When life gets too stressed or uncertain, theres a spot at Stanleigh Garden that can wash it all away.

Try gazing from the gazebo, a plump native bird-printed cushion at your back, a stream rush-tinkling and peaceful music floating from unseen speakers.

But its the view from this spot in Donna and Wayne Busbys country garden that soothes souls.

Theres a large pond, its edges softened by feathery Elegia capensis, flax, agapanthus, self-planted ferns and the weeping swamp cypresss, Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls.

READ MORE:* Eltham residents demand action on dangerous pedestrian crossing* New aviary for budgies at Margaret Wilson Home in Timaru * Fantastic Ekphrastic poets with a difference sought for new competition

ven closer to the water is a metal dragonfly made by Andrew Bellringer, which hovers over the surface, two white ducks paddling about and the reflections of blue skies or clouds.

But the best view of all is when Mt Taranaki appears from behind scudding or enshrouding clouds. On this day, the maunga is elusive, later tantalising with an edge of snow-clad slope.

Its very peaceful, Donna says. Its nice and quiet, and there are tui, pigeons and fantails.

Just to prove it, a kereru flap-whirs from tree to tree behind the gazebo. Then you hear them cooing and cant help but say good morning.

SIMON O'CONNOR/Stuff

The brilliant red Rhododendron Grace Seabrook is softened by tall spikes of libertia.

Stanleigh Garden, on Upper Dudley Rd, Inglewood, is one of 40 properties open for the Taranaki Garden Festival from October 30 to November 8.

The festival has partnered with the Taranaki Arts Trail for the first time, so for the first three days of the garden celebration, people can visit galleries and open studios featuring 85 artists. The Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail is also on at the same time and showcases about 35 properties.

As part of her health and safety instructions to visitors, Donna is thinking of adding: Beware of swooping pigeons.

Birds abound in this garden some with sweet encouragement. I feed the birds with bananas and sugar water out the front. We get heaps of wax eyes, she says.

If I dont put enough sugar in the water, they dont drink it. Nathan (son) says you are going to have all these diabetic birds around here.

Nathan is one of their three adult sons.

Donna and Wayne have been married 36 years and have two grandchildren aged seven and five.

The grandparents have made a playground for them at the front of the garden, just beyond Donnas immaculate lawn, which she feeds and feeds.

Just like the wax eyes. Donna loves watching the wee birds, also known as silvereyes or tauhou, as they stand their ground and boss each other.

They stand there and shake their wings really fast, she says, using her bent arms to demonstrate.

But when it rains, the little birds (sparrows) come in here, she says looking up at the gazebo roof, where a wagon wheel hangs. Ive given them a perch.

The Busbys claimed their own place to settle 25 years ago on land that was the run-off of Donnas family farm. It was a paddock with a little creek. We did the house part of the garden and it expanded.

SIMON O'CONNOR/Stuff

Donna Busby envisioned this pond, husband Wayne used a digger to create it, and metal artist Andrew Bellringer made the dragonfly that hovers over the water.

She had the vision for the large pond because of their business specialises in drainage and diggers, and she knew Wayne, a hard-working man who never stops, had dug out ponds for customers.

The water for the pond comes from the farmland not from the mountain.

During lockdown, Wayne brought his diggers home and parked them up. Donna even took a photo of the unmoving diggers to show people he had truly stopped work and posted the pic on social media.

Wayne was low-key for the first two weeks, she says.

After that he started getting edgy.

But Donna had the best antidote for her husband help with all the jobs that needed doing around the high-maintenance garden, which is heading towards its 15th year in the garden festival.

Together they cleared out the red robin hedges because it got a fungal blight. It was stunning and I loved it. But then it had dead sticks everywhere and it looked horrible.

They built fences and painted them black, going through nearly four 10-litre buckets of paint.

Armed with her best toy ever, Donna let loose with her little Stihl chainsaw. I can just go out and limb up branches. I did get accused of limbing up too much.

She has moved plants, had to find a new place to hang her pots because the tree she displayed them on died and had to be taken out.

Donna has been experimenting by hanging them on the rotary clothesline, which can be viewed from behind an old bedhead painted black and used as a gate.

In this area, there is a newly planted row of Magnolia Teddy Bear, a line of hostas and a rock garden softened by white-flowering convolvulus. Its been a bit like musical plants.

The rocks throughout the garden come straight from their land. Those found when digging the foundations for the house were used to form the rock garden.

On this sunny Tuesday, the garden festival is just over two weeks away, but it looks perfect now, although the Viburnum rosacea has yet to open its pink pompoms.

Its like a big wall of them and they are really eye-catching.

Near this is the resting place of the familys beloved dog, Izzy, who died two months ago, aged 14.

One of the fox terriers habits was picking up stones and dropping them everywhere. Fittingly, her grave is covered with stones.

As they dug up the land to build fences, they came across many stones and Wayne would always think of Izzy.

The garden is protected by Cryptomeria japonica Egmont from Cedar Lodge Nurseries, as are the garden entry sentries eight Thuga occidentalis Smargard.

Asked what the garden means to him, Wayne says: I do enjoy it, but its a lot of work. It certainly doesnt do itself. Its a lot of labour, its busy.

But he does find it quiet, peaceful and he enjoys the birdlife.

Later, he returns to add: I dont think we get a chance to sit down and enjoy the garden because theres always something to do.

Donna always turns to the beauty they have created a tiny cottage surrounded by its own wee garden, complete with a fake chimney where birds love to nest.

Theres a glade draped with white chiffon, which features a chandelier plus ornate wrought-iron table and two chairs, all painted white.

In contrast theres a mass of red flowers on Rhododendron Grace Seabrook, but nearby is the stunning Rhododendron Lemon Lodge, its soft flowers slowly opening.

I really love this time of year because everything bursting out and you get the new leaves, the hostas coming out.

She also loves finding new treasures, including double lemon-green hellebores and white trilliums.

SIMON O'CONNOR/Stuff

A metal heart made by Andrew Bellringer frames a wee cottage in Stanleigh Garden.

A white-painted steel heart made by Andrew Bellringer frames the garden and the mountain, when the clouds float away.

Donna and Wayne have placed wooden windows around their property to capture landscape pictures and, under a large covered area, pots of scented dianthus sit on tables.

I like details, so Im my own worst enemy, she says.

Stanleigh Garden has been a wedding venue and it might be again, but not this season.

This year we are going to have a summer to ourselves.

However, the garden festival is also looking busy, with four buses already booked to come and the Busbys opening up their paddock for the 10 days.

Stanleigh Garden is also the afternoon tea destination for a Discover Taranaki guided coach tour called Fresh Herbs, Fluffy Alpacas and a Fabulous Garden. Its on November 2, from 1pm to 5pm.

When the Covid-19 pandemic alert levels were announced, Donna initially feared what could happen along with many New Zealanders.

We are at ease with it now but in the beginning we were worried about the uncertainty. We were cautious about going out. Its taken quite a bit to get out there again.

Then she laughs because in a couple of weeks the garden will be inundated with people for the annual festival run by TAFT.

I think this year is going to be like weve never seen it before with people wanting to get out and about.

At Stanleigh Garden they will find a place of great peace, beauty, birds and Donnas extra-special details.

Were grateful that we have our own safe slice of paradise.

Link:
A Taranaki garden to wash the stress and uncertainty away - Stuff.co.nz

Letter To The Editor:

The Wood River Mayors husband, Bob Maguire, is circulating door hangers asking us to vote No on November 3rd to Save the Roundhouse. What?!! To save the Roundhouse we are asked to vote against saving it? That doesnt make any sense. This is nothing but a deceptive attempt to confuse the public.

First of all, the door hanger says that the Roundhouse is preserved and isnt going away per the City Resolution. It says the City has no current plans to demolish the Roundhouse. The keyword here is CURRENT!! However, the whole resolution that was implied states that as long as the Roundhouse is structurally sound and provides a vital use to the overall community!! The city was asked to help preserve the Roundhouse and make it an historical landmark. The city has made no attempt to help the Roundhouse become an historical landmark nor have they allocated any money to properly maintain it so that it remains structurally sound. Do they think that the citizens of Wood River cant see through their schemes?

The door hanger said the Recreation Center will be built. After the Recreation Center is built, they wont need the Roundhouse anymore!! I really dont understand why we are told the Recreation Center will be built anyway. A vote on November 3rd will determine this. So, is the mayor trying to tell us that the city will ignore the vote? It appears this is an attempt to intimidate and confuse us so we wont waste our time and vote on November 3rd. However, if this is true, then the mayor and city council have no business representing us if they ignore the results of this vote.

The Save the Roundhouse Committee collected 882 signatures because we dont want the Roundhouse demolished and we want clean water, sewers, streets and sidewalks repaired, and our basements to stay dry when it rains. The mayor continues to deny that the city planned to demolish the historic Roundhouse. Numerous documents, minutes, grant applications, pictures to tear it down and plans to turn it into a gazebo all prove that the city doesnt want to keep the Roundhouse. Now the Mayor wants us to believe that she wants it preserved! No one should believe this door hanger that doesnt tell us who is paying for the advertisement until the city truly commits to preserve the Roundhouse by helping to make it an historical landmark and providing funds to maintain it.

It appears that the Mayor is not concerned with the needs of the citizens and she just wants the new Recreation Center. I hope she waits for the citizens of Wood River to have their voices heard in November and she doesnt start building the Recreation Center before. She was elected to serve the people of Wood River!!

Everyone needs to get out and vote Yes on November 3rd - the Mayor is playing games with us!!

Mary Roberts

Wood River

Save The Roundhouse Committee

Text @RB to 618-202-4618 to sign up for Text Alerts from RiverBender!

Print Version Submit a News Tip

Read more from the original source:
Letter To The Editor: A Yes Vote From A Save The Roundhouse Committee Member - RiverBender.com

Mary Ann Bourbeau, Correspondent Published 5:00 a.m. ET Oct. 17, 2020

Make-A-Wish New Jersey granted Neil Hajjar's wish to have anoutdoor wheelchair swing of his very own. Then, they had a surprise for him a caravan of 250 cars, motorcycles and law enforcement vehicles that drove past his Bernardsville home. Bridgewater Courier News

Although hes just 6 years old, Alexis Fiallos has battled leukemia most of his life.

He was being treated in his home country of Ecuador, but the hospital was far away, making it impossible for his parents to care for the family dog. They were forced to give the dog to a neighbor, which broke Alexis heart since, as an only child, his dog was his best friend.

Just as Alexis was nearing the end of his treatment, the leukemia returned. In October 2019, his parents, Manuel and Martha Fiallos, moved to the United States to pursue other medical options because doctors in Ecuador offered little hope. The family settled in Plainfield, and Alexis was admitted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he began a new chemotherapy regimen. He went into remission, but nine months later, they learned the leukemia had returned.

Alexis with his parents, Manuel and Martha Fiallos and his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Through it all, this energetic boy never lost faith that he would one day enjoy life like a child should. His parents say he is a great example of perseverance and bravery, and never gives in to his bad days. Now, as he faces a more aggressive chemotherapy and awaits a bone marrow transplant, his one wish was to have a puppy again.

Thats where Make-A-Wish New Jersey came into the picture. Several weeks ago, they organized an event at the gazebo in Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield, where they surprised Alexis with a puppy.

He's so happy: Make-a-Wish delivers new wheelchair swing, car parade to Bernardsville boy

Between battling cancer and the pandemic, his social life has pretty much been taken away, said Michael P. Dominick, director of communications for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. Alexis is doing well, but hes still in the fight. He really needed a friend.

Alexis parents brought him to the park straight from a chemotherapy appointment. Upon arrival, he was greeted by a large sign that read, Wish Granted. Then he met his new best friend, a 2-month-old Shih Tzu named Kale.

Theres nothing better than seeing the faces of these children when their wish is granted, said Dominick. Kale is a lap dog, which is perfect for a 6-year-old kid who comes home from treatment and really needs a hug.

Alexis with his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Alexis was overwhelmed by the sight of his new puppy, along with boxes of gifts including toys, treats, a leash, bowl, crate and other necessities. Make-A-Wish also is donating funds to assist with Kales care for the first year.

Alexis has been in treatment for four years and four months, his mother said through a translator. Hes an only child, so hes very lonely. He was sad that he had to leave his dog behind. Thank you for making my sons wish come true!

Kale was donated by PuppySpot of Jersey City, a company with a mission to make lives better by placing healthy puppies into happy homes. They often partner with organizations such as Make-A-Wish.

This is the best part of my job, said PuppySpot CEO Jonathan Cherins, who attended the event in Spring Lake Park. You can be a for-profit company and still do good. Im happy to make as many wishes come true as I can.

Alexis and his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for critically ill children ages 2 to 18, delivering hope when they need it most. The organization believes a wish can be the spark that helps a child believe anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses.

Since 1980, the privately funded organization has granted more than 500,000 wishes worldwide. The New Jersey chapter, based in Monroe, grants about 600 wishes each year.

Our mission is to deliver hope, strength and joy, said Dominick.

A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for a bone marrow transplant for Alexis. To donate, visit http://www.gofundme.com/f/alexis-fiallos.

Read or Share this story: https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/outreach/caring-communities/2020/10/17/make-wish-new-jersey-delivers-puppy-6-year-old-battling-leukemia/3670252001/

Read this article:
'He really needed a friend': Make-a-Wish delivers puppy to 6-year-old- battling leukemia - My Central Jersey

Staff report

FridaySep25,2020at11:29AM

For the first time in many months, representatives from the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce joined city staff and Council Members Lindsey Stephens and Scott Hayman in an official ribbon cutting ceremony. It took place Wednesday morning, when the group convened to cut the traditional red ribbon in honor of two new public restrooms for splash pad users, along with painting and other improvements to the oft-used gazebo in Freedom Park.

The cost for the new restroom was $67,372 and the project was completed in July 2020. The project also included concrete work around the restroom, according to city staff. Park impact fees were used for the restrooms according to Stephens.

Gazebo work included repairs to the sections of handrails that were badly rusted out, re-stuccoing and painting the gazebo and pillars and painting the metal roof. The grass board was also removed and replaced with decomposed granite to prevent damage to the stucco, painted the metal roof. The cost for gazebo repairs was $25,137, according to city staff.

Read the original here:
Ribbon-cutting held to mark completion of restrooms, gazebo - Ridgecrest Daily Independent

HERRIMAN, Utah -- Underneath a park gazebo, about a dozen girls and boys grabbed their pom poms and followed along as the coaches counted "5, 6, 7, 8." Thursday was the first time the Inclusion Cheer Team has been able to practice in person since COVID-19 first began impacting Utah.

The Inclusion Cheer Team is made up of about 20 men, women, boys and girls with disabilities between the ages of 8 and 50.

I am the lucky one here, said Chelsea Lopez, head coach and founder of Inclusion Cheer.

A few years ago, Lopez decided to start the team and she said its been the most amazing blessing.

Every single day, they just make my day, she said.

The team used to practice at Herriman High School and then moved to Zoom at the start of the pandemic. The team is ready to return to in-person, socially distanced practices, but they have nowhere to go, Lopez said.

We just dont have anywhere to go and so it just breaks my heart because I just dont know what to do, she said.

With winter coming soon, the group cant rely on public parks. Beth Nestmans daughter Amanda is a member of the team and has down syndrome. This cheer team has changed her life, Nestman said.

Id watch her at school sometimes and she would be off by herself or she would just be quiet. This has gotten her, I mean, they talk to each other even if they dont understand. They have this communication, she said.

Its given Amanda the confidence she always needed, Nestman said.

Ive watched Amanda when shes here. She just blossoms, and then shes ... bold and brave, doing those kicks. Shes just never done stuff like that, Nestman said.

The thought of the team having nowhere to practice or even just the idea of them having to bounce around is difficult, Nestman said.

To have a familiar place where they can go and practice, then they are more willing to go. They recognize it, she said.

During the pandemic, this has been Amandas piece of normal that she looks forward to, Nestman said.

If this went away, I truly have no idea how I would possibly replace that, she said.

Inclusion Cheer offers teammates a safe space to learn, grow and have fun.

For some of them, this is what they look forward to every week. This is their thing, this is their family, Lopez said.

Its been hard because were not together all the time, cheerleader Robin Klein said.

Inclusion Cheer is a non-profit run by volunteers. Lopez hopes the community will be able to help find a spot for the team to practice once a week.

To donate to the non-profits GoFundMe page, click here.

People can also donate through Venmo @inclusioncheer. To contact the coaches about a potential spot for the team to practice, email inclusioncheer@gmail.com .

See the article here:
We are struggling to find a place to go: Utahs special needs cheer team needs somewhere to practice - fox13now.com

Latest Research Report: Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market2020

Global Marketers newly added a research report on theOutdoor Gazebo Tents Market, which represents a study for the Forecast period from 2020 to 2026. The study provides a near look at the market set-up and dynamics impacting its growth. This report highlights the vital developments along with other events happening in the market which are marking on the enlargement and opening doors for outlook growth in the coming years. Furthermore, the report is built on the basis of the macro- and micro-economic factors and historical data that can influence the growth.

This report also researches and evaluates the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the Outdoor Gazebo Tents industry, involving possible prospects and challenges, drivers, and risks. up to date the impact evaluation of Covid-19 effects on Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market growth predict based on the different scenarios (optimistic, pessimistic, very optimistic, most likely, etc.).

GetASample Copy

https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/manufacturing-&-construction/global-outdoor-gazebo-tents-market-report-2020-by-key-players,-types,-applications,-countries,-market-size,-forecast-to-2026-(based-on-2020-covid-19-worldwide-spread)/156496#request_sample

Major Companies Included in Report are

Sojag inc.Gazebo Penguin Inc.Extreme Tent Technology Ltd. (Extreme Canopy, Extreme Marquees)Tents-Canopy.comArdisam Inc. (Gazelle Tents)Country Lane GazebosNewell Brands (Coleman Company, Inc.)Leisure Woods Inc.Activa Leisure Inc.MASTERTENTMASTERCANOPYKozyard LLCUNICREST Group Ltd (DURAMARQ )PoptentsTMOZtrail AustraliaSunjoy GroupCrown Shades, Inc.Palram Industries Ltd.

GlobalOutdoor Gazebo Tents Market: Regional Segmentation

To know the altering political scenario, analysts have regionally segmented the market. This gives a summary of the political and socio-economic status of the regions that are predicted to impact the Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market dynamic.

The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt)

North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada)

South America (Brazil etc.)

Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.)

Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

Segment by Type:

Market StallsTrade ShowsSporting EventsAutomotive ShowsSchool EventsFairs and FestivalsBeach SheltersWedding MarqueeResidential UseOthers

Segment by Application:

2.4 x 3m3 x 3m4.5 x 3m4.8 x 3m4.8 x 4.8m6 x 3m6 x 6mOther Sizes

Ask For Discount:

https://www.globalmarketers.biz/discount_inquiry/discount/156496

The report answers key questions such as:

What will the Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market size be in 2026 and what will the growth rate be?

What are the key Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market trends?

What Driving this Outdoor Gazebo Tents Industry?

What are the challenges to Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market growth?

Who are the key vendors in this Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market?

The report covers in-depth analysis on:

Enquiry More About Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market Report:

https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/manufacturing-&-construction/global-outdoor-gazebo-tents-market-report-2020-by-key-players,-types,-applications,-countries,-market-size,-forecast-to-2026-(based-on-2020-covid-19-worldwide-spread)/156496#inquiry_before_buying

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Outdoor Gazebo Tents:

History Year: 2014 2018

Base Year: 2018

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year: 2020-2026

Table of Contents: Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market

Chapter 1: Overview of Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market

Chapter 2: Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions

Chapter 3: Global Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market Status and Forecast by Types

Chapter 4: Global Outdoor Gazebo Tents Industry Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry

Chapter 5: Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market Driving Factor Analysis

Chapter 6: Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers

Chapter 7: Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data

Chapter 8: Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis

Chapter 9: Cost and Gross Margin Analysis

Chapter 10: Marketing Status Analysis

Chapter 11: Market Report Conclusion

Chapter 12: Research Methodology and Reference

Click to view the full report TOC, figure, and tables:

https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/manufacturing-&-construction/global-outdoor-gazebo-tents-market-report-2020-by-key-players,-types,-applications,-countries,-market-size,-forecast-to-2026-(based-on-2020-covid-19-worldwide-spread)/156496#table_of_contents

Read more here:
Global Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market 2020 Global Industry Size, Recent Trends, Demand and Share Estimation by 2026 with Top Players - The PRNews Portal

'); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append('"+val.ihtml+""); $("#expandable-weather-block .weather-index-alerts").show(); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body h2").css({"font-family":"'Fira Sans', sans-serif", "font-weight":"500", "padding-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body p").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body span.wxalertnum").css({"float":"left", "width":"40px", "height":"40px", "color":"#ffffff", "line-height":"40px", "background-color":"#888888", "border-radius":"40px", "text-align":"center", "margin-right":"12px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body b").css("font-size", "18px"); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body li").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"18px", "margin-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body ul").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body pre").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body img").css({"width":"100%", "margin-bottom":"20px", "borderWidth":"1px", "border-style":"solid", "border-color":"#aaaaaa"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).css({"borderWidth":"0", "border-bottom-width":"1px", "border-style":"dashed", "border-color":"#aaaaaa", "padding-bottom":"10px", "margin-bottom":"40px"}); }); } function parseAlertJSON(json) { console.log(json); alertCount = 0; if (Object.keys(json.alerts).length > 0) { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").empty(); } $.each(json.alerts, function(key, val) { alertCount++; $("#mrd-wx-alerts .alert_count").text(alertCount); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").append(''); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } else if (val.fips != "" && val.fipsimg != "") { // $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } // } //val.instr = val.instr.replace(/[W_]+/g," "); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(val.dhtml+"

Instruction

Read the original post:
Ansonia in need of volunteers to help clean up the Naugatuck River on Sunday - WFSB

The Lake Zurich village board unanimously approved a new 12-building, 24-unit duplex subdivision, which will be located along Honey Lake Road west of S. Pleasant Road.

The plan for The Wildwood Estates of Lake Zurich includes annexing 34.5 acres of previously unincorporated land. About 28.3 acres will be donated to Barrington-based Citizens for Conservation, which the developer said will ensure the land will be managed in a careful and controlled manner under the jurisdiction of the village of Lake Zurich.

Greg Schmitt, the manager of Prestige Development LLC, said the developer's plan calls for a pathway, walking bridge and gazebo for Lake Zurich residents to better access the undeveloped open space.

"People can go down and walk their dog and enjoy mother nature," Schmitt said.

Schmitt said those improvements will cost about $75,000. In exchange, the board agreed to lower the cost of fees associated with the project, which Schmitt said will save the developer about $61,000.

The land that will be developed is along Honey Lake Road on the north end of the property.

Schmitt said his team has been told that seven to eight acres of the land they are donating is buildable, but they decided against trying to develop it.

"It would be detrimental to the wetlands," Schmitt said.

Schmitt said the global pandemic has set back the company's timeline by about four months. The developer was set to be before the village's planning and zoning commission in April but that meeting had to be delayed until July.

Read this article:
Lake Zurich board approves subdivision which includes adding swath of open space to village - Chicago Daily Herald

But I will spend the rest of my life trying to end my contribution to that racism. Thats why I will be joining Catholic parishes and organizations from throughout Hampton Roads for the second Pilgrimage for Black Lives and Racial Equity on Sept. 26. We will gather at 10 a.m. at the 1619 landing historical marker at Old Point Comfort (near the gazebo at Fort Monroe) for prayer and reflection. Then, well caravan to the Emancipation Oak at Hampton University for prayer, reflection and a call to action at 11 a.m. We invite Catholics and other people of faith to gather with us, as we pray to the spirit of truth to touch the hearts of all Americans, to inspire our criminal justice and law enforcement systems, and to heal our deeply broken view of each other, as well as our deeply broken society.

Read the original here:
Letters for Sept. 26: Religious groups to gather for Black lives and equity on Sept. 26 - The Virginian-Pilot - The Virginian-Pilot

Posted By Staff Writer on Sep 24, 2020

A new absentee ballot drop box has been placed in South Orange Village as part of New Jerseys wide-ranging effort to assist and accommodate mail-in voters ahead of Novembers election.

The drop box is located in the gazebo on Sloan Street standing near South Orange Station. Starting Friday, the drop box will be available for use and ballots will be collected from the box every day.

Resident voters now have the option to directly submit their absentee ballots into the drop box rather than mailing in their ballots via the post office, handing their ballots to poll workers or filling out provisional ballots at their local polling places.

Absentee ballot drop boxes like this one are being installed in every county in New Jersey. According to Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin, 24 boxes have been installed in Essex County so far.

Though the drop boxes are currently intended for general election ballots only, they are here to stay.

The boxes are permanent, and will be used for all future public elections, including school board elections and primary elections, Durkin said. This is a great service to the voter.

Deputy Village Clerk Joycelyn White said Essex County and South Orange Village made sure to place the drop box in a safe and secure location. Security cameras monitor the box 24/7.

Like all ballot drop boxes in Essex County, the Villages drop box is specifically intended for the use of Essex County residents.

We prefer that Essex County voters only put their ballots in Essex County drop boxes, Durkin said.

Instructions are posted on the surface of the drop box in English and Spanish and detail its function, usage guidelines and the penalties for damaging or tampering with the box.

Regarding the installation of the drop boxes, Durkin said Essex County helped quite a bit selecting locations and installing 24 hour security cameras.

This is a safe and secure place to drop off your vote if you cannot make it to the post office or are hesitant to use the post office, White said. We want your vote to count.

Brian Reilly, a sophomore secondary education major, said he plans on using the Villages new ballot drop box.

I think the [absentee] ballot boxes that are being installed are great, Reilly said. They provide a great alternative to people who do not want to rely on the post office, but at the same time do not want to vote in person.

All absentee ballot drop boxes, including the one installed in South Orange Village, will be available for use until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters must be registered to vote by Oct. 13 to receive a ballot by mail. The application for a vote-by-mail ballot must be received by the county clerk seven days prior to the election.

Residents of Newark will be able to submit their ballots in person at a super polling site set up in the Prudential Center from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. A mail-in ballot drop box will also be located outside the arena.

To view the locations of New Jerseys absentee ballot drop boxes, visit https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/vote-secure-drop-boxes.shtml.

For more information on New Jersey voting regulations and how to vote in New Jersey, visit https://www.vote.org/state/new-jersey/.

Louis Motta can be reached at louis.motta@student.shu.edu.

Go here to see the original:
South Orange Village receives ballot drop box in preparation for election - The Setonian