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        <title>New Jersey Shore Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
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            <guid>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/fireplace-safety-cleaning-and-maintenance.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/fireplace-safety-cleaning-and-maintenance.html</link>
            <author>info@dianeturton.com (Dawn Fetherston)</author>
            <title>Fireplace Safety - Cleaning and Maintenance</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
With cooler weather, many people use their fireplaces to heat their homes. Whether you have a wood burning stove, or a gas fireplace, yearly cleaning is recommended by the National Fire Protection  Association for fireplaces that are used frequently.


Get Your Chimney Cleaned and Inspected


It's really important to have your fireplace flashing and chimney cleaned and inspected by a chimney sweep that is CSIA Certified and  experienced.  Chimney caps should be installed and will help to keep your chimney and fireplace clean.  The chimney sweep  should ensure your fireplace damper functions correctly, that there are no cracks in the flue liner, and that the chimney is waterproof. They will also sweep the flue to remove creosote and debris that could start a fire.


Wood Burning Fireplaces


To help keep your wood burning fireplace clean, check the wood you burn. It should be dry and seasoned hardwood. Wood such as fir or pine burns hotter than hardwood and deposits creosote in the chimney. Painted wood, construction material, and plastics should never be burned in a fireplace. The toxic fumes can easily enter the living area. Avoid burning large amounts of paper, especially wrapping paper since it is a common cause of chimney fires.


Before starting your fire, it's good practice to clean out ashes from previous fires. Always use a fire grate and the proper fire tools to attend the fire.  Once the fire is started, close the fire screen and keep glass doors open.


Gas Fireplaces


Gas fireplaces require regular maintenance as well. A service technician can adjust the millivolt output, clean, and place embers and  logs, clean the glass, check batteries in CO2 monitor, and ensure vents are clean, unobstructed and doing their job.


If the flame goes out, wait five to ten minutes to allow the gas to clear out of the fireplace before attempting to relight it. Call the dealer or a technician if you notice odd smells or unusually colored  flames. If you smell gas when the unit is off, call the gas company immediately. 


General Safety Tips




Keep children away from fireplaces. Serious burns can be caused from children touching hot surfaces and from flammable clothing catching fire. Material such as polyester melts quickly and a warm woodstove can be all it takes for polyester clothing to start melting and cause a burn.


Install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, and check the batteries regularly.


Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.


Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear  of paper, furniture, books and other flammable materials. There should not be  anything flammable within two feet of your fireplace.


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            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:17:35 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/trees-for-troops.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/trees-for-troops.html</link>
            <author>cvetovick@dianeturton.com (Cheryl Vetovick)</author>
            <title>Trees for Troops</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Most people wonder what they can do to boost the morale of our troops who can't be home for the holidays. In addition to sending your  messages of support, perhaps you might consider sending something a little larger - say a Christmas Tree? 


Trees for Troops is a program founded through the Christmas Spirit Foundation, National Christmas Tree Growers' Association and FedEx Corp. that enables thousands of Christmas trees to be sent to troops locally and overseas. Dozens of small businesses, including Allentown's own Keris Tree Farm and Christmas Shop are selling trees at reduced prices ($35), along with a note offering your own best wishes to one of our soldiers. 


Since 2005, 84,000 trees have been sent to over 60 U.S. military bases all over the world. This program wouldn't be successful without assistance from all the growers, Fed Ex and even local organizations such as the Girl Scout Troops who donate handmade ornaments for the trees. Anyone interested in providing financial support of $10 or more, can text the work, "SPIRIT" to 50555 on their phones. For more information about the Trees for Troops program, go online to   www.treesfortroops.org, or follow Trees for Troops on Twitter   (www.twitter.com/trees4troops) or Facebook   (www.facebook.com/trees4troops).
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:45:02 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/asbury-park-then-now.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.dianeturton.com/blog/asbury-park-then-now.html</link>
            <author>cvetovick@dianeturton.com (Cheryl Vetovick)</author>
            <title>Asbury Park - Then &amp; Now </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Destined to be  a resort town, Asbury Park was developed in 1871 by James A. Bradley, just for that purpose. Using the beach as his canvas, he added the boardwalk, then the pavilion for musical acts, beachfront public change rooms, and finally the pier.


Soon outside investors began to take notice and the seed was planted for Palace Amusements when Ernest Schnitzler installed the Palace Merry-Go Round. Several hotels were also built, and Asbury Park was known to attract over 600,000 people a year during the summer season. 


In the years following World War II, Asbury Park underwent a transformation as several large farms were sold and subdivisions started popping up, encouraging more permanent residents.


Today, Asbury Park is still a popular choice for homebuyers. With a location close to both New York City and Philadelphia, many residents can easily commute, but are happy to return  home each night to their coastal paradise.


 Asbury Park real estate includes a lovely selection of revitalized Victorian treasures on quiet streets, along with contemporary homes and some condominiums. Most residences are situated just a short walk to the boardwalk, where a wide range of dining and entertainment venues await. In addition, the town offers a  a non-stop event calendar that includes, street fairs, festivals, concerts and beach bonfires, to name a few. 


Asbury Park is a treasured ocean destination that combines friendly neighborhoods, world-class music and great cuisine, all set among a lively beachfront atmosphere.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:56:48 -0600</pubDate>
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