Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Microsoft has given a sneak peek at a new Windows 10 Start Menu design that lets the company's new batch of iconsshine without the solid-color Live Tile blocks familiar to users.

Revealed by the company's Windows Insider team and designers, the new concept shows what the company is planning for a future version of Windows 10. The new Start Menu ditches Live Tiles and helps emphasize Microsoft's new Fluent Design app logos, which areintended to create a consistent entry point to its apps for Windows 10, iOS, and Android.

Brandon LeBlanc of the Windows Insider team insists Microsoft's new concept"doesn't mean that Live Tiles are going away".

However, the demonstration suggests Microsoft could soon diverge from the original concept of Live Tiles introduced in Window 10 in 2015.

SEE: 20 pro tips to make Windows 10 work the way you want (free PDF)

It would also bring the desktop interface in line with Microsoft's dual-screen Windows 10X Start Menu, which eschews Live Tiles for app icons.

Microsoft currently plans to lets users turn off Live Tiles to reveal the new icon interface. The idea is to present a visually unified design for the Start Menu compared with what Microsoft says was "a somewhat chaotic color". It also wants to introduce the change without annoying Windows 10 users who like Live Tiles.

The new Start Menu would introduce a more "acrylic, fluent theme" compared with the bright, solid colors that aren't consistent with its Fluent Design System.

The design change is meant to offer better support for system-wide light and dark modes, offering users a cleaner design in either mode.

Microsoft has been toying with the idea of removing Live Tiles for at least a year, well before it revealed Windows 10X for the Surface Neo and other dual-screen Windows devices.

In Microsoft's before-and-after demonstration, it's clear why the company's designers want to veer away from solid blocks of color.

Fluent Design icons for apps like Edge, Word, and Outlook are overshadowed by each tile's dominant colors. Without the tile, each app's icon stands out and is more obvious to users.

SEE: Microsoft is discontinuing Cortana consumer skills starting with Windows 10 20H1

Microsoft's creative director, Christina Koehn, earlier this month explained why Windows 10 tiles don't really fit with its shift away from flat icons.

"Flat, monochrome icons look great in context of colorful tiles, but as more icon styles enter the ecosystem, this approach needs to evolve," she wrote.

"When icons in the taskbar and Start menu are different styles, it creates more cognitive load to scan and find applications."

The new concept in dark and light modes helps emphasize Microsoft's new Fluent Design app logos.

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New Windows 10 Start menu: Microsoft shows this new design that sidelines Live Tiles - ZDNet

There is always a sense of anticipation when you approach a house that could be the one. For Clare Pater, she knew that two years of looking for a home were over as she sat outside in the car. And her confidence wasnt shaken when she finally entered and discovered it was an absolute disaster inside.

With a limited budget to tap into and a head full of plans for the rooms, interior designer Clare called on her near-Olympian skills for tracking down bargains in order to put together a home that oozes designer quality. She reveals how she did it, and the secret savings shes made that have fooled visitors as they admire the high-end look

Inspired to tackle your own project? We have masses of ideas and helpful advice on what to do and where to start in our feature on house renovation. For more real home transformations, head to our hub page.

Id always wanted a blue kitchen. It was an image I saw years ago and kept it in my head. When we put this one in around two years ago, people thought we were crazy: Why do you want a blue kitchen? Now theyre everywhere. Kitchen, First Impressions, supplied and fitted by Roger Chippeck Interiors. Brass handles, House of Brass. Sink, Shaws of England. Dishwashers, oven and hob, Neff

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

The owners Clare Pater, an interior designer (novanilla.co.uk), lives here with husband Jake, a partner in a commercial property company, their children Amelie, Asher, and Ava, and Oscar, the labradoodle puppyThe property A 1950s detached four-bedroom house in Hendon, LondonProject cost 50,000 for then house renovation

'We wanted to stay in the area the kids are at school and we have lots of friends round here but we needed more space and somewhere a little quieter,' Clare explains. 'Id done up our house already and wanted to do it all again, so I was ready for a project. This came up and we fell in love with it. I drove up outside with my dad the night before the viewing, and I knew without going inside that this was the one.'

Artwork, Ebay and auctions. Splashback, Better Bathrooms. Black and white tiles, Tons of Tiles. Stools, Wayfair. Corner edging, Ironmongery Direct. Chandelier, French auction (delarte-antique.fr). Wall lights, Ebay

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

'Even when we went inside and it was an absolute disaster. It looked like it hadnt been lived in for years but, sadly, it had been right up until we saw it. It was filthy, things were broken, there were weird paintings on all the walls; all sorts of mad things. There had been a divorce and I think the husband had been living in the front room, and the family in the rest of the house. It was miserable but we could see the potential.'

I knew I wanted to go very dark on the walls and have very traditional flooring. And I had to have coving it just adds so much character. It looks like its meant to be there.Coving, Plaster Coving Ltd. Sofa, Swoon. Artwork above fireplace, Ebay. Rug and coffee table, La Redoute. Pendant, Living by Christiane Lemieux. Wall lights, Industville. Bulbs, Ikea. Walls painted in Valspar scrubbable colour matched paint Farrow & Balls Pitch Black is similar

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

'Wed actually already decided to move in with my parents as we sold our house with nowhere to go, which was a bit of a risk. We had three weeks before we had to move out from our old house when we saw this place. I told my parents when we were moving in with them, "It could be a few months, it could be years." Luckily they took us in. We were there about seven months by the time wed bought the house and done all the work. I was coming back to drop the kids off at school and my work is nearby so Id visit the site every day to keep on top of things. And I was using builders Id worked with before. We were lucky; there werent any major problems.'

I bought an offcut of marble for the dining table. I spent weeks tracking down the perfect piece. Then I found the legs, had them shipped to the marble place and they put it all together.Artwork, Online auction. Marble slab, Openplan Design. Chairs, Cult Furniture. White bead chandelier, Out There Interiors

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

'Based on what we had to pay for the house, we had very little budget left to work with, so any ideas of extending just werent an option now. It started off with, "Okay, well just give it a lick of paint". But the reality of the condition it was in meant that we had to do a lot new bathroom, kitchen, decorating, everything other than structural work or moving walls. But I knew pretty much exactly what I wanted to do.'

'I was obsessed with thinking the flooring had to be real wood, but I came round to laminate. It was a massive saving, and with kids, real wood does get damaged. This is from B&Q and is holding up amazingly. Artwork, Affordable Art Fair and upcycled charity shop finds. Leopard stool bench, reupholstered by Quality Lounge Suites. Blue bead chandelier, Ebay. Black and white wallpaper, Wayfair. Stair runner/carpet, Dans Carpet & Flooring

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

'I was very careful with what we spent the money on. In the kitchen I wanted the look of marble worktops and splashback, so I chose the plain white work surface while the whole splashback is actually a large-format porcelain tile. The parquet flooring is all laminate from B&Q. Even when people walk around on it, nobody realises its not real wood.'

For the bathroom, we only tiled the areas the builder said had to be tiled to be made watertight. We just used the marble-effect ones in the shower; the rest of the tiles are cheaper porcelain or ceramic. Wooden floor tiles and marble-effect wall tiles, Wickes. Pink tassel wallpaper, Arte Wallcoverings. Black mirrors, Dunelm. Unit, converted Ikea drawers. Basins, Better Bathrooms

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

'Almost all of the art is from Ebay or charity shops. I really shopped around, got bathroom fittings from Ebay outlets that might be returns or end of line sometimes Id spend all night online. My intention wasnt to go for the cheapest on absolutely everything, it was just picking a few key things to spend money on. I tend to pick small areas in the house where its worth using a top-end product, such as expensive wallpaper if I only needed one roll.'

Artwork, charity shop/upcycled. Black birdcages, Ikea

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

'Everybody comes in the door and goes straight to the kitchen. I didnt think it was going to be like that but its just how it is. There are tall cupboards on one side and no wall units as I feel like they close the kitchen in. I prefer the look of open shelving, and going for this option also saved us a lot of money. With the art on the shelves it makes it feel more homely, not like a kitchen. We also have an instant hot water tap, which was a real indulgence. My husband didnt get why we needed one, but until you have one you dont realise how great it is. I love lighting and the French antique chandelier was an opportunity to put some interest in, and it didnt cost that much. It doesnt let out a ton of light so with open shelving I was able to have wall lights over the work surface.'

In our bathroom there was a double vanity and a shower bath in one. We decided wed rather sacrifice a sink and have a separate bath and shower. Basin, Durovin from Ebay. Drawers, Ikea. Black and white tiles, Tons of Tiles. Provenzale floor tiles,Tiles Direct. Wall-mounted taps, Victorian Plumbing

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

'My oldest daughter had a clear idea of what she wanted for her room, which was a vibrant tropical theme, though we toned it down by putting in pastels. She was very involved in the whole process. The other two kids chose their bedroom colours. We spent days with sample pots, trying them out. With my son we tried a broad range of blues. He said, "Theyre all the same. I cant see a bit of difference". So I said, "Okay, Ill pick".'

With the decorating my husband was very much, I trust you, get on with it. He knew at the end of it all it would be something that he liked, but he did not get involved. Headboard, recovered in Toile de Jouy fabric. Blue cushions, bedside tables, Wings artwork, HomeSense. Fur cushions, Ikea. Wall lights, Ebay

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

'We went away in the summer so we left my parents house and then returned to this house, which was a bit mad. My little one thought you had to get here by plane she was very confused by the whole experience! There are a lot of Jewish festivals after the summer and we love to entertain friends and family. Even though we still had boxes everywhere in one half of the room, we just put up trestle tables and had everyone gather round them in the other half!'

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Real home: this stylishly renovated home is full of surprises - Real Homes

Shares of Kirby Corporation KEX have lost 13% against the industry's 16.1% decline in a years time. The disappointing performance was caused by weakness in the oil and gas market as well as ramped down activity in coal transportation business.

Lets discuss the factors hurting the stock.

Dismal performance of the oil and gas market caused a 16% decline in the companys distribution and services revenues in 2019. The headwind is anticipated to persist in 2020, which is likely to lower revenues at the distribution and services in the range of 12-17%.

Also, reduced activity in coal transportation business is likely to dent coastal revenues (part of the broader marine transportation segments revenues) in 2020. Consequently, coastal revenues are anticipated to be either flat or up slightly year over year.

Moreover, the companys high debt levels are concerning. Evidently, debt to capitalization ratio, a measure of financial leverage, exceeded 28% at the end of fourth quarter, 2019.

Negative Estimate Revisions and Zacks Rank

Investors pessimism revolving around the stock is evident from the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 earnings being revised downward by 13.9% in the past 60 days to $3.03.

Kirby carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Stocks to Consider

Few better-ranked stocks in the Zacks Transportation sector are Azul S.A AZUL, Frontline Ltd. FRO and Costamare Inc. CMRE, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Shares of Azul, Frontline and Costamare have moved up 3.6%, 23% and 22.9%, respectively, in a year.

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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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Kirby (KEX) Loses 13% in a Year: What's Dragging It Down? - Nasdaq

It's known as the Kingdom of Morocco, where ancient architecture is virtually untouched, and majestic riads once palaces for the wealthy sit hidden within each neighbourhood's medina.

Unassuming from the outside, a riad can easily be overlooked by Instagram-hungry tourists searching for their next shot. But look a little closer and dotted across Morocco's cobblestone laneways you'll find countless modest doorways.

Inside, discover all the elements of a fairy tale; a grand entrance, high walls, a magical courtyard; awe-inspiring tilework; a pool and a rooftop full of trinkets. Most of them were once stately homes, today they have been converted into boutique hotels.

Whether you're travelling across the country, or simply ticking Marrakech off your list, there are plenty of standout accommodation options to choose from in Morocco.

Nestled inside Fes' ancient medina, this opulent riad boasts 30 individual guest rooms, a fine dining restaurant and all the extras you'd expect from a luxury hotel (including an unforgettable buffet breakfast).

The breathtaking decor and soaring ceiling evokes major Arabian Nights vibes, while the rooftop bar is the perfect spot to curl up with a book, order a mint tea and take in views of the Atlas Mountains.

A 10-minute walk from the action, this tranquil riad is an antidote to the rabbit hole that is Jama El Fna Square.

After a day getting accustomed with Marrakech's resident snake charmers, magicians and storytellers, you'll be transported to a serene oasis.

At La Sultana, every suite is unique, marked with its own theme, decor and vintage furniture. And outside, every experience is feed-worthy; from the Morrocan-style horseshoe arches that line the pool to the lush rooftop terrace that boasts an impressive cocktail list.

Centrally located near the ancient medina, the Four Seasons Marrakech is a winner if you're travelling with kids. The 40-acre property is filled with immaculate gardens and pools including an adults-only option. Rooms have been designed in a neutral palette with traditional Moroccan decor, with each featuring a private balcony, terrace or garden.

The Agafay Desert forms the backdrop to this unique property just an hour's drive from Marrakech. Take your pick from a glamping tent, or if you're in the mood for luxury one of the minimalist lodges featuring floor to ceiling windows overlooking the rolling sand dunes.

Have an afternoon dip in the infinity pool, followed by a camel ride at sunset before tucking into dinner at the in-house restaurant. Like most Moroccan restaurants, the signature dish is the tagine. Order it and you'll understand why.

The writer travelled with Luxury Escapes' small-group Morocco tour.

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In Morocco, it's all about the hidden riads - 9Honey

By Tony Mushoborozi

The phrase a roof over your head is usually used in reference to housing as a basic human right. Which gets you wondering; why not walls around your ribs or floor under your feet? The answer could point to the seminal importance of the roof as a physical part of any house. Whether as an item of functionality or aesthetics, the roof really is the make-or-break.

In contemporary Ugandan homes, the roof tends to be extravagant and elaborate because they usually have high perimeter wall fences that conceal most of the house leaving only the roofs visible to the onlooker. According to experts, a roof should not be chosen solely for what it looks like but some factors should be put into consideration.

ConsiderationsThe biggest and most important consideration is always the budget expectations, according to Fred Kangwagye, a construction in engineer from Frespe Construction Ltd.

Everything hinges on the budget, really. The second most important consideration is usually the outlook and feel of the house. People travel and see styles abroad and get inspired. They come to us with that image in mind, he remarks.

He adds, But image goes beyond that. For instance, if the houses in the neighbourhood are all roofed with roofing tiles, more often than not, someone will consider using tiles on their new house.

Tight spaces Jean Christophe Cartier is a Frenchman who has been living in Uganda for more than 20 years. He lives in Bukasa, Muyenga. He explains why he decided to choose a flat roof.

I had to use the flat roof on my house because my plot was very small. Though it is in a very nice location with the view of the lake, it is less than 50ft X50ft. Since I knew that there would be no space for a compound after constructing a house on the plot, I decided my compound would be on the roof, he says.Cartiers house is a four-bedroom storied home that almost runs from one end to the other end of the plot, save for a small parking space right behind the sliding gate. The flat roof not only affords him ample space to entertain his friends and family, it also gives him a beautiful 360-degree view.

According to Simon Peter Kazibwe, an architectural designer, The flat roof keeps the house cool because it is made from a concrete slab. It is also very functional because you can use it as a place for entertainment and family time.

He adds that the flat roof works best in less rainfall-prone places because it has the capability to hold water after the rain.

All precaution must be taken to waterproof the roof and provide effective drainage channels, otherwise waterlogging can weaken the structure, Kazibwe advises.

While modern technology can afford you a light and solid slab, a flat roofed house still demands for very strong walls.

Windy areasThe hidden roof is the best choice for a windy area, probably on a hillside, according to Kazibwe.

If the topography of the neighbourhood is hilly and windy, one would be on a safe side to consider constructing the hidden roof, rather than the gable or the hipped roof. This is because a hidden roof leaves no chance for the wind to blow it away, says Kazibwe.

The costRoofing materials are not cheap. Whether it is the concrete slab, or the roofing tiles or iron sheets the cost is steep.

According to Cissy Namaganda, a property trader based in Nsambya, Kampala, roofing can easily become the most expensive part of a bungalow if one does not plan properly.

The cost of the roof starts with the cost of the materials. And depending on what kind of style of roof you decide on, the cost can be astronomical. If you want to reduce the cost to the bare minimum, the cheapest roof is the hidden roof. It uses minimal timber, minimal iron sheets and minimal labour costs, she says.

An average three bedroom bangalow costs between Shs18m and Shs22m to roof with iron sheets.

Super eco iron sheets with a box-like design cost between Shs33,000 to Shs42,000. Eco tile and Roman tile cost Shs78,000. Super tile costs Shs58,000 while the rough type goes for Shs78,000. Ordinary gauge 30 iron sheets, cost Shs33,000 while gauge 28 costs Shs42,000.

Ridges and valleys; used to cover gaps left between the iron sheets when roofing or connect iron sheets range between Shs15,000 to Shs28,000.

On the contrary, the most expensive is the flat roof, compounded by the concrete slab and the thick walls needed to hold the heavy roof up.

The aestheticsFor those who want to make a statement with their roofs, the best choice is the hipped roof. The hipped roof gives one endless opportunities to get complex. A multi-hipped roof tends to give the house an appearance of grandeur and spaciousness.

Roofing tiles will go a long way to compound the beauty of this style. But you must remember that this is a very expensive style. Roofing tiles demand for more timber and generally more building materials. But the heart wants what the heart wants, says John Okello, a roofing expert based in Gayaza.

Types of roofsThe types of roofs are as many as the types of houses. However, in Uganda, there about five main types of roofs. While they each serve different purposes, there are instances where a crossover happens. And every once in a while, a style of roof rises in popularity over others.

Hipped roofAlmost every bungalow in the country comes with this style of roof. It is cone-shaped with an elongated edge at the top, and slopes towards the veranda at all ends. The simple variation to this style has only four slopes, and fits on a house with a simple rectangular shape. But this kind of simplicity is out of fashion.

The complex variation (multi-hipped roof) has several sloping ends and fits on a house with complex walling, with rectangle of differing sizes placed side-by-side. This is the most popular kind of roof today.

Gable roof A gable roof was once popular. It is a simple roof that only slopes on two ends; at the front and back of the house. The sides of the house rise into triangles to meet the roof at a sharp point on top.

This type of roof gives you an opportunity to indulge in some wall ornamentation. The high triangular sides can be seen from afar and any paint work or styling applied here will make the house attractive.

Lean-to roofOne sloping sheet of roofing from one end of the house to the other end. Picture the old-school roadside shop and you know what a lean-to roof is. While this style of roof is usually used in simple constructions like animal pens and car sheds, and of course the roadside shop, some people have reinvented it and turned it into a hidden roof.

Hidden roofA hidden roof is a lean-to roof surrounded by a brick parapet that completely hides it from view. This roof gives a house a very simple but classy boxy look. It offers endless opportunities for one to get very creative with wall moldings and interesting paintwork.

Kangwagye says, Hidden roofs take minimal building materials; less timber, less iron sheets, and less everything. However, the drainage must be done very well or the water will overflow and damage the house.

The flat roofThis is the rarest roof in Uganda. It is a concrete slab on top of a house. One major reason as to why this roof is so rare is because it is the most expensive. Expensive because it requires extra strong walling and columns to hold its weight.

Flat roof with functional space on top.

And that is before you get to the cost of the actual roof; concrete specially designed to be completely waterproof.

Kangwangye says, The flat roof is good in many ways. If someone is not resource constrained, it is the best roof. You save money in that the roof is the ceiling at the same time. It affords you fresh air to breath, since it is elevated and can be used for relaxation. On the downside, it is very heavy and the structure must be engineered for extra strength from the foundation. This makes it the most costly.

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Choosing the right roof for your house - Daily Monitor

Mark Musella, the Bergen County Prosecutor is interviewed at Bergen Prosecutor's Office in Hackensack. NorthJersey.com

When Fair Lawn police arrested "Elizabeth" on drug chargesin November 2018, she thought it meant another skipped court date, more unpaid fines and another warrant to haunt her.

The 27-year old fromOakland, whowas grantedan alias for this story to preserve her anonymity, had grown used to trouble. Addicted to opioids since age 17, her life over the followingdecade became a turnstile of arrests, rehab stays and stints on the street.

At that point I was numb to it, she said.

But this time, authorities gave her a different option: She couldenroll in apilot program that offered to drop the charges as long as she stuck with a treatment plan designedto fight her addiction.

Dubbed the "Fair Lawn Initiative," the year-old program is the first of its kind in New Jersey, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Open to those arrested in the borough on low-level municipal charges, itconnects offenders with a patient navigator and recovery specialist who walkthem through how to get clean and stay there.

If the offender stays withprogram for six months, authorities expunge the charges. But they can also reinstate them if police arrest the person again.

Until now, that kind of localdiversion plan did not exist in New Jersey, the prosecutor's office said. But it's a big part of county prosecutor Mark Musella's plan to fight the stubbornly persistent opioid epidemic.

"The goal of this program is to save lives," Musella said in an interviewlast month.

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Thats critical in Bergen County, which saw 142 drug overdose deaths an average ofalmost three a week in 2019, Musella said. There were 662 reportedoverdoses last year, and police used the overdose reversal drug naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, 336 times.

Elizabethwas one of 20 low-level offenders to enrollin the Fair Lawn Initiative last June.Nine months later, she remains drug-free and is among 10 people who haveeither completed the program or are expected to do so,Musellasaid. The 50% success rate is roughly on par with statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse that show between 40% and 60% of those in recovery relapse at some point.

But even those who fall out benefit, saidElsbethCrusius, Fair Lawn's municipal prosecutor.

"Not everyone is ready for treatment, but even the 50% who did not complete the program were educated by the counselors and given information about the resources available to them that they may have otherwise not known," she said.

For those who stick with it like Elizabeth treatment offers more hope than the court system, said Elizabeth Rebein, the prosecutor's spokeswoman.

"Without the diversion, she would have gone to Fair Lawn and gotten a fine and other penalties ... and where would she be?" asked Rebein. "She would be trying to pay that off. Instead her energy was spent on her recovery and trying to build her own life."

Elie Honig, a former state and federal prosecutor who now headsthe Rutgers Institute for Secure Communities, called it an intriguing initiative that couldreduce recidivism.

"It seems like a fair deal," Honig said. "If you go into rehab and successfully complete it, and the charges are low-level and not violent, why not drop them? Itpushes people who have addiction problems toward getting treatment."

It also fits into the state'santi-opioid strategy of attacking drug mills, suing prescription drug companies and pushing those already addicted intotreatment centers instead of jail cells.

Gurbir Grewal, the state attorney general, started similar programs when he served as the Bergen County prosecutor from 2016 to 2018. Theyinclude Operation Helping Hand, whichsteers peoplearrested for buying heroin toward treatment,and the Heroin Addiction Recovery Team,which encourages users to turn in their drugs and seek help atselect police departments before they get arrested.

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Musella has built off that foundation, continuingHelping Hand operations and expandingthe recovery team to 10 police departments from three.

Grewal commended those efforts.

"In the minutes and hours that follow a drug possession arrest when users recognize they are at a crossroads we can give them the opportunity to choose the path of treatment and recovery," the attorney general said in a statement. "We have broken the cycle for hundreds of individuals already, and through programs like the one in Bergen County, we can save more."

The prosecutor's office developed the diversionprogram in 2018. Itpicked Fair Lawn for the trial run because the borough borders Paterson,a center for drug-dealing in the region, and often deals with the spillover effects, including overdoses. Musellafound willing partners in Fair Lawns police department and courts.

The defense counsel, municipal prosecutor or county prosecutor finds eligible offenders by looking foreither drug possession charges or other offenses that hintat a drug problem, like shoplifting, Rebein said.

When participants arrive in court, drug counselors are there tosteer them toward recovery programs. The court also appoints a public defenderas a legal advocate.

Defendantsspeak witha patient navigator andrecovery specialist fromThe Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources,part of the Paramus nonprofitChildren's Aid and Family Services.

The navigator, who files weekly reports with the court,builds aprogram thatcould involve detox, in-patient rehabilitation or out-patient care, Rebein said. The recoveryspecialist holds the persons hand through the process, supporting them when they need it most.

Elizabeth quit opioids just before joining, so her patient navigator skipped rehabilitation and set her up with John Paul Jurbala, a recovery specialist. The pair spoke constantly in-person, over the phone and through text messages. Jurbala even served as her temporary sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous when she had no one else.

Jurbala said they didn't talk about drugs. They talked about life, about how to get along with her family, about the pregnancy she found out about months earlier while jailed on unrelated chargesin Riker's Island in New York City.

"It was crucial, it really was," Elizabeth said.I didnt know how to live. I didnt know how to be a functional person in society He was a big emotional support for me.

A pair of state grants worth about $162,000 pay for the program. The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus provides beds and other services to those withno insurance.

Musella has already tweaked the programby telling police tooffer admission right after an arrest instead of weeks later in court.

"They're most vulnerable [then] they could die before they get to court," Musella said."The earlier we can connect them to treatment, the more likely the success.

The borough police department supports the initiative, said aspokesman, Sgt. Brian Metzler.

"All these people need help more than they need to be incarcerated," Metzler said. "Sometimes they just need somebody to direct them where to go. And that's where we come in."

Eventually, Musella would like to expand it to other towns.For Elizabeth, it's already had a life-changing impact.

She has been clean for a year and spends her days taking care of her now seven-month old daughter, she said. She became religious, and is thankful for the arrest that helped her slip addictions grip.

"It helped me change my ways," she said. "I definitely would say I'm grateful for the way things happened. Because I don't know what the other outcome would have been."

Steve Janoski covers law enforcement for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important newsabout those who safeguard your local community,please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email:janoski@northjersey.comTwitter:@stevejanoski

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After 142 overdose deaths, Bergen tests program to fight addiction with treatment, not jail - NorthJersey.com

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa., March 2, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) Mole and vole damage to lawns, trees and shrubs is common in Pennsylvania, but identifying the difference between the two can be confusing. Each of these two pests can cause mild to serious damage on a homeowners property, and late winter is when the effects are often seen. The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn explain how to identify the difference between the two and what homeowners can do to reverse the damage.

PHOTO CAPTION: Voles damage lawns as they carve out runways in the grass.

How to Identify Vole Damage on a Lawn

Voles, otherwise known as Meadow Mice, are small rodents with very active lifestyles in the winter. They live under dense shrubs and mulch and other hiding places like wood or rock piles. Voles eat grass, and in winter, the snow provides the perfect cover for voles to venture from their burrows in search of food without fear of predators.Homeowners can identify vole damage after snow melts by the telltale chiseled pathways through the lawn. Voles create these runways under the cover of snow where predators cant catch them.

How to Identify Mole Damage on a Lawn

Like voles, moles can do a lot of damage to a lawn. However, rather than pathways carved into the grass at the surface, moles tunnel underground andleave piles of soil that act as air ventsin their tunnels.

If you have a lawn that is really infested with moles, you can actually feel it as you walk across the grass, explains Giroud Lawn Care Technician, Paul Ruffenach. The ground will feel soft because the tunnels have been dug through under your feet.

Damage to Trees and Shrubs

Although lawn damage caused by voles and moles is very easy to see, what can often go unnoticed until its too late is damage to trees and shrubs. These invasive little creatures feast on the bark of certain trees and shrubs.

Both voles and moles will chew on the roots, trunks and branches of some shrubs because they are feeding on the starches and the sugars to stay alive in winter, explains Drew Slousky, ISA Certified Giroud Arborist and Vice President. If they chew the bark completely off, they could kill a shrub or a tree.

Single stemmed trees like Dogwoods and Crabapples will likely die if voles or moles have girdled the tree by eating the bark completely around the trunk. Multi-stemmed shrubs like Juniper, rhododendron, Viburnum, Euonymous (Burning Bush) and Azalea can survive. Professional pruning or fertilization will help with recovery.

How to Protect a Property from Mole and Vole Damage

Take away hiding spots! Moles and voles burrow under anything that may act as a cover in order to keep out of the watchful eyes of predators.Snow, underbrush and overgrown ground cover are all perfect hiding spots.

As the weather warms, mulch also becomes a great cover for them.Giroud always stresses the importance of never piling mulch against the trunk of a tree or shrubsbecause it can lead to girdling roots. Garden pests like moles and voles are just another reason why proper mulching is important. Creating a space for these rodents to burrow is an invitation for them to chew on the bark of trees and shrubs!

Check out this video from Giroud Arborist, Rob Nagy, which shows how he identified that a rodent was causing an ornamental holly to decline: https://youtu.be/8Ogfh-Yi6Mk

Take Action Now to Correct Mole and Vole Damage

The good news is most lawns, trees and shrubs will recover from minimal mole or vole damage. For lawns:

Getting on a great lawn care treatment and fertilization program is a step in the right direction because it will strengthen the grass roots and give the lawn a fighting chance against attacks from mole and vole damage and also other pests, insects and diseases!

If homeowners see signs of pest infestation on trees and shrubs, such as chewed trunks and branches, leaf dieback and discoloration, they should have them inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist who may recommend pruning out the damaged branches. Also, a deep root vitamin fertilizer treatment will strengthen the plant and aid in its recovery.

Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, lawn care and mosquito and tick control programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal, traditional and 100% organic lawn programs and mosquito and tick control. Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health.

The company is Accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association and Better Business Bureau. The Giroud Treework for Charity program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Companys service area.

For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/8Ogfh-Yi6Mk

News Source: Giroud Tree and Lawn

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Giroud Tree and Lawn explains how to identify the difference between mole and vole damage on lawns, trees and shrubs - Send2Press Newswire

WEST TRENTON, NJ The first case of coronavirus in New Jersey has been discovered in Bergen County, although state officials are not announcing where in Bergen County.

Governor Phil Murphy, Acting Governor Sheila Oliver, and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli made the announcement on Wednesday evening, March 4, calling it the first presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in New Jersey.

The individual, a male in his 30s, is hospitalized in Bergen County and has been hospitalized since March 3.

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My Administration is working aggressively to keep residents safe and contain the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey, Murphy said.We take this situation very seriously and have been preparing for this for weeks. I urge residents to remain calm and use resources from the New Jersey Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control to prepare and prevent the spread of infection. Safeguarding the publics health is one of my highest priorities and my Administration is prepared to respond swiftly to any additional positive cases of COVID-19 here in New Jersey.

Our Administration has been coordinatingacross all levels of government, and with our federal partners, to ensure that we are active and engaged with preparedness and response plan,said Acting Governor Oliver.We urge all New Jersey residents to follow guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement regarding the first New Jersey case:

I am monitoring this presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bergen County, and I continue to be in close contact with hospital officials and local and state leaders on the matter. Im continuing to work with North Jersey hospitals, health facilities, and communities, and Ive offered support of whatever they need to treat patients afflicted with this virus and to help make sure this outbreak is contained. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan emergency legislation to immediately address the coronavirus outbreak and help keep North Jersey families safe. This bill provides emergency funding for a robust response to the crisis, including support for state and local health agencies, and vaccine and treatment development. The Senate is expected to vote on this legislation in coming days.

The presumptive positive result came from a sample tested by the New Jersey Department of Health at the New Jersey Public Health Environmental Laboratories(PHEL)and is now being submitted to the CDC for confirmatory testing. State and local public health authorities are proceeding with the public health investigation and response activities as if this was a confirmed case.The hospital is working closely with the Department of Health and continues to follow all infectious disease protocols. Working with the local health department, the New Jersey Department of Health is tracing close contacts of this individual and is taking appropriate public health actions. The investigation is underway and more information will be released when it becomes available.

Any case of novel coronavirus in our state is concerning, however most New Jersey residents are at very low risk of contracting COVID-19,said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.The Department is working closely with the CDC and local health officials to respond to this case and is monitoring the evolving situation across the nation.

The New Jersey Department of Health has been working to prepare for and respond to the evolving novel coronavirus since early January. The Department shared state and CDC guidance with hospitals, local health officials, K-12 schools, universities and businesses; established a novel coronaviruswebpage; partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) to open a call center (1-800-222-1222) for the public; hosted stakeholder teleconferences; and continues coordinating state efforts weekly with the New Jersey Coronavirus Task Force chaired by Commissioner Persichilli.

To date, the 24/7 NJPIES hotline (1-800-222-1222) has received more than1,195calls from the public and can accommodate callers in multiple languages.

Clickherefor more information on novel coronavirus.

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First Case of Coronavirus Discovered in Bergen County, NJ - TAPinto.net

Published: 3/4/2020 5:33:42 PM

Smoking Cessation: Led by Tim Sweeney, tobacco treatment specialist. Meets Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m. Athol Hospitals cafeteria.

Food Pantry: The community food pantry is open the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The pantry is in the basement of Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St.

The Cellar Closet at Central Congregational Church of Orange, 95 South Main St., will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers have been accepting and arranging clothing for women, men and children, along with jewelry and accessories, shoes and household items. All items are reasonably priced and special sales are offered occasionally. For information, call 978-544-6895 or email orangecongregationalchurch@gmail.com.

Arms Academy Reunion: The Reunion Committee for the Arms Academy Alumni Association will meet Tuesday at 2 p.m. to continue planning the June 27 all-class reunion. The meeting will take place at the Shelburne Historical Society, 33 Severence St. All Arms alumni who can lend a hand in planning the June reunion are urged to attend. Questions may be directed to Muriel (Bolduc) Zraunig, president, by phone at 413-773-3855 or 413-522-3167, or by email mzraunig@comcast.net.

Serendipity Shop: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Congregational Church basement. Mens, womens and childrens clothing, shoes and sneakers. Most items $1. Mens suits and all coats, $3. Womens suits, $2. Donations accepted. Proceeds to benefit the church. 413-665-2890.

Franklin Area Survival Center: 96 Fourth St., 413-863-9549. The thrift store, which is open to the public and helps finance the food pantry, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In an emergency, such as a fire or flood, the center will supply needed clothing, linens and food to help the disaster victims.

Helpful Programs at LifePath: LifePath provides assistance with light homemaking, home-delivered meals, personal care and adaptive equipment. Caregivers can take a break to de-stress with LifePaths respite services. In addition, the Consumer Directed Care Program allows elders in need to select their own caregiver perhaps a friend, neighbor or even a family member who can be paid through this program (excludes spouses). For more information, email info@lifepathma.org or call 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259. Read more at lifepathma.org.

Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE): SHINE counselors are volunteers who provide free, unbiased health insurance information, education, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and adults with disabilities to help people figure out what their best health insurance options are based on their unique needs. Contact a SHINE counselor at LifePath at 413-773-555 or 978-544-2259. Email info@lifepathma.org or learn more at lifepathma.org.

Vigil for Racial Justice Every Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m., on the Greenfield Common. Bring your own sign or use one of ours. For more information: email@racialjusticerising.org.

Eventide Singers: Offering songs of hope and healing for seriously or terminally ill people, their families and caregivers. The service is offered in homes, hospitals and care facilities, without charge. The music can be selected in response to spiritual preference. For more information, visit eventidesingers.com or call Marcia Schuhle at 413-774-2335 or Joe Toritto at 413-774-5828.

Straight Spouse Support: One-on-one support for straight individuals currently or once married to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender partners. Confidential helpline at 413-625-6636 or email jcmalinski48@gmail.com.

Help the Blind: Your car, truck or camper may be worth more as a donation than a trade-in. Call the Massachusetts Association for the Blind at 888-613-2777 for details. Old lawn mowers are also accepted. Donations are tax-deductible and towing is free. Proceeds benefit blind and vision-impaired people in Massachusetts. Alternatively, email Barbara Sciannameo at barbaras@mabcommunity.org.

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Talk of the Towns: March 5, 2020 - The Recorder

Q. I am devastated by the rule changes to Inherited IRAs. My husband and I have dedicated our working lives to leave sizable legacies to our daughters and their families. With the accelerated distribution requirements, they will end up with huge tax liabilities and our hopes for their futures severely diminished. What can we do to work around this new law?

Saver

A. Youre correct in saying that the SECURE Act changed the treatment of inherited IRA distributions.

Non-spouse beneficiaries must now that the funds out within 10 years, and yes, the funds will take a tax hit.

Theres no real workaround to change how inherited IRAs will be treated under the new law, but there are some strategies that can help a little.

First, talk to your beneficiaries about the 10-year distribution window, Nicholas Scheibner, a certified financial planner with Baron Financial Group in Fair Lawn.

Beneficiaries dont have to take funds out every year, so they can work with their tax planners to determine the smartest time to take the distributions. They could take it all out in the final year, thereby allowing the funds inside the account to grow tax-deferred.

Next, you should talk to your advisors about Roth IRA conversions, Scheibner said.

He said a Roth IRA is a great estate planning tool as any distributions from the accounts will be tax-free.

Once you retire, you may find yourself in a lower tax bracket. This is especially true if you retire before age 72, and before Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are required, Scheibner said. There may be a window of time where you can maximize the Roth-conversion strategy, before your taxable income potentially goes up due to RMDs.

Finally, you should look at which accounts you use now to fund your own retirement needs.

The SECURE Act did not affect non-retirement accounts, which means the step-up in basis rule still applies for appreciated securities in a brokerage account, he said.

If your main goal is to pass on assets to your children in the most tax-efficient way, bequeathing investments with a large capital gain allows your children to inherit those investments with a date-of-death-cost basis, he said. If you are currently using a brokerage account to fund your retirement goals, work with your advisors to analyze the option of using a portion of your IRA instead.

Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.

Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.coms weekly e-newsletter.

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Can we get around the SECURE Act rules for inherited IRAs? - NJ.com