Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The congregation of East Highway Baptist Church will celebrate its 70th anniversary during Sunday morning service. Flanked by cotton fields, the church building sits east of Temple on State Highway 53, just across the road from its first location.

Originally the Czech Baptist Church, the first building was constructed around 1936 by the churchs first pastor, Joseph F. Rundus, who came to Texas from Blue Rapids, Kan. Services were done held Czech until the mid-1940s, when the church changed to English.

It was a very small church. Just an auditorium and two small classrooms, said the Rev. Ernest Thompson.

Thompson, a former pastor for East Highway Baptist, now serves as pastor emeritus. He said he has seen a lot of change during his time with the church, including the construction of a new building after the congregation outgrew its original structure.

We built on it all the way around as far as we could, Thompson said. And 64 filled it back then. I mean, I had them sitting in the aisle, had them sitting everywhere.

In 1990, the old building was moved from its foundation to land across the street that had been donated to the church.

Thompson retired as the full-time pastor in November after 49 years of ministry. He said he would have gone to 50 years, but his health wouldnt allow it. He still serves the church whenever he can.

We still have three services a week out there, he said. A lot of them dont have that, you know? Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. And then we have our fellowships and everything.

Thompson said the East Highway congregation is one of the friendliest groups hes dealt with.

When new people come through the door, they make them feel at home, he said. I trained them years ago, and I told them When someone comes through these doors, you be sure theyre made welcome at home.

He said the church members love everyone and are committed to serving the Lord.

Thompson said some smaller churches are shutting their doors, but he doesnt want to see that happen to his church.

We dont want to do that, he said. Its like I tell them, Its not the name of the church. Its what where there to do: worship and praise the Lord.

Thompson said the church is in good hands with its new pastor, the Rev. Duane McCoy.

McCoy said the 70th anniversary celebration will begin with Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. He said there will be presentations on the history of the Czech Baptist Church and history up through the building of the new church.

Three groups will sing, including students from the childrens ministry. McCoy said Thompson will deliver a sermon, and Dr. Tom Henderson, Bell Baptist Association director of missions, will bring a closing message and charge for the future.

A congregational luncheon will follow the service.

The rest is here:
East Highway Baptist Church celebrating 70th anniversary - Temple Daily Telegram

School district spent nearly $9 million this summer on upkeep | Local News | gillettenewsrecord.com

You are the owner of this article.

Contractors work Monday in a classroom under renovation at Twin Spruce Junior High School, one of a number of schools in the Campbell County School District that saw changes over the summer through about $9 million worth of work.

The kitchen at Rozet Elementary School got some upgrades over the summer.

Work on a former office that will become a pair of student bathrooms is near completion Monday as part of renovations at Twin Spruce Junior High School.

'+sPosTitle+'

Contractors work Monday in a classroom under renovation at Twin Spruce Junior High School, one of a number of schools in the Campbell County School District that saw changes over the summer through about $9 million worth of work.

The kitchen at Rozet Elementary School got some upgrades over the summer.

Work on a former office that will become a pair of student bathrooms is near completion Monday as part of renovations at Twin Spruce Junior High School.

In more than 20 extensive summer construction projects or upgrades at Campbell County schools, only one risks not being completed before the start of school for students Tuesday.

Those projects done through component or major maintenance money provided by the state of Wyoming range from boiler replacement to facelift improvements and remodeling of school wings. It includes HVAC work at Meadowlark Elementary, new phones and security systems at three schools, skylight replacements at Paintbrush Elementary and concrete and parking lot repairs and overlays throughout the Campbell County School District.

Almost $9 million worth of work has taken place this summer on those smaller capital projects, not including Thunder Basin High Schools additions or new track/soccer/football stadium.

The one project that may not be completed before the start of school is the first phase of the remodeling of the science and math wings at Twin Spruce Junior High. District officials and Kirby Eisenhauer, associate superintendent of instructional support, are keeping their fingers crossed that the work will be done on time.

It includes adding bathrooms to the second and third floors at Twin Spruce, with the second phase taking place next summer.

Heres a look at some of the projects, costs and work this past summer in Campbell County, much of it through local companies:

Campbell County High School

Next for the stadium may be some work on remodeling and upgrading the press box. Eisenhauer told trustees.

Wright Junior-Senior High

See the rest here:
School district spent nearly $9 million this summer on upkeep - Gillette News Record

After pondering and in some cases wrestling with the proposed bond issue, the Ector County Independent School District Board of Trustees approved calling a Nov. 7 bond issue election for $291,172,291 during a special meeting Thursday.

A separate item on the ballot is a tax ratification election that would raise the total tax rate to $1.28 per $100 valuation.

The board voted to approve both items unanimously. Trustee Ray Beaty did not attend the meeting.

This is $4.5 million more than was initially proposed and would go for girls locker rooms at Permian High School, upgrade the weight room at Odessa High School and renovate all of the bathrooms at Ratliff Stadium.

The addition was proposed by board member Steve Brown who said he had comments brought to him about these items. During the Bond Advisory Committee meetings this summer, athletic improvements were discussed but not made part of the priorities.

ECISDs current total tax rate is $1.15 per $100 valuation. This includes $1.04 for maintenance and operations and 11 cents for interest and sinking, which goes to service the districts debt.

If it passes, the tax ratification election would bring the maintenance and operation rate to $1.17 per $100 valuation for 2017. This would add $130 a year on a $100,000 home for 2017, Chief Financial Officer David Harwell said.

The bond would add about 17 cents to the interest and sinking rate, Harwell said.

The tax impact on a $100,000 home would be $170 per year, or $14.23 a month. Harwell said the earliest this would be levied would be 2018.

For a $104,244 home, the average home in Odessa, it would be $14.23 a month, or $170.75 per year.

Trustees also voted 6-0 to approve a budget amendment, contingent on a successful tax ratification election, to increase appropriations by $20,335,675, the board recap said.

On June 20, the board adopted a budget that included cuts totaling almost $18 million dollars, the recap said.

Some of the items cut were half of vacant teaching positions; district supply budgets; and raises for all staff members. District officials also cut approximately $13 million from the budget during the 2016-17 school year, the recap said.

Harwell said this would include raises for staff.

Board Secretary Donna Smith said the board has to prioritize getting people money. Smith added that employees cant go multiple years without raises.

Doyle Woodall, vice president of the board, said he had wrestled with whether to vote for the bond, but talking to Crowe Thursday afternoon helped him.

Its revised because if we tell the people were going to do it then we have to do it. I think that were going to be able to knock (off) 30 percent. Thats going with hard bids and working with the architects like I have been promised that were going to do, Woodall said.

He said he has extensive construction experience and board member Nelson Minyard has some and he has a friend with lots of construction experience, as well.

We can get these drawings down to where we still have a good building thats going to last us 50 years, but it doesnt have all of the unnecessary things that many school buildings have attached to them, Woodall said.

I think were going to be able to cut the cost by going this route by 30 percent, Woodall said.

He added that he thinks $30 to $60 million could be reduced from the cost.

I really think we can reduce this by a tremendous amount, but since weve promised to do all these things we have to vote on a number that we know can accomplish all these things, Woodall said.

As for sticker shock, Woodall said he had some initially, but after realizing the cost could be brought down, he thinks the bond projects are doable. He said going with hard bids is going to be essential.

Last time, the district went with a construction manager at risk which was a decision made before he got on the board. Woodall said he always felt uncomfortable with that. This time, if it goes over the construction company would have to eat the cost, he said.

Woodall said this is something ECISD should have done back in 1982.

Smith said she had struggled with her decision on voting to call the bond.

There were a lot of unanswered questions. I really want us to have the two high schools, Smith said. She added that she wanted to honor the legacy of Ector High School by converting it from a middle school.

She wants to see enthusiasm generated to come out and vote for the bond.

We are potentially changing the face of education far beyond our lifetimes, Smith said.

Board President Carol Gregg said she also struggled with how to vote. She said she is going to support this request to the public and everything in the bond will be beneficial to students and the community, but at the same time the board has to make sure the funds are wisely spent.

Gregg added that the board is aware that there are other entities asking for money. There are lots of needs. We just had a bond issue, but those schools are already filled. Our community is growing. These are things that should have been done a long time ago. , she said.

Trustee Delma Abalos said everything in the bond will help the district.

This is only touching the surface of what we need to fix in our district, Abalos said.

Bond committee member Gene Collins said he was pleased with the result of Thursdays meeting.

I appreciated the comments by the board even more, Collins said. Some of them were surprising to me. The fact each one of them said they thought deeply about it means that maybe the committee did its job in identifying some of the issues and challenging them to make a commitment. But they were unanimous and that was pleasing. I know we have a lot of work to do. Were just up for the task. Its been a long time coming.

Texas State Teachers Association President Chris Barlett also voiced support for the bond issue.

See the original post here:
Board approves calling bond for revised total - Odessa American ... - Odessa American

Advertisement

Company chares are trading at $49.08 significantly lower than $53.20, the 50 day moving average and which is significantly below the 200 day moving average of $55.36. The 50 day moving average was down by -7.75% and the 200 day average went down by -11.34%. Apogee Enterprises, Inc. shares had a trading volume of 113K on Friday. Trading volume was down 36.77% under the stocks average daily volume.

The following firms have also recently changed their position in APOG. Goldman Sachs Group Inc added to its ownership by buying 1,195 shares an increase of 17.1%. Goldman Sachs Group Inc now controls 8,197 shares worth $489,000. The value of the position overall is up by 30.4%. As of quarter end Macquarie Group Ltd had sold 2,619 shares trimming its stake by 0.4%. The value of the companys investment in Apogee Enterprises, Inc. went from $32,987,000 to $36,557,000 a change of $3,570,000 quarter over quarter.

Horizon Investment Services, LLC augmented its position by buying 23,075 shares an increase of 152.2% as of 03/31/2017. Horizon Investment Services, LLC claims 38,240 shares with a value of $2,279,000. The total value of its holdings increased 180.7%. State Street Corp expanded its investment by buying 37,383 shares an increase of 3.5% from 12/31/2016 to 03/31/2017. State Street Corp currently owns 1,099,051 shares valued at $65,517,000. The total value of its holdings increased 15.2%.

The company is down from yesterdays close of $50.56. Additionally Apogee Enterprises, Inc. recently declared a dividend for shareholders that was paid on Tue Jul 25, 2017. The dividend payment was $0.140 per share for the quarter or $0.56 annualized. This dividend represents a yield of $1.11. The ex-dividend date was set for Thursday the 6th of July 2017.

The company currently has a P/E ratio of 16.81 and the market cap of the company is 1.42B. In the last earnings report the EPS was $2.92 and is expected to be $3.38 for the current year with 28,848,000 shares now outstanding. Analysts expect next quarters EPS to be $0.99 and the next full year EPS is anticipated to be $4.18.

Apogee Enterprises, Inc., launched on July 12, 1949, is involved in the design and development of glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings and framing art. The Company operates in four segments: Architectural Glass, Architectural Services, Architectural Framing Systems and Large-Scale Optical Technologies (LSO). The Architectural Glass segment fabricates coated glass used in customized window and wall systems comprising the outside skin of commercial, institutional and multi-family residential buildings. The Architectural Services segment designs, engineers, fabricates and installs the walls of glass, windows and other curtainwall products making up the outside skin of commercial and institutional buildings. The Architectural Framing Systems segment designs, engineers, fabricates and finishes the aluminum frames used in customized aluminum and glass window, curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems comprising the outside skin and entrances of commercial, institutional and multi-family residential buildings. The Large-Scale Optical Technologies segment manufactures glass and acrylic products for the custom picture framing and fine art markets..

Read more:
Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:APOG) Stock Closed Well Below Its 50 Day Average - Modern Readers

You probably saw we recently wrote about three new research resources from InfoComm International and NSCA in the past week or so and we trust youve started to read through at least one of those reports to stay on top of the latest data and information about your industry.

Whether its InfoComms Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) report on the Americas or the monthly Pro-AV Business Index or the summer edition of NSCAs Electronic Systems Outlook, theres plenty of great information out there and lots of numbers and trendspast and futureto digest.

So what are you going to do with all of it? Does it just become another email in your inbox? A makeshift coaster for your coffee? Part of a large pile of reports you never look at again? Or will you actually read it, try to understand what it means for you, your company and your industry and make changes to your business as a result?

The IOTA report provides insights into the pro AV integration market and sales forecasts through 2022 of AV products, services and solutions and joins similar reports for Europe and Asia-Pacific and will be paired with a global report in September.

InfoComms pro AV Business Indexwhich is modeled after the American Institute of Architects Architectural Billings Indexhighlights monthly employment and sales trends in the industry. It launched in September and the July report showed modest growth in both areas for June.

NSCA has been following construction data as it relates to the pro AV integration market for over 20 years and uses that information as the basis of its Electronics Systems Outlook.

InfoComm, in particular, seems to be making more of a concerted effort to trumpet the release of its new research in the wake of executive director and CEO David Labuskes saying in June that the organization hadnt been good about that in the past.

That transparency and the willingness to invest in research is being done in large part because InfoComm members say they want and need guidance for their companies. Now that they have that guidance, will they use it and do things that will help them run their businesses better?

Were in an era of an overabundance of data. Data is everywhere. There are too many statistics for athletes and business executives to possibly digest unless that became their full-time job. Data analysts and jobs like that are becoming more important than ever because the truth is the data is useless unless you know how to use it and actually put it into practice.

Its interesting and useful to know that a panel of InfoComm members has confidence about the direction of the pro AV industry, but what will you do with that finding? Will it drive you to invest in real estate by opening a new office? Upgrade your infrastructure? Hire new staff? Or just roll in the extra cash?

As a longtime journalist, I embrace transparency and applaud InfoComm, NSCA and any other organization thats willing to put money into collecting information it believes can make a big difference for its members. I hope more groups do the same in the future.

Related:12 Classic Movies with a Message for Your Business

But Im sure if they find dust-covered reports strewn across CEOs desks or repeatedly have to tell someone who calls for advice that they already put out a report that includes that answer, youll see less of this great information and insightful research coming out of these organizations. That would be a shame.

Sure, its my job to synthesize the reports for our readers and help them understand what all those numbers mean for them, but its on the CEOs and other company leaders to put them into practice. In this age of Big Data, what are you doing with all the information InfoComm and NSCA are giving you?

Read more from the original source:
Research Is Only Worthwhile If You Use It - Commercial Integrator (blog)

Belgrade High Schools initial phases of a remodel are completed, and, Principal Paul Lamb said instructors are currently moving into their renovated classrooms located in the basement of the school.

The remodel, so far, moved 10 classes from a west wing building into the basement of the high schools main building, he said. The west wing was demolished during the phase of the construction, Lamb said, and crews are currently working to replace it.

Theyre in full construction mode to construct the new west wing, Lamb said.

The new building will be two stories and house a new cafeteria area, art and business classrooms and 10 math and special education classrooms. In total, the high school will be adding 17 new rooms and additional instructors by the time renovations are completed, Lamb said.

During the construction, Lamb said, 50 parking spots from the west side parking lot would be out of commission. This includes for athletic events, school and other events hosted by the high school.

But, he said, the construction would not impede on the students education, citing there will not be any use of portable classes. Students should expect construction zones when they arrive back from their summer vacation, Lamb said.

Belgrade Superintendent Leland Stocker said he was pleased with the progress of the renovation.

I always find construction to be an exciting time because we are anticipating the final product, Stocker said. We are very pleased with what we are going to provide the students with this year.

Construction crews ran into one hiccup while doing the basement remodel, which school officials said is normal when remodeling. In the basement, under the flooring, construction crews found that the electrical was integrated in the cement of the building.

Even with those surprises, were in a good place, Stocker said. Were still on schedule.

Lamb agreed with Stocker that renovations were still on schedule to hit their completion deadline.

Theres always hiccups in construction, but there has been nothing that has moved our timeline back, Lamb said.

The expansion project comes in light of a forecasted spike in attendance for the high school, Lamb said. The capacity of the school was for 900 students, but the remodel can accommodate about 1,300 students.

The next phases of the remodel include modernizing the entryway of the school. The lobby and cafeteria area will be wide open with a taller ceiling that exposes support beams for a second floor of classrooms, and glass panels to let natural light in the building.

More functional spaces would also be made for the choir and band and the technical education would expand to include three shops. The culinary arts program will also get its own home in two large rooms near the school kitchen.

School officials are predicting that renovations would be completed by 2019, and cost an estimated $25 million.

Read more:
First phase of BHS remodel is complete - Belgrade News

NARI Atlanta, the local chapter of the National Association for the Remodeling Industry, will present its eighth annual Tour of Remodeled Homes Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Four private homes transformed by NARI Atlanta members throughout Atlantas northern suburbs (Buckhead, Dunwoody and Roswell) will be open to the public, with the remodeling teams on hand to discuss each project and answer questions. The tour is self-guided and will be held rain or shine. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour, and are available at http://www.atlantaremodelingtour.com.

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore in metro Atlanta, which accepts donations of used furniture, home improvement items, appliances and surplus building supplies for resale at a deep discount to the public. Funds generated support the work of partnering Habitat affiliates throughout the citys suburban counties.

I am delighted to welcome Habitat ReStore as this years nonprofit partner for the NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes, NARI Atlanta Executive Director Jesse Morado said in a news release. Their metro Atlanta Habitat affiliates bring together skilled remodelers, home builders, volunteers and donors to create high-quality, low-cost homes for working families throughout 12 suburban counties, and the ReStores help fund this important work. NARI Atlanta is proud to support this organization with the proceeds from our annual Tour of Remodeled Homes.

Tour homes include the following:

Distinctive Remodeling Solutions (home in Buckhead): Built in 1956 and with numerous additions and renovations in the following years, this home has been transformed from tired to refreshed. The dated floor plan and disconnected updates were flawlessly brought together for the specific requirements of the current owners. New features include a private entrance to the master suite, which includes an office, bedroom and updated master bath. Unfinished attic space was transformed into a teenagers retreat. A new mudroom entry and expanded laundry area are located off the fully renovated kitchen, while the sunny family room boasts a custom entertainment center, wet bar and direct access to new outdoor living space.

Harbour Towne Construction Inc. (home in Dunwoody): The home had a large, unfinished basement that was ideal for transformation into a multi-functional space. The owners wanted to use the area to entertain family and friends, so Harbour Towne created a home theater with a raised seating platform and acoustic panels; a full-service wet bar with a copper sink, refrigerator, dishwasher, wine chiller and microwave; a fully outfitted exercise room and a guest suite with a bedroom, walk-in closet and a bathroom.

Master Home Remodelers (home in Roswell): The owner of this home is a professional interior designer who wanted her kitchen to boast timeless, classical design. The renovated kitchen now features Linen color painted, furniture-quality beaded inset cabinetry, Calcutta Gold marble countertops with a marble backsplash, a three-inch thick mitered island countertop, fully integrated appliances with matching panels and state-of-the-art-interior accessories. The stately wood hood over the range top, along with brass side sconces create a unique focal point. This kitchen mixes chrome and brass fixtures, varying countertop heights, dark stained wood floors and light painted walls to create a perfect balance of symmetry, textures and color.

Success! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

Oneida Builders (home in Dunwoody): This kitchen renovation focuses on mindful design that functions efficiently for the homeowners. Oneida Builders and Mast Cabinetry collaborated to blend visual texture with clean, modern simplicity. The blacksplash was inspired by Italian mosaics and is a custom radiant blend of glass tile. The space features a unique, U-shaped island, a custom heat-resistant wall cabinet to house a TV above the cook top, a relaxing coffee bar and a full bar with a baby grand piano. To create a more open feel to the kitchen/entertaining area, a large fixed-glass window was installed overlooking a beautiful new deck.

Bonus location: Dove Studio Kitchen & Bath, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 740, Roswell. Dove Studio will open its doors to tour ticket holders the day of the tour and will offer indoor and outdoor cooking demonstrations and food tastings every half-hour during the day.

Information and tickets: http://www.atlantaremodelingtour.com

Read the original post:
Tour of Remodeled Homes to include stops in Buckhead, Dunwoody, Roswell - MDJOnline.com

Headquartered in Garner (Raleigh Suburb), North Carolina, Effect Energy provides technical consulting and certification services for residential and commercial construction to builders, architects, developers, and homeowners in North Carolina and the surrounding areas.Effect Energy provides residential clients with a range of services for both new and existing properties. Using energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor air quality, waste and resource management and environmental impact as our guiding principles, we can provide sensible and cost-effective solutions to meet your energy management and sustainability requirements. We offer independent inspection and testing of new or existing homes in order to provide RESNET's home energy rating. Effect Energy provides (as applicable) the following:* Measurements and takeoff of existing homes to ensure accurate input values* Verification of designs on new homes to ensure predefined efficiency standards will be met* Inspection of the initial framing during construction* Thermal enclosure inspection to be performed after insulation and prior to Sheetrock* Final inspection (building envelope leakage test/HVAC system leakage test)* Final product folder, including certificate, diagnostic summary, label, window sticker, maintenance and sustainability information and congratulatory letter We offer independent inspection and testing of new homes in order to meet Energy Star's qualification requirements. Effect Energy provides the following:* Verification of designs to ensure that Energy Star efficiency standards will be met* Marketing material* Training where required* Inspection of the initial framing during construction* Thermal bypass inspection to be performed after insulation and prior to Sheetrock* Final inspection (building envelope leakage test/HVAC system leakage test)* Final certification, including Energy Star certificate, diagnostic summary, label, window sticker, maintenance and sustainability information and congratulatory letter* Data tabulated for display of accountability and continuous improvement We also offer independent inspection and testing of new homes in order to meet NAHBGreen's qualification requirements. Effect Energy provides the following:* Verification of designs to ensure ENERGY STAR efficiency standards will be met (one integral facet of green building)* Marketing material* Training where required* Notification of scheduled rough and final Inspection to NAHBGreen* Inspection of the initial framing during construction* Thermal bypass inspection to be performed after insulation and prior to Sheetrock includes verification and confirmation of points* Final inspection (building envelope leakage test/HVAC system leakage test) and complete the final verification report* Final certification, including NAHBGreen and Energy Star certificate, diagnostic summary, label, window sticker, maintenance and sustainability information and congratulatory letter* Data tabulated for display of accountability and continuous improvement We do comprehensive energy evaluations of existing homes to ensure clients are given an independent expert assessment of their unique situation. Effect Energy provides customized evaluations to meet specific needs that include, but are not limited to, the following:* Building science basics (class is conducted during evaluation)* Building envelope leakage testing (blower door)* HVAC system leakage test (duct tester)* Site evaluation (11-point inspection)* Comprehensive report We do comprehensive energy retrofit of existing homes. Effect Energy provides customized retrofit measures to meet specific needs that include, but are not limited to, the following:* Sealed crawlspace* Radiant barrier* Insulation remediation* Duct sealing/replacement* Duct cleaning* Water heater and pipe insulation* Complete air sealing* Complete lighting remediationOur mission is to promote and provide excellent viable solutions for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability, servicing both residential and commercial industries.

Read the rest here:
The 10 Best Duct Cleaning Services in Greensboro, NC 2017

If you touch museum interactive screens, wash your hands afterward. Thats what experts say in an era when museum visitors are increasingly encouraged to handle iPads and other interactives. Staffers tend to clean those daily at best, although researchers have found that digital screens may harbor more bacteria than toilet seats.

There are plenty of documented cases of infections likely being transmitted by objects, such as rails, phones and clothing, says Jonathan Eisen, a microbiology and immunology professor at the University of California at Davis School of Medicine.

Many overestimate the risk of contracting germs by touching pathogen-rich communal objects, but it is important to realize it is not zero, Eisen says. After swiping a screen, museum visitors should wash their hands with soap and water before touching their mouths, eyes or noses. They should also avoid touching their organs directly to the screens.

That is, dont lick the museum iPad or screen, Eisen says.

Parents might want to avoid having young children who cant help touching their eyes, noses or mouths touch germy objects. During flu season, maybe museums should wash shared objects more often than otherwise, Eisen says.

Christopher Mason, an associate professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York who has studied subways and high-trafficked public spaces in dozens of cities, is less concerned. You are effectively just shaking hands with more people, he says. And Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Healths National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cautions about driving yourself a little bit to anxiety worrying about things like hotel door knobs.

You can get around all of this by just washing your hands as frequently as you can, Fauci says. Im sure theres a finite risk, probably extremely small.

But even slight risks are scary, notes Neal Johnson, chair of the American Alliance of Museums media and technology professional network and senior digital projects manager at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

Nobody wants to be responsible for spreading the next epidemic, he says.

At the Newseum in Washington, everything is wiped down especially the current virtual-reality Berlin Wall interactive display, says Scott Williams, the chief operating officer. Museums know most visitors arent going to want to put something on their ears unless its been insanely cleaned, he says. (Williams keeps wet wipes at his desk and cleans his phone constantly.)

During flu season, the Newseum washes devices that visitors handle on a daily basis, Williams says. Thats also the policy at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the International Spy Museum and the National Building Museum. At the Smithsonians museums, there is nothing special about the way we wipe screens, spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas says. Its the same as you do at home.

Visitors to the National Museum of Natural History can handle about 50 interactive screens, says Elizabeth Musteen, chief of exhibit production. The museum uses screens where necessary to tell certain stories, as in the ocean chemistry display. If you say the words ocean chemistry visitors are like, Im on vacation! she says.

Musteen, who has worked at the museum for 21 years, often sees parents pull children away from interactives. People cant resist touching a screen, she says. And some are so conditioned to touch screens that she sees them touch non-interactive displays.

About 30percent of the museums 7million visitors each year tend to interact somewhat with touchable screens, she estimates, and about 10 percent use them for long enough to gain significantly meaningful experiences. Thats 700,000 people each year touching screens, which Musteen says are typically cleaned every morning.

We do try to mitigate the germ issue, she says. I think a lot of people dont think about it, like they dont think about trying on a pair of sunglasses at Target.

Musteen has asked her young children not to put their heads in those viewing stations at other museums. But when there was a flu outbreak and she and colleagues worried that theyd have to restock hand sanitizer dispensers regularly at the museum, that proved unfounded.

The cynics among us thought theyd be empty every 30 minutes, but they werent, Musteen says. When the museum opens its May 2018 exhibit Outbreak, there will be touch screens and hand sanitizer dispensers, she says.

At the National Gallery of Art, acoustiguides are cleaned after each use, and the media team cleans exhibition touch screens during daily rounds, with thorough cleanings weekly as needed, spokeswoman Anabeth Guthrie says.

Building Museum staffers clean iPads daily with wipes we get from Staples, spokeswoman Emma Filar says. Workers are directed to keep an eye on surfaces like iPads to clean as needed during the day and they talk to materials manufacturers about how to clean objects in exhibitions, such as its 2015 installation The Beach and its current Wright on the Walls show.

At the Capitol Visitor Center, the maintenance staff cleans screens every evening, and we have Purell stations around the building, says Laura Trivers, a spokeswoman.

The Spy Museum staff hasnt had great luck with iPads and recently retired a display, says youth education director Jacqueline Eyl. People want an experience thats unparalleled in everything they do today in their leisure time, especially with ticket prices, she says.

Eyl is skeptical of virtual reality interactives in museums due to germs. I dont want to have to clean the goggles, she says. The headphones are kind of use at your own [risk]. ... Theres a certain grodiness that you have to think about with high visitation and germs.

Changes in cleaning routines during flu season havent come up at the museum, which has an enclosed air vent through which visitors crawl. I suppose maybe they should, Eyl says.

Johnson, of the Austin museum, is less concerned about VR displays. When he goes to trade shows, Johnson often sees the people running virtual reality stations conspicuously wipe helmets after each use. Ive never heard anybody else worry about it until now, he says.

At this years South by Southwest conference, which was dominated by virtual reality, that wasnt the case. I didnt see a single wipe down in between uses, and I didnt see anybody who cared, he says.

But germs have the Newseums Williams wondering if museums should encourage visitors when possible to download extra content onto their phones. That way, theyre using their own devices, he says.

Several museums staffers questioned the practicality of cleaning screens after each use, but thats just what happens with bleach-free Lysol or Clorox wipes with the iPads that the Detroit Institute of Arts staffers hand out to visitors at the museums Rivera Court. And with other tools, spokeswoman Christine Kloostra says, attending staff is known to periodically clean those devices in the midmorning or afternoon downtime.

Read more:
Can high culture make you sick? - Washington Post

Signs are pointing toward an upcoming renovation of the long-vacant Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge building at 2115 Cass Ave. in downtown Detroit.

A document that the Ilitch family's Olympia Development of Michigan filed with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality last week shows some asbestos cleanup is scheduled to take place over a few days next week, with Detroit-based Qualified Abatement Services Inc. as the contractor.

In addition, there has been parking lot work around the building at Cass Avenue and Elizabeth Street across from Bookie's Bar and Grill recently, as well as some painting done on plywood on window coverings.

Seems to me that historic renovation is in the works. But Olympia is remaining mum to me about any details of a renovation.

I asked Ed Saenz, director of communications for the Detroit-based company, for information Thursday about what's in store for the property, but he only said Olympia has "not announced future plans yet."

The DEQ document lists Detroit-based Olympia as the owner and says the building is 30,000 square feet (although Washington, D.C.-based real estate information service CoStar Group Inc. says it's about 45,000 square feet).

Olympia is spearheading the 45- to 50-block District Detroit project anchored by Little Caesars Arena for the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons that is set to open next month.

In May, the company announced plans to renovate four other long-vacant buildings around the arena for residential use:

Historic Detroit, which tracks the city's buildings and architecture history, says the Moose Lodge building opened in 1922 and was designed by Baxter, O'Dell & Halpin. Curbed Detroit reported on some minor repair work taking place there in 2013.

There were plans as far back as 1994 to turn the vacant building into a nightclub, Crain's reported at the time.

Olympia paid $1.5 million for it in February 2007, according to city records.

Link:
Is long-vacant Moose Lodge building inching toward renovation? - Crain's Detroit Business (blog)