Eric Lian carries the Olympic torch through a mass of enthralled elementary students to start Award Ceremonies in the 1992 Mt. Eccles Olympics. Photo courtesy of Trudy Bendzak

Ah, what wont make the news these days.

Headlines, Anchorage DailyNews, March 1, 2020 edition: JBER airman demoted for peeing in office coffeemaker.

A Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson airman was demoted and receiveda letter of reprimand for peeing in his squadrons office coffee maker, statesthe article.

Formally charged as a violation of Article 92, dereliction of duty,the unnamed airman knew or should have known to refrain from urinating inthe squadron coffee maker, according to the redacted charge sheet.

Hmm. One would hope so.

And it gets better.

The incident occurred sometime between Jan.1 and Oct. 31, 2019,but the document does not stipulate how the crime was discovered.

Wait a minute. Thats 10months. Did this occur more thanonce? No wonder the office workers weregrumbling about bad coffee every now and then.

Was it an uptick in use of cream and sugar that created suspicionthat something was amiss?

Regardless, the crime was certain newsworthy, as there always hasbeen peculiar fascination with functions of the excretory system, right?

Why, I can recall a popular CHS Wolverine Cheering Section chantin the 1980s when Valdez came over for basketball games.

Give me a U, give me a R, give me an I, give me an N, giveme an E. Whats that spell? URINE, screamed the student body. Whats that mean? URINE Wolverine Country!

The message to the Buccaneers was quite clear, and were nottalking about peeing in a coffee pot.

However, it turns out this by-product of our excretory systemgained even more brief but famous notoriety at Mt. Eccles Elementary.

Many may not know that Cordova has the only couple to both benamed Alaska Teacher of the Year, in Trudy (Bodey) Bendzak and Jerry Bendzak.

Trudy was honored in1975. She taught First Grade that year,and emphasized basics, including spelling.

Jerry taught P.E. in the schools low-ceilinged basement. It was originally intended for storage butconverted to a cement-floored open area known as the Hound Pound.

Benzak knew how to motivate and excite youngsters, but languagearts were not his forte.

From 1978 to 2000, Bendzak ran an Mt. Eccles Olympics coincidingwith the Summer Olympics, which occur every four years.

During those special years, he selected 18 countries, put theirnames in a hat, and had kids from Grade K-6 draw the team they would be on fora wild variety of Olympic events. Theyincluded both team events such as balloon volleyball and scooter hockey, aswell as individual events such as races around the school, beginning with 1/8mile for the Kindergarten (1 lap) through a full mile (8 laps) for the 6thgraders.

The kids learned all about their respective countries; and thewalls of Mt. Eccles auditorium were adorned with flags of each they had made,which included slots to display the medal counts as the events were completedthroughout the year.

Bendzak even found tapes of the national anthems for each country,which were played as event winners came up on stage to receive their gold,silver, or bronze medals, which included a Mt. Eccles logo, and were meticulouslyengraved with the names of the winners.

The program was a resounding success, and the awards ceremonieswere big events. This was years beforethe recent addition and remodeling of Mt. Eccles, and they were held in apacked cafeteria/commons, with proud parents on hand along with all thestudents.

Before one of the presentations in 1992, Bendzak decided to talkabout the Olympic Flame. He had a smallwooden model of the torch on a dowel which a student (in this case Eric Lian)held high while running into the auditorium and pretended to light the Olympicflame to start the ceremony.

Bendzak then explained the device that held the flame throughoutthe real Olympics was called an urn.

Perhaps inspired by the puzzled look of the kindergarteners in thefront row, he then proceeded to spell it:

U R I N E.

To this day, he remembers my wife Sue, who was teaching thirdgrade at that time, frantically shaking her head.

All the other teachers at the back of the room who werent bentover laughing were frantically waving their hands in the universal sign forNO!

But the damage was done.

A whole generation of Cordova students would never spell urncorrectly.

But they were ready when the Valdez Buccaneers came to town.

More:
Cordova Chronicles: Just when you think you've heard it all - Cordova Times

If you're curious to learn how an unfinished basement could become a rentable self-contained in-law suite or if you're throwing in the towel after years of fighting your dysfunctional kitchen, here's a suggestion: Check out the 13 just-improved dwellings in the Portland area's Tour of Remodeled Homes on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15.

The top PRO remodelers with the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland will be on hand to answer questions, from taking down a wall to open up a room to making the best of underused space. In a condo on the tour, a bedroom closet became a storage-centric butler's pantry off the kitchen.

AFTER Oregon Homeworks

Tickets ($30, remodeltourportland.com) allow you to see the homes at your own pace from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

All styles, from classic to contemporary, and budgets are on view.

After seeing the latest trends and color palette to clever design techniques to make a home more livable, tour goers may be inspired to launch a big or small home improvement project.

AFTER Oregon Homeworks

This year, theres another reason to check out the Tour of Remodeled Homes: One of the stops is a glass-walled midcentury modern homes built by Robert Rummer.

Eric Thompson of Oregon Homeworkshas completed a remodel, from the slab-on-grade concrete floor to the steeply pitched roof, in Beaverton's Oak Hills Historic District.

The 1967 dwelling, with a see-through interior atrium that leads to a living room with a vaulted, wood-planked ceiling, has all the swank of the Mad Men era as well as modern upgrades.

AFTER Oregon Homeworks

Who would appreciate seeing this home on the tour? Anyone who loves modern and midcentury architecture, says Thompson, who has restored four Rummers, as the homes are called, including his own residence."And anyone contemplating a remodel of their own home."

Thompson says the dwelling's inventive design endures after half a century because single-level living, open floor plans and simple cabinetry and fixtures continue to be duplicated in new homes.

AFTER Oregon Homeworks

The house is based on architect A. Quincy Jones' iconic Double Gable roof design built by prolific California tract developer Joseph Eichler.

Floor-to-ceiling windows rising to soaring ceilings and sliding glass doors draw in natural light and ease the boundaries between inside and out.

Two rear-facing windows were added in the dining room to frame the views of the backyard and beyond.

Thompson said the original floor plan was kept mostly intact, but he did remove a wall that divided the kitchen and family room from the dining room to improve the flow of the house.

AFTER Oregon Homeworks

The hobby room off the garage was converted into a mudroom, second master closet and home office. The original layout of the hall bath and laundry closet was also altered to maximize functionality, he says.

AFTER Oregon Homeworks

To improve energy efficiency, Thompson installed new windows, insulation, heating and air conditioning systems and drywall as well as plumbing and wiring.

Read more: Oregon's coolest midcentury modern houses: Builder Bob Rummer's enduring legacy (photos)

BEFORE Oregon Homeworks

BEFORE

Tour of Remodeled Homes map

Choose your own route: Here are the stops on the Tour of Remodeled Homesfrom 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15.

AFTER C&K Custom Remodeling

Whole house remodel: A couple bought a house in Beaverton's Bronson Creek Estates knowing they would need to remodel it completely for their growing family.

The renovations by C&K Custom Remodeling Inc. spanned the entire house, from the new, welcoming entry to an office and five bathrooms.

The two redesigned living rooms have natural stone and new gas fireplaces.

Without altering the square footage, the kitchen is more efficient and feels more spacious with an improved layout.

A self-contain apartment with a living area, bedroom suite and laundry was created out of underused existing space.

The dated heavy texturing and millwork throughout the house has been replaced with a more modern aesthetics and smooth wall finishes. There is new lighting, paint and a water filtration system.

The garage is now set up to be a pottery studio with custom cabinetry, upgraded electrical and epoxy floor.

C&K Custom Remodeling

[BEFOREThe kitchen was dated with gingerbread styling and out-of-date finishes. The layout did not flow well. Improvements were made within the existing square footage.]

AFTER Cooper Design Build

Whole house remodel: The once claustrophobic kitchen in the single-level Portland home now expands into the dining room. Cooper Design Build also installed a large skylight and picture window to draw in natural light.

Cooper Design Build

BEFORE

AFTER Photo by Brian Pierce/Pierce Pixels

First floor and basement remodel: A wall was removed between the dining room and kitchen. Creekstone Design + Remodel found a way to accommodate a built-in deep refrigerator and the fronts of new pantry cabinets have practical magnetic chalkboards.

The basement is now a self-contained in-law unit with a kitchenette, master suite, closet, laundry, walk-in tile shower and heated bath floors.

Creekstone Design + Remodel

BEFORE

AFTER Kraft Custom Construction

Condo remodel: A dark condo is now a more open space that showcases the owner's original artwork.

Kraft Custom Construction removed walls to open up the kitchen and installed cabinets that are white gloss and matte bright blue. An underused bedroom closet is now a butler's pantry.

The new master bathroom was designed to accommodate aging in place with a curb-less shower, removable shower seat, grab bars and ample lighting.

There is also a wall-mounted Washlet toilet and sink faucet, floating vanity with strip lighting underneath, quartz counters and large-format porcelain tile.

A pink sink faucet is near an art niche.

Kraft Custom Construction

BEFORE

AFTER Petrina Construction

Master bedroom remodel: Petrina Construction added space to the second floor of a house in Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood to upgrade the master bedroom and incorporate a bathroom without having to go into the hall.

AFTER Photo by Brian Pierce/Pierce Pixels

Kitchen remodel: Creekstone Design + Remodel removed a 16-foot-long fireplace wall to open the kitchen to adjoining rooms. The new kitchen has navy cabinets and mosaic backsplashes as well as a wine fridge and microwave concealed in the island.

Creekstone Design + Remodel

BEFORE

AFTER Brian Pierce/Pierce Pixels

Kitchen remodel: To open up the confined kitchen, Creekstone Design + Remodel exposed the existing coffered ceiling and added windows as was as LED wafer lighting to the vaulted ceiling.

Creekstone Design + Remodel

BEFORE

AFTER Wiedly Construction

Whole house remodel: A 1970s Mediterranean-style house in Lake Oswego needed to be upgraded and updated from its Old World style to a contemporary one with new cabinets, countertops, staircases and light fixtures.

Wieldy Construction created a new ceiling structure supported by two large beams. Interior arches mirror outside colonnade arches.

A covered porch and two large windows face a forest area. Inside, seven skylights and four large windows maximize natural lighting. The lower floor now has an entertainment area and sunroom.

Wiedly Construction

BEFORE

AFTER Cooper Design Build

Whole house remodel: Cooper Design Build restored the natural character of a Craftsman-style house in Lake Oswego while modernizing its systems and layout, including creating an expanded master bathroom with a soaking tub, shower and double vanity.

The unfinished basement is now a suite of separate, flexible spaces and off of the kitchen is a large deck that connects to a new two-car garage.

Cooper Design Build

BEFORE

AFTER Brian Schmidt Builder

Whole house remodel: A 1915 bungalow walking distance to Oswego Lake received foundation work, a reconfigured, open floor plan and second floor addition by Brian Schmidt Builder.

Brian Schmidt Builder

BEFORE

AFTER Metke Remodeling & Luxury Homes

Main floor remodel: Metke Remodeling & Luxury Homes opened the kitchen-living-dining space to enhance the home's view of Lake Oswego. The kitchen was also made more functional for entertaining.

A large masonry fireplace and chimney were removed to draw in more light and expand the kitchen and add a bar. The master bathroom now has a steam shower, double vanity and soaking tub.

Metke Remodeling & Luxury Homes

BEFORE

AFTER NVHolden Photography

Whole house remodel: Mountainwood Homes renovated a house in West Linn's Ashdown Woods neighborhood to function better and enhance its style.

The sunken living room was raised to eliminate steps and stained hardwood floors were installed throughout the main level.

The kitchen was reconfigured and the cooktop was relocated to make the hood the focal point of the back wall.

The master bathroom was enlarged and a jetted tub was replaced with a sculptural, freestanding tub that has a view of the courtyard.

Mountainwood Homes

BEFORE

--Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories

See the article here:
Tour a restored Robert Rummer-built midcentury modern and 12 other remodeled homes (before, after photos) - OregonLive

WednesdayMar4,2020at8:30AM

It would be helpful if Jim Caldwell would do a little research. It is true a lot of remodeling was done to Bixby Hospital. But if he were to go deep down into the basement, he would discover the reason for demolition. He does not see the infrastructure.

Deep down in the basement are corroded plumbing, electrical wiring and crumbling walls about to fall down. And that would be a disaster. I was auxiliary treasurer for 15 years and attended several meetings where it was explained about the conditions of the building and the millions it would take to keep it up. It is my understanding that only the old section will be torn down and the newer part kept for offices, etc.

I have been retired for several years, but close friends say that this is still the plan. Hoping this will clarify things for you.

Mary I. Miller

Adrian

Here is the original post:
Letter to the Editor - The Daily Telegram

Personal Finance Insider writes about products, strategies, and tips to help you make smart decisions with your money. We may receive a small commission from our partners, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

I grew up poor.

Living in the projects didn't feel like poverty until I was bussed out to a gifted and talented program where most of my classmates had never even seen food stamps, let alone used them.

There were never more than two or three Black children in my class (including me) and most of my peers lived in houses instead of the projects.

I learned that we were poor by comparison, and I was ashamed. Since the other children didn't know that, they'd often make demeaning comments about students they suspected were poor. It is something that has stayed with me.

Even though my mother kept a job on top of side hustles, I never invited my school friends to our place. And I didn't talk to my mother about money until I got my first job at 14. I had so many questions, but I didn't want to seem ungrateful. I understood that money was important, but I didn't quite understand why. More importantly, I didn't yet understand how I could get more of it.

As a single mother, I've taken steps to make sure my son understands the role money can play in his future. Here are the six smartest financial steps I've taken to protect my son.

A lot of millennial parents don't think of insurance when they consider long-term savings for their children. It might be surprising to folks, but term life insurance is a great investment.

Despite some of the myths we learn about term life insurance, it can be a catalyst for a family's legacy. I won't miss the $30 a month that comes out of my paycheck, and my son won't suffer financially if I die before he's able to take care of himself.

To most parents' credit, we understand the importance of savings. Even the poorest families still get why it is needed even if socio-economic barriers prevent them from investing in their child's future. I've found that it's not enough to just have a savings account. We also need to teach our kids what it means to save.

This year, I decided to get a physical ledger from the bank. I only make deposits when my son is with me. Even though he can't yet reach the counter, he writes each deposit and notes the new balance.

This practice led to a conversation about the difference between regular savings and emergency savings. We discussed why some people have so much more money than we do. He also asked about why some people can't afford a home. It was surprising how much he already understood about the world.

There are lots of apps out there that teach children about money, but the physical ledger promotes a more acute awareness of what it means to earn, spend, and save money.

Much like having life insurance, a will is a way to protect our family members after we pass away. My son is my only child, so there likely wouldn't be any disputes about my estate. Still, it's important to lay out his inheritance to reduce confusion and arbitration over my assets.

Creating and discussing my will as he gets older will help him understand the benefits of planning ahead. It might seem a bit morbid, but I know how much of a financial burden it can be when there is no will.

Dividing up property among grieving family members can lead to bad blood. Instead, a will offers concrete directions that allow the family to mourn in a more civil manner. Disputes may still happen especially if a family is dividing up debt or tax liability but ultimately a will can prevent things like foreclosures, vehicle liens, and repossessions.

By having a legally binding will (as opposed to just telling your family your wishes) we can also offer safety. Wills establish legal guardianship so that the state doesn't decide what happens to our children. Moreover, we can set up trusts that mature after our child comes of age.

The specificity of a will is important, and it increases the chances that the designated guardians or beneficiaries are operating in our children's best interest.

Create a free, legal will online in minutes with Fabric

My 6-year-old son does not get an allowance. Instead, he earns money by selling his art. It's not a lucrative business, but he does relatively well for a first grader.

We are blessed to have the means for an allowance, but in my experience, it has been more beneficial to provide an opportunity to monetize his extracurriculars. During church bazaars, thrift sales, and school events, my son and 9-year-old niece have sold lots of things. Their biggest money-makers are original art, African fabrics, and compliments. Yes my son and niece sell strangers compliments.

At the end of each event, they give me back any money I invested for supplies, then divide the rest of their profit down the middle. It teaches them lifelong financial lessons that most of us don't even get as adults. On the car ride home, they discuss sales strategies, annoying customers, and ethics.

We have talked about savings a lot more since buying our first home last year. My son puts about $5 on the water bill bi-monthly. It barely makes a dent in the bill, but it teaches him about how to manage his money. Plus, he feels like he is really contributing to our household.

My son comes with me to visit houses when we help our friends look for investment properties. He has also helped scrape the carpet glue off the floor during our basement remodeling.

In addition to being a unique learning opportunity for my little one, a home is a pretty stable investment. As I make improvements, it's building equity, and paying my mortgage on time boosts my credit.

For some families, money is a sensitive topic. This last step may be the most important, regardless of income level. Honesty is so important. Hiding our money problems from our little ones could be detrimental.

While I don't necessarily spend hours each week going through each bill with my son, I do include him in conversations about money.

When he wanted to get a dog, I sat down with him and showed him my budget snapshot how much it costs to keep our household stable. I let him know how much money we had leftover after things like the mortgage, car, and food.

Then, I had him make a list of all the things a dog would need: food, collar, toys, a doghouse, doctor's visits, walking, etc. We connected either a dollar value or time value. For example: The dog would need to be walked a few times a day. Mom works all day and he is in school, so we would have to pay someone to go to our house and let the dog out.

At first, he was discouraged, but then we talked about saving money and cutting back. He left the conversation super hopeful and we discussed a cat or turtle since they're less expensive. It was simple and practical.

He is young, and at this age his attention span is unreliable at best. My hope is that these conversations make him a less impulsive spender and a more fiscally aware adult.

No parent is perfect. As much as we try to teach our little ones to make the right choices, we still have our own mistakes to learn from. We can give our children the best tools, but the truth is, they'll still stumble. These six financial steps won't always protect my son, but I hope they'll set him up for success as he becomes an adult.

The rest is here:
My son is only 6, but I've already taken 6 important steps to protect him financially - Business Insider - Business Insider

The ambitious CTA Red Purple Modernization Project (RPM) has started the initial phase of construction and will continue for the next several years. With businesses starting to get nervous over the work and what it means for their profits, one retail store thats been on Bryn Mawr for a century has made the decision to move to Andersonville.

Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company has been located right next to the red line station at 1125 W. Bryn Mawr for just over 100 years, but the looming closure of both the train stop and use of the sidewalk in front of the business from days to weeks on end was just too great a risk. Instead, the jewelry stores owner Scott Freeman is taking a leap of faith by packing up shop and heading to Andersonville.

Freeman took over the store about 15 years ago from the previous jeweler. In that time he has witnessed the transformation of the area into a more vibrant place with a diverse collection of businesses.

Ive watched the street slowly get cleaned up over the years and move in the right direction, said Freeman. I honestly wouldnt have moved if they were not remodeling this train station. It truly forced my hand because you cant do business if people cannot walk through your door. However, Ive always wanted to expand and was unable to in our current 750 sq. ft. of space. This gave me the push needed and I am grateful in a way.

In the craft for 25 years now he specializes in making his own custom creations as well as offering fine retail brands. What has made the store unique though is the relaxed atmosphere and jewelry priced for everyone, from $5 pieces to ones as expensive as $20K.

The new store will be located just south of Foster Ave. at 5139 N. Clark. and will give the jeweler the bigger showroom he has desired with 1150 sq. ft of space and a full basement area. He has already moved the business into the new location and is just finishing the $50k build-out in time for a grand opening celebration this Saturday.

I was able to create a space that I always envisioned my jewelry store to look like, Freeman explained. This store is more of a reflection of my personality such as decor and layout. I am also planning on starting a line of my own and hired some new people that can sit at the bench and do repairs so I can free up my time to create.

The new Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company store will be divided by a large glass partition where people can watch the jewelers at work from the retail showroom. Though Freeman loves to talk and get to know his customers, this will give him the opportunity to still oversee the showroom while still providing a quieter space in order to concentrate on his work. They will also be expanding their showcases from 10 to 16 and introduce additional products.

I am so excited to be a part of the Andersonville neighborhood, Freeman added. Its just such a vibrant community of small business owners. Its a bunch of mom and pop shops and people who really care about their businesses. Im looking forward to showing the neighborhood what I can do.

The grand opening celebration will be all day long on Feb. 29 with give-aways, raffles, a ribbon-cutting at 9 a.m. and Drag Queen Story Time with Muffy Fishbasket at 10:30. Around Noon a local teacher will be helping kids make their own jewelry and other art projects. Then at 7 p.m. the adults can play with live music, hors deouvres and cocktails.

Originally posted here:
Anticipating Problematic Red Line Construction, Bryn Mawr Jewelry Moves To Andersonville - edgevillebuzz

SPONSORED:

JOB: Potter Construction is looking to hirea Lead Carpenter

Are you looking for a carpentry job that challenges you? A job that works in all phases of carpentry, and is a part of the bigger picture? A job that has opportunity to grow?

Potter Construction is an award winning Remodeling Company in West Seattle. In business since 1979, we serve the greater Seattle area. We do a lot of beautiful looking additions, kitchens, baths, and basement remodels.

We currently have a position available for a Lead Carpenter. This position oversees the project and performs the carpentry work. Your job is to do the work and work with the subs and suppliers and make sure everything works well on site.

This position is supported by the Production Manager, and the General Manager.

You like to work independently and have organization and communication skills. We provide support with the paperwork and scheduling and weekly meetings. You care about the customer and want to make sure their concerns are heard. We provide an organized approach to projects that keeps drama to a minimum.

Summary of key responsibilities:

Required Knowledge, skills and abilities:

To learn more about our company visit us at http://www.potterconstruction.com or http://www.facebook.com/potterconstruction

Send Resume, cover letter and references by emailto [emailprotected]

All qualified candidates will be contacted.

EDITORS NOTE: Sponsored Posts are paid, Native Advertisements that help businesses improve their internetpresence and all-important SEO. To learn more about how your business can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at[emailprotected].

Read more here:
JOB: Potter Construction looking to hire a Lead Carpenter - The B-Town - The B-Town Blog

Volunteers have remodeled the hall, built in 1898, and are constructing an adjoining addition that will house a kitchen, restrooms and office.

About four years ago, Gardar Township Board members were considering tearing down the township hall, which had become an eyesore. That's when Tom Mullen and Bruce Langerud suggested that maybe it could be renovated.

We only had a couple of buildings left on Main Street and we wanted to save them, Mullen said.

Mullen, who lives near the tiny community of nine people about 80 miles northwest of Grand Forks, also had fond memories of playing basketball in the wooden-floored building as a boy. He wants future generations to make memories there.

It was incredibly fun, playing basketball in there with your buddies, Mullen said.

Langerud, owner of a construction business, looked at the hall to determine if it could be saved. What he saw wasnt too promising.

It was on the brink of being gone, Langerud said.

But that didnt mean it was a hopeless project. When he was younger, Langerud worked for several years with a carpenter who restored old buildings. Langerud learned the trade from him.

I had done enough work with him to say, We can do this, Langerud said.

The township board, though dubious, agreed not to tear down the hall and instead to allow Mullen and Langerud to round up volunteer laborers and seek donors to pledge money for the project.

The restoration project began with digging new footings and pouring a foundation several feet west of the town hall, then jacking up the building and moving it to the new site. Once the hall was on a solid foundation, volunteers began repairing it, including putting new siding on the exterior, installing new windows and remodeling the entry.

The volunteers also made a new stairway to the basement where the "bleachers" that were used during basketball games are stored. The bleachers, A-frame sawhorses with laid boards on top, were placed along the sidelines of the basketball court, Mullen said.

The township hall was used for Gardar High School games until it closed in 1961. The hall's basketball backboards and the antique timing clock are being restored and will be placed back in the hall after the work is finished.

The hall has a history that began long before it was used for township activities. The building was constructed in 1898 as a lodge for the Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal organization based in Toronto, Mullen said.

That changed in about 10 years. The IOF decided to go with the Ancient Order of United Outdoorsmen, he said.

In the 1940s, the fraternal organization became Mutual Life Insurance, which had a building in Fargo. The company no longer had a use for the hall in Gardar so the company sold it to the Gardar Township School District. When the school was redistricted in 1961, it sold the hall to Gardar Township. The hall was used until about 20 years ago, when it began to fall into disrepair.

Volunteers originally estimated the repairs would cost about $60,000, but that amount has grown to about $100,000.

We thought, weve gone this far, we might as well do this and that, Mullen said. Part of this and that includes the adjoining Eldhus addition, which includes a new kitchen and restroom next to the hall.

The refurbished township hall already has been used for community events, including last summers 90th birthday celebration of former North Dakota Lt. Gov. Rosemarie Myrdal, who lives near Gardar. Volunteers hope to complete the Eldhus by this spring. Then the Gardar Township Hall will be ready to host a variety of events.

It could be used for birthday parties, graduations, wedding dances, family reunions, Mullen said.

We hope this building will be around here for the next 100 years and that future generations will use it, he said.

More here:
Gardar, ND, volunteers give new life to township hall - Grand Forks Herald

Breaking ground

Part one is the railhouse. The preliminary remodel, budgeted at $30,000, is just aimed at making the building safe and habitable, including reinforcing the porch, replacing kitchen appliances and clearing out ducts and vents.

The house will have four private bedrooms and shared living space, including a kitchen, bathroom, living room and basement laundry room. Prospective tenants need to have been referred by a partner group or regional addiction recovery programs, such as Kleen Street and Community Services Northwest.

Right now, were getting everything safe and habitable so we can get bodies off the street, said Justin Crouch, general contractor for JC Remodeling and Construction, working at the site on Monday.

The goal was to by the end of February have everything livable, and were definitely going to meet if not exceed that.

A more comprehensive remodel is scheduled for the coming months, paid for in part by a $100,000 grant from Vancouvers Affordable Housing Fund, and will see the roof replaced, the existing paint stripped and replaced, and a renovation performed to transform the basement originally built to accommodate a horse and buggy into a laundry room and office space for the nonprofit.

The tenants will be a community mix, Thobaben said, meaning that the house is inclusive of all ages and genders. Sex offenders and people convicted of violent felonies are ineligible.

Rent per room would be tough to match elsewhere: $450 a month.

The 150-year-old building isnt without its charms; historic details, like carved wooden awnings and intricately engraved door hinges, survived the restoration. But it also has some quirks. Expensive quirks. Theyre already about $6,000 over budget.

If youve ever done a remodel, you peel back the wall, and you find five things you didnt know about, Thobaben said. You budget the best you can based on what you can see.

The older it gets, the harder it gets, Crouch added.

For the three-man construction crew, the project marks a kind of full cycle. Theyre all graduates of the Kleen Street recovery program, a group that helps addicts experiencing homelessness overcome their substance abuse problems and put the pieces of their lives back together.

Crouch got addicted to opioids after a back injury nearly 20 years ago. He lost his family, his job and his home, and he was living in his truck.

Every time you use could be the last time. I had five overdoses. The goal is to be able to get people through a program like Kleen Street, or through Community Roots, and get people back to the fortunate position that Ive been in, to get back to a normal life, Crouch said.

Crouch said he knows firsthand that the community a recovering addict surrounds themselves with makes all the difference. Neighborhoods like this one could go a long way.

You pick up the characteristics, to an extent, of the people around you. If youre around people that are trying to achieve the same outcome, you tend to kind of pick up those traits, Crouch said.

The major phase of the Fruit Valley development will take place over the summer.

Through a contract with Wolf Industries, a tiny home builder based in Battle Ground, the nonprofit is commissioning 21 structures for $58,000 apiece.

Derek Huegel, owner and founder of Wolf Industries, said Monday that his company can produce approximately one tiny home per week. This is a major contract for the company, which Huegel says has built about 80 houses since opening in 2016. So far, most of their business has been primarily accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, he said.

If we can scale this appropriately, then well be able to start in May, Thobaben said.

A model version of the tiny homes headed to Fruit Valley includes one bedroom, a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, and a bathroom with a toilet, shower and sink.

Why tiny homes for an affordable housing project?

Theyre cheaper than traditional houses. But unlike trailers and mobile homes, which depreciate in value over time similar to a vehicle, tiny homes act like a miniature real estate investment.

These are built to Washington State Labor & Industry standards, Thobaben said. They are actual houses. They just happen to be able to be moved. They retain value over time.

Tenants will be able to pay down their tiny homes in a lease-to-own agreement. If they pay down their unit, theyll continue to pay rent on the land, similar to agreements in traditional mobile-home parks. But the rent will drop from $700 to $250, not including utilities, and theyll have the option of moving their home to a different location.

Thobaben said his ultimate hope is to create a model thats not only successful but replicable. The Fruit Valley community would be the first of its kind in the county, but ideally not the last.

Its not a complete solution to homelessness in Clark County, Thobaben acknowledged.

Theres the housing-first approach, which is essential, Thobaben said, citing a homelessness strategy that prioritizes housing before other issues like addiction can be properly treated. This is not that, though.

The folks we have identified out of Kleen Street are folks like Justin. They have six months to two years in the program already, theyre ready to graduate, they just need the space to do it, and they need an affordable space.

And he said its discouraging that even with so many factors cutting down project expenses including the project manager and engineer, Ginn Group and PLS Engineering, offering services at-cost, as well as charitable donations and public funds monthly rents on the tiny homes cant go any lower than $700 a month to keep the project solvent.

Thats still a high hurdle, Thobaben said, especially for many people transitioning out of recovery programs and rebuilding their lives. The high rent is indicative of a larger problem that Community Roots Collective isnt necessarily equipped to handle solo, he added.

We need housing, and we need it in a bad way, Thobaben said.

Follow this link:
Renovated railhouse, 21 tiny homes heart of Fruit Valley project - The Columbian

5 Tips for Improving the Value of Your Home

Whether youre looking to eventually sell, or you just want to increase the value of your property, there are many things you can do to essentially improve its reassessment value. While some changes are less extreme, they often dont bring the price increase that youd want to see when adding the house to the market. Making these improvements can even make the residence more comfortable for you and your loved ones. Some of these upgrades can be done yourself in an attempt to save money or by working with experts who do the job for you.

Improving Curb Appeal

The outside of the house is what most people see when first pulling up in front of the property or walking passed. If there is overgrown grass, dying trees or dead, flat flowerbeds, it leaves a lot to be desired. Improving the curb appeal can be as simple as getting on a routine mowing schedule or as detailed as hiring a landscaping company to do the work for you. Get rid of old, dying trees and consider adding rock walls and pathways that improve aesthetic appeal. Faux lawns are all the rage, since they dont need to be watered or mowed and look great no matter the time of year.

Adding an Elevator

Who wouldnt want to come into a home and see a fully functioning elevator ready to be used? Elevators add thousands of dollars worth of value to homes. They are ideal for getting from one floor to another and are an absolute must for individuals who are disabled or mobile-impaired. By working with a residential elevator company, you can have the addition of your dreams and the daily living convenience that you need.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels

The bathroom and kitchen of the house are the two most-used rooms for the family. If theyre outdated and lacking in available features, this not only devalues the property, but it makes living there more inconvenient and uncomfortable. Remodeling a bathroom can mean pulling up and replacing old tubs and sinks as well as adding heated flooring and toilets. Your kitchen can be remodeled in a way that includes more counter space and refines the cooking experience.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Potential buyers and current homeowners need a house that is as energy efficient as possible. This could be as simple as adding smart faucets to sinks and showers that turn off after a specified amount of time or installing solar panels on the roof. The key is to properly lower utility costs and enhance the living experience for those who are staying there.

Finishing Up the Basement

That cement floor and leaking wall in the basement isnt necessarily what potential buyers want to see when taking a tour of the home. Nowadays, most people use their basements for entertainment purposes or even use as a home office. It might serve as a great place to game online, watch movies or as an area for the kids to play. Finishing up the basement entails adding walls and flooring, as well as ensuring there is sufficient heating and cooling available.

Go here to read the rest:
5 Tips for Improving the Value of Your Home - The Realtime Report

The morning after Iran lobbed missiles at bases housing U.S. military forces in Iraq, President Donald Trump signaled on Wednesday that he would not be ordering any immediate U.S. military response to Tehran, though the President said he would place new economic sanctions on Iran in a further bid to halt their nuclear ambitions. 'Iran appears to be standing down,' the President said at the White House, as he made clear the U.S would not respond right now with military might. 'The United States is ready to embrace peace, with all who seek it,' Mr. Trump added, even as he tried to turn up the economic pressure on Iranian leaders. 'These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior,' the President added. 'If you value your life, you will not threaten the lives of our people,' Mr. Trump said. In his nine minute speech, the President did not address questions about the underlying intelligence behind the U.S. strike which killed Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian paramilitary leader - but Mr. Trump made clear he had no second thoughts. 'Soleimanis hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood,' the President said. 'He should have been terminated long ago.' In Congress, anti-war Democrats breathed a sigh of relief at the lack of a military response. 'I'm heartened that our President stuck with the script, did not humiliate Iran & recognized that Iran is standing down,' said Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA). But the choice of more sanctions was not embraced by all. 'Direct, firm, and peaceful engagement with Iran is more likely to bring about positive change than are further sanctions and warfare,' said Rep. Justin Amash (I-MI). Here is the full text of the President's remarks, as provided by the White House: REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP ON IRAN 11:28 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: As long as I am President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Good morning. I'm pleased to inform you: The American people should be extremely grateful and happy no Americans were harmed in last nights attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers are safe, and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces, and an early warning system that worked very well. I salute the incredible skill and courage of Americas men and women in uniform. For far too long -- all the way back to 1979, to be exact -- nations have tolerated Irans destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond. Those days are over. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism, and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen. Last week, we took decisive action to stop a ruthless terrorist from threatening American lives. At my direction, the United States military eliminated the worlds top terrorist, Qasem Soleimani. As the head of the Quds Force, Soleimani was personally responsible for some of the absolutely worst atrocities. He trained terrorist armies, including Hezbollah, launching terrorist strikes against civilian targets. He fueled bloody civil wars all across the region. He viciously wounded and murdered thousands of U.S. troops, including the planting of roadside bombs that maim and dismember their victims. Soleimani directed the recent attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq that badly wounded four service members and killed one American, and he orchestrated the violent assault on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. In recent days, he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him. Soleimanis hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been terminated long ago. By removing Soleimani, we have sent a powerful message to terrorists: If you value your own life, you will not threaten the lives of our people. As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior. In recent months alone, Iran has seized ships in international waters, fired an unprovoked strike on Saudi Arabia, and shot down two U.S. drones. Irans hostilities substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013, and they were given $150 billion, not to mention $1.8 billion in cash. Instead of saying 'thank you' to the United States, they chanted 'death to America.' In fact, they chanted 'death to America' the day the agreement was signed. Then, Iran went on a terror spree, funded by the money from the deal, and created hell in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration. The regime also greatly tightened the reins on their own country, even recently killing 1,500 people at the many protests that are taking place all throughout Iran. The very defective JCPOA expires shortly anyway, and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout. Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, and China to recognize this reality. They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal - or JCPOA - and we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place. We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper, and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential. Iran can be a great country. Peace and stability cannot prevail in the Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment violence, unrest, hatred, and war. The civilized world must send a clear and unified message to the Iranian regime: Your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer. It will not be allowed to go forward. Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process. Over the last three years, under my leadership, our economy is stronger than ever before and America has achieved energy independence. These historic accomplishments changed our strategic priorities. These are accomplishments that nobody thought were possible. And options in the Middle East became available. We are now the number-one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world. We are independent, and we do not need Middle East oil. The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration, at a cost of $2.5 trillion. U.S. Armed Forces are stronger than ever before. Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal, and fast. Under construction are many hypersonic missiles. The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent. Three months ago, after destroying 100 percent of ISIS and its territorial caliphate, we killed the savage leader of ISIS, al-Baghdadi, who was responsible for so much death, including the mass beheadings of Christians, Muslims, and all who stood in his way. He was a monster. Al-Baghdadi was trying again to rebuild the ISIS caliphate, and failed. Tens of thousands of ISIS fighters have been killed or captured during my administration. ISIS is a natural enemy of Iran. The destruction of ISIS is good for Iran, and we should work together on this and other shared priorities. Finally, to the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great future -- one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. I want to thank you, and God bless America. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.

Continued here:
Green Country Home and Garden Show - KRMG