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  Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety

  Chimney maintenance and a fireplace inspection can make the difference between warm safety and drafty danger. Read

I’VE HAD GREAT EXPERIENCES with “A – Z Window Screen, Chimney Sweep & Dryer Vent Cleaners” http://atozscreens.com/how-to-choose-a-chimney-sweep.html

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  LED Holiday Lights: 6 Need-to-Know Tips

  LED holiday lights vs. old-fashioned bulbs: 6 tips to help you decide which is right for you. Read

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  The Value of Home Maintenance

  Regular home maintenance is key to preserving the value of your house and property. Read

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  Do-It-Yourself Home Security Check: 5 Essential Steps

  Conduct a do-it-yourself home security check by walking around your house to assess what needs to be done to reduce the risk of a break-in. Read

Sacramento County

Sacramento, CA Fireworks:  July 4th “Cal Expo” will again put on the largest display of fireworks beginning at 9:30 pm. Gates open at 6pm, free admission, $10 parking fee. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. www.calexpo.com/html/4th_of_july.asp

Carmichael, CA Fireworks: July 4th Breakfast at Carmichael Park (5750 Grant Ave.) from 7-11 am. Parade starts at 10:30 am at Marconi/Fair Oaks continuing down Fair Oaks Blvd to Cypress and Manzanita. Call Elks Lodge 916-489-2103 for free float registration. The Grand Stand is located across the street from Carmichael Park at 5750 Grant Avenue. Fireworks show at “La Sierra Community Center” (5325 Engle Rd.) begins at 7 pm w/ food, music and $5 unlimited Kids Zone inflatables. Fireworks start around 9:30 pm. www.carmichaelpark.com/pdf/BROCHURE/JULY4SS.pdf

Citrus Heights, CA Fireworks: Fireworks are held at “Sunrise Mall.” Fireworks start at 9:30 pm.  The firework event and parking are FREE. www.sunrisemallonline.com/go/mallEvents.cfm. Check link for carnival information as well.

Elk Grove, CA Fireworks: “15th Annual Salute to Red, White & Blue” at Elk Grove Regional Park at 9:30 pm for fireworks is a favorite all day event with food, games, & vendors.  Gates open at 7 am July 4th with entertainment starting at 6 pm.  Admission is free & parking is $10 per vehicle.  Alcohol, personal fireworks and pets are not permitted. www.elkgrovecity.org/rwb  

Folsom, CA Fireworks: The Pro Rodeo gate opens at 6:00 pm & the fireworks will start just after dusk in the “Dan Russell Arena” nightly from July 1-3, 2011. www.folsomprorodeo.com. Enjoy roping and riding events and live music in Mike’s Golden Spike Saloon.

Rancho Cordova, CA Fireworks: Celebrate at Rancho Cordova “Hagan Park” with 2 days of fun, parades, food, concerts ending with fireworks displays both July 3rd and July 4th.  Hagan Park is located at 2197 Chase Drive. www.enutshells.net/profiles/Clusters/Cordova_Community_Council/July4/index.htm

El Dorado County

Cameron Park, CA Fireworks: Saturday, July 2…“12^th annual Summer Spectacular” with Arts, crafts, music, food vendors, bounce houses, contests & a ton more at “Cameron Park Lake.” $3 in advance, $5 at the gate, under 10 free. Events start at 2pm. Fireworks start around 9:15pm www.cpfireworks.com

El Dorado Hills, CA Fireworks: Sunday, July 3…“2nd annual Fireworks Jubilee” with chili cook-off, live music, dining, shopping, & kids activities. Fireworks start around 9:30pm. Soldier care package drive. See link for full details: www.eldoradohillstowncenter.com/fireworks.php

Placerville, CA Fireworks: Bring coolers & propane BBQs to enjoy lots of festivities at the “El Dorado Fair Grounds” on Saturday, July 2^nd. Gates open at 4pm. See rules and costs: www.eldoradocountyfair.org/blast.html

Tahoe, CA Fireworks: South Lake Tahoe will be having “Lights on the Lake.” The American Pyrotechnics Association rates South Shore’s spectacular  4^th of July fireworks celebration one of the Top 5 displays in the nation. Created by Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. and fired by Pyrodigital Consultants. Featuring a wide variety of patterns, lights, designs and shapes. Scheduled to begin at approximately 9:45pm  www.visitcalifornia.com/Events/Lights-on-the-Lake-Fireworks-2011. 

Placer County

Roseville, CA Fireworks: Celebrate in Downtown Roseville with the parade at 10:00am starting at the intersection of Vernon/Douglas/Riverside.  More activities from 11am-2pm at Royer Park w/application to download for joining the parade:  www.roseville.ca.us/communications/4th_of_july_celebration.asp.  Gates open at 7pm for the 9:30pm fireworks show at the Placer County Fairgrounds www.placercountyfair.org w/free admission & $5 parking.

Auburn, CA Fireworks: Pancake breakfast, parade, pageants, motorcycle races, and more. Open 9am to 10pm. Fireworks start at 9:40pm. Free admission & parking www.visitplacer.com/placer-county-calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=532

Yolo County

Davis, CA Fireworks: The City of Davis will celebrate with a party at “Community Park” with free swimming, vendors, and entertainment. Fireworks kick off at 9:30 pm, but daylong events start at 1pm. http://cityofdavis.org/cs/events/july4.cfm

ShelterBox is the premier international aid organization that provides shelter and life-saving equipment. They instantly respond to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict and have helped over 140 disasters in more than 70 countries.  Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless.

The contents are tailored depending on the nature and location of the disaster, with great care taken sourcing every item to ensure it is robust enough to be of lasting value.  The value of a box is $1,000 including delivery direct to those who need it. Each box bears its own unique number so as a donor you can track your box all the way to its recipient country via the website. Highly trained ShelterBox Response Teams distribute boxes on the ground, working closely with local organizations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide.  Since its inception in 2000, ShelterBox has firmly established itself at the forefront of international disaster relief, providing emergency shelter for the people who need it most

Thanks goes to Lakeside Church and Mr. Larkin for making this a special day for the kids…and the pumpkin too!