ALBANY On the evening of Jan. 22, 2017, Leon Gohman was looking forward to watching an Atlanta Falcons playoff game after evening church services. Instead, after receiving a warning, he and wife Patricia found themselves hunkered down in the bathroom with their two dogs due to threatening weather.

When a powerful tornado hit the Radium Springs area, it sent a tree limb through the roof of the Gohmans house on Holly Drive, fatally wounding Patricia, who died four days later.

On Thursday, Dougherty County officials dedicated a memorial to Patricia Gohman and the four other county residents who died in the storm.

Wed been married for 51 years, Gohman said. We lived in the home for 25 years.

The memorial unveiled on Thursday is a white column with a piece of steel wrapped around it. The names and birth dates of Patricia Ann Gohman, retired USAF Maj. Paul J. Freeman, Cathay McMahan Mosley, James Edward Mosley and Oscar Reyna are engraved on the steel.

I think its a nice remembrance, Gohman said.

The memorial sits next to the renovated gazebo and near the renovated ticket booth on the site where the former Radium Springs casino stood. The casino was torn down after it was struck by a fire and inundated by floodwaters in 1994 and 1998.

(They) talked about it back in the past; it was so beautiful, Gohman said of the site. Its becoming that way again, but its very different.

This year the county received $1.5 million in funding from the state to renovate a historic bridge that will be part of a trail system that begins at the former golf course nearby and eventually will connect the area to downtown Albany.

Dougherty County Administrator Michael McCoy recalled during the ceremony being in the nearby emergency management center when the tornado struck. Afterward, he and other officials walked through a wooded area to get their first view of the aftermath.

We could hear destruction ripping all around us, he said. It didnt last long, but it seemed like an eternity. We had no idea what we would find when we emerged.

Looking all around us, we saw nothing but destruction. We heard, at a distance, people in distress, but we could not get to them. The loss of lives was terrible.

Soon after the disaster, McCoy said, County Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas suggested placing a monument at the county-owned site, and the gazebo area became the natural spot to place it.

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We had to do something that would have meaning so their lives would be remembered forever, McCoy said. May it serve as a reminder for years and decades to come that they are still with you.

Cohilas recalled taking a group from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources on a tour of the site less than a week before the tornado struck and the contrast to the storms aftermath.

The place looked absolutely beautiful; the water was pristine, he said. It was fascinating, and it was beautiful, and then five days later

I remember being overwhelmed and overcome by the destruction. I was awestruck by how much devastation could happen so fast.

The memorial is intended to be part of the renewal of the area near the blue hole spring, the largest natural spring in the state and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. The gazebo area includes benches and will be a place for reflection.

The county is dedicated to the renovation of the park, which includes recreation and exercise facilities, for years to come, Cohilas said.

Today is a happy day, he said. It is also a somber day because we are remembering and acknowledging those citizens who lost their lives. While we celebrate the refurbishing of Radium Springs, (I) think we should also remember and keep in our hearts our citizens who died that day.

Our hope for this memorial is it will serve as an eternal reminder, not only to the lives that were lost but to the spirit of Dougherty County. This is publicly owned space. It is available to anyone, and I think that is very important.

The spring and much of the surrounding land is owned by the state, while the county owns the site where the former casino stood and an adjacent park.

Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler recalled one detail of when he arrived in the area after the storm a child of 2 or 3 who was alone and dressed only in a T-shirt.

He was asking: Wheres my mama? he said.

This community lost on that day a father, a brother, a friend, a neighbor, Dougherty County Commissioner Victor Edwards said. This memorial will not restore your loved one, but it will stand as a symbol of love to your loved one. To the family members, I hope today this will bring a smile and happy thought of the family member you lost.

Link:
Dougherty County memorial to victims of 2017 tornado unveiled at Radium Springs - The Albany Herald

Sound off: How best to extend the life and usefulness of outdoor living spaces

With autumn at hand and an eye on the pandemic, you may be more than ready to enhance and extend the life and usefulness of your outdoor space.

Installing, expanding or sprucing up a patio or deck, or adding an outdoor fireplace, gazebo or pergola can contribute to home value. Changing the cushions on outdoor furniture, or having garden furniture restored can refresh the spirit, as well as the seasonal ambiance.

Heat lamps and solar in-ground lights are welcoming add-ons, while landscaping or focal-point nighttime illumination could turn a property into a wonderland in any season.

To bring the outside in, consider adding the sunroom or four-season solarium youve been dreaming about, or maybe put in sliders where theres now only a door. For youngsters, a treat could be a jungle gym, playhouse or treehouse or all three. Hang some bird feeders to captivate kids and adults, as well as the birds.

If you have a level area in your yard, explore the do-it-yourself route or kits for making ice-skating rinks. Or build low stone-wall seating around a fire pit, for comfort and character while roasting marshmallows.

Garden centers and nurseries can provide solutions for your outdoor living spaces. Fall is the time for planting colorful springtime gardens. Cool-season veggies, such as lettuce, kale, beets and spinach planted now can yield a third-season harvest. At McArdles Florist and Garden Center and around the world, edible gardening is hot. Flowers that attract butterflies can teach kids the joy of gardening. Butterfly bushes, coneflowers and phlox are among pollinators whose flat petals serve as landing pads for butterflies and bees, needed for cross pollination. No bees? No zucchini, according to Mary Jo Bridge Palmer of Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses.

You may also want to deer-proof gardens. A good way to start, according to Bridge Palmer, is to install four-foot post-and-wire fence, a size that deer tend not to jump. A smaller foot-high fence outside of the taller fence can outwit rabbits and woodchucks.

If your outdoor space is sparse, container gardening may be your enhancement ticket to homegrown tomatoes, potatoes, herbs and flowers. For balconies and spaces in want of privacy, planters with tall supports for flowering vines can create splendid screens.

Business: William Raveis Real Estate,

203-869-9263 office,

914-980-7031 cell,

marguerite.vauclair@raveis.com

Read the original:
Sound off: How best to extend the life and usefulness of outdoor living spaces - Thehour.com

From Staff Reports Published 2:51 p.m. CT Oct. 21, 2020

To subscribe to The Times go to https://help.shreveporttimes.com/subscription-services Shreveport Times

The Catholic Diocese of Shreveport will conduct its annual Blessing of the Graves over the next two weekends leading into All Souls Day on Nov. 1.

Priests and deacons will offer prayers at local cemeteries on the weekends closest to All Souls Day, theannual commemoration of the faithful departed on the following dates:

Saturday, Oct.24

Forest Park Cemetery West Shreveport 11a.m. 400 Meriwether Road

Fr. Duane Trombetta, Deacon Jeff Chapman, Deacon Homer Tucker (Meet at Mausoleum)

Lincoln Park Cemetery Shreveport 11 a.m. 6915 West 70th Street

Fr. Joseph Martina, Deacon Bill Roche (Meet at Office)

Round Grove Cemetery Shreveport 11 a.m. 2869 Round Grove Lane

Rev. Jean Bosco Uwamungu, Deacon Charles Thomas

Sunday, Oct. 25

Rose-Neath Cemetery Bossier City 2:00 p.m. 5185 Swan Lake Spur

Bishop Francis Malone, Rev. Karl Daigle, Deacon Mike Wise, Deacon Steve Lehr

(Meet at statue in Catholic section on the right)

Forest Park Cemetery East Shreveport 2 p.m.3700 St. Vincent Avenue

Fr. Matthew Long, Fr. Kevin Mues, Deacon John Basco, Deacon Bruce Pistorius

(Meet at Mausoleum across from office)

Saturday , Oct. 31

Hillcrest Memorial Haughton 11 a.m. 601 Highway 80 East

Fr. Fidel Mondragon, Fr. James Moran, Deacon Ricardo Rivera (Meet at Mausoleum)

CenturiesShreveport 11 a.m. 8801 Mansfield Road

Fr. Rothell Price, Fr. Mark Watson, Deacon Freeman Ligon (Meet at North Gazebo)

Sunday, Nov. 1

Veteran Keithville 2 p.m. 7970 Mike Clark Road

Fr. John Paul Crispin, Deacon Bill Kleinpeter, Deacon Jack Lynch (Meet at committal shelter)

Monday , Nov. 2 (All Souls Day)

St. Joseph Cemetery Shreveport 11 a.m.(With Mass) 2100 Texas Avenue

Bishop Francis I Malone, Msgr. Earl Provenza, Deacon Daniel LeMoine

Read or Share this story: https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2020/10/21/diocese-shreveports-blessing-graves-begin-saturday/3718225001/

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Blessing of the Graves in the Diocese of Shreveport begins Saturday - Shreveport Times

Ramsgate market Photo Maxine Morgan

Thanet council is planning an overhaul to Ramsgate Market to create a new Canterbury style format with gazebos and themed days.

The arrangement with the current organiser, organiser Hughmark, is to be ended with the contract going out to tender.

The market shut when covid restrictions were brought in during March. It briefly reopened in June but issues around placement meant the market closed again. A new site proposed for Pier Yard car park on the seafront was scuppered at the 11th hour.

Traders were finally given the go-ahead to use Staffordshire Street car park, taking space in several disabled parking bays.

But there was a drop in traders taking part on Fridays and none willing to set up for business at the site on Saturdays.

The low number of stall meant falling income, with Hughmark making a decision to cease trade in the town.

The cost in business rates to Thanet council for the market each year is 16,604. The market operator is expected to pay TDC alf of the net income. However, there has was not a profit to split during August and September with the market making losses.

A report to Thanet council Cabinet members, who are due to meet next week, says: As the market operator is no longer able to operate the Staffordshire Street market due to a decrease in traders willing to participate in the market, alternative locations for the market have been considered, but they would not comply with existing COVID restrictions.

The council acknowledges the benefits of a diverse market on the local community, consumers and traders alike and remains determined to restore a market in Ramsgate. It is therefore proposed to market the opportunity in a new format -Canterbury Model with diverse themes on different days, high-quality goods, coordinating gazebos), and subsequently extend the exercise to local tender to grant a service concession contract to operate the new market.

Cabinet members are expected to agree to cease the arrangement with Hughmark in favour of a new operator.

The procurement of the new market will be developed within the next six months with consideration given to the location, potential COVID-19

Restrictions and diversity of market goods with periods of specialist markets such as for Halloween, Christmas and Easter.

The report says: As part of the new market development exercise, the council will engage with Ramsgate Town Council as well as welcome input from all potential vendors.

Cabinet members will discuss the issue on October 22.

Related

See the original post here:
Thanet council to end contract with Ramsgate Market organiser and invite bids to create 'Canterbury' style stalls - The Isle of Thanet News

The city of Grapevine is hosting outdoor concerts in October at the Town Square Gazebo for their Live and Local event. Theyre encouraging attendees to pick up food at nearby restaurants and enjoy the live music alongside their meal at socially distant table settings in an outdoor environment.

Tables and chairs will be placed on the lawn near the gazebo. Masks are required at all times, except when eating and drinking.

City spokeswoman Sophia Stoller said the tables will be limited to two seats and routinely cleaned to maintain safety. Guests will be encouraged to maintain six-foot distancing and hand sanitizer stations will be available.

Here are the artists you can expect to see in October:

The concerts will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays in October at the Town Square Gazebo (325 S. Main St.).

See the original post:
Check out these outdoor concerts in downtown Grapevine this month - The Dallas Morning News

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Trade, Agus Suparmanto, kicked off the dispatch of 25 containers of goods, worth Rp10.68 billion, meant for export at the Jogja Expo Center (JEC) on October 16-17, 2020.

The goods were shipped to the US and Europe by eight Yogyakarta companies.

These exports show that domestically made products are of high quality and are able to compete in the international market. Besides, it demonstrates that Indonesian products are able to withstand the pandemic and the global economic slowdown, the minister said in a statement here on Saturday.

The 25 containers were shipped in two stages. In the first stage, four containers of women's lingerie and sportswear from PT Busana Remaja Agracipta were exported to the United States, one container of home decoration products from CV Palem Craft was exported to Belgium, and one container of furniture products from Aurum Furniture was sent to France.

In addition, one container of consolidated outdoor exterior products from Yogya Gazebo, MD Craft, and Belindo was exported to France, Spain, and Belgium, one container of furniture from CV Jaroe Design was sent to Germany, and nine containers of home decor products from PT Out of Asia were exported the United States.

In the second stage, eight containers of handicrafts and home decorations products from PT Out of Asia were exported to the United States on Saturday (October 17, 2020).

Women's lingerie and sportswear produced by PT Busana Remaja Agracipta are headed to global brands such as Victorias Secret, H&M, Wacoal, and Marks & Spencer. The company has emerged as one of the largest intimate product manufacturers and exporters in the world, the minister said.

Agus also said that Aurum Furniture, Yogya Gazebo, MD Craft, Belindo, and CV Palm Craft are being promoted by the Ministry of Trade through the Designers Dispatch Service Program of the Indonesia Design Development Center (IDDC) .

Creativity, innovation, and the ability to seize opportunities to meet market tastes are the keys to success in penetrating the export market. One of these principles is applied by CV Jaroe Design, which uses wood waste to make export-value furniture, he noted.

Read also: Indonesia JoinsCovid-19 VaccineAllianceCOVAX, SaysForeignMinister

ANTARA

Original post:
Minister Flags Off Exports Worth Rp10.68 Billion to US, Europe - Tempo.co English

When life gets too stressed or uncertain, theres a spot at Stanleigh Garden that can wash it all away.

Try gazing from the gazebo, a plump native bird-printed cushion at your back, a stream rush-tinkling and peaceful music floating from unseen speakers.

But its the view from this spot in Donna and Wayne Busbys country garden that soothes souls.

Theres a large pond, its edges softened by feathery Elegia capensis, flax, agapanthus, self-planted ferns and the weeping swamp cypresss, Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls.

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ven closer to the water is a metal dragonfly made by Andrew Bellringer, which hovers over the surface, two white ducks paddling about and the reflections of blue skies or clouds.

But the best view of all is when Mt Taranaki appears from behind scudding or enshrouding clouds. On this day, the maunga is elusive, later tantalising with an edge of snow-clad slope.

Its very peaceful, Donna says. Its nice and quiet, and there are tui, pigeons and fantails.

Just to prove it, a kereru flap-whirs from tree to tree behind the gazebo. Then you hear them cooing and cant help but say good morning.

SIMON O'CONNOR/Stuff

The brilliant red Rhododendron Grace Seabrook is softened by tall spikes of libertia.

Stanleigh Garden, on Upper Dudley Rd, Inglewood, is one of 40 properties open for the Taranaki Garden Festival from October 30 to November 8.

The festival has partnered with the Taranaki Arts Trail for the first time, so for the first three days of the garden celebration, people can visit galleries and open studios featuring 85 artists. The Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail is also on at the same time and showcases about 35 properties.

As part of her health and safety instructions to visitors, Donna is thinking of adding: Beware of swooping pigeons.

Birds abound in this garden some with sweet encouragement. I feed the birds with bananas and sugar water out the front. We get heaps of wax eyes, she says.

If I dont put enough sugar in the water, they dont drink it. Nathan (son) says you are going to have all these diabetic birds around here.

Nathan is one of their three adult sons.

Donna and Wayne have been married 36 years and have two grandchildren aged seven and five.

The grandparents have made a playground for them at the front of the garden, just beyond Donnas immaculate lawn, which she feeds and feeds.

Just like the wax eyes. Donna loves watching the wee birds, also known as silvereyes or tauhou, as they stand their ground and boss each other.

They stand there and shake their wings really fast, she says, using her bent arms to demonstrate.

But when it rains, the little birds (sparrows) come in here, she says looking up at the gazebo roof, where a wagon wheel hangs. Ive given them a perch.

The Busbys claimed their own place to settle 25 years ago on land that was the run-off of Donnas family farm. It was a paddock with a little creek. We did the house part of the garden and it expanded.

SIMON O'CONNOR/Stuff

Donna Busby envisioned this pond, husband Wayne used a digger to create it, and metal artist Andrew Bellringer made the dragonfly that hovers over the water.

She had the vision for the large pond because of their business specialises in drainage and diggers, and she knew Wayne, a hard-working man who never stops, had dug out ponds for customers.

The water for the pond comes from the farmland not from the mountain.

During lockdown, Wayne brought his diggers home and parked them up. Donna even took a photo of the unmoving diggers to show people he had truly stopped work and posted the pic on social media.

Wayne was low-key for the first two weeks, she says.

After that he started getting edgy.

But Donna had the best antidote for her husband help with all the jobs that needed doing around the high-maintenance garden, which is heading towards its 15th year in the garden festival.

Together they cleared out the red robin hedges because it got a fungal blight. It was stunning and I loved it. But then it had dead sticks everywhere and it looked horrible.

They built fences and painted them black, going through nearly four 10-litre buckets of paint.

Armed with her best toy ever, Donna let loose with her little Stihl chainsaw. I can just go out and limb up branches. I did get accused of limbing up too much.

She has moved plants, had to find a new place to hang her pots because the tree she displayed them on died and had to be taken out.

Donna has been experimenting by hanging them on the rotary clothesline, which can be viewed from behind an old bedhead painted black and used as a gate.

In this area, there is a newly planted row of Magnolia Teddy Bear, a line of hostas and a rock garden softened by white-flowering convolvulus. Its been a bit like musical plants.

The rocks throughout the garden come straight from their land. Those found when digging the foundations for the house were used to form the rock garden.

On this sunny Tuesday, the garden festival is just over two weeks away, but it looks perfect now, although the Viburnum rosacea has yet to open its pink pompoms.

Its like a big wall of them and they are really eye-catching.

Near this is the resting place of the familys beloved dog, Izzy, who died two months ago, aged 14.

One of the fox terriers habits was picking up stones and dropping them everywhere. Fittingly, her grave is covered with stones.

As they dug up the land to build fences, they came across many stones and Wayne would always think of Izzy.

The garden is protected by Cryptomeria japonica Egmont from Cedar Lodge Nurseries, as are the garden entry sentries eight Thuga occidentalis Smargard.

Asked what the garden means to him, Wayne says: I do enjoy it, but its a lot of work. It certainly doesnt do itself. Its a lot of labour, its busy.

But he does find it quiet, peaceful and he enjoys the birdlife.

Later, he returns to add: I dont think we get a chance to sit down and enjoy the garden because theres always something to do.

Donna always turns to the beauty they have created a tiny cottage surrounded by its own wee garden, complete with a fake chimney where birds love to nest.

Theres a glade draped with white chiffon, which features a chandelier plus ornate wrought-iron table and two chairs, all painted white.

In contrast theres a mass of red flowers on Rhododendron Grace Seabrook, but nearby is the stunning Rhododendron Lemon Lodge, its soft flowers slowly opening.

I really love this time of year because everything bursting out and you get the new leaves, the hostas coming out.

She also loves finding new treasures, including double lemon-green hellebores and white trilliums.

SIMON O'CONNOR/Stuff

A metal heart made by Andrew Bellringer frames a wee cottage in Stanleigh Garden.

A white-painted steel heart made by Andrew Bellringer frames the garden and the mountain, when the clouds float away.

Donna and Wayne have placed wooden windows around their property to capture landscape pictures and, under a large covered area, pots of scented dianthus sit on tables.

I like details, so Im my own worst enemy, she says.

Stanleigh Garden has been a wedding venue and it might be again, but not this season.

This year we are going to have a summer to ourselves.

However, the garden festival is also looking busy, with four buses already booked to come and the Busbys opening up their paddock for the 10 days.

Stanleigh Garden is also the afternoon tea destination for a Discover Taranaki guided coach tour called Fresh Herbs, Fluffy Alpacas and a Fabulous Garden. Its on November 2, from 1pm to 5pm.

When the Covid-19 pandemic alert levels were announced, Donna initially feared what could happen along with many New Zealanders.

We are at ease with it now but in the beginning we were worried about the uncertainty. We were cautious about going out. Its taken quite a bit to get out there again.

Then she laughs because in a couple of weeks the garden will be inundated with people for the annual festival run by TAFT.

I think this year is going to be like weve never seen it before with people wanting to get out and about.

At Stanleigh Garden they will find a place of great peace, beauty, birds and Donnas extra-special details.

Were grateful that we have our own safe slice of paradise.

Link:
A Taranaki garden to wash the stress and uncertainty away - Stuff.co.nz

Letter To The Editor:

The Wood River Mayors husband, Bob Maguire, is circulating door hangers asking us to vote No on November 3rd to Save the Roundhouse. What?!! To save the Roundhouse we are asked to vote against saving it? That doesnt make any sense. This is nothing but a deceptive attempt to confuse the public.

First of all, the door hanger says that the Roundhouse is preserved and isnt going away per the City Resolution. It says the City has no current plans to demolish the Roundhouse. The keyword here is CURRENT!! However, the whole resolution that was implied states that as long as the Roundhouse is structurally sound and provides a vital use to the overall community!! The city was asked to help preserve the Roundhouse and make it an historical landmark. The city has made no attempt to help the Roundhouse become an historical landmark nor have they allocated any money to properly maintain it so that it remains structurally sound. Do they think that the citizens of Wood River cant see through their schemes?

The door hanger said the Recreation Center will be built. After the Recreation Center is built, they wont need the Roundhouse anymore!! I really dont understand why we are told the Recreation Center will be built anyway. A vote on November 3rd will determine this. So, is the mayor trying to tell us that the city will ignore the vote? It appears this is an attempt to intimidate and confuse us so we wont waste our time and vote on November 3rd. However, if this is true, then the mayor and city council have no business representing us if they ignore the results of this vote.

The Save the Roundhouse Committee collected 882 signatures because we dont want the Roundhouse demolished and we want clean water, sewers, streets and sidewalks repaired, and our basements to stay dry when it rains. The mayor continues to deny that the city planned to demolish the historic Roundhouse. Numerous documents, minutes, grant applications, pictures to tear it down and plans to turn it into a gazebo all prove that the city doesnt want to keep the Roundhouse. Now the Mayor wants us to believe that she wants it preserved! No one should believe this door hanger that doesnt tell us who is paying for the advertisement until the city truly commits to preserve the Roundhouse by helping to make it an historical landmark and providing funds to maintain it.

It appears that the Mayor is not concerned with the needs of the citizens and she just wants the new Recreation Center. I hope she waits for the citizens of Wood River to have their voices heard in November and she doesnt start building the Recreation Center before. She was elected to serve the people of Wood River!!

Everyone needs to get out and vote Yes on November 3rd - the Mayor is playing games with us!!

Mary Roberts

Wood River

Save The Roundhouse Committee

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Letter To The Editor: A Yes Vote From A Save The Roundhouse Committee Member - RiverBender.com

Mary Ann Bourbeau, Correspondent Published 5:00 a.m. ET Oct. 17, 2020

Make-A-Wish New Jersey granted Neil Hajjar's wish to have anoutdoor wheelchair swing of his very own. Then, they had a surprise for him a caravan of 250 cars, motorcycles and law enforcement vehicles that drove past his Bernardsville home. Bridgewater Courier News

Although hes just 6 years old, Alexis Fiallos has battled leukemia most of his life.

He was being treated in his home country of Ecuador, but the hospital was far away, making it impossible for his parents to care for the family dog. They were forced to give the dog to a neighbor, which broke Alexis heart since, as an only child, his dog was his best friend.

Just as Alexis was nearing the end of his treatment, the leukemia returned. In October 2019, his parents, Manuel and Martha Fiallos, moved to the United States to pursue other medical options because doctors in Ecuador offered little hope. The family settled in Plainfield, and Alexis was admitted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he began a new chemotherapy regimen. He went into remission, but nine months later, they learned the leukemia had returned.

Alexis with his parents, Manuel and Martha Fiallos and his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Through it all, this energetic boy never lost faith that he would one day enjoy life like a child should. His parents say he is a great example of perseverance and bravery, and never gives in to his bad days. Now, as he faces a more aggressive chemotherapy and awaits a bone marrow transplant, his one wish was to have a puppy again.

Thats where Make-A-Wish New Jersey came into the picture. Several weeks ago, they organized an event at the gazebo in Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield, where they surprised Alexis with a puppy.

He's so happy: Make-a-Wish delivers new wheelchair swing, car parade to Bernardsville boy

Between battling cancer and the pandemic, his social life has pretty much been taken away, said Michael P. Dominick, director of communications for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. Alexis is doing well, but hes still in the fight. He really needed a friend.

Alexis parents brought him to the park straight from a chemotherapy appointment. Upon arrival, he was greeted by a large sign that read, Wish Granted. Then he met his new best friend, a 2-month-old Shih Tzu named Kale.

Theres nothing better than seeing the faces of these children when their wish is granted, said Dominick. Kale is a lap dog, which is perfect for a 6-year-old kid who comes home from treatment and really needs a hug.

Alexis with his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Alexis was overwhelmed by the sight of his new puppy, along with boxes of gifts including toys, treats, a leash, bowl, crate and other necessities. Make-A-Wish also is donating funds to assist with Kales care for the first year.

Alexis has been in treatment for four years and four months, his mother said through a translator. Hes an only child, so hes very lonely. He was sad that he had to leave his dog behind. Thank you for making my sons wish come true!

Kale was donated by PuppySpot of Jersey City, a company with a mission to make lives better by placing healthy puppies into happy homes. They often partner with organizations such as Make-A-Wish.

This is the best part of my job, said PuppySpot CEO Jonathan Cherins, who attended the event in Spring Lake Park. You can be a for-profit company and still do good. Im happy to make as many wishes come true as I can.

Alexis and his new puppy, Kale.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mary Ann Bourbeau)

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for critically ill children ages 2 to 18, delivering hope when they need it most. The organization believes a wish can be the spark that helps a child believe anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses.

Since 1980, the privately funded organization has granted more than 500,000 wishes worldwide. The New Jersey chapter, based in Monroe, grants about 600 wishes each year.

Our mission is to deliver hope, strength and joy, said Dominick.

A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for a bone marrow transplant for Alexis. To donate, visit http://www.gofundme.com/f/alexis-fiallos.

Read or Share this story: https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/outreach/caring-communities/2020/10/17/make-wish-new-jersey-delivers-puppy-6-year-old-battling-leukemia/3670252001/

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'He really needed a friend': Make-a-Wish delivers puppy to 6-year-old- battling leukemia - My Central Jersey

Staff report

FridaySep25,2020at11:29AM

For the first time in many months, representatives from the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce joined city staff and Council Members Lindsey Stephens and Scott Hayman in an official ribbon cutting ceremony. It took place Wednesday morning, when the group convened to cut the traditional red ribbon in honor of two new public restrooms for splash pad users, along with painting and other improvements to the oft-used gazebo in Freedom Park.

The cost for the new restroom was $67,372 and the project was completed in July 2020. The project also included concrete work around the restroom, according to city staff. Park impact fees were used for the restrooms according to Stephens.

Gazebo work included repairs to the sections of handrails that were badly rusted out, re-stuccoing and painting the gazebo and pillars and painting the metal roof. The grass board was also removed and replaced with decomposed granite to prevent damage to the stucco, painted the metal roof. The cost for gazebo repairs was $25,137, according to city staff.

Read the original here:
Ribbon-cutting held to mark completion of restrooms, gazebo - Ridgecrest Daily Independent