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ARLINGTON -- All the worlds a stage, including a porch in rural Reno County.

This particular front porch stage belongs to Delmar and Suzanne Miller, and its where theyll be hosting performances of "Romeo and Juliet" this weekend.

Shakespeare on the Porch will present the play at 7 p.m. Oct. 16-18 at 19308 W. Castleton Road, Arlington.

This free, outdoor, family-friendly performance will be staged with plenty of room for social distancing. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and plan to stay for popcorn and fellowship after the show.

A cultural moment

"Romeo and Juliet" was one of the first plays the group produced, precisely because it is one most children understand, Miller said.

Its also particularly important during this cultural moment, she explained.

"Were doing it now because theres two groups of people who are 100% identical in social standing, upbringing, every way, and theyve decided to hate each other," Miller said. "It brings destruction on their entire families."

"Theres a kind of deep discourtesy thats a poison and it needs to stop," she said.

The text of "Romeo and Juliet" is kept the same - no edits to take it easy on young actors - but there are a few abbreviations to keep the plays run time around 100 minutes.

The cast includes 25 children raging from preschool to high school students - some home schooled, others from area schools.

Socially distanced

Theres 18 mph breezes forecast for performance nights, which is good for carrying away any aspirators, Miller said.

"There will be plenty of fresh air," she said. Audience members are encouraged to follow Reno County protocol of wearing masks. Actors will not be masked.

New this year is the option to view the live stream of the production, rather than attend in person. The stream will be available on the Arlington Classical Theater YouTube channel.

14 years on the porch

The annual fall production of "Shakespeare on the Porch" began in 2006. Theyve produced a classic play each fall ever since.

The idea stemmed from tragedy -- after Millers daughter passed away, the family sat with grief for a while. But wanting to do something to liven their world, she thought her home-schooled children and friends should do a production of Shakespeares "Julius Caesar."

The first performance took place on the familys large front porch. Little children wore pillow cases for costumes.

At the time, the Millers had three children - Katie, Betsy, and Charlie.

Since then, their cast of children has grown to include Lucy Rose, Kip, and Jack. All but the oldest have roles in this years production -- Katie is off at college.

Coming together

Children practiced their sword fighting outside the family home on an idyllic fall day for other cast members to arrive for a dress rehearsal.

They appear to work hard honing their skills - memorizing lines, practicing inflection.

"The most common compliment I hear is that the kids sounds like they know what theyre saying," Miller laughed.

Shakespeares plays were intended to be watched, not read - and they're much more interesting live onstage.

Painted sheets hang on the porch to simulate a brick wall. Quilts hung along the side create a back stage area. Brooder lights from a chicken house are used instead of a spotlight.

Parents are in charge of their childs costume, and families chip in to complete set pieces.

"It means a lot of talents can come together," Miller said.

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Shakespeare on the Porch brings the Bard to life Oct. 16-18 - The Hutchinson News

A Lincoln Park woman notified police after the packages she had delivered to her house arrived, and then disappeared when she let them on the porch as part of a sanitizing process she does in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a police report, the woman ordered a pair of kids Converse shoes, Nike shoes and three plushy stuffed animals.

All three packages arrived at her house on Mill Street, but the woman told police she usually leaves packages sitting on her porch for a couple of days because of the virus, and then she sanitizes them when she believes it is safe.

She last saw the packages on the porch on Sept. 18, but they were gone by about 10 a.m. the following day.

The woman told police she does not have cameras at her house.

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Lincoln Park woman leaves packages on porch as part of COVID-19 sanitizing; all are stolen - Southgate News Herald

Package theft is a big issue that has affected 30 percent of Americans. Here are some tips to get your items safely delivered in time for the holidays 10Best.com

MIDDLETOWN - An unidentified woman in an orthopedic walking boot on her left foot and clutching a cigarette in her left hand is wanted for porch piracy in the Oak Hill section of the township, according to police on Thursday.

The incident occurred on an early morning hour several weeks ago and was caught on a home surveillance video camera, police said.

Undelivered: Amazon delivery contractor stole Keansburg, Metuchen packages: Cops

The trusted place to find the best home service providers. Find local pros.

The video shows a woman coming up to the porch of the house in the rather unusual state for a thief, police observed.

Also in the county: Rumson jewelry store owner faces additional charges of theft, 11 more victims step forward

Do you know this woman? The Middletown Township Police Department needs your help in identifying her.(Photo: Courtesy of Middletown Township Police Department)

Anyone with information pertaining to the identity of this woman is asked to contact Middletown Township Police Officer John Walsifer at 732-615-2120.

Additionally, with increased online shopping ahead of the holidays, and an anticipated increase in deliveries, the Middletown Police reminds the community that it is important to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their homes, vehicles, and packages, said Deputy Police Chief Paul J. Bailey, a department spokesman.

Residents should ensure their homes are secured, Bailey said. This can be done by closing garage doors, making sure all exterior doors are locked. The use of home alarm systems and motion-sensing lighting are also effective crime prevention measures. People are urged to lock their vehicles when not in use and remove the keys or key fobs. When items are being delivered to the home, please bring them in as soon as possible or ask a neighbor to bring them in if you are away. Last, the public is asked to be alert and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.

Erik Larsen: 732-682-9359 or elarsen@gannettnj.com

Read or Share this story: https://www.app.com/story/news/local/red-bank-middletown-area/2020/10/15/middletown-porch-pirate-orthopedic-walking-boot-sought-package-theft/3670564001/

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Middletown: Porch pirate in orthopedic walking boot sought in package theft - Asbury Park Press

If you think low premiums and high payouts are the only two things to consider when shopping for insurance coverage for your family, there's a lot you should know about Farmers Union Insurance. That's why Stacy Mongar, a Financial and Insurance Resource Specialist and Cam Lux, an agent with Farmers Union Insurance are here to tell you about the advantages of Farmers Union Insurance coverage and the difference it can make for you and your family when you need it most.

You can find out more about how Farmers Union Insurance can help you by visiting their website at FUIagency.com. Or call 605-212-1581. All Farmers Union Agent Offices are open across the state, but please call ahead to schedule your appointment. You can also reach a Farmers Union agent by email. Farmers Union wants you to know that they are still continuing to service customers as needed in person, by phone, or online.

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Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues goes back to their roots with Front Porch Concerts - KELOLAND.com

If youve read the front page of this weeks edition, you know that we have released my first book, On the Porch, a collection of the best columns that have appeared in this space over the years. If youre worried about another toilet paper shortage, do we have a deal for you!

Contributing writer Steve Reece of Smarr played a big part in making the book happen. I had narrowed the 1,800 columns I had written over the past 20 years down to about 200. But I sometimes have a hard time making those tough final cuts. Steve had no such qualms. He eliminated mediocre columns like a machete man, and got it down to a manageable number that wouldnt require my publisher, Amazon, to cut down the Amazon forest to print the thing. During the publishing process, Steve had some questions about the book. I thought I might share them and my answers.

Q. Youve written a weekly column for like 20 years. Why did you wait until now to publish a book?

A. Are you calling me lazy Steve? Youre fired. No seriously, I have wanted to publish a book of my columns for some time. I finally got the ball rolling last summer when our intern, Bailey Storey, began taking them off the newspaper pages in our computer server and copying them into a folder. That meant the editing process could begin. But of course it didnt. Then you (Steve) started working for us in March and helped select the best columns. Then COVID-19 struck. We never missed a day of work during the shutdown, but we did have some down time. That allowed me to work on it. Former Macon Telegraph columnist Ed Grisamore and Macon author Rick Maier, both veterans of the book publishing process, were indispensable in giving advice. My dear mother, as only mothers do, had saved a few of her favorite columns from previous newspaper stints where I had served. Further, unlike you, it takes me 20 years to come up with enough good material to publish a book. Im sure itll only take you about 19 years.

Q. Whats your favorite column that youve written?

A. Well I always enjoy taking local politicians to task. When I was publisher of the Sylvania Telephone, the county commissioners threatened to pull all the legal ads out of the newspaper if I didnt toe the line and make them look better. I was 25 years old and a little rattled. But my first newspaper boss, Dink NeSmith, backed me all the way. He encouraged me to write a front-page column in response. So I did. I wrote that if we had to choose between our integrity and the revenue from their handful of legal ads, we would select our integrity every time. The response from our readers was incredible. We were overrun with letters to the editor slamming commissioners for trying to bully the press.

Alas, my wife, wisely, notes that people enjoy humorous columns more than political ones. So I have tried to steer away from politics in recent years. One of my columns that got the biggest response recently told a story many can relate to: Getting my Corona haircut from my father in law. He butchered me with delight. I got a lot of response, and thats what makes it fun, when people enjoy a column and can relate to it. I wrote one three years ago about when goats took over our office that people still ask me about. And yes, all of these are in the book.

Q. How do you go about writing a column?

A. Desperately and with great panic. Newspaper people are terrific procrastinators and I am one of the best. So I usually put it off until were going to press at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Its the last white space we fill in the Reporter every week. Now some weeks, if I am being a good boy, Ill write it on Monday night. I always enjoy life more when I do that. But of course thats rare.

Finally, Steve, I want to say how overwhelmed I am by the readers of the Reporter. Due to their support, the Reporters newspaper subscriptions are up 20 percent this year. Theres probably not a newspaper in America that can say that. Theres a special bond between this newspaper and our readers. I treasure it, and this book is an outgrowth of that. Whether you enjoy reading or are struggling with insomnia, I hope many of you will get a copy of On the Porch.

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ON THE PORCH: Doing it by the book - Monroe County Reporter

We're not sure what the context of this was, but considering all of the nonsense that is being peddled out into the world by people who still refuse to wear facemasks in public during a deadly pandemic and who don't think LGBTQ+ people deserve any rights, this viral video of a woman proudly proclaiming her support of so many progressive causes is a small breath of fresh air that we so desperately need in this whirlwind of a year we've been having.

@ashleyann1510

No caption needed ##fyp ##foryou ##xyzbca ##corona ##election2020mood

original sound - Ashley_Sarro

"Black lives do f**king matter. Science is real. Love is love, b*tch! Gay Pride!" an unnamed woman can be heard screaming from her porch, a glorious moment that was captured in a TikTok video that was posted by user@ashleyann1510earlier this month.

"Womens rights is human rights. And the virus is not a hoax. Coronavirus!" the woman in the video, which has 2.3 million views at the time of writing, then concluded.

"No caption needed,"@ashleyann1510 wrote about her viral video, even hashtagging#election2020mood.

Word of advice: In a world full of loud, angry racists and selfish science deniers, be more like this Porch Queen.

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This TikTok of a Woman Screaming 'Gay Pride!' From Her Porch Is a Mood - Pride.com

SPRING, TX -- South Montgomery County Firefighters responded to a fire alarm just around dinner time Wednesday at the Rayford Edge apartments located at 25650 I-45 South. When the first unit arrived they found that a cooking fire had started in an apartment in building 7, but was quickly extinguished when a fire sprinkler in the kitchen was activated by the heat. The occupant reported that he had been cooking when cooking oil ignited a fire on the stove and began spreading smoke and heat throughout his apartment. Before he could even call 911, the buildings fire sprinkler system activated and contained the fire to the top of the stove.

Firefighters checked to make sure the fire was out and cleared up the smoke in the apartment before turning the building back over to management. Fortunately, for the other residents and the buildings owner, the building had been equipped with a fire sprinkler system after it was destroyed by a previous fire. Many older apartment complexes were built before modern codes required them to be protected by fire sprinklers. In 2008, Montgomery County Commissioners Court adopted a County Fire Code after a series of disastrous fires and that code requires fire sprinklers be installed in all new multi-family buildings, including buildings like this one that are modernized or rebuilt after previous fires. Had the fire broke out in any of the other existing buildings in the complex that are not equipped with fire sprinklers, it would undoubtedly have spread further and led to extensive damage, risking the lives of residents and firefighters.

The Montgomery County Fire Marshals Office has been working with owners of older multi-family complexes to bring them up to modern safety standards during major renovation projects. Two of the more dramatic examples are taking place at the Woodglen and Holly Creek Apartment complexes in The Woodlands. Both are undergoing renovation and ownership is committed to installing fire sprinkler systems in every building in both complexes after past fires have left residents homeless or worse. The vast majority of the nearly 3000 annual fire deaths in the Nation occur each year in residential property, with multi-family buildings at higher risk due to the number of occupants and sheer building size.

While fire sprinklers are the best protection, and required in all new multi-family construction, tenants should make sure that there are working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and living area. Under State Law, Texas Landlords are required to provide working smoke alarms in all residential rental property. Tenants are responsible for testing them, replacing batteries as needed and may not tamper with or disable any fire protection device, including fire sprinklers and smoke alarms.

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Fire Sprinkler System Stops Apartment Fire Dead in its Tracks - Woodlands Online

(Shutterstock Photo)

Automated irrigation systems can make lawn and landscape easy unless the system has been poorly maintained.

Broken sprinkler heads, hardware, and clogged lines can cause poor irrigation, over-saturation, and standing water. Neglecting irrigation problems can quickly lead to damaged landscapes, a heaving foundation, higher utility bills, and repair costs.

Keep your irrigation system in good working order by performing routine system checks.

AMWUA suggests that the system be checked monthly for leaks, clogged emitters, and other problems.

Turn on the system at least 30 minutes before the inspection to allow enough time for emitter wetting patterns to show.

Walk through the yard, checking the pipe/poly tubing for leaks, and checking each water distribution endpoint (emitters or micro tubing) to see if it is functioning properly. Because chipmunks find the small tubes tasty, look for tiny gnaw marks and punctures.

Replace or repair damaged or clogged emitters and micro tubing.

Check the location of water distribution endpoints. Emitters and micro tubing can be moved as a result of yard maintenance activity (i.e., raking) and pet activity (i.e., digging). Return stray emitters and micro tubing to their proper positions.

Check the schedule on your irrigation controller. Sometimes power failures and other factors will cause the controller to return to a default schedule. Reset the controller if necessary. If the weather has changed, reprogram the controller to accommodate changing plant water needs.

AMWUA also suggests annual maintenance, preferably during the spring.

1. Flush the irrigation lines. Start with the cap that is closest to the control valve and work your way toward the end of the system.

Flush each line for about a minute, until the water runs clear. Remember to close each cap before moving on to the next. Do not allow contaminated water to flow back into the line. Check valve boxes to make sure they are clear of debris.

2. Clean and inspect the filters. Inspect filter screens for holes. Replace as needed.

Clean the system by opening the end of the filter and turning on the system briefly.

If there is calcium buildup on the screen, remove it and soak it in a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent vinegar until the buildup is removed.

3. Replace the controller battery. A fresh battery will save the programmed information and prevent the controller from reverting to the default program in the event of a power failure.

Sprinkler heads: According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, older irrigation pop-up heads can waste as much as 30 percent of the water they distribute. Their fine spray can easily be blown away. Invest in new units that will deliver the water in droplets at half of the typical rate of a traditional head and are less likely to be caught by a breeze.

When sprinkler heads are missing or broken, water wont be evenly distributed across the lawn thus, causing wet spots, dry spots, and runoff. Check all sprinkler heads to ensure they are in the right position and angle. A bump from a lawnmower or foot can distribute more water to one side than the other, also causing uneven watering and dry spots.

A clogged sprinkler head may result in a rise in water pressure that can cause significant damage throughout the irrigation system. Clogs are typically caused when dirt or other debris becomes lodged within a sprinkler head or other outlet. Look for dry grass or browning plants in areas that are typically well irrigated or standing water beneath a sprinkler are common signs that a clog may be present.

Hardware, rust and corrosion: Dont blow a gasket. Literally, dont blow a gasket. Replace gaskets, seals, and valves before they wear out to prevent decreased water flow, or even increased water flow in spots it shouldnt be.

Rust and corrosion may appear on metal parts and components that directly come into contact with moisture. Irrigation systems typically use pipes, fixtures, and other hardware that are specifically designed to resist corrosion, yet rusting hardware is still an issue. Rusty water or reduced performance is a sign the irrigation system is due for service and maintenance.

Change and monitor control settings: Different plants have different watering needs depending on the season. They may require much more water during the peak heat of summer than they do in the cooler, wetter months. Change controller settings to adjust to your landscapes needs, including the run time of your irrigation system.

Be mindful of the monsoon season. If it has been particularly dry, you may need to increase the watering or decrease if it has been a wet season.

When to hire a professional: Maintaining an irrigation system can be a difficult undertaking for those who dont know what to look for.

Finding, identifying, and repairing broken lines or hardware that may be the root of a problem can be challenging. Make sure all areas are diagnosed and repaired by hiring a professional, licensed, reputable landscaper who has a lot of experience with irrigation systems.

Regular maintenance and tune-ups will keep your landscape the envy of your neighborhood, plus, it will also prevent water waste.

Helpful resources:

For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 35 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the Rosie on the House radio program from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays on KTAR-FM (92.3) in Phoenix, 9 to 11 a.m. on KAFF-AM (930) in Flagstaff, and 10 to 11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson.

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Making sure the grass is always greener on your side of the fence - KTAR.com

Published on October 14 2020 8:14 amLast Updated on October 14 2020 8:14 amWritten by Greg Sapp

Many people have made the journey to the Thompson Mill Covered Bridge near Cowden.

Now, the journey won't be quite as sweet after vandals caused damage to the structure.

Someone set trash inside the bridge on fire. Cowden Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Jim Allsop said there is a hole three feet around in the floor of the bridge. A couple of beams were also damaged.

The incident occurred over the weekend. Allsop said his department was called to the scene, along with Herrick and Tri-County Fire Protection District firefighters, but the latter two agencies were called off once Allsop had the chance to examine the fire scene.

The bridge has not been used for vehicular traffic since a new bridge was built beside the historic structure, but it is still under IDOT jurisdiction so it will be up to the State agency whether repairs will be made.

Allsop said the damage might not have occurred but for budget constraints. He said the bridge was refurbished about 10 years ago including lighting and a sprinkler system just in case of incidents such as the one over the weekend, but a lack of funds led to the lighting and sprinkler system being shut off.

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Vandals Cause Fire Damage to Thompson Mill Covered Bridge - Effingham's News Leader

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Smiling eyes and excited chatter filled the air as Orland Township seniors happily entered the Orland Chateau for the Township's popular Senior Drop-In - socializing, card games and a long-awaited session of bingo, according to the office of Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady.

Due to the pandemic stay-at-home order, Orland Township suspended most senior activities, including drop-in, back in early March. After an eight- month hiatus, Township seniors were happy to see each other and get back to a regular activity.

Supervisor O'Grady was on hand to welcome the seniors back and made his way around the room to speak to each and every senior in attendance.

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"We have missed our Orland Township seniors and have been working on a way to restart our popular senior group activities in a way that is safe for everyone," said O'Grady. "Since our activity center is unavailable for our regular activities until after the holiday season, we have worked out an agreement with the Orland Chateau to have drop-in once a week, on Tuesdays, for our seniors and to also have senior luncheons in November and December."

The Orland Township Activity Center will be unavailable due to being an early voting site for the presidential election and then utilized to sort donations for the upcoming holiday programs. In previous years, Senior Drop-In has not been held during the month of December due to sorting for the Holiday Program.

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Following CDC guidelines, bingo attendees are required to wear masks except when eating or drinking. Tables are spaced for social distancing and will have no more than six individuals at a table.

Every Tuesday, through the end of January, Orland Township will hold senior drop-in and bingo at the Orland Chateau, 14500 S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park, with the following measures in place:

Orland Township will also be hosting senior holiday luncheons in November and December. Information for those luncheons, including when tickets will go on sale, will be available at a later date.

For more information on Orland Township's senior bingo or to reserve your seat, call the Township at (708) 403-4222.

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Orland Township Senior Drop-In Returns - Patch.com