Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

For the duration of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, AN will use this column to keep our readers up to date on how the pandemic is affecting architecture and related industries. This weekly article is meant to digest the latest major developments in the crisis and synthesize broader patterns and what they could mean for architecture in the United States. The previous edition of the column can be found here.

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to pummel the entire country, it is hitting certain populations harder than others, particularly black, Latino, and Native American people. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the CDC released its first national data tracking race among COVID-19 patients, which showed that in March, the percentage of black [hospitalized COVID-19] patients (33 percent) was much higher than the percentage of African-Americans in the population as a whole. Local data from cities and states tracking race among COVID-19 patients showed that the health disparity is even worse in certain areas: In Louisiana, about 70 percent of the people who have died are black, though only a third of that states population is; African-Americans account for72 percent of virus-related fatalities in Chicago, even though they make up a little less than a third of the population, according to the Times; the virus has killed more people in the Navajo nation than in the much larger state of New Mexico; and, as of Thursday,all the people who have died in St. Louis so far from COVID-19 complications have been black.

Why is this the case?

The answer could have something to do with architecture, particularly housing. According to public health experts, while other factors, like implicit bias in healthcare and higher rates of heart disease and diabetes, certainly play a role in the racial coronavirus disparities, crowded housing in low-income neighborhoods could be facilitating the spread of the disease and increasing weathering, or the wear and tear of environmental stresses on the body, which increases the severity of coronavirus cases.

Urban design inequities also almost certainly play a role in transmissioneven with social distancing rules in full effect, subway stations in predominantly black and Latino neighborhoods in the Bronx in New York City are packed with commuting essential workers.

COVID-19 has been a magnifying glass on the weaknesses in our systems, said Kimberly Dowdell, principal at HOK and president of the National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA). Though racialized housing disparities are nothing new, the stark death toll of the pandemic is harshly illustrating those disparities effects.

Theres a saying that when America sneezes, the black community catches a cold, Dowdell said, pointing to an enormous wealth gap between black and white Americans as one of the main reasons why black people in the U.S. suffer more acutely during crises like the current one.

The Brookings Institution recently reported that in 2016, the net worth of a typical white American family ($171,000) was nearly ten times greater than that of a typical black American family ($17,150). While a variety of discriminatory policies have sowed the seeds for the current imbalance, racist urban planning has played an enormous part. Redlining, which started in the early 20th century and often continues in some form today, is a term for the once-legal practice of denying investments and bank loans to predominantly black neighborhoodsbanks would outline such areas in red on maps. The practice discouraged investment in black-owned homes and businesses, which lost value over generations, resulting in not only a racial wealth gap but spatial disparities, as well. Many predominantly black neighborhoods have fewer grocery stores, are closer to polluting industries, and lack high-quality affordable homes.

Even after the pandemic subsides, vulnerable populations will still be at risk from the next crisis and will potentially be in even a weaker state. One answer, Dowdell said, is for communities to invest in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods to decrease the wealth gap and increase resiliency. That kind of recovery will require a mix of policy, development, and design professionals working together, ideally with teams that reflect the communities theyre serving.

Diverse teams are really important, Dowdell said. Architecture should reflect the communities that they serve form a racial perspective.

Dowdell pointed to Chicago, where she lives, and where Mayor Lori Lightfoot has focused on the citys racialized spatial inequality in her mission to eliminate endemic poverty within a generation.

If theres a team that goes into certain communities, it would be great if there were certain people who were from that community or at least have some level of familiarity with the culture and of the community, Dowdell said. For example, if were looking at the South Side of Chicago [which is over 90 percent African American], and you dont have African-African team members, thats a missed opportunity.

Building teams that reflect underserved neighborhoods could be more difficult after the pandemic, as the economic downturn may be harder on architects who come from those areas.

I do think that black communities are going to have a harder time recovering, Dowdell said. Its going to be a challenge for everyone, but I think that given the wealth gaps, architects of color will probably struggle to get back to where they were.

As jobs, internships, and salaries decline, even if only temporarily, as a result of the pandemic, those without a cushion of family money or who financially support loved ones could have to leave the profession for greener pastures. The racial wealth gap means that black and other minority architects may flee in greater numbers, damaging diversity in a profession that is already overwhelmingly white. As of 2019, only 2 percent of NCARB certificate holders identify as black or African American, and less than 1 percent identify as Latino.

What can architects do? Dowdell touted NOMAs national network as a way for architects of color to support each other and find opportunities, including the groups new NOMA Foundation Fellowship, which offers a stipend and internship for architecture students. NOMA is launching a new weekly web series, Stay All In for NOMA, which will help members stay informed during the pandemic. Dowdell also suggested that architects get involved with local NOMA chapters to organize and advocate for city and state planning policies that invest in underserved neighborhoods. For those already working on projects advancing social justice, NOMA is partnering with the NAACP and the SEED Network advocacy group on the Design Awards for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), which will recognize excellence in those categories.

No matter what, Dowdell said, an architect can do something.

In other corona news from this week, AN covered new hospitals and healthcare spaces deployed for the pandemic, and the AIAs new assessment tool for adapting existing buildings into coronavirus treatment sites. The crisis continues to demand innovative thinking, and in Florida, autonomous vehicles are delivering medical supplies. For the housebound, we also highlighted many exhibitions you can check out from home, including robot-assisted gallery tours, a French show exploring AI and architecture, virtual Frank Lloyd Wright tours, and a virtual exhibit on a balmy shore. We picked some picks to catch up on, too.

Enjoy, and be well!

See the original post here:
How architecture is exacerbating the coronavirus crisis for minorities and black Americans - The Architect's Newspaper

in a rural area of northamptonshire in the UK, will gamble architects has completed a sensitive extension to a grade 2 listed victorian house. the project makes use of a disused cattle shed and the ruins of a former parchment factory and scheduled monument. using a selection of honest materials, the new intervention is inserted into the remaining traces of the structures, blending the past and present together in one symbiotic relationship.

all images johan dehlin

the clients initial brief was to convert the cattle shed and demolish the factory ruins to make way for a new extension. rather than viewing it as a constraint, will gamble architects saw the ruin as a positive asset and instead proposed a building within a building where two lightweight volumes could be delicately inserted within the masonry walls in order to preserve and celebrate it.

a palette of honest materials was chosen both internally and externally which references the sites history and the surrounding rural context. externally, corten steel, oak, and reclaimed brick has been used. the extension was built out of upcycled materials predominantly found on site which was both cost effective and sustainable, while allowing the proposal to sensitively blend into its surroundings.

internally the structural beams of the existing cattle shed were exposed as well as the steelwork to the new parts the stone walls were re-pointed and washed in lime to create a mottled effect and a concrete plinth was cast along the base to create a monolithic skirting. a contemporary kitchen (also designed by will gamble architects) juxtaposes the uneven and disordered nature of the ruin and continues the theme of a modern intervention set within a historic context.

project info:

project name: the parchment works house

project type: residential

location: northamptonshire, UK

architect: will gamble architects

duration: 2017 2019

photography: johan dehlin

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readershere.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom

Read more here:
will gamble architects inserts a contemporary extension into factory ruins in the UK - Designboom

THIS is traditionally the biggest DIY weekend of the year as people take advantage of the Easter bank holidays.

As we will be spending it in lockdown, there has rarely been a better time to tackle those household jobs that have been niggling at us.

Charlie White bought a dilapidated Victorian cottage in 2010 and set up his YouTube channel to film his projects.

His easy-to-follow videos showing simple home fixes have had 19million views.

Charlie says: Ive always found DIY empowering, but right now it has the added dimension of keeping us occupied, fit and healthy.

But he advises readers to be careful the last thing the NHS needs is a rush of DIY injuries.

Here, Charlie reveals some of the easiest jobs to be tackled and gives each a rating out of four, with four being the most difficult.

In addition to a large bucket, washing up liquid and rags, invest in a squeegee.

An easy solution is to add a squirt of washing up liquid to the bucket of water.

Use a large sponge for scrubbing and finish with a squeegee.

For the inside windows and shower screens, a Karcher window vac is fabulous for sucking up soap residue.

RATING: 1/4

Magic sponges are made from melamine foam, and when slightly moistened they work like really fine sandpaper and are much more effective at getting rid of marks such as crayon, felt tips, pencils, scratches and grease than your typical household wipes or cloths soaked in detergent.

But dont use them on high gloss or varnished surfaces.

Remember, non-vinyl based contract matt emulsions are not hard-wearing and will quickly wipe away so approach these with caution.

To use, wet the sponge and gently squeeze it so that it retains water without dripping.

Rub the mark and watch it disappear.

As soon as the stain has gone, stop rubbing, otherwise youll take the paint off.

RATING: 1/4

One of the biggest causes of damp on external walls is gutter problems.

Use a ladder and make sure its secured before climbing up.

Consider getting a ladder stand off (available with click-and-collect from Screwfix) as this stops you leaning the ladder directly against the gutters and provides increased stability.

Balloon leaf guards are a sensible investment as they stop leaves, moss and other large objects going down the drainpipes.

You will need rubber gloves, a garden trowel, a bucket and a small brush. Get stuck in to clear obstructions.

RATING: 3/4

Buy a small bottle of 3-in-1 oil or alternatively spray the door hinges with furniture polish.

Once youve sprayed, open and shut the door a few times and the squeak will be gone.

RATING: 1/4

Clean the furniture with white or methylated spirit. Sand the old surface with sandpaper (120150 grit) and wipe down with a damp cloth.

If your furniture is ornate, you may want to use steel wool to get into the awkward areas.

Put on some rubber gloves and stir the wood stain. Follow the manufacturers instructions on the tin, applying the stain with a sponge, brush or lint-free cloth.

Use smooth movements, following the grain and apply the wood colour evenly.

Leave to dry according to the manufacturers instructions.

RATING: 2/4

You can buy pressure washers online from 50 from a number of retailers including Homebase, Screwfix, Amazon and Argos.

Before you start, clear any debris from the filter and connect any accessories.

Run water through the washer for one minute to prime the system and remove any air.

Squeeze the spray wand trigger to bleed water pressure., then fire away.

Keep an eye on where the waste water sprays on to, though. It can travel even over fences.

RATING: 1/4

Sourcing safely during lockdown

YOU can still order most DIY essentials online, although delivery might be slower. Some retailers offer a click and collect service.

B&Q and WICKES: These have a limited range of stock for click and collect and home delivery.

SCREWFIX: Click and collect for essential orders and home delivery.

HOMEBASE: Limited range of stock for home delivery.

IRONMONGERY DIRECT: Full home delivery service.

LED lights offer an energy-efficient solution for your home.

Bayonet (push and twist) and Edison (screw in) are the two most common types, but if you are in any doubt as to what you need, look for information on the bulb.

Most online retailers offer assistance to help you make the right choice.

RATING: 1/4

Degrease joints with methylated spirit, acetone or CT1 Multisolve spray.

Choose an appropriate silicone (eg. in the bathroom use mould-resistant).

Use a Cramer Fugi 5 silicone profiling tool. Look for the greatest gap and select the smallest profile shape to cover the gap with a 2/3mm overlap each side of the joint.

Cut the silicone nozzle at 90 degrees and push the silicone into the joint. Use the adapter for smooth lines over transverse joints. Work in short sections.

Do the vertical corner joint first. Wait for this to set then do the horizontal joints, working from right to left (or left to right if youre left-handed).

Clean the profiling tool with a paper towel after each short run, and more thoroughly with a wet wipe or cloth when you are finished.

RATING: 4/4

WHAT NOT TO DO WITH SHOWER

PAINTING BOARDS: For most skirting boards, a two-inch (5cm) brush is ideal, or use a mini roller with a simulated mohair roller sleeve for the flat sections.

Degrease the skirting board with sugar soap. Make sure you rinse thoroughly and leave it to dry. Lightly sand the surface using a 120-180 grit sandpaper.

Tape up the edges with masking tape round the edge of the floor. If the floor is carpeted, press the edge of the tape down, ensuring paint doesnt get under the tape.

Start painting, using a durable paint, such as satin or gloss. Cut into the top of the skirting first, applying the paint evenly and working in manageable sections. Leave to dry. Apply a second coat.

Once the second coat is fully dry (about 24 hours) remove the tape.

Exclusive

BINGE BUYI stockpiled food but had to bin it & dont care the vulnerable are missing out

EGGSCELLENTMum shares recipe to make Easter fudge with 3 ingredients without using an oven

SLICE DAYBritains largest family gets Dominos feast after 22nd Radford child is born

Exclusive

VILE BRUTEMy boyfriend tried to gouge my eyes out so 'I'd be so ugly no-one would want me'

CHUCK TAYLORSConverse announces up to half price sale including limited edition designs

BOTTOMS UPCelebs turn up the heat with cheeky lockdown bum pics to keep fans happy

FILLING DENTS AND CRACKS IN WALLS: Trim loose paintwork using a Stanley knife. Apply a diluted layer of PVA using a small paint brush.

This gives the section to be repaired the best chance of adhering to the filler.

Fillers such as Gyproc EasiFill are my choice for a repair like this. Youll need to mix with water into a smooth paste and apply with a continental filling knife or similar.

Go over the area several times. For hairline cracks in the paintwork simply make several passes over the crack with the filler knife, removing all residue.

Scrape away any excess filler to minimise sanding but leave the filler a little proud of the repair if you can (if not, dont worry, you can apply a second coat later).

Leave to set for at least 40 minutes or until the filler has dried, showing no damp patches. Sand the filled area gently in a circular motion with 180-grade sandpaper wrapped around a small block of wood.

Ensure that the surface is perfectly smooth before the next step. Check the paint tin to ensure it can be watered down first.

Then apply a watered down coat of emulsion (this is not necessary for filled hairline cracks) using a small roller. Leave to dry.

If you have the original top coat paint for the wall, paint over the repaired paintwork with this, using a small roller. If youre lucky you will be able to spot-paint just the repaired area.

However if the newly painted area is obvious (or if you no longer have the original paint) then you will have to paint the whole wall with a 9inch roller or similar.

RATING: 3/4

Plumber James Lawrence shares tips and advice on his highly entertaining YouTube channel youtube.com/user/plumberparts

RATING: 1/4

Charlie recently revamped his kitchen cabinets at home.

Here is his eight-step guide:

RATING: 3/4

Originally posted here:
Tackle household jobs while in lockdown with 17 simple (and not so simple) home improvement tasks - The Sun

The coronavirus lockdown will enable the revamp of a sports complex to go ahead without disruptingcustomers.

Phase two of the urgent repair and improvement works could mean the Waterfront Leisure Centre, in Woolwich High Street,is fully operational again by the summer and can reopen to the public when families can stop isolating.

The second phase of works forms part of a joint 1.4m investment from GLL and Greenwich council, and will enable the centre to remain open until a new towncentre replacement is completed in five years time.

Phase two will include works to boilers, air handling units and roof repairs, as well as improvements to the changing facilities.

Richard Gallagher, Partnership Manager at GLL, which runs the Better Waterfront Leisure Centre, said: Following an initial period of urgent repairs, we are pleased to be moving into the next phase of improvement works.

These works are critical to ensure that we are able to offer a full pool programme again at Waterfront Leisure Centre as soon as we are permitted to re-open.

Contractors will ensure they strictly follow Public Health Englands social distancing guidelines at all times.

We look forward to welcoming customers back to the pool as soon as we are able to.

Cllr Miranda Williams, Greenwich councils cabinet member for culture, leisureand the third sector, said: This is a difficult time for all of us with Covid-19 affecting all council services, but we are continuing to invest and improve the Waterfront Leisure Centre to make sure we have an up-to-date, safe and fully operational leisure centre while we build the new Woolwich Leisure Centre.

Pictured top: The Waterfront Leisure Centre

Read the original here:
Bosses hope Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich will be open by summer as lockdown allows more works - London News Online

As co-founder and senior vice president of design for the luxury fittings brand Waterworks, Barbara Sallick is responsible for some of the most beautiful faucets in the business. For her latest book, The Perfect Kitchen, she studied hundreds of photos from top designers to pinpoint that quality that makes a kitchen design resonate. She found that the best cookspaces arent the ones with an enviable range or a massive pantry; theyre the ones that feel the most personal. Here, Sallick talks about how to bring more character to this hardworking room.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What should you keep in mind when planning your dream kitchen?

A: A good design needs to hit the mark visually, emotionally and functionally. Unless you take the time to put it all together and make it truly personal, its never going to live up to your expectations.

Q: If you know exactly what you want, should you work with a general contractor, or do you need to hire a kitchen designer?

A: Its tough to achieve the results youre dreaming of unless you hire a pro. Contractors have a lot of practical experience, but an interior designer will make you think about what you want in a way that a contractor might not. Its a designers job to ask questions about your lifestyle, family and preferences. The benefit to a kitchen designer is that they know how to draw plans to within an eighth of an inch of their life. The most important thing is to have a conversation with someone who truly understands interiors.

Q: How has kitchen design changed over the years?

A: After looking at about 700 kitchens for this book project, I realized I barely saw any that didnt have an island. I think the work triangle has evolved into the racetrack oval because you are no longer in a direct line from the sink to the refrigerator to the oven and back again. The popularity of the island has truly changed the way traffic patterns work in the kitchen.

Q: Lets talk money: High-end appliances or custom cabinets can be budget-busters. If you have one splurge in the kitchen, where should it be?

A: Hardware can be transformative. There are so many options for knobs and pulls; having beautiful hardware is like putting on your favorite piece of jewelry. You can change the feel of your kitchen from something that is rather ordinary to something very special.

Q: But most people probably choose hardware at the end of the process, almost as an afterthought.

A: Exactly, and thats the problem. I think the second you choose your door style, you need to think about the hardware. It can be a significant investment, but it offers the biggest bang for your buck.

Q: You must have a lot of opinions about faucets. What should people look for?

A: Clearly, you want to love how it looks and how it feels in your hand. Turning on the faucet is a humanistic, tactile thing. If the parts arent great, it can feel like it jerks in place when you turn the lever. You want a kitchen faucet that works so intuitively that you never have to think about which way the handle turns. Then ask if the scale is right for the size of the sink. Make sure the faucet or fitting that you choose is big enough to swing from one sink to another. If its a gooseneck, it should be tall enough that it wont hit your pots every time you clean them.

Q: You could spend $60 or $6,000 on a faucet. Why is there such a wide range of pricing, besides the obvious variations in finishes and design quality?

A: Its hard to know whats happening inside a faucet unless you slice it in half, so it helps to have questions ready when you go shopping. Ask where the valve is made and how you can get replacement parts. Above all, you want to make sure that your faucet is made of high-quality brass. You dont want plastic parts inside your faucet. My advice is to always buy the best-quality kitchen faucet you can afford. Its used hundreds of times a week by various members of your family, and it needs to last a long time.

Q: What should homeowners look for when choosing a kitchen sink?

A: Consider the size and depth. Think of your biggest pot: Is it a lobster stockpot? Then youll need a fairly deep sink. If youre going with stainless steel, look at the quality. Twenty-gauge stainless steel makes a lot of noise because its very thin. Sixteen-gauge stainless steel is quieter because it has a backing that muffles the noise from the water. Its also stronger and doesnt dent as easily over time.

Q: Is there a particular finish thats better at hiding fingerprints?

A: I have a matte nickel finish, and its really easy to care for. Generally, any finish thats shiny, such as chrome, needs to be wiped down regularly. All water has some minerals; once the minerals get on the faucet, they interact with the finish, and you get spots. If you have a nickel finish, you can apply a coat of carnauba car wax, which puts a light coating over the finish and maintains it for a longer period of time. Doing so every six months, or even once a year, helps.

Q: What factors should homeowners consider when choosing a cabinet style?

A: Your cabinet style should have some relationship to the period of your house. If you are someone who has a traditional-style home, youre going to want some kind of paneled door that nods to that, but the same kind of door might look silly in a more modern house. Thinking about the era of your home, even the style of your furniture, ensures that the cabinetry doesnt become this jarring element that looks like it landed in your kitchen out of nowhere.

Q: How do you feel about the darker trend for cabinet colors?

A: All-white kitchens have had their moment and then some, so I love the idea that kitchens can be moody and dramatic. Also, its hard to distinguish one white kitchen from another. Once you introduce a color, it begins to feel much more personal.

Q: Any guidelines for coordinating the countertop with the cabinets?

A: Cabinets always have tops and bottoms, and the counter is the connector. The process of layering both the countertop and backsplash, which can be two completely different materials (and I often prefer them to be), is all about the way they talk to each other. It doesnt matter if the countertop is an active marble or the backsplash is a tile with a crackle glaze. They should have a connection and a conversation with each other.

Q: Colorful encaustic-style tiles have been popular for a while. Is there a downside to going so bold with pattern?

A: If you love pattern and you want to bring multiple colors into your kitchen design, have at it. Personally, I love pattern, but I like it on someone else or in their kitchen. Your kitchen is a long-term investment, and there are ways of injecting pattern that are far less permanent. For instance, you can wallpaper a small corner of a breakfast nook.

Q: How do you hope this book will help people?

A: There are enough kitchen styles, materials and ideas represented that if you are thinking about remodeling, the images in the book might help to cement your vision. Theres even a bright red kitchen from Bunny Williams. If youve ever entertained the idea of having a red kitchen, I hope this book gives you the confidence to go for it.

Original post:
The recipe for a perfect kitchen (hint: It doesn't have to be all white) - Seattle Times

You may be wondering, How much is it going to cost me to remodel my house? First, it's important to understand that nowadays, most people use the terms remodel and renovate interchangeably. Here are clear definitions of what each term means:

As you can see, there is a difference between these two terms. Basically, remodeling refers to creating something new while renovating refers to restoring something to its previous state.

Now that you have a pretty good understanding of the difference between the two terms, here are four things to take into consideration when figuring out how much it is going to cost to remodel your home.

It's important to understand why you are wanting to do work on your home. For some people, a house they're thinking of buying may be ideally located but, unfortunately, outdated. In this instance, it may be better to get the home for cheap and remodel the home to your liking once you own the home.

Some people already own the home and are at a place where they need to fix certain safety issues so that they may continue to live there comfortably. Unfortunate events such as foundation issues, roof leaks, or a pipe bursting in the kitchen can speed up the timeline on tackling certain projects around the home.

Others are at a point where they need to sell their home. Your Realtor may have told you it would be best to do certain updates to maximize the value you would be able to sell your house at, so now you are on the hunt to find which upgraded areas of your home would give you the best return on investment.

Now that you have an understanding of the reason you are wanting to do a remodel, now it's time to outline what you want to accomplish.

You should first prioritize any major items that need to be fixed. You don't want to put a bandage on work that should be resolved by fixing the root of the problem. An example would be if you notice there is mold on the ceiling. The bandage would be to replace the wallboard where the mold is and call it a day. What you really should do is identify and repair the source of the mold (e.g., a leaky pipe or poor bathroom ventilation) so the issue won't arise again.

Make sure you have a list of everything you want to tackle during this remodel. This will help you separate everything you think needs to be done from what really has to be done. This method will also help when it comes to budgeting the cost of the total project.

The most common areas of a home that people are looking to improve are the:

Broken down even further, the most common types of improvements are:

There are a few ways you might choose to tackle your remodel. Ask yourself these questions to determine which way you should go:

No matter how you're planning on going about it, it might be a good idea to have people come in and present quotes for how much certain types of projects would cost.

When vetting a subcontractor, look at past remodeling products, make sure they are licensed and insured, understand what all is included in their quote, and last but not least, find out how long it will take them to complete the job.

As always, the answer is "It depends." It depends on the square footage of the home and whether you're adding more square footage, the type of quality the remodel will be, and the type of permitting required by the city, especially if you own a home that is considered historic, and whether you will be doing a complete renovation of the entire building or just redoing the kitchen.

Regardless of the plan, you are going to want to have prepared a budget. Be sure to add contingency on top of that, because things never go as planned.

You can break down your remodel project by room to get an average cost range. Here is a helpful starting point from HomeAdvisor (NASDAQ: ANGI):

Follow this link:
How to Determine the Cost to Remodel a House - Motley Fool

As more and more events continue to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic precautions, the Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Director is throwing some fun out-of-the-box activities out there for residents to take part in.

HP&R Director Stacy Jasper said the current emergency and cancellation of all recreational events is something that is challenging for her after a decade or more of planning activities for communities here in Hiawatha and at her previous position for the City of Colby.

She had already launched into her plans for summer recreation teeball, aquatic park, employment applications for concession and pool workers along with already being knee-deep in hiring a new grounds staff member and getting underway with plans to ready the softball and baseball fields for spring school athletic events.

Then it hit the fan, so-to-speak. The COVID-19 pandemic wasnt just a concern for people in China and Italy. The coronavirus had hit the United States and was hitting hard. Suddenly, March Madness was gone, colleges and public schools were closing and the nation was in a state of emergency.

The City of Hiawatha joined other municipalities in immediately implementing COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines closing the Fisher Center and City Hall to the public. This also included cancelling any and all recreation activities planned for the spring.

This really was nothing I had ever dealt with in all my years in recreation and I admit it was challenging to try and come up with ideas for the community to do and stay in line with social distancing guidelines, Jasper said.

According to the Center for Disease Control, people are encouraged to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from other people when engaging in an activity. On top of that, the governor issued a stay at home order for Kansans to adhere to advising to not leave the house unless it was for an essential need.

Among the governors list of essential needs was outdoor exercise but participants still needed to adhere to social distancing guidelines. In addition, gyms are closed, city parks are closed so what is there to do?

Take it to the driveway or the living room or the kitchen!

Those are just a few of the places that Jasper has included in her many stay-at-home challenges for the HP&R public in Hiawatha.

Jasper said she has participated in some online Zoom meetings with other parks and rec directors across the state and over a couple hours the directors brainstormed about ways to keep their public active and engaged during the stay at home order which for now remains in effect until April 19.

So right now, Jasper has 13 challenges on her HP&R Facebook page including HP&R Homework, which offers a daily activity. Among the other activities are pet tricks, chalk art, a driveway trick shot (such as a crazy basketball shot one person rode a horse up to make a basket), bit-moji fun, a driveway workout and her latest peepthis and eggstravaganza, which focuses some fun crafties with the favorite marshmallow peeps and decorated eggs just in time for Easter.

I am not encouraging people to go out and do these things with friends but do them with your siblings and family members at home, she said.

The HP&R community has embraced these many challenges and by submitting a video and tagging the HP&R hash tag, the videos and photos are now on social media for the communitys enjoyment.

The HP&R Homework advises a special activity each day of the week: Super Sunday, Make it Monday, Take a Trip Tuesday, Watch It Wednesday, think It Thursday, Foodie Friday and Selfless Saturday.

Jasper said creating these activities really has stretched her creativity and out-of-the-box thinking in trying to keep the community active and entertained focused on more positive activities rather than the doom and gloom of thinking of a global pandemic.

I really feel as essential as I ever have, as I want to provide a positive approach to this. Its been so much fun to see what people come up with, she said. I also feel its really important at a time like this. There is so much uncertainty, and so many emotions people are feeling. I am trying to help take away the fear and anxiety by creating fun activities.

Jaspers goal is to continue offering activities weekly, by hitting on fitness, sports, education, family and art. She said these are also events that she can continue in the future, when the COVID-19 pandemic is over and people are back to ordinary activities, but are also looking for something extra fun to do.

In the meantime, her staff has been keeping very busy with a Fisher Center kitchen remodel that they initially tried to bid out, but at the time contractors were too busy to take on the task within the time frame the city had hoped. But once the stay at home orders went into place, and Jasper and her staff found a little extra time on their hands, they have been knee-deep in kitchen remodeling themselves.

Are they still preparing for summer activities? Yes and no, she said.

Some things are obviously on hold. Jasper said she stopped taking teeball applications, because doesnt want to be in a position to have to make a lot of refunds if it doesnt happen. She had accepted applications for summer work, but had to cancel interviews twice. She plans to possibly set up Facetime or Zoom interviews, but doesnt have a timeline yet.

She said there is no magic date as to when they will know whether summer recreation will be happening. She said her staff is doing some preparations, but some things are on hold.

There is just so much unknown right now, she said.

The current stay at home order lasts until April 19, but even if that is lifted there could be other guidelines that stay in place such as social distancing. Its hard to play on a baseball or softball team, or hang out at the pool, and keep that social distance in place.

We are on the tip of saving summer or canceling summer thats a big weight on our shoulders, she said, noting that she doesnt know when final decisions will be made. But, of course, those decisions will be made for us, based on what the state decides.

Jasper said it typically takes about a month and a half to prepare for summer rec activities and once the restrictions lift she and her staff may have to do it within a week or two, but she will do what she have to! She is hopeful that, at the very least, there will be only a late start to activities or a shortened season.

Keep your eye on the Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Facebook page to keep track of all of the fun events she has going on and for upcoming information about summer recreation.

Read the original post:
Out of the box ways to take part in recreation - Hiawatha World

Ashes of Outland has officially been released, giving Hearthstone players a much needed card injection to Azeroth's CCG. With their Year of the Phoenix rotating out three of the game's most problematic expansions, now was a perfect time to get the meta just right and create a fun and engaging meta. Though it's still very early in the life cycle of the meta, it's starting to feel like the newly released Demon Hunter might be a bit overpowered. With a massive amount of card draw, board removal and powerful minions, Illidan seems to be on top of the competition. That doesn't mean other classes don't stand a chance, with Mage and Hunter both having seemingly viable archetypes.

Starting us off, here are two of the most consistently powerful Demon Hunter decks I've had the misfortune to pilot. Hearthstone pro Muzzy climbed to the top of Legend on launch day with this Demon Hunter build, utilizing the consistent power of the Demon draw engine. Though it might not be as flashy as the other option, it only uses the most consistent cards in the class.

But if you are looking for something with a bit more flair, then this Demon Hunter deck is perfect for you. Kael'thas Sunstrider with Twin Slices and zero cost Eye Beams allows you to play Inner Demon and Skull of Gul'dan for no cost. If you don't draw your combo, games against aggro decks can be a bit harder to win, but that doesn't make it any less powerful.

2x (0) Twin Slice

1x (1) Consume Magic

2x (2) Chaos Strike

2x (2) Immolation Aura

2x (2) Spectral Sight

2x (3) Aldrachi Warblades

1x (3) Altruis the Outcast

2x (3) Eye Beam

1x (4) Kayn Sunfury

1x (4) Maiev Shadowsong

2x (5) Chaos Nova

2x (5) Imprisoned Antaen

1x (5) Metamorphosis

2x (5) Skull of Gul'dan

2x (5) Wrathspike Brute

1x (6) Kael'thas Sunstrider

2x (7) Priestess of Fury

2x (8) Inner Demon

Deck code:

AAECAea5AwauugPMugPDvAPtvgPaxgPUyAMMh7oDyboD17sD4LwD98MDx8YD2cYD1cgD18gD2dMD29MD3dMDAA==

If Demon Hunter spam isn't for you, try this Hunter list. Utilizing the big bad Beasts introduced in this set, Rexxar honestly has some serious bite. Scavenger's Ingenuity is a god-send for Beast Hunter, who can draw a massive Augmented Porcupine that can be played on turn three. If the Beast stays around, dropping a Mok'Nathal Lion next turn deals even more damage. It isn't the best deck against control that can clear your minions with ease, but that shouldn't stop you from testing it out. This one can also be built on a budget by replacing Octosaru and Beastmaster Leoroxx with Freeze Trap or Deadly Shot.

2x (1) Helboar

2x (1) Tracking

2x (2) Fresh Scent

2x (2) Scavenger's Ingenuity

2x (3) Animal Companion

2x (3) Augmented Porcupine

2x (3) Diving Gryphon

2x (3) Kill Command

1x (3) Zixor, Apex Predator

2x (4) Escaped Manasaber

2x (4) Mok'Nathal Lion

2x (4) Scrap Shot

2x (5) Tundra Rhino

2x (6) Savannah Highmane

1x (8) Beastmaster Leoroxx

1x (8) Octosari

1x (10) Nagrand Slam

Deck code:

AAECAZ/DAwSDpwODuQO2uwP7uwMNqAK1A7sFlwjtCY6tA4O2A4S2A864A6O5A/a6A/m6A/+6AwA=

One of the most powerful and consistent decks in this expansion has to be Spell Mage. Using Raid the Sky Temple to build up your hand, combined with Font of Power and Learn Draconic, there are very few decks that can keep up. Deep Freeze is amazing Demon Hunter, but be prepared to see archetypes pop up solely to beat Reno and his Mage friends.

2x (1) Font of Power

2x (1) Learn Draconic

2x (1) Magic Trick

1x (1) Raid the Sky Temple

2x (1) Ray of Frost

2x (2) Ancient Mysteries

2x (2) Frostbolt

2x (2) Incanter's Flow

2x (3) Arcane Intellect

2x (3) Flame Ward

2x (3) Netherwind Portal

1x (4) Conjurer's Calling

2x (4) Fireball

2x (5) Apexis Blast

1x (5) Rolling Fireball

2x (8) Deep Freeze

1x (10) The Amazing Reno

Deck Code:

AAECAc2xAgSDlgO5pQPsrwOMtgMNuwKrBJYFn5sD/50Dv6QD9KsD8a8DwbgDwrgDjLkDgb8D3sQDAA==

Which of these decks is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.

Originally posted here:
'Hearthstone' Ashes of Outland Best Decks: Bow Down to Demon Hunter - Newsweek

Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Hearthstones Ashes of Outland expansion is finally here. That means its time for everyone to get their chance to play as Malfurions emo brother, Illidan Stormrage.

Illidan joined Hearthstone today as the games first additional class, the Demon Hunter. To unlock the Demon Hunter class, youll need to play through Illidans Prologue in the story mode. This miniature story introduces you to Illidan Stormrage and familiarizes you with the mechanics of the Demon Hunter class.

The Demon Hunters Hero Power is called Demon Claws. This Hero Power costs one mana and allows you to gain +1 attack for a single turn. As you play the Demon Hunter throughout the prologue, youll come to realize how much of Illidans kit relies on pumping up your attack. Cards like Chaos Strike allow you to increase your attack while simultaneously drawing. There are also cards that deal damage based on your attack total.

Demon Hunter makes use of the games new Outcast mechanic, too. Cards with Outcast have a special effect if you play them from the edge of your hand. This introduces a sort of mini-game for the Demon Hunter player where youll need to decide whether playing a card youve just drawn for its Outcast value is better than your original plan.

Here are some of the Demon Hunter decks you should try on the first day on Hearthstones latest expansion. These Demon Hunter decks were gathered from a plethora of reliable players and sources, all of which will be credited below. But remember, this is the first day of the expansion, so its important to craft with caution.

Copy this code to use the deck in Hearthstone: AAECAea5AwTMugPDvAPtvgPaxgMNh7oDi7oDyboD17sD4LwDusYDx8YD2cYD18gD98gD/MgD/sgD/8gDAA==

Copy this code to use this deck in Hearthstone: AAECAQce/KMDhKcDkbEDh7oDi7oDyboDzLoDnLwDw7wD4LwDjb0D1r4D5r4D7b4DhMMD98MDusYDvMYDx8YD2cYD2sYD1MgD1cgD18gD98gD/8gDnMkD2dMD29MD3dMDAAA=

Copy this code to use this deck in Hearthstone: AAECAea5AwauugPMugPDvAPtvgPaxgPUyAMMh7oDyboD17sD4LwD98MDx8YD2cYD1cgD18gD2dMD29MD3dMDAA==

Read more from the original source:
Demon Hunter decks to try on day one of Hearthstone's new expansion, Ashes of Outland - Dot Esports

Local DJ lifts spirits during stay-at-home orders

By The Wave | on April 09, 2020

On April 1, the sun was shining warmly in Broad Channel as the dampness of a few days of heavy rain began to burn off. Unfortunately, due to government-directed stay at home orders, few were outside to enjoy the spring morning.

DJ Paddy Tubz is here for the partyAt exactly 9:00 am that morning, a Facebook post was launched by Broad Channel native known as DJ Paddy Tubz. The post read Ill be DJing off my back deck, from 6 pm 8:30 pm on Thursday.. It will be an evening of fun, sing-alongs and dance grooves.

DJ Paddy Tubz giving a shout out during his back deck party

Hundreds of Facebook likes/loves, shares, and comments later, it was apparent the little island of Broad Channel was in need of a good party and Paddy Tubz was just the right DJ to deliver the tunes.

The next day, albeit a bit chillier and windier, Tubz stayed true to his promise, setting up his gear on the deck of his home located on West 11th Road in BC.

At 6:30, the veteran DJ fired up a FB Live from The CoronaVirus Quarantine Virtual Bar a page created by locals to kick off virtual happy hours, display musical talent, and provide a place for a few light-hearted laughs during these strange times.

Donning his best pirate costume the perfect attire for an outdoor Coronacation party Tubz began spinning tunes and entertaining the crowds.

DJ Paddy Tubz giving a shout out during his back deck party.

Hundreds watched online, while Tubzs local canal block neighbors camped out on their adjacent decks with cocktails in hand to take in the performance. Both audiences took selfies of themselves and their families watching the spectacle and posted those pictures on social media.

As the sun went down, the winds were gusting, but Tubz continued to play with his neighbors cheering him on, singing along and some were even dancing on their decks. Friend and neighbor, Ruth Truden-Nocerino shared her enthusiasm and appreciation for Tubz on Facebook by posting For those that dont live in BC the wind was whipping off the bay and he still killed it!

Read more:
BC Back Deck DJ Party - Wave of Long Island