(Twitch/TheDadGaming)

Welcome to the club.

Its the first message that greets you upon visiting The Dad, a nod of acknowledgment that may seem like little more than a cool tagline that is, until you realize what being a member of the club actually means. Being a dad is an experience like no other. Its beautiful and stressful and exciting and exhausting all at once. It comes with challenges that only other dads can understand. Being a member of the club means being surrounded by people like you, and people very unlike you but with one important thing in common: fatherhood. It doesnt take long to realize just how deeply members of The Dad community care for each other, and that level of support extends far beyond things strictly related to fatherhood. When a member of our community celebrates, we all celebrate. If one of us needs help, the response is so enormous its almost deafening. And when we experience a tragedy, we mourn together.

On October 7, one of our own tragically passed away. RJ Barry was a father, gamer, and a valuable member of The Dad Gamings Rocket League community. RJ loved playing Rocket League and Call of Duty, racing 4 wheelers, skateboarding, but most importantly, the 29-year-old loved his friends and family. Particularly, his daughter Vivian.

The loss of RJ hit The Dads gaming community hard RJ had been an active member of The Dads Rocket League group since February, participating in weekly Tuesday game nights and befriending dads around the world. RJ was a skilled gamer, regularly making the playoffs and winning tournaments. But more importantly, RJ was a great friend and an amazing dad.

Jon Melo was just one dad who RJ befriended through The Dads Rocket League group, as the two dads played regularly on the same team (and somehow, lost regularly on the same team). Of course, the one week the two separated, both made the semi-finals before RJs team went on to win the tournament. We always said were going to win it together, Melo recalled.

Honestly I cant say enough about him, Melo said. He just was such an easy-going person and always there to listen to you if you needed someone. A lot of dads on here would say he was one loving outgoing fun guy to play with and was always positive.

But for gamer friends and non-gamer friends of RJ, there was one constant: That man loves his daughter and he would do anything for her, Melo concluded.

The loss of RJ left gamer dads near and far both shocked and saddened. But with the enormous grief that came with the RJs passing came something beautiful a community coming together to mourn and celebrate the life of a friend.

A post shared by Garrett Van Ginkel, The Dad Gaming Rocket Leagues admin highlighted the true nature of what it means to be a member of The Club. Its about far more than gaming and memes its about having a place to celebrate lifes wins and grieve lifes losses, and never having to do either alone.

Garretts touching post explained how after RJs passing, members of the community came together to honor their fallen teammate. Together, the group came up with ideas to honor RJ, who played by the name Tartarus. We will be holding a 1 minute moment of silence at kick off of the first round of play, Garrett explained.

During the moment of silence, each team of 3 loaded in with only 2 players to symbolize that we were all missing a player, Garrett told The Dad.

And silently, beautifully, the incomplete teams paid their respects.

We are permanently retiring Team 21, Garrett continued. It was a common team for him to be on due to his rank, and it was the last team he played for in our tournaments. Moving forward, it will be known as Team Tartarus.

Watch the moment of silence:

The group even moved their efforts outside the confines of the internet. Garrett explained, I have set up a PayPal account to take donations for his daughter Vivian and his family. We will be promoting it on stream during the tournament, and have it displayed on the overlays so anyone that tunes in will see it. Once all donations are in, I will personally write a check to his family for the full amount in the PayPal account. The email address to donate is: [emailprotected]

As dads, we want nothing more than to be there for our kids, to take care of them. In RJs memory, the group is collecting money which will go to a trust in Vivians name. Though the trust will provide financial assistance to Vivian one day, it represents so much more than money its emblematic of the true nature of being a dad. If theres a problem, you try to fix it. If you cant fix it, you do everything you can to help, and you do it with a whole lot of love.

RJ will be forever missed by both his friends and family, but he will always be remembered and he will always be a member of The Club.

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Greek Runner Helps Disabled Woman Achieve Dream of Climbing Mount Olympus - The Dad

The couple pulled Lyons Police Sgt. Cory Ryan into their vehicle during a shootout and drove him to the hospital.

Lyons Police Department

LYONS, Kansas -- Wyatt Johnsonand his girlfriend were driving aroundLyonson Friday while she reminisced about her hometown. They were wasting time before a wedding rehearsal.

In southeastLyons, near the home of one of her childhood friends, the couple saw an officer at a door and then heard shots ring out. Sgt.Cory Ryanwas responding to a call from a man who was mowing the lawn when he was threatened by a neighboring man with a gun at around3:40 p.m.

The officer arrived at the home of the alleged shooter, 40-year-oldAdam Hrabik.

Johnson said he couldn't see the shooter but saw the "blast from the gun."

Ryan backpedaled.

Johnson said he believes Ryan had already been shot in the arm and chest before the officer got out his gun in self defense. Ryan, who was also shot in the face, fired back.

Johnson's girlfriend put the car in reverse, drove it 10 feet and turned the car sideways to create a barrier. Johnson pushed his girlfriend out the driver door and followed her out to put more distance between them and the shooter. He was on the phone with 911 while the two of them yelled for Ryan to come to them.

Johnson said it was like they practiced it before.

Shots continued to ring out.

The two pulled him into the car.

Johnson's girlfriend handed Ryan a towel to staunch the blood and tried to calm him. Johnson drove.

"He was trying to speak but he couldn't because the whole bottom of his jaw was gone," said Johnson, a 24-year-old who works for a tree service company.

They took him to theRice County District Hospitalon the west side of town. Ryan, 36, was then transferred to aWichitahospital.

As Ryan was being cared for, the shooter retreated into the his home, according to theKansas Bureau of Investigation.

Officers in the region started to descend on the home, bringing tactical gear and an armored vehicle.

The first officers to arrive also discovered that the man mowing the lawn, who identified himself on Facebook asBrian Friess, had been shot.

Lyonspolice chiefJustin Hollidaywas one of the officers who found Friess wounded and helped bring him to safety.

Friess, theLyons High Schoolboys basketball coach and the school district's 2020 Ray and Evelyn Lippelmann Outstanding Teacher, was also taken to theLyonshospital and then onto aWichitahospital.

On Saturday, he posted on Facebook that he had been shot in the left thigh and below his right lung.

"Both bullets will stay in my body -- it's not like the movies where they go after em!" the 56-year-old wrote, adding doctors are keeping an eye on the bullet lodged in his lung. "Thank you to EVERYONE for the nice words! I'm blessed to live inLyonsand Coach/teach at LHS!"

The standoff at the home lasted until around7:10 p.m.when officers convinced Hrabik to come out of his home. He was arrested and booked into theReno County Correctional Facility, according to the KBI.

Ryan, who has been with theLyons Police Departmentsince 2012, is in critical condition but is stable, according to Sterling police chiefDerrick Ploutz.

"I absolutely think they saved his life by doing what they did," Ploutz said, adding each second matters in a shooting.

The Sterling Police Departmentis helping supportLyonswhile it is down one officer. About the response from surrounding law enforcement agencies coming to help, Ploutz said:

"The response and the help that we give each other, I don't know any other place I would rather work," Ploutz said, adding: "We are small departments inKansasbut we always know that we got each other and when we are needed, everyone is going to be there."

A fund has been set up at theLyons Federal Bankto help cover medical costs for Ryan. Donations can also be dropped off at theLyons Police Departmentand theFirst Bankin Sterling and will be forwarded on to the fund for Ryan.

___

(c)2020 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kan.)

Visit The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kan.) at http://www.kansas.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Couple Rushed to Aid of Wounded Kansas Police Officer, Drove Him to Hospital - Officer

Harold Varner III, who will start Saturdays third round of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open three shots off the lead at TPC Summerlin, doesnt believe in superstitious coins and other golf course voodoo.

On the other hand, his head cover has its own Twitter account.

Varner III calls it Gerald, named for a gift he received from college friends at East Carolina. Gerald sort of looks like a second cousin of one of the Cosby kids if you remember the old cartoon series. He sports an Afro, orange and yellow striped T-shirt, blue pants and green sneakers.

Geralds primary job is to keep Varner III grounded on the course. To make him smile, especially when things arent going well.

During last years PGA Championship, the 30-year-old journeyman was tied for second heading into the final round during which he was paired with eventual champion Brooks Koepka and shot 81.

Gerald must have made Varner III smile. The day after blowing up at Bethpage, he was back mowing the lawn at his parents house. How grounded is that?

Varner III still is chasing his first tour victory he followed a first-round 63 with a 68 Friday in his first outing since recently getting married. But neither fact has precluded him and Gerald from making lots of friends, including some in high places.

Last year Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera appeared at a news conference wearing a Gerald Varner T-shirt. Varner III and Tiger Woods, who once stiffed him for an autograph when the former was 13, sometimes play practice rounds together during which Tiger sometimes imparts nuggets of wisdom, such as playing golf on the PGA Tour is like reading a book with the TV on.

Gerald Varner is sort of like Mister Ed, the talking horse from the old TV sitcom. He only speaks when he has something to say.

He would say I should have played better, but hang in there, Varner III said after completing his round as the sun was setting before adding that his sidekick has been enjoying Las Vegas as much as an inanimate object can during a pandemic.

A lot of room service hes been hanging with the other head covers, not doing much.

Its gotta be the shoes

On the day he shot the best round of his career (62), first-round leader Bryson DeChambeau received a care package Thursday that contained a pair of Puma golf shoes hand painted by a Shriners Hospitals patient from Galveston, Texas.

Katharine Koonce, 16, suffered burns over 70 percent of her body while her family sought refuge from Hurricane Ike in 2008.

The special shoes included the Shriners logo on the heels and a mathematical equation by which the big-hitting DeChambeau abides painted on the sides deriving acceleration from velocity the 2018 Shriners champ said as he opened the box with his teenage fan watching via the internet.

Thank you so much, these look amazing, DeChambeau said with a smile more honest than his length off the tee. Im gonna be wearing these all week.

I watched the big man hit his drive on No. 10 Friday en route to a second-round 67. The ball practically exploded, like one of those novelty golf balls.

He was wearing the shoes.

Rickie loses that number

Gallery favorite (at least when there is a gallery) Rickie Fowler hit two balls in the lake on No. 16 and one on 17 (he also sank one on 17 Thursday) on his way to a 74. He failed to make the cut.

Other notables below the 7-under cut line were recent PGA champion Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama, Francesco Molinari, Jason Day and Maverick McNealy.

19th hole

Leftover from Thursdays first round: Bruce Bielenberg, a volunteer on the 15th hole, witnessed three members of the same group making eagle. Hunter Mahan, Rafe Cabrera Bello and Bo Hoag each made a 2 on the short 314-yard par 4. Three eagles by one group on one hole has to be pretty rare, right? Bielenberg wrote in an email. It is. PGA officials said they could never recall it happening on a par 3.

Former UNLV standout Charley Hoffman shot 71 Friday after a first-round 70 and failed to make the cut.

Veteran Stewart Cink, who made five second-round birdies and two eagles and shot 63, on how he celebrated his recent win at the Safeway Open: Went on an eight-day trip out west in a van with my in-laws which is sort of like going to Disney World, but also sort of not.

Contact Ron Kantowski at rkantowski@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0352. Follow @ronkantowski on Twitter.

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Harold Varner III lets head cover do talking on Twitter - Las Vegas Review-Journal

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When I was growing up in country New Zealand, we mowed our own lawns (that was what kids were for), cooked our dinner, made our clothes, cleaned our houses, cared for our babies until they went to kindergarten or even school in fact, did numerous chores that today we can outsource. I'm not saying this was better self-sufficiency has its merits, but women bore the brunt of it.

Gradually, outsourcing has freed us to focus on our work and things we want to do, such as relaxing at the end of the day. The Ruthven Institute reportedly estimated we spend more than $500 billion in a financial year outsourcing household activities, with the average household paying for everything from oven cleaning to painting the spare room.

Sites such as Airtasker and ServiceSeeking built their business models on this, as have food delivery services such as Uber Eats. Don't feel like doing something? There's an app for that.

Now, though, lockdowns and social distancing mean that, aside from the food delivery, many services are denied us. It may be fun to bake sourdough or plant tomatoes, but we also face doing tasks we don't want to do, or may not even be capable of.

Many who performed those tasks for us, gig economy workers with insecure employment, few rights, no leave and little bargaining power, have been left high and dry. In her introduction to the state government's Report of the Inquiry into the Victorian On-Demand Workforce, released in July, chair Natalie James wrote of a world changed by pandemic: "These events provide the ultimate demonstration of what it means to work 'on-demand'. 'Demand' has been suddenly and unexpectedly curtailed In times of economic downturn, it is 'on-demand' workers: casual employees and self-employed 'independent contractors'; who feel the impact first and fast. They are the first to be 'let go'."

An estimated 1 million Australians, almost 250,000 Victorians, work in the gig economy. As restrictions ease, they will return. Some will have faced and may still be facing dire financial situations. We will welcome them with open arms, hopefully with a new appreciation for what they do. But let's hope that this is not accompanied by a financial race to the bottom, as those desperate for work so many more than when this began bid against each other for ever lower rates to win the work.

When the report was released, James told The Age: "What we have is a large number of people in need of income, looking for work in a labour market which has now become even more competitive." When restrictions end, it's important that we let those who do the chores we don't want to do know how much we missed and appreciate them, but also that we put our money where our mouths are.

Sue Green is a Melbourne journalist and writer.

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Lockdown has shone a light on how much we rely on others - Sydney Morning Herald

Fall is a great time to plant turf grass in Valencia County. With New Mexicos climate, placing high importance on selection, preparation and maintenance of grasses is crucial for enjoying a green, luscious lawn in the summer months. There are several factors to consider when planning to plant turf grass.

There are two basic classifications for grasses, cool season and warm season. Cool season grasses are generally suggested for the northern portion of New Mexico, and warm season grasses for the southern portion. However, due to the cooler temperatures of our springs, falls and nights, cool season grasses can be grown with success throughout the state.

Understanding the different types of grasses can help planters develop a basic knowledge of what seed to plant for their specific area. But, there are also other factors to consider that will influence what, when and how you plant your turf grass.

A first consideration is your location. How much traffic this location will receive can influence the type of seed to plant. Grass species have different levels of traffic resistance and choosing the right seed for the location is crucial to the longevity of the lawn.

Understanding the type of soil can determine modifications needed for seed success. You can gain greater understanding of the soil on your property by having your soil tested. The Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service can provide information on how to submit a soil sample and determine proper protocols to modify your soil.

Depending on your soil test results, there is a high chance a top soil will need to be added to reach an optimal grass growing environment. Ridding the bad plants or weeds already growing in the area is an important step as is preparing the soil by mowing, tilling and possibly spraying the area.

Water availability is another factor in your seed decision. Cool season grasses require more water and warm season grasses utilize water more efficiently. Will you be able to put in a water system where you are planting, or will you be moving a sprinkler system around? If you are installing an irrigation system, be sure to place the system after you have prepared the ground and mark the areas where the heads are to avoid damage.

Once the seed has been determined, consider the preferred planting time for your type of turf grass. In Valencia County, planting cool season grass is recommended in August to September. Warm season grasses are generally suggested for planting the middle of May to August. If you are planning to plant your lawn this fall, make sure your grass selection is a cool season grass. Also, be sure to think of the other factors previously mentioned and if a cool season grass is not right for you, consider choosing a warm season grass and plant this coming spring.

When seeding, water more frequently in order to keep the seeds from drying out. Avoid over-watering and creating puddles of water for proper seed establishment. Once your seed is grown, maintenance will be crucial.

The type of seed planted has a preferred mowing height. Mowing too short can cause damage to the lawn. A general rule to keep in mind is to mow only one third of the grass height. The grass should be fairly dry and mowing equipment should be sharp to reduce uprooting as well.

If you are planning to use sod rather than seed, soil preparation is the same as seeding with an emphasis on your soil being level. The sod base needs to have contact with the soil in order to form strong roots. In Valencia County, the ideal time to lay sod will be in the spring, summer and fall. Planting in extreme heat can damage the grass and it should be laid relatively quickly once received. Be sure to keep the sod moist when laying and out of direct sunlight.

Even though we live in the desert, a lush lawn can be achieved with proper preparation, seed selection and an ideal management strategy. Understanding how much water is available in your area is a key component for your lawn success.

If you have further questions on seed selections or turf grass management please call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office.

Program announcements

To register for an upcoming program, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

Homeschool Extension Videos: Videos or presentations can be requested for home-schooling families for science and agriculture. A list of topics being offered for the fall semester are available upon request. Contact Sierra Cain at sierragh@nmsu.edu for more information.

Valencia County 4-H Enrollment: The new enrollment year for 4-H begins Oct. 1 and ends Jan. 15. Please call the office for more information on enrolling or email Sierra Cain at sierragh@nmsu.edu. You can also visit our webpage for 4-H information.

(Visit NMSU Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service, facebook.com/NMSUValenciaCES, for upcoming programs, creative recipes, health tips, and fun activities.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service office at 565-3002 two weeks in advance of event.)

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The ins and outs of turf grass | Columns | news-bulletin.com - Valencia County News Bulletin

By MARK MAYNARD, Kentucky Today

EASTVIEW, Ky. (KT) You bring your own chair to services at First Baptist Church of Eastview.

Church members or visitors can plop down a lawn chair around where a 100-year-old oak tree sits on the church grounds and provides ample comfort and protection from the August heat. If youre lucky, you may get a seat near the base of the big tree, but make room for the makeshift altar because it can be a busy place.

Pastor Mike McGrew stands inside a semi-circle of lawn chairs and preaches his heart out. An invitation on Aug. 16 lasted for 30 minutes after hearing an evangelistic sermon. They came broken, crying and many rededicated their lives to Jesus. Maybe the outdoor air had done them good.

If there was ever a time the church needed to be strong in the Lord, its now, McGrew said. I really feel in my heart that this could turn into a soul-saving event for people who wont normally come to church.

Eastview Church is located high on a hill and the sound from the speakers on Sunday mornings can be heard from a distance. So can the sound of lawnmowers, the pastor said.

God gave me something that first Sunday morning, McGrew said. Somebody was mowing grass over the hill. Then, all of a sudden, the lawnmower shut off. The Lord told me, Theyre listening. We were laughing because this past Sunday, there was no grass being mowed.

Shawn Edwards, the associational mission strategist for the Severns Valley Association of Baptists, attended the Aug. 16 service with his wife on their anniversary.

I took her there, being a romantic, Edwards said. When he (McGrew) thought it was going to die down, grown men went forward to pray at a makeshift altar at the base of the tree. We were sitting there going, This is unreal. Hed wind it down and more would come forward.

McGrew said the Spirit has been in attendance with the outside services under the oak tree.

It was amazing, the pastor said, remembering the Aug. 16 service. Here I was, thinking things were over, and people were coming up and praying under the tree. It reminded me of the old outdoor revivals they used to have.

The pastor said he decided to use the oak tree as their sanctuary after Gov. Andy Beshear asked churches to stop having indoor services for a couple of weeks because of the coronavirus about two months ago.

The Lord pointed me to that tree and said, 'This is where you need to have services,' McGrew said. The next Sunday we had it outside and it really took off. This will be our fifth Sunday coming up this week.

McGrew, a bi-vocational pastor who works in maintenance for Hardin County Schools, said he wouldnt mind being outside all the time. He called himself an outside guy and probably learned that from his grandfather, who was also a Baptist preacher.

He pastored over 20 churches during his time and he had an altar in his barn, McGrew said. He had a poplar board. The family cut that board in little pieces when he died and gave it to all the grandkids. I brought that out and laid it at the base of the tree. He prayed for me and my children. It touched a lot of hearts. There is something about being outside.

McGrew said the church had thoughts of taking down the big oak tree a few years ago after some limbs broke, but when the subject came up at a meeting, it didnt go anywhere. The pastor said he has a good idea of why.

That first Sunday, God told me, 'I ordained this tree to be here because you need it now,' the pastor said. Its a big tree that shades the whole parking lot and it has the nicest breeze. When we are done (with the service), the breeze stops. Its a shady, wonderful place to have church.

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Tie a gospel message 'round the old oak tree - Kentucky Today

Man offers to 'rent out' his parenting services, goes viral  |  Photo Credit: Facebook

A man from Australia has gone viral on the internet for 'renting out' his parental services to careless and irresponsible dads who are unable to fully take care of their children.

Jake James, who hails from Blue Haven in New South Wales, took to social media to spread the word about his services. His tongue-in-cheek advert on Facebook has now garnered many reactions. Has your baby daddy been acting up? Tired of him playing games? Does he put drugs and his mates before his kids? Get yourself a rent a daddy !! James wrote at the beginning of the post and then listed out the details of his service.

According to the post, his service can be availed 1-2 weekends per month. He is willing to participate in up to three activities of the kid's choice for every visit and is also ready to attend all sporting events with toddlers. Besides that, he will be imparting three hours of valuable life skills like car maintenance and mowing the lawn. He will also drop off and pick up the children from schools and daycare stays.

Jake specified that clients will need to pay extra for special services during family events, birthday parties, family selfies, and Facebook relationship status.

Heres the complete post:

He will be charging $30 per hour, plus a 20% surcharge for Sundays after 4 PM. He will be accepting the payment in Cash, Debit card, Afterpay, and ZipPay.

The post has now garnered over 1,200 shares and 1,300 likes on Facebook. Screenshots of his advert have also been shared on Twitter and Instagram.

Heres how people on Facebook reacted to the unusual business plan:

One user wrote, "Im just curious. Does he have the right credentials? Working with children check? Car? License? 6 pack? Good in bed?"

I love the initiative. The application will be submitted and with the first months payment upfront. You know.for the kids lol wrote another.

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'Rent a Daddy': Man offers to 'rent out' his parenting services, netizens are impressed with the idea - Times Now

RISING SUN - There is this episode of The Simpsons that spoofs The Shining. And in it, they tackle the famous all-work-and-no-play bit.

However, instead of being a dull boy, Homer Simpson recites All work and no play makes Homer go something, something.

His wife Marge answers Go crazy?

To which her husband replies DONT MIND IF I DO!

I had kind of been feeling stuck in that mindset. I had far exceeded being simply a dull girl and had inched my way into perhaps something we could call, Corona Crazy. Symptoms include restlessness, crabbiness, general feelings of malaise and temporary amnesia that this weird thing called carefree fun used to exist.

Well, it wasnt just the pandemic weighing down my sense of fun like a heavy, wet blanket. It was all the other obligations that stack up. We managed to wrap a few of those major things up and I came up for air; realizing it was August and we had not done hardly anything relaxing and definitely not anything recreational.

So Saturday, we managed to get out of the quarantine rut and we got out of the house and went on an adventure.

We didnt go too far though, just up to Sidie Hollow Lake in Viroqua. We wanted to take the canoe out at least once this year and this seemed like a pretty easy option. We thought that if it all went horribly wrong and the kids hated it, well at least we could bail out quickly.

Surprisingly though, they loved it. Especially Wayls. We often joke that Thatcher is just a mini version of me and Bop is a tiny Chascaboth in looks and personality. That really shined through as we got in the green Coleman canoe and Thatcher immediately began being a Nervous Nellie.

I dont know about this dad, its a might bit TIPPY! He uttered, his voice heavy with regret and reluctance.

Waylon on the other hand plopped into the boat like a turtle sliding off a log. With a thud and a wiggle he positioned himself between his dads knees and proceeded to relax with his breadstick from Kwik Trip and juice box in hand.

We paddled around a bit in the shade and watched people jump off the rope swing and turtles slide into the water. We found a rickety dock to paddle up to and decided to do a little fishing.

Did you see that big thumper fish? It fumped itself right into the water, Thatcher squealed with delight.

Even more delightful was the steady stream of people walking on the nearby path. Thatcher, you see, is a people person. He takes after both his grandpa Mark and Papa Tom with his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he can.

A gaggle of teenagers on their way to swim were caught in his web of conversation for quite some time. He told them about the fish he caught, that his name started with a T and that it was a mighty fine day out today especially for him and his fwend bowwwwder (Boulder is his favorite action figure.) As they attempted to get away, he told them to have a great day! Wear your mask and eat your food so you can get BIG MUSCLES!

Always the sweet and silent type, Waylon just waved and smiled.

We casted our poles, well I should say Thatchers poles for he is the only one in our house with nice fishing poles anymore. And managed to catch a few tiny bass. Everyone was able to inspect and pet them before releasing them gently back into the weedy depths.

When we decided to set sail once more as Thatcher called it, we paddled slowly to watch the schools of bluegill, perch, and even the biggest bass any of us had seen in a long time swim by.

If that wasnt enough, we even got home and prepped 10 gallons of cucumbers for pickle mania and a whole lot of lawn mowing. Evening out our fun and kinda lazy afternoon with the chores that always need to be done.

We set out on Sunday with a long to do list that got turned into pickle making and naps. While Chasca ran to grab a few groceries with Bop, Thatcher stayed back for a little time with his Sweetheart mama. He diligently filled my jars with the bread-and-butter pickle brine I cooked up and helped make 10 pints of the slices before deciding that simply drinking the leftover brine with a spoon was a much better job.

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Enjoying the important things together - Swnews4u

Program Manager, Amy Haack, explains the importance of Clean Air Action Day and how to help with the cause.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. A Clean Air Action Day is called when certain air pollutants are forecast to reach unhealthy levels. On these days, the public is asked to take voluntary actions like deferring lawn mowing and limiting car usage to reduce emissions and protect their health.

However, there has been a name change to the cause. It went from Ozone Action to Clean Air Action. Here is why:

Beginning in 2009, the program has grown and evolved to announce Action Days when ground level ozone, fine particulate matter, or both, are expected to reach or exceed the unhealthy for sensitive groups threshold.

Since it is possible to have unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter throughout the year, the Clean Air Action program is now year-round. Although they have been fortunate enough to not have to call a Clean Action Day, yet in regards to fine particulate matter.

For those that may not know, here is a break down of what is ozone, ground-level ozone, and fine particulate matter and what causes a Clean Air Action to be called.

Ozone is a colorless gas that is the major component of smog that lingers at the Earths surface. In the upper atmosphere (stratosphere), however, ozone is beneficial, protecting us from the suns harmful rays.

Ozone is formed in the lower atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions in the presence of certain weather conditions.

High temperatures, minimal cloud cover, and southwest winds are prime conditions for ground-level ozone formation in West Michigan. Sources of pollutants that react in these conditions include vehicles, factories, landfills, industrial chemicals, and numerous small sources such as gas stations, farms, lawn equipment, etc.

Particulate matter includes small drops of liquid or bits of dust, metals, or other materials in the air. It can come from a variety of sources, including incinerators, wood stoves, industry, motor vehicles, and even forest fires and construction sites. Its levels are usually highest in the summer and winter, making it a year-round issue in West Michigan.

Ground-level ozone and fine particulate matterare health problems.

Ground-level ozone and particulate matter are particularly problems for people with respiratory illnesses, children, the elderly, and those who are active outdoors.

Even for healthy people engaged in moderate outdoor activity, breathing air laden with ozone and particulate matter can create temporary health problems, such as coughing and shortness of breath.

Air pollution is a definite health problem.

There are numerous monitoring stations throughout the state. Some of these are in larger cities and some are in rural areas. The stations monitor the air and measure the presence of ozone and particulate matter.

However, many of the pollutants that form ozone in our air come from other areas.

Scientific studies have proven that large cities to the south and west of our region are a prime contributor to our problem. Hopefully, the voluntary actions of many citizens and organizations will be successful in keeping our air as clean as possible.

Cars, equipment, and industries in West Michigan are NOT pollution free. While the pollution we emit may not be the primary sources of our problem, it does contribute to some degree. Our efforts to reduce local emissions on Clean Air Action Days will serve dual purposes.

First, local actions will send the message that West Michigan can work together to solve its own problems and the communities in our region and take pride in the beauty of their natural resources and know how to maintain them.

Second, the efforts that we take locally may constitute the differences between going over the federal standard and almost going over the standard in a given measuring period. It may not make a huge difference in the haziness of the air, but it can make all the difference in the world when it comes to remaining in compliance with the clean air standards.

The Clean Air Action Program is only one of the efforts going on in West Michigan.

Businesses and industries have been working for years with improved technology to reduce emissions from their operations. Automobile emissions technology has also improved dramatically.

Over the past several decades, there have been major reductions in overall vehicle emissions. This is quite an improvement in technology. New equipment in many industries has been designed with air quality in mind.

There are many no-cost voluntary actions that individuals can take on designated Clean Air Action days. Consider some of these.

There are many ways to be aware of Clean Air Action Days. Heres a few:

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Summer is a great time to be outside and enjoy the weather. Awareness of summer health hazards can help you prevent potential injuries and discomfort.

Here are ways you can protect yourself and others and enjoy the summer fun:

Lawn mower injuries

Before mowing, remove debris from the lawn, such as rocks, sticks or other potential flying object hazards.

Always wear protective eye wear, hearing protection and closed toe shoes while operating the mower.

If the lawn slopes, mow across the slope with the walk-behind rotary mower, never up and down. With a riding lawn mower, drive up and down the slope, not across it, to avoid tipping over.

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Do not allow children to play in the vicinity of an operating mower, and never allow young children to ride with an adult on a mower.

Food poisoning

Hot temperatures in the summer allow bacteria to develop faster in food with no refrigeration. Foods or food products with dairy, eggs, mayonnaise or meat can become hosts to the types of bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.

To prevent food poisoning, follow the U.S. Department of Agricultures advice to:

Clean: Wash your hands as well as the surfaces where youll be preparing foods.

Separate: Wrap raw meat securely and keep it stored away from other food items.

Cook: Bring along a meat thermometer. Grilling meat browns it very fast on the outside, but that doesnt mean its safe on the inside. Steaks should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees, ground beef and pork to 160 degrees, and poultry to 165 degrees.

Chill: Keep everything refrigerated as long as possible. Store perishable picnic items in an insulated cooler packed with ice, and follow the last in, first out rule whatever youre going to eat first should go at the top of the cooler.

Dont keep any foods at room temperature longer than 2 hours-or 1 hour if its warmer than 90 degrees.

Sun damage

Sun protection is an important precaution to guard against skin cancer and reduce signs of aging. To help protect your skin and eyes from the damaging effects of UV rays:

Use sunscreen -Choose a sunscreen that has sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays to reduce the risk of cataracts.

Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours while outdoors.

Wear clothing to protect exposed skin, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck.

Insect bites

Mosquito bites can be annoying, but they can also cause serious viral diseases, such as West Nile, Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue. To protect yourself from mosquito bites:

Mosquito-proof your home by using screens on windows and doors. Repair or replace all torn screens in your home. Close windows and doors, then use air conditioning when available.

Drain water where mosquitoes grow. Mosquitoes can grow in containers that hold water for more than a week such as pop cans, buckets, bottles and discarded tires. Fill holes that hold water with gravel or dirt.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to create a barrier between you and mosquitoes.

Apply insect repellent on exposed skin when you go outdoors. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellants containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Heat illness & dehydration

Anyone exposed to high temperatures for a sustained period of time is at risk for heat-related illness and dehydration. Prevention is the best way to avoid heat-related illness. When it is hot outside, remember to:

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly wont allow your body to cool properly.

Take it easy during the hottest part of the day.

Poison ivy

Poison ivy contains the plant oil urushiol, which can cause severe skin rash when any part of the leaves, stem or root is touched. Learn how to identify poison ivy in order to avoid exposure.

The old saying Leaves of three, let it be is a reminder of the consistent leaf characteristic of this plant.

One leaf centered on longer stalk, and two leaves to each side attached to the stalk.

Each leaf has three glossy leaflets, with smooth or toothed edges.

Wash garden tools and gloves regularly. It is possible to pick up the rash from plant oil that may have stuck to clothing, pets, and other items that have come in contact with poison ivy.

For more information on summer health hazards, visit USAFwellness.com or contact your local Civilian Health Promotion Services team. Comprehensive information on summer health hazards can be found on the Centers fo Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov.

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Health & wellness: Take care to avoid common summer health hazards - Dayton Daily News