Students in Eureka Springs School District’s Environmental and Spacial Technologies program (EAST) are taking on their largest project to date: landscaping the 45-acre campus surrounding the new high school. And they are asking local residents to help by purchasing trees to be planted in memory of a person or special occasion.

“What makes it unique is that we are going to put a QR code on a waterproof ribbon,” said Warren Utsler, EAST coordinator. “It will take you to a Web site that will have a photo and the person’s story.”

The first tree was purchased in memory of Gary Hayhurst, pastor of Faith Christian Family Church, who died in September. Money is now being collected to buy a tree in memory of Mike Bonds, the teacher who died in August, and Elizabeth Parker, a student who passed away last year. A small tree costs $45. A large one is $85. The tree-planting is part of the GreenWay Project of Eureka Springs, a EAST effort dedicated to improving the environment of West Carroll County.

“We’re starting with the high school campus because the greatest need so far,” Utsler said.

Through EAST, high school students receive instruction at the University of Arkansas in the use of GIS (Geographic Information System), thermal imagery and CAD (computer-aided design), then use their skills to conduct public service projects. The Eureka Springs School District facilities committee requested that EAST students take on the landscaping project at the start of the school year, Utsler said.

“We are going to look at the whole campus plan and how it’s going to come together,” he said.

There is no budget, so students are looking for funding from grants and the community. They received approval Monday to start selling bricks for $35 a piece that will be engraved with person’s name and graduation year, Utsler said. The bricks will be used to pave pathways, with the money helping support the whole campus development project, he said.

Through the GreenWay Project, people can also help fund a park bench, garden or outdoor classroom for the campus. Utsler has applied for a grant to build an amphitheater with a rain garden. Another proposed project is an outdoor environmental education classroom for the middle school with two ponds connected by a stream. One grant, of $1,800 from the Arkansas Dept. of Fish and Game fines fund, has already come through, Utsler said. CAST, the Center for Advanced Spacial Technologies at UA, has also accepted their application, Utsler said, and is sending Robyn Dennis, a landscape architect, to help students complete a survey of the campus, identify erosion and other problems and map the grounds using GPS (Global Positioning System). The Carroll County University of Arkansas extension agent and Chris Fischer of the Arts in Education program of the Arkansas Arts Council will also be consulted, Utsler said.

In the past, EAST students have mapped the fire hydrants and the springs in Eureka Springs, Utsler said. Students run the program, coming up with ideas, recruiting clients and working with them to solve problems. EAST student Marcello Gros, 14, is currently running a project that recycles ink cartridges, cell phones and small electronics through the Office Depot Recycling Program. Collection boxes are set up at schools, Gros said, with Office Depot paying the shipping cost and crediting a student account that can be used to buy products.

“It’s self-directed learning,” Utsler said.

To help students with the campus landscaping project by buying a tree or brick, send a check made out to the Eureka Springs School District to 2 Lake Lucerne Rd., Eureka Springs, AR 72632. Include information to go on the brick or about the person or occasion the tree commemorates.

After just a few weeks in existence, the Laurie Enhancement Committee outlined a possible projects list for the city’s board of aldermen Dec. 12.
The goal of the recently appointed committee is to recommend ideas to enhance the city’s appearance and make infrastructure more functional and to help come up with alternative ways to fund these projects, such as grants.
Committee member Ron Holtz presented the ideas for potential projects, but said there is no priority to the list at this time.
With a general consensus of approval from aldermen, the committee does now plan to apply for a TRIM grant, which would involve tree identification markers and proper tree management to maintain trees – such as in the fairgrounds – and help educate the public on forestry. It is a cost share grant for up to $10,000 with recipients’ match at 40 percent, according to Holtz, but volunteer labor on the project could be credited towards the recipients’ in-kind match.
The board also approved the committee to find a site location and investigate the cost for a possible Lake of the Ozarks West sign. Mark Shellenberg has volunteered to fundraise for the sign, which is planned to be done solely through donations.
The list
• Landscaping at the triangle of the junction of Highways 5 and 135 which might include a welcome center or picnic area.
• Sidewalks and/or bike trails along Hwy. 5 and Route O, at the fairgrounds, ball park and golf course and movie theatre – connectivity is key to these types of projects, according to Holtz; also possibly a crosswalk on Hwy. 5 between G2M and Porters
• Street lighting
• More courts at the fairgrounds – tennis, volleyball, basketball
• Fix up rundown buildings in town, possibly have murals painted on the side of some buildings, and make sure vacant buildings and lots are maintained and mowed
• A connector road between Hwy. 5 and Route O to open up more development space and improve traffic flow
• A specific look or palette for buildings to help the city look more planned and coordinated
• Historic signage
• Tree identification and markers at the fairgrounds
• A Lake of the Ozarks West sign – similar to the lit up Lake of the Ozarks sign put up recently that can be seen from Hwy. 54 in Lake Ozark

PLANS of how a rejuvenated Babbacombe Downs could look after a range of measures are to go on display for the first time.

Torbay Council has been working in partnership with contractors Glendale Managed Services, which has a grounds maintenance contract for the Downs, to come up with some initial ideas for upgrading the landscaping and are now keen to hear from residents and businesses.

Measures could include new paths, bins, signposts and flowerbeds as well as removing hedges.

A spokesman said: “Due to their location on the slope, the flower beds are less visible than previous years and the hedging borders are becoming sparse.

“The council’s initial proposals are to improve the beds so they are more visible and to replace the hedging.

“The sea view has become obstructed in certain areas and therefore some vegetation may be cut back and/or removed to reveal the existing shrubbery planting and to provide additional planting.

“The signage is to be improved at entrance points, the tourist boards are to be moved to more appropriate locations as are the bins which will be improved to help with the high levels of use.

“The introduction of softwood timber edging to the path in some areas would replace the existing rocks which are often climbed over.

“Finally, the repair and repainting of railings, bollards and lampposts will lend to the overall enhancement of this stunning location.”

Cllr Jeanette Richards, executive lead for tourism and environment, added: “There are very few areas across the country that have the view and ambience of Babbacombe Downs and we want to ensure that they look their best and meet the needs of those visiting the area.

“Many of the ideas are based on investing to save and will not only provide improvements for the area but will make future management easier and in turn reduce costs.

“The improvement of flower beds should mean that additional costs for reinstating these would not be required every year. However, we are not looking to reduce the overall planting within this scheme.

“The replacement of the existing bins will also ensure that litter on busy days and event days does not become an issue in the future.”

The consultation event will be held at The Downs Hotel, Babbacombe, on Monday, December 17.

Officers will be on hand to discuss the plans from 10am until 12pm and 4pm until 7pm.

Business 2 Community is an independent online community focused on sharing the latest news surrounding Social Media, Marketing, Branding, Public Relations much more. Every day we feature the thought leadership of our open community of bloggers and aim to provide a balanced view of the business landscape based on industry news, trends and real-life experiences.

• Read more about us
• Our Contributors
• Become a Contributor
• Upcoming Events
• Find or Post a Job
• Discover Cloud Business Apps

Dog run offers canine freedom

Nothing beats the freedom of being off-leash for any dog, regardless of the size or breed and after  [ … ]

Posted: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 9:32 am

Pamplin to hear news about Main Street makeover ideas

By STEPHANIE A. JAMES

Staff Writer

Representatives from Virginia Tech soon will present a plan for development along the entrance of Main Street in the Town of Pamplin.

The plan, to be presented in January, incorporates growth so that Main Street can be the attraction it once was.

It will offer different revitalization options where citizens will be able to voice their opinions at a public hearing set for Jan. 29 at 6 p.m.

Earlier this year at a meeting, Virginia Tech’s Community Design Assistance Center representatives solicited input on ideas that would encourage growth on Main Street.

Presently, Main Street has minimal business and features only the Pamplin Depot, a wood yard, and vacant storefront buildings.

At that earlier meeting, among ideas voiced citizens stated that they would like to have a train station and assisted living facility on Main Street. In addition scenery ideas included landscaping the area with dogwood trees and butterfly scapes.

Virginia Tech’s involvement in the revitalization of Pamplin was made possible through a $5,000 matching grant.

With the funds, Virginia Tech representatives were able to complete design work for the project.

In other news…

* The Pamplin Town Council agreed last Thursday to send a letter to the Appomattox Community Development Inspector so that an inspection can be done on a building on Main Street in Pamplin.

Acting mayor Jake Hamlett informed the Pamplin Town Council that there are bricks falling from the building onto the ground.

The Town’s action to get an inspection done on the building is part of the initial process of them trying to get the building condemned.

* The Pamplin Town Council agreed last Thursday to appoint Billy Horton as acting vice mayor.

* Jake Hamlett, who nominated Horton, is serving as acting mayor as Robert Mitchell is recovering from surgery.

Hamlett has been interim mayor since October.

Mitchell is expected to return to his duties as mayor in January.

• Print
  
  
  

Posted in
Local

on

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 9:32 am.

Are you ready for Christmas? Me neither. Here are a few gift ideas for the gardener in your life. How about a magazine subscription? A couple of my favorites are “Organic Gardening,” and “Fine Gardening.” I’m going to try a new “Michigan Gardening” magazine I received information about.

Or how about a book to read during our cold winter months? One of my favorites is “Landscaping with Native Plants of Michigan” by Lynn M. Steiner. Other books I refer to frequently include, ‘Michigan Gardener’s Guide” by Boland, Coit and Hair, “The Berry Grower’s Companion” by Barbara Bowling, and “Superior Perennials for the Great Lakes States” third edition by David Mackenzie. If your gift is for an inexperienced gardener I’d recommend “The New Seed Starters Handbook” by Nancy Bubel. This book covers much more than seed starting. You’ll find good basic information on how to start seeds indoors, moving plants outdoors, special techniques and situations, saving seeds and garden planning. Another great book for the perennial gardener is “The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques” by Tracy DiSabato-Aust.

• Cydney Steeb

• 

• Bio |
  E-mail |

  Recent columns

• Topics
• 
  
  Agriculture
  
• 
  
  Hobbies
  
• 
  
  Gardening
  
• See more topics »

If your gardener doesn’t already have one, they might enjoy receiving a gardening journal. There are several different types available on Amazon or for the serious gardener check out the 10 year Gardener’s Journal at www.leevalley.com. I’ve used this journal since 2008. In the diary section, one page is given to each day of the year, and each page is divided into 10 sections — more than enough for 10 years of personal jottings. In addition to the diary pages, there is also a section on such gardening techniques as composting, digging garden beds, tree care, soils, and garden tool maintenance. They also provide reference material and numerous charts. There are several pages to record your inventory of perennials, more to record sketches of your garden, yet more to list plantings and harvestings, etc.

OK, here’s another idea I have found very handy. Get a five gallon bucket with a lid. I’ve seen these all around town at hardware stores and even Home Depot. Fill the bucket with garden tools such as pruners, trowel, cultivator, weeder, gloves, twine, or anything else frequently used in the garden. I leave my bucket at my garden gate or near another garden I may be working in throughout the gardening season. The lid keeps the tools dry if it should rain and your tools are always handy. Another variation on this idea is to get a mailbox, mount it on a post in your garden, decorate it and store your tools in it. The mailbox becomes useful garden art.

If you give a plant as a Christmas gift be sure to have the store clerk cover the plant for transportation to and from your car. Plants left in cold cars for extended periods of time while you do other shopping, won’t be very happy and may not survive very long after the gift is given.

One last idea, Sloggers garden shoes. They may be hard to find around town, but are easy to find on-line for less than $25 and are also great for just walking in the rain.

Cydney Steeb, Advanced Master Gardener, can be contacted at Emmet Conservation District, 3434 M-119, Harbor Springs (231) 439-8977 or cydney.steeb@macd.org. Her Gardening Wit and Wisdom column runs every Wednesday.

Local residents and businesses are being encouraged to have their say on improvement plans for Babbacombe Downs, Torquay at a consultation event being held next week (Monday 17 December).

The Babbacombe Downs area, with its stunning views, is one of the jewels in Torbay’s crown. Torbay Council has been working in partnership with contractors Glendale Managed Services, who have a grounds maintenance contract for the Downs, to come up with some initial ideas for upgrading the landscaping and are now keen to hear from residents and businesses.

1. ​

   Babbacombe

The overall plan is to improve the existing longstanding features of the Downs over the next three to five years and to provide a much needed visual boost for all to enjoy.

Due to their location on the slope, the flower beds are less visible than previous years and the hedging borders are becoming sparse. The council’s initial proposals are to improve the beds so they are more visible and to replace the hedging.

The sea view has become obstructed in certain areas and therefore some vegetation may be cut back and/or removed to reveal the existing shrubbery planting and to provide additional planting. The signage is to be improved at entrance points, the tourist boards are to be moved to more appropriate locations as are the bins which will be improved to help with the high levels of use.

The introduction of softwood timber edging to the path in some areas would replace the existing rocks which are often climbed over. Finally the repair and repainting of railings, bollards and lampposts will lend to the overall enhancement of this stunning location.

Executive Lead for Tourism and Environment, Cllr Jeanette Richards, said: “There are very few areas across the country that have the view and ambience of Babbacombe Downs and we want to ensure that they look their best and meet the needs of those visiting the area.

“Many of the ideas are based on investing to save and will not only provide improvements for the area but will make future management easier and in turn reduce costs. The improvement of flower beds should mean that additional costs for reinstating these would not be required every year however we are not looking to reduce the overall planting within this scheme. The replacement of the existing bins will also ensure that litter on busy days and event days does not become an issue in the future.”

The consultation event will be held at the The Downs Hotel, Babbacombe on Monday 17 December. Officers will be on hand to discuss the plans from 10am until 12pm and 4pm until 7pm.

Kate and Ed Woods, of The Downs Hotel, said: “We are delighted that after several years of liaising with the council regarding the maintenance of the Downs and surrounding area that we can be a part of the consultation process for regeneration and look forward to a comprehensive regeneration project.

“As the local business community have invested heavily in their properties it is fantastic news that the Downs have been recognised as an area of importance and we are very encouraged with the initial suggestions that the council has provided so far. We look forward to an ongoing programme of improvements and maintenance, which will benefit not only the local community, but make the area more attractive to holiday makers and day visitors which will bring much needed income into the Bay.”

Wilmette park commissioners this week defended their process to create a long-term lakefront master plan against resident complaints that the proposed options didn’t have cost estimates.

“How can you make a valid decision or have an opinion on any of this without looking at the cost?” asked resident Tom Scanlan.

Wilmette Park District commissioners hosted a public hearing on Monday to receive feedback on alternative project concepts for both its lakefront parks, created by consultant SmithGroupJJR. It was the third of three opportunities for residents to voice their opinion.

A recurring theme was that residents couldn’t properly weigh the concepts — which ranged from low-impact landscaping and traffic circulation ideas, to major changes, such as a new beach, a parking deck with a green roof or a reconstructed jetty for fishermen.

Park Board President James Brault defended the process, which was designed to incorporate public input before final alternatives are presented for consideration, likely in the spring.

“The board made a very conscious decision to ask for public input first,” Brault said. “And then we will be able to put our arms around what this could potentially cost. And so we share, in part, your frustration that we don’t know what it will cost either, because we don’t know exactly what folks want to include.”

Other residents acknowledged necessary project components, such as the need to bring certain facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as other safety and accessibility concerns. They asked for a cost estimate on those required projects in order to balance against the more ambitious concepts.

Others pointed out the inclusion of a beach fence at Gillson Park — intended to protect the sandy dunes — and referred angrily to a grassroots effort earlier this year that resulted in the rejection of a different beach fence proposal aimed at addressing safety issues and overcrowding at the south beach.

“I’m astounded that you would dare to bring the fence to us again,” said resident Howard Sandroff. “It seems like we already played that game.”

Brault tried to tamp down the emotions on the issue.

“There is no groundswell to relive our fence discussion from last March,” he said. “We are all very aware of what happened.”

Other residents brought more specific comments to the board. Peter Baugher, who lives adjacent to Langdon Park, said it’s a “quiet, mostly passive-use park” and asked for the board to keep it that way.

He supported minimal upgrades like installing more benches, improving the access road to the beach, and replacing the playground equipment, but said an enhanced vehicle drop-off area would be unnecessary, as would stairs or an elevator to the beach.

Resident Barb Clayton said Langdon Park should be left largely alone, but urged the consideration of turning Gillson Park’s Lakeview Center into “a really swank facility.”

“In my own mind, I’m envisioning a three-story building that has a cool, round view of the lakefront and a second floor where you can put all the summer camp programs,” as well as a restaurant and coffee shop, Clayton said.

Jay Heidekat, a Gillson Park summer day camp counselor and Wilmette resident, requested the board retain the existing playground equipment, which he said was unique and well-liked among children. He also argued against removing the sand volleyball court from the grass area.

“I’d say, if anything, put in a basketball hoop,” Heidekat said.

SmithGroupJJR was directed to synthesize the public’s feedback and return in the spring with more focused options, which will also include cost estimates, for more deliberation.

jhuston@tribune.com

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

By PAUL COLLINS – Bulletin Staff Writer

Teresa Davis, a biology teacher at Martinsville High School, was recognized at the city school board meeting Monday night for having achieved National Board Certification, and in a separate matter, some of her students presented a case for why MHS should have a greenhouse.

School division officials and Davis said obtaining National Board Certification is a rigorous process and only a fraction of teachers make it the first year they try.

Davis said the process took more than a year; it was more difficult than her master’s degree work; and she worked on it about every chance she had, including nights, weekends and holidays. But she indicated she found the process valuable. “It makes you critique yourself,” she said.

According to the website of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, candidates for National Board Certification complete 10 assessments that are reviewed by trained teachers in their certificate areas. The assessments include four portfolio entries that feature teaching practice and six “constructed response exercises” (or tests) that assess content knowledge.

Davis said her National Board Certification is in the area of adolescence and young adulthood science.

Certification is valid for 10 years, and the renewal process begins during the eighth year, according to Davis and the website.

On the separate matter, several of Davis’ Advanced Placement Biology students summarized the findings of a project in which Davis assigned them to make their case to the school board about why a greenhouse is needed at Martinsville High School, including how students would use the greenhouse, how the school and community would benefit, and how the greenhouse would be sustained. In addition, the students were asked to propose landscaping in front of MHS in connection with renovations now under way.

What was presented to the school board was a compilation of the students’ many ideas. They include:

• How students would use the greenhouse: for more AP courses and electives, to enhance plant labs, to increase hands-on experiences, to emphasize college majors in science and explore career paths.

• How the school and community would benefit: promote healthier lifestyles with vegetables students would grow; community service hours for students; provide horticultural and agricultural experiences for students; healthier menu choices at school; and food donations to food banks.

• How to sustain the greenhouse: students would volunteer to help clean it; solar energy would help keep energy costs down; workshops in which, for a fee, students would teach younger children some fundamentals about growing plants; growing and selling carnations and prom flowers; selling foods that students grow; having a seasonal pumpkin patch, in which gourds and pumpkins would be grown and sold.

They also presented a plan for landscaping in connection with MHS renovations. They would choose plants that, among other things, are native to the area, perennials for less maintenance, flowers that bloom mostly during the school year and flowers that are full sun because the school faces near south so there is rarely shade.

School board members and Schools Superintendent Pam Heath praised the students. Heath said she had met with Davis’ students previously and their emphases included growing organic food, doing community service, school and community pride and betterment of the community.

Heath said the architect for a MHS renovation project said he will be happy to meet with the students’ about their landscaping ideas.

Some school board members asked how much a greenhouse would cost and where funding would come from. That has not been determined.

In another matter, Travis Clemons, the school division’s executive director of finance and development, gave this update on the renovation project at MHS:

• Roofing is 100 percent complete on several buildings.

• On Building G, which contains science labs, plumbing is 80 percent complete, and duct work, electrical work and masonry work are 95 percent complete.

• On the addition to Building G, the foundation is 75 percent complete and workers are installing some utilities.

• In the mechanical room, chiller condenser pumps are in.

In other business, the school board:

• Approved a teacher evaluation model. Part of the evaluation will be based on growth in student achievement.

• Heath announced that two Patrick Henry Elementary students will compete in the 4-H public speaking finals Jan. 10 at the Henry County Administration Building. They are Finley Underwood and Journey Sunkins.

• Rebecca Crabtree and Ann Hundley gave a report about a project called “Dyeing to Learn,” in which special education classes at MHS and Martinsville Middle School hand-dyed colorful silk scarves. Crabtree is a local volunteer who works each week with Hundley’s MHS special education class. The project gave special education students an outlet for their creativity, and they learned about business and practiced independent living skills such as following directions, communication, math, color coordination and dexterity. They also gained household skills, such as ironing and washing fabric.

Crabtree and Hundley were accompanied at the board meeting by several students. Proceeds from the sale of the scarves will benefit the special education program, possibly for such things as supplies and a wheelchair lift.

• School board members and Heath commented on some things they gleaned from the Virginia School Boards Association Annual Convention.

For instance, Bill Manning, chairman of the Martinsville School Board, said utilizing innovative technology is critical. “I think we are on the right track in Martinsville City Public Schools (MCPS).”

• Heath announced the date of the MCPS Endowment gala fundraiser has been changed to May 4. The event will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Heath said she wasn’t sure if the location had been finalized.

• Heath said MCPS is one of six school divisions that will receive funding from a $2.7 million grant from Virginia Advanced Study Strategies (VASS). According to its website, the mission of VASS is to encourage high school students to prepare for careers in math and science by enrolling in challenging Advanced Placement classes. Heath said she does not yet know how much MCPS’ share will be.

• Readopted the current school board policies subject to review.

• Made these appointments:

— One teacher: Robert Divers, math teacher at the middle school.

— Six coaches: Bonnie Wilson, co-head basketball cheerleading at the high school; Brian Chitwood, assistant coach of varsity boys baseball at the high school; Amanda Gray, assistant coach for varsity girls soccer at the high school; Erika Nicholas, head coach for varsity girls softball at the high school; Nathaniel Hairston Jr., head coach for middle school wrestling; and Robert Divers, head coach of middle school boys baseball.

— Special Education Parent Advisory Committee: Melody Cartwright, Cherie Craig, Annie Via, Orfilda Mata Duarte, Chris and Diane Potter, Darren and Caren Aaron; representing the school division, Jeanne Westphalen; representing Piedmont Community Services, Greg Preston and Lynne Smith.