CASTLEWOOD, S.D. (KELO) Officials in Castlewood are monitoring who can come into town as residents continue to clean up from Thursday nights tornado damage.

David Johnson shared a video of the tornado moving through town with KELOLAND News.

I walked out of my apartment and I saw what I saw and I mean, it was crazy. I mean, I didnt realize that I had caught what tore up Castlewood until a couple hours later, Johnson said.

That tornado was classified as an EF 2 with 120 miles per hour winds that damaged a school, homes and businesses in its path.

Last nights tornado was unlike anything people in Castlewood had seen before. It happened so fast that Dwayne Sonen and his wife couldnt make it to the basement. Instead, they were by this recliner, which might be what saved them.

We lost the wall in the south side in the basement, if we wouldve made it to the basement, we probably wouldve been killed, Dwayne Sonen said.

The house next door was getting an upgrade, but now the windows are broken and the roof is gone.

We just got done remodeling and one piece of siding away before the tornado hit. So basically were going to start over, Shane Mack said.

Everyone in these two houses got out safely and though there were some injuries in town, nothing major was reported.

We have a saying today, 24s dont bleed so. We can rebuild, Mack said.

As for the school in Castlewood, with the windows boarded up and part of the roof caved in, its unclear what will happen for the last eight days of classes. The school board will be meeting tomorrow to make that decision.

Most people think school is like a prison and stuff, its like very bad and I even say that sometimes, but seeing it torn down like this is really sad and all the memories that happened in this place. Its sad, Brielle Tesch, a 7th grader said.

There are uncertainties ahead for Castlewood

Whether we rebuild or move or whatever, I have no idea at this point, Sonen said.

But the tornado brought out the strength of this small town.

You wake up and you think, okay, its time to start picking up the pieces, here we go. Were going to move forward and well be alright, Castlewood Mayor Brian Ries said.

Ries says people from all over have reached out to help and send donations of food, water and even clothing for people who have lost their homes.

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Residents adding up the damage in Castlewood - KELOLAND.com

Zion Home Remodeling is an expert remodeling company serving Prince Georges County, Maryland. The professional and experienced team from the company has the expertise and creative flair to deliver beyond the expectations of their clients, saving them time, space and money.

Prince Georges County, MD, USA Zion Home Remodeling is a full-service, family-owned, Maryland home interior remodeling company. As a local renovation contractor, they serve homeowners throughout Prince Georges County, MD. The company specializes in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement, damage restoration, and interior home remodeling. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is popular with homeowners in Maryland for its creative designs and quality work. With them, clients can be assured of getting outstanding remodeling solutions that will transform their homes into spaces they love and also meet their budgets.

We are a trusted name for home remodeling services in Maryland, and we stand for our quality work and professionalism, says Antulio Lopez, Founder of Zion Home Remodeling. Our contractors are trained, insured, and licensed with years of experience handling home remodeling projects. We believe in accomplishing the job right the first time and are committed to 100% satisfaction every time.

There are several advantages of a well-designed, well-insulated, and expertly remodeled and renovated home. Not only does it help reduce the maintenance and utility costs, but a custom-designed home can also result in enhanced functionality and productivity for the homeowners. Therefore, it is important to hire the right remodeling company that is willing to work in partnership with clients to deliver a perfect dream house for them.

Our services are customized to meet the requirements of our Clients. We offer consultations with trained professionals so that we can better understand the needs of our Clients, explains Antulio. Our background and decades of experience in the remodeling industry give us an advantage of knowing what works best and customizing specifically for each client.

Zion Home Remodeling follows a tried and proven process to ensure each remodeling projects meets its clients goals. The company has designed comprehensive workflows to ensure that the entire renovation work becomes a seamless procedure and an enjoyable experience for the clients who are excited to see their home transformed before their eyes.

With top-class services, the company has acquired a growing list of customers who all admire their workmanship and have shared positive reviews and testimonials about their experience.

Zion does great work. The redid our bathroom and we couldnt be happier with their work and professionalism. Highly recommended, says Jackson Styron, a happy customer.

One of the many reasons why our customers love us is because we dont treat them as just another number on our list of customers. We get to know them personally because their requirements are as personal as it gets. They can always count on us, remarks Antulio. Theres a need for a budget-friendly service provider in the market that uses the latest technology to offer reliable and creative remodeling services. We have constantly seen a surge in demand for our services ever since we started operations.

The team at Zion deftly handles each project right from initial consultation to final delivery. They pay attention to every small detail specified by the clients. The designers provide ample choice of fixtures, colors, lighting, flooring, etc., to match the clients preferences in terms of design, style, look and feel.

Our clients are always our top priority. Excellence in customer service and quality is what drives our decision and operations, says Antulio. Our Project Quality Manager oversees every step of the remodeling process to ensure its done according to the plans and checks every detail before handover.

Today, Zion Home Remodeling has established itself as a leading remodeling contractor in Prince Georges County, MD. The companys commitment to client satisfaction is unparalleled, which makes for a business that clients are proud to use and recommend to others.

About Zion Home Remodeling

Zion Home Remodeling is a premier interior remodeling company based in Prince Georges County, Maryland. They offer exemplary home renovation services at highly competitive prices. Their team consists of remarkably talented professionals who specialize in bringing a perfect balance of design, style, and function to your space.

For more information about Zion Home Remodeling and other inquiries, send an email or reach out via the website at https://www.zion-homeremodeling.com/l/remodeling-contractors-prince-georges-county-md

Media ContactCompany Name: Zion Home RemodelingContact Person: Antulio LopezEmail: Send EmailPhone: (240) 252-3050City: Prince Georges CountyState: MDCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.zion-homeremodeling.com/

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Maryland based Zion Home Remodeling Offers World Class Renovation Services for Homeowners - Digital Journal

Newtown, PA People tend to create resolutions they plan to achieve every New Year. According to a study conducted by Zillow and Realm, an online home data and insight platform, Philadelphia residents are planning to renovate their properties in 2022. Bathroom remodeling and adding space to their homes are among the top items on their lists, while others such as kitchen, bedroom, and basement remodeling follow closely.

PAINT Philadelphia is one of the painters in Newton that will play a significant role in assisting Philadelphia homeowners to achieve their goals. This is all thanks to their painting services, which are essential in every remodeling service. The painting company offers a wide variety of services, including interior and exterior painting services.

Homeowners are willing to pay more to convert their bathrooms into spa-like spaces and add fixtures, lighting mirrors, and steam showers; thus require a professional painting contractor in Newtown to add value to their cash. Some things that make PAINT Philadelphia unique include their credentials, such as OSHA and contractor certification and their extensive Professional Zota Training, which allows them to safely and adequately handle lead paint.

PAINT Philadelphias interior painting services include interior painting, wallpaper removal, drywall repair, and more. The painters in Newton are also well equipped to offer cabinet painting that covers bathrooms as well as kitchens, closets, garages, and other rooms. These are a cost-effective solution to homeowners compared to replacing the entire cabinets.

The painters have experience in exterior house painting on various home designs and structures, including sheds, garages, decks, and other additional rooms. They paint on a wide range of surfaces, such as wood, brick, stucco, aluminum, and vinyl siding, which protect against damaging elements, such as mold, mildew, water, sun, dry rot, and dirt and dust. PAINT Philadelphias painting services improve Philadelphia homes appeal, making them attractive to visitors and the neighborhood. Additionally, they boost properties value in the areas real estate industry.

The painters in Newtown offer color and design consultation for all their painting services, where they work closely with clients to select their favorite colors and hue that best fit their preferences. Afterward, they offer a thorough inspection to ensure that the client is satisfied with the entire process.

Speaking more about their services, PAINT Philadelphias representative noted, The best part about all of our projects is being able to go above and beyond our customers expectations, knowing that we helped make their house a home, and being able to provide an incredible organization for all of our team members to be part of!

PAINT Philadelphia is located at 28 Hillyer Lane, Newtown, PA 18940, US. Contact them by calling (267) 229-4333 to schedule a service or inquire for an estimate. Visit the companys website to view their portfolios and learn more about the services offered.

Media Contact

Company NamePAINT PhiladelphiaContact NameAndrew TomasettiPhone(267) 229-4333Address28 Hillyer LaneCityNewtownStatePAPostal Code18940CountryUnited StatesWebsitehttps://paintphilly.com/

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PAINT Philadelphia is one of the Painters in Newtown Actively Involved in Philadelphia Homeowners' Top Renovation Plans for 2022 - Digital Journal

Paul F. P. Pogue / Ask Angi| Tribune News Services

Kraus Department Store in Erie helps homeowners find fixes

See inside Kraus Department Store, a landmark on Erie's Parade Street for 135 years.

Greg Wohlford, Erie Times-News

In 2022, home improvement contractors are expecting to be busier than ever. With the U.S. labor shortage and supply chain issues still in play as we enter the new year, planning ahead and preparing for your big projects is wise. The further ahead you can get on a contractor's schedule, the smoother your project is likely to go. Booking early gives you additional time for planning and design and more room for contractors to line up materials and labor. Here's a rundown of some major home projects and their costs, so you can start planning, budgeting and hiring right now.

National average: $13,000-$38,000

Remodeling your kitchen, the heart and hearth of your home, is one of the most rewarding projects a homeowner can take on. It can also be among the most costly and intimidating, so connecting with a reliable kitchen designer and contractor early on is a good idea. As a bonus, it has an excellent return on investment for your resale value.

The kitchen is often the home's social center, so think about how you want it to interact with the rest of the home when you're entertaining.

Home projects: Consider these DIY jobs carefully while waiting for professionals on big tasks

National average: $36,000-$66,500

Installing a swimming pool can add luxury like no other addition to your house. Pools offer many years of enjoyment, and an in-ground model can enhance your home's value.

When hiring a swimming pool installer, take great care to research them and solicit multiple bids. A pool is a significant investment that may take several weeks to install, but if you start in the spring, you'll be splashing by summer. It's worth it to take extra time to get the right professional.

National average: $5,500-$11,600

Early summer is an ideal time to do a roofing job in most climates, since spring rain has stopped and late summer's heat and humidity haven't set in. A new roof is one of the most visible and expensive home improvements you can make. You'll want to carefully select your material choices and contractor, because you'll be living with this change for decades. Protect your investment by verifying licensing, bonding and insurance, and only hiring vetted local pros.

Material cost is the biggest impact on your final price. Slate is the most expensive option, followed by copper, aluminum, and steel. Slate and steel are some of the most robust materials you can buy, while copper and aluminum are long-lasting but easily dented.

More: Getting a bigger house: Should you expand or buy?

National average: $12,000-$33,000

In real estate, you can't technically factor a basement into a home's square footage. But a good basement renovation can make your home more attractive to buyers and increase resale value. Follow this rule when making your basement remodeling decisions: Finish the basement to fit your hobbies or lifestyle if you expect to live in your home for a long time. Kicking off a basement remodel in the fall will give you a comfortable place to hunker down with your hobbies come winter. If you're planning on selling your house soon, go with products and finishes that appeal to the broadest range of buyers.

2022 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Ask Angi: Start the process early when home improvement project planning for a new year - GoErie.com

Design Tech Remodeling, a residential design-build firm based in Mequon, announced today that it has been named the winner of the Best of Milwaukee award from the Shepherd Express.

Nominated in several categories, Design Tech Remodeling received first place for Best Kitchen Remodeler. This award is significant as it reflects the peoples choice in the greater Milwaukee area based on Design Tech Remodelings award-winning, high-quality design, and customer service. In addition to the Best Kitchen Remodeler award, Design Tech Remodeling was also a finalist for Best Bathroom Remodeler.

We are thrilled and very appreciative to have received this award, said Nicole Raffensperger, CKBR, owner and Lead Designer. We wish to thank all of you who voted for us making this award possible, she added.

The Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee poll allows readers to tell the world what they love about Milwaukee every year. The residents select the best of what the Milwaukee area offers in dining and drinking, shopping, health, education, home improvement, politics, and more.

This award shows how pleased our customers are with our work and how they feel about us overall, says Masha Wagner, owner and founder of Design Tech Remodeling.

About Design Tech RemodelingDesign Tech Remodeling is a family-owned award-winning kitchen, bathroom, master suite, and basement design/build remodeling firm providing the Greater Milwaukee area with over 25 years of experience. Skilled designers, carpenters, and contractors guide homeowners smoothly through their remodeling projects, from conceptual design and finish selections to the final product. Design Tech Remodelings standard of excellence ensures innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. NARI Certified Professional on Staff. Design Tech Remodeling; Building a Better Tomorrow for You and Your Family.

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Design Tech Remodeling: Wins the 2021 Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee Kitchen Remodeler Award - Wisbusiness.com

New Years resolutions for homeowners might include completing various upgrades to their living spaces. And like most resolutions, items on the renovation wish list are popular and predictable.

The top five projects Philadelphia homeowners are planning for 2022 are kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, landscaping, interior painting, and exterior painting, according to research by Zillow and Realm, an online platform of home data and insights.

Nationwide, nearly three in four homeowners will consider at least one home improvement project in 2022. That number surprised researchers at Zillow.

READ MORE: Remodeling your home? Heres how to pay for it.

We think 2022 is going to be the year of the renovation, said Amanda Pendleton, Zillows home trends expert. Homeowners can build equity while making their homes more livable and functional, she said.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are in the top five anticipated projects in cities across the country.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, thats what weve always heard, Pendleton said. As places for entertainment, nourishment, and relaxation, these spaces took on additional importance during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Home bathrooms are evolving in the pandemic, just as they did in 1918

Bathroom remodels are the most popular, with more than half of surveyed homeowners saying they would consider this type of renovation. Many buyers are willing to pay a bit more for homes that have spa-like features such as curbless showers, heated floors, and free-standing bathtubs. The average cost of a bathroom remodel is about $13,400, according to Angi, the home services platform formerly known as Angies List.

Over the last couple of decades, main bathrooms have become retreats, and homeowners have become more willing to spend money to buy nice fixtures, steam showers, and lighted mirrors, thanks in part to luxurious hotel experiences, said a spokesperson for the National Kitchen and Bath Association, a trade organization representing 50,000 members of the construction, design, and retail industries who specialize in kitchens and bathrooms.

Zillow found that 46% of surveyed homeowners would consider remodeling their kitchens in 2022. Luxury kitchen features have become even more popular during the pandemic as homeowners cook more often. Homeowners are including more storage, such as walk-in pantries, and wealthy owners are adding a second kitchen, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. The average cost of a kitchen remodel is about $35,300.

READ MORE: These kitchen features help you prepare holiday meals and sell your home

The three other renovation projects in Philadelphians top five for 2022 landscaping and interior and exterior painting are popular because they are relatively more affordable and can change the whole look of a home, according to Angi.

In nearly all of the 35 cities Realm examined, landscaping is a top priority for projects this year. The average cost of landscaping is about $2,400, according to Angi.

Interior and exterior painting ranked as a priority for 2022 in 17% of cities Realm studied. The average cost for interior painting is $2,000 and exterior painting is $3,300, according to Angi.

READ MORE: Which home renovations are worth the cost? Fewer than you think

Renovations with the highest return on investment for homeowners add living space, including conversions and additions that dont change the original structure of the house, according to Realm.

Nationwide, the projects at the top of homeowners lists include adding or improving office space, finishing a basement or attic, and adding a guest house or accessory dwelling unit such as an in-law suite, according to Zillow survey data.

Especially in high-cost and dense metropolitan areas, square footage is at a premium. And spending more time at home during the pandemic has made households want to spread out, use home gyms, and create spaces for schooling and working from home.

Space is king right now, Pendleton said, and thats what were seeing in these results.

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These are the top home renovations Philadelphians plan to tackle in 2022 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Andrea Estes, a lifelong Hoosier, has walked through several centerpiece homes at the Indianapolis Home Show. She had no idea she was living in one.

The roots of her home,on North Emerson Avenue near East 13th Street,have beentraced back 100 years to thefirst home showin 1922.

They built a small bungalow house inside one of the buildings at the fairgrounds, saidBrent Keller, vice president ofMarketplace Eventsand a former home show manager.It was an advertising, fun way to show people what they could have.That'swhat started everything 100 years ago.

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After the show, the house wastaken apartandmovedto its current locationon Indianapolis east side, Keller said.

It's a typical older house where the kitchen is small,Estes said. The appliances were notnearly asbig back then as they aretoday. The closets are nice and tiny. We'vebeen here 21 years and have loved the house and especially the neighborhood.

The Indianapolis Home Show is the oldest of its kind in North America, drawing 450home building, remodeling and designexhibitorsas well as80,000 attendees, according to its website.It was started by Indianapolis residentJ. Frank Cantwell after he attended a similar show in Europe.

He brought that back and thought it would be a great way, coming out of World War I, to get people interested in owning their own homes,Keller said.The centerpiece home has always been avery ship-in-the-bottle-type effect. People areamazedwecanbuild such a structureindoorsin such asmall time frame.

Esteswas surprised and even a little skeptical to learn she was living in the first centerpiece home.Marion County Assessor's Office records online indicateher home was built in 1940, with a garage added in 1989. County Assessor Joseph O'Connor said the office has limited records dating back that far and address changes through the years could make verifying the home's age a challenge.

Keller, who has worked with the Indiana Historical Societyto preserve the home shows history, said he is confident Esteshouseon North Emerson Avenue is the original centerpiece home.

More Indianapolis history: Broad Ripple's White City amusement park and the fake 'opium den' that burned it down

I am absolutely, positively sure of it, Keller said. There are multiple written records from 1922 and over the years of the house being moved there.

There is at least onephotoaroundof thehome from the 1922 show. The photodoes look like her house, Estes said.

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Window-wise it resembles our home because the north side does only have three windows, Estes said. It has one in each bedroom then of course the one in the bathroom is smaller.

Estes has lived in the home since2000.

I'd love to know what the inside ofthe house looked like in 1922, Estes said.Our house isvery interesting. It hadallthese arches that werebuilt inside of it. Even in the bathroom it was arched to get into the shower and bathtub area.

Mostcenterpiece homeswere taken apart and rebuilt in Indianapolis or other Indiana cities, such asTerre Haute, Muncie and Logansport, Keller said.

People bought the homes at the show itself or they were put up for sale, Keller said. We still get calls today with people trying to find out if they have one of the centerpiece homes of years past.

Sometimes the homes were taken apart and sold in pieces.Othertimes the entire homeor partswere donated toHabitat for Humanity, Keller said.

The home show has happenedevery yearat the Indiana State Fairgroundssince 1922,with a few exceptions. The show was suspendedfrom 1942 to 1945due to a shortage of building materials stemming from World War II.

From 2017: Indianapolis Home Show aims to inspire on 95th anniversary

From 2015: Q&A with home design expert Ty Pennington

The fairgrounds were used for wartime activities during those years, Keller said.There was also no show in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The home shows comeback after World War II was accelerated when it was featured in a nine-page spread in Better Homes and Gardens magazine in 1947.

Ithelped popularize the ranch-style homeinIndianapolis in the 1950s, which wasmore affordable compared to other models. A ranch-style home has an open concept with just one story, Keller said.

Previous coverage: Indianapolis Home Show aims to inspire

From 2014: She puts the show in Home Show. Q&A with Home Show Manager Laura Groninger

New and innovative products have been introduced to attendees at the home showover the years.

"There have been some things that were first introducedeither to the Indianapolis, Indiana or U.S. markets, Keller said.

Many celebrities, including HGTV host Ty Pennington, interior designer Vern Yip, radio show host Dr. Dirtandactress Ethel Merman haveattended the show.

We've had upside down rooms, full swimming pools, cottages,log homes and even lighthouses built here, Keller said. The centerpiece home has always been a creativewayto showcase the building,remodeling and landscaping exhibitors.

The 2017 centerpiece home stands out in Kellers mind because it was built with a basement.

Think about howthat would bedifficultsince they are building the home inside anotherbuilding," Keller said. They built on top of a hill that was built into thefairgroundsbuilding. That was one of the most fun.

From the archives: Fire ravaged circus and elephants roamed the streets of Fulton County

Semper Fi:Kokomo native was first female Marine

In recent years, the centerpiece home has been trending toward an empty-nester-type house with extra rooms forthe homeowners parentsoradult children.

It's an ever-expanding type of home, Keller said. It grows when your family grows.

The 2022 centerpiece home will be built byFischer Homes and is called the Leland, said Indianapolis Home Show ManagerLaura Groninger.

Its a four-bedroom, two-story home with the option for 2.5 or 3.5 baths and is offered in Fischer Homes neighborhoods across central Indiana.

The 2022 home show will be from Jan.21 through Jan.30.Indianapolis-basedHGTV starMina Starsiak Hawkas well asCarmel-based Bravo TV starNina Klemmwill attend the show.

More Indy history: What we can learn from Depression-era cooks: 3 recipes to try

More: 75 years ago: How Indiana observed V-E Day

Itwill feature ahome idea center, by Davis Homes, where attendees can learn about the newest and coolest home appliances and trends.The master of ceremonies for this years show will beWIBCs Terri Stacy.

People can come with their checklist of what they need for theirhome, talk to the experts and see all the products right at the show,Groninger said.Theycan get the pricing and sometimes there are special deals."

Cantwell was involved with the home show for close to 40 years after introducing it to Indianapolis. His objectives for the show have carried on, Keller said.

What we've taken 100 years later is we are promoting home ownership and home improvement and anything for the home, Keller said.When youlook at the history of the show, Mr. Cantwell's vision has completely continued, which isreallyneat.

Contact Jake Allenat463-214-7590 orjake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter@Jake_Allen19.

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This Little Flower house has surprising history tied to first Indianapolis Home Show - IndyStar

OSHKOSH Coffee shop fanatics will have to look elsewhere for their caffeine fix.

The Cafe at The Howard, 405 Washington Ave., permanently closed Dec. 18. The Howard Operations Director Carol Velascosaid itwill be transformed into a barthat will only be open during ticketed and private events.

"We have been receiving a ton of requests on utilizing The Howard in different ways," she said. "We realized the community does have that (coffee shop) fulfilled in other elements in the area."

The Howard Cafeoriginally opened in 2018 to provide something new to the community, Velasco said.She said the caferemained open despite it being "a bit slower." Instead of being an asset as intended, she felt ittookaway from other businesses that specialize in coffee as a full-time service.

RELATED:The Howard, Oshkosh's newest event space, to open Sept. 21 in former Eagle's Club building

RELATED:The Howard opens 'The Lanes' bowling alley for an upscale night out | Streetwise

"It's an opportunity for us to send people's business to other great, local cafes," she said. "That's what they specialize and focus on."

The Howard, meanwhile, plans to focus on hosting more corporate, private and ticketed events in 2022 and beyond, Velasco said. Italso wants to focus on food service, including small-scale catering, based on feedback from community members and potential customers.

"This gives our staff time to focus on some of those initiatives," she said.

Remodeling the cafe into a bar adds versatility for those ticketed and private events, Velasco said.For example, a wedding could utilize it as a separate cocktail lounge between the ceremony and reception.

"We want to transition to a bar and event space to fill a void that the community doesn't really have," she said.

The bar will only be open during private and ticketed events.

The Lanes upscale bowling alley and bar in the basement of The Howard remains open to the public. Starting next week, Velasco saidthey are adding open bowling hours on Thursdays.

The Lanes arenow open from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays as well as 4:30 p.m. to midnight on Fridays, September to April. Reservations can be made online at thehowardoshkosh.com/thelanes.

Siblings Carey Sharpe, Jenna Golem and Ben Johnson bought the former Fraternal Order of the Eagles headquarters building and transformed it into The Howard, which opened with the cafe in September 2018. The Lanes opened in January 2019.

Contact Katy Macek at kmacek@thenorthwestern.comor 920-426-6658. Follow her on Twitter @KatherineMacek.

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The Howard closes cafe, adds The Lanes hours as it refocuses on events in 2022 | Streetwise - Oshkosh Northwestern

For the last 19 months, save for a few pop-up events and private screenings, Denver Films Sie Film Center on Colfax Avenue has been mostly dark.

But last week, the three-theatre cinematheque opened to the public for the first time since the pandemic began, hosting public screenings for its Oct. 28-31 soft reopening ahead of this years Denver Film Festival. Film lovers flooded into the theatres to catch showings of new Wong Kar-wai restorations, horror classics accompanied by live reenactments by drag performers, and new films like Spanish dark comedy El Planeta and the documentary Without Getting Killed or Caught.

Its a pretty emotional day to turn everything on turn on theater monitors, poster screens, get the concessions open. Its surreal. Its been a long 19 months, said Gina Cuomo, Denver Films director of operations. Its been a lot of tears in this building. But very happy to be getting back into it and seeing familiar faces, and hopefully a lot of new ones.

The last year and a half has been challenging for the Sie Center. When it shut down in March 2020, many staffers were furloughed, and those who stayed on had to take pay cuts.

For a while, all the nonprofit could do was offer guests online programming and movie snack packs to be picked up at the Sie Center. Cuomo said she spent many of those months completely alone in the building, because someone had to stay and run it. She said it was scary at times. There were posters covering the windows, an attempt to close them off during the 2020 summer protests, so there wasnt a lot of light coming in.

It was very dark in here. Very dark, very quiet, very lonely, Cuomo said. Considering were in the basement of a parking garage, you hear a lot of creeks from the cars. Naturally, my mind goes to, oh, my god. Theres a killer, theres a ghost!

The cinematheque allowed fans to book private screenings, but the building largely sat in disuse. Denver Film considered opening in spring of 2021 when other movie theatres did, but it didnt seem like its audience was ready to return. Plus, Cuomo said there werent a lot of new independent films to showcase.

Denver Film is a nonprofit, relying on grants and donations to operate. Earlier in the pandemic, Denver Film applied for federal Shuttered Venues Operators Grants, which offered relief to venues that had to close during the pandemic. The nonprofit outlined a budget that included a plan for Sie Center renovations, as well as backpay for full-time staff members whod taken pay cuts to keep the Denver Film running when no revenue was coming in.

The budget did not cover backpay for part-time workers whod been furloughed earlier in the pandemic, said Marty Schechter, Denver Films PR representative. He said that based on federal guidelines, they could not provide furloughed staff backpay for work they did not not perform.

Our goal was to help make our full time staff whole after many pay cuts, Schechter said. The backpay was focused on helping our staff that had taken pay cuts to help get through the pandemic.

Denver Film began the renovations in August. It was a two-month process, and while the theatres were already closed to the public, they couldnt host private screenings during that time either.

Now, just in time for Denver Film Fests opening on Nov. 3, the first phase of updates is complete. Most of the renovations were designed to improve flow and create more public gathering space. Theres a new box office with more advanced ticketing technology, an updated concession stand, and an expanded lobby area. The cinematheques smaller theatre, which got new seats in 2013, is now outfitted with new, custom seat caps. Cuomo said the two larger theatres hadnt gotten new seats since about 2006. Those theatres have now been outfitted with brand new seats.

They were overdue, she said. But its not an easy feat to do if you have to cease operations to do the whole process.

Cuomo decided to keep two of the old seats in the remodeled lounge. One has a plaque bearing the name Brit Withey, Denver Films longtime artistic director who died in 2019. The other will bear Denver Film founder Ron Hendersons name.

Schechter said Denver Film has invested $250,000 in building improvements. While the buildings major structural changes are complete, Denver Film plans to bring in new furniture, lighting and displays. It also plans to refurbish the bar area with artwork by local artists.

It was fun to have a physical refresh, because it also puts us in the space of an organizational refresh of why are we doing what were doing? How are we doing it? What can we do better? What should we be planning for the future? said Denver Film CEO James Mejia. The physical space is a representation of that for us. Now that were going to be open again, it feels like a fresh start.

For instance, the popularity of last years drive-in movies at Red Rocks which were planned as a safe way to experience cinema during the pandemic led Denver Film to continue that series this year, and to program a holiday edition.

Mejia said running a virtual Denver Film Fest last year opened it up to a larger audience, including more people outside metro Denver. This year, Denver Film will continue to offer virtual components, making it more accessible to people who cant attend, whether because of COVID, disability or because theyre out of town.

Im hoping that trend continues and that we pull people in, Mejia said. That was only because of being shut down and having to reinvent and pivot. It keeps another tool in the toolbox.

The pandemic also opened Denver Film up to more partnerships, including the Marthas Vineyard African American Film Festival, which is working with Denver Film to present three films at the festival: The Harder They Fall, Spike Lees Jungle Fever, and King Richard.

Mejia said Denver Film is also putting more support and resources behind diverse programming.

Dragon Boat is getting better every single year. We just announced the new award for Cinema Q highlighting excellence in LGBTQ-plus filmmaking, Mejia said. I think all these little pieces are adding into a greater whole.

Check out the renovated Sie Film Center at Denver Film Festival, which runs Nov. 3-14. All guests attending screenings must provide proof of vaccination and wear a mask except when actively eating or drinking.

This story has been updated to clarify that Denver Films Shuttered Venues funding did not cover furloughed part time employees, based on federal guidelines.

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Denver Film is remodeling the Sie Center on Colfax and rethinking its programming - Denverite

A PREGNANT woman who had her first baby at 14 and by 34 was mum to 11 has told how she is trolled because of what they eat.

Veronica Merritt, now 36, who doesn't use contraception, previously told Fabulous "it escalated quickly" after she accidentally fell pregnant with Victoria, now 21, while at school.

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"My kids eat what they want," the New Yorker has now told her social media followers, sharing a picture of one of her sons eating what people assumed (wrongly) was a bowl of spaghetti hoops.

It emerged it was Cheerios (circular cereal) with hot sauce on.

"I personally wouldn't eat Honey Nut Cheerios like this, but if it makes him happy, I don't care," she said.

But not everyone was so relaxed.

"She cooks low value foods," said one person. "A growing child needs adequate nutrition. Every meal to grow and thrive."

People's responses were varied. "Who are you to tell people what to feed their kids?" asked one person. "They all look happy and healthy to me."

"Holidays here are pretty big, and sometimes I buy gifts years in advance, because I hate to pass up the perfect thing! Gifting things the kids will truly enjoy is very important to me, I want them to know I listen to and value their wants and needs."

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Veronica loves being a mum so much is keen for SIX more - despite being already trolled online for her already huge brood.

I receive a lot of negative comments," she said. I get asked, do they all have the same dad? Do you own a TV? I want to hand [people who ask me things like that] a mirror so they can look at themselves.

Artist Veronica lives in a nine-bed home which she bought for 14k with 10 of her kids, Andrew, 16, Adam, 15, Mara, 13, Dash, 12, Darla, 10, Marvelous, eight, Martalya, six, Amelia, four, Delilah, three, and Donovan, one, which she bought with her husband Marty, 37, for just $20k (14k) in July 2020.

Shes spent about 1.5k fixing it up - and it is now worth around 71k with the kids sharing the bedrooms between them and her man sleeping in the basement.

You dont need to buy a $200k (142k) home - save your money and buy a fixer-up and investment property," said Veronica.

Search for investment properties to see what's near you! We are still remodeling but it's already been cheaper than rent would have been.

Veronica told how she unexpectedly fell pregnant in school, subsequently marrying and divorcing her then-boyfriend - the father of her oldest two children.

I graduated high school with honors, I attempted college but got sick both times - I have kidney disease and lost my kidney last year.

The oldest two are from her first husband while the youngest seven are from her second husband - who sleeps in the basement so the kids have more space.

Veronica, who shares details of her massive family on Instagram and TikTok, says she never uses contraception.

Some of the children were planned, she told Fabulous."But I can't take hormonal birth control because my illness means I am prone to blood clots.

I havent ruled out more children.

I would like to have six more. I have spent eight-and-a-half years pregnant.

With so many children it is hard to get about, so recently she bought an old school bus for $3k (2.5k), also via auction, which she transported into a family vehicle.

"We don't have many expenses, she says. "We own our nine-bedroom house and there is no mortgage.

I own my bus with no payments.

The couples only help is with food - something Veronica apologised for online.

Please don't hate me, but we do get food assistance," she said in one Instagram video. "It's temporary until my painting sales are more consistent."

But sadly some people were cruel, telling her she ought to not have such a big family.

One person wrote: Get off TikTok go take care of your absolutely unnecessary amount of children."

Meanwhile another added: Nobody cares that you have 11 kids, weirdo. You get hate because you are literally unfit to be raising 11 children."

But she is happy to defend herself. What is raising your children properly?'," she asks.

Most people have something to complain about from their childhood, at least my kids will know they're loved."

And she feels like being a mum was her destiny. This was always how it was meant to be," she says.

It can be exhausting," she said, revealing one parenting hack was to dress each child in a different hue. "I colour code the kids most of the time when we leave the house although sometimes I'll opt for matching clothes instead.

The colour coding system is incorporated into everything - their clothes and rooms."

Veronica described her home life as being like The Lost Boys - a 1987 vampire film which takes its name from Peter Pans lost boys who never grew up - adding she was not very strict.

It's a very loud house," she says. "We want to get on the same schedule but it's hard.

I'm not very strict, I guess. I have rules when it's important, like, don't smoke, don't do drugs, no dating until 18, come home before dark ...but for the most part I'm just really chill.

And we have loads of fun. My kids and I have been working on making our own mini horror movies.

We also revealed how awoman who thought she'd never become a mum now has ten kids.

Andanother woman was crushed after her mum told her she "didn't have the figure" to wear a minidress for a date.

Go here to see the original:
Im a pregnant mum of 11 my kids eat what they want, Im accused of feeding them low quality value I d... - The US Sun