Letters
Do you have parents or grandparents who might benefit from some energy efficient kindness? Thanksgiving can be more than a celebration of food and football.
Buying compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) is something you can do today. Not all CFLs are created equal, some actually work. CFLs are now available in the warm white color temperature which most people prefer for ambient lighting, and daylight balanced for task lighting. Replace their light bulbs and it's probably the last time they'll have to think about this chore for years to come.
If you're comfortable with tools, touch up the caulk or weather-strip around their windows and doors – especially if you can feel a breeze from any of them. It's not just energy efficient; it could help keep them warm during the winter.
As Harry Truman pointed out, “It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit.” Maybe all of the adult “kids” and extended family could “chip in” together and replace an older, inefficient heating appliance.
Newer EPA-approved wood burning stoves and inserts are markedly cleaner than old stoves, and produce significantly more usable heat from the same amount of wood. If your parents or grandparents still want to burn wood, the upgrade is a good investment in health and wood use.
Maybe replacing their 30-year-old propane furnace is going to have to be deferred; however, a professional tuneup, including accessible ducting, often results in a 30- to 40-percent improvement.
It’s too late to form an ad hoc family committee to contract the weatherization upgrade of your parent’s attic and crawl space or installing other major energy savings measures before Thanksgiving; however this Thursday’s celebration is only the kickoff of our holiday season.
Consider showing thanks by a “random act of kindness,” making their home more energy efficient and comfortable. You're not only saving them money, you're showing them how much you care.
Jim Tanner is a resident of Cob, Calif., who is always interested in learning about new and old tricks for finding shelter from the storm.
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- Written by: Jim Tanner
KPFZ, Lake County Community Radio, would like to thank all the attendees of the 2010 Halloween Bash.
Live music was only half the entertainment as guests got down and boogied in outrageous costumes.
There was no question who won the first place $500 cash prize. Mr. Big Head stole the show with his absolutely outstanding costume.
Second, third and fourth prizes went to Ms. Five Alarm Fire, Marilyn Monroe, and Granny-Good-Ones, respectively. But those weren’t the only great costumes. Find us on Facebook to see all of our favorites.
Successful events like this one take a lot of work and cooperation.
Special thanks to Rod Neswick for his pivotal role in organizing the evening, and for donating the $500 cash prize for the best costume.
Thanks also to our business sponsors, Tallman Hotel/Blue Wing Saloon, The Lakeport English Inn, Skip’s Sweet Shoppe and Main Street Pizza.
Many thanks to Rukkus, Off the Hook and Blind Monkey Band for rocking the house, and to the Music Man, Nick Biondo, for setting up the stage and working the board all night.
Everyone enjoyed Michelle Berger’s inspiring dance performances, and we sincerely thank her for being part of the show.
We also appreciate the way Xian Yeagan for shined his light on things.
We would further like to thank the Soper Reese Theater staff for being so helpful.
Finally, many thanks to the KPFZ events crew and volunteers for their dedication in planning, decorating, serving and cleaning up the event.
Franklin Ley is a KPFZ board member. He lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Franklin Ley
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