Louisiana

Can you believe that it is the Fourth of July already? That means that it is time for the great celebration of the birth of our country. Today, I thought I would share with you some firework safety tips and where you can see great public fireworks displays in Tangipahoa Parish.

Home Firework Safety Tips:

* Obey local firework laws and restrictions. Fireworks are legal in Tangipahoa Parish. However, they are not legal within Hammond city limits.
* Do not alter the fireworks. Read the directions printed on the fireworks label and follow them.
* Do not place fireworks in any type of metal or glass containers.
* Always have an adult supervise children. It is recommended that no child under 12 should handle any type of fireworks.
* Always have a hose nearby. Place spent or misfired fireworks in a bucket of water immediately. Let them soak before disposing in a trash can
* Place fireworks on concrete when possible. Fireworks should be placed on a smooth, hard surface.
* Do not light fireworks while holding them.
* Light only one at a time and remember to move away quickly after lighting. Never try to relight a dud.
* Do not throw fireworks or point them at people, animals, structures or cars.
* Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars or buildings. Keep away from shrubs and brush.

Things To Remember:

* You must be 15 years of age or older to purchase fireworks.
* Fireworks and alcohol never mix. If your celebration includes alcoholic beverages, have a designated shooter present.
* Never carry fireworks in your pockets; the friction from your body and clothing can set them off.
* Never allow children to pick up spent fireworks; they could still be "live".
* Sparklers burn hot, can cause third degree burns and can easily set clothing on fire.
* Animals are sensitive to loud sounds. T he noise and brillance of fireworks can cause them extreme stress and frighten them. Keep your pet indoors to ensure their safety.
* There have been 173 wildfires in Louisiana in the month of June, so please use caution when igniting your fireworks.
* You are responsible for any injuries to people or animals and damage to any property. Parents are liable for their children's misuse of fireworks, which causes injury or damage.

Tangipahoa Parish Public Firework Displays:

* July 2: City of Hammond's Light of the Sky

Zemurray Park, Hammond. Hours: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
The firework display will begin at dark.
For more details call Rose at (985) 277-5630 or visit http://www.hammond.org/blog/index.php?id=116

* July 2: Ponchatoula's 9th Annual PARD Fireworks Show

Recreation District Park in Ponchatoula. Hours: 5:00 pm - 9 pm
The firework display will begin at dusk.
For more details, call Cathy at (985)370-7273 or visit www.pard1.com.

Yvonne Martin, The Martin Team, your Tangipahoa real estate experts

Spring and summer are great times to plan and then carry out home remodeling projects. Things like painting, siding, roofing, and window repair are best done when it the weather is mild. This year, credits are available through the Stimulus bill for insulation, doors and window, and alternative energy sources, so there is extra incentive to make upgrades that make economic sense while making the home more attractive and comfortable. Finding a contractor might be a little more difficult in some areas where some owners are staying put rather than selling, but quality licensed contractors are out there waiting for your call.

The home remodeling industry is basically unregulated, so contractors can charge whatever people will pay. It is the career choice of scammers who "were doing a job in the neighbor and have extra supplies" and prey on the elderly and the uniformed.

Since many remodeling tasks are best left to licensed contractors, what should a homeowner look for before entrusting a job to a contractor?

There can be a lot of variation in the charges for different projects, so getting three estimates is a sound practice. It might be a good idea to visit Lowe's or Home Depot (or check on line) to get a ballpark price for the supplies. This could be helpful if there is a big spread in the estimates. Often the supply costs to contractors are similar, but the mark up on the materials and the labor vary widely. Even though you might want to stay within a budget you have in mind for the job, going for the cheapest contractor might not be the best idea; ironically, picking the most expensive one does not guarantee quality. If you anticipate selling your home in a few years, don't go overboard on the cost so your home's value is in line with neighborhood prices.

Using a contractor recommended by a friend can be a great idea - but still get a few estimates. Your friend's job might give you an idea of how the finished product looks and the workmanship of the contractor and his crew. You might also hear war stories and editorial comments that will help you assess if you're friend's contractor is good choice for you. If have to pick a contactor blind, make sure to ask for recommendations and actually call the customer to see if they would recommend the business. You might even call the Better Business Bureau to verify if the vendor has had complaints against and how he has resolved them.

If you are installing windows or other products that qualify for tax credits or rebates, make sure that the contractor gives you the proper receipts so you can claim the credit. Make sure to tell the contractor that you want to take advantage of the rebate so he buys qualifying materials.

When a contractor is at your home working with power tools and working on ladders, accidents can easily happened. To prevent liability and undue usage of your own homeowners' insurance, make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, insured, and covered by workmen's comp. A reputable contractor won't minds showing you're a copy of his paperwork.

After you have decided on the contactor, he will probably ask for a deposit. To make sure that he follows through and completes the work, give him the minimum he requests as a downpayment and make additional payments at intervals. Only pay the balance when the job is done to your satisfaction. Contractors often schedule several jobs and may not come back to work on your job if they have no incentive.

If you wonder which improvements you make will increase the asking price of your home in a few years, ask an experienced Realtor® for direction. Sandy Sandlin and her team at ReMax Excellent Properties can give you the help you need. If you are ready to buy or sell house now, Sandy knows Greater Baton Rouge real estate.

Did you cross your fingers like I asked? I didn't think so. Yesterday's pleas for rain in northeast Louisiana went unanswered. No rain. We were teased with clouds and even the sound of a little thunder, but when it all came down to it, NO RAIN.

So, we're back to the same old weather forecast--lots of heat, lots of sun. No rain.

If your home is on the market at this time, plesae try to keep the grass green. I know it's a chore, but it really makes a difference when buyers are driving by. And, if you happen to be looking for a new home right now, please be understanding of the fact that Mother Nature is not cooperating. Grass may be a little crispy, but it will come back! One day's rain will make everything green again.

Call or email me if I can help you.

Gayle Causey, 318-614-5615
Keller Williams Realty, Monroe
http://GayleCausey.com

Open, airy, spacious, plus a panoramic view of the Chinchuba waterway. This spectacular Executive home is 1.5 stories with approx. 3802 sq ft living and 4500 sq ft under beam. Located in the demand Meadowbrook Lakes Subdivision and just minutes to the Causeway and I-12. This beautiful home features 4 bedrooms 3.5 baths plus a BONUS ROOM upstairs, great for a game room, media room or private office. Mother-in-law suite has a full bath plus walk-in closet. Great Room features high ceilings, curved archways, triple crown moulding, and architectural columns. Wall of windows to take advantage of the gorgeous view. Sun room, screened patio with ceiling fans. Formal dining room has wood flooring. Kitchen is spacious with new stainless steel appliances. In-ground pool with fenced yard. Ideally suited for relaxing at the end of the day or entertaining. A must see!!!

All information deemed reliable not guaranteed.

Visit these Great Sites for more information on ALEXANDRIA, La!

1. CityofAlexandria.com
2. Hotels.comin alexandria, la
3. Alexandria Newsapaper thetowntalk.com
4. Festivals in Louisiana

Listing of Public Parks

Alexandria Youth Complex across from Cabrini Hospital #2 Babe Ruth Drive

Alexandria ZOO in the Bringhurst Area

Babe Ruth Drivein the Bringhurst Park Area

Bank Street/Overton Street R-O-W

Beagle Club Beagle Club Road off Harold Miles Park Road

Beech Street/Hickory Street

Ben Bradford on Masonic Drive next to the Tennis Courts

Bis Island next to the Youth Complex across from the Alexandria Zoo

Bolton Avenue Community Center

Bon Temps House

Boys' & Girls' Club/Picnic Area

Bringhurst Ball Field - Facilities available on a first come first serve basis. Please call Parks & Recreation 24 hours in advance for maintenance 473-1121.

Charles Smith Park Dallas Street

· Use of park must be approved by Charles F. Smith - contact Parks and Recreation

Cheetham Park - Pool/Ball Field Across from Peabody High School on Jones Avenue

Cheetham Park - Baseball Dallas Street

· Use of park must be approved by Charles F. Smith - contact Parks and Recreation

Cheetham Park - Playground Across from Peabody High School on Jones Avenue

Civitan off Lake Charles Highway with the gate on Prescott Rd.

Compton Parkon Wakefield Blvd. behind Nachman Elementary School

Deborah Bowman ParkBehind WalMart at the end of Redwood Street

Diamond #1 on Masonic Drive next to the Fire Station

Elliott Street Lots

Enterprise Park on Enterprise Road

Family Tree House

Farmer's Market

Frank O. Hunter Ball Field off Willow Glen River Road

Frank O. Hunter Park off Willow Glen River Road

Genealogical Library

Harmon Park on Monroe Street across from Colonial Drive

Harold Miles Park

Helen Black Park North 13th Street

Johnny Downs Recreational Complex currently under construction

Lily Grimble Park Lincoln Road

Lincoln ParkFairfield Avenue

Little Theatre

Martin Park

Mason Street Park

Mini Park (Downtown)

MLK Community Center

N. City Park Blvd./Carol Court

N. City Park Blvd./Hynson Bayou

O'Hearn Mathews Field Old Boyce Road - Crossroads Soccer

Old Tank Lot

Rosalie Street/Louis Street R-O-W

Tennis Courts Masonic Drive

University Street - Canal Liner

Thanks and for more info go to www.kearycoffin.com.