Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

When it comes to residential and commercial cleaning, Top Cleaners is simply at the top. They have highly-skilled, experienced, and courteous cleaners who can be trusted to clean any space. Top Cleaners offer house cleaning, office cleaning, and move-in/out cleaning services.

Deciding on the right cleaning service is an essential task that anyone must make. Homeowners just can't let anyone into their private space. And so that's why they should only hire the best and most trusted maid service such as Top Cleaners. It is their mission to provide all their customers with the biggest value of service while at the same time maintaining a happy and respectful attitude. It is their goal as a professional cleaning service to provide the highest quality and to be able to meet all customer expectations in the best way possible. They work hard to ensure that they're able to provide the greatest customer support for their customers and they achieve this by hiring only the best staff that provides the best service from beginning to end.

Top Cleaners offers a wide variety of cleaning service options that is fully customizable to the need of every home or office. Their services are set at a flat rate or hourly rate, with no contracts, and customers can cancel at any time. Booking a cleaning appointment is also very easy. All that customers need to do is book a schedule online by selecting the preferred date and time for cleaning professionals to pay their home or business a visit. Then they can simply sit back and wait for them to arrive. Cleaners come equipped with modern cleaning tools and equipment to get any job done right. And as they start tidying up the place, customers need only to relax as these highly-trained and experienced professionals work to make the space cleaner, more organized, and appealing.

Services that Top Cleaners offer include house cleaning service where customers need not worry about any liability and service interruption since Top Cleaners will create a timetable that works for customers before cleaning commences. Commercial cleaning is also a service that Top Cleaners offer to ensure germs don't spread in the workplace. The risk of infection is greatly minimized by implementing a cleaning process that also involves a disinfecting step for all surfaces. Customers who are about to move in or out of a place can also call upon Top Cleaners to get everything sorted out before they unpack their things or to ensure they get their deposits back.

Media ContactCompany Name: Top CleanersContact Person: Constantin MoraruEmail: Send EmailPhone: 015039877Address:7 Slade Castle Heights City: Saggart, Co DublinCountry: IrelandWebsite: http://topcleaners.ie/

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Top Cleaners is the Top Maid Service that Offers the Best Cleaning Service in Dublin - Press Release - Digital Journal

The research report on Global Janitorial Cleaning Services market offers an in depth analysis on several important aspects. Report provides comprehensive study of the market on the basis of various factors such as market size, revenue, key drivers, challenges, risks, opportunities and some key segments.Thus the report presents the study of latest industry trends. It also offers the revenue forecast on basis of historical database and growth at substantial CAGR during the forecast period.Report covers a comprehensive study of the factors which are enhancing the growth of the Janitorial Cleaning Services market. However, report also covers some challenges and risks involved for the market players which might hinder the market growth during the forecast period.

This study covers following key players:ABM IndustriesThe Service Master CompanyCleanNetAnagoCleaningSystemsAramarkSodexoJani-KingStanley SteemerChemDryPritchard IndustriesBONUS Building CareRed CoatsUGL UniccoServicesVanguardJan-Pro InternationalMothers HouseCleaningClean First TimeCompass GroupDuracleanHarvard MaintenanceSteamaticStratus Building SolutionsTemko Service IndustriesMothers HouseCleaning

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The research report on global Janitorial Cleaning Services market offers a substantial insight for the consumers so that they can look for the strategies initiative and ideas to increase their market status in the present and upcoming market situation across the globe. Furthermore, report on global Janitorial Cleaning Services market offers the important information about the type, market channel, platforms, applications and end users.This study report further helps the participants to improve the market by taking strategic initiatives in this industry. Thus research report provides the opportunities and key developments for the key players in the industry.Research report provides comprehensive analysis about the industry on the basis of SWOT analysis, PESTEL analysis and Porters Five Forces model for the Janitorial Cleaning Services market. These tools are essential for studying any market.

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Market segment by Type, the product can be split into WindowCleaningVacuumingFloor CareMaidServicesCarpet & Upholstery

Market segment by Application, split into Commericial BuildingResidential BuildingFactory

Also the report delivers the potential study about the market on the basis of various categories such as market trends, key drivers and industry cost structure for the market industry. Thus the reports highlights the several factors which are important for any market movement. Furthermore the report presents the major analysis about key companies by offering company profile, competitive landscape and sales analysis of the companies.

Some Major TOC Points:1 Report Overview2 Global Growth Trends3 Market Share by Key Players4 Breakdown Data by Type and ApplicationContinued

It presents the in depth analysis about the various segments including local segments. The global Janitorial Cleaning Services market report covers all the key geographical regions which have good market. The major regions which hold the good market of the Janitorial Cleaning Services industry are covered in this report. Reports provides strategic study for the consumers for giving the insight of the market. In addition, report helps clients to understand the new technological innovations and ideas that are likely to increase the growth of the global Janitorial Cleaning Services market. Therefore the research report is valuable for the participants of the market industry.

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Global Janitorial Cleaning Services Market Expected to Reach Highest CAGR by 2025 Top Players: ABM Industries, The Service Master Company, CleanNet,...

While Mission Begin Again is taking flight in the state, resuming the services of house help in societies still remains a grey area. While some housing societies feel its up to flat owners, others say they don't want to take a risk, while an Oshiwara society has insisted that house help download the Aarogya Setu app. Varying positions on the matter has pitted residents of housing societies against each other.

Prashant Basrur, resident of Tarapore Gardens in Oshiwara told mid-day, "I don't understand how a maid living in a non-containment zone coming at my place is an issue of the society? If she is taking all the precautions while coming to my house, it's nobody's business. Women who don't have smartphones can't have the Aarogya Setu app and the green tick. But, our society officials claim these are Mumbai police's rules. Maids are not a luxury and nowadays when, Work From Home is keeping us glued to the laptop, we need them like never before."

"If the government has allowed the distribution of newspapers, why can't we have maids and drivers? We have to move forward now, of course with the utmost care," Basrur added.

GP Mahadik, chairman of Sainath Estate CHS in Mulund, had a different opinion. "We have 42 flats in the society, many children and senior citizens as well. So we have decided not to allow any maids for now. Even parcels get dropped with security guards and if a car cleaner is coming to the society, he is not supposed to handle the key. The owner of the car must go down, open and close it for the cleaner. We will wait till June 8 to see if any new guidelines are issued."

"The lockdown and subsequent Unlock 1.0 are ambiguous. There can't be a straight yes or no on the matter of maids. Their livelihoods depend on the work. But the COVID-19 fears are real," said Ankita Deshpande, a resident of Sant Namdeo CHS in Kopar Khairane, Navi Mumbai. "My society hasn't allowed maids to resume work and I don't think we would allow them till the end of June at least. But, the majority of the residents of my society are paying maids their monthly wages along with extra money to help them tide over this difficult time. Every housing society should decide for itself whether to allow them or not depending on the ratio of old and young persons, the number of positive cases in locality and safety precautions that need to be strictly implemented if maids are allowed to work. But, it is still advisable to avoid calling them back to work till the end of June even in areas where COVID-19 cases are few," Deshpande added.

Sainath Estate CHS in Mulund is not allowing house help for now. Pic/Rajesh Gupta

The secretary of a housing society in Vikhroli East said, "At the beginning of lockdown, we had unanimously decided to restrict the entry of maids. After unlock was announced, we asked BMC officials about their rules or directions, but did not get any clarity. So for the time being, we will continue the restrictions for a few more weeks. We had asked senior citizens who need maids full day and were willing to give special permits, but they too refused. Most of our maids come from an area that is a hotbed right now."

Dnyanesh Patil, state coordinator of Rashtriya Gharelu Kamgar Chalwal, said, "In Mumbai, we have approximately 2 to 2.25 lakh household workers or maids. Out of them, hardly 15 per cent are working. But, as restrictions are easing, we are hopeful that women will get back to work. But, there is still reluctance or rather fear among housing societies."

"Societies want maids to have Aarogya Setu app, testing and whatnot. We are urging societies to take hygiene measures such as gloves, sanitisers for maids. They are ready to do it. Around half the employers were paying salary to their maids, but what about the other half? They have somehow survived, but work should resume."

Manisha Mane from Chembur said that women from her area have not been called to work. "I live at PL Lokhande Marg. We were paid for March and April but haven't had money since May. We had approached the societies but they said the government has not clarified on the matter. We are in a difficult situation now."

Another maid, Savita Pandit, from Vashi Naka, said, "I just got my salary for March month. I did not get any food or ration all this time. We are not sure whether our employers will call us. We are now trying to form a self-help group because we don't want to die of starvation. Employers think we will bring the infection to their homes. Till the time this fear remains, it'll be difficult for us to resume work.

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Unlock 1.0: Unrest in several housing societies over allowing maids in - Mid-day

Authorities around the world continue the fight to curb the spread of Covid-19. While safe distancing measures are slowly easing, with the phased reopening of Singapore and the government announcing the launch of a "fast lane" for the limited essential travel between Singapore and mainland China this month, many people are still unsure when commercial travel will be safe again.

This means foreigners working and studying in Singapore wont know when they will be able to travel home to visit their loved ones again. For now, they can only rely on a phone call or video call to connect with them.

For Chinese nationals living in the city-state, China Mobile International is doing its part to offer seamless connections to help them link up with their families, friends and business partners in mainland China and Hong Kong. With its new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) CMLink Singapore, subscribers from Chinese immigrants to students and professionals here wont have to worry about staying connected with ease.

With CMLink Singapore, you dont have to stress over expensive charges when making calls or maintaining two numbers. To those who have a constant link with mainland China and Hong Kong, heres a list of why you should make the switch to CMLink Singapore now.

Making overseas calls can be nerve-racking for two reasons: getting an unstable connection that may result in spotty calls and paying hefty fees. With CMLink, you can expect crystal-clear calls to mainland China and Hong Kong with its bundled IDD minutes that range from 100 minutes to 300 minutes, depending on your selected plan. Any excess minutes are charged at local rates. Apart from mainland China and Hong Kong, CMLink Singapores bundled IDD minutes can also be used to call numbers in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the United States.

Frequent travellers to mainland China and Hong Kong, rejoice! On your next visit, you can forget about ordering a Wi-Fi router, the hassle of changing your SIM card or topping up your mobile plan to get overseas data. CMLink Singapores plans, which range from 5GB to 60GB, have bundled data that can be shared across Singapore, mainland China and Hong Kong.

For existing China Mobile subscribers, you can opt to receive SMS sent to your Chinese number* through your CMLink Singapore number. This is made possible by the MVNOs CM Numbers Link service, which allows its subscribers to access any Chinese website and service that requires an OTP. This service is free for all subscribers until Dec 31.

*Chinese number refers to an active mainland phone number of China Mobile

Mobile plans often highlight the data they offer but getting good deals on call and text services are equally important too. CMLink Singapore has four plans that offer call number display, incoming calls and bundled SMS at no cost. This takes away the hassle of deciding which plan to subscribe to.

Several deals await when you sign up for any CMLink Singapore mobile plan. PHOTO: CHINA MOBILE

There is no contract and sign-up fee when you make the switch to CMLink Singapore. You can enjoy a number of promotions when you sign up with the MVNO too.

Till June 30, get a $20 discount for six consecutive months on plans that are $30 and above, or enjoy a $10 discount for six consecutive months on the $15 plan.

For China Mobile subscribers availing of a CMLink Singapore plan, a reward of 15 (~S$2.98) in monthly credit for 12 consecutive months awaits upon your sign-up. This promotion will run till June 30 as well.

So hurry and sign up for CMLink Singapore now. You can get the $15 plan for as low as $5 for 5GB of data, inclusive of 100 local minutes, 100 SMS, free incoming calls and caller ID, free SIM registration and delivery, as well as mobile number port.

Find out more about what CMLink Singapore offers or sign up now by visiting this link.

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Connect with loved ones in mainland China and Hong Kong with CMLink - The Straits Times

SINGAPORE - School life in the post-circuit breaker period is anything but normal. While students doing national exams attend school daily, children in other levels alternate between a week of classroom learning and a week of home-based learning (HBL).

The new schedule, which affects those in primary and secondary schools, as well as junior colleges, is part of social distancing measures to curb the community spread of Covid-19 as the country re-opens in phases.

Toggling between classroom and home will be challenging for kids, as well their parents, some of whom have returned to work this month. Experts advise giving children a safe space to express their feelings while keeping to a structured routine during HBL.

"A consistent classroom and home routine is important for helping children to transition between different activities throughout the day. Alternating weekly between school and home-based learning will disrupt that consistency for children," says Ms Pamela See, educational and developmental psychologist at Think Psychological Services and Think KIDS.

Some children may become anxious as they cannot cope with the different demands of school-based learning and HBL, she adds. This may show up as tantrums, constant worrying, avoiding revision, regressive behaviour, withdrawing from activities and friends, and changes in sleeping and hygiene habits.

Ms Tan Su-Lynn, senior educational psychologist at Promises Healthcare, says that kids with special needs or learning difficulties may also be worried about keeping up with school work or or re-adapting to relationships with classmates and teachers.

Mr Tan Wei Jie, co-founder and English specialist at Good School Learning Hub enrichment centre, says during HBL weeks, children may suffer from a lack of supervision, especially if their parents are back in the office.

Some may be distracted and try to multitask during online lessons, while others who are less independent may not be able to complete their assignments.

The experts offer these tips to manage the transition:

Mr Tan, a former secondary school teacher for four years, advises parents to keep their kids to a regular sleeping and waking schedule even during HBL weeks.

They can create a family WhatsApp group just for school work where kids can post screenshots of completed work. At the same time, parents should check with teachers if their child is handing in assignments on time.

"Use video conferencing tools to check on your child. For example, you can get your child to share his screen with you on a Zoom session so that you can watch his screen on your smartphone as and when you wish," he adds.

Psychologist Ms Tan says parents can empower their kids by giving some choice in how they want to complete their HBL and homework tasks. "Giving them ownership of crafting their own timetable will certainly help to keep them motivated in following through with the plan."

Ms See says it's important for parents to communicate openly with their kids and create a safe space where they can share their challenges about this transition period.

Ms Tan adds: "Listen to them when they are ready to talk, and help them to integrate and connect back to calm themselves."

She explains that children should be taught to express their feelings so they can learn to manage them in a positive way. "Holding in or denying our emotions could sometimes unconsciously result in angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour."

Mr Tan says children who performed well academically in the past may find their grades affected by the many changes to school life.

He encourages mums and dads to manage their expectations, as children look to their parents for "reassurance that they just need to perform to the best of their abilities and not to be too stressed by the current unprecedented situation".

Ms Tan says parents should also have empathy for themselves. "Yes, it is messy and chaotic, and it is okay to be not okay with any of this. Children learn by watching the behaviours and reactions of the adults around them, so this is a critical opportunity to prepare them to deal with uncertainties in life."

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Helping kids to toggle between classroom lessons and home-based learning - The Straits Times

NEW YORK, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report by Reports and Data, the global polypropylene market is forecasted to reach USD 205.61 Billion by 2027. Increasing adoption of PP in the 3D Printing industry owing to its superior chemical resistance is a significant factor influencing market demand. Polypropylene has the lowest density out of all commonly used in manufacturing plastics, which makes it very light. Other benefits associated with the material, including flexibility, durability, and electrical resistance, make it highly practical for the industry. Currently, the product is being used in the healthcare sector to manufacture medical vials, diagnostic devices, specimen bottles, and pill containers.

The increasing global installation of propane dehydrogenation (PDH) facilities is anticipated to influence demand. In the U.S. and Canada, the ethane steam crackers have reduced the production of propylene. Thus, companies have been shifting to propane dehydrogenation for the production of propylene. Based on statistics, since 2010, more than 2 million metric tons/year of new PDH capacity have been developed in both the U.S. and Canada, and around 1.6 MMTPA capacity is currently under development.

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Europe is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.4% in the forecast period. Increasing adoption of PP in the construction sector is likely to foster demand. PP is used in construction applications such as air and moisture barrier membranes, films, and sheets used in insulating building wraps, carpet textiles, and in plastic parts such as pipes. The growing demand for light-weight automobiles has also driven the demand for plastics particularly, PP in the region. Manufacturers in the region have been shifting to polymers and plastic composites to achieve better fuel efficiency levels.

The COVID-19 impact:

The spread of Covid-19 poses a threat to the global oil and gas industry due to various factors. The drastic action taken to curb the spread of the virus has had a significant impact on the working of different sectors. For instance, offshore workers have to balance maintaining social distancing while living and working in confined spaces. Similarly, travel bans and quarantines inhibit companies' ability to facilitate travel and conduct meetings. The uncertainty that runs through the pandemic further affects the historically volatile industry. This uncertainty is further supported by the lack of an apparent historical instance for the phenomenon in the oil and gas sector. The oil industry is being affected by dual frontiers, including the demand destruction caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the price war amongst key global producers that have brought about a record plunge in prices.

To identify the key trends in the industry, click on the link below: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/polypropylene-market

Further key findings from the report suggest

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For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data have segmented into the global polypropylene market on the basis of type, application, end use industry, and region:

Extraction Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2017-2027)

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2017-2027)

End Use Industry Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2017-2027)

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2017-2027)

Browse more similar reports onPolymers and Resinscategory by Reports And Data

About Reports and Data

Reports and Data is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries and help client's make a smarter business decision. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a multiple industries including Healthcare, Technology, Chemicals, Power and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware about the latest trends existent in the market. Reports and Data has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise.

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Polypropylene Market to Reach USD 205.61 Billion by 2027 | Reports And Data - PRNewswire

GALESBURG This year the TKE (Tau Kappa Epsilon) organization celebrates 100 years at 160. W. South St. in Galesburg. This makes the present TKE House at Knox College the oldest TKE house in the world. A commemoration rock and plaque in the front of the house note this historic element of Knox TKE history.

The TKE House was built in 1906 for Knox College Professor William F. Bentley, professor of music and director of the Knox Conservatory of Music. The Tudor design six-gable house was built for the Bentley family as well as a place for Knox music students practices.

The first floor was the parlor with fireplace, library, dining hall and kitchen.

The second floor had a master suite with an attached study room with a fireplace as well as an infant changing room and a nursery.

The third floor featured three music practice rooms and a storage area.

The house originally had an octopus coal heating system that was replaced with natural gas and subsequently with radiator stream heat. The steam heat was replaced with a gas-powered boiler.

The attic storage area became known by the members as the rack. In the rack were bunk beds to accommodate the members who lived in the house. When the requirement for all members to sleep in the rack was lifted, members slept in their individual study room and the rack was repurposed.

The first floor kitchen was moved to the basement. The kitchen was renovated into an apartment for the housemother when the college determined in 1955 that each fraternity must have a resident housemother. The first housemother in 1955 was Pearl Maxey, whose son was a Knox student. When the last housemother retired in the 1970s, the housemothers room was renovated into a social room. Today, that room is an individual room for a member.

All of the second floor rooms were used for members.

One room was eliminated in 1990 when the house was renovated. That room was turned in to a large restroom.

In a house that had as many as 28 residents and countless guests, there were minimal restroom and bath facilities. Today there are four restrooms and bathrooms with numerous showers, including handicap-accessible facilities.

The ramp and deck that surrounds the outside of the house was added in 2002. The addition of the deck and ramp made the TKE House the first handicap-accessible fraternity house on the Knox campus.

The basement, once a storage area and then a dining hall and kitchen, is now a social area with a complete modern kitchen and a large restroom as well as an energy-efficient laundry and mechanical room. The house employed full-time cooks for the members to take meals in the house until in the early 70s, when the college required all to board with the college. At one time there were nearly 100 members making the cooks job a real challenge.

During renovations, the house was outfitted with a fire system, an overhead sprinkler system and a fire escape.

A number of the house repairs and renovations occurred in the 1990s after the college wrote the TKE alumni that the house needed immediate attention. Over $300,000 was raised from TKE actives, alumni and friends. Renovations included all new windows, door frames and doors; new plumbing and electrical; new roof and exterior painting; new heating system, insulation, painting and lighting; hardwood floors on all three levels refinished; woodwork stripped and refinished; restrooms added; basement drains added; paint stripping from stonework on the first floor stone facade; and more.

The later rack renovation featured new heating and an AC system as well as lighting and floor refinishing.

During renovations, the gable interior area and attic were explored and finds included vintage cans, documents and sports programs. A dumbwaiter was found buried in a wall. Pocket doors on the first floor were found. The first and second floor hardwood floors were found to have been shimmed to be level with vintage baseball card and local newspapers from the 1906 time frame. There were various woods used in different rooms, including oak, maple, walnut and cherry.

Over the years the house has been landscaped; the exterior redone and painted; and new gutters, roof and fire escape. The original roof was slate.

The repairs and renovations have been done with a focus on maintaining the original characteristics and architectural features of the house. The front door is original, as are the hardwood floors. The window oak woodwork is original. The two fireplaces and the mantles that heated the house are original. The pocket doors and dumbwaiter remain, as do the overhead wooden beams in the original library. The exterior paint colors are the same or very similar to the original 1907 colors.

All items found in the house, or that were required to be removed, were donated to the Knox Archives.

A capital improvement fund is in place to address the next projects, which will include an updated laundry room, a time capsule to commemorate 100 years at 160, exterior repairs and more.

The house has served as much more than living quarters. Long a social center on the Knox campus, the TKE House has hosted formals, dances, dinners, Mothers Weekends, frat parties, concerts, speakers and more.

For decades, annually the members moved out of the house for a weekend and their mothers moved in for a weekend. The mothers club helped raise funds and raise "awareness" for cleaning and organization. When the members returned to the house on Sunday, it was spic and span clean.

Numerous historic events have occurred in and around the house. The Tri-Delt sorority original installation event was held and hosted in the TKE House.

The house has served and survived 100 year as a college fraternity. The house has had fires, floods, broken pipes and other challenges, but it still proudly stands for the diverse brotherhood of TKE.

Over 1,200 Knox TKE students have called the TKE House home. Countless students, friends and family have visited the house and have many memories.

TKE alumni have excelled in their fields and careers. TKE alumni include an NFL referee, business leaders, military leaders, professors, labor, union and environmental activists, politicians, authors, teachers and countless charity volunteers. Some of the funds raised by TKE are earmarked for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Nearly the entire chapter served in World War II, and many served in other wars, including Vietnam. A number of TKE alumni made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.

TKE looks forward to the next 100 years at 160 W. South St. on the Knox College campus.

John Gorski is chairman and president of the Knox College TKE Board of Advisors.

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Knox campus holds oldest TKE house in the world - Galesburg Register-Mail

PORTLAND, Maine The Portland Fire Department responded to a small fire inside of the Proper Cup Coffee House on Forest Avenue Thursday Morning.

Portland Fire Deputy Chief Jon Hendricks says crews responded reports of smoke coming from the wall shortly after 8:00 A.M.

Hendricks adds he believes an electrical outlet started the fire that spread to a wall in the rear of the building.

"Crews made entry into the building fairly quickly with no issues, and located the fire and extinguished it fairly quickly," said Hendricks.

Hendricks adds the building does have a sprinkler system, but it was not active. The building did sustain minor damage and Hendricks says the Proper Cup Coffee House may need to close for a short time. The rest of the building at 500 Forest Ave can remain open.

Part of Forest Ave was closed for roughly one hour while crews responded but has since reopened.

RELATED: One person taken to hospital following fire on Bell Street in Portland

RELATED: All Portland fire companies respond to 3rd alarm fire on Commercial St.

RELATED: UPDATE: House fire in Portland caused by wood stove ashes

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Crews respond to small fire inside of the Proper Cup Coffee House in Portland - NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ

This story, as told to Garin Pirnia, is from the perspective of Chris Montana, co-owner of South Minneapolis Du Nord Craft Spirits. When Montana opened the distillery in 2013, in the neighborhood where he grew up, he became the first Black person to own a microdistillery in the U.S. Du Nord is located less than half a mile from Minneapolis 3rd Precinct, the epicenter of much of last weeks conflict. On the morning of May 29, Du Nord, along with hundreds of businesses on or near Lake Street in South Minneapolis, was damaged: Someone set a fire inside. The sprinkler system dumped 40,000 gallons of water and doused the fire, but the distillery sustained minor damages.

Montana already knew about unexpected change. Two months before police killed George Floyd, the pandemic had forced Montana to close his distillery to the public. But he and two other local distilleries pivoted the businesses and founded All Hands Minnesota, using the facilities to manufacture hand sanitizer. Since last week, he has transformed the distillery into a community donation center and has raised more than $200,000 for local businesses. Montana spoke to HuffPost about community outreach, how Minneapolis (and the U.S.) can rebuild, and how the spirits industry needs more inclusiveness.

I see three needs. The short-term need is we have a food desert here now. And not just a food desert an everything else desert. There used to be a Target, there used to be an Aldi, there used to be a Cub Foods. Theyre all gone. The restaurants are all burnt. Now, hows anyone going to get any of these supplies? If you already were food insecure, then this could be a death blow. The first thing we have to take [care] of is that immediate need.

The second part is these Black- and brown-owned businesses theyre most likely to be undercapitalized. When youre undercapitalized and I know this because Ive always been undercapitalized you have to make some choices: Do you want to spend your money on insurance, or do you want to spend your money on inventory or rent?

I think that this is going to be a like a stroke. Youre going to know how bad it was by what happens afterwards and what the lasting result is.

- Chris Montana

We had an outpouring, and I mean an outpouring, of support. I feel so amazingly blessed, and I feel humbled by it. We started the Du Nord Riot Recovery Fund. The pledge is, were not going to take any of the money. Were going to use that money to get it into existing business owners hands.

The third need: And then we have a long-term plan on how we rebuild. Theres a physical manifestation of the anger that has existed in communities of color for generations and that physical manifestation is a scar that runs straight through Minneapolis, and another one goes through St. Paul. And how that scar is healed can be part of the solution, or it can be business as usual. But if theres some way to use the mechanisms of the state via zoning, via grant programs to seed and support businesses owned by persons of color, to intersperse them throughout majority-owned businesses, I think that is the recipe for success. Because what we really need is for those people to be together. We need those people to mix. We need those perspectives to mix.

The other protesters who did most of the damage in the early stages of this I dont demonize them at all. I would shake their hands. I didnt want to see it happen, but I understand it.

The path forward is for those to talk without demonizing and dehumanizing each other. Just talk. The thing that gives me hope is Ive had some of my conservative friends reach out. You know what? I dont agree with everything, but its helped me understand. Thats literally all we need. Once we have a national consensus on this, well fix this. But we dont have a national consensus. Theres a significant amount of the population that really doesnt see the systemic racism.

My guess is a few years from now, well do it again if we dont learn the lesson. But I think this is harder to ignore.

I get it that its news. I hope its not just the flavor of the month.

- Chris Montana

I hope that we get to a better place. Part of the way I found out that [I had the first Black-owned microdistillery] was I went to my first American Craft Spirits convention in 2015. I walked in and I was the person of color. I asked some people if they thought about the lack of diversity, and the answer was, No, we havent. And I suppose why would you?

For me, obviously, its inescapable. Everyone is staring at you. Im somewhat used to it. I grew up in Minnesota, but Im not going to say Im comfortable with it. I ran for a spot on the board and then ran for president and served as president [of the American Craft Spirits Association] for the past two years. I just gave it up. When I was there, one of the things that I pushed, from beginning to end, was an internship program to get persons of color in and working at distilleries, such as they would be marketable and then get picked up by other companies. Because thats how you build the bench of people who will eventually become master distillers and eventually will open their own distilleries.

I think its getting better. Theres Uncle Nearest. [Note: Another Black-owned distillery, Brough Brothers Bourbon, opened this year in Kentucky.] But theres 2,000-plus microdistilleries. Thats not good. Theres plenty of Black-owned brands, but the actual facilities that are making things? Not enough. I dont want it to stay that way. That should be an insult to our industry. It should be a wake-up call.

Theres a physical manifestation of the anger that has existed in communities of color for generations ... How that scar is healed can be part of the solution, or it can be business as usual.

- Chris Montana

I will tell you this: Since these recent events, some of the larger microdistilleries in the country have reached out, and now I think that program that Ive been pushing for three years, I think it probably has its best shot in becoming a reality. Im happy its happening. I get it that its news. I hope its not just the flavor of the month. You gotta take what you got. Theres the world as it is, and the world as you want it to be, and I got to live in this one. If this is how we get attention on these issues? Fine, Ill take it. I dont think you can look at people who are trying to do something helpful and throw it back in their face and say, Why werent you doing it before? If youre trying to help, youre trying to help. Period.

Theres going to be some good to come from this. I think there could be a lot of good. I think that this is going to be like a stroke. Youre going to know how bad it was by what happens afterwards and what the lasting result is. Whether or not any of this has been effective, I dont know that we will know for some time. If we go back to business as usual, then no. I hope that we dont. Time is going to have to tell on that one.

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A Black-Owned Distillery Was Set On Fire In Minneapolis. Here's How The Owner Responded. - HuffPost

In a week filled with grief and rage at the death of yet another black man at the hands of police, several nonprofits and organizations that serve the community were damaged or destroyed.

On Thursday, May 28, Springboard for the Arts new space on University Ave. in St. Paul suffered fire and property damage as peaceful protests gave way to looting and rioting. On Friday morning, Springboard tweeted, Our staff are safe, our building is standing. We are cleaning now. Please help our neighbors at the clean-up organized by Hamline Midway Coalition, and keep demanding #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd.

Ananya Dance Theatres Shawngram Institute for Performance & Social Justice, also on University Avenue, had property damage. In an email sent Monday morning, Managing Director Gary Peterson wrote, Responding to rumors of likely trouble on May 27, a small army of volunteers arrived and helped us remove all valuable items. That night, as continuing protests turned violent, our security cameras captured the image of a shattered, floor-to-ceiling glass window Somewhat magically, no one entered through the broken window.

Several buildings nearby were set on fire that night. The next day, more volunteers arrived to clean-up, secure, and muralize our space for whatever the weekend of protests might bring, Peterson wrote. Through Sunday, June 7, company dancer Kealoha Ferreira is leading a daily 20-minute meditation class at 7 a.m. on Facebook.

Vine Arts Center/The Ivy in Minneapolis Seward neighborhood, home to Frank Theatres studio, several artists studios and a gallery, was damaged Thursday night when its roof caught fire and sprinklers went off inside. Its believed the blaze was started by debris from the Hexagon Bar nearby, which was destroyed by fire.

Juxtaposition Arts, the teen-staffed art and design center in north Minneapolis, reported Saturday on Facebook that JXTA has not burned down. We did sustain minor damages last night, as the protests over George Floyds death were co-opted by violent individuals inciting riots and looting. We spent today admiring the efforts of our community members in cleanup, donations and aid.

The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge, located just south of the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct in Longfellow, was damaged by graffiti and fire sprinklers. The former Patricks Cabaret, the Hook is also home to Jawaahir Dance Company. Booker Jackson Buck told the Star Tribune that people broke in, probably looted and vandalized. The building still stands, but we dont know if it will survive until a later date. Its survival already threatened by COVID-19, the Hook had planned to launch a series of Hookstreams live streaming concert fundraisers this coming Friday, June 5.

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Ananya Dance Theatres Shawngram Institute for Performance & Social Justice, also on University Avenue, had property damage.

Hours before the fire began, the Migizi Legacy Radio Archive was moved elsewhere to safety. (Earlier reports said the archive, which includes decades of radio broadcasts and interviews with prominent Native Americans, had been lost.) Executive Director Kelly Drummer told Indian Country Today that what remains of the building is just a shell.

After the fire, Rosy Simas, founding director of Rosy Simas Danse, wrote on Facebook, MIGIZI Communications is gone. My family and many others built this Native organization that has served the Native community for over 40 years Yes, it is just a building. But to the Native community this is territory, a home we still had here. Our lands stolen. We built this place for all people and many communities were loved, educated and thrived at MIGIZI. Im heartbroken. My sister has worked there for about 40 years. My mother is a founder. I worked there on and off for 13 years.

Since George Floyds death, arts organizations across the Twin Cities have issued statements of solidarity and support. Penumbras Sarah Bellamy wrote, Justice doesnt come from one person pushing against a system, or one group making noise. It comes from the mighty confluence of many streams all rushing forward to say, enough. No more. Not in our names. Not on our watch. It seems that moment has arrived for Minnesota and the United States of America.

MinnPost photo by Walker Orenstein

A mural honoring George Floyd on display outside of Cup Foods in Minneapolis near where he died.

From the Playwrights Center: We stand united with our communities of color and commit to supporting and uplifting voices of color We call on white people within our community to self-examine and to acknowledge racism and white supremacy in all their implicit and explicit forms and to make intentional change. The Guthries rooftop LED signs now say George Floyd and scroll James Baldwins words Nothing can be changed until it is faced.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts issued its statement on Monday afternoon. In part: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is angered, appalled and outraged, like all of you, at the murder of George Floyd. We call for justice to be served for all those responsible. We also call for immediate engagement of all police to become catalysts of reform instead of participants in a culture of violence towards people of color.

We are also saddened at the damage to small businesses and community-based arts organizations and nonprofits which are the livelihoods of and provide services to so many across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. We are particularly heartbroken by the destruction of Migizi Communications, a native led, youth serving organization which was burned to the ground near the Third Precinct police station, and we urge our members to help them rebuild by donating.

Photo by Adam Kissick

Sheila Smith

The damage is a spectrum, Smith said. The worst one was Migizi. Its just really terrible. The damage at Springboard sounds pretty bad the sprinkler system was on but they are saying theyre resilient and justice is a more important issue right now than whats happening with buildings. You hear that as a pretty common refrain.

We dont know everything that has happened, and we dont know everything that will happen. What we have now is a snapshot in time. I think its important to ask, How can the arts bring people together to express their feelings and to heal? One of the first things that happened was the mural of George Floyd near the spot where he died. And now that has become a sacred site in the city

Our mission is to ensure access to the arts for all Minnesotans. We will still be working on our mission, no matter whats happening in the world. Were going to need to protect arts funding when the legislature reconvenes. We have so many arts organizations that were vulnerable because of COVID closings, and now we have some of them suffering physical damage. Its just injury on injury to our vibrant arts community. Like every other part of the economy, theyre hurting, but this feels like theyre hurting way more.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits report says the nonprofit arts organizations have been the most deeply affected by COVID. This all happening on top of that is hard to bear. Were all going to have to work together to rebuild those communities and the arts organizations that serve them.

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Adding up the damage to Twin Cities arts organizations - MinnPost