Holiday season ready to make merry in Northeast Johnson County communities
Prairie Village will hold its 31st Annual Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Corinth Square.The Northeast Johnson County holiday season kicks off in earnest Thursday with ceremonial tree lightings in Prairie Village and Westwood, and festivities in other communities continuing through the weekend and into next week.The Prairie Village 31st Annual Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Corinth Square Shops. Mayor Laura Wassmer will be joined by Santa Claus, Dancerz Unlimited, the Shawnee Mission East Drum Line and special guest KC Wolf.Hot chocolate and treats will be provided and the Corinth and Village Shopping Center shops will hold holiday open house events throughout the day and evening. The event is sponsored by the city, Corinth Square and the Prairie Village Foundation.The Mayor’s Tree Lighting event also raises money to help the needy identified by Johnson County Human Services and Heartland Habitat for Humanity. Donations can be sent to the Prairie Village Foundation or at the event.That same evening, Westwood will be holding its Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting event at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Santa also will be on hand to hear children’s wish lists and light refreshments will be served.On Friday, the holiday action moves on to Mission.The Holiday Lights and Festive Sights and Free Family Fun Night will be held at the Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there along with live music, roasting s’mores, horse-drawn carriage rides and more.Saturday, it’s Merriam’s turn. The annual Sundown with Santa and tree-lighting event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Dr. The event includes games, music, hot cocoa and of course, a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.Holiday shoppers can also enjoy the Holiday Farmer’s Market in downtown Overland Park at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St. on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The one-day event allows shoppers to buy farm-fresh winter produce and holiday gift items.The holiday fun continues Tuesday when Roeland Park holds its Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. in Sweany Park, located at Neosho and Wells. Children from Roesland and St. Agnes elementary schools will ring in the season with traditional music.The Roeland Park event also will welcome Santa Claus, and treats will be served: hot cocoa and cookies.Rounding out the holiday kickoff events will be the Fairway Canes, Cocoa and a Claus event Dec. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Shawnee Indian Mission, 3403 W. 53rd St. It’s free and open to the public.Visitors are urged to bring a flashlight to participate in a candy cane hunt for kids ages 10 and under. Children must be accompanied by a parent. After the hunt, kids will have a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cookies and hot cocoa also will be served.While you’re there, Christmas trees and holiday trim will be sold at the Second Annual Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation Christmas Tree Sale in collaboration with Boy Scout Troop 192. Proceeds will be shared between the foundation and the scouts.Finally, holiday tree lighting ceremonies already have been held in Mission Woods, Mission Hills and Downtown Overland Park. Enjoy those trees while you’re making the neighborhood rounds looking at holiday lights.
DiveBar assists veterans October 15, 2015 Regular News THE DIVEBAR’S ROOT project culminated this summer with some heroic scuba divers — military veterans with service-related disabilities. ROOT — Restoring Our Oceans Together — paired specially-trained divers with wounded veterans, some of whom are paraplegics or who had lost limbs in combat. The project is a collaboration among DiveBar, Diveheart, and Nova Southeastern University’s Coral Nursery Initiative. DiveBar lawyers trained with Diveheart to become certified adaptive dive buddies for the vets. The teams then embarked on a two-dive trip where they transplanted corals and performed maintenance at the offshore nursery belonging to NSU’s Coral Nursery Initiative and visited DiveBar Reef, where some 1,500 staghorn corals have been planted over the past two years. “ROOT empowers wounded veterans to explore the world beyond their wheelchairs or the limits of their disabilities,” said Robert W. Kelley, co-founder of DiveBar. “They’re not just restoring corals to the ocean floor; they’re restoring a level of freedom to their lives.”
Today during the daily White House Coronavirus Task Force meeting, President Trump said he was pushing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to eliminate barriers to using the antimalarial drug, hydroxychloroquine, to treat COVID-19 infections.”It’s been around for a long time, so we know if things don’t go as planned it’s not going to kill anybody,” Trump said of the drug, which is also used to treat arthritis symptoms in some patients. An unpublished, small, non-randomized trial based on French COVID-19 patients shows the drug has promise against the virus.FDA chief more cautiousBut FDA Commissioner Steve Hahn, MD, struck a more cautious tone during the press conference. He said he did not know how effective the treatment would be, and urged caution when looking at therapeutics for the novel coronavirus.”Let me make one thing clear. The FDA’s responsibility to the American people is to ensure that products are safe and effective,” said Hahn. Of using hydroxychloroquine, Hahn said, “We want to do that in the setting of a clinical trial, a large, pragmatic clinical trial to actually gather that information.”But Trump said red tape surrounding therapies for coronavirus would be cut dramatically in the coming days.”Therapies are something we can move on much faster [than a vaccine],” said Trump, who also said the FDA would be allowing the compassionate use of remdesivir, an antiviral originally used for Ebola treatment that’s been studied in Chinese coronavirus patients. Last month, the National Institutes of Health launched a trial of remdesivir in COVID-19 patients at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha.Trump also said he was directing the FDA to look at treatments being used in Europe and Japan, and extrapolate good results in those regions to American patients.Hahn said the FDA would look into “convalescent plasma” taken from recovered COVID-19 patients as a possible treatment, based on antibody therapy.Amesh Adalja, MD, of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, said hydroxychloroquine has been well-studied, and has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.”It’s an important tool we have to study and make sure we get good data on good coronavirus patients and what the impact is,” he told CIDRAP News. But he cautioned that there is limited availability of the drug, and many patients with rheumatoid arthritis rely on it. He also worried the sudden interest in the drug could cause supply chain issues.New York’s case count, and testing, soarsTrump also said he spoke with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo last night about hydroxychloroquine, and said the governor was excited to try the medication. New York has been one of the hardest hit states, but also one of the states that’s effectively ramped up testing.Overnight, Cuomo tweeted that the state tested 7,500 samples for coronavirus, finding 1,769 new positive cases. The state’s total is now 4,152, including 2,469 cases in New York City alone.”Remember: We know that as more people are tested we will find more cases,” Cuomo cautioned on Twitter. Today Cuomo also signed an executive order mandating that 75% of the non-essential workforce must work from home.By early afternoon the US case count had surged past 10,000 cases to 11,274 cases, per the Johns Hopkins University tracker. White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Deborah Birx, MD, said that about 50% of US cases are in 10 counties, primarily in Washington, California, and New York.Yesterday, health officials in King County, Washington—the first US county to be hit hard with the coronavirus—warned that rapid widespread community transmission could happen.Washington state has reported 1,026 cases and 68 deaths, according to the New York Times coronavirus tracker. Thirty-five of those deaths occured in patients or visitors to the Life Care Center, a long-term care facility in Kirkland, Washington.There have been 169 deaths total in the United States.Two Congressmen have COVID-19Yesterday two lawmakers, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Ben McAdams (D-Utah), said they both tested positive for COVID-19 and were in self-quarantine, becoming the first members of Congress to test positive for the coronavirus. The Washington Post reported at least three additional members of Congress would be self-quarantining because they had been in close contact with Diaz-Balart and McAdams.Meanwhile, the State Department this afternoon announced a level 4 travel advisory, urging all Americans abroad to return home immediately or be prepared to remain abroad indefinitely. Americans were also instructed to avoid all international travel.A level 4 warning is the highest given by the department.
About Midtronics: Midtronics was founded on innovation and the use of our proprietary technologies to solve customer problems. The company’s 27-year history has resulted in the creation of many new product categories that have become standards in the industries we serve. All of our products are conceived, developed and produced by our exceptional team and our technologies are protected by an extensive worldwide patent portfolio in the area of battery management. AdvertisementClick Here to Read MoreAdvertisement With a clear focus, Midtronics is committed to creating product and process solutions for the worldwide transportation and stationary power markets. Our battery testers, diagnostic chargers, monitors, software and data management solutions are carefully crafted and easy to use, providing our customers with compelling value propositions. Midtronics is a fast-growing company with an energetic, passionate and innovative leadership team. Our impressive growth and global success in automotive, hybrid and electrical vehicle as well as electric power, telecommunications and data center markets, has been rooted in entrepreneurial spirit and the hard work and the dedication of all associates. Midtronics people are expected to uphold the principles of personal integrity, responsiveness and professional excellence. Our innovative spirit and repeated successes are recognized by our customers in all parts of the world. As an organization we are committed to advancing battery management concepts to create and continually improve our core technology and to maintain our worldwide leadership position in battery management. Job Description: Midtronics is seeking a National Account Manager to be based out of their Willowbrook, IL office. Reporting to the Director of Automotive Aftermarket Sales, the National Account Manager will specialize in the development and maintenance of high-level, cross-functional relationships within targeted major automotive retailers, service providers, and battery suppliers. Responsibilities: • Create and execute market segment plans • Develop and maintain relationships with retailers, suppliers, and service providers • Use the acquired solutions based sales strategies and internal aftermarket team to identify, prioritize, develop, present, and solidify support for Midtronics battery testing, diagnostic charging, and BMIS solutions • Manage, implement, and monitor program performance to exceed customer expectations and create sustainable year-on-year growth opportunities and 100% customer retention • Achieve monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales/booking and strategic objectives • Become fully versed in Midtronics superior technology, advantages, and solutions selling approach • Develop internal relationships and peer support within AFT team and Midtronics Qualifications: • BA in business, technology, or engineering preferred • Must be able to travel 60% of the time, including overnight travel • Expertise with managing complex high-level internal/external customer relationships • Experience managing high-level key accounts involving multi-million dollar customized value based product or service programs • Must possess strong communication skills and have current large account experience in developing and managing complex cross-functional relationships that regularly involve engagement at the director and VP levels within targeted customers • Must show an aptitude for quick learning of complex sales channels and products combined with the strong problem solving and value added successful sales expertise involving high dollar value added customized product solutions • Strategic prospecting and market development track record • Successful in developing, closing, and managing complex product programs, products, or service related customer contracts • Experience in value proposition selling strategies with growth focus is a mustAdvertisement Interested applicants may submit a resume with cover letter to Madeline Smith by clicking the Apply Now button below.
Dredging is underway at Fire Island National Seashore to improve public access to marina and docking facilities affected by Hurricane Sandy.The $2.9 million project, funded through Sandy relief aid, was designed to ensure safe access to the Sailors Haven and Watch Hill marinas on Fire Island by restoring navigation channels to a width of 100 feet and depth of six feet at mean low tide.H&L Contracting of Bay Shore, New York began work Monday, November 16, and will dredge material from the Sailors Haven channel and marina, and from the Watch Hill marina.The project is slated for completion by late December.Hurricane Sandy and multiple storm events in 2012 resulted in sediment accumulation in the navigation channels and marinas.In 2013 the National Park Service completed an environmental assessment to dredge this material and restore safe, public access to the navigation channels.[mappress mapid=”21565″]
The 2,000-strong Government Legal Service is facing job cuts of 20% to 40%, as government savings targets translate directly into headcount reductions, the Gazette has learned. The news comes as the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that government departments will also be seeking to ‘look critically’ at their external legal spend. The Ministry of Justice; Department of Health; Department for Business Innovation and Skills; Department for Culture, Media & Sport; and Department for Work and Pensions are all looking at slashing their legal teams by 25% to 30%, according to informed Gazette sources. Across the board, cuts are understood to range from 20% to 40%. The Gazette reported last week that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is seeking to cut 40% of lawyers, amounting to 42 posts. The Gazette has been told that senior posts will be among the first to disappear, and a department-by-department review of other posts will be required to identify 20%-40% of savings, in line with the targets outlined in the government’s spending review. Cuts at the MoJ will also follow court closures. Public services union Prospect has predicted that a number of the MoJ’s 115 GLS lawyers will be among the 685 posts it expects the department to lose overall, as the MoJ finds required savings of £325m. The Gazette has also been told that senior lawyers charged with finding savings are frustrated at being told that they cannot ‘spend to save’, for example by purchasing software that could improve case management or be used to control their spending on outside lawyers. Prospect has warned that many departments are not conducting skills audits as part of their departmental reviews. The Gazette understands that this may lead to a failure by departments to identify what is likely to be an increase in demand for lawyers within government. At the Office of the Attorney General, who is notional head of the GLS, a spokeswoman said departments were looking closely at their costs, including the amount spent on law firms. She added: ‘GLS lawyers are employed by the departments in which they work and it is for individual departments to decide on the size and structure of their legal team. All departments are looking at the costs of their various functions in the context of the current Spending Review, including looking critically at their external legal spend.’
According to the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), the data collection methods may be based on using bunker delivery notes (BDNs) combined with tank readings at the beginning and end of the reporting period (calendar year); using data from onboard flow meters; or daily fuel oil tank monitoring on board.It will require records of consumption for each type of fuel used, as this in turn determines the ship’s carbon dioxide emissions by applying a conversion factor. Ships equipped with direct CO2 emissions measurement equipment may use these instead of measuring fuel consumption.Under the new Regulation 22A, on collection and reporting of ship fuel oil consumption data the aggregated data should be reported to the flag state after the end of each calendar year. The flag state should then determine that the data has been reported in accordance with the requirements before issuing a Statement of Compliance to the ship. Flag states will be required to subsequently transfer this data to an IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database, enabling the IMO to produce an annual report to its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).The purpose of Regulation 22A is to determine more precisely how much CO2 international shipping is responsible for as part of a three-step approach, starting with data collection, followed by data analysis, and finally policy decisions. The question it will seek to answer is whether any further measures are needed to enhance energy efficiency and address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping.It forms part of the IMO’s roadmap, agreed in 2016, for developing a “Comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships”. An initial GHG strategy is expected to be adopted by the MEPC at its 72nd session (April 9-13, 2018). The MEPC session will be preceded by the third session of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (April 3-6).The initial strategy is expected to include a list of potential short, medium, and long-term further measures, with possible timelines, to be revised as appropriate as additional information becomes available. The data collected under the mandatory reporting system will help inform the MEPC when it comes to adopting a revised strategy in 2023. www.imo.orgwww.ibia.net
Firms in financial trouble have the best chance of survival if they engage early with the SRA, the regulator insisted this week as it revealed that more than one firm in 10 is showing signs of financial difficulty. The authority said 500 firms out of the 1,000 that replied to a survey over the summer showed indicators of problems. This is in addition to 700 firms already being ‘actively supervised’ by the SRA. Together, this makes up for 11% of the 10,950 firms regulated by the authority. Mike Haley, SRA director of supervision, said the questionnaire, which asked for data on net year-end profit, borrowings, and highest and lowest bank balances for each of the last three months, was aimed at building an understanding of the market.‘Engaging with firms at the earliest opportunity is the best thing to do, and this will allow us to know where we need to do this,’ said Haley. The SRA has already seen ’numerous examples of better outcomes for firms and clients’ when firms in financial difficulty contact it early. ‘By surveying firms in this way, we are able to make our approach even more risk-based, and hopefully avoid the disruption caused by intervention.’A further 300 firms failed to respond to the survey before the 3 September deadline and they will be encouraged to provide information before potential enforcement action is taken.Despite ongoing problems at many firms, a leading bank this week confirmed it is still ‘comfortable’ with lending to the legal sector.Tom Wood, head of professional services at Barclays, said: ‘We don’t want to be dragged down by doom and gloom as there a lot of successful businesses.‘There is a lot of change happening but with that comes great opportunity – those firms embracing change and finding new ways to service clients are still attractive to lenders.’Last week Barclays confirmed a £2.5m finance package with Manchester firm JMW Solicitors, replacing similar facilities with the firm’s previous bank, state-owned RBS.
Li-Fi technology uses light waves instead of radio waves for transmitting data. Research and Markets has added a new report, “Global Li-Fi Market – Analysis of Growth, Trends and Progress 2017 – 2022” to its latest offering. According to report, the Global Li-Fi market is estimated to be worth US $ 80 billion in 2021. This new disruptive innovation is expected to grab a high portion of Wi-Fi market especially in commercial use segment.One of the major benefits of Li-Fi technology using light waves instead of radio waves for transmitting data is enhancement of data safety and security. Data stealing will be difficult as LiFi does not transmit through walls. Infinite bandwidth of light and limited exposure to radiation is one of the reasons for selecting Li-Fi over Wi-Fi. The device has uses both in developed and developing nations.The growth and increase in lifetime of LED lightening has led to formation of new commercial prototypes in the lightening industry. In Li-Fi technology, visible light coming from LED bulbs acts as carrier for data and can reach any devices which are illuminated by it. The flickering of LED bulb creates signal for the receiver device and thereby transmitting data. This wireless optical networking technology has the potential to transmit data up to speed of 224 GB per second and is about 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. This market has got commercialized for its unidirectional communication applications.In developing nations where the government is focusing on improving communication and internet penetration, Li-Fi has the potential for transmitting uncongested and noise free signals which Wi-Fi fails to provide. It will help in universalisation of internet in developed nations through Street light LEDs. Government promotions for LED bulbs in developed countries will also help in expansion of Li-Fi. It is more cost and environment friendly as compared to Wi-Fi. As internet connectivity is becoming a basic necessity in this century and people are looking for hassle free fast internet, the spread of LiFi is expected to grow steady in the future.Major opportunities in Li-Fi industry includes: smart LED lightening for commercial buildings and private homes, smart lightening of public spaces like stations and airports, traffic updates from traffic lights, Smart Store, Consumer Electronics and Game Consoles. The market for the photo detector segment is also expected to witness a boom due to advent of this technology.Click here to view the detailed report.
Kotaro Miyamoto outperformed the competition in the men’s platform dive event to win his first title at the diving national championships on Sunday. Miyamoto scored 393.35 points for first place while Gunma prefectural high school student Kazuki Murakami placed second with 363.85 at Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center. In the women’s 1-meter springboard event, Ryoko Nishii claimed her second consecutive title and fourth crown overall, tallying a score of 261.75. GET THE BEST OF THE JAPAN TIMES Synchronized platform-diving pair Mai Nakagawa and Masako Yamashita, who placed second at the diving World Cup last month, won the women’s event with a high score of 312.78. 
IN FIVE EASY PIECES WITH TAKE 5