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What you want to know about the Rappahannock County comprehensive plan

For the first time in a long time, Rappahannock County might greet the new year with a fully up-to-date comprehensive plan. Next week, the Board of Supervisors could make the long-awaited decision to approve updates to the countys guiding vision document updates that are more than a decade overdue.

Last month after several members of the public expressed opposition to the plans maps delineating boundaries around each of the countys five villages, the supervisors agreed to remove the maps from the proposed plan and arranged to revisit the issue in a future revision.

In preparation for the landmark vote, the Rappahannock News and Foothills Forum compiled comments from prominent county leaders and former officials to provide answers to some of our readers most pressing questions.

What is the comprehensive plan, and what is it for?

Virginia state code compels every local planning commission in the commonwealth to prepare a plan for the purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the territory within its jurisdiction. By statute, the comprehensive plan is meant to be general. And as many local officials point out, it is meant only to inform present and future activity, not to establish new enforceable ordinances.

Jurisdictions are encouraged to update their comprehensive plans at least every five years, but Rappahannock has not fully updated its plan, first written in 1973, since 2004.

[The comprehensive plan] should be our guiding star that we look to and consult in our future decision-making processes. Its supposed to be a loose document, an overarching general plan not a zoning document. Christine Smith, Chair of the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors.

It is a protective document. What are we protecting? We are protecting Rappahannock County the way we all know and love it. Keir Whitson, Hampton District Supervisor.

At its base the comprehensive plan is really just supposed to outline and lay out the vision of the jurisdiction, whether its a town or a county, in terms of how they see development and where they see opportunities for growth, whether that be development growth or economic growth or anything else. Patrick Mauney, Executive Director of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission

What is the relationship between the comprehensive plan and zoning?

While there is nothing in the Virginia code that requires a governing body to adhere to its jurisdictions comprehensive plan, the plan is generally thought of as a guardrail for planners making zoning and subdivision ordinances.

If a newly-revised comprehensive plan designates an area for industrial growth and development but it is not currently zoned for such activity, for example, then zoning and subdivision rules should be amended to align with that objective. Each time the comprehensive plan is amended, a review should follow to determine how the changes will be reflected in county policies and which governing body will have oversight.

I always thought of [the comp plan] as the skeleton and the zoning regulations are like the flesh on the skeleton. Sharon Pierce, former Chair of the Planning Commission.

Any time we consider a new or modified zoning ordinance (which is very specific in time and detail) we must first ask: is it supported by the comp plan? That is, does the new idea fit within the vision of the plan, the opening of the funnel? If not, it would not be supported and the idea would need to be reshaped or we would need to ask ourselves if our vision shifted. If our vision shifted, the comp plan can be modified after properly advertised public hearings at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Rick Kohler, Piedmont District Representative to the Planning Commission.

Some residents object to the wording in Principle 4 of the comp plan, which reads: Encourage residential development within the designated village areas, infill development to be preferred; to allow for the broadest possible range of housing opportunities, styles, configurations, and affordability within the context of a rural, agricultural community.

Why encourage and not accommodate?

Planning Commission Chair David Konick has correctly emphasized on a number of occasions that the word encourage has been in the comprehensive plan since the 1980s.

The term and phrase are intentionally broad. One goal of Rappahannocks comprehensive plan has been to preserve the countys rural character. To accomplish that, former (and some present) county planners have believed that Rappahannock needs to allow some higher density development in the village areas to protect against legal challenges that could argue low-density zoning is exclusionary.

The focus of encouraging growth was from the standpoint of defending the comprehensive plan as a whole. And everything changes -- political wills change, legal statuses change but at the time the intent of that [phrase] was that the growth would occur around the villages. So accommodate is maybe a better word than encourage but encourage was there because the intent [was] to say if growth happens it should happen around the villages. I could even argue that the villages do need an amount of growth to be economic units. Sharon Pierce, former Chair of the Planning Commission.

Can the Sperryville sewer accommodate growth, and if so, how much?

The short answer? No one really knows.

Water and sewer services allow for higher commercial and residential density than private septic systems, but their purpose is not to designate village boundaries. Sperryvilles sewer system was built in the late 1980s to respond to state and federal environmental clean water protection mandates that prohibited the dumping of waste into the Thornton River. (Similarly, the Town of Washington put in its sewer lines in 2010 largely to protect the Rush River watershed.)

The Sperryville sewage permit is specified to an amount of effluent, not a number of households. The plant was built to process 55,000 gallons of wastewater per day. Currently, the sewer serves roughly 180 connections that produce notably less effluent than the maximum allowed by the permit.

The authority has engaged a Luray-based firm, Racey Engineering and Surveying, to analyze the sewers true capacity.

It would be better for the authority and the system to have more users helping to share the burden of the cost. It is a source of revenue so a reason we might want more users is not necessarily because were promoting growth, but if it is in our legitimate service area it would be nice if we could get that additional revenue. Alex Sharp, Chair of the Rappahannock County Water and Sewer Authority

Why were the comp plan maps removed?

At an October public hearing to discuss the comprehensive plan, Board Chair Christine Smith observed that the maps seem to have taken on a life where they are seen as encouraging and including more growth.

The village area maps were intended to improve upon the aerial photographs that were previously included in the 2004 comprehensive plan, but the proposed maps met with unexpected resistance from county residents and even the Piedmont Environmental Council.

Patrick Mauney, executive director of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission, told the Rappahannock News that the maps had been devised by superimposing the countys zoning maps onto digital maps of the villages. The initial maps were just village boundaries with no designation of what the zoning was, he said. And the regional commission drew those boundaries, Mauney continued, based on where parcels naturally seemed to have fence lines and tree lines.

Nonetheless, the myriad objections to the maps included fears that development and growth might increase traffic dangers; burden Sperryvilles sewer system; tarnish the rural charm of the historic villages; and burden the villages with unwelcome sprawl.

Chris Parrish, vice chairman of the Board of Supervisors, put it succinctly during a November session: I have yet to talk to anybody personally that is in favor of the maps.

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'Must we grow?' and other questions | Government | rappnews.com - Rappahannock News

This week's top stories1. Parents of special needs students: Kids need to be in school

For children with special needs, a celebratory rub on the back or high-five can mean the world. In the age of COVID-19, those physical acts of reassurance happen less often, with school restrictions on social distancing and the stress of spreading the virus hanging in the air. But Long Island parents and instructors say having special needs students back in school, either full time or hybrid, is better than keeping them at home.

"We've always had our challenges. Now they're exacerbated to the ninth degree," said Tricia Desiderio, vice president of the Long Island Association of Special Education Administrators. The school environment is "less interactive," there's greater spacing between desks, and group-activity tables have disappeared, Desiderio said. Special needs educators across the Island said they saw numerous students' abilities both physically and academically diminish.

Schools are more than a place to learn math and science for kids with special needs they host a spectrum of services, including counseling, and physical, occupational and speech therapy, educators said. Special needs students thrive on the structure, routine and expertise in schools. When a student regresses in school, they're not necessarily forgetting some fractions, but they're losing life skills that help them be more independent and communicate with others, educators said.

Melissa Clark, of West Babylon, said it was difficult doing speech therapy with her daughter, Brianna, who has autism, during the months of remote learning in the spring. She said her daughter lost some of her ability to speak in the time. She noticed the remote therapy sessions really didn't offer more than 15 minutes of instruction before Brianna's attention drifted elsewhere.

Read the full story.

The Wyandanch school district plans to end the use of failing cesspools at two schools and hook up to the Southwest Sewer District under proposed legislation that would waive county sewer hookup fees for schools under a state fiscal monitor.

The pandemic has changed education on Long Island. Find out how.

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Read the full story.

Suffolk Countys planned seizure of the former Dowling College campus in Oakdale is on hold after the propertys owner paid more than $2 million in back taxes, officials said.

Read the full story.

Danielle Grey-Stewart, a Hicksville native who grew up enamored with science and how it shapes the world around her, was selected for the 2021 Rhodes scholarship program, one of just 32 recipients in the United States to receive the prestigious distinction.

Read the full story.

An Oceanside High School sophomore recently collected 30 boxes worth of donated art supplies for use by children in local hospitals. In lieu of a "Sweet 16," Autum Blois held one of her biggest art supply drive-by collections last month at her family's home, where about 700 boxes of crayons were dropped off by residents, said Maureen, her mother. She called this collection, "Autum's Colors."

Autum, who is on the autism spectrum, previously has held donation drives to benefit local hospitals, including Mount Sinai South Nassau and NYU Winthrop. Of Autum's passion for art, Maureen said: "She never leaves our house without some sort of drawing material."

Have questions? Send them to ednews@newsday.com. Newsdays education reporting team will pick one to answer in this space each week.

Are children safe from COVID-19 in school?

Medical experts say "yes" for the most part, but warn against gatherings outside of school, where the virus is spreading among children and adults. School buildings were shut for months at the start of the pandemic, though medical experts now believe children are less likely to be infected with the virus in an education setting where they are wearing masks, keeping their distance and cleaning protocols are followed.

"Schools have done tremendous work to try and make the learning environment very safe," said Dr. James Schneider, chief of pediatric critical care medicine at Cohen Childrens Medical Center in New Hyde Park. On the other hand, organizing parties and gatherings at home and in the community with 20 or 30 people children and adults is "absolutely irresponsible."

He added, "We know for sure that is how [COVID-19] is spreading."

Even though many children do not fall seriously ill, its a mistake to underestimate the impact of COVID-19 on children, as some people have done, said Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Childrens Hospital.

"I think the first thing to remind them is that more children have died of COVID-19 this year than have died of flu in the past," Nachman said. "So when people dont think these illness affect children, the answer is, They do. "

Find the latest education news at newsday.com/long-island/education. Catherine Carrera can be reached at catherine.carrera@newsday.com or on Twitter @CattCarrera.

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Why in-person instruction can mean the world - Newsday

Express News Service

Despite a massive redevelopment work before the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Jamnapaar or Yamuna paar continues to be looked down upon, thanks to the rising content of ammonia in the river and the nauseating stench that emanates from it. Residents of the adjacent areas lament or being tagged as the poor cousins of the more opulent south Delhi.

To change this image, the AAP government has initiated a mega project with an aim to reduce the pollution load in the Yamuna by 90 per cent by March 2023. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials recently presented a detailed plan to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and water minister Satyendar Jain in this regard. It has already laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the project.

The Yamuna, which serves for around 70 per cent of Delhis water and is often described as the lifeline for Delhiites, is one of the most polluted rivers in the world, especially around the national capital, due to high density of population and rapid industrialisation.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre seeks to Clean Ganga by 2020 under the project Namami Gange, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government aims to restore the Yamuna to its earlier glory under the new initiative, officials said. Keeping that in mind, the Yamuna Cleaning Action Plan of the Delhi government was drawn up.

Its main components are up-gradation of sewage treatment plants (STP), connecting every household to the sewage system and in-situ treatment of untreated water. These interventions by the government will be on a policy level and technical infrastructure on the ground will be augmented corresponding to these decisions to clean the sacred river.

Sewage connectionAccording to the DJB, one of the major pollutants of the river is household sewage flowing directly into the river. Therefore, the first step of the plan to is to connect every house in unauthorised colonies with the sewerage system so that no untreated water laden with waste enters the river. A major challenge before the government in the entire project is to cover 1,250 unauthorised colonies, out of the total of 1,800, with the citys sewer system as they were haphazardly developed without any government supervision, while human waste is accumulated in septic tanks and stormwater drains.

The human waste flowing into the waters has serious consequences in the terms of hygiene and could potentially lead to a disease outbreak. For this, the government has been trying to encourage the residents living in these colonies, slums and JJ clusters to get sewer connections on their own through various schemes.

There are 550 such colonies where sewage connection is available, but people did not get a connection to the system. Now, the government has decided that every new house constructed will have a sewer connection free of cost. Through these connections, the government would ensure that all the filth generated in the waters can be tracked and the specific intervention required to treat the problem can be done inthe future.

Revamping STPsThe second major step is to set up more STPs and upgrade the existing ones to treat all the sewage generated by the city before it enters the river. The Delhi government has a total of 35 functional treatment plants with which treat almost 520 million gallons of wastewater per day.The plan is to increase the figure exponentially in the next year. Delhi is also taking the help of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) to treat any untreated water flowing in the city outside of this STP network. A way for the technical experts to gauge the quality of water is Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).

This term is used to differentiate between treated and untreated water as per the existing norms 10 is the standard for clean water. Currently, the Yamuna has an overall BOD of 70, which the government hopes to bring down considerably in the next three years to 10.

Treatment of drain waterIn-situ treatment of water is a key technical intervention being made by the DJB in the drains of filth flowing into the river.For this, a pilot project was started in 2017 and after its success, this is now seen as a low-cost effective measure to clean water. In the first phase, this technology will be implemented in two drains from Haryana.

Through the Badshahpur drain and drain number 6, a total of 450 million gallons per day (MGD) of untreated wastewater enters into the Najafgarh drain and ultimately, into the river. The government plan involves the use of dual technology of Enhanced Aeration of water and natural floating wetlands.

Water is dirty when the level of oxygen goes down, so enhanced aeration will help in re-oxygenating of the drain water while it is flowing. Similarly, the floating treatment wetlands will add healthy microbes to the water before it enters the river. The work is in progress, tenders have been floated to hire a consultant to do the task. This method is effective, says Ankit Srivastava, technical advisor of the DJB.

There are five major outfalls carrying wastewater into the Yamuna Najafgarh, Shahdara, Barapulla, Delhi Gate, Mori Gate drains. The Najafgarh and Shahdara drains, besides Delhis wastewater, receive polluted water from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The Najafgarh drain, which is a river Sahibi originating from Alwar in Rajasthan, is the biggest opening releasing 450 MGD of water into the Yamuna, out of which 50 MGD is untreated and the remaining is partially treated.

The Shahdara drain releases 90 MGD of water, out of which 40 is untreated, while the Barapulla drains entire 40 MGD untreated water is released into the river. Two smaller drains the Mori Gate and the Delhi Gate in Old City area release 10 MGD and 8 MGD respectively into the river. Another drain in Sonia Vihar also releases 5 MGD.

The Yamuna from its origin at Yamunotri to Okhla barrage is called the Upper Yamuna where the Delhi government plans to add treated water from the STPs in the future in the Palla area to increase the flow of treated water in the river downstream. There are tales of Lord Krishnas childhood scattered around the length of the river Yamuna. While we acknowledge its sanctity, we have collectively accepted it in its present polluted form.

The DJB is going to use various innovative approaches to clean the sacred river. For drains, in-situ treatment using natural wetlands and aeration methods will be used. The augmentation of the existing STPs capacity will be done. The DJB has taken it upon itself to clean the river with a strict timeline in mind and within the bodys existing budget by December 31, 2023, says Water Minister Satyendar Jain. Jain, who is also an architect, has also suggested designs in many STPs and the drain system to clean the river, officials say.

It was a conscious decision on the part of Kejriwal, to allot all the relevant departments water, flood and irrigation and urban development to Jain so that the work does not get delayed in the usual tussle between the departments. In addition to the Yamuna cleaning, the government also has planned out the ways to recharge the soon depleting groundwater table of the city that would help the government provide the 24x7 water supply, as promised by Kejriwal in the AAPs last election manifesto.

The plan is to use treated 436 MGD of water from STPs in water bodies, lakes, irrigation, gardening, forests and other horticulture purposes.Currently, STPs treat around 525 MGD of water out of which, only 90 MGD is used and the rest goes back into the river. Using innovative modern technology, the government also is cleaning large and small lakes in the capital and filling them up with treated water from STPs. According to the officials, the government has also talked to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and has been permitted to clean large lakes.

However, according to Manoj Mishra the convenor of a group of environmental activists called Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan until the Delhi government finds a solution for the flow of the river, nothing will revive. The right roadmap for the revival of Yamuna was laid down by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2015. The Delhi government had that plan too.

What has it been doing for the last five years? Why is it still talking about three more years? The current reality is that the Yamuna in Delhi does not flow. What is the governments plan to change that? Because all other revival plans will fail if the current condition is not changed. These plans sound more like election propaganda for the next few years, says Mishra. Currently, a total of 874 tons of pollutants per day flow directly into the Yamuna in Delhi.

Govt looks to reduce pollution load up to 90% by March 2023On November 18, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the DJB will reduce the pollution load being discharged into the Yamuna river by 90 per cent by March 2023. Major steps to execute this plan include treating around 150 MGD of polluted water coming from Haryana and UP using natural wetlands, aeration methods and will increase the treatment of water to 400 MGD. There arefive major outfalls carrying wastewater into the Yamuna, including Najafgarh drain, Shahdara drain, Barapullahdrain, Delhi Gate drain andMori Gate drain

Agencies asked to ensure sewagetreatmentThe CPCB on Sunday expressed concern over the growing pollution and frothing in Yamuna and asked the agencies concerned in Delhi, Haryana and UP to ensure no sewage is discharged into the river. The apex pollution watchdog directed agencies concerned to submit action taken report by December 15. In a statement, the CPCB said the quality of the river was becoming toxic with high ammonia levels due to discharge of untreated waste in it and directed the DJB to take time bound action and ensure no sewage is discharged into the river

Phase 1By December 2021, pollution load will be 709 temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). The current TPD is 874

Phase 2By March 2022, pollution load in the Yamuna will be 128 TPD

Phase 3By December 2023, pollution load in the Yamuna will be reduced to 54 TPD

Aiming to revive citys lifeline, DJB will upgrade sewage treatment plants, connect households in unauthorised colonies to sewage system and conduct in-situ treatment of untreated water, reports Siddhanta Mishra

Continued here:
Breathing new life into Yamuna - The New Indian Express

People have spent more time at home in 2020 than they likely have in years past. This has provided homeowners with plenty of time to ponder potential upgrades to their homes. After taking inventory of their lifestyles, surroundings and furnishings, people have embarked on construction projects or home interior design renovations in record numbers.

Holiday gifts that cater to projects around the house are likely to be highly valued this holiday season. Here are some ideas for home improvement-related gifts.

Home improvement retailer gift card: Home improvement centers are one-stop shopping for do-it-yourselfers. To help offset the cost of supplies, gift-givers can give a gift card to a neighborhood hardware store.

Magazine subscription: There are plenty of ideas on the internet, but a subscription to a home remodeling or interior design magazine puts inspiration right in homeowners hands. Pages can be marked or cut out and used on idea boards.

Tools and supplies: Homeowners just starting out may benefit from the basics. Stores often sell starter tool kits that can be used in home improvement-themed baskets. Experienced DIYers may have a special tool in mind that is outside their budget right now, like a chop saw or cordless power drill. Purchasing one of these items can help projects move along more smoothly.

Expert consultation: Who cant use a little help with their home remodeling efforts? Give the gift of a consultation from an interior designer or professional contractor to help complete plans that may be a little out of reach for the average DIYer.

Big-ticket item: Some friends and family members may want to pool their resources and offer loved ones an over-the-top gift. This can include a backyard playset for children, a storage shed, a pool installation, or even a new appliance package. Gift ideas are endless and only limited by budget.

Room re-do: All it may take is some new linens or accents to transform a room. From throw pillows to curtains to wall art, give the gift of an easy room makeover.

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Holiday Gifts To Spark Home Improvement Ideas - Escalon Times

Lila Romo is only 3, but she already has her dream house. Well, a dream playhouse that for a childs play area is incredibly built almost like a real house.

It took about a month to construct the one-room, $8,000 backyard mini-mansion. It measures 10 feet by 10 feet, has a tile floor imported from Mexico, a chandelier, and plenty of plexiglass windows for safety.

But for the pandemic, Lila Romo would be the most popular kid in her Castle Hills neighborhood.

Lilas parents, Victor and Malisa, got the idea to build their daughter her very own child-size dream house while visiting relatives in Manchester, England. While there they brought Lila to the Great Northern Free Play Area downtown, a large amphitheater set aside for children that includes its own playhouse, complete with pretend kitchen and cafe and a story-time library.

Lila was enthralled.

She loved, loved, loved it, said Victor, an emergency room physician with Methodist Healthcare. When it was time to go, she and the other kids playing there had to be dragged away. It was like there were lines in the sand from their fingernails.

On ExpressNews.com: Modern Hill Country home captures spectacular views from every room

Once back home, Victor scrapped his plans to build a storage shed in the backyard of his childhood home where he and Malisa now live. Instead, he sent pictures of the British playhouse to his friend Dave Peters, owner of the San Antonio custom home and remodeling company D. Michael Design.

In about 15 minutes, Dave sent me back all these plans for whats now Lilas Playhouse, he said.

What Lila loves about the house, her parents say, is the play kitchen where she bakes cakes, the kid-size table and the plastic flowers in the front window planters. On a recent visit, she happily showed off the play telephone she uses to call her aunt, the pegboard on one wall to hold her toys, and the small chandelier hanging from the ceiling (bought from Amazon). Theres even a handmade sign hanging above the door reading Lilas Playhouse.

But perhaps her favorite part of the house are the shutters, which are painted with erasable chalkboard paint so she can draw on them.

On ExpressNews.com: 7 home trends for 2021, from Zoom rooms to electric car chargers

The house is surprisingly well built. Peters framed the structure using two-by-four exterior walls and two-by-six ceiling joists set 16 inches on center. He also used solid wood for the siding and encapsulation paint for better weather protection.

Other than the fact that its not insulated or wired, I built like I build any other full-size house, he said.

The playhouse sits on a concrete slab that previously served as a parking spot for an RV and as a basketball court, now covered with artificial turf.

Her mothers favorite thing about the house? That its right in the backyard where she can see it.

Lilas very independent and can play by herself for a long time, she said. And I can watch her from anywhere in the house. Its better than having a pool.

Although playhouse visitors so far so far been limited to Lilas cousins, its obvious the structure has been a point of curiosity to the neighbors. We could see people looking in from the street while it was being built, Victor said.

It has also garnered interest online. When Peters posted a photo on his company Instagram page he quickly booked another job and has gotten several nibbles about others.

Richard A. Marini is a features writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Richard, become a subscriber. rmarini@express-news.net | Twitter: @RichardMarini

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Mini-mansion childs playhouse in Castle Hills a dream come true for this San Antonio 3-year-old - San Antonio Express-News

Time flies when you're having fun! As the new US Shopping Editor at Real Homes, I've been here nearly two months (!!!), and the one thing I've noticed? Readers love the personal touch and that's just what I plan to bring to the table: My personal touch.

Starting this week, I will have a weekly Editor's Picks series, where I bring you not only what you should be buying but what I am, in fact, buying.

From fun festive finds (I am a walking Hallmark card after all) to the affordable furniture I'm remodeling my apartment with, I will break down piece-by-piece what I am buying, and more importantly: why I am buying it.

So what's in my shopping cart this week? Gift wrap, velvet chairs, and turntables, of course! Here are my top nine #BrittanysBestBuys for this week.

Add them to your shopping cart and worry about those credit card statements later (or at least, that's my motto!).

(Image credit: Walmart)

14Karat Home Luna velvet Side Chair for $99.97, at Walmart

Full disclosure: This exact chair is sitting on my living room floor waiting to be assembled, and I am more than excited to get going! Of the 9 available shades, I opted for the red as it spoke to me the most; but truthfully, there is no one wrong way to go here. Between the gold metal legs and velvet material, it's bound to be the most swoon-worthy seat.

Not your style? Check out our buying guide for the best armchairs available!

View Deal

(Image credit: Walmart)

Mainstays Writing Desk, White Finish for $25, at Walmart

A good affordable desk is too hard to come by which is why I'm now going on my second one. However, here I hit it out of the park. Ringing in at just $25, this inexpensive piece offers up the same concept of higher-priced versions, looks just as luxe, and the assembly process was easier than ever.

View Deal

(Image credit: Wayfair)

XCH GROUP INC Velvet 52" Square Arm Loveseat l Was $569.99, Now $519.99, at Wayfair

The only thing I hate more than spending my own money is the color pink, so when I first stumbled upon this pinkish loveseat, you can imagine I was not immediately in love. However, this 52" loveseat was the only piece that checked almost all my boxes: It was in my price range, velvet (!!!) and the exact size I needed. But after my boss so brilliantly stated: "It is more a mauve" I, of course, was sold! This mauve must-have will be here this afternoon, and I am hoping it's just as picture-perfect as it looks!View Deal

(Image credit: Amazon)

(Image credit: Walmart)

Innovative Technology Victrola 4-in-1 Nostalgic Bluetooth Record Player with 3-Speed Record Turntable and FM Radio l Was $69.99, Now $59.99, at Walmart

My worst habit? Bringing my laptop everywhere I go to play music and yes, that includes setting it up outside my shower. Or at least, this was the case until last week when I invested in this 4-in-1 turntable.It combines a timeless nostalgic look with a classic rotary turner while also maintaining the latest technology.

Long story short? It's something old-but-new: I can stream my music via Bluetooth, listen to my favorite morning radio show (Hey Boomer and Gio!), and even play my old vinyl records. Oh, and the best part? The sound is so strong. I can set this up in my living room and hear it when I take a shower (Goodbye, laptop!).View Deal

(Image credit: Amazon)

(Image credit: Amazon)

American Greetings Wrapping Paper Kit with Gridlines, Bows and Gift Tags (41-Count, 120 sq. ft.) | $19.99, at Amazon

Similar to many others, this holiday season, my family plans are still up-in-the-air in terms of what we are or aren't doing come Christmas. My sister-in-law is not only an elementary school traveling nurse, but she just had a baby last February; long story short, COVID is a top concern on everyone's mind.

Regardless of what comes to fruition celebration-wise, I didn't want to miss out on my favorite part of the holidays: wrapping gifts. So, I went ahead and ordered this wrapping bundle.

Not only does this option include a printed gift wrap for everyone in my family (there's 4 total!), but if your family is like mine and always losing gift tags, this set has it covered. And even includes a bow to top every present off, too!View Deal

(Image credit: Amazon)

(Image credit: Etsy)

Nope ~ Office Desk Name Plate | $14.95, at Etsy

Who says growing up means you have to be a grown-up? Most certainly, not me, which is why I bought this exact nameplate to add to my new desk. Treat yourself to this sweet sign or anyone else in your life that needs a pick-me-up!View Deal

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Editor's picks: the 9 best items to add to your shopping cart this week - Real Homes

A GRIP ON SPORTS There was no way I was ever watching Man on Wire. Not just because Im afraid of heights deeply but also because who wants to watch a person trying to stay upright while everyone below is scared to death theyre going to fall to certain doom? In unrelated news, Washington State mens basketball.

Last night was appointment TV in the Grippi household. Idaho, with two starters who played travel basketball for me, was trying to win in Pullman. It was the annual renewal of the longest rivalry west of the Mississippi. And as poorly as the Vandals had played to start their season, one had the feeling they had something a shot against Washington State.

Mainly because the Cougars have been living on the edge.

It hasnt mattered who WSU has played in this undefeated start to the season. It could be a depleted Eastern team, a decent Oregon State team, an average Texas Southern team. No matter. The Cougars seem to sleep walk a bit, trail, wake up and win. Happened again last night. All of it.

And this morning Kyle Smiths team wakes up 4-0. But oh is right. As in oh my, WSU better get better before Pac-12 season hits hard.

Maybe its the loss of CJ Elleby and his calming presence not to mention 20 points a night. Or maybe its all the COVID-related crud that has hit the Cougars, from Smiths own case to players testing positive to canceled trips. Whatever it is, it seems as if Smith has to let them play the first 20 minutes just to be able to figure out which groups are working together.

Its almost like a racing-car mechanic having to rebuild the engine before every green flag.

Whatever Smith has been doing last night the key move in the 61-58 win was sitting Isaac Bonton down for a long second-half stretch that seemed to key a 19-0 Washington State run it has worked. But darn, it gets scary for a while.

As for the Vandals, Zac Claus is still figuring out his team as well. There are some pieces available to work with, but never forget he starts two players who begin their time in Moscow as walk-ons as he tries to rebuild a program with a proud history. It could be another long year for UI but if Wednesday nights effort continues, the Vandals will give a few Big Sky teams fits.

So the University of Washington had to pause football activities yesterday. COVID-19 got its foot in the team bubble and the school is trying to see how far the virus has spread. There was some hope it is isolated enough that UW can play its I-5 rivalry game with Oregon on Saturday.

Meanwhile Seattle King County Public Health told a local TV station it was still recommending a 14-day quarantine for any players in the schools protocol. Could that rule out a Pac-12 title game appearance for the Huskies if too many players are infected or out for contact tracing? It may.

Its just another illustration the virus is nearly impossible to stop. And that getting through a college sports season, whatever sport were referring to, without lots and lots of pauses and stumbles, wont be possible for a while.

Speaking of that, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has changed his tune somewhat. Before the season began, the dean of college hoops was all for starting a season, saying the NCAA Tournament had to be played this year. But with postponements and cancellation piling up, hes changed his mind at least to some degree.

I dont think it feels right to anybody, he said Tuesday according to CBS Sports. We made an assessment. Im not sure who leads college basketball. Its done by committee (and) anything thats led by committee is not agile in handling a situation.

It wasnt, like, well-planned, he continued. We were going to start November 25. That was made without knowing where the vaccine was, how many cases. Basically, it was more a mentality of get as many games in as possible. And I would just like for the safety, the mental health and the physical health of players and staff, to reassess where were at.

When Krzyzewski talks, people usually listen. But maybe not this time.

WSU: It was weird (and will stay weird) seeing Beasley Coliseum empty for the game (insert whatever joke about the Paul Graham-era here). But Theo Lawson powered through and has this game story. Theo is also in full football mode the Cougars host California late Saturday night and has a story on Jayden de Lauras ability to lead his team despite his youth. Around the Pac-12 and college football, the news from Seattle roiled everything yesterday. If the Huskies cant play this weekend, they will win the North title due to their 3-1 record. But if they are also stuck in quarantine, then a Pac-12 title game appearance might have to be out. And open the door for USC and Colorado to play. But thats a long way off, considering this season circumstances change in minutes. Oregon heard the news as well, but the Ducks are still preparing for the Huskies. Off-the-field, however, other plans are being made. Oregon State may be deep into its depth chart this week. Utah and Colorado will now play on Saturday instead of Friday. Its just another example of how this year is different. The Buffs sudden rise this season was unforeseen. USC was expected to be good but UCLA peeking over .500 headed into the rivalry game is a surprise. Grad transfers have helped the Bruins. The Trojans have been hit by defensive injuries. Arizona State will depend on its linebackers to stop the Arizona run game. In basketball news, Washington picked up its first win of the season, routing cold-shooting Seattle in Hec Ed. Oregon picked up a home win as well. Oregon State has had to develop depth. Colorado needs everyone playing at their best. Arizona had little trouble with Cal State Bakersfield. UCLA defeated USD in Pauley. Arizona State will host San Diego State tonight.

Gonzaga: If you were planning on traveling to Sioux Falls, S.D. for the Zags Dec. 19 game with Iowa, change your plans. Now. The folks in charge of the game have decided fans wont be allowed in the arena. Jim Meehan has more, including a note about the few who will be able to attend. The Zags are still hanging on to the No. 1 spot for just about everyone. Elsewhere in the WCC, San Diego played its first game of the season, a loss to UCLA. Boise State, coached by former Gonzaga assistant Leon Rice, went into Provo and defeated BYU. Pepperdine routed California in Berkeley while Santa Clara was winning at Cal Poly.

EWU: Ryan Collingwood has a prep story below, but he also took time out yesterday to talk with Larry Weir for the latest Press Box podcast. Around the Big Sky, Northern Colorado finally got to play and routed Colorado Christian. Montana has had some bright spots despite its record. Southern Utah is contemplating a move to the WAC.

Idaho: Besides the story on the mens loss at WSU, we can pass along this piece on the women losing at Texas.

Preps: There is high school basketball going on in the area, though its across the border in Idaho. Dave Nichols has a look at all the local boys and girls teams. He also has this feature on Lake Citys Brooklyn Rewers, who is headed to Michigan State next season. Ryan pitches in with a story about a good friend of mine, new Genesis Prep boys coach Jeff Hironaka, the former Washington State assistant.

Indians: Dave spent a lot of time yesterday monitoring the news concerning minor league baseballs remodeling. It looks as if Spokane will become the full-season Single-A franchise of the Colorado Rockies.

Seahawks: Bobby Wagner is right. Seattles defense just needs to play better. The Rams and Hawks look to be headed toward a NFC West-deciding rematch at the end of the month. How would you grade the Seahawks after 75 percent of the season? The Hawks havent had a lot of first-round picks in the Pete Carroll era. Josh Gordon is back in the locker room.

Mariners: The Ms agreed to a deal with a former Met relief pitcher who was recently in Korea. They also announced their minor league teams, but Tacoma isnt agreeing just yet.

Sounders: Seattles Monday night comeback was among the best in the citys history.

Lets check the calendar. Its Dec. 10. That means the daylight part of each days begins getting longer again in just 11 days. And Christmas is just 15 days from now. Oh crud. Its almost time to begin scramble mode. In Star Trek parlance, take us to yellow alert No. 1. Until later

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A Grip on Sports: WSU walks tightrope again but once more finds a way to get past Idaho - The Spokesman-Review

STRONGSVILLE, OH The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio are hosting the third-annual P League Toy & Charity Drive. Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is this year's honorary host.

The toy drive runs through Dec. 19. Monetary donations can be made online or new toys can be dropped off at several locations in Northeast Ohio, including a site in Strongsville (full list at bottom of this article).

This year's P League Toy & Charity drive will culminate in a limited-attendance, celebrity charity basketball game in Strongsville. Attendance will be severely limited due to COVID-19 protocols.

The primary recipient of this year's toy drive will be kids at the King Kennedy Club, on Cleveland's east side.

Here's where toys can be dropped off:

6257 Pearl RoadParma Heights

19388 Progressive DriveStrongsville

5513 Pearl Road Street Parma

6913 West 130th Street Parma Heights

12781 State RoadNorth Royalton

5218 Broadview RoadParma

12702 Bellaire RoadCleveland

35075 center ridge RoadNorth Ridgeville

Foot and Ankle Clinic 15800 Detroit RoadLakewood

55 Ghent Road Fairlawn

3333 Manchester RoadAkron

35075 Center Ridge RoadNorth Ridgeville

The rest is here:
Toy Drive In Strongsville To Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs - Patch.com

As a public service, Shaw Media will provide open access to information related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emergency. Sign up for the newsletter here

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 8,256 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 179 additional deaths Wednesday.

The seven-day rolling average of Illinois positivity rate decreased to 9.6%, a drop of 0.3 percentage points over Tuesday.

The state received the results of 92,737 COVID-19 tests in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday afternoon.

Illinois has seen 812,430 cases of the virus, and 13,666 people have died. The state has conducted 11,367,345 tests since the start of the pandemic.

As of late Tuesday, Illinois had 5,284 COVID-19 patients in the hospital, an increase of 85 patients over yesterday's update. Of those hospitalizations, 1,176 were in intensive care units, and 647 were on ventilators.

To see definitions of key terms used in our COVID-19 updates, read this article titled, "Feeling lost in keeping up with the news?"

Regional update: Currently, all 11 of the state's health regions are under additional mitigation measures from the IDPH, and as of Nov. 20, all 11 regions are under Tier 3 mitigations.

Regional data from the IDPH remains on a three-day lag.

Confused about the different tiers and phases of the governor's COVID-19 response? Read this explanation of the Restore Illinois plan and its metrics.

The North Suburban region (McHenry and Lake counties) has seen zero consecutive days under 12%. The region's positivity rate increased to 12.4%. Currently, 20% of medical/surgical beds are available and 28.2% of ICU beds.

The region has 11 consecutive days over the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and three consecutive days over the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

The Lake/McHenry region has a rolling, seven-day average of 304 COVID-19 patients in the hospital, and that number has decreased for eight consecutive days.

Within this region, McHenry County's seven-day positivity rate average decreased to 14.8%. Lake County, which does about two-thirds of the testing in the region, is reporting a rolling average of 11.5%.

Finally, within the Lake/McHenry region, there are 47 available, staffed ICU beds out of 188 total.

The West Suburban region (DuPage and Kane counties) has seen zero consecutive days under 12%. The region's positivity rate increased to 13.5%. Currently, 15.2% of medical/surgical beds are available and 17.6% of ICU beds.

The region has two consecutive days under the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and nine consecutive days under the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

The Kane/DuPage region has a rolling, seven-day average of 586 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hospitalizations have decreased 10 out of the past 10 days in this region.

Within this region, Kane County's seven-day positivity average is at 15.3%, and DuPage County is at 12.7%.

Finally, within the DuPage/Kane region, there are 61 available, staffed ICU beds out of 344 total.

The South Suburban region (Will and Kankakee counties) has seen zero consecutive days under 12%. The region's positivity rate stayed the same at 15.4%. Currently, 18.9% of medical/surgical beds are available and 23.5% of ICU beds.

The region has six consecutive days over the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and one day under the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

The Will/Kankakee region has a rolling, seven-day average of 290 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hospitalizations have decreased 10 out of the past 10 days in this region.

Finally, within the Will/Kankakee region, there are 35 available, staffed ICU beds out of 162 total.

The North region (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties) has seen zero consecutive days under the 12%. The region's positivity rate decreased to 14.6%. Currently, 24.1% of medical/surgical beds are available and 22.2% of ICU beds.

The region has 11 consecutive days above the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and 11 consecutive days above the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

Region 1 has a rolling, seven-day average of 232 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hospitalizations have decreased 10 out of the past 10 days in this region.

Within this region, DeKalb County's positivity rate stayed the same at 13.8%, Lee County's rate increased to 14.8%, and Whiteside County's rate increased to 13.5%.

Finally, within this region, there are 33 available, staffed ICU beds out of 179 total, a decrease of 10 from Tuesday.

The North-Central region (Bureau, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kendall, Knox, La Salle, Livingston, Marshall, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford counties) has seen zero consecutive days under 12%. The region's positivity rate decreased to 13.3%. Currently, 20.8% of medical/surgical beds are available and 15.8% of ICU beds.

The region has eight consecutive days under the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and 11 consecutive days above the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

Region 2 has a rolling, seven-day average of 432 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hospitalizations have decreased 10 out of the past 10 days in this region.

Within this region, La Salle County's seven-day positivity rate decreased to 14.6%.

Finally, within this region, there are 35 available, staffed ICU beds out of 255.

Chicago has seen zero consecutive days under 12%. The region's positivity rate increased slightly to 12.7%. Currently, 18.9% of medical/surgical beds are available and 20.4% of ICU beds.

The region has four consecutive days above the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and one day under the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

Chicago has a rolling, seven-day average of 1,186 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hospitalizations have increased 8 out of the past 10 days in this region.

Suburban Cook County has seen zero consecutive days under 12%. The region's positivity rate increased slightly to 12.8%. Currently, 19.7% of medical/surgical beds are available and 16.4% of ICU beds.

The region has eight consecutive days under the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and four consecutive days above the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

Suburban Cook County has a rolling, seven-day average of 1,432 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hospitalizations have decreased 10 out of the past 10 days in this region.

To see how other regions across the state are doing, see the full IDPH dashboard here.

Newly reported deaths include:

- Adams County: 1 female 100+

- Bond County: 1 female 60s

- Boone County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s

- Bureau County: 1 male 70s

- Champaign County: 1 male 70s

- Christian County: 1 female 40s

- Cook County: 1 female 40s, 3 males 40s, 3 males 50s, 5 females 60s, 7 males 60s, 5 females 70s, 9 males 70s, 11 females 80s, 11 males 80s, 7 females 90s, 2 males 90s, 1 female 100+

- Crawford County: 1 male 80s

- DeKalb County: 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

- DuPage County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 70s, 2 females 80s, 2 males 80s

- Edgar County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s

- Effingham County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 females 90

- Fulton County: 1 male 80s

- Greene County: 1 male 70s

- Grundy County: 1 female 80s

- Hamilton County: 1 male 80s

- Henderson County: 1 female 90s

- Jackson County: 1 female 90s

- Jefferson County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 80s

- Johnson County: 1 male 40s

- Kane County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

- Kankakee County: 1 male 80s

- Knox County: 1 female 80s

- Lake County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 2 male 70s, 1 male 90s

- La Salle County: 1 female 80s

- Lee County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s

- Livingston County: 1 female 90s

- Logan County: 1 female 60s, 2 females 90s

- Macoupin County: 3 females 60s, 1 female 80s

- Madison County: 1 female 40s, 2 females 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s

- Marion County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 90s

- Massac County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

- McDonough County: 1 female 70s

- McHenry County: 1 female 70s

- McLean County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s

- Morgan County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s

- Moultrie County: 1 female 80s

- Peoria County: 1 female 40s, 2 males 70s

- Rock Island County: 2 females 70s

- Sangamon County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 3 females 90s

- Shelby County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s

- St. Clair County: 3 females 70s, 1 female 90s

- Stephenson County: 1 male 80s

- Tazewell County: 1 female 90s, 1 female 100+, 1 male 100+

- Vermilion County: 1 male 90s

- Washington County: 1 male 80s

- Will County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 2 females 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 males 70s, 1 male 80s

- Williamson County: 1 female 60s

- Winnebago County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s

Go here to read the rest:
Here's where each health region in northern Illinois stands as of Wednesday - Ogle County News

By: Trends Desk | New Delhi | Updated: December 10, 2020 10:50:53 amThe demolition was done so using stable non-primary explosives, which were placed in 18,000 drill holes in the building,

The demolition of a 541.44-foot-tall building in Abu Dhabi has entered the Guinness Book of Records as tallest building to be demolished with explosives. It took only 10 seconds to demolish the 144-floor-high Meena Plaza.

In a video, shared on the book of records official Facebook page, the swift demolition of the building can be seen.

This controlled demolition in Abu Dhabi, UAE just set a new record for the tallest building demolished using explosives, said the caption.

Watch the video here:

The demolition was carried out by Modon Properties and used stable non-primary explosives, which were placed in 18,000 drill holes in the building, The Khaleej Times reported.

According to official Guinness World Record adjudicator Danny Hickson, high-level expertise was required for the demolition.

Heres how people reacted to the clip:

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Watch: Controlled demolition of UAE building in 10 seconds that set a world record - The Indian Express