Grilling Safety
-Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under leaves and branches.
-Place the grill at a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
-Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill.
-Use long-handled grilling tools to have plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
-Propane and charcoal grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Charcoal
-Use the proper starter fluid and store it out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
-Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited.
-Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid.

Propane
-Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
-Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.
-If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

Statistically, 7 out of 10 Americans are living paycheck to paycheck (8 out of 10 in affluent areas). In other words, at least 70% of our population is one negative financial event away from a major financial crisis. Over 50% of marriages in America end in divorce, and of those failed marriages, money problems are the most common cause.

We have loaded ourselves with debt, and until very recently we were saving nothing.

A great guide out of financial debt is Financial Peace University. The course teaches how to develop and stick to a written budget; to save for emergencies, major purchases, retirement and college; pay off debts; to invest to build wealth; to secure proper insurance coverage; and most importantly to share through generous givings.

Lessons are given through a video series by Lyle Ramsey and followed up with small group discussions. The meeting starts on Tuesday, January 5th at 6 with soup provided and the lessons start at 6:15 at Central Christian Church, 1242 West 136th St.  Classes met once a week through March 30th.

To register:

Go to daveramsey.com or email the coordinator Josh Motsinger at jkmotsinger@nalco.com

Many of us will set some time today to decide what needs to change for the next year, how to accomplish these items and then let them slip way maybe by March, some times we will hold on to them even until June.

Why do our good intentions of New Year’s Resolutions (New Year Goals) fail?  Maybe the goal is beyond our capability, maybe the goal was set to try to impress someone else and not for ourself, whatever the reason we would like to take a few days of the beginning of this month and give you some tips on how to met those New Year opportunities.

Let’s follow some goal sitting tips and look at some of the top 10 New Year’s Resolutions.

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Spend More Time With Family

2. Fit In Fitness

3. Tame the Bulge

4. Quit Smoking

5. Enjoy Life More

6. Quit Drinking

7. Get Out of Debt

8. Learn Something New

9. Help Others

10. Get Organized

Over the next two weeks, we are going to look at some of these top 10 New Year’s Resolutions and see how we can help you if they are on your list.

One way of accomplishing a goal is to have a friend to help you, we want to do our best to be your friend to look for the best advise to reach your goals.

Happy New Year

The Carmel Police Department offers the following safety tips for Halloween:

· Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.

· Have children bring treats home for adult inspection before they are eaten.

· An adult should accompany younger children.

· Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.

· Stay within your neighborhood; only visit homes you know.

· Use make-up or face paint instead of masks. If masks are used, make sure the child has good visibility.

· Make sure costumes are flame-retardant and sized to fit the child.

· Put reflective tape on costumes.

· Watch for vehicle traffic and use caution when crossing the street.

· Drive slowly all evening.

· Keep costumed children away from pets. The pets may not recognize the child and become frightened.

Police cars will be patrolling the neighborhoods to ensure everyone’s safety. If you see or find anything suspicious, please call the Carmel Police Department at 571-2580 or Emergency 911.