In addition to the introductory course that was taught last year, Simonit & Sirch Master Pruners Jacopo Miolo and Jett Johansson will also teach an intermediate level class. The introduction to Simonit & Sirch pruning methods will focus on grapevine sap flow and teach innovative pruning techniques that foster grapevine health and resistance to pests and drought. This supports improved consistency of fruit over the years and, ultimately, a longer vineyard lifespan. The intermediate course will build on these methods and concentrate on young vines and cane pruning. Both courses will be offered in English and Spanish.
The introductory course is comprised of a theoretical online lesson and three days of practical hands-on lessons in the vineyard — two days during the winter for vine pruning and one day during the spring for shoot thinning. The program provides in-depth fundamental principles applicable to all grapevine training systems, such as controlled branching, vascular flow, cuts and crown buds, and protective spare wood. The intermediate course will begin with some classroom instruction on day one and will include a copy of the Guyot Methodology book by Simonit & Sirch. The remaining class time will be spent at two Lake County vineyard sites that will allow for the exploration of young vines and cane pruned vines.
Lake County Pruning School is designed for vineyard owners, vineyard supervisors and crew leaders, and experienced vineyard workers. Each class enables one-on-one learning and an opportunity to exchange ideas and techniques with others in the cohort.
“As a farmer, and specifically a vineyard manager, I feel it’s inherent that we want to ensure the health, vitality, and productivity of our vines over the long term. With this proven method of less harmful pruning, I believe it puts us on a better path toward that goal,” says Chris King, vineyard manager at Catspaw Vineyard, who completed year one of Lake County Pruning School. Register now: https://www.lakecountywinegrape.org/news-events/events/lake-county-pruning-school-2023-2024/
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About Lake County Winegrape Commission Established in 1991, the Lake County Winegrape Commission has been instrumental in developing the Lake County region’s unwavering commitment to farming high-quality wine grapes, promoting the winegrowers’ brand, and creating greater awareness of the winegrowing region within the wine trade and among wine lovers. A state agency with efforts focused on marketing, research, and education, the Commission has launched innovative programs like Master Vigneron Academy®, the Elevation of Wine, and the International Sauvignon Blanc Symposium. For more information, visit http://www.lakecountywinegrape.org
For the past 50 years, NAC has been working to mitigate mental health, substance abuse, and housing crises in our community. Today, they own and operate four health service clinics and 19 housing sites in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and are a member of the HUD Continuum of Care. NAC also operates the Phoenix Indian School Visitors Center where community programs and services are offered in addition to their health and housing services to more than 10,000 people each year.
In January 2023, the National Point-in-Time Unsheltered Street Count conducted by the Maricopa County Association of Governments found more than 10,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix metropolitan area on a given night; 49% of who could be sheltered, more than 700 of whom were youth. Recognizing the growing youth homelessness crisis, NAC opened a second homeless youth shelter in Surprise. The new shelter accommodates 40 homeless youth between the ages of 18-26 years of age.
Funding from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will support emergency shelter services for homeless youth at both the Central Phoenix and Surprise HomeBase sites. Those sites also provide medical and behavioral health assessments, counseling and support services, programs for homeless youth to earn their high school diplomas as well as training and career readiness programs. Additionally, the funds will support NAC’s transitional housing service site at Saguaro Ki, co-located on the Central Phoenix youth shelter campus. It is a 24- unit transitional housing community for youth ages 18-26, where they sign a lease, their monthly rent is 30% of their earned income, and they meet weekly with a case manager.
“Native American Connections is giving youth safety and stability now while teaching them life skills to attain stable housing in the future,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “We applaud NAC’s efforts to empower youth to stay in school, improve their health and well-being, and become positive contributors to the greater community.”
About Native American Connections Native American Connections has been healing individuals, changing lives, and strengthening communities since 1972. We integrate Native American healing with evidence-based practices to support health and wellness, provide affordable housing, and champion community development projects. We are a leader in developing, building, and managing advanced behavioral health and state-of-the-art housing communities. NAC currently owns and operates 24 service sites throughout the greater Phoenix metro area and has three new sites, 1 health and 2 housing, planned to open in 2024-25. These health and housing services are open to all people.
About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture, and nourish people during what is often the darkest time of their lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country’s most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. The Foundation’s giving is driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, religion, roots, economic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity – deserve access to quality healthcare, education, and a safe place to call home. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media or visit TBRPF.org, to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.
Ahead of the release of the latest iPhone, LendingTree found that Americans prioritize the latest technology over paying essential bills CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — LendingTree®, the nation’s leading online financial services marketplace, released its survey exploring…
In partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development and the Diocese of Hawaiȑi, A Cup of Cold Water is expanding its efforts to support both chronically and newly unhoused people on Maui. Together, the organizations are working to provide cash assistance for necessities including food, power, hygiene supplies, medical supplies, and home goods. They are also continuing to provide temporary housing and meet transportation and relocation needs for survivors.
In the immediate aftermath of the fires, through collaboration with local organizations including A Cup of Cold Water, the Diocese has fed displaced people, provided medical and pastoral care and given support as people fill out forms for assistance. A Cup of Cold Water, a ministry formed by several Episcopal churches on Maui, serves unhoused people and other people affected by poverty. The ministry regularly provides food, clothing and hygiene products throughout the island.
Since the early phases of the disaster, Episcopal Relief & Development has provided technical support and guidance to the diocese. This includes needs assessment support, and helping the diocese to set up community-engaged, asset-based short and long term recovery projects.
“Episcopal Relief & Development has been a companion to the diocese and affected communities since the beginning of this disaster,” said Tamara Plummer, Program Officer, Epicsopal Relief & Development. “We will remain a resource and active participant as they transition to meeting longer term needs for housing, employment and counseling.”
During this time of crisis, please stay up to date with local advice regarding travel, volunteer opportunities and community requests. Please pray for the people impacted by the fires. Donations to the Hawaiȑi Emergency Response Fund will support Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners as they respond.
ABOUT EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT For more than 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for close to 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.
MONETA, Va., Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The attorneys for Scott Smith (Bill Stanley of the Stanley Law Group and Mike Joynes of Joynes and Gaidies), the father of the Stone Bridge High School student who was sexually assaulted in the girls’ restroom (by a boy claiming to be “gender…
PEKING, 9. září 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Čínský prezident Si Ťin-pching ve čtvrtek navštívil povodněmi postižené vesničany ve městě Šang-č’ v severovýchodní čínské provincii Chej-lung-ťiang, kde zdůraznil úsilí o urychlení obnovy po katastrofě a zajištění bezpečnosti postižených lidí. Od…
BEIJING, Sept. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A report from People’s Daily: A ceremony marking the entry of troops into the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) support base in Djibouti was held at the base’s barracks on August 1, 2017, marking the completion and official operation of the base….
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Danco filed a cert petition asking the Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuit’s decision invalidating changes FDA approved to the conditions of use for Mifeprex® in 2016 and in 2021. That decision is inconsistent with established Supreme…
“Water damage is a huge concern when dealing with these storms, because it can impact the structural integrity of houses and wreak havoc on personal property. It’s also one of the most common claims filed by homeowners,” said Bonnie Lee, Mercury Insurance‘s Vice President of Property Claims.
Extra Threat for Wildfire and Drought-Stricken Areas: Excessive Rains That Trigger Mudslides and Flooding
The heavy storms from early 2023 may have replenished water supply in many areas in the West, but it doesn’t mean that the threat of drought or wildfire is over. Droughts and fires this summer could lead to dangerous consequences when the rains begin to fall if hillsides are stripped of the vegetation that hold them in place. With these anchors gone, it’s very possible heavy rains could weaken hillsides and create severe mudslides. Flash flooding is a very real possibility since hard, dried out soil doesn’t absorb as much water. This can lead to sudden, fast-moving water – a combination with the capacity to do a lot of damage.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a mudslide is defined as earth and rock that travels downhill whereas a mudflow is a liquid stream of mud. Flood insurance covers both flood and mudflow damage, but only covers mudslide damage if defined exactly as the Standard Flood Insurance Policy defines mudflow.
Homeowners insurance does not generally cover flood and mudslide damage, so homeowners should do some research to find out if their home is located in a flood plain. If so, you may want to look into purchasing national flood insurance if you feel your home is in a high-risk area.
“Homeowners should regularly review their policies to ensure that their home care needs are met and familiarize themselves with what types of damages will be covered,” Lee said. “It’s important to do your research on flood zones and potential mudslide areas. Remember to talk to your insurance agent about your protection options.
Knowing that there is a high probability for persistent rainfall, homeowners should take preventative measures to protect themselves against damages that can occur during an El Niño season. Lee suggests the following tips to help minimize water and wind damage to your home and property.
Before a strong storm or weather event:
┥ Register your mobile phone for severe weather notifications. ┥ Hire an inspector to evaluate your home. Homeowners insurance will not cover damages that are a result of pre-existing conditions and negligence, so cover your bases and address these issues before they lead to bigger problems. ┥ Check for cracks or chips in windows and inspect their seals too. Door seals should also be inspected. Strong winds can easily shatter glass, inviting debris and water into your home. Weak seals and small leaks can create bigger issues if the water gets into the walls. ┥ Evaluate your roof. The roof of your home is an important barrier that protects your property from wind and rain. Walk through your home and check your ceilings and walls for any leaks, water rings or mold spots that might indicate possible roof damage and address any issues immediately. Have the exterior of your roof inspected for missing shingles, holes or weak spots by a licensed contractor. ┥ Clear gutters, downspouts and culverts. ┥ Have the foundation inspected for cracks and leaks. ┥ Remove trees and branches that are dead or dying from your yard to minimize the chances of damage to your home from fallen trees or snapped limbs. Remove branches and limbs in close proximity to your home. It may be smart to trim or relocate trees that are too close to your home. ┥ Keep an up-to-date inventory of your personal property in the event you need to make a claim. ┥ Speak with your insurance agent to review and understand the ins and outs of your homeowners insurance policy to ensure there are no surprises down the road. ┥ Determine whether or not your home is located in a flood plain, and consider purchasing federal flood insurance if it is. ┥ Prepare a family disaster plan and assemble emergency supply kits for your family and pets.
After the storm:
┥ If your home sustains damage, contact your insurance carrier or agent immediately and file a homeowners claim. ┥ If your property has sustained damage from a flood or mudflow and you have flood insurance, file a separate claim under your federal flood insurance. ┥ Remember to evaluate and document all damages in the event that rain or wind causes destruction on your property to help the claim process move forward smoothly. ┥ If your home is unsafe, take your family and pets out of the house. Your homeowners insurance may provide for alternative housing costs if you need to evacuate your home.
Save yourself the headache and hassle and make any necessary maintenance and repairs before inclement weather hits. These simple steps can reduce repair costs and may pay off big time in the long run.
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners and renters insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with excellent customer service. Mercury has earned “A” ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as “Best Auto Insurance Company” designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit http://www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.
Endemic macroeconomic instability as seen in Argentina, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Macroeconomic stability but declining growth, as seen in Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Open economy, many reforms, new exports, low growth: the unique case of Mexico.
Mediocre macroeconomics, micro-meddling, captured state: the unique case of Brazil.
Arminio Fraga, Co-Chair of the G30 Working Group on Latin America, Founding Partner of GAvea Investimentos, and Former Governor of the Central Bank of Brazil, stated: “This report aims to illuminate and analyze the factors that contribute to persistent poor economic outcomes in the Latin American region. While recent global pandemic and economic pressures are a factor, many of the causes have been longstanding.” He continued: “Using a cohort of similar-sized peer countries for comparison, the lag of Latin America is evident. Trend growth among the peer cohort has been double that of Latin American states. Peers also have higher investment levels and faster productivity growth. We need to better understand why this is happening if policymakers hope to craft viable solutions and ensure improved outcomes – economically, socially, and politically.”
Guillermo Ortiz, Co-Chair of the G30 Working Group on Latin America, Senior Advisor and Board Member at BTG Pactual, Former Governor of the Bank of Mexico, and Former Minister of Finance of Mexico, noted: “We found in particular that productivity growth rates are very low, with a gradual decline in the rate since the mid-1990’s. Separately, we also looked at the performance of goods and services exports. In these areas, Latin American countries underperform their peers. For exports, the Latin American economies come in at approximately 25 percent (GDP weighted average), compared to over 40 percent among the peer group.” He added: “Productivity growth decline can be explained generally by two types of misallocations – first, within and among firms, and second, across sectors.”
AndrIs Velasco, Project Director of the G30 Working Group on Latin America, Dean of the School of Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Former Minister of Finance of Chile, stated: “Latin American countries also have challenges due to their problematic political economies. Their democracies do rank better than those in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, but we see a consistent backsliding of democracy and the quality of government institutions in Latin America. We have identified a low-trust, low-institutional capacity trap. Trust among citizens has fallen, as has trust in institutions. This lack of trust undermines state capacity and can feed populism. Today we need political as well as economic reforms.”
Arminio Fraga and Guillermo Ortiz co-chaired the G30 Working Group on Latin America, which included nine Group Members: Daron Acemoglu, Mauricio CArdenas, AgustCn Carstens, Domingo Cavallo, William R. Rhodes, Carmen Reinhart, Lawrence H. Summers, Alejandro Werner, and Ernesto Zedillo. We extend our appreciation to the Working Group members for their support, input, and dedication throughout the project. The G30 thanks Project Director AndrIs Velasco for his extensive contribution to the report, and the research team at the London School of Economics who supported him. To receive a copy of Why Does Latin America Underperform?, contact G30 Press Officer Melissa Golding at +1 571-236-2820 or [email protected] On September 6, 2023, at 11:30am EDT, the G30 hosted a live webinar discussion of the report with Arminio Fraga, Guillermo Ortiz, Andres Velasco, and Lawrence H. Summers. A link to the event recording is available on the G30 website, www.group30.org The Group of Thirty is an independent global body comprised of economic and financial leaders from the public and private sectors and academia. It aims to deepen understanding of global economic and financial issues, to explore the international repercussions of decisions taken in the public and private sectors, and to examine the choices available to policymakers and market practitioners. The Group was established in 1978. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Tharman Shanmugaratnam; Mark Carney is Chair of the Group. More information and membership bios are available at www.group30.org
