WED AUG 23

Topeka West Rotary Club, 7 a.m., second-floor conference room, Hy-Vee, S.W. 29th and Wanamaker. Information: Rick Ryan, 249-9000 or president@topekawestrotary.com.

Capitol Midweek Farmers Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon (rain or shine), south lawn, Kansas Capitol, S.W. 10th between Harrison and Jackson.

Preschool Storytime, 10 to 10:30 a.m., The Story Zone, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Stories, songs and fingerplays that encourage a love of reading and help develop early learning skills for children. Ages: 3-5 years.

Story Time, 11 a.m., The Toy Store, 5300 S.W. 21st. At least one adult for every four children recommended. Information: 273-0561.

DTI Noontime Brown Bag Concert Series, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: Facebook pages Noontime Brownbag or Downtown Topeka Inc., or visit DowntownTopekainc.com.

YWCA Network Lunch, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., 225 S.W. 12th St. Speaker: Laura Burton, of Midland Care Connection. Topic: Tea, Cake and Death: Death Cafe and Rethinking Death and Dying. RSVP: reservations@ywcaneks.org.

Al Anon New Beginnings AFG, noon, Town and Country Christian Church, 4929 S.W. 29th St. (use double doors off church parking lot). Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Sunflower Duplicate Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m., Womans Club of Topeka, 5221 S.W. West Drive. Cost: $7 per session. Information: jan@topekabridgeclubs.org or http://bit.ly/1OfJsPj.

Queen of Spades Garden Club, 1 p.m., Preston Hale Room, Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site, 124 N.W. Fillmore.

Windows 10 for Beginners, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Computer Training Center, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Experience the new features of Windows 10. Learn how to organize the Start Menu, use accessories, personalize the desktop and get apps from the Windows Store. Register at tscpl.org/register.

Minecraft @ Your Library, 4 to 5 p.m., Computer Training Center, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Enter the librarys Minecraft world on our own server and build, build, build. Each meeting will feature a new mission to construct and complete new parts of the librarys landscape, before unleashing creepers. Ages: 8-12 years.

Planning Your Legacy Nemaha County, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Nemaha County Community Building, Seneca. Guest speaker: Gayle Evans, attorney with Chinnery, Evans & Nail. Topic: Contribution options customized to fit your interest and tax planning. Cost: $10 per meal. RSVP: Karla Henry, 336-6116 or khensy@bbwi.net.

Topeka Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., Twilight Lions Branch Club, Pam Luthis office, 3310 S.W. Harrison. Program: Kristen Shore, of Kansas University Endowment Association. Intro by Luthi. Visitors welcome. Information: topekalions.org.

Al Anon Holton Family AFG, 7 p.m., Room 104, Evangel Methodist Church, 3rd and Pennsylvania, Holton (use east glass door). Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Al Anon Hope for Today AFG, focuses on adult children of alcoholics, 7 p.m., Metropolitan Community Church, 4425 S.W. 19th St. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Square dance lessons, 7 to 9 p.m., Croco Hall, 6115 S.E. US-40 highway, Tecumseh. Singles, couples and families welcome. Information: 286-0105.

THU AUG 24

Southwest Topeka Kiwanis Club, 7 a.m., The Kanza Cafe, 2701 S.W. East Circle Drive South.

Capital City Networking Group, 7:30 a.m., Jayhawk Tower, S.W. 7th and Jackson.

Country Quilters Guild, 9 a.m. to noon, First Congregational Church, 1701 S.W. Collins.

Baby Bookworms, 9:30 to 10 a.m., 10:30 to 11 a.m. or 5:30 to 6 p.m., Lingo Story Room 121, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Introduces babies to the world of books through interactive songs, stories, bounces and more. Age: birth to 18 months.

Preschool Storytime, 10 to 10:30 a.m., The Story Zone, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Stories, songs and fingerplays that encourage a love of reading and help develop early learning skills for children. Ages: 3-5 years.

Al Anon Southwest AFG book study meeting, 5:45 p.m., First Christian Church, S.W. 19th and Gage. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Cub Club Crafts, 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., The Toy Store, 5300 S.W. 21st. At least one adult for every four children recommended. Information: 273-0561.

Downtown Topeka Rotary Club, noon. For location and meeting information go to topekarotary.org. Information: Linda Ireland, topekarotary@gmail.com or 232-7216.

Heartland Toastmasters, noon, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Guests welcome. Information: 232-2836.

Christian Widow and Widowers Organization annual birthday party, 5 p.m., Formation Room, Most Pure Heart, S.W. 17th and Stone. Dime bingo after dinner. Bring a covered dish and dimes. Open to all faiths. Information: 233-7350, leave a message.

PowerPoint, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Computer Training Center, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Beginners create a dynamic presentation from start to finish. Learn to insert slides, add text, graphics, transitions and animations. Register at tscpl.org/register.

Al Anon Southwest AFG, book study meeting, 5:45 p.m., First Christian Church, S.W. 19th and Gage. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Meadowlark Toastmasters, 5:45 p.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th.

Jam Session, 6 to 9 p.m., American Legion, 310 Veterans Memorial Drive N, Marysville.

Al Anon St. Marys Fresh Start AFG, 6:15 p.m., fellowship hall, United Methodist Church, 107 N. 7th St., St. Marys (south building). Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Al Anon Southwest AFG, 7 p.m., fellowship hall, First Christian Church, S.W. 19th and Gage (south building). Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Marine Corps League, 7 p.m., VFW Post 1650, 3110 S.W. Huntoon. Gen. Lewis W. Walt Detachment invites former, retired and active duty Marines, FMF corpsmen and FMF Navy chaplains to attend. Information: http://on.fb.me/1E7lhbp or 640-6077.

Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomers League general meeting, 7 p.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Program: Eclipse Stories. Public welcome. Information: nekaal.org.

Master Gardener Series: Fall Lawn Care, 7 to 8 p.m., Marvin Auditorium 101B, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Presented by Steve Paige.

Nicodemus: Children of the Promised Land, presentation by Angela Bates, executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Marvin Auditorium, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council. Free.

FRI AUG 25

Sex Addicts Anonymous Topeka Chapter mens group, 7 to 8 a.m., St. Davids Episcopal Church, 3916 S.W. 17th. Open to men seeking help; closed to visitors. Information: 200-3450, saatopeka@gmail.com or saa-recovery.org.

Topeka South Rotary Club, 7:15 a.m., Memorial Union, Washburn University, 1700 S.W. College. Public welcome. Information: Faron Barr, 266-8333.

Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), 8:30 a.m. sign-in, 9 a.m. meeting, Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 S.W. Burlingame (use north entrance). First visit is free. Information: (800) 932-8677 or tops.org.

Ace of Hearts Duplicate Bridge Club, 9 a.m., Womans Club of Topeka, 5221 S.W. West Drive. Cost: $7 per session. Information: jan@topekabridgeclubs.org or http://bit.ly/1OfJsPj.

Al Anon Friday Morn Serenity Seekers AFG, 9:30 a.m., Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene, 730 S.W. Fairlawn. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Kids Drum Circle, 11 a.m., The Toy Store, 5300 S.W. 21st. At least one adult for every four children recommended. Information: 273-0561.

Friendship AFG, 12:05 p.m., St. Vincents basement, Most Pure Heart Church, 1800 S.W. Stone (enter main west door). Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Community Action Mobile Food Pantry, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (weather permitting), across from Auburn Community Center, 121 W. 11th, Auburn. First-come, first-served basis. Recipients must provide number of people in their household.

Email for Beginners, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Computer Training Center, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Learn to log into an account and open, delete, reply to and forward email messages. Register at tscpl.org/register.

Open Stitch, 1 to 3 p.m., Yak n Yarn, inside Fairlawn Plaza, S.W. 21st and Fairlawn. Bring project to work on. No fee. Information: 272-9276.

Emporia Main Street Mix & Match, 5 to 7 p.m., Brickyard 20 Ale House, 420 Merchant, Emporia. Must be 21.

Celebrate Recovery, 6 p.m. meal, 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. program, First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 S.W. Gage Blvd. (enter off parking lot). For ages 18 and older. Freewill offering. Child care available for children grade 6 and younger, 6:45 to 9:45 p.m. Information: crtopekaks.org.

Al Anon Freedom AFG, 6:30 p.m., Metropolitan Community Church, 4425 S.W. 19th. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Topeka Gem & Mineral Society, 7:30 p.m., Room 138, Stoffer Science Hall, Washburn University, 1700 S.W. College. Open to the public. Children explore time, 7 p.m. Information: Millie Mowry, 267-2849 or rock2plate@aol.com, or Lesliee Hartman, hartman12345@hotmail.com or TopekaGMS.org.

SAT AUG 26

Downtown Topeka Farmers Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon (rain or shine), S.W. 12th and Harrison. Information: http://bit.ly/20LQVIC, lanebetty4@yahoo.com or 249-4704.

The Topeka Daylily Club Plant Sale, 7:30 a.m. to noon, Downtown Topeka Farmers Market, S.W. 12th and Harrison.

Lets Help Annual Fundraiser: Downtown Adventure Race Topeka, 8 a.m., downtown Topeka. DARTini at 9 a.m. Registration begins an hour before each race. Register early or day of the event. Information: dothedart.com, 270-5238 or info@letshelpinc.org.

Seneca Community Farmers Market, 8 a.m., The Market Greenhouse, 33 N. 5th, Seneca. Information: Facebook page Seneca Community Farmers Market.

Musical Storytime, 10 to 10:30 a.m., The Story Zone, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Shake off your sleepiness with fun songs and crazy dancin with Kyler. Occasional surprises and guests. Ages: birth to 5 years.

United Daughters of the Confederacy, Ladies of the Plains 2696, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Information and reservations: ladiesoftheplains@ksudc.org or ksudc.org.

Kansas Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hughes Room 205, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Learn about African-American family history and genealogy, and Kansas African-American history with various topics, guest speakers and projects. Information: email info@kaahgs.org.

Topeka Unit NAACP executive board meeting, 11:30 a.m., Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, 1515 S.E. Monroe. Information: 266-5688.

Topeka Nar-Anon Family Group Saturday Serenity Seekers, noon to 1:15 p.m., First Baptist Church, 3033 S.W. MacVicar (enter Door A, south side). For families and friends affected by someones narcotics addiction. Information: naranonmidwest.org.

Topeka Unit NAACP, 1 p.m., Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, 1515 S.E. Monroe. Public welcome. Information: 266-5688.

Olive Oils and Vinegars 101, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Moburts Inc., 820 S. Kansas. Cost: $15. Information: moburts.com or 806-3025.

Altered Books Workshop, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Marvin Auditorium 101B, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Altering unwanted books expresses your creativity and recycles at the same time. Hands-on demonstrations and books provided. Registration required at tscpl.org/register.

2017 Huff n Puff Crew Training, 6 p.m., 3315 S.E. Tinman Circle, Lake Shawnee. Rain date: Sunday, Aug. 27. Information: huffnpuffcrew@gmail.com.

Stargazing at Volland Store, 6:30 to 11 p.m., 24098 Volland Road, Alma. Barbecue dinner and music. Kansas Astronomical Observers will bring their telescopes and talk about the night sky. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray. Cost: $40 for adults; $20 for ages 12 and under. Reservations: thevollandstore.com or call Abby, 499-3616.

Al Anon Saturday Night Serenity AFG, 6:45 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 3509 S.W. Burlingame Road (enter north side). Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

SUN AUG 27

White Lakes Market, outdoor flea market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mainline Printing parking lot, 3500 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Information: 260-5458 or Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1hy8X0T.

Family Board Games, 1 to 3 p.m., The Toy Store, 5300 S.W. 21st. At least one adult for every four children recommended. Information: 273-0561.

So Many Books, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Perkins Room 201, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Discuss Under the Wide and Starry Sky, by Nancy Horan, a fictional depiction of the unconventional love affair of Robert Louis Stevenson and American divorcee Fanny Van de Grift.

North Topeka Historical Society, 4 p.m., The Cottages, 620 N.W. Lyman Road.

S-Anon, 7 p.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. For those affected by the sexual behavior of another person. Information: sanon.org.

MON AUG 28

Monday Farmers Market, 8 to 11:30 a.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library parking lot, S.W. 10th and Washburn. Visit library booth for free fun kid craft.

Capital City Lacers bobbin lace and tatting group, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Yak n Yarn, Fairlawn Plaza, S.W. 21st and Fairlawn. Guests welcome. Information: 272-9276 or 286-3632.

Story Time, 11 a.m., The Toy Store, 5300 S.W. 21st. At least one adult for every four children recommended. Information: 273-0561.

Al Anon Living the Legacies, 11:45 a.m., 1728 Randolph Ave. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Kiwanis Club of Topeka, noon, Florentine Room, Jayhawk Tower, 700 S.W. Jackson. Guests welcome. Information: topekakiwanisclub.org.

Topeka Lions Club, noon, McFarlands Restaurant, 4133 S.W. Gage Center Drive. Guest speaker: Diane Hentges, 2nd vice district governor. Visitors welcome. Information: topekalions.org.

Al Anon Courage to Change AFG, 12:05 p.m., First United Methodist Church, S.W. 6th and Topeka (enter on west side). No meetings on holidays. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Al Anon Just for Today AFG, 1:30 p.m., Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene, 730 S.W. Fairlawn (west entrance). Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Information: 228-2250.

Introduction to DigitalLearn, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Deer Creek Training Center, 2345 S.E. 25th. An overview of the librarys online learning tool for new computer users. Bring your email address and password or sign up in class. Registration required at tscpl.org/register or call 580-4400.

Al Anon Peace and Serenity AFG, 5:30 p.m., University United Methodist Church, 1621 S.W. College (use ramp to basement on west side). Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Picture This Photography Club, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Whether you use your phone, a point-and-shoot or an expensive camera, join the club at a different location on the fourth Monday of each month to take pictures. Contact Meg at mporteous@tscpl.org or follow Picture This Photography Club on Facebook.

Topeka Healing Rooms, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., TrueNorth, in the American Heart Association building, 5375 S.W. 7th, Suite 100. Affiliated with International Association of Healing Rooms. Information: 221-6589.

Acappella Unlimited, 7 p.m., Seaman Congregational Church, 2036 N.W. Taylor. New female members welcome. Information: acappellaunlimited.com.

Al Anon Topeka AFG No.1, 7 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2021 S.W. 29th. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

Capital City Barbershop Chorus, 7 p.m., West Side Baptist Church, S.W. 4th and Fillmore. New members and guests welcome. Information: 273-9514, capitalcitychorusa039@gmail.com or capitalcitychorus.com.

Teen Writers Group, 7 to 8 p.m., The Edge-Teen Room, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Join others to share your literary passion and express and explore the world through works of poetry and prose. Ages: 12-18 years.

Compassionate Friends, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Formation Room, Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 S.W. 17th. Support group for bereaved parents and siblings. Information: Susan, 272-4895 or tcftopeka.org.

Al Anon Carbondale AFG, 7:30 p.m., Carbondale Community Center, 228 Main St., Carbondale. Information: kansas-al-anon.org or 215-1045.

TUE AUG 29

Sunrise Optimist Club, 6:30 a.m., Optimist Club Activity Building, 720 N.W. 50th. Guest speakers: Seaman High School footbal coach Glenn ONeil, assistant coach Mike Lincoln and three captains. Guests welcome. Information: Gary Slimmer, 246-1291.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment retirees, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. program, Kanza Cafe, 2701 S.W. East Circle Drive South (block north of S.W. 6th and MacVicar). Information: Steve, 478-0126.

Preschool Storytime, 10 to 10:30 a.m., The Story Zone, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Stories, songs and fingerplays that encourage a love of reading and help develop early learning skills for children. Ages: 3 to 5 years.

Veterans Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group, 10 to 11 a.m., Building 3, Room A-101, Colmery-ONeil VA Medical Center, 2200 S.W. Gage Blvd. Information: 350-4386.

View post:
What's going on in Topeka and surrounding areas this week? Here's our calendar for Aug. 23-29, 2017 - Topeka Capital Journal

The HOA sent the couple a letter informing them of noncompliance - and so the couple doubled-down.

Victoria Sanchez, KUSA 9:18 AM. MDT August 22, 2017

It's a sign!

A Loveland homeowner's association and a retired couple living in the HOA community are going head-to-head over garden decorations.

The Alford Meadows Community Association sent a letter informing Colleen and Richard Stephens that their home's garden violated community rules. The couple's response was to double-down and add a unique lawn ornament in the form of a large sign.

The red and white sign states: "If you are considering purchasing a home in Alford Meadows, you may want to reconsider .... You could be the next target of the HOA!"

The Stephens' yard is well maintained. It has bright flowers, pruned bushes and green grass. It also has artwork which is how the dispute between the couple and HOA started.

The Alford Meadows Community Association says there are too many decorations and sent a letter stating some need to come down. If not, there would be consequences in the form of possible fines.

"It's ticking me off. I don't know what else to say. I don't feel we're in violation. We haven't done anything wrong," said Colleen.

Colleen and her husband decided to add one more piece to their yard. The sign has been sitting on their lawn for a few weeks.

"I'll do what's necessary to protect my rights," said Richard.

Before the violation letter was sent, someone with the homeowner's association totaled up the pots, planters and other items. They counted nine milk churns, 13 buckets and cans, patio furniture and a wooden flag handmade by Colleen.

The violation letter says the Stephens' can pick six items. The flag can't be one of them.

"I think HOAs are totally out of control today," said Richard.

The 64-year-old Marine Corps vet said he thinks they are being singled out.

"I just believe this is a personal vendetta because of my support for Donald Trump," he explained.

Richard said he had multiple political signs stolen from his yard during the presidential election. He also said they received a letter stating they were not welcome in Colorado.

Michael Krueger, the attorney for the Alford Meadows Community Association, sent journalists a statement on behalf of the HOA. It states the letter telling the Stephens' to remove the items is not politically motivated and that the couple just wants "special treatment" for their yard.

According to the original letter, the HOA said there have been complaints. But some residents stopped by the home to show support.

"Your yard is gorgeous," said one neighbor.

While there is some support for the decorations, not everyone is behind the large sign.

"Before I even put it up I apologized for my actions. I said, 'I know I'm going to offend some people but I feel I've been pushed to the next step.' I have had negative feedback asking me to take it down because it does affect their property values and the sale of their house. But the only thing I can say to them is, 'Go to the HOA. Address it with them.' This wouldn't happen if it weren't for the actions of the HOA," said Richard.

He said he'll take it down once the HOA rescinds the violations and writes a letter of apology.

The HOA's attorney told 9NEWS Monday afternoon that the board is not interested in pursuing fines for the decoration violations. However, the association is looking into filing a lawsuit to get a court order for the Stephens' to remove the large sign from their yard.

2017 KUSA-TV

More here:
HOA tells one Loveland couple: You have too many pots in your yard - 9NEWS.com

Kenan Baldridge, Rose town supervisor

I hope you have been enjoying this fine summer weather, rain and all. It is better than snow.Speaking of water, our new water treatment plant on Catchpole Road is finally under construction. Many of the underground pipes and foundation blocks have been finished, along with some valves and a new hydrant. This includes the diversion of the main 24-inch diameter pipe from the well to the treatment plant. These are the parts that dont show much, but are necessary preliminary items before the aboveground parts can be constructed. The buildings walls are up, and the cement floor was recently poured and is curing now. We should take delivery of the interior equipment, including the actual treatment vessels, in August. They need to be lifted over the walls for placing. Then the roof can be completed and the equipment inside all connected and made ready for use. We are making good progress on this project and look forward to bringing it into service this fall.We have been logging the Salter Road gravel pit area in preparation for the construction of the solar array. Although this has taken us a while, due in part to inclement weather, this logging operation has netted the town over $21,000 to date, which will help to defray any local costs of the project. I expect that the last of the red tape should be completed on this fairly soon so we can begin construction. Once construction commences, it does not take long to complete it, so am looking forward to having this done by fall. Stay tuned.As you know, the coastal towns continue to suffer from flooding due to high lake levels. Although Rose does not have a coastline, this will still affect us indirectly. Many of the lake and bay shore businesses have been unable to open. If open, their business volume is lower than usual. This means that their sales tax collection is lower than usual. ince this tax is shared with the towns, it seems likely at this point that we will receive less sales tax revenue than usual. Fortunately, when we prepare the town budget we try to figure these things conservatively, but it is unclear how long or how severe this problem will last. We are in full swing with the lawn mowing season, and the rain has made things grow. Please note that the local town law requires lawns to be kept below 10 inches in height. Those households not complying will be given a written warning. If needed, 10 days later the town will mow the lawn. If this is needed, the bill will include a $75 administrative fee in addition to the mowing expense. We have not had to mow many lawns in the past few years, but we have done it and will continue to do it as needed.Dont forget the wonderful live concerts at Rose Union Community Building in Rose every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. This season is in full swing and will continue every week until the end of August. Please join me there, youll enjoy it.

Read the original here:
From the supervisor: Water treatment plant now under construction - Wayne Post

GLEN ROCK - While 14 individuals representing various causes protested Congressman's Josh Gottheimer's(D-Wyckoff) vote for a defense funding bill late in the afternoon Aug. 8, his staffers were inside meeting with those concerned about veterans whobriefedthem on the benefits of the bill.

According to an Aug. 8 press release, "The bill contains key resources to support service members and veterans."

"I think CongressmanGottheimer'sopposition to some of the bill provisions, including the border wall funding, should be noted," Matt Fried, Gottheimer'sdistrict press secretary said.

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Gottheimervoted in favor of thedefense appropriations bill that recently passed the House of Representatives. The bill included appropriations for the border wall.

Protesters were specifically angered by the funding for the border wall President Donald Trump promoted during his campaign and continues to support.

With a mock wall in front of them, one protester who addressed the group said, "We got rid of Scott Garrett because he did not represent the needs of New Jersey. Mr. Gottheimershould be on notice we're concerned."

"Our bottom line, brothers and sisters," Analilia Mejia, a representative of the Working Families Party, said, "is actions in DC impact us here in New Jersey."

One of the organizers of the protest, Matt Smithfrom Food & Water Watch, a non-profit organization out of New Brunswick, said Gottheimer'svoting record during his short tenure as a congressman (since January 2017), "has not represented many of his constituents."

Smith was concerned about energy infrastructure and Gottheimer'ssupportof the Midnight Rules Relief Act,which expands the power Congress has to overturn regulations by allowing lawmakers to bundle together rules adopted in a presidents final year in office and overturn them at once.

Gottheimerwas one of four democrats who supported the bill which passed 238-184.

The New Jersey congressman defended his vote stating "unnecessary and out-of-date regulations have been able to pile up on the books, burdening businesses large and small, and passing hidden costs along to families."

Support of Veteran's issues

Gottheimer's Director of Veterans Affairs met with local veterans in the Glen Rock office on Aug. 8 where the group discussed Gottheimer's support for resources to improve military readiness and the Veterans Administration, provisions formental health and traumatic brain injury treatment to veterans, resources to fight opiates,pay raises to the nation's armed services, and plans to defeat ISIS and other terrorist organizations.

Further details of the legislation include:

More details on this bipartisan legislation's provisions are availableHERE.

No wall support

"While a number of Jersey priorities and national security programs are resourced in this funding measure, Gottheimer does not support every provision of the bill and voted to remove allocated resources for a wall along the nation's southern border, something he has said will not make our families or communities more safe while hitting taxpayers squarely in the pocketbook," the press release said.

Gottheimer said he supports "common sense" efforts to reform theimmigration system.

"He isproud to defend Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and cosponsor the Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training (ENLIST) Act, bipartisan legislation to help qualified undocumented immigrants who came to this country as children earn legal status through service in the U.S. Armed Forces," his representatives said. "He also stood with mayors and police chiefs by voting against H.R. 3003, which would punish state and local law enforcement for prioritizing protecting public safety."

In a direct statement, Gottheimersaid, "I am in Israel this week seeing first hand our nations' collaborative efforts to defeat terror, stand strong against Iran, and strengthen America's national security. I am grateful to these local veterans for serving our country and meeting with my team to discuss the vital provisions in the defense appropriations bill I recently voted for."

"Our government's top priority must always be the security of our country and communities and having the backs of those who risk their lives to keep our families safe," he said.

I thank Congressman Gottheimer for always standing by New Jersey veterans and making sure our service members have the resources they need abroad and the support they need when they return home,David Pearson, Assistant Director of Veteran Services, Catholic Family and Community Services, said in a statement.

Originally posted here:
Gottheimer Responds to Protest Regarding Mixed Appropriation Bill ... - TAPinto.net

NEW JERSEY -- Two area hospitals, Hackensack University Medical Center and Valley Hospital, ranked high statewide in U.S. News & World Report's annual list of Best Hospitals in the U.S. per state.

Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, ranked number one in New Jersey, andis nationally ranked in threeadult specialties and onepediatric specialty and high performing in eight procedures/conditions.

Valley Hospital,Ridgewood, is tied for number five in New Jersey withAtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City. Valley Hospital is high performing in seven procedures/conditions.

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According to U.S. News & World Report, the analysis reviews hospitals' performance in clinical specialties, procedures and conditions. Scores are based on factors including survival, patient safety, and nurse staffing, among others. The rankings also looked at treatment of specialties and conditions, such as cancer and heart bypass surgery, hip and knee replacement and COPD.

"Covering nearly every hospital in every U.S. community, U.S. News offers deep, rich data that patients can use to help them make informed decisions about where to receive surgical or medical care," Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis for the magazine, said. "We know outcomes matter most, which is why U.S. News is committed to publishing as much data as possible on patient outcomes."

New Jersey's Top Hospitals (according toU.S. News)

#1 in New JerseyHackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack, NJ)Hackensack University Medical Center is nationally ranked in 3 adult specialties and 1 pediatric specialty and high performing in 8 procedures/conditions

#2 in New JerseyMorristown Medical Center (Morristown, NJ)Morristown Medical Center is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and high performing in 9 procedures/conditions

#3 in New JerseyRobert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick, NJ)Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is nationally ranked in 1 pediatric specialty and high performing in 7 procedures/conditions.

#4 in New JerseyJersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune, NJ)Jersey Shore University Medical Center is high performing in 8 procedures/conditions.

#5 in New Jersey (tie)AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (Atlantic City, NJ)AtlantiCare Regional is high performing in 6 procedures/conditions.

Valley Hospital (Ridgewood, NJ)Valley Hospital is high performing in 7 procedures/conditions.

#7 in New JerseyVirtua Voorhees (Voorhees, NJ)Virtua Voorhees is high performing in 5 procedures/conditions.

#8 in New Jersey (tie)Ocean Medical Center (Brick Township, NJ)Ocean Medical Center is high performing in 4 procedures/conditions.

Overlook Medical Center (Summit, NJ)Overlook Medical Center is high performing in 2 procedures/conditions.

Riverview Medical Center (Red Bank, NJ)Riverview Medical Center is high performing in 4 procedures/conditions.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (Somerville, NJ)RWJ in Somerville, NJ is high performing in 3 procedures/conditions.

University Medical Center of Princeton (Plainsboro, NJ)University Medical Center is high performing in 4 procedures/conditions.

Nationally, U.S. News ranked the Mayo Clinic inRochester, Minnesota as the best hospital in the country.

The 2017-18 Best Hospitals Honor Roll (according to U.S. News)1. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.2. Cleveland Clinic3. Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore4. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston5. UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco6. University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Ann Arbor7. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles8. New York-Presbyterian Hospital, N.Y.9. Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital, Stanford, Calif.10. Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian, Philadelphia

U.S. News estimates that nearly 2 million hospital inpatients a year face the prospect of surgery or specialcare that poses either unusual technical challenges or significantly heightened risk of death or harm because of age, physical condition or existing conditions.

U.S. Newssays its rankings are a tool that can help such patients find sources of especially skilled inpatient care and that its methodologiesin most areas of care are based largely on objective measures such as risk-adjusted survival and readmission rates, volume, patient experience, patient safety and quality of nursing, among other care-related indicators. For the 2017-18 report, U.S. News also examined:

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US News Announces 2017-18 Best Hospitals in New Jersey and Nationally - TAPinto.net

Dreamstime/Tribune News Service

Caption

Many of us have had that moment when we just couldnt hold it anymore and urinated on the lawn.

Then we were left to wonder, did we harm the grass?

If that sounds familiar, ... maybe you should seek medical treatment or at least learn to hold it until you can reach a bathroom.

But the question remains: Is peeing on a yard bad for the lawn? Any chance that it could actually help?

An article in the September issue of Popular Mechanics examined the science and concluded: It comes down to your, umm, technique.

Urine contains a number of beneficial nutrients also found in commercial fertilizer, such as nitrogen, a little bit of phosphorus and potassium, which are all needed for a healthy lawn, Owen Duckworth, associate professor of biogeochemistry at North Carolina State University, told Popular Mechanics.

A Lifehack.org article adds that plants generally need more nitrogen than any other element, as its used to synthesize amino acids, enzymes, proteins, and chlorophyll.

But pee also is high in salt and could burn and kill plants at full strength.

The solution, if you may, is to dilute the urine.

So rather than wildly going about your business in the yard, how about urinating in a watering can (your neighbors certainly will be much happier), then adding water before pouring it through the containers spout.

I generally recommend a 2-to-1 [water-to-urine] dilution to be safe, Ray Weil, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland, told Popular Mechanics. Urine is simply too concentrated for most plants to withstand when either applied to the leaves or even to the soil around especially younger plants.

Remember, practice makes perfect.

Just practice on your yard and not anyone elses.

2017 The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.)

Visit The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.) at http://www.fresnobee.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Peeing on your yard: good or bad? Science has the answer - SaukValley.com

BURBANK, Ill. Police say a Reavis student was pistol whipped and robbed while on his way to football practice at the school Tuesday morning.

Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department said the teen was walking westbound on 77th Street near Mayfield Avenue shortly after 8 a.m. when he was approached by a man with a gun.

"The offender ordered the student to give up his money," Dudlo said in an email. "When the student advised he did not have any money, the offender struck the student in the head with the gun."

The man proceeded to take personal items from the student before entering a vehicle possibly a black SUV that was last seen traveling southbound on Mason Avenue.

The teen was transported to an area hospital...

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Originally published August 8, 2017.

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Reavis Student Attacked and Robbed While Walking to School - Patch.com

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

18 police officers exposed to chemical substance during West End raid; all unharmed Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Dr. Turturro said treatment depends on the severity of the fentanly exposure; when law enforcement officers are exposed, usually removal from the environment is sufficient. In severe cases, an opioid blocker such as ... Ray Han, 71, who lives next door ... and more »

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18 police officers exposed to chemical substance during West End raid; all unharmed - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Baltimore health tech company Aperio Health is getting a boost of confidence and funds from TEDCO. Aperio is one of 10 recipients of TEDCOs latest round of seed funding.

Aperio cofounder Drew Clark said the funding from TEDCO goes a long way in building the companys credibility.

Smart capital is much more important than just capital, he said. The support from TEDCO helped us raise additional funds.

The money from TEDCO is going towards building the software for their health intelligence platform. Instead of trying to sell to big hospitals like Johns Hopkins, Clark said Aperio is focused on community service providers and outlets who work with people on Medicare and Medicaid.

We believe the healthcare system is going to evolve, and community service providers and clinics will be at the forefront of healthcare, he said, adding that the technology used by many behavioral and mental health providers is outdated.

Aperio offers a new take on the tech.The company is launching the platform in October with their first client ncgCare. The company provides community-based treatment services such as substance abuse and mental health services in Virginia and several other states.

Baltimore is a great city for healthcare potential and we want to be a part of the brain power that is taking advantage of that, Clark said.

In addition to the $100,000 Aperio received from TEDCO, Clarks said theyve also raised $650,000 in other funding and are looking to raise $300,000 more by the end of the year.

The full list of TEDCOs latest Seed Investment Fund companies, excluding Aperio, is below:

The rest is here:
Aperio Health wants to work with those on the front lines of healthcare - Technical.ly Baltimore

Kids, employees dig in to help bees, butterflies at Great River Energy

Great River Energy has launched a project to re-establish 9 acres of native, pollinator-friendly habitat on GREs Elk River campus, located along Highway 10.

Matisse Hahn planted some prairie plants at Great River Energy. She is with Elk River SustainER, a youth Energy City program.

On June 22, approximately 20 people, including kids from Elk Rivers SustainER program, planted the first of nearly 11,000 starter plants that will be planted at GRE in Elk River. Their work was part of a celebration of the prairie planting that will re-establish the native habitat that pollinators like bees and butterflies need to survive.The event came during National Pollinator Week and after the 9-acre plot of land was recently seeded with a cover crop by Minnesota Native Landscapes, the planting vendor for the project.The project is being developed by Great River Energy together with Elk River Energy City and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, as it is along one of Minnesotas most heavily traveled highways.Kandace Olsen, GRE vice president and chief culture officer, said GRE has been re-establishing native habitat for years at many of its facilities.This time we chose a highly visible location along Highway 10, where approximately 27,000 Minnesotans drive by every day, Olsen said. We feel this location is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of native habitat and our commitment to sustainability.Kids from SustainER share that commitment to sustainability, and three of them participated in the June 22 planting.SustainER is a youth group coordinated by the city of Elk River for students interested in promoting environmental sustainability.GREs pollinator planting event fits in nicely with our objectives, said Eric Hoskins, co-president of SustainER.The project began last year with a lawn treatment and spraying last August. Since then, the lawn has been prepped and seeded with a cover crop of oats, rye and grasses. Bre Bauerly, outreach coordinator for Minnesota Native Landscapes, said this conversion of traditional turf lawn to diverse pollinator prairie is creating extremely valuable habitat in an urban setting.The new planting area will provide food for adult bumble bees and native moths, host plants for monarch butterflies, and shelter for pollinators and songbirds alike, she said.Great River Energy, Elk River Energy City and MnDOT all have made commitments to re-establishing native prairie.Over the years, Great River Energy has re-established approximately 200 acres of native habitat at its facilities.Last year MnDOT joined five other state departments of transportation and the Federal Highway Administration in an agreement to improve pollinator habitat along Interstate 35, a key migratory corridor for monarch butterflies.Elk Rivers Energy City plan includes a goal of seeing 100 acres of new native plantings in the city by 2024.The city of Elk River, as Energy City, is excited to showcase the success of Great River Energys native planting area, said Amanda Bednar, Elk River citys environmental coordinator. This project is a great start toward reaching our goal. We hope it can serve as a demonstration of the benefits these plants will provide to pollinators.For more information about this project, visit greatriverenergy.com/elkriverbees.

Q & A

Q: Why is Great River Energy planting pollinator-friendly habitat at the Elk River campus?A: Re-establishing native, pollinator-friendly habitat is a unique opportunity to contribute to the nationwide effort to restore pollinator populations while also supporting the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the city of Elk River Energy City in their goals to do the same. Its location along U.S. Highway 10, one of Minnesotas most heavily traveled roads, will also create a visible educational tool.

Q: What is a pollinator?A: Pollinators, such as honeybees, butterflies, hummingbirds and bats, assist plants in reproduction by transferring pollen, allowing those plants to produce berries, nuts and other foods important to the survival of many wildlife species and the human food supply. The ecological service pollinators provide is necessary for the reproduction of more than 85 percent of the worlds flowering plants, including more than two-thirds of the worlds crop species.

Q: What do you mean by native, pollinator-friendly habitat? Why is it important?A: Native habitat refers to the plants, grasses and trees that originated in an area before they were replaced with roadways, manicured lawns, crops and non-native gardens, or degraded for other reasons. Pollinator-friendly habitat more specifically refers to those plants and flowers that pollinators need to eat, live and do their work. Recently there have been many reports of a steady decline in the population of pollinators. This decline is due in large part to the loss of the habitat they need to survive. The habitat that will be re-established at GRE in Elk River will provide a home for pollinators in the area, and a great stop for migrating monarch butterflies on their way to Mexico where they winter.

Q: Where will the pollinator habitat be located on the Elk River campus?A: Most of the front lawn that is visible from U.S. Highway 10, which includes approximately 5 acres of GRE property and 4 acres of Minnesota Department of Transportation property, will be prairie.

Q: What will the prairie look like?A: Within a few days of seeding, the oats and rye (a cover crop) begin to sprout, which greens the lawn to some degree. Prairie habitat typically takes three to five years to fully establish. However, the existing irrigation system in the lawn will help establish the prairie more quickly than usual. The planting will include a mix of grasses and flowering plants. Black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers are common in this type of planting.Source: Great River Energy

Link:
Mainstreams: Bringing back the bees - Star News