Ask anyone who comes through eastern Kentucky – green is beautiful. From the first tinge of that early spring green barely visible in March, to the verdant canopy that engulfs the mountaintops in summer, how can you not love it and want to preserve it for the future?
Green isn’t just a color, however. It’s a metaphor for the quality of life we enjoy in eastern Kentucky. One way to preserve our quality of life is to “build green.” What does it mean to “build green?” Green means energy efficiency and water conservation, attention to indoor air quality through use of non-toxic products, and resource efficiency through use of sustainable or recycled building materials and minimization of waste. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) green building practices result in lower energy and maintenance costs and healthier living environments for the homeowner/occupant.
This fall I’m working with Frontier Housing, a non-profit builder serving nine counties and one city in northeastern Kentucky. Started in 1974, Frontier Housing is committed to affordable housing solutions for the citizens of the region. All Frontier homes, both manufactured homes and site-built homes require substantial Energy Star specifications as well as universal design standards. Such requirements provide for healthy, livable and affordable home environments. In this column over the next few months, I’ll highlight some of the green practices Frontier Housing incorporates into their homes.
Edna Schack, Morehead State University
Professor and Frontier Housing Volunteer
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Frontier Housing: Regional Green Pioneer for Affordable Housing
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Mother’s good advice has served him well
A commentary by Noah Moore
I remember the morning I left for college. It was a while ago, but stay with me. It was early in the morning and my mom was still in bed. I walked in her room to say goodbye and she said something that has always stuck with me.
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Bookmobile summer reading activities @ YOUR Rowan County Public Library
School’s out! Summer’s here! Yeah! That means it’s time for YOUR Rowan County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Did you know that Miss Donna brings the summer reading program to your door? Well, she does.
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Everyone can make a difference
National Prevention Week is May 20 to May 26. While national recognition of prevention is important, our youth need to hear from us – their parents, caregivers, educators, community leaders and role models. We can work together to prevent substance abuse by being involved in our children’s lives.
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We remember Maurice Sendak and Larry Gerson @ YOUR Rowan County Public Library
Our library world lost two people this past week who have had a tremendous impact on the Rowan County Public Library: Author/Illustrator Maurice Sendak and Larry Gerson, Architect. Although they were very different, each made a significant contribution to the materials and services we provide.
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Run Away From Drugs raises awareness
This past Saturday the rain held off – for another year! – so that Rowan UNITE could hold its fourth annual Run Away From Drugs 5K Run/Walk.
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Celebrate Children’s Book Week @ YOUR Rowan County Public Library
Children’s Book Week, the national celebration of books and reading for young people, is May 7-13. Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country.
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Rowan UNITE updates
Rowan UNITE has had a very busy spring. We just wrapped up the annual recognition of the National Alcohol Abuse Awareness month.
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The Latest and ‘Greatest?’ @ YOUR Rowan County Public Library
It's almost May, school will be out soon, and summer is right around the corner. That means it's time to make your list of "must reads" for the summer. You can get every one of them at YOUR Rowan County Public Library. Whether you want to read a book or "read" a book on CD or one that you have downloaded to your personal electronic device, the library makes it easy and free.
- Rowan UNITE takes prescriptions back Rowan UNITE, Morehead Police Department, Morehead State University Police Department, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police and the DEA will be hosting another Prescription Take Back on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Carl Perkins Center. This event will be our community’s fourth take back.
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Gardening with heirloom seeds program @ YOUR Rowan County Public Library
You’ve asked for it! It will soon be here! “It” is the return of Julie Maruskin, heirloom seed expert, for a program on heirloom seeds and gardening. Julie, who is also the director of the Clark County Public Library, has presented her Appalseeds program in previous years here at YOUR Rowan County Public Library, always with increasing numbers of enthusiasts and attendees.
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