Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Outdoor seating has provided some much-needed help for restaurants during the pandemic. Social distancing guidelines have forced businesses to find ways to seat customers outside of the building so they can be more spread out. Now, the challenge is the colder weather. The Porch Kitchen and Cantina in Winston-Salem recently rolled out their new dining bubbles to provide an enclosed area for guests to eat. I saw in other cities and in Northern Europe they use these bubbles and it will be snowing outside youll be cozy in your bubble! The Porch owner, Claire Calvin, said. The dining bubbles are now open to guests at the porch and Calvin said some people werent sure about the idea at first. Some people were like, that just seems as dangerous as anything else, she said. Calvin explained her thought process, that you can be in the bubble with your own group of people and not be exposed to others.Theres two sides that open so you can kind of air it out and then we obviously sanitize in between, she said. Calvin said the health department doesnt have an issue with the bubbles and more customers are now requesting them specifically when they come to the restaurant. A lot of people really like them, she said. She said its been a tough road for her business and thinks it could get harder during winter, but shes hopeful things will get back to normal eventually.I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even if we shut down, theres a light at the end of the tunnel, she said. The bubbles arent the only modification to The Porch, they also opened a separate part of the building that allows for more space while customers are eating.

Outdoor seating has provided some much-needed help for restaurants during the pandemic. Social distancing guidelines have forced businesses to find ways to seat customers outside of the building so they can be more spread out.

Now, the challenge is the colder weather.

The Porch Kitchen and Cantina in Winston-Salem recently rolled out their new dining bubbles to provide an enclosed area for guests to eat.

I saw in other cities and in Northern Europe they use these bubbles and it will be snowing outside youll be cozy in your bubble! The Porch owner, Claire Calvin, said.

The dining bubbles are now open to guests at the porch and Calvin said some people werent sure about the idea at first.

Some people were like, that just seems as dangerous as anything else, she said.

Calvin explained her thought process, that you can be in the bubble with your own group of people and not be exposed to others.

Theres two sides that open so you can kind of air it out and then we obviously sanitize in between, she said.

Calvin said the health department doesnt have an issue with the bubbles and more customers are now requesting them specifically when they come to the restaurant.

A lot of people really like them, she said.

She said its been a tough road for her business and thinks it could get harder during winter, but shes hopeful things will get back to normal eventually.

I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even if we shut down, theres a light at the end of the tunnel, she said.

The bubbles arent the only modification to The Porch, they also opened a separate part of the building that allows for more space while customers are eating.

Original post:
The Porch Kitchen and Cantina in Winston-Salem introduces dining bubbles - WXII12 Winston-Salem

About 12 years ago, Jesusa Palacios and her adopted son Jonathan were at a turning point.

Jonathan was 13 and preparing for middle school when he was asked to write a transition plan for his post-high school goals. The Palacios family started doing research with loved ones to find what would be best for him.

HOLIDAY DONATIONS: Toys for Tots continues accepting donations despite COVID-19 challenges

After deciding he probably was not going to college and determining that he has multiple challenges that prevent him from working independently, they noticed that he could enjoy working in an ice cream truck. Jonathan spent four years driving with a friend in an ice cream truck every summer, and he loves it, she said. While its not his own yet, they know that he will do customized self employment under the name "Bubba Jon's Ice Cream Delights."

Palacios is now the director of Solomons Porch Light, which helps her son and other families like theirs connect to businesses and ideas for their own childrens futures. She decided to start the Humble nonprofit after parents of individuals with disabilities started asking how they found something that was right for Jonathan.

So thats how Solomons Porch Light was born, Palacios said. Out of the need for my son and to help others... Well be the advocate for those individuals that never get noticed, never get publicized, nobody really knows about them theyre out there.

Due to the coronavirus, they started the program virtually this July. They have promoted individuals in the arts, footwear, shredding services and a pet rescue businesses. Their mission is to raise awareness and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to become business owners.

They have about 68 businesses that have connected with them. They promote them through their website to provide families with ideas as to how their children, who may not be able to be placed in jobs traditionally, could follow a career path and own a business that they enjoy, essentially serving as a middle man between families and businesses.

Next year, they plan to begin training sessions either online or in-person.

So thats part of the resources, right, Palacios said. Whatever I have learned as a parent and how to do these resources Im going to pass on to other people or other individuals that need help.

CORONAVIRUS: Active positives in Humble ISD reach 167 as cases grow at elementaries

One of those businesses helping to serve Solomons Porch Light is located in northwest Houston. Shredding on the Go offers secure business and residential document shredding services and recycling. The company hires individuals who face unique challenges shredding barriers one page at a time as their website states.

They have eight individuals in addition to owner James Parker working for Shredding on the Go who would have challenges finding work in the traditional job market according to Renee Parker, James mother.

Parker said they discovered her sons interest in shredding during a conversation with their family about what he could do for work.

I personally have a lot of experience with customized self-employment, which is what we did for my son and I think is what (Palacios is) doing for her son, Parker said. ... Customized self-employment creates a job opportunity based solely on individual skills and what they would enjoy doing.

For more information about Solomons Porch Light, visit their website at http://www.solomonsporchlight.org. For more information on Shredding on the Go, visit http://www.shreddingonthego.com.

savannah.mehrtens@chron.com

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Humble nonprofit Solomons Porch Light helps differently-abled adults find fulfilling work - Houston Chronicle

The holiday season is here, a time for giving thanks and sending love to friends and family, but for many the holiday season is a golden opportunity for theft.

This year, more than ever, many are taking their shopping online to stay safe from coronavirus which means thieves can expect a plethora of packages at residents doorsteps.

To keep gifts safe from porch pirates this year the Gulfport Police Department has a few tips. Gulfport PIO Sgt. Jason Ducre said, With the coronavirus going on, with everybody shopping online, packages are going to be delivered to houses more frequently. And theyre just crimes of opportunity, is what they are, and its our job to limit the opportunities. So if you can, have your packages delivered to your job, or a neighbors house, or a relative, or get a signature on delivery.

Ducre also recommends buying a porch camera. While they wont prevent theft, they can help police find a suspect faster.

Original post:
Beware of porch pirates ahead of the holidays - WXXV News 25

Twitter has some mixed feelings about a man who has been seen on video feeding "at least 30" raccoons on his porch. A video emerged on Twitter on Monday night of a man treating several chubby raccoons to what appeared to be hot dogs (sans the bun).

"[T]his guy goes out every night and feeds the raccoons living near his house and it's adorable chaos," a Twitter user wrote alongside the clip.

In the video, the man sits on a snow-covered bench while several heavyset raccoons crawl all over him, trying to grab some off the food from a container. Some climb on his lap, begging for food. Others perch on his shoulder, waiting for him to hand off a hot dog.

It's safe to say that the video has caught the attention of many people online. While some called the man's mealtime ritual for the raccoons adorable, others didn't find it as cute. "No- not adorable. We in CO know that you don't feed wildlife. Also, raccoons carry diseases that are especially dangerous for kids," one person wrote.

"It's not adorable if you are his neighbor. Ever had a neighbor who feeds feral cats? Same stupid behavior," another chimed in.

"When I see raccoons, the first thing I think of is rabies," someone else said. "The second thing I think about is the damage they do to homes. So, it's not as warm and cuddly for me."

One user pointed out that feeding raccoons could have an effect on an entire neighborhood, not just the folks feeding them. "Very dangerous too. Wild animals should not be fed by humans. They can carry diseases. Congregating unnaturally draws predators. Dangerous for entire neighborhood."

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"Pretty dangerous. They're going to look for that food in the neighborhood every night...whether he shows up or not," another agreed.

Some folks were also concerned about the effect the food would actually have on the raccoons. "This guy is single-handedly causing an ecological disaster of diabetic raccoons, but free internet pass because he's a lonely old man and fat raccoons are cute," one person chided.

"I just wish he'd be a bit more considerate of their diet, if he's going to keep inviting them," another noted. "I know he means well, and just may not understand, for example, their size is not normal."

"How many times is he feeding them?" a third asked. "They are freaking huge!! Lmao."

As per Pest World, raccoons typically eat plants and other animals such as: "fruits, berries, nuts, fish, frogs, mussels, crayfish, insects, turtles, mice, rabbits, muskrats and bird eggs." So, basically, not hot dogs.

Read more:
This Man Feeds Raccoons on His Porch Every Night, and Twitter Has Some Thoughts - Newsweek

KILLEEN, TX Monday, we showed you how to safely shop while looking for gifts online but what happens when you do everything right and a porch pirate comes by and snags your packages?

Jennifer McCann owns a quaint mail service in Harker Heights and for the past 21 years in business, shes heard a common worry from her customers: Mail theft.

Well hold it for a few days if needed, McCann said, So [they] wont feel like they need to rush home from work to grab their package from their porch.

Its a crime officials take seriously since a 2019 bill Governor Abbott passed that charges porch pirates thousands in fines and possible jail or prison time if convicted.

Were going to have our officers out making sure that were watching for that, and that our citizens are watching for that, Lawrence Stewart, the public information officer for the Harker Heights Police Department said. Were gonna take the opportunity to arrest you.

But there are ways we can catch the thieves including utilizing an at-home security system.

You know it's working when you get notifications when your camera detects abnormal activity and it could be the only way to catch the criminal.

Were all super busy these days and were all running and doing things, Josh Wallace at InHouse Systems in Temple said. I mean it's just crazy right now. So, having a peace of mind at home, about home is important.

But if you dont have a Ring doorbell or security cameras, there are other ways to make sure your deliveries are safe.

The best thing to do is if you know you ordered a package, to be on the lookout for that package, Stewart said.

Or you can seek out a third party to help keep your mail secure like Eagle Express.

We keep everything safe here, McCann explained. We call the customers directly so they know they have a package here and they get the notification instantly.

Experts say the easiest way to stay safe this holiday season is to be vigilant with packages and invest in a security system or video doorbell.

See more here:
Porch pirates are on the rise as the holiday season rolls around - KXXV News Channel 25

You shouldnt mess with mans best friend or how they settle things among themselves. Dogs know where their spot is on the front porch, and whose spot is whose. The king, or alpha dog of the porch, will let any other dog know when they are sleeping in their spot. Theres a pecking order, a hierarchy among the porch dwellers. If you cross the unwritten rule of where your place is on the porch, youll suffer the consequences.

Comedian Kevin Heart says the same thing another way, Stay in your lane. The fact is, we all get a little ahead of ourselves. Where am I going with this? I think its critical that every company have a well-defined front porchi.e., organizational chart.

A good organizational chart lets everyone know who reports to who, and whos in charge of what task or department. It allows a company to manage from a much higher plane, no matter its size. An organizational chart also gives each employee a path, or a position to work toward.

Sometimes smaller companies are less likely to have an org chart, and I think this is a mistake. As in a small company, everyone normally takes on multiple jobs and the org chart helps define those roles and who does them. And, as the small company grows, the org chart can identify what positions need to be filled first, and what the pecking order should be.

If your company seems out of control, or if it seems like the company is running you, instead of you running the company, put in place a well thought out organizational chart, and see if that doesnt help. It certainly cant hurt. At the very least you wont get barked at while youre sleeping.

As alwaysMy two cents.

More:
Every Dog Should Know Their Place on the Porch | Mind Your Business - USGlass Metal & Glazing

Investigators believe they are on the right track of solving the mysterious double-murder of a Missouri couple found dead on their front porch Saturday morning.

Willard Police Chief Tom McClain said in a newsconference Monday that investigators believe 28-year-old Alexander Chute and Brianna Sproul, 30, were killed by a third party.

McClain said the crime scene did not suggest the couple had died during a murder-suicide but pointed to another person being involved, according to The Springfield News Leader.

Police also dont believe it had been a random attack.

These folks in Willard were targeted, he said, according to local station KY3.

Police were called to the home Saturday morning and discovered the couple shot to death on the front porch.

McClain declined to discuss a possible motive in the slaying, but said he believed the investigators were making progress in the case.

While I am not willing to talk about particular suspects or motives or things of that nature, we are, as I said earlier, confident that we are on the right track, he said.

Oxygen.com reached out to the Willard Police but had not received a response as of press time.

At the time of the slayings, Chute had been in a custody battle with his ex-wife, according to court records obtained by the local station. Just last month, his ex-wife filed a motion for a family access order in the case.

Chute filed for divorcein 2018.

Although this level of violence is unusual for the small town, McClain said he is hopeful and confident that police will be able to bring those responsible to justice.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Willard Police Department at 417-742-5341.

Crime Time is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. Sign up for our Crime Time Newsletter and subscribe to our true crime podcast Martinis & Murder for all the best true crime content.

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Missouri Couple Found Slain On Their Front Porch In What Authorities Believe Was A 'Targeted' Attack - Oxygen

Jack Perry|The Providence Journal

Santa Claus won't make it to Garden City Center in Cranston this year because of COVID-19, but the shopping center says his elveswill visit, and the halls will be decked.

The realities of the pandemic and the need for social distancing are forcing all of us to do things differently this year, and yet we know that shoppers look forward to Garden City Centers festive holiday traditions and we want to keep as much of that as possible this year, saidJoe Koechel, general manager.

In Santa's absence, the shopping center's tradition of holiday strolls will continue. The strolls will feature carolers in Victorian-era clothing, hot chocolate and a brass holiday band playing traditional and modern holiday songs.

Santa will also send some of his elves to walk around during the strollshanding out the occasional "surprise"for children and adults, too.

The strolls will befrom 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28, December 5 and December 12.

More: RI updates list of coronavirus cases by community

More: Latest numbers: RI reports 6 COVID deaths, new daily case record

More: Governor Raimondo expected to announce more COVID restrictions Thursday

For families looking to take Christmas photos, the shopping center saysthe Verde Garden Shop, a seasonal pop-up, has designed a display at the gazebo that features trees andwreathes where families can take holiday photographs.

jperry@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7614

On Twitter: @jgregoryperry

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Santa Claus won't be visiting Garden City Center this year because of COVID - The Providence Journal

NAUGATUCK For the third time in five months, police charged a 66-year-old registered sex offender with masturbating in public.

Police arrested Francis Scott Keen, of 18 Barnum Court, Naugatuck, at about 7 p.m. Tuesday after they say he was masturbating downtown in public.

Deputy Police Chief C. Colin McAllister said a woman, who was driving past Salem School with a child in the car, told police she saw Keen exposing and fondling himself near the playscape at Salem Elementary School on Meadow Street.

When officers arrived, McAllister said, they spotted Keen with his pants unbuckled on a bench on the Green, which is across the street from the school. Keen tried to walk away when he saw the officers, McAllister said.

Officers found Keen with a bottle of baby oil, police said.

Police charged Keen with public indecency, second-degree breach of peace and loitering in or about school. Police held Keen on a $25,000 bond, which was doubled when he appeared in Waterbury Superior Court on Wednesday. He did not post bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 9.

This is the third time in the past five months Naugatuck police charged Keen, a registered sex offender, with public indecency.

On June 19, police arrested Keen after they say he was masturbating in the gazebo on the Green in the afternoon.

On Aug. 21, officers charged Keen after police say they found him with his pants and belt undone sitting on a rock on the side of Fairview Avenue. Police said Keen had several bottles of lubricant in his possession.

These cases are still pending in Superior Court, according to online judicial records.

Keen, a registered sex offender, has a history of public indecency.

In 1998, he was convicted of risk of injury to a child after he appeared to masturbate with his hands down his pants in front of two children, 14 and 15, according to the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry.

In 2010, Keen was convicted of risk of injury to a child after approaching boys in a public area and masturbating while making sexual comments, records show.

Related

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Naugatuck man accused of lewd act in public for third time this year - Waterbury Republican American

Once in Volgograd, I walked to the Mamayev Kurgan, the dominant hill overlooking the city, where I visited the Second World War mausoleum. Further down the river, I stopped by Tsagan Aman, the only kalmyk town located on the Volga. After visiting the Buddhist temple, locals took me to a restaurant, where I drank traditional milk tea, and berk, meat dumplings with yak butter.

During my last days of paddling, I was getting closer to the city of Astrakhan. Here, far away from any nearby reservoirs, the river regains its independence, its ardour, and draws voluptuous meanders as it curls around innumerable islands dusted with fine sand. I saw fishermen, wild horses, and white-tailed eagles flying above. By mid-November, I reached Astrakhan, and followed the river delta. On one of my final stops, a group of local fishermen invited me to a delicious lunch of ukha, fish soup. On 15 November, 82 days after starting the trip, and 3,690 km later, I reached Vyzhka. Here, at the southernmost point of the delta, by the shores of the Caspian sea, my journey came to an end.

The rest is here:
How I paddled down the Volga from source to sea - The Calvert Journal