Greening the cabinWant to go green at the lake? You don't have to put in pricey solar panels to make a difference, according to Ed Begley Jr., the famously green-living actor who is coming to town for next weekend's Lake Home & Cabin Show.
Begley advocates "the cheap and easy stuff," such as installing weatherstripping, an energy-saving thermostat, double-pane windows, a vegetable garden and a composting toilet. "It uses very little water and can save on the wear and tear of the septic system," he said.
He also recommends cooking in a solar oven placed in the yard or in a sunny porch. "I make tea, soup and even bake bread," he said. And keep a couple of mountain bikes at the cabin so you can go into town without a car, he said. "It's a way to recreate, stay healthy and cut down on fuel."
Begley is Saturday's featured speaker, appearing at noon and 4 p.m. Other events at the show include live "cabin critter" presentations by scientist/TV personality Bob Mies and cooking demonstrations by the "Getaway Gourmet." In between, visitors can check out more than 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest in recreational toys, decorating trends, remodeling, building, landscaping, buying and planning for a second home.
Hours for the Lake Home & Cabin Show are 2-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for ages 5-15 and free for ages 4 and under. Coupons for $2 off adult admission are available at www.lakehomeand cabinshow.com.
Free house paintingHome maintenance chores and expenses can be overwhelming for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. But there's help available -- the Metro Paint-a-Thon. Since 1984, volunteers with this program, sponsored by the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, have painted more than 6,250 homes across the Twin Cities metro area.
The program is currently taking applications for this summer's Paint-a-Thon. To qualify, a homeowner must: own and occupy a single-family home in need of paint but not in need of major repairs, live in the seven-county metro area, be 60 years or older or have a permanent physical disability and meet monthly income guidelines.
If you or a friend, neighbor or family member meet those criteria, call 612-276-1579 to request an application, or download one at www.paintathon.gmcc.org. The deadline to apply is May 4.
