Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

When Canadas chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam wrote her first report, Designing Healthy Living, on the state of public health in Canada in 2017, she wrote of the tremendous potential that changing our built environment has for helping Canadians lead healthier lives.

Leading a healthier life is shaped by many factors, yet there is a link between ones built environment where we work, live, study and play and a persons healthy behaviour.

Chronic lifestyle diseases continue to rise in Canada and research suggests that approximately 30 per cent of cancers can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Studies have also shown that well-designed environments can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and decrease pain.

With the pandemic having no foreseeable end date, setting up our homes to be as conducive as possible for health and wellbeing is more important than ever, especially as we prepare to hunker down for the winter.

Annabelle Mastalic is owner of ADM Interiors, which focuses on assessing homes to make them safe and comfortable. Courtesy, Sandra Miller, Shutterbean Photographyjpg

Enter Annabelle Mastalic, owner ofADM Interiors and the only designer inAlberta with the Certified Living in Place designation, a training focused on assessing homes to make them safe and comfortable for its occupants. Formerly a nurse of 17 years, Mastalic has melded her medical background with design, concentrating on how health promotion and illness prevention can be woven into residential spaces.

I approach design through a lens of health and science. Before COVID, the demand was for making homes beautiful. Now theres a greater need for homes to be more functional. Its about creating ease, so you can live healthier, while still making homes inspiring to live in, she says.

With COVID, the need for multi-purpose, functional spaces has never been greater. Many families are in need of an exercise area, quiet spaces to work and places to relax away from work (and possibly other family members). This requires reconfiguring and possibly redesigning certain rooms.

Take the hub of the home, for instance. Kitchens are no longer used solely for cooking and eating. Part homeschool, part temporary office, it can be challenging to utilize one space for so much, before shifting it back to its natural functionality without lingering work stress.

Mastalic recommends transforming your kitchen area with multi-purpose furniture, such as storage carts on wheels to house computers and school materials. When work is finished, the cart gets wheeled away.

A youth bedroom design that is both comfortable and efficient. Courtesy, Nick Glimenakis for Homepolishjpg

While appointments are typically done in-house to identify your health needs and design preferences, they can be done virtually. Afterwards, youll be sent a wellness design assessment with recommendations and referrals, putting home dwellers in touch with an ergonomic specialist or occupational therapist if needed.

Another option for making your home more efficient may be found through feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice. Feng shui is a method of optimizing residences to bring forth happiness, abundance and balance through the placement of objects in relation to the flow of qi (life energy).

Its like design on intention steroids, explains Mia Staysko, a feng shui practitioner, interior designer and instructor at Mount Royal University.

We spend so much time in our homes, they should be as energetically nourishing and geared to your intentions as much as possible. Feng shui is a complimentary way of getting your physical world inline with your intentions, she maintains.

Like an interior design consultation, feng shui practitioners will want to walk through your house and will ideally look over a floor plan in order to suss out how they can help improve safety, flow and harmony.

But you dont need an expert to tell you now is an excellent time to declutter. Clutter takes up valuable space both mentally and physically. If you want to shift the energy in your home, Staysko recommends rearranging or removing 27 items within a short period of time (not over weeks).

Do it with intention and pay attention to whether anything happens afterwards, she suggests.

Even if you cant afford to bring in a professional, there are still ways we can integrate wellness into our home spaces. If working from home, try setting up workspaces near a window. Exposure to sunlight can increase serotonin levels, keeping you focused and alert. And ensure your bedroom is set up to promote rest, with minimal light and noise.

Keeping germs out of the house is top of mind, and more easily created with a drop zone at your most-used entryway. Mastalic recommends families carve out a contained space to drop backpacks and wipe down lunch containers. You could even add a laundry basket for masks, gloves and other clothing.

While that may not look aesthetically pleasuring, there comes a time when health benefits outweigh the desire to beautify a room. Likewise, if you dont have space to put exercise gear anywhere but in the living room, dont stress about how it looks. Youve got to work with what youve got. Though, there are likely things you can do to make the space more pleasing, such as putting hand weights in decorative baskets or covering a drop zone basket with pretty fabric.

Whenever youre embarking on healthier changes, whether its a new fitness routine or cutting back on alcohol, creating a supportive environment only helps.

You want to have a home thats work for you in supporting a healthy lifestyle one thats easy to live in, functional and works for your needs now and in the future, stresses Mastalic.

If homes can be designed and reconfigured to set people up for success, making healthy choices the easier choices, isnt that worth trying?

Jody Robbins is a Calgary-based lifestyle writer. Follow her wellness adventures on her blog: Travels with Baggage and on Instagram at @TravelswBaggage.

Read this article:
Robbins: Wellness starts at home - The Kingston Whig-Standard

More people work from home now than ever before. Some professionals are transitioning to a remote office full-time, while others will use their space for only a short period. Whatever your situation may be, its important to make your workspace as comfortable as possible. If you cant relax or focus at your desk, you wont be as motivated or productive.

Besides keeping your notes and papers organized, it helps to use the design principles of feng shui. The philosophy has been used for thousands of years to provide balance and harmony to the environment around you. Use these tips to create a beautiful and functional home office. In a short amount of time, youll design a sanctuary for your online meetings and work sessions.

Some remote workers are able to turn a spare room into an office. If you dont have this luxury, you can still use feng shui to make a space of your own. Find the quietest corner of your homeor at least an area that you can block off for a few hours. If possible, choose a workspace near a window. According to feng shui, natural light increases energy. The brightness combined with the increase in sunlight can help to make you feel more energetic and productive during your workday.

Consider arranging your desk so it faces a door. According to Greatist, this is usually the opening to your home office. When you need to share a room, try facing the living room or kitchen door. Feng shui philosophy claims that facing the door keeps you open to new opportunities. Most practically, youll feel more in control of your space while staying aware of whats going on around you. When noise gets overwhelming, take a walk or spend some time in a quiet place, such as your bedroom. Just a few minutes in silence or nature can help you feel more balanced while you work.

Color helps to set the mood and tone in your home office. First, think about your current wall color and dcor. According to feng shui color experts, you have an excellent foundation for a relaxing and nurturing environment if your walls are blue, yellow, or lavender. If your job requires constant change and growth, decorate your space with the natural, flowing hues of green or turquoise. Some professionals require inspiration and passion to get through their day. Red and salmon dcor can help to spark creativity and encourage conversation.

Before you redecorate, consider whether you have too much of one color. Feng shui is all about harmony and balance, which means that too much of a bold or fiery color hue can feel chaotic. At the same time, dark, muted colors will make you feel fatigued or uninspired. If you choose salmon walls, add a couple of pieces of metallic dcor. The cool, liquid feeling of the metals are an excellent contrast to the high energy of pinks, reds, and oranges. If everything is blue or black in your space, incorporate some white, red, or yellow. Angular dcor can help to spark motivation and energy. Lighter colors are also effective for lifting mood.

While its important to incorporate natural light into your home office, you also need your privacy. The right window coverings help to avoid brightness and glare, all while keeping your neighbors from looking inside your workspace. High-quality shades and blinds help to keep your workspace light and airy, so you dont need as many lamps.

If you have an office with traditional dcor, consider wood blinds from Factory Direct Blinds. These attractive and naturally durable window coverings are one of the best choices for at-home workspaces. Their appearance incorporates the grounding and balancing Earth element into the room, while easy-to-operate slats let in the perfect amount of sunlight.

Quality material keeps hot temperatures and glare out. Wood blinds neutral colors add a clean look and focus to your space while allowing you to incorporate other elements of feng shui around them. Vertical blinds are another excellent choice because they match with almost any type of home dcor. You wont have to completely change the look of your room while incorporating the natural light you need into your work area. You can also select from a spectrum of colors to fit your offices mood.

Many people use aromatherapy to destress at home. You can use many of the same products to relax in your office. According to experts, essential oils such as lavender, ylang ylang, and neroli help to inspire harmony and energy when youre working on a difficult project or have a challenging day. Other popular favorites for a balanced environment include yuzu and bergamot.

Place a few drops of your favorite oil in a personal diffuser. When choosing a diffuser, consider one in a natural wood design or an energizing feng shui color. Some products even come with color-changing features, which allow you to set whatever mood you need. You can also use colorful aromatherapy candles. A yellow candle infused with uplifting scents such as lemon and ginger can help you power through a busy morning. A purple candle made with lavender essential oil can make afternoon brainstorming sessions more inviting.

No matter where you work or what you specialize in, its important for your office to feel comfortable and balanced. A combination of energizing and relaxing energy will help you to get through your day. Different colors and textures help you to stay alert and motivated. If your job duties or work conditions change, dont be afraid to add new feng shui elements. Its also a good idea to subtract excess items and remove clutter. The more thought you put into balancing your space, the better you can achieve your professional goals. Youll also be more productive and happy in your home office.

Read this article:
4 Tips to Add Feng Shui to Your Home Office - Along the Boards

A 10pm curfew, table service, mandatory masks, supplying details through the NHS track and trace app, groups of six, social distancing, applying hand sanitiser - eating and drinking out has never had so many rules.

If you think it's tiresome as a customer, spare a thought for owners and staff at Nottingham's pubs and restaurants, who have to implement the ever-changing regulations - and make sure customers adhere to them.

It's with a combination of stern warnings, frustration and humour those in the hospitality scene are coming to terms with this week's latest ruling.

Sat Bains, owner of two Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains, in Lenton Lane, reminded diners about wearing face masks on arrival. "You are allowed to take them off whilst eating, I think," he tweeted.

As restaurateurs scramble to amend later bookings to make sure dinner is done and dusted in time for 10pm closing, locally owned Italian restaurant La Storia, in West Bridgford, has asked customers visiting after 8.15pm to pre-order to save time and possibly ditch the starters and "go straight to mains so they can have the best possible experience with us."

Oliver's Pub and Kitchen, in Eastwood, outlined the gamut of restrictions, taking a humorous approach.

"Wait to be seated, no really wait. Don't have a quick tour of the place. Don't move anything. We are sorry that the feng shui doesn't hit the mark for you but the furniture is set out the way it is for a reason," said a Facebook post.

"If you have seen a few people you know sat at the opposite side of the room, just give them a wave, drop them a text, have a Zoom call. Please don't get up and join them."

Ending on a serious note, they told customers: "These are things out of our control, we hate repeating ourselves as much as you hate hearing it but we have to enforce it. Please just do us a solid and listen to us. You are playing with peoples livelihoods, our licences... our patience. If you dont like the rules then complain to Bojo, trust us we are not exactly happy with the current situation either!

"Keep supporting local, tip your staff, say please and thank you, dont ask us to 'smile' and for the love of alcohol please sit down... and yes it really is six."

Secret bar, Lost Property, in Carlton Street, Hockley is opening earlier to make up for lost time.

"Boris says no to late nights... so what do we think to earlier starts? Come and join us for some early evening fun," they said, announcing the hidden bar will be opening from 2pm on Friday and Saturday and 5pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Indian restaurant MemSaab, in Maid Marian Way, will also be opening earlier, from 4pm. "Since the virus has miraculously managed to tell the time we are now opening between 4pm- 10pm in line with the new government guidelines," said the owners.

Staff at Six Barrel Drafthouse in Hockley are encouraging drinkers to download the NHS Covd-19 app before they venture into town. "Everywhere has to ask you or be ready to say 'can I sign in the old way please?' Trust me we are frustrated by the constant changes too but it's law, does make sense and helps protect not just you but the whole city and industry."

The Crown Inn, a traditional pub in Beeston, asked customers for their co-operation with the new rules, urging: "Please respect our staff when you visit if they are asking you to wear a mask or leave your contact details. And at the end of the night if they are asking you to drink up, please remember they are just working to the new laws and restrictions we are all now required to follow.

"We would like to thank you all for your continued support during these exceedingly difficult times. We feel very grateful to have such wonderful customers who love our pub as much as we do."

The Canalhouse, in Canal Street, pleaded with customers to support their favourite pub through this tough time.

"We're coming into a season that's traditionally not great for trade. With these restrictions and furlough coming to the end, many pubs and restaurants will not be able to weather the storm. If we can all act responsibly and still enjoy our time out with friends and family, then we can help our hospitality trade

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 3 months - it's been incredibly tricky navigating a whole host of new ways of working and the vast, vast majority of you have been very understanding of this."

See original here:
How Nottinghamshire's restaurants and bars are dealing with the 10pm curfew and latest rules - Nottinghamshire Live

Staff report

FridaySep25,2020at11:29AM

For the first time in many months, representatives from the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce joined city staff and Council Members Lindsey Stephens and Scott Hayman in an official ribbon cutting ceremony. It took place Wednesday morning, when the group convened to cut the traditional red ribbon in honor of two new public restrooms for splash pad users, along with painting and other improvements to the oft-used gazebo in Freedom Park.

The cost for the new restroom was $67,372 and the project was completed in July 2020. The project also included concrete work around the restroom, according to city staff. Park impact fees were used for the restrooms according to Stephens.

Gazebo work included repairs to the sections of handrails that were badly rusted out, re-stuccoing and painting the gazebo and pillars and painting the metal roof. The grass board was also removed and replaced with decomposed granite to prevent damage to the stucco, painted the metal roof. The cost for gazebo repairs was $25,137, according to city staff.

Read the original here:
Ribbon-cutting held to mark completion of restrooms, gazebo - Ridgecrest Daily Independent

HERRIMAN, Utah -- Underneath a park gazebo, about a dozen girls and boys grabbed their pom poms and followed along as the coaches counted "5, 6, 7, 8." Thursday was the first time the Inclusion Cheer Team has been able to practice in person since COVID-19 first began impacting Utah.

The Inclusion Cheer Team is made up of about 20 men, women, boys and girls with disabilities between the ages of 8 and 50.

I am the lucky one here, said Chelsea Lopez, head coach and founder of Inclusion Cheer.

A few years ago, Lopez decided to start the team and she said its been the most amazing blessing.

Every single day, they just make my day, she said.

The team used to practice at Herriman High School and then moved to Zoom at the start of the pandemic. The team is ready to return to in-person, socially distanced practices, but they have nowhere to go, Lopez said.

We just dont have anywhere to go and so it just breaks my heart because I just dont know what to do, she said.

With winter coming soon, the group cant rely on public parks. Beth Nestmans daughter Amanda is a member of the team and has down syndrome. This cheer team has changed her life, Nestman said.

Id watch her at school sometimes and she would be off by herself or she would just be quiet. This has gotten her, I mean, they talk to each other even if they dont understand. They have this communication, she said.

Its given Amanda the confidence she always needed, Nestman said.

Ive watched Amanda when shes here. She just blossoms, and then shes ... bold and brave, doing those kicks. Shes just never done stuff like that, Nestman said.

The thought of the team having nowhere to practice or even just the idea of them having to bounce around is difficult, Nestman said.

To have a familiar place where they can go and practice, then they are more willing to go. They recognize it, she said.

During the pandemic, this has been Amandas piece of normal that she looks forward to, Nestman said.

If this went away, I truly have no idea how I would possibly replace that, she said.

Inclusion Cheer offers teammates a safe space to learn, grow and have fun.

For some of them, this is what they look forward to every week. This is their thing, this is their family, Lopez said.

Its been hard because were not together all the time, cheerleader Robin Klein said.

Inclusion Cheer is a non-profit run by volunteers. Lopez hopes the community will be able to help find a spot for the team to practice once a week.

To donate to the non-profits GoFundMe page, click here.

People can also donate through Venmo @inclusioncheer. To contact the coaches about a potential spot for the team to practice, email inclusioncheer@gmail.com .

See the article here:
We are struggling to find a place to go: Utahs special needs cheer team needs somewhere to practice - fox13now.com

Latest Research Report: Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market2020

Global Marketers newly added a research report on theOutdoor Gazebo Tents Market, which represents a study for the Forecast period from 2020 to 2026. The study provides a near look at the market set-up and dynamics impacting its growth. This report highlights the vital developments along with other events happening in the market which are marking on the enlargement and opening doors for outlook growth in the coming years. Furthermore, the report is built on the basis of the macro- and micro-economic factors and historical data that can influence the growth.

This report also researches and evaluates the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the Outdoor Gazebo Tents industry, involving possible prospects and challenges, drivers, and risks. up to date the impact evaluation of Covid-19 effects on Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market growth predict based on the different scenarios (optimistic, pessimistic, very optimistic, most likely, etc.).

GetASample Copy

https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/manufacturing-&-construction/global-outdoor-gazebo-tents-market-report-2020-by-key-players,-types,-applications,-countries,-market-size,-forecast-to-2026-(based-on-2020-covid-19-worldwide-spread)/156496#request_sample

Major Companies Included in Report are

Sojag inc.Gazebo Penguin Inc.Extreme Tent Technology Ltd. (Extreme Canopy, Extreme Marquees)Tents-Canopy.comArdisam Inc. (Gazelle Tents)Country Lane GazebosNewell Brands (Coleman Company, Inc.)Leisure Woods Inc.Activa Leisure Inc.MASTERTENTMASTERCANOPYKozyard LLCUNICREST Group Ltd (DURAMARQ )PoptentsTMOZtrail AustraliaSunjoy GroupCrown Shades, Inc.Palram Industries Ltd.

GlobalOutdoor Gazebo Tents Market: Regional Segmentation

To know the altering political scenario, analysts have regionally segmented the market. This gives a summary of the political and socio-economic status of the regions that are predicted to impact the Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market dynamic.

The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt)

North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada)

South America (Brazil etc.)

Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.)

Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

Segment by Type:

Market StallsTrade ShowsSporting EventsAutomotive ShowsSchool EventsFairs and FestivalsBeach SheltersWedding MarqueeResidential UseOthers

Segment by Application:

2.4 x 3m3 x 3m4.5 x 3m4.8 x 3m4.8 x 4.8m6 x 3m6 x 6mOther Sizes

Ask For Discount:

https://www.globalmarketers.biz/discount_inquiry/discount/156496

The report answers key questions such as:

What will the Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market size be in 2026 and what will the growth rate be?

What are the key Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market trends?

What Driving this Outdoor Gazebo Tents Industry?

What are the challenges to Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market growth?

Who are the key vendors in this Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market?

The report covers in-depth analysis on:

Enquiry More About Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market Report:

https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/manufacturing-&-construction/global-outdoor-gazebo-tents-market-report-2020-by-key-players,-types,-applications,-countries,-market-size,-forecast-to-2026-(based-on-2020-covid-19-worldwide-spread)/156496#inquiry_before_buying

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Outdoor Gazebo Tents:

History Year: 2014 2018

Base Year: 2018

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year: 2020-2026

Table of Contents: Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market

Chapter 1: Overview of Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market

Chapter 2: Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions

Chapter 3: Global Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market Status and Forecast by Types

Chapter 4: Global Outdoor Gazebo Tents Industry Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry

Chapter 5: Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market Driving Factor Analysis

Chapter 6: Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers

Chapter 7: Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data

Chapter 8: Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis

Chapter 9: Cost and Gross Margin Analysis

Chapter 10: Marketing Status Analysis

Chapter 11: Market Report Conclusion

Chapter 12: Research Methodology and Reference

Click to view the full report TOC, figure, and tables:

https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/manufacturing-&-construction/global-outdoor-gazebo-tents-market-report-2020-by-key-players,-types,-applications,-countries,-market-size,-forecast-to-2026-(based-on-2020-covid-19-worldwide-spread)/156496#table_of_contents

Read more here:
Global Outdoor Gazebo Tents Market 2020 Global Industry Size, Recent Trends, Demand and Share Estimation by 2026 with Top Players - The PRNews Portal

'); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append('"+val.ihtml+""); $("#expandable-weather-block .weather-index-alerts").show(); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body h2").css({"font-family":"'Fira Sans', sans-serif", "font-weight":"500", "padding-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body p").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body span.wxalertnum").css({"float":"left", "width":"40px", "height":"40px", "color":"#ffffff", "line-height":"40px", "background-color":"#888888", "border-radius":"40px", "text-align":"center", "margin-right":"12px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body b").css("font-size", "18px"); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body li").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"18px", "margin-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body ul").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body pre").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body img").css({"width":"100%", "margin-bottom":"20px", "borderWidth":"1px", "border-style":"solid", "border-color":"#aaaaaa"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).css({"borderWidth":"0", "border-bottom-width":"1px", "border-style":"dashed", "border-color":"#aaaaaa", "padding-bottom":"10px", "margin-bottom":"40px"}); }); } function parseAlertJSON(json) { console.log(json); alertCount = 0; if (Object.keys(json.alerts).length > 0) { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").empty(); } $.each(json.alerts, function(key, val) { alertCount++; $("#mrd-wx-alerts .alert_count").text(alertCount); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").append(''); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } else if (val.fips != "" && val.fipsimg != "") { // $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } // } //val.instr = val.instr.replace(/[W_]+/g," "); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(val.dhtml+"

Instruction

Read the original post:
Ansonia in need of volunteers to help clean up the Naugatuck River on Sunday - WFSB

The Lake Zurich village board unanimously approved a new 12-building, 24-unit duplex subdivision, which will be located along Honey Lake Road west of S. Pleasant Road.

The plan for The Wildwood Estates of Lake Zurich includes annexing 34.5 acres of previously unincorporated land. About 28.3 acres will be donated to Barrington-based Citizens for Conservation, which the developer said will ensure the land will be managed in a careful and controlled manner under the jurisdiction of the village of Lake Zurich.

Greg Schmitt, the manager of Prestige Development LLC, said the developer's plan calls for a pathway, walking bridge and gazebo for Lake Zurich residents to better access the undeveloped open space.

"People can go down and walk their dog and enjoy mother nature," Schmitt said.

Schmitt said those improvements will cost about $75,000. In exchange, the board agreed to lower the cost of fees associated with the project, which Schmitt said will save the developer about $61,000.

The land that will be developed is along Honey Lake Road on the north end of the property.

Schmitt said his team has been told that seven to eight acres of the land they are donating is buildable, but they decided against trying to develop it.

"It would be detrimental to the wetlands," Schmitt said.

Schmitt said the global pandemic has set back the company's timeline by about four months. The developer was set to be before the village's planning and zoning commission in April but that meeting had to be delayed until July.

Read this article:
Lake Zurich board approves subdivision which includes adding swath of open space to village - Chicago Daily Herald

But I will spend the rest of my life trying to end my contribution to that racism. Thats why I will be joining Catholic parishes and organizations from throughout Hampton Roads for the second Pilgrimage for Black Lives and Racial Equity on Sept. 26. We will gather at 10 a.m. at the 1619 landing historical marker at Old Point Comfort (near the gazebo at Fort Monroe) for prayer and reflection. Then, well caravan to the Emancipation Oak at Hampton University for prayer, reflection and a call to action at 11 a.m. We invite Catholics and other people of faith to gather with us, as we pray to the spirit of truth to touch the hearts of all Americans, to inspire our criminal justice and law enforcement systems, and to heal our deeply broken view of each other, as well as our deeply broken society.

Read the original here:
Letters for Sept. 26: Religious groups to gather for Black lives and equity on Sept. 26 - The Virginian-Pilot - The Virginian-Pilot

Posted By Staff Writer on Sep 24, 2020

A new absentee ballot drop box has been placed in South Orange Village as part of New Jerseys wide-ranging effort to assist and accommodate mail-in voters ahead of Novembers election.

The drop box is located in the gazebo on Sloan Street standing near South Orange Station. Starting Friday, the drop box will be available for use and ballots will be collected from the box every day.

Resident voters now have the option to directly submit their absentee ballots into the drop box rather than mailing in their ballots via the post office, handing their ballots to poll workers or filling out provisional ballots at their local polling places.

Absentee ballot drop boxes like this one are being installed in every county in New Jersey. According to Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin, 24 boxes have been installed in Essex County so far.

Though the drop boxes are currently intended for general election ballots only, they are here to stay.

The boxes are permanent, and will be used for all future public elections, including school board elections and primary elections, Durkin said. This is a great service to the voter.

Deputy Village Clerk Joycelyn White said Essex County and South Orange Village made sure to place the drop box in a safe and secure location. Security cameras monitor the box 24/7.

Like all ballot drop boxes in Essex County, the Villages drop box is specifically intended for the use of Essex County residents.

We prefer that Essex County voters only put their ballots in Essex County drop boxes, Durkin said.

Instructions are posted on the surface of the drop box in English and Spanish and detail its function, usage guidelines and the penalties for damaging or tampering with the box.

Regarding the installation of the drop boxes, Durkin said Essex County helped quite a bit selecting locations and installing 24 hour security cameras.

This is a safe and secure place to drop off your vote if you cannot make it to the post office or are hesitant to use the post office, White said. We want your vote to count.

Brian Reilly, a sophomore secondary education major, said he plans on using the Villages new ballot drop box.

I think the [absentee] ballot boxes that are being installed are great, Reilly said. They provide a great alternative to people who do not want to rely on the post office, but at the same time do not want to vote in person.

All absentee ballot drop boxes, including the one installed in South Orange Village, will be available for use until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters must be registered to vote by Oct. 13 to receive a ballot by mail. The application for a vote-by-mail ballot must be received by the county clerk seven days prior to the election.

Residents of Newark will be able to submit their ballots in person at a super polling site set up in the Prudential Center from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. A mail-in ballot drop box will also be located outside the arena.

To view the locations of New Jerseys absentee ballot drop boxes, visit https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/vote-secure-drop-boxes.shtml.

For more information on New Jersey voting regulations and how to vote in New Jersey, visit https://www.vote.org/state/new-jersey/.

Louis Motta can be reached at louis.motta@student.shu.edu.

Go here to see the original:
South Orange Village receives ballot drop box in preparation for election - The Setonian