Bruce Springsteen played Los Angeles Thursday night (with a second concert here scheduled tonight). There is a lesson in the fact that when one of the most enduring draws in rock 'n' roll comes to town, he performs not at the dazzling Staples Center but at the dumpy Sports Arena.
Springsteen tried Staples Center -- he was its very first act, in 1999 -- and hated it. At one point during that show, The Boss looked out from the stage at the towering structure and complained: "Too many sky boxes!" Addressing the fans in three levels of luxury suites, he said: "It's important for you folks up there ... to come out of your rooms to see a rock show."
A few years later, on another concert tour, Springsteen and his E Street Band performed at the Forum. Springsteen praised the building's old-school charm: "No luxury boxes!"
The Sports Arena is even older-school. Half a century ago, after it hosted the Democratic convention that nominated John F. Kennedy for president, Theodore H. White wrote in "The Making of the President 1960" of a "new arena, glistening with its glass panes and ceramic tile.'' But recently the quote most famously connected with the arena was this from basketball star Charles Barkley: "OK, I want to say something positive. It's positively a dump.''
It's not a dump. Despite its shortage of amenities, it remains a serviceable arena for concerts and sports, the same as the next-door Coliseum, nearby Dodger Stadium, and the Pasadena Rose Bowl. Though the NBA's Clippers and the USC basketball teams have moved out, UCLA basketball used the Sports Arena last season while on-campus Pauley Pavilion was being renovated.
This is a reminder that too often these days, arenas and stadiums -- and would-be stadiums, such as AEG's proposed downtown football stadium -- are judged by their capacity to enhance revenue for developers and team owners, in part through the sale of plush seats and suites to the super-wealthy.
While it is all well and good for fans to wish their teams to make a lot of money and to spend it on winning players, they should realize that the average ticket-buyer probably will enjoy the show no less in one of the old-fashioned buildings than in a state-of-the-art palace -- and most likely will pay less for the seat.
The sellout crowd at the Bruce Springsteen concert Thursday night certainly didn't mind being at the Sports Arena instead of Staples Center. In fact, it preferred the intimacy and history within those dull walls.
Stadium builders and the politicians who coddle them should realize that bigger and fancier isn't necessarily better.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Making a splash
It is the middle of school holidays and Blenheim's aquatic centre is packed.
Water fountains pour sheets of water onto the soaked heads of laughing children below.
Tiny babies splash clumsily among coloured plastic balls in the warm baby pool, encouraged by mothers who enjoy jets of water spraying into their backs.
Spectators sit at tables that create an almost cafe-like setting, overlooked by a lineup of fitness machines on a mezzanine floor above the pool.
In the quiet, small, 25-metre pool, a swimming instructor is showing a youngster how to float, while on the opposite side of the complex, a high glass wall overlooks a 25m 10-lane pool where swimmers of all ages and abilities are doing lengths.
The scene is a far cry from Blenheim's overcrowded, old 25m indoor pool which now sits, refurbished and as good as new, beside the new pools under a cavernous roof. The pressure on the old pool used to be relieved only in summer when the the 50m outdoor pool was open.
Anyone who has not visited Blenheim's new $16.5 million aquatic centre yet will not recognise the place.
This weekend, the Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 Aquatic and Health & Fitness Centre will officially be opened, starting with Marlborough's Big Splash at 8.30am Saturday.
But already more people are using the pools than ever before, based on casual observations by stadium chief executive Paul Tredinnick.
Pool staff members and longtime swimmers Kirsty Mattison and Liz Peipi agree, and what they see from their spacious new desk at the pool's main entrance gives them great satisfaction.
Both learned to swim in freezing outdoor pools, opening to 16 degrees Celsius water temperatures at the start of the season.
"I would swim a kilometre just to warm up," Kirsty says.
Kirsty was a member of the Blenheim Swimming Club and Liz lived in Greymouth, but both have fond memories of their early swimming days that they hope more children can experience now Blenheim has a bigger pool.
"The best part for me has to be the kids enjoying it. It's really nice to see that and it's lovely to see parents coming down and doing it with them," says Kirsty, the pool's programme manager.
Kirsty has been able to add flipperball and water polo to the pool's existing programmes, but her biggest hope is that more people will learn to swim.
The stadium's fundamental skills programme takes primary school children through a week of water-safety skills, something Kirsty hopes more schools will participate in.
Liz, events manager and lifeguard, is battling health problems but still manages to swim 80 lengths three times a week and she hopes others will be inspired to do the same, especially now the pool is so well equipped for less mobile people.
"I hope Blenheim people support [the pool]. People from other places are just amazed that we have a facility like it."
Kirsty, Liz and their colleagues have been working out of a building site for nearly three years, and had to shift their offices to the other end of the building and back.
They were surrounded by dust and noise, mess and machinery, but say the disruption was minimal considering what was achieved.
The outdoor 50m Olympic Pool opened in 1958 and, though considered state of the art, leaked terribly.
The indoor pool opened in 1986 after a massive volunteer-led community fundraising campaign called Operation Undercover.
Recreation Management Services (RMS) managed the pool, but lost its contract in 1996, which was picked up by former RMS manager Terry Low's Creative Marketing Ltd.
However, well-publicised tensions emerged between Terry and the swimming club.
Former competitive swimmer Philippa Hyndman remembers the battle, which resulted in her having to train in the Bohally Intermediate School pool instead.
She also remembers shivering in the sauna during a swimming camp in the outdoor pool, although it was possibly a more refreshing dip than the indoor pool which was kept at 29C – 2C higher than most other pools.
Kirsty says it was very uncomfortable during swimming training and it cost, reported the Express, $80,000 a year to maintain that temperature.
In 1997, a review and audit of the aquatic centre was commissioned by the Marlborough District Council. The following year, Terry's contract ended and in 1999 the Marlborough Stadium Trust, which was formed in 1998 to fund and develop the new stadium, also took charge of the pool.
The trust soon began to talk about upgrading it, stadium trust chairman Luke van Velthooven says.
"It was dated, it was tired, it required a lot of maintenance, it was underdone with the learn to swim side with a tiny learn to swim pool, which had been a discussion for years, even prior to [the trust].
"We knew it was coming. It was just a matter of when."
"When" was 2007, with the trust giving council a heads-up of its intentions, followed by a condition report presented to full council in 2008. A design team drew up plans in the same year, which drew 450 submissions, says Paul.
"It was a real challenge to marry wants and needs in the budget."
That budget included $14 million from the council's reserve funds.
Resource consent was notified in February 2009, attracting just four submissions, which Luke says were mainly supportive, and Evan Jones Construction won the contract to build the complex.
By October 2009, work had begun. In March this year, a wall between the old 25m pool and the new section came down, revealing the almost finished complex.
Luke attributes the project's comparatively speedy progress to huge community and council support, the trust's proven record and the huge known need for a new pool.
But like the Operation Undercover committee before him, Luke found the construction process intense.
"The duration and complexity of the construction, just the nature of a project of this size, the continuously working with designers, constructors, builders and ensuring that we're delivering for the dollars."
Although he has yet to find time to enjoy a swim himself, Luke is "enormously pleased" with the result.
Water fountains pour sheets of water onto the soaked heads of laughing children below.
Tiny babies splash clumsily among coloured plastic balls in the warm baby pool, encouraged by mothers who enjoy jets of water spraying into their backs.
Spectators sit at tables that create an almost cafe-like setting, overlooked by a lineup of fitness machines on a mezzanine floor above the pool.
In the quiet, small, 25-metre pool, a swimming instructor is showing a youngster how to float, while on the opposite side of the complex, a high glass wall overlooks a 25m 10-lane pool where swimmers of all ages and abilities are doing lengths.
The scene is a far cry from Blenheim's overcrowded, old 25m indoor pool which now sits, refurbished and as good as new, beside the new pools under a cavernous roof. The pressure on the old pool used to be relieved only in summer when the the 50m outdoor pool was open.
Anyone who has not visited Blenheim's new $16.5 million aquatic centre yet will not recognise the place.
This weekend, the Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 Aquatic and Health & Fitness Centre will officially be opened, starting with Marlborough's Big Splash at 8.30am Saturday.
But already more people are using the pools than ever before, based on casual observations by stadium chief executive Paul Tredinnick.
Pool staff members and longtime swimmers Kirsty Mattison and Liz Peipi agree, and what they see from their spacious new desk at the pool's main entrance gives them great satisfaction.
Both learned to swim in freezing outdoor pools, opening to 16 degrees Celsius water temperatures at the start of the season.
"I would swim a kilometre just to warm up," Kirsty says.
Kirsty was a member of the Blenheim Swimming Club and Liz lived in Greymouth, but both have fond memories of their early swimming days that they hope more children can experience now Blenheim has a bigger pool.
"The best part for me has to be the kids enjoying it. It's really nice to see that and it's lovely to see parents coming down and doing it with them," says Kirsty, the pool's programme manager.
Kirsty has been able to add flipperball and water polo to the pool's existing programmes, but her biggest hope is that more people will learn to swim.
The stadium's fundamental skills programme takes primary school children through a week of water-safety skills, something Kirsty hopes more schools will participate in.
Liz, events manager and lifeguard, is battling health problems but still manages to swim 80 lengths three times a week and she hopes others will be inspired to do the same, especially now the pool is so well equipped for less mobile people.
"I hope Blenheim people support [the pool]. People from other places are just amazed that we have a facility like it."
Kirsty, Liz and their colleagues have been working out of a building site for nearly three years, and had to shift their offices to the other end of the building and back.
They were surrounded by dust and noise, mess and machinery, but say the disruption was minimal considering what was achieved.
The outdoor 50m Olympic Pool opened in 1958 and, though considered state of the art, leaked terribly.
The indoor pool opened in 1986 after a massive volunteer-led community fundraising campaign called Operation Undercover.
Recreation Management Services (RMS) managed the pool, but lost its contract in 1996, which was picked up by former RMS manager Terry Low's Creative Marketing Ltd.
However, well-publicised tensions emerged between Terry and the swimming club.
Former competitive swimmer Philippa Hyndman remembers the battle, which resulted in her having to train in the Bohally Intermediate School pool instead.
She also remembers shivering in the sauna during a swimming camp in the outdoor pool, although it was possibly a more refreshing dip than the indoor pool which was kept at 29C – 2C higher than most other pools.
Kirsty says it was very uncomfortable during swimming training and it cost, reported the Express, $80,000 a year to maintain that temperature.
In 1997, a review and audit of the aquatic centre was commissioned by the Marlborough District Council. The following year, Terry's contract ended and in 1999 the Marlborough Stadium Trust, which was formed in 1998 to fund and develop the new stadium, also took charge of the pool.
The trust soon began to talk about upgrading it, stadium trust chairman Luke van Velthooven says.
"It was dated, it was tired, it required a lot of maintenance, it was underdone with the learn to swim side with a tiny learn to swim pool, which had been a discussion for years, even prior to [the trust].
"We knew it was coming. It was just a matter of when."
"When" was 2007, with the trust giving council a heads-up of its intentions, followed by a condition report presented to full council in 2008. A design team drew up plans in the same year, which drew 450 submissions, says Paul.
"It was a real challenge to marry wants and needs in the budget."
That budget included $14 million from the council's reserve funds.
Resource consent was notified in February 2009, attracting just four submissions, which Luke says were mainly supportive, and Evan Jones Construction won the contract to build the complex.
By October 2009, work had begun. In March this year, a wall between the old 25m pool and the new section came down, revealing the almost finished complex.
Luke attributes the project's comparatively speedy progress to huge community and council support, the trust's proven record and the huge known need for a new pool.
But like the Operation Undercover committee before him, Luke found the construction process intense.
"The duration and complexity of the construction, just the nature of a project of this size, the continuously working with designers, constructors, builders and ensuring that we're delivering for the dollars."
Although he has yet to find time to enjoy a swim himself, Luke is "enormously pleased" with the result.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Head Start Agencies Slam Obama Administration
For decades, Head Start programs around the country didn't have to worry about getting their funding renewed. It was rare that a center lost its government money.
Five years ago, Congress passed a law aimed at weeding out low-performing Head Start centers by allowing the federal government to put their grants up for competition. Last week, the Obama administration announced that the first round of competition had begun.
Yet the new law leaves an important question unanswered: How do you determine which centers are "low-performing?"
A group of providers for Head Start, the national network of federally funded child-development programs, has filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration, arguing that the government never answered that question, that it wants "competition for competition's sake" and that it doesn't care if good centers are lost as a result.
Edward Waters, the plaintiffs' attorney, recently obtained a document from the administration that may prove central to this case.
A September 2011 memo to Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, proposes a method for identifying poorly performing Head Start programs. The memo notes that an earlier proposed method received thousands of responses from the public and that "nearly all of the comments were negative."
The root of the anger, according to Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families George Sheldon who wrote the memo, was a provision saying that at least a quarter of the programs would have to compete for their grants. Critics argued that if the government was obliged to meet that rigid quota, it would likely end up throwing perfectly good programs into the deep end.
The revised proposal called for the government to rate programs using something called the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). Sheldon wrote that this would "meet the goal that a minimum of 25% of programs compete for renewed funding each year."
But that's precisely the problem, said Waters. If officials truly cared about making sure that only high-performing programs survived, they would have done away with that goal altogether. Instead, they just came up with a stealthier way to achieve it, he said.
CLASS, as the memo notes, is an evaluation system linked to "positive child development and later achievement." Observers are trained to grade classroom quality in three areas: instructional support, emotional support and classroom organization.
Steve Barnett, an expert in early childhood education at Rutgers, said that the system is "as good as anything we have ... but not great." According to Barnett, data shows that if a school makes big improvements on the CLASS scale, it's "moderately" likely to see improved test grades for children. He would have preferred the government to test the children directly, but that's expensive.
The federal government is the biggest contributor to Head Start programs; without federal money, the programs would close. Getting a relatively low grade on the CLASS test is just one way a program can lose its funding. Programs automatically end up on the competition list if a review of their records shows they've received a citation for a "deficiency" in the last two years, for example. It doesn't matter what the problem is or whether the program has corrected it.
One program in western Massachusetts landed on the list because in 2010 an inspector noticed some paint chips on the floor and a crack in one of the tiles. The tile was quickly replaced and the paint chips swept away, yet the center may now have to compete for funding with organizations that are new and have no blemishes on their record .
Jennifer Allen, a mother of a students who goes to the center, said she had no complaints about the program and isn't sure what she'll do if the government gives the grant to another provider. "My 3-year-old, he built bonds with all these teachers and friends," she said. "If we had to find a new program it would be really discouraging."
Marrianne McMullen, a spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, said, "We want to make sure that federal funds go to the organization in the community that's most capable of providing a high-quality early-education program. That's what this is all about."
Ron Herndon, the director of a large Head Start program in Portland, Ore., is among the doubters. "They took that 25 percent out, but they’ve done it in a backdoor fashion," he said.
Head Start serves 1 million 3- and 4-year-old children and their families, and research shows that Head Start kids are less likely to drop out of high school than their peers. One reason might be that some students come from chaotic homes and the program provides them with a measure of stability. But if the new system remains in place, it would mean that some families in high-quality programs may have to find new centers and teachers for their kids, undermining that stability, critics say.
Five years ago, Congress passed a law aimed at weeding out low-performing Head Start centers by allowing the federal government to put their grants up for competition. Last week, the Obama administration announced that the first round of competition had begun.
Yet the new law leaves an important question unanswered: How do you determine which centers are "low-performing?"
A group of providers for Head Start, the national network of federally funded child-development programs, has filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration, arguing that the government never answered that question, that it wants "competition for competition's sake" and that it doesn't care if good centers are lost as a result.
Edward Waters, the plaintiffs' attorney, recently obtained a document from the administration that may prove central to this case.
A September 2011 memo to Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, proposes a method for identifying poorly performing Head Start programs. The memo notes that an earlier proposed method received thousands of responses from the public and that "nearly all of the comments were negative."
The root of the anger, according to Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families George Sheldon who wrote the memo, was a provision saying that at least a quarter of the programs would have to compete for their grants. Critics argued that if the government was obliged to meet that rigid quota, it would likely end up throwing perfectly good programs into the deep end.
The revised proposal called for the government to rate programs using something called the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). Sheldon wrote that this would "meet the goal that a minimum of 25% of programs compete for renewed funding each year."
But that's precisely the problem, said Waters. If officials truly cared about making sure that only high-performing programs survived, they would have done away with that goal altogether. Instead, they just came up with a stealthier way to achieve it, he said.
CLASS, as the memo notes, is an evaluation system linked to "positive child development and later achievement." Observers are trained to grade classroom quality in three areas: instructional support, emotional support and classroom organization.
Steve Barnett, an expert in early childhood education at Rutgers, said that the system is "as good as anything we have ... but not great." According to Barnett, data shows that if a school makes big improvements on the CLASS scale, it's "moderately" likely to see improved test grades for children. He would have preferred the government to test the children directly, but that's expensive.
The federal government is the biggest contributor to Head Start programs; without federal money, the programs would close. Getting a relatively low grade on the CLASS test is just one way a program can lose its funding. Programs automatically end up on the competition list if a review of their records shows they've received a citation for a "deficiency" in the last two years, for example. It doesn't matter what the problem is or whether the program has corrected it.
One program in western Massachusetts landed on the list because in 2010 an inspector noticed some paint chips on the floor and a crack in one of the tiles. The tile was quickly replaced and the paint chips swept away, yet the center may now have to compete for funding with organizations that are new and have no blemishes on their record .
Jennifer Allen, a mother of a students who goes to the center, said she had no complaints about the program and isn't sure what she'll do if the government gives the grant to another provider. "My 3-year-old, he built bonds with all these teachers and friends," she said. "If we had to find a new program it would be really discouraging."
Marrianne McMullen, a spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, said, "We want to make sure that federal funds go to the organization in the community that's most capable of providing a high-quality early-education program. That's what this is all about."
Ron Herndon, the director of a large Head Start program in Portland, Ore., is among the doubters. "They took that 25 percent out, but they’ve done it in a backdoor fashion," he said.
Head Start serves 1 million 3- and 4-year-old children and their families, and research shows that Head Start kids are less likely to drop out of high school than their peers. One reason might be that some students come from chaotic homes and the program provides them with a measure of stability. But if the new system remains in place, it would mean that some families in high-quality programs may have to find new centers and teachers for their kids, undermining that stability, critics say.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Nantucket-style Colonial offers privacy and flexibility
Privacy abounds at 6 Colony Road in lower Weston, where a Nantucket-style custom-built colonial house sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac along the Saugatuck River.
Travel down the long circular driveway to the one-acre property, which includes the main house and a two-bedroom legal rental cottage, both of which are pale gray with charcoal gray shutters. The setting makes it ideal for a relaxing lifestyle, entertaining friends and family and working. There are several rooms within the 5,250-square-foot house that could be used as a home office. Additionally, the cottage could be the site of a home-based business.
Built in 2001, the main house has a covered front porch and a spacious wood deck, some of which is covered, on the rear of the house from which to sit and enjoy the river views.
There is a lot of flexibility in the way the rooms can be used on the first floor, and on the second floor there is a bonus room that also could have multiple functions. It currently serves as a combination media room and home theater, and it has an overhead projector. It could also be an office or children's playroom.
The large foyer has a limestone floor with a decorative pattern and a sitting area, and it provides access to the former parlor, which is currently used as a formal dining room. The sizable living room could be used instead as a family room, and the existing family room, which has a hand-crafted, floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace with built-in storage boxes and a deep tray ceiling, could be an office or library.
The windows in this family room are topped with transoms and the rear wall has several French doors to the wood deck allowing for views of the natural surroundings.
Nestled between the family and living rooms, around the corner from the dining room is a wet bar with a marble counter, stainless sink, beverage refrigerator and glass shelving.
The gourmet kitchen features bead board on the lower walls, granite counters, a white ceramic subway-style tile backsplash and an eat-in area with built-in seating. It also boasts high-end appliances such as a six-burner Thermador Professional range, two wall-mounted ovens and a 48-inch Sub-Zero refrigerator hidden behind paneling that blends in with the cabinets.
In addition to the bonus room, the second floor has the master bedroom suite and two other bedrooms, all of which are en suite, and the laundry room with slate flooring. The master has a red brick fireplace and French doors to a balcony from which to take in river views. There are also his and hers walk-in closets.
The tumbled marble and limestone master bath has a jetted tub, large walk-in shower, double vanity and water closet. It also has a multi-paned door to the balcony.
On the third floor there is a large landing with a sitting or reading area and one large room, which could serve as a storage area or as an office or another bedroom if necessary. Two walls have long, built-in desk areas.
In the ranch-style cottage there are two bedrooms, full bath, kitchen with ceramic tile floor and breakfast bar, a screened porch with a ceiling fan, living room with a fireplace and hardwood floors.
Travel down the long circular driveway to the one-acre property, which includes the main house and a two-bedroom legal rental cottage, both of which are pale gray with charcoal gray shutters. The setting makes it ideal for a relaxing lifestyle, entertaining friends and family and working. There are several rooms within the 5,250-square-foot house that could be used as a home office. Additionally, the cottage could be the site of a home-based business.
Built in 2001, the main house has a covered front porch and a spacious wood deck, some of which is covered, on the rear of the house from which to sit and enjoy the river views.
There is a lot of flexibility in the way the rooms can be used on the first floor, and on the second floor there is a bonus room that also could have multiple functions. It currently serves as a combination media room and home theater, and it has an overhead projector. It could also be an office or children's playroom.
The large foyer has a limestone floor with a decorative pattern and a sitting area, and it provides access to the former parlor, which is currently used as a formal dining room. The sizable living room could be used instead as a family room, and the existing family room, which has a hand-crafted, floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace with built-in storage boxes and a deep tray ceiling, could be an office or library.
The windows in this family room are topped with transoms and the rear wall has several French doors to the wood deck allowing for views of the natural surroundings.
Nestled between the family and living rooms, around the corner from the dining room is a wet bar with a marble counter, stainless sink, beverage refrigerator and glass shelving.
The gourmet kitchen features bead board on the lower walls, granite counters, a white ceramic subway-style tile backsplash and an eat-in area with built-in seating. It also boasts high-end appliances such as a six-burner Thermador Professional range, two wall-mounted ovens and a 48-inch Sub-Zero refrigerator hidden behind paneling that blends in with the cabinets.
In addition to the bonus room, the second floor has the master bedroom suite and two other bedrooms, all of which are en suite, and the laundry room with slate flooring. The master has a red brick fireplace and French doors to a balcony from which to take in river views. There are also his and hers walk-in closets.
The tumbled marble and limestone master bath has a jetted tub, large walk-in shower, double vanity and water closet. It also has a multi-paned door to the balcony.
On the third floor there is a large landing with a sitting or reading area and one large room, which could serve as a storage area or as an office or another bedroom if necessary. Two walls have long, built-in desk areas.
In the ranch-style cottage there are two bedrooms, full bath, kitchen with ceramic tile floor and breakfast bar, a screened porch with a ceiling fan, living room with a fireplace and hardwood floors.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Storms Past May Haunt Damaged Homes
Homeowners who made repairs after last year's floods and windstorms may now be finding ghostly shadows-dirty patches of mold and mildew-in parts of the home that got wet. This is a health hazard for people living in the home.
Perryville, MO - infoZine - "Remember that mold is everywhere. All you need is moisture and a food source, like your home, to have it grow," said Frank Wideman, University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist.
"If you repaired and sealed up walls and ceilings before they were fully dry, you will have long-term mold, mildew and dry rot problems," Wideman said. "In our climate it can take a few weeks to a several months for those building materials to dry sufficiently if they are left to open air. If they are sealed up with drywall, they will be wet for years."
A simple moisture meter can help you evaluate the moisture content of those building components, he said. "The moisture meter can tell you if the home has mold from moist wall materials from flood or rain, or just high-humidity indoor air. Wet studding requires the wall to be reopened and left that way for months."
To prevent mold growth, materials should have a moisture content of 13 percent or less.
You can buy moisture meters for use with lumber at many hardware stores and online. Many MU Extension centers have moisture meters and can help you check the moisture level and suggest solutions for problems you find, Wideman said.
Left unchecked, mold can inflict major damage to your home, furnishings and belongings. In rare instances, some molds can cause serious, even life-threatening, health problems.
It can be easy to miss mold growing in dark corners, under floor tiles or behind wallpaper. However, the musty smell of many molds often is a dead giveaway. Using spray or plug-in air freshener simply masks the telltale odor, knocking out a warning sign of mold growth, said Michael Goldschmidt, MU Extension housing and environmental design specialist.
Tests to detect and identify molds can be expensive and aren't that reliable, Goldschmidt said. Regardless of the type of mold you have, you probably want to get rid of it.
If mold growth covers more than 100 square feet, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring a professional to remove it. If you're going to do it yourself, make sure you protect your skin, eyes and lungs from the mold and cleaning chemicals while making repairs, Wideman said.
Wear long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm. Select gloves based on the material you will be handling. "If you are using a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, use gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or PVC," he said. "If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used."
To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full-facepiece respirator. Goggles should be designed to prevent dust and small particles from entering. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not appropriate for mold remediation. Respirators should have an N-95 rating, as other face masks may not effectively filter airborne mold particles.
Perryville, MO - infoZine - "Remember that mold is everywhere. All you need is moisture and a food source, like your home, to have it grow," said Frank Wideman, University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist.
"If you repaired and sealed up walls and ceilings before they were fully dry, you will have long-term mold, mildew and dry rot problems," Wideman said. "In our climate it can take a few weeks to a several months for those building materials to dry sufficiently if they are left to open air. If they are sealed up with drywall, they will be wet for years."
A simple moisture meter can help you evaluate the moisture content of those building components, he said. "The moisture meter can tell you if the home has mold from moist wall materials from flood or rain, or just high-humidity indoor air. Wet studding requires the wall to be reopened and left that way for months."
To prevent mold growth, materials should have a moisture content of 13 percent or less.
You can buy moisture meters for use with lumber at many hardware stores and online. Many MU Extension centers have moisture meters and can help you check the moisture level and suggest solutions for problems you find, Wideman said.
Left unchecked, mold can inflict major damage to your home, furnishings and belongings. In rare instances, some molds can cause serious, even life-threatening, health problems.
It can be easy to miss mold growing in dark corners, under floor tiles or behind wallpaper. However, the musty smell of many molds often is a dead giveaway. Using spray or plug-in air freshener simply masks the telltale odor, knocking out a warning sign of mold growth, said Michael Goldschmidt, MU Extension housing and environmental design specialist.
Tests to detect and identify molds can be expensive and aren't that reliable, Goldschmidt said. Regardless of the type of mold you have, you probably want to get rid of it.
If mold growth covers more than 100 square feet, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring a professional to remove it. If you're going to do it yourself, make sure you protect your skin, eyes and lungs from the mold and cleaning chemicals while making repairs, Wideman said.
Wear long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm. Select gloves based on the material you will be handling. "If you are using a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, use gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or PVC," he said. "If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used."
To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full-facepiece respirator. Goggles should be designed to prevent dust and small particles from entering. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not appropriate for mold remediation. Respirators should have an N-95 rating, as other face masks may not effectively filter airborne mold particles.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Churches come to the service of dozens of local projects
For some local churches, Saturday was a day of fellowship and a day of service.
Methodist churches in the River Region came together to take part in projects around the area in what was called a “Great Day of Service.”
“It’s a day the church decides to get outside of their buildings and into the community,” said John Brooks, pastor at Metropolitan United Methodist Church.
The church spent the morning at Davis Elementary School, painting the bathrooms and hallway of the fifth-grade floor. Brooks said there were about 15 people helping throughout the day, with volunteers from both the school and the church.
Renovations made Saturday are the first of many to come to the school, including landscaping and downstairs work. Brooks said they feel committed to the school since the church is only a few blocks away, and some members are mentors to the students.
Brooks said one aspect of the day he particularly appreciated was that each person was making a difference.
“It’s not the number of people, but the quality of work,” he said. “Even a little will get the job done.”
Kris Johnson, a staff member at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, spent Saturday with a few other volunteers painting walls at the Common Ground headquarters. She said in all, there were about 2,400 volunteers taking part in 57 projects across the River Region.
Examples of service included yard work, groups from the Boys and Girls Club visiting retirement homes, and Sunday School classes giving assistance to widows on various projects.
With most events taking place early in the morning on a day scheduled for wet weather, Johnson said everything turned out nicely.
“We have been blessed that the rain held off,” she said.
The service day is usually held every spring, with it being called “Christmas in April” one year. Johnson said the selected date is sometimes dependent on when Easter falls on the calendar to give the churches time to organize.
Taking part in the event for the first time this year were the Methodist churches in the Wetumpka area. Ashley Davis, pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Weoka, said about 133 United Methodist volunteers were gathered at First United Methodist Church in Wetumpka for the Stop Hunger Now campaign.
“Since it was the first year the event spread to Wetumpka, we just wanted to get everybody together,” Davis said.
Emily Kincaid, associate minister at First United Methodist Church, said the volunteers worked in an assembly-line style to produce packages of food for the Stop Hunger Now program. The packages containing rice, soy and dried vegetables will be sent off to schools and orphanges across the world.
The goal on the day was to package 30,000 meals, but Kincaid was happy to report they had exceeded that with a total of 36,000.
“It was an amazing success. Everyone had a great time,” she said.
Even the children got into the packaging, but couldn’t resist a sampling for themselves.
Methodist churches in the River Region came together to take part in projects around the area in what was called a “Great Day of Service.”
“It’s a day the church decides to get outside of their buildings and into the community,” said John Brooks, pastor at Metropolitan United Methodist Church.
The church spent the morning at Davis Elementary School, painting the bathrooms and hallway of the fifth-grade floor. Brooks said there were about 15 people helping throughout the day, with volunteers from both the school and the church.
Renovations made Saturday are the first of many to come to the school, including landscaping and downstairs work. Brooks said they feel committed to the school since the church is only a few blocks away, and some members are mentors to the students.
Brooks said one aspect of the day he particularly appreciated was that each person was making a difference.
“It’s not the number of people, but the quality of work,” he said. “Even a little will get the job done.”
Kris Johnson, a staff member at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, spent Saturday with a few other volunteers painting walls at the Common Ground headquarters. She said in all, there were about 2,400 volunteers taking part in 57 projects across the River Region.
Examples of service included yard work, groups from the Boys and Girls Club visiting retirement homes, and Sunday School classes giving assistance to widows on various projects.
With most events taking place early in the morning on a day scheduled for wet weather, Johnson said everything turned out nicely.
“We have been blessed that the rain held off,” she said.
The service day is usually held every spring, with it being called “Christmas in April” one year. Johnson said the selected date is sometimes dependent on when Easter falls on the calendar to give the churches time to organize.
Taking part in the event for the first time this year were the Methodist churches in the Wetumpka area. Ashley Davis, pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Weoka, said about 133 United Methodist volunteers were gathered at First United Methodist Church in Wetumpka for the Stop Hunger Now campaign.
“Since it was the first year the event spread to Wetumpka, we just wanted to get everybody together,” Davis said.
Emily Kincaid, associate minister at First United Methodist Church, said the volunteers worked in an assembly-line style to produce packages of food for the Stop Hunger Now program. The packages containing rice, soy and dried vegetables will be sent off to schools and orphanges across the world.
The goal on the day was to package 30,000 meals, but Kincaid was happy to report they had exceeded that with a total of 36,000.
“It was an amazing success. Everyone had a great time,” she said.
Even the children got into the packaging, but couldn’t resist a sampling for themselves.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Bathroom renovation combines outdoors and luxury
Jon and Kris were fed up with their broken-down, dysfunctional ensuite bathroom. Just getting ready for work every morning was a big challenge. The bathroom was actually divided into three separate spaces –– each with its own door –– and the result was a choppy layout that had them tripping over each other in the race to get ready and get out of there.
This ensuite bath was so poorly laid out and had so many other issues –– bad lighting, no ventilation, tiny shower stall, broken tub –– that these homeowners didn't know where to begin. There was absolutely no saving grace to this space, so I got the ball rolling by sending in a wrecking crew. By the time it was done, we had a clean slate and were ready to get down to business.
Jon and Kris love the outdoors, and they wanted their bathroom to be a warm, inviting retreat, and a place that reflected their own personal tastes. So I came up with a plan that makes the most of beautiful natural materials, all wrapped up in an ultra-modern package. It brings the outdoors inside by incorporating natural stone, reclaimed barn board and mother-of-pearl surfaces, alongside ultramodern faucets and lots of glass.
I redesigned the room to include contemporary wooden cabinetry, with lots of space for towels and toiletries underneath, and an additional wall-mounted storage column. The high-tech chrome faucets, with single-lever counter controls, perch over two elegant glass vessel sinks. Above each sink I placed large mirrors, each framed by two lovely sconces that pick up the mosaic motif of the mother-of-pearl tiles. These tiles run along part of the backsplash, and continue down in a wide strip across the floor, extending up the outer wall of the shower.
To continue the outdoorsy theme, we installed a new toilet embossed with a floral pattern. But the piece de resistance is the gorgeous soaker tub, which I framed with a rustic barn-board wall and custom Caesarstone decking. Overhead, a whimsical antler-themed chandelier speaks to the homeowners' love of the great outdoors, as does the artwork we chose to hang beside the tub.
The Caesarstone decking extends into a spacious shower surrounded by all-glass seamless walls. Inside the enclosure, I incorporated a wonderful stone bench and a luxurious rain showerhead. Let's just say that showering in Jon and Kris' new bathroom is a spa-like experience about as far from the everyday as you can get!
To access this restful and relaxing retreat, Jon and Kris only need to slide open their custom-designed barn-board door, and as soon as they step through, they'll be transported into their own personal space, where natural materials and modern finishes combine to create a perfect balance of function and elegance.
All the various finishes are key to making this bathroom work. The barn board is especially important because it introduces a lot of warmth, which counterbalances the coolness of glass and chrome used throughout this space, while natural-themed accessories help to pull it all together.
We sent Jon and Kris' choppy, poorly laid-out ensuite back to the 1980s, and we replaced it with a luxurious new space. Instead of rushing through their morning routines in an effort to get out of the bathroom, their new problem could well be getting to work on time. With such a warm and inviting spalike experience right in their own home, they may find it difficult to leave.
This ensuite bath was so poorly laid out and had so many other issues –– bad lighting, no ventilation, tiny shower stall, broken tub –– that these homeowners didn't know where to begin. There was absolutely no saving grace to this space, so I got the ball rolling by sending in a wrecking crew. By the time it was done, we had a clean slate and were ready to get down to business.
Jon and Kris love the outdoors, and they wanted their bathroom to be a warm, inviting retreat, and a place that reflected their own personal tastes. So I came up with a plan that makes the most of beautiful natural materials, all wrapped up in an ultra-modern package. It brings the outdoors inside by incorporating natural stone, reclaimed barn board and mother-of-pearl surfaces, alongside ultramodern faucets and lots of glass.
I redesigned the room to include contemporary wooden cabinetry, with lots of space for towels and toiletries underneath, and an additional wall-mounted storage column. The high-tech chrome faucets, with single-lever counter controls, perch over two elegant glass vessel sinks. Above each sink I placed large mirrors, each framed by two lovely sconces that pick up the mosaic motif of the mother-of-pearl tiles. These tiles run along part of the backsplash, and continue down in a wide strip across the floor, extending up the outer wall of the shower.
To continue the outdoorsy theme, we installed a new toilet embossed with a floral pattern. But the piece de resistance is the gorgeous soaker tub, which I framed with a rustic barn-board wall and custom Caesarstone decking. Overhead, a whimsical antler-themed chandelier speaks to the homeowners' love of the great outdoors, as does the artwork we chose to hang beside the tub.
The Caesarstone decking extends into a spacious shower surrounded by all-glass seamless walls. Inside the enclosure, I incorporated a wonderful stone bench and a luxurious rain showerhead. Let's just say that showering in Jon and Kris' new bathroom is a spa-like experience about as far from the everyday as you can get!
To access this restful and relaxing retreat, Jon and Kris only need to slide open their custom-designed barn-board door, and as soon as they step through, they'll be transported into their own personal space, where natural materials and modern finishes combine to create a perfect balance of function and elegance.
All the various finishes are key to making this bathroom work. The barn board is especially important because it introduces a lot of warmth, which counterbalances the coolness of glass and chrome used throughout this space, while natural-themed accessories help to pull it all together.
We sent Jon and Kris' choppy, poorly laid-out ensuite back to the 1980s, and we replaced it with a luxurious new space. Instead of rushing through their morning routines in an effort to get out of the bathroom, their new problem could well be getting to work on time. With such a warm and inviting spalike experience right in their own home, they may find it difficult to leave.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Historic seats are rural treats
CLOODRUMMAN BEG cottage is a detached rural retreat that celebrates all that is traditional in Irish architecture. The two-bedroom straw-thatched house is set on the edge of a Coillte wood and has been painstakingly restored by owner Yvonne McGarry, who bought it in 2001.
The property is situated deep in south Co Leitrim – John McGahern country. Sitting on one acre of land, the renovated house has been extended and now measures 78 sq m (850 sq ft) in size. It has an asking price of €150,000 through agent Gabriel Owen Auctioneers in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.
The house had been empty for 20 years when Yvonne bought it. She “wanted the building to survive”, so she took stone masonry classes with Patrick McAfee, considered the country’s best authority on dry stone walls, to learn about historic restoration methods. She then enlisted the services of “Mudwall Mick” who advised her on traditional building modes, which she had her builder execute.
The walls are covered in an old-fashioned hemp and mud render. These have been limed. The front door, a half door, opens into the living room. Yvonne retained the flagstone hearth and cob floor, which is covered with slate tiles. The dark beams in the pitched roof are all original. The new sash windows have old-style shutters and the property has a welcoming open fire and oil-fired central heating.
She added a new eco extension to the rear where the bathroom and large eat-in kitchen-cum-familyroom are located. The roof tiles are made from recycled car tyres.
The two bedrooms in the old part of the house have open fireplaces. On the land is a stone outhouse and a large corrugated iron hayshed, both of which have potential.
Five hundred meters from the house is Drumlaheen Lake, a coarse fishing lake. The house is 2km from Fenagh, 6km from Keshkerrigan and 20km from Carrick-on-Shannon.
The cottage is about 200 years old and has an asking price of €150,000 through agents Sherry Fitzgerald O’Leary in Enniscorthy.
The property was bought by its current owner in 2000 and has been completely refurbished and extended. Equidistant from the villages of Oulart and The Ballagh, it now measures 83 sq m (900 sq ft) in size. The extension is clad in sandstone.
The owner has maintained the cottage look to the front but opened up the back of the house to let in more light. As a result, the kitchen-cum-diningroom now has light on three sides, with French doors leading out into the garden. The hand-painted kitchen features a wood-burning stove, a Smeg oven and hob and a Belfast-style sink. Slate tiles cover the floor.
In the sitting room are white painted floorboards, a large granite fireplace and a large window to the rear, so allowing light in from both sides of the house. The family bathroom on the ground floor has a large glazed walk-in shower. There is no bath. Internal latch doors maintain the cottage feel.
The two dormer-style bedrooms sit under the eaves. Each has its own separate staircase, one leading from the kitchen, the other from the sitting room.
The house is set on 0.44 of an acre and has several mature deciduous trees to the rear. Included in the price is two stone outhouses with potential to convert into more bedrooms or an artists’ studio.
The property is situated deep in south Co Leitrim – John McGahern country. Sitting on one acre of land, the renovated house has been extended and now measures 78 sq m (850 sq ft) in size. It has an asking price of €150,000 through agent Gabriel Owen Auctioneers in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.
The house had been empty for 20 years when Yvonne bought it. She “wanted the building to survive”, so she took stone masonry classes with Patrick McAfee, considered the country’s best authority on dry stone walls, to learn about historic restoration methods. She then enlisted the services of “Mudwall Mick” who advised her on traditional building modes, which she had her builder execute.
The walls are covered in an old-fashioned hemp and mud render. These have been limed. The front door, a half door, opens into the living room. Yvonne retained the flagstone hearth and cob floor, which is covered with slate tiles. The dark beams in the pitched roof are all original. The new sash windows have old-style shutters and the property has a welcoming open fire and oil-fired central heating.
She added a new eco extension to the rear where the bathroom and large eat-in kitchen-cum-familyroom are located. The roof tiles are made from recycled car tyres.
The two bedrooms in the old part of the house have open fireplaces. On the land is a stone outhouse and a large corrugated iron hayshed, both of which have potential.
Five hundred meters from the house is Drumlaheen Lake, a coarse fishing lake. The house is 2km from Fenagh, 6km from Keshkerrigan and 20km from Carrick-on-Shannon.
The cottage is about 200 years old and has an asking price of €150,000 through agents Sherry Fitzgerald O’Leary in Enniscorthy.
The property was bought by its current owner in 2000 and has been completely refurbished and extended. Equidistant from the villages of Oulart and The Ballagh, it now measures 83 sq m (900 sq ft) in size. The extension is clad in sandstone.
The owner has maintained the cottage look to the front but opened up the back of the house to let in more light. As a result, the kitchen-cum-diningroom now has light on three sides, with French doors leading out into the garden. The hand-painted kitchen features a wood-burning stove, a Smeg oven and hob and a Belfast-style sink. Slate tiles cover the floor.
In the sitting room are white painted floorboards, a large granite fireplace and a large window to the rear, so allowing light in from both sides of the house. The family bathroom on the ground floor has a large glazed walk-in shower. There is no bath. Internal latch doors maintain the cottage feel.
The two dormer-style bedrooms sit under the eaves. Each has its own separate staircase, one leading from the kitchen, the other from the sitting room.
The house is set on 0.44 of an acre and has several mature deciduous trees to the rear. Included in the price is two stone outhouses with potential to convert into more bedrooms or an artists’ studio.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Troubled Marion nursing home closing its doors
Residents of Magnolia Gardens in Marion were told Tuesday morning they would have to move out because electricity to the facility will be shut off.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control officials along with representatives of the lieutenant governor's office -- which runs that state's office on aging -- were on scene Tuesday helping with the closing of the facility.
The site, Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Facility on North Main Street in Marion, came under scrutiny after several former employees and one vendor came forward, saying they had not received payment for services they provided at the facility.
The home's license was also suspended earlier this year following a DHEC inspection, and DHEC officials said late Tuesday, that the facility's license had been suspended once again.
"The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has suspended the license of the Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Home in Marion County, effective today (Tuesday). As a result, the facility cannot admit new residents, or readmit former residents without DHEC approval," said DHEC Spokesman, Adam Myrick.
"DHEC will continue to work together with other state agencies to ensure that our state’s most vulnerable citizens and their families receive the care they deserve and need," DHEC Director Catherine Templeton said in an email statement. "We will protect the health and safety of these residents, and monitor this facility to ensure it can provide a level of service that respects clients’ needs and state law," Templeton's statement continued.
Though the facility's owners would not comment on the closure, some family members said they were only notified of problems Tuesday morning and were told they would need to come get their relatives from the site.
"They called this morning at about 9 o'clock to say that they were in the process of...that the lights were going to be cut off, so we had to find somewhere for her to go," said Marion resident James Nelson, who had to pick up his sister, and all of her belongings, from Magnolia Gardens Tuesday morning.
"They said they had places for the males but they didn't exactly have places for the females," he continued.
While DHEC officials would not say whether the impending disconnection of electricity had any impact on their decision to suspend the facility's license, some of those with family members at the facility, said employees cited that fact as the reason for the facility's closure.
Representatives from several different state agencies worked to place residents who had nowhere to go, but for many of the residents' family members, such as Nelson, the tough task of caring for and providing housing for their relatives, has now fallen squarely in their laps.
"I mean it was at the last minute...that's what was so...crazy, but we've been hearing a lot of rumors, but we got a letter about two weeks ago saying everything was okay," Nelson said.
"We're just going to let her (Nelson's sister) stay with us until they find somewhere. It was just so convenient with her here close to us, now she might be in Florence or Darlington or somewhere," he said.
The facility's previous license suspension came on the heels of DHEC visits in which numerous violations were cited.
Among those, were notes concerning dirty rooms and restrooms, cobwebs, spiders and flies being found in some patients' rooms, broken furniture in many of the patients' rooms, window screens missing from rooms and some holes in floors, foul odors and paint chipping throughout the facility.
In addition, the inspectors found moldy ceiling tiles on the first floor and rusty shower heads throughout the building.
DHEC inspectors listed a series of actions that should be taken and made subsequent visits to the facility every month following.
During some of those visits, they noticed other problems at the facility after receiving a complaint to the DHEC's licensing division.
The inspectors noted that the facility did not have a functioning kitchen, that breakfast and lunch meals were served with plastic cutlery, that employees were observed wiping down counters in the kitchen area without sanitizing them and noted that during a check of every patients' prescribed medications, some of those medications were not on site.
In addition, DHEC inspectors found that the facility had no administrator for a lengthy period of time and that many employees could not furnish any proof of required training when asked.
Following the February visit, DHEC suspended Magnolia Gardens' license because of non-compliance, but later reinstated the license after the agency said the facility was in compliance enough to treat current patients and accept new ones.
In addition to the problems with DHEC, the facility also faced some pretty major financial hurdles, with a potential impending foreclosure and the owner owing $91,456.60 in back taxes to Marion County.
Myrick said though, that those issues were not relevant to DHEC's decision of whether or not to suspend or revoke a facility's license. "Our decision to suspend or revoke a license has to be based on a statutory provision, rule or regulation.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control officials along with representatives of the lieutenant governor's office -- which runs that state's office on aging -- were on scene Tuesday helping with the closing of the facility.
The site, Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Facility on North Main Street in Marion, came under scrutiny after several former employees and one vendor came forward, saying they had not received payment for services they provided at the facility.
The home's license was also suspended earlier this year following a DHEC inspection, and DHEC officials said late Tuesday, that the facility's license had been suspended once again.
"The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has suspended the license of the Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Home in Marion County, effective today (Tuesday). As a result, the facility cannot admit new residents, or readmit former residents without DHEC approval," said DHEC Spokesman, Adam Myrick.
"DHEC will continue to work together with other state agencies to ensure that our state’s most vulnerable citizens and their families receive the care they deserve and need," DHEC Director Catherine Templeton said in an email statement. "We will protect the health and safety of these residents, and monitor this facility to ensure it can provide a level of service that respects clients’ needs and state law," Templeton's statement continued.
Though the facility's owners would not comment on the closure, some family members said they were only notified of problems Tuesday morning and were told they would need to come get their relatives from the site.
"They called this morning at about 9 o'clock to say that they were in the process of...that the lights were going to be cut off, so we had to find somewhere for her to go," said Marion resident James Nelson, who had to pick up his sister, and all of her belongings, from Magnolia Gardens Tuesday morning.
"They said they had places for the males but they didn't exactly have places for the females," he continued.
While DHEC officials would not say whether the impending disconnection of electricity had any impact on their decision to suspend the facility's license, some of those with family members at the facility, said employees cited that fact as the reason for the facility's closure.
Representatives from several different state agencies worked to place residents who had nowhere to go, but for many of the residents' family members, such as Nelson, the tough task of caring for and providing housing for their relatives, has now fallen squarely in their laps.
"I mean it was at the last minute...that's what was so...crazy, but we've been hearing a lot of rumors, but we got a letter about two weeks ago saying everything was okay," Nelson said.
"We're just going to let her (Nelson's sister) stay with us until they find somewhere. It was just so convenient with her here close to us, now she might be in Florence or Darlington or somewhere," he said.
The facility's previous license suspension came on the heels of DHEC visits in which numerous violations were cited.
Among those, were notes concerning dirty rooms and restrooms, cobwebs, spiders and flies being found in some patients' rooms, broken furniture in many of the patients' rooms, window screens missing from rooms and some holes in floors, foul odors and paint chipping throughout the facility.
In addition, the inspectors found moldy ceiling tiles on the first floor and rusty shower heads throughout the building.
DHEC inspectors listed a series of actions that should be taken and made subsequent visits to the facility every month following.
During some of those visits, they noticed other problems at the facility after receiving a complaint to the DHEC's licensing division.
The inspectors noted that the facility did not have a functioning kitchen, that breakfast and lunch meals were served with plastic cutlery, that employees were observed wiping down counters in the kitchen area without sanitizing them and noted that during a check of every patients' prescribed medications, some of those medications were not on site.
In addition, DHEC inspectors found that the facility had no administrator for a lengthy period of time and that many employees could not furnish any proof of required training when asked.
Following the February visit, DHEC suspended Magnolia Gardens' license because of non-compliance, but later reinstated the license after the agency said the facility was in compliance enough to treat current patients and accept new ones.
In addition to the problems with DHEC, the facility also faced some pretty major financial hurdles, with a potential impending foreclosure and the owner owing $91,456.60 in back taxes to Marion County.
Myrick said though, that those issues were not relevant to DHEC's decision of whether or not to suspend or revoke a facility's license. "Our decision to suspend or revoke a license has to be based on a statutory provision, rule or regulation.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Up, up and away...
Clean and crisp, perched here on the rugged sea coast, you rest on the edge of possibility in this near-new, John-Cobb built home. Like a bird of paradise, it lets your mind take flight into an endless sky.
With the large, contemporary feel of an aircraft hanger, its simple minimalism is softened by touches of nautical and exotically infused design. The huge projecting roof shelters the top and main floors, while the tent-like design of the courtyard deck-and-pool space concocts the simplicity of a single volumetric form.
Clutter and confusion has been sifted away to bring to the surface one of the most forward-looking and free-thinking showcase of modern industrial beachfront design.
The main living area, combined with the front pool and deck space, is its true epicentre, heralded by the bleached exterior timber deck which captures the warm touch of the natural sun and the deep midnight tone of the pool.
The home's central floorplan angles itself around the pool-and-deck-filled courtyard and negotiates against the inclining landscape. With direct views through the main floor to the ocean beyond, this sees an endless continuum of possibility.
Its strikingly modern silhouette evokes an almost mathematical concept of balance without perimeters. Yet while the entire pool area is beautifully lit by the flood of sun, there is a dark and ambient play through a meshing of minimalism and exoticism through the dusky deco within.
A slew of complementary tones are splashed throughout all three levels.
With an impressive use of space, large-cut Portuguese limestone tiles evoke the reflection of a dream. Spirituality is subtly suggested through the simple and elemental play of light and shadow, while there is a gentle blend of aeronautical and nautical styling … of the wing and the air, but also the movement of ship's aesthetics.
Further within - and towards the intoxicating pull of the sea - a 10m length of exterior glass stacker doors across the open living-dining-cooking floor make the ocean beyond the predominant facade, allowing for beauty to flourish in its natural state.
Spatially defined by a series of unfolding spheres and floors, the outdoor pool blends with the indoor living and on to the second outdoor entertaining area facing the ocean.
The interior palette - of concrete, white, light and dark bones - provides a calm and simple accompaniment for effortless living. UV-skylights adorn the ceiling, while the moving picture fireplace takes centre stage in the the 7m by 11m living/lounging space.
Drifting to your right, the professional grade kitchen is a contemporary culinary masterpiece, completing the light and inspiring aesthetic in the dining and living area. Glistening stainless steel benchtops and Miele appliances are complemented by the spacious butler's pantry.
To its left, sits the kitchen and formal dining area's more informal but equally gorgeous sister space … a beautiful eating nook which garners bounteous ocean views and breezes through the sheer size of one of the home's many airplane-inspired windows with custom-designed and built hydraulic opening system. This is an area dedicated to lingering meals or cocktails with friends or family of an evening.
A plummeting staircase just opposite the main bathroom leads to the kingly guest quarters below, which pour out into the grassy slopes of the back lawn and the sea-splashed horizon.
Almost a complete home in itself, there is built-in beach seating in the media-lounge, while a kitchenette behind hideaway bi-fold doors and the bedroom with stackers doors to the lawns and pandanus exude class and simplicity of lazy summer days.
Back above and tucked behind the main bathroom are the pool-facing office (with potential to be converted to an additional guest room or workspace).
Lifting up towards the heavens and the third and final floor of the property is the master level, complemented by a second, private guest quarters. With invisible walls opening up to another pristine white, ocean-facing deck, being within this sphere is the next best thing to being at the beach.
With the large, contemporary feel of an aircraft hanger, its simple minimalism is softened by touches of nautical and exotically infused design. The huge projecting roof shelters the top and main floors, while the tent-like design of the courtyard deck-and-pool space concocts the simplicity of a single volumetric form.
Clutter and confusion has been sifted away to bring to the surface one of the most forward-looking and free-thinking showcase of modern industrial beachfront design.
The main living area, combined with the front pool and deck space, is its true epicentre, heralded by the bleached exterior timber deck which captures the warm touch of the natural sun and the deep midnight tone of the pool.
The home's central floorplan angles itself around the pool-and-deck-filled courtyard and negotiates against the inclining landscape. With direct views through the main floor to the ocean beyond, this sees an endless continuum of possibility.
Its strikingly modern silhouette evokes an almost mathematical concept of balance without perimeters. Yet while the entire pool area is beautifully lit by the flood of sun, there is a dark and ambient play through a meshing of minimalism and exoticism through the dusky deco within.
A slew of complementary tones are splashed throughout all three levels.
With an impressive use of space, large-cut Portuguese limestone tiles evoke the reflection of a dream. Spirituality is subtly suggested through the simple and elemental play of light and shadow, while there is a gentle blend of aeronautical and nautical styling … of the wing and the air, but also the movement of ship's aesthetics.
Further within - and towards the intoxicating pull of the sea - a 10m length of exterior glass stacker doors across the open living-dining-cooking floor make the ocean beyond the predominant facade, allowing for beauty to flourish in its natural state.
Spatially defined by a series of unfolding spheres and floors, the outdoor pool blends with the indoor living and on to the second outdoor entertaining area facing the ocean.
The interior palette - of concrete, white, light and dark bones - provides a calm and simple accompaniment for effortless living. UV-skylights adorn the ceiling, while the moving picture fireplace takes centre stage in the the 7m by 11m living/lounging space.
Drifting to your right, the professional grade kitchen is a contemporary culinary masterpiece, completing the light and inspiring aesthetic in the dining and living area. Glistening stainless steel benchtops and Miele appliances are complemented by the spacious butler's pantry.
To its left, sits the kitchen and formal dining area's more informal but equally gorgeous sister space … a beautiful eating nook which garners bounteous ocean views and breezes through the sheer size of one of the home's many airplane-inspired windows with custom-designed and built hydraulic opening system. This is an area dedicated to lingering meals or cocktails with friends or family of an evening.
A plummeting staircase just opposite the main bathroom leads to the kingly guest quarters below, which pour out into the grassy slopes of the back lawn and the sea-splashed horizon.
Almost a complete home in itself, there is built-in beach seating in the media-lounge, while a kitchenette behind hideaway bi-fold doors and the bedroom with stackers doors to the lawns and pandanus exude class and simplicity of lazy summer days.
Back above and tucked behind the main bathroom are the pool-facing office (with potential to be converted to an additional guest room or workspace).
Lifting up towards the heavens and the third and final floor of the property is the master level, complemented by a second, private guest quarters. With invisible walls opening up to another pristine white, ocean-facing deck, being within this sphere is the next best thing to being at the beach.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Welcome mats come out for Historic Garden Week
Natural light pours in through the clerestory windows along the top walls of the renovated kitchen in Kirsten and Leo Boyd's home at 4. S. Wilton Road in Richmond.
Two steps down, through an arched doorway, there is the family room, where again light pours in through windows at two levels. A vaulted ceiling and new dormers add architectural interest and a sense of openness to the home, one of nearly 200 homes and other venues in this year's Historic Garden Week tour, which kicks off Saturday.
"I wanted as much light as possible," Kirsten Boyd said. Renovations in 2010 also improved the room-to-room flow in the home in the Ampthill/Wilton area. Dan Ensminger was architect on the project, and John Gray of Peak 3 Construction was the builder.
Home renovations, gardens, architectural features and interior design are showcased in this year's Historic Garden Week, presented by the Garden Club of Virginia and its 47 member clubs.
The statewide event is in its 79th year and features 31 local tours. Proceeds benefit garden restoration projects across the state.
"No other state in the country really does what Virginia does. It's considered one of the largest open houses in the country," said Ruthie Cogar, co-chairwoman with Holly Braden and Elizabeth Wallace for the Richmond tours. They are members of the Three Chopt Garden Club, which is the sponsoring club for this year's Richmond tours.
About 3,400 volunteers are involved statewide. Planning for each year's tour starts about 18 months in advance.
Organizers said the tours are expected to draw about 25,000 visitors who pay to see homes and gardens.
Gardens this year may be further along than normal because of a warmer than usual spring. Temperatures averaged almost 10 degrees above normal last month, making it the second-warmest March on record for the Richmond area, causing daffodils, tulips and other spring bloomers to peak early.
"We are not worried. We know something wonderful will be in bloom," Cogar said, mentioning peonies, climbing hydrangea, iris, poppies, bleeding heart and jasmine as possibilities. In addition, floral arrangements will be on display.
The tulips planted around a fish pond at the home of Anne and Alexander Kempe bloomed ahead of schedule, thanks to the warmer spring. So much for the elegant display Anne Kempe had hoped to treat visitors to.
But there is plenty more to catch the eye inside and outside the Kempe home at 6615 Three Chopt Road, one of seven homes in the Three Chopt/Westhampton area on the tour.
It's easy to imagine breezy summer evenings in the Kempes' renovated pool area, which includes a pergola-covered lounging area with a wood-burning fireplace flanked by matching pool houses: one with an outdoor kitchen, one for showering and changing. The patio flooring is bluestone tiles, matching the bluestone hearth and mantel.
The pool area's perimeter is planted with rhododendrons, camellias, daphne and Endless Summer hydrangeas, and a towering magnolia at one corner serves as a living wall for the spacious outdoor room. Dogwoods and roses also dot the landscape.
The Kempes' clapboard Georgian house built in 1924 has a cozy family room that was part of an addition that included a larger kitchen. In the kitchen, honed absolute black granite countertops, two islands, white custom cabinets, Mexican tile floors and a cupboard original to the home — stained an eye-popping green — create an inviting food-preparation and entertaining space.
"I enjoy the outdoors, so I like to bring the outdoors in," Anne Kempe said. "I like a relaxed, comfortable place for my family and for me."
The architect on the main house renovations was Terry Cox, with construction work by John Robertson and company.
Architect Jay Hugo of 3North did the pool renovations, with the construction by Grace Street Home Additions, which also did renovations of a carriage house on the property. Kempe said she also works with interior designer Susan Lankenau.
Other renovations to the Boyds' 1939 Colonial-style clapboard home included converting a dining room to a library. The kitchen was also bumped out to what used to be a screened back porch.
Originally, the plan was to have a skylight in the kitchen, Kirsten Boyd said.
"It evolved into this," she said, referring to the bank of clerestory windows. "I think this is kind of what makes this kitchen," Boyd said.
The windows, the Carrera marble countertops in white with gray veining and white cabinets make for clean lines in a bright and roomy space. Oak floors provide a hint of country kitchen feel.
"My husband loves to cook. I love to cook," Boyd said. "The kitchen works just really well. Somebody can be prepping. Somebody can be cooking. It cleans up well."
Two steps down, through an arched doorway, there is the family room, where again light pours in through windows at two levels. A vaulted ceiling and new dormers add architectural interest and a sense of openness to the home, one of nearly 200 homes and other venues in this year's Historic Garden Week tour, which kicks off Saturday.
"I wanted as much light as possible," Kirsten Boyd said. Renovations in 2010 also improved the room-to-room flow in the home in the Ampthill/Wilton area. Dan Ensminger was architect on the project, and John Gray of Peak 3 Construction was the builder.
Home renovations, gardens, architectural features and interior design are showcased in this year's Historic Garden Week, presented by the Garden Club of Virginia and its 47 member clubs.
The statewide event is in its 79th year and features 31 local tours. Proceeds benefit garden restoration projects across the state.
"No other state in the country really does what Virginia does. It's considered one of the largest open houses in the country," said Ruthie Cogar, co-chairwoman with Holly Braden and Elizabeth Wallace for the Richmond tours. They are members of the Three Chopt Garden Club, which is the sponsoring club for this year's Richmond tours.
About 3,400 volunteers are involved statewide. Planning for each year's tour starts about 18 months in advance.
Organizers said the tours are expected to draw about 25,000 visitors who pay to see homes and gardens.
Gardens this year may be further along than normal because of a warmer than usual spring. Temperatures averaged almost 10 degrees above normal last month, making it the second-warmest March on record for the Richmond area, causing daffodils, tulips and other spring bloomers to peak early.
"We are not worried. We know something wonderful will be in bloom," Cogar said, mentioning peonies, climbing hydrangea, iris, poppies, bleeding heart and jasmine as possibilities. In addition, floral arrangements will be on display.
The tulips planted around a fish pond at the home of Anne and Alexander Kempe bloomed ahead of schedule, thanks to the warmer spring. So much for the elegant display Anne Kempe had hoped to treat visitors to.
But there is plenty more to catch the eye inside and outside the Kempe home at 6615 Three Chopt Road, one of seven homes in the Three Chopt/Westhampton area on the tour.
It's easy to imagine breezy summer evenings in the Kempes' renovated pool area, which includes a pergola-covered lounging area with a wood-burning fireplace flanked by matching pool houses: one with an outdoor kitchen, one for showering and changing. The patio flooring is bluestone tiles, matching the bluestone hearth and mantel.
The pool area's perimeter is planted with rhododendrons, camellias, daphne and Endless Summer hydrangeas, and a towering magnolia at one corner serves as a living wall for the spacious outdoor room. Dogwoods and roses also dot the landscape.
The Kempes' clapboard Georgian house built in 1924 has a cozy family room that was part of an addition that included a larger kitchen. In the kitchen, honed absolute black granite countertops, two islands, white custom cabinets, Mexican tile floors and a cupboard original to the home — stained an eye-popping green — create an inviting food-preparation and entertaining space.
"I enjoy the outdoors, so I like to bring the outdoors in," Anne Kempe said. "I like a relaxed, comfortable place for my family and for me."
The architect on the main house renovations was Terry Cox, with construction work by John Robertson and company.
Architect Jay Hugo of 3North did the pool renovations, with the construction by Grace Street Home Additions, which also did renovations of a carriage house on the property. Kempe said she also works with interior designer Susan Lankenau.
Other renovations to the Boyds' 1939 Colonial-style clapboard home included converting a dining room to a library. The kitchen was also bumped out to what used to be a screened back porch.
Originally, the plan was to have a skylight in the kitchen, Kirsten Boyd said.
"It evolved into this," she said, referring to the bank of clerestory windows. "I think this is kind of what makes this kitchen," Boyd said.
The windows, the Carrera marble countertops in white with gray veining and white cabinets make for clean lines in a bright and roomy space. Oak floors provide a hint of country kitchen feel.
"My husband loves to cook. I love to cook," Boyd said. "The kitchen works just really well. Somebody can be prepping. Somebody can be cooking. It cleans up well."
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Meadowbrook Parents Say No To Construction While School In Session
Meadowbrook parents expressed determination at a meeting Wednesday night to make sure renovations did not take place while school was in session. In particular, they expressed concerns about removing asbestos floor tiles while students were present.
About 20 parents turned out to a meeting in the Community Room at the EG Police Department to discuss plans designed to solve the stubborn moisture problems at Meadowbrook Farms. In March, the School Committee voted to approve a $2.3 million bid by Tower Construction to replace the floor, roof and HVAC system at the K-3 school. The question last night was when the work should take place.
Under a proposal bid on by Tower, the work would start in June, as soon as school was out, and continue through summer 2013. In other words, construction would be taking place throughout the 2012-13 school year, with classes moving around to accommodate the construction. Building officials have said safety precautions would be in place throughout the construction. When asked about the removal of the asbestos flooring, officials have said stringent standards dictate that safety precautions are paramount.
The parents at the meeting Wednesday night were unconvinced.
“If they’re doing the asbestos work, there’s no way in the world my kid’s going to that school,” said parent Mike Zarrella. “It’s the most unhealthy thing out there.”
“Asbestos is toxic to every single person,” said another parent. “I don’t want my child to be 25 years old and having tumors,” said a third.
While asbestos removal seemed to be everyone’s primary concern, parents also spoke of the problems that could arise if children were exposed to construction noise, as well as the disruption from having to move classrooms every three months during the 2012-13 year.
Parent David Gecawich argued for a plan that would start construction in June and would continue until the work was completed — as soon as December 31 if work were to take place around the clock.
That plan and other variations are being priced out now. The School Committee expects prices for those alternative plans when they meet next April 24.
Parents at the meeting Wednesday said they wanted to keep up the pressure on the School Committee and spoke of the need for a strong presence at the next meeting.
“If there isn’t somebody keeping their eye on the prize, they will rush it through,” said PTG co-president Kathleen Johnson of the School Committee. “We need bodies in the seats. We need to show up.”
Parent Bambi Lukens, who has been in attendance at many School Committee meetings this school year, expressed distrust in the panel’s desire to engage the public. “You go to any of the SC meetings, and they do not want you there,” she said.
About 20 parents turned out to a meeting in the Community Room at the EG Police Department to discuss plans designed to solve the stubborn moisture problems at Meadowbrook Farms. In March, the School Committee voted to approve a $2.3 million bid by Tower Construction to replace the floor, roof and HVAC system at the K-3 school. The question last night was when the work should take place.
Under a proposal bid on by Tower, the work would start in June, as soon as school was out, and continue through summer 2013. In other words, construction would be taking place throughout the 2012-13 school year, with classes moving around to accommodate the construction. Building officials have said safety precautions would be in place throughout the construction. When asked about the removal of the asbestos flooring, officials have said stringent standards dictate that safety precautions are paramount.
The parents at the meeting Wednesday night were unconvinced.
“If they’re doing the asbestos work, there’s no way in the world my kid’s going to that school,” said parent Mike Zarrella. “It’s the most unhealthy thing out there.”
“Asbestos is toxic to every single person,” said another parent. “I don’t want my child to be 25 years old and having tumors,” said a third.
While asbestos removal seemed to be everyone’s primary concern, parents also spoke of the problems that could arise if children were exposed to construction noise, as well as the disruption from having to move classrooms every three months during the 2012-13 year.
Parent David Gecawich argued for a plan that would start construction in June and would continue until the work was completed — as soon as December 31 if work were to take place around the clock.
That plan and other variations are being priced out now. The School Committee expects prices for those alternative plans when they meet next April 24.
Parents at the meeting Wednesday said they wanted to keep up the pressure on the School Committee and spoke of the need for a strong presence at the next meeting.
“If there isn’t somebody keeping their eye on the prize, they will rush it through,” said PTG co-president Kathleen Johnson of the School Committee. “We need bodies in the seats. We need to show up.”
Parent Bambi Lukens, who has been in attendance at many School Committee meetings this school year, expressed distrust in the panel’s desire to engage the public. “You go to any of the SC meetings, and they do not want you there,” she said.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Ideal family living in Barna
Uisneach is a superb detached family home in Barna, fitted and finished to a high standard having been extended and refurbished in 2009. Standing on 0.6 acre approx, the house is on a planned and landscaped site with tarmac driveway, mature shrub and shelter beds, and southwesterly aspect to the rear.
The quality of finish combined with bright spacious rooms are your first impressions upon entering. Features include geothermal underfloor heating, a high level of insulation, high quality timber and tile floors, well fitted bathrooms and kitchens. Uisneach was redeveloped and designed to accommodate an expanding young family and it has achieved its goal as the main living, kitchen, and dining areas intertwine to give spacious open plan accommodation. Double doors from the main living areas open onto a southwest facing patio which helps incorporate the garden with the residence.
Accommodation comprises entrance porch and hall with polished porcelain tiled floor. The living room comes with semi-solid oak timber floor, and a solid fuel stove. On to the kitchen with tiled floor and fully fitted kitchen units. Plumbed for a dishwasher, this kitchen comes with oven and hob, wall and floor mounted presses and a breakfast counter. The dining area has maple flooring and a door to the utility where steps lead down to the living area. This area has ash flooring and sliding doors to a paved patio. The utility room has a tiled floor, built in worktop, and plumbing for washing machine and a dryer. It also has extensive storage presses, and shelving and accommodates the airing press and geothermal heat pump.
The first bedroom is on this level and comes with ash timber flooring, a walk in wardrobe, a fully tiled en suite shower room with a wc, whb, and shower. The sitting room has semi-solid oak flooring a gas fireplace and two sets of double doors on to the rear patio. A fully tiled bathroom suite includes wc, whb, and corner bath.
Upstairs to the first floor and the landing is floored with ash timber flooring and double doors lead onto a balcony. Bedrooms two and four have ash timber flooring and bedroom four has built in wardrobes and drawers. Bedroom three is the master bedroom and comes with carpet flooring, extensive built in wardrobes, drawers and a vanity area. A fully tiled en suite shower room comes with wc, whb, and shower. Finally, the study has ash timber flooring with built in shelving.
The gardens are family friendly with a large lawn area, established shelter and shrub beds to offer shelter and privacy while the design takes maximum advantage of its optimum aspect. Barna village is approximately two kilometres, and Eyre Square is approximately eight kilometres away. Barna is a well serviced prime residential location. If it is a family home you seek, viewing is recommended.
The quality of finish combined with bright spacious rooms are your first impressions upon entering. Features include geothermal underfloor heating, a high level of insulation, high quality timber and tile floors, well fitted bathrooms and kitchens. Uisneach was redeveloped and designed to accommodate an expanding young family and it has achieved its goal as the main living, kitchen, and dining areas intertwine to give spacious open plan accommodation. Double doors from the main living areas open onto a southwest facing patio which helps incorporate the garden with the residence.
Accommodation comprises entrance porch and hall with polished porcelain tiled floor. The living room comes with semi-solid oak timber floor, and a solid fuel stove. On to the kitchen with tiled floor and fully fitted kitchen units. Plumbed for a dishwasher, this kitchen comes with oven and hob, wall and floor mounted presses and a breakfast counter. The dining area has maple flooring and a door to the utility where steps lead down to the living area. This area has ash flooring and sliding doors to a paved patio. The utility room has a tiled floor, built in worktop, and plumbing for washing machine and a dryer. It also has extensive storage presses, and shelving and accommodates the airing press and geothermal heat pump.
The first bedroom is on this level and comes with ash timber flooring, a walk in wardrobe, a fully tiled en suite shower room with a wc, whb, and shower. The sitting room has semi-solid oak flooring a gas fireplace and two sets of double doors on to the rear patio. A fully tiled bathroom suite includes wc, whb, and corner bath.
Upstairs to the first floor and the landing is floored with ash timber flooring and double doors lead onto a balcony. Bedrooms two and four have ash timber flooring and bedroom four has built in wardrobes and drawers. Bedroom three is the master bedroom and comes with carpet flooring, extensive built in wardrobes, drawers and a vanity area. A fully tiled en suite shower room comes with wc, whb, and shower. Finally, the study has ash timber flooring with built in shelving.
The gardens are family friendly with a large lawn area, established shelter and shrub beds to offer shelter and privacy while the design takes maximum advantage of its optimum aspect. Barna village is approximately two kilometres, and Eyre Square is approximately eight kilometres away. Barna is a well serviced prime residential location. If it is a family home you seek, viewing is recommended.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Proclamation is set in stone for schools
A SLATE quarry, sought out by European builders almost two centuries ago, is now hoping to supply samples of the unique material to every primary school in Ireland.
Valentia Slate has just unveiled a prototype of the Irish Proclamation and the company hopes that one might hang in every national school in the country in time for the centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising in four years' time.
Yesterday, Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan, who heads the cross-party commemorative committee, unveiled a prototype at the quarry on Valentia Island in south Kerry.
It is an exact copy of the original proclamation, including all its typographical errors and quirks, engraved on a slab of natural slate.
The quarry on Valentia Island opened in 1816 but closed again in 1911.
For almost a century it supplied Irish natural slate for some of the best-known buildings in Europe including St Paul's Cathedral in London, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.
Even the floor tiles on the British Houses of Parliament are made of the slate.
After it closed, the quarry remained unused for 90 years until it was reopened by local men Michael Lyne and Pat O'Driscoll who began to cut the slate again and manufacture roof tiles, floor tiles, counter tops and even gravestones.
"A piece of slate will last for hundreds of years. It's probably one of the most durable materials and the lettering on it also lasts," Mr Lyne told the Irish Independent.
"There are gravestones in Valentia dating back to 1829 and you can read them clearly today, the lettering is as good as it always was."
The company has already won a contract to replace broken tiles on the Houses of Parliament in London that are over 150 years old.
Valentia Slate Ltd has plans to invest in a laser engraver at a cost of 100,000 and if the idea catches on they say it will translate to more new jobs at the company.
Fianna Fail senator Mark Daly, who's also a member of the 1916 commemorative committee, said the replica proclamations on Valentia Slate was just one of the ideas that had come up at committee level.
Valentia Slate has just unveiled a prototype of the Irish Proclamation and the company hopes that one might hang in every national school in the country in time for the centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising in four years' time.
Yesterday, Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan, who heads the cross-party commemorative committee, unveiled a prototype at the quarry on Valentia Island in south Kerry.
It is an exact copy of the original proclamation, including all its typographical errors and quirks, engraved on a slab of natural slate.
The quarry on Valentia Island opened in 1816 but closed again in 1911.
For almost a century it supplied Irish natural slate for some of the best-known buildings in Europe including St Paul's Cathedral in London, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.
Even the floor tiles on the British Houses of Parliament are made of the slate.
After it closed, the quarry remained unused for 90 years until it was reopened by local men Michael Lyne and Pat O'Driscoll who began to cut the slate again and manufacture roof tiles, floor tiles, counter tops and even gravestones.
"A piece of slate will last for hundreds of years. It's probably one of the most durable materials and the lettering on it also lasts," Mr Lyne told the Irish Independent.
"There are gravestones in Valentia dating back to 1829 and you can read them clearly today, the lettering is as good as it always was."
The company has already won a contract to replace broken tiles on the Houses of Parliament in London that are over 150 years old.
Valentia Slate Ltd has plans to invest in a laser engraver at a cost of 100,000 and if the idea catches on they say it will translate to more new jobs at the company.
Fianna Fail senator Mark Daly, who's also a member of the 1916 commemorative committee, said the replica proclamations on Valentia Slate was just one of the ideas that had come up at committee level.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Top drawer home is lap of luxury
NO expense has been spared at this stunning detached home in Hartley, one of the city's top property zones.
With contemporary styling throughout, natural stone flooring, underfloor heating, low-level mood lighting and granite floor tiles, this is hard-core luxury.
At the front is block-paved parking area leading to the attached garage and around the front of the gable-ended house under a mansard roof, where you enter through a pillared portico flanked by bay windows.
In the entrance hall is solid wood flooring and low-level lighting on the staircase.
The 20ft lounge, with stylish monochrome décor and furniture, has a feature fireplace and polished granite tiles that continue into the dining room, where bi-fold doors lead to the garden.
Also in white, the kitchen has a range of fitted cupboards, granite work surfaces, and multiple integral appliances including a warming drawer and a wine cooler.
Also on the ground floor are a utility room with matching white units, and a playroom/study with a bay window.
On the first floor are a bathroom and four double size bedrooms, one with an en-suite wet room with drench shower as well as a cubicle.
there's a further bedroom on the second floor with a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite shower room.
Outside at the rear is a large walled patio with a raised seating area and a further lawned garden.
A lavishly-appointed home on which no expense has been spared, it is on the market at a reduced price.
With contemporary styling throughout, natural stone flooring, underfloor heating, low-level mood lighting and granite floor tiles, this is hard-core luxury.
At the front is block-paved parking area leading to the attached garage and around the front of the gable-ended house under a mansard roof, where you enter through a pillared portico flanked by bay windows.
In the entrance hall is solid wood flooring and low-level lighting on the staircase.
The 20ft lounge, with stylish monochrome décor and furniture, has a feature fireplace and polished granite tiles that continue into the dining room, where bi-fold doors lead to the garden.
Also in white, the kitchen has a range of fitted cupboards, granite work surfaces, and multiple integral appliances including a warming drawer and a wine cooler.
Also on the ground floor are a utility room with matching white units, and a playroom/study with a bay window.
On the first floor are a bathroom and four double size bedrooms, one with an en-suite wet room with drench shower as well as a cubicle.
there's a further bedroom on the second floor with a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite shower room.
Outside at the rear is a large walled patio with a raised seating area and a further lawned garden.
A lavishly-appointed home on which no expense has been spared, it is on the market at a reduced price.
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