the process without a cursory course in home buying is not a wise venture. As an informed individual, you'll be better equipped to make the right decisions for your future and avoid being taken for a ride.

When a window is open, often the only thing between your child and the ground below is a thin screen. What is designed to prevent small bugs from entering the house certainly cannot prevent your child from falling. But don't feel like you have to put impenetrable grates around your windows. According to the National Safety Council, here are the tips you should follow for window safety:

• Make sure that your windows are not painted or nailed shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.

The last thing on your mind is participating in the the annual rite of passage called spring cleaning. But reconsider -- there's no better time to get your home orderly and clean. Follow this game plan and you'll be able to enjoy the spring weather after you're through cleaning.

BEFORE YOU CLEAN

Dust settles on upholstered furniture just like on hard surfaces. Remove it regularly using your vacuum cleaner’s nozzle and crevice attachments. For down-filled cushions that are not lined with down-proof ticking, use a brush because a vacuum can draw out the down. Note, though, that on other materials brushes will scatter dust around. Both vacuuming and light brushing help remove dirt and prevent it from getting embedded between the upholstery fibers.

CLEAN WITH CARE

Most sleep researchers say that the average number of hours a person needs each day is between 7-1/2 to 8-1/2. Yet, most of us fall short of that number and survive on much less, which can make us tired, cranky and irritable. Other, more serious consequences related to lack of sleep include problems with concentration and memory, behavioral, learning or social issues, frequent infections, blurred vision, and the inability to tolerate stress.

You hate the thought of seeing your body in a pale and overexposed state. It's enough to make you want to skip summer. So let's face the facts: Swimsuit shopping is never going to be fun. But there are a few tips that you can follow to make it less torturous.

• Apply a bronzer or a self-tanner before you go. The extra color will give your complexion a bit of a boost.

• Bring a friend who will be honest with you. Isn't it better to have a friend nearby to critique the suits instead of the store's staff?

If you want to keep your allergies at bay this spring, replace what's in your garden or around your home with these: apple, begonia, cherry, clematis, columbine, daffodil, daisy, dogwood, geranium, hyacinth, hydranega, impatiens, iris, lilac, lily, magnolia, rose, sunflower, tulip, and zinnia.

Presented by Jon Stravers, one of the nation’s leading raptor researchers and the Research Coordinator for Audubon’s Upper Mississippi River Campaign. Program at the McGregor Public Library

March 21 -- 7p.m.

(This program is free of charge)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be holding a deer depredation public meeting Wednesday, March 9 at 1 p.m. in Waukon at the Allamakee County Farm Bureau Building meeting room. The Farm Bureau Building is located at 14 1st Ave NE, one block east of the Allamakee County courthouse, across from the fire station.

Iowa DNR Biologists will conduct the informational meeting on deer management, population surveys, and the deer depredation program. The public is invited to attend to learn more about deer management. Time will be allowed for questions by attendees.