Tommy Springer, Correspondent Published 12:11 p.m. ET Aug. 27, 2020

I knew it was coming. I expect it and dread it every year, but it never fails to catch me by surprise. And so, when I walked outside one morning this week to leave for work, I was greeted by the annual unwelcome sight. Streaked across the middle of my trucks hoodwas a splatter of epic proportions. Some unknown airborne visitor had made a mid-flight digested deposit that painted a picture in a bold contrast of rich purple with strokes of white. Ah yes, we have now entered the season of berry bird bombs.

Bird droppings are a year-long nuisance that I have learned to accept as a byproduct of my active feeding efforts that is the result of a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Erecting a bird feeder attracts birds and consuming food creates waste, so when you entice a large group of animals and give them a buffet you kind of have to accept the obligatory ordure. However, you dont have to be a bird enthusiast to suffer the wrath of their digestive tract, as its well-known that birds have an uncanny way to detect any freshly washed window, wall or landscape feature.

The problem with certain times of year is that there are seasonal changes in birds preferred food choices that increase both the production and potency of their poop. These seasons usually coincide with the ripening of our multitudes of berries and small fruit. While fruit such as crab apples that have pale flesh may result in only an increase in volume of droppings and little other side effects, others can create the potential for permanent defacement by defecation.

The most damaging of these fruits are those that ripen into dark colors of red or purple and, unfortunately, a lot of them are found growing around our yards and gardens which make it easy work for the birds to leave their mark on our stuff. Cultivated varieties of blackberry, raspberry and grape can make minor contributions, but because most people also enjoy the taste of these, birds dont usually consume enough to cause widespread dropping distribution. As I find out each year,there are a few widespread, wild species of plants that produce hundreds to thousands of dye-packed morsels for birds to devour.

The pair I deal with on a recurring basis are mulberry trees and pokeweed plants. We have two species of mulberries that occur in Ohio: the native Red Mulberry and the aggressive, non-native white mulberry. Despite the misleading name of the introduced variety, both types of mulberry produce fruit that ranges from burgundy to black when ripe. My trees produce a bumper crop seemingly every year and birds, along with raccoons, squirrels and deer, will pick my branches clean usually before a single berry hits the ground.

Pokeweed, on the other hand, seems to be targeted solely by the birds around my yard and ignored by the furry creatures. While ripe pokeberries are toxic to humans, there are accounts of Native Americans using it to dye clothing, decorate their horses and even as a war paint although it may be possible to absorb the toxin through your skin, so I wouldnt advise trying this at home. In more recent times, there are even reports of Civil War soldiers using fermented pokeweed juice as an ink to pen letters from the battlefields.

Mulberries, too, contain a pigment that is currently used in some places around the world to create fabric dye and as a food colorant. The moral of this story is that the stuff inside these fruits has long been known as a potent colorant so its understandable why the accidental artwork left behind by birds can leave permanent stains on light colored paint, wood and metal.

I guess Ill be giving the truck and house siding a good once-over each day until the berries are all gone lest I end up with a polka-dotted mural courtesy of our feathered friends.

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Conservation Corner: Plants that stain the landscape, deck, and car - Lancaster Eagle Gazette

High temperatures, combined with dry weather, pose a threat to Virginias home landscapes. Vegetable gardens, lawns, and even trees and shrubs are all susceptible to the effects of drought, including desiccation and increased vulnerability to pest and disease problems.

Virginia Cooperative Extension agentsandExtension Master Gardenersare positioned across the commonwealth to offer guidance for gardeners dealing with dry conditions. For many home gardeners inspired to plant vegetables in response to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, dry weather presents a special challenge.

Dealing with dry conditions can be especially hard for vegetable gardeners as many plants need consistent water to continue to produce and some need rain at critical times, such as corn during silking, said Amy Byington,Lee County, Virginia, Cooperative Extension. In Lee County, our gardeners are struggling to keep their plants healthy and watered. Any time plants become stressed, disease and other issues are more likely to present themselves.

Trees and shrubs are also susceptible to drought, though how they respond depends on a few factors, including species, the time elapsed since transplanting, and soil type, according to Alex Niemiera, a professor in theSchool of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

Some plant species are very tolerant of drought, some very intolerant, some in-between, Niemiera said. Recently transplanted plants will be more vulnerable to drought stress compared to plants that have been planted for about a year or more. It is important to water recently planted plants regularly. Lastly, soil type will affect drought response. Plants growing in moisture-retentive soils will fare much better than those growing in less retentive soils.

For help evaluating the type of soil you have and the susceptibility of your trees and shrubs to drought, contact your local Extension Master Gardeners via yourVirginia Cooperative Extension office.

The very hot and mostly dry summer in Virginia is presenting some real challenges to Virginia gardeners, said Frank Reilly, Central Rappahannock Extension Master Gardener. There are the usual problems with heat and dry, such as plants wilting, trees prematurely dropping leaves, and fewer flowers than we expect from our favorite flowering plants. Some folks are also reporting that their tomatoes and even some peppers have stopped setting fruit.

See more here:
Heat and Dry Weather Pose Problems For Landscape Plants - The Roanoke Star

When Fred Vander Wall won an outdoor train set back in 1987, he never knew what to do with it, until a decade later when he looked at his backyard.

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. When it comes to landscaping projects, some people love doing it while others hate doing it.

A man from Jenison had no vision or plan for his landscaping when he started it, but today, his backyard is a giant train trip around the world, as well as being some serious eye candy, to boot.

"In 1987, I won an outdoor train in a sales contest," said Fred Vander Wall. "For the next 10 years, every Christmas, I put tracks around our Christmas tree and ran the train."

Around 2003, Fred got to thinking about a different way to use the train.

"I was standing out in my backyard looking around and thought, why not create some landscaping and have the train run through it," said Vander Wall.

That's when the project began.

"I never thought I'd end up killing half my back yard but that's what happened," added Vander Wall.

Piece by piece, he kept finding more train tracks, small houses, cars and farm equipment to scatter throughout the project.

"In the early years, I'd stay up all hours of the night making sure I'd win eBay auctions," joked Vander Wall. "I think I also kept Hobby Lobby in business."

Vander Wall says he never had a vision or a plan, but his finished project ended up being a 30 x 60 feet, 1-minute train trip around the world.

"It's a beast we've built," said Vander Wall.

Each corner of the project is a different country or city. The trains, which operate by remote control, meander their way through Paris, France, the Netherlands and past the Egyptian Pyramids and the Statue of Liberty in New York City.

In between, he's created smaller slices of Americana such as farm country, churches, lighthouses and cars.

"It just sort of went as it went," said Vander Wall. "And fortunately this is what happened."

Vander Wall added the New York City portion of the project earlier this summer. He says that completed it, and now he will just spend time enjoying and maintaining it.

"I don't see me extending it any further," said Vander Wall. "We've spent hours and hours and hours on this and we're very happy with what it's turned into."

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ALL ABOARD: Jenison man transforms backyard into train trip around the world - WZZM13.com

The biggest question for roster construction of the Washington Football Team comes at quarterback, and in most ways, the question has been answered. With Alex Smith now on the active list, it's near impossible for him not to make the season-opening 53-man roster, and in turn, that means Washington keeps three QBs on the roster.

That has a massive trickle-down effect, particularly at running back and the offensive line. If just Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen make the team at QB, then Washington could keep five running backs and nine offensive linemen. That would be easy.

But with three QBs, Washington needs to find another offensive roster spot or carry more offensive players than defensive players. For this exercise, that's the plan. And it works because the questions at running back and offensive line present far more pressing concerns than carrying aseventh linebacker. And maybe, just maybe, there's a defensive lineman that can also help at linebacker and enough big-bodied wide receivers to help on special teams tomake this whole jigsaw puzzle work.

Here we go - Training Camp 53-man roster projection

QB (3)Dwayne HaskinsAlex SmithKyle Allen

Note - Now that Smith is on the active roster, Washington has very little choice but to carry three QBs. Maybe, maybe, Smith can revert back to IR but that would require an injury designation release that could create a major cap hit. Better off just to pay him and keep him on the 53 and make him inactive on game day. Unless hes active on game day... Stay tuned.

RB (5)Adrian PetersonBryce LoveAntonio GibsonJD McKissicPeyton Barber

Note -It's no sure thing this team will keep five running backs, and the two guys with the least secure roles are McKissic and Barber. But it's worth remembering that Peterson is 35 and Love hasn't played a football game since December 2018. Barber provides insurance for both of those guys. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner loves to throw the ball to his backs and McKissic might be the best pass catcher of this group; he played wideout in college. Gibson and McKissic will both be versatile players for this offense, and keep in mind McKissic was one of the first free agents signed by Rivera.

WR (6)Terry McLaurinSteve SimsDontrelle InmanAntonio Gandy-GoldenIsaiah WrightCam Sims

Note -The first four spots seem fairly locked in, and even undrafted rookie Wright seems close to a done deal. His special teams ability helps. In fact, expect every one of these players except McLaurin to play some role on specials. The sixth wideout spot could come down to Cam Sims, Trey Quinn or Darvin Kidsy, and Sims has the best size and special teams potential of the three. Jester Weah is another big wideout that could maybe land a practice squad role.

TE (3)Logan ThomasMarcus BaughJeremy Sprinkle

Note - Washington head coach Ron Rivera has talked about each of these three tight ends and the reps during training camp made obvious the hierarchy. Thomas has developed a real strong dynamic with Haskins, too.After the team moved Thaddeus Moss to injured reserve, tight end became one of the easiest groups to project.

OL (9)Morgan MosesBrandon ScherffChase RoullierWes MartinGeron ChristianSaahdiq Charles

Keith IsmaelRoss PierschbacherCorneilus Lucas

Note - The starting unit is locked in but there are very serious questions about depth. The team added veteran guard Wes Schweitzer in free agency but he's barely practiced so far. Can't make the club in the tub, and Washington spent a fifth-round pick on Pierschbacher last season. He's under team control for three more seasons so maybe O-line coach John Matsko could try to mold him into a useful player. It will also bear watching if or when Charles starts practicing. He's been dealing with a calf injury and has been on the shelf for all of training camp. If the injury lingers would Washington consider trying to move him to IR? Same question can be asked with Schweitzer.

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DL (8)Ryan KerriganRyan AndersonChase YoungMontez SweatJonathan AllenDaron PayneMatt IoannidisTim Settle

Note - No surprises here and this is the best unit on the team. The player that makes the uneven roster distribution work between the offense and defense is Ryan Anderson. He's taken some snaps at linebacker during training camp,and can probably help in that spot in goalline situations while being a pass rusher in other spots. It's not perfect but it allows for Smith, Barber and a fourth offensive tackle to make the Week 1 roster. Anderson's versatility is key, and Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio have mentioned it repeatedly this offseason.

LB (6)Shaun Dion HamiltonCole HolcombThomas DavisJon BosticKevin Pierre-LouisKhaleke Hudson

Note - This team could really use Reuben Foster but to this point he hasnt shown the same explosive athleticism that he displayed before blowing out his knee during OTAs in 2019. Maybe thats coming, but right now it might make sense to try and get Foster to the IR and give him more time to get up to speed. Hes been running with the third team in practice and has a balky brace on hIs knee.

CB (6)Kendall FullerRonald DarbyFabian MoreauJimmy MorelandGreg StromanAaron Colvin

Note - If Darby can stay healthy this unit could outpace expectations. Moreland has real ball skills. Colvin hardly has a lock on the sixth CB spot. Danny Johnson will fight for it, and keep tabs on Ryan Lewis and Simeon Thomas as well. The sixth, and maybe even the fifth, corner spotisprobably the most open competition remaining.

Safety (4)Landon CollinsTroy ApkeDeshazor EverettSean Davis

Note - Davis was the free agent addition but right now he might be lowest on the depth chart. Apke has been the big surprise so far. Don't sleep on Kamren Curl either; a seventh-round pick that has made a handful of impressive plays during training camp.

Specialists (3)LS - Nick SundbergK - Dustin HopkinsP - Tress Way

Note - Duh.

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Will Peterson finish with more rushing yards than Gore? - NBC Sports Washington

(Photo: cmannphoto, Getty)

Scarlet Nation's weekly collection of news, tidbits and interesting college football storylines returns as we highlight the latest from the college football landscape across the nation.

A Pac-12 defectionUCLAs two-year starting tackle, redshirt seniorJake Burton, entered the transfer portal on Tuesday. Its not too late for him to enroll andland on a team thats playing this fall. Late Tuesday, Burton confirmed he has transferred to Baylor.Will other Pac-12 and Big Ten stars follow this path?

More anger with the Big TenNebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos is stillseething over the Big Tens decision to postpone its fall football season to the winter or spring

I always thought the JV game was before the varsity game,Moos said, alluding to the fact the Big Ten will be playing after the other three power-five conferences finish their fall seasons.

FBS Opening KickoffThe first game involving an FBS team this season is nowscheduled for Sept 5 with SMU traveling to Texas State.The cheapest advertised ticket is $71.Two days later, Navy hosts BYU at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.

Opting in for the 2020 seasonEastern Kentucky University Football is opting in for fall football,unlike the rest of its Ohio Valley Conference members, who elected toplay in the spring. The Colonels will play an independent schedule this fall. EKU is a perennial power in the OVC, playing in the championship game every year since 1948. But not this year. No other EKU sports will be in action this fall.

A one-game seasonNorth Dakota State will play one game, and one game only, this fall. And that gamewill be a home game against Central Arkansas, to take place at the Fargodome on Oct 3.North Dakota State is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, who a week ago announced it would not play this fall.Quarterback Trey Lance, a projected first-round NFL Draft pick, will get his chance to go out in style in front of his home fans.

Service Academy Fall FootballThe Mountain West postponed its season, but Air Force is still planning to play Army and Navy this fall.

Army has added an Oct 10 home game versus The Citadel and an Oct 17 and a road trip to UTSA, bringing its schedule to 11 games. Click here for a primer on how the Black Knights rebuilt their schedule rather quickly.

Rutgers Football HistoryRay Lucas scored the first touchdown at the new Rutgers Stadium on Sept 3, 1994 against Kent State on an 8-yard run. Rutgers won the game 28-6.Bob Sneathen recorded the first sack.Steven Harper caught the first TD pass (60 yards).

Pre-Season All-AmericansCBS Sports released its Preseason All American team from the conferences still planning on playing in the fall. Rutgers punter Adam Korsak was a second-team preseason All-American on the AP version, which was released yesterday.

CFP Rankings release dateThe College Football Playoff selection committee will begin its first of six weekly rankings for the 2020-21 season on Tuesday, Nov 17, the CFP announced Monday.Without the Big Ten and Pac-12 playing this fall, the Group-of-Five conferences could actually sneak a team into the four-team playoff for the very first time.

Recent Big Ten CommitsRutgers - 3 star DE Ryan KeelerMichigan State - 4 star OL Geno VanDeMark,Minnesota - 3 star CB Justin Walley,Nebraska - unrated S Koby Bretz

NJ Quarterbacks slated to start for Power 5 teams in SeptemberJarrett Guarantano, Tennessee (Bergen Catholic) - The redshirt senior coming off a 2019 season with 19 TDs passing and 8 INTs. Guarantano increased his weight to 230 pounds for the upcoming season from last seasons 213 according to 247s Pat Brown.

Tommy DeVito, Syracuse (Don Bosco Prep) - The redshirt junior is coming off a 2019 season with 19 TDs passing vs 5 INTs.

Kenny Pickett, Pitt (Ocean Township) - The senior is coming off a 2019 season with 13 TDs and 9 INTs.

Devin Leary, NC State (Timber Creek) - The redshirt sophomore is coming off a 2019 season with 9 TDs vs 5 INTs.He started the final five games for NC State in 2019. Leary became the first redshirt freshman to start at quarterback for NC State since Russell Wilson in 2010.

Recruiting RankingsAs of Aug 26th, the top 3 Group-of-Five schools in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings for the class of 2021 are No.42 Memphis, No.46 Cincinnati, and No.52 Florida Atlantic. The bottom three Power-Five schools are No.97 TCU, No.90 Stanford, and No.85 Utah.

Did you know---Instant replay made its American debut in the 1963 Army-Navy game. The game was a legacy to President John F. Kennedy, who'd been assassinated in Dallas 15 days earlier and whose family had insisted the teams play on. Navy was 8-1, Army was 7-2. A crowd of 102,000 fans filledPhiladelphia's Municipal Stadium for the game. Navy won a classic nail biter 21-15 led by Heisman winning QB Roger Staubach and the victory sent Navy to the Cotton Bowl, where it lost to No. 1 Texas, 28-6.

---According to this CBS Sports article, Baylor University spent $600 to $700 per college football helmet, while Mississippi State spent close to $600 per helmet. Business Insider says the University of Nebraska spends about $340 on its helmets, including the decals.

---These college football coaches have something a bit interesting in common: Mike Leach (Mississippi State), Hugh Freeze (Liberty), David Cutcliff (Duke), Sonny Dykes (SMU), Bobby Hauck (Montana), and Bill Clark (UAB). None of them ever played Football before getting into coaching.

Who let the dogs out? Today (Aug 26) is National Dog Day.The following FBS teams pay tribute to their canine mascots:

UGX, University of Georgia, BulldogDubs II, University of Washington, Alaskan MalamuteReveille IX, Texas A&M University, CollieSmokey X, University of Tennessee, Bluetick CoonhoundKohl, Boise State University, Labrador RetrieverJonathan XIV, University of Connecticut, Siberian Husky

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Tidbits and Rumblings around the College Football Landscape - 247Sports

How many of you remember the news media images from March and April of this year depicting empty shelves in grocery stores? Because of the COVID-19 situation, many folks planted vegetable gardens for the first time, and these gardens have been dubbed Corona Victory Gardens. But the use of the term, victory garden, has deeper roots in history.

The National War Garden Commission (NWGC) encouraged the public to grow and preserve food as part of the World War I effort, through the use of posters and advertisements. Schools and their students were enlisted in the movement, too. The federal government continued to encourage citizens to grow and preserve their own food after the war since the U.S. was still providing substantial food aid to war-torn Europe and its citizens. The NWGC indicated in their publication, War Gardening and Home Storage of Vegetables, that U.S. citizens grew $520 million in food crops in gardens, vacant lots and backyards in 1918. In todays dollars, this equates to approximately $8.8 billion!

The strategy continued during World War II, as the administration was concerned with citizens having enough to eat due to the rationing of foodstuffs. One way to educate the public was through the use of posters and how-to booklets. Approximately four million jars, cans, and containers of tomatoes and other vegetables were preserved by U.S. citizens during World War II, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

To some people, planting a garden sounds like a daunting task. But remember that the majority of citizens that gardened during the great wars were first-time gardeners, too. The autumn season in Ohio brings great opportunity to start your own victory garden, no matter how small a plot of land. Edible landscaping and container gardening are two such methods that a beginner vegetable gardener can employ without much land, money or expertise!

Edible landscaping, also known as foodscaping, consists of methods to add edible vegetables, plants, and herbs to the existing landscaping in your yard. Container gardening consists of using planters or pots to grow your edibles. A sunny or partially sunny spot is needed with either method. While the remainder of our growing season precludes the planting of crops like sweet corn, potatoes or melons, many vegetables, known as cold crops, prefer the cooler temperatures coming in the fall. And these vegetables and herbs come in a variety of heights, sizes, and colors to complement existing landscaping or a deck/patio area.

One of my favorites is Swiss chard. I pick a seed variety with multiple-colored stems of burgundy, red and yellow that are harvested from the outside to let smaller leaves develop for future harvest. Beets, with their vibrant red stems, are harvested for the root, and the cut tops are cooked for greens. All kinds of greens (such as lettuce, spinach and kale) abound with various green hues and textures. While needing a trellis, sugar snap peas are a tasty treat raw or steamed. Do you have dill and/or coriander (cilantro) seed in your pantry? Just rough up an area in your landscaped beds or plant the seeds in a container. They are easily germinated. All of the plants/herbs mentioned so far are grown from seed, which is less expensive than buying plants.

For those who prefer buying plants for a fall garden, cabbage is a must. Planted cabbages can create a short hedge in a landscape bed, come in green and purple colors, and can be eaten raw, cooked or fermented (sauerkraut or kimchi). Broccoli plants and onion bulbs are easy to grow, too. Herbs such as oregano and chive are perennial (meaning theyll survive the Ohio winter to return in the spring) and are good choices for containers. Bring the containers in when freezing temperatures arrive and continue to harvest these herbs all winter. And a handy tip on containers use packing peanuts in the bottom of the pot to add drainage, lighten pot weight and reduce potting soil amounts (to save money). Perhaps your yard needs a few more trees. Think about planting a fruit tree, such as apple, pear, or cherry, instead of an ornamental tree. Most garden centers offer steep discounts on fruit trees in the fall to reduce their inventory.

The adage, the more things change, the more they remain the same applies to victory gardens both then and now.

For more encouragement, explore additional historic images and learn more facts about victory gardens and home preservation methods of yesteryear by visiting the virtual exhibit, Canning Through the War Years, at http://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/ipd/canning/exhibits/show/wartime-canning/world-war-ii.

Another thoughtful virtual exhibit to visit is Gardening for the Common Good, at library.si.edu/exhibition/cultivating-americas-gardens/gardening-for-the-common-good.

For current practices in vegetable gardening, search the terms foodscaping or vegetable container gardening on the Internet as you begin your journey to sustainability and self-reliance.

Kim Marshall is the communication specialist for the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District. For information, go to http://www.soilandwater.co.delaware.oh.us.

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Victory gardens then and now - Delaware Gazette

Check out the thrilling endings of York Suburban and Central York's PIAA volleyball semifinal matches. York Daily Record

Stacy Olewiler helped lead Central York to its first two boys'volleyball state championships, but former Panthers head coach Bruce Koller's favorite memory of him has nothing to do with the sport.

It came just over a year ago.

Koller and his son, Greg, were trying to finish some landscape work outside American Daydream, the barn that Greg restored and reopened as an antique store in York. They were struggling to move some rocks that had been dug up when they heard a familiar voice call out.

Olewiler, who had been undergoing extensive treatment for cancer for close to two years, was driving by and wanted to know if his old coach needed help. He grabbed his work gloves and helped the pair move the rocks.

"That is the core of who Stacy was," Bruce Koller said over the phone Wednesday. "If you needed help, he was going to help you, it didn't matter if he was going through cancer treatment. He went through difficult times and he still had this stature and confidence about him."

Bruce paused and choked back tears.

"Every time I go to that barn, I'm going to see Stacy."

Stacy Olewiler was a well-known member of the York County volleyball community since the 1970s.(Photo: Submitted)

A beloved member of the York County volleyball community, Olewiler died Sunday after battling anaggressive form of T-Cell lymphoma for almost three years. He was 60 years old.

A 1977 Central York graduate, Olewiler was a lynchpin in the early years of one of York County's greatest athletic programs. Central York boys' volleyball has won seven state titles, and its success in the 1970s paved the way forthe county's continued dominance in the sport.

He went on to play at East Stroudsburg and then competed in local men's leagues throughout the years, even making trips to national tournaments. He was also a longtime referee in the area and became well-known to a new generation of athletes through that position.

Friends and coaches say his passion for the game was matched by a swagger he always brought to the court.

But beyond that, they remember how friendly and helpful he was.

If a fellow referee was fixing their roof, Olewiler went over to help. If he was driving and saw someone struggling to cut down a tree in their yard, he stopped to lend assistance. If a construction crew was working across the street and taking a lunch break, Olewiler went outside just to talk to them for a few minutes.

One year at Halloween, his daughterKaitlin came home from school in tears because none of her classmates recognized her costume. She was dressed as a character from "Little House on the Prairie." Olewiler walked around the neighborhood and told the residents of every house who she was dressed as, so she'd be recognized that night during Trick-or-Treating.

"He went out of his way to make people smile," his younger daughter Samantha said Thursday. "He could have a conversation and connect with anyone."

"He would drop whatever he was doing to help someone," his wife Kelly added. "It didn't matter if he knew you or not.

"Stacy was always full of life."

More: Through humility and toughness, Central York volleyball star becomes Division I player

More: How do you win 6 straight state titles? Northeastern did it the Matt Wilson way

Stacy Olewiler stretches before a men's league game in York County in the 1980s. Olweiler played college volleyball at East Stroudsburg after a standout career at Central York.(Photo: Courtesy of Barb Koller)

Growing up in York, Olewiler was the smallest kid in his neighborhood and was frequently picked on, according to his mother, Kerry.

He developed a bit of a temper and sometimes fought back, she said.

Like they do for many kids, sports became his outlet.

He played football and baseball, but volleyball quickly became his favorite. His father had played in high school for Red Lion and the family would often play in the yard when he was a kid.

"Sports helped him a great deal because he was the runt of the neighborhood," Kerry Olewiler said. "It helped him feel important."

While he was undersized as a Central York freshman, Olewiler caught the eye of the Panthers husband-and-wife coaching duo, Bruce and Barb Koller, due to his enthusiasm and competitiveness. They wanted him to experience the state tournament and brought him along to videotape the matches.

Barb still laughs about all the "yipping" they heard Olewiler saying to the referees and opponents when they listened to the tape.

Stacy Olewiler was a setter for East Stroudsburg after his standout career at Central York.(Photo: Submitted)

By the next year, he had developed into a quality defensive specialist and then a setter. He helped the Panthers win their first state championship in 1975.

He sprouted about six inches going into his senior year, and became a 6-foot-1 middle blocker. He also went from being a holder on the football team to a part-time quarterback.His wife said he used to tell stories about other kids giving him their extra food at lunchtime as his metabolism increased.

"I remember I was doing yard work and I saw someone walking up to the house," Barb Koller said. "I thought, 'That looks like Stacy but it can't be because he's too tall.' You never saw such a growth in a short period of time."

That year, he led Central York to another state title with a victory over Penn Hills in the championship. He went on to have a standout career at East Stroudsburg, growing three more inches to 6-foot-4 in the process.

The Kollers praised him for his versatility, affinity for defense and confidence. Bruce said he played with a "cockiness that wasn't obnoxious. He could back it up and he could do it all." Men's league teammate and longtime officiating friend Chad Baker echoed that sentiment.

"Stacy and all those guys who played for Barb and Bruce in those years laid the foundation for what came later," said Brad Livingston, Central York's legendary football and boys' volleyball coach who served as an assistant in the 1970s. "They were so successful it made the other kids in the school want to play volleyball. They showed not just that they were really talented, but that it was a really fun sport to play."

Stacy Olewiler served as a PIAA volleyball referee for decades. Here he officiates a Central York game in 1999 with his former coach Bruce Koller (right) still leading the Panthers.(Photo: Courtesy of Barb Koller)

As competitive as Olewiler was, he was always fair. Bruce Koller remembered a men's league championship match where Olewiler admitted he touched a ball the referee had ruled he hadn't.

It was natural that he was going to become an official.

A longtime IT professional, Olewiler also served as a PIAA and college volleyball referee over the past few decades. He even officiated somenational tournaments.

"I always appreciated when Stacy was up on the ladder, because you knew he was going to be focused," Livingston said. "There were times when we had our moments (of arguing) over this call or that call, but you knew he was doing a great job and doing the best he could. I was always happy when I saw he was refereeing a match."

Though officiating can be a thankless and often-criticized profession, Olewiler gravitated toward it because it kept him connected to the sport and gave him a new group of friends. He enjoyed that he got to travel to different places to do it.

His daughters grew up knowing him as an official, and even though neither developed into volleyball players, they gave the sport a try knowing it would make their father happy.

"He liked the community of refs, because it really is like a close-knit family," said Kelly, who married Olewiler when they were in college. "He got to see kids from all over York County play instead of just one district. I've had coaches approach me and say he gave them countless pointers when they were starting out."

Always active, Olewiler never gave up officiating. He refereed a full season of matches in the spring of 2019, and was already setting up his schedule for the fall of 2020.

Not even cancer could stop him from taking the court.

"If he could stand, he wanted to ref," Kelly said. "He was very firm that he wasn't going to sit down and die."

Stacy Olewiler was a longtime PIAA and college referee and also officiated some national tournaments.(Photo: Submitted)

The Olewiler family had a saying that Stacy's initials stood for "strong, stubborn and oblivious."

Those three words became his motto during the fight for his life.

Olewiler was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in January of 2018. He immediately formulated a plan for treatment and was optimistic he would recover.

"He came to my house to tell me when he was diagnosed and said, 'I got this, I'll get this treatment, I'm organized,'" said Baker, his longtime friend. "That was his attitude for the duration. That said a lot about who he was."

His battle with cancer was extremely difficult.

After six months of chemotherapy, he seemed to be close to recovery. But the cancer returned in October of 2018 and a bone marrow transplant had to be delayed because the cancer resisted the chemo.

He began a clinical trial for an experimentaltreatment at Columbia University. He and Kelly made the six-hour round trip by train to New York City 47 times between 2019 and 2020. There were days he went to New York and returned to York in time to referee a volleyball match.

A GoFundMe to help the family pay for the travel and medical expenses raised over $21,000.

There were plenty of other fundraisers, including a golf tournament and a York Suburban volleyball match in 2019. Shirts with the message "Strong, Stubborn, Oblivious" were sold.

"He was speechless. And he was never speechless," Baker said of Olewiler's reaction to the support. "He was just in tears."

Stacy Olewiler was married to his wife, Kelly, for 38 years and had two daughters, Samantha and Kaitlin.(Photo: GoFundMe for Stacy Olewiler)

According to his family, Olewiler remained determined and confident until the end. He planned out the family's next four years of camping trips and delayed getting a new furnace so they could get one in a few years that would last them until they were 95.

He went over his mother's house to clean out her gutters last Wednesday.His health took a sharp downturn on Thursday.

He died atHospiceon Sunday, surrounded by his family.

"Stacy personally never considered the thought that he wasn't going to beat this," Kelly said. "He seemed oblivious to the fact that it could kill him.

"He was amazing. We were together 38 years and we have completely different personalities. He was boisterous and outgoing and I'm an introvert. We balanced each other out and filled in each other's spaces."

Another golf tournament in Olewiler's honor will be held Sept. 19at Briarwood West Golf Course in York. Kelly said the proceeds will go toward the Hope Lodge program to help familiesbattling cancer, since Stacy stayed there at times during his treatment. Anyone interested in playing can contact Chad Zimmerman at chadzimmerman1974@gmail.com.

Olewiler's family will remember him as a great husband and father, the kind of guy who went out of his way to became a soccer fan to bond with his daughter's husband.

The kind of guy who would help out an old friend or a stranger at a moment's notice.

"Honestly, I don't know how my dad would handle this much attention," Samantha said. "I think he would want people to remember that he was funny. Everyone who met him loved him.

"Everyone who met him had a smile and a story about him."

Matt Allibone is a sports reporter for GameTimePA. He can be reached at 717-881-8221, mallibone@ydr.com or on Twitter at @bad2theallibone.

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'He could do it all': York County volleyball icon remembered for selflessness on and off the court - York Daily Record

For those of us who dont relish the extreme heat or humidity of summer, fall weather is a welcome reprieve. And the cool air isn't just good for sweaters: it's also great for adding new trees and native grasses to a landscape.

Every month, Lake Effect contributor Melinda Myers gives her expert tips on gardening. This month, she gives her tips and tricks on adding trees and native plants. Myers says one of the most important things to remember is how tall a tree is expected to grow and where it sits in your yard.

"I always tell people, look up for any overhead utilities when youre figuring out where you want to place the tree, and then contact diggers hotline... Hitting cable, electric, phone line, and of course gas, can be dangerous an expensive," Myers explains.

Lake Effect's Joy Powers speaking with gardening expert Melinda Myers.

Myers is currently leading virtual gardening seminars, where people can learn more about what to do to keep their gardens and yards healthy year-round.

Read this article:
Fall Is Ideal Time For Planting Most Trees And Native Plants - WUWM

UPDATE: An open house is scheduled for Saturday, August 29 from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday, August 30 from 2-4 p.m.

SPONSORED by Beth Hobart, Mainframe Real Estate: This upgraded four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom home in Lake Eola Heights, comes with a one-bedroom, one-bathroom in-law suite above the two-car garage and features a whole-home generator for both buildings.

Located at 307 E. Harwood Street [GMap] this exceptionally-upgraded historic home features ten-foot ceilings, crown molding, plantation shutters, and a wall of windows and French doors providing abundant natural light throughout the home via the open floor plan.

This home is ideal for entertaining, and hosting guests for the holidays. The gourmet kitchen features 42-inch cabinets, granite countertops, a large center island with a copper prep sink, and plenty of storage and seating. A second copper farmhouse sink is set under a large picture window overlooking the yard, and the Thermador gas range and bonus stand-alone convection pizza oven makes parties a breeze. You can create plenty of atmosphere with the whole-house, six-zone Sonos surround sound system, both inside and outside on the wrap-around porch, or sit out on the patio and enjoy the ambiance created by the low voltage landscape lighting.

The first-floor owners suite features a spa-like ensuite bath with soaking tub and glassed-in shower, an expansive walk-in closet with a center island, plenty of storage, and a custom organizing system.

The second floor features a library nook at the top of the stairs, and two ensuite bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, custom closets, and spacious bathrooms. Head over to your movie theatre and enjoy a film with full surround sound, a screen projector and electric reclining chairs for a fantastic home theatre experience. The theatre can also be converted into a second owners suite, with ensuite bath and 2 walk-in closets, or flex space for a home gym, office or playroom.

Step outside onto one of the balconies off two of the rooms in the main house, and enjoy views of the surrounding historic neighborhood. Or enjoy relaxing on your wrap-around porch complete with sleeping porch swing.

The two-car garage provides even more storage space and has a separate custom-built wine cellar to keep all of your bottles chilled perfectly at 55-degrees. The in-law suite is located above the garage and has a well-appointed kitchen, bathroom with glassed-in shower, walk-in closet with custom organizer, washer/dryer with built-in storage, and balcony views. You could rent this out long-term or as an Airbnb, or use it as a guest retreat or executive office.

This home is located a few blocks away from Lake Eola Park and is within walking distance to Thornton Park and many local shops and restaurants.

The asking price is $1,025,000.

Click HERE for the listing, or schedule a private showing today with Beth Hobart, Mainframe Real Estate, at [emailprotected], http://www.BethHobart.com.

All photos by Gil Levy,Framed Listings.

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House of the Day: Beautiful Lake Eola Heights home with mother-in-law suite asking $1025000 - Bungalower

If you dream of the perfect outdoor living space for relaxing with a good book in the shade, entertaining family in your outdoor kitchen, playing with the kids in the sunshine or just breathing in the sights and sounds of nature in your own personal oasis here are some tips to help kickstart the planning process when the time is right for you.

Modern landscaping and hardscaping offer limitless possibilities, so you can find the right solution to complement the way you live and your personal tastes. Whether you want a stylish lounge area for entertaining, a green-filled hideaway for connecting with nature, or a clean, minimal space for family fun and games, you can make it happen using a combination of pavers, walls, fire pits or even full outdoor kitchens.

Channel your imagination, with a little pro advice, to help you create an outdoor space that is perfect for your family, budget and home. One great resource is Collections by Belgard, which offers outdoor designers, contractors and homeowners a way to virtually re-imagine their outdoor space by pairing the right textures and colors to match the homes style as well as the homeowners vision.

First, spend a little time with your dream, nailing down what type of outdoor space you really want. What do you most want to do in your outdoor space, and what style best expresses your vision and personality?

Relaxed entertaining center

Maybe your dream sanctuary is a cozy fire pit surrounded by lounge seating to create a comfortable outdoor living room family and guests can enjoy day or night.

Or perhaps you want to dazzle guests with your culinary skills at a complete outdoor kitchen including fun extras like a smoker, wine cooler or brick pizza oven.

Plan the exact features you want before choosing the style, and you can make your dreams come true.

Cozy natural retreat

Create a space for unwinding from the weeks stresses. Could you arrange a trellis or pergola bursting with plants and flowers to set your retreat apart from the rest of the yard? You could install relaxing hammocks or a serene fountain to complete your oasis.

Then choose hardscaping elements to work hand in hand with your favorite natural elements. For example, Belgards Natural Collection provides hardscaping with the look of slates and worn stone that can set the tone for your special hideaway.

Eye-catching extension of your living space

Whatever plans you have for hardscapes, furnishings, appliances and more, consider the overall ambiance you want to create. Consider not only the natural environment, but what style best complements your homes aesthetic.

Want a more aged, rustic appearance to suit your traditional style home? The antique, tumbled look of features from the Heritage Collection combined with elements from the Natural Collection may suit that style.

Focus on family fun

Maybe your dream is to add outdoor recreation areas for you and your family. Consider making space for giant stacking blocks, life-size checkers or chess, cornhole or ring toss. How about a mini hedge maze or paver labyrinth?

Then use the existing feel of your homes exterior as the basis for your stylistic direction. You could go for a traditional, old-world aesthetic or combine traditional items with the more modern-looking Metropolitan Collection to add warmth to your contemporary space.

Homeowners and outdoor designers can work together to mix and match a variety of textures, colors and styles to create an outdoor space that suits any landscape creating an extension of your home to make all your summer dreams come true.

Visit Belgard.com/summer for more design ideas and inspiration.

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4 Options for an Ideal Outdoor Space: Pick the One That's Right for You Pasadena Weekendr - Pasadena Now