Edward Nowak, a junior at Rowan University in Glassboro, is pictured with Rebekah Hardy, campus minister, and Father John Rossi, pastor of Saint Bridget University Parish.

The Call to Stewardship is a periodic series profiling individuals and families throughout the Diocese of Camden who have shown an inspiring response to the call to Christian stewardship highlighted in 1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of Gods varied grace.

It was the beginning of a new school year at RowanUniversity in Glassboro. The air was still summer-hot, and the grass was highin the yard that fronts the Newman Center near the heart of the campus. EdwardNowak arrived early to see if there was something he could do to help as newcampus minister Rebekah Hardy prepared for the nights get-together, a movienight on the lawn. As Hardy tells the story, she was under a lot of stress,trying to pull together an event that would draw a crowd.

Edward, she says, jumped in to help, immediately.

Edward took charge of mowing the lawn that day, and Hardysfears that they might not be ready when the other students arrived disappeared.And, as she soon learned, that was a normal day for Edward, taking care of lotsof details that others might take for granted.

Hes always ready to jump in and help in any way thatsneeded, by planning the music for Mass, or by making dinner for the group. Hejust helps without asking, she said.

Father John Rossi, pastor of Saint Bridget UniversityParish, agrees that Edward is always ready to lend a hand. The Newman Center,which is affiliated with Saint Bridgets, is within walking distance of thechurch. There are about 15-20 students who are a regular part of Newman Centeractivities, and many more at student Masses. The church is where student Massesare celebrated on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m., and as the liturgical coordinatorand secretary for the executive board of the Newman Center, Edward plays a bigrole in lining up all of the details that need to be put in place to make theliturgy run smoothly.

You dont have to ask him, Father Rossi says. Hes alwaysready to step up and serve.

Of course, Edwards story really began way before college,in a home where faith was part of the air he and his twin brother, Nick,breathed every day. Their dad and mom, Edward and Mary, made sure that thefamily always made it to Mass, and as their parents grew in the faith, the boysfollowed suit, becoming extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist in highschool, and going with their mom to daily Mass when possible. Along the way,Edward explains, the influence of hisparents faith turned into actually seeking it out for myself.

Catholic school also had a big impact on Edward, especiallyin high school at the Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, N.J. It was therethat he learned how much an individuals success in life depends on the help ofothers. I made connections there that are lasting and deep, he says. He waswell-prepared to enter public university and find a way to make connectionswith other students who want to find God in their college experience.

For Edward, now a junior majoring in mechanical engineering,service to the Catholic community at Rowan is part of claiming the faith as myown. He lines up the lectors. Eucharistic ministers, altar servers andmusicians that serve at each Mass, and he heads up the music ministry, oftenplaying, singing and sometimes composing the music for the Mass. Currently,hes arranging an a capella Mass setting, hoping to be have it ready before theend of the school year this May.

Speaking about faith in his younger years, he says, I tookit for granted. Today, at 21, faith and connection to community are the way hebalances what might appear to be an impossible schedule.

Father Rossi explains the close connection between theparish at Saint Bridgets and the students of the Newman Center fellowship.Often after the Sunday evening Mass, parishioners will host a dinner for thestudents, a nice reminder of home-cooked meals and a way to help the studentsfeel part of the larger parish community. And on All Souls Day this pastNovember, the parish and students gathered at the local cemetery.

Father Rossi describes a moving scene, where Edward playedAmazing Grace on the bagpipes while those gathered prayed for the souls ofthe departed.

As Father Rossi sees it, faith and prayer are the catalyststo good stewardship: Prayer is key to understanding what God has given us.Hopefully, what develops is a spirit of thanksgiving.

He adds, God made each person unique, and each person hasgifts and talents. Stewardship is when a person has a prayer life and iswilling to share. Thats what Edward does.

More plans are shaping up for service this spring, as Edwardand fellow Newman Center students are working on ideas to engage in serviceprojects in the area. It will likely involve another busy itinerary for a youngman who seems to always keep moving.

But Edward says that he likes the whole idea of having agood impact on whoever you can share with. And that, he says, can happen whenpeople meet and make connections through faith.

The mission of theOffice of Stewardship is to help the disciples of Christ who live in theDiocese of Camden to live out Christian charity in a sacrificial way that wemight understand the grace that comes from giving back from our blessings sothat in all things God may be glorified. For more information, contact DeaconRussell Davis at 856-583-6102.

See the original post:
Connecting with others through service - Catholic Star Herald

Photo: Pixabay

Itll soon be time to ramp up lawn care for spring, summer and fall, so now is the perfect time to drum up more business for your lawn care company. But attracting new customers isnt always easy especially when homeowners think they can handle all their lawn maintenance chores themselves, or when theyre simply reluctant to spend their hard-earned money on their lawn.

Figuring out how to get new lawn care customers requires focusing on your business network, your reputation, your advertising campaign and your business metrics.Provide the best service you can, offer package deals to entice new customers, harness technology to see where youre going wrong and collaborate with other local business owners to generate new referrals. Soon, youll have so many customers youll need to expand to handle them all.

For small lawn care companies, reputation is everything. Like other contractors, small lawn care businesses can suffer from bad word of mouth, especially when homeowners are already inclined to distrust contractors.

Besides, good recommendations from existing customers represent the easiest and cheapest way to increase business. However, satisfied customers are much more likely than dissatisfied ones to keep quiet about their experience. They post fewer online reviews and speak less about your company to their friends unless, of course, the friends happen to ask, Hey, who does your lawn?

Boost your reputation by soliciting feedback from customers. Offer customers a simple form for comments, negative or positive. Positive comments can be shared online to boost your reputation. Negative comments and complaints can be mined for data to help you improve your business. Offer points, discounts or other bonuses to customers who refer others, and make it easy for them to do so. Prioritize great customer service and work to offer the best lawn care you can.

Fertilization, aeration, dethatching, mulching and tree trimming, rather than mowing, tend to be your money makers in the lawn care industry. The trouble is, many homeowners want a nice lawn, but not if it costs a lot. Paying to have your lawn mowed is one thing it removes a strenuous, time-consuming and often unpleasant chore from the homeowners honey-do list but many homeowners will simply fertilize their own grass, or skip fertilization and other less regular maintenance chores altogether.

Take some of the sticker shock out of lawn fertilization. Offer package discounts for homeowners who sign up for lawn fertilization, aeration and dethatching package. Youll get more customers willing to shell out for the extra service, and thatll be more money in your pocket.

How well is your business performing? Are you quoting the right price for jobs, or do you sometimes find that you under-quoted a job because its taking much longer than you thought? Are your routes organized for maximum efficiency so crews spend as little time as possible on the road between jobs? How many jobs a day do your crews perform?

Use field service software to collect data on how long it takes you to do jobs, how efficient your routes are, how many jobs youre doing a day and more. Make adjustments as needed to minimize costs and maximize revenue and profit.

If you want to bring in more money, partner up with other small contractors in your area to establish a system of referrals that can benefit everyone. Develop relationships with independently owned hardware stores, plumbers, landscapers, construction companies and other small businesses that interact with homeowners on a regular basis. Business networks can strengthen all of the small businesses in your community because they provide a forum for sharing business ideas, as well as customer referrals.

For example, lets say one of your customers has a patch of exceptionally overgrown grass on their lawn. Recommend a local plumber from your business network to check the customers leach field for leaks. Maybe that plumber will recommend you to one of his customers who needs someone to take care of his elderly mothers lawn. It doesnt cost you anything to be part of a network, but it can give you access to many more potential customers than you might otherwise come into contact with.

Social media marketing and organic search engine results are two powerful new media ways of promoting your business, but people still watch TV, read newspapers and notice billboards on the highway. Investing in organic search engine optimization (SEO) will help your business appear at the top of search results when customers search for local lawn care companies.

Social media marketing will put your advertisements and content into customers social media feeds, and its free apart from paid advertising posts. Traditional media advertising will bring your company to the awareness of older and less tech-savvy customers the exact market that may be most likely to need a lawn care company.

Bringing in new business for your lawn care company can be a challenge, but its one that you can definitely rise to. With a strong business network, a comprehensive advertising campaign, a solid grasp of your business metrics and a stellar reputation, your business can grow as fast as the lawns you care for.

EDITORS NOTE:This article was written by Jackie Carrillo. Carrillo is a content coordinator and contributor who creates quality articles for topics like technology, home life, business management, gardening and landscaping and education. She studied business management and is continually building positive relationships with other publishers and the internet community.

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Five tips on how to get more lawn care customers - Total Landscape Care

MANHATTAN Its probably a bit early to hope that the cold days of winter are in the rear view mirror, but homeowners with dreams of a lush summer lawn should already be concocting their spring work schedule.

Nows a good time to make a lawn care plan, said Ward Upham, a K-State Research and Extension specialist in horticulture. I suggest marking dates on a calendar so that important tasks are not forgotten.

A majority of Kansas homeowners grow such cool-season grasses as bluegrass and tall fescue. In the southern and western parts of the state, Bermuda, zoysia and Buffalo grass are popular warm-season grasses.

Upham, who for nearly 30 years has answered homeowners questions through the universitysHorticulture Information Center, said the months leading up to summer are crucial for setting up the home lawn for success.

Fertilizing at the correct time can help prepare our cool-season grasses for the stresses of summer, Upham said. If you fertilize too little, the turfgrass plants enter the summer in a weakened condition. If you fertilize too much, the plant responds by growing faster, which leads to mowing more often or removing too much of the leaf blade at one time.

Follow guidelines so that you fertilize at the correct time and with the correct rate, which leads to healthy plants that are better able to fight off disease and weed invasion.

K-State publishes aweekly horticulture newsletterwith tips to help home gardeners maintain healthy landscapes. The Feb. 18 issue outlines a schedule to help homeowners care for their lawns.

For cool-season grasses:

March spot treat broadleaf weeds, if necessary. Weeds should be treated on a day that is 50 degrees F or warmer. Do not water the lawn for at least 24 hours.

April Apply crabgrass preventer when redbud trees are in full bloom. The preventer needs to be watered in before it will start to work. One-quarter inch of water is enough.

May Fertilize the lawn with a slow-release fertilizer if you water your lawn, or if you normally receive enough rainfall that the lawn doesnt go drought-dormant during the summer. Spot treat broadleaf weeds with a spray or use a fertilizer that includes weed killer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours will decrease the effectiveness of the weed killer, but fertilizer needs to be watered in. If using a product with both fertilizer and weed killer, wait 24 hours before watering.

For warm-season grasses:

Marchspot treat broadleaf weeds, if necessary. Weeds should be treated on a day that is 50 degrees F or warmer. Do not water the lawn for at least 24 hours.

April Apply crabgrass preventer when redbud trees are in full bloom. The preventer needs to be watered in before it will start to work. One-quarter inch of water is enough.

May August 15Fertilize with one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application. Follow the recommendations on the bag.

More applications will give a deeper green color, but will increase mowing and lead to thatch buildup with zoysia, Upham said. Bermudagrass can also have problems with thatch buildup but thatch is less likely with Bermuda than zoysia.

Upham suggested that homeowners should plan on two to four applications of fertilizer for Bermudagrass, and one to two for zoysia and Buffalograss. He offered the following guidelines to determine when to apply fertilizer:

One Application: Apply in June.

Two Applications: Apply May and July.

Three Applications: Apply May, June, and early August.

Four Applications: Apply May, June, July, and early August.

For a complete lawn care schedule stretching through November, subscribe toK-States weekly horticulture newsletter, which includes information on fruit, vegetables, trees and a variety of other landscape topics.

Interested persons also can visitK-States Horticulture Information Center online, or send email to Upham at[emailprotected].

Excerpt from:
Now's the time to prep for healthy summer lawns - Salina Post

Dublin, Feb. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Lawn Mower Market by Type End User and Fuel Type: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global lawn mower market was valued at $9,746 million in 2018, and is projected to reach $14,595.3 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2019 to 2026.

In 2018, by type, the ride-on mowers segment accrued the largest share in the lawn mower market. In addition, disposable income throughout the world has increased especially in emerging nations such as China and India. China's per capita income increased by 9% from 2016 to 2017. Moreover, India's disposable personal income increased approximately by 9.4% from 2016 to 2017. Therefore, these factors have led to the increase in buying power of people, enabling them to use advanced products, which, in turn, is expected to drive the growth of the market.

Moreover, busy lifestyles due to globalization and longer working hours tend to affect the leisure time and household work. Hence, this has encouraged people to find alternative ways to spare more leisure time by reducing or eliminating the time required to do household work, which is expected to boost the demand for household automation for daily chores such as cleaning, lawn mowing, and many more. Thus, leads to the rise in demand for lawn mower market globally.

Smartphone penetration throughout the world has increased drastically over the years. Rise in number of smartphones and other mobile devices leads to the development of robotic lawn mower and aids the adoption and growth of lawn mowers. However, the utilization of turfs for sports activities and residential lawns hinders the market growth.

Furthermore, the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology has helped mobile robots to evolve past their limitations and perform their tasks at a greater efficiency. Thus, such greater efficiency coupled with the convenience of applying less human effort has led to widespread adoption of mobile robots such as robotic lawn mowers.

On the basis of end-user, the residential segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2018 and the non-residential segment is expected to exhibit significant growth during the forecast period. Proliferation of new residential and commercial properties in developing countries is expected to propel the demand for landscaping services, which, in turn, is anticipated to fuel the growth of the global lawn mower market. In addition, growth in retail infrastructure across developing nations is anticipated to boost the sales of lawn mowers and other lawn mowing equipment, especially through hypermarkets, specialty stores, and other channels.

In terms of value, North America and Europe collectively contributed around 82.5% in the lawn mower market 2018. For instance, in August 2018, Bosch launched New ProSilence Rotak series of cordless high-performance mowers. These new mowers feature 60% reduction in noise and have three models which have 550 to 750 square meters output. The leading players in the global lawn mower industry have focused on product launch and acquisition as their key strategy to gain a significant robotic lawn mower market share.

The key players profiled in the report include Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG, Deere & Company, Hitachi, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Husqvarna Group, MTD Products, Robert Bosch GmbH, Stiga S.p.A, The Toro Company, and Textron.

Many players have adopted product development as their key developmental strategy to improve their product portfolio. For instance, in February 2019, Husqvarna launched new Automower 435X AWD, the Automower is AI enabled, robotic mower and features all-wheel drive. The mower has smart home connectivity and can work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and could be integrated with API for smart home applications. It can also be used on rough terrains and slopes with an inclination of up to 70%.

Scope & Key Findings

Key Topics Covered

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Executive Summary

Chapter 3: Market Overview3.1. Market Definition and Scope3.2. Key Findings3.2.1. Top Investment Pockets3.2.2. Top Winning Strategies3.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis3.4. Market Share Analysis of Top Players, 2018 (%)3.5. Market Dynamics3.5.1. Drivers3.5.1.1. Rise in Consumer Interest in Gardening Activities3.5.1.2. Usage of Lawn Mowers Equipment to Maintain Public Facilities3.5.1.3. Increase in Adoption of Cordless Lawn Mowers3.5.2. Restraints3.5.2.1. High Adoption of Artificial Turf3.5.3. Opportunity3.5.3.1. Emergence of Remote-Controlled and GPS-Equipped Products

Chapter 4: Lawn Mowers Market, By Type4.1. Overview4.2. Ride-On Mowers4.3. Push Mowers4.4. Robotic Mowers

Chapter 5: Lawn Mowers Market, By End-user5.1. Overview5.2. Residential5.3. Non-Residential

Chapter 6: Lawn Mowers Market, By Fuel6.1. Overview6.2. Electric Lawn Mowers6.3. Non-Electronic Lawn Mowers

Chapter 7: Lawn Mowers Market, By Region7.1. Overview7.2. North America7.3. Europe7.4. Asia-Pacific7.5. LAMEA

Chapter 8: Company Profiles8.1. Stihl Holding AG & Co. KG8.2. Deere & Company8.3. Hitachi Ltd.8.4. Honda Motor Co. Ltd.8.5. Husqvarna AB8.6. MTD Products Inc.8.7. Robert Bosch GmbH8.8. Stiga Group8.9. Textron Inc.8.10. The Toro Company

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lh4cb2

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Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.comLaura Wood, Senior Press Managerpress@researchandmarkets.comFor E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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Outlook on the World's $14.5B+ Lawn Mower Market to 2026 - Yahoo Finance

"The current [insect] extinction crisis is deeply worrisome," say experts / Boing Boing

Twenty-five experts have issued a warning about the potentially cataclysmic consequences of the rapidly shrinking insect population, reports The Guardian.

In a two-part article for Biological Conservation, the scientists wrote: The current [insect] extinction crisis is deeply worrisome. Yet, what we know is only the tip of the iceberg.We know enough to act immediately. Solutions are now available we must act upon them.

From The Guardian:

The researchers said solutions were available and must be implemented immediately. These range from bigger nature reserves and a crackdown on harmful pesticides to individual action such as not mowing the lawn and leaving dead wood in gardens. They also said invertebrates must no longer be neglected by conservation efforts, which tend to focus on mammals and birds.

Photo byNeenu VimalkumaronUnsplash

Scientists say 20.75 C logged at Seymour Island is incredible and abnormal

Snowfall in Baghdad, for the second time in a decade. What a strange sight.

Antarcticas hottest temperature ever was recorded this past Thursday: 65 degrees Fahrenheit, or 18.3 degrees Celsius. That is not good. Not good at all.

Everyones got their nose in a phone these days, and that doesnt seem like its going to change anytime soon. With the increase in mobile device and e-commerce reliance comes increased need for developers who can build the apps were all so glued to. In fact, employment of devs is expected to grow up to []

Whether you love cooking at home or you swore this was going to be the year you curbed your DoorDash addiction, you know you cant get the job done well without the proper tools on hand. For all your recipe and meal prep needs, this 3-piece Sukasu Osami Chefs Knife set will do you right []

It may not rank up there with climate change or personal debt, but confessisnt it the worst when youre trying to put a food container in the fridge, but cant find the right lid to fit? Hey, not everything has to be a global crisis to be irritating to the core. But stillits even more []

Originally posted here:
"The current [insect] extinction crisis is deeply worrisome," say experts - Boing Boing

The fates of humans and insects are intertwined, scientists have said, with the huge declines reported in some places only the tip of the iceberg.

The warning has been issued by 25 experts from around the world, who acknowledge that little is known about most of the estimated 5.5 million insect species. However, enough was understood to warrant immediate action, they said, because waiting for better data would risk irreversible damage.

The researchers said solutions were available and must be implemented immediately. These range from bigger nature reserves and a crackdown on harmful pesticides to individual action such as not mowing the lawn and leaving dead wood in gardens. They also said invertebrates must no longer be neglected by conservation efforts, which tend to focus on mammals and birds.

The alert has been published as two articles in the Biological Conservation journal.

The current [insect] extinction crisis is deeply worrisome. Yet, what we know is only the tip of the iceberg, the scientists write. We know enough to act immediately. Solutions are now available we must act upon them.

Insect declines lead to the loss of essential, irreplaceable services to humanity. Human activity is responsible for almost all current insect population declines and extinctions.

Insect population collapses have been reported in Germany, Puerto Rico and elsewhere. The first global scientific review, published in February 2019, said widespread declines threatened to cause a catastrophic collapse of natures ecosystems. Insects pollinate three-quarters of crops, and another recent study showed widespread losses of such insects across Britain.

The report notes that only about a fifth of the worlds insect species have even been named, mostly from only single specimens.

Many insect species are going extinct even before being described, the researchers said. It is likely that insect extinctions since the industrial era are around 5-10%, ie 250,000 to 500,000 species.

This estimate is based on the extinctions of land snails. Prof Pedro Cardoso, at the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the lead author of the latest report, said: It is the best estimate we have. There is no reason to think the trends are different between insects and land snails, but snails leave their shells behind as evidence.

The paper also notes that British butterfly and beetle populations were said to be fast disappearing in the 1870s by the entomologist Archibald Swinton.

Long-term data on insect populations is rare. We dont know everything in fact we know very little but if we wait until we have better information to act it might be too late to recover many species, Cardoso said.

Many species are declining, probably the majority, and overall it seems the trend is for a large decline. But there are of course some species that are benefitting, for example the swarms of locusts currently in east Africa.

Matt Shardlow, the chief executive of the conservation group Buglife, said a key report in 2016 told world governments that declines in wild pollinators presented risks to societies and ecosystems.

However, in a repeat of the failure of politicians to respond to scientific warnings about climate change, the cautious, scientific language used has not produced an appropriate response from governments, he said.

Scientists are now turning up the heat on insect declines in the hope that politicians will understand the urgency and the link to human survival, and will take action before it is too late.

The key causes of insect losses, according to the scientists, are the destruction of natural habitat for farming and buildings; the intensive use of pesticides; industrial pollution and light pollution; and invasive alien species; and the climate crisis.

As well as large-scale solutions, Cardoso said insect-friendly gardens could help halt the decline. When lots of people implement these small solutions, it can make a big difference to many insect populations. Even a couple of gardens could be a big thing for a species.

He said a change of mindset was also needed because many people had learned to dislike insects. Ive never seen any small children two, three or four years old who were afraid of insects or spiders. It is cultural.

Read the original post:
Fates of humans and insects intertwined, warn scientists - The Guardian

In my last column, I wrote about governments resolving to be better prepared to deal with disasters. Today, I propose some timely resolutions any of us can make to help create a better world.

I suggest we resolve to tread more lightly on the face of the earth, leaving as small and shallow a footprint as possible. Do not destroy natural habitat without good reason. Do not litter or pollute the air, water or soil. Conserve all natural resources such as water, soil and natural beauty. Avoid needless waste. Instead, when given the opportunity, we should undo all the damage that has been done.

Pull or otherwise remove invasive weeds that are not native to the area, pick up litter and see that its properly disposed of. Plant more trees and other suitable plants to improve the soil, add beauty and gain cleaner air. Lets not waste any resource reuse, recycle, reduce usage and repurpose. Be careful not to pollute streams or soil. Read labels and follow directions.

I suggest making a plan that at regular intervals we help someone less fortunate, whether directly or through agencies that provide that help. This could include giving unwanted clothing items to a thrift shop or charity, giving to a food bank or joining a group such as the Gleaners who pick fruit from abandoned trees or fruit from privately owned trees with the owners permission.

Be an advocate for those agencies, private or governmental, that work to help those in need. Volunteer your labor to take care of animals at the Humane Society. Speak out at regular meetings of the city council, county commissioners as an advocate for your cause. Write your legislators, congressmen and congresswomen.

Vow, at regular intervals, to do something nice for friends who are ill, disabled or lonely. Take them flowers from your garden, take them baked goodies if they can have them, take them out to lunch or for a ride in the countryside or just visit them. Offer services such as grocery shopping, babysitting, errand running, lawn mowing or snow shoveling, or whatever is needed such as general yard cleanup to friends or neighbors in need of these services.

Tackle your weaknesses. Mine will be to not be such a champion procrastinator. How happy Id be to finally catch up on routine chores and occasionally have a house that has been thoroughly clean all at once instead of the piecemeal approach. I remember one of our high school class reunions when one of the gals came sporting a big button that said just duit. Instead of procrastinating, just do it. I find I need lots of reminding. Its easy to forget how good it feels right after you just dun it.

Another resolution Ill be making is to tackle my piling system to make it really workable. When I dont get to the bottom of each pile soon enough Im often embarrassed by failure to act in a timely manner. I should also resolve to talk less and more softly.

I spent a good bit of my life not practicing that, but eventually managed to rein myself in and modulate my voice until my husband lost a good bit of his hearing. Then all my efforts came to naught. Im sure there are some people who wish Id try again. These days, most of my conversations are at the pool where everyone needs to talk over the noise of screaming kids and the PA systems loud music. I think the main thing to remember if you forget or backslide, you can always start over. One slip doesnt negate the whole year. Also remember, when you remember and keep your resolutions, pat yourself on the back and reward yourself with a special treat.

Lenna Harding lived her first 20 and past 43 years in Pullman. A longtime League of Women Voters member, she served on the Gladish Community and Cultural Center board.

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Her View: More resolutions to make our world a better place - Moscow-Pullman Daily News

BRANSON, Mo. (Edited News Release) -- After 70 years of compassionate care in the community, the mission that drives Cox Branson remains as strong as the bricks that built it: To improve the health of those it serves.

While the original brick hospital is still the pillar of the medical centers campus, new expansions have nestled in beside it to accommodate seven decades of growth seeing Branson bloom from rural town to booming tourist destination.

That old building may seem smaller now but, in 1950, the grand structure was the talk of the town. Rumblings to build it began a few years earlier when local businessman M.B. Skaggs, the founder of Safeway stores, witnessed a child die before she could be transferred to Springfield for treatment. M.B. and his wife Estella knew in that moment that Branson needed a hospital and they began rounding up support to build one.

Mr. Skaggs challenged local residents to donate as much money as they could to pay for a community hospital and he promised to match the funds. Nineteen business leaders chipped in for the construction, making way for Skaggs Community Hospital to be built for approximately $250,000.

The completed building was given to the community as a gift with citizens asked to equip and furnish the facility. The Skaggs family contributed another $50,000 to get the hospital ready for patients. On January 8, 1950, the hospital opened its doors with 25 beds, five physicians and six nurses aides.

More than 1,500 locals toured the hospital on opening day. An article written for the White River Leader that weekend described the facility as the best modern construction engineers can provide stocked with the best medical equipment that can be used. The Skaggs family had seen their dream come true and were excited for people in the area to have access to quality health care in their hometown.

Branson mayor Edd Akers fondly remembers being only 8 years old watching the hospital go up. By the time he was 11, he was an unofficial employee working hard to keep the facilitys lawn in shape. My brother and I had two little push mowers and wed mow the entire grounds for 25 bucks. It took us about two days to finish and by the time we got done, it was almost time to mow again, he says with a chuckle. Dad would take us to the dime store and wed spend our money on wooden airplanes and passes to the city pool. I feel so blessed to remember that story.

Akers loyalty to the hospital continued long after his lawn mowing days were done. He went on to serve on the Board of Directors in the 1990s. Today, as mayor, he realizes the historical significance of Branson getting a hospital, saying a city with good schools and quality health care is vital to attract new residents. Getting this hospital was a game-changer for our community, he says. Reflecting on how folks came together to make it happen just shows the true spirit of Branson.

That same spirit helped shape the culture among staff through the years. Jan Harper, the nurse who pioneered the current cardiac rehab program, reflects on those early days. In the 1970s, there would be one RN on duty at night covering the medical floor, labor and delivery and the ER, she says. We even answered the police phone if the officer was out making rounds.

Harper says even though the staff was small, their commitment to patients never wavered, even when the weather got bad. Wed all stay the night at the hospital if it snowed or got icy, she says. And the doctor would ride a horse to town to check on patients. We just had ways of making it work.

Long-time employees like Harper have witnessed quite the evolution in medical advances through the years. The changes have been incredible. I started teaching CPR and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and helped open the first Intensive Care Unit in 1972, Harper recalls. Before that unit opened, there were three of us working doubles to care for critical patients. We were blessed to witness the hospital grow from its early roots to its modern day medical center. In a way, its the house that built me.

While the hospital continued to advance in all areas of diagnostics and treatment, as decades went by, some growing pains became apparent. Skaggs Community Hospital was struggling to meet growing needs due to decreased revenue and lack of other funding sources. In January 2012, Skaggs President William Mahoney approached the board with an idea to keep the hospital relevant in changing times and keep quality health care in Branson by finding a strategic partner.

After an 8-month search, the board narrowed 12 potential partners down to two and, in a 96-0 decision, trustees voted to join CoxHealth. CoxHealth, which is headquartered in Springfield, planned to invest $100 million in the hospital, including building and equipment upgrades.

Just one year after the agreement was signed, the hospital broke ground on a 63,000-square-foot expansion of the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit, presenting a $30 million investment in the community. In addition, CoxHealth made a $25 million investment in the Skaggs Foundation to improve the health and wellness of residents in Taney and Stone counties. The remaining funds were invested into capital equipment needs over the first five years of the agreement. Under the partnership agreement, Skaggs Regional Hospital officially became Cox Medical Center Branson on January 1, 2013.

Even though the future of rural health care in America stands on shaky ground, Cox Branson continues to thrive and expand in the community.

Community hospitals all over America are closing, says Lynne Yaggy, chief nursing officer and VP of Clinical Services. But here we are, growing and providing the most innovative care for those who need us without losing that hometown hospitality. Thats a legacy I know that Skaggs family would be proud of.

The hospital prides itself on a culture it says cant be matched that feeling that every employee and patient is family. My hope for our future is to continue to fulfill our mission and keep that culture strong so all who come here feel the difference in our care, says President William Mahoney. Our hospital is not just an economic engine for our community. It is and has been for 70 years a safety net and house of healing for those in need. When everything is breaking down around you, you can still come to us and be comforted, protected and uplifted. That legacy is possible because the Skaggs familys dream created such a strong foundation for all of us now and into the future.

More:
'The House that Built Me': Branson hospital celebrates 70 years - KY3

Homeowners do a lot to keep their home looking clean and fresh. Mowing the lawn, shoveling the walkway, power washing the deck and siding, repainting, and more.

But something that many homeowners forget about is roof cleaning.

Your roof and gutters might be less of an aesthetic factor when it comes to keeping your home clean and sleek, but that doesn't mean it's any less important to keep clean. In fact, it's one of the most important areas of the home to maintain. Unlike lots of aesthetic upgrades homeowners can worry about sometimes, cleaning your roof can help you avoid costly damage.

We know that not everyone is a roofing expert, which is where we can help. We're going to go over 4 things to know about the importance of roof cleaning services so you can get started before you end up needing a roof repair.

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of your roof during the winter. These can form as a result of not cleaning the snow and/or debris off of your roof after snowfall or after a storm.

As the snow melts and runs off the roof, it can freeze at the edge of the roof forming a large wall of ice known as an ice dam. This prevents water from draining off the roof, which makes the problem progressively worse over time.

Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and to your home. They can lead to leaks, shingle and roof damage, dangerous icicle formation, gutter damage, and more.

There's a very simple fix to preventing ice dam formation: roof and gutter cleaning.

Cleaning your roof and clearing off any snow and debris on it can prevent the formation of ice dams. It's important to either do this very carefully or hire a roofing professional to clean the roof as inexperience can lead to further roof damage, gutter damage, or physical injury.

Read more about ice dam prevention here.

The roof over your head protects you and your family from the weather, the elements, and nature in general. That means that it's exposed to all of those things 24/7, which, in turn, means that dirt, water, leaves, plants, and more all find their way onto the roof at some point.

The problem is that rain and snow can often make your roof appear clean when there's actually dirt, moss, lichen, and algae existing all over the roof (especially on the side that gets less sun).

Just because these things can appear invisible doesn't mean that they aren't a problem for you and your home. They can also cause aesthetic problems: these things can make your roof appear blotchy and stained with dark blue and green splotches on various parts of the roof.

Algae, moss, and lichens on your roof can greatly decrease your roof's lifespan and increase the likelihood you'll need a roof replacement sooner. They can lead to gutter and shingle damage as well.

Not only that, but these things can also harbor mold spores, which can lead to mold growth. Mold can cause various negative health consequences throughout your home.

Roof cleaning services can get rid of, and prevent, algae, moss, and lichen growth on your roof. Cleaning after you notice any of this growth can reduce any potential damage it causes.

Failing to clean your roof can lead to shingle damage as a result of ice dams, falling debris, and the algae/moss/lichen growth. Damaged or missing roof shingles can lead to serious problems with your roof including:

Shingle damage in the winter is especially damaging. Debris, snow, and ice can easily damage or remove shingles if they are not cleaned properly. This can allow water to seep into your roof, walls, and more.

When that water freezes, it can lead to cracks in your roof, walls, and home's structure. Not only is this very expensive to fix, it's also extremely dangerous for your home's structural integrity.

Cleaning your roof consistently, or having it cleaned by a professional, can reduce the chance of shingle damage.

Moss and algae as well as ice dams and shingle damage can lead to excess water seeping into your roof.

This leads to increased chances that you'll get a leaky roof, freezing water damage, and wood rot. Water getting into the wood of your roof and home can lead to serious rotting damage that can be very expensive to have repaired. If the damage is extensive, you might need a roof replacement.

You're better off properly cleaning and maintaining your roof to prevent this from happening. Wood rot can often go undetected by homeowners, so you might not always know it's happening. That's another reason why consistent roof cleanings are essential for the health and longevity of your roof.

Roof cleaning is an important part of maintaining your roof. Clearing off snow, debris, dirt, and other natural elements can extend your roof's lifespan and reduce any potential damage caused to both your roof and your home.

However, it's easy to neglect cleaning, forget about it, or not understand the importance, which is where professional roof repair comes in. At Farina Roofing, we understand the importance of roof cleaning services and how it can affect repairs.

We take care of everything and can make sure that your roof is clean and repaired after storms, neglect, or damage. Contact us today to get an inspection and our professional opinion on what you need.

This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local sponsor. The views expressed in this post are the author's own.

For more about Community Partner, click here.

See the article here:
4 Things to Know About the Importance of Roof Cleaning - Patch.com

Back in October, something happened that sent shock waves across America. Regardless of age, gender or political affiliation jaws universally dropped at the sight of Ellen DeGeneres sitting with George W. Bush as the Dallas Cowboys took on the Green Bay Packers. There was footage of them laughing with their wives, eating popcorn, and enjoying an NFL game like normal people. And do you remember what happened? People went absolutely nuts. Claws came out. Ellen was vilified.

When Ellen addressed the situation she remarked, "People were upset. They thought, why is a gay Hollywood liberal sitting next to a conservative Republican president? A lot of people were mad. And they did what people do when they're mad... they tweet."

In true Ellen fashion she offered this guidance: "But just because I don't agree with someone on everything doesn't mean that I'm not going to be friends with them," she said. "When I say, 'be kind to one another,' I don't only mean the people that think the same way that you do. I mean be kind to everyone."

Thats a simple, but powerful notion: be kind to one another not just the people that think the same way you do. Its especially relevant in a quaint community at a crossroads.

In full transparency, Im no longer a resident of Walden; however, I still call it home, and am fortunate to have called the mountain that for all my life. Its a pleasure watching my young children erupt in laughter going down the slides at the Pumpkin Patch. I remember pitching in at the very first community workdays during its construction as a student at Thrasher Elementary. We surprised my father for his 65th birthday with a splendid evening at the recently transformed McCoy Farm and Gardens. He beamed as he showed me the walls he painted, where he and other dedicated citizens spent hours tearing into overgrown shrubs, and the meticulous detail that went into picking the counter tops for the gut-renovated bathrooms. On the way home, he remarked about the stately new Walden town signs and how delighted he was for Walden to have an identity that people are connected to and proud of.

My father, Bill Trohanis, has been serving the community of Walden now for nearly a decade originally as an alderman, vice mayor and currently, as mayor. As the community transitions with the rezoning of the Lines Orchids property, I felt like a perspective into my father and your mayor could be beneficial.

Hes creative, compassionate and mildly obsessive-compulsive about design (I wont confirm or deny rumors that I lost my first job mowing our yard because the stripes in our lawn werent cut at perfect 45-degree angles). Hes been known to clean the door jams of our cars with a toothbrush. He spent hours, over multiple visits, with the architect of the new Waldens Ridge fire hall, ensuring that the aesthetic reflects positively on Walden. Let me assure you my father loves details (and works tirelessly to ensure theyre perfect) and absolutely wants anything with his name stamped on it, to bring satisfaction to the citizens of Walden.

Ive wrestled with the dilemma of if or when I chime in on the ongoing debate in my hometown. As claims become more outlandish and personal attacks persist, I could no longer sit idly by.

The social contract we hold as individual contributors to the fabric of our community empowers us with the freedom to speak up. Thankfully, were all encouraged to voice our opinions, and its a crucial element of any community to be able to do so freely. However, a concerning pattern has emerged among some of the residents of Walden and Signal Mountain that is a stark contrast from merely expressing concern, a difference of opinion, or even an impassioned protest.

For those reading this that choose to continue to instigate and torment rather than constructively debate or (heaven forbid) collaborate, before you press send on the next scathing email or spread another piece of misinformation, I hope you pause and think, Is this the most productive way to make a difference or better yet, to contribute to the well-being of my community or am I just steamed and looking for a punching bag? Or further is it possible to fully appreciate the diverse, basic needs that come from a wide range of household income, or even the influx of young families moving to Walden? Its a complex, multifaceted issue with a striking resemblance to the polarizing, tribal political environment were trapped in nationally.

Further, for anyone convinced that their own interpretation of whats best for Walden is superior to those holding office, I encourage you to channel your energy into worthwhile acts of service that make this community a better place to live and enjoy, now and for generations to come.

And for my father when he reads this (who might not be pleased I inserted myself into the situation), I hope you know that Im so proud of what you and the Board of Aldermen have done and continue to do for the community of Walden. Im proud that youve patiently listened to, and considered, all sides of this critical decision. Youve acted with integrity throughout the entire process, and remained courageously steadfast in the face of threats, lame intimidation tactics and a mirage of poorly-constructed (and some borderline unethical) distractions.

As this issue runs its course, and hopefully soon draws to a close, I challenge each of you regardless of which side of the fence youre on to pour your effort into ensuring Walden continues to be an inclusive, thriving community for all of us residents (both former and current), visitors or merely passersby.

Remember that story about Ellen and George W. Bush? In the coverage of this story, there were hundreds of negative, blistering tweets from Ellen viewers, but one stood out as particularly poignant: "Ellen and George Bush together makes me have faith in America again."

I, too, hope that those on each side of this debate come together to give me faith in Walden once again.

William Trohanis II

* * *

The opinion piece by Mayor Trohaniss son speaks of the social contract When Mayor Trohanis and Alderperson McKenzie ran for office, made promises, and were elected, part of that social contract that they surely must have understood was that the sleepy little town of Walden is not at all well-suited for the type and scope of development that is being brought in.

These two yes voters are in violation of their implicit or express promises that they would represent their constituents faithfully and competently.

Tim Deere20 year resident of Walden

* * *

William Trohanis II- Thank you for bringing the proper perspective to this situation in your well written opinion.

Mr. Deere- Reasonable people can disagree in a fair and professional manner. Reasonable points can be made for the development and against the development. When an individual does not agree with your position does notmean that they are necessarily wrong. In this case, I believe the majority of Walden residents think the positives outweigh the negatives for this development.

To yes voters- Thank you for representing the Walden constituents faithfully and competently.

David Garvey30 year resident of Walden

Originally posted here:
A Plea For Civility In Walden - And Response (2) - The Chattanoogan