Jefferson County Schools will use $200,000 in 2017-18 capital projects money to fix the Jefferson County High baseball stadium.

The work was unanimously approved during last weeks school board meeting, on motions from Anne Marie Potts and Dusty Cox.

Deteriorating concrete under the main section of seats and the press box is the main issue at the stadium, which has been waiting for attention for a couple of years.

The work will include shoring up the structure using steel and concrete, or a combination of the two. Also included will be new bleachers for the stadium.

Much like the problems at the football stadium that were repaired a few years ago, water has taken its toll on the masonry, seeping in and damaging the block.

In making the motion, Potts took the opportunity to commend the baseball Patriots first-ever run to the state tournament. Were real proud of them, she said.

School Facilities Director Michael Phagan said he had already had been working with structural engineers, and is ready to move forward with the project so that it can be completed before baseball season begins next spring. The work was scheduled last year, but had to be postponed due to more pressing facilities issues.

Phagan also reviewed the status of other projects that were completed last year, or are still in progress.

One of the biggest, costing just under $200,000, is repaving of parking areas at Jefferson County High.

By doing the base preparation work ourselves, will be able to pave the entire parking lot, including the band pad, Phagan told the board. Weve been down there for weeks, putting in the new base, and fixing storm drains.

Paving at JCHS should begin on July 10, Phagan said.

Another project at JCHS, installation of the lift system at the James D. Swann Performing Arts Center, is scheduled for September. Because bids came in under budget, board members were able to shift $113,000 to White Pine School, to be used on a new gym floor.

Bids for that project will go out soon, Phagan indicated, after officials worked out an ADA/fire code issue.

Phagan also reported that renovation of White Pine Schools kitchen is on schedule, and barring any unforseen delays should be completed by July 31. In response to a question, he said the portable classroom building that was used last year for the transfer of food to the school from Talbott will be converted back to classrooms. Another portable leased for classrooms will be returned, he indicated.

Window replacement at seven different schools will begin in August, and should be completed by the first of the year, Phagan added.

In other action during last Tuesdays meeting, the board:

Approved end-of-year budget adjustments, recognizing additional funds and cleaning up line items in preparation for the annual audit;

Approved the use of the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on September 1, by Carson-Newman University for a Boot Scoot;

Approved membership dues of $4,500 for 2017-18 to Tennessee School Systems for Equity; and

Gave final approval to updates on several school board policies.

See the original post:
Baseball stadium repairs approved by school board - The Standard Banner

John Penney jpenney@norwichbulletin.com, (860) 857-6965 jpenneynb

KILLINGLY Work on three Killingly school roofs is expected to begin later this month and be completed before students return in the fall.

On Wednesday, the towns Building Committee accepted the low bids submitted for the replacement of the Killingly Memorial School and for a partial roof replacement at the Goodyear Early Education Center. The committee did not accept bids for work at the Killingly Central School, though it is expected to do so on Monday.

All the bids were well under what we expected, Community Development Director Mary Bromm said. Thats likely due to companies not having a lot of these major projects scheduled for this summer.

A $1.01 million bid from Hartford Restoration Services was selected for the Killingly Memorial School work, while a $226,000 bid is expected to be awarded to the Cromwell-based Imperial Company Restoration Services.

Residents in February approved a $6.25 million bonding package for school roof and window work, with 70 percent of the cost expected to be reimbursed by the state. Bromm said the planned window replacements wont begin until next year.

That kind of work falls into a separate category that requires legislative approval for reimbursement funding, she said. We should get an answer back by July 2018.

If the final cost of the project is less than the approved bonding figure, officials will simply not bond the entire amount, though the full anticipated costs must have been previously approved by taxpayers.

All three roofs are more than 20 years old and past their recommended lifespan, said Paul Mailhot, supervisor of operations and maintenance for the school district.

"There's been deterioration from (ultra-violet) light and general wear-and-tear from snow and rain over the last two decades," he said. "The rubber membranes are pulling away and we're getting cracks that constantly need patching. Anytime there's a big storm, we're patching and repairing those areas so water doesn't seep inside the buildings."

Residents in February also approved spending up to $3.2 million for several projects at the community center, including exterior brick re-painting, bathroom and locker room renovations and window work.

A portion of that money about $1 million - would be set aside to replace the nearly 100-year-old pipes running through Town Hall. Another $1.8 million was approved for upcoming bridge and culvert replacement, half of which is reimbursable by the state.

Link:
Bids for work on Killingly school roofs 'well under' expectations - Norwich Bulletin

It may sound weird, but the most part of success in replacing new windows in your house is their correct installation. We are going to tell you about some significant aspects you should pay attention to if you made up your mind to replace your old PVC windows with new ones.

You might ask yourself what an energy efficient window is and what the advantages are. We will try to answer all your questions.

Replacing windows

First of all, you should calculate the cost of windows with several airbags, ultraglass and other additions.

It is important rely on professionals

At the initial request, a quantity surveyor is obliged to inspect your window opening and advise you which profile options can be used (usually a few, from an economy option to a more expensive one), and also tell how to prepare a window for installation.

Preparing for installation

Do not forget that the installation of windows is a rather dirty matter (dirty mainly because you have to drill walls and break old frames). It is better to maximize the space to protect your things. If there are some things that cannot be taken out, you should cover them with a protective film.

Before dismantling the old windows, the installer always measures the finished windows according to the size of the window openings and checks against the previous calculations.

After dismantling the window opening should be clean. All chips and potholes in the wall must be sealed, otherwise air can get into these joints. Before installing the vinyl windows, the opening is wetted with water for better adhesion or processed with a special primer.

Correct installation of the frame in the opening

The frames of new windows are set either on bolts or anchor plates. It depends on the technical characteristics of the opening. The installation should be monitored in three planes. These ones should not go beyond 1.5 mm per 1 meter of length.

Filling the assembly seam

It may seem simple at first glance. However, the work should be done very carefully. The window frame is fixed with wedges. You should drill holes for fixing very carefully, so as not to damage the profile.

Adjusting the fittings

Proper adjustment of the fittings ensures you that in a half of a year months your windows will not start to sag at the opening and I will still be snug. Adjustment is subject to a swivel-tilt mechanism and loops, the worker with the hexagon will reliably adjust all the parts and show how to transfer the windows into winter and summer mode

Cleaning after installation

Everything is ready, the windows are installed, but there is garbage and old frames left. The installers will take out heavy garbage and old windows from the apartment.

Before signing the acceptance certificate, make sure that the windows and window sills (if you installed them) are clean, the protective film that they originally covered is removed, the glasses must be clean.

We are sure that our windows replacing tips will help you.

Link:
Things to Know About Window Replacement - SRJ News

Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

The transfer window is open, and as the clock ticks down to the August 31 deadline, so the anticipation builds about the playersChelsea will or won't sign this summer.

Thus far, for all the rumours, there has been little activity at Stamford Bridge. It's been all mouth and no action, with the headlines not being backed up by solid news of player arrivals and departures.

Are Chelsea biding their time to announce the first signing? Are the Blues carefully planning their moves to position themselves as Premier League favourites in 2017/18? Are they without a plan?

Time will answer those questions, but as we anticipate what is to come, Bleacher Report looks at some of the best and worst moves Chelsea could make this summer.

Worst Move No. 1: Needlessly Sell Diego Costa

Chelsea's summer is shaping up to be one of texts, buys and videotape. And Diego Costa has been at the heart of it.

Will he stay, or will he go? That's what we've all been asking since the end of the 2016/17 campaign. Costa has fanned the flames, notably with his revelation that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte sent him a text message to confirm he is no longer needed at Stamford Bridge.

"You are not in my plan," was how Conte signed off his message to Costa, according to Luis Nieto ofAS. Should that be the case, it's a crying shame.

For all the negative headlines that surround the Spain international, his talent cannot be denied. He is an exceptional striker who has broken all sorts of records in his three seasons at Chelsea. He is a proven goalscorer, and players of his ilk are tough to unearth.

Not only that, but Costa's style lends itself to the way Chelsea play football. He's on the edge, pushing back the boundaries and limits of what's allowed, which is how this Blues side has been at its best.

Conte revolutionised the way Chelsea play last term. Unless he can bring in another striker to bully defenders in the way Costa does, allowing him to leave would be folly of the highest order.

The problem wasn't the forward last season; the issue Chelsea faced is he couldn't be dropped simply because there was no replacement to lead the line. His form suffered from January to March, yet he couldn't be rested.

Give him a proper supporting frontman,and we'll see the difference he can make. He's on the brink of greatness at Chelsea, and the club should be doing everything it can to repair any damage between player and manager.

Best Move: No. 1 Don't Sign Players Who Will Block the Youth Pathway

When Bertrand Traore was recently presented by Olympique Lyonnais as their latest capture, he was left echoing the sentiments of so many young Chelsea players before him.

"I wouldn't have got a fair chance," he said of the prospects of remaining at Stamford Bridge during his first press conference as a Lyon player. That has been the case for too long,and we've seen Chelsea miss out on some big stars who have departed prematurely.

That has to stop. The Blues have a generation of players coming through that is undoubtedly talented, and it has to be given a chance to flourish at the highest level. If not, why else invest in an academy that dominates English youth football?

We understand there is a commercial aspect. Not all of those young players will become Chelsea first-teamers, and like Traore (although he wasn't an academy product), they will be sold on to raise money for future signings. It's the club's way of competing in the modern market and utilising the resources they have to funnel success through to where it matters most.

But equally, the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathaniel Chalobah, Lewis Baker, Andreas Christensen, Tammy Abraham and so many others deserve to be given the opportunity to show they can be Chelsea players.

It's time the transfer policy acknowledged that. Chelsea are competing at an elite level, and that territory demands investment in elite playersin the transfer market. It shouldn't come at a cost of blocking the pathway for emerging talent, however. It shouldn't be about short-term gains that damage long-term success.

When Chelsea are being linked with players such as Middlesbrough'sAdama Traore by Sky Sports, it makes you wonder what must be going through the minds of the club's best youth prospects.

There's no time like the present to address these big problems.

Worst Move No. 2: Procrastinate

After preaching the youth doctrine, we go ahead and contradict ourselves by stating Chelsea can't afford to act slowly in the transfer market this summer.

As acknowledged, though, there is a need for any club to invest in players who can make an instant impact. It isn't just about flooding the first team with young hopefuls and waiting for them to sink or swim.

Chelsea would have outlined their transfer targets for this summer well before the season ended with Conte lifting the Premier League trophy at Stamford Bridge. There would have been meetings to identify those who were deemed attainable, and budgets would have been drafted.

Now the Blues have to act. They have procrastinated in the past, and what did that give them? Well, it happened that recently that you don't need a long-term memory to recall the situation.

After winning the 2014/15 Premier League title at a canter, Chelsea seemed to rest on their laurels. They were slow in bringing in new faces to freshen up Jose Mourinho's squad, which left them dramatically short on reinforcements.

Eventually, they got Papy Djilobodji on transfer deadline day. By December, Mourinho had been sacked for a second time. It left Chelsea in disarray, and they finished 10th and failed to qualify for European football.

By appointing Conte, they somehow got themselves out of jail. The circumstances that led to all of that happening can't be repeated. The club can't allow a manager of Conte's talents to leave under the same cloud as Mourinho. It would be catastrophic.

Best Move No. 1: Promote Talented Loan Players

Here we are, pushing that youth line again. We're not repeating ourselves, though.

As well as working to create that pathway for those in the academy, Chelsea have to look at what they have available and ready for the first team this summer. It could save them millions now and in the future when they realise the mistake in selling a player only to buy him back at a greater cost.

After all, that is what is dominating headlineswith ex-Blues strikerRomelu Lukaku.

There have been some damning column inches dedicated to Chelsea's manipulation of the loan system in recent years. Last season, the club had 37 players dotted around Europe on temporary deals elsewhere.

In the past, that has created a healthy revenue stream. But this summer seems to be the one when it can prevent Chelsea buying and selling.

What Conte is looking for in the market isn't so much upgrades on the players who won him the title but players who can support them throughout 2017/18. That means identifying those who aren't necessarily starting every match, more ready to be rotated in when fixture congestionbegins to bite.

Why spend money when the likes of Baker and Christensen are returning after two years away in the Netherlands and Germany respectively, where they impressed?

Incidentally, Baker and Christensen operate in areas of the pitch where Chelsea need to add numbers. They lack attacking midfielders and bodies at the back.Conte needs to bring in at least two defenders to strengthen his back three, especially now John Terry has departed.

It's not a sentimental gesture, as Baker and Christensen have shown themselves to be of the standard Chelsea require in their squad. Don't spend millions replacing them; allow them to prove themselves.

Who knows? It might just work.

See the original post here:
Best and Worst Moves Chelsea Could Make in the Transfer Window - Bleacher Report

View overlooking the Pacific Ocean through the Salk Institute courtyard. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels) The Getty Conservation Institute and architects Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. have completed restoration work on the teak window walls of Louis Kahns Salk Institute complex. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels) The Getty Conservation Institute and architects Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. have completed restoration work on the teak window walls of Louis Kahns Salk Institute complex. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels) View at night overlooking the Pacific Ocean through the Salk Institute courtyard. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels) The Getty Conservation Institute and architects Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. have completed restoration work on the teak window walls of Louis Kahns Salk Institute complex. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels) The existing 203 East Asian Teak wooden window assemblies were restored via a process that included the construction of elaborate mock-ups and the replacement of like-for-like components. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels) The existing 203 East Asian Teak wooden window assemblies were restored via a process that included the construction of elaborate mock-ups and the replacement of like-for-like components. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels) The Getty Conservation Institute and architects Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. have completed restoration work on the teak window walls of Louis Kahns Salk Institute complex. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels)

The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) and New Yorkbased architecture firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) have completed restoration work on the iconic Southeast Asian Teak window wall assembly units at Louis KahnsSalk Institute.

The restoration work began in 2013 and was funded by theGCIs Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative.

The existing 203 East Asian Teak wooden window assemblies were restored via a process that included the construction of elaborate mock-ups and the replacement of like-for-like components. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels)

According to a press release, the restoration team focused on rehabilitating the nearly 70-year old custom-built wall panels, the elements of the complex that had most visibly fallen into disrepair over the decades. The panel systems had suffered from the inconsistent application of artificial sealers and finishes over the years, in addition to varying degrees of insect infestation and moisture infiltration, including a lack of flashing and weather stripping in certain areas. The project team also sought to relieve some of the 203 paneling modules of a fungal biofilm that had formed over boards along certain exposures.

Roughly two-thirds of the existing wood materials were retained through the restoration, a process that included redesigning certain components that were not performing adequately with regards to contemporary flashing and weather stripping techniques. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels)

Despite these maladies, the restoration team was able to save over two-thirds of the original wood. Kyle Normandin, WJE project manager and associate principal, said the success of the project is that we were able to save so much of the original material, a feat that required a multi-pronged approach that included performing historical research, constructing scale mock-ups, and developing a comprehensive set of construction documents in order to detail the restoration work. The scope of intervention on the existing components spanned from mere cleaning and minor repairs to complete removal and replacement using like-for-like materials. Certain portions of the window assemblies were also redesigned to better reflect the vast improvements in insulation and energy conservation practices that have taken place since the Salk Institute was originally built.

Tim Ball, senior director of facility services at the Salk Institute, highlighted the impact the improvements will have on the facility, saying the teak will last a minimum of 50 to 70 years more thanks to the conservation plan.

View at night overlooking the Pacific Ocean through the Salk Institute courtyard. (Courtesy Elizabeth Daniels)

In a statement, Tim Whalen, director of the Getty Conservation Institute, praised the outcome of the project as an excellent example of what can be achieved when architects, scientists, and conservators are given the resources and time needed to develop practical solutions. Whalen added that the project demonstrates how best-practice conservation methodologies can be applied to future projects at the Salk and other works of modern architecture, a precedent that will surely come in handy as the Salk Institute attempts to restore the concrete portions of the complex, which have also begun to show signs of aging.

The Institute recently launched a new architectural preservation-focused endowment fund that will focus on restoring these building components moving forward. To aid in the effort, WJE and consultants Peter Inskip + Peter Jenkins Architects have developed a comprehensive conservation management plan to guide the long-term care and restoration of the Salk Institute complex. The plan was funded by the Getty Foundations Keeping it Modern Initiative.

Read the original post:
Restoration work on teak paneling at Salk Institute is complete - The Architect's Newspaper

By Stephanie Vanderbilt

Q: Weve had a lot of rain this spring and Im concerned about the exterior of our home. Do we have to be concerned about mold growth and other damage?

A: While spring rain helps your garden grow, it can also hurt the exterior of your home. Excess moisture can open a costly can of worms that leaves New England homeowners shelling out hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.

In order to keep more money in your wallet, it pays to be prepared on how spring rain can hurt your exterior. This includes knowing how to prevent mold growth on places such as your roof. Find below some insight on exterior water damage to watch out for during the warmer months:

Water damage on windows

Your windows have a big task to tackle. Theyre responsible for keeping your home dry while lowering your utility bills. Over the years, spring showers can take their toll on your replacement windows from an aesthetic and performance perspective.

When youre looking for water damage on windows, it will be most prevalent on windows made from wood. Wood window frames are very susceptible to moisture damage as well as mold and mildew growth -- especially when theyre not properly maintained. Youll want to look for signs of damage such as excessive peeling and rotting.

Vinyl replacement windows are resistant to springtime water damage. Windows are designed with either weep holes or sloped sills to help drain water. Sloped sills are often found on higher-end windows as they are more expensive to manufacturer.

Watching out for mold

If youre experiencing excess moisture around your windows, keep an eye out for mold growth. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if wet areas on the inside of your home dry within 24 to 48 hours, youll generally avoid mold growth. If water pools or surfaces stay moist beyond that time frame, however, mold could begin to grow.

Condensation is another water-based issue that you could come across during the spring and summer months. Some level of condensation is normal, especially when the humidity is high. According to Energy Star, window treatments that allow air to flow over the windows surface can help reduce indoor condensation. If you have condensation between the glass panes, reach out to a window professional as you might have a seal failure. Read more about condensation on windows at mycoastalwindows.com/condensation-on-windows.

Overflowing gutters

Too much rain can overwork your gutter system. Rainwater is heavy and too much weight can cause your gutters to sag and even pull away from your home. If your gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, this will become an even more serious issue.

If you notice gutter problems during heavy rains, youll need to quickly address the issue before you find yourself facing costly repair bills for your siding or roofing. Secure sagging gutters with new hangers, clear out debris and consider installing gutter guards. This will help filter rainwater through your gutter system while blocking out unwanted debris.

Leaky rooftop

A leaky roof is one of the biggest frustrations of owning a home. The best way to prevent leaks and mold growth is by investing in a sound roofing system. Unfortunately, mold and mildew can grow on asphalt shingles that are primarily covered in shaded areas under trees. Excess rainwater will drip down from the leaves even after a rainstorm has cleared, which adds even more water and moisture to your rooftop.

In addition, mold can cause stains that are permanent, which downgrades your curb appeal and quality of your roof. Mold can also completely compromise the shingle over time, which can lead to exposing the interior of your home and mold growth inside. If you can see mold growth, no matter how small, you should take immediate action.

A high-quality roofing system possesses several key elements to dramatically reduce the probability of mold and water damage, including:

-- Leak barrier protection. A protective leak barrier system is critical to keeping moisture out of your attic. This barrier creates a seal against rainwater when you need it the most.

-- Synthetic roof deck protection. This is a second layer of protection that prevents roof rot.

-- Ridge and soffit vents: These roof components also help control moisture by helping air circulate throughout your attic.

Dont live in fear of water damage and mold growth on your homes exterior.

-- Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, would love to answer any questions that will help you make your home beautiful, warm, safe and energy-efficient. Ask her at svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com or call 978-304-0495.

See the original post here:
AT HOME WITH STEPHANIE: Are spring showers hurting your home? - Wicked Local Medford

We all want something to pass down through the family, a valuable piece of jewelry, precious family photos, and sometimes, even the family home can actually stay in the family.It has a better chance of looking great for future generations, especially if the windows are made to last. John Culver withAllied Siding & Windowsjoined us in the studio to tell us more. Were moving into the summer months, and you know what that means, hot weather and bigger energy bills. The Duration window by Simonton will help keep that heat outside, and the Century Warranty means that you dont have to worry about it for a hundred years!

Vinyl Frame:

Glass:

Allied offers 100% financingwith zero down. They have options ranging from a very low monthly payment to an 18-month, no interest plan. The average size home in Austin has 13 windows, and they will replace all 13 windows for $100 per month on their Easy Payment Plan.

You can text Allied to 25827 or call them 512-674-3464. For more details, visit them online atalliedsidingandwindows.com.

Sponsored by Allied Siding & Windows.Opinions expressed by guests on this program are solely those of the guest(s) and are not endorsed by this television station.

KXAN.com provides commenting to allow for constructive discussion on the stories we cover. In order to comment here, you acknowledge you have read and agreed to our Terms of Service. Users who violate these terms, including use of vulgar language or racial slurs, will be banned. If you see an inappropriate comment, please flag it for our moderators to review.

Read this article:
A Deal of the Century on Windows - KXAN.com

Photo: Laura Weiss / Hearst Connecticut Media

PCB-containing paint was found at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, pictured June 27, 2017, in Fairfield, Conn.

PCB-containing paint was found at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, pictured June 27, 2017, in Fairfield, Conn.

Paint with banned chemical found at high school, plans for forum, fix

FAIRFIELD Paint containing a toxic chemical was recently found during a construction project at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. Environmental testing showed no health concerns from the paint, encapsulated under layers of repainting.

The PCB-containing paint was found during a window replacement project at Ludlowe, and a forum is scheduled for July 11 to address any public concerns. PCBs or polychlorinated biphenyls are synthetic chemicals that were once widely used but subsequently banned in the U.S. in the 1970s amid environmental and human health concerns. The National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services classifies PCBs as a known carcinogen.

At the Board of Educations June 27 meeting, member Jessica Gerber reported the chemicals read at an above-normal but not particularly high level in some classrooms. She added the chemicals are not airborne.

Its really more of a technical issue, she said, noting it is more of a procedural than safety concern. A report must be provided to the Environmental Protection Agency on how the PCBs will be handled, Gerber noted.

While testing showed no air quality concerns or health risks, the high schools building committee and town, state and national health and environment officials are working with the town and its environmental consultants to create an abatement plan, according to a statement from the town. Work on the window replacement is set to continue without delay.

The forum is scheduled for July 11 at 7 p.m. in the Board of Education conference room, the second floor board room at 501 Kings Highway East in Fairfield. Environmental consultants and Fairfield Health Department staff will field questions.

Health director Sands Cleary was unavailable for comment. School district Director of Operations Thomas Cullen did not return multiple requests for comment.

lweiss@hearstmediact.com; @LauraEWeiss16

See the article here:
Paint with banned chemical found at high school, plans for forum, fix - Fairfield Citizen

Volunteers gathered to repair the Food Pantry.

Saturday, June 24 dawned gray and wet, but the crew from Charter Communications wasnt daunted by a few mere cloudbursts. Then, the sun parted the clouds around 10 a.m., providing Charters 49 employee volunteers with a picture-perfect day to do home improvements at 980 Monroe Turnpike home of the Monroe Food Pantry.

The Charter volunteers spent the entire day replacing windows, painting, landscaping and performing other valuable sprucing-up at the Food Pantry. Many of them work in offices and on cable crews, but this was not a new task for this team: Each month, Charter volunteers do much the same thing at homes for needy people throughout Connecticut.

Its all part of the companys nationwide philanthropic initiative, Spectrum Housing Assist. This program focuses on safe and healthy homes and aims to refurbish 25,000 homes by the year 2020.

The Food Pantrys 1960s-era ranch house became a candidate for such a makeover because it serves approximately 250 needy Monroe families each month. This is Charters second project in Monroe and the timing was opportune. All its windows sorely needed replacement, putting the Pantry, its staff and volunteers at the mercy of weather extremes.

It could often be cold in the house and in the summer it was usually very, very warm, noted Pantry Coordinator Wendy Jolls. It was not a comfortable place to be. These improvements will mean the world to us.

In Connecticut, Spectrum Housing Assist works in partnership with HomeFront, a volunteer organization that provides free repairs to low-income homeowners. HomeFront currently is serving Fairfield, Litchfield, Hartford and New Haven Counties in Connecticut; and Westchester County in New York.

Throughout the course of the day, the Charter volunteers replaced a total of 18 windows and three exterior doors. These enhancements will make the house both more comfortable as a community facility and more energy efficient to operate.

Vital community resource

The Food Pantry used to be located next to the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library at Town Hall. It moved to its present location approximately 10 years ago when the former owner of the house donated it to the town for this purpose. For people who do not rely on the Food Pantry, the house blends in well with the others along busy Monroe Turnpike.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Despite its size, the Pantry only distributes food: no meals are prepared here. And though Monroe is perceived as a well-heeled, upscale town, there is no shortage of demand. The Pantry stays busy year round, with a slight uptick during winter.

Our clients usually come once a month on an appointed day, and do a full shop of dry goods, canned meats and vegetables, meat and eggs, Jolls noted. Then each week clients will come back for bread, milk and fresh produce.

The latter are often vegetables and herbs grown right in the Pantrys own backyard, a project that has been spearheaded by volunteers from several Monroe churches. They do all the planting, weeding, hoeing and harvesting, and the garden has grown over the years.

Thanks to the Spectrum volunteers, were adding a third garden today, said Jolls.

People never want to rely on the Pantry for food, Jolls pointed out. Many are under- or unemployed, with property taxes overdue, bills maxxed out and cupboards stripped bare.

Our clients are family, and we want the Pantry to be a comfortable place to come, said Jolls.

Charters volunteers came from offices in Stamford, Newtown and Winsted, with a mix of project newcomers and veterans. The Connecticut volunteers are just one part of a nationwide team that has refurbished 9,000 houses in 41 states with another 16,000 to go by 2020.

There are certainly other charities that we support, but this is our biggest, said Heidi VanDenBroek, Charters senior communications manager for New England. Volunteering is a great opportunity for our people as well, because their work has a tremendous impact in the communities where we live and work.

Accent on teamwork

Much of work life involves organizing projects, dividing them up into smaller tasks and determining who will do what. At this work site, the Charter team functioned much the same. Three volunteer co-captains took responsibility for different parts of the job, each assembling a crew of people who wanted to work on that aspect of work.

Monroes own Diana Verano, a marketing manager in Stamford, oversaw the crew painting the Pantrys interior. Her co-worker, Bill Baker, headed up the exterior painting crew. Rich Decava, a line-crew supervisor in Newtown, oversaw the carpentry efforts including the massive window-replacement project.

Verano said the company encounters no difficulty in recruiting volunteers. When we send out a call for volunteers, people immediately respond, she said.

At least one parent-child team turned out to work on the Food Pantry. They were Jim Dove, group vice president of business intelligence at Charter and his daughter, Hannah, a junior at Weston High School. Were all excited about doing this and a lot has been accomplished in just a few hours, Hannah said.

Were all very resilient some of us have done renovations in 40-degree weather, Baker noted. So even though we got off to a bit of a late start, Mother Nature cooperated and made this a great day for us all to be here.

See the original post:
Charter volunteers give Monroe Food Pantry an extreme makeover - Monroe Courier

Walk or drive along West 32nd Avenue in Denvers West Highland neighborhood and its likely youll notice the Ford House. Its west of Lowell Boulevard, between Osceloa and Newton streets.

The house was once the home of a well-known physician, Mary Ford, and her business partner, Helene Byington whose daughter, Spring Byington, was a Hollywood actress from 1930 to 1960.

Homes to the north of notable architecture Queen Annes, bungalows, cottages also have interesting histories. Previous residents include former Denver mayors Benjamin Stapleton and William Fitz Randolph Mills.

In an effort to preserve area homes, some West Highland residents are applying to create what theyre calling the Packards Hill Historic District.

What is so unique about it is that it is relatively intact. Thats actually a very rare thing, said Marie Benedix, a West Highland resident who lives in the area and is helping the effort to create the historic district.

The proposed district would cover roughly between Lowell Boulevard and the alley between Osceola and Perry streets, from West 32nd Avenue to West 35th Avenue. There are 173 homes within the proposed boundaries and about 80 percent are noted as contributing to the areas historic atmosphere. Buildings constructed for commercial use are not part of the district.

It is really unique to have such a high amount of contributing structures in the area. Everyone can appreciate the character. Character draws people to area, Benedix said.

Neighbors leading the process have worked on the application for more than a year and funded a historical study by Front Range Research Associates that looked at each home and the entire area for architectural and historical significance. The name is that of a local subdivision from before Highland was annexed by Denver in 1893.

Most of the area was platted in the 1880s and 1890s and homes were built between the mid-1880s and the 1940s.

The proposed area borders the A.M. Ghost and Wolff Place historic districts and would be the citys 53rd designated district if approved by Denver City Council. The proposal first heads to the Landmark Preservation Commission in July and then moves to the Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure committee before going to City Council. The effort is supported by city planning staff and Historic Denver.

Kara Hahn, senior city planner with Landmark Preservation, said the history of women in the area is particularly interesting. Many local women were homeowners and developers and played a large role in the growth of the area in the late 19th century. The names of several area women not their husbands appeared on property titles, and many area women assumed vital roles in advancing womens rights.

Were excited to see when underrepresented groups are discussed, Hahn said.

Organizers of the push spent a lot of time contacting residents. Benedix said her group knocked on each door between five and 25 times. However, not everyone supports the designation and a petition opposing the district is circulating.

Opponents object to restrictions that would be imposed by the designation, such as requiring Landmark Commission approval of permits to work on a homes exterior; a window replacement policy; and a requirement that mandates second-floor additions must set back at least 15 feet from the front of an existing structure.

Fixing homes becomes more burdensome. Theres another level of bureaucracy, said Kevin OConnell, a resident who launched the website keepwesthighlandfree.com. To me personally, I just think its using a sledgehammer when we can use a scalpel.

West Highland resident Beau Wynja also opposes the district. He hopes to add a second story to his home, which might not be allowed in a designated historic district. He said he is scrambling now to finalize plans and submit permits for the addition in case the historic district is approved.

Homeowners, he said, should be able to make decisions about their property.

We feel like homeowners should have more rights to choose what design they want to do to property they own, he said. We love our neighborhood and the reason were trying to expand our home is that we dont want to leave.

OConnell believes the neighborhood is split 50/50 on the issue, but Benedix said her groups information indicates the neighborhood is mostly supportive. Of residents contacted, 77 support the historic district designation, 17 oppose designation, 13 are undecided and 86 did not reply, she said.

I think neighbors are saying that the character and history are worth that little trade-off, she said.

Historic Denver executive director Annie Levinsky said she believes the historic district designation is not as restrictive as it might seem, and many projects are quickly permitted.

I think weve seen a lot of modifications and evolutions, she said of the 52 historic districts around Denver. Weve seen it done in ways that can add more space but also protect that character that drew them to the area in the first place.

Resident Roger Oram supports the proposed historic district and helped organize the effort. He believes its important to keep the architectural integrity of a neighborhood and preserve an areas history.

I think its going to be beneficial to all of us here. I think its worth every minute of time Ive spent to convince people that its worthwhile, he said. I think of the many people who bought houses here because they like the way it looks, and if we dont take steps to preserve that, were going to lose it.

Read the rest here:
West Highland residents seek new historic district - The Denver Post