Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The TGI Fridays restaurant at 7815 Timberlake Road has closed as of Monday, according to a sign posted on the door.

The sign states that on March 9 the restaurant would be closed permanently.

"We appreciate your loyalty and hope to see you at one of our other locations in the future," the sign reads.

Representatives with the restaurant could not be reached for comment.

From the archives: Nostalgia on the menu

Were you a fan of Biff Burger? Did you love The Sweet Life? Late-night fan of Howard Johnson? These eateries, once the haunts of hungry Lynchburgers, now are fading memories.

Here is a gallery of some of the places people used to go for a quick bite or a fancy date night with someone special. Most are long gone, but a few remain. What memories do these photos evoke for you?

Dec. 5, 1958 - New Restaurant Opens - This attractive, new drive-in restaurant, Adler's Big Boy, is now in operation. Located at Wards Road and Rt. 128 (Candlers Mountain Road) the building was designed by Garland Gay, architect, and was built by S. R. Gay & Co. at a cost of more than $82,000. Operated by Abe Adler, the home of the "Big Boy" is part of a national franchise system of restaurants.

December 25, 1960 - "Save the Stagecoach Inn" - That's the current motto of J. Marvin Harrison, 81, left, of Elon, and James I. Lee, 82, member of Lynchburg Historical Society. Harrison, spearheading move to preserve old Amherst landmark, shown above, for posterity, will make is plea heard before Amherst Zoning Board at meeting Friday night.

Mar. 9, 1961 - New Drive-In - Biff Burger Drive-In on Wards Road has opened for business in Lynchburg. New facility features ultra-modern equipment which includes radar range, infra-red broiler and other electronic equipment. Cost of drive-in was $100,000. Jim Blaylock, manager said firm expects to employ 20 people by early summer. Lynchburg Biff Burger is the seventh drive-in built in this area by the Roanoke chain.

August 16, 1962 - View of High's Ice Cream shop at Fort Hill Shopping Center

Aug. 16, 1962 - Interior view of the High's Ice Cream Store.

November 4, 1962 - An interior view of the Colonial Lounge Restaurant which will open in the Langhorne Road Shopping Center around Dec. 1.

Nov. 18, 1962 - Mr. and Mrs. Dennis McLaughlin ready birthday cake in Pastry Shop at 610 Fifth St.

May 20, 1963 - Exterior view of Kenny's Americana Restaurant & Lounge at Fort Hill Village.

Oct. 23, 1963 - Outside view shows distinctive circular shape of new Lendy's Restaurant in Madison Heights. (Building is now a La Carreta Mexican restaurant, but there is a KFC right next door.)

Nov. 27, 1963 - Interior view of the new Lendy's restaurant.

Sep. 27, 1964 - New Dairy Queen - Lynchburg's second Dairy Queen drive-in has been opened at 3501 Campbell Ave. by Grady H. and Vernon W. Wright, owners of second store at 2915 Fort Ave. New, facility covering 1,144 square feet, was erected at a cost of approximately $75,000. Parking is provided for 40 vehicles. (The building, heavily modified, is still there and is host to a Philly Subs and Wings.)

March 6, 1966 - Cafeteria Opens - This new cafeteria opened last week as part of Jimmy's Restaurant in Altavista. It is located in the basement of restaurant and, according to owner Jimmy Thomas, will seat 135 persons. It was built at estimated cost of $10,000.

Oct. 20, 1966 - Chatter Box Opens - Malcom E. Wilder, president of Chatter Box, Inc., stands outside new restaurant at 830 Church St. New York Kosher style delicatessen restaurant is located in former Park Lane Hotel. Approximately $40,000 has been spent to renovate entire building of which Chatter Box is on street level with modern office facilities planned in rest of building. Oil paintings by local artists decorate walls in dining room which has plush red carpeting, walnut paneled walls, massive wrought-iron chandeliers and greenstone fireplace.

May 19, 1968 - Takes Shape - Slanted roof that is uniform for Howard Johnson restaurant-motor lodge establishments over country is visible now on tract between U.S. 29 and U.S. 29-A in Madison Heights. New $2 million facility will accommodate 150 persons in restaurant and have 72 rooms in motor lodge. (Another Howard Johnson restaurant was located at the intersection of Wards Rd. and Memorial Avenue.)

June 16, 1968 - New Restaurant - This new pizza restaurant located on Fort Avenue across from Fort Hill Village is about half finished. Contractor is S.R. Gay & Co., who is building the restaurant for Logan Rowse at a cost of $32,000. [This became Lynchburg's second Pizza Inn restaurant.]

Oct. 27, 1968 - Nears Completion - Arby's Beef House, drive-in restaurant at 2500 Memorial Ave., nears completion. Restaurant is being built by 2500 Memorial Ave. Co. Inc. Company consists of John B. Harris and Tom Monahue, of Richmond and Walter A. Garbee Jr. and V. Howard Ford of Lynchburg. Hamont Corp., of Roanoke is general contractor. Estimated construction cost is $60,000.

Feb. 23, 1969 - Drive-In Opens - Sherwin Cook stands in front of new Arby's restaurant at 2500 Memorial Ave. Restaurant, specializing in roast beef sandwiches, has been open for several weeks. Cook is operator of the restaurant. Arby's is a franchised restaurant with drive-ins in 30 states. (Check out that cool Mustang in the parking lot.)

March 15, 1970 - New Restaurant - Luv'n Oven, new chicken and seafood carry-out restaurant owned by Richmond-based Shamrock Foods, Inc., opened for business last week at corner of Old Forest and Link Roads. Paul A. McCarthy of Lynchburg is manager. Oven also will cater dinners, parties and picnics for individuals, clubs and groups. Second restaurant will open at 12th and Pierce Streets later this month.

April 9, 1970 - New Restaurant - The Niblick of Lynchburg, restaurant specializing in steak dinners opened Friday at 6120 Fort Ave. [Today, this is The Crown Sterling.]

Aug. 2, 1970 - New Drive-In - Construction is under way on $75,000 Buddy's Burger House on Timberlake Road. [This building later was home to a La Carreta restaurant, and then a Charlie's Chicken, which now is closed.]

Aug. 30, 1970 - New Lendy's - Third Lendy's Restaurant in Lynchburg Metropolitan area is under construction on Old Forest Road. The $80,000 facility is set for opening in November. Restaurant will have limited seating capacity, but will provide parking space for about 60 cars. Twenty-third restaurant in Lendy's chain will be owned by Bill G. Adkins of Madison Heights and Leonard Goldstein of Roanoke, who own outlets on Wards Road and in Seminole Shopping Center in Madison Heights. Flint Construction Co. is the general contractor. (Building is now a Subway.)

Sep. 28, 1970 - Weenie stand opens - Donald W. Gay stands in front of the Lynchburg Weenie Stand, which he opened today at the crack of dawn for business at 201 Alleghany Ave. The Weenie Stand will be open six days a week, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., closing only on Sundays. It will specialize in hot dogs, pit-cooked barbecue, homemade vegetable soup and chili beans.

Dec 27, 1970 - Madison Heights dining place under new ownership.

April 4, 1971 - Grand Opening - Buddy's Burger House at Timberlake and Laxton roads is holding grand opening through today. Owned by W.R. Dinwiddie of Bedford, the $75,000 facility is third in chain.

Aug. 23, 1971 - Chiseling Thieves Loot Safe - Thomas R. Mack, on the left, proprietor of Quarto's Restaurant at 410 12th St., examines hole in the restaurant's foundation, chiseled by thieves sometime early today. Once inside the basement the thieves made their way upstairs where they picked up a small safe, containing between $700 and $1,500 and carried it out through the basement wall opening.

June 2, 1972 - Seafood Restaurant opens - Participating in the formal opening today of the attractive new Long John Silver's Seafood Shoppe at 2019 Wards Road were, left to right: Ray Brewer, executive vice president of Silver's Enterprises in Lexington, Ky., which has a franchise with Long John Silvers, Inc, also of Lexington; Mayor Frank D. Read, who is cutting a ribbon made up of 50 $1 dollar bills which he will donate to his favorite charities; Greg Ottoway assistant manager of the new "fast service" restaurant and Michael Ray, manager.

July 17, 1972 - An exterior view of new Fass Bros. Fish House on Old Forest Road.

Oct. 2, 1972 - Quickburger fire - The basement of the Quickburger at 1808 Main St. and its stock were heavily damaged by an early morning fire of undetermined origin. City firefighters spent more than an hour and a half at the scene hosing down the persistent flames. Monetary extent of the damage was not estimated.

Sep. 3, 1973 - The Gaslight, an attractive new restaurant featuring steaks and seafood, opened today at 9000 Timberlake Road. Standing in front of the building, which is leased, are the restaurant owners, Charles ( Chuck) Heckler and Mrs. Irving Wolovsky. The restaurant, which has 25 employees, has a seating capacity of 125 persons. The interior has an attractive orange and black decor and completely modern equipment. The new restaurant is the first to open in the new Timbrook Plaza Shopping Center.

Oct. 28, 1973 - New Restaurant - Earl Flinn is part owner and manager of Aberdeen Barn at 4000 Murray Place which opened last week. Based in Charlottesville, local franchise is ninth in state. Restaurant, basically beef house with selected seafood, cost about $165,000 and seats 186 persons in five dining rooms.

Nov. 8, 1973 - New Restaurant -M.E. (Ed) Lewis, left, manager of the new Peddler Steak House on Old Graves Mill Road, and Bryan W. Wood, developer and part-owner, stand in front of the restaurant.

Dec. 2, 1973 - Grand Opening - King's Grant Restaurant & Lounge at 3011 Memorial Ave. completes its grand opening today. Establishment, owned by Lynchburg Supper Clubs, Inc., opened recently after extensive remodeling to the building.

May 4, 1975 - Restaurant opens - Jeb's Restaurant, located at 2525 Fort Ave., opened last week in remodeled fast food chain outlet. Restaurant is owned by James E. Blaylock, who has about 20 years experience in the food industry.

Feb. 18, 1976 - New Restaurant Opens - Head Chef Fai Ng and Mrs. Henry S. Kao greet diners at the new Peking-American Restaurant in Fort Hill Village which held its grand opening Sunday.

June 24, 1976 - New Restaurant - Wiener King restaurant on Rt. 29 North is having grand opening Friday and Saturday. Owned by Fast Food Corp. of Lynchburg, restaurant is one of six in area. Facility has seating capacity for 60 persons and cost about $125,000 to construct.

Aug. 29, 1976 - New Restaurant - "The Ground Round" an affiliate of Howard Johnson's recently opened at 2819 Candler's Mountain Road. Owned and operated by Markham V. Lewis and son, Van, pictured above, restaurant offers a variety of family food.

January 30, 1977 - New Restaurant to open - Bob Hicks - manager - stands in front of new restaurant, Le Chateau Great Steaks, which will open for business Tuesday. Restaurant, at 7118 Timberlake Rd., will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day with dinner beginning at 5. Rustic contemporary decor extends throughout the dining and lounge areas. [Today, this is Jade Palace.]

March 23, 1977 - Mrs. Elton O'Bier and son, Leroy, weigh fish head at Portsmouth Fish Co. The O'Biers operate the fish company which has moved to 410 Birch St.

Dec. 3, 1978 - Candy and Gift Shop - The Sweet Life, located at 10503 Timberlake Road, is open for business. Store features candy from Sweden, Germany, Columbia, France and England, as well as domestic brands. Rosemary Veronon is store owner.

March 9, 1979 - Myrt's Hot Dogs with locations in Madison Heights and on Candlers Mountain Road, has changed name from Wiener King Restaurants will remain under the ownership of Calvin Adams who owned the Wiener King franchise.

July 29, 1979 - Restaurant Opens - Recently-opened Taco Rey restaurant forms a background for Mrs. Beverly Lowry, owner, and her husband, Charles, Houston attorney who plans to move to Lynchburg. Lowrys hope to build chain of Mexican-style fast food restaurants in area.

May 27, 1980 - Customers at Pepper's gather for happy hour Friday afternoon.

Steve Goff is the manager of J. Ruggles, at 2905 Memorial Ave., formerly the Branding Iron Steak House.

Nov. 2, 1980 - The lunch crowd at the Texas Inn concentrates on eating, rather than talking, as opposed to nighthawks.

Nov. 11, 1982 - Barbara Simmons pours coffee for George Phillips and Leonard Cowart at Country Kitchen on Lakeside Dr.

March 24, 1989 - A group of regulars at Mary Jane's Cafe showed up on a recent Friday afternoon to enjoy the fellowship.

The exterior of Fisher's Restaurantin Bedford is seen in this file photo from 1985. The restaurant reopened 2014 after an almost 20-year absence.

Jan. 6, 1987 - Repast at St. Paul's - Customers seated at tables at restaurant on Church St.

April 2, 1989 - Ginger Webber runs a tight ship as sign behind the counter at Ginger's Restaurant on 12th Street indicates.

July 22, 1990 - Customers line up at the Sunday Country Buffet at the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant.

Jan. 23, 1991 - Cooks at the New London Steak House are, from left, James Trent, the owner's son and chief cook Keith Hartman, and John Turner. The restaurant is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019.

July 18, 1991 - Avenue Ribs and More - Shannon Mays in the restaurant of her recently opened night spot, Avenue Ribs and More, where the menu features ribs, steak, chicken and seafood. The restaurant was on Bedford Avenue in the site formerly occupied by Jim McQuade Pontiac.

June 2, 1992 - Morrison's Cafeteria - Steam rises from the serving trays at Morrison's in River Ridge mall as Kym Sykes adds another pan and Karon Kee serves a customer.

June 2, 1993 - Sam Provenza, manager of Old Country Buffet at Candlers Station, carves roast beef for a patron.

Dec. 8, 1993 - Chefs Adrian Hill and Linda Barclay prepare New Zealand favorites and traditional American fare at Peakland's, a restaurant which opened in September at the Village Court Shopping Center.

June 2, 2008 - Rufus Rucker smokes ribs and pork shoulder outside Toy Town Soul Food on Amherst Highway. Rucker opened the restaurant in the building where his grandparents used to run a county store. Toy Town has since closed, and Rucker now is the chef at Fifth and Federal Station in Lynchburg.

Dec. 3, 2008 - Meriwether's in Lynchburg was set to close in January 2009. Its sister restaurant, Isabella's moved to the Meriwether's location in the Boonsboro shopping center.

Wayne Campbell (left) serves lunch to Larry Randal at Jumbo's Family Restaurant in Lynchburg, March 14, 2012.

Ryan Johnson serves longtime regular customer Wayne Greene at Jumbo's Family Restaurant in Lynchburg, September 23, 2012. Patrons packed the dining room, as they normally do on Sundays, on the restaurant's last day of business yesterday. "I love Jumbo's food," said Greene, "I've been satisfied with everything I got here. I'll be going back to Colonial when they take over there."

The TGI Fridays restaurant at 7815 Timberlake Road was closed as of Monday, March 9, 2020, according to a sign on the door.

Rachael Smith covers local businesses and nonprofits. Reach her at (434) 385-5482.

Visit link:
TGI Fridays on Timberlake Road closes - Lynchburg News and Advance

Eric Lian carries the Olympic torch through a mass of enthralled elementary students to start Award Ceremonies in the 1992 Mt. Eccles Olympics. Photo courtesy of Trudy Bendzak

Ah, what wont make the news these days.

Headlines, Anchorage DailyNews, March 1, 2020 edition: JBER airman demoted for peeing in office coffeemaker.

A Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson airman was demoted and receiveda letter of reprimand for peeing in his squadrons office coffee maker, statesthe article.

Formally charged as a violation of Article 92, dereliction of duty,the unnamed airman knew or should have known to refrain from urinating inthe squadron coffee maker, according to the redacted charge sheet.

Hmm. One would hope so.

And it gets better.

The incident occurred sometime between Jan.1 and Oct. 31, 2019,but the document does not stipulate how the crime was discovered.

Wait a minute. Thats 10months. Did this occur more thanonce? No wonder the office workers weregrumbling about bad coffee every now and then.

Was it an uptick in use of cream and sugar that created suspicionthat something was amiss?

Regardless, the crime was certain newsworthy, as there always hasbeen peculiar fascination with functions of the excretory system, right?

Why, I can recall a popular CHS Wolverine Cheering Section chantin the 1980s when Valdez came over for basketball games.

Give me a U, give me a R, give me an I, give me an N, giveme an E. Whats that spell? URINE, screamed the student body. Whats that mean? URINE Wolverine Country!

The message to the Buccaneers was quite clear, and were nottalking about peeing in a coffee pot.

However, it turns out this by-product of our excretory systemgained even more brief but famous notoriety at Mt. Eccles Elementary.

Many may not know that Cordova has the only couple to both benamed Alaska Teacher of the Year, in Trudy (Bodey) Bendzak and Jerry Bendzak.

Trudy was honored in1975. She taught First Grade that year,and emphasized basics, including spelling.

Jerry taught P.E. in the schools low-ceilinged basement. It was originally intended for storage butconverted to a cement-floored open area known as the Hound Pound.

Benzak knew how to motivate and excite youngsters, but languagearts were not his forte.

From 1978 to 2000, Bendzak ran an Mt. Eccles Olympics coincidingwith the Summer Olympics, which occur every four years.

During those special years, he selected 18 countries, put theirnames in a hat, and had kids from Grade K-6 draw the team they would be on fora wild variety of Olympic events. Theyincluded both team events such as balloon volleyball and scooter hockey, aswell as individual events such as races around the school, beginning with 1/8mile for the Kindergarten (1 lap) through a full mile (8 laps) for the 6thgraders.

The kids learned all about their respective countries; and thewalls of Mt. Eccles auditorium were adorned with flags of each they had made,which included slots to display the medal counts as the events were completedthroughout the year.

Bendzak even found tapes of the national anthems for each country,which were played as event winners came up on stage to receive their gold,silver, or bronze medals, which included a Mt. Eccles logo, and were meticulouslyengraved with the names of the winners.

The program was a resounding success, and the awards ceremonieswere big events. This was years beforethe recent addition and remodeling of Mt. Eccles, and they were held in apacked cafeteria/commons, with proud parents on hand along with all thestudents.

Before one of the presentations in 1992, Bendzak decided to talkabout the Olympic Flame. He had a smallwooden model of the torch on a dowel which a student (in this case Eric Lian)held high while running into the auditorium and pretended to light the Olympicflame to start the ceremony.

Bendzak then explained the device that held the flame throughoutthe real Olympics was called an urn.

Perhaps inspired by the puzzled look of the kindergarteners in thefront row, he then proceeded to spell it:

U R I N E.

To this day, he remembers my wife Sue, who was teaching thirdgrade at that time, frantically shaking her head.

All the other teachers at the back of the room who werent bentover laughing were frantically waving their hands in the universal sign forNO!

But the damage was done.

A whole generation of Cordova students would never spell urncorrectly.

But they were ready when the Valdez Buccaneers came to town.

More:
Cordova Chronicles: Just when you think you've heard it all - Cordova Times

If you're tired of dragging that old lawn sprinkler around every few days, you may want to consider installing your own underground sprinkler system. By doing the job yourself, you can save 30 to 40 percent of the cost of a professional installation, and today's sprinkler components are easier than ever to assemble. Once your system is in place, you can program it to water your lawn on a regular schedule, and also set the startup time and watering duration.

STEP 1: Use a gauge to determine your water pressure.

To start this process, measure your water pressure at an outdoor faucet with a simple pressure gauge available at home centers (Step 1). Then, use a 5-gal. bucket to measure how much water the system delivers per minute. Send this information to the sprinkler manufacturer you have chosen, along with a scale drawing of your property.

In return, you'll receive a system layout and a materials list, including items not sold by the manufacturer. Rain Bird, the company I used for the primary sprinkler components, has a variable fee scale for its layouts that ranges from free to $50, depending on how you want the plans delivered and how soon you need them (rainbird.com). A system layout divides your lawn into zones, each controlled by a zone valve. I installed a total of eight zones and 48 sprinkler heads.

While you can install the entire system yourself and dig everything by hand, I installed the piping with a pipe-pulling machine that rented for around $180 a day.

In addition to the valves, heads and control panel from Rain Bird, I used a clever, self-tapping saddle valve called the Blazing Saddle (blazingproducts.com). This bright yellow valve snaps onto polyethylene pipe without a wrench.

In warm climates, you can run the entire system in PVC pipe. I used polyethylene pipe, a more flexible alternative, because the system has to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles that are common where I live. In any case, you must consult local plumbing codes before beginning work and you may be required to secure a building permit.

Finally, every system needs a backflow preventer to keep the sprinkler system from contaminating the potable water supply. One type is a standard, surface-level backflow preventer (about $150), which must be installed 12 in. above the highest point of the yard. I installed a reduced-pressure backflow preventer (about $350) because it's allowed below grade. I put it in the basement and will drain the system to this point each winter. The cost of an in-ground sprinkler system can vary widely. My eight-zone system ran about $1500.

Running Pipes

If you plan to dig the entire system by hand, dig the main runs first, then the branch lines. They should be at least 6 in. deep, but 8 to 10 in. will give you better fitting room.

If you've rented a pipe puller, begin by attaching the pipe to the machine's blade (Step 2). When running a main feed line, it's best to wrap the low-voltage cable around the pipe and pull it at the same time. With the piping connected, start the machine moving forward and lower the blade into the ground.

Bore through your home's rim joist, and run copper pipe and cable through the hole and to the ground. Make the conversion from copper to PVC at ground level with a threaded connector. Run the main PVC line, along with the cable, to the first zone-valve location.

Assemble the zone-valve sets above-ground, then cement them to the underground piping (Step 3). Install a plastic, inline drain fitting on the downstream side of each valve and connect the cable wires. My cable had 10 wires and each zone valve had two lead wires. Connect one of each pair of valve lead wires to a common (white) cable wire that will service all of the valves. Join a different color-coded wire to the other lead of each zone valve. Continue making connections in this way until you've reached the last set (Step 4). With all the valves connected and wired, install valve boxes and backfill.

The feed line needs to have a drain fitting at its lowest point. Thread a brass drain fitting into the threaded end of a PVC tee and install the tee downward at 45 degrees (Step 5). Dig a small depression under the drain, and fill it with sand and gravel.

STEP 2: Start the pipe puller moving forward and settle the blade into the turf. The blade will shimmy the pipe into the ground.

STEP 3: Assemble the zone valves above-ground, then connect them to the underground pipes. Each valve needs a drain.

STEP 4: Attach one of every valve's lead wires to the white common wire and connect a colored wire to each remaining lead.

STEP 5: Install a brass drain valve at each low spot of the feed line. Thread the valve into the tee with Teflon tape.

To tunnel under walkways and other obstacles, use a homemade sluice pipe. Attach a pointed sluice nozzle, available at home centers, to one end of a length of PVC pipe. Join a hose connector to the other end of the pipe and dig shallow trenches on opposing sides of the sidewalk. With the hose connected and the water turned on, push the pipe forward and back under the sidewalk to create the hole (Step 6).

STEP 6: Use a sluice pipe to tunnel under sidewalks. The brass fitting is sold at hardware stores and home centers.

Polyethylene pipe is joined by barb fittings. These can be secured by hose clamps, but stainless steel crimp rings (to have a look at these, go to http://www.oetiker.com) are a better choice. They're inexpensive ($16 for 100) and are a snap to use. Cut the pipe with a scissors-style pipe cutter (Step 7).

STEP 7: Use a scissors-type pipe cutter on the polyethylene pipe. It's quick and easy to use, and leaves a clean edge.

Slide the crimp ring onto each pipe and insert the barb fitting (Step 8).

STEP 8: Slide a crimp ring onto each pipe and insert the barb fitting.

Slide the rings in place and crimp them tight with the pliers (Step 9).

STEP 9: Draw the crimp rings together with crimp-ring pliers.

Installing the Heads

The sprinkler heads can be connected to the pipes in several ways. If drainage is not a problem, the simplest method is to install a 90-degree ell with a barb fitting on one end and a female thread on the other (Step 10).

STEP 10: If drainage isn't required, use a 90-degree ell at the sprinkler head. Thread a riser into the top of the ell.

If you're at a low spot and need seasonal drainage, install a 90-degree drain ell instead (Step 11).

STEP 11: To drain a low spot under a sprinkler head, use a 90-degree drain ell. Install it upright, with the threads at the top.

From there, you can connect a head to the ell with a threaded riser, or make an offset swing pipe. To make a swing-pipe connection, thread one 90-degree ell into the drain fitting and another into the bottom of a sprinkler head. Use Teflon tape on the threads. Then, join the two ells with a length of 3/8-in. polyethylene swing pipe (Step 12).

STEP 12: Connect the ell to the sprinkler head with 3/8-in. swing pipe. Use Teflon tape, but no crimp rings.

This fit is so snug that it doesn't need a crimp ring. Finish by filling the hole while tamping the soil with a rubber mallet every 4 in. (Step 13).

STEP 13: Backfill the hole 4 in. at a time and tamp the soil with a rubber mallet. Then top off the soil with sod.

When tapping into a continuous piping run, use the self-tapping saddle valve mentioned earlier (Step 14).

STEP 14: Press the saddle valve's collar around the pipe and snap it together. You will feel it click when it locks in place.

To connect the head, install either a swing pipe or a threaded riser in the top of the fitting (Step 15).

STEP 15: When the pipe is directly under a sprinkler, connect the head with a threaded riser.

I equipped my system with three types of heads: spray heads for small areas, rotary heads for the large areas and a bubbler for the flower garden. The bubbler sends a trickle of water through 1/8-in. tubing to various spots in the garden (Step 16).

STEP 16: A bubbler head is specially designed to allow you to soak a flowerbed without getting the foliage wet.

Final Touches

Local plumbing codes will dictate how you tap into your household water system, but my installation was fairly typical. I cut into the 3/4-in. water line just beyond the meter and upsized to 1-in. pipe for the sprinkler system branch line.

Soon after the tap, install a full-flow ball valve (Step 17).

STEP 17: Install a full-flow ball valve so you can service the backflow preventer without shutting down the house's water supply.

After the ball valve, install a brass nipple and the reduced-pressure backflow preventer (Step 18). Run piping from the backflow preventer to the pipe installed through the rim joist.

STEP 18: Install the reduced-pressure backflow preventer right after the ball valve. This type is designed for below-grade use.

This type of backflow preventer will occasionally back surge, so you'll need a catch basin with an air gap underneath it. Pipe the basin to a nearby floor drain with 1-in. pipe (Step 19). The piping after the backflow preventer will also need a drain valve so you can drain the overhead line in winter.

STEP 19: Install an air-gap catch basin on the unit and run a full-size drainpipe to the nearest floor drain.

Install the control panel. Run the cable into the panel, strip the wires and connect them according to the manufacturer's installation instructions (Step 20).

STEP 20: Run the zone-valve cable to the control box. Connect the wires according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Link:
How to Install a Sprinkler System - Installing an ...

TheNew Hope-Solebury Board of School Directorson Tuesday night willdiscuss the potential renovation of the districts athletic fields and track at a special meeting in the Upper Elementary School LGI Room.

All of the districts fields are in need of an upgrade, but issues with the stadium field and track are potentially the most costly.

The track needs to be resurfaced, and weve been talking about a turf field, explained Dr. Charles Lentz, Superintendent of Schools, in an interview last September.

The athletic field is currently comprised of natural grass,and the price tag for a new synthetic field was estimated at $1.5 million last year. A less expensive option would be to install a sprinkler system and drainage system, and re-crown and sod the field. Problems with overuse of the field would remain under that scenario, and reestablishing the crown and grass would be a chronic maintenance item, the district has asserted.

Other stadium improvements under consideration include installation of a new PA system, an upgrade to the lighting system to mitigate spillage into the surrounding homes, and a new multipurpose building to solve restroom lighting and ADA compliance issues and accommodateticket collection, a snack stand, press box and storage needs.

The NHSSD track, installed in 2004, has never been properly maintained due to a lack of adequate funds, resulting in damage to its foundation,according to the district. That fix would require a new macadam foundation, rubber surface and paint at a projected cost of $200,000.

The districts Campus Athletic Facility Project also calls for upgrades or repairs to Fields 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12, along with the basketball courts. Many of the field issues involve poor drainage or lack of ADA compliance.

Tuesday nights special meeting at Upper Elementary School LGI Room begins at 6:30 p.m.

Read the original post:
Renovation of New Hope-Solebury athletic fields focus of special meeting Tuesday - New Hope Free Press

By: Conserva Irrigation | 11Shares 82Reads

March 11, 2020 // Franchising.com // RICHMOND, Va - Conserva Irrigation, the only national outdoor irrigation company founded on the concept of water conservation and part of the Outdoor Living Brands family of brands, announced Jason Butler as Conserva Irrigation Franchisee of the Year. The recognition highlights the franchisee who best exemplifies Conserva Irrigation through the successful growth of their network while serving as a strong advocate for the brand. As a franchise owner of two Outdoor Living Brands concepts, including Conserva Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Butler was recognized for his stand-out leadership within the Conserva Irrigation system at Outdoor Living Brands Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

Since opening Conserva Irrigation of North Atlanta in 2017, Butler has driven his operation to be one of the top three in sales in the system and earned a spot on the Best of Gwinnett list by Guide to Gwinnett for three consecutive years. As owner of his own data and marketing company, Butler has learned to prioritize quality customer service and take a hands-on approach to business. As a result, he brings the same dedication to his franchise territory and local community as he does to Conserva Irrigation, which secured his position on the companys Strategic Advisory Board in 2018.

Its an honor to be recognized by Conserva Irrigation and Outdoor Living Brands, who invest in the continued prosperity of their franchisees and show a passion for responsible irrigation and helping to eliminate water waste across the country, said Butler. As an entrepreneur, Im often searching for business opportunities with a social responsibility component. Conserva is a forward-thinking partner hyper-focused on smart irrigation and utilizes the right tools to help eliminate water waste, while simultaneously saving our clients money. Im excited to continue expanding, while maintaining quality customer care throughout North Atlanta.

Franchisees such as Butler have found success with Conserva Irrigation thanks to the brands proprietary process to audit irrigation systems, which rates the water efficiency of a system based on a numerical scale allowing for homeowners to understand how much water their sprinkler systems are wasting. As a result of the System Efficiency Score, Conserva Irrigation has evolved rapidly within its segment, already adding seven territories across three states this year alone.

Dedicated franchisees like Jason Butler, who joined the company when we launched our franchise program in 2017, have been the backbone of our brand and have given us the power to quickly expand across more than 90 territories, said Russ Jundt, founder of Conserva Irrigation. Were very proud of Jason and his accomplishments and look forward to seeing his success continue. As we aim to eclipse 100 territories very soon, well continue to seek qualified candidates who share our passion for water conservation and environmentally responsible irrigation.

Conserva Irrigation is looking to expand further throughout the United States and is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with a range of experience levels, as well as those looking for add-on or conversion business opportunities. Incentives are also available for veterans, multi-territory agreements and those with existing businesses or are an employee of an existing franchisee.

Founded as a franchise in 2017, Conserva Irrigation is the only national outdoor irrigation company founded on the principle of water conservation. The brand is part of Outdoor Living Brands, a market-leading franchisor of premium residential and commercial outdoor living services. With 91 territories across the country and growing, Conserva Irrigation is helping home and business owners reduce water consumption through its use of a proprietary irrigation auditing system and water-efficient irrigation products. Conserva Irrigation recently debuted on Entrepreneur Magazines 2020 Franchise 500 list at #296. For more information about Conserva Irrigation, visit https://www.conservairrigation.com/or OutdoorLivingBrands.com.

SOURCE Conserva Irrigation

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Excerpt from:
Outdoor Living Brands Names Jason Butler Franchisee Of The Year - Franchising.com

Following multiple infrastructure evaluations, much deliberation and previous delays, a $22 million capital improvements bond will appear on the ballot for West Lake Hills residents May 2. Since its incorporation in 1953, the city has never gone out for bond, and according to Mayor Linda Anthony, the decision was four years in the making.

The bond is centered on the citys major infrastructure needs and encompasses a proposition for a new City Hall and police building as well as a proposition devoted to drainage and pavement projects. Various roadways, including Wildcat Hollow and Camp Craft Road, are subject to frequent floods and continuous maintenance, according to officials.

The neighboring city of Rollingwood faces similar challenges related to its aging infrastructure, according to a report by engineering firm K. Friese & Associates, which highlighted the citys major flooding and drainage concerns.

Both cities are dealing with issues related to flood damage in their respective municipal buildings, and in Rollingwoods case, black mold has been found. The mold led West Lake Hills to dedicate $12 million of the bond to the construction of a larger, safer and more accessible municipal building, Anthony said.

While Rollingwood has not taken official action on a bond, the city is devoting funds and extensive research toward evaluating the need for citywide upgrades, Mayor Michael Dyson said.

Failing facilities

Officials have frequently discussed the prospect of a capital improvements bond from inside the aging chambers of the West Lake Hills City Hall building, which was built as a residential property in 1982.

Anthony said the structure has faced numerous issues, including flooding, multiple roof repairs, electrical issues, accessibility issues and a number of building code compliance violations. She said when the city contracted a study by Brinkley Sargent Wiginton in 2018 it became increasingly clear that repairing the existing structure was impractical.

People may be under the impression that were a small city [and that] weve got adequate space, Anthony said. They dont realize that our offices are carved out of closets and hallways.

The architectural study concluded that the municipal building was in a state of disrepair, with the buildings connected police department presenting the largest shortcomings.

Police Chief Scott Gerdes said and his officers and staff work through these challenges on a daily basis. The building contains a single locker room for both male and female officers, lacks the necessary electrical abilities to charge devices and contains no fire sprinkler system.

Gerdes has previously told Community Impact Newspaper his department has no proper interview room or privacy for citizens filing police reports, and that is still the case. If a resident needed to report a crime, he or she would do so in the buildings lobby, next to individuals looking to pay their speeding tickets.

Rollingwoods officers also struggle with space and structural problems. In 2016, the city found mold in the police building attached to City Hall, forcing the department into a portable building on the property, out of which officers still operate.

The discovery drove the discussion on the overall inadequacies of the building, eventually leading the city to contract a facilities study by Brinkley Sargent in December 2017. The study concluded that the spatial needs of the combined municipal buildings are 3,896 square feet less than what would be considered adequate.

In terms of aging infrastructure, both cities have also conducted studies highlighting issues related to roadway and drainage improvements.

Critical mass sounds a little dramatic, Dyson said. But for lack of a better word, we realized any number of our infrastructure needs have reached that.

Roadway and drainage repairs

Discussion and assessment of potential drainage improvements are among the first priorities for Rollingwood, Dyson said, adding that the city will tackle drainage plans first, then roadways, then water line repairs.

The study by K. Friese identified 23 potential drainage projects within city limits, including repairs on Bee Caves Road, Edgegrove and Nixon Road. The projects, which totaled $19.72 million, were based on a variety of factors including resident input.

Dyson said the study, presented at the Feb. 19 Rollingwood City Council meeting, provided a detailed scope of the citys drainage ecosystem and took into account public surveys, fieldwork and hydraulic modeling.

What [the study] intended to provide is a kind of overarching foundational conversation supported by a lot of engineering data to help us understand exactly what our challenges are with regard to drainage, Dyson said.

Prior to implementing the reports suggestions, he said, more data is required regarding the citys easements and rights of way within its roadway system. This information would clarify the boundaries between city and private property.

West Lake Hills also contracted K. Friese to examine the scope of the citys critical roadway and drainage projects. The list of potential repairs was debated and edited for months prior to approving the total cost of $10 million.

The most expensive projects include drainage repairs on the Eanes Creek low-water crossing, which totals $2,084,900, as well as both drainage and roadway repairs on Redbud Trail at $2,806,100.

In total, the bond encompasses six roadway and drainage projects, which Anthony referred to as big-ticket items too costly to be funded by the citys general fund.

Sooner or later youre gonna have to spend a significant chunk of change to address our infrastructure needs, Anthony said, adding that minor fixes over the years have only served as temporary Band-Aids.

Finding funding

The West Lake Hills community has benefited from an arguably low tax rate for years, Anthony said. The rate of $0.07 per $100 valuation is significantly lower when compared with cities of similar median home value, according to City Administrator Travis Askey.

Anthony said keeping up with the citys aging infrastructure needs is not feasible at the current rate, and as a result, seeking a bond to fund the major projects was the best option.

The rate could potentially double if both bond propositions pass, and Anthony noted that even if that occurs, the city will still operate on a lower tax rate than comparable municipalities.

In some ways, weve done ourselves a disservice by keeping the property tax as low as we have for as long as we have and making the assumption that sales tax revenue can carry us, Anthony said.

The study by K. Friese originally called for a bond with a larger price tag; however, the city evaluated the data and decided to complete a number of smaller projects out of its general fund.

Dyson noted that as the city continues to build upon its own data pool, Rollingwood is also examining innovative funding options when developing an infrastructure plan.

I would argue that a bond election is our last resort, Dyson said, adding that a number of the citys drainage projects may be eligible for funding through federal or state grants.

Rollingwood is also looking to bolster its commercial district along Bee Caves Road to increase revenue. The citys funding is comprised of an 80% property tax and 20% sales tax ratio, and Dyson said he would like to see a more balanced revenue stream.

Officials recently commissioned what Dyson called a robust study from The Retail Coach, a retail consulting firm that provides market research and development strategies for city governments and other entities.

Information from that study shows one takeaway focuses on planning and zoning inconsistencies along Bee Caves that are potentially hindering potential and current business. The idea of mixed-used and multilevel developments was also considered.

It's maybe not just enough to address aging infrastructure, but in fact, we should probably consider new infrastructure, Dyson said.

Rollingwoods recent data-driven studies have provided the city with a strong overview of its current needs. According to Dyson, the conversation on project design and finances is on the horizon.

Now we can start having a conversation, Dyson said. Where do our needs and our expectations come into play with the actual dollars required to undertake these things?

Emphasizing community outreach

Dyson has stressed the need for a thoughtful and meticulous approach when tackling these infrastructure projects. While the city is acting on this plan there is no desire to rush the process, and Rollingwood will continue with additional studies and analysis on its infrastructure plan, he said.

The time is right. The question is, what is it right for? Dyson said. Thats the conversation the community needs to have, and its on us to give them the data points.

Dyson emphasized civic engagement as an invaluable component of any local government, and said moving forward Rollingwood officials hope for an open conversation with the community regarding its infrastructure needs.

Transparency and community involvement have been frequently discussed in association with the bond for West Lake Hills, and City Council is putting together a political action committee tasked with educating residents throughout the city and advocating for the bond.

To help place more emphasis on community participation, council will also continue to hold open houses prior to the May 2 election. Anthony said this bond is a new venture for both the city and its residents, and working together is the best option.

While the bond may be alarming to residents at first, Askey said, the need to invest in the citys infrastructure has been a long time coming.

I dont know any other municipality in Texas thats gone 60 years of their incorporation that has never issued debt, Askey said. Its unheard of.

Dyson said Rollingwood officials have also prioritized community outreachthat it is the citys duty to obtain the data and make it consumable for residents.

This isnt a community for me. This isnt a community for you. This is a community for us, Dyson said. Hopefully more often than not our needs align.

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Municipalities in the Westlake area work to improve aging infrastructure - Community Impact Newspaper

This story is part of Yahoo Sports Shes Got Next series, featuring women in sports on the rise who deserve their time in the spotlight.

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Santia Deck has two sporting idols: Florence Griffith Joyner and Barry Sanders.

They couldnt be more different. The late Griffith Joyner, still the fastest woman ever, was flamboyant on the track, with her long hair and longer nails complementing her colorful running uniforms. Sanders was the opposite with the Detroit Lions, never outwardly celebrating any of his 109 touchdowns and walking away on his own terms years before anyone thought he would.

Deck dreamed of making it to the Olympics, just like Flo-Jo. As injuries derailed her collegiate running career, Deck believed she was meant to be an athlete and spent several years bouncing between flag football and rugby. That led her to the Womens Football League Association, a full-pads tackle league set to start in 2021.

The league announced in December she signed to a multimillion-dollar contract, the first for a woman in football.

I was at the theater with one of my friends, we were in the middle of watching the movie and my mom called me and told me the [contract] offer, and I just ran out the theater screaming, Deck said recently, laughing at the memory. My friend thought somebody died, and I was like, No, if you knew what my mom just told me, you would understand. And my life has changed after that.

Deck isnt just expected to be one of the WFLAs best players, but her contract and the ensuing publicity also made her the face of the upstart league, founded by California businesswoman Lupe Rose. So far, musician Ja Rule is among those buying in, owning the New York team.

Exhibition games begin this spring, with eight scheduled.

Its been an adventure getting to this point.

Deck began running track at age 6, not long after seeing a cheetah in full sprint on television. She told her mother, Cynthia Robles, that she wanted to be a cheetah. Robles laughed and told her young daughter that wasnt possible, but promised to put her in track.

And then I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12 years old and the doctor had told my mom that he recommended me never playing any sports because if I got hit the wrong way, fell the wrong way, that I could end up possibly paralyzed, Deck said.

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that happens before puberty. While doctors now know that it cant worsen with athletic activity, there was once that fear.

Robles considered pulling Deck from track but she knew track was my life, Deck said. I had dreams of going to the Olympics since I was like 5 years old, so she knew that would pretty much destroy me. She ended up praying on it, and she ended up letting me go ahead and whatever God has planned is what He had planned.

She kept running and drew inspiration from the iconic Flo-Jo.

I was obsessed with her, from the time I saw her until now, Deck said. A lot of my style is [derived from] her. I used to wear my hair down. I used to wear full makeup. I got the mismatched socks and everything. I actually started running like her, as far as her coming out of the blocks, the little side-to-side she used to do, even though in real life, that didnt translate well for me. I ended up developing that habit that to this day is still hard for me to break.

Deck ran well enough to earn a scholarship to Division II Texas A&M Kingsville, but a series of back and hamstring injuries meant she didnt see much improvement.

Despite that, Deck wasnt ready to give up on track. After graduating in 2014, she kept training in an effort to qualify for the 2016 Olympics. She finally saw improvement, and then suffered another hamstring injury. Shed told herself that if she got hurt again, she was done with the sport and she reluctantly walked away.

She turned to a sport she knew well: flag football.

Growing up, I was a tomboy I did everything my brothers did. I was out there running routes, doing cone drills. I even went to a few of my twin brothers Pee Wee practices, and honestly, thats why I think I have the edge that I do in football because I was doing that stuff, she said. A lot of girls, they dont get that until theyre in high school or college. I was lucky in that way.

Story continues

As Decks flag football highlights spread on social media, rugby fans and coaches asked if she wanted to try that sport.

Once someone mentioned the chance to qualify for the Olympics, Deck was in.

She spent much of last year training and traveling overseas, playing with the Atlanta Harlequins, Stars Rugby 7s and the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union in New Zealand.

And then

I got injured again, unfortunately, Deck said. So, that slowed down my whole Olympic journey once again, and that was that.

I went into a depression because I was so close, super close to making the team and I got that injury and I couldnt come back from it. I was exhausted. I put my body through so much. I was going from Australia to New Zealand to London just to train, to get that experience because I was so new to the sport and I was literally running my body and my mind into the ground. So, when I got the injury, I didnt listen to the doctors. I kept going until my body shut down.

Not long after taking a step back from rugby, Rose asked if Deck would consider joining the WFLA. Deck had turned down the first offer earlier in 2019 while she focused on rugby.

Deck, a running back for the Los Angeles Fames, then turned to her second role model, Sanders, calling him poetry in motion.

Rose has promised WFLA players will be paid living wages, making it the first womens football league to pay players.

With the rebirth of the XFL and the memory of the short-lived AAF in 2019 still fresh, Deck is hopeful the WFLA will thrive where others have failed.

Knowing the owner and knowing who she is and the connections and who she knows and her history and how she has gotten to where shes at, she has so much, not only pull, but so much passion for this league that theres really no way that I could not see it happening, Deck said. She has really put in everything to make sure we are getting what we deserve. ... People ask me that all the time but honestly, I dont [think it will fail]. If anybodys going to do it, its going to be her.

She excitedly points to the growing number of female coaches in the NFL and Central Methodist University safety Toni Harris, the first woman to get a football scholarship, as evidence that its a great time for women in the sport.

I think having little girls who, before I even signed this contract were like, I want to play football. I want to go out there and do what my brothers are doing, and to me its so fulfilling to know that they now have a home, she said. They can now dream just like their brothers when theyre 5 and 6 years old of going to the NFL and [taking care of] their family and things like that. These little girls now can have the same opportunity, and just knowing that I can really tell these children: If you want something, you can have it.

I tell children all the time, If you want it, go get it. No questions asked, no excuses. If you want it, you can have it but you have to go get it. And thats what I live by; its what Ive always lived by. If you put in the work, the time and the effort and keep yourself on a straight-and-narrow path and keep God first, you can literally have whatever you want to have.

Visit Makers.com for more stories in celebration of Women's History Month.

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A mix of Flo-Jo and Barry Sanders, Santia Deck hoping to pave next generation of women's football - Yahoo Sports

Kasey Cohen from Below Deck Mediterranean wants her community to know that shes here to help if anyone needs assistance during the coronavirus threat.

Cohen shared a video message to Twitter that shed be happy to help any elderly members of the community or those with a compromised immune system get groceries and supplies. If any elderly individuals or individuals more susceptible to getting coronavirus need assistance in picking up groceries, supplies or medications in the Long Island area, Id be happy to help, she posted along with her video.

She added that being young and healthy puts her in a position to help others. Fans were overwhelmed by her kindness, some pointing out that residents could also get supplies through online delivery. But Cohen understood that not everyone can afford the higher fees associated with online delivery. So she wanted to offer an option to her community.

Captain Sandy Yawn was extremely proud of her former third stew. Thank you @kaseylcohen! We are all in this together! Also consider those who need daycare while schools are closed. Some parents, like medical and emergency personnel, will be working to help us. So consider helping as you can, Yawn tweeted along with Cohens post.

Yawn has also been trying to maintain an upbeat attitude and provide as many uplifting messages to her followers. She has been tweeting and re-tweeting positive messages along the way. Including some of the efforts being taken by Bethenny Frankel from The Real Housewives of New York City. She also supported the efforts being made by the nurses and doctors on the frontlines.

Thanks to all the medical personnel, doctors, & nurses, who are helping us fight the #CoronavirusPandemic. You have always been heroes, but lets get them an extra shout out right now. Be safe. Be smart. We are all in this together, she tweeted.

News footages have shown throngs of people crowding local grocery and warehouse stores, stocking up on supplies. Empty shelves and long lines show that many people went into panic buying. The public was advised to have 14 days worth of food, medicine, and supplies on hand. Despite a number of events and schools being canceled for a few weeks, the government has not imposed a mandatory lockdown on residents.

A number of people hoarded so many items, none were left for others. Several grocery chains are closing early each night to restock shelves. It is like pandemonium, Lou Scaduto Jr., president and CEO of Food Circus Super Markets told USA Today. They are literally buying everything I have never seen so much toilet paper go off the shelf.

The panic is largely unnecessary because most retailers are able to replenish products fairly quickly, Neil Saunders, managing director of the retail consultancy Global Data told USA Today. Also, products like toilet paper are not being used more than usual so people who have already stocked up will not keep buying them.

See the original post here:
'Below Deck Med' Cast Member Offers to Help Those in Need During Coronavirus Threat - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere, has welcomed its first visitors. rising 1,100 feet (335 meters) above hudson yards, the mixed-use development on manhattans west side, the observation platform has been designed to take visitors out of their comfort zone. located on the 100th floor of the sites tallest building, the deck has been conceived as an open plaza complete with a partially glass floor and angled glass walls. the platform, as well as the rest of the skyscraper, has been designed by KPF, with rockwell group responsible for the buildings interiors.

image courtesy of related-oxford

edge is accessed via the shops & restaurants, hudson yards indoor shopping mall. visitors are first greeted with an immersive multimedia arrival experience, designed by LAB at rockwell group, before a 52 second elevator ride brings visitors to the 7,500 square foot (700 square meter) outdoor viewing area. extending out almost 80 feet (24 meters) from the buildings 100th floor, the sky deck reveals panoramic views of new york famous skyline and beyond a distance encompassing more than 80 miles (129 kilometers).

image courtesy of related-oxford

at the heart of the sky deck, guests are dared to traverse a glass floor that offers a view of the city streets 100 stories below. visitors are also encouraged to lean against the decks nine-foot-tall (2.7 meter) glass walls, which are angled outwards to maximize views. an even higher perspective is offered from an outdoor stair and seating area that allows guests to look out over the glass from a seated position.

image designboom

bolted together and anchored to the east and south sides of the building, the sky deck comprises 15 main sections, each weighing between 35,000 and 100,000 pounds (16-45 metric tons). most observation decks are on a terrace, theyre part of the building, but here we did something very different, explains marianne kwok, director at KPF. we didnt want to scaffold up and build it and then take the scaffold down. it was manufactured in italy, and we put together the whole thing in italy to test it. then it was taken apart and shipped over. each section was then craned into place. it was constructed in such a short time because it was almost prefabrciated.

image designboom

we really wanted to create something that would give you a different view of the city and a different experience, continues marianne kwok. so there are no metal supports on the glass, and the glass is held slightly apart so that a cell phone camera can be put between and you can get a clean photo. one level up, the 101st floor is home to a restaurant, bar, and event space. the projects light show, which will take place through april, was designed by lobservatoire international, who also designed the overall lighting of the deck. edge is open from 8am to 12 midnight, 365 days per year.

image courtesy of related-oxford

image courtesy of related-oxford

image courtesy of related-oxford

image courtesy of related-oxford

image courtesy of related-oxford

project info:

name: edgelocation: 100th floor of 30 hudson yards, new yorkdesign: KPF (building), rockwell group (interiors)status: open to public from march 11, 2020times: 8am to 12 midnight, 365 days per yearprice: adult admission starts at $36

philip stevens I designboom

mar 09, 2020

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edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere - Designboom

On February 6, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognised the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) as one of the 15 laboratories that would provide reference testing support for the novel coronavirus.

The number of COVID-19 cases remained constant at three for nearly a month in India, but now it is going up steadily. Anticipating such a scenario, more labs are screening COVID-19 samples now. Besides the 52 labs belonging to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories network of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 10 labs under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have been included for testing COVID-19 samples.

Till recently, all the 52 labs were allowed to only screen samples; only NIV was authorised to confirm positive cases. With more suspected cases piling up, a long delay in confirming positive test results would have become inevitable for NIV. So, in a welcome move, ICMR has pre-empted such a scenario. Four-five days ago, 13 labs were authorised to confirm positive cases without sending them to NIV. Another 17 labs will be authorised to do so on March 11 and the remaining labs on March 13, says Nivedita Gupta of ICMR. With the 10 labs under the NCDC regularly confirming positive H1N1 cases, we can expect these labs to be authorised to also confirm positive COVID-19 cases.

Unfortunately, several national labs have not been brought up to speed to perform other vital functions during an outbreak.

NIV is the only lab in India which has a bio-safety level-4 (BSL-4) facility to culture pathogenic, novel viruses, study the origin of such viruses and provide a comprehensive characterisation of them by sequencing the entire viral genome. NIV has sequenced the SARS-CoV-2 genome collected from two patients in Kerala.

When the entire genome is sequenced it helps researchers understand the arrangement of the four chemical entities or bases that make up the DNA or RNA. The differences in the arrangement of the bases make organisms different from one another. Sequencing the genome of SARS-CoV-2 will help us understand where the virus came from and how it spread.

In the last decade or so, many national laboratories have developed the expertise to sequence the entire genome of viruses and bacteria using the latest equipment (next-generation sequencing, or NGS). About a dozen labs have a BSL-3 facility to inactivate the virus and sequence the genome using advanced equipment. They also have the expertise to undertake such work.

It is therefore puzzling why India relies solely on NIV for undertaking genome sequencing. If theres a compelling need to have all hands on deck to sequence the genome, it is now.

While NIV sequenced two of the three COVID-19 samples collected from Kerala in late January-early February, it is not clear if more samples have been sequenced. Contrast this with how other countries have responded. Many of the 263 sequences shared with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), a public platform started by the WHO in 2008 for countries to share genome sequences, are by universities and hospitals. In mainland China, many of the sequences are shared by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which is present in all the 31 provinces. At 90, China has posted the most sequence data on GISAID. This is followed by the U.S. (37).

We tested around 75,000 samples of H1N1 during the 2009-2010 outbreak. We have a BSL-3 facility and the latest sequencing equipment. We are ready to help out if ICMR reaches out to us, says Professor V. Ravi, Head of the Department of Virology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, about sequencing.

It is time for team building, not the time to work in silos, says Dr. Chitra Pattabiraman from NIMHANS. If we are not given an opportunity to develop these skill sets and not encouraged to participate, then how are we ever going to get good at it?

During the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, a lab outside NIV, the Manipal Centre for Virus Research, successfully proved that given an opportunity it could not only diagnose the novel virus but also partially sequence it. The Manipal Centre confirmed the Nipah virus in 17 of the 24 samples it received from Kerala. Unfortunately, since April 2019, the Manipal Centre has been directed to restrict itself to processing the samples of pathogens specific to the BSL-2 facility. It is not even one of the designated labs to test for the novel coronavirus.

Virologist Professor Gagandeep Kang, executive director of the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, however feels that given that the number of COVID-19 cases in India is still under 60, NIV does not feel overwhelmed.

While agreeing that many labs/ institutions in India have the ability to sequence the viral genome, Professor Kang emphasises that sequencing is useful to know where the virus strain came from and to check if the strain is evolving, but does not inform us of the immediate strategy to control the outbreak or its spread.

With the latest sequencing equipment widely available in many research labs and the cost of sequencing falling, researchers are using genome sequences for genomic epidemiology. This becomes possible as scientists already know the number of mutations that arise on an average in a month in the case of COVID-19, its incubation period, and the average time between cases in a chain transmission (serial interval). Using this data, it has become possible to identify the index case even when the source of infection is not known, and find the link between two seemingly unconnected outbreaks.

China was completely unprepared when the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) struck in 2002-2003. The outbreak infected over 8,000 people globally and killed nearly 800. The bird flu (H5N1) outbreak that followed in 2003 underscored the need for influenza detection and response in China. This led to a collaboration between the Chinese National Influenza Center and the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2004 to build capacity in influenza surveillance in China.

For the next 10 years the collaboration worked in many ways: it led to developed human technical expertise in virology and epidemiology, a comprehensive influenza surveillance system, strengthened analysis, the dissemination of surveillance data, and improved early response to influenza viruses with pandemic potential. By 2014, the national influenza surveillance and response system included 408 labs and 554 sentinel hospitals.

Today, there is a Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in each of the 31 provinces in mainland China. The infrastructure and capacity-building that was put in place by China for influenza surveillance stood in good stead when the H1N1 pandemic struck in 2009.

prasad.ravindranath@thehindu.co.in

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India needs all hands on deck - The Hindu