SANTA IS COMING TO CS FIREHOUSE!

Better watch out, better not cry! Santa will again make a personal appearance at the Firehouse on Saturday 12/13 from 1-4pm. FREE kids party sponsored by CS Womens club includes games, craft, snacks and SANTA! This is really a great time for all, and I believe they will be selling HOMEMADE Tamale lunches again (seriously good stuff). A great way to get in the mood and mingle with other families. Don't worry, I'll remind you again. Look for signs or check Firehouse billboard for reminders. The kids really enjoy this gig. And the looks on their faces when they see Santa (some for 1st time) is priceless. Bring your camera.

Halloween party for kids was a blast. Once again, at least 30 kids and parents attended.
God Bless Carol Carter and Bill Carter for all they do for these functions. She is the genius behind these get-to-gethers (she'll never admit it).

To Donate Or Not To Donate

Things are tough for most of us this year, and as you may guess, donations are down. I went to the dinner and silent auction at the Foundry last weekend put on by Kawaias. As I was trolling the tables looking for something to bid on, I though about what a win/win proposition these events actually are. In the case that you were planning to buy and item or service anyway (and there are so many to choose from!) for yourself, or as a birthday or Christmas gift, by purchasing at the auction you will (1) get the item at the retail or better price and (2) the full amount goes to the charity (not some corporation). A classic case of getting your cake and eating it too! I left with much of my Christmas shopping done, a few services in town that I will gladly use this season, and the money goes to a GREAT CAUSE. Many thanks to the businesses that donate these wonderful goods, and if you go, remember, you can afford to be generous with your bids! Between the auctions, street fairs and all our charming shops, who needs big box stores???????

Reports from the "shores girl": SAVING BIG $$ ON PROPANE

Reports from the "shores girl": SAVING BIG $$ ON PROPANE

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!