By Debra McCown/Bristol Herald Courier - Ginny Barker (in pink) tells tour participants about the fine features in the kitchen of John and Mary Beth Poma during the Twilight Kitchen Tour on Thursday evening.

One kitchen boasts granite countertops and decorative white cabinets; in another, wormy chestnut and sculpted metal form an entirely different look.

It is a world of pop-up mixers and sliding spice cabinets, microwave drawers and hidden ice makers: Kitchen tours have become a popular and successful means to help fund the Virginia Highlands Festival.

Abingdon is sort of given to tours of homes because there are so many historic places in Abingdon, explained Sue Clark, a member of the festivals board of directors and its home and garden committee, which oversees the kitchen tours. Any time we get to go into some of these old places, we jump at it.

The tours feature a variety of houses, from the historic to the opulent to the typical.

I think they enjoy seeing how other people decorate their homes, said Ginny Barker, a festival volunteer who was showing tour participants around one of the kitchens Thursday.

Two tours are held each year, organizers said: one in the evening and one during the day. This year, the daytime tour sold all 80 tickets at a price of $15 each. The twilight tour sold nearly all of its 70 tickets at a price of $35 each.

Clark said the proceeds pay for such things as tents and setup for the annual 16-day summer festival, which helps drive Abingdon tourism.

Betty Cline and Louise King said they havent missed a single kitchen tour since they began in the early 1960s.

I just love kitchens, Cline said, and I love the new renovations that they come out with every year.

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Kitchen tours popular at Virginia Highlands Festival

Faith Zaba

A ROW is brewing over potentially corrupt selection of architects for major government public works projects, amid allegations that plum contracts are mostly being given to Zanu PF-aligned consultants. In interviews with Zimbabwe Independent, local architects accused the ministry of public works and other government departments of favouring a few individuals connected to Zanu PF when selecting architects to design and supervise major government projects. However, senior officials in the ministry of public works dismissed allegations of corruption in the awarding of contracts, saying the nomination of consultants was done on merit, not cronysm. But a Harare-based architect said: There are about 30 to 40 black architects in the country, but government works programmes are being given to just a few people. One person who has benefitted the most is JB (Joel Biggy) Matiza, when there are so many other architects who can also do the job. This has always been a big issue among local architects. Matiza has a big advantage over other architects because he is an MP and he gets to know about state projects before us. We have always been advocating the equitable distribution of public programmes. One way of making the process more transparent and accountable would be to subject the process to design competitions. This way, the best company wins and it also deals with corruption. Some of the big projects which Matizas Studio Arts company designed include the first proposed parliament building which was supposed to be constructed in the Kopje area but has since been shifted to Mount Hampden; the unfinished Central Registry offices; Interpol offices; the Social Security Centres; Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Kariba airports; Zimdef building in Bulawayo; and the Bindura, Chinhoyi, Lupane and Masvingo state universities. The most recent contract awarded to Matiza is the Victoria Falls United Nations World Tourism Organisation conference project, expected to cost US$1 billion, involving the construction of two hotels, a shopping mall, convention centre and a golf course. Architects are paid 6% of the total cost of the project, while quantity surveyors get 3% and engineers 5%. However, Public Works permanent secretary Engineer George Mlilo said Matiza was awarded the contracts on merit. He said a consultant is usually chosen from a pool of architects depending on the project. Mlilo said they consider the architects track record and his or her companys ability to design and supervise the project. We know all the consultants and we know their performance and their track record and from that we then decide who to commission to do the design and supervise the project, he said. Some of these architects dont supervise to our satisfaction. Some of them dont perform; they dont have the staff to supervise and monitor the projects and this comes out in their reports. We choose the ones that have a reputation to deliver, which Matiza has. He designed the proposed parliament building and this has not been implemented and I am not sure if we even paid him for that project. Normally, we dont pay fully until the project is implemented. University jobs are a repeat job. Mlilo said there are 520 government capital projects, which are at a standstill because of lack of funding. These range from hospitals, to decentralised registry offices and clinics. These projects are spread across local architects. Our aim is to finish up the projects that we started because we are losing our investment on these projects the longer we take, he said. Another top official in the ministry pointed out that just like you, you go to the best doctor, you dont just go to any. We choose the best person for the job. We cant give everyone. Matiza is a very good architect and he is very enterprising. We look at company profiles as well. (See page 5)

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Row over public works contracts

Express-Times photographer Matt Smith is offering a season-long look at some of the people who keep the Lehigh Valley IronPigs flying. Check back for more Down on the Farm features.

Next time you grumble about working over a hot stove making dinner, just think it could be worse.

Jan Giejda starts every work day at 7:30 a.m. wondering how hes going to satisfy a hungry crowd of 1,500 to 1,600.

Plus, as executive chef for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, he also has to feed two baseball teams per game twice.

Its what I love, Giejda says of his job. Of all the places I worked and all the places Ive been this is the biggest challenge Ive ever had in my career.

Its his third season with the IronPigs, after a 22-year career in the food industry.

As we go behind the scenes at the IronPigs, you can tell this is a job that requires passion and organization.

Giejda is in charge of the 19 private suites, two party porches, team suite, four dugout suites, picnic patio (which seats 500), the Red Robin Tiki Terrace, press box, Pig Stop, Red Robin Oasis (where you can get cooked-to-order meals), the bar menu on the club level and catering. Concessions are a whole different animal.

Giejda jokes that he sleeps about four hours per night.

Before a 7:05 p.m. game, his mornings start with paperwork and by 8:30 a.m. hes already prepping for the following day.

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Down on the Farm: Cooking in the kitchen

Plant thieves target Joel Eisenbaum's home

Police are looking for a man and woman who, they said, have been making off with expensive potted plants right off people's porches in the Heights area.

On the Inner Loop Houston Crime Alerts Facebook page, there is post after post about two potted plant thieves.

KPRC Local 2 investigator Joel Eisenbaum is a recent victim himself.

"All of a sudden I see this guy bear-hugging one of my planters, moving slowly toward his car. I'm like, 'What is this guy doing?'" said Eisenbaum.

Eisenbaum said the back of this thieves' SUV was filled with potted plants, and he got a good look at the suspect.

"I swear this guy looked exactly like the singer Marc Anthony. I'm like, 'What is Marc Anthony doing stealing my plants?'" Eisenbaum said.

Residents said thefts have happened on Harvard Street, 17th and Studewood, just to name a few. Residents just want these thieves caught.

"When you're the victim of crime, even small petty crime, it's a bummer," Eisenbaum said.

Eisenbaum and other victims said the thieves are traveling in a green Honda CRV with paper license plates.

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Thieves steal pricey potted plants

As summer temperatures soar and our bodies break into sweat, we seek shelter indoors, where we're protected from bugs and heat. But even on the hottest day, we should not disregard the porch.

Screened porches offer an experience that cannot be found elsewhere. They are the meeting point between home and garden, offering exposure to the elements with the protection and comfort of being indoors. In other words, the best of both worlds.

"It's nature up close, but not too personal," said Washington, D.C.-based designer Christopher Patrick. "That's a fun luxury to play around with."

But screened porches are not always fun to decorate.

"It's a hybrid space, so people have a tough time figuring out how to approach it," said James Farmer, author of the book "Porch Living" ($30, Gibbs Smith). "It's not inside, but it's not outside. It's not the garden, but it's not the dining room. It can be whatever you want it to be, but having too many options is intimidating. People don't know where to begin."

To simplify things, Farmer recommends approaching the porch exactly as you would a living room. Decide what functions the space should serve and then decorate it accordingly, adjusting finishes and fabrics to suit an outdoor living space. The aesthetic goal, he said, is for the porch to be an extension of the home.

When designer David Mitchell decorated his porch, he enclosed it with screens to capture the nostalgic feeling of summer camp in North Carolina, a beloved childhood memory.

The challenge was making the narrow, 10- by 20-foot space seem roomy for a group and also pleasant during Washington, D.C., heat waves.

"I wanted room for six of us to have cocktails and dinner," he said. "Once I finally figured that out, I had to make it bearable."

Doing so required experimentation, but Mitchell settled on a combination of ceiling fans and Dyson floor fans. Overhead fans spin hot air around, he said, while floor fans circulate the cooler air before it rises.

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Decorating and enjoying a screened porch

461 Second St., Unit 126, San Francisco

Beds: 1 Baths: 1 Square footage: 1,250 Price: $4,500/mo.

This furnished brick and timber loft in the historic ClockTower has an open floor plan, exposed brick and timber beams and dark hardwood throughout its lower level. The bedroom features plantation shutter enclosures, a desk and chaise longue. Its full bath has custom fixtures and a shower-over-tub with granite surround. The kitchen has a breakfast bar, granite countertops, glass-tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. The dining room converts into a guest bedroom with a queen-size Murphy bed. The unit has a washer and dryer, and a one-car garage parking space is included.

Leasing agent: Leah Johnson, McGuire Real Estate, (415) 901-2781, ljohnson@mcguire.com.

106 Lake Merced Hill, San Francisco

Beds: 2 Baths: 2.5 Square footage: 2,000 Price: $4,500/mo.

This three-level townhome is furnished in a gated and guarded community. Offering views of Lake Merced, it includes a home office along with a formal dining room, a sunken living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a deck and parking for two cars. The eat-in kitchen has a breakfast bar, new appliances, new tile countertops and cabinets. There is also a full laundry room. The condominium community holds a large central clubhouse, a heated swimming pool, a spa, two saunas and three tennis courts. There's also a golf course nearby.

Leasing agent: Peter Chovanes, Vanguard Property Management, (415) 517-7667, pchovanes@gmail.com.

The Chronicle and BlockShopper San Francisco scour the Bay Area to find what range of properties renters can get for their money. This week, What You Can Rent looks at homes for $4,500.

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What you can rent in San Francisco for $4,500

02-08-2012 11:19 Ward-Tek is lead by the Estimating and Production expertise of Kerry LeVan (over 27 years in the Insurance Repair Industry), and Scott Wonacott (24 years in the Building Industry, 18 of which involving insurance.) Ward-Tek covers a territory composed of the entire bay area, inclusive of San Mateo County, San Francisco County, and Santa Clara County. Uncertain if we serve your area? Please feel free to contact us! Ward-Tek offers a 24hr. Emergency Service; 7 days a week. Call us today! 12539401 Fire, Water, Smoke, Restoration, Home, House, Belmont, California, KRON

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Ward Tek Restoration Video | Home Restoration in Belmont - Video

PEABODY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) ("Beacon") announced today that it has acquired Contractors Roofing & Supply Co. (CRS), a distributor of residential roofing products and related accessories with one location in the St. Louis suburb of OFallon, MO and annual sales of approximately $14 million.

Ken Bennett, CRSs owner who will be leaving to pursue other business interests, stated "I am thrilled that CRS will continue as part of Beacon, which can offer CRSs customers wider access to roofing and other building products while maintaining and enhancing the high level of service and value that CRS has provided over the years. Beacon also offers our employees and their families greater opportunities for growth in the roofing distribution business."

Paul Isabella, Beacons CEO and President, stated: The CRS acquisition, combined with the expected opening Monday, August 6, 2012, of a new Roof Depot branch in St. Louis, gives us a solid presence in the very important and active St. Louis market. CRS has developed a strong and loyal customer base, and its dedicated and experienced team will work closely with our new branch to deliver the highest level of service and product offering to the St. Louis contractor community. We are excited to be in St. Louis and look forward to further growth in that market."

About Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.: Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. is a leading distributor of roofing materials and complementary building products operating 207 branches in 38 states in the United States and across Canada. Website: http://www.beaconroofingsupply.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.'s business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.

BECN-F

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Beacon Roofing Supply Acquires St. Louis-Based Contractors Roofing & Supply Co.

Regional News of Thursday, 2 August 2012

Source: GNA

The Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing (MWRWH) would soon clamp down on illegal activities of some foreign and local architects and engineers operating in the Built Environment.

The move is in compliance with the Architects Decree 1969 and Bye-Law of the Architect Registration Council (ARC) that required the professionals to seek license from the Council before operating in the country.

Dr Hannah Louisa Bissiw, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, announced this at the 12th Induction ceremony organised for newly registered architects in Accra on Thursday.

She said the Ministry would work in close collaboration with the ARC to provide the appropriate sanctions for offenders.

Dr Bissiw said Whereas some have complied, others have crept into the country and are cowardly operating without license".

The Ministry is urging all such illegal architects to do the right thing by seeking license from the ARC.

She stressed that MWRWH would be At the heels of such unauthorised persons...and would deal with them in accordance with the laws of Ghana.

Dr Bissiw said the Government was working to ensure that the standards for architectural and engineering designs as well as building code and regulations were developed and enforced through the National Human Settlements Policy and Strategy.

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Government to clamp down on illegal foreign and local architects

PHILADELPHIA Russell Roofing returned a part of architectural history today as they put the newly restored cupola atop the Overbrook School for the Blind.

As part of a complete renovation to the Main Entrance roof at Overbrook, Russell Roofing rebuilt the 1,700-pound copper cupola that has been in place since the 1800s. The cupola was fully restored with new 20-oz. copper and all of the original details were replicated during the process.

When the cupola was taken down, a time capsule was discovered inside with documents detailing the names of the mechanics who worked on it, their timecards and information about the project. To continue this tradition, Russell Roofing created its own time capsule with names and pictures to be placed in the new structure along with copies of the original documents.

In honor of the restoration of the cupola, a group of students and staff from Overbrook were on hand to replace the time capsule. Since 1832, Overbrook has offered a variety of programs for children of all ages and abilities, and Russell Roofing is pleased to have had the students in attendance for this memorable event.

For more information on Russell Roofing please go to http://www.russellroofing.com, https://www.facebook.com/RussellRoofing or call 888-567-7663.

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As part of a complete renovation to the Main Entrance roof at Overbrook, Russell Roofing rebuilt the 1,700-pound copper cupola that has been in place since the 1800s. The cupola was fully restored with new 20-oz. copper and all of the original details were replicated during the process.

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Russell Roofing restores cupola of Overbrook School for the Blind