Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. With the 40th anniversary year of its USA business now coming to a close, Kalaty Rug Corp. is seizing the opportunity to send a new message in the new year. The company is unveiling two new catalogs one of which marks a first for the company and is re-launching its website.

One catalog is a 400-page tome spotlighting the companys current line of top-shelf heirloom-quality rug collections, spanning traditional to transitional to modern styles, as well as featuring Kalatys three high-end decorative accent pillow collections and its designer-friendly custom-color rug program.

The second catalog represents Kalatys inaugural dedicated catalog for its newer, K-Two program, which comprises mid-tier and mass retail-focused products at more affordable price points. The offering encompasses 15 collections available in a range of design genres, weaves and constructions.

Both catalogs will roll out to customers next month, and print copies will be available for distribution at: Atlanta International Gift, Home & Area Rug Market Jan. 14-21 in Kalatys showroom space, 4-G-14 in Building 1 of the AmericasMart; and Las Vegas Market from Jan. 26-30 in its showroom in B-455 of the World Market Center.

Earlier this year, Kalaty began to oversee a vast website remodeling project. The results are now in, and Kalatys online presence has been retooled to include several new tools and tech features aimed at enhanced user-friendliness. As part of that effort, the company has also updated and added tools to its popular Kalaty app.

Not only is our newly updated Kalaty.com faster but visitors to our website will now find it easier to navigate with such new tools as the ability to click on any rug in the line and be able to see it in a variety of room settings, said Ariel Kalaty, a company spokesperson. And, in addition to updating our website, we have make major updates to our Kalaty app, one of our customers most popular and most often-utilized marketing and business tools.

Available for both Apple and Android devices, the app allows Kalaty dealers to explore the companys rug collections, access and check orders, make payments, track and check shipments, and communicate with the company.

Kalaty celebrated its 40th anniversary in the U.S. with several key milestones:

Not only did our return to High Point help us commemorate this important anniversary year but it also helped us send a strong message to existing and potential customers confirming our commitment to serving them at this all-important market, said Ramin Kalaty, company president. And, at the fall High Point market, Kalaty chose to present more new product than it has ever shown previously at High Point in order to further showcase the depth and breadth of our product line.

Cecile B. Corral is a senior editor with Home Textiles Today and is editor of luxury textiles supplement POSH. She also covers the area rug category for Furniture Today and Home Accents Today.

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Kalaty caps 40th anniversary with two new catalogs - Home Accents Today

Ashfield

The First Congregational Church (UCC) of Ashfield will host its annual Winter Fest Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Johns Episcopal will also be joining in the fun. Both churches will offer homemade Christmas cookies and other baked goods, jams, fresh wreaths, local crafts, books, Rada cutlery, Palestinian olive oil, Deans Beans coffee, gifts for bird lovers and more. The First Congregational Church will sponsor a drawing with many items (you dont have to be present to win) and Ms. Claus will be there. On Sunday at 3 p.m., the Ashfield Community Band will host its Holiday Family Carol Sing in the First Congregational sanctuary. The winner of the drawing will be announced at 3 p.m.

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

The Community Clothes Closet at 83 Foundry Village Road will be open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.through Dec. 14, and resume in early April. Residents of all towns are welcome. Clothes are free and suit all ages. The closet accepts donations of clean clothing, which can be delivered anytime at the buildings rear. Contact Linda Wagner at 413-625-6157 or Sarah Looman 413-625 6169 for more information.

Greenfield Community College Chorus will present An Informal Holiday Concert in the GCC Main Lobby Friday from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. The audience will be invited to join in singing, and refreshments will be available. The program will comprise traditional music for the season, early American anthems, music by Haydn and Brahms, and recent arrangements by Susan Brumfield and Victor Johnson. Performers will include soloists from the chorus: Kate Walker, cello, in Hashivenu; Henry Gaida, accompanist; and Margery Heins, conductor of the GCC Chorus. Information about joining the chorus will be available at the concert, or call 413-775-1171. For accessibility accommodation, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services 413-775-1812.

Friends of the Greenfield Public Library "Taste of the Towns" raffle drawing will be Saturday at noon at the Greenfield Public Library. Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. Light refreshments will be served in the lobby of the library from 10 a.m. to noon.

Healthy Desserts: Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Greenfield Senior Center, 35 Pleasant St. Do you have a sweet tooth? Have you ever wondered how to make desserts healthier by adding or substituting fruits and veggies? Then this workshop and cooking demoby Emily Lawler,RDN, is for you. Registration required. Call 413-772-1517 ext. 0 or stop by the front desk to register.

Christmas Craft Fair: Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 41 Main St. The fair will offer hand made crafts, angels/nativities, floral arrangements, Christmas decor items, books, white elephant, collectibles, jewelry and more. There will also be raffles and grab and go lunch and bake sale.

Leyden Glen Sheep Farm Holiday Open House,31 Glen Road: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join artist, author and sheep farmer Kristin Nicholas and her husband sheep farmer Mark Duprey as they open their 1751 home and sheep farm for the 5th Annual Holiday Open House. See colorful hand-painted, handmade decorated farmhouse that has been featured in Yankee Magazine, Country Home, Houzz.com and more. Also sheep grazing. Special local guests artist Alicia Hunsicker, jeweler and textile Specialist Deborah Garner, dyer Gail Callahan and soapmaker Juliana Farina (from Amherst Soaps) will be selling handmade items. Celebrate the season, sample farm-raised lamb, and get a jump on holiday shopping.

The Pioneer Valley Regional School band will host its Mistletoe Market Holiday Fair on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school. There will be crafters, food, sweet treats, raffles more. All proceeds to benefit the band as they will be going to Chicago in the spring to compete against other high school bands.

Christmas Bazaar sponsored by Dick's Angel Relay For Life will be Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northfield Town Hall (downstairs, use back door). Bake sale, tomato cheddar soup, coffee can drawings, and more. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

The Kiwanis Club of Northfield will conduct its annual holiday fair and raffle on Saturday in the gym at Northfield Elementary School, 104 Main St. Crafts booths will surround the gym and a giant raffle table fills the center with prizes, including a quilt donated by Pickering Farm Quilt Shop and a meat smoker donated by Aubuchon's of Winchester. Prizes are awarded at the end of the fair by celebrity guest prize picker, Mary Bowen of the Northfield Creamie. Proceeds provide food and clothing gift certificates for needy families. The PTO will be selling hot food, beverages and books.

Santa and Mrs. Claus invite all to the Orange Historical Society's Christmas Bazaar Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 41 North Main St. The tin can raffle has more than 140 quality items valued over $3,500 and a bake sale.

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.

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.

St. Nicholas Bazaar will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 84 K St. Coffee and donuts will be served in the morning. The bazar will feature gifts, religious goods, bake sale, Polish food sale, vendors, raffle, lunch and more.

Puzzle Swap: Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Greenfield Savings Bank, 282 Avenue A. Come swap with other fellow puzzle-masters. Light refreshments courtesy of Greenfield Savings Bank. No reservations required. All welcome with a puzzle to swap. Puzzles for all ages.

Franklin Area Survival Center: 96 4th 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, Dec. 5, 2019 - The Recorder

This is part of a special report by The Monroe News on the issue of homelessness in Monroe County.

To Kyle and Adeana Buckley, a married couple living in Monroe, he is simply Uncle Joe. But to many others in Monroe, he's known as the Man on the Bench.

Thats the name often volleyed at Joe Gentile, a 58-year-old man whos experienced homelessness on and off for the last 10 years.

He often could be seen around the city and neighboring municipalities, his signature cart carrying his possessions not far behind.

Joe, like many experiencing homelessness, suffers from schizophrenia, a disorder that affects an individuals ability to think, behave and feel clearly. He also struggles to verbalize his thoughts and feelings sometimes, an added burden caused by his illness.

But his disorder and situation didnt deter the Buckleys from taking an interest in the man nor did it keep them from helping him, whether it be a ride to the market or giving him water when hes thirsty.

As they got know Joe, they realized he was a person in need of compassion and help, which they were willing to give. They recently helmed a fundraising campaign, drawing more than $3,500 to help get Joes life on track.

For so long I really did pray that something would change and he would get help, Kyle said. Sometimes you just have to be the change.

MEETING JOE GENTILE

Kyle introduced himself to Joe about two years ago. Kyle, who works in the lawn-care industry, was coming home from a job when he noticed Joe sitting on the bench near the former Kmart store at Stewart Rd. and N. Monroe St. He had seen Joe throughout the community many times before but had never actually spoken to him.

It was midsummer and the temperature was stifling. Kyle had several cold waters left over from work and decided to offer some to Joe. He approached Joe, who was bundled up in his standard outfit of a coat and sweatpants, and started talking with him.

Hes continued those conversation ever since. Kyle kept talking with Joe, sitting down wherever he came across the man and the cart with which he never parts.

I would let him know Im not there for anything else other than to get to know who you are, Kyle said.

If it was raining or cold out, hed ask Joe if there was somewhere he could take him. Kyle learned that Joe often stayed under bridges or viaducts throughout Monroe.

For the longest time, he would just say, I just need somewhere warm to stay, he said.

Heartbroken, there was little Kyle could do. He and Adeana, a nurse, have four kids and a grandson, so their space at home was limited. Theyd also seen how others had treated Joe.

It wasnt uncommon for people to throw food at him or become angry when he didnt accept what they offered Joe doesnt eat fast food. Sometimes people would initiate confrontations with him, uncaring or not understanding that Joe battled mental illness. He also was the common target of criticism on social media where people would post demeaning things about him, Kyle says.

This is a human being, Kyle said. If (those people) are in a position like this one day, I hope society doesnt treat them (the way they treated Joe).

The breaking point came in September when Kyle came across Joe a day after rain had drenched the region. It had been cold overnight and Joe was huddled on one of his favorite haunts: the bench in front of Key Bank on N. Telegraph Rd.

Kyle approached him, intent on once again giving him water. But Joe was shivering and wet and Kyle couldnt bear it any longer.

(Joe) just looked at me and said, Im cold and wet, Kyle said. And that was a defining point in my heart.

He talked to Joe a little bit and then left, calling Adeana on his way home. In their hearts, both knew something had to be done.

They went and picked up Joe and took him to a local motel. Using their own money, they put him up for the night, unsure of what the future held for the man.

If nothing else, he could at least spend a night in a warm place, Adeana said.

And he hasnt been back to the bench since that day, she said.

THE GAMEPLAN

The battle would be to find Joe long-term housing and to come up with a strategy. Kyle and Adeana launched a GoFundMe account the day they took him to the hotel, explaining Joes situation and what they were aiming to do.

With winter coming, they at least wanted to find a way to keep Joe warm for the season. Part of his illness is that he doesnt handle crowds well and feels unsafe, triggering outbursts or episodes of anger. Shelters werent a long-term option, though in moments of desperation he had visited them.

We told him were not going to take you anywhere you dont want to go, Kyle said.

The couple sought to raise funds to keep Joe in a room until they could locate an apartment or housing option for him. They couldnt afford the venture on their own but thought maybe the community would step up and help out.

The response was overwhelming. The page was inundated with donations from area residents, many stating they wanted to help Joe for years but didnt know how to do it.

Monroe has really stepped up to help him, Adeana said.

The couple endeavored to help Joe navigate the complex system of aid available to him. He had run-ins with various agencies in the past and many held a negative opinion him, Kyle said.

That wasnt the only barrier. Because Joe was lodged in a motel temporarily, many agencies claimed he wasnt technically homeless. Some even suggested that the only way to ensure Joe receive aid would be to take him back to the bench.

Incredulous, Kyle refused to bow to such a bureaucratic demand. Many of the benches Joe slept on were removed shortly after he began staying at the motel. Kyle pushed ahead and helped Joe complete a mountain of paperwork to receive aid.

From day one, we said we dont care what it takes hes not going back to bench, Adeana said.

BATTLING HIS DEMONS

Talking about his past is a trigger for Joe, Kyle said, adding he sometimes goes to places of darkness and sadness when he reflects on his life. Those bouts consist of rants and angry words, but theyve lessened in recent months. He said he often redirects Joe towards happier, simpler things made of light instead of letting Joe fixate on the darkness of his inner demons.

He feels as if there is a negative spirit out to get him, Kyle said. I just bring light and he relates to it well. He doesnt even think in the same through patterns anymore.

Joe has become a permanent fixture in Kyle and Adeanas life and family, visiting for meals and keeping in contact several times a week. He even has plans to spend the holidays with the family.

Hes warm, hes fed, hes got friends and family now, Adeana said. Hes so much better now.

Getting to know Joe has shown how wrong people in Monroe were about the man, said Adeana. Underneath the gruff exterior and the layers of stereotypes foisted on him is a kind, sweet person, she added. He loves music and enjoys listening to station AM 500. Hes also intelligent and appreciative of the help he receives, said Kyle.

He enjoys grocery shopping, Kyle added, saying he reads labels and has an understanding of what's healthy and the dangers of poor nutrition. The family often takes him to the market.

Theres also a self-awareness of his mental health issues, according to Adeana. Although hes not in counseling, he understands when an episode may be imminent. Hes even started taking medication for his issues.

He knows (when) hes feeling symptomatic, Adeana said. He recognizes he may need something to get out of this.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

Today, Joe moves into an apartment in Monroe. Its a touching moment for him and the Buckley family, especially considering the journey it took to get to this point, the couple said.

All the stigma that has been placed on him has been wrong, Adeana said. Our approach as been different weve been patient and willing to get to know him.

On the other hand, Joe is happy to have a place to call his own again. He plans to spend the day making sure everything works. Oaks of Righteousness is donating the furniture for the apartment.

I really appreciate everyones help, Joe said. Im excited its better than being on the street. I was on the street all last winter.

The Buckleys will continue to support Joe and help him navigate life. Hes part of the family now, they say, adding the GoFundMe has been reframed to focus on Joes daily needs rather than the emergent situation of shelter.

They plan to reach out and help more homeless people. Joes story touched them and they want to be able to keep doing good for others.

Its an idea the community can embrace as a whole, Kyle said, adding that there is much wealth among those living in the county and its churches. For those where money is an issue, there's always the ability to the give time, a comforting hand or just an ear, he said.

There are always ways to support a cause, Kyle said. Anyone who can help, in any way, thats what we need.

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Homeless in Monroe: The man on the bench - Monroe Evening News

CLEVELAND, Ohio A second blockbuster film is destined for the Cleveland Orchestra treatment this summer at Blossom Music Center.

On Tuesday, the group announced its plan to perform Howard Shores score to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring live in concert, in sync with the film.

There will be three performances, all of them beginning at 7 p.m., on Friday through Sunday, July 17-19. Ludwig Wicki will conduct, and the Blossom Festival and Cleveland Orchestra Childrens Choruses will take part in the performances.

Tickets to the performances go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 10. Prices are $26 for individual lawn tickets and $36-$121 for seats in the pavilion. Lawn ticket books are also are available for $155, and the Under 18s Free program will apply.

This concert also will be included in the 2020 Blossom Music Festival pops subscription package, details of which will be announced later.

The Fellowship of the Ring is the first of three films in director Peter Jacksons adaptation of the Lord of the Rings novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. It follows a hobbit named Frodo as he takes possession of and embarks on a dangerous quest to destroy a ring of ultimate power.

It will be the first of two popular fantasy films headed to Blossom Music Center this summer. The second, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, announced earlier this season, will be presented Aug. 29 and 30.

For more information, go to clevelandorchestra.com or call 216-231-1111.

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Cleveland Orchestra slates Fellowship of the Ring film concerts at Blossom - cleveland.com

I was in college the first time I observed World AIDS Day.(www.worldaidsday.org) I spent the night with others from our Gay-Straight Student Alliance, tying red ribbons and placards to the palm trees that lined the main campus lawn. Our focus was raising awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS in different communities and fighting the stigma associated with the disease.

Since then, the focus (for the alliance and other advocates) of subsequent World AIDS Days, which is observed each year on Dec. 1, has shifted from simple awareness of HIV/AIDS to supporting free proactive HIV screening tests and education about pre-exposure prophylaxis.

The results of these collective efforts (along with making HIV medications accessible to people living with HIV) are as you would expect. Progress is slow, but the rate of new HIV infections is at the lowest level ever.(www.hiv.gov) However, we are still missing critical populations. Black men who have sex with men, for example, account for a high proportion of new HIV diagnoses.

There's an obvious lesson here: When it comes to health awareness and screening, it's all about getting the right methods into the right communities. This is consistent with what we already know about screening asymptomatic patients for disease, a practice that is based on longstanding, clear principles(apps.who.int) (availability of an accurate test, identification of an appropriate population and ability to act on results obtained).

But we are shifting into a world of direct-to-consumer screening tests, and the result is that patients think that acquiring information -- in any form -- is better for their health. There is a drive to constantly track and improve our health.

That's why it's even more interesting to reflect on why HIV screening tests are (somewhat) a success story in the world of patient-driven screenings compared with other offerings.

Take, for example, the carotid artery ultrasound. Most people don't need this test to screen for carotid artery stenosis. So imagine my surprise when, early in my career, a healthy patient in her 40s told me she needed a referral to a cardiologist after she had somehow gotten this test at a mobile health fair offering "heart screening."

I've since learned that hospitals and third-party vendors offer things such as stroke screening packages. For my patient, it was the carotid artery ultrasound. For others, the free or low-cost screenings may involve EKGs or ultrasounds of the abdominal aorta.

The subsequent harms from these tests can be tremendous. They may yield false-positive results or incidental findings that lead to riskier procedures and increased costs to our health care system -- all while failing to make people healthier.

In the medical community, the idea that screening tests might cause more harm than good is far from novel. Robust studies have shown no to low reduction in mortality from certain screening tests.(www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Every physician understands the sensitivity and specificity of screening tests. We know the pitfalls of false negatives. We know the fallacy of the idea that early detection prolongs life and we know the definition of lead time bias.

Yet despite the evidence and our education, we've collectively failed to deliver cohesive messaging to patients about screening tests, especially information regarding which patients to screen.

For the HIV screening test, most patients are able to appropriately self-select while avoiding overscreening. In fact, many patients who should get tested still don't. Contrast that with EKGs or carotid artery ultrasounds, which many patients think they would benefit from although most patients don't need them.

Mass media is partly responsible for this critical missing piece of the narrative. Patients who are the exception to the rule generally get airtime, telling stories that are often steeped in fearmongering: the missed pancreatic cancer diagnosis, the rare young patient with a stroke or the atypical presentation of a heart attack.

"Disease of the month" awareness campaigns often are well-intentioned but may also lead to unnecessary overscreening. Breast cancer screening is probably the most misunderstood example of screening complexities. Only 10 of 10,000 women in their 50s will have their lives extended by annual screening mammography, but 940 patients will undergo an unnecessary biopsy. And 62 of those 10,000 women will still die from breast cancer.(jamanetwork.com)

But patients still believe the blanket "early detection is key" mantra and insist that mammograms will save their life.

Given all these nuances, patients shouldn't be expected to navigate the confusing health care landscape on their own. Literally, the reason the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force exists is to guide clinicians, and earlier this year, the USPSTF published its first recommendation on preexposure prophylaxis. The task force recommends that clinicians offer PrEP to patients who are at high risk of acquiring HIV infection. That recommendation, supported by the AAFP, carries an "A" rating, which means the treatment should (eventually) be covered by payers.(www.healthaffairs.org)

Family physicians are the first line of defense when it comes to patient education. It's our role to show patients that screenings are not primary preventive care. No screening test can actually prevent cancer; rather, they exist to detect cancer.

When it comes to reducing risk of disease, primary prevention is best. Eating your vegetables, quitting smoking, taking PrEP. Giving PrEP to just 10 young black men who have sex with men will prevent one new HIV infection.(www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) No screening test can beat those numbers.

On World AIDS Day this past weekend, I reflected on the work being done to fight AIDS -- the research, the increased access to medications, the times I've appropriately screened a patient for HIV infection, the times I've diagnosed it and initiated treatment. I'm proud of all that work. But I'm even prouder of the times I've taught my patients about PrEP and reduced their risk of being infected in the first place.

Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., is a board-certified family physician in Phoenix. You can follow her on Twitter @NatashaBhuyan.(twitter.com)

Read other Fresh Perspectives posts by this blogger.

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Patients Need to Know the True Cost of 'Free' Screenings - AAFP News

Planned repairs to the roof of St. Cloud's drinking water treatment facility will require the grass to be torn up and allow for development of the riverwalk.(Photo: City of St. Cloud)

ST. CLOUD A new way to embrace the Mississippi River just north of downtown St. Cloud could be open to the public within the next two years.

The city of St. Cloud is wrapping its vision for a Riverwalk into scheduled improvements at the city's drinking water treatment plant along Fifth Avenue North.

The public is invited to attend an open house from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Whitney Senior Center to give opinionson possible Riverwalk features.

The proposed Riverwalk site has changed since it was first proposed in 2015. Preliminary drawings showed an interactive river channel and swimming area, amphitheater space, a canoe launchand event buildings on the site ofCathedral High School's Rau Field.

The updated plans instead feature amenities near Hester Park including the transformation of the green space on top of the water treatment plant, which is tucked under the turf.

Residents at the open house will be asked about their preferences for the space. That could include music or performance space, benches, flexible lawn space, an athletic field, space for family and community events, and space for picnics, among other things. Landscaping could include a shelter or pergola, a wildlife habitat, a sculpturegarden or other gardens.

Matt Glaesman, community development director, said he expects the council to approve final plans and bids for the project in the coming months.

The roof of St. Cloud's drinking water treatment facility is tucked under green space that the city plans to redevelop as part of a riverwalk.(Photo: City of St. Cloud)

The overall plan also includes the relocation of two lift stations along Fifth Avenue North near Cathedral High School. That project is estimated to cost $1.4 million and is funded by sewer utility revenues.

The water treatment facility improvements are expected to cost $25 million, funded by a state revolving fund. Planned improvements include advanced treatment and disinfection systems.

Tracy Hodel, public services director, said the improvements are primarily related to water quality compliance. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer and be completed by 2022.

The Riverwalk, which will connect the downtown Beaver Island Trail extension to Hester Park, is estimated to cost$5 million. It will be funded by $2 million in local-option sales tax revenues, $1 million from a grant and $2 million in private donations.

The Riverwalk project is a partnership between Mississippi Partners, Rotary Club of St. Cloud and the city of St. Cloud, among others.

"These are the three things coming together that are creating the corridor improvements," Glaesman said of the projects.

The Riverwalk project also provides an opportunity to restore the eroding shoreline of the Mississippi River and fits with Mayor Dave Kleis' priority to spotlight the mighty river that runs straight through the heart of the city.

Those efforts spurred the Beaver Island Trail bridge, a sloping bridge snuggled up against the downtown riverbank that connects the trail from River's Edge Convention Center to Fifth Avenue North. The bridge, which cost about $8.44 million, opened in October 2016.

The city's comprehensive plan also shows proposals for new riverfront restaurants and hotels along the east side of the Mississippi River.

The city and region has worked to embrace the river as an asset in recent years, with a 2009 regional plan earning St. Cloud the River Friendly City of the Year Award from Minnesota Waters.

"That established a regional vision for how we embrace the river and be good stewards while also using the river for redevelopment purposes," Glaesman told the Times in 2017. "We've certainly made a concerted effort to re-engage the river."

Read or Share this story: https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2019/12/03/plans-riverwalk-near-hester-park-finalized-coming-months/2590558001/

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How do you want to enjoy the Mississippi? St. Cloud's Riverwalk plans to be finalized soon - SC Times

Updated December 05, 2019 15:27:16

Here's what you need to know today:

Stage one water restrictions will come into effect across the greater Hobart area on December 20 due to "below-average rainfall across south-eastern Tasmania", "projected demand" and the "longer-term outlook for weather patterns in the region", the state's water utility says.

In a statement, TasWater said it was enforcing the following measures:

Garden and lawn watering is allowed on any day during the following times:

Watering of sports grounds is allowed on any day during the following times:

In a statement, Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said the restrictions would "ensure that there is sufficient supply for residential and business use, fire preparedness and farmers".

"These measures are needed due to an extended period of dry conditions coupled with increased demand," he said.

"While the vast majority of Tasmanians enjoy plentiful access to water, there are those in rural communities in drought for whom, water is liquid gold."

The restrictions are expected to be in place until the end of February 2020. More information can be found at the TasWater webpage.

An economic assessment of a second undersea power connector between Tasmania and Victoria has found it is technically feasible and commercially viable.

The proposed Marinus Link would operate in addition to the Basslink interconnector, which links Tasmania to the national electricity grid.

The business case study, released overnight by Tasmania's state-owned energy provider Tas Networks, found the 1500-megawatt Marinus link and supporting transmission would deliver broad economic benefits to both Tasmania and Victoria.

It estimates the project would create more than 2,300 jobs in the construction phase in Tasmania, and over the long-term would add more than $1.4 billion in economic value and create 1,400 jobs in each state.

It was not clear how the project which could cost up to $3.5 billion would be funded but analysts have suggested Victoria should contribute given it also stands to benefit.

Tasmania's water provider has revealed it took more than seven hours to send a technician to check its Macquarie Point sewage treatment plant after a power failure in August a fault that resulted in six million litres of untreated sewage and stormwater spilling into Hobart's River Derwent.

TasWater chief executive Mike Brewster was questioned by the Tasmanian Greens about the incident during government business enterprise scrutiny hearings on Wednesday.

Mr Brewster said TasWater's operational control centre in Devonport was notified soon after the power went out, but only decided to send someone to check the facility hours later after conducting a complex assessment.

"When they got to the bottom of it they said 'hang on a minute, we should send someone out' so they sent someone out seven or eight hours later and that's the reality of the situation," Mr Brewster said.

He said the uninterruptible power supply switched itself off, causing the failure, but it remains unclear how that occurred.

Scientists at the University of Tasmania are hoping the hatching of a clutch of red handfish could help save the world's rarest fish.

The 50 juveniles were hatched in an aquarium at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic studies this month.

Scientists had collected two egg masses from one of the last handfish sites in Southern Tasmania, where fewer than 100 adults survive.

IMAS researcher Jemina Stuart-Smith said the babies would be released back into the wild when they're about 12 months old.

"While they're in captivity, we can protect them from things like predation and other adverse environmental conditions and make sure that things like food availability is not a limiting factor," she said.

"Little is known about red handfish biology, reproduction and early growth, and these juveniles will also allow critical research that can help us to ensure this is not the last generation of their species," Dr Stuart-Smith said.

The forecast for Tasmania is for showers, more frequent about the west, south and central areas. Fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds.

Friday is forecast to have showers about the west, south and central areas, and Bass Strait islands. Afternoon showers are possible elsewhere, although less likely about the east coast. Fresh to locally strong and gusty west to south-westerly winds are expected.

A full and updated list of warnings can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology's Tasmanian Warnings summary webpage.

As of 6:00am the Pinnacle Road to the summit of Hobart's kunanyi/Mount Wellington was closed at The Springs.

Check the council website for the updated status of Pinnacle Road.

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Topics:animal-science,science-and-technology,earth-sciences,animals,community-and-society,police,lifestyle-and-leisure,human-interest,fishing-aquaculture,government-and-politics,law-crime-and-justice,crime,hobart-7000,burnie-7320,launceston-7250,queenstown-7467,bicheno-7215,smithton-7330,coles-bay-7215,colebrook-7027,lake-st-clair-7140,mount-stuart-7000,st-helens-7216,st-leonards-7250,st-marys-7215,st-peters-pass-7120,stanley-7331,staverton-7306,steppes-7030,stewarts-bay-7182,stieglitz-7216,stonehenge-7120,stonor-7119,stoodley-7306,stormlea-7184,storys-creek-7213,stowport-7321,strahan-7468,strathblane-7109,strathgordon-7139,strickland-7140,campbell-town-7210

First posted December 05, 2019 06:53:31

Link:
Tasmanian News: Water restrictions coming soon to Hobart and surrounds due to 'weather patterns' - ABC News

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Penn State Health St. Joseph schedules classes and support groups - Reading Eagle

Rob Fucci

MondayDec2,2019at7:00AMDec5,2019at4:36AM

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The following is the most recent installment of the Concord Journal/Wicked Local Concord Volunteer of the Week, where we spotlight members of the community who have made significant contributions as volunteers.

This week, the spotlight shines on Concord resident and Council on Aging volunteer Peter Boeing.

Can you explain your volunteer work?

I chose to volunteer as a handy man for the COA when most of what I do is install the lock boxes which allow the Police and Fire departments to enter a dwelling if there is an emergency. I do get involved with other fixes (small repairs) for people that need them.

How did you get started?

I basically did so because I knew that in later years I would eventually need their services and thought I should build some good will.

What keeps you coming back?

The work gives me the opportunity to meet new friends and re-visit some old ones.

What is/was your profession?

I retired from the publishing business nine years ago.

What is your life like in Concord? Family? Children? Lifelong resident or recent arrival?

My wife and I have lived here for 32 years and between us we have two sons, a daughter, three granddaughters and a grandson.

From the COA

Peter tossed his volunteer cap to the COA in 2010. He initially offered his "handyman" services and those quickly evolved into Peter becoming Concords official LockBox installer. The LockBox program is available to all Concord seniors age 60+ who request a lockbox be installed on their homes which holds a house key inside. The key can be accessed only by the Concord Fire Department and police in case of concern and emergency. Peter has avidly installed a few hundred lockboxes in his tenure; he never allows bad weather to deter him, he is concerned every senior who requests a box be served and seniors report he is immensely helpful and considerate. Peter quietly and dutifully performs a superb service to Concord seniors. -- Vikki Jacobson, volunteer and public relations coordinator

If you know someone who should be profiled, send an email to Robert Fucci at rfucci@wickedlocal.com. You can answer the questions below and include a headshot for an upcoming edition of the Concord Journal and Wicked Local Concord.

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Volunteer of the Week: Concord resident Peter Boeing - Wicked Local Concord

If youve ever had a plant then you know its pretty much like having a child or a pet in terms of how much you care for them. You want to ensure that theyre well fed and that theyre put in a safe place, and that you keep them alive for as long as you can. Many people talk to and play music for their plants, and apparently it really does make a difference.

Some people have just a couple of indoor plants, while others have gardens full of plants and even trees because they love nature so much. Generally, its easier to care for a garden by having professionals coming in to do the mowing at least. Professional lawn careers at MyLawnCare suggest you pick known local companies that can offer an array of services from simple lawn mowing, hedge trimming, even up to regular gardening. This is great for busy people who do not have the time to get their hands dirty, but want to maintain a lawns aesthetics.

If you dont know how to care for your plants in the winter, then its most likely that they will die. This is why were going to give you a couple of tips to help you take care of your plants in the winter time.

In the winter the plants do consume as much water, and this is because they are mostly dormant, so you need to lessen the amount of water provided, and how often you do it. The best way to tell is to check if the soil is dry- if its more than an inch dry, then you need to water it. Its very important that you dont over-water your plants because by doing do you are literally drowning them. You get the roots to grow fungi and by doing so, youre pretty much killing them, not the cold!

Because being able to get warmth and heat through the suns rays are so hard during the winter time, its important that you keep the plant clean from the layers of dirt and dust that tend to collect on the surface. By doing so, its much easier for the plant to absorb what it needs from the sunlight.

Plants require up to 50% humidity, and we know that in the winter, theres barely any humidity at all. You should get a humidifier for your plants because this will go a long way in getting through the cold weather and winter months. Plants need the moisture from the humidity to survive, so this is an extremely important factor. If all else fails and you dont have a humidifier, consider keeping your plants in the warmest room in the house, which will most likely be the kitchen or perhaps in the living room where theres a fireplace on.

Winter is known for its miserly amounts of sunlight, and this is something that is essential for plants to grow. This is why its important that you find an alternative method to provide your plants with the light that they need. Invest in some full-spectrum bulbs and have them directed at your plants for a couple of hours every day. Ideally, for your plants to get the amount of light that they need, you should have the lights on them for between 12 to 14 hours a day.

Plants get affected by the cold weather- the cold breeze affects them in a negative way because weve already established that they need warmth. All the efforts that youre making to create a warm atmosphere with lighting and humidity will go to waste if theres a breeze coming in from anywhere. This is why you need to ensure that the doors and windows are sealed tight to not even let the smallest hint of wind get in.

Ensuring that your plants stay alive through the whole year requires some work. And especially when it comes to the winter time and cold and gloomy weather in general, its important that you take the necessary precautions so that youre well prepared. You need to make sure that you keep the tips mentioned above in mind, and also learn more about the kind of plants that you have. Different plants require different amounts of water and certain care that you need to be aware of, such as what kind of soil they use and whether they require lots of light or if they can survive with less.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Claritas only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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How To Make Sure Your Plants Survive The Winter - KHTS Radio