Volunteer Appreciation!

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Provides Contribution to North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity on Behalf of Employee Volunteer

In recognition of Sara Thompson's committment to the community and for her outstanding service, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has contributed $250 to North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity on her behalf as part of the Dollars for Doers program for Blue Cross employees.

Sara began volunteering with North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity in 2004 and donated more than 70 hours this year. As a volunteer, she has worked on NSLCHFH's annual Building the Future with Habitat dinner and on the Habitat 500 Bike Ride.

"Each year Blue Cross employees donate thousands of volunteer hours to making thie communities a better place to live," said Marsha Shotley, vice president of Board and Community Relations. "Through the Dollars for Doers program, our employees can make an even greater impact on their communities. Blue Cross is pleased to support their efforts."

As part of the Blue Cross Dollars for Doers program, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will award $250 to eligible nonprofit organizations for which a Blue Cross employee volunteers 40 hours or more per calendar year.

Monthly Energy Saving Tip: Cooking

• USE TOASTER OVENS, CROCKPOTS, AND MICROWAVES. When you are cooking small-to-medium-sized meals, they use less energy than the stove or oven.
• KEEP THE INSIDE SURFACE OF YOUR MICROWAVE CLEAN. It will cook your food more efficiently.
• USE THE SMALLEST PANS POSSIBLE. It takes less energy to heat them.
• USE LIDS. They help the food cook more quickly by keeping the steam in the pot or pan.
• CLEAN THE BURNER PANS ON YOUR STOVE. When clean, they will reflect heat back up to pots and pans.
• KEEP CONVENTIONAL OVEN-PREHEATING TIME TO A MINIMUM. Only preheat if you are baking bread or pastries.
• DON'T PEEK! You lose heat every time you open the door of lift the lid.
• KEEP RACKS CLEAR. Foil on oven shelves blocks heat and costs money.
• USE CLASS OR CERAMIC PANS ON OVENS. They heat faster than metal pans - that's why brownie recipes call for 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but 325 degrees Fahrenheit for a glass pan.
• REMEMBER: ALWAYS TAKE CARE WHEN COOKING. It is the number-one cause of home fires in the United States.

First Published by Lake Country Power

Home Maintenance Tasks: December

• Check the operation of all ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets by pushing the "test" button.
• The "reset" button should pop out, indicating the receptacle is operating properly. Press in the reset button.
• Check inside bathroom vanities and kitchen sink cabinets for moisture and other signs of leaks.
• Carefully inspect pipes for condensation or slow drips. Repair the plumbing system if necessary.
• Review the family fire escape plan with every household member.
• Unpack and test all electrical holiday decorations. Repair or discard any that do not function properly. Watch for sales on tools before and after the holiday season.

Provided by move.com