SAVING BIG $$ ON PROPANE

In case you haven't gotten the word, you can save big bucks on Surburban Propane by joining the Cascade Shores HomeOwners Assn. For instance, the difference in the non-member vs member price for November is $2.99 vs $2.05. That's a savings of 31%! One tank alone would more than pay for your membership for the year. The average savings per gallon over the last 7 months was 24%. So, whatddaya waiting for? Also, you can go down to Surburbans station in Brunswick and fill your portable tanks or motor home for the same great savings. Who doesn't want to save that kind of money on fuel these days??????????? You can download a membership application from the cascadeshores.org website.

Quaker Hill Rd clean-up

Well, myself and 6 other Cascade Shores Homeowners's board members did our quarterly "big hill cleanup" today. We start at the top of the big hill and clean the litter all the way to the firehouse. As always, we found some interesting items, 25' tape measure (thanks!) a new snow shovel (finders keepers) and the usual bottles, cans, fast food refuse and car parts. The most disturbing find is always the amount of cigarette butts (indicating that folks actually throw out lit butts in a high fire zone). What's up with that? If you know anyone with that habit, talk to them, will ya. We love our homes and community. What a waste to loose any part of it because someone didn't want to use their ashtray.

chipping program/burn season

Well, the latest word on chipping program is that county is still awaiting additional funds. So, the good news is that the program is not dead, but the bad news is their not ready to resume YET.

Burn season has commenced. Call 274-7928 to see if it is an official "OK to burn day." A recording will advise you. As always, be careful out there, and keep a hose ready. Getting a good hot "wood fire" going first will help to not produce excess smoke, (we use our "sacrificial oak" to keep fire hot and flaming).

Lake Tahoe in the Fall

A friend called me up last week to join her at her South Lake Tahoe cabin. I jumped in the trusty Suburu and exactly 2 hours, 100 miles, and 3 gallons of gas later I was on the shores of that beautiful alpine lake. And what a beautiful drive up hwy 20, through Truckee and Martis Valley, around Sand Harbour and into S. Lake. Sunny days, warm temps, azure blue lake, incredible sunsets, brilliant folliage everywhere! I forget how totally close that treasure is. We never even entered a casino, instead enjoyed all the "free" aspects of the area. Hiking, window shopping, playing ball with her dog on the beaches, coffees in outside cafes. We went to Heavenly Village shopping center and had lunch at Wolfgang Pucks Express restaurant. Best $10 meals in Tahoe! Do stop there for great California pizza, etc. Also, there is a gorgeous stone/jewelry shop in the same area, don't miss it, and a Dr. Suess exhibit at a gallery (he has grown up art too!). Park inside the back lot and get validated. How lucky are we to live this close to beautiful Lake Tahoe. By the way, her "sleep's 8" cabin almost at the corner of hwy 89 and Pioneer Trail is rentable incredibly cheap. Ask me for info. and I'll direct you to her website. You can walk to skiing or anything else for that matter in South shore!

BURN PERMIT

Looking for where to obtain a burn permit? It's near impossible to catch someone at the building on corner of Ridge and NC Highway, but I have found that if you visit the Firehouse on Coyote (on the east side of Hwy 49) there is always staff there ready to help. Permits are free and good for 2 years, and it shows the number to call to see if it is "OK to burn day."

CHIPPING PROGRAM CLARIFICATION

I have been contacted by a resident asking why some chipping piles sit for months if not years without being chipped. In past years, the chipping was kind of "automatic." If you placed a pile it got chipped when they were in the area. It was then changed to "by written request" (see our link to Nevada County for the request form). So, my guess is that some folks don't know they have to fill out a request. Now, when they restart the program, (hopefully soon) if you submit a request in advance of 1st week of month, and it doesn't happen, call the county and they will tell you where you are on the "list." Also, after they chip, they place an envelope at your door to allow you to submit a "donation." It's a small price to support a great program!

Halloween events here in CS

Well, I hear there will NOT be a Haunted Firehouse this year (darn, it was getting really good scary) but there WILL be a Childrens Party as put on by the Womens Club. So bring your little one to the Firehouse on the 26th at 2-4pm for games, snacks, prizes and costume judging. This is big fun for all, and totally free to you!