IN THIS ISSUE

Energy saving and maintenance tips for hot tubs and spas

Summer weekend and day trip ideas

Instructions on how to handle an overheated propane tank

SUMMER NEWSLETTER

Issue 11 • Summer 2012

POOL & SPA HEATER TIPS

© 2012 Sharp Propane®. All rights reserved

A NOTE FROM OUR CEO

MARY’S KITCHEN: Chillin’ and Grillin’

Dear Reader,

Steve McKay, CEOSMcKay@SharpPropane.com

Sharp PropanePO Box 1980Bastrop, TX 78602-8980

It’s summer in Texas, which means outdoor events, festivals and fun. While propane might be more on your mind during winter months,

now is a great time for a system check. If you are one of our Complete Care®customers, you might see our trucks making the rounds to ensure your system is ready for summer. We’re thinking about propane so that you don’t have to, and so that you can appreciate and enjoy those poolside BBQs and neighborhood block parties, worry-free. And with Sharp Propane’s new online resources, all things Sharp, including billing and payment, are now more accessible than ever.

As always, we appreciate your referrals and feedback, so never hesitate to call us at 1-800-932-4315. And try to stay cool this summer!

Sincerely,

Get Sharp Propane® information, community news, energy saving tips and appliance rebates via:

Facebook.com/SharpPropane

Twitter.com/SharpPropane

Lime-Tarragon Grilled Chicken Serves 6Ingredients:• 1/2 cup olive oil• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice• 2 tablespoons chopped onion• 2 teaspoons dried tarragon• 1 teaspoon salt• 1 teaspoon hot sauce• Salt and pepper to taste• 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs

Directions:1. Place olive oil, lime juice, onion, tarragon, salt and hot sauce into a large, resealable plastic bag; shake to mix. Add chicken thighs, coat with marinade, squeeze out air, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. 2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove chicken and shake off excess marinade. Season chicken with salt and pepper. 3. Grill chicken for about 30 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.

Arnold Palmer (Non-Alcoholic)Yields 1 pitcherIngredients:• 2 cups of fresh brewed iced tea• 2 cups of boiling water• 1 cup of sugar• 5 lemons, squeezed• Ice cubes

Directions:1. Put 2 cups of water and the sugar into a sauce pan and bring to a boil. 2. Remove from burner and let cool a bit. Add the squeezed lemons and put into a serving pitcher. 3. Add brewed tea to the pitcher, and serve over ice.

John Daly Cocktail (Adult beverage)Ingredients:• 1 1/4 oz vodka (lemon)• 1/4 oz orange liquer• Fill with 1/2 lemonade• Fill with 1/2 iced tea• Ice cubes

Directions:Add all ingredients to a glass, mix and serve.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER

Energy saving tips for pools, hot tubs and spas

• Use a cover. Covering your pool when not in use prevents heat loss, as well as

water, chemical, and energy savings of up to 70 percent.

• Use a pump timer to regulate the length of time the water is heated in your

hot tub or spa.

• Use an electronic thermostat timer to control water temperature and cut fuel

costs when your hot tub or spa is not in use.

• Wind can rob your pool of heat, making your heater work harder. A fence or

other wind break will help save heat when your pool or hot tub is uncovered.

Maintenance tips for pools, hot tubs and spas

• Clean heater regularly and inspect for rust, mineral deposits and scaling.

• Have the heating components checked by a licensed technician.

• When pool season ends, disconnect your pump and fi lter and completely drain

all water from the system.

• Turn off gas supply to pool heater.

HOW HOT WAS IT IN 2011?

IS YOUR PROPANE TANK LETTING OFF SOME STEAM?

Percentage warmer compared to 2010

AUSTIN28%

13%

13%

5%

15%

FORT WORTH

LA GRANGE

BRYAN

OVERALL AVERAGE ACROSS 4 REGIONS

SUMMER WEEKEND & DAY TRIP IDEAS FROM SHARP PROPANE® COMMUNITIES

Issue 11 • Summer 2012

The hot summers take their toll, and by taking simple precautions, you can prevent temperature-related issues with your propane tank. To help your tank perform at its best, we recommend the following for above-ground tanks:

1. Remove all combustible material such as tall, dry grass or dead shrubs from around your tank.

2. If your tank lacks reflective paint (white, silver, or another reflective color), give us a call to schedule an appointment to fix this. Dark colors and excessive rust on the outside of your tank may cause excessive pressure to build inside. Your tank is equipped with a pressure relief device should this occur.

If excess pressure is released by your tank, call Sharp Propane immediately. Hosing your tank with water will reduce the pressure inside, but please do this only if you feel safe doing so. (Caution! Never approach a tank with an open flame.)

If your tank is buried, you are at lower risk for temperature-related pressure issues but it is still important to follow step #1 above.

Should you have any questions or concerns about your tank, call us at 1.800.932.4315.

North of Fort Worth: Denton

Less than an hour north of Fort Worth, Denton is a fun, youthful city in which to spend a summer afternoon

or weekend. Peruse Recycled Books to find an interesting, local selection of used books, movies and music;

check out Art Six Coffeehouse, a coffee house that is adorned with local artwork and features live theater

and music performances; sit in the shade at Eureka Park, or have a sno-cone and a summer snowball fight

at Bahama Bucks. If you’re in Denton at night, the city has a thriving underground indie bar and music

scene, and the Goatman’s Bridge is a popular place to check out for some paranormal activity.

East of Bryan: Conroe

About an hour and a half east of Bryan is Conroe, Texas – a small town with a plethora of outdoor and

family-friendly activities. Lake Conroe and the Sam Houston National Forest offer fun ways to spend an

afternoon or weekend – hiking, camping, swimming or fishing. Papa’s On the Lake features great food and

drink specials, live music, pool tables, outdoor sand volleyball, as well as indoor, outdoor and deck seating.

The 7 Acre Wood and the Incredible Pizza Company are great places in Conroe to spend an afternoon with

the kiddos. The 7 Acre Wood features a petting zoo, mini golf course, play fort and playground, while the

Incredible Pizza Company hosts laser tag, bowling, bumper cars and an indoor “drive-in” movie.

West of Austin: Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a beautiful hour and a half drive west of Austin through the Central Texas Hill Country.

This quaint town is full of unique shops and restaurants, and outside the city is Enchanted Rock, a huge

pink granite mass that offers hiking, picnicking and backpacking activities. On the return to Fredericksburg,

one can drive the scenic Willow City Loop, or visit one of the many fabulous wineries in the area along

Wine Road 290.

East of La Grange: Brenham

Just over 30 minutes east of La Grange, Brenham is a small town with big fun. The town’s major attraction

is the Blue Bell Creamery, which offers guided tours and free ice cream. Follow this with a visit to Fireman’s

Park, a 30-acre park at the center of the town, for a family friendly afternoon, with the park’s playground

areas, a skate park, two baseball fields and an antique carousel. The carousel can be rented for tours and

private parties, but on Fridays in July it is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a more adult day trip,

Brenham is home to the Pleasant Hill and Windy wineries as well.

1-800-932-4315www.SharpPropane.com

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Contact UsIf you have any questions about your current or future propane needs, please drop us a line or give us a call and ask to speak with a Propane Professional. We’re here to serve you 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

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