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World Disability Day is celebrated on December 3rd to mark the importance of people living with disabilities. This years theme is to provide an inclusive society and culture for the needs of people with disability in all aspects. Heres how Rani Mukerji, the eminent Bollywood actress, stepped in to speak about the relevance of this day.

World Disability Day this year thrives on key messages that focus on providing an inclusive culture for the disabled people, giving them the highest standards of health and well-being and removing any discriminatory barriers. The Covid-19 pandemic has given an opportunity to build back better health systems so that they are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of people living with disabilities.

On this day, the talented Bollywood actress, Rani Mukerji took an opportunity to speak about the need to be an inclusive and empowering society.

I learnt a lot about humanity by doing these outstanding, sensitive films like Black and Hichki. I think these films contributed to making me a better human being and Im fortunate that I got to do these films and be a part of such beautiful cinematic visions of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Siddharth P. Malhotra. I hope these films managed to spark the right conversations in society about the need to treat everyone as an equal, said Rani Mukerji.

Rani Mukherji has always been a pioneering actress, leading the way in reel life and in real life both.Critics and audiences rate her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Black to be her masterpiece and her acting in Hichki, as one of her best performances. Her excellent acting as a specially-abled girl Michelle McNally in Black, who strikes a beautiful and soulful bond with her teacher, and her portrayal of a confident Tourette Syndrome patient, Naina Mathur, looking to stamp her presence in this world in the superhit Hichki, helped initiate fundamental societal conversations about inclusivity and the need for equality in the society.

She adds, I learnt about the resolve of people who are determined to triumph despite all odds stacked up against them, their dreams, their aspirations and essaying these powerful girls on screen, made me a stronger human being. Im grateful that I can talk, see, hear and I realised that, as human beings, we might be taking these things for granted.

Rani says cataloguing of human beings because of their handicap must end at all cost. She says, For me, Black and Hichki were emotional experiences that opened my eyes more towards inclusivity for all, kindness and gratitude for what we have. As citizens of this country, we must all do our bit to constantly bring conversations about inclusivity and equality to the fore. Every citizen has rights and I realised that there is a lot of work that we all need to put in, individually, to stop discrimination and stereotyping of individuals like those I have portrayed in Black and Hichki.

Also Read:National Pollution Control Day 2020: 9 Ways to take initiatives for pollution control to save the environment

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World Disability Day: Rani Mukerji sheds light on the need to be an inclusive society - PINKVILLA

4:50pm, 02 December 2020

NZ Herald

Scott Robertson has shed light on his potential involvement with the British and Irish Lions, admitting its highly likely he joins Warren Gatlands coaching staff.

The Crusaders coach revealed in August after missing out on the All Blacks job to Ian Foster, he approached Gatland about joining the team in their tour of South Africa in 2021, with a desire to fill out his CV with international coaching experience.

Robertson says hes in ongoing talks with Lions management, which have been promising.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod discuss the performance of super sub Will Jordan in the All Blacks 38-0 win over the Pumas in their final Tri-Nations match.

Weve had some good conversations the last couple of weeks around the opportunity. Im looking at potentially being involved with the team, that could play against the Springboks and then stay on in some capacity.

It wasnt an assistant role I was wanting it was a learning opportunity for me, [to] help a lot around the professional development and support their current coaching group, it wasnt about being an assistant as such.

Those conversations are continuing its a highly likely chance, Im finding ways I can get there.

Any involvement will follow on from the 46-year-olds duties in Super Rugby, where he will look to win a fifth consecutive title with the Canterbury franchise in next year.

The experience Robertson is after will ideally aid in him landing a more prominent role, likely outside of New Zealand, should his time with the Crusaders finish up soon.

Robertson earlier revealed he had aspirations to coach oversees, and recognised the sensitive timing around roles on the international market. He played in France for three years to learn French, in the hope of boosting his chances to coach there one day.

The Lions series in South Africa kicks-off on July 3, with the three tests running on three consecutive weekends from July 24.

Meanwhile, Robertson has this morning revealed his squad for next years Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, and will need to utilise the depth within his squad right off the bat.

All Black Braydon Ennor is out for the entire season with an ACL injury, while fellow international George Bridge along with Manasa Mataele with miss the start of the season, both with pectoral injuries.

That will see the likes of Leicester Faingaanuku and Dallas McLeod relied on more in the first team, players Robertson has touted as having big seasons in 2021.

Weve got a lot of guys that can play in multiple positions.

Leicester during Mitre 10 Cup was carrying a few people out the on the field, hes an awesome talent. If you want to win championships you need depth and if George is out, Leicester comes in. Theres great completion in all positions.

Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below:

This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and is republished with permission.

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Scott Robertson sheds further light on 'likely' role with British and Irish Lions - RugbyPass

Colt McCoy makes pass vs. Bengals

Heading into practice on Wednesday, Giants head coach Joe Judge said that backup QB Colt McCoy will take a majority of the first-team reps as the team prepares for their matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Daniel Jones is still working hard to get healthy, but there was an outside chance that he would be ready to go.

So the Giants are potentially getting ready for a McCoy-led offense, which will be his first start since Week 5 of last year when the Washington Football Team played the New England Patriots. It was a 33-7 loss for McCoy and his previous start after that came in Week 13 of the 2018 season with the Football Team again a 28-13 loss to the Eagles where he completed all four of his passes before the ball was given to Mark Sanchez instead. One more start in the week prior of that season was also a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

In fact, McCoy hasn't won a start since Week 8 of the 2014 season.

But that didnt deter Judge from saying that he is extremely confident in the veterans abilities if and when he has to go under center for the Giants.

I have a lot of confidence in Colt, he told reporters Wednesday via Zoom. The way this guy comes to work every day and prepares and then every chance he gets on the field to compete look, Ive been able to coach against this guy and now hes with us right now. You can see how competitive he is. Hes got a lot of instincts, a lot of savvy, and draws on his experience. Hes a tough dude. Hes mentally tough, hes physically tough and hes a guy whos very well respected on this team in the locker room and on the field. The guys like Colt and they rally around him.

Trust from players and coaches goes a long way, but what exactly do the Giants like about McCoy that makes them feel that way? Well, QB coach Jerry Schuplinski made it clear last night that McCoy had a great training camp that impressed defensive coordinator Patrick Graham given he was lighting up his defense during practices.

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When you also take a look back at those performances from McCoy, youll see a quarterback who can roam the pocket and as Judge pointed out use instincts to feel pressure and make plays happen. However, there are times when McCoy does scramble and seems to panic, causing turnovers. He had three interceptions in that game against the Cowboys despite throwing for over 250 yards (he also threw for two touchdowns).

But there are a couple of things working in McCoys favor that the Giants will hope can be utilized on Sunday no matter who's quarterbacking.

For one, the offensive line is improving by the week and that not only helps Wayne Gallman & Co. in the run game, but it should help McCoy from running around for his life. And make no mistake: The Giants will most likely try to pound the ball on the Seahawks, kill clock and limit Russell Wilsons time with the ball in his hands. McCoy will, then, be tasked with making the necessary throws to game manage and get points on the board kind of like what happened when Jones went down this past Sunday.

Well, I think the line obviously throughout the year works together and made a lot of improvement, Judge said. I think its a reflection of how these guys are able to compete through games together and how thats improved.

Also, it helps that McCoy and the Giants will be playing against one of the worst defenses in the league this year. Forget what happened on Monday night against the Eagles because Philly has its own issues on offense. Despite the record, the Seahawks are allowing an atrocious 418.1 yards per game. And most of that yardage comes through the air 328.8 per game to be exact.

So while the front seven might be solid in the run game, McCoy should be able to find his plethora of weapons on the outside open. Evan Engram will be a target to watch considering Seattle has allowed 585 yards and five touchdowns to tight ends this season. Dallas Goedert had his way with Jamal Adams, for example, on Monday night. Theres also Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard with very reliable short-to-medium route trees that should be able to work.

Will the deep ball be available? Maybe if the Seahawks get too lax. But the Giants should be banking on McCoy to hit his shorter throws whether that be designed screens, hitches and digs that will eat up chunks of yards and clock.

The Giants are an improving team by the week and their three-game win streak shows it. If Jones cant go, it will be up to McCoy to rely on his instincts and work with that improvement. Try not to do too much and make sure the ball stays away from Seattles offense. That is where the Giants can come away with an upset and keep their NFC East lead intact.

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Colt McCoy's recent starts shed light on what Giants' game plan should be if he plays in Week 13 - Yahoo Sports

The RodneySubmitting Company: Ankrom Moisan ArchitectsLocation: PortlandCost: $66 millionStart Date: September 1, 2015Completion Date: October 1, 2019Owner/Developer: 14th & Glisan Investors, LPArchitect: Ankrom Moisan ArchitectsStructural Engineer: CKC Structural EngineersCivil Engineer: DOWLConsultants: ACS Testing, Acoustics by Design, Cardno, CKC Structural Engineers, Code Unlimited, Data-Tel Communications, DOWL, Earth Advantage, Kittelson & Associates, Morrison Herschfield, Navix Engineering, Terra Associates, Vida DesignGeneral Contractor: Holland ConstructionSubcontractors: Affordable Window Coverings, BASCO-Builders Alliance Supply Co., Benelli Construction, Bergelectric, Bridgewell Interiors, Buffalo Welding, Cascadia Windows & Doors, Compaction and Recycling Equipment, Crawford Door, Culver Glass, De-El Enterprises, DeSantis Landscape, Exteriors Design, Floor Solutions, Fredinburg Masonry, Gonsalves & Santucci dba Conco, Huntco, Icon 3D Signs, Imperial Steel Craft, InstaFab, Jet Industries, JS Perrott, KONE, Lanz Cabinets, LDC, Malcolm Drilling, McDonald & Wetle, MEI Group A Moore Excavation Co., NW Construction Services, Pacific Stair, Parcel Pending, Patriot Fire Protection, Peninsula Painting, Sawtooth Caulking, Snyder Roofing of Oregon, Wall to Wall Stone, Western Partitions, Williamsen & Bleid, You and I Construction

Crowned with a 360-degree rooftop deck, The Rodney residential tower offers a mix of layouts from urban studios to penthouses. The 16-story structure houses 230 units and 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The Rodney is enrolled in the city of Portlands Multiple Unit Limited Tax Exemption program, and 20 percent of the buildings units are set aside for low-income housing.

The base of the building pays homage to the history of the old warehouses scattered throughout the Pearl District. As the tower climbs vertically, the rigidity and heaviness of the base begin to lighten and a glassier aesthetic begins to emerge. Designers wanted to challenge the traditional notion of a residential lobby and created an active gathering space for group events and a coworking atmosphere for residents.

The LEED Platinum building features water management systems and landscaping; high-capacity bike parking; low-emitting vehicle priority parking; and low VOC materials. Much of the building demolished to make way for The Rodney was recycled, and the project achieved 85 percent construction waste reduction.

The project team also created a parklet near the building because there is a lack of open space in the western edge of the Pearl District.

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The Rodney - 2nd Place (Multifamily) Daily Journal of Commerce - Daily Journal of Commerce

Designed to an exceptionally high standard to achieve LEED & Wiredscore Platinum Certification, this development will comprise 177,000 sq ft of Grade A office space across eight storeys over double-basement, featuring gym and changing facilities, as well as ample bike and car parking spaces. The ground floor will consist of the developments lobby and reception and offer 5,700 sq ft of retail space.

The adjacent Protected Structure, formerly home of the British and Irish Steam Packet company will be restored, with the ground floor being repurposed as a caf, contributing to the growing sense of public realm between the Campshire buildings on the Quays, while the upper floors and rear atrium will be converted into office space.

Construction of the development is underway, with piling for the building foundations already completed and works commencing this month on the double basement structure. The erection of the tower cranes as well as the basement floor slab of the central core, will be completed by Christmas.

The Shipping Office and neighbouring development One Lime Street another Marlet scheme which will deliver 216 high-end apartments are both due to be completed by Q3 2022.

The Shipping Office, like every other Marlet development, has been carefully designed to guarantee the health and safety of its occupants and will incorporate features such as a large entrance court and reception to avoid congestion at peak times, larger lifts to allow for social distancing as well as microbicidal paint applied on washroom and shared area walls, antibacterial door hardware, touch-free building access, and a top-of-the-range ventilation throughout the building.

Occupants will have access to multiple landscaped areas and green roofs populated by native vegetation and sustainably designed to be a natural habitat for flora and fauna within the city.

Pat Crean, Marlet CEO said: We are delighted to begin the delivery of this state-of the art office development with BAM. The Shipping Office was designed with high-expectations occupiers in mind and its exceptional location will undoubtedly make it a new Dublin landmark.

Since the acquisition of its first site in 2014, Marlet has grown to become one of Irelands largest independently owned property development companies. Over the last 6 years Marlet has sourced and acquired over 1bn of assets and built up an impressive and extremely diverse portfolio in Ireland for its investors. The portfolio includes major mixed-use developments, Build to Rent apartment schemes, student accommodation, hotels and aparthotels. With over 1.6 million sq. ft already built, the companys goal is to be at the forefront of the industry and reshape Dublins urban landscape.

Theo Cullinane, BAM Ireland CEO said: We are delighted to be entrusted by Marlet yet again to deliver a high-profile project on what is the last remaining undeveloped riverside site in the South Docklands. The Shipping Office will utilise a lot of the same off-site prefabrication techniques being used to deliver Lime Street. Utilizing off-site construction will shorten the construction period and reduce the numbers on site to aid social distancing. The health and safety of our staff is our number one priority at BAM.

Established in 1958, BAM Ireland is one of the countrys largest construction businesses. We employ 2,000 people directly and indirectly with a forecast turnover for 2019 of 603m. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal BAM Group of the Netherlands, which has a turnover of 7.2 Billion and employs 19,500 people worldwide. BAM Ireland is the holding company for all BAMs operating companies in Ireland. These include: BAM Building; BAM Civil; BAM Fit-out; BAM Property; BAM Housing; BAM PPP; BAM Facilities Management and BAM Rail. Together, these operating companies rank in the top 2 of major Irish construction companies. BAM Building has carried out projects of the largest scale for the most prestigious of clients. BAM Civil is the largest civil engineering contractor in Ireland. Projects include PPP motorway schemes, transportation, water & wastewater, marine, energy and rail projects.

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Marlet appoints BAM Ireland as main contractor for commercial development the Shipping Office on Sir John Rogerson's Quay - Irish Building Magazine

Ten years ago, Nest introduced its first smart thermostat, the Nest Learning Thermostat, and showed the world what a smart thermostat is capable of. You can use it to automatically program your thermostats schedule, control it with your smartphone or a voice assistant, integrate it with other smart devices in your home like smoke detectors, and have it adjust itself for when youve left the house.

The companys latest model, the simply named $129.99 Nest Thermostat, does away with a lot of the more advanced features in favor of a simpler, more basic design and feature set. But while Googles goal is to appeal to those who havent yet upgraded their ancient programmable thermostat, its stripped out a lot of what makes a connected thermostat smart to begin with.

The most obvious thing Google did was change the design and functionality of the thermostat itself. The Nest Thermostat doesnt have the signature rotating ring of Nests prior models. Instead, you use a touch strip on the right side to adjust temperature and navigate the interface. The touch strip works fine, and the thermostat will emit an audible click as you swipe up or down, but its far less satisfying to use than the dampened ring on the Nest Learning Thermostat. I do prefer it to Ecobees clumsy touchscreen, however.

Also different are the materials: the Nest Thermostat is made entirely of plastic that you can get in four different colors, as opposed to the metal finishes of the older models. Aesthetics are certainly a personal preference, but I like the look of the brushed metal of the older Nest models much better. Its clear that Googles changes here were to bring the price down and make it more accessible than the flagship model that retails for $250 (though it can be found on sale quite regularly).

The front of the Nest Thermostat has a mirrored finish, with a display that shines through it when you are in front of the thermostat or interacting with it. This is not a touchscreen all interaction on the thermostat is done through the touch strip and most of the time, it just sits there on the wall not displaying anything. I was concerned that this mirrored finish would get quite dusty, but in the few weeks Ive been testing the Nest Thermostat, its stayed clean.

When the screen is on, it looks like information is just floating on the mirrored front, a neat effect. It will tell you what the thermostat is currently set to, what temp its reading, and whether it is running the heating or cooling systems to adjust the climate in your home. Tap the side, and you can scroll through the menus to adjust modes, set a hold temperature, and view other settings, though most of the adjustments to scheduling and such are handled through the Google Home app on your smartphone.

The mirrored finish is unbroken, thanks to Googles use of radar-based Soli technology to detect your presence instead of a more traditional motion sensor. But if you look at it from the right angle, mostly from the left side, you can see where the square display is centered under the mirrored panel, breaking the illusion a bit.

The Nest Thermostat doesnt support a number of advanced features found on the higher-end model, including FarSight, which lets you see the current temp or other info from across the room. In practice, this wasnt a problem in my home. The Nest was still able to detect my presence and light up even when I was 10 or more feet away from it.

Installing the Nest Thermostat is very similar to prior models, and Google does a good job of walking you through the process with video tutorials in the app. Certain creature comforts, such as the included screwdriver, have been dropped for this model, and most frustrating of all, it doesnt come with a backing plate to cover up the holes in the wall from your old thermostat. To get one of those, youll need to shell out another $15. (Older models always included it in the box.)

The Nest Thermostat doesnt use the rechargeable lithium battery as other models, instead relying on two AAA batteries that Google says will last up to two years. Google also says it does use the same trickle power feature to draw energy from the HVAC system as the older model, which likely helps extend the life of those two batteries.

In all, it takes about 15 minutes to install and set up the Nest Thermostat, though you can also pay a professional to do it for you.

Set up and control of the Nest Thermostat is handled entirely through the Google Home app; you cant do anything with it in the old Nest app. That may be frustrating for existing Nest customers looking for a single place to monitor all of their devices, but for most new owners, it doesnt matter.

Scheduling the Nest Thermostat is significantly different than how older Nest models work. Instead of relying on the thermostat to determine your patterns and automatically schedule itself, you are prompted to choose temperatures and time blocks when you set it up. This is very similar to how a traditional programmable thermostat works: you put in what times youre home, what times you arent, and when you go to bed, and then set temps for each respective mode. You can also add custom time blocks for more granular controls.

This method will be very familiar to those coming from an old programmable thermostat, but it makes the Nest Thermostat feel quite limited and dumb compared to other smart thermostats. For example, it will not adapt itself if your schedule happens to deviate from your programming because youre home at a different time than usual. Right now, we are home a lot more than we typically are, thanks to pandemic-related lockdowns, but the Nest Thermostat sticks to its programmed schedule no matter what.

The Nest Thermostat does have the ability to go into its energy-saving Eco mode when you arent home by using its own presence detection, geolocation on your phone, or a combination of the two. If the system doesnt see any activity for an hour and your phone location is reporting that youre not home, it will automatically switch to the Eco preset to save energy. Its odd that it cant do the opposite for when you are home unexpectedly.

Another area where the Nest Thermostat is inferior to other models is in support for remote sensors. It just doesnt support them; the only temperature it will set itself to is what it reads from its wall-mounted position. Both the Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee line of thermostats can adjust the system based on sensors elsewhere in the home, which provides much more flexibility and control over the climate.

The Nest Thermostat isnt completely dumb. In addition to the smartphone control, you can use either the Google Assistant or Amazons Alexa to adjust the thermostat via voice. It also has built-in energy-saving and comfort features from the other Nest models, including the ability to preheat or cool the home before a scheduled time block starts or circulating the air with the fan to more efficiently use air conditioning. It will also tell you how long it will take the system to reach your selected temperature and will award leaf icons when you program it efficiently though in my home, the only way to get a leaf was to set it uncomfortably cool or warm. It will also prompt you to change filters and do other maintenance to keep the system running efficiently.

In all, the Nest Thermostat is a fine connected thermostat that lets you program and control it with your phone easily. It also can save you money on your heating and cooling bills, thanks to its Eco modes.

But it also feels like a smart thermostat from years ago and isnt as helpful or flexible as other options, even within Nests own lineup. The main appeal for the Nest Thermostat is its price: at $130 and even less if you have a rebate available from your local power company, its a much easier pill to swallow than Nests fancier models or even Ecobees options.

Photography by Dan Seifert / The Verge

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Nest Thermostat review: more simple than smart - The Verge

A new Safe Haven baby box has been installed at Westfield Fire Dept. station No. 83, 17944 Grassy Branch Rd., Nov. 13.

Safe Haven Baby Boxs mission is to end infant abandonment by raising awareness of the Safe Haven Law and providing resources for legal infant surrender. The baby box at WFD is an example of a legal infant surrender.

The new Westfield box is the 51st location in the nation.

I am pleased to see Westfield have a Safe Haven Baby Box, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook stated. While I hope it is never used, it is important that we have this available for a parent in crisis. Every baby deserves a chance, and this program is one way to make that possible.

Cooks wife, Barb, was led the fundraising efforts for the baby box. Safe Haven Baby Boxes cost approximately $15,000 to install. They are equipped with alarm systems to immediately notify staff at the fire station if the box is used. The boxes also have heating and cooling features and are made to lock as soon as a baby is placed inside.

We are always looking for innovative ways to serve our community, Westfield Fire Dept. Chief Marcus Reed stated. Adding a Safe Haven Baby Box to one of our stations is just another way we can proactively protect our most vulnerable.

Indiana is one of five states with an updated Safe Haven Law to include additional infant surrender options, such as the Safe Haven Baby Box.

For more, visit shbb.org.

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Baby box installed at Station 83 Current Publishing - Current in Carmel

Dec. 1, 2020 / PRZen / DE PERE, Wis. -- Whole house filtration removes particles and odors from the air in your home

Homeowners in northeastern Wisconsin already understand the value that whole house filtration systems bring during the six months or more that we have our windows shut. Now home filter systems make more sense than ever as families spend additional time at home.

Robinson Heating & Cooling's experts assist with selecting the appropriate whole house filtration system for your needs so you can eliminate pollutants and other contaminants from the air you breathe every day. Cleaner air also minimizes asthma, allergies and other breathing issues that can affect sleep quality.

In addition to the obvious health benefits, research suggests that enhanced air quality encourages better productivity for working at home and learning at home. Pair whole house filtration and zone heating systems for maximum home comfort.

Whole house filtration relies on high-quality filters

You may have heard of HEPA filters and their role in capturing exceptionally small particulates from the air as part of a whole house filtration system. These high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters serve a crucial role in the effectiveness of your system and its ability to provide clean air for your household.

Your Robinson Heating & Cooling certified specialist will ensure your whole house filtration system has the appropriate filter and power capacity to handle the entire square footage of your entire home. We install purifiers into your home's ductwork that are compatible with your existing ventilation system.

The best filter system for your home depends on a variety of factors. Contact us for a free analysis and learn how a whole house filtration system can provide worry-free clean air for you and your family.

Robinson Heating & Cooling; 45 years of HVAC experience

Robinson Heating & Cooling has been serving the Green Bay, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas since 1975. As the region's trusted source for residential, commercial and industrial HVAC services, Robinson Heating & Cooling repairs most makes and models of heating and cooling equipment in addition to installing new equipment from leading brands.

Visit https://www.robinsonheatingcooling.com/ or call (920) 490-3394 for a consultation or to schedule an appointment.

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An initiative to shine a light on neighborhoods in need and help them diminish crime while building a sense of community is making progress up and down the First State.

Its called Lights On and comes from a group called the Delaware Help Initiative

Contributor Larry Nagengast takes a closer look at this group and what its doing.

Delaware Public Media's Tom Byrne and contributor Larry Nagengast discuss the Delaware Help Initiative and its "Lights On" program.

From Laurel to Claymont, struggling communities are getting brighter, and feeling a little safer, thanks to the work of a 4-year-old Dover-based nonprofit, the Delaware Help Initiative.

Starting in Dover in 2017 as part of the citys Restoring Central Dover campaign, the Help Initiative created Lights On Dover Strong, a program to install energy-efficient LED bulbs on the front porches and solar-powered motion-detected lighting in the rear of more than 350 homes in targeted neighborhoods.

Theyre dedicated folks, Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen said of Help Initiative leaders Charles Kistler and Harold Stafford. They understand that an important part of community revitalization is making the community safe and building trust.

Chanda Jackson, community engagement coordinator for NCALL, a nonprofit that Christiansen credits with pulling together the funding to get the revitalization started, recalls meeting Kistler and Stafford at a Restoring Central Dover committee meeting in early 2017. They asked, what can we do? not only for lighting up the community but building relationships as well.

"They're dedicated folks. They understand that an important part of community revitalization is making the community safe and building trust." - Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen

Stafford and Kistler then pitched their plan to the mayor: replace incandescent bulbs on outdoor fixtures with LED lights and install solar-powered motion detectors in the rear of each home. It was a relatively simple, straightforward approach: no electrical work required, just swapping bulbs and attaching motion detectors.

But the offer would require residents to make a commitment, Stafford said. They had to promise to keep the motion detectors on, tell their neighbors about the program, call police if they noticed suspicious activity and attend a workshop on energy efficiency.

The project targeted a onetime working-class neighborhood south of Division Street between Governors Avenue and the railroad tracks that had been in decline and was experiencing increases in crime and drug traffic, Christiansen said.

When we got started, it took residents a couple of weeks to warm up to us, Stafford says. Then they started coming up to us, asking when we were going to work on their street.

Crime rates have dropped in the neighborhood, but not as much as the city might have liked. However, the projects overall impact was positive enough to spur the city to install new streetlights and security cameras in the area, the mayor said.

Coupled with new affordable housing and other improvements in the Restoring Central Dover campaign, Lights On has been a positive factor in helping promote the citys overall economic development prospects, Christiansen said.

The projects success drew the attention of officials in Seaford, who organized their own Lights On campaign and brought in the Help Initiative to handle installations at nearly 450 residences.

Help Initiative targeted underserved, challenged areas on the citys east side and the lighting improvements made a huge difference, City Manager Charles Anderson said. We hope to do the west side in the future.

After Seaford came Milford, then Laurel and Georgetown.

"Installing lights on and around a property can help dissuade incidents like trespassing, package thefts or burglaries. It can also contribute to an increased sense of comfort for residents and visitors." says Wilm. Police Communications Dir. David Karas

Now the Help Initiative is shining its light upstate on Wilmingtons West Side and in two communities north of the city, Edgemoor Gardens and Knollwood.

While perhaps a simple step, installing lights on and around a property can help dissuade incidents like trespassing, package thefts or burglaries. It can also contribute to an increased sense of comfort for residents and visitors, and can support overall neighborhood safety, says David Karas, policy and communications director for the Wilmington Police Department.

With the programs relatively short history and its geographic limitation to targeted areas, its too soon to make broad conclusions about its impact on crime, but Edward Huey, administrative lieutenant with the Milford Police Department, says there are fewer thefts and criminal mischief incidents in the areas where lights have been installed. At the same time, there have been more reports of found property, and more calls from residents who observe suspicious activity.

Lights help residents see more in the neighborhood. They help residents identify things that are suspicious, Huey says.

West Side Grows Together, the community redevelopment organization that focuses on the section of Wilmington bordered by Interstate 95, Pennsylvania Avenue, the B&O railroad tracks and Lancaster Avenue, brought the Help Initiative to the city a little more than a year ago, according to Sarah Lester, whose role as president and CEO of the Cornerstone West Community Development Corporation, puts her at the center of the areas redevelopment projects.

A lot of our work is focused on clean and safe strategies, Lester says, and residents of the area between Lancaster Avenue and Fourth Street, especially near Judy Johnson Park, frequently mentioned that their neighborhood seemed quite dark.

Lester connected with the Help Initiative through NCALL, whose activities in the Dover area mirror what Cornerstone West tries to accomplish on Wilmingtons West Side.

The Help Initiative began the Lights On campaign in Wilmington late last year, but the COVID-19 state of emergency brought the effort to a halt in mid-March. Help Initiative teams returned to the neighborhood this week and expect to wrap up their work by the end of the month. LED bulbs have replaced incandescent lighting at more than 700 housing units already, Lester said.

A separate program funding the installation of 26 security cameras outside area businesses, primarily along Fourth Street, has given both businesses and residents an increased sense of security, says Gabrielle Lantieri, Cornerstone Wests economic development manager.

The lights and cameras empower residents. Lantieri mentioned a woman who lives in an apartment above her business who spotted suspicious activity when she looked out her window to the alleyway below. She shouted out to him, I can see you now, youve got to get out of here.

In part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilmington police havent been able to assess the projects impact on crime in the area, Karas said, but Lester believes residents feel safer than they did before.

In the suburbs, New Castle County police have worked with the Help Initiative in distributing the LED lights and motion detectors in Edgemoor Gardens and Knollwood.

Edgemoor Gardens is a community in need that is trying to reestablish itself, says Lt. Gerald Tatum, special operations executive officer with the county police. Knollwood, a three-street community cut off from the rest of Claymont by Interstate 495, has struggled with vandalism and drug dealing issues for years.

When Help Initiative teams began visiting these communities in September, county police officers accompanied them, Tatum said. The idea behind this approach was to do more than talk about safety, but also to try to establish stronger police-community relationships, just like what has occurred in other areas where Help Initiative has worked. We had an opportunity to interact with the youth, and with the adults as well, he said.

"We should have an impact on crime, residents feel safer and save on their utility bills. And communities build a stronger relationship with the local police." Cornerstone West Community Development Corporation CEO Sara Lester

While the Help Initiatives most visible work brightens neighborhoods, it provides other free services to residents. Stafford says team members will replace old aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets and install energy-efficient shower heads as well. They will also check water heaters to make sure the temperature is set for 120 to 125 degrees, the level recommended for safe and efficient operation, and provide LED bulbs for interior lighting.

The Help Initiative also has a subcontractor available to do energy audits and arrangements with other subcontractors licensed to repair or replace home heating systems. If improvements to improve efficiency are suggested, the agency can guide residents in finding contractors to do the work and in accessing funding either low-interest loans or grants to pay for the projects.

The Help Initiative relies on a variety of grant programs to perform its work. The Dover project was funded largely through the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation grant that helped underwrite the overall Restoring Central Dover campaign. Subsequent Lights On projects have received much of their funding through Energize Delaware, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide access to low-cost innovative technologies in heating, cooling, ventilation and insulation. Stafford estimates the cost of LED bulbs, motion detectors and related supplies at $100 per residence.

For the energy audits, the Help Initiative is paid as a subcontractor for another business, FranklinEnergy Delaware, which is also funded by Energize Delaware. Federal funds funneled through state agencies cover other costs, Stafford says. Weatherization funds come through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and heating system repair and replacement funds come through the Department of Health and Social Services.

With its broadened range of services, the Help Initiative serves communities and residents in multiple ways, Stafford says.

At West Side Grows Together, Lester concurs.

We should have an impact on crime, residents feel safer and save on their utility bills, she says, and communities build a stronger relationship with the local police."

Link:
Local nonprofit works to light the way to safer, stronger communities - Delaware First Media

During the colder, winter months, small animals will likely try and sneak into your home for shelter and warmth. If there's a way in, rest assured these intrepid, unwanted guests will find it. Once they do, you may not know they're there for several weeks or months. Critters like mice, rats and bats are very good at staying hidden, especially in houses with attics and basements, aka lots of dark places for them to hunker down.

More often than not, the ways you'll learn that critters have taken up residence in your home is by hearing them scuffle about, smelling them in your heating and cooling vents, or seeing their dirty work chewed wires, water damage (especially in the attic) and droppings. So what should you do once it's clear you've got some wild animal tenants? That all depends on what they are. Here's a list of the main culprits you'll find squatting in your home and what you can do to escort them out.

Rodents (mice, rats and squirrels)

Mice, rats and squirrels are the most common critter home invaders you'll come across, because they're small and very capable of squeezing through tiny crevices. In fact, entry holes need not be larger than 1/4 inch for one of these tenacious rodents to make their way through them. The best way to keep them out is by scouring your home for small openings, sealing all cracks and holes, and adding weather stripping to all windows and doors. However, if they've already made their way indoors, things get a bit more complicated.

How to humanely evict rodents

You don't have to use poison or traditional mouse traps to take care of your rodent problem. Instead, you can place cotton balls soaked in peppermint or eucalyptus oil, scents rodents don't like, in areas where you've seen evidence of them to drive them out of your home. You should also make sure to secure all open food and food contained in cardboard, as well as all garbage containers. While this is a temporary deterrent, once the rodents have vacated, plug up the holes and cracks they appear to have entered from so they can't return.

If you find any stragglers remaining after you've plugged up the holes, you can set catch and release traps which are available at most hardware stores.

That said, mice infestations can get out of hand rather quickly, especially if left unchecked for some time. If you feel like your efforts aren't making a dent, call a pest control professional.

In the case of squirrels, it's important to locate their nest, which will likely be in the rafters of your attic. If you find baby squirrels in the nest, it's best to wait a few weeks until their old enough to be on their own. In the meantime, seal off all the openings in your attic so there's only one exit point. Install a one-way cage door on the outside of that exit point so when the squirrels try to leave, they'll go right into the cage. Make sure to check the cage daily so that no one starves inside.

Once you believe all the squirrels have been caught, release them at least five miles away from your house as long as your state's wildlife catch and release laws designate allow that.

Bats in the attic

Brown bats like to roost in attics, so that's the variety people often happen upon. They can enter through tiny openings around windows, air vents and gaps in roofs. Bats can actually be quite useful because they have a voracious appetite for bugs, but that doesn't mean you necessarily want them taking up permanent residence in your home.

It's important to note, however, that you can't simply remove bats any old way. Bat extermination is actually illegal in the US, so they must be evicted via "exclusion" which basically means sealing up all exits except for one or two where a trap is placed, just like with squirrels. Exclusions can also only be down in the early spring, before bat babies are born, or early fall, once the babies are old enough to be away from their mother.

A bat removal expert can install bat check valves over any openings which allow bats to leave but not return to their roosting spot.

If a bat starts flying around a more common area, like a bedroom or living room, clear out young children and pets, wait for it to land, and either capture it using heavy duty gloves, or by putting a plastic container over it and sliding a piece of cardboard underneath, like you would a large insect. Release outside away from your home, either in midair or onto a vertical space, like a tree.

How to handle larger pests

Raccoons, skunks and possums may also frequent your attic, basement or garage to escape the punishing cold weather, but they can be harder to trap without professional help. Once captured and released, the best way to keep them from coming back is to always keep garage and basement doors and windows closed, secure outdoor trash cans with wildlife-proof lids and or bungee cords, and cap your chimney.

More here:
What to Do if You Find Critters Living in Your Home | The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com - The Weather Channel