Water-saving tips for homeowners and apartment dwellers

Photo provided

BPT - Water conservation is a topic oftentimes disregarded. If not prioritized by contractors and tenants equally, the ramifications can be costly. As the U.S. population grows so does the need for water, and according to UNICEF, half of the world's population could be living in areas facing water scarcity by as early as 2025.

Whether you're a self-made developer, working contractor, or simply interested in getting into the business, the suggestions below can help counsel and ensure multifamily units are suitable for adequate living.

Water-saving tips

The average American family spends more than $1,000 per year on water costs. That translates to about an $83 monthly water bill, according to the EPA. Fortunately, there are simple tweaks one can implement to help cut down on consumption and reduce that monthly spend.

Install a new showerhead

The average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense® labeled showerheads. These types of showerheads can also help alleviate water heater demands and save on energy consumption. Luckily, many of Peerless Faucet's bath fixtures are proudly WaterSense labeled which denotes the fixtures use at least 20% less water than the industry standard without compromising performance. A great option is the brand's 5-Function Showerhead with POWERush technology. This showerhead uses larger water drops in a unique wave pattern for a more drenching sensation. With this technology, contractors can promise tenants a rejuvenating experience without increasing overall water usage.

Monitor for potential leaks

Whenever faucets drip, it could be more than just water going down the drain. Faucet leaks waste environmental resources and cost tenants money, which in turn could be requested as a credit from property management. Experts estimate that even a small drip, once every 10 - 15 seconds, can waste almost 15 gallons a month, or nearly half a gallon in a day. You can easily check for leaks by observing the plumbing. It's important to keep eyes peeled and physically feel exposed pipes to check for any running water. Condensation around pipes can also be a sign of leakage. For toilets, a simple dye test can even verify if the flapper is sealing properly and help prevent silent leaks.

For contractors specifically, ensure all fixtures are installed properly - from the back-of-the-wall pipes to the product itself, each step should be followed with care to avoid future leaks. Most brands will provide an install guide within the packaging, but if that gets lost or misplaced, the brand's website can also be a handy resource to find these materials.

Change your bathroom habits

Daily routines that are often overlooked can also have a significant impact on your water bill. For example, many may not realize that each time one leaves the water running while they brush their teeth, four gallons of water goes down the drain. Simply turning off the water while brushing is a simple way to save. Other easy solutions for conserving water are turning off the shower while lathering or the kitchen faucet while scrubbing dishes.

Both contractors and tenants should prioritize water conservation best practices. Water is universal, and an element shared by all, so making sure it's preserved and filtered adequately can ensure a better quality of life and monthly savings.

Just in time for Easter! Wow guests and family with this easy Spring Surprise Cake

Photo providied

NewsUSA - Hosting an Easter brunch or other spring gathering? What better way to top off an event than with a showstopping dessert! The baking experts at Wesson created a new bundt cake with a twist on the popular surprise cake trend. It’s easy to make, and as delicious as it is impressive.

Wesson oil is the secret ingredient that makes this cake taste like it was made by a professional pastry chef. It creates a light, moist texture that lets the crunch and flavor of the pistachio honey fillings sing. A simple glaze gives it a sweet touch and the gold leaf takes this cake to the next level. Simply fill the open center with spring candies like mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans and you have a beautiful party finale to wow your guests!

WESSON EASY EASTER SURPRISE BUNDT CAKE

Ingredients ~

For the cake:

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup Wesson oil
1 ½ cups milk
6 eggs

For the filling:

1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons chopped, shelled, raw pistachios
¼ cup flour
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Wesson oil

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Edible gold flake, for sprinkling on top

Easter candies to fill center of cake when displayed

Directions:

Making the cake:

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together, flour, baking powder and salt until well combined.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine sugar, Wesson oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.

On medium speed, in four stages, add flour mixture alternating with milk, blending after each addition, ending with flour. Pour half of the batter into the pan and set aside. Next, make the filling.

Adding the filling:

In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cup pistachios, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of Wesson Canola Oil. Combine filling ingredients and mix well. Spoon the filling evenly over the surface of the batter in the pan. Top with remaining batter. Bake the cake in the center of oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove cake from oven; cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes. Carefully turn cake out onto serving platter and cool completely.

TIP: If cake does not turn out easily, gently run a knife around the outside edge of the cake.

Creating the glaze:

In medium bowl, combine 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) and 2 tbsp of 3% milk. Stir until smooth. Spoon icing onto top of cooled Bundt cake and allow to glaze to dry for 15 minutes.

The finishing touch:

Decorate cake with flakes of gold leaf and chopped pistachios. Fill center of the Bundt with your favorite Easter candies. Cut the cake in front of your guests to wow them with an outpouring of sweet treats and serve. To view the recipe online, visit purewesson.com.

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Now might be the time to talk about inheriting wealth

NewsUSA - As a significant portion of the U.S. population ages, a significant transfer of wealth to younger generations is occurring. However, many families have not discussed inheritance plans, and many younger generations may find themselves unprepared, according to new research from Edward Jones, a leading financial services firm.

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The so-called “great wealth transfer” from the Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers will vary.

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In fact, 35% of Americans surveyed by Edward Jones said they did not plan to discuss transfer of wealth with their families, despite 48% saying that they planned to leave an inheritance.

“We know it can be extremely uncomfortable and nearly impossible to separate emotions from the financial decisions necessary when planning inheritance and wealth transfer, particularly as givers navigate family priorities beyond finances,” said Lena Haas, Head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions at Edward Jones. “However, the wealth transfer is well underway, so it’s more important than ever to connect as a family, with the experienced guidance of a financial professional to help navigate the emotions and educate on the process.”

The so-called “great wealth transfer” from the Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers will vary, as people live longer and may delay retirement. Edward Jones’ research revealed four scenarios:

Traditional Giving.
Older adults transfer wealth through a combination of assets, cash, equities, and real estate.

Giving While Living.
Older adults support their families in the moment, paying for family experiences, contributing to education or purchasing homes. However, this strategy may force younger generations to return the favor and support parents in retirement.

Skipping a Generation.
Some older adults skip over their adult children and transfer wealth to grandchildren, often in the form of education or future security, but this can lead to hurt feelings and strained relations with adult children who do not directly benefit from this wealth transfer.

No Inheritance.
Older adults are living longer, and a combination of more active lifestyles for more years after retirement and/or the expenses of long-term health care means that in some families, little wealth will be left to transfer.

The survey, a joint effort between Edward Jones, Morning Consult and NEXT360 Partners, LLC, a global action research and strategy consultancy, was conducted online between December 28-29, 2023, and included a national sample of 2,202 adults.

According to the survey, only 25% of individuals who receive an inheritance feel prepared to manage it.

Working with an experienced advisor can help, and 57% of those surveyed said that working with a financial professional to guide discussions of wealth transfer and inheritance in advance would facilitate planning and family consensus.

Visit www.edwardjones.com/estateplanning for more information about wealth transfer and financial planning.

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Guest Commentary |Gain some control over your life

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Feeling like you have some control over your life is vital for life happiness.

Control is not always easy. It takes planning, sacrifice, work and good fortune.

Lots of things can happen in life that will shake the earth beneath our feet. Illness, weather disaster, a bad accident, and stupid mistakes. We are all vulnerable to any and all of these.

Considering anything can happen in life and chances are it will, we can all still make an effort to be in control of our daily lives.

First, know who you are and build on who you are. There is only one you and there will never be another like you. Chances are you may have become a clone. You started out as an original but became someone else. You may have redesigned your life to be accepted by a certain workforce, group, religious entity, fraternity, sorority, or political party mindset. This works for a while but you won’t be very happy because it requires more work to not be you than it takes to just be you.

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Our country helps millions with Social Security disability and Medicare.

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This doesn’t mean that you can’t be a better you. We all can and should strive to be better, smarter, and the best we can be. Being a lazy, irresponsible, and ignorant are sure ways to not feel good or very secure in life. Life security and a feeling of having control over our lives requires work and living higher. Living lower will sink you. Build on who you are for success and happiness.

Next, you have to work. Yes, we have to work. It’s essential to life security. The person who can work and wants to work will feel better and sleep better. There are all kinds of work and not every kind of work is for everyone. Discover what kind of work you enjoy and can do and learn to do it as well as you can. Working will give you a feeling of well-being. Millions of people in America can’t work for various reasons. Disability happens, millions are handicapped by various health related issues.

Our country helps millions with Social Security disability and Medicare. At least with these government assistance programs people have something on which to survive. Keep in mind that a disability income in never a ticket to prosperity. What you can afford will be very limited.

However, I do know people who have done well investing in the stock market even on a limited disability income and have done amazingly well financially. Keep in mind if you are going to make a house or car payment it requires a serious income and a paying job. Try to lock into a job that you enjoy and can do.

Third, save money and stay out of debt as much as possible. Buy a house you can afford and save some money every month in an IRA or 401k or whatever is available to you. Research index funds and consider buying some stock in an index fund as you can. Index fund fees are typically cheaper. I’m not a stock advisor so do your own investigating.

A school teacher friend bought index fund stocks every month for years and ended up with over a million dollars in stock by her retirement. Money isn’t everything but you’ll sleep better if you know you can buy groceries tomorrow and can pay your utility bills.

Finally, take a few minutes every morning and at the end of the day to be grateful. Give God thanks for all and anything you have and ask him to give you strength, wisdom and peace for the day or throughout the night.

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He is the author of 13 books including Uncommon Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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Rockets score seven in the first inning to blank visiting Comets

Unity's Danika Eisenmenger takes a swing at an Oakwood pitch in the bottom of the third of their non-conference game on windy Monday afternoon. Scoring seven runs in the first inning, the Rockets took a commanding lead on the way to 14-0 shutout against the visiting Comets (1-3) despite sustained wind out of the southeast exceeding 25 mph at times.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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A look at St. Joseph-Ogden sports this week

St. Joseph-Ogden student fans storm the floor after the Spartans' overtime win against Unity on February 11.

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SJO Athletics this week

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This week's Unity Athletics calendar

CHARLESTON - Unity's Briana Ritchie hands the baton off to Jillian Schlittler while running in the preliminary heat for the Class 2A 4x100 at the IHSA Girls' State Track & Field Finals in 2023. Along with lead-off runner Kayla Nelson and anchor Lauren Miller, the Rockets' set a new personal best at 49.17, qualifying for the finals on Saturday. The foursome finished in 8th place in the finals at the state meet at O'Brien Stadium with a time of 49.72.

The girls' track team starts their outdoor season one week from tomorrow at Clinton for a quad meet with Seneca, Argenta-Oreana, and their host. The meet is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Below is this week's schedule for the Unity High School sports teams.

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UIUC studies link between toddler food access and development

by Terri Dee
    Illinois News Connection

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CHICAGO - Parents wanting to ensure their children have nutritious meals can serve as their best example, according to new data.

Research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign involved looking at study participants' amount and availability of unhealthy beverages and food in their households. A Home Food Inventory -- a checklist of 190 items in 13 food categories used to monitor the food environment -- found processed foods, candy and microwaveable items were more attainable.

Jenny Barton, assistant research professor for the Center for Childhood Obesity Research at Pennsylvania State University, said the study focused on the physical development of toddlers.

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Children often imitate their parents when it comes to food choices.

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"The two-year-olds in this study are gaining mobility -- they're gaining autonomy -- to be able to walk around the house," Barton pointed out. "And then I think by age four, they are starting to be able to reach for things in the home, in the kitchen."

The home food inventory further examined how the location of fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, freezer and inside cabinets can hinder a toddler's access to them, how often foods in the household are consumed, and how parents' interaction with their children during a meal affects a child's food habits.

Children often imitate their parents when it comes to food choices. A U.S. Department of Health report said it can take up to 10 attempts before children accept a new food. Barton noted her work followed the consumption of whole grains and refined grains. She concluded refined grains are eaten more often by children because parents tend to buy it more often.

"They're just not purchasing them, to the degree that we would like to see people purchasing whole grains," Barton emphasized. "That's probably helping explain some of that phenomenon in terms of children having similar diets as their parents."

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 report showed unhealthy dietary patterns starting at age 2-18 may lead to obesity and a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease in later life. The publication also advised parents to reduce or eliminate cereals with added sugar, switch from fried to roasted vegetables and substitute high-sodium meats with ground lean meats.

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Unity East Elementary fall school calendar announced

PHILO - Administrators from Unity East Elementary released the school's first-semester calendar for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.

Registration for the upcoming year is scheduled for July 31 and August 1, with Back to School Open House from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on August 12.

The first day of classes for students, first through fifth grades, starts on August 14.

Dates for parent-teacher conference days, PTO meetings, and days with no scheduled class are listed in the calendar are provided below.

This year's Winter Break will start on December 20, with early dismissal at 2:05 p.m. Students return to classes on January 6.

2024-2025 Calendar
First Semester

July 31& Aug.1 - School Registration

August 12 - Teachers’ Institute – No School
Back to School Open House (5:30-7:00pm)

August 13 - Teachers’ Institute – No School

August 14 - First Attendance Day for Grades 1-5

August 14 & 15 - Kindergarten Conferences with Teachers

August 16 - First Attendance Day for Kindergarten

September 2 - Labor Day - No School

September 4 - PTO Meeting, 6:30pm

September 27 - Teachers’ Institute - No School

October 2 - PTO Meeting, 6:30pm

October 7-11 - Homecoming Spirit Week

October 11 - School Improvement Day (Student dismissal at 11:15am) Homecoming

October 14 - Columbus Day – No School

October 24 - School Improvement Day (Student dismissal at 11:15am) Parent/Teacher Conferences; 3:00-9:30pm

October 25 - No School

November 6 - PTO Meeting, 6:30pm

November 5 - Election Day - No School

November 26 - Student dismissal at 2:05pm

November 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break – No School

December 4 - PTO Meeting, 6:30pm

December 20 - Student dismissal at 2:05pm

December 23 - Jan 3 - Winter Break – No School

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Third quarter Honor Roll for Unity Junior High School

Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the third quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.

6th Grade Honor Roll

Audrey Claire Akers
Ashlyn Nicole Alt
Rya Jolee Bialeschki
Isaac Mathew Boitnott
Bradley Roger Bruhn
Brailey Marie Cain
Greyson Zachary DeHart
Luke JR Dougherty
Brady Gallagher Eckstein
Collin Daniel Eckstein
Kenzlee Rae Evans
Libbey Marlene Ethel Griffin
Natalie May Gumbel-Paeth
Jessica Marie Hamilton
William Timothy Huntington
Finnegan Samuel Bowie Isberg
Matthew Stephen Kroes
Adeliah June Little
Jack Thomas Ludwinski
Finn Alexander Merkle
Caylynn Josie Parker
Ellie Rose Parker-Johnson
Maxwell Tyler Pound
Raelyn Marie Prosser
Jordan William Pruitt
Makena Jade Pruitt
Riker Alan Rogers
Kyle Sean Roosevelt
Jonah Ryan Schriefer
Layla Marie Scott
Aria Marley Shafer
Daisy Mae Stierwalt
Silas Richard Swim
Jaycob David Tatman
Justin Michael Tempel
Meah Ann Tieman
Owen Robert Vasey
Colby Aaron Weaver
Lucy Jeane Weaver
Levi Nelson White
Kadence Ryleigh Wiese
Phoebe Ashlynn Witheft

7th Grade Honor Roll

Sawyer Michael Abrahamson
Grace Bailey
Ty Craig Benedict
Elizabeth Joanne Berkey
Carter Ryan Bickers
Ella Addyson Bromley
Alec Joseph Daly
Jase Charles Eisenmenger
Ian Robert Gaines
Jaxson Edward Glad
Aubrie Paige Gumm
Owen Dean Hottman
Holly Marie Howey
Cora Dee Leonard
Owen Michael Lighty
Jauniyah Rosemarie Lisanby
Liam Hayes Logsdon
Russell Patrick McCabe
Addyson Jo McIntosh
Lane Lucas Meharry
Baeden Edward Millsap-Moore
Lillian Calen Mohr
Jaxon David Pendleton
Logan Harvey Reimer Couch
Henry Scott Ritchie
Grace Catherine Schriefer
Jaylan Serczyk
Jasper Lee Souza
Cade Robert Styan
Virgil Laurence Summitt
Jayden Michael Terven
Nicholas James Thomas
Quentin Stephen Webber
Hallee Ann Weber Patterson
Lucas Neal Williams

8th Grade Honor Roll

Joseph William Willard Baird
Cameron Pierre Barnes
Beckam Krystopher-Wayde Brown
Brayden Michael Burke
Brilynn Creola Cain
Sadie Jo Carpenter
Madison Grace Castor
Skyler Andrew Chilton
Garrisan Martin Cler
Devlin Davis
Soren Lovell Davis
Kinzey Nicole Duitsman
Nolan Myles Elliott
Haley Elizabeth Ennis
Cohen Fincham
Zoe Margaret Fish
Shae Lin Fournier
Hallie Lynn Handal
Brady Cullen Harris
Roman James Hastings
Brooke Raelynn Henson
Joel Ryan Hoewing
Kane William Knudsen
Jax Hunter Logsdon
Payten Renee Niles
Larissa Marie Parr
Clayton Wyatt Pruitt
Kandace Lachelle Reed
Mia Lynn Reifsteck
Journee Lynn Ring
Lillian Yvonne Ring
Ian James Skibbe
Ava Sommer
Bodie Springer
Gavin James Warren

Unity Junior High Third-Quarter High Honor Roll

Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved high honor roll status during the third quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.

6th Grade High Honor Roll

Maylie Rose Bates
Nora Kristina Blanchard
Viola Ayame Carman
Lydia Grace Crowe
Kylee Paulette Cunningham
Elizabeth Irene Davidson
Bronson Edwin Davis
Savannah Jo Drewes
Quentin Xavier Dykeman
Beau Richard Eisenmenger
Tinsley Layne Elliott
Alarik Byrum Ellison
Cooper Alexander Fairbanks
Nadia Grace Fairbanks
Hayden Marie Gabbard
Lena Anne Guild Borchers
Harper Quinn Harris
Addilynn Mae Hatfield
Dylan Paul Holladay
Mason James Holladay
Gabriel Heinrich Jahnel
Allie Rose Kamradt
Molly Kathryn Lydia Kleiss
John Isaac "Isaac" Leaman
Adelyn Jolene Maxwell
Owen Thomas Menacher
Graham Charles Moore
Ashley Ann Mumm
Nicole Nava Palomares
Avery Elizabeth Remole
Matias Alberto Rios Toro
Camdon Levi Schmid
Nora Julianna Shields
Drake Alan Siuts
Clementine Lucille Summitt
William Ross Wetherell
Alexis LeAnn Wolken
Alivia RaeLyn Wolken
Brendan Kurtis Zerrusen

7th Grade High Honor Roll

Kelsey Marie Adcock
Kenny Wayne Adcock
Lilly Annabelle Bailes
Brooklyn Blair Bates
Ethan Earl Bent
Katherine Elaine Berkey
Konnor Lewis Bletscher
Kale Boden Cowan
Trevor Daniel Coy
McKenzie Lynn Deakin
Emma Nicole Denney
Evan Matthew Donaldson
Steven Gambill
Amelia Marie Good
Hayden Bradley Grussing
Jordan Elizabeth Hamilton
Kynedy Ashlynn Hoel
Samuel Bentley Hollett
Alivia Krall
Adeline Marie Marinelli
Lilly Madelyn Meharry
Tatum Faith Meharry
Jacklynn Kay Alexandra Moore
Kelvin Justus Moose
Holden William ONeill
Marley Rae Parks
Carolina Maria Pagaduan Popovics
Luc Sandor Marcelo Popovics
Maxwell Douglas Powers
Marina Ray Price
Maya Alexis Rawdin
Bella Rose Robbins
Madelyn Olivia Roth-Robertson
Skylar Grace Savona
Sophia Isabella Schuckman
Connor Allen Schwartz-Rouse
Austin David Shafer
Vivian Rosalie Shunk
Hayden Dale Smith
Abigail Elise Spomer
Dylan Robert Stierwalt
Tucker Douglas Stierwalt
Olivia Jane Styan
Jack Christopher Terven
Deklyn James Thomas
Hayley Olivia Thompson
Cassandra Pearl Thweatt

8th Grade High Honor Roll

Patrick Benjamin Baxley
Cooper Charles Beckett
Jackson Christopher Cheely
Andrew Patrick Donovan
Dillon Michael Ellars
Kaylee Grace Estes
Carson David Fairbanks
Reagan Elizabeth Lisle Fisher
Jordan Stephen Harmon
Tessa Lynn Horn
Karleigh Grace Jamison
Lincoln Banner Johnson
Joseph Brooks Kamradt
Khison Able Kern
Tatum Anne Kirby
Bryan Michael Kleiss
Clint Michael McCormick
Nolan Mark Tempel Meharry
Dalton Robert Moose
Rhianna Olivia Ocasio
Caleb Arthur Saxon
Carter Charles Schmid
Caleb Joshua Siegwald
Kole David VanSickle
John William White
Austin James Wiersema
Olivia Ann Williams
Olivia Ruth Witheft
Cole Thomas Zorns