Facebook0Tweet0Pin0 Steve Short of A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning is proud of his green cleaning techniques. His “biggest and best and baddest” truck-mounted steam cleaners are top of the line, capable of heating water to 250 degrees. With steam forming at only 212 degrees, he grades the heat output by carpet type and dirt level. By also reducing allergens, an all too common plague in our climate, he leaves things “cleaner, fresher, healthier.”A member of numerous local Chambers of Commerce, Steve brings over 30 years of experience to his work. This allows for maximum results with minimal chemicals, an important fact to clients with pets, children, or medical fragility.Because his trucks feature a rotary carpet cleaner, they can remove even the toughest stains. These machines are more expensive than the standard type but are capable of a much more thorough cleaning. Says Steve, “it does a better job and makes the job easier and more efficient; I could have gotten away with a lot less and nobody would have known” but he believes in a tradition of quality service that has garnered him many pleased testimonials.A typical appointment consists of spot treating trouble areas, a deep steam cleaning, and then re-treating any particularly tricky areas if needed. All water is extracted back into the truck, leaving quickly drying carpets and no mess for the client.Steve also cleans upholstery, furniture, tile, vinyl, and cement so no surface is forgotten. Phone estimates are available at 360-701-9544 and his website is a wealth of how-to’s and cleaning tips. Most jobs are completed within a few days of calling and no request is too big OR too small.
Furniture Works Shares Simple Decorating Tips to Update your Office
Facebook5Tweet0Pin0 Submitted by Furniture WorksSitting in an office all day long can get monotonous. Break through the daily rut by dressing up your office with some cool office furniture. Unless you operate your own office, you may not have total control over your office furniture. Most employers, however, won’t mind if you bring in a piece or two of your own furniture to make the space more comfortable and personal.Furniture Works carries a variety of new and used affordable furniture. From bookshelves to sofas we can send you home with a fantastic piece that will renew the comfort of your office.Maybe your office could benefit with a piece of furniture as simple as a new bookcase. If it’s a simple bookcase, dress it up with some fun accessories like a vase or decorative knick knacks. Or bring in a small dresser that can help hold files, personal belongings or simply serve as a top to display your favorite photos from home.Also, keep your eye out for pieces that you can re-paint. You may have found a bookcase but it is all scratched and looks out of shape. Just a quick sanding and a coat of your favorite color and you have a piece that looks like you bought it from a designer store. The added color will bring in a cheery and well put together look while you save that extra pennyAnother fun piece of furniture you could add to your office is an ottoman. Wouldn’t it be nice to prop your feet up every now and then at work? Even if you don’t utilize its function, an ottoman could dress up a room. Pick an ottoman in your favorite color or fabric design. For an extra special touch, pick an ottoman with lots of fringe. Your office will feel a little more “home-y” with this one simple furniture accessory.Add an armchair to your office in a contrasting color to make the space more personal.If you have room in your office, an arm chair would be a nice furniture addition. Or how about a recliner? It would also help create a personal atmosphere in what might otherwise be a “stuffy” or cold environment. These pieces create a comfortable and inviting environment. If your desk and all of your other office furniture is dark, then pick a chair with a pop of color to brighten the area.No matter how long you have been in the same office, you can make the space feel new and exciting by adding just a simple piece of furniture. Keep the necessities that the company provides and mandates, but add a little something that you like to express your individuality. You will warm up to your work environment and your office will be a warmer place because of the personal touch your furniture piece has added.Find unique new and gently used furniture pieces at Furniture Works at 402 Washington Street NE in downtown Olympia. You can reach the store by calling 360-570-0165 or visit them online.
Alaffia Named Winner of the 2018 U.S. Secretary of State’s Award…
Facebook0Tweet0Pin0Submitted by AlaffiaThe U.S. Department of State announced today that Alaffia will be awarded the 2018 Award for Corporate Excellence in Women’s Economic Empowerment at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on October 5, 2018. The award will be presented by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and Assistant Secretary of State Manisha Singh, who oversees the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department.Alaffia founders Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde will travel to Washington D.C. to receive the award.Tchala, who is currently traveling in West Africa, expressed his gratitude for the prestigious award. “All of us at Alaffia are humbled to receive this recognition from the U.S. State Department and its wonderful embassy officials who serve around the world.”“We are especially grateful this will shine additional light on the need to create economic opportunity for women and better education for children, something Alaffia has worked tirelessly to do in West Africa,” said Tchala.“Economic engagement in our collective poor communities means a safer, more peaceful world. On behalf of the more than 14,000 women who are members of our fair-trade cooperatives in Africa, and our U.S.-based employees in Tumwater, Washington, we express our deepest appreciation for this tremendous honor.”Alaffia employees and contract “gatherers,” who are mostly women, number more than 14,000 in West Africa. They collect shea nuts, coconuts, herbs and grasses, and, at Alaffia fair-trade cooperatives in Togo and Ghana, create shea butter, coconut oil, baskets and essence used in Alaffia beauty and body care products. These raw materials are then shipped to Alaffia’s manufacturing plant in Tumwater where 145 people are employed. The materials are refined, packaged and prepared for distribution throughout the U.S. and 10 countries.Alaffia’s non-profit empowerment and sustainability initiatives have resulted in 59,775 trees planted, 34,640 school supply recipients, 8,253 bikes distributed, 25,588 eyeglasses donated, 12 schools constructed and more than 4,800 babies safely delivered in West Africa.About AlaffiaAlaffia was founded in 2003 in the Olympia, Washington garage of husband and wife team, Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde. Alaffia crafts popular beauty and body care products using traditional African methods. Alaffia is “Fair for Life” certified by the Institute for Marketecology (IMO), one of the most renowned international inspection and certification agencies for organic and fair trade accountability. To learn more, visit Alaffia.com.
Nominations Sought for 2019 Peacemaker Award
Facebook8Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston CountyThe Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County (DRC) is seeking nominations for the 2019 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award.This annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in promoting peaceful dispute resolution and civility.Established in honor of Founding Executive Director Evan Ferber, the award will be presented at The Toast, the DRC’s annual fundraiser, on Sunday, April 14th, 2019.The DRC welcomes and encourages members of the community to submit nominations for this award.The nomination form is available on the DRC’s website. Direct Link to Nomination Form can be found here.The deadline for submitting nominations is February 28.
WDFW Approves 3-Day Razor Clam Dig Beginning April 6
Facebook620Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Razor clam diggers can return to various ocean beaches for a three-day opening beginning Saturday, April 6 and extending through the following Monday.State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on morning low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat.The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates, and low tides:April 6, Saturday, 8:05 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, MocrocksApril 7, Sunday, 8:42 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, MocrocksApril 8, Monday, 9:20 a.m.; 0.0 feet; MocrocksBeachgoers should note a change from the tentative schedule announced earlier. Shellfish managers canceled the April 6 razor clam dig at Copalis and replaced it with a dig just down the road at Mocrocks beach.“Our razor clam-loving population has been hitting Copalis beach hard in recent months,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “Based on our projections, we need to make this shift to ensure a healthy population of razor clams for the fall and coming years.”Ayres recommends that diggers hit the beach about an hour or two before low tide for the best results.All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2019-20 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. 2018-19 licenses will no longer be valid for this dig. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license (starting at $9.70) to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.WDFW is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish and wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities. WDFW razor clam digs support outdoor lifestyles and coastal economies.Persons with disabilities who need to receive this information in an alternative format or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact Dolores Noyes by phone (360-902-2349), TTY (360-902-2207), or email (dolores.noyes@dfw.wa.gov). For more information, see https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/reasonable_request.html
Barcelona use former Real Betis player to troll the club after Nou Camp defeat…
Advertisement 4z97mNBA Finals | Brooklyn Vs6fkWingsuit rodeo📽Sindre Ex55s( IG: @_aubreyfisher @imraino ) clybWould you ever consider trying this?😱6jis4kCan your students do this? 🌚7b8uRoller skating! Powered by Firework The Twitter handle of the La Liga side Barcelona have posted a picture of former Real Betis player to troll the club after the defeat at Nou Camp. However, they sincerely apologized for the tweet on the next day and they clearly mentioned that there were no bad intention of them with posting the picture.Advertisement Barcelona won their second game in the La Liga against Real Betis with a margin of 5-2 at Camp Nou on Sunday. However, Real Betis took the lead in the match at the 15th minute of the match. Nabil Fekir scored the first goal of the match from the pass provided by Loren Moron.Advertisement Antoine Griezmann scored two goals and both the assists were provided by Sergi Roberto. Carles Perez, Jordi Alba and Arturo Vidal also scored for Barcelona in that match. Loren Moren pulled one back for Real Betis.Junior Firpo joined Barcelona from Real Betis I this summer transfer window. The club management of the Catalan Giants understood that it was a special night for the young player and the picture posted in their Twitter handle might affect the player. That’s why they sincerely apologized for posting the picture of Junior Firpo which was seeming to indicate 5 goals scored by Barcelona.Advertisement Advertisement
Wriddhiman Saha registers himself in the history books with his 100th Test dismissal
Advertisement oksd6NBA Finals | Brooklyn Vs8hgpgWingsuit rodeo📽Sindre Ecn6gb( IG: @_aubreyfisher @imraino ) mhrWould you ever consider trying this?😱tj4jCan your students do this? 🌚9dh4Roller skating! Powered by Firework Apart from their strong batting line-up and a fiery pace attack, the Indian cricket team under Virat Kohli have made significant improvement in fielding. Over the last few years the team have made spectacular fielding a habit which was evident in the first day of the historic Day-Night Test at Kolkata. Rohit Sharma took a one-handed flyer and just a while later, keeper Wriddhiman Saha pulled off a stunning low catch to remove Mahmudullah in a move that no one in the stadium saw coming.Advertisement The Eden Gardens crowd thought they saw the catch of the match by opener Rohit Sharma when the wicketkeeper decided to raise the bar.Advertisement The 20th over was being bowled by Ishant Sharma and Mahmudullah edged the fourth ball of the over towards skipper Virat Kohli. Saha sensing that it won’t carry till his captain at first slip, dived to his right and the ball stuck right in the webbing between the thumb and forefinger.With this stunner, Saha also completed 100 dismissals in Test cricket and is the fifth Indian to reach the landmark. MS Dhoni, leads the chart with 294 dismissals in 166 innings while Syed Kirmani is second with 198 dismissals from 151 innings. Kiran More (130) and Nayan Mongia (107) are on the third and fourth spots respectively.Read Also:Virat Kohli: Pink ball favours swing bowlingFormer captain Mohammad Azharuddin explains why Indian bowling attack is lethalVirat Kohli ready to play pink ball cricket in Australia – provided there is a practice match beforehand! Advertisement
Oceanic Bridge May Re-Open Early
RUMSON — Things are looking good on the Oceanic Bridge construction project, thanks in large part to the very mild winter weather. So good, in fact, that a county freeholder is predicting a likely completion date a little earlier than first anticipated.“We are definitely on a better track for completion,” Monmouth County Freeholder Thomas Arnone said on Wednesday.The county drawbridge has been closed since October undergoing much-needed repairs to its malfunctioning bascule span and other work.That project, officials have projected would be completed by Memorial Day weekend, to accommodate summer traffic. When the project timeline was being drafted, those working on the project had included two additional weeks to account for bad weather.Given that, “Things are much better than we probably anticipated because of the way the weather has been,” Arnone said. “Because of the weather we would be able to increase our days with the completion of the project a little earlier.”Arnone, though, is keeping his fingers crossed. “But anything can happen. It’s almost like a jinx,” to offer a prediction, he warned.Arnone is the member of the freeholder board who oversees the Public Works and Engineering, and this week he said the bridge project has been going “absolutely fabulous.”“They did things I think were not expected to be done,” this time of year, he said. “It’s very encouraging.”“Thank you. I appreciate that,” said Marylouise van der Wilden, when informed of the news.She owns and operates Le Papillion, a clothing and accessories boutique, 7 West River Road, and acknowledged the bridge’s closure has had more of an impact on her business than she first thought.“We definitely noticed a big difference,” van der Wilden said. “We had people call and say, ‘I’d like to come over but it’s just out of the way.’”“I know the negative impact on the businesses over there and the detriment to the businesses not having that bridge open,” Arnone said. “I couldn’t be more excited or pleased the way things went this winter.” Weather permitting, work on the Oceanic Bridge may be completed ahead of schedule.
Library Association Presents Checks to Sandy-Damaged Libraries
OCEANPORT – New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) officials presented $1,942 checks to three Monmouth County libraries – Oceanport, Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach – that were damaged last year during Super Storm Sandy.During a ceremony at the Oceanport Library last month, NJLA Executive Director Patricia Tumulty and NJLA President Eileen Palmer gave the checks to Monmouth County library officials, including Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, library liaison, and Monmouth County Library Commission Chair Renee B. Swartz.Monmouth County Library Board Chairwoman Renee B. Swartz, Freeholder Lillian Burry, Oceanport Branch Manager Katie Kenny, Sea Bright Library Director Joan Walsh and Monmouth Beach Library Director Judith Bakos.“We are touched by all the people who donated to our libraries damaged by Sandy, and we thank them for their generosity,” Burry said. “We all know how much the residents in Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach and Oceanport value their libraries, and the money will be put to good use.”Burry noted that many of the Monmouth County library branches and member libraries were able to act as “ports in the storm” during Sandy, offering residents a warm and dry refuge with a place to charge their electronic devices and use public computers.Swartz emphasized the Monmouth County library’s increasing role in the community. “Hurricane Sandy was yet another example of how the library in recent years has evolved and expanded, so that the library now functions as a true community center for residents,” Swartz saud.Palmer said the NJLA received calls from people all over the country – and from as far away as Scotland – who wished to help New Jersey libraries damaged by Super Storm Sandy. As a result, the NJLA took in more than $13,000 in donations and formed the Save Our New Jersey Libraries fund, according to Tumulty.The money raised is being equally distributed to the seven libraries throughout the state that were damaged by the storm. Each library will receive $1,942.Oceanport branch manager Katie Kenny, Monmouth Beach Library director Judith Bakos and Sea Bright Library director Joan Walsh accepted the checks.The Oceanport Library, which was flooded with almost 2 feet of water from the Shrewsbury River during Sandy, was closed for renovation for almost nine months, and reopened on July 1.The library on Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright was severely damaged by the storm’s tidal surge, but borough officials are currently renovating the building.The Monmouth Beach Library is now operating out of a room in the Monmouth Beach Borough Hall until a decision is more about a permanent placement.
Seawalls To Be Repaired
Long said the lack of a seawall in that section during Super Storm Sandy had resulted in the funneling of ocean water surging into the downtown section of the borough, which destroyed or badly damaged homes and businesses.She said the schedule for the work had not yet been determined since the contractor has not been selected but that FEMA knew the town was a summer community.“If all goes well,” Long said, the project portion in the town will be completed by the 2017 summer season.Shinske said another gap in the wall in Sea Bright that is to be closed is at the former site of the Tradewinds Beach Club. It is now a residential area, called Tradewinds Lane. Long said there was a 25- foot gap there.She said that other work in the borough during the project would include repairs to the seawall near the bridge that links the town to Highlands.The FEMA statement said that the project will repair the existing 4.7 miles of seawall as well as adding new wall where gaps exist. By Liz SheehanMONMOUTH BEACH – Work on repairing and filling in gaps in the Sea Bright-Monmouth Beach seawall, including placing a 600-foot portion of the wall in front of the Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion and a 1,000- foot part in the downtown section of Sea Bright, is scheduled to begin this fall, and last for two years.Caryn Shinske, a spokesperson for the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, said the bids for the project will be opened on Sept. 21. She said the final costs will not be known until then.But a statement released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in December said that the agency had allocated $31,344,834 to the project which it estimated would cost $34,827,594. Ten percent of the cost would be paid for by the state, according to the FEMA statement.Sue Howard, the mayor of Monmouth Beach, said Wednesday that she had received permission under the Coastal Area Review Act from the state to have an elevated deck built on the east side of the new seawall facing the ocean at the town’s beach club, as the existing deck will have its ocean view blocked once the new wall is built. She said that there would be ramps and stairs placed at the current entrances to the beach.The 600-foot portion of the new seawall would extend from the foot of Valentine Street to an existing section of the seawall just south of the pool at the beach club.Both residents and nonresidents can pay a fee to use the bathing pavilion and beach, although new nonresident memberships that include the pool are now closed.Sea Bright mayor Dina Long said the 1,000-foot gap between Woody’s restaurant and the Sea Bright Beach Club needs to be filled. She said that a temporary steel wall was now in place there, which would be replaced.