Meadow Vista Road Work by PG&E

By Dr. Randall Hensley, DC, Hensley Chiropractoc

Pacific gas and electric crews are nearing completion of the first phase in their million dollar plus "community beautification" project in downtown Meadow Vista. Despite rumors that the asphalt plant wants wires removed so they can use taller trucks, or a middle turn lane expansion, or a roundabout, PG&E spokesperson, Brandi Ehlers and Shirley Harrington of the Placer County Community Development department both report that this project is simply part of PG&E's community beautification "Rule 20 A" program in which they spend "rate payer's fees" (i.e.: our electric bill), on removing overhead wires and install them underground. The removal of all power, phone, cable lines and poles is to decrease tree and snow damage (outages) and will make our downtown visually more attractive. Although the MAC was presented with a new future community plan, there are no current plans to enlarge the road, add sidewalks, roundabouts, or stop lights.
 The remaining steps in construction will be to place all the wires for power, phone, cable, etc underground in the new pipes, then reconnect services and remove all overhead wires and telephone poles. Alex Fisch of Placer Country public works Resource Agency said the roadway itself will be refinished when construction is done. The project extends from Meadow Vista Road to Combie Road intersections and is estimated to be completed by summer 2013. But that is dependent on the weather,
 Long story short, they are getting closer and our driving patience will be rewarded with a more beautiful downtown Meadow Vista and Pioneer Day parade route.

DIY Tips to Maintain Your Furnace

Submitted by Jeff Spoor, Spoor’s Heating & Air Conditioning

 

Winter is here and while you're well aware of how well your heater is performing, let's talk about how you can keep it running in top shape. First of all, if you do not feel capable of handling any of the following steps on your own, hire a heating and air conditioning professional. 
Preventative  - Keep it Clean!
Like all appliances and home machinery, you want to keep your furnace clean.  A build up of dirt and dust can mean a breakdown the efficiency of your heating system.  Nowadays, who can afford to waste anything, let alone fuel?  These steps apply whether you are doing gas furnace maintenance, oil or electric furnace.

 There are three areas you want to pay attention to when it comes to furnace maintenance.  They are the furnace filters, the blower and the motor.
Maintenance - Filters!
This is a critical step in furnace maintenance, but how often you clean or replace your furnace filters will depend on a few factors.   Hold a dirty filter up to a burning light bulb.  If you can see a clear outline of the bulb, your filter is still good.  When it gets to the point you can't see the bulb, it’s time for a new one.  If you have pets, or are a smoker, you'll need to change the furnace filter more often. 
 Changing the filter may not seem important but when your furnace's blower motor burns out because your clogged filter restricted too much air flow you’ll find that a new motor is going to cost you a lot more than a filter.

Maintenance - Blower & Motor:
Clean the blower assembly.  Check to make sure the belt isn't loose or damaged. Assuming your furnace doesn't have a sealed blower motor, put a few drops of oil in the motor.  Now the blower motor is running smoothly and efficiently, and your heating system should keep you warm this winter.

 A few furnace tips worth noting. Your heating and air conditioning vents are there for a reason.  Neither your return air vents nor your supply registers should be obstructed by furniture or anything else.  Air needs to circulate through them freely.  And that includes filters that are used at the vent.  Are they trapping lots of junk?  They're likely trapping lots of air too. If you absolutely must use thick filters of any sort, have the static pressure tested at both the return and supply vents to make sure you're getting the required minimum airflow for your furnace.    

 Does your furnace room double as a storage closet?  Bad idea.  No kind of flammable material should be stored anywhere near your furnace or water heater.  And speaking of your furnace room.  Did you know that your furnace and water heater need a lot of combustion air?  Unless your furnace has a fresh air vent installed and piped to the exterior of your house--and no, that does NOT mean your chimney--you need to have a vented furnace room.

Used Book Sale at Meadow Vista Library

The Friends of the Meadow Vista Library Winter Book Sale will be held on Tuesday December 4th from noon until 4 PM and on Wednesday December 5th from 2 to 6 PM at the library, 16981 Placer Hills Road, Meadow Vista.  Great used books to give as holiday gifts, used CD's, VHS tapes, audio books and DVD's will be offered at bargain prices all $1.00 or less.  On Wednesday shoppers may fill a bag with paperback books for only $1.00.
 The Meadow Vista Library is one of the community's jewels.  Years ago, if one wanted a library book, a trip to Auburn's Carnegie Library on Almond Street was required.  As Meadow Vista grew in population the county saw the need for a branch in Meadow Vista, so in 1951 a small library was opened on Placer Hills Road in what is now a real estate office.  Space was limited and circulation low.  In keeping with the community's rural nature, a hitching post provided a place for the children who rode their horses to the library.  This small library closed in 1964.
 In more recent years the county's Book Mobile had scheduled stops in Meadow Vista until the current library opened in December 2002.  The library is located in the lower floor of the Holiday Market.  The library is open Tuesday through Saturday with varying hours of operation. 
 In 2003 the Friends of the Meadow Vista Library, a non-profit fund raising organization, was founded.  This organization solicits gifts of used books from the public and then sponsors twice-yearly book sales in the spring and fall.  Monies raised support library programs such as the summer reading and craft programs and to purchase needed library materials. Contact Virginia Parker 878-7804 for information.

Meadow Vista Community Center Update