washingtontimes--2020-12-20--Official: Large car bomb kills 9 in Afghan capital

KABUL , Afghanistan ( AP ) - A car bomb blast that rocked Afghanistan ’ s capital Sunday morning killed at least nine people , according to the Afghan Interior Ministry .
Interior Minister Masoud Andarabi told reporters at the site of the attack that the attack wounded around 20 others , including a member of parliament , Khan Mohammad Wardak .
Andarabi said the lawmaker was in “ good condition.
” The interior minister added that the casualty toll could rise further .
The attack happened while the lawmaker ’ s convey was passing through an intersection in Kabul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blast set afire surrounding civilian vehicles , as well as damaging nearby buildings and shops .
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack .
In a statement condemning the attack , Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that the Taliban should stop violence against civilians and accept a ceasefire , to facilitate the current peace process .
Ghani ’ s statement did not directly lay blame on the Taliban for the car bombing or offer evidence that the group was responsible for it .
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent months , including on educational institutions that killed 50 people , most of them students .
IS also claimed responsibility for Saturday ’ s rocket attacks at the major U.S. base in Afghanistan .
There were no casualties in that assault , according to NATO and provincial officials .
A NATO official confirmed the attack and said initial reports indicated that the airfield was not damaged .
In another report from the southern Helmand province , the Afghan Defense Ministry in a statement confirmed that a suicide car bomber tried to attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shot by soldiers .
Two soldiers were slightly wounded in the attempted assault in Nawa district , the ministry said .
No one claimed responsibility for the attack in Helmand .
Violence in Afghanistan has spiked even as the Taliban and Afghan government negotiators hold talks in Qatar , trying to hammer out a peace deal that could put an end to decades of war .
At the same time , the Taliban have waged bitter battles against IS fighters , particularly in eastern Afghanistan , while continuing their insurgency against government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff , held an unannounced meeting with Taliban leaders in Doha to discuss military aspects of last February ’ s U.S.-Taliban agreement .
The agreement , signed in Qatar where the Taliban maintain a political office , was intended to set the stage for direct peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government .
After talks with the Taliban , Milley flew to Kabul to consult with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani .
He said he emphasized to both parties the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A car bomb blast that rocked Afghanistan’s capital Sunday morning killed at least nine people, according to the Afghan Interior Ministry.
Interior Minister Masoud Andarabi told reporters at the site of the attack that the attack wounded around 20 others, including a member of parliament, Khan Mohammad Wardak. Andarabi said the lawmaker was in “good condition.”
The interior minister added that the casualty toll could rise further.
The attack happened while the lawmaker’s convey was passing through an intersection in Kabul’s Khoshal Khan neighborhood. The blast set afire surrounding civilian vehicles, as well as damaging nearby buildings and shops.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
In a statement condemning the attack, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that the Taliban should stop violence against civilians and accept a ceasefire, to facilitate the current peace process.
Ghani’s statement did not directly lay blame on the Taliban for the car bombing or offer evidence that the group was responsible for it.
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in the capital of Kabul in recent months, including on educational institutions that killed 50 people, most of them students.
IS also claimed responsibility for Saturday’s rocket attacks at the major U.S. base in Afghanistan. There were no casualties in that assault, according to NATO and provincial officials.
A NATO official confirmed the attack and said initial reports indicated that the airfield was not damaged.
In another report from the southern Helmand province, the Afghan Defense Ministry in a statement confirmed that a suicide car bomber tried to attack an army checkpoint, but was identified and shot by soldiers.
Two soldiers were slightly wounded in the attempted assault in Nawa district, the ministry said.
No one claimed responsibility for the attack in Helmand.
Violence in Afghanistan has spiked even as the Taliban and Afghan government negotiators hold talks in Qatar, trying to hammer out a peace deal that could put an end to decades of war. At the same time, the Taliban have waged bitter battles against IS fighters, particularly in eastern Afghanistan, while continuing their insurgency against government forces.
Earlier this week, U.S. Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, held an unannounced meeting with Taliban leaders in Doha to discuss military aspects of last February’s U.S.-Taliban agreement.
The agreement, signed in Qatar where the Taliban maintain a political office, was intended to set the stage for direct peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.
After talks with the Taliban, Milley flew to Kabul to consult with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. He said he emphasized to both parties the need to rapidly reduce levels of violence across the country.


washingtontimes--2020-12-20--Fiji cyclone death toll rises to 4 with 1 missing

SUVA , Fiji ( AP ) - The death toll from a powerful cyclone that battered the Pacific island nation @ @ @ @ @ risen to four with one missing , an official said Sunday .
While Cyclone Yasa @ @ @ @ @ city , Suva , and the major tourist hub of Nadi on Fiji ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , the full extend of damage was still being assessed .
Fiji ’ s National @ @ @ @ @ Soko told reporters that 7,731 people were still in 183 evacuation centers throughout the country @ @ @ @ @ military C-17 transport was expected to arrive later Sunday with shelter kits .
Before the @ @ @ @ @ up to 345 kilometers ( 214 miles ) per hour , authorities had imposed an @ @ @ @ @ state of natural disaster .
Located about one-third of the way from New Zealand to @ @ @ @ @ population of about 930,000 .

SUVA, Fiji (AP) - The death toll from a powerful cyclone that battered the Pacific island nation of Fiji last week has risen to four with one missing, an official said Sunday.
While Cyclone Yasa on Thursday spared the capital city, Suva, and the major tourist hub of Nadi on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, the full extend of damage was still being assessed.
Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office Director Vasiti Soko told reporters that 7,731 people were still in 183 evacuation centers throughout the country.
Soko said an Australian military C-17 transport was expected to arrive later Sunday with shelter kits.
Before the cyclone hit with gusts of up to 345 kilometers (214 miles) per hour, authorities had imposed an overnight curfew and declared a state of natural disaster.
Located about one-third of the way from New Zealand to Hawaii, Fiji has a population of about 930,000.


washingtontimes--2020-12-20--Israel begins virus inoculation drive as infections surge

TEL AVIV , Israel ( AP ) - Israel on Sunday began its coronavirus inoculation drive , aiming to vaccinate some 60,000 people a day in a bid to stamp out the illness that is once again surging among its population .
The country will first immunize health workers , followed by the elderly , high-risk Israelis and those over 60 years old .
Israel says it has secured sufficient doses for much of the country ’ s 9 million people from both Pfizer and Moderna , whose vaccine U.S. authorities approved this week for emergency use .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine so we can get on with our lives and get out from this crisis , ” said Moshe Yehezkel , a Tel Aviv resident .
“ I will get vaccinated , ” he added .
Israel ’ s 81-year-old President Reuven Rivlin was among those vaccinated Sunday .
In a tweet , he called on Israelis to go get the shot .
With public opinion polls showing many Israelis are reluctant to taks vaccines right away , Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would set a “ personal example ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He received the shot Saturday night .
Netanyahu expressed confidence in the vaccine before rolling up the right sleeve of his black , short-sleeve shirt and receiving the injection .
He called it an “ exciting moment ” that would put Israel on the path to returning to its normal routines .
The country ’ s health minister also received the vaccine Saturday .
Israel has an agreement with Pfizer to secure 8 million doses of the U.S. pharmaceutical company ’ s vaccine - enough to cover nearly half of Israel ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doses .
Israel reached a separate agreement with Moderna earlier this month to purchase 6 million doses of its vaccine - enough for another 3 million Israelis .
Israeli media reported that the inoculation drive got off to a bumpy start , with the country ’ s HMOs flooded with phone calls for appointments to get vaccinated and many Israelis complaining they weren ’ t able to get through .
With daily infection numbers trending upward and currently notching just under 3,000 a day , Israeli leaders are again debating whether to impose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began .
Many restrictions remain in place from the country ’ s second lockdown in the fall , with most hotels still shuttered and restaurants open only for delivery and take out .
Unemployment remains in the double digits .
Israel has had mixed results in its fight against the virus .
Netanyahu was lauded in the spring for sealing borders and locking down the country swiftly , a move that battered the economy but drove down infection rates .
But a hasty and erratic reopening sent confirmed cases soaring in late summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of the world ’ s worst outbreaks .
Israel has reported more than 368,000 confirmed cases and more than 3,000 virus-related deaths since the start of the pandemic .

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) - Israel on Sunday began its coronavirus inoculation drive, aiming to vaccinate some 60,000 people a day in a bid to stamp out the illness that is once again surging among its population.
The country will first immunize health workers, followed by the elderly, high-risk Israelis and those over 60 years old. Israel says it has secured sufficient doses for much of the country’s 9 million people from both Pfizer and Moderna, whose vaccine U.S. authorities approved this week for emergency use.
“It’s great news that we have the vaccine so we can get on with our lives and get out from this crisis,” said Moshe Yehezkel, a Tel Aviv resident.
“I will get vaccinated,” he added.
Israel’s 81-year-old President Reuven Rivlin was among those vaccinated Sunday. In a tweet, he called on Israelis to go get the shot.
With public opinion polls showing many Israelis are reluctant to taks vaccines right away, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would set a “personal example” and insisted on being the first Israeli vaccinated. He received the shot Saturday night.
Netanyahu expressed confidence in the vaccine before rolling up the right sleeve of his black, short-sleeve shirt and receiving the injection. He called it an “exciting moment” that would put Israel on the path to returning to its normal routines. The country’s health minister also received the vaccine Saturday.
Israel has an agreement with Pfizer to secure 8 million doses of the U.S. pharmaceutical company’s vaccine - enough to cover nearly half of Israel’s population since each person requires two doses. Israel reached a separate agreement with Moderna earlier this month to purchase 6 million doses of its vaccine - enough for another 3 million Israelis.
Israeli media reported that the inoculation drive got off to a bumpy start, with the country’s HMOs flooded with phone calls for appointments to get vaccinated and many Israelis complaining they weren’t able to get through.
With daily infection numbers trending upward and currently notching just under 3,000 a day, Israeli leaders are again debating whether to impose a third national lockdown since the pandemic began. Many restrictions remain in place from the country’s second lockdown in the fall, with most hotels still shuttered and restaurants open only for delivery and take out. Unemployment remains in the double digits.
Israel has had mixed results in its fight against the virus. Netanyahu was lauded in the spring for sealing borders and locking down the country swiftly, a move that battered the economy but drove down infection rates.
But a hasty and erratic reopening sent confirmed cases soaring in late summer, leading to what at the time was one of the world’s worst outbreaks.
Israel has reported more than 368,000 confirmed cases and more than 3,000 virus-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.


washingtontimes--2020-12-20--Santa's helper enjoys bringing happiness to others

The jolly man sporting the white beard and red suit has already been spotted around Norfolk .
He ’ s been seen delivering toys to good girls and boys and even hauling grocieries , all while dispensing a generous dose of good will , which is much needed this year .
He ’ s also been known the frequent local coffee shops , often popping out of his sleigh - or Tahoe - to deliver candy canes and a cherry “ ho , ho , ho , ” to the travelers in the vehicle behind him in the drive-thru .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he told the Norfolk Daily News with a laugh .
Who knew Santa liked coffee ?
Here we thought he was more of a hot cocoa or milk kind of guy .
This year , in addition to cookies , consider leaving a cup of salted carmel mocha under the tree .
As everyone knows , the Santa seen in the coffee shop drive-thru and grocery store isn ’ t the one who flies through on Christmas Eve .
That guy ’ s busy in his North Pole workshop these days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his cousin , Rick Graae , who works as a front man for the other Santa .
He puts everyone in the Christmas spirit by visiting children in their homes , appearing at parties , nursing homes , grocery stores , schools and other events .
“ I just enjoy the happiness I bring , ” said Graae .
The Norfolk resident has been playing Santa for 13 years - since a friend had to quit due to an illness .
He bought a used suit and grew out his hair and beard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be bleached , he said .
Since then he ’ s had four new suits , most custom made .
One of his first jobs was handing out tins of popcorn and other items to customers at a local business .
Soon , without advertising , he was making 50 to 60 visits and appearances every season .
For the past few years , one of his regular stops has been the small town of Wynot where he ’ s escorted down main street on the fire truck and delivered to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children from the area march to the fire hall .
“ They all have their lists , ” Graae said of the children .
“ They come up one-by-one … and are so patient.
” A pancake feed in Randolph is another regular stop as are a craft show in Madison , a number of day care facilities and even schools .
At one school , he reads “ The Night Before Christmas ” to the students , which he said is “ pretty special.
” Most home visits are made in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be a challenge , he said , since , as a route salesman for Hiland Dairy , he goes to work very early in the morning .
He often makes eight visits on Christmas Eve , he said , with the first one around 4 p.m. , which requires an understanding family , he said .
For the most part , he works within a 60-mile radius of Norfolk .
Although he ’ s been asked to venture farther away , he ’ d rather spend his time “ with the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children aren ’ t alone in their enthusiasm for the jolly fella .
Even adults get a kick out of seeing a man in a red suit and white beard driving down the street .
“ When I pull up to a stoplight , even adults wave and honk , ” he said .
Which is why he ’ s not ready to retire , even though COVID-19 has forced him to change some procedures .
Now , he ’ s wearing a face shield to protect himself and others from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many visits this year as he normally does .
“ This will be a trying year , ” he said .
“ I ’ m glad I ’ m getting as many calls as I am .
I ’ m glad they didn ’ t take Christmas away from kids.
” He does regret not being able to visit nursing homes and hospitals this year .
“ They enjoy seeing Santa , too , ” he said .

NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) - A pandemic can’t stop Santa.
The jolly man sporting the white beard and red suit has already been spotted around Norfolk. He’s been seen delivering toys to good girls and boys and even hauling grocieries, all while dispensing a generous dose of good will, which is much needed this year.
He’s also been known the frequent local coffee shops, often popping out of his sleigh - or Tahoe - to deliver candy canes and a cherry “ho, ho, ho,” to the travelers in the vehicle behind him in the drive-thru.
“I very seldom pay for coffee,” he told the Norfolk Daily News with a laugh.
Who knew Santa liked coffee? Here we thought he was more of a hot cocoa or milk kind of guy. This year, in addition to cookies, consider leaving a cup of salted carmel mocha under the tree.
As everyone knows, the Santa seen in the coffee shop drive-thru and grocery store isn’t the one who flies through on Christmas Eve. That guy’s busy in his North Pole workshop these days.
The one seen around town is his cousin, Rick Graae, who works as a front man for the other Santa. He puts everyone in the Christmas spirit by visiting children in their homes, appearing at parties, nursing homes, grocery stores, schools and other events.
“I just enjoy the happiness I bring,” said Graae. The Norfolk resident has been playing Santa for 13 years - since a friend had to quit due to an illness. He bought a used suit and grew out his hair and beard, which came in red and had to be bleached, he said. Since then he’s had four new suits, most custom made.
One of his first jobs was handing out tins of popcorn and other items to customers at a local business. Soon, without advertising, he was making 50 to 60 visits and appearances every season.
For the past few years, one of his regular stops has been the small town of Wynot where he’s escorted down main street on the fire truck and delivered to the school. There he and around 200 children from the area march to the fire hall.
“They all have their lists,” Graae said of the children. “They come up one-by-one … and are so patient.”
A pancake feed in Randolph is another regular stop as are a craft show in Madison, a number of day care facilities and even schools. At one school, he reads “The Night Before Christmas” to the students, which he said is “pretty special.”
Most home visits are made in the evening, during the week, which can be a challenge, he said, since, as a route salesman for Hiland Dairy, he goes to work very early in the morning. He often makes eight visits on Christmas Eve, he said, with the first one around 4 p.m., which requires an understanding family, he said.
For the most part, he works within a 60-mile radius of Norfolk. Although he’s been asked to venture farther away, he’d rather spend his time “with the people around here,” he said.
Children aren’t alone in their enthusiasm for the jolly fella. Even adults get a kick out of seeing a man in a red suit and white beard driving down the street.
“When I pull up to a stoplight, even adults wave and honk,” he said.
Which is why he’s not ready to retire, even though COVID-19 has forced him to change some procedures. Now, he’s wearing a face shield to protect himself and others from the coronavirus. And he’s not making as many visits this year as he normally does.
“This will be a trying year,” he said. “I’m glad I’m getting as many calls as I am. I’m glad they didn’t take Christmas away from kids.”
He does regret not being able to visit nursing homes and hospitals this year.
“They enjoy seeing Santa, too,” he said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-20--New leaders seek to revitalize Carbondale community center

CARBONDALE , Ill. ( AP ) - Once a hub of activity in Carbondale ’ s northeast neighborhood , the 12,000-square-foot Eurma C. Hayes Center now stands mostly vacant and in disrepair .
Now , a newly appointed board and executive director are working to revive the one-time community staple .
When it was built in the historically Black neighborhood in 1974 , the center was designed to provide essential services and a public meeting place for Carbondale residents .
But today , the building that once housed a medical clinic , literacy program and daycare has only a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There are ‘ no trespassing ’ signs up right now , ” longtime resident Danettra Anderson said .
“ You have ‘ no trespassing ’ signs up on a place that is supposed to be a community building.
” The aging building is in need of major renovations , but fundraising efforts have stalled .
The organization ’ s nonprofit status has lapsed with both the state and the federal government , and attempts to cover its overhead expenses through rent have been unsuccessful as rising rent costs have pushed tenants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely turned over in October when its longtime executive director resigned and its entire board , except for one member , either resigned or was removed .
Despite its tumultuous past , newly appointed executive director Bob Wills believes he and his new board can help the center thrive once again .
About two dozen carloads of people gathered in the center ’ s parking lot last month to hear Wills ’ plan to restore it .
The key to future success ?
Support and involvement from the community .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Wills told community members through a bullhorn .
“ You are the key to helping make this happen.
” The Eurma C. Hayes Center , named after a longtime community activist , was constructed at 441 E. Willow St. with support from the Model Cities program - a nationwide project backed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his “ unconditional war on poverty.
” The center sought to provide critical social , medical and educational services to the northeast side of Carbondale , which was where Black residents were once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the City of Carbondale took control of the building and operated it until 2010 .
The city wanted to either sell the building or donate it to a not-for-profit organization due to municipal budget constraints .
This is when Eurma C. Hayes Center Inc. was formed , and it bought the center from the city for $ 10 .
Corene McDaniel , who served as the center ’ s executive director from 2012 to about 2015 , and her husband , Milton , who volunteered as a maintenance worker at the center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city passed the building to the nonprofit group .
They described former members on the center ’ s board as ambitious , but not versed enough in the nonprofit and business sectors to successfully bring in more tenants and further develop the endeavor .
Corene McDaniel said a lack of experience , combined with high utility bills due to an outdated HVAC system and piling renovation costs , have led to the bulk of the community center ’ s challenges .
“ It was difficult to get people to rent space in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work , ” she said .
“ The work that should have been done , in my opinion , by the city , was not done .
But , it was quite costly.
” Alicia Schatteman , director of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies at Northern Illinois University , said nonprofit groups that have a physical footprint , like the Eurma C. Hayes Center , must possess a robust fundraising team and strategy to be able to provide services to their communities at little to no cost .
“ Usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and specifically , that ’ s philanthropy - whether that ’ s grants or donations , that ’ s where those costs are covered , they aren ’ t covered through programs , ” she said .
“ Buildings are expensive , so that ’ s why you need a pretty robust fundraising team when you have such a large facility.
” Otherwise , Schatteman said , it can be difficult to raise enough money to cover a building ’ s overhead costs .
The Eurma C. Hayes Center has seen many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely relied on donations and tenant rent to cover overhead expenses .
In 2012 , donors gave more than $ 4,000 to the center to help cover overdue electricity bills ; a then-advisory committeeman said a lack of tenants contributed to the center ’ s fiscal challenges .
McDaniel said the Southern Region Early Childhood Program ’ s rent costs helped cover a large portion of the building ’ s overhead utility costs .
When the program moved to the Southern Illinois University campus in 2015 , the center was sent scrambling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has served as director of the Southern Region Early Childhood Program for 30 years , said while the program was paying rent and other costs at Eurma C. Hayes Center , SIU offered free rent , utilities and maintenance .
She said her program continues to provide accessible early childhood education .
“ In the end , it all worked out very well , ” Brown said .
“ Families were continuing to be served by the program , they were just located here at SIU.
” Before the I Can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center , its executive director sought additional funding from the city , saying its rent had nearly tripled in a year ’ s span .
Now , only a few tenants remain in the building , including an outreach office for the Women ’ s Center and a constituent office for U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth , but they have not operated at the center for the past several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The center ’ s nonprofit status was stripped by the Internal Revenue Service in 2015 after the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three consecutive years .
But , the center had only received its 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) approval less than a year prior .
Most Illinois charities are also bound by the “ Solicitation for Charity Act , ” which is a state law that requires charitable organizations to file a registration with the state attorney general ’ s office if they are soliciting donations .
The Eurma C. Hayes Center registered in 2011 , according to a spokesperson from the state office .
But , the organization did not inform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so its registration was canceled .
The center can not be found in the Illinois Attorney General ’ s Charitable Trust database , the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer , nor the Guidestar database , which is a service that specializes in reporting on U.S.-based nonprofits .
Despite losing its nonprofit status , the board sought to raise $ 10,000 for the rehabilitation of the building in 2017 , but only raised about $ 2,000 .
The fundraiser website claimed donations would be tax deductible , but the organization did not have an active state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At an Oct. 16 board meeting , Ronald Manis , a Carbondale-based accountant who has worked with the organization , said it is unknown if anyone attempted to claim a donation to the center as a tax deduction while the organization ’ s nonprofit status had lapsed .
Board members involved in the 2017 fundraiser declined to speak to The Southern or could not be reached for comment .
In the Oct. 16 meeting , then-board member Kendall Woods asked Manis if there were any questions the organization had committed fraud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , adding “ there ’ s nothing that I ’ ve seen that has benefited one individual ” in relation to the center ’ s finances .
Manis confirmed the center ’ s nonprofit status lapsed with the federal government for about four or five years .
But , he said , the center is now up-to-date on all federal and state filings and its board is waiting to hear back about its submitted materials .
The Illinois Attorney General ’ s office confirmed on Oct. 20 that the organization recently submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charitable status .
Wills , the new director , said in November that due to a misfiling of state paperwork , the center ’ s nonprofit application was returned , but he expected it to be resolved soon .
Troubles with organizational paperwork aren ’ t uncommon in the nonprofit sector , Schatteman said , because required filings can often slip through the cracks as nonprofit boards transition through board members .
For roughly the last five years , Carlton Smith , who is also on the Carbondale Community School District 95 board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director and board chairman .
Smith declined multiple interview requests with The Southern for this story and resigned in October , two days after appointing his successor , Wills .
He declined another interview request after his resignation , saying he was no longer the executive director and would not provide comment .
Wills said Smith had resigned voluntarily because his term was up , as outlined in the center ’ s guiding documents , and the delay in doing so was due to the pandemic .
Smith and the majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now serving in advisory positions to the board , Wills said , adding he sees them as valuable resources due to their wealth of knowledge surrounding the center .
But at least one former board member who was vocal about the center ’ s problems was not welcome in the mix .
Nathan Colombo , who was removed from the board in October after serving a little more than a year , said he is not serving on the advisory board .
Colombo said he was not specifically told why he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes it was because he was critical of how the center was being run .
In an attempt to remedy the center ’ s precarious financial situation , Wills said he has tapped into his network of businesspeople to serve on the center ’ s board .
Among those now serving on the board are a Ph.D. , a lawyer , and others with backgrounds in business and finance .
While many of the new board members do not live in Carbondale , Wills said all but one has ties to Carbondale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students attended before desegregation - of which Wills also is an alumnus .
He did not provide any further details about who is serving on the board .
Since taking the helm , Wills and his new board have rewritten the organization ’ s bylaws .
He said the previous version was “ outdated ” and “ useless ” but did not provide a copy of the updated version .
After graduating from Attucks High School , Wills pursued a career in transportation and returned to Southern Illinois after working in the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has experience working with nonprofit organizations , serving as the chairman for The 100 Black Men of Alton .
Deiajion Nichols ( upper right ) , 14 , watches as a basket he tossed sinks in on Tuesday , Nov. 3 , 2020 , at the Tyler Young Jr. Estates in Carbondale .
The housing complex is across the street from the Eurma C. Hayes Center , a longtime community hub in northeast Carbondale .
While he did not offer specific details , Wills said he is going to run the nonprofit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newly appointed executive director said he wants to ensure the building ’ s overhead costs , like utility bills and insurance expenses , are covered .
The mission of the Eurma C. Hayes Center is , in part , to “ support and provide the unrepresented communities and populations with socio-economic resources and opportunities , higher quality education , superior healthcare and excellent childcare services , ” according to the 2017 version of the organization ’ s bylaws .
That mission was historically met by providing lower cost or free services to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would uphold that precedent , Wills said “ there are some things you can do , ” but the low-cost or free options were available because the city government was providing financial support to the center , and that changed when it turned the building over .
“ That ’ s a question I want to close into , ” Wills said regarding the center ’ s mission , adding he doesn ’ t want to rule out any possibilities of partnerships with businesses .
“ We will take a look at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have a lot of space to offer.
” Wills ’ plan for success largely relies on bringing tenants into the building and exploring various routes of financial support , like GoFundMe fundraisers and federal grants .
When community members at a Nov. 14 public meeting asked about the center being a possible housing site for various business ventures , he replied there is “ no bad idea.
” “ If you have a business or you know someone that has a business that wants to come in there , we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open the building , ” he said .
“ There is nothing that we should rule out , I don ’ t care how far-fetched your idea is.
” Aside from stabilizing the center ’ s fiscal situation , Wills said he has met with numerous local and state officials to discuss ways to move the center forward .
One of those efforts , he said , was working to develop a partnership with the Midwest Food Bank in Normal to help start a food pantry for the community center , which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 2021 .
While officials at Midwest Food Bank confirmed they were starting a partnership with 100 Black Men for food distribution in Alton , they said at the time they were unaware of specific details regarding a partnership with the Eurma C. Hayes Center .
Wills said he is also working with the Carbondale Police Department in hopes of creating a substation at the center and a related youth center to help deter crime in the neighborhood .
He said having a police presence at the building will do just that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the center ’ s tenants while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and community members .
“ We want to develop relationships and take away that fear that the police are out to get you and all that stuff , ” Wills said .
“ We ’ re going to make sure that people understand the police is totally ( there ) to help.
” Without the center in full swing , Anderson , longtime northeast Carbondale resident , believes there is something missing in the neighborhood .
“ I feel that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a disconnect , ” she said .
“ A lot of people have moved in .
Nobody really knows each other .
People aren ’ t as friendly because they don ’ t have that location where they can go to make connections.
” Wills ’ first step in moving the center forward was to gather a group of people to help clean out the building .
Armed with masks , gloves and donated cleaning supplies , over a dozen community members responded to the executive director ’ s request last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and throw out old furniture .
“ It ’ s amazing that everyone has come out to volunteer , ” Woods , an advisory board member , said .
He recalled people coming in and out of the medical clinic and neighborhood youth participating in programming at the center when it first opened .
“ There was a sense of togetherness in the community at that time , ” Woods said .
“ That ’ s what we need to bring back so some of the negative things associated with the northeast section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carbondale ’ s city manager , said city officials would also like to see the center revitalized and have offered support through the years .
In 2015 , the city provided matching funds to the organization to help with building renovations .
In addition , he said , they have provided some pro bono maintenance like tree and overgrowth removal .
“ We ’ ve provided numerous leads over the years and were instrumental in securing Sen. Duckworth as a tenant , ” Williams said , adding he hopes there is a renewal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true community center for northeast Carbondale and the greater community.
” While there have been challenges at the center throughout the years , Margaret Nesbitt , the director of the I Can Read !
literacy program , said it is important to look toward the future .
“ I think we need to think about what we need , rather than what we had , because it ’ s a new day , ” she said , adding the center should be there to serve and enrich the community as a whole .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago last January , was devoted to giving back to her community and had a “ passion and dream ” of opening a center that would help countless friends , neighbors and community members , according to her biography .
Her family doesn ’ t want to see that legacy of helping others forgotten .
“ We want to see the building flourish , ” said Kori Hayes , Eurma Hayes ’ granddaughter .
“ They need to know who this woman is that has the name on the building - we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - Once a hub of activity in Carbondale’s northeast neighborhood, the 12,000-square-foot Eurma C. Hayes Center now stands mostly vacant and in disrepair. Now, a newly appointed board and executive director are working to revive the one-time community staple.
When it was built in the historically Black neighborhood in 1974, the center was designed to provide essential services and a public meeting place for Carbondale residents. But today, the building that once housed a medical clinic, literacy program and daycare has only a few tenants and appears closed off to residents. “There are ‘no trespassing’ signs up right now,” longtime resident Danettra Anderson said. “You have ‘no trespassing’ signs up on a place that is supposed to be a community building.”
The aging building is in need of major renovations, but fundraising efforts have stalled. The organization’s nonprofit status has lapsed with both the state and the federal government, and attempts to cover its overhead expenses through rent have been unsuccessful as rising rent costs have pushed tenants out.
The organization’s leadership completely turned over in October when its longtime executive director resigned and its entire board, except for one member, either resigned or was removed. Despite its tumultuous past, newly appointed executive director Bob Wills believes he and his new board can help the center thrive once again.
About two dozen carloads of people gathered in the center’s parking lot last month to hear Wills’ plan to restore it. The key to future success? Support and involvement from the community. “We have to have a buy-in from you,” Wills told community members through a bullhorn. “You are the key to helping make this happen.”
The Eurma C. Hayes Center, named after a longtime community activist, was constructed at 441 E. Willow St. with support from the Model Cities program - a nationwide project backed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his “unconditional war on poverty.” The center sought to provide critical social, medical and educational services to the northeast side of Carbondale, which was where Black residents were once segregated.
Once the program dissolved, the City of Carbondale took control of the building and operated it until 2010. The city wanted to either sell the building or donate it to a not-for-profit organization due to municipal budget constraints. This is when Eurma C. Hayes Center Inc. was formed, and it bought the center from the city for $10.
Corene McDaniel, who served as the center’s executive director from 2012 to about 2015, and her husband, Milton, who volunteered as a maintenance worker at the center, said the fiscal challenges started after the city passed the building to the nonprofit group. They described former members on the center’s board as ambitious, but not versed enough in the nonprofit and business sectors to successfully bring in more tenants and further develop the endeavor.
Corene McDaniel said a lack of experience, combined with high utility bills due to an outdated HVAC system and piling renovation costs, have led to the bulk of the community center’s challenges. “It was difficult to get people to rent space in the facility. That building needs a lot of work,” she said. “The work that should have been done, in my opinion, by the city, was not done. But, it was quite costly.”
Alicia Schatteman, director of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies at Northern Illinois University, said nonprofit groups that have a physical footprint, like the Eurma C. Hayes Center, must possess a robust fundraising team and strategy to be able to provide services to their communities at little to no cost.
“Usually building overheads are raised through other means and specifically, that’s philanthropy - whether that’s grants or donations, that’s where those costs are covered, they aren’t covered through programs,” she said. “Buildings are expensive, so that’s why you need a pretty robust fundraising team when you have such a large facility.”
Otherwise, Schatteman said, it can be difficult to raise enough money to cover a building’s overhead costs. The Eurma C. Hayes Center has seen many of those challenges as its governing organization has largely relied on donations and tenant rent to cover overhead expenses. In 2012, donors gave more than $4,000 to the center to help cover overdue electricity bills; a then-advisory committeeman said a lack of tenants contributed to the center’s fiscal challenges.
McDaniel said the Southern Region Early Childhood Program’s rent costs helped cover a large portion of the building’s overhead utility costs. When the program moved to the Southern Illinois University campus in 2015, the center was sent scrambling to fill the financial gap.
Lisa Brown, who has served as director of the Southern Region Early Childhood Program for 30 years, said while the program was paying rent and other costs at Eurma C. Hayes Center, SIU offered free rent, utilities and maintenance. She said her program continues to provide accessible early childhood education.
“In the end, it all worked out very well,” Brown said. “Families were continuing to be served by the program, they were just located here at SIU.”
Before the I Can Read! program stopped operating at the center, its executive director sought additional funding from the city, saying its rent had nearly tripled in a year’s span. Now, only a few tenants remain in the building, including an outreach office for the Women’s Center and a constituent office for U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, but they have not operated at the center for the past several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The center’s nonprofit status was stripped by the Internal Revenue Service in 2015 after the group failed to submit required financial information for three consecutive years. But, the center had only received its 501(c)(3) approval less than a year prior.
Most Illinois charities are also bound by the “Solicitation for Charity Act,” which is a state law that requires charitable organizations to file a registration with the state attorney general’s office if they are soliciting donations. The Eurma C. Hayes Center registered in 2011, according to a spokesperson from the state office. But, the organization did not inform the office of an address change, so its registration was canceled.
The center cannot be found in the Illinois Attorney General’s Charitable Trust database, the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, nor the Guidestar database, which is a service that specializes in reporting on U.S.-based nonprofits.
Despite losing its nonprofit status, the board sought to raise $10,000 for the rehabilitation of the building in 2017, but only raised about $2,000. The fundraiser website claimed donations would be tax deductible, but the organization did not have an active state or federal nonprofit designation at the time.
At an Oct. 16 board meeting, Ronald Manis, a Carbondale-based accountant who has worked with the organization, said it is unknown if anyone attempted to claim a donation to the center as a tax deduction while the organization’s nonprofit status had lapsed. Board members involved in the 2017 fundraiser declined to speak to The Southern or could not be reached for comment.
In the Oct. 16 meeting, then-board member Kendall Woods asked Manis if there were any questions the organization had committed fraud, to which the accountant replied there was not, adding “there’s nothing that I’ve seen that has benefited one individual” in relation to the center’s finances.
Manis confirmed the center’s nonprofit status lapsed with the federal government for about four or five years. But, he said, the center is now up-to-date on all federal and state filings and its board is waiting to hear back about its submitted materials. The Illinois Attorney General’s office confirmed on Oct. 20 that the organization recently submitted paperwork in an attempt to update its charitable status.
Wills, the new director, said in November that due to a misfiling of state paperwork, the center’s nonprofit application was returned, but he expected it to be resolved soon. Troubles with organizational paperwork aren’t uncommon in the nonprofit sector, Schatteman said, because required filings can often slip through the cracks as nonprofit boards transition through board members.
For roughly the last five years, Carlton Smith, who is also on the Carbondale Community School District 95 board, was the center’s executive director and board chairman. Smith declined multiple interview requests with The Southern for this story and resigned in October, two days after appointing his successor, Wills. He declined another interview request after his resignation, saying he was no longer the executive director and would not provide comment.
Wills said Smith had resigned voluntarily because his term was up, as outlined in the center’s guiding documents, and the delay in doing so was due to the pandemic. Smith and the majority of the other recently resigned and removed board members are now serving in advisory positions to the board, Wills said, adding he sees them as valuable resources due to their wealth of knowledge surrounding the center.
But at least one former board member who was vocal about the center’s problems was not welcome in the mix. Nathan Colombo, who was removed from the board in October after serving a little more than a year, said he is not serving on the advisory board. Colombo said he was not specifically told why he was removed from the board, but said he believes it was because he was critical of how the center was being run.
In an attempt to remedy the center’s precarious financial situation, Wills said he has tapped into his network of businesspeople to serve on the center’s board. Among those now serving on the board are a Ph.D., a lawyer, and others with backgrounds in business and finance.
While many of the new board members do not live in Carbondale, Wills said all but one has ties to Carbondale through Attucks High School - where Black students attended before desegregation - of which Wills also is an alumnus. He did not provide any further details about who is serving on the board.
Since taking the helm, Wills and his new board have rewritten the organization’s bylaws. He said the previous version was “outdated” and “useless” but did not provide a copy of the updated version.
After graduating from Attucks High School, Wills pursued a career in transportation and returned to Southern Illinois after working in the industry for the past several decades. He also has experience working with nonprofit organizations, serving as the chairman for The 100 Black Men of Alton.
Deiajion Nichols (upper right), 14, watches as a basket he tossed sinks in on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at the Tyler Young Jr. Estates in Carbondale. The housing complex is across the street from the Eurma C. Hayes Center, a longtime community hub in northeast Carbondale.
While he did not offer specific details, Wills said he is going to run the nonprofit center “like a business.” The newly appointed executive director said he wants to ensure the building’s overhead costs, like utility bills and insurance expenses, are covered.
The mission of the Eurma C. Hayes Center is, in part, to “support and provide the unrepresented communities and populations with socio-economic resources and opportunities, higher quality education, superior healthcare and excellent childcare services,” according to the 2017 version of the organization’s bylaws.
That mission was historically met by providing lower cost or free services to the community. When asked if the center would uphold that precedent, Wills said “there are some things you can do,” but the low-cost or free options were available because the city government was providing financial support to the center, and that changed when it turned the building over.
“That’s a question I want to close into,” Wills said regarding the center’s mission, adding he doesn’t want to rule out any possibilities of partnerships with businesses. “We will take a look at that and see where we go with that. We have a lot of space to offer.”
Wills’ plan for success largely relies on bringing tenants into the building and exploring various routes of financial support, like GoFundMe fundraisers and federal grants. When community members at a Nov. 14 public meeting asked about the center being a possible housing site for various business ventures, he replied there is “no bad idea.”
“If you have a business or you know someone that has a business that wants to come in there, we can talk to them about that before we open the building,” he said. “There is nothing that we should rule out, I don’t care how far-fetched your idea is.”
Aside from stabilizing the center’s fiscal situation, Wills said he has met with numerous local and state officials to discuss ways to move the center forward. One of those efforts, he said, was working to develop a partnership with the Midwest Food Bank in Normal to help start a food pantry for the community center, which he said would be up and running by February 2021.
While officials at Midwest Food Bank confirmed they were starting a partnership with 100 Black Men for food distribution in Alton, they said at the time they were unaware of specific details regarding a partnership with the Eurma C. Hayes Center.
Wills said he is also working with the Carbondale Police Department in hopes of creating a substation at the center and a related youth center to help deter crime in the neighborhood. He said having a police presence at the building will do just that, and help build a sense of security for the center’s tenants while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and community members.
“We want to develop relationships and take away that fear that the police are out to get you and all that stuff,” Wills said. “We’re going to make sure that people understand the police is totally (there) to help.”
Without the center in full swing, Anderson, longtime northeast Carbondale resident, believes there is something missing in the neighborhood. “I feel that without the community center, there’s a disconnect,” she said. “A lot of people have moved in. Nobody really knows each other. People aren’t as friendly because they don’t have that location where they can go to make connections.”
Wills’ first step in moving the center forward was to gather a group of people to help clean out the building. Armed with masks, gloves and donated cleaning supplies, over a dozen community members responded to the executive director’s request last month and helped scrub floors, clear brush and throw out old furniture.
“It’s amazing that everyone has come out to volunteer,” Woods, an advisory board member, said. He recalled people coming in and out of the medical clinic and neighborhood youth participating in programming at the center when it first opened.
“There was a sense of togetherness in the community at that time,” Woods said. “That’s what we need to bring back so some of the negative things associated with the northeast section of Carbondale disappear.”
Gary Williams, Carbondale’s city manager, said city officials would also like to see the center revitalized and have offered support through the years. In 2015, the city provided matching funds to the organization to help with building renovations. In addition, he said, they have provided some pro bono maintenance like tree and overgrowth removal.
“We’ve provided numerous leads over the years and were instrumental in securing Sen. Duckworth as a tenant,” Williams said, adding he hopes there is a renewal of activity “so it becomes a true community center for northeast Carbondale and the greater community.”
While there have been challenges at the center throughout the years, Margaret Nesbitt, the director of the I Can Read! literacy program, said it is important to look toward the future. “I think we need to think about what we need, rather than what we had, because it’s a new day,” she said, adding the center should be there to serve and enrich the community as a whole.
Eurma C. Hayes, who died 50 years ago last January, was devoted to giving back to her community and had a “passion and dream” of opening a center that would help countless friends, neighbors and community members, according to her biography. Her family doesn’t want to see that legacy of helping others forgotten.
“We want to see the building flourish,” said Kori Hayes, Eurma Hayes’ granddaughter. “They need to know who this woman is that has the name on the building - we want our grandmother to be remembered.”
___
Source: The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan, https://bit.ly/37OiVGW


washingtontimes--2020-12-20--Northern Michigan lakes bloom with algae in 2020

EMPIRE , Mich. ( AP ) - Early morning dips in North Bar Lake have a profound meaning for Becky Willis .
“ It ’ s a whole lot more than just swimming , it ’ s kind of a cleansing , ” she said .
That daily ritual continued until signs popped up along the little lake ’ s shoreline during the past summer warning of cyanobacteria blooms that could sicken swimmers and harm pets .
The first makeshift postings around the lake just north of the town where Willis co-owns an art gallery didn ’ t stop her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictures of what to watch for did .
“ I looked at a lot of the pictures and it was like , ‘ Oh yeah , I swam in that , ’ ” she told the T raverse City Record-Eagle .
So Willis started swimming in Lake Michigan , although the big lake ’ s chilly water was too much late in the summer when North Bar Lake normally would be more inviting .
She had to cut her swimming season short .
“ Usually with North Bar I can almost make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but not this year , ” she said .
Lake water at the popular tourist spot still was fouled by a type of bloom that has become more common in northern Michigan lakes , and later into the year , according to state Department of Environment , Great Lakes and Energy and local health officials .
Climate change could be exacerbating the problems by heating up inland lakes for longer stretches over summer into early fall .
Cyanobacteria blooms are more than just soupy , unsightly messes in lakes .
The organism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce neurotoxins that cause health problems ranging from itchy skin , runny eyes , asthma-like symptoms , gastrointestinal problems and even death in humans , and problems with pets as well .
That ’ s according to a release from District Health Department No .
10 , which in November investigated a bloom in Ryerson Lake near Fremont after the state Department of Health and Human Services received a report .
“ I ’ d say over the last 10 years , and certainly over the last three to four years , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ algae blooms , it is becoming more common , ” said department Environmental Health Director Tom Reichard .
There were no reports to the district health department of people or pets having health problems after exposure , from the recent or other blooms within the department ’ s 10-county area , Reichard said .
But the timing at Ryerson Lake was unusual , as the last blooms of the season typically are in the first week of October .
“ It is probably more than likely related to the fact that we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , ” he said .
Exposure symptoms in people tend to be mild , while dogs may have seizures or die , Reichard said .
That ’ s why the health department typically posts warnings on impacted lakes for summer blooms - no notices were posted at Ryerson Lake , both because the bloom was short-lived and because the water was cold enough to mostly keep people away .
Willis said she had mild stomach issues before she stopped swimming in North Bar Lake , but added there ’ s no way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause .
She typically would shower after swimming there and others have told her they avoid it over “ swimmer ’ s itch ” concerns .
This is the second year in a row cyanobacteria has appeared on several popular northern Michigan lakes , including Au Sable , Black and Cadillac .
And for the first time , a bloom was confirmed on Portage Lake in Houghton County - it ’ s the fourth in the Upper Peninsula in the past three years .
According to data from the Michigan Department of Environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been an increase in the number of confirmed cyanobacteria blooms in the state .
Aaron Parker , an aquatic biologist with the agency , said more publicity for the blooms has led to a greater number of people reporting them , so that could play a role in the increased number .
But he doesn ’ t think that ’ s the only thing going on .
The largest , most notable blooms of blue-green algae in recent years occurred in Lake Erie , and have repeatedly threatened Toledo , Ohio ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly bad bloom in 2014 , the city was forced to shut down it ’ s pumps which draw water from the lake to serve about 400,000 people .
Scientists expect a warming climate to increase cyanobacteria blooms in number and severity .
That means they are likely to show up more frequently at higher latitudes .
At present , they still mostly occur in the southern part of the state .
But Parker confirmed that he ’ s seeing more of them up north .
He said fall blooms in particular are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that spreads nutrients throughout the water column , but are dependent on warm spells .
“ You ’ ll get these bright , sunny , 70 degree days beating down on this nutrient rich water , ” he said .
“ And then you ’ ll just get these ephemeral blooms .
They might last a day or two , and then temperatures drop off again , and then they disappear just as fast.
” However , a warmer climate isn ’ t the only thing worsening the blooms .
Parker said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excess nutrient input into lakes .
According to Reichard , septic systems for lakeside homes can be directly feeding the cyanobacteria if sewage is seeping into the surface water .
That could be compounded by people spending more time at lake homes during the pandemic .
He recommended lake home owners have their septic tanks pumped out at least every other year , and regularly inspected .
Shoreline owners should also leave a strip of unmowed vegetation along the lakeshore , to help keep nutrients from running off into the water .
Parker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mussels bolster blooms , too .
Their presence in a lake is a competitive advantage for cyanobacteria .
The mussels tend to consume other microorganisms .
“ Now you ’ ll have this disproportionate population of cyanobacteria that can just take off because they have no other competition now from diatoms or green algae for any resources , ” Parker said .
No cyanotoxins were found in Grand Traverse County ’ s Long Lake after a bloom prompted testing in October , said county health department Environmental Health Director Dan Thorrel .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloom-free in recent years , while those in neighboring counties have not , including Leelanau County , he said .
Testing on Aug. 7 confirmed reports of a cyanobacteria bloom in North Bar Lake , said Julie Christian , lead biologist for the National Parks Service at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore .
The bloom moved around the lake and persisted as late as October , and NPS warned people of the risks .
“ We posted signs around the perimeter of the area where people are most likely to get in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said , adding the bloom wasn ’ t consistent enough to merit closing the lake to swimming altogether .
Past anecdotes suggest it ’ s not the first bloom in North Bar Lake in the past decade but it ’ s the first documented , Christian said .
And volunteer scientists looking for invasive species in Sleeping Bear Dunes ’ other inland lakes haven ’ t reported cyanobacteria either .
But these blooms are showing up in other national parks , including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore ’ s inland lakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to better understand what ’ s behind these outbreaks , she said .
North Bar Lake doesn ’ t have the shoreline development that could cause nutrient buildup behind other blooms , but it does have invasive quagga mussels , which have their own way of giving the cyanobacteria an advantage , Christian said .
She suspects they are filter feeding , then excreting phosphorus .
“ Basically the mussels are putting out a whole bunch of fertilizer , and anything that likes the fertilizer is going to grow more robustly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Tests showed that cyanobacteria blooms often coincided with times when the lake ’ s outlet into Lake Michigan was blocked , Christian said .
That happened frequently during 2020 , especially in the fall , and could cause nutrients - and cyanotoxins - to build up in the lakewater .
Christian said she hopes to keep studying North Bar Lake , especially its water temperatures , to learn more about what ’ s behind the blooms .
Meanwhile , visitors need to look out for blue-green , soupy water or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it looks more like paint than the fibrous masses algae can form ) .
Willis is hoping that the blooms don ’ t return to North Bar Lake in 2021 so she can resume her summer morning swims .
“ I ’ ve got my fingers crossed it ’ ll be back in shape next year , because I so love it , it ’ s my favorite thing to do , ” she said .

EMPIRE, Mich. (AP) - Early morning dips in North Bar Lake have a profound meaning for Becky Willis.
“It’s a whole lot more than just swimming, it’s kind of a cleansing,” she said.
That daily ritual continued until signs popped up along the little lake’s shoreline during the past summer warning of cyanobacteria blooms that could sicken swimmers and harm pets. The first makeshift postings around the lake just north of the town where Willis co-owns an art gallery didn’t stop her, but more detailed warning signs with pictures of what to watch for did.
“I looked at a lot of the pictures and it was like, ‘Oh yeah, I swam in that,’” she told the T raverse City Record-Eagle.
So Willis started swimming in Lake Michigan, although the big lake’s chilly water was too much late in the summer when North Bar Lake normally would be more inviting. She had to cut her swimming season short.
“Usually with North Bar I can almost make it into October, the beginning of October, but not this year,” she said.
Lake water at the popular tourist spot still was fouled by a type of bloom that has become more common in northern Michigan lakes, and later into the year, according to state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and local health officials. Climate change could be exacerbating the problems by heating up inland lakes for longer stretches over summer into early fall.
Cyanobacteria blooms are more than just soupy, unsightly messes in lakes. The organism, sometimes called blue-green algae, can produce neurotoxins that cause health problems ranging from itchy skin, runny eyes, asthma-like symptoms, gastrointestinal problems and even death in humans, and problems with pets as well.
That’s according to a release from District Health Department No. 10, which in November investigated a bloom in Ryerson Lake near Fremont after the state Department of Health and Human Services received a report.
“I’d say over the last 10 years, and certainly over the last three to four years, we’ve been getting a lot more algae blooms, it is becoming more common,” said department Environmental Health Director Tom Reichard.
There were no reports to the district health department of people or pets having health problems after exposure, from the recent or other blooms within the department’s 10-county area, Reichard said. But the timing at Ryerson Lake was unusual, as the last blooms of the season typically are in the first week of October.
“It is probably more than likely related to the fact that we’ve had a pretty mild winter so far,” he said.
Exposure symptoms in people tend to be mild, while dogs may have seizures or die, Reichard said. That’s why the health department typically posts warnings on impacted lakes for summer blooms - no notices were posted at Ryerson Lake, both because the bloom was short-lived and because the water was cold enough to mostly keep people away.
Willis said she had mild stomach issues before she stopped swimming in North Bar Lake, but added there’s no way of knowing if the water was the cause. She typically would shower after swimming there and others have told her they avoid it over “swimmer’s itch” concerns.
This is the second year in a row cyanobacteria has appeared on several popular northern Michigan lakes, including Au Sable, Black and Cadillac. And for the first time, a bloom was confirmed on Portage Lake in Houghton County - it’s the fourth in the Upper Peninsula in the past three years.
According to data from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, there has been an increase in the number of confirmed cyanobacteria blooms in the state. Aaron Parker, an aquatic biologist with the agency, said more publicity for the blooms has led to a greater number of people reporting them, so that could play a role in the increased number. But he doesn’t think that’s the only thing going on.
The largest, most notable blooms of blue-green algae in recent years occurred in Lake Erie, and have repeatedly threatened Toledo, Ohio’s municipal water supply. During a particularly bad bloom in 2014, the city was forced to shut down it’s pumps which draw water from the lake to serve about 400,000 people.
Scientists expect a warming climate to increase cyanobacteria blooms in number and severity. That means they are likely to show up more frequently at higher latitudes. At present, they still mostly occur in the southern part of the state.
But Parker confirmed that he’s seeing more of them up north.
“Every year,” he said.
He said fall blooms in particular are driven in part by seasonal lake mixing that spreads nutrients throughout the water column, but are dependent on warm spells.
“You’ll get these bright, sunny, 70 degree days beating down on this nutrient rich water,” he said. “And then you’ll just get these ephemeral blooms. They might last a day or two, and then temperatures drop off again, and then they disappear just as fast.”
However, a warmer climate isn’t the only thing worsening the blooms. Parker said the biggest contributing factor to cyanobacteria blooms is excess nutrient input into lakes.
According to Reichard, septic systems for lakeside homes can be directly feeding the cyanobacteria if sewage is seeping into the surface water.
That could be compounded by people spending more time at lake homes during the pandemic.
He recommended lake home owners have their septic tanks pumped out at least every other year, and regularly inspected.
Shoreline owners should also leave a strip of unmowed vegetation along the lakeshore, to help keep nutrients from running off into the water.
Parker notes that the spread of invasive zebra mussels bolster blooms, too. Their presence in a lake is a competitive advantage for cyanobacteria. The mussels tend to consume other microorganisms.
“Now you’ll have this disproportionate population of cyanobacteria that can just take off because they have no other competition now from diatoms or green algae for any resources,” Parker said.
No cyanotoxins were found in Grand Traverse County’s Long Lake after a bloom prompted testing in October, said county health department Environmental Health Director Dan Thorrel. The county’s lakes have largely been bloom-free in recent years, while those in neighboring counties have not, including Leelanau County, he said.
Testing on Aug. 7 confirmed reports of a cyanobacteria bloom in North Bar Lake, said Julie Christian, lead biologist for the National Parks Service at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The bloom moved around the lake and persisted as late as October, and NPS warned people of the risks.
“We posted signs around the perimeter of the area where people are most likely to get in the water to warn them of the signs,” she said, adding the bloom wasn’t consistent enough to merit closing the lake to swimming altogether.
Past anecdotes suggest it’s not the first bloom in North Bar Lake in the past decade but it’s the first documented, Christian said. And volunteer scientists looking for invasive species in Sleeping Bear Dunes’ other inland lakes haven’t reported cyanobacteria either.
But these blooms are showing up in other national parks, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s inland lakes, so Christian and others with NPS are trying to better understand what’s behind these outbreaks, she said.
North Bar Lake doesn’t have the shoreline development that could cause nutrient buildup behind other blooms, but it does have invasive quagga mussels, which have their own way of giving the cyanobacteria an advantage, Christian said. She suspects they are filter feeding, then excreting phosphorus.
“Basically the mussels are putting out a whole bunch of fertilizer, and anything that likes the fertilizer is going to grow more robustly, including the bacteria,” she said.
Tests showed that cyanobacteria blooms often coincided with times when the lake’s outlet into Lake Michigan was blocked, Christian said. That happened frequently during 2020, especially in the fall, and could cause nutrients - and cyanotoxins - to build up in the lakewater.
Christian said she hopes to keep studying North Bar Lake, especially its water temperatures, to learn more about what’s behind the blooms. Meanwhile, visitors need to look out for blue-green, soupy water or a layer on the surface (Thorrel said it looks more like paint than the fibrous masses algae can form).
Willis is hoping that the blooms don’t return to North Bar Lake in 2021 so she can resume her summer morning swims.
“I’ve got my fingers crossed it’ll be back in shape next year, because I so love it, it’s my favorite thing to do,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-20--Dubuque coffee roaster sees big growth in past decade

DUBUQUE , Iowa ( AP ) - One decade ago , Verena Street Coffee Co. began with just four workers and a 3,000-square-foot warehouse .
“ We were packing everything by hand , and a lot of the blending and flavoring was by hand , ” he recalled .
“ Some nights we were working until 2 a.m. We were just kind of bootstrapping it and seeing what happens.
” The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports the modest experiment has turned into a booming operation .
The Dubuque-based coffee roasting operation now employs 17 workers and operates out of a 30,000-square-foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products have become ubiquitous in Dubuque , and the brand is gaining a stronger foothold in a handful of other Midwest markets .
The company has established a presence in Cedar Rapids , Des Moines and Omaha .
In each of these markets , the business has set up warehouses and hired workers to ensure it can effectively serve a growing base of customers .
Verena Street plans to expand into the Kansas City market in early 2021 .
Eric Gantz , the company ’ s co-founder and Michael ’ s cousin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to its expansion , primarily focusing on nearby , Midwestern states and always making sure the business isn ’ t getting too far ahead of itself .
“ We want to continue adding new markets , but we have to make sure we are succeeding in the ones we ’ re already in before we do that , ” he explained .
“ It is a balancing act.
” Nearly 10 years ago , the Hy-Vee on Northwest Arterial became the first store to stock Verena Street ’ s products .
Initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modest space for the hometown coffee roaster .
But over time , it became apparent that Verena Street was a major player in the market .
Store Director Paul Hoppman said the turning point came about four years ago , when Hy-Vee officials toured Verena Street ’ s recently opened facility in Dubuque Industrial Center South .
The new operation represented a major leap forward for Verena Street ’ s roasting capacity , boasting four times the square footage as its previous location .
Shortly after that visit , Hy-Vee doubled Verena Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has paid off in a big way .
“ They have a strong foothold locally , ” Hoppman said .
“ The market share they have in our store is pushing 80 % , and that is competing against Starbucks and Folgers , the old bellwethers.
” Earlier this year , Verena Street products were added to Hy-Vee ’ s convenience stores , a development that has been massively popular among customers , Hoppman said .
“ I think people trust the brand , ” he said .
“ They know they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product , and that builds up a lot of trust.
” Over the course of a decade , Verena Street has also expanded its selection of products .
Michael Gantz said the company began by focusing on its mainstay coffees , including Julien ’ s Breakfast Blend , Nine Mile Sunset , Lock and Dam # 11 and Sunday Drive .
“ Our mindset was , ‘ Let ’ s just get the core items on our shelves , ’ ” he recalled .
“ We figured once that was done , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently , the business has branched out yet again in multiple new approaches .
Verena Street has rolled out a range of seasonal products , including a fall roast called Pumpkin Smasher and a winter one named Stocking Stuffer .
The company has also dipped into the flavored coffee market , releasing several flavored brands that have been met with strong sales .
And last year , the company unveiled a line of organic fair-trade coffee under the moniker Iowa Native .
As Verena Street Coffee embarks on its second decade , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched and different markets reached .
Even as the company grows , however , its focus will stay close to home .
As Michael Gantz assesses the landscape of the business , he sees both room for improvement and big opportunities .
“ There are still a lot of people in Dubuque who don ’ t know what Verena Street is , which is kind of amazing , ” he said .
“ At first , that worried us .
But the more we thought about it , we realized that means there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right here in Dubuque .
”

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) - One decade ago, Verena Street Coffee Co. began with just four workers and a 3,000-square-foot warehouse.
Co-founder Michael Gantz remembers those days fondly.
“We were packing everything by hand, and a lot of the blending and flavoring was by hand,” he recalled. “Some nights we were working until 2 a.m. We were just kind of bootstrapping it and seeing what happens.”
The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports the modest experiment has turned into a booming operation.
The Dubuque-based coffee roasting operation now employs 17 workers and operates out of a 30,000-square-foot facility off Seippel Road.
Verena Street products have become ubiquitous in Dubuque, and the brand is gaining a stronger foothold in a handful of other Midwest markets.
The company has established a presence in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Omaha. In each of these markets, the business has set up warehouses and hired workers to ensure it can effectively serve a growing base of customers.
Verena Street plans to expand into the Kansas City market in early 2021.
Eric Gantz, the company’s co-founder and Michael’s cousin, said the company has taken a measured approach to its expansion, primarily focusing on nearby, Midwestern states and always making sure the business isn’t getting too far ahead of itself.
“We want to continue adding new markets, but we have to make sure we are succeeding in the ones we’re already in before we do that,” he explained. “It is a balancing act.”
Nearly 10 years ago, the Hy-Vee on Northwest Arterial became the first store to stock Verena Street’s products.
Initially, the store carved out only a modest space for the hometown coffee roaster. But over time, it became apparent that Verena Street was a major player in the market.
Store Director Paul Hoppman said the turning point came about four years ago, when Hy-Vee officials toured Verena Street’s recently opened facility in Dubuque Industrial Center South. The new operation represented a major leap forward for Verena Street’s roasting capacity, boasting four times the square footage as its previous location.
Shortly after that visit, Hy-Vee doubled Verena Street’s shelf space, a decision that has paid off in a big way.
“They have a strong foothold locally,” Hoppman said. “The market share they have in our store is pushing 80%, and that is competing against Starbucks and Folgers, the old bellwethers.”
Earlier this year, Verena Street products were added to Hy-Vee’s convenience stores, a development that has been massively popular among customers, Hoppman said.
“I think people trust the brand,” he said. “They know they are going to get a high quality product, and that builds up a lot of trust.”
Over the course of a decade, Verena Street has also expanded its selection of products.
Michael Gantz said the company began by focusing on its mainstay coffees, including Julien’s Breakfast Blend, Nine Mile Sunset, Lock and Dam #11 and Sunday Drive.
“Our mindset was, ‘Let’s just get the core items on our shelves,’” he recalled. “We figured once that was done, we could think about other things.”
More recently, the business has branched out yet again in multiple new approaches.
Verena Street has rolled out a range of seasonal products, including a fall roast called Pumpkin Smasher and a winter one named Stocking Stuffer.
The company has also dipped into the flavored coffee market, releasing several flavored brands that have been met with strong sales.
And last year, the company unveiled a line of organic fair-trade coffee under the moniker Iowa Native.
As Verena Street Coffee embarks on its second decade, it is likely that new products will be launched and different markets reached.
Even as the company grows, however, its focus will stay close to home.
As Michael Gantz assesses the landscape of the business, he sees both room for improvement and big opportunities.
“There are still a lot of people in Dubuque who don’t know what Verena Street is, which is kind of amazing,” he said. “At first, that worried us. But the more we thought about it, we realized that means there is a lot more potential, even right here in Dubuque.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-20--Omaha group 'slinging a lot of meals' to people in need

OMAHA , Neb .
( AP ) - The cafe at the Food Hub in Omaha ’ s Florence neighborhood was dim and quiet , but the kitchens were bright , bustling and brimming with the warm aromas of garlic , tomatoes and roasted squash .
In the main-floor kitchen , No More Empty Pots nonprofit workers scooped freshly prepared penne pasta with a lentil and delicata squash marinara sauce into microwaveable trays .
They heat-sealed the trays with plastic , and packed them into paper bags for delivery or pickup by people who had ordered them .
Downstairs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s other meal , roasted red potatoes with spicy cabbage and spiced , crispy chickpeas .
Most of the vegetables in both meals came from local growers .
The meals - 1,900 of them - were destined for delivery or curbside pickup for people from across metropolitan Omaha and Council Bluffs .
The Omaha World-Herald reports that since early March , No More Empty Pots has provided nearly 50,000 plant-based meals and distributed hundreds of boxes of fresh , locally grown produce .
It ’ s part of helping to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just something to eat , during the pandemic , and that local farmers can keep growing .
This isn ’ t exactly the way No More Empty Pots leaders envisioned serving the community with their recently renovated Food Hub complex in historic downtown Florence .
But it ’ s what the community needed .
“ What we ’ re doing during the pandemic is slinging a lot of meals , ” Nancy Williams , the CEO of No More Empty Pots , said amid the hubbub Wednesday .
“ Supporting our neighbors by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for food , we have food , and supporting our farmers by buying as much food as we can.
” The economic fallout of COVID-19 has made it hard for many Nebraskans and Iowans to put food on their tables .
The hunger relief organization Feeding America estimates that the number of people in Nebraska and western Iowa experiencing food insecurity has increased from about 200,000 to about 300,000 during the pandemic .
Food pantry lines have been long in Omaha .
As government aid falls short , organizations and individuals have stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gap .
No More Empty Pots is among them .
It ’ s helping out in an unusual way that is in keeping with its unusual mission .
In its 10th year , the organization endeavors to promote economic self-sufficiency and food security through education and connecting urban communities and local producers .
That includes CSAs , or community supported agriculture , in which people subscribe to receive boxes of produce from local growers .
No More Empty Pots usually has up to seven programs in action , from culinary training to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They had things rolling as 2020 began .
They had just completed renovating an old building at 8501 N. 30th St. into what they call the Food Hub .
It includes the Cups Cafe , where entrepreneurs can introduce people to their wares .
Beginning restaurateurs were having pop-ups in the cafe space .
Various kitchen spaces were used for teaching children about nutrition and cooking , for catering and events , for rent by the hour to small food businesses and for preparing meals .
Shared office space is designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to a screeching halt in March , when the coronavirus reached Omaha .
“ Pretty much all of our attention went to emergency services , ” said Emily Barber , food justice and access manager for No More Empty Pots .
No More Empty Pots already had a system in place to make and distribute meals .
The organization expanded it greatly .
“ We didn ’ t think about lowering our standards , ” Williams said .
“ Our intention was to even improve the quality of food that was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale and in a way that ’ s responsive to what the community says they need.
” The effort has taken putting almost the whole staff to work in the kitchens .
It also has cost a lot more money .
The foundations that support No More Empty Pots increased their funding .
The organization has received federal CARES Act assistance through Douglas County .
Many of the meals are going to families with children .
A lot go to elderly and disabled people , too , with many meals being delivered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senior Center .
Eric Burgin , an OHA Board member who lives at Crown Tower in northwest Omaha , said the meals are good and have been helpful to people .
Based on feedback , Williams said , the organization is going to start reducing the number of meals and providing boxes of produce and other foodstuffs that can be assembled into meals .

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The cafe at the Food Hub in Omaha’s Florence neighborhood was dim and quiet, but the kitchens were bright, bustling and brimming with the warm aromas of garlic, tomatoes and roasted squash.
In the main-floor kitchen, No More Empty Pots nonprofit workers scooped freshly prepared penne pasta with a lentil and delicata squash marinara sauce into microwaveable trays. They heat-sealed the trays with plastic, and packed them into paper bags for delivery or pickup by people who had ordered them.
Downstairs, chefs and volunteers worked on this week’s other meal, roasted red potatoes with spicy cabbage and spiced, crispy chickpeas. Most of the vegetables in both meals came from local growers.
The meals - 1,900 of them - were destined for delivery or curbside pickup for people from across metropolitan Omaha and Council Bluffs. The Omaha World-Herald reports that since early March, No More Empty Pots has provided nearly 50,000 plant-based meals and distributed hundreds of boxes of fresh, locally grown produce. It’s part of helping to make sure that people have healthful food, not just something to eat, during the pandemic, and that local farmers can keep growing.
This isn’t exactly the way No More Empty Pots leaders envisioned serving the community with their recently renovated Food Hub complex in historic downtown Florence. But it’s what the community needed.
“What we’re doing during the pandemic is slinging a lot of meals,” Nancy Williams, the CEO of No More Empty Pots, said amid the hubbub Wednesday. “Supporting our neighbors by ensuring that when they come to us for food, we have food, and supporting our farmers by buying as much food as we can.”
The economic fallout of COVID-19 has made it hard for many Nebraskans and Iowans to put food on their tables. The hunger relief organization Feeding America estimates that the number of people in Nebraska and western Iowa experiencing food insecurity has increased from about 200,000 to about 300,000 during the pandemic. Food pantry lines have been long in Omaha.
As government aid falls short, organizations and individuals have stepped up efforts to try to help close the gap. No More Empty Pots is among them. It’s helping out in an unusual way that is in keeping with its unusual mission. In its 10th year, the organization endeavors to promote economic self-sufficiency and food security through education and connecting urban communities and local producers. That includes CSAs, or community supported agriculture, in which people subscribe to receive boxes of produce from local growers.
No More Empty Pots usually has up to seven programs in action, from culinary training to educating people of all ages about food. They had things rolling as 2020 began. They had just completed renovating an old building at 8501 N. 30th St. into what they call the Food Hub.
It includes the Cups Cafe, where entrepreneurs can introduce people to their wares. Beginning restaurateurs were having pop-ups in the cafe space. Various kitchen spaces were used for teaching children about nutrition and cooking, for catering and events, for rent by the hour to small food businesses and for preparing meals. Shared office space is designed to help incubate businesses.
Most of that came to a screeching halt in March, when the coronavirus reached Omaha.
“Pretty much all of our attention went to emergency services,” said Emily Barber, food justice and access manager for No More Empty Pots.
No More Empty Pots already had a system in place to make and distribute meals. The organization expanded it greatly.
“We didn’t think about lowering our standards,” Williams said. “Our intention was to even improve the quality of food that was going out, do it at a larger scale and in a way that’s responsive to what the community says they need.”
The effort has taken putting almost the whole staff to work in the kitchens. It also has cost a lot more money. The foundations that support No More Empty Pots increased their funding. The organization has received federal CARES Act assistance through Douglas County.
Many of the meals are going to families with children. A lot go to elderly and disabled people, too, with many meals being delivered to Omaha Housing Authority towers and the Intercultural Senior Center. Eric Burgin, an OHA Board member who lives at Crown Tower in northwest Omaha, said the meals are good and have been helpful to people.
Based on feedback, Williams said, the organization is going to start reducing the number of meals and providing boxes of produce and other foodstuffs that can be assembled into meals.


washingtontimes--2020-12-20--Sioux City church says labyrinth will be open to community

SIOUX CITY , Iowa ( AP ) - It ’ s hard to think of anything but the negative effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on us .
One Sioux City church congregation , however , found a way to turn the situation into something positive .
With activities and services at St. Thomas ’ Episcopal Church halted because of COVID-19 , members figured it was a good time to make some long talked about changes , one of which could benefit all of Siouxland and beyond .
Just before Thanksgiving , a Minnesota designer finished painting a 20-foot labyrinth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the historic church at 1200 Douglas St .
The twisting path , a centuries-old form of walking meditation , can mean different things to many faiths , or those with no faith , said church member Sue Errickson , a trained labyrinth facilitator who became interested in labyrinths after walking one at a retreat in Grinnell , Iowa .
“ That ’ s the beauty of it .
You can walk it with people of all different backgrounds , ” Errickson told the Sioux City Journal .
“ There does seem to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or through a path that appeals to people.
” St. Thomas hopes it will have wide appeal in Sioux City .
Once the pandemic eases and the church has reopened , Errickson said the labyrinth would be open regularly to the public , offering a chance for quiet prayer , meditation or healing .
Before Lisa Gidlow Moriarty and her husband , Dennis , of Stillwater , Minnesota , finished painting the labyrinth on the refinished floor where a few rows of pews once stood , the Rev .
Patricia Johnson , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo of it on the church ’ s Facebook page .
Comments indicated interest from Sioux City and beyond .
And not just from church members .
An atheist and an agnostic she knows both said they were interested in checking it out .
“ It tells me there ’ s a hunger for meditation , quiet yearning , whatever you want to call it , ” Johnson said .
“ I think people are just seeking , as church membership declines , I think people ’ s desire for meaning is growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endless , though the path through the labyrinth isn ’ t .
Unlike a maze , there are no wrong turns , no dead ends .
The twists and turns all lead to the center .
Those walking the path need not waste mental energy figuring out which way to go , freeing their minds to think about what brought them there .
“ Walk in faith , one foot in front of the other is all you need to do , ” said Gidlow Moriarty , who designs indoor , outdoor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once were placed in prominent places in cathedrals in Europe , Gidlow Moriarty said , and the design at St. Thomas is related to a famous 800-year-old labyrinth in Chartres , France .
For centuries , labyrinths have helped people get through countless crises .
Gidlow Moriarty said that during times of turmoil , she sees a greater appeal and use of labyrinths .
It ’ s safe to call the pandemic a time of turmoil , which may explain the interest that ’ s been shown in the St. Thomas project .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s labyrinth as a setting for community vigils in times when residents are trying to make sense of local or national tragedies .
It could also be used to soothe the pain of losing loved ones to the pandemic .
There are other possible public uses , as well as liturgical uses that the congregation will employ .
Errickson hopes people will come experience the labyrinth at St. Thomas , no matter their religious background or beliefs .
Though it ’ s located in a church , it ’ s not a recruiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think every faith community , just in the community , there are always people looking for something deeper in their spirituality , ” Errickson said .
“ I hope that it ’ s something that will appeal to people that conventional church isn ’ t meeting.
” It ’ s already helping members at St. Thomas .
Though they haven ’ t been able to gather for months , the project has been something to look forward to , making it feel like they still are active , Errickson said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like we weren ’ t just shut down.
” The pandemic has shut down so many other things .
The St. Thomas labyrinth is one possible way to help us to open back up once it ’ s over .

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) - It’s hard to think of anything but the negative effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on us.
One Sioux City church congregation, however, found a way to turn the situation into something positive. With activities and services at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church halted because of COVID-19, members figured it was a good time to make some long talked about changes, one of which could benefit all of Siouxland and beyond.
Just before Thanksgiving, a Minnesota designer finished painting a 20-foot labyrinth on the floor of the worship space inside the historic church at 1200 Douglas St.
The twisting path, a centuries-old form of walking meditation, can mean different things to many faiths, or those with no faith, said church member Sue Errickson, a trained labyrinth facilitator who became interested in labyrinths after walking one at a retreat in Grinnell, Iowa.
“That’s the beauty of it. You can walk it with people of all different backgrounds,” Errickson told the Sioux City Journal. “There does seem to be something about walking in a circle or through a path that appeals to people.”
St. Thomas hopes it will have wide appeal in Sioux City. Once the pandemic eases and the church has reopened, Errickson said the labyrinth would be open regularly to the public, offering a chance for quiet prayer, meditation or healing.
Before Lisa Gidlow Moriarty and her husband, Dennis, of Stillwater, Minnesota, finished painting the labyrinth on the refinished floor where a few rows of pews once stood, the Rev. Patricia Johnson, a deacon at St. Thomas, posted a photo of it on the church’s Facebook page. Comments indicated interest from Sioux City and beyond.
And not just from church members. An atheist and an agnostic she knows both said they were interested in checking it out.
“It tells me there’s a hunger for meditation, quiet yearning, whatever you want to call it,” Johnson said. “I think people are just seeking, as church membership declines, I think people’s desire for meaning is growing in many ways.”
The possibilities are endless, though the path through the labyrinth isn’t. Unlike a maze, there are no wrong turns, no dead ends. The twists and turns all lead to the center. Those walking the path need not waste mental energy figuring out which way to go, freeing their minds to think about what brought them there.
“Walk in faith, one foot in front of the other is all you need to do,” said Gidlow Moriarty, who designs indoor, outdoor and portable labyrinths for clients worldwide.
Labyrinths once were placed in prominent places in cathedrals in Europe, Gidlow Moriarty said, and the design at St. Thomas is related to a famous 800-year-old labyrinth in Chartres, France. For centuries, labyrinths have helped people get through countless crises. Gidlow Moriarty said that during times of turmoil, she sees a greater appeal and use of labyrinths.
It’s safe to call the pandemic a time of turmoil, which may explain the interest that’s been shown in the St. Thomas project.
Errickson said she envisions the church’s labyrinth as a setting for community vigils in times when residents are trying to make sense of local or national tragedies. It could also be used to soothe the pain of losing loved ones to the pandemic. There are other possible public uses, as well as liturgical uses that the congregation will employ.
Errickson hopes people will come experience the labyrinth at St. Thomas, no matter their religious background or beliefs. Though it’s located in a church, it’s not a recruiting tool to attract new members.
“I think every faith community, just in the community, there are always people looking for something deeper in their spirituality,” Errickson said. “I hope that it’s something that will appeal to people that conventional church isn’t meeting.”
It’s already helping members at St. Thomas. Though they haven’t been able to gather for months, the project has been something to look forward to, making it feel like they still are active, Errickson said.
“It helped us as a congregation to feel like we weren’t just shut down.”
The pandemic has shut down so many other things. The St. Thomas labyrinth is one possible way to help us to open back up once it’s over.