Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

In the early spring, when I have become totally disenchanted with winter and wonder if spring will ever arrive, I look out to my wooded back yard of brown leaves, bare limbed trees and see the tiniest green tops of Bracken ferns. Its time to celebrate! Soon I know my dull brown wooded yard will be filled with the fresh green of spring ferns. As I prepared this article I realized I didnt know much about this lovely plant or ferns in general. I will share with you what I have learned.

Ferns are an ancient plant. Fossils from 145 to 180 million years ago show ferns similar to the ones we see in our landscape today. Ferns do not have seeds or flowers. According to Larry Hodgson in Making the Most of Shade, Ferns dont bloom-ever! They are considered primitive plants, having evolved back with the first land animals, and are only a few notches above mosses on the evolutionary scale.

Ferns are made up of roots, stems and leaves. The leaves are many segmented and are feathery in appearance. The stems are called rhizomes and they grow horizontally at or just below soil level. New shoots may emerge from rhizomes. Some ferns reproduce by spores that look like tiny dots on the underside of the leaves. These are the genetic bases for new plants and they are called sori. Other ferns have spores on stiff brown fronds that grow up from the center of the plant. Ferns have roots with a specialized vascular system of xylem, a tissue that allows the plant to absorb water and phloem, a tissue that allows the absorption of nutrients.

Ferns are the quintessential shade plant. If you have a shade garden you soon learn that you are not going to have a garden filled with bright color and so you learn to appreciate attractive foliage and the various shades of the color green. Ferns have some of the loveliest foliage and come in all shades of green. Exceptions to the green foliage are the Painted and Autumn ferns, more about them later. When it comes to degrees of shade, ferns will live in the deepest shade to some sunlight in northern climates if kept very moist.

Ferns are a woodland plant and prefer soil with average fertility, humus rich, acidic and moist. According to Grow Earth Friendly of Spring Lake, Mich., ferns are sensitive to herbicides and weed control is best if nonchemical (get in your garden and pull those weeds or mulch, mulch, mulch). Most ferns are damaged when treated with low quality inorganic chemical fertilizers. They do however respond well to an early spring application of slow release fertilizer or a fall top dressing of leaf mold. Ferns need little maintenance. Wintergreen types may need some clean up in the spring. The deciduous types die back in the winter and their fronds are best allowed to rot and return nutrients to the soil.

Ferns are the perfect companion plant for Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Astilbe, Heuchera, Hostas, Bunnera and other ferns. Ferns can be used as an accent plant to draw attention to other plants or garden structures, as a ground cover contributing to a soft graceful texture in the landscape and as container plants combined with Ajuga, Ranunculus, Veronica and Vinca. When deciding how to use your ferns its good to know that some ferns grow in a clump forming fashion with leaves or fronds originating from the center or outside edge of the mound. There are other types of ferns that spread by their underground stems (remember rhizomes) to form thick colonies.

There are many kinds of ferns that are native to Michigan or can be successfully grown here. Some are perennials and will survive the winter either as wintergreen or deciduous, others are annuals and will only survive if brought inside. If you love ferns you will be happy to know our local nurseries are well stocked and are happy to help you select the fern of your dreams. Some of my favorites are the Brilliance Autumn Fern; the early fronds are a brilliant golden orange turning to green as they mature. A local favorite is the Ostrich fern, a classic fern with stately vase shaped form. It has stiff brown spores carrying fronds that form in late summer and last throughout the winter. It is considered an aggressive spreader, so beware! Well behaved and tidy ferns are the Painted and Lady Ferns. Japanese Painted ferns form clumps of dark green fronds with silvery or reddish metallic sheen. They die back in the winter and are slow to emerge in the spring. The early fronds of the Japanese Painted ferns are black and tiny and are easily disregarded when doing spring clean up or planting. One gardening expert suggests placing a marker by these ferns so when spring comes you dont accidentally plant or mulch over them. Ferns will make a beautiful addition to your shade garden. Take some time and explore the varieties that love our Oceana County shady gardens.

Now that I have finished writing this article I am going to pop some popcorn and sit down to watch one of my favorite movies, A New Leaf (1971). Starring Walter Matthau (Henry) and Elaine May (Henrietta), the movie is about a middle-aged playboy, Henry, who finds himself penniless and his quest to find and marry a rich woman. In his search he meets and marries a frumpy botany teacher, Henrietta, who happens to be an heir to a fortune. Her discovery of a new species of fern gives a delightful twist to this romantic comedy.

Oh, one more thing, that lovely Bracken fern that I like so well, I find its considered a weed in the gardening world. Oops!

Read more:
Life on the Shady Side: Ferns | News | shorelinemedia.net - shorelinemedia.net

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Original post:
If Basically *Everything* Bothers You, These 35 Products Are Here To Help - BuzzFeed

I bought one of The best juicer After whipping some refreshing juices for friends and family, its time to clean the kitchen appliances. So where do you start? Cleaning these kitchen appliances thoroughly can seem like a daunting task, but its important to know how to clean your juicer for your own health.

according to Food and Drug AdministrationWhen using fruits and vegetables in a juicer, bacteria from the outside of the produce can be transferred to the drink. It is imperative to wash the fresh produce before starting the juicer and wash your hands before and after preparing the fruits and vegetables-a thorough cleaning of the juicer after use will also help reduce the spread of bacteria.

Even fresh fruits and vegetables can grow mold in the refrigerator if left unattended for long periods of time, so do not leave debris on the juicer. Otherwise, you will scoop up a pile of stinky moldy fruit the next time you want to use it. Face it, no one wants the job.

Since juicers have many parts, it is important to completely disassemble all the components involved in the juicer process-if you are using a centrifugal juicer, be careful as it has a sharp blade for cutting fruits and vegetables. please.

If you plan to put everything in the dishwasher, check the user manual first. Not all juicers come with dishwasher washable parts. When removing the mesh strainer from the dishwasher, be sure to inspect it thoroughly to make sure that all fruit and vegetable fibers are completely removed.

If the juicers manual states that the parts need to be washed by hand, start with warm soapy water in the sink. Many juicers come with brushes to help with the cleaning process. This is especially useful for mesh strainers and filters. These are usually the most clogged areas, so be careful not to damage or bend them and scrub them thoroughly. Of shape. Brushes are also the safest way to clean sharp blades and clear clogging, keeping your hands away from the danger zone.

Clean all other parts with a soft cloth or sponge as much as possible. You may need to flush the unnaturally shaped parts with water to wash away the debris.

Rinse well so that no bubbles or soap remain in the parts. Otherwise, the next time you use it, you may end up with a juice that tastes like dishwashing liquid.

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If you are not using pulp in another recipe, empty the pulp in the compost box or trash can and rinse the container thoroughly. You may have used a juice jug to store the fresh juice in the fridge, but when its empty, wash it well, put it back in the juicer, and dont look for it the next time you set up the juicer.

Finally, wipe the juicer base to clean the drips. That way, you wont face sticky confusion the next time you take it out of the cupboard. Use a soft cloth and do not immerse this part in water.

It is important that all parts are completely dry before reassembling the juicer. If the juicer parts are difficult to dry or have sharp blades, air dry and then reassemble.

There are no gray areas here. Clean the juicer after each use. When switching from one type of fruit or vegetable to another, you dont need to clean it unless you really dont want to mix the flavors. But you have to clean it properly at the end of each juicing session and definitely before putting it in the cupboard.

Life is busy and I dont have time to clean my kitchen appliances after each use. So how do you need to work on cleaning juicers that have been used and then left unattended?

After a few hours, when the pulp and fibers in the juicer begin to dry, switch it on and slowly pour water into the feed chute. If the juicer has a drip stop As a matter of course, Prevents the juicer from dripping after most of the juice has been extracted. Keep it closed initially to allow water to collect inside (but not above the maximum filling line). This should loosen everything that has begun to dry. However, if you leave it for more than 2 hours and the inside is very dry, do not turn on the power. The parts may stick together and be damaged when the power is turned on.

Then disassemble all components and soak in a sink filled with warm soapy water for at least 15 minutes. You should now be able to clean up everything using the steps above. However, if you have a hard residue or a prolonged odor, try making a paste with water and baking soda (soda bicarbonate in the UK). Scrape the paste off any remaining stains with a soft brush, or wipe off any odors and leave. 10 minutes before rinsing.

If you dont drink juice very often, or if youre thinking of digging a juicer thats been lost for a long time from behind the cupboard, its a good idea to disassemble it first. Disassemble it and inspect all internal parts to make sure there is no mold inside when not in use. Also, check for mold and mold odors, and if in doubt, clean them thoroughly before resuming use.

Read more:
How to clean a juicer, and why you should definitely do it regularly - Texasnewstoday.com

PLANTATION, Fla. -- With the return of high school football this week, there were marquee matchups all over America, but there was always little doubt where SI All-American would set up shop on Friday night. As soon as Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy and Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage agreed to open the 2021 slate against one another, that was all she wrote.

The game, littered with elite football prospects including eight Preseason SI99 selections in the class of 2022 alone, did not disappoint from a star-power perspective.

Tight in the first half, IMG would pull away in the second behind a massive offensive line and running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Stacy Gage, who combined to blow by the 300-yard mark by night's end in the 35-15 win.

SI All-American digs into evaluation notes on the top prospects participating.

All prospects are in the class of 2022 unless otherwise noted.

1. Allen broke three runs of 50-plus yards, showcasing great vision and burst in addition to the ability to get to top speed in a hurry. The Penn State commitment set the tone with a powerful finish on his first carry, running through Early Little, Jr. to get the IMG offense and his offensive line some extra juice on their initial possession. Allen also impressed as a blocker in blitz pickup, on occasion.

2. Gage (2024) is in the mold of the modern, three-down back with true space savagery with the ball in his hands. The play of the night belonged to him, as he found the end zone following a head-turning spin move against coveted defensive back prospect Deamon Fegan in the alley before finding pay dirt.Not only did the move in space put Gage into perspective, but his patience and vision were also on display. It's part of the reason more than 20 programs have offered the sophomore.

3. DEMarvin Jones, Jr. certainly looks the part, having put on good weight on his 6'5" frame. He flashed off the edge early with a sack and held his own on his side of the field, though he wasn't tested on a consistent basis. Ohio State, Oklahoma, Alabama and Florida State will host Jones for official visits this fall.

4.DBEarl Little, Jr. worked multiple secondary spots throughout the night, including in the slot at nickel, where he says programs in the running for him like Alabama, LSU and Florida have talked about projection him at. Little worked well in coverage and brought physicality to the table, including on the shot he gave IMG QB AJ Duffy along the sidelines. Little played the apex for a pass breakup in the second half, too.

5. OL Tyler Booker anchored the best unit on the field Friday night and he played with authority during his first start at left tackle for the Ascenders. His pass blocking was patient and effective, with a strong punch in protecting Duffy's blindside, but his run blocking created even more attention as he put multiple Heritage defenders in the dirt, including on Allen's final TD run. Booker is committed to Alabama.

6. TE Jaleel Skinner wasn't targeted much in the game, but the nation's top tight end showed off his Kyle Pitts-like frame and fluidity preparing for the game. The South Carolina native, committing in October, truly profiles like a jumbo wide receiver at this time, with a catch radius few nationally can contend with.

7. DB Keon Sabb, a Clemson commitment, worked multiple secondary spots on the evening with success. More of a classic free safety on tape, he showed off some individual cover skills on Friday night that demonstrates how balanced a game and high a floor he has.

8. DB Daylen Everette, another Clemson pledge, didn't see a lot of attention his way and helped to keep a good Heritage wide receiver group at bay without giving up a vertical route. Everette is among the most polished cornerback projections nationally.

9. DB Kamari Wilson didn't finish the game for IMG, as he was ejected for multiple personal foul penalties. His ultra aggression and high energy are strengths to his game but the emotions got the best of the safety projection Friday night. Before that point, though, he was of course strong in run support and captained the communication of the IMG secondary unit as far as we could tell.

10. DE Jihaad Campbell was impossible to miss coming off the edge. He seemingly had multiple sacks and even more near stops behind the line of scrimmage with his first step quickness and bend. Campbell also lined up in space, over the slot receiver, and re-routed with success. Once he fills out his lengthy frame there may not be many knocks on the Clemson commitment's game. Campbell also blocked an extra point in his IMG debut.

11. WR Brandon Inniss (2023) was the most steady passing target for Heritage all night, but it didn't come easy against IMG. Inniss is known for polish and he needed every bit of it to create separation underneath, including on a second-half touchdown to give the Patriots late life. Also strong in the return game and after the catch Friday night, breaking several tackles with burst and power, it was Inniss' toughness that impressed most. The star junior will commit Sunday between Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida and Miami and told SIAA his decision has already been made privately.

12. DL James Smith (2023), who only recently transferred from Alabama down to IMG, splashed in his debut on multiple occasions. Even pregame, with so much talent and energy on the field, Smith may have had the most life before kick. He didn't disappoint after, proving stout at the point of attack and quicker than his 290-pound frame may suggest. Smith had at least one tackle for loss and made the play of the night for the IMG defense, all but ending Heritage's late comeback bid with a sack on fourth down. He split a double team with sheer leverage and power en route to smothering the passer.

13. WR Carnell Tate (2023) immediately commanded attention on his first touch, the opening kick, and held onlookers' focus thereafter with big plays. He brought his first touch to about midfield with great vision, speed and grace while navigating tacklers and did so again on his first punt return. Tate brought that all the way back for a score but a late block in the back brought it back. The junior, who runs with a long and steady stride, would find the end zone on a 30-yard post connection with Duffy to put the game out of reach for good. Tate will commit in October and will soon release his group of five finalists.

14. LB Jaeden Kinlock wasn't a prospect we knew much about before kickoff, but he made his presence known all evening long for Heritage. Playing middle linebacker, he proved tough up the middle against the steady IMG rushing attack and flashed as a pass rusher and blitzer, too, coming up with a big sack mid game. The senior, who committed to Harvard this spring, was AHS' best defender to kick off the season.

15. QB AJ Duffy made his first varsity start since 2019, transferring in from California, and the Florida State pledge made plays. He was particularly effective on the move, both as a runner and to extend plays as a passer, showing true comfort navigating on the edge. A few passes sailed on him and a late interception was a true misfire, but when Duffy was right, like on the TD to Tate to all but ice the game, it looked relatively effortless.

16. OL Aliou Bah worked at right guard for IMG and created huge running lanes for Allen and Gage on that side. He is a wide-stanced blocker who can cover a lot of ground in a zone scheme and/or in pass pro, but when he got hands on defenders they didn't move much Friday. Bah can play on a lower plane and clean up some technical aspects of his game, but the frame and power lay a strong foundation for the Florida State commitment.

17. RB Mark Fletcher (2023) got banged up early in the third quarter with what is hopefully a minor injury, but he was the Heritage workhorse prior. The junior has an upright style but it doesn't lessen his power or surprising top-end speed for a bigger back. Fletcher earned many tough yards against a loaded IMG defense and broke scores of tackles a long the way. He is also strong out of the backfield as a pass catcher, rounding out an intriguing game. Droves of offers are already in for the big back.

18. QB Blake Murphy (2023) has made a great stride since his first year as the starting quarterback for Heritage in 2020. He is much more in command of the offense and has more zip on the ball to intermediate levels, but it's how his right arm combined with his athleticism and toughness that impressed Friday. There were at least five occasions in which Murphy looked dead in the water and in line to give up a sack, and he would snap laterally out of it on a dime. His best sample came on his only score of the night, spinning out of a sack-to-be from Campbell before finding Inniss in between a trio of defenders in the fourth quarter.

19. DB Jacolby Spells worked outside almost the entire night and held his own against the stacked IMG roster. He has a fluidity and leverage discipline to his game that many college secondary coaches could work with, along with a feel for when to play aggressive or hold back. Spells is committed to West Virginia.

20. DB Joenel Aguero (2023) worked multiple spots in the IMG secondary and filled in as the signal-caller at safety after Wilson's ejection. The junior has good length and is already filled out and he's armed with a smooth backpedal and foot quickness, but his range was how he flashed brightest late in the game. Aguero thwarted the best scoring attempt for AHS in the game's final minutes, breaking from the hash to the pylon by the time Murphy completed a quick drop in time to dislodge a one-handed attempt from Inniss.

21. DB Damari Brown (2023) made the defensive play of the evening for Heritage, picking off Duffy to create the last bit of momentum the team would have on the night. Pre-snap, Brown lined up inside against Tate with plenty of space given outside the hash, almost daring Duffy to target him. Brown worked back over the top after it was snapped, in time to arrive up the seam just as the ball arrived, and he out-wrestled Tate at the catch point for the pick he nearly took back to the house. More than a dozen offers have come in for the junior, including from Miami, Florida and Georgia.

See the article here:
Takeaways from IMG Academy Football vs. American Heritage to Open the 2021 High School Season - Sports Illustrated

CHESHIRE The dense, green veil of growth that wraps the former Beechwood House on Route 8 was just hacked away. Why? After years of neglect, visitors are coming Friday.

The haircut isnt doing this grand old lady any favors.

The mansion, an early American tavern and, later, a summer refuge for New Yorks elite, sits open in places to the weather, its clapboards loose, roofline heaving, hinges sagging, doors mismatched. In the past decade, it drew squatters, not socialites.

We can never recover these lost historical structures. Unfortunately, our society doesnt appreciate the historical value of them.

Barry Emery, Cheshire historian

Out back, missing boards above two windows suggest a scowl.

Thats what strangers will find at noon Friday, when the fabled building at 12 South St., built not long after the Revolutionary War and dramatically remodeled a century later, faces a foreclosure auction.

Once again, one of Cheshires most historic buildings, and perhaps its most distressed, stands at a crossroads.

Ill be very surprised if there arent a lot of bidders there, said Carol Francesconi, a former Select Board member. She said she has gotten calls from people asking about the building. Its prime property for the town of Cheshire.

Longtime residents see past the blight. Some hope what comes next for this historic address, at the prominent corner of South Street and West Mountain Road, will enrich the towns civic life, not diminish it.

For some reason, everybody in town is connected to it and everyone cares about it, said Jill Reynolds, who runs a business, Cheshire Glassworks, next door. Everybody wants to see something good happen with it. Its the center of town its right there. Its literally the heart of the town.

Beechwood House in Cheshire, as it appeared more than a century ago.

Dense growth surrounds much of the current 12 South St. property in Cheshire, formerly known as Beechwood.

A view of the rear of the building at 12 South St. in Cheshire, the property erected in 1975 by Moses Wolcott.

A view of the original tavern erected in 1795 by Moses Wolcott on South Street in Cheshire, two years after the town's incorporation. More than 70 years later, a different owner radically transformed the building's look.

At one time, the Pittsfield-Adams street railway passed through Cheshire.

The back side of the former Beechwood House in Cheshire, which faces a foreclosure auction Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.

The late Peter J. Krutiak operated a bed and breakfast from the 12 South St. property in Cheshire.

This view of the former Beechwood House in Cheshire shows a section of the building that has been removed. The former roof line is visible in the upper center.

The former Wolcott Tavern in Cheshire, after its transformation, in 1869, by owner Felix Petitclerc.

Looking though a picture window at the rear of the house, visitors to 12 South St. in Cheshire see objects left abandoned by previous occupants.

Felix Petitclerc's monument stone, showing his date of death as 1890. After his passing, the historic Cheshire home he had preserved became known as the Beechwood House.

At one point, this sign welcomed visitors to the Beechwood property in Cheshire.

The former Beechwood House, at 12 South St. in Cheshire, is assessed by the town at $115,300, with the land worth more than the building, according to town records.

When the building was remodeled, in 1869, the new owner transformed the look of Mose Wolcott's 1795 tavern into a Second Empire-style dwelling with Mansard roof and bay windows.

Beechwood House in Cheshire, as it appeared more than a century ago.

Dense growth surrounds much of the current 12 South St. property in Cheshire, formerly known as Beechwood.

A view of the rear of the building at 12 South St. in Cheshire, the property erected in 1975 by Moses Wolcott.

A view of the original tavern erected in 1795 by Moses Wolcott on South Street in Cheshire, two years after the town's incorporation. More than 70 years later, a different owner radically transformed the building's look.

At one time, the Pittsfield-Adams street railway passed through Cheshire.

The back side of the former Beechwood House in Cheshire, which faces a foreclosure auction Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.

The late Peter J. Krutiak operated a bed and breakfast from the 12 South St. property in Cheshire.

This view of the former Beechwood House in Cheshire shows a section of the building that has been removed. The former roof line is visible in the upper center.

The former Wolcott Tavern in Cheshire, after its transformation, in 1869, by owner Felix Petitclerc.

Looking though a picture window at the rear of the house, visitors to 12 South St. in Cheshire see objects left abandoned by previous occupants.

Felix Petitclerc's monument stone, showing his date of death as 1890. After his passing, the historic Cheshire home he had preserved became known as the Beechwood House.

At one point, this sign welcomed visitors to the Beechwood property in Cheshire.

The former Beechwood House, at 12 South St. in Cheshire, is assessed by the town at $115,300, with the land worth more than the building, according to town records.

When the building was remodeled, in 1869, the new owner transformed the look of Mose Wolcott's 1795 tavern into a Second Empire-style dwelling with Mansard roof and bay windows.

Cheshire had been incorporated for just two years when Moses Wolcott built the sites original home, using timbers that are still in there, beneath years of remodeling.

A view of the original tavern erected in 1795 by Moses Wolcott on South Street in Cheshire, two years after the town's incorporation. More than 70 years later, a different owner radically transformed the building's look.

Barry Emery, a town historian, dates the home to 1795. He said Wolcott operated a tavern and, in a side building, a store. The towns farmers celebrated Thomas Jeffersons election in 1800 by sending him a 1,235-pound cheese containing curds from every local dairy.

Decades go by. Wolcott keeps at it for years, sometimes tapping others to run the tavern. In the Cheshire town history published in 1885, Wolcotts name bobs up again and again, as authors Emma L. Petitclerc and Ellen M. Raynor chronicle, in their floral prose, his rising prosperity.

Wolcott seems to have made a killing on cheese, buying up supplies from local farms for sale around the Northeast, according to Petitclerc and Raynor, gathering the golden products of the farms, tier after tier of cheese, and row after row of jars packed with sweet fall butter, which he held until the proper time to ship and sell.

Wolcotts Cheshire legacy, to the authors in 1885, seemed far away. A grist mill he built had fallen into disrepair even then, when the tract was far larger than today.

The ruins still stand, the brook laughs along its stony bed, tumbles over the white boulders as fresh and young as when it turned the wheel, now crumbling away, they wrote.

Inside the tavern, and a cluster of related buildings, life was good through the first half of the 1800s.

The bar room always wore a bright and cheery look as very many of those living to-day can testify, Petitclerc and Raynor wrote.

The tavern-keepers inside this landmark seemed to come and go: Alpheus Smith, of North Adams, in 1825; Nathaniel Waterman from 1827 to 1835; then Allan Tucker for several years, according to Petitclerc and Raynor. In 1844, J.B. Dean opened a store on the property.

For decades, Wolcotts sprawling property served as a kind of business incubator. It created community.

In cool days, a bright fire of hard wood logs burned upon the hearth of the open fire place, arm chairs stood all about the nicely swept room, where the morning sun lay in bars of silvery light all the wintry morning hours, Petitclerc and Raynor wrote. Where the villagers dropped in from time to time during the day to inquire of the news and to chat a while with the neighbors already seated around the bright fire.

Felix Petitclerc's monument stone, showing his date of death as 1890. After his passing, the historic Cheshire home he had preserved became known as the Beechwood House.

Dexter Angel came on in 1859 to run the tavern, followed by Nathaniel Angel in 1862 and Daniel Morey in 1864. When Morey left, the tavern closed, ending more than 70 years as a public house.

In 1866, Felix Petitclerc, likely kin to that early town historian, Emma, bought Wolcotts tavern and dramatically remodeled it, adopting the Second Empire architectural style then popular and putting on its new mansard roof and replacing small windowpanes with deep bay windows. It became his home, ending the buildings long public life but only for a spell.

He kept the bones of the house exactly the same, Emery, the current historian, said of Petitclerc. According to the 1885 town history, Petitclerc had visited the Wolcott tavern as a child of about 12 and had stayed in a front room. Petitclerc returned to make Cheshire his home, accumulating a fortune as manager of the Cheshire Glass Sand Works and helping to organize the Cheshire Water Co.

This was another old landmark preserved with generous care, but, which from this time appears in a new dress, the authors wrote of Petitclerc in 1885.

Mentions of the property abound in old newspapers at the end of the 19th century. It had become known, two decades after Petitclercs makeover, and Petitclercs death in 1890, as Beechwood. It would go on to be referred to as the Beechwood House, Beechwood Hotel and, by the middle of the 20th century, as the Beechwood Nursing Home and Beechwood Rest Home.

Columns in The Berkshire Evening Eagle and in the Pittsfield Sun regularly listed which tony out-of-towners were staying at Beechwood. New Yorkers, especially, had found Cheshire, including a notorious madam who bought Greylock Villa in town and lived there often with her employees on holiday, according to Emery.

The Beechwood property continued to change hands. The ownership chain can be hard to pin down.

In February 1893, The Eagle noted that W.J. McDonald, formerly of Dalton, was the new proprietor at Beechwood House, adding, Many of his friends from this town will avail themselves of Mr. McDonalds hospitality.

In August 1901, Joseph H. Ressler, headwaiter at the Ellis restaurant in Pittsfield, bought it.

Mr. Resslers friends will be glad to hear of his success, the Pittsfield Sun reported. A trolley now ran by the business.

He will keep the inn open the year round, The Eagle reported, catering to summer country lovers in the season, and to sleighing and trolley parties in the winter.

A January 1912 newspaper ad for a major auction at Beechwood House signaled yet another transition of some sort, listing a slew of farm animals for sale, including horses, cows, shoats, buggies, blankets, harnesses and 111 chickens. The notice said the property just had been sold by John Rofenole.

The former Wolcott Tavern in Cheshire, after its transformation, in 1869, by owner Felix Petitclerc.

Skip ahead two decades, over a global flu epidemic, world war and financial crisis. P.S. Penner moved his family down from North Adams and opened a home bakery in Beechwood in June 1932.

The building became a home for the elderly by the 1940s, newspaper coverage suggests, and operated in that way into the 1980s once again a place of public life. Members of Girl Scout Troop 155 brought Thanksgiving gifts to residents in 1958. In February 1960, residents celebrated the 95th birthday of Lura Emerson, the homes oldest resident who had run her own nursing home on North Street for 28 years.

Francesconi, the former Select Board member, remembers helping out, as a child in the 1960s, at Beechwood, where her mother worked. She carried meals to residents seven rooms upstairs, seven rooms downstairs, and four more in back. The place was well-respected, she said.

A tag sale at Beechwood in November 1982 augured a change: The place was selling out all its furnishings, including linens, blankets and dishes.

That was a few years before the late Peter J. Krutiak, whose estate owns the property today, and which faces Fridays foreclosure auction, bought the property.

Peoples Choice Home Loan says the estate breached conditions of the $136,500 mortgage it gave Krutiak in February 2002. He had been the sole owner since September 1993, when it was transferred to him at no cost by a co-owner, Linda D. Krutiak. Land records show that Peter Krutiak used some proceeds of the 2002 mortgage to pay off a 1993 loan from the Adams Co-Operative Bank.

As of the last fiscal year, the estates property was valued at $115,300, with the land worth more than the building, according to town records.

Krutiak came to own not only Beechwood, but other Cheshire tracts, including, just to the south, the old Cheshire Inn, which also had been built by Capt. Daniel Brown around 1795. Krutiak bought the Cheshire Inn for $77,000 in 1986 from Cyril H. Conrod and Mildred M. McCoy.

Twenty-seven years later, in March 2013, Krutiak stood outside the Cheshire Inn watching workers level it. A raccoon living on the third floor was seen scrambling down an outside wall, evicted by the wreckers. Townspeople, like Diane Hitter, had tried to save the inn; repairs, though, were pegged at over $1 million.

The town had taken the property in 2011 for failure to pay taxes; it shelled out about $45,000 to demolish the inn. Krutiak expressed regret at the loss.

I love old buildings but this one has just been too far gone for a decade, Krutiak told a reporter at the time.

Krutiak died of esophageal cancer in 2019, and his estate left the house and land to siblings, including Maryann Ogden, of Cheshire, who declined to speak about the familys handling of the property.

A year after the Cheshire Inn went down, Krutiak brought forward a plan to sell the Beechwood property two doors to the north to Dollar General. At town meetings, people fretted about traffic, safety and the sites changing character. It wasnt the first intrusion of chain-store commerce on a historic property. Ten years before, Dunkin Donuts had proposed leveling the Cheshire Inn for a store, also with Krutiak as the prospective seller. Neither deal went ahead.

Steps leading to Fridays foreclosure auction began Feb. 6, 2019, with a filing by the lender, Peoples Home Choice Loan.

Even those who prize historic properties believe Beechwoods long run is near an end. Emery walked the outside of the building a month ago and doesnt think it can be saved. That pains him.

Looking though a picture window at the rear of the house, visitors to 12 South St. in Cheshire see objects left abandoned by previous occupants.

We can never recover these lost historical structures, he said. Unfortunately, our society doesnt appreciate the historical value of them.

For years, Francesconi hoped for a better outcome for her mothers former workplace at 12 South St.

Its a sad situation because that house at one time was a beautiful place, she said. They just let it fall into disrepair. Its ready to fall down. Its going to have to be torn down. I cant see how it will be fixed.

Reynolds, the glass artist, grew up in Cheshire and remembers admiring the Beechwood, before it fell dark and silent and brush climbed its walls. Krutiak was the landlord for her shop next door, where she has been for 15 years.

He loved that place and put his heart and soul into it, she said of the mans connection to Beechwood. He did a beautiful job, but he couldnt keep up with it.

Everyone moved out and people just kind of left. Then it just deteriorated. Its just a shame it got to the state it is, Reynolds said. I wish it had a different fate.

Visit link:
How Beechwood went from full of life to foreclosure. We go inside a fabled Cheshire mansion's long reign and abrupt fall - Berkshire Eagle

Kansas' premier space museum Hutchinson's Cosmosphere is getting a facelift.

Three of the 12 galleries will get new paint, new graphics and state-of-the-art sound. Butthe historical documents and spaceships will remain.

During the renovation, visitors may still visit, at a reduced rate,most of the museum, including having an up close look at theApollo 13 command module,Odyssey.The Cosmosphere's president and CEO, Jim Remar, expects the renovationto be complete by late December just before the holidays.

Were renovating some of the oldest galleries in the Cosmosphere,Remar said."Upgrades from this renovation will include better lighting, a more open layoutand a truly chronological presentation from early rocketry through the start of the space race."

The three galleries under construction are the German Gallery, the Redstone and Sputnik Gallery and the Kennedy Theater. Each of these galleries opened during the late 1990s.

More: Conference that focuses on helping Main Street thrive is headed to Hutchinson

In addition to shifting around some of the exhibits and the items within them, the Cosmosphere will add new items like a slide rule, period videos that include launches and testing and new documentation.

"The Kennedy Theaterwill be 100% demolished and completely redone," Remar said.

The Kennedy room discusses the creation of NASA, PresidentJohn F. Kennedy's challenges and the firsts in space of both the Soviet Union and the U.S.

"This (the Kennedy Room) will be completely different," said Jack Graber, vice president of exhibits and technology. "This was our first gallery."

Many of the display items throughout the museum are authentic.

"They'llbe a lot of blue and red throughout the galleries," Remar said. "This is because of the Soviet Union and the United States."

More on the Cosmosphere: Next-generation space telescope focus of Galaxy Forum

The Cosmosphere'scollection includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museumand the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow.

The most crucial phase of the remodeling is the opening up of the rooms and, in so doing, helping visitors understand the timeline, starting with the Germans, of exploring space.

The German Room is being renamed the V2 Rocket Gallery. V stands for the German vengeance weapons. These needle-nosed rockets were packed with explosives. According to the museum, Hitler saw them as Germany's last chance for victory. More than 10,000 laborers died building the V2 Rockets.

About 100,000 people visit the museum each year, mainly from the U.S.

Construction started on the simultaneous renovation of the three galleries on Monday.

"It's an exciting project," Remar said. "We look forward to sharing it with the public."

Visitors can also enjoy regularly scheduled space-themed documentaries and rotating feature films in Cosmospheres Carey Digital Dome Theater. Cosmospheres family-friendly Dr. Goddards Lab science shows and planetarium shows continue daily on their regular schedules.

See the rest here:
Kansas' premier space museum, the Cosmosphere, gets a major facelift - The Hutchinson News

That fatal mistake, as Logan calls it, led to a supply-demand mismatch that by May of this year had driven the cost of lumber from mills to quadruple what it was in April 2020, according to data from Fastmarkets Random Lengths , a wood products industry trade publication. Lumber mills incorrectly predicted that the housing market would crumble under the weight of the pandemic rather than boom as it did, says David Logan, senior economist with the National Association of Home Builders .

Here are tips to navigate a home remodel when wood costs are through the roof.

As of mid-July, lumber prices dropped to only double their spring 2020 levels, but whether the decline will continue and when lower prices will reach homeowners isnt yet clear, Logan says.

MAKE ROOM FOR VARIABILITY

The recent price dip may seem like a positive sign, but Logan likens a home remodelers dilemma to that of a homebuyer: Theres no telling when the time will be right.

Trying to time the market is likely to cause more angst than having the certainty of getting things underway, he says.

Logan says if he were renovating, hed move forward with a large renovation, like a kitchen upgrade or room addition.

SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVES, PLAN FOR SCARCITY

If a project requires months of planning and waiting, build room for price and timeline changes into your contract, says Ethan Landis, principal at Landis Architects/Builders in Washington, D.C . That way, you wont overpay if prices drop before your contractor starts buying, but you can still delay if the project will be too expensive.

If a small DIY or good-to-great update could wait a few months, Logan says hed take the gamble and wait for wood to become more affordable.

Knowing perfectly well that prices could be higher by the time I do it, he says.

In the meantime, search for recycled, reclaimed or alternative materials.

Ty Lindgren, a shift leader at a food and beverage manufacturing company in Olympia, Washington , brought home leftover wood pallets from work to build a playhouse for his kids.

He estimates that using the pallets instead of high-priced two-by-fours lowered the projects cost from $1,000 to about $100.

If you dont have access to extra, unclaimed wood, you can buy it.

Your local lumber or flooring liquidator may have enough wood to redo the flooring in a small room or on a single floor of your home, says Rebekah Hernandez, a Dallas-based interior designer.

Habitat for Humanitys ReStore has over 900 locations , many of which sell recycled wood or wooden items you can rehabilitate or convert into something like shelving. Some locations let you browse their inventory online.

PUT AFFORDABILITY FIRST

You cant be picky, because theres not many options, but theyre out there, she says.

View post:
ABOUT THE MONEY: How to Lower Your Remodeling Costs When Wood Prices Are High | Deal - BollyInside

Taking a birth class is a pregnancy milestone. Whether you've been excited to take a birth class for a long time or have just recently decided that you wanted to take one, sitting down for that first lesson feels bigspoiler alert, this is really happening! But finding time for a birth class isn't as easy as it would seem.

We know new parents are busy (hello, understatement of the year). Between diaper changes, pediatrician appointments, healing from birth and the general adjustment to #newparentlife, the days can fill up quickly. But a lot of people are caught off guard by how busy pregnancy can be, too! That first trimester is so often full of symptomslike nausea and fatiguethat can make previously easy or simple tasks exhausting. The second trimester begins and (usually) we start to feel better. But then our days get filled with planning out baby registries and deciding on questions like, "Where will this tiny new human sleep?" And before you know it, it's the third trimesterand, well, then you're in the home stretch. Plus there are so many appointments!

All this to say that we get how busy you areand how hard that might make it to fit in a birth class.

Think you'll want to watch each lesson a few times over? Great!

Due date's next week and you need the option to take a birth class very quickly? No problem!

Like everything at Motherly, we designed this class with you in mind.

Taught by Certified Nurse-Midwife Diana Spalding (who also wrote "The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama"), this class is broken into 12 lessonsand you get to control how and when you watch them. We'll teach you about what your (amazing) body is up to in labor, how to decide when it's time to head to the hospital or birth center (or when to call your home birth midwife), what your options are for coping with pain and so much more.

When you sign up for The Motherly Birth Class, you'll get access to a downloadable workbook and meditations. Plus, you'll be invited to join our supportive private online community (where you can chat with the class instructor!)

Oh, one more thing: Your insurance or flexible spending account might even able to able to cover the cost of this class.

Pregnancy is wonderfulbut it's a lot. You deserve a birth class that works for you and empowers you to have your best birth. Because vaginal or Cesarean, unmedicated or medication, birth is incredible. And you are the star of it all.

You've got this.

Take our completely digital birth class from the comfort of your living room. We'll help you have your best birthbecause you deserve it.

We independently select and share the products we loveand may receive a commission if you choose to buy. You've got this.

See more here:
Target's public breastfeeding policy + nursing rooms are amazing - Motherly Inc.

A native of Pretoria, South Africa, where she grew up surrounded by breathtaking beauty, rich colors and creative people, Ingrid de Villiers has called Southwest Florida home for 24 years. Robb & Stucky has been her workplace home for the past nine of these years. Ms. de Villiers earned a bachelor of arts degree in interior design at London Metropolitan University in London, England. She has received numerous Sand Dollar Awards from the Collier

Building Industry Association for her work on single-family homes, and in 2016 she was the winner of Blink Art Resources annual interior design challenge. Blink is an art marketplace described on its website as a cross between a portfolio, an artist director and a trends reference.

When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

I am married to an architect and always loved looking at the homes my husband designed. Whenever we went to bookstores, I would go straight to the interior design/architecture section. One day I realized interior design was my passion. Soon after, I enrolled at London Metropolitan University to study my passion.

Describe your approach to interior design in five words.

Its all about the clients.

Tell us something about your first project.

It was a second home for a couple in Naples. I had to do everything. My mentor guided me though the entire thing and really built my confidence.

What about your most challenging project?

It was a Barefoot Beach condominium for a single guy who had started on it but got stuck. He didnt want to change the bright yellow walls in the den, the bright blue walls in the master bedroom or the bright, bright green walls in the guest room. It worked out great in the end.

And a favorite project?

It was a 5,000-square-foot house that we gutted. The clients loved silver, white, gray, cream and pink with crystals and bling. It was wonderful to work with them because they were open to my ideas. It earned a perfect score in the Sand Dollar Awards.

What is your favorite room in your own house?

The living room. Its very pretty, but its also very lived in.

What things do you consider must-haves for a great room/family room where people gather?

Plenty of comfortable seating. Some storage. And something soft underfoot.

Walk us through the process when you start with a new client.

I normally meet the clients in their home and ask about their style, design preference, budget, etc., to determine if we are a good fit. I take pictures and notes. I get a floor plan. We meet again at the Robb & Stucky showroom and walk the floor, look through fabric samples Then I do a power point design presentation so we can discuss everything involved.

Describe your ideal client.

I love it when clients are open to new ideas and are willing to incorporate different products, textures and designs into their space.

Do you have a design pet peeve?

I dont like a house that looks like everyone elses house. I am an out-of-the-box person and always encourage my clients to do something out of the box that creates interest in their home.

Remodel or start from scratch: Do you have a preference?

I would always prefer to start from scratch. But Id say half of my work is remodeling.

Any trends you especially love?

I love so many of the new furniture lines, fabrics and wallpapers, lighting fixtures and accessories. I especially love it when we incorporate them with traditional, older pieces and designs.

Any words of wisdom for a young person who wants to be an interior designer?

Make sure interior design is your passions. As Vincent van Gogh said: What is done in love is done well. I believe that completely.

What would you be doing if you werent doing this?

Probably something in fashion design.

Originally posted here:
Using her talents to combine trends with tradition | Bonita Springs Florida Weekly - Key West Florida Weekly

If you have limited mobility, its important to consider the design of your home. This includes investing in products that make your living environment more accessible and safer.

One example is a walk-in tub. Its a safer alternative to a traditional tub, which requires you to step over a high threshold. A walk-in tub omits this feature, so its easier to get in. This can give you a greater sense of independence, comfort, and safety.

If youre thinking about investing in a walk-in tub, read on. Well explore the best walk-in tubs, along with alternatives and tips for installation.

A walk-in tub is a bathtub with a door. It lets you walk directly into the tub, rather than stepping over a high edge.

Also, Walk-in tubs have very high walls and an elevated seat, said Ralph Severson, licensed contractor and owner of Flooring Masters. This means you can submerge yourself in water without sitting on the floor.

A walk-in tub has a door with a watertight seal. It also has a faucet that fills the tub with water, just like a standard tub. It may have a handheld showerhead attached to a hose as well.

When youre done bathing, the water flows down the drain. Once the tub is empty, you can walk out of the tub.

You might be a good candidate for a walk-in tub if you have limited mobility. This includes mobility issues related to age, injury, or chronic conditions.

Walk-in tubs are generally not covered by health insurance. However, every insurance company is different, and some states might offer financial assistance. Your healthcare professional can let you know about state programs that may provide financial help.

Currently, Medicare doesnt provide coverage for walk-in tubs.

Medicare only covers durable medical equipment (DME). DME includes equipment and devices deemed medically necessary. A walk-in tub isnt considered a DME, meaning Medicare doesnt provide coverage for related costs.

Again, your state may offer programs that offer financial help.

The tubs on this list were chosen based on their safety features and recommendations from home contractors. We also considered specialty features that might make the tub more enjoyable to use. Finally, we included a range of prices to accommodate different budgets.

The price range for walk-in tubs can vary greatly. Without installation, walk-in tubs may range between $1,800 to $6,000 or higher.

The tubs on this list range in price. Pricing is indicated as follows:

The installation is an additional cost. According to CostHelper.com, replacing a bathtub may cost between $1,500 to $5,000.

Price: $$

For a spa-like experience, consider this freestanding walk-in tub from ANZZI. This walk-in bathtub comes with whirlpool jets that provide a soothing massage, said Ryan Thompson, plumber and owner of Plumbing Informer.

It has a quick-fill faucet, which can quickly fill up the bathtub. This is important because one of the most common complaints about walk-in bathtubs is that they take too long to fill up.

The step-in threshold is 4 1/4 inches tall. Other standout safety features include a showerhead with a 60-inch hose, grab bars, textured flooring, and an ADA-compliant seat. The term ADA-compliant refers to design standards defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, for accessibility.

In addition to the whirlpool jets, other spa features include color therapy lighting and air jets. The tub has a built-in heater to maintain the water temperature as you bathe.

According to ANZZI, all products come with a lifetime warranty.

Price: $$

This tub offers ADA-compliant seating and slip-resistant flooring. It also has a quick-fill faucet and buttons that are designed to reduce stress on fingers and joints, said Severson. The tub has a built-in grab bar, and the step-in threshold is 7 1/4 inches tall.

Severson points out that the tubs drain is powered by a pump, so all the water will drain in about 1 minute. This might be ideal if time and convenience are your priorities.

The tub has specialty features as well. It has 12 adjustable whirlpool massage jets and colored lights, which are used for chromatherapy, or color therapy. Universal Tubs offers a 10-year warranty on the tub shell, frame, and finish, as well as a lifetime warranty on the doors watertight seal.

If you need help choosing a tub, the company invites customers to call their consultants. They can also help you find a certified and licensed installer.

Price: $$$

This walk-in tub by American Standard is designed for smaller spaces. It has a contoured seat for maximum comfort, along with 26 air jets for relaxing water-based therapy. Safety features include push-button controls, grab bar, and textured floor.

It also has an ergonomically shaped neck rest, which is a stand-out feature, according to Severson. This may be ideal if youre concerned about neck support. Most walk-in tubs lack a built-in neck rest.

The tub has a quick-draining system so youre not stuck waiting several minutes to the open door, added Severson. You can also call the companys bath specialists to determine if the walk-in tub is right for you.

American Standard offers a lifetime warranty on the door seal, a 10-year warranty on the tubs shell, and a 5-year warranty on all other parts. The company also offers in-home evaluations and professional installation.

Price: $$

If youre looking for a freestanding walk-in tub, you might like this 52-inch tub by Empava. The Empava 52 has a curved and practical shape that makes it easy and convenient to install in bathrooms, said Thompson. It has safety features like ergonomic control knobs, interior grab bars, and a handrail along the rim. The door is extra wide, and the floor is slip resistant.

A unique feature is the extra-low step-in clearance height, which is less than 4 inches tall. [This] is great for people who dont want to, or cant, raise their feet too high when entering the tub, said Thompson. Empava also offers a 3-year limited parts warranty.

Price: $

If youre looking for an inexpensive walk-in tub, consider this product from Universal Tubs. This is a very safe and affordable tub without the bells and whistles, explained Severson. It still has a slip-resistant floor, safety rail, and a low step threshold.

The tub has also ADA-compliant contoured seating, a quick-fill faucet, and a wide-opening door. Its simpler than other walk-in tubs on this list. If you dont need a whirlpool or powered drain features, this tub performs well at a lower cost, said Severson.

Universal Tubs offers a 10-year warranty on the tub shell, frame, and finish and a lifetime warranty on the door seal. The company can help you find a certified and licensed installer.

If you want to create a safer bathroom environment, walk-in tubs arent your only option.

Other potentially effective alternatives include:

A step-in shower is a pre-fabricated shower that has no threshold to step over. It has a seat or bench that allows you to sit while bathing. This is ideal if you prefer to use a handheld showerhead versus soaking in a tub.

According to Severson, you can install non-slip flooring, safety rails, and comfortable seating in a step-in shower. The floor tile can also be continued throughout the bathroom.

A good option is the Freedom ADA Roll In Shower. Safety features include a folding shower seat, grab bars, and a textured floor. It also meets all ADA guidelines and has a 30-year limited warranty.

If youd like a shower thats built-in and tiled, contact a licensed contractor who is experienced in bathroom remodeling. If possible, work with a contractor who has experience installing accessible showers for people with limited mobility.

Your contractor can install safety features such as a bench, grab bars, and ergonomic doors. They can also provide suggestions based on your budget and personal needs.

For an inexpensive and simple way to make bathing safer, install grab bars in your existing tub or shower. A contractor who has experience designing bathrooms for limited mobility can determine the best location for each bar.

Its worth noting that towel bars arent the same as grab bars. Towel bars lack sufficient support, so using them as grab bars might be unsafe.

A shower bench or chair is another budget-friendly option. When choosing a bench, make sure the feet have a non-slip grip. Some benches fit into the tub, while others are placed over the edge so you can sit and slide into the tub.

To reduce the risk of slipping, place a non-slip mat in your tub or shower. Consider placing a non-slip mat or anti-slip rug just outside of the shower, too.

Some state programs might offer financial assistance for walk-in tub installations. However, Medicare and insurance companies generally dont provide coverage. Walk-in tubs usually arent considered medically necessary.

Many retailers offer financing options that let you pay for a product over time. This wont reduce the overall cost, but it might be easier to pay in smaller portions.

A walk-in tub may be ideal if you have limited mobility. Compared with a standard tub, this type of tub is safer because you dont have to step over a high edge.

Typically, walk-in tubs have safety features like grab bars and slip-resistant floors. You can also get tubs with specialty features like whirlpool jets and colored lights.

Walk-in tubs are available in different sizes, shapes, and configurations. A licensed contractor can determine the best option for your home and needs.

Currently, walk-in tubs arent covered by health insurance and Medicare. However, your state might offer a financial assistance program, and retailers often have financing options.

More here:
5 Best Walk-In Tubs in 2021: Costs, Features & Reviews - Healthline