RNeighbors - General Information

Energy Efficient Buildings

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:10:55 -0600

There is no end to the progress that is being made by the designers of energy-energy efficient buildings.

The LEED-certified building continues to be one of the most effective type of structures for conserving energy.

A different system, the Passive House movement, has gained strength in Europe and is regarded as a successful way to prevent buildings from wasting energy. Under this plan, designers reduce energy consumption by heavy use of insulation and by selecting materials that conserve energy.

More than 10,000 thousand buildings of this design have been constructed in Europe, especially in Germany and Sweden. In addition to substantial insulation, they feature heavy materials in the walls and floors, triple-glazed windows, a ventilation system to circulate warm and cool air and an underground geothermal heat recovery system. Some of the buildings are so effective in conserving energy that they are built without a furnace.

The Passive House System

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:02:37 -0600

European countries are far ahead of the United States in developing a new system for creating energy-efficient buildings.

They have adopted the Passive House system, a program for building structures that are designed to save energy. More than 12,000 such buildings have been built, many of them in Sweden and Germany.

The goal of the Passive House program is to produce buildings that save a maximum amount of energy. These buildings have the following characteristics:

They use unusually heavy applications of insulation in order to prevent heat loss
They use heavy materials in the walls and the floors that conserve energy

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:56:50 -0500

Below material submitted by Olmsted County Public Health from their In Good Health newsletter. Let them hear from you! Drop them a line on how you use this information or visit them on the web. Additional information on healthy living can be found at Steps to a Healthier MN.

Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay or lesbian; living together, separated or dating. Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse, and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence.

Rochester Traffic Signal Timing Project Completed

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:14:01 -0500

The City of Rochester, MN announces the successful completion of several traffic signal timing optimization projects throughout the community. According to Project Engineer, Bruce Boje with Westwood Professional Services, “the project is a huge success with an estimated $3,500,000 benefit to the traveling public that include annual reductions of 200,000 hours of vehicle delay, 20,000,000 fewer vehicle stops, and 144,000 gallons of fuel saved as a result of the project”.

Interim Executive Director named for Quarry Hill

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:54:21 -0600

Greg Munson, Executive Director, has announced his retirement from Quarry Hill Nature Center, effective April 2008. Mr. Munson has worked at Quarry Hill for more than 22 years, serving as executive director since 1987, and he has played a key leadership role in expanding the center’s facilities and programs, increasing staffing and bringing more visitors and members to Quarry Hill Nature Center during his tenure.

On the Go? Don’t Leave Your Fruit and Veggies Behind!

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:18:36 -0600

Originally published by Olmsted County Public Health Services Newsletter, March, 2008, In Good Health, A Health and Wellness Newsletter.

You know that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is good for you, but you're constantly on the go. Fruits and vegetables can be a part of a balanced diet anytime, anywhere.

Fruits and veggies are available in many different forms that are easy to take with you. Prepared fresh fruits and vegetables, like baby carrots and fresh fruit cups, are available in the produce section. Dried fruits and vegetables pack away easily in your bag. Pre-packaged fruits in their own juice make a great addition to any lunch sack.

Once Upon a Playhouse

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:59:58 -0600

"Pineapple Under the Snow" by Cornerstone Builders and Rochester Brick. This is just one of the playhouses being built for this fundraiser.

Members of the Rochester Area Builders are building six one of a kind playhouses and donating them to Family Service Rochester. These playhouses will be on display and ready for kids to play in at the Builders Home Show Feb. 8 - 10, 2008. One playhouse, the U.S.S. Remodeler (pirate ship) will be raffled; $20 per ticket only 500 will be sold. The other five playhouses will be auctioned on Sat., Feb. 9, 2008 at the Auction, Awards and Wine Tasting Event. Tickets to this event are $15 and include admission to the Builders Home Show.

Make a Difference – Volunteer Now for Middle School Youth Initiative

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:31:26 -0600

Submitted by Matt Altstiel, United Way Middle School Program Community Outreach Coordinator.
Friday, November 23, 2007

Middle School Youth Initiative @ Willow Creek

As a reader of the RNeighbors website and the community, you personally recognize the importance of giving back to community. A strong will to serve and confront injustice makes for a strong Rochester. Help inspire middle school youth with your spirit of volunteerism, a spirit that will likely passed onto them. The United Way of Olmsted County, Willow Creek Middle School, and our Community Partners invite you to volunteer for a very special after-school program. Be a part of what the Rochester Post Bulletin calls, “one of those little things making a big difference.”

Be a Germ Buster This Winter

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:07:22 -0600

Originaly published by Olmsted County Public Health Services Newsletter, November 2007, In Good Health, A Health and Wellness Newsletter.

Even though proper hand washing techniques should be practiced year round, we are approaching a time of year which sees more cold and flu germs infecting people. This year, December 2 – 8 is dedicated to reminding people about the importance of hand washing.

There are only a few steps to assure proper hand washing.

Wet hands with warm running water
Add soap

Nominate Your Nonprofit's Volunteer Hero

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:23:55 -0500

Every day, volunteers change lives and improve our communities, but they rarely receive the recognition they deserve.

The Philanthropy Journal wants to hear about the amazing volunteers in your organization.

To celebrate unsung volunteers, please nominate a volunteer hero from your nonprofit -- someone whose unselfish deeds have made a difference for others.

Volunteers Needed for Flood Relief Help

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:19:46 -0500

The city of Rushford now has requests for volunteer assistance through Sept. 9. In total, 1,340 volunteers are needed in the city of Rushford. United Way expects additional requests from other locations. The need for volunteers will increase over the coming days as communities are prepared to receive and make best use of them.

Volunteers must register with United Way of Olmsted County. Volunteers should not go to Rushford without registering with United Way of Olmsted County. For the city of Rushford volunteer projects, the minimum age for volunteers is 16 with parental permission and adult supervision.

Flood Fraud Alert

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:28:35 -0500

The below information is an alert from the Olmsted County EOC.

When one applies for FEMA help they will give the person a 9 digit number.

When the inspector shows up, immediately ask them, "What is my 9 digit Number?"

If they do not give you the correct 9 digit number, please call 911 immediately as this is a fraudulent claims adjuster. You must have the 9 digit number to put in a claim.

If you have any questions, you may contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (507) 285-8288.

Tips for Flood Clean-up

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:46:33 -0500

Photo taken by Ruth Tuchtenhagen in Rochester.

The below information was submitted by Kari Etrheim, Olmsted County Public Health.

Rochester is in the process of trying to secure and place some dumpsters in various spots in the City for residents to use.

At this time the City has placed dumpsters at the following locations for individuals to take their flood damaged debris.

General Tips for Protecting Health During Flood Clean-Up

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:57:52 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Doug Schultz, MDH Communications Office, 651-201-4993
Lead Public Information Officer, 651-201-7478

ST. PAUL - State health officials are advising residents affected by flooding in southeastern Minnesota to take steps that will help safeguard their health.

“People living in flooded areas are engaged in an exhausting struggle to save their communities,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Diane Mandernach said. “By taking certain precautions, they can protect themselves from flood-related illness or injury.”

Red Cross Launches Disaster Relief Fund Drive

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:46:57 -0500

The American Red Cross stands ready to turn your compassion into action in response to the recent flooding in southeast Minnesota. Six counties – Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha and Winona – received between 6 and 10 inches of rain Saturday, with some areas receiving as much as a foot. More than 6,000 families were affected in Winona County alone.