Each year, thousands of Arizona residents email or call Rosie Romeros radio show with questions about everything from preventing fires in their chimneys to getting rid of tree roots invading their sewer system. His goal is to provide answers that suit the lifestyle wherever someone lives in Arizona. Here are questions about home maintenance and improvement from the Tucson area:

Q: I have been getting quotes for having solar electric panels installed on my roof. They tell me that they can cut down the current vent pipes on the roof to fit under the panels. Is that wise?

A: You can do that, but you could cause problems in your plumbing system. A better way of handling that issue would be to move the vents or cut them as low as you can to fit under the panels, but then use pipe elbows and extensions to redirect the vents around the panels. You need those vents to maintain the proper function of your waste piping system.

Q: Whenever I take a shower, I can hear the water heater making a whining noise afterward. It also seems to happen at about 2:30 a.m. as well. Ive heard news stories about malfunctioning water heaters that can even turn into rockets, so it makes me nervous. Whats going on?

A: Its probably just the normal process of heating up the water because you used up the hot water with your shower or because the water temperature drops in the middle of the night.

Heating elements inside the tank will often make noise when they turn on. Make sure you have a properly installed and plumbed pressure-relief valve to prevent your water heater from blowing up.

Q: I have a huge tangerine tree that was just full of tangerines this year. The quantity is great although they were very small. Can we leave them on the tree until we get around to eating them or will it hurt the tree?

A: It is a problem because if you pick them, you generally have to juice them or eat them fairly soon. It wont damage the tree, but they can get overripe while they sit there. The fruits can also attract rodents.

Q: My roof is covered in concrete tiles. It has a thick underlayment with a granular finish that I think is 90-pound felt. When its retiled, should the underlayment have the same thickness?

A: As you know, the actual waterproofing for your roof and home is provided by the underlayment beneath the tiles. This important layer of felt will deteriorate over time due to Arizonas heat and sun. The heaviness of the felt you need depends in part on the quality of the tiles you have. Ninety-pound felt, a very good underlayment, may be more than you need, however.

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House Questions? Rosie has answers: Be sure vent pipes will work after you install solar panels on roof

I lost my cool today. I cant remember the last time I got angry. It must be years ago, but this creep got my goat.

I hired a local plumber to install a water heater. I like to support local independents. Right off, he told me that because I wasnt born again presumably in his church I was going to hell. I laughed and took it in stride. He was serious. Things went downhill. He did a sloppy job and had to come back. We had words. I ordered him off my property.

I have lived in this area for 15 years and respect everyones freedom to believe what they choose. I expect, and usually receive, the same respect. I dont proselytize, and I expect the same courtesy. Occasionally, we can share ideas and beliefs in a mutual and respectful manner. I never judge another person because I know our lives are complex and no one can understand anothers path.

I share this story because we all need to be reminded occasionally that we are on this earth to help each other. The plumber sincerely thought that he was helping me to find salvation as he saw it. What he was actually doing was judging me as he believed God would judge me. But he imposed his belief system on a stranger and client. It never occurred to him that I might have my own beliefs.

I believe we are on this earth to learn to love each other. We are here to develop tolerance and compassion. We are here to help and support each other amid our beautiful diversity. This is what I believe and this is how I love.

I apologize for losing my temper, though there are times when anger is appropriate.

Katie Lee Green

Abingdon, Va.

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Have respect and do not judge

A look at upcoming capital improvement projects slated for 2014 was among the highlights of the regular Waconia School Board meeting held on Monday, March 3. The district is planning to spend approximately $1,526,000 on projected Capital Facilities & Deferred Maintenance Programs in the coming year. The largest chunk of that figure is related to $943,000 in building improvements. Projects are planned for all of the districts buildings, including a number of district-wide facilities. At Bayview, space currently being used by Kids Company will be reconfigured into a classroom. Additional lockers will be installed to help accommodate continued growth and security improvements involving interior door locks will also be part of the work completed at Bayview. A sound system update for the green gym and the dining room is planned for Southview, as are security improvements involving interior door locks. At Clearwater, the district is planning to update the intercom system, install a sidewalk to the physical education fields, replace a floor scrubber and complete some roof repairs. A number of projects will occur at the high school, including sound and light upgrades in the auditorium. The Media Center will be recarpeted and the security system cameras and DVR system will be upgraded. A bottle water fountain will be installed in the main lobby and the wall pads on the main courts will be replaced. The buildings Bobcat Sweeper will also be replaced. In terms of district-wide improvements, the district is looking at the installation of portable bleachers and/or the rental of football field bleachers, athletic field improvements, mechanical and electrical system repairs / replacement, and reconfiguring a storage room at the WEC into a classroom. The district also has costs associated with a city street assessment related to Wildcat Way and a storm water well system (Burandt Lake Project). According to Director of Finance and Operations Todd Swanson, all of the projects are scheduled to be done in the coming school year with most of them scheduled to be completed over the summer. In addition to the building improvements, the district has $583,000 budgeted for equipment expenditures, which include allocations for Project Lead the Way, Curriculum Development, Technology, and expenses related to school equipment and copy and postage machine leases. The district also has $540,000 in lease levy expenses. In other matters: The board approved a motion to dissolve the Carver-Scott Educational Cooperative No. 930. The services provided by that co-op are now being supplied by the SouthWest Metro Educational Cooperative. Waconia is one of 10 area districts to take part in the cooperative, which provides a comprehensive array of customized programs and services to complement the educational services offered by the local school districts and surrounding communities. Steve Hullander, an American History teacher at Waconia High School, announced his retirement effective the end of the school year. In a letter to the board, Hullander noted his thanks and appreciation to all the teachers, coaches and administrators that he worked with at Waconia and thanked all the students and athletes that he had the privilege of being just a small part of their lives as they moved into the real world. A donation of $1,000 from James and Kim Manuel in memory of Connie Manuel was acknowledged by the board. The funds will be directed to the high school physical education department. The district received a $5,000 check from Minnesota Valley Electrical Cooperative for its energy efficiency upgrades at Clearwater Middle School. The board continues working with School Exec Connect regarding the superintendent search. A profile of the next superintendent has been created see information at right. Candidates are currently being sought for the position. According to information available on the district website, the board and consultants will meet to review and select candidates to be initially interviewed on April 28. The board will interview five or more recommended candidates on April 30 and May 1. On May 1, the board will narrow the field to two or three finalists. The next round of individual interviews will occur on May 13, 14, and possibly the 15. Community input will be welcome when it comes to selecting the finalist. To learn more about the search, visit the district website at http://www.waconia.new.rschooltoday.com. A recent phone-a-thon resulted in more than $7,000 being raised for scholarships through the School District 110 Foundation. Donations will still be accepted through April 11. To make a contribution, visit http://www.district110foundation.org and click on the Donate Now button. The board is planning a discussion on options for district facilities during a work session that will be held at 7 p.m. at the media center at Clearwater Middle School on Monday, March 24. A week later on Monday, March 31, the board will meet again to talk about gathering community input on the various options. The next regular school board meeting will be held at the ESC at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 21.

Profile Desired of the Next Superintendent

After meeting on March 17, the Waconia School Board has released the desired profile of the next superintendent. This profile is based on an online survey and focus groups that were facilitated by School Exec Connect. The Superintendent should be a person who: Is an excellent communicator with all of the community, families, senior citizens, each of the different communities in the District Is an integral member of the community, and active in both school and community events in each of the communities Can plan for long-range growth in the school district, and create the appropriate long-term solution, in collaboration with the cities. for the facility and athletic field needs, and knows the process for a successful bond and levy Can lead a strong central administrative and Principal team that is a cohesive team, focused on the best educational opportunities to prepare students for the future Can support the curriculum development process which addresses, gifted and talented, rigor and relevance, range of science, language, and math options needed Can oversee the fiscal management process so that there is continued stability of funding, appropriate fund balance and a response to curriculum and activities/athletics that puts student needs first Can review the offerings for students in athletics, arts, music as extra-curricular options and assure balance Is a visionary leader who can utilize a strategic plan to continue moving the district forward Will create common messages with the Board, staff, and community leaders, so that the message on district needs is consistent and able to be supported by each Is able to plan for technology integration. The plan needs to define, the purpose, expected objectives and outcomes, the range of tools, and short and long term investment needed as well as how the plan would be funded now and into the future

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School board examines 2014 projects

Martinson-Nicholls new fiberglass step covers and walkways provide durable, lightweight slip-resistance on stairs, inclines, ramps and floors. The easy to install and cost-effective covers come in three different anti-slip grit options.

Cleveland, Ohio (PRWEB) - Featuring a proprietary coating of mineral abrasive epoxy grit, Martinson-Nicholls' new fiberglass step covers and walkways provide a lightweight and durable anti-slip surface. With three coating options, heavy, medium or fine, our covers may be applied to any structurally sound surface including steps, inclines, floors, and ramps. These fiberglass covers are a cost-effective way to provide slip-resistant footing to existing surfaces, and combine low maintenance with long service life.

According to Dan Ruminski, president of Martinson-Nicholls, "These fiberglass step and ramp covers are an easy and economical way to improve the safety of stairs, ramps and inclined walkways."

The mineral abrasive epoxy grit is bonded to 0.125" thick thermoset polyester, fiber-reinforced polymer panels. These fiberglass step covers and panels are fire-retardant and easy to maintain. The epoxy grit surface may be swept to loosen and remove dirt, and cleaned with a general-purpose industrial floor cleaner and bristle brush. The step covers and walkway panels may also be pressure washed with up to 1000 psi.

The step covers come in lengths up to 12 feet in three standard sizes:

They are offered in single color treads of yellow or black, or a two-color version with a yellow nose and black back.

The fiberglass flat panels for walkways and ramps come in yellow or black, with standard sizes of 30" x 96" and 48" x 96". Additional sizes can also be provided.

Typical applications include:

About Martinson-Nicholls Martinson-Nicholls, has established itself as a leader in custom anti-slip tape, floor mats, andeco-friendly products for more than 25 years.

Martinson-Nicholls provides the customer with the exact size matting needed--small, large, standard, nonstandard, special shapes and logos. Custom installations are also a specialty of the company.

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New Grit-Coated Fiberglass Step Covers And Walkways From Martinson-Nicholls

Fort Erie Post

The Region of Niagara has put the final touches on its long-awaited lakefront enhancement strategy, and Fort Erie will be looking to snag some of the new funds up for grabs.

We were actually one of the municipalities that consulted with the Region through this process, so were very much aware of the funding thats available, said Signe Hansen, the towns manager of parks and open space development. Certainly from a staff perspective, were looking at various lakefront capital projects to see where we can take advantage of those funds.

Last month, Regional politicians approved a new lakefront enhancement strategy for the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie shorelines in Niagara, and have given staff the go-ahead to fire up an application process for financial incentives. Its the first phase of a planned two-phase plan, which has been in the works for a few years.

While the first phase will only apply to the seven Niagara municipalities with Great Lakes shoreline access which have 135 km of waterfront the second phase will be expanded to include Niagaras many smaller lakes, rivers and creeks, in all 12 cities and towns.

Last year, Fort Erie took its first concrete steps towards redesigning the numerous public access walkways that lead to the lakefront along the towns southern shore. The contentious developments have been on the towns back burner for years until disputes with nearby property owners and disagreements over the design were finally ironed out last year. The first walkway to the get a facelift will be Rose Avenue entrance this year and will see the unkempt, sandy walkway replaced with concrete paving, picnic tables and bike racks.

The town is responsible for maintaining several other similar walkways leading to the lake, and plans to redesign them all eventually, but a cost of about $50,000 each, the town only budgeted for one new walkway this year.

Our initiative on those projects were cited in the Regions lakefront enhancement strategy so they are definitely eligible and well be looking to apply for funding as we continue down the shoreline, said Hansen, who added the next public walkway to get a redesign would likely be the access point at Beachview Avenue.

The Region plans to help co-ordinate the efforts, and will provide 50 per cent matching funding from local towns and cities, up to $1 million per municipality every three years. The Region will also offer in-kind support such as staff advice and has budgeted about $10 million over a decade for the entire project.

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Fort Erie sets sights on Regional lakefront strategy dollars

Springdale, AR (PRWEB) March 20, 2014

MoistureShield composite decking has expanded its 2014 distributor network in the U.S. Sunbelt and West Coast regions with recent additions of:

With the economy turning and home equity on the rise, people are beginning to invest in their homes again and outdoor living offers a great return on investment, said Brent Gwatney, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MoistureShield. The sunny states are some of the hottest markets for outdoor living, so we are striving to provide our customers in those states with the highest quality distribution partners.

MoistureShield products are currently offered through an extensive network of building products distributors and dealers in the U.S. and Canada, and are available in most independent lumber yards across North America.

MoistureShield composite decking and railing offers the solution for every decking need with its range of attractive colors, realistic embossed wood grain patterns and grooved boards to accommodate hidden fasteners. Because of a unique manufacturing process, each MoistureShield board is protected to the core, making it the only composite decking durable enough to be installed on the ground, in the ground or underwater and still be protected by the industrys leading lifetime warranty. With 95% total recycled content, MoistureShield products are also an environmentally responsible choice, helping prevent discarded plastics from ending up in landfills.

About Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (A.E.R.T.): Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc., (A.E.R.T.) is a microcap, entrepreneurial, publicly held manufacturing company. The development of new technologies and patents has enabled it to produce superior new products from recycled wood fiber and recycled polyethylene plastic for the building and construction markets. A.E.R.T. is the exclusive manufacturer of MoistureShield composite decking and MoistureShield trim and moulding. http://www.moistureshield.com

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MoistureShield Composite Decking Expands Distribution Network with 12 New Distribution Locations

New Alfa Romeo MiTo on sale in the UK priced from 14,350 OTR Alfa Romeo MiTo Highlights include revamped interior and new 105hp TwinAir engine Streamlined model range with new colours and more equipment Uconnect five-inch, colour touchscreen infotainment system as standard 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta on sale in the UK priced from 18,235 OTR Exterior revisions include a new grille, new alloy wheels and new colours Interior upgrades include new seats, new door trims and a new steering wheel, plus new upholsteries and revised switchgear Uconnect colour touchscreen infotainment system, with Bluetooth and DAB, standard across the range Improved emissions across the engine range plus more performance from the 2.0-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel Alfa Romeo 4C marks a return to lightweight sports coups for the brand Advanced materials and construction ensure lightness and rigidity Compact, agile and engineered for pure driving satisfaction Supercar performance with impressive economy and emissions On sale in the UK in October priced from 45,000 OTR

Alfa MiTo

The 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo has gone on sale in UK offering customers higher specification, revised interiors, subtle styling enhancements and even more advanced technologies, including the Uconnect five-inch, colour, touch-screen infotainment system as standard equipment and the addition of the new 105hp TwinAir engine to the range.

Externally the 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo benefits from a new, chromed front grille; titanium grey headlamp and tail lamp surrounds; tinted rear windows and a sports rear bumper, as well as a revised colour palette that now includes a new Matte Magnesio Grey finish.

The interior is thoroughly revised with new dashboards, upgraded plastics and a new Uconnect five-inch, touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, steering wheel remote controls, USB/Aux ports and optional satellite navigation.

A comprehensive array of traction, braking and stability control systems is standard on all Alfa Romeo MiTo models and these systems, along with steering effort and throttle response, can be adjusted via Alfa Romeos trademark Alfa D.N.A. three-mode selectable driving mode system. Where fitted, Alfa SDC adaptive suspension and ALFA TCT transmission settings are also adjustable via the Alfa D.N.A. system.

The model line-up has been streamlined with four trim levels now available: Sprint, Distinctive, Sportiva and Quadrifoglio Verde (QV). In addition to the features listed above, all models are equipped with Start& Stop; air conditioning; a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob; electric windows and mirrors; seven airbags; front fog lamps; a rear spoiler and alloy wheels.

Distinctive highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels; cruise control; rear parking sensors and a front centre arm rest, while Sportiva includes 18-inch QV sports alloy wheels; a QV steering wheel and hand-brake lever (trimmed in black leather with green stitching); satin-effect exterior highlights and special badges. The high-performance QV adds red, four-piston Brembo brake callipers, SDC active suspension system, bespoke sports seats with uprated upholstery and special QV wing badges.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo engine range now comprises five turbo-charged engines, all with Start&Stop as standard three petrol and two diesel units. The 875cc TwinAir Turbo engine benefits from a 20hp boost in performance now 105hp which translates in a 0-62mph time thats 1.1 seconds faster than the previous 85hp version. Despite the additional performance, the Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir remains impressively efficient, with a combined fuel economy figure of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

A new 1.4 TB MultiAir 140hp, equipped with the ALFA TCT twin dry clutch transmission as standard, will join the line-up shortly - more details to be announced soon - while the diesel range consists of the 1.3 JTDM-2 85hp and 1.6 JTDM-2 120hp power plants.

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Three New 2014 Models: Alfa Romeo MiTo, Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Alfa Romeo 4C, launched to the media on the Isle of ...

Tree Deadwooding Adelaide - (08) 7100 1599 - Tree Removal - AdelaideTreeRemoval.com
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Tree Clearance Pruning Adelaide - (08) 7100 1599 - Tree Removal - AdelaideTreeRemoval.com
Welcome to our Adelaide Tree Clearance Pruning service. If you need help now, then call us on (08) 7100 1599. If we don #39;t answer, we #39;ll get back to you right...

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