Dean Narciso|The Columbus Dispatch

DELAWARE Behind the beakers, safety goggles and chemical vialsinsideOhio Wesleyan University's Schimmel/Conrades Science Center, a team of chemists is conjuring new uses for the ubiquitous soybean.

The workers, includingstudent interns in lab coats, havea singular motivation behind their work:helping, or at least not hurting, the increasingly fragileenvironment.

Airable Research Lab, a three-year-old company funded through the Ohio Soybean Council,moved into the underutilized labs a year agoafter Barry McGraw, a longtime Battelle researcher, asked university officials about the space.

The university agreed to lease it to the company, and in exchange, biochemistry students getpaid internships, real-world instruction and satisfaction in knowing the power of responsible engineering.

The soybean, Ohio's main cash crop, is a high-protein, "good-fat" staple ingredient in everything from tofu to ice cream. But it's the bean's natural oils and extracts that can replace dangerous petrochemical counterparts such asphthalate esters, which are used to improve pliability in plastics.

The Airable chemists already have patented a liquid spray now used by Roof Maxx, a spin-off of Feazel Roofing. The solution is sprayed on asphalt shingles to extend their life, akin to a moisturizer for dry hands, McGrawsaid.

A similar solution is used on rubber tires to keep them flexible and looking new.

As chief laboratory officer, McGraw, 45, a plastics engineer who lives in the small Delaware County village of Radnor, said he was drawn to the challenges of the job.

"It's what wakes you up in the morning," he said, standing beside bottles of livestock shampoos and sprays containing hazardous compounds that the company is looking to improve. "It's being able to have access to cleaners that you don't have to worry about causinghealth problems and other products that may last longer and keeping them out of landfills."

Looking at one of the labels, he added: "It's fairly nasty ... not the best thing to be putting on any animal. Can we replace these components with soy?"

McGrawalso is director of product development and commercialization for the Ohio Soybean Council. The lab is funded, in part, through the council, by a half-percent fee that farmers pay on crop sales which pays for national and local research, marketing and other support for the crop and farmers. A $500,000 budget supports thelab's five full-time workers and other part-time and student employees.

Todd Hesterman farms about 1,300 acresof beans, corn and wheat on his family-run Henry County farm in northwest Ohio.As the soybean council's research chairman, he knows well how global trade, price fluctuations and weather can affect his livelihood.

Research "gives us an opportunity to limit the effect of trade agreements on price fluctuations. Green solutions and bioproducts fall right into our camp and our beliefs," he said of farmers' natural tendency toward conservation.

Many other states and cash-crop councils fund their research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture or universities.

With Airable, "we're saving soybean farmers a lot of money by having our own lab. It's a rare opportunity kind of an experiment in itself," Hesterman said.

The benefits aren't lost on the lab's employees, including research chemist Ashlynn Vander Mer.

"I find that most industries care more about performance than where their materials come from," she said.

Dylan Karis, lead chemist at the facility, is working on technology to remove rare earth elements from coal ash, tons of which are emptied into landfills from power plants.

"I've always been interested in the environmental side of all industries," said Karis, who wasn't satisfied with conventional researchafter earning his doctorate from the University of Washington. "This was focused on solving a problem and giving a bio-based solution."

Soy oil byproducts can replace petroleum-based substances commonly found in plastics, paints, adhesives andbiodiesel fuels.

One lab experiment involvesthe seemingly mundane goal of finding biodegradable label adhesives to be affixed on already recyclable packaging.

"I think the more successes, the more confidence andideas that comefrom those successes," McGrawsaid.

Like other "think tank" operations, McGrawwho oversees everything from marketing to research and negotiating licensing deals with businesses is responsible for knowing when to pull the plug on an idea that isn't working.

"It's a finebalance," hesaid. "If it doesn't work, we quickly move to the next project. There's really no bad idea, as long as you're willing to try it and kill if it doesn't work out.

"It's a bad idea if you keep doing it, and keep trying and spend a lot of money and time on it."

An earlier version of this story had an incorrect spelling for Barry McGraw.

dnarciso@dispatch.com

@DeanNarciso

Excerpt from:
Startup at Ohio Wesleyan University focused on green solutions for soy-based products - The Columbus Dispatch

By InYourArea Community

Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter are raising money to replace the plastic roofing for their cattery.

Submitted by Beth Codling

Its been all hands-on deck here at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter over the past couple of months due to the Covid-19 pandemic and whilst we are still unable to get back to normal rehoming procedures, we are very pleased to say that we have now started rehoming using online applications.

Since we began rehoming again in June, 59 dogs, 172 cats and 64 small animals have now found their forever homes. All monetary donations help us to provide vital care for our animals until we can find them a forever home. This could be everything from heating to water, veterinary bills and medicines.

The new guidelines which we have in place mean that we have very limited space for storage of physical donations, so we are currently only accepting donations of bedding, newspapers, toys and poop bags on designated days. All designated donations days are posted on our website.

Please note we arent able to accept donations of food at present.

We are currently running an appeal to replace the plastic roofing which shieldsthe outdoor areas of our cat pens which has been damaged by the bad weatherweve had in the North East over the past couple of years.

Our Benton shelter has 64 pens which are currently full of lost, unwanted, abandoned and neglected cats and kittens. We have 25 pens on our maternitysuite which is full of young, fragile kittens who need to be kept warm and dry tokeep them healthy and give them the best start to life.

It is incredibly important that each of our cat pens has a sheltered outdoor area for our cats to get some fresh air as many of them need their time outside to keep them happy and healthy.

The cattery roof is going to cost 6,000 to replace so we are appealing for donations to help us pay for this essential repair.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit us hard, as it has many people. We appreciate not everyone has disposable income to spare but even a 1 donation would make a huge difference. To make a donation to our appeal, please visit our Cold at Christmas fundraising page.

To apply to give a dog, cat or small animal their forever home or to find out more about the donation of money or items the the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, visit their website, or call them on 0191 215 0435.

Shine a spotlight on your neighbourhood by becoming an Area Ambassador.

Click here to learn more!

View original post here:
Column: Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter - Replacing the cattery roof - In Your Area

In this day and age, one of the largest threats to the human race is the detrimental effect of climate change. As a result, there is a societal push to be more environmentally conscious. From the way we eat, sleep, and shop, there is a drive to make changes and improvements that lessen our ecological footprint. This drive should also extend to the different businesses and corporations that exist. If you own your own business, its imperative to be a part of the solution and do your part by practicing sustainable efforts. For insight on how to do this, check out these tips to make your business eco-friendly.

To make your business more environmentally friendly, there are a few renovations you can make to your store or warehouse. For example, you can replace your old roofing materials with an eco-friendly alternative, such as metal roofing. There are many reasons to choose metal roofing over traditional commercial roofing options.

The most important reason, however, is the fact that metal roofing is an eco-conscious option. Rather than discarding old roofing materials to end up in landfills for decades, metal roofing can be 100% recycled at the end of its lifespan. It is also largely made up of recycled steel.

You can also invest in solar panels. These are easy to install with metal roofing. Metal roofs are also known to improve the efficiency of solar panels. The combination of solar panels and metal roofs lets your customers and clients know that you are an environmentally responsible entity. This can have positive effects on your business as more and more people opt to support eco-conscious businesses and eco-friendly products.

Another way to make your business more environmentally friendly is to recycle old electronics. Rather than throwing away your brands old computers and technology, recycle them correctly. You can do this by searching for an electronic waste company. These are companies that specialize in recycling old electronics, deleting all personal information, and performing certified data destruction.

For your business, its best to opt for energy efficiency. If your building currently uses traditional light sources, choose a green alternative, such as LED lightbulbs. There are also many appliances that are considered energy efficient. Look out for these and upgrade your old items. For example, if you have an old stove or fridge in the breakroom, upgrade to something that isnt as energy consuming. The same goes for your other office equipment.

The last way to make your business more environmentally friendly is to encourage carpooling among your employees. This can be done in many fun and creative ways. Consider making it a challenge where employees can compete over who carpooled the most or who used the least amount of fuel to get to work. This will encourage your employees to get creative in their commuting efforts.

These are just a few helpful tips to make your business eco-friendly. Now that you have them, youre ready to make a positive impact on the environment.

See original here:
Tips To Make Your Business Eco-Friendly The Dixon Pilot - Dixon Pilot

Used vehicles are parked on the sales lot at a CarMax store on Sept. 24 in Colma, Calif. CarMax reported a surge in earnings after used-car prices climbed steadily and surprisingly for months. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

Used vehicles are parked on the sales lot at a CarMax store on Sept. 24 in Colma, Calif. CarMax reported a surge in earnings after used-car prices climbed steadily and surprisingly for months.

Aaron Springer of Odenton, Md., wasn't looking to sell his 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, which he bought used a couple of years ago.

"I love this car," he says.

But Springer heard the used-car market was hot, so he decided he might as well check. To his astonishment, used-car site Carvana offered him $1,500 more than he paid for the vehicle in 2018.

"I mean, it's just too good of a price to not sell it," he says.

Add used-car values to the list of things turned topsy-turvy in 2020. Springer's experience is exceptional, but it's also a sign of the times: Prices for used cars, trucks and SUVs rose remarkably all summer long as demand far outstripped supply.

According to Cox Automotive, as of September, wholesale used-vehicle values were up 15% compared with last year. And listings on CarGurus are now averaging $22,470, which is over $1,800 more than at the start of 2020.

The rate of growth appears to have calmed down, but prices remain remarkably high.

"Anybody who tracks them ... would be shocked, I think. Almost flabbergasted," says Ivan Drury, the senior director of insights at Edmunds, the automotive information company.

Drury, like Springer, felt the benefit firsthand. He bought two cars last year and sold them both a couple of months ago.

He broke even on one vehicle and made money off the other, which Drury calls "remarkable, to say the least."

This spring, when the coronavirus pandemic started to spread, auto plants temporarily shut down operations for safety. That has created a shortage of new-car inventory, pushing more people onto the used-car market.

Meanwhile, plenty of people are looking for cars. Partly that's because of concerns over the safety of carpooling or riding public transit (although transit systems are taking steps to promote safety).

There was a policy-based boost in demand as well, as buyers put their coronavirus relief checks toward new vehicles.

"People were able to come up with a little bit more money down," says used-car salesman Orby Galarza of Harrisonburg, Va., who saw a direct connection between relief checks and sales.

In short, the pandemic reduced the supply of cars at the same time it increased demand for them. It's Econ 101 the result was prices went up. And up. And up.

For those who have good-condition cars to sell or trade in, this is a big boost. Some drivers are putting that extra money toward even pricier brand-new cars.

Drivers who lease vehicles can also benefit from these rising prices if their leases are ending soon. The buyout price that was set at the start of the lease, based on projected value, might now be thousands of dollars less than the vehicle's actual value.

That means drivers can buy out their leases, then turn around to trade that vehicle in or sell it for cash and immediately turn a tidy profit.

But for buyers looking for affordable used vehicles, the spiking prices are bad news, and the shortage of inventory can lead to frustration.

It's another sign of how the pandemic and the economic upheaval it created are hitting the haves and the have-nots very differently.

Some drivers are stuck with older, less reliable vehicles that they are driving into the ground, waiting for the market to calm down enough so that they can afford to buy a replacement. Others don't have that choice.

Danielle Jennings of Baltimore needed a new vehicle this summer after her 17-year-old car finally gave up the ghost. But she scoured the used-car market for a reliable vehicle in her price range, with no luck.

"I just wanted to be able to get to work and be able to take care of my family," she says. "My back was against the wall."

Jennings, much to her relief, wound up getting a 2013 Chrysler 200 through a nonprofit called Vehicles for Change, which takes donated cars and gives them at a discount to people who need transportation.

Vehicles for Change says it has seen an increase in need because of the pandemic, but because the program requires participants to have a job, it's also finding that many applicants are disqualified.

Vehicle affordability is not a new issue. Even if car prices were dropping instead of rising, many low-income Americans would still struggle with transportation costs.

But this surprising spike in prices certainly isn't helping would-be car buyers on tight budgets. And until prices return to normal, bargains will be few and far between.

View original post here:
Sticker Shock: Why Used-Car Prices Are So High - NPR

A new green patch has recently been planted in Downtown Binghamton, only its not on the ground. Its on the roof of Binghamton City Hall and the City Council Chambers.

The completed green roof was unveiled on Sept. 22, after construction began this past March. In a statement on March 11, Mayor Richard David said the vegetated 22,500 square-foot roof will catch approximately 325,000 gallons of stormwater runoff annually, with eight stormwater catchers and water intake from plants.

Binghamtons green roof will be a symbol of ongoing progress in sustainability, resiliency and innovation, David said. We continue to lead the region by embracing and securing funding for smart green [projects] as we face the environmental challenges of the 21st century.

$1.6 million of the $2.1 million project was funded by the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), a New York state company which provides financial assistance to infrastructure projects related to water quality. The funding came through its Green Innovation Grant Program, a grant from the EFC for regional stormwater infrastructure.

The project, which was originally announced in Davids 2017 State of the City address, is expected to decrease the strain on the sewage system which catches water runoff, oftentimes polluted from substances on the street. According to Robert Holahan, associate professor of environmental studies and political science at Binghamton University, the roof will put rain into more productive use.

In the combined sewer system areas of the city, this means less volumetric flow during heavy rain events that would otherwise trigger a combined sewer overflow into the Susquehanna River, in the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) areas of the city, Holahan wrote in an email. This means less volumetric flow picking up garbage and petroleum residue flowing directly into the river.

In addition, green roofs help alleviate the urban heat island effect, a human-caused phenomenon that shows warmer temperatures in urban areas compared to their nearby rural areas. Because of the positive effect green roofs can have on urban heat, Gabriella Vallario, a junior majoring in geography, supports the green roof initiative.

This project will reduce urban heat, thus contributing to aid [the fight against] global warming, Vallario wrote. Any projects that help reduce human interference with the environment is valid and should be promoted.

The green roof can also provide a habitat for birds, bees and other animals, according to Holahan. Saheel Raut, a second-year graduate student studying computer science, said he believes green roofs are a good move by the city and advocates for more solar projects.

[For] buildings where green roofs are difficult to implement, solar roofs would be a perfect replacement, Raut wrote. I heavily support the green roof [initiative], as it clearly shows how it would not only have financial benefits over time but also environmental benefits. Green roofs would be a stride in the right direction.

Although green roofs provide benefits, they are not without their potential downsides, Holahan wrote.

Because these are designed to store water, there is a lot of engineering that goes into making sure that water doesnt seep into the roofs [and] leak into the building, Holahan wrote. To maintain that over time requires regular, costly maintenance. Unfortunately, quite often a green roof is built, and, then, everyone moves on without spending the resources to make sure it is still effective in the long term.

As the city continues to push for ways to become sustainable and cooperative with the environment, Holahan wrote that flooding should be the main issue on the table when it comes to considering green infrastructure projects. In 2005, 2006 and 2011, the city experienced catastrophic floods that damaged already dilapidated buildings. The 2011 flood displaced nearly 20,000 Binghamton residents. In response to the flood, there were many buyback programs which has increased the green space in the floodplains, Holahan wrote.

The most important thing in Binghamtons case is simply to recognize that we are at the confluence of two rivers and that the floodplain zones of the city should not be rebuilt up, Holahan wrote. Leaving the floodplain zones as unconstructed areas is the single, simplest and best thing we can do to prevent future flooding.

Raut wrote that the city should be producing more sustainable projects similar to the green roof.

Climate change is not a hoax, whether or not people acknowledge it, Raut wrote. Project like these will reap rich dividends over time.

Vallario shared similar sentiments about the environment.

Our world [and our environment] is what we rely on and right now it is being compromised, Vallario wrote. Global warming is an immediate threat, and any project that helps reverse its effects should be in motion.

The rest is here:
Green roof project completed at Binghamton City Hall - Binghamton University Pipe Dream

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Fire Station No. 9 is almost always mentioned in haunted places and ghost stories of El Paso. Mysterious events have been credited to the ghost of Woodard Bloxom, the captain of Fire Station No. 9, who died after battling a fire Feb. 13, 1934. Firefighters who have worked at the station give accounts of feeling a presence behind them as they climb the stairs, feeling a cold sensation as if the ghost passed through their bodies, finding furniture randomly scattered, and seeing the big bay door open by itself.

I decided to look up the fire and circumstances surrounding Bloxom's death and found this article from the Times datedFeb. 14, 1934:

Woodard Bloxom standing in front of old Fire Station No. 3 in 1920.(Photo: Times file photo)

Firefighters Trapped By Flames In Furniture Company Warehouse

Crowds At Scene

Officials Unable To Trace Source Of Conflagration At 1700 Magoffin

Trapped by a wall of fire in the blazing American Furniture company warehouse at 1700 Magoffin avenue yesterday afternoon, three El Paso firemen suffered severe burns in rushing to safety through the flames.

Capt. Woodward F. Bloxom, 41, of fire station No. 9, was burned seriously on the back and shoulders when enveloped by the flames. Firemen Loften L. Jones, 24, and Louis Eisenbruch, 44, suffered severe burns on the hands and face at the same time.

The warehouse was destroyed.

Other firefighters injured were Victor H. Lawton, John Drew and Jack Dungan. All sustained minor injuries.

Feb. 15, 1934 American Furniture company fire.(Photo: Times file photo)

One of the brick walls of the one-story, barn-like structure was left standing last night. Fire chief John T. Cullivan estimated the building loss at $5000.

The blaze destroyed some $60,000 worth of furniture stored within the building, said Mannie Blaugrund, the American Furniture company secretary.

The loss was covered by insurance as to what it cost us, said Blaugrund, but the insurance will not cover the replacement cost. Were going to make arrangements tomorrow for another warehouse, and continue on in business just the same.

Mrs. Blanche Cunningham owned the building. The eastern third of the structure, which is vacant and is not rented by the furniture company, was saved by firemen who climbed on the roof and played water over the flames.

Fire officials were unable to determine the origin of the blaze.

The blaze started at 5:30 p.m. and the flames quickly shot high into the air. The fire company in station No. 9, across the street from the warehouse, immediately swung into action as a general alarm was sounded.

More: Old El Paso brand launched in the Upper Valley

The flames spread quickly, and a second alarm was sounded. Soon six crews of firemen were playing streams of water on the fire, apparently with little effect. The blaze shot 50 feet into the still air, and a column of smoke rose hundreds of feet higher.

Hundreds of persons homeward bound from the downtown district soon gathered at the scene, drawn by the smoke and flames which could be seen plainly for miles around.

Many of the younger persons in the crowd climbed on neighboring roofs and the 75-foot firemans training tower in the city compound just across the street from the warehouse.

Crowds edging closer to the burning building as the flames died down were doused repeatedly with water from the streams operated by firemen, who went inside the building when the heat became less intense.

Flames continued shooting high from the western end of the building for more than an hour after the fire was discovered.

Sections of the tin roof fell in from time to time during the fire's progress with loud reports resembling explosions.

The charred mass of furniture within the building smoldered for several hours after the fire had been extinguished.

An almost total absence of wind-aided fireman in keeping the blaze from spreading to neighboring warehouses. Telephone and electric light poles near the burning building caught fire and had to be kept wet, and all wires in the vicinity were down.

Woodard Bloxom(Photo: Times file photo)

More: Tumultuous aftermath of 1889 mayor's election

The following day, Feb. 15, the Times reported the death of Capt. Bloxom:

Bloxom Expires After Being Trapped In $65,000 Warehouse Blaze

Burns received late Tuesday while fighting a warehouse blaze t 1700 Magoffin avenue proved fatal to Capt. W.F. Bloxom, 41, 1909 Alabama street. He died at 12:50 p.m. yesterday at Masonic hospital.

Trapped in the building, Capt. Bloxom probably inhaled flames in an attempt to escape, doctors said.

Funeral services are pending at Peak-Hagedon mortuary. Fire Chief John Sullivan said yesterday firefighters would serve as a guard of honor at the services.

Capt. Bloxom joined the fire department in 1916, was made a lieutenant in 1918, and a captain in 1924. He was assigned to the warehouse district, considered by firemen, one of the department's most dangerous posts.

His record as a fireman was perfect, Chief Sullivan said.

He is survived by his widow and an eight-year-old daughter, Dovie Mae; and a sister, Mrs. R.C. Pickens, and brother, Wilton Bloxom, both of Shreveport, La.

More: 1948 Heaton, MacNeil murder remains unsolved

Fire Marshall B.J. Zabriskle said yesterday an investigation of the fire which took Capt. Bloxoms life and damaged the warehouse, leased by the American Furniture company, to the extent of $65,000, will probably be completed today.

Employes denied they had been smoking in the corner of the warehouse where the fire started. They testified they tried to put the fire out with their hands before calling the fire department.

Two other firemen, Lofton Jones, 24k and Louis Eisenbruch, 44, were being treated at Masonic hospital last night for serious burns. Doctors believe they will recover.

Trish Long may be reached at tlong@elpasotimes.com or at 915-546-6179.

Read or Share this story: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2020/10/29/capt-woodrow-bloxom-ghost-fire-station-no-9-furniture-company/6046759002/

Continue reading here:
Capt. Woodrow Bloxom, the ghost of Fire Station No. 9 - El Paso Times

The Shawnee Mission School District will ask patrons to approve a property tax increase this January in order to pay for $264 million in bonds that, district leaders say, would fund a slate of major renovation projects while also helping alleviate teacher workload concerns.

Why it matters: District leaders say that by using revenue raised with new bonds for major building projects, they would be able to reallocate money for other expenses to allow for the hiring of dozens of additional secondary teachers.

Thats seen as key to lessening the workload of current middle and high school teachers, who have chafed at having to teach more daily periods than their peers in other Johnson County districts.

To make those new personnel expenditures possible, Superintendent Mike Fulton has suggested moving $4.5 million in custodial/maintenance expenses out of the districts operating budget where teacher salaries are drawn from and into its capital outlay budget over the next two years. The move is permitted under Kansas law, but would require the injection of additional funding into the capital outlay pool that could only be generated from local property taxes.

We cant do that unless we pass a bond issue, Fulton said at Mondays Board of Education meeting.

The details: To fund the bonds, the district will ask voters to approve a property tax increase that would raise the districts local property tax rate from its current 52.115 mills to 52.823 mills. For the average homeowner, that would mean roughly an additional $8 of property taxes per year on every $100,000 of assessed value.

If approved, the bonds would fund nearly two dozen projects. Most prominently, five elementary schools would be completely rebuilt: Diemer, Pawnee, Rushton, Tomahawk and Westwood View.

Among other things, bond funds would also be earmarked for:

The bigger picture: This will be the first bond issue put before SMSD voters since patrons overwhelmingly approved a bond measure in 2015. That raised more than $230 million which went towards building six new elementary schools, installing districtwide security upgrades and constructing the districts new aquatic center, among other things.

What was said: SM South Area Board Member Jessica Hembree expressed concern that the issue of teacher workload may not be clearly linked to the proposed bond measure in voters minds:

Hembree joined her colleagues on the board in voting unanimously to put the bond issue before voters in a special mail-in election in January.

See the original post:
SMSD officials propose $264 million bond issue as way to address teacher workload concerns - Shawnee Mission Post

The Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station is set to get a much-needed new roof, as commissioners voted Oct. 9 to accept a $13,624 proposal from low bidder Spicer Bros. to install architectural shingles.

Interim Town Manager Jim Dedes said he obtained six bids from contractors on cedar, metal or asphalt shingles. He said metal was ruled out because it wouldn't match aesthetically, leaving the best choice between asphalt and cedar, which currently covers the roof.

Dedes said some bidders didnt recommend cedar because the building sits next to the ocean, and other bids for cedar shingles were cost-prohibitive.

Dedes said he was told the current roofs cedar shingles were installed incorrectly; roofers used too many nails, which split the shingles. The current roof was installed before his time, and there is likely no warranty at this point, he said.

The price will likely go up a bit if roofers need to replace plywood underneath the shingles, Dedes said. The town could get a 40-year manufacturer warranty, or pay extra for a 50-year warranty. Spicer Bros. will install the roof, and the shingle manufacturer will inspect it to ensure installation was done correctly, he said.

Dewey Beach Building Official Daune Hinks said the building is in a wind-borne debris zone right next to the ocean, and that architectural asphalt shingles have a greater protection rating.

Commissioner Gary Persinger said he had 15 years of experience with a cedar shake roof in Dewey Beach.

It was not a pleasant experience, Persinger said, noting that repair issues always arose regarding the correct kind of nails and contractor qualifications. He said he favored architectural-grade asphalt shingles, some of which have the appearance of cedar.

Commissioner David Jasinski abstained from voting on the type of shingles. He said the building is supposed to be a historic replica, and that shingles will make a significant difference in its appearance.

Commissioners agreed that if Spicer Bros. cant install the roof within 60 days, the next-lowest bidder will be approached. Commissioners voted unanimously to pay for the roof from the general fund.

The station overlooks the ocean at the end of Dagsworthy Avenue, and it is a 1988 replica of the original building that was commissioned as the Rehoboth Beach Lifesaving Station in 1878. The original station was decommissioned in 1947, and was moved firstto the Forgotten Mile, where it was converted into a private home, and latermoved to Shipcarpenter Square in Lewes, where it was restored as a home and still stands today.

The rest is here:
Dewey Lifesaving Station roof to be replaced - CapeGazette.com

For most householders the idea of garden ornamentation goes no further than a few gnomes or some hanging baskets.

But things were a little different at Wentworth Woodhouse, created in an era when outdoor fashion was influenced by the likes of Capability Brown rather than television makeover shows.

The stately home - with the longest frontage of any house in the country - was a byword for lavish oppulence when it was created by the Fitzwilliam family on the back of profits from coal mining in the 18th Century and was built in the Rotherham village of Wentworth.

And now it is undergoing the biggest current restoration project after the Houses of Parliament, details of the level of extravagance have emerged.

A year-long project to replace the roof has now come to an end and in addition to making the building watertight, it has involved restoring a series of 20 giant stone urns and imposing statues which decorate the roof.

The design of the building means they are out of bounds for close inspection and can be seen - at best - by staring skywards from the ground.

That did not stop the Fitzwilliams demanding the best, however, regardless of the engineering feats which must have been needed to hoist them into place.

Today, modern cranes have been employed to take the urns down for restoration but the statues are so large they were left in position as work was done to preserve them for the future.

Despite the challenges of replacing a stately home's roof, the project was opened up for public viewings with walkways suitable for disabled access, which gave a rare glimpse of the house from a unique viewpoint.

The restoration is being conducted by the Wentworth Woodhouse Consveration Trust, which took over the house recently. It has been in private ownership for decades wit public access severely limited and was in a state of decay, needing a hugely expensive package of work, largely being financed by grants.

Woodhead Construction were called in for the roofing job, a project which quantity surveyor Amy Stamford does not expect to be bettered during her career.

Even constructing the scaffolding which allowed access to the roof, under a plastic tent, was a logistical challenge as it had to be a free-standing structure unsupported by the house.

Amy said: "The scaffolding was one of the biggest problems, just to make it work, because it is not tied into the building.

"The roof and structural repairs are one of the biggest risks because until we undid it, we did not know what it would be like.

"We thought it would be nasty, but in fact it was in good condition.

"Building sites are generally not open to the public, but then they came up with the public walkways and the guys on site have been able to show their families what we have done. That is something the don't generally get to do," she said.

The stone urns were pinned together and had deteriorated, with some needing total replacement.

It appears the house had been hit by lightning at some point, due to damage to two urns and a statue.

While the Fitzwilliams may have been sticklers for the finest in decorative terms, not everything was done to perfection.

Leaks in the roof were blamed on insufficent drainage capacity, leaving water standing for too long, rather than serious faults with the roof itself. That flaw has been corrected as part of the restoration.

Link:
Secrets of a stately home's hidden indulgence revealed as roof is replaced - Yorkshire Live

Author Irene Richardson - October 24, 2020October 24, 2020UMAMI, a new sushi and Thai restaurant, will occupy the space previously housed by Babalu. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

Lakeview has the drinks, the dancing and now the area will have a staple weve all been missing. The owners of Nori Thai and Sushi and Shikiare moving into the 29Seven mixed-use development with plans to open a new Asian restaurant, UMAMI.

The restauranteurs partnered withRetail Specialists Lyndsy Yim to find the ideal spot for UMAMI. Its new home is the former space of Babalu. The Mexican restaurant. which specialized in tapas and small plates, closed in March of this year.

While we were sad to wave goodbye, we cant help but be excited to hear the news something delicious is filling the space (and our stomachs).

The Lakeview area has been missing an Asian concept and UMAMI fits perfect into our overall strategy to bring unique concepts to the development.

The joint Thai and sushi restaurant is set to be a hit and were already texting the group chat for dinner plans. Have you eaten at Nori or Shikki before? I think its safe to say we can trust the talent from those kitchens will be carry over to Lakeview.

But, its just the beginning for what Retail Specialists, the local real estate firm who owns the property, envisions for the growing neighborhood. The team recognizes Lakeview as a unique part of Birmingham that welcomes families and young professionals alike. So, their focus aims to cater to both sets of people.

Our focus is on bringing concepts that will bring consumers to 29-7 during the day and after work during the weekwe want it to be a destination seven days a week

Lakeview is in such a great part of Birmingham positioned closed to Avondale and Downtown. Its perfect for families during the day to have lunch, but poised for happy hours and nightlife as well for young professionals.

Lakeview has been on a roll lately and it doesnt seem like thats going to stop any time soon. The Purple Onion brought its Mediterranean eats to the area just this month. Also, Magic City Wellness moved into space previously occupied by Baptist Health Systems.

Not every addition has been accompanied by a roof and four walls. Crosstown scooters made Lakeview go mobile with its motorized scooters that are now available at Nails Convenience Store.

While we not-so-patiently wait for UMAMI to open, swing by Nori Thai and Sushi or Shiki for takeout or dine-in and get a preview of what we might see on the menu. If theres one thing Im sure can solve anything, its a bowl of Panang curry.

Related

Excerpt from:
Former Babalu space to be replaced by new Asian restaurant in Lakeview - Bham Now