Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

BOSTON (CBS) For the last five summers AARP has produced an article in their in July Bulletin on 99 Ways to Save. Last year I reviewed about half the list. Many of them useful, just as many not so useful.

This year they have another crop with 17 experts giving advice. Some of it quite good and some of it you have heard before but just havent done anything with it.

Tips from Bob Vila, home improvement expert

Unplug it! Vampire electronics consume power even when turned off. A typical household can save $100 a year using smart power strips, which cut electricity to devices in standby mode.

Great to use at your desk for your computer and printer, but hard to use in your bathroom for your toothbrush. You could also unplug your chargers after using them.

Install a low-flow showerhead. A low-flow fixture reduces the volume of water but does not affect the water pressure in any way. Saves 2,900 gallons a year, according to the EPA.

In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan. Revolving clockwise, the fan will pull up cool air and send down the heated air thats settled near the ceiling.

I did not know this!

Seal drafty windows and doors. You can save 20% on energy to heat and cool a home that is well sealed and insulated.

Lower your water heater temperature setting. Manufacturers often configure the default to 140 degrees, when for the average home 120 degrees is sufficient. With each decrease of 10 degrees, you save an additional 3-5% in energy costs.

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99 Great Ways To Save, In Your Home, From The AARP Bulletin

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- A piece of Rochester history celebrates its 25th anniversary Wednesday.

In 1988, Midge Thomas, widow of the late Dr. Freddy Thomas, needed a drink of water to take some medication but found no free drinking water available in downtown Rochester.

Thomas spearheaded a movement to get a public drinking fountain downtown. Wednesday was the fountain's 25th anniversary of the Miss Jane Pittman drinking fountain outside the Sibley Building at the Liberty Pole.

The fountain is named after the fictional character in the 1971 novel by Ernest Gaines.

"The symbol represents the time years ago when there were separate drinking fountains. We wanted this fountain to be more meaningful than just having a drink of water. It talks about the history of this country of America," said Thomas.

To commemorate the anniversary of the Miss Jane Pittman Fountain, Mayor Lovely Warren proclaimed this Midge Thomas Day in Rochester honoring her efforts to make this community fountain a reality.

Mrs. Thomas said back in 1989 when the fountain was dedicated, Cicely Tyson, the actress who portrayed Miss Jane Pittman in the TV dramatization in 1974, was invited to attend the dedication. However, Tyson wanted an $800,000 attendance fee. Ernest Gaines, author of the novel, appeared instead for free.

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Miss Jane Pittman Drinking Fountain's 25th Anniversary

photo illustration from Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco shown in a rendering with rigging that will act as a safety net. Construction of the netting was approved last month and will take three years.

Of the dead, we know so little.

Their names, usually. The clothes they wore. That they lost hope, and where.

Richard Elliot Stone was one of the latest; he jumped off the George Washington Bridge on July 20, just before sunset. We know he wore jeans and a black T-shirt. He was 30 years old.

The police refuse to give any more information, preferring not to encourage more jumpers. Already, the number of people leaping to their deaths from the George Washington Bridge is increasing, owing, perhaps, in part to a number of high-profile suicides from the span in recent years.

The death toll by the third week of July had reached 13, on pace to set a new annual record.

Now, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which has taken steps over the years to identify and stop potential jumpers, is taking its most aggressive step yet: construction of a 9-foot fence that officials believe will make jumping from the bridge exceedingly difficult. The move parallels other steps taken by managers of spans across the nation, including the Golden Gate Bridge, where a giant net will be put up to catch those who jump.

At the GWB, the death toll has risen so quickly that even local advocates for suicide prevention have been caught by surprise.

For years, the average was about six people per year who jump from the bridge, said Dale Carnhi, director of the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions metro New York region. But 13 this year? Wow. I didnt know that.

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As GWB suicides approach record, an effort to stop jumpers

Florida.Orange County Public Schools are busy readying their facilities in preparation of receiving students for the 2014-2015 school year. OCPS utilizes over 2000 portable classrooms affording them the ability to provide facilities within the county's fluctuating demographics.

The school district chose Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated's ramp, step and deck systems for their portable buildings which allows them to reuse the access systems year after year dramatically reducing the cost associated with classroom relocation while providing students safe, quiet and attractive access. LCCI moved an excess of 400 systems off and on classrooms already this summer. The precast concrete system is not only safe and attractive but is also low maintenance and code compliant meeting all state and federal requirements including wind load. Leesburg Concrete manufactures, installs and relocates the modular precast concrete ramps, steps and decks and accompanying code compliant rails.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated

Family owned and operated since 1983, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated was first a leading manufacturer of precast concrete steps decks, walkways, landings, and ADA compliant modular precast concrete wheelchair ramps, with steel guard rails, and handrails. They also manufacture Easi-Set Buildings, Easi-Span field assembled large and ultra-large buildings and Easi-Set restrooms which feature a patented post-tensioning system in the roof and floor, architectural precast cladding panels and precast concrete stairs. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast product options. "We've never had a job that we couldn't handle," stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This family-owned, American company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is a NPCA Certified Plant, focused on meeting the needs of commercial building construction and renovation projects. Their experienced staff provides turnkey service, and it only takes one call to find the solution to your building needs. For more information visit their website at http://www.leesburgconcrete.com, (800) 882-4177, or KRouse@leesburgconcrete.com.

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Florida School District Saves Money

VIDEO By ERIN HOLL Monday July 28, 2014 12:31 PM

Pilot Dogs, a central Ohio nonprofit, has been serving the blind community for more than 60 years by providing guide dogs.

Pilot Dogs, whose headquarters is at 625 W. Town St., Columbus, has about 35 staff members who work at the main building and at kennels where the dogs are kept.

Toni Gray, puppy director for Pilot Dogs, is in charge of the training program. Pilot Dogs gets puppies for training from area breeders and has its own in-house breeding program, as well.

According to Gray, the dogs used for training are one of seven breeds: golden retriever, Doberman pinscher, Labrador retriever, Vizsla, poodle, German shepherd or boxer.

The group always is looking for puppy raisers, Gray said.

Puppies raisers have the job or preparing the dog for its life as a guide dog. The puppies, usually placed with raisers when they are 7 to 10 weeks old, are expected to be treated and taken care of as if they were a family pet.

Some exceptions apply, though. Gray said she wants raisers to have a crate for the pet and not allow the animals on furniture or beds. Raisers also attend obedience programs.

Pilot Dogs pays for all of the veterinary bills for the dogs and reimburses for approved obedience-training classes. Raisers are aksed to supply food for the dog.

Gray said Pilot Dogs also uses prisons to raise the dogs for the program.

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Puppy raisers fundamental to Pilot Dogs training program

July 29, 2014 - Intended for installations in industrial, marine, transportation, and off-shore industries, Grit-Coated Fiber Glass Step Covers and Walkway Panels exceed OSHA and ADA slip resistance recommendations. Construction consists of 0.125 in. thick fire retardant fiberglass (FRP) coated with blend of mineral abrasive epoxy grit. Step covers come in 3, 9, and 11.75 in. depths. While 3 and 9 in. covers have 1 in. nose, 11.75 in. version has 2 in. nose. Several grit-coating options are available. Sure-Foot Industries Corp. 20260 First Ave. Cleveland, OH, 44130 USA Press release date: July 1, 2014

Sure-Foot Industries Corporation adds Anti-slip Fiberglass Step Covers & Walkway Panels

CLEVELAND, OHIO Sure-Foot Industries Corporation adds Grit-Coated Fiber Glass Step Covers and Walkway Panels to their line of anti-slip flooring solutions. Durable and resilient, these fiber glass (FRP) offerings are ideal for installations in the industrial, marine, transportation and off-shore industries. Sure-Foots fiber glass products exceed slip resistance recommendations published by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

These Sure-Foot anti-slip items are constructed of 0.125 thick fire retardant fiberglass (FRP), coated with a proprietary blend of mineral abrasive epoxy grit. This exclusive grit coating provides anti-slip coverage across the entire walking surface. Sure-Foot Step Covers are available in 3, 9 and 11.75 depths. The 3 & 9 covers are manufactured with a 1 nose while the 11.75 step cover comes with a 2 nose. All FRP products are available in three (3) distinct grit-coating options: Heavy Duty, Medium, and Fine. All grit options exceed slip resistance recommendations as published by OSHA and ADA. Standard color options are safety yellow and black.

The two-color option of safety yellow (nose) with black (surface) color combination meets recommendations from ADA for the visually impaired for contrasting colors, as well as California State Code Title 24 for clearly contrasting color combinations.

Due to their slim and lightweight construction, Sure-Foot Step Covers are ideal for use on structurally sound steps including concrete, grated staircases and steel diamond plate stair treads frequently found in the industrial, transportation and off-shore industries. Sure-Foot Step Covers are designed to remain strong and uphold their anti-slip qualities throughout the life of the product. This durable design allows the product to withstand the heavy foot traffic and harsh conditions often present in todays demanding environments. Cleaning the step covers is simple: the epoxy surface tolerates industrial floor cleaners, stiff bristled brushing, and pressure washing up to 1,500 PSI. When installed and cared for properly, Sure-Foot Grit-Coated Fiber glass Step Covers & Walkways will help prevent slips, trips and falls in areas where safety is necessary.

About Sure-Foot Industries Corporation Sure-Foot Industries Corporation is a family owned organization dedicated to insuring safe footing. Since 1979 Sure-Foot has been manufacturing high quality, American Made products in their Cleveland, Ohio facilities. Their anti-slip product line includes tapes, aluminum and rubber stair treads, modular tiles, fiberglass grit-coated step covers and walkways, as well as a variety of custom made items to meet each customers unique and specific needs.

Call Sure-Foot Industries Corp. at 1-800-522-6566 to discuss your anti-slip requirements or visit http://www.surefootcorp.com to request a sample.

PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!!

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Anti-Slip Flooring Solutions withstand traffic, harsh conditions.

Summer travel means you can glean gardening tips from all over the world. This summer, we organized a tour that included a river cruise on the Danube.

Our first adjustment was that the Danube was not really blue, but we think of it that way because of the still-famous melody named The Blue Danube waltz. The green riverwater flows past some beautiful countryside and the climate in Germany, Austria and Bulgaria along the Danube River is similar to our own, so these take-home ideas are practical as well as pretty:

1. Ivy geraniums are practical flowers to use in a window box.

There is a reason that ivy geraniums spill from the window boxes of Bavaria. First, they repel flies so you can leave your windows open without inviting flying insects inside. Second, ivy geraniums bloom better when their roots are crowded into a shallow container such as a window box. Just remember to fertilize, water and deadhead all summer for months of bright Bavarian style blooms.

2. Tilia-trees will perfume your garden.

We may call this a linden tree in America, but all over Europe the little-leaf linden or Tilia cordata is successfully used as a fragrant street tree blooming in late spring and early summer. Very tolerant of city pollution with well-behaved roots, the Tilia tree would be a good choice as a patio tree and can even be sheared into a hedge.

Different varieties of Tilia are available in dwarf or columnar forms, but all have a silver color on the undersides of the leaves, butter yellow fall foliage color and a symmetrical branching pattern. There is even a Tilia tree that is native to North America. This tree deserves more use in American gardens.

3. Cleome is the hottest new plant for beds and planters.

This annual flower is also called the spider flower because the fluffy pink, purple or white blooms explode with spider-like petals. The new more compact cleome varieties make this summer bloomer a low-maintenance thriller plant that does not need staking yet blooms taller than your more traditional geraniums and petunias.

We saw cleome grouped in the center of island beds, used as focal point flowers in container gardens and even as tall edging flowers to create a hedge along walkways and sidewalks. In dry soil and warm areas, this annual can reseed to a fault, but the newest varieties are hybrids from Proven Winners and are not only more compact but also better-behaved. Look for cleome Senorita Rosalita and the Spirit Series of cleome at local nurseries that sell the Proven Winners brand of annual plants.

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Gardening lessons from the Danube

July 30, 2014 - AZEK iPad App lets users visualize AZEK house trim, deck, railing, and paver products onresidences. In 2D section, user can choose any of5 scenes and thenmix and match products, designs, and colors. Users can also learn about AZEK products by watching videos and viewing photo galleries. In 3D experience,user will scan visualization marker to enter Augmented Reality (AR), where 3D AZEK home appears anduser can personalize house, rotate it 360, and change product colors. AZEK Building Products Inc. 888 North Keyser Avenue Scranton, PA, 18504 USA Press release date: July 24, 2014

SCRANTON, Pa. -- AZEK Building Products is making it easier than ever to visualize AZEK house trim, deck, railing and paver products on a home, with a new, free AZEK iPad App that provides the power to re-imagine home and outdoor living spaces in realistic 2D and 3D! With the new AZEK App, it's easy to turn dreams of outdoor living spaces into visual reality with a simple tap or swipe using five different product scenarios. From inspired trim and moulding applications, deck and railing designs, porch colors, and paver layouts, the AZEK App places the power of creative outdoor visualization in any user's hands.

Starting out in the 2D section, an iPad user can choose any of five home scenes, and mix and match products, designs, and colors to customize the scenes. They can also learn about the full suite of AZEK products by watching videos and viewing the extensive photo galleries. After exploring the 2-dimensional visualization images and customizing AZEK product color schemes, the user can then take the design to the level of cutting-edge 3D technology to bring an entire house to life.

In the 3D experience, a user will scan what is known as a "visualization marker", such as the cover of any AZEK catalog or a downloadable image from http://www.azek.com/iPad, to enter the exciting world of Augmented Reality (AR). In the AR experience, a 3D AZEK home appears and a user can personalize the house, rotate it 360 degrees, change product colors and then zoom in to make sure it's perfectly designed. If a visualization marker isn't available, Virtual Reality (VR) mode can be used to view and customize the AZEK home in 3D.

Once the home has been customized, it will be easy to imagine how a family might enjoy their outdoor spaces - with special moments on the front porch, back deck, or even on the paver patio. And, after completion, the dream design can be saved, adding notes or tags, and then shared with friends. A user can even invite others to experience it.

Creating the perfect outdoor space has never been easier than with the free 3D AZEK App.

Visit the Apple App store today to download it. To locate the AZEK 3D AR marker, click here.

For a brief video on how the AZEK App works, go to http://youtu.be/SGX0n8qO_8s

About AZEK Building Products: Part of CPG Building Products, the AZEK brand capitalizes on more than 25 years of cellular pvc manufacturing experience to make and market premium, low maintenance exterior building products such as AZEK Deck, the leading brand of low-maintenance decking, and AZEK Trim, the leading brand of low-maintenance trim. Other AZEK products include AZEK Mouldings, AZEK Porch, AZEK Rail, and AZEK Pavers. They offer tangible benefits as ideal replacements for traditional building materials. For information, call 1-877-ASK-AZEK (877-275-2935) or visit the AZEK website at http://www.azek.com. Follow AZEK on Facebook ( /azekbuildingproducts) and Twitter (@AZEKProducts).

CONTACT: Maureen Murray, 973-993-1570, precise2@optonline.net

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Planning App facilitates 3D visualization of outdoor spaces.

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Tree Service Contractor in Wichita Falls | Tree Removal | Tree trimming Company.
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Tree Service Contractor in Wichita Falls | Tree Removal | Tree trimming Company. - Video