Friday, February 12, 2010
Freedoms have never been Free… In the current political climate,
members of the NRA must try to retain their rights to own a firearm, as well as pass on the valuable tradition to their children.
At the heart of these efforts is the annual “Friends of The NRA Dinner”. Each year over 1,000 banquets are held
across the nation. Last year, the Paso Robles fundraiser was the fifth largest in the country! The money raised during these
events has gone on in part to educate American children about gun and shooting safety, build gun ranges, provide equipment,
and so much more. The volunteers that organize, and hold these events are truly at the forefront of saving
the all important 2nd Amendment right to simply own a gun. On Saturday, March 6th, the Paso Robles Friends
of the NRA will hold their annual dinner and auction at the Paso Robles Event Center. Everyone on the Central Coast is invited
to attend! Please join in the fun of a great Tri-tip dinner, silent auctions, live auctions, and get in on the chance to win
some really great raffle prizes. Individual dinner tickets are available at $50 each. Corporate sponsors can purchase tickets
for a table of eight guests, and receive some great incentives as well. Each year the Central Coast Dinner is a night of great
fun, and it has been one the Nation’s top fundraising events for years. For tickets, or more information, please call Noel Ryan at (805) 238-3401. Never before has so much been at stake…With Congress facing the reality of its waning power to ram
legislation through, they will surely want to address gun owner’s rights in the very near future. It is the National
Rifle Association’s primary goal to monitor upcoming legislation, and prevent infringements of all American’s
constitutionally granted rights. The money raised at these dinners, as well as NRA member’s annual dues have gone on
to ensure that long time gun ownership rights are not trampled on. History and tradition have a place in American culture.
We will Hope that Change does not mean we must give up rights that so many people have worked so hard to protect! Please join the NRA this year, and we’ll see you at the
dinner…
11:04 am pst
Where your money goes… Fresh on the heels of
a big win in Massachusetts,“Shaking
Things Up” is poised to be the leading candidate across America. While some multi-term career politicians are now scrambling
to distance themselves from the “tax some more, spend some more” way of doing things, it won’t appease enough
Americans to do any good. Voters have had, and seen enough. It has become clear that old time, party politics got us into
this mess, and it will take some major changes to get us back on track to a health economy. In a time of limited government
budgets, declining revenue, and idiotic new laws that cost us all money, is there any common sense out there anymore? Get
ready for this example…
We recently delivered a metal building to a ranch owner in Southern California. He mentioned that he was an employee
of Cal Trans. Having read my column about the new California diesel smog rules, he said “You haven’t heard anything
yet!” He went on to tell me the problem several California State agencies face. It seems that when Cal Trans and Cal
Fire (CDF) set out to buy new trucks, it can take up to three years from order date, to the date it is delivered to the actual
work location. Between budgeting, building, and outfitting the truck for the exact use intended, there is a delay. Well, recently
these state agencies have come to discover that the new trucks they are taking delivery on do not meet the State’s new
diesel emissions rules. California lawmakers have refused to exempt the State’s own expensive purchases, and now these
agencies are looking to scrap new dump trucks, bulldozers, fire vehicles, snow plows, and more. Are you serious? With the
State near broke (or is it?), we are now supposed to sit by and watch them scrap new and nearly new equipment, just to say
we are helping the environment? A 2008 model truck is vastly cleaner burning than older models; let’s use them since
WE BOUGHT THEM! Wow, common sense.
The only candidate running for Governor of California willing to address this incredible issue is Meg Whitman. Her
campaign promises to roll back these rules if elected, and to bring common sense back to the State’s spending policies.
Let’s hope.
Until then, get ready to help shake things up here in the Golden State. A good house cleaning, soon!
11:03 am pst
Clearly a Better View In this day and
age, operating your own small business is a risk, but with some great rewards.The boss you face each day is yourself, and the customer grades you daily. If
you are up to the challenges, you can make a go of it, and have an enjoyable career while you are at it! One such example of a well respected and
growing business is Stewart’s Window Cleaning based in Paso Robles. While attending college, Bruce Stewart began washing
windows for commercial clients as a way to earn some extra income. After college, and a successful career in the retail hardware
business, Bruce went back to what started it all. With his background in sales, he has spent years knowing what people want:
Quality Work done right, at an Affordable Price. Serving both residential and commercial customers from San Luis Obispo to
San Miguel, and from Cambria to Creston, Stewart’s Window Cleaning offers 100% satisfaction guaranteed! Bruce regularly
hears from customers how much brighter the room is, and that they wished they had called him sooner! Stewart’s Window cleaning proudly
uses only bio-degradable cleaning products that will leave windows and mirrors
sparkling. Bruce also offers hard water spotting removal. Most people are unaware that hard water can actually etch the glass,
leaving permanent damage behind. Once all the stains are removed, a sealing solution can be applied, preventing future water
spots. While you are having the windows washed, it’s the perfect time to have all the window screens washed, and repaired
if needed. Once the windows and screens are completely cleaned, the occasional rain shower will leave no visible spots. Less
need for follow ups!
As we approach the Holiday Season, this is a perfect time to get the house in shape, and ready for visiting company.
From window cleaning, to screen repair, rain gutter cleaning and Holiday light installation, Stewart’s Window Cleaning
can get your house in order so that you may enjoy the festivities. Give Bruce a call at (805) 286-2150. You can get even more
details at their website windowdr.com. Find out why Bruce is known as the Window Doctor!
Check out the money saving coupon in this issue of Easy Ad, and start enjoying the bright and sparkling days ahead!
11:00 am pst
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
All of us horse owners are torn! Now that the
weather is wonderful, we must decide between working with our horses, or doing the never ending yard work around the place.
Just a few sunny days, and the weeds seem to explode. We must deal with bugs, gophers, deer and rabbits invading the garden,
and more. I recently made a trip down to the TreeMan Nursery in Paso Robles, to see what they had on hand to help out. I’ve
known the owner, Zan Overturf for years, and she was ready to offer some hot new products. A great line-up is available from
Liquid Fence Co. They have two forms of pasture treatments to knock out the gopher and mole problems, plus a new all natural
and effective non-creosote spray
to stop cribbing on the pasture fences. There are also products to repel deer, and other gnawing pests, a great new horse
fly spray, and a 24 hour mosquito and fly repellent for backyards. Liquid Fence Co. products really can free up some of your spare time, check them
out. It
seems Cypress trees are being hard hit by years of drought. Damage caused by borers beetles is forecast to be worse than normal,
so Zan is getting the word out that a little prevention will help keep the bugs away. If your trees start to show signs of
distress, hurry in to the TreeMan to get some of the treatments that they carry for these pests. The time to water and fertilize
trees is now! This is
the largest nursery in SLO County, and it has something for everyone. From statuary and flower pots by the ton (literally!)
to iron yard art, a complete selection of flowering plants and fruit trees, they have it all. As you look around the place,
you’ll see things tucked in every nook and cranny. One of Zan’s best tips
is to take several digital photos of your yard, and print them out. Bring them along and she can help you
plan the next steps needed to improve your landscape.The TreeMan Nursery is located on Ramada Dr., in Paso Robles. Open seven
days a week. Call (805) 227-6225.
Jim Fritsche owns EQ-Wine Covers Co.
in Paso Robles, CA, (805) 610-5566
www.Eq-Winecovers.com
5:30 pm pdt
“Hoof ‘n Holler”
by Jim Fritsche
Another
Great NRA Dinner & Auction was held in Paso Robles recently, and it was a big success! A great debt is owed to the many
people that donated their time and money to make this an evening of fun and fundraising. Some of the great guns donated to
this event come from the area firearms dealers such as Bridge Sportsmen’s Center in Paso Robles. I was in their store
just prior to the dinner, as Art Bridge was getting ready to deliver their donation, an A-Bolt 7mm Remington mag rifle. For
many years this family owned business has been active in supporting the NRA, and its goals. Since 1964, Norm Bridge has been
the guiding force, bringing 50 years of gunsmithing knowledge, and a keen sense of what Central Coast hunters are looking
for. From traditional hunting rifles, to self defense handguns, they are certain to have what you are looking for. The gun
rack runs the length of the store! There is truly something for everybody… As the old store was damaged beyond
repair in the ’07 earthquake, the Bridge family set out to rebuild a new and improved store. They now carry a vast selection
of optics, knives, ammo, outdoor clothing, black powder, along with some of the finest rifles and shotguns. They are the exclusive
Browning Dealer for the North County as well. Hunters and target shooters from far away as the Central Valley make sure to
visit Bridge Sportsmen’s Center when driving through Paso Robles. They are located at 1319 Spring Street, in downtown
Paso Robles, and are open Tuesday thru Saturday, 9am – 5:30 pm. Call (805) 239-GUNS. Stop by and visit with Norm, Frances, Art and Debbie,
they’ll be glad to show you what’s new, and fill you in on their Annual Big Buck Contest coming up later this
year. Worth noting as well, they can sharpen, and repair all makes of knives, and you should see the custom knives on display!
I had a great time seeing how this North County institution has come back better than ever, and you’ll be impressed too. Please stop by
soon!
View previous articles at
www.hoofnholler.net
5:28 pm pdt
Friday, February 27, 2009
“Hoof ‘n Holler”
by Jim Fritsche
“Horse
Charity”… Sounds like such
a good thing... But if you are thinking of supporting one, you should do some homework first. While the majority has good
intentions at the heart of their operation, a few people have exploited the “Non-Profit” rules to the extreme.
You should be aware that a “charity” can pay the directors any amount that the directors themselves approve! The
public would be surprised to find out that many questionable operations put the directors, their spouses and friends on the
payroll, and that the first dollars in go directly to them, not the horses! Before donating your time or money, ask for a
financial statement showing how much of the donation goes to overhead, and how much goes to actual animal care. One other
good indication of the situation is to go visit the facility.Look for the horses to be separated by size, and condition. The worst operators simply warehouseall of the horses together in dirt fields, making them
compete for limited food and cover; many of the older, weaker horses suffer by not getting enough to eat. Many questionable
operators simply keep too many horses in cramped conditions, and then ask for donations of cash. The properly run “Rescue
Operations” limit the number of animals, and see that this smaller group spend their remaining years in a stress free
environment, not fighting for their survival. Look to see if the money is spent on the animals, or the director’s lifestyle,
and home. We at
EQ-Wine Covers have been asked for years to donate Pasture Shelters, Hay Barns, and other buildings to Rescue Groups and Sanctuaries.
To this end, we set up the EQ-Wine Foundation. For eight years the Foundation has donated to groups that have been able to
document their positive efforts to save and nurture horses, while keeping their costs down. As feed prices rise, these groups
can use your help in caring for so many horses, it is a noble cause! Please join us in helping those who “help
the horses in need” on the Central Coast.
5:05 pm pst
“Hoof ‘n Holler”
by Jim Fritsche
“Rights” taken for granted are soon just memories.
Just as smokers have seen their ability to
have a cigarette anywhere they want taken away, others are seeing their rights to lawfully possess a firearm come under increasing
scrutiny. What leads to crackdowns on gun rights are both a small minority of unfit gun owners, and the complacency of law
abiding firearms owners. Stuck squarely in the middle are the millions of members of the National Rifle Association. Members of the
NRA must try to retain their rights to own a firearm, as well as pass on the valuable tradition to their children. At the
heart of these efforts is the annual “Friends of The NRA Dinner”. In 2008, Friends of the NRA held 1,053 dinners
around the country, raising $15.8 million dollars. This money has gone on to educate American children about gun and shooting
safety, build gun ranges, provide equipment, and so much more. The volunteers that organize, and hold these
events are truly at the forefront of saving the all important 2nd Amendment right to simply own a gun. On Saturday,
March 7th, the Paso Robles Friends of the NRA will hold their annual dinner and auction at the Paso Robles Event
Center. Everyone on the Central Coast is invited to attend! Please join in the fun of a great Tri-tip dinner, silent auctions,
live auctions, and get in on the chance to win some really great raffle prizes. Corporate sponsors can purchase tickets for
a table of eight guests, and receive some great incentives as well. For tickets, please call Noel Ryan at (805) 238-3401.Each year the Central Coast Dinner is
a night of great fun, and it has been one the Nation’s top ten fundraising events for years. I would like to leave you with a chilling quote from Aleksander Solzhenitsyn’s book The Gulag Archipelago.
Referring to the Russian government crack down on its citizens, and the citizen’s lack of resolve to stop the runaway
policies, he wrote: We
didn’t love freedom enough. And even more- we had no awareness of the real situation. We purely deserved everything
that happened afterward.”See you at the dinner…
See
previous articles at www.hoofnholler.net
Jim Fritsche owns EQ-Wine Covers
Co.
in Paso Robles, CA, and can be reached at
(805) 610-5566 eq-winecovers.com
5:01 pm pst
“Hoof ‘n Holler”
by Jim Fritsche
“A sure sign
that Spring is just around the corner is the arrival of baby chicks at feed stores across the nation. It is an amazing sound
to hear hundreds of chicks “peeping” inside metal feed tubs, waiting to be sold. The sound echoes throughout the
store, reminding you of their presence.
One of the best ways to introduce a young child to the responsibilities of owning and caring for an animal is to introduce
them to raising chicks. It is a very easy process, with just a simple daily checking of food and water. In just a few short
months, the young hens will begin laying eggs, and the young child will be introduced to a new world of wonder. If you wish to raise chicks,
stop by a store such as Atascadero Hay and Feed. They have the very knowledgeable staff to show you the many varieties such
as Barred Rock, Rhode Island Red, Silkies, Cochins, Bantams, and at least fifteen other breeds.In addition to chicks, they also carry geese, ducklings, Guinea hens,
and turkeys. On Saturday,
March 14th, Atascadero Hay and Feed will be holding their annual “Chick Days”. This is a great time to stop by and see the 1400 chicks, and learn just
how fun and easy it is to raisethe different
types of poultry. Please take time to stop and talk with Kevin Buffett, the owner, as he celebrates the one year anniversary
of the newly remodeled and enlarged store. Be sure to enter the raffle to win a Ware Manufacturing Chicken Barn, and enclosed,
screened yard. Tickets are just $1. The drawing will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and the winner does not need to be present.
Stop by any time and enter.
Youth groups such as FFA and 4H should take time to look into the “Club Rewards” program, as it will directly
benefit the group, and its members!
AHF is located at 6155 Via Ave., Atascadero, and can be reached at (805) 461-6411. They are open Mon. – Friday,
8:30-6p.m., Saturdays, 9-5p.m., and Sundays 10-3p.m. Please come by, and see what’s new!
4:47 pm pst
Saturday, February 7, 2009
“Hoof ‘n Holler”
by Jim Fritsche
The thrill of a trail ride, traveling to horse
shows, and all the other fun things you do with your horse depend on one crucial item- your trailer! Now is the time to either
fix up the old one, or go looking for anew
model that fits your needs to a “T”. When you search
for that next trailer, or service on the one you own, be sure to look up a company that has been around
a while, and is local enough to know you each time you come in. Getting to know your dealer will insure
your safety, and your horse arriving anywhere safely, and in a good mood. On a recent visit to the
Trailer Barn, in Paso Robles, I learned of the recent improvements in horse trailer construction. Years ago, all Aluminum construction was desirable, but very expensive. With new manufacturing techniques, as well as the price of Aluminum staying
stable, new buyers can now get a corrosion proof, lighter weight trailer for just a few dollars more than an all steel model. Susan Borene,
and Aaron Montgomery both handle sales
at the Trailer Barn, and were glad to point to their line of Kiefer Built trailers as the tops in their class. Aaron pointed
out that the Kiefer stock trailers are the only brand to carry State certifications to haul Bison! If it can haul a buffalo,
it will take many years of what ever a horse could offer up, and then some. The Trailer Barn also offers a complete repair shop, with highly
a trained service staff than can handle any repair on your trailer, install gooseneck hitches, air ride suspension systems,
and much more. The folks at the Trailer Barn encourage any trailer owner to stop by for a free safety evaluation of your
current trailer. Remember that almost 50% of the break-away emergency braking system batteries sitting in trailers are dead,
and would not be ready to stop your trailer should it become disconnected! Have your system checked out before that next big
trip, and you can travel with some peace of mind. Call Aaron or Susan at (805) 227-4300, and they will put two decades of
service to work for you!
6:46 pm pst
“Hoof ‘n Holler”
by Jim Fritsche
As Spring approaches, horse owners, vineyards, and ranchette owners begin to
think about work to be done around their property. There is no better tool to help you get things done than a small to medium
sized tractor. With just a few attachments, and a loader bucket, you will be amazed at how much more can be accomplished,
in less time.From grading
driveways, dragging arenas, andmowing
or discing weeds, to removing manure, a quality tractor will become your number one toolaround the property. How about no more hand dugpost holes, or spraying toxic chemicals to kill weeds? With some basic
tools, the work will be fun!
Jeff Sponhaltz of C&N Tractors in Paso Roblestells first time buyers of the benefits of buying the right tractor the first time around.
“This is the best month
of the year to find a great deal on Kubota products”. Jeff says “harvest rental returns” come in from the
vineyards, with just a few hours on them, and they are then sold as new, but at a great discount. These units also have full
factory warranties, and can be set up to meet the new buyer’s exact needs, with just the right options. “On a small or medium
sized tractor, the Hydro-Static type transmission is the easiest to operate, and is perfect for the first time buyer”.
“We are happy to meet customers here at the dealership, orat their location to determine just what they wantto accomplish”, reports Jeff. Even more important, the sales staff
will then deliver the tractor, and demonstrate its operation, making sure the customer feels confident in all areas of operation.
It
has always been important to buy anything your ranch or vineyard needs from a local dealer. They will be there year after
year providing advice, and service for your tractor. Just as EQ-Wine Covers stands behind our products, you can count onC&N Tractors to take care of your needs. Stop bytheir Paso Robles location, or call Jeff Sponhaltz,
or Dave Merk, at (805)
237-3855. Chores around the ranch will never be a pain again, just something fun to do!
6:43 pm pst
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
“Hoof ‘n Holler”
by Jim Fritsche
The rains have finally begun, and thousands horse owners can finally
breathe a sigh of relief. Feed costs are already
high enough, and you don’t need a drought to raise the price of hay anymore than last year. Thousands of acres of Oats,
and Forage are dry farmed throughout California, supplementing the acreage that is irrigated, and harvested many times a year.
All in all, prices should stay stable this year, but there are a few ways horse owners can get great savings
that will last throughout the year. Steve Rossi of Rossi Transport Services in Templeton,
California tells livestock owners of the benefits in buying any baled type of feed in bulk. He points out the cost savings are anywhere from $1.50 to $3 a bale when
buying a half truck load (about 250 bales, or 4 squeeze loads), from his company, but there are also many other advantages, such as having a consistent feed supply all year long, free transportation to your barn, stacking the blocks of hay for you, and most importantly- picking the best time of year to buy
your year’s supply, so that you can maximize your savings due to seasonal price changes. Due to the Dairy Industry not
buying much hay right now, winter prices are quite reasonable. Call Steve at (805) 434-2884, and he can explain how your operation
could benefit. Proper
storage of bulk purchased Hay is important.
Tarps are the worst way to cover your supply.
Not only do they tear, and leak water,
they promote the growth of mildew and bacteria that can harm your horse’s health. The optimum storage method is using a sturdy hay barn, built with your needs
in mind. Hay barns are available in many sizes and layouts, and they will pay for themselves in reduced losses of feed, increased year long quality, and ease of use. Imagine
no more fighting wet, blue tarps to get your horses’ daily feed rations out! Using these ideas, you should be able to stretch your feed budget
much further during these tough times,
and keep your horses healthy.
Jim Fritsche owns EQ-Wine Covers Co.
in Paso Robles, CA, and can be reached
at (805) 610-5566
• eq-winecovers.com
