Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

A crowded room with no bench space

After: An organised space where everything has its place

Chris L. Jones

Hole and gap filler; sandpaper; undercoat; painting equipment; drill; hole saw; spirit level; clamps; various screws; wall fixings; plastic packers; circular saw; jigsaw; tile adhesive; tile spacers; tile cutter; grout; silicone

Have a plumber disconnect and remove existing laundry tub. Fill holes, gaps and cracks in wall with appropriate filler, and sand. If you need to move electrical or plumbing, do this first, then patch holes. Remove dust. Spot prime patches with undercoat.

Work out cabinet sizes. Leave space for washer then fill remaining wall length with flat-pack cabinets, adjusting size of washer space to suit. Ensure there is a cabinet big enough for sink.

Step 3

Greg Fahey

Assemble and install cabinets. Cut holes in sink cabinet with a hole saw for plumbing pipes to go through. Adjust feet to be level, clamp together with fronts flush and screw together. Screw through cabinet backs into wall with a fixing to suit wall type.

Install panels on either side of washer space for appliance cabinet. Make them level with each other and the front edge plumb. Use plastic packers under them to hold in place. Screw through cabinets to secure panel and fix other to wall.

Step 5

Greg Fahey

Cut benchtop using circular saw and fit. If corner its going into isnt square, cut benchtop end on an angle to fit. Use template that comes with sink to mark out hole for sink, then cut with jigsaw. Sit benchtop on cabinets. Screw up through cabinets into benchtop to secure.

Greg Fahey

Tile splashback behind benchtop. Set out tiles to ensure there are no narrow cuts that will look ugly. Butter tile backs with adhesive and stick on wall, using spacers for even gaps. Make any cuts using a tile cutter. Let adhesive dry. Grout then apply silicone to gap between tiles and bench.

Step 7

Greg Fahey

Paint walls using a formula for wet areas to reduce risk of mould. Apply 2 coats. Let dry after each.

Assemble and install slimline cabinet over dryer space, screwing into side panels. In gap where space has been widened, frame out and cover gap with a filler panel. Install door panels on cabinets, then attach handles.

Step 9

Greg Fahey

Install shelves and other wall accessories. You can use benchtop offcuts as shelves if you can drill holes and rebate 1 edge to fit over brackets. Have plumber connect the sink and tap.

Arms 570 x 18 x 18mm Tasmanian oak (5) End blocks 100 x 90 x 35mm benchtop offcuts (2) Back 190 x 90 x 35mm benchtop offcut (1) 10mm threaded rod 10mm lock nuts and washers

Drill; countersinking drill bit; 10mm drill bit; matt varnish; paintbrush; hacksaw; spanner; PVA glue; 65mm screws; clear silicone; wall fixings

Drill pilot holes 20mm from 1 end of arms, then drill a 10mm hole all the way through.

Apply 2 coats of matt varnish to all components before assembly. Allow to dry.

Step 3

Greg Fahey

Cut threaded rod to 210mm long with a hacksaw. Thread nuts, washers and timber arms over rod. Tighten nuts onto rod using a spanner. Start from the centre and work your way out with the rod left sticking out equally at both ends.

Step 4

Greg Fahey

Drill 10mm holes 10mm deep in the end blocks. Make the holes 30mm from 1 end. Also drill pilot holes for screws to join the ends to the back.

Step 5

Greg Fahey

Spread PVA glue on back, then screw 1 end piece to the back with 65mm screws.

Step 6

Greg Fahey

Squirt a dab of clear silicone into the hole in the end then insert rod into hole. Check the other end will sit over the rod then glue and screw the other end piece to the back.

Attach drying rack to wall using fixings appropriate to your wall type.

Project completed! Use your drying rack for hand towels when not in service for drying

Chris L. Jones

Circular saw; tape measure; pencil; jigsaw; drill; 3mm drill bit

When working with tight tolerances, check parts for fit after each step.

Use a circular saw to cut benchtop to suit width of washing machine opening. Measure at front and back in case the opening is not square.

Step 2

Greg Fahey

Mark sides of bench for the rebate the drawer runners will fit into.

Step 3

Greg Fahey

Cut the rebate using the circular saw. Finish the corner with a jigsaw for a neat finish.

Predrill and screw one part of the drawer runners to rebates and the other part to the sides of the appliance cabinet panels. Position these parts so the front of the bench will be flush with the panels and level with the adjacent bench.

Step 5

Greg Fahey

Slide drawer runners together and check for fit. If the benchtop is tight or doesnt run smoothly you will have to trim the benchtop rebates slightly. Take the tiniest amount off each time and continually check for fit so you dont end up cutting off too much.

Project completed! A slide-out bench and a collapsible basket are a dynamic duo

Chris L. Jones

Make the most of vertical space with floating shelves in your benchtop timber, sized to suit your space. Use attractive containers for your powders and detergents and storage becomes display!

Chris L. Jones

For more amazing projects, pick up a copy of the latest issue ofBetter Homes and Gardensmagazine in selected newsagents and supermarkets orbuy onlinetoday!

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Beginning in the present day, you should buy a brand new Samsung wearable: the Galaxy Match 2. The long-awaited follow-up to the primary Galaxy Match (which launched in February final 12 months) appears similar to its predecessor however with the same old upgrades.

Associated:The most effective health trackers you should buy proper now

The Galaxy Match 2 will set you again $60, which is a notable drop in comparison with the unique $100 value of the Galaxy Match. It is available in two colours: Black and Scarlet. Nonetheless, the Scarlet coloration appears much less pink than it does pink. Possibly salmon?

The obvious improve for the Galaxy Match 2 as in comparison with the unique is the bigger show. The Galaxy Match 2 has a 1.1-inch show with a 126 x 294 decision. This trumps the Galaxy Matchs zero.95-inch show by a major margin.

Regardless of the show getting larger, the wearables case is near the identical measurement because the older mannequin and barely lighter at simply 21g.

Samsung Galaxy Match 2 The newest health tracker from Samsung

Boasting a bigger show and a much bigger battery than its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Match 2 is a smartly-priced wearable from a trusted model.

Beneath the hood, theres a bigger battery, too. The 159mAh cell has a better capability than the 120mAh cell of the unique, which ought to give longer general battery life. Samsung claims you may stand up to 3 weeks of battery life from the Galaxy Match 2, relying on the settings. Wed want to check that out ourselves earlier than wed consider it, although.

If you happen tore within the Galaxy Match 2, you may seize it proper now from Samsung.com for $60. Itll doubtless land at third-party retailers quickly.

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Opel has revealed the first photos of the dashing, all-new Crossland, ahead of its imminent arrival on Irish forecourts. Crisp and compact on the outside, spacious and versatile on the inside, the new Crossland adopts the Opel brands unmistakeable new Vizor front face signature, first revealed on the all-new Mokka.

A replacement to the popular predecessor Crossland X, which has won legions of fans Europe-wide, the new Opel Crossland dispenses with the X-appendix in its name, gains an improved chassis, extra comfort and technology features and a new sporty SRi Line trim. Prices, powertrains and equipment will be announced closer to its early-2021 arrival.

James Brooks, Managing Director at Leeson Motors, Irish Importer of Opel, said: The unveiling of the all-new Crossland heralds the start of a complete rejuvenation of the Opel model line-up.

We look forward to 2021 with confidence in anticipation of all new Crossland, the all-new Mokka, an electrified Zafira-e Life and our first all-electric light commercial vehicle, the new Vivaro-e, with many more new models to follow within 12 months.

The new Crossland features the all-new Opel Vizor front face, which extends in one single sweep across the front of the vehicle, integrating both the grille and headlights, punctuated proudly in the centre with the Opel brands legendary lightning-flash emblem.

A hallmark signature of all new Opel models to come, the front Vizor face is married to an equally strong rear visual identity featuring a new, high gloss black tailgate panel housing the Opel logo and book-ended with stylish rear lights.

New exterior style features, trim dependent, include front and rear skid plates, LED front fog lamps, chrome door mouldings, plus an all-new range of 16 and 17-inch light-alloy wheels.

A new SRi Line version will boast black 16-inch light-alloy wheels, a black roof and red signature daylight opening, whilst an SRi Line + adds black 17-inch light-alloy wheels, AGR-certified ergonomic seats for driver and front passenger, adaptive full LED headlamps and LED taillights and roof rails.

Journeys onboard the new Crossland will be even more relaxing and safer with the numerous ultra-modern technologies and assistance systems available.

Adaptive full-LED headlamps with cornering light, high beam assist and auto levelling ensure outstanding visibility in the dark. The Head Up display projects the most important data on speed, navigation and assistance systems into the drivers direct line of sight.

Features to further increase peace of mind include Forward collision alert with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Side Blind Spot Alert, Panoramic Rear View Camera and Automatic Park Assist.

New Crossland buyers can enjoy enhanced driving dynamics offered with the optional IntelliGrip. This adaptive traction control system enables optimum traction and stability on all kinds of surface, thanks to its five mode settings of Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand and ESP. The driver can choose between the settings to best suit road conditions.

Drivers and passengers are well connected and entertained thanks to the range of infotainment systems comprising Radio, Multimedia and the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with 8.0-inch colour touch screen.

The Multimedia units are also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Compatible smartphones are chargeable while in use via wireless inductive charging.

The new Crossland SUV also convinces with a high level of flexibility, thanks to individually sliding and reclining rear seats. They come with a 60/40 split and slide by up to 150mm, increasing boot space from 410 to a class-leading 520 litres in seconds. Folding the rear seats completely increases the volume to a cavernous 1,255 litres.

Existing Crossland X drivers will appreciate the improvements Opel has made to the Crosslands chassis. The Opel engineers in Rsselsheim have developed new springs and dampers for the McPherson strut front suspension and the torsion-beam rear axle.

In combination with the new steering column intermediate shaft, which improves steering precision and centre-feel, the chassis of the new Crossland delivers an optimum balance of comfort and agility.

The new Crossland will arrive at dealerships in early 2021.

More:
All-new Opel Crossland is much more than just a pretty face - The Avondhu Press

When Walter Eisenhardt first saw the old Victorian-style home with a wraparound front porch on Martin Avenue in Bellmore, he knew he had to have it.

"Im a hobby-level architectural historian, antique collector, and lover of old Victorian homes," said the 59-year-old retiree. "Instantly, I recognized it as an original Charles A. Frisch house, potentially a historic landmark for this area which, when the structure was built in 1910, was known as Smithville South."

But the porchs true value became apparent after pandemic restrictions were imposed in March, offering Eisenhardt a way to interact with friends and neighbors at a safe distance in a world reeling from COVID-19.

Cruise just about any Long Island neighborhood and you are likely to spot a few porches standing proud, looking out toward the street, and providing a gentle buffer between the privacy of the homes and the world outside.

Originally designed to allow escape from hot, humid weather in the days before air conditioning, porches have taken on an increasingly social function in modern times.

"Its easy to take them for granted," said Nancy Solomon, director of Long Island Traditions, a regional folk arts and preservation organization. "But porches in America have a long history of both serving purposefully and making a statement."

"They allow people to keep an eye on the neighborhood or say hello without getting too close," Solomon explained. "They are perfect for dining, entertaining or relaxing outdoors while enjoying a cool evening breeze. They also serve as a transition space between indoors and out. If, for example, you arent acquainted with a visitor, you might hold a conversation on the porch rather than in your home."

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Indeed, porches have been a staple on the American homestead for well over a century. Whether designed for status or functionality, or both, they do make a statement while adding an elegant touch to a beautiful home.

Eisenhardts porch was one such appendage designed by Frisch, a popular builder on Long Islands west end back in the early 1900s. In fact, Eisenhardt said, Frisch constructed a number of these builds right on High Hill Beach now Jones Beach before it became a state park.

When he bought it in 2007, though, the house was really run down, Eisenhardt said. He had it declared a landmark home in 2016.

"It was a shambles," he said, "but it had so much potential as a restoration project. Its a classic with high peaks, a stairway inside the front door, a big ball post at the base of the banister and that wonderful porch. Nothing says American home architecture like a beautiful front or wraparound porch."

Although examples date to ancient Greece and Rome, front porches on Long Island trace their roots to trans-Atlantic traders, Solomon notes.

"Many European settlers that came to the New World stopped first in the Caribbean and West Indies where they viewed front porches on typical homes," she said. "By the 1800s, porches had made their way up the Georgia coast, into South Carolina, and over to New Orleans. Following the Civil War, as we entered the Victorian Age, wraparounds grew prevalent throughout the country. Long Island proved to be a particular hot spot."

With Victorian architecture, especially, most front porches wrapped around to the side and connected to the dining room. "People would finish their meals and exit from the dining room to the porch to relax in the cool evening breeze after eating," Eisenhardt explained. "The porch was an extension of the living space of the home. People probably spent more time on the porch than inside when the weather was enjoyable."

Not surprisingly, some of the social importance of porches has faded in recent years with the advent of cellphones and the internet making daily person-to-person communication less vital. Still practicalities and niceties remain.

Eisenhardt waters his front lawn from the porch as he gets a great perspective looking out into the yard. He also enjoys chatting up neighbors and passersby. "You can do that while still social distancing," he noted. "Thats a real plus these days."

Depending on the type of porch, some consider it an attraction. "Nothing says relax more than a beautiful front porch," said Scott Bennett of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Cutchogue. "They make you feel like this is a great place to enjoy watching the time go by."

The size, style and functionality of any porch helps determine how much value it adds to your home, Bennett said. "Its hard to pin an exact dollar amount on any porch, but if in good shape, most prospective buyers should see it as a plus. Adding recessed lighting or even ceiling fans can be a nice touch if done tastefully," he said.

Those whove lived in houses with porches are nostalgic about them.

A single parent, Eisenhardt says his 13-year-old son, Harrison, practically grew up on the porch. "He spent time on our porch in his playpen and highchair," Eisenhardt said. "Now he reads, hangs out and shares dinner or lunch here. Its part of our everyday life, as is my having an occasional espresso on the porch in the morning, or glass of wine in the evening."

Richard and Mary Clark, of Rockville Centre, like to entertain on their front porch.

"We have a big wraparound and we serve a lot of meals on it," Mary said. "We hosted 40 friends and family for Thanksgiving last year. We put out drinks and adults enjoyed each others company while the kids played in the front yard where we all kept an eye on them. We have a couple of small tables where my son, Owen, age 22, enjoys having breakfast. We also have a big hydrangea bush growing along one side of the front railing. If I just need some quiet and want to be outside without being disturbed, I can enjoy a few peaceful minutes there."

While porches made of composite materials tend to be nearly maintenance-free, it can be a labor of love to maintain a wooden porch. Still, when everything comes together, both homes and owners shine with pride.

"I had an elderly woman walk past my house a few days ago," Eisenhardt said. "I was on the porch when she looked up: This is one of the nicest homes Ive ever seen in this neighborhood, she said."

"I dont think its a coincidence that my porch restoration had just been completed."

Heres a listing of homes with porches on Long Island:

Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3,000 square feet

Style: Victorian

Built: 1887

Annual taxes: $17,101

Description: This house with a wraparound porch sits on a half-acre of flat, private, manicured grounds in the heart of historic Sea Cliff and comes with a chef's kitchen and a renovated one-bedroom cottage and beach rights.

Listing agents: Eileen Heimer and Robert Cullen, Daniel Gale Real Estate, 516-674-2000.

Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, about 1,700 square feet

Style: Cottage

Built: 1931

Annual taxes: $3,657

Description: This home with a front porch is close to Main Street shopping and dining, the LIRR station and famous beaches. The back and side gardens are beautifully landscaped with evergreens for privacy and feature a brick patio and an outdoor shower.

Listing agent: Pat Garrity, The Corcoran Group, 631-903-5900

Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,700 square feet

Style: Cape

Built: 1998

Annual taxes: $10,488

Description: This spacious house with a porch comes with landscaped grounds, an in-ground pool, lots of privacy and is close to downtown Cutchogue, wineries and markets, and access to kayaking at the end of the lane.

Listing agent: Scott Bennett, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 631-354-8100

Size: 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, 1,560 square feet

Style: Ranch

Built: 2006

Annual taxes: $9,352

Description: Off the beaten path but close to the beach, stores and restaurants, this house with a porch has a great room with dual fireplaces and is in move-in condition.

Listing agent: Jolene DeCecco, Landmark Realty of L I Inc., 631-929-3600

Porches can be in the front or back of the home and sometimes wrap around the side of the house. When located in the rear of the house, they are typically raised to the first or second level of the home. Front porches and side porches are generally covered. Many confuse them with decks, which are an extension of the home, usually uncovered and at the back of the house.

Materials matter when it comes to porch maintenance, says Lou Pagnotti of Decks Unique in Commack, who performed most of the restoration for Eisenhardts Bellmore home and wraparound porch.

Pressure-treated wood is least expensive," Pagnotti said. "Special woods like mahogany cost more, look terrific but hold up about the same in the long run. Both should last 20 to 30 years neither is likely to look new toward the end. Composite boards and spindles are more expensive than pressure treated but are very low maintenance and generally come with a significant warranty, often 25 years.

For maintenance, experts suggest sweeping your porch clean as needed and waterproofing wood porches yearly. Avoid using a hose to clean unless overly dirty as moisture promotes rot. A full porch restoration is a big job that often entails bringing construction up to code. If you need to replace more than a few boards, it might be a good idea to consult a professional.

Number of homes with porches that were sold in Suffolk County in the first nine months of this year, compared with 4,245 in all of 2019, and 4,127 in all of 2018.

Number of homes with porches that were sold in Nassau County in the first nine months of this year, compared with 3,643 in all of 2019 and 4.625 in all of 2018.

Source: OneKey MLS

By Tom Schlichter Special to Newsday

See original here:
Porches in the pandemic: Social distancing with style - Newsday

Porch CEO Matt Ehrlichman (iStock; Porch)

In Porch.coms IPO filing, the home-services startup touts one of its core values: No Jerks/No Egos.

But the nice guy approach has brought the firm to the brink of financial ruin, the filing shows. Unless its able to raise additional capital, the company will not have sufficient cash flows and liquidity to fund its planned business for the next 12 months.

The disclosure, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday, was made ahead of Porchs merger with a blank-check company led by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority veterans Thomas Hennessy and Joseph Beck. The deal, announced in July, values Porch at $523 million. According to the IPO filing, Porch generated $77.6 million in revenue last year, up from $54.1 million in 2018.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority veterans Thomas Hennessey and Joseph Beck

Founded in 2011, Porch sells software to home-services companies in exchange for data on homebuyers. It then sells additional home services, such as contractor services and TV and internet, to those clients.

But the companys accountants have raised substantial doubt about the cash-strapped companys ability to stay in business, the filing shows. The Real Deal took a closer look at the 581-page prospectus to learn more; heres what we found:

Accounting woes. Porch is not yet profitable. As of June 30, its balance sheet listed $3.9 million in cash, plus $46.4 million in assets and $63.2 million in debt. The company also had a total deficit of $263.5 million.

Alarmingly, Porch also said that in preparing its 2019 financials, it identified a material weakness in its financial reporting. In particular, it lacked qualified personnel to prepare and review complex technical accounting issues. To remedy the situation, it hired a CFO in June and controller in July and is working with outside consultants.

(More) about those losses. Porch sells software to 11,000 home-services companies. On average, it generated $556 per account during 2020s second quarter. In the first half of this year, Porchs revenue dropped 14.3 percent to $32.2 million. Its losses narrowed to $24.6 million, compared to $67.9 million during the first half of 2019.

Whos in control. CEO Matt Ehrlichman will hold a 24.9 percent stake in the company after the deal closes, according to the filing. Hennessy, Beck and their partners will hold a combined 18.3 percent stake.

Payday for Porch execs. Until February 2020, Ehrlichmans annual base pay was $1, but this year, it was bumped up to $420,000. In connection with the merger, he and Matthew Neagle, Porchs chief revenue officer, will also get one-time bonuses, ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 for Neagle and $500,000 to $1.5 million for Ehrlichman. Ehrlichman will also get one million shares of company stock that will vest based on those shares hitting certain price targets.

Sweetening the deal. To get the merger done, Ehrlichman struck a deal with investor Valor Equity Capital, which agreed to approve the arrangement in exchange for $9.5 million in shares. Valor also demanded a caveat: Post-merger, if its stake is valued at less than $44.2 million, Ehrlichman will transfer additional shares to make up the difference. At closing, Ehrlichman agreed to pay Valor $4 million in cash.

Selling Lowes. Home-improvement giant Lowes led Porchs $27.6 million Series A in 2014. But in May 2019, the retailer sold 16.1 million shares back to Ehrlichman for $0.25 a share, or just over $4 million.

The IPO filing notes the price was below fair market value, and a check with Pitchbook shows that Porch shares had been priced at $8.66 in a 2018 funding round. For accounting reasons, the company was required to recognize the Lowes stock deal as a compensation expense of $33.2 million. According to Pitchbook, Porchs share price dropped after the Lowes deal. It closed a $20.62 million round in January that priced shares at $3.50.

One more small problem. In the IPO filing, Porch said it plans to expand into insurance, as well as new home products and new locations, as part of its growth plan. Currently, Porch sells products and services in all 50 states. However, it is qualified to do business only in Washington, Texas and Delaware, the IPO filing said. Failure to get licensed could lead to fines, plus the company could be subject to back taxes and contract disputes in non-licensed jurisdictions.

Contact E.B. Solomont

Original post:
Porch is running out of cash: IPO filing - The Real Deal

ARLINGTON -- All the worlds a stage, including a porch in rural Reno County.

This particular front porch stage belongs to Delmar and Suzanne Miller, and its where theyll be hosting performances of "Romeo and Juliet" this weekend.

Shakespeare on the Porch will present the play at 7 p.m. Oct. 16-18 at 19308 W. Castleton Road, Arlington.

This free, outdoor, family-friendly performance will be staged with plenty of room for social distancing. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and plan to stay for popcorn and fellowship after the show.

A cultural moment

"Romeo and Juliet" was one of the first plays the group produced, precisely because it is one most children understand, Miller said.

Its also particularly important during this cultural moment, she explained.

"Were doing it now because theres two groups of people who are 100% identical in social standing, upbringing, every way, and theyve decided to hate each other," Miller said. "It brings destruction on their entire families."

"Theres a kind of deep discourtesy thats a poison and it needs to stop," she said.

The text of "Romeo and Juliet" is kept the same - no edits to take it easy on young actors - but there are a few abbreviations to keep the plays run time around 100 minutes.

The cast includes 25 children raging from preschool to high school students - some home schooled, others from area schools.

Socially distanced

Theres 18 mph breezes forecast for performance nights, which is good for carrying away any aspirators, Miller said.

"There will be plenty of fresh air," she said. Audience members are encouraged to follow Reno County protocol of wearing masks. Actors will not be masked.

New this year is the option to view the live stream of the production, rather than attend in person. The stream will be available on the Arlington Classical Theater YouTube channel.

14 years on the porch

The annual fall production of "Shakespeare on the Porch" began in 2006. Theyve produced a classic play each fall ever since.

The idea stemmed from tragedy -- after Millers daughter passed away, the family sat with grief for a while. But wanting to do something to liven their world, she thought her home-schooled children and friends should do a production of Shakespeares "Julius Caesar."

The first performance took place on the familys large front porch. Little children wore pillow cases for costumes.

At the time, the Millers had three children - Katie, Betsy, and Charlie.

Since then, their cast of children has grown to include Lucy Rose, Kip, and Jack. All but the oldest have roles in this years production -- Katie is off at college.

Coming together

Children practiced their sword fighting outside the family home on an idyllic fall day for other cast members to arrive for a dress rehearsal.

They appear to work hard honing their skills - memorizing lines, practicing inflection.

"The most common compliment I hear is that the kids sounds like they know what theyre saying," Miller laughed.

Shakespeares plays were intended to be watched, not read - and they're much more interesting live onstage.

Painted sheets hang on the porch to simulate a brick wall. Quilts hung along the side create a back stage area. Brooder lights from a chicken house are used instead of a spotlight.

Parents are in charge of their childs costume, and families chip in to complete set pieces.

"It means a lot of talents can come together," Miller said.

View original post here:
Shakespeare on the Porch brings the Bard to life Oct. 16-18 - The Hutchinson News

A Lincoln Park woman notified police after the packages she had delivered to her house arrived, and then disappeared when she let them on the porch as part of a sanitizing process she does in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a police report, the woman ordered a pair of kids Converse shoes, Nike shoes and three plushy stuffed animals.

All three packages arrived at her house on Mill Street, but the woman told police she usually leaves packages sitting on her porch for a couple of days because of the virus, and then she sanitizes them when she believes it is safe.

She last saw the packages on the porch on Sept. 18, but they were gone by about 10 a.m. the following day.

The woman told police she does not have cameras at her house.

Read more:
Lincoln Park woman leaves packages on porch as part of COVID-19 sanitizing; all are stolen - Southgate News Herald

Package theft is a big issue that has affected 30 percent of Americans. Here are some tips to get your items safely delivered in time for the holidays 10Best.com

MIDDLETOWN - An unidentified woman in an orthopedic walking boot on her left foot and clutching a cigarette in her left hand is wanted for porch piracy in the Oak Hill section of the township, according to police on Thursday.

The incident occurred on an early morning hour several weeks ago and was caught on a home surveillance video camera, police said.

Undelivered: Amazon delivery contractor stole Keansburg, Metuchen packages: Cops

The trusted place to find the best home service providers. Find local pros.

The video shows a woman coming up to the porch of the house in the rather unusual state for a thief, police observed.

Also in the county: Rumson jewelry store owner faces additional charges of theft, 11 more victims step forward

Do you know this woman? The Middletown Township Police Department needs your help in identifying her.(Photo: Courtesy of Middletown Township Police Department)

Anyone with information pertaining to the identity of this woman is asked to contact Middletown Township Police Officer John Walsifer at 732-615-2120.

Additionally, with increased online shopping ahead of the holidays, and an anticipated increase in deliveries, the Middletown Police reminds the community that it is important to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their homes, vehicles, and packages, said Deputy Police Chief Paul J. Bailey, a department spokesman.

Residents should ensure their homes are secured, Bailey said. This can be done by closing garage doors, making sure all exterior doors are locked. The use of home alarm systems and motion-sensing lighting are also effective crime prevention measures. People are urged to lock their vehicles when not in use and remove the keys or key fobs. When items are being delivered to the home, please bring them in as soon as possible or ask a neighbor to bring them in if you are away. Last, the public is asked to be alert and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.

Erik Larsen: 732-682-9359 or elarsen@gannettnj.com

Read or Share this story: https://www.app.com/story/news/local/red-bank-middletown-area/2020/10/15/middletown-porch-pirate-orthopedic-walking-boot-sought-package-theft/3670564001/

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Middletown: Porch pirate in orthopedic walking boot sought in package theft - Asbury Park Press

If you think low premiums and high payouts are the only two things to consider when shopping for insurance coverage for your family, there's a lot you should know about Farmers Union Insurance. That's why Stacy Mongar, a Financial and Insurance Resource Specialist and Cam Lux, an agent with Farmers Union Insurance are here to tell you about the advantages of Farmers Union Insurance coverage and the difference it can make for you and your family when you need it most.

You can find out more about how Farmers Union Insurance can help you by visiting their website at FUIagency.com. Or call 605-212-1581. All Farmers Union Agent Offices are open across the state, but please call ahead to schedule your appointment. You can also reach a Farmers Union agent by email. Farmers Union wants you to know that they are still continuing to service customers as needed in person, by phone, or online.

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Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues goes back to their roots with Front Porch Concerts - KELOLAND.com

If youve read the front page of this weeks edition, you know that we have released my first book, On the Porch, a collection of the best columns that have appeared in this space over the years. If youre worried about another toilet paper shortage, do we have a deal for you!

Contributing writer Steve Reece of Smarr played a big part in making the book happen. I had narrowed the 1,800 columns I had written over the past 20 years down to about 200. But I sometimes have a hard time making those tough final cuts. Steve had no such qualms. He eliminated mediocre columns like a machete man, and got it down to a manageable number that wouldnt require my publisher, Amazon, to cut down the Amazon forest to print the thing. During the publishing process, Steve had some questions about the book. I thought I might share them and my answers.

Q. Youve written a weekly column for like 20 years. Why did you wait until now to publish a book?

A. Are you calling me lazy Steve? Youre fired. No seriously, I have wanted to publish a book of my columns for some time. I finally got the ball rolling last summer when our intern, Bailey Storey, began taking them off the newspaper pages in our computer server and copying them into a folder. That meant the editing process could begin. But of course it didnt. Then you (Steve) started working for us in March and helped select the best columns. Then COVID-19 struck. We never missed a day of work during the shutdown, but we did have some down time. That allowed me to work on it. Former Macon Telegraph columnist Ed Grisamore and Macon author Rick Maier, both veterans of the book publishing process, were indispensable in giving advice. My dear mother, as only mothers do, had saved a few of her favorite columns from previous newspaper stints where I had served. Further, unlike you, it takes me 20 years to come up with enough good material to publish a book. Im sure itll only take you about 19 years.

Q. Whats your favorite column that youve written?

A. Well I always enjoy taking local politicians to task. When I was publisher of the Sylvania Telephone, the county commissioners threatened to pull all the legal ads out of the newspaper if I didnt toe the line and make them look better. I was 25 years old and a little rattled. But my first newspaper boss, Dink NeSmith, backed me all the way. He encouraged me to write a front-page column in response. So I did. I wrote that if we had to choose between our integrity and the revenue from their handful of legal ads, we would select our integrity every time. The response from our readers was incredible. We were overrun with letters to the editor slamming commissioners for trying to bully the press.

Alas, my wife, wisely, notes that people enjoy humorous columns more than political ones. So I have tried to steer away from politics in recent years. One of my columns that got the biggest response recently told a story many can relate to: Getting my Corona haircut from my father in law. He butchered me with delight. I got a lot of response, and thats what makes it fun, when people enjoy a column and can relate to it. I wrote one three years ago about when goats took over our office that people still ask me about. And yes, all of these are in the book.

Q. How do you go about writing a column?

A. Desperately and with great panic. Newspaper people are terrific procrastinators and I am one of the best. So I usually put it off until were going to press at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Its the last white space we fill in the Reporter every week. Now some weeks, if I am being a good boy, Ill write it on Monday night. I always enjoy life more when I do that. But of course thats rare.

Finally, Steve, I want to say how overwhelmed I am by the readers of the Reporter. Due to their support, the Reporters newspaper subscriptions are up 20 percent this year. Theres probably not a newspaper in America that can say that. Theres a special bond between this newspaper and our readers. I treasure it, and this book is an outgrowth of that. Whether you enjoy reading or are struggling with insomnia, I hope many of you will get a copy of On the Porch.

Read more here:
ON THE PORCH: Doing it by the book - Monroe County Reporter