Conservation starts with you

Our society has many downfalls, but perhaps one of our biggest downfalls is that we are wasteful. Incredibly wasteful actually. Our lives are spent wasting time, energy, and emotion on people and activites that do nothing for us. We sit down to a meal and fill our plates with more food than we could possibly eat and the leftovers get wasted. We drive our cars to work and play without thinking of the gasoline that is being used irresponsibly. Everyone is guilty of wasting, and therefore everyone needs to add an important concept to many areas of their life: conservation. Our first thoughts about conservation probably take us to picturing a rain forest somewhere in the jungle whose trees are being quickly cut down or to a village in Africa whose meager water supply is wasted on unnecessary things. While these are both situations that could rightly learn from the concept of conservation, there are many more areas of life that could learn a lesson as well. I am a firm believer than any true change in the world will happen only as individuals start that change in their own lives. So let's begin thinking about convservation as it relates only to our individual lives. Think about the most valuable resources you have at your disposal. For me, the most valuable resources are my time, energy, mind, and health. It is only as we begin to see our lives as full of natural resource that we can begin the process of conservation and protection of these resources. If time is one my greatest assets I must think about the ways I spend or use that resource. I can practice conservation by looking for ways to use my time more efficiently and wisely. I must also look for ways to practive conservation of my energy. I can do this by taking time for exercise, proper sleep, and relaxing activities. The great resource of my mind needs to be conserved by taking time to enrich it through reading, studying and even writing. You should consider your own valuable resources and look for ways to practice the conservation of each of them. As I am committed to practicing conservation in my own life then I can begin to look outside myself and see resources in my neighborhood or city that can be conserved as well. I will become increasingly aware of the necessity of spending all of the world's valuable resources in effective and helpful ways.

Design award of excellence goes to minnesota home

The prestigious Residential Design Award of Excellence for 2004 has been given to a home built in Hugo, Minn. The competition, sponsored annually by the National Concrete Masonry Association, recognizes excellence in projects featuring the use of concrete masonry to build quality homes. The winning residence was designed by Villa Architects and is home to the Wagner family. Materials for construction were supplied by Willow Creek Concrete Products Inc. DC Landscaping performed the installation. The home features a distinctive and elegant entryway, with a raised concrete paver patio and partition wall supporting an elegant trellis. This inviting entryway provides usable space for traffic flow and outdoor lounging. An independent panel of distinguished architects and landscape architect professionals chose the home out of more than 75 entries from across North America. "Our Design Awards of Excellence program helps not only to promote quality homes, but also to showcase the innovative and exciting ways that concrete masonry can be used in building attractive, sustainable structures that promote societal and environmental advancement," said Mark B. Hogan, president of the NCMA. The winners of this award are featured in a special issue of "Concrete Masonry Designs" magazine. "Architects, engineers and landscape architects all realize the value associated with the exposure gained from the promotion and publication of excellent examples of innovative and relevant award-winning designs," said Marsha Lea, a principal with EDAW Inc. who served as a member of the jury panel.

History needs a hand

Every year, America devotes time for communities to honor the past and take pride in preserving it for the future. As government spending on preservation programs continues to decline drastically-in 2007, the budget will be cut by $15 million-May's National Preservation Month highlights the critical role that individuals and communities will have to play in protecting our country's history. It is through involvement in local preservation efforts such as saving the oldest drive-in movie theater, the Admiral Twin Drive-In in Oklahoma, or restoring Hogback Bridge in Iowa, one of the famed Bridges of Madison County, that citizens can do their part in restoring and revitalizing their communities. There are several easy ways to get involved. VISIT THE LIBRARY-Every community is infused with local and historical significance; most of us have just not taken time or don't know how to research it. A good place to start is the library. Make an event out of it-take the family for an afternoon and challenge one another to identify street corners and houses you're familiar with that hold historical significance. TAKE A LOOK AROUND-When you see a landmark that looks like it is in need of restoration, tell someone. There are a number of organizations that recognize the importance of preserving communities throughout America. For example, Hampton Hotels' Save-A-Landmark™ Program encourages people to submit a community landmark for consideration to assist in revitalizing and refurbishing. Submissions can be made online at hampton landmarks or mailed to Save-A-Landmark at 8730 Sunset Blvd., Fifth Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069. It's an easy way to make a big difference. SUPPORT MAIN STREET - Many store owners have been in business for generations. By supporting these establishments, you're not only helping to protect any historic buildings they might be housed in, you're also encouraging the economy and helping a fellow community member. Not to mention that if they have been in business that long, they must have something great to offer. GET INVOLVED-Join national, statewide or local organizations dedicated to preservation. A good resource to help identify these is the National Trust for Historic Preservation, where you can become a member online or research preservation groups and projects in your area. A crew of volunteers is hard at work refurbishing one of the Bridges of Madison County as part of the "Save-A-Landmark" program.