On the way to class, students may soon pass an orchard lush with fresh fruit, ripe for the picking.

Conceived by Neil Brown, senior in chemical engineering, and UT alumnus Chris Weller, the Big Orange Orchard would establish a series of edible, self-sustaining gardens across campus; the entire Knoxville community would be welcome to munch. Tuesday, the Student Government Association Senate passed a resolution in unanimous support of this concept, placing the project under the jurisdiction of an SGA committee on environment and sustainability. Their next steps? Finalize the design, calculate a total budget and present the proposal to Facilities Services for final approval.

Also working to evaluate student support, landscape architecture students presented orchard design ideas for McClung Plaza and the green space beside it. While Brown and Weller will likely combine the designs along with their own ideas for the final presentation, Julianna Burchett, junior in environmental science, believes the project will help showcase UT's efforts to 'Make Orange Green.'

"UT has continuously said that they're pushing for sustainability," Burchett said. "It's such a sustainable campus, and yet we appear relatively barren of really sustainable projects compared to other campuses. Speaking from the aesthetic side, UT was named one of the ugliest campuses.

"If we do this, we won't be on the top 10 list of ugliest campuses. It'll make the campus a beautiful place to be."

If the orchard cannot be placed along main walkways in its first year, Brown and Weller plan to pursue other options, like space on the Agriculture Campus or near Project V.E.G.G.I.E.'s current garden next to the Andy Holt parking garage.

Ideally, the gardens will be designed, planted and cultivated solely through UT students and staff. Throughout the year, students will be welcome to participate in upkeep.

"I think in the past UT has really called upon outside developers and organizers to come in and make changes," Burchett said. "This project is internal to UT."

Brown estimates the undertaking will require three years of maintenance labor on two sites, amounting to $36,000 not including the salaries of maintenance employees.

"This is better than sustainable," Brown said. "It's regenerative, it's putting something there like it used to be before humans came and knocked it down."

Continue reading here:
Student senate approves Big Orange Orchard resolution | News

Martinson-Nicholls new fiberglass step covers and walkways provide durable, lightweight slip-resistance on stairs, inclines, ramps and floors. The easy to install and cost-effective covers come in three different anti-slip grit options.

Cleveland, Ohio (PRWEB) - Featuring a proprietary coating of mineral abrasive epoxy grit, Martinson-Nicholls' new fiberglass step covers and walkways provide a lightweight and durable anti-slip surface. With three coating options, heavy, medium or fine, our covers may be applied to any structurally sound surface including steps, inclines, floors, and ramps. These fiberglass covers are a cost-effective way to provide slip-resistant footing to existing surfaces, and combine low maintenance with long service life.

According to Dan Ruminski, president of Martinson-Nicholls, "These fiberglass step and ramp covers are an easy and economical way to improve the safety of stairs, ramps and inclined walkways."

The mineral abrasive epoxy grit is bonded to 0.125" thick thermoset polyester, fiber-reinforced polymer panels. These fiberglass step covers and panels are fire-retardant and easy to maintain. The epoxy grit surface may be swept to loosen and remove dirt, and cleaned with a general-purpose industrial floor cleaner and bristle brush. The step covers and walkway panels may also be pressure washed with up to 1000 psi.

The step covers come in lengths up to 12 feet in three standard sizes:

They are offered in single color treads of yellow or black, or a two-color version with a yellow nose and black back.

The fiberglass flat panels for walkways and ramps come in yellow or black, with standard sizes of 30" x 96" and 48" x 96". Additional sizes can also be provided.

Typical applications include:

About Martinson-Nicholls Martinson-Nicholls, has established itself as a leader in custom anti-slip tape, floor mats, andeco-friendly products for more than 25 years.

Martinson-Nicholls provides the customer with the exact size matting needed--small, large, standard, nonstandard, special shapes and logos. Custom installations are also a specialty of the company.

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New Grit-Coated Fiberglass Step Covers And Walkways From Martinson-Nicholls

Fort Erie Post

The Region of Niagara has put the final touches on its long-awaited lakefront enhancement strategy, and Fort Erie will be looking to snag some of the new funds up for grabs.

We were actually one of the municipalities that consulted with the Region through this process, so were very much aware of the funding thats available, said Signe Hansen, the towns manager of parks and open space development. Certainly from a staff perspective, were looking at various lakefront capital projects to see where we can take advantage of those funds.

Last month, Regional politicians approved a new lakefront enhancement strategy for the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie shorelines in Niagara, and have given staff the go-ahead to fire up an application process for financial incentives. Its the first phase of a planned two-phase plan, which has been in the works for a few years.

While the first phase will only apply to the seven Niagara municipalities with Great Lakes shoreline access which have 135 km of waterfront the second phase will be expanded to include Niagaras many smaller lakes, rivers and creeks, in all 12 cities and towns.

Last year, Fort Erie took its first concrete steps towards redesigning the numerous public access walkways that lead to the lakefront along the towns southern shore. The contentious developments have been on the towns back burner for years until disputes with nearby property owners and disagreements over the design were finally ironed out last year. The first walkway to the get a facelift will be Rose Avenue entrance this year and will see the unkempt, sandy walkway replaced with concrete paving, picnic tables and bike racks.

The town is responsible for maintaining several other similar walkways leading to the lake, and plans to redesign them all eventually, but a cost of about $50,000 each, the town only budgeted for one new walkway this year.

Our initiative on those projects were cited in the Regions lakefront enhancement strategy so they are definitely eligible and well be looking to apply for funding as we continue down the shoreline, said Hansen, who added the next public walkway to get a redesign would likely be the access point at Beachview Avenue.

The Region plans to help co-ordinate the efforts, and will provide 50 per cent matching funding from local towns and cities, up to $1 million per municipality every three years. The Region will also offer in-kind support such as staff advice and has budgeted about $10 million over a decade for the entire project.

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Fort Erie sets sights on Regional lakefront strategy dollars

PLAISTOW For more than a quarter century, the police department has been working on upgrades to its firing range and tactical training center on Wilder Drive near the towns highway garage.

It was just earlier this month, however, that the planning board approved a site plan for the project.

Police Chief Stephen Savage said the formal approved site plan will accomplish a number of things as work continues on the firing range, including making sure the police department continues to use best environmental practices at the shooting range.

Up until now, Savage said there had been no formal process for work on the firing range other than going before selectmen. Now, any future work will require the approval of the planning board or building inspector.

This is formalizing our relationship, the way it should be, Savage told the planning board.

The history of the firing range goes back to the 1980s, when selectmen approved use of part of the former town dump by the police department.

Over the following years, the department worked to clean up the site, and the past several years have seen a flurry of activity at the range as it has become a training site for outside agencies as well as the Plaistow Police Department.

It has been our dream to have a permanent place that is properly supported and appropriately built, said Savage.

Several years ago, the police department added a permanent structure at the range, and last year it added an overhang for the structure.

Savage said all the work has been paid for either through donations or from asset forfeiture money.

More here:
Plaistow police now armed with firing range site plan

Naples, FL (PRWEB) March 17, 2014

D.R. Horton announced the opening of its Washington luxury model at the village of Chiasso in Fiddlers Creek. The fully furnished single-family home is currently open for viewing.

Located in the beautiful Veneta section of Fiddlers Creek, Chiasso is a sanctuary of peace and the pinnacle of luxury living. Entwined with waterways, each of the 59 single-family homesites provides superb privacy, most featuring stunning lake views. The village features five spacious floorplans, ranging from 2,583 air-conditioned square feet to 3,522 air-conditioned square feet.

Professionally decorated by One of a Kind Design Inc., the Washington luxury model encompasses 2,788 air-conditioned square feet. This one-story residence has three bedrooms, three and a half baths and a den located just steps off of a spacious great room. There also is a formal dining room with an inviting covered entry and an optional three-car garage.

The Washington model features several upgrades to showcase the level of options currently available in the Chiasso series, including the optional outdoor kitchen and optional pool and spa with direct views of a tranquil lake. The base price for the Washington is currently $568,990.

One other fully furnished model is currently open for viewing in the village of Chiasso.

The Madison is a move-in-ready home offering 3,246 air-conditioned square feet. This lakefront home has three bedrooms, four baths, a den, and a large entrance foyer with a coffered ceiling that leads to the formal living room and dining room with contemporary finishes throughout. The bedrooms are situated in separate corners of the home to ensure privacy and the den is large enough to accommodate an alternate fourth bedroom just off the covered lanai with sliding glass doors leading to the pool and spa. The Madison is currently priced from $586,990.

Each residence in the village of Chiasso is built of structurally engineered reinforced concrete block wall construction with high profile concrete roof tiles. Each home also features brick paver driveways and walkways. Interior design features include a luxury kitchen with granite countertops and 42cabinets with decorative finishes; exquisite baths with designer bath fixtures and granite countertops; ceramic tile flooring; and energy saving features throughout.

Located just off Collier Boulevard between Naples and Marco Island, Fiddlers Creek is an award-winning community that has been selected by the readers of the Naples Daily News and Bonita Daily News as Best Community in the Southwest Florida Readers Choice Awards. The community also received the 2013 CBIA Sand Dollar Award for Community of the Year.

Amenities include the 54,000-square-foot Club & Spa, Fitness Center, Tropical Lagoon-Style Swimming Complex, Tennis Courts, Tot Lot, and Casual and Elegant Dining Restaurants. The Club & Spa at Fiddlers Creek offers a luxurious resort lifestyle and is the location of numerous community-wide parties and special events throughout the year for residents of all ages.

Read this article:
D.R. Horton Opens Washington Luxury Model in Fiddlers Creek

Properly prepping your house to put on the real estate market is a vital step in increasing your chances of getting a good offer on your home. However, there is a fine line between making your home feel comfortable while also de-personalizing it enough so that a potential buyer can visualize themselves living in your home.

You want to show your house in the best light possible, literally. To create depth and make your home look as large as possible to potential buyers, start by making sure your home is well-lit in all rooms. Make sure your curtains are open and all the light bulbs in your lighting fixtures are working.

Along with having good lighting, you have to declutter your home. This cant be emphasized enough. Even if you feel youve put enough things away or have taken many of your possessions to an off-site storage facility, you may have to do more. Your real estate agent should be able to objectively tell you if youve decluttered to the degree necessary to enhance the positive aspects of your home.

Be ruthless about cleaning your home when youre getting ready to put it on the real estate market. Remove any unpleasant odors before a showing. HOWEVER, make sure you dont leave behind a strong chemical smell, like bleach. It may lead a potential buyer to think you are actually trying to cover up a major problem. Do whatever is necessary to remove the cause of the odor dont just mask it.

Some other key things to do when cleaning and decluttering your home include the following:

Take pictures of yourself and your children, including their names, off walls and other places. Remove any large family portraits and replace them with mirrors, if possible. Mirrors also help create more depth in your home.

Put all valuables away or remove completely from your property if possible, including items that have a valuable autograph on them.

Remove prescription drugs from your medicine cabinets or anywhere else you have them stored. Completely remove from your property if possible.

Put toys and gaming systems away.

Remove pets from the property if you are having an open house and when your real estate agent has scheduled showings.

Link:
Home buying 101: Declutter your house before selling

There are millions of pedestrians and commuters in Metro Manila. Each person has a different story to tell.

I consider myself a heavy commuter as I travel from Alabang to Ortigas via bus on a daily basis. I am one of millions who just have to deal with the daily inconvenience.

I say inconvenience because of the potholed walkways, the lurking snatcher, the second hand smoke staples of Metro Manila public transportation.

I always thought having a car was the ticket out of the problem, but when I saw the ideas behind road sharing, things changed. I experienced a mindshift.

On Febuary 17, I joined a group that filed the road-sharing petition in the Supreme Court.

I recall it felt good, hopeful, to walk beside a hundred others to push for the cause and sue the government for not prioritizing public transportation in urban planning.

We the people are not hopeless, nor are we helpless, said environmental lawyer Tony Oposa, one of many leaders behind the 'Share The Roads' movement.

The movement has only begun. (READ: Commuters to gov't: Limit cars to half of the roads)

Today we launch a peaceful revolution, he proclaimed.

Read the original post:
Why I advocate road sharing

What do agricultural engineers, computer programmers, financial analysts and radiation therapists have in common? They are just a few of the many occupations that earn a median hourly salary of $35, or about $70,000 per year.

If a paycheck like that sounds desirable to you, consider any of the following 14 jobs. These jobs require varying levels of education and work experience, so if you don't yet have the right qualifications, considerwhat next steps you should taketo help you secure one of these well-paying roles.

1.Agricultural engineer* Job description:Agricultural engineers-- also known as biological and agricultural engineers-- work on a variety of activities. These activities range from aquaculture (raising food, such as fish, that thrive in water) to land farming to forestry; from developing biofuels to improving conservation; from planning animal environments to finding better ways to process food. Typical education level:Bachelor's degree Median hourly pay:$34.18

2.Architect Job description:Architects plan and design buildings and other structures. They typically seek new work by marketing and giving presentations. They also prepare, design and structure specifications and manage construction contracts. Typical education level:Professional degree in architecture from an accredited school; passing the Architect Registration Exam Median hourly pay:$34.88

Submit your Resume

3.Computer programmer Job description:Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. Typical education level:Bachelor's degree Median hourly pay:$34.32

4.Database administrator Job description:Database administrators use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access. Typical education level:Bachelor's degree Median hourly pay:$35.33

5.Elevator installer and repairer Job description:Elevator installers and repairers install, fix and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways and other lifts. Typical education level:High school diploma or equivalent and a formal apprenticeship Median hourly pay:$34.09

6.Financial analyst Job description:Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments. Typical education level:Bachelor's degree Median hourly pay:$35.75

Apply Now

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14 jobs that pay $35 an hour

March 12, 2014 Grants could fund more walkways

Anonymous The Meridian Star The Meridian Star Wed Mar 12, 2014, 05:00 AM CDT

MERIDIAN Terri Ferguson Smith

tsmith@themeridianstar.com

County officials are applying for two grants that could provide more walking areas.

Kawana McCary, of the East Central Planning and Development District, said the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors is in the process of applying for a Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks grant that could provide up to $100,000 to extend a walking trail at Q.V. Sykes Park.

It's an 80/20 grant, which means the county would have to provide 20 percent of the cost in matching funds. There is a half-mile walking trail already there. The next phase would lengthen it to about a mile, McCary said.

"It loops back behind the football field," she said. "This would take it around the pond."

There is not yet a design for the project or a cost estimate. The board earlier this month just took the first steps in applying for the grant, she said.

The county applied for another grant last month a Mississippi Department of Transportation 80/20 grant for a $635,000 walkway near Sowashee Creek.

Read the rest here:
Grants could fund more walkways

March 10, 2014 Updated Mar 10, 2014 at 9:30 PM CDT

Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.com) --- Neither Rain Nor Sleet nor Snow , the U.S. Post Service will get your mail to you, but to make the job a little less dangerous, they're asking for a better path to your mailbox.

Significant snow and ice means slippery surfaces and blocked streets and walkways, which can be dangerous for postal carriers. Carriers are not allowed to make curb deliveries when the approach to the mailbox is blocked or hazardous because of snow or ice. March is the worst month for slips, trips, and falls with over 100 injuries in the Duluth area last year.

"This is the time of year when we get freezes and thaws and the snow gets heavy and it's a dangerous time of year out there for carriers for slip trips and falls and slip trips and fall injuries can be pretty serious." Said Duluth Postmaster, Arby Humphrey.

Customers are asked to clear snow from curbside mailboxes. Walkways need to be cleared to allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips and falls. Steps - especially painted wood - must be kept clear of ice and snow and in good repair.

Bryce Henry bhenry@kbjr.com

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Postal Service asks for clear paths to mailboxes