The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, November 16, 1996 21 Symphony Wassail Party December 6 The Oshawa - Durham Symphony Symphony Orchestra will be holding holding its annual Christmas Wassail Wassail party at Parkwood Estate, Simcoe Street N. at Adelaide Avenue, in Oshawa on Friday, December 6th, 1996 commencing commencing at 7:30 p.m. This event is becoming al most a fixture on the social calendar calendar of many Oshawa and area residents as a start to the Christmas festivities. In the Middle Ages the Wassail Bowl was reserved for the start of the enormous feast served on Christmas Day, but the ODSO likes to get an early start on the celebrations. Most exciting of all, the new Conductor and Music Director of the Oshawa-Durham Symphony Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Marco Marco Parisotto, will be present. This will be the first opportunity opportunity for many Oshawa residents residents to meet this outstanding musician personally. Those who have are full of praise for him as a remarkable individual who is sure to continue to be extremely successful as a leading leading personality in music, both in Canada and internationally, as he is already proving to be. The ODSO consider them selves very fortunate to have secured the services of Marco Parisotto. Tickets are limited but there is no increase from last year's price of $35, so get yours by phoning Alice Sheffield at (905) 723-3183. An Important Message From Consumers Gas It's time to prepare your HEATING SYSTEM FOR COLD WEATHER. For better heating economy and efficiency, follow this easy step by step checklist. Heating system check-up © On warm air systems, clean furnace filters or replace disposable filters before the winter. A dirty filter can reduce air flow and cause your system to work harder than it has to. © Keep your electric motor and fan bearings (and/or pump) lubricated for greater efficiency. (Two drops* of oil in the well each year should do it.) *Note: Some new motors do not need lubricating. © If you have a hot water heating system, ensure that it is filled to the proper level by bleeding air from each radiator. If you observe these basics, you will soon find that using gas can be even more economical. Chimney check-up It s difficult to know when you have a chimney problem. First, answer the following questions: © Does your chimney have a metal chimney liner? 0 Is your heating system connected to a metal venting system (that is, not a brick or stone chimney)? If you answer "Yes" to either of these questions, you probably need not worry about ypur chimney being able to adequately vent your furnace. Any brick or stone chimney should receive periodic inspection from a chimney expert. **However, here are three simple checks you can make yourself: O Check the cleanout pit at the bottom of your chimney: Should you find any debris, remove it. If it contains bits of mortar, brick or stone, erosion could be taking place. 0 Use a mirror to look up your chimney, through your cleanout door, during daylight hours. You should have an unobstructed view to the outside.There should be no visual evidence of crumbling mortar, brick or stone. Your chimney may be "offset" which will not allow you a visual inspection with a mirror. In such cases, we suggest an inspection by a chimney expert.** © Check outside chimney brickwork. You should not see a white, chalky substance on the bricks, stone or mortar. If you have a problem © If there is any chimney blockage above the vent connection, connection, turn off your heating system (and your gas water heater) immediately. Call a chimney repair company' for an inspection. 0 If there is more than an inch of broken mortar, brick or stone in the cleanout pit and you cannot see daylight using a mirror, follow the instructions in step 1. If there is no blockage, call a chimney repair company for an inspection. You may operate the furnace and water heater until the chimney is inspected, but you should check the chimney periodically for blockage until you have the chimney contractor's** report. 0 If you see a white, chalky staining on exterior brickwork, stone or mortar, but the cleanout pit is clear and there are no obstructions in the chimney chimney or signs of deterioration on the chimney's exterior, ask a chimney repair company** for an inspection. In the meantime, you may operate your heating system safely. **Consult your Yellow Pages for Chimney Builders and Repairers. Some conservation tips Follow these simple rules and the result will be a better, more economical economical heating system. © Make sure you have well fitting doors and windows. A good fit keeps cold air out and warm air in. Proper weather-stripping and caulking also helps. 0 Rugs, furniture, drapes, etc. should not be allowed to obstruct warm air outlets and cold air returns. © Proper attic insulation means lower fuel costs. © Dampers in open fireplaces should be closed when the fireplace is not in use. 0 Hot water radiators will not heat effectively if air is in them. All air should be bled off. © Make sure your humidifier is working correctly. Proper humidification can contribute to heating economy and your comfort level. Drop by our office and ask for our leaflets: "What every householder should know about carbon monoxide" and "Your home needs fresh air". Save up to 7% on your heatin^^S bill with a Honeywell programmable ^ thermostat. mm I Automatically sets back the temperature while you're asleep or at work to reduce energy costs. Precise temperature control increases comfort in the home. Easy to install and use. Keypad holds up to 4 heating and cooling programs year 'round so you don't have to re-program each season. Works with most natural gas furnaces. To order your thermostat, call 1-800-701-4858 today. The cost of only $64.95 (with taxes and shipping, $74.70) will be charged to your Consumers Gas account, so please have your account number handy when you call. Please note: this offer is open to Consumers Gas customers only. Offer expires December 31, 19%. Please allow 4 to 8 weeks for delivery. ' Postage and taxes extra. ill Consumers Gas