Doors to the 20th Annual Contractors Association of Kauai Home Show open at 2:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and again from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue.

Its been 20 years since Hurricane Iniki swept through this island, and a lot of things have happened in the construction industry, said a spokesperson for the association. Our population is also aging, and this year the theme will be on how to take care of kupuna through add-ons and rehabilitating homes.

The Hunt Companies Inc. and the County of Kauai are cooperating sponsors of the annual home show, which was started following Hurricane Iniki to offer home owners who suffered hurricane damage a convenient place to shop for services and products needed to repair home and house damage wrought by the hurricane.

A lot of people were not here when the hurricane came through, the spokesperson said. On top of that, if a child was born in the hurricane year, hes now coming of age where home buying becomes an important topic.

The Hunt Companies will be sponsoring the consumer seminars, with the Friday seminars being streamed live on HawaiiStream.com starting at 5:30 p.m. when Landscape Architect Craig Duff will offer tips on Making Your Yard More Accessible and Easier to Maintain.

Sgt. Rod Green of the Kauai Police Department, recently promoted to community services, will be joined by Kauai Fire Department Inspector Curtis Langstaff with tips and advice on Keeping our Kupuna Safe starting at 6:30 p.m.

Janet Beck of Pacific Source will provide Bath and Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Aging in Place starting at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays schedule of seminars start at 10 a.m., when Milan Rupert of Kauai Nursery and Landscaping will host a seminar on Maximizing Your Yard Space for Sustainable Fruit Production, followed by Becks encore presentation at 11 a.m.

A lot of the vendors and exhibitors for the 2012 show have green products and ideas, the spokesperson said.

Kauai Lumber, with its HPM line of custom metal roofing and Certainteeds Apollor Solar Roofing system, which has solar panels inlaid in the roofing system, are part of the new exhibitors and products for this years show.

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Contractors Association of Kaua‘i celebrates 20 years

Advice Published Tuesday April 17, 2012

Drywall dust in my oatmeal

World-Herald reporter Roger Buddenberg and his wife are embarking on a major home remodeling project. He'll blog about the ups and downs, delays and accomplishments at omaha.com/living

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The Dust

April 17

Drywall dust is on my mind. And my shoes, the seat of my pants, my morning oatmeal, pretty much everywhere.

It's classic good news, bad news. Good news because it means walls are going up, which is a cheering sight after weeks of staring at naked wires and pipes. Those planes of white make you feel like you're stepping back toward civilization. It's like passing a milestone: The fun stuff cabinets and countertops and other things you see on the cover of kitchen magazines are not far off.

On the other hand ... the dust. It gets everywhere. The installers have tried to keep it at bay have walled off the rest of the house with plastic, cleared away the scraps and so forth. But the dust very fine, very abrasive still sifts its way around the house, hitchhikes on our shoes, sneaks through the ducts. When this phase is over, there'll be a housecleaning.

Continued here:
Drywall dust in my oatmeal

ROCKFORD The roof of the Nicholas Conservatory will go from gray to green this summer.

The Rockford Park District will cover the flat concrete roof with a living carpet, complete with blooming flowers and plants. The green roof is meant to be a more environmentally friendly canopy that can reduce energy costs, extend the life of the roof, manage stormwater, and provide habitat for birds and insects.

Hundreds of trays with a variety of plants in 4 to 6 inches of soil will be installed atop the conservatory roof from July 2 to 13.

Theyre compact and theyre very heat- and drought-tolerant. Theyre also very colorful year-round, said Dan Erwin, the Park Districts manager of parks and horticulture. There will be vegetation, plant color and interest regardless of what season it is.

A 240-square-foot patio, which can accommodate 25 people, will overlook the roof.

The green roof protects roofing materials from ultraviolet light, cold extremes and heat extremes as well, which can add 20 years to the life of a conventional roof, Erwin said. The natural beauty of the greenhouse will be a definite plus for us, with our patrons being able to view the roof from the second-story observation deck inside the conservatory.

A green roof also helps reduce the heat island effect, because it doesnt absorb heat and release it back into the atmosphere, said Laura Pigatti Williamson, Park District deputy director of capital planning and asset management. It also stores rainwater for the plants on top of the roof rather than flushing it through a downspout, and filters the water before it drains into the Rock River.

District officials say the green roof can reduce heating and cooling costs for the portion of the building it covers by up to 20 percent to 30 percent. The district budgeted about $32,000 for annual utility costs at the conservatory, which is just $1,000 more than the much smaller greenhouse that used to occupy the property.

The Park District hired Christiansen Inc., the roofing company owned by Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen, to handle construction and installation. Commissioners approved the $108,227 contract last week.

The company won the project in open bidding; 56 vendors were notified. Christiansen Inc. bid about $36,500 lower than the next lowest bidder.

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Green roof will top it all off at Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford

A day after a public hearing to discuss possibly closing three schools, the Williamsport Area School Board unanimously approved the decision to receive appraisals of the buildings.

On Tuesday, the board decided to pay Reeser Appraisals LLC $5,800 for finding the market value of Round Hills, Sheridan and Stevens elementary schools.

Board member David Stone Jr. asked if it was the appropriate time to receive appraisals, as the district won't be looking to sell any of the buildings for at least a year. The decision on any school closures would not take effect until the 2013-14 school year.

Some board members said the information provided by the appraisal would allow them to better make an informed decision on which schools to close and a year would not make that big of a difference in value.

"I'd rather have the information sooner rather than later," said Brette Confair, board member.

School director Dale Vollman agreed with Confair and said the board would like to have all of the information before making a decision.

The board also decided to table a vote that would have approved the installation of carpet tiles in both Round Hills and Stevens elementary schools.

Board member Jane Penman said a decision should be made on what schools will be closed before they decide to make improvements to the buildings. Director Karen Harris agreed, saying she'd rather not put any more money into the buildings before a decision is made on closures.

Jeffrey Richards, business manager, said the installation was suggested because of safety issues. He said the new carpet tiles would be glued to the floor and would be able to be reused in another district building if a school was closed.

Vollman said although it would be able to be reused, part of the cost is installation, something the district couldn't recoup if it removed the tiles and put them in another building.

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Elementary schools to be appraised

SATELLITE BEACH, Fla., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Lighting Science Group (OTCBB: LSCG.OB - News), the world's premier LED lighting manufacturer, announced today the production launch of a revolutionary high output 8-watt LED MR16 bulb that is a direct replacement for traditional MR16 50-watt halogen bulbs. Suited to a variety of applications that require directional lightingsuch as track lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures and retail display lightingthe DEFINITY MR16 HO LED bulb will be the first of its kind introduced to the marketplace, and considered the best of its breed when evaluated by metrics ofefficiency, lumen output and form factor.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lighting-science-group-launches-worlds-most-efficient-led-mr16-50-watt-equivalent-bulb-147667805.html

The degree of difficulty involved in managing the MR16's discreet size and internal power supply and the intense requirements for brightness of a 50-watt equivalent renders its design and manufacture a complex challenge. Competitive attempts at reaching these high levels of performance have resulted in concessions that have been viewed as unacceptable to the market. No such sacrifice is required with the Definity MR16 HO Series.

At only 8 watts and a 25,000 hour life rating, Lighting Science Group's new DEFINITY MR16 HO LED bulb is up to 33% more efficient than competitive products while staying within the industry accepted form factor and not using any moving parts like fans to achieve its superior performance. "A commitment to superior technology underwrites all Lighting Science Group operations; that's why our customers can rest assured that they're offered the most advanced and widest selection of LED lighting products," said Jim Haworth, chairman and chief executive officer of the Company. "We believe that our new MR16 HO, which couples unparalleled efficiency and incredible performance, is a significant advancement in the science of light and another step forward in the development of a more efficient, sustainable and brighter energy future."

The new bulb joins the Company's suite of products that have found applications ranging from use in NASA outer space ventures; to artistic designs that span skyscraper silhouettes; to everyday, practical implementations for American homes and businesses that save families and business owners significant amounts of money on electricity bills. On the global stage, Lighting Science Group has become synonymous with the ultra-efficient lighting revolution, and at home the Company is most commonly viewed as the fulfillment of America's clean technology promise.

To find your nearest sales location for Lighting Science Group's DEFINITY bulbs, visit: http://www.lsgc.com.

About Lighting Science Group Lighting Science Group Corporation (OTCBB: LSCG.OB - News) designs, develops, manufactures and markets LED lighting solutions that are environmentally friendlier and more energy efficient than traditional lighting products. Lighting Science Group offers retrofit LED lamps in form factors that match those of traditional lamps or bulbs and LED luminaires designed for a range of applications including public and private infrastructure for both indoor and outdoor use. Lighting Science Group's Advanced Projects Group business unit designs, develops and manufactures custom LED lighting solutions for architectural and artistic projects. Lighting Science Group is headquartered in Satellite Beach, Florida; the Company's European operations are based in Middelburg, The Netherlands; and the Company has a sales office in Sydney, Australia.Lighting Science Group employs approximately 1000 workers building lighting products from domestic and imported parts. Lighting Science Group is a Pegasus Capital Advisors portfolio company. More information about Lighting Science Group is available at http://www.lsgc.com.

Forward Looking Statement. Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the performance of Lighting Science Group and its products and/or use terminology such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "plan," "project," "seek," "target," "soon," "will," "first of many" and variations of such words and similar expressions. Such statements reflect the current view of Lighting Science Group with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. In evaluating these statements, you should carefully review the risk factors detailed under "Risk Factors" in our most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

Original post:
Lighting Science Group Launches World's Most Efficient LED MR16 50-Watt Equivalent Bulb

FRANKFURT, GERMANY--(Marketwire -04/17/12)- Light + Building -- Luminus Devices, Inc. announced today the availability of its new LD10 LED Light Engine. Designed for a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting applications, the LD10 is available at 800 and 900 "hot" lumen output levels, color temperatures of 3000K and 4000K and CRI greater than 80. The Light Engine includes Luminus' Big Chip LED technology, which enables high lumen fixtures with industry leading center beam intensity. For spot lighting applications, the LD10 can deliver 17,000 candelas into a 9-degree beam using off-the-shelf optics.

Sophisticated on-board electronics provide power, dimming and protection feedback to the LED. The LD10 accepts a 24VDC power input and a 0-10V dimming signal. In addition, it has thermal feedback protection circuitry that ensures longevity and reliability.

"The LD10 reduces the engineering design cycle for our customers, and enables them to accelerate time to market for their lighting fixtures," said Chuck DeMilo, Global Director of Product Marketing for Luminus. "It delivers the optical punch that our customers need, and the thermal protection circuitry gives them peace of mind."

Luminus will be exhibiting in Hall 4.2, Stand G02 at Light + Building, April 15-20 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, where the new LD10 LED Light Engine will be on display. For more information on how Luminus is enabling the conversion of today's conventional lighting fixtures to LED, visit http://www.luminus.com.

About Luminus DevicesLuminus Devices is a leading developer and manufacturer of LED technologies and solutions for the multi-billion dollar global illumination market. Luminus' high efficacy and high brightness LEDs are used by many of the world's biggest companies for general lighting, projection display, entertainment, ultraviolet curing, medical, portable, transportation and digital signage lighting applications. Luminus has more than 144 patents/patents pending worldwide, and its revolutionary Big Chip LED technology enables new markets for solid-state lighting. Headquarters and wafer fab manufacturing facilities are located near Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. For more information, visit http://www.luminus.com

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Luminus Announces LD10 LED Light Engine for High Intensity Spot Lighting

The expansive work to rebuild and modernize the citys libraries continues to bring classy designs and prime architects to those institutions. Architect Bing Thom, along with Weincek + Associates, has been selected for the rebuilding of the Woodridge Neighborhood Library. (Linda Davidson - The Washington Post)

The DC Public Library announced Tuesday that the Woodridge Neighborhood Library is also getting an award-winning team for its replacement. Bing Thom Architects, the team that gave new life to the Arena Stage, and Weincek + Associates, the local firm that has done a number of libraries, schools and arts centers, have been selected by the library system.

The design phase for Woodridge is estimated to cost $1.48 million. The total cost is estimated at $16.5 million, according to the library.

Bing Thom, the Canadian-based firm, built the renovated Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. The firm has received many accolades for its work around the world, including the 2011 RAIC Gold Medal for Bing Thom. Woodridge is his first library in the United States.

Libraries, including the Francis Gregory and Washington Highlands libraries, have been one of Weinceks concentrations. Led by Michael A. Weincek, Jr. the firm has designed the Cafritz Foundation Arts Center in Silver Spring, Chevy Chase Elementary in Chevy Chase, the KIPP DC:Will Academy in the District and Lakewood Elementary in Rockville.

We have been fortunate to have talented and internationally recognized architects design libraries for the District, said Ginnie Cooper, chief librarian of the D.C. Public Library system. With this architect team, the Districts new libraries will continue to inspire people in the citys neighborhoods as well as around the world.

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Bing Thom and Weincek + Associates chosen for Woodridge Library

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Published 4/18/2012 in Local News

City votes to set up TIF district following public hearing.

BY SHAJIA AHMAD

sahmad@gctelegram.com

With no opposition, city officials voted to establish a redevelopment district at the site of a proposed retail shopping center on the eastern edge of town.

City commissioners who met Tuesday opened and closed a public hearing on the topic with only one speaker, who spoke in support of the city's plan to assist with the development of the $67.2 million shopping complex proposed by Collett & Associates, a commercial real estate company based in Charlotte, N.C.

The proposed development, which would total 400,000 square-feet of retail space, is planned for a location just north of Schulman Avenue and south of Sam's Club, east of the U.S. Highway 50/83/400 bypass on about 61 acres of privately-owned land.

Menards, a home improvement retail store, already has submitted site plans to the city for a 160,000 square-feet store as part of the first phase of the retail center.

Already, city commissioners have unanimously approved a "memorandum of understanding" with Collett Properties, a move made in mid-January, with the intention to help secure financing for the first phase of the project.

Continued here:
Retail project moves forward with vote

The Mall of America is getting some new tenants, including the first Doc Martens retail store in Minnesota, as construction continues at the Bloomington megamall.

The mall is taking a one-year break from its scheduled four-year renovation plan, sprucing up its four main corridors, one per summer.

Instead, this year mall officials are focused on renovating the vacant Bloomingdale's department store space and adjacent courtyard, plus erecting a skyway to a Radisson Blu hotel that's under construction.

"That's where the owners are investing the money," Bridget Jewell, a Mall of America spokeswoman, said Tuesday, April 17. Tenants going into the Bloomingdale's space haven't yet been announced, "but we're hoping to make an announcement soon," Jewell said.

Meanwhile, other new stores are being announced. They include:

-- Dr. Martens footwear next month will open its first corporate-owned location in Minnesota and second in the Midwest, after Chicago. The showcase corporate store will be on Level One, near the Nordstrom court, Jewell said.

-- Australian retailer Cotton On is opening two new stores at the Mall of America. One will be a clothing store, called Cotton On, featuring casual attire for men and women. It is scheduled to open in the summer. The second, called Typo, will sell stationery, cards and quirky gifts. It is set to open in June, on Level Two.

-- Surf and skate clothing retailer Tilly's is opening its first Minnesota

-- Masu Sushi & Robata, a popular Japanese restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis, is expanding in June to a second location at the Mall of America. The sit-down restaurant stressing sustainability will be on Level Three South, "kind of what we informally call our Restaurant Row," Jewell said.

-- ChaTime, a Taiwanese bubble

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Doc Martens, other new stores coming to Mall of America

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Posted April 17, 2012

Jenna Meyers

BOSTON, Mass. -- Margulies Perruzzi Architects, one of Boston's most innovative architectural and interior design firms, is proud to announce that Jenna Meyers, LEED AP, ID+C and Joshua H. Shaw have joined the firm. In her new role as interior designer, Jenna will be responsible for the design of selected projects from early conceptual stages through construction documents. She is currently working on several projects for Reliant Medical Group (formerly Fallon Clinic), a repeat client for the firm. In his role as architectural designer, Joshua's role will include design development, programming, and project management and coordination. He is currently working on projects for Hobbs Brook Management and National Development.

"We are pleased to welcome Jenna and Joshua to our design staff," said Dan Perruzzi, AIA, LEED AP, principal at Margulies Perruzzi Architects. "Jenna brings a commitment to sustainable design and client service, two principles that are very important to our firm. Joshua understands MPA's focus on creating high-quality design that supports our clients' business objectives. Their talents and strengths will enhance the depth and breadth of experience that our design team brings to every project."

Prior to joining MPA, Jenna held interior designer positions at Hunt Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors, P.C. and Merkel Donohue, both in Rochester, New York. She also held a commercial interior design internship at Bergmann Associates, also in Rochester. Her experience includes providing design services for all phases of a project from schematic design to construction administration for a variety of projects including education, corporate, and healthcare.

Jenna received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Buffalo State College in New York. She holds LEED AP Interior Design + Construction (ID+C) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a credential for professionals participating in the design and construction of environmentally responsible, high-performance commercial spaces and tenant improvements. Jenna is also working towards her National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification.

Prior to joining MPA, Joshua was a design drafter at Studio One Inc., an architecture and planning firm in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was responsible for conceptual design and contract documentation. Joshua received an Associate of Civil Engineering Technology from Springfield Technical Community College. He is currently a candidate for a Bachelor of Architecture at the Boston Architectural College.

About Margulies Perruzzi Architects Consistently ranked as one of Boston's top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects creates buildings and corporate interiors for clients who value design. The firm services the corporate, professional services, healthcare, research/lab, and real estate communities with a focus on sustainable design. Clients include Manulife/John Hancock, Nuvera Fuel Cells, Fallon Clinic, Sapient, Hobbs Brook Management and Forrester Research. For more information, please visit http://www.mp-architects.com.

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Jenna Meyers and Joshua Shaw Join Margulies Perruzzi Architects