WE'RE LOOKING FOR A FEW
(OR SEVERAL) GOOD CAUSES

Many of our customers know about the annual
BWL Chili Cookoff (this year it's June 22).

Spring is here! I want to plant a tree in our yard. Where do I begin?    ------- B.C., Lansing

Start with the basics. Learn the best place to plant a tree — definitely not under a power line. A local nursery or garden center can help. Basically, leaf-shedding trees should be planted on southern and western exposures; evergreens should be planted on the north and west sides. Carefully follow planting instructions that usually come with a tree. You want enough room for the tree roots to establish themselves, so dig the hole twice as big as the root ball, but slightly shallower than the root ball’s depth.   Planting the tree too deep is a mistake. If you cover the “root crown” (where the roots end and the tree trunk begins), it can cause the tree to rot. Follow instructions for soil preparation, soil compaction, watering, and mulch.   Careful selection and planting will greatly increase the chance your tree will live a long, healthy life. For more information, click here to see Tree Planting information on our web site.

Do you have a question for the Lansing Board of Water & Light?  Send it to Q CORNER:

  E-MAIL: mailto:mdn@lbwl.com

    FAX:  (517) 702-6855

   MAIL:  Lansing Board of Water & Light

          Communications Department

          1232 Haco Dr., P.O. Box 13007

          Lansing MI 48901.

What some customers may not know is how deeply our community sponsorships reach into the Greater Lansing area. From schools to neighborhood groups, from nonprofit organizations to music extravaganzas like Common Ground, the BWL is committed to lending a helping hand.

Of course, our community sponsorships must operate within a budget. So, we’ve created a special committee to review all requests for sponsorship.

Sometimes we donate bottled water or perform in-kind service. Other times, we may help sponsor an event program through advertising.

If your non-profit organization is hosting an event and seeking sponsorships, contact us. (The BWL cannot sponsor religious or political organizations).

Write:

BWL Sponsorships

Communications Department

1232 Haco Dr. P.O. Box 13007

Lansing, MI 48901-3007

Or: E-mail us at mdn@lbwl.com

IF LIGHTNING STRIKES . . .

. . . will your computer, TV and other home electronics survive?

You may never know — until it’s too late.

That’s why the Board of Water & Light offers Surge-Sentinel™, a whole-house surge protection program that safeguards electronics and electro-mechanical equipment in your home.

How? We install an external surge protector directly on your electricity meter. This protects against most power surges that can damage anything from kitchen appliances to computers.

But if lightning damage does occur to your electronics, SurgeSentinel™ will protect your investments up to $5,000 per item.

The BWL offers two levels of SurgeSentinel™ protection. Level 1 protection, at $5.95 per month, includes the external surge protector and the $5,000 per item coverage. Level 2 includes the same surge protector and the $5,000 per item coverage for $5.95 per month, but adds another level of security with internal plug-in surge protection strips (at a one-time purchase cost).

SurgeSentinel ™ protection can be added to your monthly BWL bill. Click here for more information or call 702-6006.

Hot, hot chili judges in action at the 2006 BWL Chili Cook-off

HOT ENOUGH FOR YA?

Are you ready for some chili?

We mean hot, hot chili.

Each year for the BWL Chili Cook-off, we invite our "chili-worthy" customers -- those truly devoted to chili cuisine -- to tell us why theyt should be a judge in the hottest chili division.

This year's Chili Cook-off will be June 22 along the Lansing River Trail, between Michigan Avenue and Shiawassee Street.  Proceeds will go to the HOPE Scholarship Program, Impression 5 Science Center, and Adopt A River.

So the question we have for you chiliheads is:

Can you stand the heat?

If you think you can, telll us on the form below why you shoudl be a hot, hot chili judge.

Deadline for entry is Friday, May 18.