Friday, July 28, 2017

Do you know what happens if you add white vinegar to your laundry? I had no idea!

Nicer Days

A lot of people keep a bottle of vinegar in the pantry, but do you have one in the laundry room too?

White vinegar has some incredible benefits when it comes to keeping clothes soft clean and bright. Take a look at all of the things vinegar can do for you:

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Monday, July 3, 2017

CELEBRATING OUR INDEPENDENCE

Scott Tipton (R-CO, 3rd)

For 241 years, Americans have demonstrated their passion for living in a country founded on protecting “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” by celebrating Independence Day. This tradition is a celebration of the actions our founding fathers took when they declared that our new nation would be independent from the tyrannical crown of England. Since then, the United States has overcome periods of adversity and made remarkable contributions to the rest of world, all in an effort to preserve our way of life.

On the 150th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, President Calvin Coolidge shared the significance of Independence Day. In his speech he stated, “It is not so much, then, for the purpose of undertaking to proclaim new theories and principles that this annual celebration is maintained, but rather to reaffirm and reestablish those old theories and principles which time and the unerring logic of events have demonstrated to be sound.”

Ninety one years later, Coolidge’s timeless quote continues to serve as a reminder that since our founding, our nation has remained committed to its core principles. While technological and societal advances continue to push the boundaries of our achievements, the one thing that remains unaltered is our nation’s commitment to uphold the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence.

As we share this holiday with our friends and families, it is important to also remember the ones who have made sacrifices for our freedom. Just as our founding fathers relied on citizens to draw arms against the British forces in order to win our independence, we ask men and women to engage in selfless service to this country.

As terrorist groups continue to perpetrate evil acts around the world, many uniformed service-members are deployed overseas and are unable to be with their loved ones right now. It is because of these brave men and women that we are able to celebrate Independence Day out of harm’s way.

I am thankful every day to have the privilege of living in the United States. From my family to yours: have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Thompson, Tsongas Introduce Resolution to Mark July as ‘Park and Recreation Month’

Glenn W. Thompson (R-PA, 5th)

U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and Niki Tsongas (D-MA) have introduced a resolution to designate July as “Park and Recreation Month” to celebrate federal, state and local public parks and recreation systems.

H. Res. 406 recognizes the important role that public parks, recreation facilities and activities play in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees and volunteers who work daily to maintain public parks across the nation.

“As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania and an avid outdoorsman, I strongly support our nation’s parks and recreation facilities,” Rep. Thomson said. “Our parks provide countless recreational and educational opportunities for individuals and families to engage in the outdoors. This resolution simply recognizes and supports Park and Recreation Month and the many benefits that our parks provide to all Americans.”

“With Park and Recreation Month we encourage kids and families to get outside and enjoy the beautiful parks that play such an important role in our communities,” Rep. Tsongas said. “Our public spaces bring communities together, provide unique places to explore and learn about nature and help maintain our quality of life. I thank Rep. Thompson for his partnership in this effort and look forward to visiting some of the great parks in my district this summer.”

RESOLUTION HIGHLIGHTS

Park and recreation facilities generate opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community. They pay dividends to communities by attracting businesses and jobs and increasing housing values.

In the United States, public park operations and capital spending generates nearly $140 million in economic activity annually.

Ninety percent of people in the U.S. agree that public park recreation facilities and activities are important government services, a figure that displays a base of support that spans across all people in the country regardless of race, income, gender or political party affiliation.

Nearly 75 percent of Americans agree that it is an important to ensure all members of their community have equitable access to public park and recreation facilities.

The most economically sound communities are those with ample and healthy public park and recreation facilities and activities.

A key factor in business expansion and location decisions is the quality of life for employees with a premium placed on adequate and accessible public parks and open space.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IMPACTS

Public parks and recreation facilities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier society.

People who use public parks and open spaces are three times more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity than non-users.

Americans living within a 10-minute walk of a park have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity.

Recreation programs at public parks provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active and enrichment facilities that help prevent at-risk behavior such a drug use and gang involvement.