Use caution when decorating for holidays

The holiday decorating season is at hand and lots of electric lights and decorations will be hung with care. With that in mind, people can make their holidays safer and more enjoyable by first taking some safety precautions.

And, some of the lighting costs of decorating can be less expensive by switching to energy-efficient lights. Here are some tips on electrical safety and energy savings from Kentucky Utilities Company (KU).

Decorations and Indoor Lighting

• Check for damaged insulation, cracked sockets, and bare wires.


• Never overload circuits or extension cords. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the number and type of light strings that can be linked together safely.


• Do not run cords under rugs, through doorways, around sharp corners or over radiators or pipes.


• Locate cords where they won't create a tripping hazard.


• Connect decorative lights to multi-outlet power strips that contain their own breakers.

Lighting

• You can lower operating costs and increase safety by using LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting. LEDs use 10 times less energy than incandescent mini-lights and 100 times less energy than standard bulbs.


• 80% of the electrical energy from an LED is converted to light energy while 20% is lost as heat energy. With a typical incandescent light, only 20% of the electrical energy is converted to light energy while a whopping 80% is lost as heat energy.


• Because LEDs contain no filament like the incandescents do, they are hard to be damaged under circumstances such as bumping and dropping.

Christmas Tree

• Locate the tree away from heat sources that could dry it out, such as heating ducts, radiators, the fireplace or the television.


• Keep the tree stand filled with water and preservative to prevent the tree from drying out.


• If you use an artificial tree, choose one that's fire-resistant.


• Never string electric lights on a metal tree.

Outdoors

• Use only decorations made specifically for outdoor use.


• Decorate the outside of your home only during daylight hours so it’s easy to see power lines and avoid them with your ladder. Always carry ladders parallel to the ground and look up to check for power lines before setting ladders up.


• Before stringing lights in outdoor trees, check to be sure the tree hasn’t grown too close to power lines. If it comes in contact with the power lines, the entire tree could be electrified.


• Use ground fault circuit interrupters for added safety.

General

• Do not use water on an electrical fire.
• Unplug all holiday decorative lights before you leave the house or go to bed.

LBL Announces 2010 Eagle Viewing Trips

GOLDEN POND, KY--Bundle up in your favorite sweater and experience the enchanting sights on a bald eagle viewing trip, offered again at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area throughout the winter months.
Back by popular demand, LBL hosts a weekend of river cruises January 9-10, a special Martin Luther King, Jr. Day cruise January 18, and another Saturday lunch cruise January 23, for up close views of the eagles from the water.
Despite cold temperatures that usually keep people indoors, bald eagles thrive in winter conditions. What better way to view bald eagles than relaxing on a river cruise in the comforts of the spacious and beautifully appointed CQ Princess? The 96-foot CQ Princess luxury yacht offers wonderful views from both outside on deck and indoors where it’s warm and toasty!
"LBL is a major wintering spot for bald eagles from northern areas such as Michigan and Canada," said Carrie Szwed, Nature Station Public Programs Coordinator. "Because of excellent coordination between State and Federal Agencies in past years to restore eagle habitats and populations, we have seen tremendous increases in eagles both wintering and nesting in this area."
LBL also hosts eagle viewing van trips. During these, LBL guides take visitors to the best wildlife viewing hot spots on the 170,000-acre recreation area. Visitors will most likely see migratory bald eagles, gulls, and other waterfowl, as well as native wildlife species, such as deer and turkey. Visitors can enjoy viewing the eagles December through February.
Van trips meet and depart from the Golden Pond Visitor Center unless otherwise indicated. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and moderate walking. Also, don’t forget to bring binoculars and field guides. River cruises depart from Kenlake State Resort Park Marina. Reservations and full deposits are required for all trips. “Eagle excursions are very popular, so early reservations are encouraged,” stated Szwed. Gift certificates are available.
Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Friends of LBL, to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. LBL information and maps are available on our website at www.lbl.org or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. We encourage visitors to review our website each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures. You can find out more about Friends of LBL at www.friendsoflbl.org.

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Bald Eagle Viewing Excursions
Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area


Reservations & full deposits are required for all trips. For more information or to reserve your space, call 270-924-2020 weekdays, 8am-4:30pm.


Van Tours: Afternoon tours are available. Moderate walking required. Dress for the weather. Meet and depart from the Golden Pond Visitor Center. ($5 ages 12 & under, $7 ages 13 & up.)

Dec. 12 1-4:30pm
Dec. 13 1-4:30pm
Jan. 24 1-4:30pm
Jan. 31 1-4:30pm
Feb. 7 1-4:30pm

River Cruises: Cruises are $60 per person (meal included). Tours depart from Kenlake State Resort Park Marina. Visit www.cqriverside.com for a peek at the CQ Princess luxury yacht.

Jan. 9 8:30-11:30am (brunch cruise) & 1-4pm (lunch cruise)
Jan. 10 11am-2pm (lunch cruise)
Jan. 18 11am-2pm Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (lunch cruise)
Jan. 23 11am-2pm (lunch cruise)

Other Winter Programs: Call for additional information and prices.
Dec. 5 1:30-3:30pm, Waterfowl and Eagle Watch (Meet at Nature Station) Reservations & full deposits required.
Dec. 19 6am-1:30pm, Audubon Christmas Bird Count (Meet at Nature Station) Call 270-924-2299 for more information.
Feb. 6 1-4pm, Fort Henry Anniversary Walk (Meet at Fort Henry Hiking Trail Parking Lot)
Feb. 15 3-4:30pm, Presidents’ Day Elk & Bison Prairie Tour (Meet at Golden Pond Visitor Center) Reservations & full deposits required.

Upcoming LBL events

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area
Special Programs November 23 - December 6, 2009
Unless otherwise noted, most programs are free with general admission to that facility.

For more information on these programs and other upcoming events, visit our online calendar at www.lbl.org/CALGate.html or call 270-924-2000
or 800-525-7077

The Homeplace, Nature Station, & Golden Pond Planetarium (open Wed. - Sun.)
Admission Fee: Ages 13 and up: $4 Ages 5-12: $2 Ages 4 and under: Free

Elk & Bison Prairie (open daily dawn ‘til dusk) Drive through wildlife viewing area.
Admission Fee: $5 per vehicle


Monday - Sunday, November 23 - 29
Planetarium Shows - Golden Pond Planetarium Ages 13 & up $4; 5-12: $2; 4 & under free.
Far Out Space Places – Wed.-Sun. at 10 am
Explorers of Int.’ Space Station - Sat. & Sun. at 11 am
Blown Away - The Wild World of Weather: Wed. - Fri. at 12 noon; Sat. & Sun. at 3 pm
The Skies Above - Wed. - Sun. at 1 pm
Journey to the Edge of Space & Time - Wed. - Sun. at 2 pm

Friday, November 27
2:15pm
Talkin’ Turkey – NATURE STATION
Program free with NS admission.
There is so much more about this bird than Thanksgiving dinner! Meet some of the Nature Station’s turkeys and learn all about their habits, behaviors, and calls.

Saturday, November 28
Christmas in 1850* - HOMEPLACE
1 – 4pm
Program free with HP admission.
Smells of pine and fresh ginger bread cookies, stockings hung over the fireplace, and voices raised in song mean that Christmas has come to The Homeplace. Join the 1850’s farm family as they prepare for the Christmas holidays. Learn how to make traditional Christmas decorations and home-cooked goodies. Then, sit back and relax to the old-time Christmas tunes of the Dixie Volunteers. Later, join them in singing 1800’s Christmas carols as we usher in the arrival of Santa Claus by horse and buggy. Come all ye for fun and merriment. *Ideal for Home Educators.

2 – 4pm
Animal Snowflakes – NATURE STATION
Program free with NS admission.
Add some natural pizzazz to your winter decorations as we make our own animal-shaped recycled-paper snowflakes. Drop by anytime between 2 and 4pm.

Sunday, November 29
1pm
Lye + H2O + Lard = Soap – HOMEPLACE
Program free with HP admission.
Discover the entire soap making process from leeching the lye at the ash hopper to what it takes to mold a bar of soap.

2:15pm
Storytime with Opossum – NATURE STATION
Program free with NS admission.
Bring the little ones for this unique storytime program! Your kids will love to explore the world of the opossum as we read a story and then meet a live opossum up close. We will also make an opossum craft that your kids can take home.

Thursday, December 3 – Sunday, December 6
‘Tis the Season – Golden Pond Planetarium
Look at seasonal, religious, and cultural rituals from around the world, and how the stars and planets have played an important role in these celebrations throughout history. $2/$4.
See “Tis the Season” Thu-Fri, 10am & 2pm and Sat-Sun, 10am, 1pm, & 3pm

A Story of Christmas – Golden Pond Planetarium
Explore customs of Christmas, origins of Christmas trees, tradition of Santa Claus, the Wise Men, and Hanukkah. See the skies as they looked in the Holy Lands at time of Jesus. $2/$4.
See “A Story of Christmas” Thu-Fri, 1pm and Sat-Sun, 11am & 2pm

Saturday, December 5
1:30 – 3:30pm
Waterfowl and Eagle Watch – NATURE STATION
$3 children /$5 adults. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Moderate walking required.
Land Between The Lakes is a great refuge for many different species of ducks. Join us as we venture out to find these unique divers and dabblers. We’ll also be on the lookout for eagles perched or soaring overhead. You never know what you’ll see this time of year.

5 – 7pm
A Christmas Eve at The Homeplace – HOMEPLACE
$4 children /$6 adults. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.
It’s Christmas Eve at The Homeplace! Join The Homeplace family as they prepare for an 1850’s Christmas Eve by decorating a Christmas tree, enjoying favorite holiday treats, and singing traditional carols. Bring your family and help us celebrate this holly, jolly holiday!

New U.S. 62 bridge opens Wednesday

A new US 62/US 641 Tennessee River Bridge below Kentucky Dam should be opened to traffic the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. US 62 and US 641, which run concurrently through the area, have been closed at the site since Sept. 9 and traffic detoured via Interstate 24 as the new bridge approaches were completed and connected to existing highways. “Reopening of this important US 62/US 641 connection between Gilbertsville and GrandRivers will be a big help for commuters, tourists, and our tourism-related businesses in the area,” said Jim LeFevre, chief engineer for Department of Highways District 1. “The closure and detour created quite an inconvenience for travelers. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this important work. By keeping the roadway closed this fall we’ve been able to go ahead and open the new bridge now instead of having another extended closure in the spring.” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet inspectors have checked the bridge to allow it to become part of the state highway system. The highway bridge and a parallel Paducah & Louisville Railway truss bridge were built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers so that highway and rail traffic atop Kentucky Dam could be moved to make room for construction of a new lock. Rail traffic was switched to the new crossing on Sunday. Continuing work at a new railroad overpass will require KY 282/Gilbertsville Road to remain closed to traffic at mile point 4.869 in Marshall County until about Dec. 7. The closure between Old Gilbertsville and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is to allow removal of an old railroad overpass at the site. The new highway bridge and approaches connect the US 641/KY 282 Interchange at US 62 mile point 11.023 at the west end of the dam to the KY 453/Dover Road Interchange near the 1 mile marker in Livingston County. Approximately 6,000 vehicles cross the Tennessee River each day on US 62/US 641. When the new connection opens at approximately 11:00 a.m., CST, Wednesday morning, traffic will be running on base asphalt courses. A finish asphalt surface will be applied in the spring with a ribbon cutting to be held once paving is complete. Moving rail and highway traffic off the top of Kentucky Dam clears the way for the Corps of Engineers to bid some of the preliminary work for the new lock in December. The new bridges were constructed by American Bridge Co. at a cost of about $100 million each. Jim Smith Contracting, of Grand Rivers, is the contractor for the bridge approach work.v

Thanksgiving dangerous travel holiday

Thanksgiving is the most dangerous holiday of the year for motorists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This includes the four-day holiday driving period surrounding that date when heavy traffic, weather and long-distance road trips combine to create severe travel conditions. Often, family celebrations include alcohol, which later evolves into impaired driving. Add that to heavy holiday traffic, and you have a recipe for disaster.

The number of Americans traveling away from home for Thanksgiving will be up slightly this year from 2008, according to a report from the AAA Auto Club.

“The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is traditionally one of the most traveled weekends of the year," said KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer. "To ensure we all make it to our destinations safely, troopers will be on Kentucky roadways looking for unsafe driving practices including safety belt and impaired driving violations.”

"It's the simple, common sense things that can make a crucial difference such as wearing a seat belt, reducing your speed and avoiding driving after consuming alcohol or drugs," notes Brewer.

The official 2009 Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25^th and extends through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 29^th, 2008.

Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy regarding driving while impaired by alcohol. Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 will result in an immediate arrest, says Lt. David Jude, Commander of the Highway Safety Branch.

The AAA Auto Club indicates that between 4,000 and 8,000 crashes related to distracted driving occur daily in the United States.

"With heightened enforcement, troopers will keep a close eye out for aggressive and distracted drivers, as well. Heavy traffic conditions create added driving challenges requiring drivers to be cognizant of what is happening around them," he adds.

Through Nov. 22, Kentucky has recorded 687 highway fatalities in 2009. This is a decrease of 33 fatalities for the same time period in 2008.

“Even though fatalities have decreased, we must remain vigilant in bringing awareness to all drivers, the importance of exercising safe driving habits,” said Jude. “These needless deaths are tragic and preventable.”

An additional focus this holiday season is promoting awareness between motorists and truck drivers about sharing the road. Lieutenant Colonel Mitch Bailey, Division Director for KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, encourages motorists and truck drivers to respect each other on the road.

“Trucks need extra time and more space to change lanes or come to a complete stop,” said Bailey. “Giving trucks the room they need can prevent crashes and save lives. With increased holiday traffic, sharing the road safely is every driver's responsibility.”

KSP urges all motorists to protect themselves and their fellow travelers by following basic safe driving tips:

· Don't drink and drive. Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy regarding driving while impaired by alcohol. Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 will result in an immediate arrest even for first time offenders. Motorists can also be arrested for lower levels if they are under 21 years of age or operating a commercial vehicle.

· Buckle up. Kentucky law requires drivers to wear seat belts and assure that all occupants in their vehicle are properly restrained. No warnings will be issued to drivers found not wearing a safety belt. They will receive a citation.

· Use approved child restraints. According to Kentucky law, all children 40 inches in height or less must be buckled into a child safety restraint seat that meets federal standards. Children under age seven and between 40 - 50 inches tall must be in a booster seat.

· The back seat is the safest place for children to sit, especially in vehicles equipped with passenger-side air bags. Infants and toddlers should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Parents should always be sure that their child's safety seat has been properly installed in the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions.

· Obey speed limits. Excessive speed reduces your ability to avoid a crash, extends your vehicle's stopping distance and increases the severity of a crash when it occurs.

· Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation and fatigue can cause lapses in attention, slowed awareness and impaired judgment.

· Don't tailgate. Use the "three-second rule" to determine if you are following a vehicle to closely. To do this, first select a fixed object on the road ahead such as a sign, tree or overpass. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the object, slowly count "one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand." If you reach the object before completing the count, you are following too close.

· Don’t cut off semi-trucks. Large trucks require more space to slow down in order to avoid colliding with your vehicle.

· Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as passing on the shoulder of the road, changing lanes without signaling, violating traffic signals and weaving in and out of traffic.

· Expect the unexpected. Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react. Scan the road ahead for potential hazards.

· Watch for road debris such as tire treads, garbage, lumber, gravel, tree limbs, mufflers and exhaust parts.

· Avoid or minimize in-car distractions such as cell phone use, changing CDs, eating or other activities that can remove your attention from the road.

· Take frequent breaks to keep alert during long distance trips.

· Be extra cautious around large trucks. They have large "blind spots" and much longer stopping distances than passenger cars.

· Three out of four crashes happen within 25 miles of home at speeds of 45 miles per hour or less. About 40 percent of all fatal crashes occur on roads where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety during the holiday period by reporting erratic, impaired or speeding drivers to the KSP toll-free hotline at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number, if possible.

Upcoming LBL events

Free Cedar Christmas Trees Offered at LBL

GOLDEN POND, KY--Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is again offering Christmas tree permits beginning December 1 for visitors to cut cedar trees.
The permit, valid December 1-24, entitles a family to cut one cedar tree at no charge. Permits, maps, and cutting guidelines may be obtained from the Golden Pond Visitor Center daily, 9am-5pm, or the LBL Administrative Office, 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.
"Taking the family out searching for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition,” says LBL Forester Dennis Wilson. “Cedar trees are usually found along roadsides or within old forest openings.” The cedar tree program assists in promoting wildlife habitat diversity by maintaining open lands at LBL.
Cedar trees may be cut anywhere in LBL except areas within sight of U.S. Highway 68 or The Trace, cemeteries, the Nature Watch Demonstration Areas, campgrounds, lawns or other mowed areas.
Whether families cut or purchase a tree, they should follow these safety guidelines when using a cut tree in their home at Christmas.
1. Choose a fresh tree. If the needles are brown and fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
2. When setting up your tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
3. Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
4. Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents or wood stoves.
5. Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition. Never leave tree lights on while you are asleep or away from home.
6. Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow color, and excessive needle dropping.

Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Friends of LBL, to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. LBL information and maps are available on our website at www.lbl.org or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. We encourage visitors to review our website each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures. You can find out more about Friends of LBL at www.friendsoflbl.org.

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LBL’s Golden Pond Planetarium Offers Holiday Shows

GOLDEN POND, KY -- Looking for a fun, family holiday outing? Come explore the customs and celebrations of the holiday season with the Golden Pond Planetarium shows at Land Between The Lakes (LBL).
The Golden Pond Planetarium offers two holiday programs Thurs-Sun, Dec. 3-20. A Story of Christmas explores the customs of Christmas, the origins of the Christmas tree, and the tradition of Santa Claus, the Wise Men, and Hanukkah. You’ll see the skies as they looked in the Holy Lands at the time of Christ. ‘Tis the Season looks at the seasonal, religious, and cultural rituals from around the world, and how the stars and planets have played an important role in these celebrations throughout history.
“The skies offer celestial beauty and important lessons to be learned this time of the year,” stated Jim Taylor, Director of Operations for the LBL Association. “It is a wonderful experience for both families and groups.”
Friends of LBL has arranged for Santa to be present at the Planetarium on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20. Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities with Santa.
Admission to the Golden Pond Planetarium is $4 ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5-12; 4 and under, free. Organized groups may schedule either show at other times and receive group rates. Please call 270-924-2020 for more information. Show times are as follows:
A Story of Christmas
Thurs. & Fri. 1pm
Sat. & Sun. 11am & 2pm
‘Tis the Season
Thurs. & Fri. 10am & 2pm
Sat. & Sun. 10am, 1pm & 3pm

The Homeplace, Nature Station, North and South Welcome Stations, and Golden Pond Planetarium and Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day,
Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Friends of LBL, to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. LBL information and maps are available on our website at www.lbl.org or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. We encourage visitors to review our website each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures. You can find out more about Friends of LBL at www.friendsoflbl.org.

Oral history commission wants veterans stories

If you are an active duty member of the military, a veteran, a National Guardsman, a reservist or a civilian who has a story about the homefront , the Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC) wants to hear your story.

The KOHC, administered by the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), invites veterans and others with military- related stories to preserve their piece of history. Participants can visit the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort to interview with trained KHS volunteers. Interviews will be recorded and take about one hour. Participants will be sent a CD of their interview and will receive free admission for that day for the entire KHS history campus, which includes the Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal.

The KOHC is soliciting these personal accounts as part of a new KHS exhibition, "Kentucky Military Treasures: Selections from the Kentucky Historical Society Collections." The exhibition tells the stories of Kentuckians who fought in battles spanning nearly 200 years and includes significant artifacts from conflicts ranging from the War of 1812 to more recent engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The exhibition is on display in the Keeneland Changing Exhibits Gallery at the Center for Kentucky History. It was made possible by generous support from the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation, Martin F. Schmidt, Tawani Foundation and the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs.

"By documenting the oral history of our state's military story, we can more intentionally add all levels of experience to the record of official history," said Sarah Milligan, program administrator for the KOHC. "The 'Kentucky Military Treasures' exhibition is so interesting because it tells the story of the people behind the artifacts and lends a voice, literally with the use of oral history, to the historical record. By sharing the audio of these interviews we can hear the emotion and better understand the reality of what it means to be in or associated with the United States Military. "

The KOHC invites anyone with a military-related story to participate, especially individuals with experience in recent or current conflicts.

"We want the military collection to truly represent all Kentuckians' experiences in the military," said Milligan. "We welcome all stories, but especially need to hear the stories of veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and current wars and engagements, and the stories of women and minorities."

The KOHC, established in 1976, is a nationally recognized program that has provided for the collection of more than 25,000 oral history interviews, including the stories of tenant farmers, political leaders and nationally acclaimed authors. The commission also offers grant opportunities, workshops, sponsors state conferences and participates in collaborative projects with other agencies and institutions.

To make an appointment to share your story with the KOHC, contact Milligan at 502-564-1792, ext.4434 or email Sarah.

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