Halsnead Garden Village community facility thriving thanks to investment Knowsley News
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Halsnead Garden Village community facility thriving thanks to investment - Knowsley News
Halsnead Garden Village community facility thriving thanks to investment Knowsley News
Original post:
Halsnead Garden Village community facility thriving thanks to investment - Knowsley News
Leicester, England As the allure of wild water swimming rises, concerns about water safety and unregulated water standards in the UK have surged to the forefront of conversations. Ponds by Michael Wheat, award-winning experts swimming ponds, is leading the way in addressing these concerns with the announcement of its new swimming pond system.
Committed to revolutionising the approach of swimming pond safety in gardens across the UK, Ponds by Michael Wheat confronts the challenges of unregulated water standards that pose risks not only to cherished ecosystems but to families who seek peace and joy in their garden retreats. The companys Michael Wheat System, integration of advanced safety measures, and the utilisation of state-of-the-art design practices ensure the pristine condition and security of water in every one of Ponds by Michael Wheats projects.
With environmental concerns and the risk of pollution from sources such as sewage increasingly in the public eye, the need for stringent water quality standards has never been more apparent, said a spokesperson for Ponds by Michael Wheat. By choosing the Michael Wheat System, youre not just choosing a beautifully designed pond; youre making a statement about the importance of environmental responsibility and the safety of your outdoor space.
In the world of garden aesthetics, the integration of water elements brings with it the critical need for safety and clarity. This need has led to an introspective look at traditional swimming pond design and construction methods. Traditionally, swimponds rely on a combination of gravel beds and dense plant life to filter and purify the water. However, with heightened attention surrounding the UKs water quality, the question, are swimming ponds safe to swim in? has become more prominent.
Ponds by Michael Wheat challenges conventional practices by incorporating a blend of shallow gravel beds, strategic plant placement, and cutting-edge technology, including pumps for water circulation and oxygenation, alongside UV lighting to neutralise harmful bacteria. This approach not only questions the adequacy of traditional filtration methods but also highlights the potential risks posed by untreated microorganisms, which can compromise the safety of open-water swimming environments.
Additionally, understanding the intricate balance of a ponds ecosystem is vital, which is why Ponds by Michael Wheat emphasises the importance of helping clients learn how to test pond water correctly to assure the safety and clarity of their pond but also to safeguard the health of those who enjoy it.
Insight shared by microbiologists confirms that traditional swimpond configurations fall short of ensuring safety and that a holistic system, encompassing UV treatment, rigorous pond water testing process, and proven methodologies as advocated by Michael Wheat, is essential to mitigate risks effectively, furthered the spokesperson from Ponds by Michael Wheat.
With a dedication to setting new benchmarks in the industry by creating the worlds safest swim ponds, garden ponds, and fishing lakes, Ponds by Michael Wheats innovative approach offers the cleanest and easiest-to-maintain swimming ponds that provide beauty, tranquillity, and protection for families throughout the UK.
For those who want a more immersive experience and further insights into the safety of swimming pond water, Ponds by Michael Wheat invites individuals to visit its website, where they can watch an interview with a microbiologist.
About Ponds by Michael Wheat
Ponds by Michael Wheat is a leader in advanced pond and garden design within the UK. Focused on creativity, sustainability, and safety, the company excels in delivering custom water features that enhance both the beauty and the safety of outdoor environments.
More Information
To learn more about Ponds by Michael Wheat and its retro fit system to established swimming ponds, please visit the website at https://www.pondandgardendesign.co.uk/.
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Ponds by Michael Wheat Announce New System for its Swimming Ponds in Response to the Growing Concerns Over ... - The News Front
Welcome home to this peaceful Sioux Canyon hillside retreat. This 6 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 4,032 sq ft home is built backing up to the hills with 360 degree views to die for. This fully electric home features all main areas on the main floor with 2,000 sq ft of additional living space in the basement. The basement has 2 bedrooms with new egress windows, a full bath, living space, utility and storage areas, and is partially unfinished and ready for your creative design to make it exactly what you are looking for. The basement sliding doors lead to a patio off the front of the home with amazing views looking out between the hills. The kitchen features a cooktop island, new refrigerator, dishwasher and countertops all installed in the last 2 years. The backyard features a pond with a water feature, firepit area, pergola with electricity, garden, chicken coop and beautiful hillside views with frequent deer and turkey visitors. This property also has an additional electric meter out by the pond at the front of the driveway if you would like to add a property gate. This home is only 15 miles from North Platte, in the Maxwell school district and only 1.5 miles of unpaved road to the home off State Farm Rd. Come see this beauty before it is gone! Taxes: $4,973.30 Address: 10044 S. Sioux Canyon Lane, Maxwell, NE 69151 County: Lincoln
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6 Bedroom Home in Maxwell - $515,000 - North Platte Telegraph
By DAN GEDDINGS Sumter outdoors columnist
It started as an idea. I wanted to build something that would be unique. My plan included a core area that could be added to over time with minimal disturbance. I made a rough sketch on a scrap of paper at lunch one day. It would be my design for a waterfowl aviary.
An aviary is defined as an enclosure where birds have a large enough living space where they can fly around. Aviaries usually contain plants and shrubbery to simulate a natural environment. Waterfowl aviaries will also contain a pond.
My plan would include the largest pond that I've ever built. It would be concrete and include an underground drainage system. Aviary ponds can be built with liners and rocks or with concrete. Dirt ponds are not practical, as they are hard to keep clean and maintain. I've collected some large limbs and driftwood pieces that will be placed in the pond for the ducks to perch on.
Once I had my plan, the first task was to lay out the site. Ginger helped me measure and stake out the corners. I made a few revisions and restaked the site. The outside dimensions for the core area were set at 44 feet by 36 feet. The pond would be 32 feet by 28 feet.
Next, I rented an excavator and installed a 4-inch drain pipe from our small natural pond to the corner of the aviary pond. I spraypainted the shape of the pond on the ground within the staked area and excavated the pond shape about 2 feet deep. I piled the excavated dirt outside of the staked area to use as future backfill.
The soils at the site are very poor and subject to shrinkage and expansion, so I lined the pond excavation with 3 to 4 inches of clean commercial sand. I placed the sand with my tractor and shaped it by hand with a shovel. I sprayed the sand down with water and compacted it with a homemade tamp. I installed a cleanout at the lowest point with the top of the cleanout 3 inches above the compacted sand.
A concrete contractor formed the top edge then poured and finished the concrete with a broom finish. Over the years, I've built many duck ponds myself, but this one was just too big for me to do by myself. The pond job turned out excellent. I sprayed the pond down several times a day for at least 10 days to give the concrete time to set without cracking. I've filled and drained the pond a few times to make sure there is no problem with the drainage.
Next, to install the frame for the fencing, I bought 4-by-4 posts and rented a gas-powered auger. The soils here are hard, and the auger was a necessity. Ginger helped me install the posts that were bedded with ready-mix concrete. The posts were set at different spacings to allow for my future additions and enable the use of dimensional lumber to minimize waste. I used 12-foot posts through the center and 8-foot posts around the perimeter. I bought 2-by-6s to go around the top of the post and give the fencing some stability. I rented a scaffold to install the lumber in the center. My son Clayton helped me install the lumber. The taller posts and lumber through the center give the aviary a very distinctive look.
I ordered 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch vinyl-coated wire from a manufacturer in New Jersey for the sides and 1-inch heavy-duty knotted netting from a company in Pennsylvania for the top of the aviary. I wanted to do everything I could to exclude predators like foxes, raccoons and snakes. I've used 2-inch wire before, and it doesn't keep anything out.
Clayton helped me install the netting. We had to use a rope to pull the netting over the top of the aviary, and I was very pleased with the result. There is some netting left over that I will use for future expansions. Next, we will start with the fencing and gates.
When the fencing is finished, I will place the limbs and driftwood and plant some ornamental grasses and plants. Hopefully I can get some ducks before next spring. I'll probably start with some mallards then add some of the more exotic types like mandarins and teal. They will be full winged and I hope happy in the new aviary. I've kept ducks for nearly 60 years, so I think I'll be happy, too.
Reach Dan Geddings at cdgeddings@gmail.com.
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Sumter outdoors columnist Dan Geddings: Building the aviary - The Sumter Item
Lecture room and library at sketch London designed by Tony Marklew. Photo: Courtesy of sketch London
The Glade at sketch London designed by JamJar Flowers. Photo: Courtesy of sketch London
Famed Mayfair restaurant Sketch London has added yet another reason why its one of the most memorable spaces across the pond. Through early January, the legendary hot spot hosts its annual White Winter exhibition, where four floral designers and longtime collaborators have created striking installations across each space of the restaurant. In the welcoming reception area, Rebel Rebel Flowers drew inspiration from author Robert Frosts renowned poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, where a combination of larch branches, woodland flora, and bed of Limonium blooms provide guests a romantic welcome. Within the three Michelin-starred restaurants lecture room and library, a Surrealist tree adorned with crystals crafted by Tony Marklew dazzles guests, while in the heart of The Glade, JamJar Flowers designed a cloudlike structure made of flowers and leaves that float above. Finally, on top of the East Bar and Pods, Ricky Paul installed a larger-than-life snow globe surrounded by frosted pine and asparagus fern to finish the evening in a true picture-ready wonderland experience. Shelby Black
Louis Vuitton's debut collection of porcelain tableware. Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Twist glassware from Louis Vuitton's debut collection of tableware. Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuittons iconic motifs appears on myriad luxury goodsfrom handbags and luggage to fashion and jewelry. Now, the maison has introduced its first collection of tableware, rendering its longstanding Monogram flower onto an array of porcelain plates, platters, bowls, cups, and saucers. The cerulean designs celebrate lart de vivre, adding a casual elegance to afternoon tea or elevating an evening meal with a sophisticated medly of patterns. Of course, no ensemble is complete without artfully arresting accessories. This debut dining collection also includes the sculptural Twist glassesavailable in emerald, ruby, amber, and sapphire jewel tones as well as an icy clear option, its form emanating from a solitary flower in an exuberant cyclone shapeand the matching flower carafes, a more gentle interpretation of the symbol, ideal for those made-by-nature blooms. Jill Sieracki
Originally launched in Miamis Design District in 2021, Major Food Groups ZZs Club has just opened a New York City outpost. Co-founded by Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi, the exclusive dining destination is now bringing its tailored brand of hospitality and exceptional culinary programming to Hudson Yards. Complete with culinary concierges that procure the rarest ingredients, from vintage wine to rare mushrooms, the luxurious two-floor space was designed by Galerie Creative Mind, Ken Fulk, and houses two new restaurantsthe namesake Japanese restaurant ZZs and the Italian staple, Carbone Privato. The opulent interiors of the club boast a collection of artworks curated by gallerist Vito Schnabel, featuring major blue-chip artists such as Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, and Rita Ackermann. Says Fulk: At the edge of Manhattan, members are whisked into another worlda European adventure where gilded luxury meets the tropical glamor of the Amalfi Coast. Stefanie Li
Invite-Only table by Annie Mandelkern for ABC Stone. Photo: Courtesy of ABC Stone
Character-Building side table by Annie Mandelkern for ABC Stone. Photo: Courtesy of ABC Stone
The painterly beauty of stone is hard to resist. The earthy colors and organic veining patterns can transform even a basic slab into a visually stunning work of art. Thats why ABC Stone is currently mounting a selling exhibition of unique furnishings carved from various examples of onyx, Calacatta Monet, Arabascato Corchia, and other scene-stealing marbles, designed by artist Annie Mandelkern. Entitled Sketch Artist, the installation of 16 sculptural tables, consoles, benches, and mirrors made in collaboration with Marble Line is on display at ABC Stones Brooklyn event space through the end of the year, presented against and equally glamorous backdrop of Fromental wallpapers. J.S.
The Impossible Collection of Art. Photo: Courtesy of Assouline
The Impossible Collection of Art. Photo: Courtesy of Assouline
Its been 15 years since internationally renowned art dealers Philippe Sgalot and Franck Giraud first curated the ideal modern art collection, in which money was no object and there were no boundaries or restrictions. The 100 masterpieces featured, which are either tied up in museum collections or deep in private collectors vaults, form an incredible overview of the most important artistic achievements of the 20th century. Now, the pair have updated their handsome book for a second edition, with 11 new works from artists including Henri Rousseau, Man Ray, Marlene Dumas, Kerry James Marshall, and Elizabeth Peyton. Lucy Rees
The MPavilion 10, designed by Tadao Ando. Photo: John Gollings courtesy of MPavilion
Pritzker Prizewinning architect Tadao Ando has planted his flag in Australia with the debut of this years MPavilion in Melbournes Queen Victoria Gardens, marking his first structure Down Under. Known for lyrical buildings made of concrete, the Japan-based luminary has conceived a meditative space for the Naomi Milgrom Foundations annual architecture initiative, now in its tenth year. The temporary structure, which features concrete cut-out walls and an aluminum-clad circular canopy, will host a slate of art and designfocused events until it closes on March 28. I hope that as people visit, they allow this space to enter their hearts, and allow their senses to tune into the light and breeze interacting with them and this space, reflected Ando. I hope for them an experience of harmony with nature, with themselves, and with others. Geoffrey Montes
Cover: The entry of Sketch London has been transformed into a winter wonderland.
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The Artful Life: 6 Things Galerie Editors Love This Week - Galerie - Galerie Magazine
One thing that didnt exist is the maze. Davies enlisted maze designer Adrian Fisher to create the shape and structure, but it wasnt possible to build it in its entirety. The center, which features a minotaur sculpture designed by sculptor Nicola Hicks, and its connecting corridors were constructed with potted hedging; the rest is CGI. The maze plays a pivotal role during a climactic party scene, which saw the estate dressed up for a partyand then dressed down for its messy aftermath.
After the Catton family throws a raging party on their estate, both inside and the grounds, an overwhelming mess is left in the morning.
We just went for it, says Davies, who worked alongside set designer Charlotte Dirickx. We had some music on and we had a riot dressing it. We planned it within an inch of its life, anyway. We had a team doing greens, a team doing sculptures, a team doing the nightclub. It was a crazy ride.
Though the houses architecture and decor is magnificent, not everything on screen is intended to evoke beauty. Part of Fennells vision for Saltburn was that the house had a texture of life. There are ashtrays filled with cigarette butts, plates caked with leftovers and crystal glasses that have been knocked to the floor. Its a lived-in feeling that feels glamorous and filthy at the same time. The team even discussed the houses smell, adding fresh flowers to add a sincerity to the environment.
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Inside the Enchanting Home Where the Madness of 'Saltburn' All ... - Architectural Digest
A special armoured excavator has been deployed to carry out the remediation of what is believed to be the largest disposal site of chemical warfare agents in Europe.
The adapted 225 LC tracked excavator was built by German construction equipment manufacturer Atlas, to carry out the removal of around six tonnes of old army minutions from what is known as the Dethlinger Pond near Munster in Germany.
The Dethlinger Pond, where from 1942 to 1952 the German Armed Forces and later the British Army disposed of a huge number of grenades and chemical warefar agents, was essentially a pit in the ground that, when it was open during the 10-year period, measured 63 m wide and roughly 12 m deep.
The pit was backfilled with soil and rubble in 1952, said Atlas, adding that the past 70 years had seen the site suffer both rotting and groundwater contamination.
The design of Atlas armoured excavator was based on that of the companys 225 LC crawler excavator. Originally 23-tonne machine with a 129 kW (175 hp) EU Stage 5 engine, the armoured unit was redesigned to meet NATOs STANAG Level II safety standards.
With an operating weight of 29.5 t, it has been refitted with a standard diesel engine and a 130 kW electric motor, which have been situated in the recessed counterweight of the machine. The excavators cab has also been adapted, with a front windscreen comprised of 56-mm armoured glass and side windows fitted with 50-mm armoured glass.
The cab is further protected by 6mm of armoured steel installed at its base, and a door that weighs roughly 250 kg and that is operated electrically.
The cab is completely sealed and features protective ventilation with three compressed air cylinders mounted on the roof, said Atlas.
The sensors for detecting the presence of poisonous gas are also located there. The protective ventilation is activated immediately in the event of an emergency thanks to a signal from the sensors. It is possible to make an emergency exit through the rear of the cab.
The machine is currently working inside a specially constructed, self-supporting hall - measuring the size of two football fields with a ridge height of 20 m - that was built around the Dethlinger Pond to allow remediation works to be carried out safely.
Atlas, which was appointed to the project in consortium with a number of other companies including environmental engineer Prof. Burmeier Ingenieurgesellschaft, said: The clean-up involves permanently extracting air from the hall and filtering it with activated carbon. Thats around 200,000 cu m per hour.
The groundwater is also collected and purified. The large hall is totally sealed and can only be left through airlocks with subsequent decontamination. Other halls, for example for purifying the groundwater or sanitising personnel, have also been provided.
The remediation of the World War II site has also seen the erection of other necessary infrastructure, including roads to other hall structures, a groundwater purification plant, an air-lock system and a conveyor belt system to transport the excavated material.
The works being carried out by M&P and other project partners will see the entire contents of the Dethlinger Pond completely excavated and professionally disposed of. Munitions recovered from the site, which could number in the tens of thousands, will be incinerated at a temperature of 1,800 degrees at special facility in Munster.
Due to the dangerous nature of the materials, the works are expected to take five years to complete, with daily operations at the site requiring the presence of an emergency doctor and ambulance throughout the project duration.
The employees of the clean-up team are only allowed to work in the pit using special equipment and for short periods of time, said Atlas, adding that he total cost of the clean-up is estimated at over 60 million (US$65.5 million).
Charming 2-story home, nestled in a tranquil cul-de-sac within an established private neighborhood. Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 baths, it provides ample space for comfortable living. Enjoy the idyllic front porch complete with a cozy swing, perfect for lazy afternoons. The three fireplaces throughout the house provide warmth and character for you and your family. Enjoy all the perfect picture views of your property through the abundance of windows. Recent upgrades include a fully remodeled kitchen in 2022, with modern amenities and sleek finishes. You will enjoy this beautiful white kitchen and all your counter space, large island and the wall full of pantry space with pull out drawers. The first-floor now features Pergo laminate flooring installed in 2022, adding both durability and style. The basement received the same treatment in 2021, along with a new laminate floor in one of the bedrooms in 2020. The lower level features an additional laundry room, full bath, family room with fireplace, office space/workout room. Master suite offers large living space and welcoming master bath for your relaxation. Wait until you see all the new light fixtures that were replaced in 2020, providing ample illumination throughout. The entire interior, including ceilings, received a fresh coat of paint in 2020, giving the home a bright and inviting ambiance. The half bathroom was updated in 2021, showcasing modern fixtures and finishes. Outdoor spaces have not been overlooked, Enjoy the out doors from the screened in back porch that over looks the pool and your beautiful back yard. Side yard being fenced in 2020 for privacy and security. The addition of an above-ground pool, complete with a new liner in 2023, offers a refreshing escape during warm summer months. Enjoy family time in the large yard with custom club house, shed , firepit ... so much to offer! The new landscaping adds to the home's curb appeal, creating a welcoming first impression. The neighborhood offers a pond to fish in and a common area shed and picnic area for your family enjoyment! This home is equipped with modern conveniences, including a tankless water heater, whole-house humidifier (installed in 2020), and a whole-house water filtration system. The AC coil and AC recharge were added in 2023, ensuring comfort year-round. An ejector pump, added in 2021, enhances functionality. Overall, this meticulously maintained and thoughtfully upgraded home offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Don't miss the opportunity to make it your own! Appliances do remain and there is a back up house generator.
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Newly listed homes for sale in the Central Illinois area - The Pantagraph
Is home the place where you grew up, or is it the place you live now? Is it always tied to a specific street address or zip code, or is home, to you, a group of people? A favorite restaurant? Could it even be a concept, a feeling born of shared experiences over little joys and common challenges?
At the beginning of this project, we set out to understand from our readers and contributors what it means to live in Boston and find your place in it. But after reading dozens of submissions, we realized that what weve actually compiled is a collection of love letters to our fair city.
Field Guide to Boston: Discover and rediscover your Boston.
In many ways, that makes complete sense. After all, loving a place is not so dissimilar from loving a person. When we love somebody, we love the whole of them: with all their little quirks and beauties and annoyances.
Sometimes love happens all at once at first sight. Or it can come on like a slow burn, the affection among friends (or even enemies) evolving, until one day, you discover the love youve been looking for has been there all along. As youll see below, so it goes with Boston: traffic, housing prices, Forest Hills Cemetery, the Charles River, the T. Its never going to be perfect, but what can we say? When you know, you know.
Reading these mini-essays made us happy to call Boston home. And, were eager to share more of your reflections. If youve got a small story or moment that sticks with you something that makes you feel connected to this place we call home email it to us at opinion@wbur.org and put LOVE LETTER in the subject line. Well keep building this post, and maybe even feature your love note on the radio.
Cloe Axelson and Sara Shukla, Cog editors
I moved to Boston in 2010 because I felt like my soul was telling me that this is where I was meant to live. I listened. And since then, there have been several moments when I knew Id made the right choice.
*A lantern festival at dusk in the Forest Hills Cemetery.
*Free yoga and ballet in the summertime at Boston Common.
*Volunteering for the Halloween costume swap at the Farmers Market in Roslindale.
*Story slams at Doyles, book readings at Grub Street, and poetry slams at Lizard (just over the bridge to Cambridge).
But the one moment I will never forget happened during the (happily brief) two years I spent living in and commuting from Providence, Rhode Island, during the pandemic. I moved there to save on rent, so I could make a downpayment as a first time home-owner in Massachusetts.
I was heading north(ish) on Tremont Street for a meeting with a Boston-based design firm. Paused at the stoplight near Ruggles station in Roxbury, all of a sudden the air felt heavy, crowded, full; my ears clogged with the cacophonous sound of road bikes. It was springtime, and along with the crocuses pushing their way through the grass in the Arboretum and dozens of robins bopping around the greenspace at Franklin Park I felt it, this is why I fall in love with Boston every year at springtime.
This is the sound of a city as it gathers together, wakes up from its winter slumber and roars defiantly into the year to come.
I had, by that time, racked up about three or four rejected offers in my search for a home in Boston. Trying to buy here felt like an endless cycle of rejection, and a constant realization that the home Id been dreaming of wasnt one I could actually afford. But those road bikes reminded me of what I knew before I ever arrived here back in 2010: For better or for worse, Boston is just where Im meant to be.
Theresa Okokon, writer, Chelsea
My kids had a second grade school fair at their primary school in the middle of Brookline, one akin to something from the old black-and-white Mayberry TV show where everything always worked out for the best and apple pies warmed on window sills. Moving there from Brooklyn, I didnt think such events existed, but the sight of machines churning out blue sugar-rich cotton candy, a ferris wheel, stuffed fuzzy bears being won with the flick of a bean bag, bouncy castles that tilt, sway and rock but dont fall down, screams of pure play and joy it all brought out something in me: peace and a comfort of mind knowing the kids from Brooklyn werent ones with a home well lost, but one that, fortunately, was found.
Desmond Hall, writer, Brookline
I was driving to a doctors appointment, and I knew I was going to be late, so I dodged through traffic with no blinker and didn't let anyone merge I had completed my journey to full Ma--hole status
I was driving to a doctors appointment, and I knew I was going to be late, so I dodged through traffic with no blinker and didn't let anyone merge. I've always been a steady and cautious driver, but once that happened I knew there was no going back. I had completed my journey to full Mahole status.
Kat Rutkin, Somerville
It was March 11, 1992, flying into Boston from London for (in theory) a 3-year stint. Then I saw Boston Harbor and thought, you know, I might like it here. 31 years later...
When we became naturalized citizens in 2012, it was at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse with that same magnificent view of Boston Harbor. I was brought right back to that day when we flew in, 20 years earlier, and knew we were home.
Anne Sharp, Winchester
When my family moved from NYC to Boston in 2009, for my husbands one-year fellowship, it was never meant to be permanent. Wed lived in New York for close to two decades and knew no one in the Boston area. But with two kids under five, the youngest with special needs, the ease of Boston and the quality of its hospitals appealed to us.
After my husbands fellowship ended, we decided to stay. Within a year, we moved into our first and only house so far an octagon on the west side of Cambridge.
For a long while, I still considered myself a displaced New Yorker. But at some point, Boston did become home. Did it change with the shared trauma of marathon bombings, when we sheltered in place and listened as choppers passed overhead in search of the Tsarnaev brothers? Or maybe it was the discovery that the best yogurt, humous, pitas and olives could be found in nearby Watertown (Sevan Bakery and Arax Market) and Belmont (Sofias)?
I believe it comes down to that feeling of being known here. At Fresh Pond Reservoir in Cambridge we got to know Park Ranger Jean. Before she retired five years ago, you might have crossed paths with her too. Riding around in her ranger cart, making sure dogs and their owners were following the rules. I imagine Ranger Jean probably got to know my son Finn because of his singularity, a product of his profound autism. Few boys of 12 years moved as he moved, rocking from back foot to front. Few boys would suddenly scream, not out of upset, but delight. Few boys would crouch by the drain, ignoring all the dogs and passersby so he could throw rock after rock down that drain for fun.
We felt like we belonged whenever we walked into Fresh Pond, and still do. And isnt that what it means to feel at home?
At least once, Finn pulled the fire alarm in the water purification facility calling the local fire trucks to the park, which he found very funny. But Ranger Jean didnt act annoyed with us, or with Finn on this occasion, though she had reason to. Instead, whenever she saw Finn running toward as she drove her cart around the Ponds loop, she smiled. She often invited Finn to ride along with her.
Finn thrilled in these rides, rocking in his seat and laughing. She could see how this small act meant so much to him. But did she know what it meant for us? In this small act she seemed to say, I see you, in all your difference. You and your family belong here in Fresh Pond, as much the birders and the bikers, the runners and the walkers, the picnickers, and the dog people. This park is your park too. We felt like we belonged whenever we walked into Fresh Pond, and still do. And isnt that what it means to feel at home? Fourteen years later, were still here.
Alysia Abbott, writer, Cambridge
I was working late in a lab, my first summer in Boston during college. One of my mentors stopped to talk to me before she left. She suggested that I get out to see the sunset because it was the summer solstice. I took her advice and biked to the Charles, making it just in time to join in with the cheers from the crowd. I felt peaceful returning home that night, but I was quite lonely. That was five years ago.
This year I returned to the Charles on the solstice with two now-old friends. I think that, if it were a competition, I wouldve won loudest cheerer at this years solstice.
Andrew Szendrey, Jamaica Plain
Ive lived in Boston for decades as a pedestrian, T rider, taxi cab hailer, commuter rail rider, bicycler. Ive had my permit and read the RMV drivers manual cover to cover more times than I can count, yet never bothered to put it to use.
Boston is so small and navigable Id never felt the need to really learn to drive, until my family had an emergency in late 2020, and I realized I couldnt get us to safety on my own. I practiced driving for one hour every day for the next year at the abandoned UMass Boston campus, got my first driver's license in 2021, my first car in 2022. Two years on the road and I'm still amazed that I am driving and that I seem to be one of the few who actually read the manual. But I didnt feel like a real Boston driver until recently, when I came out of my house to find my car being escorted off the street cleaning side of the street by a tow truck, the tow driver insisting Its naht me, its the city! Its naht me!
Bethany Van Delft, stand-up comedian, Dorchester
I always moved from place to place after leaving my parents NYC, Paris, Chicago, anywhere to keep going. So when the person I was dating at the time got into grad school here, I figured it was a place as good as any other. Once in Boston, I went through the pandemic, work chaos, a breakup and multiple family disasters. Finally, when it felt safe enough from COVID, I took a trip back to Paris, which I always told people was my favorite, and which was as lovely as ever. By day four, though, I wanted to be back in Boston. Homesickness was a feeling I'd never had before, but it was such a relief to know I finally had a home I was going back to.
Elizabeth Self, Jamaica Plain
Homesickness was a feeling I'd never had before, but it was such a relief to know I finally had a home I was going back to.
I've lived here for a long time, but claiming Boston as my own was a conscious decision to own the good and the bad. And it happened on my bicycle.
In the fall of 2015, the community activist organization City Life/Vida Urbana ground up bricks to create red dust and used a sports line chalker to mark the historic paths of Bostons redlining and gentrification. Leaving my home nearby, on the south side of Jamaica Plain, and riding down Washington Street to work, I just happened to be riding my bicycle downtown on the day of their art installation. When I got to my office, I researched what I had rolled over and made a commitment: For far too long, I had been a guest on these streets.
That day, I committed to inherit the good and bad of Bostons history, all of the ground beneath my feet. To be a Bostonian, for each of us who move here and adopt this place, means to take responsibility for these streets, all that has come before and the road we are on together.
Rev. Laura Everett, Jamaica Plain
I grew up in central Mass, so when I was a kid Boston felt like my anchor, rather than my home. Fast forward through college and med school, and I was applying to residency programs on both coasts. I had just spent nine lovely days in California, visited and interviewed at several residency programs and enjoyed outdoor dinners with chill people, pleasant campus tours through palm trees. Then I flew to Boston on a Friday, stayed at my mother's house in my childhood bedroom. I woke up to a classic Boston December day gray, rainy and in the low 40s. The interview day started at 7 a.m. (on a Saturday). I drove into the city and parked in the garage, slightly worried about finding my way there. I rememberlike it was yesterdayshaking off my raincoat and settling into the auditorium in my interview suit, surrounded by other anxious almost-doctors in the dark chilly early morning, and feeling my shoulders relax, as I thought "ahhhhhhh....these are my people.
Kristen Goodell, Lexington
My earliest memories of Boston were coming to visit my dad, who worked there. The Swan Boats, which I recognized from Make Way for Ducklings; the statues of the ducks in the Public Garden; the Boston Garden, thick with smoke, at a Celtics game where they unveiled a statue of Larry Bird; coming up out of the dark cavern under Fenway Park into the roar of thousands of fans, the bright green grass, the giant scoreboards with the city behind them.
My aunt lived on Beacon Street for a while when I was about 13, and my parents let me and my best friend walk from her apartment to Newbury Street by ourselves. We felt so grown up and loved looking at all the fancy shop windows full of things we could never afford. I went to college at Boston University, and Commonwealth Ave. became my home: the imposing Warren Towers, the snail-like Green Line Train. My first job was right over the salt-and-pepper bridge in Cambridge.
Boston was where I came back to, came home to, after I left New York in the wake of 9/11, newly aware that the skylines we love, that seem constant, should never be taken for granted. I met my husband in Boston, and we got engaged at Locke Ober. I ran the Boston Marathon twice and have watched it, from various locations, more times than I could count.
Boston was where I came back to, came home to, after I left New York in the wake of 9/11, newly aware that the skylines we love, that seem constant, should never be taken for granted.
I moved out of the city years ago but live close enough to still go back, to take my own children to see the Swan Boats, to experience the sports teams and see where I lived when I met their dad, to window shop on Newbury Street, to experience a city that is always changing, but also, in some ways, always the same.
Laura Shea Souza, writer, Stow
It was 1972, and I was almost 9-years-old. I was auditioning for the Nutcracker. Boston Ballets Nutcracker. The same Nutcracker my grandmother handmade costumes for. The same ballet my mother and aunt performed in as children and adults. Under the scrutiny of the same teacher, Virginia Williams, founder of the company.
My mother held my hand as we entered the waiting room, bustling with girls in leotards and skirts, hovered over by mothers with bobby pins between their teeth, frantically stabbing pins into their buns. I was in my first dance recital at 2; had my first solo at 3. I trained hard every day, gave up parties, weekend trips to the beach and sleepovers with friends. I was good. But was I good enough? Even then, I felt the pressure to live up to my familys expectations.
Every holiday season, for six years, I put on my costume and makeup in the rat-infested basement of the then-Wang Center, my heart pounding as the command came over the loudspeaker for my group to line up backstage. In the wings, barely breathing, I watched the pas de deux with the Sugar Plum Fairy and the prince, and dreamed of my future. Stepping into the lights as the orchestra swelled, under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, is a moment I will never forget.
I never became a ballerina; at least not a professional one. I was 14 when I was accepted to a summer program with New York City Ballet's School of American Ballet, and turned it down. That's when I realized it wasnt what I wanted to do. It was what other people wanted for me.
But the hours and hours of classes and rehearsals in the studio on Clarendon Street, and performing in the Nutcracker: This will always mean Boston to me.
Tracey Palmer, writer, Norwell
During the pandemic, my partner Jimmy and I established a routine of ordering takeout from Manoa Poke Shop in Somerville every weekend. We fell in love with the freshness and simplicity of Manoas salmon shoyu poke, marinated with just the right amount of Tamari, sweet onion, and scallion. Wed order extra portions of the juicy kalua pig and crispy mochiko fried chicken to keep as leftovers for the week. Neither of us have been to Hawaii yet, but discovering Hawaiian food in the Boston area somehow made us feel more connected to our city than ever before, although wed been living here for many years already.
It wasnt just all about the flavorful mixplates, though. The staff came to recognize our eyes and voices from beneath our masks, making us feel at home as soon as we walked through the door. Even the chefs knew us by name, waving to us from the back of the food prep area. One of their former chefs (who is also Vietnamese) would chat with me in Vietnamese, addressing me as younger sister while I called him older brother, further making our stops at Manoa feel like visits to a relatives house. If I came for a pick-up without Jimmy, the staff would ask, Wheres Jimmy? Tell him to come by next week! And vice versa on the weekends when Jimmy conducted solo pick-ups. Our Manoa fam ensured that our weekly pick-ups were something that we consistently did together, as a couple.
Fast forward three years, and Jimmy and I still order from Manoa every weekend. After we got engaged this summer, Jimmy surprised me by gathering our loved ones for dinner and drinks at our apartment. But when our catered meal arrived, I was not at all surprised to see the food that anchors our lives in Boston: salmon poke, kalua pig, and fried chicken all made with love from our extended family at Manoa.
Thuy Phan, writer, Somerville
Having gone to college in the Midwest, and then living in California for many years, when asked where I was from I would say Boston. But that wasnt exactly true; I was from a suburb 40 miles west. But my dad has a Boston accent, I would say proudly, as if that afforded me extra credibility. All along, I knew I would move back, and that Id live in the city.
I fell in love with a South End, zero-amenities, 1-bedroom in a 3-story walk-up that miraculously came with parking, over FaceTime with a realtor. The night I secured my keys, I went for a walk in my new neighborhood while the sun set early on a cold February night, in search of newfound delights and whatever unexpected magic might come my way.
"You from around here? he asked. I paused a moment, then said yes.
Only a block down, I found myself in the Olympia Flower Store, its entryway filled with potted plants and vibrant colors. The walls were covered with black-and-white photographs of celebrities or who I assumed were well-known Bostonians. I selected a couple of gerbera daisies to celebrate my new place, and asked about the photos upon checkout. This is the oldest flower shop in Boston, the man told me. Turns out, he wasnt kidding, but I didnt fact-check that until later. You from around here? he asked. I paused a moment, then said yes.
I took my daisies, grabbed a slice of not-hot pizza from across the street, and smiled to myself as I turned the corner onto my new street, lined with a canopy of trees, decorated with ironwork staircase banisters. I propped the daisies in my window and ate the pizza on the floor. Around me, sirens rang and horns honked. My belongings would arrive the next day on a moving truck, but it didnt matterI was already at home.
Lisa Gordon, writer and editor, South End
I was walking through the Public Garden a few months into living here, and a sweet family asked me for directions. I hesitated and started to say, "I just moved here!" when I realized it had been almost a year, and I knew exactly how to tell them how to get where they wanted to go. Walking everywhere has allowed me to really orient myself in so many of Boston's neighborhoods. That's definitely my favorite part about the city.
Lilli Nelson, South Boston
This piece was produced with help from Kate Neale Cooper, Lisa Creamer, Kathy Burge, Amy Gorel and Meagan McGinnes.
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Was it love at first sight or a slow burn? Your love letters to Boston - WBUR News
Fisker Inc. has announced today the collaboration with Octopus Electric Vehicles, the EV specialist business from the Octopus Energy Group, to be the first lease provider in the UK to offer the new premium Fisker Ocean Extreme SUV
Octopus Electric Vehicles will allow businesses to offer the Fisker Ocean Extreme through salary sacrifice an employee benefit that saves drivers up to 40% off the monthly cost making this one of the most affordable ways to access the car.
The agreement, which covers an initial fleet of 200 Fisker Ocean Extreme vehicles, signifies the start of a long-term collaborative journey between Octopus and Fisker. The Fisker Ocean, an all-electric, sustainable, and stylish SUV, is the first model launched by Fisker in the UK as it sets its eyes on international expansion.
Fisker recently announced lowered pricing for the top-level Fisker Ocean Extreme worldwide in UK market from 60,880 to 57,900 offering price adjustments to existing Extreme customers. The Fisker Ocean Extreme has a WLTP range of up to 440 miles, which is the longest range of any new electric SUV in its class sold in European markets today.
The Fisker Ocean is the latest EV model to be offered by Octopus EV, which now has over 80 cars available to customers covering every model available in the UK. Working with more than 3,500 businesses, its convenient all-in-one salary sacrifice service provides everything drivers need to get on the road, including the car, charge point installation and specialist EV energy tariffs.
Fisker Inc. Chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker said: Besides the new pricing, we are also excited to announce this lease collaboration in the UK market to enable more customers to have access to our fully electric Ocean. I am looking forward to seeing more and more UK customers using the leasing opportunity to experience the Oceans unique design featuring sustainable materials, best-in-class range and innovative technical features such as SolarSky, California Mode, and a large touchscreen that can also be enjoyed in horizontal Hollywood Mode.
Oliver Boots, Chief Commercial Officer at Octopus Electric Vehicles, commented: The U.S. has a long, proud automotive history and so its fantastic to see new entrants joining the electric revolution from across the pond. Each new manufacturer and model of electric car gives drivers more choice, helps drive down costs and gets us closer to making the switch to having fully electric roads. Weve seen a wonderful response to the Fisker Ocean in test-driving, and were thrilled to be able to unlock savings for drivers through salary sacrifice.
Octopus Electric Vehicles was launched with a simple mission: to make it easy for drivers to switch to clean, electric transport. The business sits within the wider Octopus Energy Group, which is expanding rapidly having received $900m in funding over the last two years, giving it a valuation of US$5bn.
Source:Octopus
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Fisker and Octopus EV launch new US entrant the Fisker Ocean ... - Automotive World