Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

A white cabinet sits on the front porch of the Joseph L. Davis American Legion Post 47 in Havre de Grace, Md. It was placed there in March as a way to serve post and community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post 47s Pantry on the Porch has kept a steady supply of non-perishable food and toiletry items for any community member in need. The pantry is self-service, open 24/7 and continually stocked thanks to donations, including monetary, from the community and Legion Family members.

Anybody can come in here and get food. We dont want anybody to go hungry during this coronavirus pandemic, said Alma Orive, post adjutant and Hartford County vice commander. People have sent a lot of thank you notes saying, We really appreciate having a food pantry here since we are short of cash right now.

Orive advertises about the food pantry almost daily on Post 47s Facebook page, including when food is running low and what items are specifically needed to be restocked. We appreciate all of the donations our community has made, she said. Pallets of food have been donated from the local Vintage Caf and radio station 104.7, while homemade soups with fresh vegetables are being canned and placed in the pantry thanks to a community member who donated four boxes of Mason jars. All thats asked of those who take soup is for the jars to be returned for reuse.

Paula Casagrande with Big House Signs created signs and stickers that said Together We Are Havre de Grace Strong. A portion of sales from the $5 apiece stickers support Post 47s food pantry. Casagrande sells the stickers at her store and people can drop a self-addressed stamped envelope in Post 47s mailbox for stickers to be sent to them. Orive said about $500 has been donated to the post from sticker sales.

The pantry has brought our community together even more, Orive said. We have a wonderful community here where everybody is pitching in and everybody is helping.

Orive also has been making masks that she places in the cabinet for taking. Shes made about 48 so far and they were gone immediately.

Besides feeding its community, Post 47 has been making Buddy Checks on its members. Orive created a flyer that was distributed to members through social media that read Because We Care About YOU and encouraged members needing any type of assistance, such as grocery shopping or transportation needs, to call the post. Orvie said even though the post is closed because of COVID-19, messages are checked regularly and phone calls returned.

Buddy Checks were divided into four lists: expired members, members with 40-plus continued membership years, Paid Up For Life members, and all others. Post Commander Mike Bush has made more than 325 calls to PUFL members and the all others list, and post member Bill Crouse has called expired members that resulted in about a third of them renewing. The members with 40-plus years are informed during the phone call that their membership dues are now paid for.

People are delighted to get the phone call and know that we care, Orive said. They have written back (on Facebook) thank you for caring. Thats important.

Orive said Post 47 has members across the United States in California, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, etc., and that they are contributing donations to the pantry.

(The food pantry has) served its purpose. Its done a great job, its helped our community, she said.

Read the rest here:
Maryland Post 47 feeds community with Pantry on the Porch - The American Legion

A Danville resident suffered injuries and a cat died in an early Wednesday morning house fire, the Danville Fire Department reports.

Police were first dispatched at about 2:15 a.m. to129 Nelson Ave. in the northern part of the city after someone heard a person screaming for help, according to news release byBrian K. Alderson, a battalion chief with the Danville Fire Department.

Police officers arrived and found the resident on the front porch "calling out for help," Anderson reported. Officers moved the occupant off the porch to a safer spot and checked the house but did not try to go in due to smoke and heat. That's when police called for the fire department to respond.

The occupant had burns to the hands, feet, chest and experienced smoke inhalation, according to Alderson. The resident was taken to Sovah Health-Danville for treatment.

Minutes later, firefighters arrived at the one-story home to find heavy smoke inside from fire in the living room, whichwas quickly extinguished. The occupant had told crews a cat was still inside. Firefighters searched and foundthe cat, brought it outside and startedresuscitation efforts, Anderson reported. However, the cat did not survive.

While the fire was contained to the living room, smoke and heat damaged the rest of the home. Repairs must be made before the home is livable again.

The cause was ruled to be careless smoking, Alderson reported.

Follow this link:
Danville officers find injured resident screaming for help on porch, pull to safety as fire burns inside; cat perishes in blaze - GoDanRiver.com

Colleyvilles amended order on patio dine-in at restaurants will remain in place until Friday when some businesses will be allowed to reopen with capacity under new state orders.

Last week, a proclamation was signed by Colleyville Mayor Richard Newton which stated restaurants with outdoor patios can allow customers to dine-in so long as distancing guidelines are followed and tables are spaced apart. It also relaxed restrictions for on-site religious services, gyms, salons, and massage studios.

The citys amended order went into effect Friday, April 24 a full week before businesses like restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums, and retail stores can reopen at 25 percent capacity under executive orders issued by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday.

The latest news from around North Texas.

Wegive very careful consideration to any proclamation that I give out, Mayor Newton told NBC 5 Tuesday. Thereis no need to make any changes until we match his new order.

Newton said his order will likely be amended in the comingdays so it will align with Abbotts latest executive order on Friday, adding noone from the Governors office has reached out to him in the past 24 hours. Thismeans restaurants can continue to operate with patio dine-in service untilThursday night, according to Newton.

NBC 5 reached out to Governor Abbotts office on Tuesday for clarification on whether his orders superseding local orders would take effect Friday, or at the time of his announcement Monday afternoon. We have not heard back.

Ted Price, franchise owner of Costa Vida Fresh MexicanGrill in Colleyville, has been operating with curbside service and recently openedtheir patio seating area. However, they do not plan to reopen at 25 percentstarting Friday.

At theend of the day, to allow 30 people in at a time with just a few tables spreadout and not allowing them to go through the counter service, I think it would bemore frustrating for them and make it harder for us to deliver the amount offood we are delivering now picking up curbside, Price explained.

On thefirst day they were allowed to offer patio service, Price admits it was difficultat times to get people to stay at a distance.

They didit. We just had to remind people a lot. We adjusted our line to help it make iteasier for them to spread out, he said. Were trying to get [floor markers] printedtoday to put on the ground. We had cones spread out by six feet. Were tryingto come up with better things but getting them created and ordered and printed,it takes time to figure these things out. Were doing our best.

Underthe executive orders announced by Abbott this week, businesses are not requiredto reopen Friday. Vinny Taneja, public health director for Tarrant County, saidbusinesses that choose to do so need to make smart decisions.

Tanejasaid this includes, but is not limited to, the usage of masks and abiding tocapacity limits.

Thosethings allow us to reopen with a very guarded, very cautious approach. We needto be very careful with monitoring the data. If data starts to uptick and trendup, we reevaluate. If it stays flat or keeps coming down, then okay makefurther progress, he said.

In hisweekly briefing before the Tarrant County Commissioners Court Tuesday, Tanejasaid the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is trending flat.

What thefederal plan was asking for us to be doing, is they should be consistentlygoing down over the last two weeks. Were flattening out, were not going down,Taneja said, referring to the federal guidance on reopening.

Thenumber of confirmed cases requiring hospitalization in Tarrant County has trendedup a little over the last couple of weeks, but its not an earthshatteringnumber, according to Taneja. As of Tuesday, he said 47 percent of hospitalbeds in Tarrant County are unoccupied due to social distancing measures inplace.

Of theoccupied beds, about six percent are COVID-19 patients.

When asked whether the data suggest Tarrant County is ready to reopen Friday with restrictions in place, Taneja answered, the data is not all aligning up with what the federal plan was. I mean, thats clear from the briefing but thats just one input. Youve got to balance out what the business community is wanting, what the public is wanting. I dont envy the position that Governor and our elected leaders are in. But that data is just part of the puzzle that theyre having to look at.

If data suggests no flare-up of cases over two weeks startingFriday, Abbott said the reopening of businesses could move into phase II which setscapacity at 50 percent.

Establishments like gyms and salons will hopefully be opened bymid-May, Abbott said.

Original post:
Colleyvilles Orders Allowing Patio Dine-In Will Continue Until State Orders on Businesses Start Friday, Mayor Says - NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is committed to continuing our normal features, where appropriate, during the coronavirus outbreak. For full coverage of the outbreak in Atlanta, please check our Coronavirus News Section. We have decided to continue Best of Alpharetta voting for the time being, despite social distancing. We encourage our readers to support local businesses after the authorities loosen the social distancing rules along with supporting those businesses that offer delivery or pickup during the outbreak.

Outdoor dining is usually a must when the weather warms up, so when patrons feel its safe to do so, theyll likely elect to have their meals outdoors at their favorite spot.

This weeks Best of Alpharetta poll is one of the biggest yet, having nine options residents can choose from.

RELATED:VOTE: Whats the best rainy day activity in Roswell? | Best of Roswell

Whether you prefer to have sushi at Kona Grill or would rather get a brick-oven pizza atCampania, the options abound for outdoor dining.

Thats why the AJC is asking readers to vote on the best patio in the North Fulton city.

If you cant view the poll above clickhere.

Know a place that should be added? Email a write-in nomination tokiersten.willis@ajc.com. If enough people suggest the same spot, well place it in our poll. Voting ends Thursday, May 21, at midnight.

Interested in more Alpharetta news?Sign up for our new Alpharetta Community newsletter to stay up to date.

Dont forget to check out the winners of the Best of Alpharetta.

Best park

Best sushi

Best way to spend a rainy day

Best brunch spot

Best happy hour spot

Best holiday light display

Best date-night spot

Best holiday activity

Best burger

Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.

Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.

Excerpt from:
VOTE: Whats the best patio in Alpharetta? | Best of Alpharetta - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Hanging out at home? Take a bar porch, yard or balcony and create your very own patio season, says Colin and Justin

Today, with the return of unstinting optimism, we turn our attention to the great outdoors. Yes, climatic vagaries aside, we remain unaffected by what can best be described as meteorological indecision. Sun for a minute. Thinking next? Do you sound familiar?

But there is hope even if you have to make your own fun as you go. Just because your favorite patio bar and outdoor restaurant tables are currently off-limits doesnt mean you cant bring home the excitement of the patio season.

Heres our sunshine guide to help optimize your garden, deck or patio

Freshen up. Before you think about furniture and accessories, make sure your space is spic and exciting. Use a washer to remove grain and dirt. Doing this will not only cleanse, it will reveal the original tones and patina on your patio table.

Shake me timber. Apply wood preservative to inhibit moisture penetration and sun damage. Shop online at your local Home Depot and select sidewalk pickup products.

Every creak and fool. If you have an area of slabs, clean between each tile (the manicure comes later: with out-of-bounds talent salons, who the hell breaks it?) And apply weed killer to curb further problems.

Change shop. Call or email neighbors to exchange products: was there ever a benefit of such compromised times, its the idea that friends and neighboring owners look out for each other more than ever. But of course, disinfect everything you plan to share and wipe down any intake. Jeesh: we can hardly believe that we wrote the last bit (its heartbreaking, really) but better safe than sorry.

Be safe with your foot. It is good to avoid glossy surfaces in outdoor areas. For this purpose, we often add sand to the exterior floor paint to provide extra grip. About half a cup of medium gauge per Gallon should keep you vertical.

Light up. Choose lighter colors to reflect warmth so your patio stays cool. If you have grass, think Wimbledon: pull out your lawnmower (or lend a neighbor, obviously distanced) and start striping your lush patch. After all, a mowed lawn suggests a unified garden.

sorted. To prevent your porch from becoming a messy stop-off for kitchen waste, use color-coded boxes, not cross-pollinate, and avoid overflow. If space is cramped, sort the waste into the bags and drive to your nearest recycling center if it remains open. You know, it makes sense.

Bloomin lovely. Bright potted flowers add drama; today you dont have to be an expert to achieve good results even big box stores (those that remain open), horticulture is bred to challenge even the least green thumb. Hanging baskets also add pop, but keep in mind that on hot days they can get dry in less than an hour. Then use that watering can to avoid a dry basket.

Soft, soft. More cooshun to then pooshun: carefully selected throw pillows add pop to ordinary furniture, while decorative outdoor crockery will awaken even the dullest table. If you have a basement, loft or closet full of seasonal items, excel the best bits for recycling and send the rest to the charity when stores reopen.

Flicker. Pull tea light into storm jugs and turn on lemon zest to keep bugs in check. Wouldnt it be hell to find an army of yellow jackets that suck the life out of your walnut dressing as you serve the really cool grape and spinach salad. Stung tongue, anyone? Didnt think.

All in all, we remain focused on brighter times (socially and literally) in the future. There is a light out there that we remain drawn to at every moment. While we may be stronger together, apart from, just imagine the strength we want to build, combined as our world eventually heals

Look for Colin and Justin at Cabin Pressure and Great Canadian Cottages (Cottage Life TV) and at Cityline (CityTV). Find the Colin and Justin Collection in stores all over Canada. Visit http://www.colinandjustin.tv

See the rest here:
Colin and Justin: Personalize your patio - Smash Newz

Photo credit: Lindsey Ramsey

From House Beautiful

For those seeking a useful way to spend their time during social distancingor anyone simply interested in forging a deeper connection with their homesHB has launched Home Love, a series of daily tips and ideas to make every minute indoors more productive (and gratifying!).

When I first moved into my own place a few years ago, I had to make my peace with the fact that I had not found an apartment with the ultimate, but elusive, NYC amenity: outdoor space. It never bothered me too much since I'm a short walk from a huge park, and my neighborhood is full of great bars and restaurants...then social distancing happened. Confined to my 500-square foot apartment, completely alone save for my cat, I started dreaming of outdoor space, ANY outdoor space. And there it was: my fire escape.

Before you start, yes, I know it is illegal to install items on your fire escape. That's why I decided I'd only bring out things that could easily be removed once I came back inside. I need Vitamin D, people! My super actually walked by while I was out there, and when I told him, "I swear it's all removable," he said, "you gotta go what you gotta do." If that isn't my 2020 mood, I don't know what is. So, here's how I transformed the overlooked space into an at-home getawayfor under $300.

To start, I knew I needed to channel joy and put up some string lights. These are the only part of the project that I don't take down each time I come inside. I strung them through the bars and made sure that the ladder was still accessible to others in case of an emergency. I leave the lights on until I go to bed and it never fails to to bring me happiness.

Next, I wanted to find something to make the floor more solid. I just knew I'd drop a phone or something through the grates. I researched a few different options, and congratulated myself on my brilliance when I came across some bamboo bath mats. These give the look of a wood floor but are super easy to store inside. I decided not to go for the full floor, and just bought four to make a cozy corner.

Story continues

To complete the corner, I found a super cute, bright yellow metal table where could rest a laptop or a place a drink. I also accessorized with some fake plants (I kill all plants, as a rule), and my vintage-inspired bluetooth speaker.

Now for the biggest decision of my mini-makeover: What was my seating strategy going to be? I needed something that could fold up when I brought it inside, as I'm already maxed out on seating in my tiny living room. But I also wanted something comfy that I could sit in for hours should the weather allow. I decided on a reclining chair with a pillow. It's perfect for reading or just catching some sun, plus it's easy to fold up and store when not in use.

Now I have the perfect little outdoor space to take work calls during the week, or relax, read, and listen to the new Fiona Apple on the weekend. And as someone who would have been spending these spring weekends in a park, having somewhere to sit outside is an absolute game changer. All in, I spent less than $300 to transform this space into something that's saving my sanity every day the temperature creeps above 60 degrees. And now that it's in full use, I've discovered an added bonus: Since I'm only one flight up, friends can walk by and actually have a conversation while maintaining social distancing. Outdoor space and visits from friends? Normal is just around the corner.

For more Home Love ideas, head herewe'll be launching a new one every day. And tag your own home project photos #homelove for everyone to enjoy.

You Might Also Like

Excerpt from:
How to Turn Your Fire Escape into a Patio Without Breaking The Law - Yahoo Lifestyle

The coronavirus pandemic has kept people inside their homes for weeks, and it will continue to do so for an undetermined amount of time.

As the weather improves and temperatures rise, the temptation to go outside for fresh air is increasing. Spending time on the patio or deck to get some sun is a smart middle ground between leaving the house and being locked inside.

If you see yourself spending a lot of time on your patio in the near future, there are great deals available online for those looking to upgrade their setup as summer approaches.

Kohls is selling a SONOMA Goods for Life Coronado Swivel Swing Chair Set for a discounted price of $164.99 in brown and teal. The department retail chain is also selling a SONOMA Goods for Life Presidio Coffee Table at a discounted price of $119.99.

Want to take your dinner out of the dining room? Amazon is selling a 5-Piece Wood Outdoor Dining Set for $365.49 that includes four cushioned arm chairs and a table. The company is also selling a selection of gazebos for additional cover from the sun.

If youre looking to bring your living room to the backyard, Home Depot is selling a 4-Piece Steel Outdoor Patio Wicker Conversation Set at a discounted price of $279.00 that comes with a coffee table, two lounge chairs and loveseat.

For those interested in just sprucing up their patio with some decorations and amenities, Wayfair is having a sale on chair cushions, outdoor rugs, wall decor and more.

Related Content:

Continued here:
Outdoor patio furniture deals for when the weather warms up and youre still stuck at home - masslive.com

The Biscuit Bar restaurant has been expanding rapidly in North Texas the last couple of years, and a pandemic is not slowing them down.

The country-chic restaurant, which specializes in sweet and savory biscuits, breakfast and tots, officially opens its fourth location with takeout and delivery only for now on April 29 in Champions Park, Arlingtons newest entertainment district.

Husband and wife owners Jake and Janie Burkett opened their first restaurant in 2018 in Plano and have since expanded to SMU, Deep Ellum and Arlington. They plan to open a Fort Worth Stockyards location this summer.

The Arlington restaurant is 3,024 square feet and features a 2-story covered patio with views of AT&T Stadium.

For now, guests can order online or via The Biscuit Bar app for takeout, or delivery through DoorDash.

We are so thankful for the continued support throughout the entire metroplex at all of our locations," states co-owner Janie Burkett in a press release. "It is not easy being a small business owner these days, but we are grateful for our customers and we will make it through this together. Tarrant County we are ready to serve you some comfort food!

Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday beginning April 29 at 1707 N. Collins Street, Arlington. thebiscuit.bar.

More here:
New Biscuit Bar with two-story patio opening in Arlington with takeout and delivery for now - The Dallas Morning News

This spring, Wayfair is bringing us all the joy with its Big Give Back sale. Not only are 10 percent of proceeds going to the COVID-19 relief fund, it's also slashing prices on hundreds of items side-wide for the ultimate guilt-free shopping spree.

We've already shared our top picks on big-brand savings in the Wayfair sale, from Le Creuset to Nespresso, and now it's the turn of patio furniture. We've been rounding up the best patio furniture sales from across the web to give you all the patio furniture options possible, but you know we love Wayfair for stylish spring/summer essentials, so we've rounded up the best of what Wayfair's sale has to offer, from our wish-list to yours.

Abdiel 5 Piece Dining Set with Cushions | Was $550, now $370 at WayfairSave 35 percent - If you've got a more compact patio but a not-so-compact family, this 5-person dining set tucks away for when it's not in use, and has durable outdoor cushions.View Deal

Serpa 3 Piece Dining Set | Was $1,659, now $569.99 at WayfairSave 66 percent - This three-piece dining set is great for a family or those looking to host (at some point!) The set includes one table and two benches, finished in a simple, contemporary style.View Deal

Maura Double Chaise Lounge with Cushion | Was $431.33, now $369.99 at WayfairSave 14 percent - Sleep on day beds, Love Island style, with this double chaise lounge. It's made of weather-resistant wood and includes a removable canopy. Sunbathing spot, sorted.View Deal

Lisette 3 Piece Rattan Seating Group with Cushions | Was $2,360, now $479.99 at WayfairSave 82 percent - Hello, mega savings! This three-piece set is designed for smaller spaces and provides the perfect arrangement setup for a morning coffee with a partner. Water-resistant cushions add padding and comfort, and complete the neutral color palette.

Double Camping Hammock with Stand | Was $449.97, now $409.99 at WayfairSave $40 - Bring the resort to you, with this sturdy outdoor hammock. The frame is made of sturdy pine and the cotton hammock can take up to 450lbs.View Deal

Wiest Double Chaise Lounge with Cushion | Was $1,176, now $419.99 at WayfairSave 64 percent - This chaise lounge is weather-resistant and sized to fit two, but we won't blame you if you don't feel like sharing.View Deal

Drachten Tea Bar Serving Cart | Was $1,340, now $152.99 at WayfairSave 89 percent - If you're planning on spending the afternoon in the sun, this serving cart is an attractive way to bring your book and iced tea along. It's also great as a plant-holder due to its multiple tiers.View Deal

Read the rest here:
Don't miss the best patio furniture deals from Wayfair's Give Back sale - Real Homes

A MUM has proved you dont need an expensive jet wash to completely clean your patio.

The savvy woman showed how she used a 1 cream and a brush to scrub her outdoor space - and it now looks brand new and an entirely different colour.

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She shared striking before and after photos on Instagram, and the finished result has highly impressed internet users.

The delighted homeowner shared how she used the 1 The Pink Stuff cream, and said: Saw this online and cant believe how well it works! Like new.

No jet wash was used! Just squirted all over and dipped a brush into a bucket of water giving it a scrub, then hosed off with a normal garden hose.

The Pink Stuff cleaning product has boomed in popularity, thanks to the likes of cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch using it frequently around her picture-perfect Essex home.

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Since uploading pictures of her patio less than a day ago on the Hinch Army Cleaning Tips page, the woman has racked up nearly 10,000 likes, and thousands of comments praising her efforts.

One said: Oh wow!! Fabulous! Will give it a go!

Another added: This looks amazing what a transformation.

Previously, a woman raved about how The Pink Stuff had left her cloudy shower screen sparkling like new.

OVEN A GOCleaning fans use dishwasher tablet to get oven trays sparkling with no scrubbing

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VITAL HOARDIve stockpiled 2.5k of PPE and I dont care if the NHS runs out

In other DIY news, thismum has showcased her amazing kitchen transformation that cost her just 46.

And thismum transformed her daughters bedroom using celery and paint tester pots.

Plus thismums 4 cleaning trick will get your filthy washing machine drawer sparkling in MINUTES.

Excerpt from:
Mum completely changes the colour of her tired patio and she ditched the jet wash for a 1 cream instead - The Sun