SAINT LOUIS, MO – APRIL 22: Clean up after the destruction left behind by tornadoes that ravaged the area. April 22, 2011 in Saint Louis, Missouri
(NAPSI)—The preparations you make now, ahead of storms, floods or hurricanes, can help you recover faster and stay safe during cleanup. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of power equipment, small engines and battery power, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars, reminds home and business owners to get ready before a storm strikes and make preparations now.
“Weather can be unpredictable, so itís important to always keep your equipment in working order, to have the right fuel on hand and to know where your safety gear is. This is doubly true during storm season, as the weather can change quickly,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “You also want to know how to use your equipment safely and use caution when cleaning up.”
These tips can help homeowners and businesses plan ahead for storm cleanup:
- Take stock of your outdoor power equipment. Make sure it’s in good working order. If needed, take the equipment to an authorized service center for maintenance or repair. If you need to buy a new piece of equipment, get it before the storm and learn how to use it.
- Find your safety gear. Avoid the scramble for sturdy shoes, safety goggles, hard hats, reflective clothing and work gloves, which should be stored in an accessible area with your equipment.
- Review the owner’s manuals. Read product manuals to ensure you know how to operate your equipment safely.
- Have the right fuel on hand. Fuel stations may be closed after a storm. Store your fuel in an approved container. Use the type of fuel recommended by the equipment manufacturer. It’s illegal to use any fuel with more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment (for more information on proper fueling visit www.LookBeforeYouPump.com).
- Charge batteries. Collect the batteries for your outdoor power equipment and fully charge them ahead of the storm.
- Use safety precautions. Be aware of fundamental dangers that can occur. For instance, chainsaw kickback may happen when the moving chain at the tip of the guide bar touches an object or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Always stand with your weight on both feet, and adjust your stance so you’re angled away from the blade. Hold the chainsaw with both hands. Never over-reach or cut anything above your shoulder height. Have a planned retreat path if something falls.
- Ensure portable generators have plenty of ventilation. Generators should never be used in an enclosed area or inside a home or garage, even if the windows or doors are open. Place the generator outside and away from windows, doors and vents that could allow carbon monoxide inside. Keep the generator dry. Do not use it in rainy or wet conditions. Before refueling, turn the generator off and let it cool down.
- Drive Utility Type Vehicles (UTVs) with caution. Keep the vehicle stable and drive slowly. Do not turn the vehicle mid-slope or while on a hill.
- Be aware of others. Keep bystanders, children and animals out of your work area. Don’t let other people near outdoor power equipment when starting or using it.
- Pay attention to your health. Storm cleanup can be taxing on the body and the spirit. Don’t operate power equipment when you’re fatigued. Drink plenty of water and take regular breaks.
Keep this advice in mind and you may be better prepared to weather any storm.
“Viral” by Kevin E. Ready
(NAPSI)—A story of hope and the indomitable will of the human spirit. This is a popular fiction saga of a pandemic—written well before the COVID-19 virus was ever heard of—and the actions taken by people around the world to fight it. The story is told from the viewpoint of several key characters in various countries and walks of life. It includes realistic descriptions of the disease and heartfelt sub-stories of the characters as they deal with the pandemic.
A woman of science must step up and become a leader and, hopefully, a savior. A first responder finds himself fighting for the lives of thousands. Valiant medical workers face near-impossible tasks while risking their very lives. Sounds only too real. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2AieoiT.
“Original Politics: Making America Sacred Again” by Glenn Aparicio Parry
To recreate a whole and sacred America, it is important to piece together the forgotten fragments of history currently keeping the country divided. Just as a traditional Native American potter begins a new pot with shards of old pots, “Original Politics” re-constellates the nation as a whole out of the seemingly disparate shards from its origins.
Perhaps the most significant forgotten piece is the profound effect Native America had on the founding values of this nation. “Original Politics” demonstrates how the best aspects of America’s founding vision were inspired from Native American cultures: natural rights, liberty, and egalitarian justice. Native America has inspired bringing all the world’s peoples together on one soil in a harmonious cultural mosaic of unity and diversity. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bgwsHe.
“Sti
tching a Life: An Immigration Story” by Mary Helen Fein
It’s 1900, and 16-year-old Helen comes alone across the Atlantic from a village in Lithuania, fleeing terrible anti-Semitism and persecution. She arrives at Ellis Island, and settles on the Lower East Side. She finds a job and devotes herself to bringing the rest of her family to the New World.
A few at a time, Helen’s family members arrive. Each goes to work and contributes to bringing over their remaining beloved ones. Helen meanwhile, falls in love with a man who introduces her to a different New York—of wonder, beauty and possibility. From She Writes Press, purchase at https://amzn.to/3cs356h.
“
Final Flight” by Eric C. Anderson
On a clear, cold night high above East Asia, a China Air passenger jet disappears from radar with all aboard. It’s an anomaly, a fluke. And then a couple of hours later, it happens again.
It’s 2023. Former Air Force maintenance officer Jason Montgomery and Rob “Ski” Kalawski have just landed the gig of their lives. China Air’s aging fleet of Boeing 777s desperately needs navigation hardware and software upgrades. It’s a multimillion-dollar contract, and they’re just the guys to do it. Right? Wrong. Jason’s just the middleman, but he finds himself trapped between yakuza gangsters, a tattooed dragon-lady sales exec and murderous Russian mobsters. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ba9Qbc.
BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to the weekly newsletter.
Cosby Hayes Begins Underpass Mural as Backdrop to Skatepark
The City of Ocala, through its Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, announces work on a new mural on the underpass behind the Ocala Skatepark. Tallahassee-based artist, Cosby Hayes will begin painting the new mural on June 8. The latest project commissioned by the Division will serve to enhance the Ocala Skatepark that the city opened in 2019. The mural was approved by City Council in September 2019 as part of the 2020 fiscal year budget with the concept approved by the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC).
The concept for the mural features a repeating pattern of multi-colored skateboard trucks. “The mural utilizes the full canvas and explores the relationship between the viewer and the subject matter. By painting the skateboard trucks much larger than life, an interesting visual contrast is created,” said Hayes. “In addition, the negative and positive space between the parts of the skateboard create a visually unique composition and, hopefully, a captivating backdrop for skateboarders and photographers alike. The colors invoke a feeling of inclusiveness and the celebration of our differences as people, and how the things that make us different are also the things that make our communities more vibrant and interesting places to live and visit.” Continue reading
City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department Announces Installation of Lights at Skate Park
OCALA, Fla. (June 10, 2020) – The City of Ocala has completed the installation of lights at the Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St.
Effective immediately, the new hours of operation will be sunrise to 10 p.m., daily. The installation of lights will allow park-goers extended skate time hours and provide safer, well-lit conditions.
The Ocala Skate Park opened in May 2019 and is the first community skate park in Ocala. The 10,000 square foot street course provides recreational space for skateboarders, in-line skating and freestyle bicycling.
For more information about the Ocala Skate Park, visit www.ocalafl.org/skatepark.
Date: June 18, 2020
Florida Department of Health in Marion County Community Health Nurse Gina Rohr speaks to a resident about the testing process before being swabbed for COVID-19 on June 16 at the department’s drive-through test site. The department tests individuals for COVID-19 both at its facility and at off-site locations. Staff tested close to 400 individuals today at Stonecrest, a local 55+ community.
So far, 19,488 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 19,149 were negative. Individuals who tested positive for the virus have ranged in age from 6 months to 97 years old. Eight Marion County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19. Marion’s overall positive test rate is 1.7%; Florida’s positive test rate is 5.6%. For more detailed information on all Marion cases, view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/96dd742462124fa0b38ddedb9b25e429.
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms of the virus (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing), DOH-Marion recommends that you get tested for the virus. The department offers free COVID-19 testing; call 352-644-2590 to schedule an appointment at the health department. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested. Testing is also available at other local medical providers; call before visiting a facility if you would like to be tested for COVID-19. Continue reading
SAVE THE DATE!
13TH ANNUAL APPLAUD THE ARTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
6 – 8 p.m.
APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART
Yes we know it’s only June, but we want to make sure you have this date on your calendar. You won’t want to miss MCA’s signature event, Applaud the Arts, the greatest gathering of artists and arts enthusiasts.
We will make sure to incorporate the best practices of social distancing while staging a phenomenal Masquerade Mixer.
Ticket information will be posted soon.
To show your support for MCA and the Arts, sponsorship opportunities are available! Please contact jaye.baillie@mcaocala.com
By TomL
It is said there are many Universities in the United States that receive monetary gifts (money) from China. We are talking about more than a one hundred. Many of the Colleges are required to disclose the donation. This means a Communist Country has influence over the education of some of our finest…There are many colleges that teach a program by the Chinese government to teach American students about the Chinese Culture.
Any College with credentials must disclose gifts or money of more than $250,000 from a foreign power. About a third teaching the way of China culture (Confucius Institute) report it. Now we are beginning to see where some of this way of thinking that is coming out of the mouth of our college students.
Is this how you want your young to be educated? Socialism and eating animals from a live market that are unsanitary. I can’t get that vision out of my head, there was a video sent to me. There were dogs/ cats / bats/ creatures we would try to swat is on that market, for sale to eat, not healthy.
What say you? tloury@att.net
OCALA, Fla. (June 15, 2020) – The City of Ocala, through its Cultural Arts and Sciences Division, announces the installation of a new public art project throughout downtown. Ocala based artist, Diana Cahal, the creator of the project, will begin installing on June 17. The latest project commissioned by the Division will serve to bring awareness to ten local not-for-profit organizations that have been featured at the City’s Levitt Amp Ocala Music Series. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) through the State of the Arts license plate fees.
Originally inspired by Atlanta’s Tiny Door Project, “Small Spaces, Big Places” is an outdoor miniature art project focusing on Ocala’s vibrant arts scene and not-for-profit organizations. The artworks are miniature versions of each of the organizations home-bases and they will be displayed in “secret gardens” throughout the downtown area. The placement of the structures will be permanently anchored into the landscaping and will lead viewers on an interactive journey from location to location. The art projects will be on display for the next eight months.
Cahal said, “After my experience with Horse Fever (I painted two Horse Fever horses 2001 and 2011) and Take Me, I’m Yours! (an abandoned art project funded by a Pop-Up! Grant from the City of Ocala and Fine Arts for Ocala), I’ve seen first-hand how outdoor, interactive art projects invigorate our community and foster a sense of belonging and pride in our artful city. These miniatures will enhance our arts climate and bring a unique focus to some of the wonderful art spaces we already have.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about a new scam targeting seniors with offers of fake COVID-19 grants. The Florida Attorney General’s Office is receiving reports from seniors offered thousands of dollars in federal grant money to stay isolated at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Scammers are contacting seniors via Facebook Messenger, email and text message to offer these sham grants and request upfront payment as insurance for the expedited delivery of grant money.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This scam appears to involve an international criminal organization utilizing a multifaceted communications plan to deceive seniors. These criminals are hacking Facebook accounts to send messages to targets from a friend’s profile—creating the illusion that the grant program is being promoted by an acquaintance. Once contact is made, the criminals request personal information, bank account numbers and insurance payments purportedly to help ensure the safe delivery of thousands of dollars in federal grant money, and of course, the money is never sent.
“Sadly, we have uncovered evidence that some are falling for this scam. Please know that the federal government is not contacting seniors and offering them grant money to stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19. We are actively working with law enforcement to investigate and stop this scam. You can help us by reporting suspicious messages to our office.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert warning students at Florida colleges and universities of an emerging work-from-home employment scam. Scammers are targeting students via emails that appear to be sent from a college or university advertising fictitious work-from-home employment opportunities. The scammers obtain personal information from the student while posing as a university representative. Savvy scammers convince students to cash counterfeit checks and send them the money.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “During the COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic downturn, Floridians are looking for work, and it is unconscionable that scammers are exploiting these times of uncertainty to prey on our college students. Students who fall victim to this scam could face serious repercussions to their financial stability and credit record. I am urging all students currently enrolled at Florida colleges and universities to take extra precaution when receiving online job offers.” Continue reading
