By Andy Villamarzo

Hernando Sun sports reporter

There were many experts surrounding the NFL heading into the 2019 season predicting that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be nothing more than a 3-13, 4-12 football team. That record mightve been nice in terms of positioning in the 2020 NFL Draft, but instead the Buccaneers took an entirely different route.

Tampa Bay finished with a record of 7-9 and are now faced with some big decisions when it comes to their own unrestricted free agents. The Buccaneers are coming off Year No. 1 under quarterback whisperer Bruce Arians and one of the first orders of business will be to make a decision on signal caller Jameis Winston. Theres others that must be decided on like outside linebackers Shaquille Barrett and Jason Pierre Paul and wide receiver Breshard Perriman.

Who exactly will Tampa Bay bring back and who will they left go? We take a closer look at some of the free agents that are currently slated to hit the free agent market and what Tampa Bay may end up doing with them.

Quarterback, Jameis Winston: If you want to start up a good debate over the dinner table, talk about if the Buccaneers will be bringing back Jameis Winston in 2020. Its a debate that stirs Buccaneers fans strongly one way or another. For Winston, its been five seasons of work with only one season above the .500 mark and a whole bunch of good and bad. The problem is figuring out if he will ever swing the pendulum fully to the good side. Coming off a season after throwing for over 5,000 yards, 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, it would seem prudent to give Winston the franchise tag here. A long term deal seems off the table.

Outside linebacker, Shaquille Barrett: Setting records was the big theme for Tampa Bay in 2019 and Barrett broke the franchises single sack record previously held by Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp. Barrett ended the season with 19.5 sacks, ending up leading the entire NFL in that very category. Theres not much of a decision on whether Tampa Bay should bring Barrett back. The better question is will they apply the franchise, transition tags or sign Barrett to a long term deal?

Outside linebacker, Jason Pierre-Paul: In just 10 games played after an off-season of recovering from a scary neck injury that nearly ended his career, JPP came back to prove something and he did. Last seasons sack leader played enough to rack up 27 total tackles and notch 8.5 sacks. Not too shabby for a guy who had an injury that nearly took away not only a season of play but maybe his career. JPP is a leader in the locker and a short term deal seems in order.

Wide receiver, Breshard Perriman: Talk about the take of two halves in a season. Perriman went from a virtual unknown on the offensive side of the ball to being considered a viable No. 1 receiver by the end of the year. Perriman ended the season with over 30 catches for nearly 700 yards and providing Tampa Bay with a boost in the final four games. He made $4-million last season but a pay increase will be expected by Perrimans camp. Perriman could end up leaving in free agency due to the higher price tag he will demand.

Defensive tackle, Ndamukong Suh: Suh has become somewhat of a free agent mercenary when it comes to where to go. When the Los Angeles Rams offered him big money, he went to the big city. When Tampa Bay ponied up big money, Suh took his talents to the Buccaneers. It seems unlikely Tampa Bay will have the cap space to bring Suh back, but mentioned many times by head coach Bruce Arians, he wants to keep the defense intact.

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Biggest unrestricted free agents for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 - Hernando Sun

HVAC system temperature diagnostics depend more on your skill and understanding than the accuracy of the test instrument youre using. Lets take a look at several test methods, tips, and terms to see how you can sharpen your ability to solve your customers problems.

Well focus on air temperature measurement methods for now. Well save combustion, refrigerant, hydronic, and electrical system temperature diagnostics for a future article.

Hopefully youll learn some new way to improve as you read on. I personally re-learned one method I had forgotten and saw two test methods in a new light as I wrote it. Thank goodness were still learning.

Equipment Temperature ChangeThe most common HVAC industry temperature measurement is equipment temperature change. It requires measuring air temperature into and out of the heating or cooling equipment. The two measurements are subtracted from each other to find the temperature change over the equipment.

Avoid false temperature readings. Place your probe far enough away from the coil, heat exchanger, or motor, so its surface reads only air temperature and is unaffected by radiant heat of the equipment. Some tests may require you to install test ports in the duct system to insert your probe into the most accurate position in the air stream.

To avoid false temperature readings, place your probe far enough away from the coil, heat exchanger, or motor, so its surface reads only air temperature and is unaffected by radiant heat of the equipment.

Assure equipment is operating. Equipment cycles on and off to satisfy momentary heating or cooling demands. When testing, verify the equipment is operating at full capacity and the system is stabilized. You may inspect the burners or check compressor amp draw for instantaneous verification. If the heating or cooling cycle has just ended or is just beginning, air temperatures can change up to 50%. Diagnostics are worthless under these conditions.

Delta TThe term,Delta-T, (DT ) represents the difference between two temperature measurements. Delta-T describes the most basic testing and diagnostics. To find the difference between two temperatures, subtract them from each other. For example, air temperature entering the heating equipment is 66.5 and leaving air temperature is 110.7. To find the DT between the two, do the math: 110.7 - 66.5 = 44.2. The equipment DT is 44.2.

Take related temperatures at the same time. Steady state rarely exists in the field. If the equipment is heating or cooling, the temperatures into and out of the equipment change moment to moment. Take multiple temperatures at the same time to increase accuracy.

Use calibrated instruments. When you use two different instruments, verify each reads the same as the other for accurate DT calculations. Several dual-wand instruments are now on the market that perform this function. Affordable multi-probe sensors which communicate to a data collection point are also available. These instrument packages considerably increase temperature diagnostic accuracy.

Record Temperatures to the Nearest Tenth of a DegreeOne temperature test method labeled fanatical by HVAC novices, is to read and record to the nearest tenth (.1) of a degree. Almost all digital instruments now read to the tenth of a degree, so please take the time to record the decimal place.

Allow the system temperature and instruments to stabilize. When moving a probe from room temperature air into a heating airstream, the difference may be 50or more. Allow time for the probe to stabilize and settle down before recording readings.

Many technicians watch the tenth of a degree stabilize until it remains unchanged for 10 seconds. As soon as it does, the reading is deemed stable and recorded.

See small changes as you work towards a solution. As your experience and accuracy increase and you become accustomed to watching and recording decimals, youll learn to see through changes in tenths of a degree. Then youll be hooked as you jump to the next level of skill and precision.

When Airflow Changes, Temperatures ChangeIn a cooling system, when airflow decreases, temperature change through the equipment increases. And when airflow increases, temperature change through the equipment decreases. Temperature change over the equipment increases as less pounds of air move across the coil; less pounds of air means less heat transfer, so temperature changes goes up.

Temperature change over the equipment increases as less pounds of air move across the coil; less pounds of air means less heat transfer, so temperature changes goes up.

Without measuring airflow, you assume airflow. Unless you verify airflow is delivered at equipment specifications, your temperature diagnostics will be wrong in direct proportion to your airflow diagnostics.

When technicians measure a 20 DT over cooling equipment, many assume the system performs well. But what if system airflow is at 250 cfm per ton? Is 20the right temperature change? No. It would be higher.

Plot fan airflow. A quick and easy way to determine fan airflow is to plot it from the manufacturers fan tables. Measure total external static pressure and determine the fan speed setting. These two data points can plot fan airflow on the manufacturers fan tables in minutes.

Once you know airflow, your diagnostic accuracy will skyrocket.

System Temperature Measurement MethodsMove your thermometer beyond the equipment to open an entire new world where you can discover system performance opportunities. Duct heat losses and gains are missed if you only measure equipment temperatures.

There are times when equipment in cooling mode was diagnosed to perform perfectly. But at the same time temperatures at the grilles and registers indicated the system was adding heat to the building. The culprit is duct temperature gain from a 140 attic.

Measure register temperatures behind the register. Many supply registers are designed to mix room air by throwing air streams up to the ceiling, along the wall, or along the floor. Air is mixed as the register airstream pulls room air to its face.

If air temperature is measured at the register face and not behind it, supply air temperature readings can be off by up to 40%. Use a probe that can go between the register vanes to measure supply air readings behind it.

Carefully evaluate your temperature test methods and practice the knowledge and tips offered here. Odds are youll enjoy a simple, but valuable break-through as you improve your troubleshooting skills.

Rob Doc Falke serves the industry as president of National Comfort Institute, Inc., an HVAC-based training company and membership organization. If you're an HVAC contractor or technician interested in a free test procedure to measure average register airflow, contact Doc at robf@ncihvac.com or call him at 800-633-7058. Go to NCIs website at nationalcomfortinstitute.com for free information, articles, and downloads.

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Give Homeowners What They Want A Great HVAC For A Great Price - Contracting Business

Key Companies Covered in Commercial Refrigeration Compressors Market Research Report are Carrier Corporation, Daikin Industries Ltd., Johnson Controls Pvt. Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric, Bitzer, Emerson Climate Technologies, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Rechi Precision Co., Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., Huayi Compressor.

Pune, Jan. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Commercial Refrigeration Compressor Market is projected to gain momentum from a rise in the adoption of HVAC systems by the pharmaceutical industry to preserve raw materials and medicines. According to a published report by Fortune Business Insights, titled, Commercial Refrigeration Compressor Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Reciprocating, Rotary, Screw, Others), By Cooling Capacity (Up to 1 kW, 1 15 kW, 15 100 kW, Above 100 kW) By Application (Refrigerator and freezer, Refrigerated Display Cases, Transport Refrigeration, Beverage Coolers and Freezers, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026, the market is projected to reach 221.7 Million units by 2026, thereby exhibiting a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. However, the Commercial Refrigeration Compressor Market size stood at around 161.4 Million units annually in 2018. The increasing number of hypermarkets and supermarkets requiring HVAC systems is another crucial driving factor.

The report provides elaborate analysis of the emerging as well as current Commercial Refrigeration Compressor Market trends and dynamics. Extensive analysis of the market is done by monitoring the key players and following product positioning within the market framework. Detailed analysis of all the regions are presented. They determine the untapped areas and prevailing opportunities in these regions.

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Increasing Usage of Packaged Food & Beverages to Drive Market Growth

There is a rise in the demand for industrial refrigeration systems in the FMCG industry. It is due to the increasing usage of packaged and processed food & beverages in the emerging countries across the world. Additionally, there is an urgent need to prevent spoilage of semi-processed food and drinks. Numerous innovative technologies, such as IoT-enabled refrigeration monitoring solutions further lead to the Commercial Refrigeration Compressor Market growth. Also, at present, the developing economies are either refurbishing or upgrading their traditional cold storage infrastructure. It, in turn, is affecting the market growth positively. However, expensive nature of maintenance and high energy consumption may hinder market growth in the coming years.

Transport Refrigeration Segment to Lead Owing to Rising Demand for Frozen Food

In terms of application, the Commercial Refrigeration Compressor Market is segregated into refrigerator and freezer, refrigerated display cases, transport refrigeration, beverage coolers and freezers, and others (vending & ice machines). Amongst these, the transport refrigeration segment had acquired 11% Commercial Refrigeration Compressor Market share and it is projected to reach the highest CAGR during the forecast period. It would occur due to a rise in the per capita income and increasing demand for frozen food. Furthermore, growing cross-continent and highways networks for quick road freight transportation as well as expansion of the pharmaceutical industry would contribute to the growth of this segment. Transport refrigeration aids in minimizing wastage of food. Therefore, the rate of penetration of it is extremely high in emerging nations.

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GEA Group Introduces StarCO2mpressor to Expand its Portfolio of Natural Refrigerant Compressors

GEA Group, a prominent technology supplier for the food processing industry, headquartered in Germany, unveils StarCO2mpressor, its latest range of mobile compressors for air conditioning and heating in October 2019. The company presented its new breakthrough product at Busworld that was held in Brussels from October 18 to 23. The product is equipped with a novel drive gear design that is based on a reciprocating technology. GEA is expanding its natural refrigerant compressors portfolio with economically and ecologically efficient technology. The special oil management and welded steel housing with an advanced oil pump would ensure minimized leakage potential and high robustness.

Story continues

List of the most renowned companies operating in the Commercial Refrigeration Compressor Market. They are as follows:

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Commercial Refrigeration Compressors Market to Exhibit a CAGR of 4.1%; Need to Prevent Spoilage of Semi-Processed Food Items to Boost Growth: Fortune...

floor to ceiling windows allow to see even large trees from top to bottom

We all know that sunrooms are structures that are either attached or integrated into the house to allow you enjoy the surrounding landscape. They protect from the harsh weather outside so they are perfect for any climate zone. Its a perfect place to relax while enjoying a view, reading a book, meeting with friends, or even to sleeping.

If youre designing a house from scratch, its a great idea to include at least a small sunroom into the plan. If you already have a home, dont get upset. You can always build a sunroom extension that would even better because itd have a glass roof and a great view of your mature garden.

There are many ways to decorate such room depending on its purpose. The most popular way is to turn into a room youd be able to gather with friends and family. In that case, you have two options. You can turn it into a living room or into a dining room. Decorating it would be the same as decorating these two rooms. Although you can add much more greenery here because itd thrive in the amount of sunlight itd get. Although youll see on pictures below that you can turn a sunroom into a gym, into an indoor pool room, into a bathroom, into a bedroom and into other rooms too. With thoughtful layout, pretty fabrics, comfy furniture, and beautiful decor accents itd become the most-used space in your house.

The most important thing you should consider when choosing the furniture is its ability to withstand harsh conditions. Itll receive much more sunlight than in any other room so it should be well protected. For example, wood furniture need to be stained the same way as outdoor furniture, fabrics should be as durable as fabrics used outdoors, and so on.

With these things in mind, check the gallery of beautiful examples showing how a sunroom can be designed. Youll definitely find a lot of ideas to plan and decorate your very own room to relax. Btw, if you search for inspiration in some special interior style, we have several more posts to help you with that:

a handing daybed is a perfect furniture choice for a sunroom

gorgeous tiles and gorgeos vases make the interior of this indoor sunroom pool trully awesome

even a small sunroom extension is great addition to any home (the mid-ceuntry look of this one is great)

add glass roof and windows to a back patio and you got yourself a beautiful organgery

super cozy sunroom filled with natural wood and a wood-burning stove

a classic choice of seating furniture for a sunroom with colorful pillows

contemporary narrow sunroom extension that features black shutters

even a small sunroom extension could fit a pool where you can swim like pro

even standard ceilings works great in sunrooms especially if there is a brick fireplace

growing plants indoors is much better when they are able to get as much sunlight as they need

perfect sunroom for some yoga exercises

quite functional sunroom gym with a bunch of cool exercise machines

screened porch design in natural colors

spacious four seasons sunroom with skylight and jacuzzi

sunroom is a perfect place for an indoor pool

this screen porch addition features a ceiling fan and a fireplace so owners are able to cool down or warm up the place

A sunroom for gatherings with lots of black and white stripes.

Bohemian style sunroom design. Lovely combination of a red sofa, rustic wood, bare brick and a super cool floor light fixture. Great place as for dining as for reading.

All-white Scandinavian room with a bunch of windows and a glass door.

Gorgeous loft space with the whole wall covered with windows.

A Sunroom That Is Perfect For A Party

Rustic sunroom In a cottage. Lovely sky blue walls and decorations make the space cool and fun.

Small yet cozy sunroom house extension. Perfect little nook to enjoy winter weather in warmness.

Lovely cottage-style orangery room where owners could dine from time to time.

Sunroom-style bedroom. Who said you need some other furniture besides a hanging bed?

Small bohemian sunroom where owners could sleep durning hot summer days.

A garden sunroom that brings outdoors in

Lovely sunroom-style living room addition where kids could play.

A Dining Room Surrounded By Windows

Decorating a sunroom isn't that much different than decorating any other room in the house.

A very functional sunroom design with lovely upholstery color. Two tables could solve lots of task and could be combined for large parties.

Sunrooms are perfect places to grow some greenery. For example you can create a DIY herb garden there. Btw, white furniture, walls and floors are perfect to make the room even more brighter that it already is.

An Amazing Sunroom With A Tree Behind The Window

An Amazing Sunroom Porch

An Awesome Screen Porch

An Entertaining Sunroom

Contemporary Sunroom

Cool Large Sunroom

Even sunrooms need windows treatments to protect you durning hot summer days. Although here turquoise ceiling is definitely a focal point.

Midcentury Modern Sunroom

Covered Porch With Lake Views

Cozy Sunroom In A Forest

Cozy Sunroom With A Bunch Of Planters

Cozy Sunroom With A Hanging Sofa

Cute Sunroom

Gorgeous Sunroom Like Sunroom

a conservatory externsion that features a cool pyramid-shaped glass roof

Beautiful sunroom with a deck on it. Perfect for any season.

Hunter Like Sunroom

Indoor Outdoor Sunroom

Low pitched ceiling made of glass makes any room special.

Plantation Style Sunroom

Really Awesome Sunroom For Gatherings

A Living Room With A Lot Of Windows

traditional conservatory design with a glass roof

Small sunroom garden

This sunroom is very well connected to the deck. Thanks to this solution all seasons are covered.

Small yet quite cozy room.

Working surrounded by natural light is much better then working in a cubicle.

Simple sunroom extension of the house. Perfect for relaxing outdoors without actually being there.

A kitchen with glass roof and floor to ceiling windows is awesome place for cooking. A gallery wall only makes it more cozy.

It's especially great when not only walls made of glass but sunroom's roof too. Perfect place for an indoor garden.

traditional sunroom design with two conversation zones

Every sunroom should have a cozy daybed. So great place to relax.

Sunroom decorated in neutral tones

Sunroom addition with lovely sea views.

Sunroom With A Polycarbonate Clear Roof

Sunroom with french doors leading outside

If you live far from your neighbours then you can build a sunroom bathroom.

If you wonder how to decorate a sunroom - don't. If it's like a small porch, you can gather balcony decorating ideas and implement them there.

Gorgeous gazebo-shaped sunroom with vintage furniture.

An awesome view can make any sunroom special

Link:
75 Awesome Sunroom Design Ideas - DigsDigs

ADDRESS: 321 Ocean Ave., Marblehead

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 4 full; 2 half

LIVING SPACE: 4,331 sq. ft.

PRICE: $2,995,000

In this seaside villa, the focus in almost every room including bathrooms is the incredible ocean views. Built in 1920 on over an acre of oceanfront property, this timeless beauty is a private oasis amidst sprawling manicured grounds with handsome masonry walkways and brick terraces. In addition to state-of-the-art systems, this magnificently restored home retains its original architectural detail throughout.

Approaching the house is, well, delightful. Enjoy coastline rose gardens on the way to the front entrance with an extra-wide arched door (and a wooden storm door). A floor-to-ceiling wardrobe-like closet is easily overlooked given the extra-wide staircase in the foyer leading down to the main living level this has another entrance and a split staircase up to an open gallery and the bedrooms. But thats getting ahead of the story.

On the main level

Arched French doors from a massive side terrace open to a gigantic eat-in chefs kitchen where radiant heated porcelain tile flooring is one of many, many highlights. In this cookery the emphasis is on function and beauty: an abundance of cabinetry (including a walk-in pantry) accented with a tumbled tile backsplash, a six-burner gas Viking stove (with a griddle), SubZero refrigerator with integrated panels, and a massive center island with a round hammered copper sink. Granite countertops showcase the honed granite farmers sink.

The breakfast nook is unforgettable. This large bump out is surrounded by almost floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. Wherever your gaze falls the huge brick paver patio, lush grounds that lead directly to lounging rocks and the beach via a private gate or the ocean itself the views are compelling and especially so when Mother Nature decides to show off.

A laundry room with a sink and cupboards is on the way to a spacious family room. In addition to views of the beautifully landscaped front yard, this room has amazing ocean vistas and arched door access to the terrace. By the way, 12-pane windows in this room, of which there are six, are positively gorgeous. So is a striking arched window with leaded stained-glass panes. In fact, this is one of several stained-glass windows that add dashes of color in unexpected places.

A half bathroom and access to the oversized two-car garage are bonuses.

And then

The more formal spaces (living, dining and sitting rooms) are astounding.

In the grand-sized dining room, double crown molding accents exposed and detailed ceiling beams. Lighted china cabinets are nods to the past along with the huge limestone fireplace with a gas insert. Still an atrium-like and fully open space is captivating.

This indoor space lives like an outdoor haven albeit, a sophisticated one. In addition to three sets of multi-glass pane arched windows the better to enjoy the views the sunroom has tumbled tile flooring and French doors to the terraces.

The massive living room also has a beamed ceiling plus two multi-glass paned doors to the patio/terrace. An extraordinarily wide bay (with a matching ledge) ensures up-close-and-personal views all year long. Detailed casings on the windows and doorways arched or not add character and charm but an inglenook fireplace is the scene stealer.

Also known as a chimney corner, this fireplace with a decorative tile surround is tucked into its own nook and has built-in seating (with storage) on both sides. The nook has a beamed ceiling just like the one in the living room.

Two arched entrances lead to a fabulous sunroom with tumbled tile flooring and more arched windows overlooking the water.

A nearby half bath has wide bead board wainscoting, fir flooring, deep bump boards, and another colorful stained-glass window. This one is round.

Second story treasures

The master suite/wing at one end of this level is memorable. In the huge sleeping chamber, a fireplace with a wood stove insert and a marble mantel has bookcases on both sides. His n hers lighted, cedar lined walk-in closets have custom inserts.

The views are exceptional. With two exposures that include four sets of multi-pane casement windows that are practically floor-to-ceiling, this space feels like a ship on the ocean. It isnt, but the effect is magical.

Two linen closets are on the way to the en suite bathroom that has similar views from the jetted tub and the step-in steam shower in a glass enclosure. For privacy and personal space, the commode has its own room and the L-shaped vanity has a sink in each leg.

Views are only one highlight in another bedroom suite with three exposures and a wood-burning fireplace with beautiful figurines and delicate mantel carvings. Built-ins along the window wall include a credenza-like piece with eight drawers, three cupboards and corner bookcases. Decorative crown molding and gleaming hardwood flooring are additional features.

Wide bead board wainscoting anchored by a chair rail with decorative trim and a built-in cupboard add character in the en suite bathroom with a tub/shower ensemble.

While the third bedroom suite is as charming as the other two, the office it also makes excellent guest quarters might easily become the favorite room. First, this massive space has cork flooring, a built-in desk surrounded by open shelving and, wait for it, a built-in, step-up day bed with 12 drawers underneath. This ship-shape space no pun intended has a huge en suite bathroom with a step-in shower with a frameless glass door and wide bead board wainscoting.

One final note. The attic has spray foam insulation but is unfinished. Aah, the potential

Contact Steven White of William Raveis Real Estate at 781-690-6433 or 781-631-1199 or by email: steven.White1@comcast.net.

Continued here:
HOME PROFILE: A beautiful home for watching the sea - Wicked Local Boxford

Built around 1800 as a private, three-story residence and later the Nichols Funeral Home, this magnificent structure only moments to Washington and Elm streets has another exceptional feature: a huge 38,640 square-foot lot. Thats 0.8 acres in the center of town.

ADDRESS: 45-49 Pleasant St., Marblehead

BEDROOMS: 8

BATHROOMS: 4 full; 1 half

TOTAL ROOMS: 23

LIVING SPACE: 7,483 sq. ft.

PRICE: $2,500,000

A fascinating past and exciting future are only two aspects of this unique property in the heart of Old Town.

Built around 1800 as a private, three-story residence and later the Nichols Funeral Home, this magnificent structure only moments to Washington and Elm streets has another exceptional feature: a huge 38,640 square-foot lot. Thats 0.8 acres in the center of town. This includes rarely found outdoor space large enough for a pool or tennis/basketball/pickle ball court.

Admittedly the present needs a bit of work but, frankly thats what makes this residence such an incredible opportunity. Four massive rooms on each of two floors retain many original details and features. Some are quite spectacular, too. Ancillary rooms on each level expand the living possibilities geometrically. And theres a surprise but later.

The bottom line is that the number of ways to repurpose, reconfigure and/or redo are practically limitless. Yet with each, the results will be amazing.

Wait 'til you see inside

The extra-wide front door with sidelights and transom windows opens into a grand foyer with a high ceiling, fabulous millwork and a center staircase that has a coffin turn. In keeping with the stylings of the era when it was built, formal parlors/sitting rooms are on each side of the foyer. While these impressive and spacious rooms share a number of similar features like soaring ceilings, bump boards that are over 11 inches high, wide detailed chair rails, double and triple crown molding, and positively sensational six-over-six windows with 12-inch square glass panes plus richly detailed window and door casings these are almost two-inches thick, too each room has different elements that makes each one unique.

In one front parlor with random width pine floor boards, for example, Indian shutters grace three front windows. This wonderfully proportioned room also has access to a front-to-back sun porch with a separate entrance from the street.

The bonus is solid-wood pocket doors that open to an almost identically sized back parlor/sitting room. Here period picture rail trim enhances double crown molding and two windows that stretch to the ceiling overlook the huge yard.

Ornate black marble fireplaces are instant and stunning focal points in two formal rooms on the other side of the foyer. Almost identical in size, as in large and well-proportioned, these rooms are also separated by solid wood pocket doors.

Incidentally, these four spaces are ready to be spectacularly elegant once again.

Let's keep going

The back part of the house, which includes access to the back staircase of course, there is one currently has a half bathroom and a galley-like kitchen. A tad more contemporary than the formal rooms, this cookery needs updating and/or reconfiguring. Nevertheless, the past is very much present: some windows panes are the original glass.

Going to the second floor via the front staircase with its curved and detailed bump boards, however, is exciting as the destination includes a fabulous front room with built-in shelving and a fireplace with a brick surround. Historic Marblehead is the view from the windows that is straight down Pleasant Street. The classic steeple on St. Michaels Episcopal Church is front and center.

Oh, a matching back room with an en suite loo has potential as a master suite.

On the other side of the hallway, a similarly sized room has a carpet of pine flooring originally covered by a rug surrounded by finished oak boards. The practice was common during much of the 19th Century.

In addition to two exposures, this room has a fireplace, but the scene stealers are two closets tucked into the four-foot (or so) wide archway that leads to a spacious dining room with two built-in china cabinets. One is tucked into a corner; the other is a server-like affair with two-over-two drawers.

Although this level has a larger kitchen than the one on the first floor, this cookery also needs updating. Access to a delightful sunroom with eight windows and maple floor boards offers expansion options.

The rest of this level includes an addition/annex with several very nicely sized bedrooms one has two closets an old-school bathroom with a tub/shower combination and access to a back porch. And lets not forget about the cedar closet.

Not done yet

Size, as in big, is certainly good news about the third floor. Currently, for example, this level has six additional rooms, the sweetest ever three-over-three windows with views down Pleasant Street and prettily detailed window and door casings. Even the bump boards have finishing trim.

The number of options for this level is the rest of the good news and it balances out the not-so-good news, which is the low ceilings throughout the entire floor. As this home has a large attic, raising the ceilings is doable. So is making this level a master oasis and/or an any number of configurations.

Incidentally, this home has a full basement.

Extra, extra

In addition to the main house, this property includes a rental/in-law/guest unit that offers all kinds of possibilities.

Running front-to-back with a private entrance, this spacious unit can be configured for two or three bedrooms plus the usual living areas: living room, dining area and kitchen. Laundry hook ups are already in place.

That it needs work is a given but being able to work with a blank slate means you can make this area fit your needs and desires without having to work around what exists. Nice.

With all this space, this property could be an in-town, intergenerational family compound complete with fantastic private play space for all ages. Dont forget the really big yard!

Contact Lisa Gallagher or Maura K. Phelan of Sagan Harborside Sothebys International Realty at 781-631-3746 or 781-706-3380 or by email: lisa.gallagher@sothebysrealty.com or maura.phelan@sothebysrealty.com.

Originally posted here:
HOME PROFILE: Lots of living space in Old town home - Wicked Local Beverly

Fireplace-less? Call it a bucket list, or call it what you will. I had decided it was time to end my years of living without a fireplace. I fully understand that is not exactly a hardship, but as I head into the twilight of my life, I very much wanted to be able to pull up to my fireplace and be mesmerized by flames and the luminescent, flickering coals. If the rest of the house was falling down around me, well, so be it.

Theres a certain peacefulness to sitting before a fire, and you can never have too much peace of mind.

In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that I have had the good fortune of having fireplaces in my life.

One was just a brick facade that was not connected to a traditional chimney or flue, and hence was not worth much of anything in the way of providing a crackling fire, or a good place to toast marshmallows in the winter. It was a lovely, dark red brick arrangement, with a wood basket and even the tools but it was just for pretending, I guess. Something to impress my guests, although they never seemed wowed after I told them it was a faux fireplace.

But, say what you will, it did have a lovely double mantle, which I especially loved to decorate at Christmas stockings and all. The addition of a cheerful focal point and a cozy ambiance were its only contributions. I lit candles, which Id arranged on logs in the fireplace and it was close, but no cigar.

I had a few others which are mostly part of my ancient history, then most recently I moved into my new/old house on Torrey Street. It had been my dream to spend my final years reading, sipping wine, dog curled in my lap in front of a real fireplace. A real fire with real flames and real snapping and crackling, and maybe even a tiny whiff of smoke.

It just happened that way, but in what turned out to be an embarrassment of riches I got two fireplaces, and so I must be twice as grateful as most folks would be (and I surely am).

One is a brick fireplace (which needs some work) which has both mantle and hearth, and the second is a stone fireplace located back in the den/sunroom/family room/rumpus room call it what you may that has a nice wide hearth on which a person might sit whilst starting the fire or toasting their marshmallows.

I love them both, and I feel so blessed to have this bucket wish granted.

At first, I wasnt sure how to start the fireplace. There is a science to it, you know. You cant just throw a bunch of flammable material in there and then add a match. Wont work. Either the logs will not catch (too wet, or too large), or the papers and kindling will burn like an inferno, and it will all be over in a very short time. You might be able to toast one marshmallow, but that would be about it.

So, under the tutelage of my youngest son, Kyle, who has a great stone fireplace in Orlando, I have learned how to start a fire, and kind of keep it going. He knows I am not exactly the Daniel Boone type. I need direction.

First, we figured out how to open the flue and vents or whatever is in there. The flue is held open on a chain sort of operation, and requires a steady hand and a flashlight so you can see whats happening in that dark space.

Then theres some other thing on the other side, which is more of a lever, that has to be pulled forward (or maybe it is back). I wrote down the instructions, and do refer to them. Having the house fill with soot and smoke is not something I am looking forward to, but given my inborn clumsiness, that will likely happen at some point.

We bought some small pre-cut kindling sticks and starters and arranged them at the bottom of the grate. Next, we put a fake and highly combustible log on the bottom and built a sort of a teepee of smallish logs.

One swipe of the match, a magical glow emanated from the fireplace, and the zen began.

Kyle sat close to the fire in his chair and poked and prodded the flames with an old barbecue tong (no fireplace tools, yet). The flames were happily flickering on the ceiling, and across Kyles face.

The room was quiet except for the all-out sound of the hissing, snapping and crackling. Yeah. This was what I meant! I was curled up in a blanket as content as a person could be. My terrier, Ivy Claire, was at my feet and was weaseling in as close as she could possibly get. It was a special evening, and I must say a public thanks to all my angels and saints, and, of course, to Kyle!

Continued here:
Pegged Right: Making friends with my fireplace | Free - Ashland Daily Press

Viking, the company with 79 river and ocean cruise ships and more on the way, will launch a new expedition division in January 2022 with a 378-passenger polar-class vessel. A sister vessel also is under construction in Norway by Fincantieris VARD for delivery in August 2022.

The first ship, Viking Octantis, is scheduled to operate voyages to Antarctica and North Americas Great Lakes. The second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will sail to Antarctica and the Arctic.

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The 30,150-gross-ton ships will be long and narrow, allowing them to nose into narrow inlets but also sail through the Welland Canal that connects Lakes Ontario and Erie around the Niagara Falls.

The first Antarctic season of six departures sold out in a few months when presented to past guests, Chairman Torstein Hagen said. All expedition voyages are now available to the public for booking.

Our guests are curious explorers. They want to continue traveling with us to familiar and iconic destinations, but they would also like to travel further, Hagen said. We began as Viking River Cruises; then we evolved into Viking Cruises with the addition of ocean cruises; today we stand singularly as Viking, offering destination-focused voyages on more than 20 rivers, five oceans and five Great Lakes, visiting 403 ports in 95 countries and on all seven continents. He later described Viking as the company that covers the most water systems on earth.

Hagen announced the new expedition voyages at a celebratory dinner event at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. At the function, the Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjeb officially and virtually named the Viking Jupiter the companys sixth ocean ship as it sailed between the Falkland Islands and Cape Horn.

The Great Lakes program will include eight- to 13-night voyages between Milwaukee, Wis., and Thunder Bay, Ontario; Toronto and Milwaukee; and New York and Toronto. We havent been able to find arrangements to come to Chicago yet, but that may happen, Hagen said.

He said the Great Lakes should be a very interesting place I think it has been underserved by substandard ships. Later, in a press conference, he said 88 percent of Vikings customers are from North America, and that some are reluctant to travel long distances and want to visit places theyve heard about but havent visited such as the Great Lakes.

The new Polar Class 6 expedition vessels were described as small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide stability in rough polar seas. The straight bow is designed to reduce fuel consumption, while a dynamic positioning system lets the ship hover over the seabed without anchoring, preventing damage to pristine environments.

The ships also will carry military Zodiac vessels designed for use in harsh environments; a fleet of two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks; and two rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) that offer covered seating. Each ship will also feature two six-guest yellow submarines Hagen admits to being a Beatles fan that feature revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows; at this point, plans are to have the submersible rides available with no additional fees.

Of note are plans for an enclosed, in-ship marina called The Hangar, which will smoothly launch small excursion craft through the ships shell doors. It will have an 85-foot slipway that allows guests to embark on RIBs from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves.

The Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris also will be research vessels with an onboard team of scientists working on a variety of studies. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and Vikings other academic partners, The Laboratory is designed to support a broad range of research activities. Guests will have supervised access to The Laboratory.

Additionally, all accommodations will feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an alfresco viewing platform.

The top of the floor-to-ceiling glass can be lowered to transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.

For additional information, call 800-2-VIKING or visit http://www.viking.com.

Original post:
Viking to Launch Expedition Voyages Starting in January 2022 - TravelPulse

Hannah Grover, Farmington Daily Times Published 6:00 a.m. MT Jan. 20, 2020

Bloomfield City Councilor Ken Hare, right, discusses the city's recent economic development efforts, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, during the Northwest Regional Economic Outlook Forum at San Juan College in Farmington.(Photo: Hannah Grover/The Daily Times)

FARMINGTON The City of Bloomfield really grew as a boom town in the 1950s and that meant a lot of single-wide trailers, according to City Councilor Ken Hare, who works as a real estate developer.

Over time, these trailers have deteriorated, but Hare said Bloomfield still needs options for affordable housing.

As he participated in discussions about economic development, Hare decided to try an experiment. He would, as a real estate developer, invest in building a house using shipping containers. He already had the land and he joined the Intermodal Steel Building Association, a group focused on shipping container homes and businesses.

More: Two Farmington men arrested for DWI, one accused of his 10th drunk driving offense

I do think its a viable way to create affordable housing in Bloomfield, Hare said.

He said the economic development discussions in the city have included aesthetics. The lack of affordable housing and the deteriorating condition of some of the mobile homes can make it hard to attract new businesses, Hare said. He hopes these shipping container homes can provide an affordable housing option that will not deteriorate like the single-wide trailers have over the years.

Some communities in the United States have had luck with shipping container buildings, but Hare said it is still a new concept for San Juan County. This could present some challenges and he hopes his efforts will identify those challenges. One of the challenges he anticipates is financing. When he completes the home, he plans on selling it. Hare said it may be hard for buyers to find a lender willing to finance a shipping container house. He also anticipates there will be challenges in the permitting process.

Las Cruces-based Enchanted Sun Realty's building was created using shipping containers and serves as a showcase for Underbox Containers, a company providing containers for building homes or offices.(Photo: Josh Bachman/Sun-News)

If he can prove that shipping containers are a viable option for housing, Hare said there are other applications that could also benefit the city. He said the shipping containers could be used for senior citizen housing in small, pocketbook communities. He explained these would be multiple houses for independent living located on shared land and the residents would help take care of each other.

And, Hare said, commercial buildings can also be built using shipping containers.

Hare is looking at getting a shipping container that has been used once before to transport goods, but people can also choose shipping containers that have had multiple trips.

The soon-to-be home of Enchanted Sun Realty, and a showcase for Underbox Containers, a company building homes and commercial spaces from steel shipping containers.(Photo: Josh Bachman/Sun-News)

He said the house will need to look attractive and the shipping container house couldbe covered with traditional siding.

Hare hopes to complete the project this year and is doing it with his own money. He said no city funds will be spent on the project.

Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652 or via email at hgrover@daily-times.com.

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Read more from the original source:
Could shipping containers be the answer to a lack of affordable housing in Bloomfield? - Farmington Daily Times

Good afternoon, Buenas tardes!

Welcome to the 2020 City of Pharr State of the City Address!

First and foremost, thank you to Godfor another blessed year.Many thanks to my beautiful and devoted wife, Cristina, our son Joseph, for being my rock and source of strength, and for so graciously allowing me to share my life in public service to our community. Thank you also to our extended network of family and friends for your constant support.

To my colleagues on the Pharr City Commission and our city employees. Thank you for your support. Without you, none of the great things we are doing in Pharr would be possible.

Gracias, Valente, for leaving the bright lights of Hollywood to return to your South Texas home community and to our great city of Pharr where its really happening!

What a year it has been!

As I look across this room, each of you is here today because you have made such an impact, either directly or indirectly, on the success and prosperity that our great City of Pharr enjoys.

It is because of you that we are here today. You took the time from your busy schedule a break away from your daily lives in your respective industries to spend time with us today and listen to what makesPharr truly a remarkable place to be. You are the educators, business professionals, community partners, mothers, fathers, students, members of the religious community, industry representatives, and more, that have a vested interest in seeing our great city thrive.

So, thank you for being here and for your continued support of the great City of Pharr.

I am humbled to stand before you today, as Mayor of my hometown leading the city that raised me into rapid and incredible growth, prosperity, and opportunity for our Pharr citizens.

I have been entrusted by you to make a difference in the lives of our residents, families and our children, who are the future.

Five years after first taking office, we are here to celebrate our 4th annual State of the City!

And let me tell you no need to adjust your vision Pharr is a perfect 20/20 and this year we will have several milestones to celebrate, and we have much in store for 2020.

Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Pharr, business leaders, and community partners, on behalf of the Pharr City Commission and as your Mayor, I am proud to report that the state of the City of Pharr is the best its ever been, and its only getting better!

I want to start with our economy because as we all know, our economy will shape the future of the city as it is an indicator of our prosperity and growth.

This year, for the first time in Pharrs history, I am excited to announce that our sales tax figures indicate that Pharr surpassed more than $1 billion dollarsin sales!

This profound number represents an approximate $140.6 Million increase in total sales in the City of Pharr from the previous fiscal year.

Pharr continues to expand our tax base by recruiting, attracting, and retaining businesses and companies to invest in Pharr.

It makes us proud to know that we are significantly contributing to the success of our region, our state, and our nation so to our governor, our federal, state, and local leaders on behalf of the city of Pharr and its residents.youre welcome!

We thank our business community partnerships, at the local, state, national and international levels, for continuing to expand opportunities in the various retail, food, entertainment, and other industries, that allow our Pharr residents and those from the surrounding communities to shop, eat, and stay in Pharr.

Our economy would not be nearly as robust if we didnt have an educated and skilled workforce this is key, for not just us but for the state and the country.

This past year, we welcomed many new businesses in Pharr, such as Carmax, which provided new, high-paying jobs, with a starting average salary of nearly $50,000.As part of our educational partnership commitment, we have a program where high school students in Pharr experience first-hand sales practices, body shop work, and mechanics through internships and practical education opportunities.

And, we are excited to announce that we are bringing manufacturing jobs to Pharr!

The City of Pharr and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation are proud to announce that a global manufacturing company that has been operating in South Texas for more than 20 years will be relocating their operations to the City of Pharr.

The company, Bissell, will be using the facility to support its manufacturing, remanufacturing, and replacement parts operations.

With a total investment in Pharr of $14.5 million dollars, the Bissell manufacturing facility will create jobs in advanced manufacturing.

We continue to move Pharr forward and again, its only getting better!

Our workforce is strengthened by our relationships and one of our strongest is the U.S.-Mexico-Canada partnership.

With the new U. S.- Mexico-Canada Agreement, USMCA, we are certain to reap the benefits of this trade deal which continues making our Pharr International port of entry one of the busiest land ports of entry in the state and nation.

In 2015, we devised a strategic bridge plan with our city commission, bridge board, and bridge employees and in Pharr, we dont just strategize, we execute, and we bring about real, tangible results!

Our Pharr bridge recently celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, a notable milestone indeed, and we are delighted to announce that the Pharr International Bridge now ranks as the third-largest border crossing in Texas!

In 2019, trade in Pharr exceeded $35 billion, growing six percent in imports and five percent in exports.

We have grown by over $1 billion dollars in trade every yearthat is astonishing growth that has no end in sight.

We continue to be the preferred and #1 border crossing for produce, crossing almost 70 percent of the nations produce.

Our city leaders recognize the importance of our bridge and have made it a priority to invest in port infrastructure improvements to keep up with the demand for services and to expedite trade.

This year, because of strong partnerships and collaboration with Texas Department of Transportation, General Services Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol, we will be investing $35 Million in major construction, infrastructure, and technology improvements projects that will help to accommodate current and future growth, expedite the flow of trade, and reduce border wait times.

Another major project we are working on at the bridge is through the first-of-its-kind collaborative partnership with our esteemed University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the U. S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) for a regional agriculture laboratory and training center.

We are truly blessed.

I would be remiss if I didnt stress the importance of education in our formula for success.

Education, not just for our children, but for our entire community is vital.

My administration has always been a big believer that we reward and promote those individuals doing better for themselves.

I have always been an advocate for innovative programs that stand out from traditional methods because in Pharr we are different, we think outside the box, we dont see a problem but rather a solution that has yet to be thought of.

We have in the audience our Partner RGV College who graduated its first cohort of nurses right here in Pharr.

We also have representation from Region One who reported from the TEA that our region out-performed the entire state of Texas.

Together with parent ambassadors, we are working on educating our community on the importance of the census, this is hard work but you know what? we are no stranger to being told that it cant be done we do it anyway.

Education is key to being counted and we are very aware of the importance of OUR role in making sure it happens.

Another proud educational endeavor is with the PSJA school district

We are on the verge of opening the highly anticipated and much needed PSJA-City of Pharr Ag campus .. located on city property for the benefit of our students.

We continue to cultivate a positive learning environment for all Pharr residents and are particularly committed to providing opportunities for higher education right here in Pharr.

This past year, we broke ground on the PSJA-UTRGV-City of Pharr Natatorium, which will serve as an anchor for health and wellness facilities.

Pharrs commitment to higher educational opportunities for our Pharr residents remains one of our highest priorities, and its only getting better!

In order to move forward we need infrastructure. Transportation is a key element for the city to be able to deliver goods and services.

As you all are aware, major moves of historic significance were made in the past year that will dramatically and forever change the landscape of the Rio Grande Valley.

With the merging of the three regional MPOs, the Rio Grande Valley can now tap into billions of dollars of state and federal transportation funding to improve and expand roads and transportation infrastructure that we could never before access a staggering $2.2 billion dollars, and we will be fighting for more!

It was an honor to be elected by the entireCameron and Hidalgo County delegation to serve as the inaugural chair of the new RGV MPO.

This wouldnt have been possible without the support and vision of Cameron and Hidalgo County trailblazers; Mayors Trey Mendez, Jim Darling, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and County Commissioner Eddie Cantu.

I can assure you that both Pharr and the entire Rio Grande Valley will now definitely have a seat at the table when it comes to transportation planning and funding.

We have numerous projects in the works that will improve our roads and transportation and infrastructure in Pharr.

The city continues to invest millions in city road repaving and reconstruction projects more than 18 million in city funds have been invested throughout our citywide repaving projects, through street light improvements and median installations to improve transportation and safety in our city.

An additional $44.7 million more in MPO funding has been allocated to projects in Pharr and there is much more on the horizon.

One of our highest priorities has been the expansion of the Pharr Interchange, which for years has been inadequate.

We will all soon enjoy a new interchange and rest assured, it willaccommodate future growth.

In recent years, we have experienced unprecedented rain and flooding impacting our residents, amounting to millions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses, and properties.

Pharr residents were not alone, we experienced this together and the city answered the call.

It was clear to us that our citys drainage infrastructure and water supply capacity are in critical need of improvements.

As city leaders, we are committed to making these investments now to take care of our current needs and prepare for our future.

As you all are aware, we recently passed a countywide, multi-million dollar drainage bond.We have partnered with the Hidalgo County Drainage District to build and expand this infrastructure.

To achieve this, I reached out to our very own Precinct 2 Commissioner, Eddie Cantu.Commissioner Cantu and I stood side by side to promote County drainage project because we knew it was needed and the right thing to do for our community.

So I want to thank Commissioner Cantu and I also want to thank your staff for their steadfast approach and commitment to help the residents of the city of Pharr.

Our $40 Million drainage plan will increase drainage capacity to accommodate a 500-year flood.

Our plan is to save lives, homes, and our properties once and for all.We will no longer accept this type of devastation. My administration will fix it now.

How?With great partners.

We have the greatest minds working together not only to achieve our drainage and infrastructure goals but to also provide an educational, real-life experience with our PSJA Southwest Early College High School Architecture students.

They are working with our city engineers, engineering consultants and are providing input, research, and ideas to address these issues with innovative solutions.

We are upgrading the citys aging water service delivery system, to meet our current demand for safe, sanitary water, while at the same time, accommodating for future growth and development.

We are also partnering with students from Thomas Jefferson T-Stem Early College High School on a project for a new raw water reservoir, and with students from PSJA North on the North-Central Wastewater Interceptor project.

Not only are we engaging these young minds with civic responsibility, but we are also providing opportunities for them to actively participate in creative solutions for real issues that need addressing.

We are proud to partner with PSJA ISD on these critical infrastructure projects, and Id like to ask them to please stand and be recognized.

Speaking of partnerships, Pharr continues to strengthen and nurture its relationships on a wide range of issues.

Among those, Pharr leads the efforts to plan and prepare for a successful 2020 Census.

It is imperative that everyone gets counted.

The population count held every ten years is what the federal government uses to allocate resources, representation, and funds.

We cannot stress how important this years census will be for all of us, and here in Pharr, we are taking the necessary steps to educate and inform our residents to be counted in the 2020 Census.

We have once again led the nation in creating a first of its kind the Pharr Parent Ambassador Program with our local school districts. This program engages parents to educate and promote the importance of being counted in the 2020 census.

At this time Id like to ask all parent ambassadors to stand and be recognized. Lets give them a round of applause.

Under our administration, we have sought to identify ways to ensure our government services are functioning efficiently to better serve our citizens.

As part of our efforts to maximize productivity, we had all department heads go through UTRGVs Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center Lean Six Sigma training and certification program.

The training was provided by TMAC, who statedthat Pharr is the first government entity that it has trained through this program, which is typically utilized by companies in the manufacturing industry.

Here in Pharr, we welcome leaders who are poised to help move Pharr forward.

This past year, we welcomed a new generation of leadership We joined forces with Texas Workforce Commission to further create opportunities and support employees that want to advance their education and training, that is representative of our values, culture, and goals, but also one that celebrates equity, diversity, dedication, and growth this led to the promotion of Anali Alanis and Hilda Pedraza the first female Assistant City Managers in the history of Pharr.

Congratulations, and keep up the great work ladies!

Complementing this change in leadership is the modernization of our first floor designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, to meet the needs of our citizens with efficiency and comfort.

This new, modern, open-floor concept will include offices and conference rooms with glass windows, as a true representation of the transparency we all deserve from our government.

Finally, last year, we launched Pharrs newest way to have citizens connect with their local government at the tip of their fingers.

Pharrs new 311 app is an interactive mobile application that allows citizens to easily access critical information from the City of Pharr, including news, calendar of events, online payments, and more.

One exciting feature of the app is the capability to have Pharr citizens be able to report issues of concern.

We are improving access to government services for our Pharr residents and families, and will continue improving the quality of life for all.

Ladies and Gentlemen, theres no doubt that there is power in numbers.

It is because of you, because of us, and because of the great leadership and partnerships that Pharrs future is bright, and will only get better!

At this time, as is our tradition that began at our inaugural State of the City address in 2017, we would like to present the Polo Palacios Award, awarded annually to an individual who carries the torch of service and pride for our Pharr community.

Read more:
Hernandez: State of the City of Pharr is the best it's ever been - Rio Grande Guardian