KUCHING: Wishesland at Jalan Crookshank launched its fund raising campaign for the proposed Wishes Garden for Wishesland project, to provide natural environment as the healing ground for Cerebral Palsy (CP) children.

President of Kuching and Samarahan Division Cerebral Palsy Association (Wishesland) Chi Poh Yung, said the landscape masterplan and details of the Wishes Garden are designed by Earthscape Inhabitant Sdn Bhd and the project would cost RM300,000.

The project would consist of three zones namely Wishes Welcoming and Social Zone, Wishes Sensory and Play Zone, and Wishes Meditation cum Aromatherapy Zone.

There will be an addition to the current five zones at Wishesland, said Chi, while stressing that each zone has its own functions and objectives to help Cerebral Palsy children in their healing process.

Once completed, it would become the first of its kind in the state to provide CP children and members of the public an avenue to relax their mind and body, as well as a place to share good times with their families.

Our aim is to set up an environment surrounded by nature. We want to engage the natural environment of the surroundings, where great natural healing energy forms creating a healing ground for our children and parents.

The core objectives of the Wishes Garden is to create an environment that stimulates and balances our childrens physical, cognitive and emotional growth, as well as to provide a platform for them and their family members to interact and share their feelings before or after the children had gone through the various activities in the centre, he told a press conference yesterday.

He believed that with the inclusion of Wishes Garden in Wishesland, their children will be enlightened and inspired on their paths of recovery.

According to him, the Wishes Welcoming and Social Zone is designed with simplicity concept in mind including wheelchair accessibility requirements.

Simple introduction of Wishesland and relevant information about CP will also be displayed here.

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Wishesland launches fundraising campaign for its Wishes Garden

KUCHING: Wishesland at Jalan Crookshank launched its fund raising campaign for the proposed Wishes Garden for Wishesland project, to provide natural environment as the healing ground for Cerebral Palsy (CP) children.

President of Kuching and Samarahan Division Cerebral Palsy Association (Wishesland) Chi Poh Yung, said the landscape masterplan and details of the Wishes Garden are designed by Earthscape Inhabitant Sdn Bhd and the project would cost RM300,000.

The project would consist of three zones namely Wishes Welcoming and Social Zone, Wishes Sensory and Play Zone, and Wishes Meditation cum Aromatherapy Zone.

There will be an addition to the current five zones at Wishesland, said Chi, while stressing that each zone has its own functions and objectives to help Cerebral Palsy children in their healing process.

Once completed, it would become the first of its kind in the state to provide CP children and members of the public an avenue to relax their mind and body, as well as a place to share good times with their families.

Our aim is to set up an environment surrounded by nature. We want to engage the natural environment of the surroundings, where great natural healing energy forms creating a healing ground for our children and parents.

The core objectives of the Wishes Garden is to create an environment that stimulates and balances our childrens physical, cognitive and emotional growth, as well as to provide a platform for them and their family members to interact and share their feelings before or after the children had gone through the various activities in the centre, he told a press conference yesterday.

He believed that with the inclusion of Wishes Garden in Wishesland, their children will be enlightened and inspired on their paths of recovery.

According to him, the Wishes Welcoming and Social Zone is designed with simplicity concept in mind including wheelchair accessibility requirements.

Simple introduction of Wishesland and relevant information about CP will also be displayed here.

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Site Last Updated 1:13 am, Sunday

By Mark Sterk, Special to the U-T3 p.m.Aug. 8, 2014

The updated pool area is now flanked by beautiful succulents and outdoor seating.

The renovation of a 20-plus-year-old landscape into a water-wise, functional and low-maintenance space recently earned my company, Columbine Landscape Inc. (CLI), an award in the Landscape Renovation category as well as the Judges Award from the San Diego Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA).

The property in the Torrey Highlands area has a fabulous view of the Del Mar Fairgrounds and the ocean beyond. It also has a remarkable old tipuana tipu tree, which had outgrown its space in the landscape but provided a great shade area and focal point. But the landscape lacked congruity and seating areas from which to enjoy the views. An outdated pool, barbecue counter and wood deck, excessive lawn area, overgrown and unsightly plants, and an ill-functioning irrigation system all clamored for renovation by a detail-oriented landscape contractor.

A beautiful tipuana tipu tree provides shade for a new path and seating area.

Working closely with landscape architect Mike Nichols of Nichols Design Group, CLI enhanced the view from the landscape by replacing an old iron fence with a low wall and glass wall. Beautiful seating areas were created on stone and concrete patios and around an unusual fire pit surrounded by colorful and interesting plantings.

New tile and stucco enhance the barbecue counter, and the pool was brought up to date with new stone coping. A raised planter area at poolside adds interest and softens the lines of the pool.

CLI installed a stone-paved seating area and pathways under the shade of the tipuana tipu tree to provide another view area. The garden areas have been replanted with colorful and low-maintenance plants, including dwarf rosemary, ornamental grasses, dwarf salvias, succulents, dymondia ground cover, beautiful blooming Iceberg roses and bougainvillea shrubs. Standard-form bay laurel trees are planted along the new pool deck and front driveway, adding a more formal element to the landscape.

Auroralight spot and path lights were installed by CLI to illuminate the trees and pathways, create a warm glow and encourage use of the outdoor spaces in the evening. By using a plant palette that is slow growing and upgrading the irrigation system to low-volume sprinklers, CLI has created a low-maintenance landscape that requires less trimming and upkeep. Mulched planter areas reduce weed growth and retain soil moisture.

The property owners now spend much more time outdoors enjoying this elegant and functional new space.

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Outdoor space gets new life

AMERICAS Next Top Model (ANTM) alum Allison Harvard and one of Manila's most stylish celebrities Tim Yap shared to a pool of fashionable Kagay-anons what their brand of fashion and style are at Centrio Mall recently.

Allison and Tim are considered to be two of the Philippines' finest in the fashion landscape. To heed pieces of fashion advice from these icons, one can never go wrong.

Juggling her modeling and endorsing stints in the country, Allison first had a taste of the fashion scene here two years ago for a clothing brand.

After that, she came back to walk the runway for Filipino world-renowned fashion couturier Michael Cinco.

The multi-hyphenate Tim dabbles in TV and radio hosting, writing, entrepreneurship and styling.

Fashion inspiration

Growing up, Alli, as Ms. Harvard is fondly called, looks up to singer-songwriter Courtney Love and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

Love and Westwood inspired her effortless grunge, punk and rock 'n roll outfit-of-the-day.

But, Alli disclosed that her biggest fashion inspiration is her daddy which explains her tomboy statement.

Tim, on the other hand, considers Tom Ford's shape and silhouette and Andy Warhol's craziness as his primary fashion inspiration.

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Allison Harvard, Tim Yap dish on fashion

August 6, 2014

Benton Police Department

A man at the Dogwood Lake Apartments on Highway 5 reported his cell phone was stolen at the apartment pool. A man on West Cross Street reported his Echo backpack blower was stolen from his landscape trailer. A man on Pinewood reported that his stereo system was stolen from his vehicle. A man on South Fourth Street reported someone broke into his shed and stole items. A woman on Hidden Meadows reported her residence was broken into and items stolen.

Saline County Sheriff's Office

Angela Collatt was arrested in Traskwood for driving on a suspended licensee. Jarod Gills was arrested in Mabelvale for driving while intoxicated. A man reported theft of property in Benton. A woman in Little Rock reported her ex boyfriend was threatening and possibly stalking her. A woman in Mabelvale reported that her family member was assaulted. A man reported that his ex in Traskwood refused to return his child of which he had full custody.

Bryant Fire Department

Bryant fire fighters responded to five medical calls and one carbon monoxide alarm.

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Daily Dispatch Aug. 5, 2014

Landscape and signage plans for the revitalized Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital campus were accepted by the Plan Commission and forwarded to the Lake Forest City Council for its consideration, possibly as early as Sept. 2.

Landscape berms buffering residential areas surrounded the campus will be one of the first initiatives we advance, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital President Thomas McAfee said at the commission meeting on July 31. We want to get vegetative growth over the next three years.

Mass excavation on campus for the new hospital is expected to begin in October, McAfee said, noting that the project is on track for the first patients arrival in the fall of 2017.

There was a lot of focus on the perimeter areas to look at ways to increase the heights of the berms, to fill in gaps of plantings that currently exist and replace some vegetation that, perhaps, did not thrive, Director of Community Development Cathy Czerniak said.

Landscaping on the campus will be split into different zones with an open prairie on the west bordering Waukegan Road, which landscape architect Tom Oslund described as a more native or savanna-like landscape, gradually changing to more formal design near the new hospital building.

The parking lot will include planted bioswales and alternating pervious pavers to pick up water and feed those bioswales and a wet meadow that will serve as a stormwater channel, according to Oslund.

Other landscaping highlights include an open lawn lined by trees at the entrance, to be called The Common, which will lead to the new hospitals main entrance. The Common will be about one and a half times the size of Market Square, Oslund said.

The promenade on the south side of a reflecting pool with a waterfall feature will be lined by a tree alley and shrubs. The reflecting pool itself will be rimmed by a very intensive edge planted with sedges and other aquatic plants, Oslund said.

Overall, plant material will be native-heavy, with such native species as black-eyed Susan, prairie blazing star, riverbank wild rye, purple coneflower, Indian grass, marsh phlox and sweet flag.

Tree species will include maple, hawthorn, oak, redbud, birch, serviceberry, hackberry, hickory and Eastern red cedar.

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Lake Forest Hospital landscape, signage plans forwarded to City Council

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 05, 2014

Convenient. Chic. Comfortable. Cool. From apps and lights to sun shelves and umbrella sleeves, this summers swimming pool trends run the gamut. Whether youre looking to spruce up your existing pool or contemplating installing a brand new one to enhance your outdoor space, here are five tips from pool designer Aaron Blubaugh to consider while you plan.

Remote Control Automation is a huge trend in swimming pools. Nearly all new pools use some kind of electronic component and apps have been created to control almost every aspect of the pool: lights, lap currents, water features, even water temperature. With automation, youre in charge and in a way that is unimaginably convenient. Turn on the waterfall without leaving the comfort of your chair around the fire pit. Had a long day? Start your spa heater as you leave work so its the perfect temperature when you get home.

Pools arent just for parties and the weekend; theyre for Monday through Friday as well, said Blubaugh, owner of Lifescape Designs in southern California. The best way I wind down after work is relaxing in my spa. Having the ability to watch our favorite TV show from the pool and spa is something that our whole family enjoys. Creating a gorgeous backyard escape makes the outdoors part of the quality time I get to spend with them.

Its easier than ever to care for pools, too, he said. Whether youre at the office or out of town on vacation, you can manage your pool, features and energy usage from wherever you are.

Save Energy and Look Good Doing It Variable speed pumps help conserve energy in the pool area; the pump runs at a low RPM during the filter cycle throughout the day, and it revs up to the desired RPM while youre using the pool features. Blubaugh, who has been in the outdoor living and pool design industries for 20 years in Florida and California, says the timers that were new technology just a few years ago are now antiquated by comparison.

Pool lighting is changing, too, in options and efficiencies. While most new pools have a color wheel, energy-saving LED lights have started to become more prevalent. With 14 color modes, these lights offer more color variety. Additionally, nicheless LEDs are low voltage, add lighting to shallow water in past years, only deep water received lighting accents and are suited to feature areas in new and remodeled pools. Offering lighting accents to water features, bench areas, and sun shelves that were not available before.

Diving Boards Go Off the Deep End With an overall decline in diving boards, swimming pools have become more aesthetically pleasing. In place of the diving board, oversized natural boulders and faux rocks serve as a jumping platform for kids, yet assure the pool still melts into the landscape, which is a wish list item for people installing new pools today.

Length and Landscape Blubaugh says some of his customers want to convert their outdated rectangular pools to freeform or lagoon shape, and still others seek new, rustic rectangular pools that work with the ebb and flow of the backyard. Its all a personal preference, he said.

One commonality in pool landscape design is making sure the pool deck choice marries style with performance.

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Soak Up the Summer Sun with These Hot Pool Trends

WATERLOO | The massive Cedar Valley SportsPlex transformed Waterloo's downtown skyline and enhance economic development options when it opened in January this year.

The $27.5 million, 140,000-square-foot facility covering nearly two city blocks next to U.S. Highway 218 was developed through a partnership of private business leaders and the city who were challenged by major employers to invigorate the downtown and create a quality of life to attract skilled workers.

The building includes basketball courts, fitness and weight equipment, a field house with artificial turf for soccer, football and baseball, a jogging track, swimming pool, golf simulator, children's play area, child care center, multipurpose rooms and offices.

The nonprofit Waterloo Development Corp. spearheaded private fundraising efforts for the project after voters in 2002 rejected a sales tax referendum to build the facility.

Major donations included $8 million in funds from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, $4 million from the McElroy Trust, $3 million from the John Deere Foundation and $2 million each from the Young Family Foundation and the estate of Carlton and Thelma Winter.

City leaders cleared the way for the development by spending about $3 million to buy and demolish buildings along the Jefferson Street construction site.

Waterloo Leisure Services is operating the SportsPlex, which boasted 1,150 members within six months of opening for business.

Designed by InVison Architecture and built by Cardinal Construction, the SportsPlex has blended with the RiverLoop Expo Plaza and Public Market, Phelps Youth Pavilion and RiverLoop Amphitheatre in an ever-changing downtown landscape.

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Cedar Valley 50: Cedar Valley SportsPlex alters downtown, economic landscape

Yet another person has pulled nomination papers to run for Palo Alto City Council, bringing the total to 12 since mid-July.

Wayne Douglass obtained the forms from City Clerk Donna Grider on Tuesday. He endorsed last year's Measure D, which sought public approval for a 60-unit apartment complex for low-income seniors and 12 single-family homes at Maybell and Clemo avenues. It was ultimately defeated by grassroots citizens group that said the project was too dense.

Five of the nine council seats are up for grabs Nov. 4. Incumbents Karen Holman, Greg Scharff and Nancy Shepherd have all pulled papers, but Gail Price has said she is not interested in running again. Larry Klein, meanwhile, is leaving office after serving the maximum number of terms.

Others who have obtained the forms include former Gunn High School teacher John Karl Fredrich, retired Boeing engineer Seelam Reddy, downtown resident Richard Wendorf and panhandler Victor Frost.

Eric Filseth and Tom DuBois, who have aligned themselves with the residentialist movement that seeks to put the brakes on development, have also pulled papers. They are running as a slate with Holman.

Rounding out the group of would-be council members are real estate agent Lydia Kou and concert promoter Mark Weiss. Kou has ties to Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning, which opposed Measure D, and Weiss has been critical of planned community zoning, which allows developers to build bigger projects as long as they provide certain public benefits.

Meanwhile, a potential 13th candidate, Claude Ezran, announced this week that he will not seek office.

"A simple analysis of the new competitive landscape shows that running against three incumbents, with the abundance of campaign volunteers, funding, endorsements and support that incumbency usually provides, and also three candidates, who are running together as a team and have behind them, even before the start of the race, the formidable campaign organization that, against most odds, defeated Measure D, would have been a close to impossible task for an independent candidate like myself," Ezran, the founder of World Music Day, said in an email.

The period to pull papers opened on July 14 and will close on Aug. 8 if all eligible incumbents opt to run again. Otherwise, the deadline to turn in the forms will be extended to Aug. 13 for non-incumbents.

Nomination papers must be signed by 25 registered voters, according to the city's election guide. The cost to file is $25 but the fee is waived if a person collects 100 valid signatures.

Link:
Palo Alto: Pool of council candidates swells to 12

YUKON, Oklahoma -

This time of year begs for us to do more than just wiggle our toes in the water. We are jumping in pools any chance we get with this heat.

So, we went in search, and found some of the best in the state. Here's what we're calling the high-dollar dives of Oklahoma.

There is a little slice of heaven is in Yukon, where a family of six enjoys a backyard built for kings. The waterfall is the first thing to notice with an island right smack in the middle of one luxurious swimming pool.

They wanted this island in the middle of the pool where they could raft race around it. Its 85 feet long by 45 feet wide. So they wouldn't have to re-plaster the pool, they decided it would be a great upgrade to lay glass tile through the entire pool, Kelly Caviness said.

It's a rare choice to glass-tile an entire pool because of the extreme cost of it. The tiling alone was a two-and-a-half month project. But Kelly Caviness makes his clients dream designs come true, although, patience is key.

Most of our clients are like, 'hey, are we ever gonna get this thing finished?' It just takes forever, Caviness said.

Caviness Landscape Design has caught the attention of many TV networks with their extreme backyard pools and their features. This particular spot in Yukon boasts a deluxe outdoor kitchen and breathtaking scenery throughout.

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High-Dollar Dives Of Oklahoma: Yukon Luxurious Swimming Pool