Upcoming Library Programs
9 years ago
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Energy-Saving Tips
Ideas for saving energy
Now is a great time to consider new ways of saving energy (and money) in your home. Click here for energy saving tips and resources.
Simple ways you can save energy include:
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR label
- Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use
- Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes
- Take shorter showers
- Seal and caulk your home's air leaks
- Check your home for the recommended level of insulation
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees F
- Install a programmable thermostat in your home
Information provided by U. S. Department of Energy more -
Tracking Santa!
NORAD Tracks Santa!
The preparations for this year are in place! Come back each day to receive updates from the North Pole and to discover new surprises in the Kids' Countdown Village.
"For 50 years NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa’s flight. Tracking Santa starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system consists of 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. On December 24th, NORAD monitors the radar systems continuously for indications that Santa Claus has left the North Pole".
"The moment that radar indicates Santa has lifted off, we use our second detection system. Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat. Amazingly, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allows our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa".
"The third tracking system is the Santa Cam network. We began using it in 1998, which is the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the internet. Santa Cams are ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many locations around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year. The cameras capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer as they make their journey around the world".
"The fourth system is made up of fighter jets. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots flying the CF-18 intercept and welcome Santa to North America. In the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or the F-16 get the thrill of flying alongside Santa and his famous reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph".
Click on the
to read some really interesting facts about Santa and watch the Countdown to Track Santa! Information provided by noradsanta.org
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Cold Weather Shelters
The following shelters will be open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, due to the expected cold weather:
1) Volunteer Way10008 Moon Lake Rd.New Port Richey727-815-0433
2) Community Congregational Church6533 Circle Blvd.New Port Richey727-849-1943
3) Home with a Heart11736 U. S. 19, Room 161Port Richey727-243-13674) The Holy Ground Shelter8835 Denton AvenueHudson
5) The Samaritan Project34921 Chauncy RoadZephyrhills813-810-8670
Families are accepted at all locations with the exception of the Volunteer Way.Information provided by Pasco County Office of Emergency Management
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Free Holiday Meal for Pasco Residents
Annual Food Giveaway for Needy FamiliesThe Offices of Senator Fasano, Representatives, Legg and Corcoran in conjunction with Farm Share invite you to help with the Annual Food Giveaway to needy Families Friday, December 17 from 10 am until Noon.
Each year 500 families in need are provided with a ham, potatoes, canned vegetables, and other items to complete meals for the Holiday Season. This year’s event will take place on Friday, December 17 from 10 am until Noon in the parking lot of Generations Christian Church located at 1540 Little Road in Trinity. Generations Church is a quarter mile north of Trinity Blvd and half mile south of SR 54 on the east side of Little Road. All needy families are welcome.
If you would like to contribute, donations can be made to the Volunteer Way of Pasco (non-profit organization) and mailed to the District Office at 8217 Massachusetts Avenue, New Port Richey, FL 34653. If you would like to volunteer your time to help organize and distribute food, please arrive at Generations Christian Church parking lot at 8am on the morning of December 17.
If you have any questions or would like more information, call The Offices of Senator Fasano at (727) 848-5885. Please speak to Gino Casanova or Michael Vente.
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What is the Deadline for Mailing Holiday Packages to Troops Overseas?
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by calling 1.800.610.8734. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail flat rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail flat rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and six customs forms with envelopes.
At this time, packages must be sent either by Priority Mail or Express Mail. Click the link to view a mailing schedule.
Information provided by answers.usa.gov more -
Holiday Fire Safety
Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year.
By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
- Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.
- Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
- Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
- Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Follow the link for movie segments demonstrating how fast a Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames in these Christmas Tree Fire Video Presentations.
Holiday Lights
- Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
- Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets.
- Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
Holiday Decorations
- Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
- All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Remember to practice your home escape plan.
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