Independence

June is Home Ownership and Home Safety Month

Yes, June is a busy month. And because we were busy in June restructuring this website and the blog, we didn't get the chance to tell you about what's happening. So because it's still June 29th, it's not too late to tell you all about it.

June is home ownership month. Last year, we wrote a blog post about it. And most of it's still pretty good, so I'll repost the important stuff here:

For many citizens, owning a home is the very definition of American freedom and independence. Having your own home or real estate has been the American dream since before the Homestead Act. Because of how important home ownership is to Americans, June has been declared National Homeownership Month. All through the month of June, local and national organizations around the country will draw attention to the benefits of home ownership and encourage responsible home ownership. As of today, about 70 percent of Americans own their own homes...

The Minnesota Solar Tour of 2008

Are you looking for something to do this weekend?  Do you have an inclination toward environmentally friendly home improvements?  The 2008 Minnesota Solar Tour could be an event for you.  The Minnesota Solar Tour, put together by the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES), is a self-guided, public tour featuring 70+ exemplary homes, businesses, and institutions that have incorporated renewable energy into the design and operation of their buildings.

This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in solar and other renewable energies to view installations and talk with building owners, builders, architects, and planners about their experiences. This event offers local residents an opportunity to find out how their neighbors are trimming their energy bills, increasing their energy independence, and taking steps to address global warming.  Some examples of the types of systems you will see include geothermal heat pumps that use the earth as a huge...

Twin Cities Fourth of July Fireworks Displays

Happy Fourth of July! This traditional holiday and three day weekend means barbeques, picnics, and gatherings of friends and family to many residents of the Twin Cities area. And let's not forget, of course, fireworks!

So where can you see professional fireworks in Twin Cities communities this weekend? As in the previous post, obviously you can see fireworks at the Taste of Minnesota in St. Paul Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. However, there are nearly two dozen communities in the seven-county metro area which will have fireworks displays this summer. You can see a map and find which display is closer to you here!

Celebrating the independence of our nation is a highlight of the summer in the state of Minnesota. Unfortunately, many people are injured or killed by consumer fireworks while celebrating. The Minneapolis Fire Department and surrounding Twin Cities communities would like to remind residents strive towards a responsible...

June is Home Ownership Month

For many citizens, owning a home is the very definition of American freedom and independence. Having your own home or real estate has been the American dream since before the Homestead Act. Because of how important home ownership is to Americans, June has been declared National Homeownership Month. All through the month of June, local and national organizations around the country will draw attention to the benefits of home ownership and encourage responsible home ownership. As of today, about 70 percent of Americans own their own homes at this time. According to the National Association of Realtors, this month is also the 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.

On April 11, 1968 President Lyndon Johnson urged congress to approve the Fair Housing Act just one week following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a tribute to Dr. King's legacy and commitment to civil rights. One of the Act's central objectives was to prevent discrimination based on...