Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/705042
The Red Bluff Art As- sociation turned 60 years old this past spring and celebrated the election of its new board during an annual Installation and Whacky Hat luncheon at the Wilcox Oaks Golf Club clubhouse. Outgoing President Kathy Brehm confirmed Debby Sipes as president, Connie Graham as vice president, Barbara Peter- son as secretary and Arlene Winslow as treasurer. You can view some of their art work at the Tehama County Library through the end of July. The Wacky Hat contest first, second and third place winners were Janet Tooby, Sylvia Meents and Oleta Tucker. The association meets 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Tehama District Fair- ground, 650 Antelope Blvd. in Red Bluff. For more infor- mation, call 528-2438, visit redbluffartassociation.com or find the association on Facebook. Artassociation celebrates 60 years COURTESYPHOTOS Incoming officers for the Red Bluff Art Association, Connie Graham, Debby Sipes, Barbara Peterson and Arlene Winslow. The Wacky Hat contest winners, Janet Tooby, Sylvia Meents and Oleta Tucker. REDBLUFF Humidity is a popular topic among friends and neighbors where I live in northern Colorado. It's like we have no hu- midity at all. Well, not exactly, but it aver- ages around 20 percent during the summer and fall months. We have a humidifier in our home to keep the air moist, and it runs 24/7 year-round. Low humidity does have its benefits, not the least of which is no mold or mildew. High humidity, though, is troublesome for many. This topic came to mind when I heard from Wayne a few days ago. DEAR MARY: I en- joy reading your daily emails, particularly the ones about appliances. Do you have any recommen- dations for a quality de- humidifier for my home? Thanks in advance! — Will DEAR WILL: Appar- ently, you and I make a great team. I love test- ing, reviewing and recom- mending household appli- ances. I am confident in two different high-quality dehumidifiers (depending on the size of the space you're working with), and I'm happy to share the de- tails with you. They both happen to come from Frigidaire, and they're both available on Ama- zon. FRIGIDAIRE FAD- 504DWD Energy Star 50- pint Dehumidifier ($189). This machine dehumid- ifies 50 pints per day. It will operate continuously as long as it is near a suit- able drain in an area up to 1,500 square feet. It will help eliminate bacte- ria, odors, mold, mildew and other airborne parti- cles. This machine is very quiet and allows you to control the exact percent- age of humidity in the room. FRIGIDAIRE FFAD7033R1 Energy Star 70-pint Dehumidifier ($218). You may want to go for this 70-pints-per- day unit that covers an area up to 2,500 square feet. It, too, will protect your home from mold, mildew and other air- borne particles that can cause difficulty breathing. This is a remarkable ma- chine that operates qui- etly and efficiently. Check out the additional fea- tures, including a digi- tal humidity readout, 24- hour on/off timer and control lock. For links to these dehu- midifiers and more please visit www.everydaycheap- skate.com/humidity. DEAR MARY: I had a similar problem to Marge. (See column titled "Help! My Shark Vacuum Is Act- ing Awkward and Stub- born.") My Shark Navi- gator Lift-Away Profes- sional vacuum, which I love, was acting up. It was making a noise when the brushroll feature was en- gaged. I contacted Shark customer support, and based on my description of the problem, the rep- resentative shipped the bottom piece of the vac- uum to me. The assump- tion was that the motor that runs the brushroll wasn't working. My Shark was less than a year old. I love it even more now! — Theresa DEAR THERESA: Thanks for this great feedback. I've never had a reason to contact Shark customer service (I have multiple Sharks, all of which I purchased for the purpose of testing and reviewing, but then end up loving). However, should the need arise, I am so happy to know that the Shark customer service representatives are responsive and help- ful. DEAR MARY: I saw your article about getting discounts on dental sav- ings plans. Which do you think is the best plan for a parent and child? Are there any savings plans for vision? Thanks so much. — Wayne DEAR WAYNE: Actu- ally, many of the insur- ance companies now of- fering dental savings plans, which I wrote about in the column titled "Dental Savings Plans Will Put a Big Smile on Your Face," include and/or offer companion savings plans for vision, hearing and pharmaceuticals. Re- member, a dental savings plan is not dental insur- ance, and the compan- ion plans are not equiva- lent to vision insurance or prescription medication insurance. They are mem- bership plans similar to those we know (and love) for warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and Costco. To learn more, go to EverydayCheapskate.com/ DentalPlans, and click on any of the links for spe- cific deals about each plan. See how each plan compares with you and your family's needs, and which work best for your location. DEAR MARY: I read your article on dental savings plans and ac- tually signed up for a family plan the very next day. We saved $600 at my husband's appointment. Thanks for the information. I am letting all my friends in on this well- kept secret! — Gail DEAR GAIL: Great news! I am thrilled to learn that a dental sav- ings plan is working for you and your family. Wouldyouliketosend a tip to Mary? You can email her at mary@ everydaycheapskate. com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Ste. B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE Gethumiditynottoohigh,nottoolow Mary Hunt Attorney General Ka- mala Harris recently is- sued a consumer alert to Californians regarding home improvement scams. With summer here, many consumers may con- sider home remodeling, re- pair and maintenance proj- ects. Unfortunately, not all contractors are legitimate and the unwary may fall victim to home improve- ment scams, which peak during the summer. Consumers should be aware of their rights un- der California laws gov- erning home improvement contracts. This consumer alert provides some help- ful tips for selecting repu- table contractors, and pro- vides an overview of home- owners' rights in the event they encounter a home im- provement scam. Here is what to look out for when hiring someone to do home improvement projects. When selecting a con- tractor, be wary of unso- licited visits by contractors who claim to just "happen to be in the neighborhood" working on a nearby prop- erty or who promise large discounts because they have extra materials left over from other jobs. Of- ten, these contractors are not licensed, take large amounts of money up front, and then fail to fin- ish a job or do any work at all. Instead, seek out con- tractors recommended by trusted friends or family members. It is wise to shop around, get at least three written quotes, and call all references. Once you have selected a contractor, check to make sure they are licensed. You can find this information on the Contractors State License Board's website or www.CheckTheLicense- First.com. You can also check the Better Business Bureau's website for any complaints about the con- tractor. A contractor's li- cense is required for all jobs except minor work to- taling less than $500; this minor work cannot be part of a larger project. If you feel pressured into signing a home im- provement contract, Cali- fornia's Home Solicitation Sales Act allows you to cancel the contract within three days. However, be aware that this law does not apply to contracts for emergency repairs or to contracts signed in the contractor's place of busi- ness. Always insist on a writ- ten contract. Under Cal- ifornia law, all home im- provement contracts over $500 must be in writing. California also requires contract terms to be leg- ible, easy to understand, and to inform you of the right to cancel the con- tract. The contract must also require any change or- ders to be in writing and must include a warning re- garding mechanic's liens. Make sure that the con- tractor carries the appro- priate insurance. Contrac- tors should have personal liability, worker's compen- sation if they have em- ployees and property in- surance. Confirm that in- surance is addressed in the contract and ask for copies of insurance certificates if you have any concerns. Make sure that the con- tract clearly states that the contractor is responsi- ble for obtaining all neces- sary permits for the work and that the contractor will comply with all local permitting, building, and zoning laws. Never pay large amounts of money up front. In fact, California law generally prohibits contractors from requiring down payments of more than $1,000 or 10% of the total contract price, whichever is less. Don't pay the full contract price until the job is complete and you are satisfied with the work. In the event that you have a dispute with your contractor, you have four years to file a complaint with the CSLB. The CSLB administers two arbitra- tion programs for claims against licensed contrac- tors: a mandatory program for claims of $12,5000 or less, and a voluntary pro- gram for claims between $12,500 and $50,000. More information about the complaint process can be found on CSLB's web- site. SCAM ALERT Be wary of fishy home-improvement schemes Introduction to the Ser- pentine Ecosystem by Hugh Safford is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 28, hosted by the Friends of the Chico State Herbarium. Learn about the geology and ecology of serpentine areas in the northern Si- erra Nevada. Registration is $100. Reg- ister in advance by call- ing 898-5356 or writing to epurvis@csuchico.edu. For more information, visit www.friendsofthechi- costateherbarium.com/ eventsviewcalendar/. CHICO STATE Herbarium to host serpentine ecosystem workshop in August 25yearsprofessional experience. QualityWork Very Reasonable Rates Red Bluff Transmission • Automatic • Manual • Computer Diagnosis • Clutches • Transfer Cases • CV Axles CALL TODAY! 529-4493 440 Antelope Blvd. #6 Bob's Youcantmissus... Weonly moved 50 feet!! 607MainStreet,RedBluff 527-0772 DailyCheeseburger Special with Fries 11am to 3pm $ 5.29 Senior Breakfast Special 6:30am to 11am $ 5.99 www.gummsoptical.com (530) 527-2510 1-800-481-LENS (5367) 910MainSt.,SuiteC,RedBluff Regular Haircut $ 2 00 off KWIK KUTS FamilyHairSalon 1064SouthMainSt.,RedBluff•529-3540 ANY RETAIL PRODUCT 20 % off withanychemicalserviceof $50 or more Notgoodwithotheroffers Expires 7/31/16 With coupon Reg. $13.95 Newpatientsalwayswelcome! Dr.AuroraBarriga,Optometrist 715 Jackson St., Suite A, Red Bluff (530) 527-9242 Red Bluff Vision Center An Optometric Practice Your Full Service Eye Care Professionals Quality Eye Care, Quality Eyewear Come see us for your vision exams and treatment of medical eye problems such as dry eye, allergies, blurred vision and eye injuries. Ocular eye evaluations for diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension (high blood pressure), cataracts, and high risk medications as well. Call to schedule an appointment for you and your family members today! www.redbluffvision.com Please visit our web site at Sponsoredby The Saturday Market SlowFood Shasta Cascade ® Your community YEAR-ROUND Certified Farmers & Artisan Market 8-12:30, every Saturday Home Depot parking lot SWEET CORN IS HERE! www.dalescarpetandflooringredbluff.com Come in and see us in our NEW LOCATION at 330 Walnut St. Red Bluff 530-529-4004 Summer is upon us once again! Beat the heat and protect your flooring with Hunter Douglas Window Fashions. Free estimates!' We Do Alignments, Brakes, Shocks, Struts, Oil Changes, Suspension, Trailer Repairs, Batteries & Wipers 530 529-0797 1375MontgomeryRd. Red Bluff, CA LIFESTYLES » redbluffdailynews.com Tuesday, July 19, 2016 » MORE AT FACEBOOK.COM/RBDAILYNEWS AND TWITTER.COM/REDBLUFFNEWS A5