People, Places & Events

City of Tool offers building safety tips
Special to the Monitor
TOOL–Keeping your family safe is sometimes a simple of matter of checking for problems, Michael Howell, city of Tool building official explained.
“Building codes are in place for a reason. They are added safety measures to protect everyone from outdoor accidents,” he said.
A complete report of concerns was recently released by Howell.
Porches, decks and balconies can be at risk of collapsing if not properly constructed, or if they are old.
A common safety hazard occurs when porches are nailed to buildings, instead of being attached with the proper anchors or bolts, he said.
Nails work their way loose over a period of time, making them a poor method of attaching porches to buildings.
Other safety hazards include:
• split or rotting wood.
• wobbly handrails or guardrails.
• loose, missing or rusting anchors, nails or screws.
• missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking.
• poor end support of the porch deck, joists or girders.
• excessive movement of the porch when walked on.
• swaying or unstable porches.
• fire hazards such as old or improper electrical wiring.
Grills offer other dangers. The most common are open flames and the heat generated in the grill base, Howell said.
Safety suggestions include:
• placing the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging tree branches.
• periodically remove grease or fat buildup.
• use only proper starter fluid and store the can away from heat sources.
• check propane cylinder hoses for leaks before use.
• do not move hot grills.
• dispose of charcoal properly, keeping ash containers outside and away from combustible construction.
Boat dock safety hazards are:
• missing screws, anchors or supports for beams or planking.
• protruding nails or screws, that could cause nasty cuts.
• split or rotting wood.
• old electrical wiring with exposed copper.
• broken or crushed electrical conduit.
“Remember, electricity and water are a deadly combination. Taking some time now to make sure the outside of your home is safe will make a more enjoyable summer for everyone,” he said.

Ukrainian student speaks to Rotary
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
GUN BARREL CITY–Getting accepted into Columbia University to complete her doctorate degree in education and international education was a great honor, Alla Korzh said.
Korzh was the speaker at the May 23 weekly luncheon of the Rotary Club of Cedar Creek Lake.
It has been a struggle to fulfill her dream of getting an education in America, she said. But, with a lot of work and determination, she succeeded in getting her masters degree from the University of Illinois, she explained.
“Now that I have been accepted at Columbia, funding is still a problem,” Korzh said, adding she is seeking approximately $25,000 to $26,000 for tuition, about $7,000 to $8,000 per semester.
“As an international student, I am not eligible for the on-campus work programs,” she declared.
Her goal is to be able to help other Eastern European students who want to attend schools in the United States.
Especially, she wants to alleviate the harsh conditions in the orphanages in her country.
“One of every seven orphans commit suicide, one of every five ends up in jail and there are between 100,000 to 120,000 orphans in the Ukraine,” Korzh said.
The state denies they have orphans by labeling all the children as “mentally retarded,” a stigma that follows them after they turn 18 and have to leave the orphanage to try and get a job, she said.
“They never attend a public school and never leave the orphanage until they are 18, when they must leave,” Korzh said.
In other business, members were reminded the Celebrity Waiter fund-raiser is set for Saturday, Aug. 16.
The committee still needs auction items of at least $35 in value and wine for the wine auction.


Alla Korzh

Kemp Primary celebrates the end of school


Monitor Photo/Kim Breeze
These Kemp Primary students enjoy pitting their strength against fellow
classmates in tug-of-war during field day.


Monitor Photo/Kim Breeze
Bounce houses in the gym are a big hit for indoor fun out of the heat, as were
bouncing ball races.


Monitor Photo/Kim Breeze
Ring toss challenges most youngsters with targeting and hand-eye coordination.