SALISBURY TWP., Pa. -

Decades of low water pressure should be washed away before the end of this year for residents of one hillside neighborhood in the northern tip of eastern Salisbury Township.

Bethlehem, which provides water to some homes in that part of the township, plans to install a booster pumping station to end the low-pressure problem in the Weil Street neighborhood.

For many years, residents have complained about the water pressure, said Salisbury manager Randy Soriano. I believe we have reached the point where the issue will be resolved.

Bethlehem officials described the pumping station project to Salisbury commissioners Thursday night.

We realized there was poor service up in this area theres low water pressure --- so weve designed a pump station to put in this neighborhood, to boost the pressure for these customers, said Edward Boscola, the citys water and sewer resources director.

The pumping station project, which will cost about $100,000, will be paid by Bethlehem, said the city officials.

Boscola said the small, prefabricated pumping station should be installed and operational by the end of this year if not sooner.

The significant improvement initially will benefit about 50 homes and city officials hope that will increase by owners of at least 50 more homes who will decide to tie into the water system.

Soriano said the very first complaint he received when he became township manager in 2008 was about insufficient water pressure in that neighborhood. He added many of those complaints are about not having enough pressure to take decent showers.

More:
Better water pressure coming for some Salisbury residents

Saltsburg Borough will apply for a $250,000 grant for a new playground by the end of this month, voted on by borough council at Mondays meeting.

Saltsburg officials will submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Commonwealth Financing Authority for a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant that will help the borough build a new playground where a sewage treatment plant currently stands between Water Street and the West Penn Trail.

Right now, a community playground is set up in the borough, but according to council Vice President Kathy Muir, it isnt in good condition.

The old one has been vandalized. Its small, its outdated and needs to be separated from the basketball courts so the little kids are away from the bigger kids, Muir said.

The public basketball courts will remain in their current location at the park at the head of the West Penn Trail between the trail and Water Street, Muir said.

The application for the grant is due July 21 and will be submitted by grant writer Leann Chaney. The grant is part of the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which allocates funds for the planning, acquisition, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects.

The borough is requesting the maximum amount of money authorized by the grant, $250,000.

According to the grant, projects require a 15 percent local cash match of the total project cost or cash equivalents for the appraised value of real estate. A parking lot that is set to be paved once the sewage treatment plant is torn down will qualify as the boroughs 15 percent match for the project, according to Chaney.

Councils vision for the new playground includes new equipment, a bathroom, water fountain, benches, garbage cans and more. In addition, Muir hopes to install security equipment to ensure the park is not vandalized.

Because of its location between the trails, there is a plan for the park to be nature-themed.

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SALTSBURG: Officials to pursue playground funds

Is there anything more relaxing than the quiet, steady burble of flowing water? Large or small, indoors or out, a fountain adds grace, beauty and serenity to almost any setting. It can also be a surprisingly low-cost home improvement.

Installing a fountain can involve as much or as little work as you want. You can work from a kit that assembles all the components for you (although you'll lose some flexibility in terms of design). Or, once you understand how the different components fit together, you can construct your own fountain from available materials -- including the earth in your backyard.

But first things first: you should know what you're getting into. Different fountains work best in different places -- tables, walls, floors, patios, gardens. No amount of tinkering will make your table strong enough to support a floor fountain, or keep the end result from looking awkward as well as unstable. And no table fountain will look anything but diminutive if you install it on a floor. Look around to find a fountain in the appropriate scale for your setting. Think about materials -- stone, slate, bamboo, granite -- that will coordinate with the rest of your decor.

As you choose the location for your fountain, keep in mind that a fountain needs a power source. Some outdoor fountains have solar panels, but the rest will need to be within reach of electricity. Outdoor fountains also need seasonal maintenance, so make sure you choose a relatively accessible spot.

This article explores the different types of fountains in more detail. We'll also look at the plans and tools you should have on hand before you delve into the installation process.

Excerpt from:
HowStuffWorks "How to Install a Fountain"

When a human is injured we go to the hospital but what do you do when a pet is involved? Lisa Chelenza explains in this edition of Pet Pointers.

Having a pet means planning for possible emergencies. A million things could happen but some of the most common are preventable.

A pet being hit by a car is very common but it doesnt have to be fatal. If your pet is hit by a car and you fear the worst get them to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible and have someone call ahead so that the vet is standing by with as much information as possible.

Many injuries can look far worse than they are and pets can be saved. If all else fails they can be humanely euthanized.

Bee stings and other bug bites are not only irritating but can become infected. Prevent your pet from licking with lemon juice first or a cone collar.

When it comes to heat stroke being prepared is the best prevention. Carry a big bottle of water for you both and stop by a fountain if you see one. On very hot sunny days above 85, hang out in grassy shady spots when out with your dog and relax. Save the exercise for cooler days, especially with snubbed nose breeds.

Having pet insurance can be a life saver in the event of an emergency trip to the vet, especially those that cover x-rays and rehabilitation if necessary. Most work by reimbursing you for veterinary costs after you supply receipts.

Remember to program the number for the closest emergency animal hospital into your phone just in case.

The rest is here:
Tips On What To Do For Pet Emergencies

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Brenda Priddy

Brenda Priddy has more than 10 years of crafting and design experience, as well as more than six years of professional writing experience. Her work appears in online publications such as Donna Rae at Home, Five Minutes for Going Green and Daily Mayo. Priddy also writes for Archstone Business Solutions and holds an Associate of Arts in English from McLennan Community College.

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There is almost nothing more peaceful then the sound and appearance of a garden fountain. It brings beauty and interest to any garden. Installing a garden fountain is not difficult, but it does require a few tools and a little foresight. Installing a garden fountain is a project best suited for two people. In just an hour or two, you can have a beautiful fountain in your yard or garden.

Level the ground where you want to place the fountain. Make the area about 3 inches larger on every side than the fountain base. Lower the ground about 2 to 3 inches below the regular surface of the yard. Remove the dirt with a shovel and wheelbarrow. Spread the dirt around the yard or place it in a garden bed. Rake the dirt removing any roots or rocks.

Create a mixture of stone dust and small rocks. Use a ratio of 5 parts stone dust and 1 part rocks. Spread the layer with a garden rake. Tamp down the dirt using a ground tamp. Measure the dirt with the level. Add more dirt anywhere it is not level. Add another layer of only stone dust. Tamp down and level.

Place the fountain base in the middle of the dirt. Make sure the base is level. Add more dirt under the base if it is not level. Use two people for this step as the base of most fountains is heavy.

Place the pump inside the fountain base and run the electric cord out of the drain hole.

View post:
How to Install Garden Fountains | eHow

Details Written by The Skanner News Published: 03 July 2014

The James John K-5 School teachers, along with Librarian Robin Rolfe, bring blankets, pillows and plenty of books every Tuesday to the St. John's Community Center, 8427 N. Central St., to read with students during the Portland Parks & Recreation's Summer Lunches program, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. One of Supt. Carole Smith's top priorities is to ensure that all students read at grade level by the end of the third grade. Research shows that students who read by the end of third grade are more likely to stay in school, graduate on time, and succeed in college and careers. Photo courtesy Larry Bingham Portland Public Schools

The City of Gresham Unveils Childrens Fountain The Children's Fountain will splash to life Friday, July 4 at 7 a.m. and stay open all day long until 10 p.m. at the Arts Plaza in historic downtown at 401 N.E. Second St.

Kids can cavort in two fountains - one designed for toddlers, one for bigger kids - that are powered by 43 jets of cool, clean, chlorinated water. The fountain is built to surprise. For daytime, the Children's Fountain includes two shade structures. At night, the fountain is lit by a subtly shifting display of 20 multi-colored LED lights. This new parks amenity is free to users - the only no-cost splash pad in East Multnomah County - and was developed entirely with $1.5 million in federal funds awarded to the City of Gresham for community development. On Wednesday, July 16 at 6 p.m., the public is invited to the Arts Plaza to celebrate the launch of the Children's Fountain, and there will be games, giveaways and free sno-cones. After its holiday debut, the Children's Fountain will be open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Because the fountain does not hold water, no lifeguard will be on duty. However, all children must be supervised. Children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers, and swim clothing is required. For a list of fountain rules and etiquette, please visit GreshamOregon.gov/ChildrensFountain. For more information, call Parks and Facilities at 503-618-2300.

Health Tests at the Blues Fest

The Caring Ambassadors Program sponsors the Lions Club Testing Unit, which will be providing free screenings for glaucoma, hearing, blood pressure, and blood glucose (a test for diabetes) at the HealthNet Pavilion at the Waterfront Blues Festival.

On-site testing for Hep C near the stages will also be available for musicians who are performing and who are unable to get to the HealthNet Pavilion. We would like to encourage all musicians--a group that tends to be under-tested--to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and to help create awareness for those who may be interested. To arrange a private screening during the festival, call: 503-961-3920. More information go to the CAP website: http://www.CaringAmbassadors.org

County Fair Talent Show Tryouts

The Clackamas County Fair will once again be holding tryouts for the Talent Show and Gospel Sing performances at the 2014 Fair. Fair dates run August 12-17th this year. The Talent Show Auditions will be held on Saturday, July 19th, from 10:00am - 1:00pm. It is open to all residents state-wide, but the top placing Clackamas County resident will be moving on to the Oregon State Fair Talent competition. The categories are divided into Child (5-9 yrs.), Youth (10-17 yrs.) and Adult (18 years and older) with cash prizes awarded for the top three places in the Youth and Adult categories, and placement certificates and ribbons for the Child category. The Gospel Sing Auditions will be held on Wednesday evening, July 23rd, from 4:30-9:00pm. It is open to anyone, with two categories offered in Youth (10-17 yrs.) and Adult (18 years and older). Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three placements in both categories, with the top winners being showcased at the Gospel Sing and Inspirational Message service, held Sunday`, August 17th, at 11:00 am, at the Fair. Entry forms for both are due at the fair office by Friday, July 11th at 4:00pm. More information, rules and regulations, and entry forms are available on our website, http://www.ClackamasCountyEventCenter.com. E-mail questions to fairevents@wavecable.com, or call the fair office at 503-266-1136. Entry forms can also be picked up at the Fair office in Canby at 694 NE 4th Avenue between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Excerpt from:
The City of Gresham Unveils Childrens Fountain

LARGO In a spot tucked behind a small strip mall on Seminole Boulevard, a half-acre dog park called Dog Bone Run officially opened its gates Monday.

Dogs of all sizes showed up to check out the new facility, which the city created for less than $20,000 next to a large pond and community center. The parks amenities include a fire hydrant-shaped water fountain, a large bench shaped like a dog bone that also serves as the parks sign and a stand of palm trees at the parks far end that provides extensive shade for dogs and people.

A few dozen people and their dogs mingled over cupcakes and dog treats. Every few minutes, a handful of dogs took off running to the opposite end of the fenced-in stretch of grass. Others rested in the shade of a tree.

Parks department officials hope to install agility equipment for the more athletic dogs and are looking for sponsors to finance such a project.

Its Largos second dog park, and Parks Superintendent Greg Brown said it was installed in response to residents requests.

People wanted a dog park on the east side of the city, he said. They asked for one in Central Park, and this is across the street.

While some in attendance at Mondays opening celebration live within walking distance of the new facility, others drove from other parts of the county to check it out.

Feather Sound resident Terry Blazej decided to pay a visit. For her and Mocha, her 6-month-old brown-and-white border collie, it was a departure from their usual routine.

We go to the one at (U.S.) 19 and 49th Street, she said. Theres a group of us that meets around three oclock in the afternoon.

She said she hopes the agility equipment is installed soon, as border collies are known for their athletic abilities.

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New Largo park for dogs opens

Two fields at the Lamar Baseball Complex will soon see major work to complete the project. (John Contreras / The Lamar Ledger)

New Colorado Lottery-funded grants will make it possible for several Colorado communities to build or restore recreational facilities that will increase outdoor activities but also help local economies by attracting visitors and reducing travel costs.

The Great Outdoors Colorado Board has approved nine grants worth more than $2.2 million to build baseball fields, tennis courts, natural playscapes, a pedestrian bridge and a track facility. The fortunate grant winners were selected from a pool of 36 applications seeking more than $9.3 million in assistance.

The grants approved by the GOCO board will:

Complete Lamar's baseball-softball "four-plex," allowing it to meet overwhelming local demand and attract more tournaments to the Southeast Colorado community;

Allow Monte Vista to host a Colorado High School Sports Association event for the first time in 30 years as its current cinder track did not meet standards;

Replace worn out tennis courts in Crested Butte, where usage has increased dramatically in recent years;

Replace a rough 70-year-old athletic field and dilapidated 60-year-old bleachers - a portion of which collapsed during a game - and create a community recreational walkway at Manzanola High School;

Restore a baseball field in Coal Creek, ending the need for local players to drive 30 miles for practices and games, and giving the community its first playground.

Install a 130-foot steel bridge in Pagosa Springs that will increase connectivity to the community's many parks and amenities for outdoor recreation.

Read this article:
GOCO grant to help complete Lamar fields

In the latest installment of "How New York City Works," NY1's Roger Clark takes a look at the city's wastewater treatment system to find out what happens to all of the dirty water we send down the drain.

New Yorkers use a lot of water. An average of 1.2 billion gallons goes down the drain every day. Plus, there's everything that falls on the city when it rains or snows. All of that water, and everything else that flows down with it, has to go somewhere. So where does it all go? The only place it can. Into the waterways that surround us.

Before it reaches the waterways, it passes through a complex wastewater treatment system run by the city's Department of Environmental Protection to clean and disinfect it so we don't get sick and wildlife can survive. Let's find out how it works.

Most of the city runs on what's known as a combined sewer system, meaning everything we send down the drain or toilet, and all the rain, snowmelt and other runoff that flows into any of our 140,000 street catch basins, all wind up in the same 6,000 miles of pipes. The "combined sewage" then travels, mostly by gravity, to one of 14 wastewater treatment plants. Sometimes, it needs a little push to get there, and that's where 96 pump stations come in. We went underground to check out one station in Manhattan.

The screen room is about 30 feet below street level, and that's where the raw sewage comes in. The room is the first place that it's going to be screened.

"The sewage comes through a series of metal bars that are spaced about an inch apart, and those bars remove things like sticks, leaves, plastic bottles, rags, anything that may find its way into the sewer system," says Vincent Sapienza, a DEP Deputy Commissioner in the bureau of wastewater treatment.

That material gets a lift upstairs to be loaded into containers and taken to a landfill. Every now and then, DEP workers come across some pretty interesting finds.

The whole thing about alligators living in the sewer system is an urban legend, but there is another type of reptile that somehow made its way into this pumping station: turtles. The workers are taking good care of them.

For the remaining sewage, it's on to the next step.

"The sewage that you see here, Roger, is now getting pumped up several stories into a surge tower, and then, by gravity, that can then flow to the next station in the treatment process, which is the Newtown Creek Plant in Brooklyn," Sapienza says.

Link:
How NYC Works: Thousands of Miles of Pipes Make Up City's Complex Sewer System

Create a fragrant pathway. Turn the walk to your front or back door into a wonderfully fragrant experience by planting herbs along a sunny path. The closer you plant the herbs to the edge of the path, the more likely they'll spill over into where your footsteps will help release the herbal fragrance. You can choose from a variety of herbs, either perennials (such as lavender, oregano, sage, and thyme) or annuals (such as basil, dill, rosemary, and summer savory).

Turn your whole garden into a butterfly garden. Rather than designate only one bed as such, spread the wealth of pollinator food plants throughout the garden to nourish butterflies, bees, and wasps, all good pollinators. Incorporate native perennials such as butterfly weed ( Asclepias tuberosa), blazing star ( Liatris species), and purple coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea). You also can plant serviceberry ( Amelanchier species) and fall-blooming witch hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana), both small, native trees. Some non-native annuals like zinnia and marigold, as well as shrubs such as butterfly bush ( Buddleia davidii) and lilac ( Syringa species), can also be sources of nourishment for insect pollinators.

Patricia Schrieber is director of education for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) ( http://www.phsonline.org), and co-owner of Valentine Gardens ( http://www.valentine-gardens.com).

Continued here:
It's Time to ...