Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

GREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Varrow announced today that it is the recipient of a Cisco Partner Summit theater award for Architectural Excellence - Data Center: South Region. Cisco unveiled the winners April 17 at its annual channel partner conference in San Diego, Calif.

Cisco is proud to partner with so many well-respected and industry-leading organizations, and it is an honor to recognize Varrow as a Cisco Partner Summit theater award winner, said Jim Sherriff, senior vice president, Americas Partner Organization at Cisco. The Cisco Architectural Excellence - Data Center: South Region Award presented to Varrow recognizes its performance and expertise as a Cisco channel partner the South Region in 2011.

Being honored by Cisco in this way is appreciated and a testament to our teams focus on a goal and Ciscos investment in their growth partners, said Dan Weiss, CEO and Co-founder of Varrow.

Cisco Partner Summit awards are presented at three levels: global, geo, and theater. Cisco Partner Summit U.S. and Canada theater awards reflect a partners performance in a given geographic region of the United States or Canada.

About Varrow

Varrow provides world-class technology solutions through advanced consulting, design, and managed services from the industrys most talented engineers. Our solution focus includes data storage management, virtualization, and disaster recovery. Varrow is certified at the highest datacenter level with Cisco, EMC and VMware. Varrow is vBlock certified, a certified Cisco Datacenter Networking and Storage partner and UCS Advanced Technology Partner, a Premier VMware partner, and was named EMCs Commercial partner of the year in 2009 and 2010. In 2010 and 2011 Varrow was recognized with the VAR 500 award. Varrow was recognized for CRN Tech Elite 250 list, Inc. 500 for 2010, 2011, and 2012. Varrow was #1 on the Triad Fast 50 for 2010 and 2011. In 2012 Varrow was ranked in the CRN Tech elite 250, was one of only 10 VMware Partners in the world to achieve Virtualizing Business Critical Applications (VBCA) Competency and named Varrow the Architectural Excellence - Data Center Partner: South Region by Cisco. Varrow was also selected as one of 12 VMware Partners in North America to participate in the VMware View Focus Partner Program in 2012. Learn more about Varrow by visiting http://www.varrow.com

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries.

Link:
Varrow Wins Cisco Architectural Excellence - Data Center: South Region at Cisco Partner Summit 2012

The eighth annual Taste of the World fundraising event, hosted by Pearl S. Buck International May 18 at the home of Pulitzer- and Noble Prize-winning author and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck, highlighted the sites on-going restoration efforts.

Located in Hilltown, the Pearl S. Buck House is a National Historic Landmark honoring the life of its former inhabitant. In addition to her accomplishments as a writer, Buck also founded the Welcome House at the site as the first international, inter-racial adoption agency in the United States.

In fact, the current chairman of the board, David Yoder, was the first Welcome House child in 1948 and was in attendance at the event May 18.

Ive watched this annual event grow from just 50 attendees to over 300 people this year, Yoder said. Its incredible the attention the work of Pearl S. Buck, whom I considered a grandmother, is getting.

Attendees of the event, ranging from board members to interested community members, could take tours of the house to view the restoration progress.

The restoration of the Pearl S. Buck House began in 2006, when the structure was considered in disrepair, according to the curator, Donna Rhoads.

Phase one involved sprucing up the envelope of the home, she said. Phase two focused on the structural issues, while the third and final phase focuses on the finishing touches from restoring the outdoor patio to re-painting the walls the exact color they were when Buck lived in the home.

The restoration is expected to be completed next spring, and the Taste of the World event, the largest fundraiser of the year, helps the nonprofit get closer to its goal.

In addition to enjoying international hors doeuvers, entrees and beverages from local restaurants, attendees could participate in live and silent auctions, while enjoying live music by a quartet. Continued...

Before her death in 1973, Buck gave her 68-acre Bucks County estate, Green Hills Farm, to the organization that formed Pearl S. Buck International. Many of the same fixtures that were in the house when she lived there remain today.

See the original post here:
Pearl S. Buck House renovations near completion

The eighth annual Taste of the World fundraising event, hosted by Pearl S. Buck International May 18 at the home of Pulitzer- and Noble Prize-winning author and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck, highlighted the sites on-going restoration efforts.

Located in Hilltown, the Pearl S. Buck House is a National Historic Landmark honoring the life of its former inhabitant. In addition to her accomplishments as a writer, Buck also founded the Welcome House at the site as the first international, inter-racial adoption agency in the United States.

In fact, the current chairman of the board, David Yoder, was the first Welcome House child in 1948 and was in attendance at the event May 18.

Ive watched this annual event grow from just 50 attendees to over 300 people this year, Yoder said. Its incredible the attention the work of Pearl S. Buck, whom I considered a grandmother, is getting.

Attendees of the event, ranging from board members to interested community members, could take tours of the house to view the restoration progress.

The restoration of the Pearl S. Buck House began in 2006, when the structure was considered in disrepair, according to the curator, Donna Rhoads.

Phase one involved sprucing up the envelope of the home, she said. Phase two focused on the structural issues, while the third and final phase focuses on the finishing touches from restoring the outdoor patio to re-painting the walls the exact color they were when Buck lived in the home.

The restoration is expected to be completed next spring, and the Taste of the World event, the largest fundraiser of the year, helps the nonprofit get closer to its goal.

In addition to enjoying international hors doeuvers, entrees and beverages from local restaurants, attendees could participate in live and silent auctions, while enjoying live music by a quartet. Continued...

Before her death in 1973, Buck gave her 68-acre Bucks County estate, Green Hills Farm, to the organization that formed Pearl S. Buck International. Many of the same fixtures that were in the house when she lived there remain today.

See the original post:
VIDEO: Pearl S. Buck House renovations near completion

The USS Iowa sits docked in Richmond, Calif. in May 2012 while workers, both volunteer and paid, work to restore the battleship. It was saved from the scrap yard when the Navy gave it to the Pacific Battleship Center last year. It will be towed to Los Angeles Sunday and is scheduled to be dedicated July 4.(Mark Benischek/The Gazette)

From the moment the Navy approved a plan to turn the USS Iowa into an interactive museum, veterans from around the nation who served on the battleship have been flocking to California to help with the massive restoration project.

Iowans are interested in seeing the ship saved, and they should be, said John Wolfinbarger, 87, who served on the Iowa during WWII. This ship is named after that state.

The restoration, which carries a price tag of up to $12 million, got under way shortly after the ship was moved from the ghost fleet of Suisun Bay to Richmond, Calif., in October.

Wolfinbarger has spent more than a dozen weekends on the Iowa while it has been docked at the Port of Richmond, where the first leg of the project is nearing completion. During weekend tours, Wolfinbarger served as the ship historian.

One weekend more than 3,000 people came aboard, he said. People want to see it.

On Sunday, the ship will be towed to the Los Angeles area. It will officially open to the public in San Pedro Bay in early July.

When the ship is towed into San Pedro Bay, three flags will by flying from her mast: The American flag, the California state flag and the Iowa state flag.

While the Navy still owns the vessel, the Pacific Battleship Center (PBC) will run, possess and maintain the ship. The PBC is a nonprofit organization established in 2009.

Its exciting, its stressful, its pretty much perseverance, said Robert Kent, president of the PBC. We run into blocks pretty much on a weekly basis, but we just punch through them and keep going.

Continued here:
Veterans excited to see USS Iowa in new home

Severe Weather Awareness Severe Weather Awareness

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 11:29 AM EDT2012-05-21 15:29:53 GMT

Severe weather can strike at any time. All week we're putting the focus on severe weather awareness.

Severe weather can strike at any time. All week we're putting the focus on severe weather awareness.

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 11:17 AM EDT2012-05-21 15:17:49 GMT

Today we're thrilled to welcome Karen Stimpson, the executive director at the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, and some pets.

Today we're thrilled to welcome Karen Stimpson, the executive director at the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, and some pets.

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 11:06 AM EDT2012-05-21 15:06:26 GMT

Everyone knows that going green is good for the environment, but it could also save you some green. There are some simple things you can do around your house to make your bank account look a little better.

Everyone knows that going green is good for the environment, but it could also save you some green. There are some simple things you can do around your house to make your bank account look a little better.

See the original post:
Green Building Restoration

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Renewing its longstanding commitment to improving the lives of America's military families, Sears has launched its annual spring renovation campaign with Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership. In the past five years, Sears Heroes at Home has raised more than $16 million and helped more than 62,000 families via Rebuilding Together. Now through July 28, Sears is encouraging Americans to give back and continue their efforts by donating funds to Heroes at Home at their local Sears store or via a link online at sears.com/heroesathome.

According to a recent survey conducted by Sears, nearly half of all Americans surveyed plan to volunteer, donate to a military-related cause, or thank a veteran this Patriot Season (Armed Forces Day, May 19, through Labor Day, Sept. 3)[i]. It's that spirit of appreciation that motivates hundreds of volunteers from Rebuilding Together and Sears to work in communities across America via the Heroes at Home program to address the urgent housing needs of veterans from past and present wars.

"As grateful Americans, we know the great sacrifices our military heroes make to protect our nation," said Ron Boire, Sears Holdings' executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and president, Sears and Kmart formats. "Sears' Heroes at Home program, teaming with Rebuilding Together, turns that spirit of appreciation into action that helps improve the lives of our veterans. We're proud to be marking five years and more than 1,100 rebuilt homes and owe this success to the generosity and dedication of our customers and associates."

Heroes at Home rebuilds vary in size and scope, but all strive to provide safe and accessible housing. Highlights of the 150 projects currently underway across the country include:

"We couldn't ask for better support than what we receive from Heroes at Home," said Gary Officer, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "Dollar-by-donated-dollar, hand-in-hand, we are able to make a difference in the lives of our veterans. We have the utmost respect for each and every American that serves our country, and providing them with a safe, accessible home that they can feel comfortable living in is our main priority."

In addition to working with Rebuilding Together to help veterans with home modifications, Sears has been recognized as one of the country's leading military employers. Sears currently employs more than 30,000 veterans, leading recruitment programs to place them in jobs within the organization as well as accommodations for their spouses who have relocated to be closer to them. The company also offers a military pay differential to its full-time associates who are reservists and serving on active duty, allowing each to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs. Sears will also hold a comparable position for deployed employees for up to five years.

For more information about Heroes at Home, to make a donation and volunteer, visit http://www.sears.com/heroesathome.com.

View original post here:
Sears celebra cinco años de Heroes at Home, más de 1,100 renovaciones de hogares de veteranos con Rebuilding Together

In an otherwise-well-kept Moline neighborhood, the house on the highly visible corner of 27th Street and 15th Avenue was an eyesore. It was in foreclosure, with trees growing next to the foundation and in the gutters, and a blue tarp was draped over the leaking roof.

Littered with debris and marred by mold, the for sale as-is home was more than a typical buyer would want to tackle.

But Shane Scott who makes a business of buying, fixing and reselling houses saw the otherwise-attractive 1930s bungalow as an opportunity. He bought the property and, with the help of three associates, restored it both inside and out over a four-month period in 2011.

Once it was finished, the home was certified mold-clear by RCM Laboratories Inc., a third-party mold-testing company in Moline, and it had a new roof, new windows, a new heating and air-conditioning system, a new kitchen and bathroom and new doors, trim and light fixtures.

In short, it was pretty much a new house.

Not only did the undertaking provide a home for a new family, but it also helped maintain the neighborhoods integrity.

In recognition of that important work, Scott and co-workers Heath Everson and Bob and Terry Cones received the Moline Preservation Societys neighborhood stabilization award in ceremo-nies held Wednesday at the Butterworth Center.

I live nearby and walk that area with my dog, and I was impressed with the work they did, said Tom Bracke, a member of the citys preservation commission. These guys made it a beautiful home again.

Eight other individuals or entities also were cited for preservation work at the event last week.

Rehabbing a way of life

Read the original:
Group is lauded for restoration of historic 1930s bungalow

Cameron green light to new generation of nuclear subs Lib Dems wanted downgrade to reflect end of Cold War

By Tim Shipman

PUBLISHED: 02:47 EST, 21 May 2012 | UPDATED: 04:52 EST, 21 May 2012

David Cameron has given the green light to a new generation of Trident nuclear submarines, pitching the coalition into civil war over the future of Britains deterrent.

The Ministry of Defence will next week reveal the names of defence firms who have won 350million of contracts to design the new super subs.

The decision means the UK is set to replace the four giant Vanguard class boats with a new Bravo class of submarines, rather than downgrade the deterrent as the Lib Dems want.

Making waves: David Cameron has given the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear submarines to replace the current Vanguard class of boats, which includes HMS Vanguard (above)

The successor submarines are due to come into service in 2028.

And the design of the new submarines will use a new nuclear propulsion system to make the next generation of boats longer lasting and more cost effective.

The rest is here:
PM signals that Trident replacement is on the way despite Lib Dem unease

Study: 1 in 4 kids diabetic or pre-diabetic Study: 1 in 4 kids diabetic or pre-diabetic

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 7:53 PM EDT2012-05-21 23:53:30 GMT

Recent data shows a shocking jump in youth diabetes. A new study in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics said 1 out of 4 youth in the U.S. is diabetic or pre-diabetic.

Recent data shows a shocking jump in youth diabetes. A new study in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics said 1 out of 4 youth in the U.S. is diabetic or pre-diabetic.

The West Frankfort Police Department arrested 18 on Monday, May 21 after an undercover drug investigation.

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 7:28 PM EDT2012-05-21 23:28:48 GMT

The United States Geological Survey reports a 2.9 magnitude earthquake shook part of southeast Missouri Monday just after 5 p.m.

The United States Geological Survey reports a 2.9 magnitude earthquake shook part of southeast Missouri Monday just after 5 p.m.

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 7:21 PM EDT2012-05-21 23:21:57 GMT

Officers are investigating two break-ins in Fisk and Neelyville at convenience stores.

Read more:
Concrete deck poured on Eggners Ferry Bridge replacement span

Initially intending to alter only one set of cabinets, Roberson eventually remodeled the entire kitchen of his new condo in the Mayfair.

Roberson's master bedroom is sparsely appointed, but features original parquet floors that run throughout the unit.

As the end of the lease on his Midtown apartment approached, Chase Roberson toyed with several questions. Did he want to stay in Memphis, or did he want to move to another city? If he stayed, did he want to buy, or did he want to rent?

Meanwhile, every time he drove up Union Avenue, he'd glance up at The Mayfair condominium building and think, "I'd really like to live there."

Finally, he resolved to just do it.

"I decided on a whim that I'd been here this long, I wasn't going to go anywhere else," Roberson said. "I had money in hand, and being a first-time buyer worked in my favor."

Roberson called Alan Stricklin of Sowell & Co. Realtors to get the process started.

"He's a friend of mine, so naturally when I got ready, I just called him up," said Roberson, an assistant designer with Ray & Baudoin Interior Design. "He actually really wanted to steer me away from the building when we were looking at first."

That was because Stricklin knew a unit in The Mayfair, which was built in 1962, would likely require remodeling. Roberson, though, was not only up for it, he welcomed the challenge of designing his own space.

"I didn't want anything that was too big, too run down," he said. "But I definitely wanted something that needed fixing up, because that's a hobby of mine."

Read more here:
My New Home: Buyer willing to do a little remodeling finds a bargain on Union