Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Renovation efforts are moving along on the old fire house that a Glynn County Commissioner is leasing from the city of Brunswick as headquarters for his and other local nonprofits.

The old Brunswick fire station on Albany Street has been vacant and untouched for years. A circa 1920s firetruck currently located at the facility will remain in one of the bays.

"We got the heating and cooling replaced," said Glynn County Commissioner Allen Booker about the space he's preparing for his Rebuilding Together of Glynn County. "Volunteers from the Well, (a homeless ministry) and the Salvation Army, helped with our cleanup in March and did a great job. We didn't have to do much with the electrical."

Booker added that one of the bay doors will be walled-off and the other one replaced in about 10 days.

He's also looking for a plumber to replace the hot water heater, install a couple of new toilets and a kitchen sink. Booker is looking for plumbers and can be contacted at (912) 398-9923.

The Brunswick City Commission, in March, approved a lease for $1 per year that will allow Booker to use the old fire station on Albany Street as headquarters for his nonprofit, Rebuilding Together of Glynn County. The lease payment is in consideration with the renovations that need to be made to the property at 2129 Albany Street.

Booker is the executive director and founder of the local Rebuilding chapter, which uses volunteers and donations to make home repairs for people in need. The group is already making home repairs for qualifying low-income, elderly and veteran homeowners in Glynn County. A new apprenticeship program designed to offer youth hands-on experience will also be part of the programs offered.

The Environmental Justice Advisory Board will also occupy the space.

Booker said Friday that Lowe's provided the organization a $15,000 grant to make repairs on a local disabled veteran's home.

"We'll be moving forward on his home repairs and weatherization in the next 60 days," Booker said. "We'll be doing weatherization in partnership with the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority. We also received a $3,500 grant from Hello Goodbuy, (a local thrift store)."

June 3 is the final rehab day. Honeywell and volunteers will be on hand. Anyone who would like to volunteer their skills with painting and other tasks can contact Booker or Pastor Darrell Dawson, Bright Star Baptist Church, 263 Sweet Gum Drive and rehab specialist with Rebuilding Together.

Booker said the organization is also in need of building materials.

"We're also planning to launch a safe and healthy homes initiative for local seniors," Booker said. "Through that initiative, we'll be putting in grab bars and wheel chair ramps and we're in need of donations for those projects as well."

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Fire house renovations underway for nonprofit residency - The News (subscription)

Rogue River Elementary School's East Campus only has a boiler room providing heat to the school. With a new bond, the school district hopes to install a new HVAC system so the classrooms get adequate heating and air conditioning. (KTVL/Mike Marut)

Rogue River, Ore. - Rogue River Elementary School's East Campus has a heating ventilation and air conditioning system built back in the 1960s.

"At this point, there's no cooling," Janel Reed, principal of the elementary school, says. "In the summer months or in the spring when it starts to get really warm, our building holds in the heat."

Students notice the huge temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

"When you're cold, at first you feel 'I'm so cold!' and then when you go to hot I'm like 'haaa' but then it's too hot! I don't really like it," Amberlea Kramer, a 2nd grade student at the school, says.

One long-time teacher says she takes precautions in the warmer months.

"Usually I get to school between 6:00 and 6:30 [in the morning] and I put fans in all my windows," Donna Olympius, a 2nd grade teacher, says. "I put a fan in the door. I start sucking all the hot air out. It's like a sauna in here - it's very unbearable."

Olympius has been teaching at Rogue River Elementary for 25 years. Every year, she battles the room temperatures to keep her students focused on learning.

"The students have a really hard time coming in and diving into math where you really want them to be concentrating so we have to try and mix it up," Olympius says. "I buy Popsicles, bring Popsicles in. We take Popsicle breaks."

This bond could create a longer-term solution than the Popsicle breaks. A majority of the bond's funds would go towards installing a new HVAC system in the school.

"At the time the system was built, there wasn't as much attention paid to cooling the air or circulating the air," Paul Young, the superintendent for the Rogue River School District, says.

To replace the system, residents can vote for Measure 15-169 on May 16th's ballot. The bond is worth $3.335 million dollars over the next seven years if passed.

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Rogue River School District hopes residents vote for $3.335 million ... - KTVL

ALPHARETTA, Ga. On the heels of brand-new air conditioning product launches, LG Electronics is reinforcing its deep commitment to the future of the HVAC industry by introducing the LG Technology Roadshow a unique LG mobile showroom on wheels providing customers across the U.S. an opportunity for a hands-on experience with LGs latest air conditioning technologies.

Last month, LG unveiled the future of the connected building with the launches its new controls platform, LG MultiSITE, with the goal of supplying building owners the tools they need to make the best operational choices for their businesses and bottom lines. LG also launched the Multi V 5, the new flagship product in LGs air-source variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, which not only has reduced space and weight requirements, but also helps to reduce installation costs.

Both innovations will be featured in the LG Technology Roadshow, which will be touring the U.S. throughout 2017, starting in California. The 30-foot-long mobile showroom, which displays more than a dozen air conditioning innovations, is designed to help educate engineers, contractors, architects, and building owners across the country about advances in commercial and residential comfort systems.

The LG Technology Roadshow demonstrates our unparalleled commitment to both our customers and the future of the HVAC industry. We look forward to enabling potential customers to experience our technologies firsthand and understand how they can improve every installation, from retrofits to new builds, said Kevin McNamara, senior vice president, Air Conditioning Technologies, LG Electronics USA.

Kicking off last month in Los Angeles, the roadshow is scheduled to make stops this spring in Bakersfield, Fresno, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, and Sacramento, California; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Reno, Nevada; and Irving, Texas. It will move east for the remainder of the year.

The roadshow features 15 of LGs most sought-after technologies, including outdoor units, indoor units and controls:

LG MultiSITETM Controls Suite

The LG MultiSITE Controls Suite represents the future of controls for the HVAC industry. Launched at AHR Expo 2017, the LG MultiSITE Remote Controller, LG MultiSITE Communications Manager, and LG MultiSITE VM3 Building Management Solution empower operators to take control of their buildings in ways that were not previously possible.

The LG MultiSITE Remote Controller features a highly intuitive, customizable user interface that allows system managers to configure functionality and home screen appearance to meet the needs of a specific zone. The LG MultiSITE Communications Manager integrates the power of LG VRF technology into an existing third-party building management system, directly integrating with a VRF system and eliminating the need for a gateway. The LG MultiSITE VM3 building management solution maximizes the sophistication of control in each building system for cohesive building operation and synergistic performance.

LG Multi V 5

The new flagship product in LGs air-source VRF systems, Multi V 5, represents the next generation in the popular LG Multi V family. The LG Multi V 5 is available from 6- to 42-tons, with a choice of three-phase 208V, 230V, or 460V electrical power as heat recovery/heat pump outdoor units. New to the Multi V line-up are the single frame 16-, 18-, and 20-ton units. The 20-ton unit represents the largest tonnage single frame on the market today. As a smaller and lighter solution, the Multi V 5 20-ton not only reduces footprint requirements, but also helps to reduce installation costs.

While the footprint of the Multi V 5 has been reduced, its performance has increased. Building upon Smart Load Control of the Multi V IV, the Multi V 5 features Advanced Smart Load Control which proactively addresses the impact of pending weather changes ensuring optimal comfort for all of the building occupants. The Multi V 5 also features LG Intelligent Heating technology that defrosts as needed rather than responding once frost has reached a preset point. On top of active response capabilities, the Multi V 5 also features a new biomimetic fan design that draws from natures design and enables the unit to operate more efficiently and increase airflow while reducing the perceived noise level by approximately 20 percent.

Art CoolTM Premier

LGs Art Cool Premier wall-mount duct-free split system is a quiet outdoor unit that features an inverter compressor, which consumes less energy than conventional air conditioners. The inverter compressor ramps up or down to match the outdoor temperature load and provides precise control based on the each rooms set point. When the selected temperature is reached, the inverter compressor operates at a low speed to maintain comfort level instead of continuing to cycle on and off, using less energy.

Earning the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2016 designation, the LG Art Cool Premier system also features LGRED High Performance Heating with low ambient heating operations down to -13 Fahrenheit, ensuring continuous operation and efficient performance during even the coldest winter months. It boasts one of the highest SEER ratings in its class and works seamlessly with the LG Smart AC, allowing the end-user to wirelessly connect, control, and monitor the indoor units full array of functions and features through an intuitive smart phone app.

Art Cool Gallery

LG provides owners the opportunity to express an individual sense of style while cooling or heating their space with the duct-free Art Cool Gallery. This innovative indoor model allows the user to display an image in the customizable frame. The Art Cool Gallery is compatible with single and multiple zone outdoor units.

Key features of the Art Cool Gallery include remote control operation, quick and easy installation, natural air flow, and auto operation modes. It maintains a quiet sound for both indoor and outdoor units. The LG Art Cool Gallery Inverter duct-free split system provides both comfort and a stylish aesthetic for all-season comfort.

Art Cool Mirror

The Art Cool Mirror indoor units have a flat panel with a charcoal mirror finish to complement any design aesthetic. It integrates a motorized guide vane that allows the control of airflow from side to side, as well as a motorized louver that can automatically change airflow by directing the air up and down for a uniform air distribution.

For more information, visit http://www.lghvac.com.

Publication date: 4/14/2017

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LG Roadshow Brings Advanced Air Conditioning Technologies to Customers - ACHR NEWS

The construction on Mac Field will culminate in the installing of geothermal wells, which will allow for eco-friendly heating of the new HSCC. Photo by Mayu Sakae.

By Kate Irwin irwinkat@grinnell.edu

Grinnell students returned from spring break to find the perimeter of Mac Field surrounded by a fence and covered in mechanical equipment. To many students, this new construction site was a surprise.

To compensate for the loss of Mac Field for intramural sports, such as Ultimate Frisbee, Facilities Management has been working with the Athletic Department to find a new place for teams to practice. The area they found is east of the softball fields, making it accessible for student use. Unfortunately, Mac Field will not be usable as an intramural field until the fall of 2018, due to the growing season of the grass.

Currently, Mac Field is under construction for a geothermal well field for the Humanities and Social Studies Complex (HSSC). The new HSSC will be heated by these geothermal wells, as will several other buildings on campus. Mac Field was selected, as this is the only area of land on campus that is large enough to install the necessary amount of geothermal wells in order to properly heat the HSSC.

The whole idea is to make the HSSC as environmentally friendly as possible, so were using geothermal technology, Rick Whitney, Vice President of Facilities Management, said.

Geothermal technology is incredibly environmentally friendly. It allows for heating and cooling to happen simultaneously, making the process extremely efficient. It uses around half the amount of energy as a traditional system.

The project is already underway, as several wells have currently been placed in Mac Field. There will be underground lines between the HSSC and the well field and this construction will begin towards the end of this April. There will also be an underground vault that will be finished during the later months of summer.

Soon after the construction finishes, the restoration of Mac Field will begin. In addition to the standard restoration process, a grade will also be established, making water drainage more efficient.

The idea to use geothermal technology is one example of the College enacting its commitment towards sustainability.

[The idea to use geothermal technology started due to] the design of the building and our pursuit of being as ecologically friendly as we could with this large facility being almost 200,000 square feet, Whitney said. We wanted to be sure we were doing as little to the environment as we could.

Facilities Management has also partnered with Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy calculated that the amount of geothermal energy would save the College at least $250,000 a year.

According to Whitney, a lot of input went into the creation of this project. A building committee that consisted of administrators, faculty and students worked with the architect to make sure that the plan lined up with the goals and mission of the College.

But while the project has generated a lot of buzz, geothermal technology is not new to Grinnells campus. The Colleges natatorium also utilizes this technology, but for a different purpose. There, geothermal technology is employed to dehumidify the air, which takes a considerable amount of energy.

This [geothermal technology] has been working really well and this is what gave us the confidence to take this bold step, Whitney said.

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Geothermal wells to provide energy to new HSSC - Scarlet and Black

One thing I have learned throughout my life is sometimes speaking your mind only gets a piece of somebody elses mind and not the good piece.

The old saying goes that you cant teach an old dog new tricks. However, Im surprised the old dog doesnt know the old tricks. What good is a new trick if you have not really mastered and learned from the old tricks?

My experience in this area stood me in good stead for many years. An incident happened recently bringing to light how valuable this old trick really is. I may not be good in the new tricks, but I think I have mastered a few of the old tricks.

I really do not know when this incident started, but somewhere along the line I said something resembling a guttural uh huh, and forgot about it. What you say in these odd moments may determine your quality of life for many years to come. This points out the difference between husbands and wives.

The only way a husband can remember what he had for lunch is to look at his shirt. A wifes memory, on the other hand, is so keen she can remember things that never happened.

In the midst of a mild domestic discussion, any wife worth her salt can bring her husband to his knees by simply stating, But, Honey, you promised me.

At that point, no husband has the equipment to counter that argument. He may well have promised, but there is no way to prove one way or the other.

About a month ago, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage got it into her mind to remodel the kitchen. During this time, I did a pretty good job of staying out of her way. When the rare opportunity came soliciting my personal advice on a matter associated with this remodeling project, I quickly and enthusiastically supported her decisions.

The man who carefully measures his words will add happy years to his life. I sure dont know how long Im going to live, but I want that time to be happy.

Following the kitchen remodeling my wife proceeded to remodel her bathroom. At this point I should have had some suspicions, but I didnt. As a husband, I am not equipped with a suspicion detector. Experience should have taught me that if one project is done successfully it only inspires another project.

When a wife gets it in her mind to remodel part of the house that thought gets stuck and there is no stopping her. After each remodeling project is completed, my wife always asks my opinion of the job she has just done.

I have learned that if I do not want to do the job myself, I enthusiastically praise the job my wife has done. Any critique that leads toward the negative has a reciprocal effect.

Of course, there is a thing as too much enthusiasm, and I found that to be so in this recent remodeling frenzy at our house. I must admit I did detect a certain busyness around the house, but I have learned it is better not to inquire.

Then I come home from the office one day. Not that it is unusual for me to come home, but this time when I came home, I was greeted at the door by my wife, with a smile that indicated to me that either something was wrong or I was in trouble.

I have something I want to show you, she giggled as she took my arm and led me back through the hallway. Ive been working on this all day and Im anxious to show you what I did.

She then proceeded to escort me to one of the most sacred areas of our blessed domicile. My bathroom. Nothing is more personal and sacred as a mans bathroom.

I have few requirements of that room. The water must run and the hot water must be hot. The toilet must flush and the shower must work. Outside of that, nothing else really matters.

The fact that the wallpaper is peeling is inconsequential. The fact that the floor is cracked doesnt really matter. The fact that the shower curtain is old and tattered just makes it more homey for me. I like my bathroom.

Just as she was about to open the door a horrendous thought exploded in my cranium. She has remodeled my bathroom. This comes as close to crossing the line as anything done inside the house. A sense of panic paraded around my heart.

Opening the door, she said those words that will frighten any man in his right mind. What do you think of your new bathroom?

Through the years, I have discovered many questions a husband should never answer.

Does this dress make me look fat?

How do you like the meatloaf? Its a new recipe.

No matter how long it takes you to chew that meatloaf, always do it with a smile and never, never compare it with your mothers.

I can either express whats on my mind, or, live happily ever after. I just cant do both.

A verse from the Bible brought a sense of comfort to my heart. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence (Proverbs 13: 2).

Im on a fruit diet.

Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL 34472. He lives with his wife in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 352-687-4240 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is http://www.whatafellowship.com.

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The high cost of speaking your mind | Community ... - The Rushville Republican

March 2017 Hoffmann Architects, an architecture and engineering firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, announces that Lawrence E. Keenan, AIA, PE will assume management of the technical staff at the firms Hamden, Connecticut headquarters from Arthur L. Sanders, AIA, who managed the Connecticut technical staff for nearly 20 years.

Lawrence E. Keenan, AIA, PE, Vice President and Director of Engineering, has been selected to manage the architecture and engineering staff at Hoffmann Architects Connecticut office, where he will oversee project management, allocate technical resources, and see that work is done on time, within budget, and to exacting quality standards. A licensed structural engineer and registered architect, Keenan has more than 25 years experience in building envelope rehabilitation and design. In May, he will celebrate his 20th anniversary with Hoffmann Architects. An owner of the firm who is recognized in the industry for his innovations in concrete structural design, Keenan holds two U.S. patents for precast concrete connections. As President of the Connecticut chapter of the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), he is a sought-after presenter not only for ICRI, but also for the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) and the Structural Engineers Coalition (SEC). With a degree in structural engineering from the University of Connecticut, Keenan is a mentor to staff and a trusted resource on industry standards, code compliance, and structural evaluation. His projects include engineering analysis and project management for Phoenix Life Insurance Company, The Travelers Companies, M&T Bank, BMW of North America, the University of Connecticut, and Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Arthur L. Sanders, AIA, Senior Vice President and Director of Architecture, has ceded staff management responsibilities to Lawrence E. Keenan, AIA, PE but will continue to oversee challenging envelope projects, serve as an expert witness, provide peer review for new construction, and act as a technical resource for staff. Since assuming leadership of the Connecticut technical staff in 1998, Sanders notable contributions include restoration of the Dome of the U.S. Capitol, design of a 70,000-square-foot copper roof replacement at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, peer review of the U.S. Judiciary Office building, consultation on the new Oklahoma state capitol dome, Lawrence E. Keenan, AIA, PE Arthur L. Sanders, AIA Hoffmann Architects Names Lawrence Keenan Manager of Connecticut Office Page 2 restoration of the landmarked iconic Fish Church in Stamford CT, and technical review for the Airforce Academy Chapel. A Yale University alumnus, Art has been an active member in the professional community throughout his 40+ year architecture career. Currently Vice President of the Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA CT), he has served three terms as President for the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Housatonic Chapter and has been a representative to the Industry Practice Committee for the Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) for over 15 years. He also continues his longstanding membership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Hoffmann Architects is fortunate to have benefited from Sanders leadership, and, even as he hands over his administrative and managerial responsibilities, the firm will continue to gain from his expertise, mentorship, and technical guidance.

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Hoffmann Architects names Lawrence Keenan Manager of Connecticut office - Building Design + Construction (press release) (registration)

Above, PCB testing was conducted earlier this month at Burncoat High School. Testing at Doherty is scheduled for later this month/Elizabeth Brooks photos

If you have paid any attention to local news recently, chances are you have seen the three letters PCB grace newspaper headlines more than once. What do they stand for? And why is Worcester talking about them now? Are PCBs dangerous? Why is Worcester testing two of its high schools and why are some officials anxiously awaiting the results?

There are many questions and not a tremendous amount of answers not that everyone can agree on, anyway. As officials conduct air quality tests on Doherty and Burncoat high schools this month (Worcester Magazine was there for the test at Burncoat earlier this month), we look at PCBs and how they have become part of the lexicon in the Worcester Public School district.

Education Association of Worcester president Roger Nugent

WHAT ARE THEY?

PCB stands for Polychlorinated Biphenyl. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PCBs are manmade organic chemicals that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms. Before being banned for commercial use in 1979, PCBs were used in fluorescent light ballasts, caulking, floor finishing, plastics and other materials. The synthetic chemical was popular because it is a good insulator and does not burn easily.

When they were found to cause adverse health effects, PCBs were banned in 1979 and are no longer commercially produced. After multiple studies, the EPA concluded PCBs, have been shown to cause cancer in animals as well as a number of serious noncancer health effects in animals, including: effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects. Studies in humans support evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs.

The EPAs conclusion came after Congress urged the EPA to do a reassessment of PCB carcinogenicity in 1996. The results of that reassessment can be found in a report titled Cancer Dose-Response Assessment for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Application to Environmental Mixtures by Dr. Jim Cogliano of the EPAs National Center for Environmental Assessment.

Cogliano concluded that, Overall, the human studies have been considered to provide limited (IARC, 1987) to inadequate (U.S. EPA, 1988a) evidence of carcinogenicity. The animal studies, however, have been considered to provide sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity (IARC, 1987; U.S. EPA, 1988a). Based on these findings, some commercial PCB mixtures have been characterized as probably carcinogenic to humans (IARC, 1987; U.S. EPA, 1988a.

The EPA then assigned 15 experts, including scientists from government, academia and industry, to peer review the report. All 15 peer reviewers agreed with the EPAs conclusion that PCBs are probable human carcinogens.

Worcester Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Brian Allen

PCBs AND WORCESTER

While many public and private buildings were built before the banning of commercial use of PCBs, the focus in Worcester has been on their presence in schools. There were 19 Worcester public schools constructed between 1950-1978: Belmont Street, Burncoat High, Burncoat Middle, Chandler Elementary, Chandler Magnet, Clark Street, Doherty High, Elm Park, Flagg Street, Forest Grove Middle, McGrath Elementary, Mill Swan, New Citizens Center, North High, South High, Union Hill #2, Wawecus Road, West Tatnuck and Worcester Arts Magnet.

Nine more schools underwent major renovations during that time frame: Columbus Park, Greendale, Harlow Street, May Street, Nelson Place, Rice Square, Thorndyke Road, Tatnuck Magnet and Worcester East Middle.

So, how was the issue of PCBs first brought to the attention of the school department? Worcester Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Brian Allen recalls the Educational Association of Worcester, the local teachers union, requesting access to school buildings to test for PCBS as part of a research project Massachusetts Teachers Association consultant Mike Sireci was working on in his doctoral program for Harvard in 2009.

As far as we know, it was just part of his own research that he was conducting with Harvard, said Allen.

Sireci says he felt compelled to do his own testing to confirm prior PCB testing conducted by George Weymouth, whose test results concluded that PCB levels at Doherty and Burncoat were above the acceptable 50 parts per million.

Once I got Weymouths results I brought them to WPS and asked in writing to mutually test to confirm the results, said Sireci. At that point, I felt in order to fully represent my members, and for student safety, I was compelled to confirm or deny the results. I asked the WPS in writing to join me. At first, they wanted to mutually agree on an industrial hygienist to conduct tests. I continued to ask them to choose someone and they were indecisive or non-responsive through the month of April.

I finally followed up with an additional letter telling them I was going forward to test on May 11, with or without them. I didnt hear back from them so I went forward independently. After I took samples I informed them and they objected. The school department made an argument at hearing that the samples were taken inappropriately. The argument was dismissed. To me, what is more important than this breakdown in communication is the sample results themselves and the significant health implications for the building occupants.

The school district, according to Allen, was merely doing its due diligence.

We were trying to ascertain whether this was a legitimate MTA EAW issue or his own personal research, Allen said. So, thats where we kind of put the brakes on allowing any bulk testing, because we wanted to know what the purpose of the testing was. And bulk testing is literally taking a bulk sample of a material.

Bulk testing, in this instance, consisted of scraping off a piece of window caulking and testing it for PCBs. The school department opposed the request for bulk testing, claiming it would disturb the caulking, resulting in exposed PCBs.

School Committee member Jack Foley reiterated Allens stance.

It first came to us when the union went in unannounced and disturbed some of the caulking to test for the PCBs, Foley said. Frankly there shouldnt be much of a surprise that it does [contain PCBs.] There isnt much debate out there that caulking is going to have PCBs in it. But they did that and they did it without announcing and telling us, and the EPA says dont disturb the caulk. Then youre putting it into the air. From our point of view, we were upset about that happening.

The state Department of Public Health addresses the issue of PCB-containing materials in the indoor environment of schools and other public buildings in an information booklet, in which they claim if PCBs are present in caulking material, that does not mean that exposure and health impact are likely. The booklet reads, in part, MDPH/BEHs review of available fate suggests that if caulking is intact, no appreciable exposure to PCBs are likely and hence health effects would not be expected. MDPH has conducted indoor tests and reviewed available data generated through the efforts of many others in forming this opinion.

The school department, not surprisingly, agrees with the MDPH findings.

Sireci, however, would go forth with his testing in May 2009. His results were congruent with that of Weymouths, with results of 85,600 total parts per million of PCBs in the window caulking at Doherty and 8,320 total parts per million in the window caulking at Burncoat.

Ultimately, then, the EAW raised this as a potential health risk for us, and thats when we engaged our first environmental consultant, which at the time was Triumvirate Environmental, said Allen. They made recommendations to us essentially using, these have been updated, but using EPAs best management practices, and said, This is what you should be doing. So, in 2012 we adopted these best management practices We talked about what should we do first, they said the first thing you do first is remove all unlabeled [light] ballasts, which essentially means PCB containing, so, we removed 100 percent of them in 2012.

The EPA recommended the city take the following steps:

Remove all PCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts Remove PCB-containing caulk, paint and other PCB-containing building materials during planned renovations and repairs (when replacing windows, doors, roofs, ventilation, etc.) Consider encapsulation to reduce PCB exposure Conduct the following best management practices: practices: ensure ventilation systems are operating properly and are regularly inspected, clean with a wet or damp cloth inside of schools and other buildings frequently to reduce dust and residue, and use vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

The city reports it has spent 53.8 million implementing the EPAs best management practices and window replacements since 2012, and an additional $55.7 million to replace Nelson Place Elementary School entirely. Allen said the district re-encapsulated window caulking at both Doherty and Burncoat in December and January, a temporary measure until they either replace the windows or replace the schools completely.

School Committee member Jack Foley

CITY QUESTIONED

Not everyone has bought into what the school department and the city is selling when it comes to how it has dealt with PCBs.

Former mayor Ray Mariano, now a local news columnist for the Worcester Sun, does not think the School Committee and citys reaction to the problem of PCBs has been sufficient, and has criticized both regularly in his column and at public meetings over the past couple months.

In one column he wrote, The School Committee, led by the mayor, is proud of its efforts. How can they be proud when they hid the fact that there were potentially serious health risks in their buildings from students and staff for years? Even when they were removing the poisons in some of the other buildings, they never told anyone. It was only after teachers conducted their own tests, and after years of public pressure, that they have even begun to address this issue publicly.

Allen insists the school department has done and is doing everything it can, and is on the same page as the union.

I think theres a perception that were fighting the union over PCBs, when in fact, were not, Allen said. Were actually proactive and doing something about it. The citys invested all of these resources to replace the windows. Its not that its been a fight over addressing PCBs, its been over the way in which testing will occur.

Allen said the department has been transparent with its actions all along.

I think weve been pretty clear on, since 2012, the projects that weve done and why we were doing them, he said. Weve done them at School Committee meetings, so, in public session, on TV, with the press there. We didnt go in and just remove unlabeled ballasts without telling people. We havent been doing these MSBA window projects without telling people. I think the School Committee has been very clear.

The School Committee did appeal the states labor relation departments decision to allow the union to test for PCBs last June, causing concern to members of both schools and the union. The Commonwealth Employment Relations Board denied that appeal late last month, March 30. Just days later, on April 3, previously-scheduled air testing was conducted at Burncoat. The same test is scheduled at Doherty Monday, April 24. OReilly, Talbot and Okin, the consultants who are doing the testing, said results would take seven to 10 days to be processed.

As for the dispute with the teachers union, Allen said the School Committee was, challenging whether the EAW had the unilateral right to bulk test for caulk. It was over a simple definition, thats my understanding of the case It wasnt over whether we were going to test or not going to test. It wasnt over if we were going to replace windows or not replace windows. It wasnt over if we were going to replace unlabeled ballasts or not replace unlabeled ballasts. Weve done all those things.

If the buildings are bulk tested, and the results come back higher than acceptable limits, Allen said, the question is what would the EPA require the school district to do. The school districts consultants, he said, told them the agency would require air testing.

So, Allen said, were operating under the presumption PCBs exist in the caulk and were already jumping to the next step of air testing. So, the question is why? Because having window caulking doesnt tell us anything. What students or staff are breathing, thats more important to us than if it resides in whats surrounding the window. So, well use the results from Burncoat to say what students and staff are breathing is above or below acceptable limits, what is defined as EPAs acceptable limits for PCBs.

Lets assume for a second that they come back lower. Great. Lets assume they come back higher, whats the next thing you do? You keep implementing these best management practices.

Educational Association of Worcester president Roger Nugent believes the School Committee appealed the courts ruling out of fear.

I think that theyre afraid of the cost, he said. I think theyre afraid of EPA involvement.

BUILDING PLANS

As the discussion about PCBs continues to swirl, the city has noted its intentions to eventually replace Burncoat High School. Doherty is already in line with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for renovations or replacement. South High School is also up for a full replacement.

The MSBA has been selecting one school every other or so year, said Allen. They first selected Nelson Place, they then selected South, they then selected Doherty. So, now weve submitted Burncoat and Worcester East Middle as our two next major renovation projects. Weve identified Burncoat as the priority project Some point in the future we fully anticipate MSBA accepting Burncoat into their pipeline.

If accepted, it is a five-year process total including planning and construction.

One question, Allen acknowledged, may be, Why dont you just replace the windows at Burncoat? Weve asked the MSBA to consider that, and they said no. Based on what weve submitted in our statement of interest to them, which is our request, they said theres too many deficiencies in the school, mechanical, educational space, too much work has to be done. They dont view that as a good investment of their 80 cents on the dollar, and thats a good thing.

Allen said it would cost about $12 million for window replacement at each school, and if there is no MSBA reimbursement, the city would be left to foot the bill. According to Mayor Joe Petty, the city has responded as well as it can to the problem.

I think weve responded better than any other school district in Massachusetts, New England, or maybe even the country, he said. What people have to understand is PCBs are in every building that was built in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Were on the right track, he added. I dont think theres more that we could have done.

Although there has been criticism from Mariano and the union, the school department contends it has been following the EPAs best management practices to the best of its ability.

MORE TO BE DONE

Nugent is not convinced by the schools contentions, and thinks there is room for improvement. Asked whether the school department has been following the EPA guidelines, Nugent said, Not as strictly as I would like to see. I want it done with fidelity and integrity. Theyre coming around though, definitely. Next week theres going to be a training for the custodians as to how to clean PCB dust, where, when I went in to Doherty and Burncoat over the holiday break, I observed several junior custodians cleaning without masks, gloves, respirators, protective clothing, nothing. Just doing it like it was anything else, and that was concerning.

The issue, so far, has only been raised over Burncoat and Doherty. That has some folks wondering why there hasnt been any attention on other schools in the city built during the same time period.

When this began back in 2009, 2010, the EAW presented to us Burncoat and Doherty as two schools of concern, said Allen. We said, No, lets self-identify all of our schools that were built during this period of time so we know what the full scope is. So, we self-identified 27 schools that were either built or had major renovations during that period of time.

Nugent said he is not against testing other schools, but the two schools alone have been a lot to handle. Foley pointed out that while this has been a hot issue in Worcester, the issue is much larger than Worcester. There are 1,900 schools statewide, 900 or so of which were built dbetween1950-1979. Those that have not undergone major renovations or remediation since, are likely to contain a large amount of PCBs.

This is not unusual to Worcester, said Foley. This is really a national issue that people are trying to deal with across the country. And until you can replace the windows or buildings, its looking at these best practices and how do you minimize the presence of PCBs in the buildings and in the air. People that talk about what we need to do is shut down buildings that have PCBs in the caulking, to do so, youll be shutting down a large percentage of the school buildings across the country if you do so. And from what weve been told by professionals with the EPA, the presence of PCBs in the caulking, if handled properly, do not present a health hazard to the occupants of the building.

Mariano has put forth an entirely different opinion. In a column last month, he wrote, When I wrote my column about polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a poisonous chemical and potential carcinogen, at Burncoat and Doherty Memorial high schools for the March 8 Worcester Sun, I had no idea how many staff and students had possibly been impacted. Initially, my wife, who is a teacher at Burncoat, told me she was aware of about a dozen staff who had developed various forms of cancer. By the time I had completed writing my column, the number that we were aware of had doubled to 23.

Nugent also believes PCBs are linked to some of the health issues at the two schools in question.

I do, he said. And I believe that if we were to get somebody thats been on the faculty or staff at Doherty High School that is familiar with people that have retired or passed, that they could come up with some names over there as well that specifically have died from cancer or have cancer.

While there is no way of indisputably proving whether or not the development of cancer is a direct effect of occupying the Doherty and Burncoat buildings, or even how many staff and students have developed cancer (privacy laws prevent that information from being publicly disseminated), the burning question is whether or not the schools are safe to be in right now. The answer depends on whom you ask.

Well, I would say, again, if a probable carcinogen has not been proven to cause cancer, and we are implementing what the EPA says are best procedures, I would say yes, the school is safe, School Superintendent Maureen Binienda said, noting results from the first air quality test have not yet been revealed.

Nugent, on the other hand, had a quick and succinct answer to the same question: No.

The only reason that some people say that PCBs do not cause cancer is because you cannot test humans. Its against the law, he said. When animals have been tested, its been ruled that PCBs do cause cancer in animals, and I think anybody knows, Im no scientist, but I think we all know, when something affects animals it tends to affect humans the same way.

More here:
Cover Story: Worcester schools and the fight against PCBs - Worcester Mag

The following is a sample from the Federal Way Police log:

Brothers duke it out: At 1:15 p.m. on April 12 in the 3700 block of Southwest 335th Street, police responded to a fight between two brothers in which one of them tried to strike the other with a gun. The shotgun he used was unloaded. The brother who was a victim restrained the suspect, who ended up biting him. The malicious brother was arrested and booked into jail for assault.

Sleeping suspects caught: At 9:18 p.m. on April 11 in the 27800 block of Pacific Highway South, officers contacted two suspects who were passed out in a vehicle that was involved in a recent hit-and-run in which a firearm was brandished. The suspects were arrested, the weapon was found and the case handed to Washington State Patrol.

Man with restraining order molests woman: At 10:27 a.m. on April 11 in the 30600 block of Pacific Highway South, a suspect tried to have sex with a victim, but she refused. The suspect ignored her and pulled her pants down against her will and forcibly touched her. The suspect also violated a restraining order. He fled the scene before police arrived.

Stores recycle bin vandalized: At 12:09 p.m. on April 11 in the 1900 block of South 320th Street, police responded to TJ Maxx after a report of an unknown suspect cutting the padlock for the recycle cardboard box container. The suspect(s) also removed some aluminum parts to a display shelf that was left outside the back of the business.

Homeless people not welcome on Frito-Lay land: At 12:04 p.m. on April 10 in the 33900 block of Ninth Avenue South, a person representing the land the Frito-Lay Distribution Center sits on told police there has been ongoing problems with homeless people trespassing. A nearby property had the same problem but had them trespassed. The homeless people left behind needles and a large amount of trash in the area, however. The representative requested those individuals also be trespassed from the Frito-Lay land.

Residents complain about homeless camp: At 1:05 p.m. on April 10 in the 35500 block of Pacific Highway South, residents complained to police about a homeless camp and its accumulation of trash. Officers checked the area and found no one trespassing or any active camps. There was a dismantled tent with a lot of trash and about 20 abandoned shopping carts. Officers determined some of the trash was polluting a creek that runs through the property. The police report was forwarded to code compliance and surface water management for land-owner notification.

Man shoots at vehicle: At 1:12 a.m. on April 9 in the 35600 block of Pacific Highway South, a man shot a round into a vehicle after banging on the victims drivers side window. The suspect told the victim to open the door, but the victim didnt cooperate. While running to another vehicle, the suspect shot at the victims vehicle while the victim was still inside. The victim was unharmed.

Police take backpack with gun into evidence: At 10:56 a.m. on April 9 in the 1900 block of Southwest Campus Drive, police responded to reports of an illegal discharge shooting. At the scene, officers located a dumped backpack behind the location where the shooting had occurred. They found in the bag a .45 pistol with ammunition matching the shell casing discovered at the shooting site. The backpack and gun were submitted to evidence.

Pocket knives scare children: At 4:27 p.m. on April 9 in the 1200 block of South 336th Street, children playing together in a playground were concerned about two other children who had pocket knives. Their parents were contacted and advised to talk to their children about safety and not taking their pocket knives out in the general play area.

Residents report hearing gunshots: At 11:21 a.m. on April 8 in the 1900 block of Southwest Campus Drive, police responded to reports of between five to seven gunshot sounds near the Pavilion Apartments. Officers interviewed witnesses, who said they thought the shots came from a specific building. Police checked the area, as well as the nearby greenbelt, but couldnt find any bullet casings or other evidence. Some witnesses suspected the sounds were actually fireworks. Police closed the case.

Children break window with rocks, flee: At 4:51 p.m. on April 8 in the 2500 block of South 286th Place, some children threw a rock, breaking a window. The victim said the children were between 6 and 10 years old and were playing with the rocks in the playground area behind the victims apartment. One of the children threw a rock, which struck the rear bedroom window, cracking the glass. The children fled the area. Window replacement is estimated to cost $200.

Juvenile arrested for strangling: At 2:57 a.m. on April 7 in the 3900 block of Southwest 328th Place, officers responded to a domestic violence assault. They found the victim face down on the floor and determined that person had been strangled. The suspect, a juvenile, was taken into custody and booked into the King County Juvenile Detention Center on second-degree domestic violence assault charges.

Skate rink drama ends in arrests: At 10:28 p.m. on April 7 at 34222 Pacific Highway S., an officer working off duty at Pattisons West Skating Rink observed a large crowd gathering around the entrance. The officer responded after hearing people scream and being waved over. There, the officer witnessed a male with a red bandana shove the owner of the property. Thinking the crowd would engage in a fight, the officer requested backup and arrested the male. Two other males were also arrested and trespassed from the skating rink. The officer noted the suspects wore red bandanas around their hands or necks and were claiming blood as they caused a ruckus. Police released the males on their own recognizance, as no one had any visible injuries, and the officer did not see any actual fighting, just shoving.

Man shoots at woman driving: At 10:41 p.m. on April 7 in the 1100 block of South Dash Point Road, a victim reported an unknown person shot at her multiple times while she was driving. She believes the shooter was in the passenger seat of another vehicle. She did not sustain injuries, nor was there any damage to her vehicle.

Woman drugged, held at apartment: At 12:13 p.m. on April 6 in the 1000 block of South 320th Street, a woman told police she was held against her will at an apartment. She said several people drugged her and threatened to pimp her out on backpage.com. She claimed one of the suspects hit her face, but she escaped and ran to US Healthworks to call 911. She was eventually taken to the station and interviewed by police. The investigation is ongoing.

Locked up man continues to act like pimp: At 1:09 p.m. on April 6 in the 33300 block of Eighth Avenue South, police learned an incarcerated man has been calling a victim despite a no contact order between the two. According to the police report, he is instructing and profiting from the victim who is performing sex acts for money while he is in jail.

U.S. Bank robbed: At 1:29 p.m. on April 6 at 1436 S. 312th St., a male with a gun robbed the U.S. Bank. A suspicious vehicle was located nearby, and police were able to find and arrest the registered owner.

Go here to see the original:
Homeless people not welcome on Frito-Lay land | Federal Way Police Blotter - Federal Way Mirror

By Stephanie Vanderbilt

Q: I had been waiting all winter for spring so that I could finally give my home some exterior updates to improve curb appeal. Any suggestions?

A: The final days of winter are coming to a close here in New England. As we wait for sunshine and spring greenery to arrive, you might be yearning to refresh the exterior of your home. Whether your home needs a quick pick-me-up or an extensive exterior overhaul, these four home improvement ideas are the perfect tasks to tackle after a long New England winter.

1. Give your door a new glow

The elements and frigid temperatures of winter can do a number on your entry door. If the color of your front door is fading or it has simply seen better days, there is nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to refresh your exterior for spring time.

If you need a little bit of color inspiration, look no further than Sherwin Williams color catalog. This catalog is updated with the trendiest colors for spring 2017, and youre bound to find an option that perfectly complements the exterior of your home.Overall, some of the most popular picks for entry door colors include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, lime green, powder blue, mint and black.

Sherwin Williams chose Poised Taupe as the color of the year. This is a cozy color that brings a feeling of sanctuary to the home. Sherwin William notes that the best complementary colors for Poised Taupe include Mountain Air, Icelandic, Roycroft Rose, Brandywine, Mature Grape and Adriatic Sea.

Keep in mind that in some cases, your door needs more than a fresh coat of paint. If your door is showing signs of rot or its old and drafty, consider replacement this spring. Coastal Windows & Exteriors allows New England homeowners to customize their new entry door with any Sherwin Williams color and comes with a warranty.

2. Add a whimsical touch with interesting exterior lighting

Although the days are getting longer, exterior lighting is one of the quick and easy home improvement ideas that can truly enhance your curb appeal. There are a lot of creative ways that you can use landscape lighting, such as using colorful orbs around your garden. You can also use down lighting that is mounted on a tree to light up patios, porches, gazebos and more.

If youre concerned about your electric bill rising with your new exterior lighting, consider using solar powered options to keep your garden glowing.

3. Shake up your shutters' paint palette

Another great idea to add a burst of color to your home this spring is by changing up the color of your window shutters. Window shutters are a decorative feature for most homes, although homes situated along the coast may use them as barriers against windstorms and hurricanes.

How do you choose the perfect paint color for your shutters? Choose color options that either coordinate or contrast with your homes existing color. You can also consider painting your shutters the same new paint color as your front door.

4. Add efficiency and beauty with new replacement windows

If the winter season essentially drained your bank account from high energy bills, new replacement windows can add both efficiency and beauty to your home this spring. If upgrading your windows is on your home improvement to-do list this year, you can also take this opportunity to improve style and even add custom aesthetic features.

For example, standard vinyl windows are typically white. However, many New England homeowners are unaware that there are endless options to get creative with your new windows. You can choose custom colors to enhance your home, along with interior wood grain options for homeowners yearning for the warm look of authentic wood but the energy-efficiency of virgin vinyl cost-saving windows. Did you know that your windows can have custom exterior colors for historic districts or simply if you want them to match your shirt? Contact Coastal Windows & Exteriors to learn more.

While there are countless color options to choose from, dont forget about extra aesthetic options such as decorative glass and grids. Colonial and diamond grids are the perfect complement to New England Tudor and Colonial style homes. You can make your home instantly look more modern with double prairie, or pick the classic craftsman style for a quick exterior pick-me-up.

Keep in mind that vinyl windows are the best option in terms of maintenance and energy efficiency. While wood windows are prone to rot, quality virgin vinyl will stand the test of time without the need to ever lift as much as a paint brush.

Coastal Windows & Exteriors helps New England homeowners to enhance their homes performance while boosting curb appeal at the same time. Ask Stephanie how new windows, roofing, siding, and doors can take your exterior to the next level and even increase the value of your home. Contact us today by calling 978-304-0495 or e-mail svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com.

-- Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, is your local home improvement resource. With a passion for education and helping others love the home they live in, Stephanie would love to answer any questions that will help you make your home beautiful, warm, safe and energy-efficient.

Read more:
AT HOME WITH STEPHANIE: Refreshing your home's exterior after winter - Wicked Local Melrose

The Indiana Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill Thursday aimed at shielding from child neglect charges people who anonymously surrender babies in newborn safety devices at hospitals.

The bill, now on its way to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb for his signature, also provides civil immunity to hospitals that install the boxes and receive a baby, and it allows two existing boxes at fire stations near Michigan City and Woodburn to continue operating.

I'm super excited ecstatic, said Monica Kelsey, a firefighter and medic, and founder of Woodburn, Ind.-based Safe Haven Baby Boxes. This has been a long fight for us, but I've never given up hope, and legislators have agreed this has to happen in Indiana.

The bill expands Indiana's existing Safe Haven Law, which enables a person to anonymously give up an unwanted infant without fear of arrest or prosecution, in a face-to-face interaction with an emergency medical services provider.

Indiana child welfare and health experts have opposed the boxes, saying people should abandon babies only directly to care providers. Kelsey said she agrees that's preferable but it's naive not to realize that some mothers can't bear the shame of that, especially in small rural communities where they are more likely to know the provider.

Kelsey said her biological mother, who had been raped, abandoned her two hours after she was born at a small hospital in Williams County, Ohio, in 1972. Authorities later found her mother and agreed not to prosecute her if she signed adoption papers, which she did.

The boxes, which install into an exterior wall, have heating and cooling elements, depending on the temperature outside, and weight and motion sensors that notify emergency responders when an infant has been placed inside.

The bill does not specify that fire stations are immune from civil liability, and Kelsey said she will not install more boxes at fire stations until the law is again changed to include them.

Kelsey said she already has contracted with a Michiana hospital to install a box, expected within 90 days, but she declined to identify the hospital yet.

Last year she had planned to install a box at The Life Center, 2018 Ironwood Circle, in South Bend, but the center changed its mind and withdrew from their contract in the face of opposition from the Indiana State Department of Health, said Shawn Sullivan, a South Bend attorney, anti-abortion activist and founder of the Catholic-based center.

The ISDH said they were going to fight it legally, Sullivan said. That caused a number of people to get cold feet, including the Knights of Columbus, which had planned to buy the boxes.

Sullivan said he was confident his center will eventually install a box, but how fast that happens will depend on the state health department's reaction to the new law, assuming Holcomb signs it.

The bill passed the Senate 47-3, receiving support from all Michiana area legislators. Voting against it were Sens. Phil Boots, R-Crawfordsville; Jim Merritt, R-Indianapolis and Jean Breaux, D-Indianapolis.

Breaux said she voted against the bill because of the Indiana Department of Child Services' continued opposition to the boxes, the lack of regulated standards on their design and construction, and the uncertainty over how quickly someone would retrieve a baby left in one.

Breaux said women should know that they can surrender babies face-to-face, without giving any information, in no judgment zones.

We certainly shouldn't make it easier for them to circumvent what is in the best interest of that child and not handing it over to a responsible adult is not in the best interest of that child, Breaux said.

The bill also cleared the House 92-4. Breaux said that emotion often times rules where rationality should.

More here:
Despite concerns of child health experts, baby box bill clears Indiana legistlature - South Bend Tribune