Key Interiors was preparing to furlough 15 manufacturing and warehouse workers when Illinois first issued a stay-at-home order in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Instead, it quickly converted its Schaumburg facility from manufacturing furniture to producing protective masks and face shields for health care workers and first responders.
Rather than having to let workers go, Key Interiors received so many orders, it started hiring, and now has 80 employees making masks and face shields.
"We quickly found there was a big demand because there is a severe shortage of these products," said Tom Johnstone, sales manager and a co-owner of the Lombard-based interior design and furnishings company.
Johnstone said his company is not only supplying front-line workers with badly needed personal protective equipment, he is hiring people when many other companies are laying off or furloughing employees.
"It feels good knowing we're helping first responders and health care workers, and keeping people employed at the same time," Johnstone said.
When Illinois announced that nonessential businesses would be shuttered beginning March 21, Key Interior executives reached out to contacts in the medical supply industry and began converting the manufacturing facility to the production of masks and shields, Johnstone said.
It was challenging pivoting from making furniture to producing hospital-approved protective equipment, but Key Interiors was able to flip its manufacturing process in less than 10 days, Johnstone said.
By early April, Key Interiors was producing masks and shields for an East Coast medical supply company, and soon secured several other contracts. The company went from producing 47,000 masks a week to close to 250,000 every seven days, Johnstone said.
Key Interiors is paying workers $11-$13 an hour, and is running two shifts Monday-Friday, and another shift on Saturday, Johnstone said.
To keep workers safe, the company supplies them with masks and enforces social-distancing rules, Johnstone said. It also purchased a $10,000 disinfectant spray system, which it uses before the start of each shift, he said.
"We've had very good luck with the people we've hired," Johnstone said. "They have a good work ethic, and they're eager to work extra hours during this economic downturn."
I don't Like Medicine | Doctor Cartoon | Boo Boo Song | Kids Songs | Baby Cartoon | BabyBus
Gainesville police are searching for a man accused of shooting a 19-year-old Monday evening.
Luis Angel Sierra-Alegria, 22, of Gainesville, is wanted on aggravated assault and aggravated battery charges in the shooting that sent Alex Chavez to a hospital, police said in a Facebook post.
The shooting took place after an argument between two groups behind Haverty's Furniture, police said. It's unclear what the groups were arguing about or why they were near the store, which is temporarily closed.
About 8 p.m., the dispute escalated to the point where Sierra-Alegria shot Chavez in the torso, police said. Someone drove the injured man to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, where he is stable.
Anyone with information on Sierra-Alegria is asked to call 911.
In other news:
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.
Jennifer Aniston's days have really gone to the dogs.
On Monday, the Morning Show actress, 51, shared photos of her two sleepy four-legged friends as they lazily lounged around on her furniture.
"Big day..." she wrote on one photo she shared to her Instagram Story, featuring a snapshot of Clyde, her Schnauzer mix.
"Exhausted," she added on another pic of her white pit bull, Sophie.
Aniston, like millions of Americans, has been practicing social distancing by staying at home amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Though the actress admitted that the shelter-in-place experience hasn't been too difficult for her.
Jennifer Aniston/Instagram; Inset: Kevin Mazur/Getty Jennifer Aniston Shares Photo of Her Dogs Lounging
"I'm a born agoraphobe. This is kind of a dream," Aniston joked earlier this month, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. "Not a dream, it's obviously a nightmare. But, me personally, it's not been that much of a challenge."
"The most challenging thing is watching news and trying to digest [everything] that's going on out there," she said, adding that she doesn't like to keep up with the daily headlines. "I allow a check-in in the morning and then I'll do a check-in in the evening, and that is it because basically, it's regurgitating the exact same thing."
RELATED: Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux Reunite to Say Goodbye to Dog Dolly: 'Most Loyal Family Member'
Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Jennifer Aniston
RELATED: Does Coronavirus Social Distancing Have You Going Stir-Crazy? These Celebs Feel the Exact Same Way
And the star's newfound free time has amounted to plenty of chores. Aniston revealed that her new "favorite thing in the world" was doing the dishes, "because not only are you doing your dishes, but you're washing your hands."
The Emmy-winning actress also said she keeps busy by re-organizing her home.
"I was a crazy person the first week, and then I realized I had to pull back because I was going to run out of closets," she joked. "I've got to pace myself."
In addition to chores, Aniston has been using her time to give back. Along with her former Friends costars — Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Lisa Kudrow — the group has worked to raise money to support America's Food Fund though the All-In Challenge campaign.
Fans who donate anywhere from $10-$100 to the fund via the contest are entered for a chance to win a seat for themselves and five friends at the taping of the highly anticipated upcoming Friends reunion.
Filming for the special is set to tape at the comedy's original soundstage: Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank, California. The unscripted cast reunion special, along with all 236 episodes of the series, was set to be available to subscribers at the launch of HBO Max in May 2020, but it has since been postponed due to the nationwide production shutdown. A new date has yet to be announced.
"We're so excited to join the ALL IN challenge to help keep people fed and healthy during this time," Aniston wrote on Instagram last week, as she announced the All-In Challenge. "We're inviting you and five of YOUR friends to join the six of us on Stage 24. Be our personal guests in the audience for the taping of our @HBOMAX reunion, as we reminisce about the show and celebrate all the fun we had 🥳 … and get the whole Friends VIP experience on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour."
"We hope this brings a little joy, and something to look forward to," she concluded. "Can't wait to meet and hug you guys when this is all over 🥰 Until then, keep Facetiming, calling, DMing, and texting your friends and family. We gotta stay connected."
As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here.
Jennifer Aniston Shares Adorable Selfie With Her Dog, Clyde: 'Girl's Best Friend'
Fashion has been tackling sustainability head-on. We're now paying more attention to where our clothes are made and what the material composition breaks down to, in an effort to become more conscious shoppers. If you feel like you have a pretty good handle on how to outfit yourself in a way that's more eco-conscious but are stumped on where to begin for your home, you're not alone. You probably know to avoid single-use plastics, but what about the bed we sleep in/work from? What about that new chair you've been eying? Which factor has a greater impact on the environment the moment you click "buy now"?
"Focus on the how," says Dio Kurazawa, sustainability expert and founding partner of consulting firm The Bear Scouts. Working with fashion, automotive, and home goods brands, Kurazawa and his team collaborate on the blueprints for eye-catching, responsible products like the Dr Romanelli x LN-CC bean bag lounge chair, which was handmade from cuts of upcycled Adidas tracksuits. "If you're able to embrace circularity by the use of upcycled or recycled materials, this would drastically reduce CO2 footprint and reduce the need for many of the traditional steps in textile creation."
That's not to say location isn't important: When you consider that textiles can be made in one facility and then assembled as a final product in another region or country, the reduction of CO2 output heavily relies on the distance in between. Location also reveal local factory regulations that impact worker rights and waste management. However, the types of textiles sourced will also impact these factors along with determining the level of natural resources used to create them. "On top of that, the home care of textiles goes through a lifetime of wash and wear, further impacting water usage, and if the textile has plastics, these could end up in our water supply as microplastics after laundering," says Kurazawa.
If you do decide to buy new, here are some tips for staying eco-friendly: Check for labels like Made in Green by Oeko-Tex, which verifies that the materials, ranging from knitted fabrics to leathers conditioned to last, were sustainably sourced under ethical working conditions and are free of toxins proven to be harmful to health. And for those who prefer the bohemian look over a slick metal layout, go for furniture built with woods that are FSC-certified and have proven durability, like teak, oak, and walnut.
While your local furniture boutique might be full of homegrown fixtures, purchasing an upcycled piece, even if it wasn't made nearby, should be your first consideration. It's the easiest way to reduce pollution and waste while you spruce up your all-in-one home/office/gym, which the planet will thank you for.
HOW TO SOURCE ECO FRIENDLY FURNITURE FOR YOUR SLOW HOME | Conscious Consumerism | Slow Living
The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content.
Apr 26, 2020 (CDN Newswire via Comtex) -- The currently appended report by MarketandResearch.biz with the title Global Commercial Grade Furniture Market Growth 2020-2025 provides access to the research methodology, industry analysis, value chain analysis and market analysis by product, application & geography for the industry worldwide. The report offers an inclusive analysis of the market structure, showcasing the market size, market share, market trends, and development rate. The dynamics of the global Commercial Grade Furniture market such as the drivers and the restraints for the forecasted period from 2020 to 2025 are presented. An up to date analysis, various market segments, major players and all geographical regions till 2025 are covered in the report.
Market Introduction:
The important presence of different regional and local players of the global Commercial Grade Furniture market is tremendously competitive. The report is beneficial to identify the annual revenue of key players, business strategies, key company profiles and their contribution to the market share. The analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand and current market dynamics is carried out in the report. Market largely focuses on prominent facets such as product portfolio, payment channels, service offerings, applications, in addition to technological sophistication. A number of business challenges can be thrown with this excellent market research report.
An All-Inclusive Framework of The Geographical Scope:
The global Commercial Grade Furniture market report covers market shares for global, Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries). The analysis of this report has been used to examine various segments that are relied upon to witness the quickest development based on the estimated forecast frame. Moreover, data associated to the growth opportunities for the market across every detailed region is added in the report. The anticipated growth rate expected to be recorded by each region over the estimated years has been given within the research report.
The study includes the profiles of key players in the market with a significant global and/or regional presence: Quama Furniture Group, Okamura Corporation, Martela, Knoll, Kimball International, Herman Miller, Haworth, KI, HNI Corporation, Kinnarps Holding, Aurora, Steelcase, USM Modular Furniture, Kokuyo, Fursys, Flokk, Teknion, ITOKI, Henglin Chair Industry, Global Furniture Group, Sedus Stoll, Changjiang Furniture Company, EFG, Ahrend, SUNON, Nowy Styl, Uchida Yoko,
On the basis of product type, this report displays the shipments, revenue (Million USD), price, and market share and growth rate of each type: Seating, Tables, Casegood, Others,
On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, shipments, revenue (Million USD), price, and market share and growth rate for each application: Office, Hospitality, Education, Healthcare, Others
ACCESS FULL REPORT:https://www.marketandresearch.biz/report/127518/global-commercial-grade-furniture-market-growth-2020-2025
What Are The Businesses Opportunities For The Investors?
Help to Identify global Commercial Grade Furniture market latest trend and developing drivers
Major progressions and Improvement covered in the report
Useful for SWOT Analysis of the market
Helps to identify market development till 2025
Useful for emerging industry strategies
Help to understand the modest landscape
Latest key developments covered in the report
Customization of the Report:This report can be customized to meet the client's requirements. Please connect with our sales team (sales@marketandresearch.biz), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs. You can also get in touch with our executives on +1-201-465-4211 to share your research requirements.
About Us
Marketandresearch.biz is a leading global Market Research agency providing expert research solutions, trusted by the best. We understand the importance of knowing what global consumers watch and buy, further using the same to document our distinguished research reports. Marketandresearch.biz has worldwide presence to facilitate real market intelligence using latest methodology, best-in-class research techniques and cost-effective measures for world's leading research professionals and agencies. We study consumers in more than 100 countries to give you the most complete view of trends and habits worldwide. Marketsandresearch.biz is a leading provider of Full-Service Research, Global Project Management, Market Research Operations and Online Panel Services.
Contact UsMark StoneHead of Business DevelopmentPhone: +1-201-465-4211Email:sales@marketandresearch.bizWeb:www.marketandresearch.biz
COMTEX_364964011/2657/2020-04-26T16:48:40
The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content.
COVID-19 & Dentistry: Negotiating Your Rent & Operating Cost Obligations
So here comes another fortnight, at the very least, of living in our corona bubbles. And, with any luck, here comes the sun too.
For those enjoying good health and continued income, the warmer weather will be an opportunity to reconsider outdoor spaces and redesign them so they deliver even greater pleasure after the lockdown ends. And online shopping for imaginary gatherings in the garden is a splendid escapist hobby.
It's certainly a pastime popular among clients of high-end garden furniture suppliers such as Neptune, which has seen outdoor sales jump by 167% on this time last year — with a spike in seating, which sounds uncomfortable. At Oka, as well as outdoor dining tables and woven furniture, there's a rush on parasols (proving we
Wayfair Sale: Save Big, Give Back on Furniture and Home Decor | Entertainment Tonight arrow-left-mobilearrow leftarrow-right-mobilearrow rightGroup 7Gallery Icon Copy 2Video Play Button Copy 5Hamburger MenuInstagramYoutubeShare Button7C858890-6955-48EA-B871-66CE1E33590CVideo-Playbutton Copy Skip to main content
Wayfair Sale: Save Big, Give Back on Furniture and Home Decor
Furniture retailer Wayfair is offering up to 80 percent off in one of their biggest sales of the year.
Wayfair is donating 10 percent of the profits from the Save Big, Give Back sale to the Feeding America COVID-19 fund. Wayfair will donate a minimum of $150,000.
We have rounded up the deepest discounts on Wayfair's site. The prices published below, which were current as of press time, might have changed on Wayfair's site.
Up to 70 percent off on outdoor furniture
Tollette 5 Piece Sunbrella Dining Set with Umbrella $194.99 (reg. $354)
Larsen Patio Sectional with Cushions $549.99 (reg. $728.99)
Purington Circular Patio Sectional with Cushions $529.99 (reg. $1,549)
Carly 4 Piece Rattan Sofa Seating Group with Cushions $629.99 (reg. $1,019)
Up to 70 percent off on living room seating
Brittany Sofa Bed $459.99 (reg. $819)
Fitzmaurice Power Lift Assist Recliner $639.99 (reg. $1,425)
Austen Twin 78.5″ Split Back Convertible Sofa $306.99 (reg. $489)
Up to 60 percent off on kitchen and small electrics
Cuisinart 11 Piece Aluminum Non Stick Cookware Set $71.99 (reg. $300)
Hamilton Beach Countertop Blender $39.99 (reg. $59.99)
Rachael Ray Create Delicious 13 Piece Aluminum Non Stick Cookware Set $123.33 (reg. $240)
Black Dash 2 Qt Compact Air Fryer $41.65 (reg. $99.99)
Up to 80 percent off on area rugs
Brandt Oriental Blue Area Rug $20.99 (reg. $78)
Wyona Abstract Light Gray Area Rug $53.99 (reg. $207)
Bonney Geometric Light Gray/Charcoal/White Area Rug $39.99 (reg. $131)
Up to 65 percent off on mattresses
Wayfair Sleep 8" Medium Gel Memory Foam Mattress $129.99 (reg. $499.99)
Wayfair Sleep 12" Medium Memory Foam Mattress $233.99 (reg. $699.99)
The bees are a-buzzing, the flowers are blossoming and the sun is (sometimes) shining and that can only mean one thing - summer is almost here. And, while we're all spending our time at home right now, what better way to celebrate than by turning your garden into an outdoor sanctuary?
There's nothing more soul-soothing than eating alfresco on a balmy, blue-skied day and, whether you're eating as a pair, solo, or with a big brood, there's an outdoor dining set to suit everyone.
Habitat's new collaboration with the Rich brothers has organic, earthy textures covered, as well as colour-pop bistro sets, which you can also find over at John Lewis. Statement luxury tables and sets for all the family can be found at Barker & Stonehouse and Rust Collections while, if it's affordable chic you're after, Argos Home and Amazon are always a safe bet. Head over to Cox & Cox for all things Scandi if you like your furniture Nordic but nice.
Best garden parasols 2020
Looking for some feet-up-and-flop action? There's stylish sun loungers galore from elegant neutral options at La Redoute and affordable (and foldable) chic at George Home, to a little cushioned indulgence at Very. So, whether you have a small but perfectly-formed patio or a big garden, we've got you - and your outdoor space - covered.
And, when you just want to reach over for your next tipple or find a cool reading nook to curl up in, there's also beautiful bar trolleys and hanging chairs, too. Time to get some fresh air…
When the Rich brothers, David and Harry Rich of Rich Landscapes (and popular makeover show Garden Rescue),team up with Habitat on an outdoor furniture collection, what do you get? Style in abundance, of course.The pair translated their natural-meets-modern aesthetic into a range of chic yet affordable garden pieces. Inspired by the Welsh countryside. This dining table, bench and chairs set is crafted with slatted acacia wood and a metal frame for a perfect partnering that will add a contemporary touch to any garden or patio. Long, lazy al fresco lunches never looked so good.
£1,025 | Habitat
House by John Lewis Salsa 2-Seater Garden Sofa, Aegean Ombre
Pep-up your patio with a vibrant splash of Club Tropicana colours. Get hot Cuban salsa night vibes without setting foot out of your own garden with this gorgeous statement sofa.
Made with durable steel and a dense-weave rattan, it's weather-resistant as well as mighty pretty. Want to shop the whole look? The matching House by John Lewis salsa garden coffee table in orange sunrise is available at £110, and the House by John Lewis salsa garden chair (set of two) in orange sunrise is available for £140. There's even a rocking chair to match.
£120 | John Lewis
Napoli rope effect sofa set - Very
Outdoor sofa sets don't always come cheap, but if it's affordable chic you're looking for, we've found it. This on-trend yet timeless set channels laidback California cool, and the neutral shade will add contemporary class to your outdoor decor. The steel tube frame and thick polyester cushions mean it's also durable and weather-resistant. Did we mention it comes with the coffee table included? It's a deal.
£499.99 | Very
Camden garden bistro table and chairs set, dusty green - John Lewis & Partners
It's no wonder this pocket rocket patio bistro set is John Lewis bestseller… It ticks all the boxes for style and substance. Made from powder coated steel and weather-resistant? Check. Arrives fully assembled? Check. Easy to fold up and put away? Check. Available in on-trend dusty green or steel grey? Check, check, check. Perfect for patios, balconies and terraces for breakfast, lunch and dinner for two.
£79 | John Lewis
Best garden hammocks for 2020 to help you relax outdoors Aurette eucalyptus and fabric sun lounger - La Redoute
Strike a pose on this stylish sun lounger in contemporary neutrals that will suit any space. With an adjustable recliner for prime reading or snoozing position, it's crafted with a textile seat and a high-quality FSC-certified eucalyptus frame, which is naturally insect and fungi-resistant. Now all we need is sunshine… Oh, and a swimming pool would be nice too.
£144 | La Redoute *on sale from £170
Ala Mesh 4-seat garden dining table and chairs set, bronze - John Lewis
Gather round this sociable outdoor dining table and chairs set for everything from al fresco feasts to family-fun games time, or after-dinner drinks. Not only does it look cool, it's also built to last, being made with hardwearing interwoven steel that's year-round weather-resistant, as well as being scratch-proof. The chairs are handily stackable, and surprisingly comfortable, too.
£579 | John Lewis
Best garden furniture deals: make the most of outdoor space Indoor outdoor hanging egg chair - Ella James
Stylishly swing your way through summer in this ultra-cool hanging chair that fuses an on-point industrial look with supreme cosy comfort. Crafted from a robust rattan-effect material, it's weather-resistant as well as good looking. And when the summer sun turns off? Move it inside and give your interiors an extra edge.
£395 | Ella James
Tice garden dining bench set, grey - Made
Add a dash of industrial chic to your outdoor space with this sleek, modern metal dining table and bench set. It's a fantastic choice if you're on a budget and, as it's a six-seater, is even big enough to fit the whole family all at once. Got a veritable brood? Pop a chair at each end to make it an eight-person powerhouse. We love the grey, but if you're more of a colour-burst fan there's also teal, green, and chartreuse to choose from.
£299 | Made
Woburn concrete dining table and bench - Rust Collections
Create a real garden oasis with this luxurious outdoor concrete dining table that not only looks totally on-trend, it's also built to last. Crafted with a powder coated steel frame (durable and rust-resistant) and micro-resin top (UV-protected and wipe-clean), it oozes some serious Mediterranean-meets-Miami vibes, and has balmy, breezy breakfasts, brunches and lunches all wrapped up.
Create a cosy, comfortable and stylish outdoor dining scene with this warm-toned acacia wood table and chairs set. The on-trend grey cushions ensure you've always got a plush spot to perch your posterior, and the whole thing is foldable so you can store it away when it's not in use - extra space-saving points for smaller areas. And all for under £500? Sold.
£499.99 | Wayfair
Green Leaf Print Outdoor Folding Sunbeds 2 Pack
If you're working with a small space, it's important to invest in versatile products that really meet your needs. Foldable outdoor furniture is always a good bet for posing on patios. These lush leaf-print sun loungers will add a little kitsch styling to your garden decor, as well as an injection of colour. And when you're done soaking up the sun? Just snap them shut and store them away.
£50 | George Home
Porto Dining Set - Cox & Cox
Scandi-style lovers will go nuts over this new outdoor dining set from Cox & Cox. Inspired by the sun-bleached landscape of Portugal, it features a grey-washed acacia wood top and powder coated iron frame, making it the perfect combination of pretty and practical. This set will ensure you spend more time in the great outdoors enjoying everything alfresco.
£795 | Cox & Cox
Hathaway garden corner dining set with ice bucket and rising table - Barker & Stonehouse
A garden sofa set that turns into a dining set? Yes, please. This super-stylish grey rattan set can take you from casual conversation to fine dining in seconds with its handy transforming coffee table that rises up into a dining version. With an extra stool and seating for eight, this is one for large gardens and big families or, when normal service resumes, a great option if you love to entertain. There's even an ice bucket included for your bubbles. Bliss.
£1,399 | Barker & Stonehouse
Orange 2 seater metal folding bistro set - Habitat
Add a splash of the bold and the beautiful to your outdoor space with this patio-perfect coral-coloured bistro set. The ideal sunny spot for taking your morning coffee and catching up with a loved one. So cute, you'll be keen to head outside whatever the weather…
£95 | Habitat
Brehat wooden garden table and two benches - Maisons du Monde
Take lunch on the terrace every day with the whole family thanks to this earthy rustic-chic wooden table and bench set. Ideal for modern farmhouse-style fans, it boasts authentic, back-to-nature appeal that's so on-trend - all at a very palatable price. Do remember that this is crafted from pine, which is a soft wood, so it will certainly need covering during winter to maintain its good looks.
£324 | Maisons du Monde
Round drinks trolley - Garden Trading
Picture this: you're ultra-comfy on your sun lounger, feet up, music on, magazine open, before you realise you're missing one essential ingredient - the all-important drink. There'll be no pesky trips to the kitchen from your outdoor relaxation station thanks to this cool new drinks trolley where you can stylishly display everything you need for your very own garden party. Pop your ice and mixers on the bottom and use the top to serve (yourself, and hopefully friends later on). Finished in powder coated steel, it's ideal for outdoor use but we'd take it inside for winter and use it for fireside fizz. Bliss, no matter where you put it.
£48 | Garden Trading *on sale from £60
Monaco bamboo style 3 piece egg chair set - Studio
This rattan-effect bistro table and chair set channels elegant Scandi style at a very purse-happy price. Whether you want to play a game, or simply enjoy coffee and a croissant in the sun, this outdoor furniture set is a purchase you won't regret. Add a couple of lanterns and an outdoor rug for a supra-stylish outdoor sanctuary.
£129.99 | Studio
Rope Cube 8 Seater Patio Set - Argos Home
Thought you couldn't have an eight-seater outdoor dining set on a terrace or patio? Think again. Argos has come to the rescue with a set that, when not in use, tucks neatly into a small cube shape. But when everyone's ready to to tuck into a BBQ, or play Trivial Pursuit in the garden, it can cater to your needs. The chic rope-weaved finish transports you to the South of France… Just add a glass of rosé and your ooh-la-la garden goals are complete.
£475 | Argos
Nerja 5 piece garden dining set
Crank up the barbecue, turn up the tunes and gather round for an outdoor feast at this affordable-yet-stylish garden dining set.
Wooden-effect legs are actually made of no-rust aluminium, and the gorgeous string chairs feature a handwoven rope design. The seat cushions are removable for easy cleaning while the glass table top offers fuss-free maintenance, too. Gorgeous botanical print outdoor cushion also available from Asda.
Whose turn is it to cook?
£449 | George at Asda
BROMMÖ outdoor lounger
Who says you have to spend a fortune for stylish garden furniture? These outdoor string loungers would make a cool addition to any terrace and can be easily folded away when not in use.
Perfect for an outdoor cuppa, chinwag, snooze or reading spot. Love the look? The Applaro outdoor bench, wall panel and shelf unit is also available from Ikea for £88.
£40 | Ikea
Outdoor drinks trolley
Did somebody say garden party? Make sure you're fully stocked and prepared with this handy - and stylish - outdoor drinks trolley.
Crafted in durable powder coated steel, it's finished in a trendy charcoal shade, and features two wheels so you can take the party around the patio.
Use the lower shelf to hold bottles, mixers and ice and the top for serving guests. You'll be the hostess with the mostest.
£95 | Garden Trading
Fiji Magic Apple Day Bed
A stylish outdoor day bed that comes in the shape of an apple — what more could you ask for while baking in the sun with a good book and gin?
When it's opened, the stalk acts as a stand for the top section and can be put in three different positions, so you can recline to read a book, take a nap or have a meal.
Made to look and feel like natural rattan, it's durable, won't fade and can be left outside all year round.
£899.99 | The Garden Furniture Centre
Verdict:
The new Rich brothers collection for Habitat has cast its stylish spell on us, and the luxe-for-less Rolio garden dining set is a true highlight. We love how it mixes a bench with chairs for a cohesive look that's also not too matchy-matchy, and the style is earthy, organic, timeless and trendy - all at a reasonable price.
ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
More about: | garden furniture | garden table | outdoor | aldi rattan garden furniture | rattan | parasols
Best Outdoor Patio Furniture In 2020 – Top Rated Outdoor Furniture!
This is Ryu Jong-dae, a South Korean furniture designer based in Seoul.
His unlikely go-to material? Cornstarch.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"After the process of grinding dehydrated corn finely into a starch form and then solidifying it, it turns into solid coil which can be used for designing and producing by using a 3D printer."
As plastic increasingly becomes an environmental pariah, a growing number of furniture and homeware designers are experimenting with bioplastic, a green alternative made from renewable sources.
Vegetable fats and oils, seaweed, fish scales, and cornstarch have all been deployed in the quest to protect the Earth from plastic pollution.
44-year-old Ruy is among the pioneering designers.
His collection of side tables made of cornstarch was launched in 2019.
And it's not just the material that's worth mentioning.
All of Ruy's furniture is also 3D-printed.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"One of the reasons I work with 3D printers is because I was contemplating how to reduce waste that comes from the creative process. But you still waste materials even if you use it (a 3D printer). If I throw these (leftover materials) out, that would just be more trash, so I gather them to design products that actually have a function."
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"Digital crafting is meaningful, because it expands the scope of work from existing crafts by using new materials, such as bioplastics. It also reduces waste that comes from the creative process and helps the global environment by using eco-friendly materials."
The World Bank said humans generated 242 million tons of plastic waste in 2016.
In South Korea, more than 8.2 million tons of plastic waste were produced in 2018, according to the Korea Environment Corporation.
Plastic production has surged in recent decades, leading to widespread use of inexpensive disposable products that are having a devastating effect on the environment.
Story continues
Most commonly used plastic made from petroleum does not biodegrade.
Instead, it may take hundreds of years for it to decompose into smaller pieces.
Bioplastics, on the other hand, can be naturally broken down in certain environment.
Ruy says he has started to experiment with other kinds of bioplastics, including one derived from shrimp shells.
SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"I think bioplastics made from shrimp shells and fish scales are very close to being commercialized. I'd like to work with those new bioplastics, and I'd also like to work with recycled plastic from fishing nets or other marine waste to create artwork using 3D printers or other digital technologies."
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"The resources that we use now are finite, so I think artists should care about the way of reducing waste when they design and make products for the public."
South Korean artist crafts cornstarch furniture - Reuters
DOWAGIAC, MI -- A furniture manufacturer in Southwest Michigan is permanently reducing its workforce after a forced closure related to the coronavirus.
Ameriwood Industries, a furniture manufacturer in Dowagiac, permanently laid off 79 employees and will repurpose its facility into a distribution center, according to paperwork filed with the state of Michigan April 13.
"This reduction is a result of a significant downturn in our business and has become immediately necessary due to the halt in business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the governor of Michigan's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order, which has shut us down almost entirely," the company wrote in the notice to the state of the change to its workforce.
The company is permanently laying off three salaried professionals and 76 hourly employees, the letter stated.
The manufacturer's parent company, Dorel, was "forced to make some hard financial decisions" and will repurpose the Dowagiac facility from a manufacturing operation to a distribution and warehouse operation supporting the parent company.
Production operations located in Dowagiac will be moved to other facilities and the local facility will be converted to a Midwest Distribution Center, the company said.
"This means a drastic change to the number of employees that will be needed going forward and the permanent elimination of a large number of jobs in Dowagiac effective immediately," the company said.
Businesses across the state are cutting staff and closing doors amid the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting executive order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer instructing Michiganders to "stay home" expect for very limited "essential" purposes.
Other than those working for essential businesses, employees are mandated to stay home while officials fight the spread of COVID-19. As of Monday, April 20, there are more than 31,000 cases of the coronavirus in Michigan and nearly 2,400 deaths.
CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.
Also on MLive:
Monday, April 20: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan
1,489 Four Winds Casinos employees on furlough during mandated closure
Michigan lawmakers express concern at lack of federal help for state's small businesses
Uber Lays Off Employees In LA - Rideshare Company Downsizing - Gig Economy News
On the go and no time to finish that story right now? Your News is the place for you to save content to read later from any device. Register with us and content you save will appear here so you can access them to read later.
Leicester midfielder James Maddison insists he is "very, very happy" at the club and says he already feels like "part of the furniture".
The 23-year-old has been previously linked with a move to Manchester United and is believed to be a player United's recruitment team have run the rule over this season.
However, Maddison - who has scored nine goals in all competitions this season - appears to have dispelled any suggestions he might leave the club in the near future.
"If I think back four years ago, I was on loan at Aberdeen from Norwich and now I'm playing every week in the Premier League and that's all I always wanted to do," he told LCFC TV.
"It's been a whirlwind two years and I've loved every second of it. I feel right at home at Leicester. I feel like part of the furniture already and I love it here.
"I love the lads, I love the fans, [we've got] a great manager, so I'm very, very happy."
Maddison: I'm doing more exercise!
With the Premier League indefinitely postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Maddison says he is using his time wisely during lockdown.
"I'm doing all good, as well as I can," he said. "Obviously it's tough and strange times for everyone at the minute, but it is what it is.
Premier League clubs met on Friday via video call and all 20 were committed to finishing the season with no cut-off date discussed
"You've just got to get on with it and stay at home, obviously, and follow the guidelines and stuff. I'm just cracking on with stuff at home really.
"It's important that we keep fit, so we've obviously been getting sent the individual programmes off the sports science and the conditioning team at Leicester.
"For the first time in my life, I'm actually trying to do more exercise than what I actually need to do because there's nothing else to do! I'm trying to fill time slots."
'Maddison has personality of a big player'
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers joined The Football Show this week to discuss being a manager under lockdown, and he also reserved special praise for Maddison.
"He's got a self-belief, but I have to say, he is a wonderful boy. He's got the personality of a big player, he has that belief," Rodgers said.
"I was interested to be able to work with James, I'd seen him from afar as a young player and I'd seen his move from Norwich to Leicester so I was keen to see how he would work close up.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers says Maddison has 'the personality of a big player'
"But this is a boy who loves football. He thinks about the game, he watches the game, he just loves it and he wants to be better.
"He's been a joy to work with and it's a joy to see him constantly improving, but there's no doubt his personality is a big part of what he is.
"He's a super professional, how he prepares himself every single day and what's important as well, with players like that, is you don't want to kill their joy and their spirit.
"They have to toe the line in terms of the team but you don't want to take away that individuality, that personality and that quality because that's what makes up a fantastic team."
Watch The Football Show every weekday from 9-11am on Sky Sports News and Sky Sports Premier League and get involved using #SkyFootballShow
Maddison on ankle injury; gives strong indication about Leicester future | Astro SuperSport
Yahoo Life is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Now that we're all spending more time at home, it's impossible not to look around and notice everything you want to change. Your living room needs better light, your desk chair isn't comfy enough for an entire work day, and your rug is tired.
But with massive shipping delays at Amazon, it makes sense to look elsewhere to jazz up your place. We scoured the internet for sales and found nine awesome pieces to transform your home without putting a noticeable dent in your wallet.
Done with working from the kitchen table or the couch? It's time for a proper desk. This elegant teak option features unique O-frame metal legs in a powder-coated white finish for durability.
Shop it: O-Frame Modern Computer Desk Teak Gray, $118 with code SPRING (was $154), target.com
This chair looks like it came straight from Scandinavia. With hardwood arms and classic woven upholstery, you can add it to your seating arrangement for a bit of midcentury flair or use it to replace that uncomfortable dining chair you've been "borrowing" for work.
Shop it: Langley Street Derryaghy Armchair, $167 (was $315), wayfair.com
With a marble base and fabric shade, this sculptural beauty will add a dynamic look to any room—and it costs way less than a big piece of art.
At an eye-opening $254 off, this closeout is begging to be added to your cart. The C-shaped side table with a frosted glass top is designed to hug your favorite sofa or reading chair.
Shop it: Caceres Glass Top C Table, $61 (was $315), wayfair.com
Lend an organic feel to any room with this natural woven rug. Handwoven of jute, it's virtually maintenance free and looks amazing on its own or layered with a cowhide on top.
Stop everything: This lounger is $461 off. So if you're thinking of upgrading your outdoor space, build it around this super elegant solid wood number.
With midcentury vibes, this majorly discounted structured chair with a stainless steel base will modernize your living space without overpowering other pieces.
Shop it: Armen Living Chandler Chair in Dark Grey, $386 (was $644), bedbathandbeyond.com
At $136 off, this small-space sanity saver is a steal. Use it as a coffee station in the kitchen or to keep those bottles of wine all in one place. With a practical butcher-block top, a metal storage basket, and a handy drawer, it's a versatile must-have.
Shop it: Berinda Multifunction Bar Cart, $83 (was $219), wayfair.com
Read More from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day
Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle's newsletter.
Top 10 Creative Ideas That Will Make Your House Awesome.
Furniture shopping can be an exciting, yet daunting task. Sometimes the amount of choices can stress me out more than anything. When I was looking for my new apartment, I spent hours online browsing endless retailers, but it turns out, a ton of a great options were hiding at Target. Every time I visited the store I saw a handful of nice items, but its site has thousands of even more choices. To help you shop its best selection too, I curated a list of my favorite picks right now.
Ahead, you can shop everything from chic sofas to cool accent chairs and even desks for working at home. All these stylish pieces have one thing in common: they're affordable and won't break the bank. Plus, they're delivered right to doorstep, making redecorating easier than ever. Keep reading to shop my top picks and see which ones fit in your space.
Rebecca Zamolo Official New House Tour! (Found Secret Hidden Room Using Extreme Everyday Objects)
You don't have to own a pool to find something you want at Sunset Pool and Patio in New Albany.
The business, located at 510 E. Main St., has a large selection of high-quality, comfortable outdoor furniture.
Sunset Pool and Patio is owned by husband and wife Jason and Amanda Butler, who bought the business last year from Kathy Chism, who is now a state senator.
Chism opened the storefront in 2018, but her time in the pool business goes back about 25 years. She still helps the Butlers out with the business since she has been the "backbone" of the operation for so long, said Jason.
Prior to the Butlers buying the business, Amanda was working as a registered nurse for New Albany Medical Group. Amanda stopped working as an RN to work in the business full time. Jason also owns Empowered Electrical and Plumbing in New Albany.
The polymer patio furniture at the business is well-made and very comfortable. Loungers, swings, high-top tables, gliders and rocker gliders that rock and swivel are among the furniture items available at the business.
"We have a big variety of furniture" said Jason, adding that it comes in various colors and styles.
The patio furniture is good for people who do not even have a pool, he noted. The furniture can work well on the front porch, patio or even around a fire. The polymer furniture does not corrode, rot or lose its color, said Jason.
"It's good heavy furniture," he said.
Jason and Amanda live in Myrtle, and they graduated from Myrtle Attendance Center. They both attended Itawamba Community College, where Jason got a degree in electrical technology and Amanda got a degree to be an RN.
Amanda has done a great job learning the business at Sunset Pool and Patio, said Jason. Prior to them taking over the business from Chism, Jason was already installing above-ground pools. Chism has been a family friend for years and helped them learn about the pool and patio business.
"It's a new adventure for us, but we're excited about it and want to offer a good service at a fair price," said Jason. "It's been good so far."
Jason also worked at American Family Radio for about 13 years in the engineering department. But he left there to start his electrical, plumbing and gas business in Union County.
Sunset Pool and Patio has a great group of people who work for the business, he added.
He said he would "absolutely" recommend that people get a pool because it provides fun for the whole family. Whereas a vacation only lasts a few days, a pool is around for years, he said. Children can also enjoy a pool if everything is done safely, he said.
Amanda and Jason have two children—Wyatt, 11 and Waylon 4.
Jason encourages people to think about using their stimulus money to put in a pool or to fix up an existing pool.
Moreover, Jason noted that Sunset Pool and Patio is locally owned and operated. He said he and his wife are just everyday people trying to make a living.
Sunset Pool and Patio provides a full range of services related to pools. For instance, the business can help people open their pools for the summer and close them down for the winter. Opening the pool for the season includes making sure it is treated with the right chemicals so the water is balanced and ready to swim in.
If the water is not properly balanced it can affect the pool by breaking down the liner, said Jason. When a pool has dull water it probably does not have the right chemical balance, he noted.
The business can also help people winterize their pools for the off season and close them down. Installing in-ground and above-ground pools as well as fiberglass pools are other services provided by the business, which also does pool repairs.
Sunset Pool and Patio keeps parts, chemicals and other items in stock. There are even robotic cleaners that can be dropped in the pool. The business also sells floats, hammocks and toys.
Sunset Pool and Patio is closed Tuesday and Sunday. During the weekdays it is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The business can be reached at 662-539-7122.
RV Slide Topper What You Should Know! (With Keep Your Daydream)
Mr. Rubin, who with his wife founded a business in a single Quincy location that has grown into a series of stores that stretch from South Portland, Maine, to Hyannis, died in Florida Monday of COVID-19. He was 82.
"I have a lot of respect for somebody who can start a business from scratch and stick with it and make it prosper and create a legacy for his family, which Bernie did with a lot of class," said Ed Ansin, owner of WHDH-TV, Channel 7. "Bernie was a great patriarch. He loved his family."
Ansin, a longtime friend, often accompanied Mr. Rubin to sporting events, where the Bernie in the commercials was the same Bernie in the next seat.
"We went to Red Sox games, Patriots games, Celtics games," Ansin said. "He was just a wonderful human being. Everybody loved Bernie. He had a great personality and a nice way about him."
Having entered the furniture business as a teenager, cleaning the store for which his father drove a truck, Mr. Rubin worked seven days a week after he and his wife launched Bernie & Phyl's in 1983.
The work demands didn't show on TV, where his enthusiasm made commercials memorable.
"He had a presence and felt very comfortable with the camera," said Terrie Brown, a senior account executive at WBZ-TV, Channel 4, who handled Bernie & Phyl's advertising. "He worked the camera and the camera loved him."
By appearing in years of commercials, the Rubins "became household names. They became a brand into themselves," said Bill Fine, president and general manager WCVB-TV, Channel 5. "The fact that people liked them and trusted them was probably one of the most important factors in their success."
As the company expanded, the couple's three children joined the business. Larry Rubin is now chief executive, Rob Rubin is president of merchandising and marketing, and Michelle Pepe is director of community relations.
In turn, Mr. Rubin and his wife became more involved in philanthropic efforts.
Phyl Rubin was diagnosed in the early 1970s with multiple sclerosis, and the couple worked to raise funding for research and increase awareness.
They recorded public service announcements, and the Greater New England chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society honored her in 2010 with the MS Hope Award at its MileStones Gala.
Mr. Rubin, meanwhile, was forthright in persuading business associates and friends to contribute to charities he supported.
"He made sure people knew a cause was important to him," Fine said.
And yet, Fine added, Mr. Rubin made his case without being overbearing.
"He was without question one of the kindest, warmest, friendliest, gentlemen I've ever met," Fine said.
Born in Boston on Dec. 17, 1937, Mr. Rubin grew up in Mattapan and was 4 when his mother died.
His father was a milkman, and Mr. Rubin told Furniture World Magazine in 2012 that he helped out on his father's Boston delivery route, carrying milk upstairs in three-deckers.
When his father started driving a truck for a furniture business, Mr. Rubin began running errands for the business when he was 13, and also cleaned floors and polished furniture in the store.
It was then that he began planning for the day when he could open his own furniture store.
As a high school senior, Mr. Rubin met Phyllis Segal when a friend brought him to her Sweet 16 birthday party. They fell in love and within months were inseparable.
As a commuter student at Northeastern University, from which he graduated, Mr. Rubin kept daily contact with Phyl, proposing when he was 19 and she was 17. They married a year later, in 1958.
Initially after college, Mr. Rubin joined his father's furniture trucking business. Over the years, he and his wife lived in Randolph and Sharon.
The Rubins had three children and were in their 40s when they launched Bernie & Phyl's in 1983, in Quincy. By then, she was also several years into her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and together they worked seven days a week, side by side, building their business.
Expanding a location at a time, the Rubins — later joined by their children —turned the original store into a chain. More than 400 people are now employed at locations that include Braintree, Hyannis, Natick, Raynham, Saugus, and Westborough, as well as South Portland, Maine, and Nashua and Newington, N.H.
The Rubins drew praise for their ability to bring their children — and more recently the next generation — into their business.
When the time arrived to let his children take leadership roles, Mr. Rubin was "the kind of parent who said, 'You know what? I love you all. It's your turn,' " said Kerry Lebensburger, senior vice president of Ashley Furniture. "His strength was that he believed in his kids. I don't think there's anything more a father can do."
Along with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mr. Rubin and his wife supported causes and agencies such as the Pine Street Inn, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, and the Home for Little Wanderers.
In addition to their financial contributions, they provided furniture for Roxbury Village — transitional housing the Home for Little Wanderers runs for young adults aging out of foster care, said Rick Houpt, the agency's manager of corporate relations.
And Mr. Rubin periodically hosted up to 20 children at Fenway Park for baseball game outings known as Bernie's Baseball Buddies.
These are kids who don't get to go to Fenway ever. That's an enriching experience for them," said Houpt, who added that Mr. Rubin "was a special guy."
For Mr. Rubin, sharing his good fortune with others was important.
"We are the luckiest people," he told The Boston Globe in 2010, when his wife went public with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. "There's a lot of ups and downs in life. Nothing ever goes smoothly. But when all is said and done, we've had a nice ride."
Information was not immediately available regarding a service for Mr. Rubin, who in addition to his wife and three children leaves 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
With a gift for friendship and a love sports, particularly baseball, Mr. Rubin and a companion at a game "could easily fill all nine innings with conversation," Fine said. "Bernie was as great at answering questions as he was with asking them.
And perhaps inevitably, given how recognizable he was from his TV commercials, work sometimes followed Mr. Rubin into the ballpark.
"We were at a Red Sox game one time and there was a family that sat behind us — a couple of young boys, they were probably 10 or 12," Ansin recalled. "Bernie was sitting right in front of these two boys, and I turned to them and said, 'Do you know you have a celebrity in front of you?' Bernie turned around to see them, and the boys immediately started singing, 'Quality, comfort, and price – that's nice!' "
Bryan Marquard can be reached at bryan.marquard@globe.com.
Though there's no doubt that the current COVID-19 situation remains a pandemic, certain European countries, including Italy, are at least starting to imagine and plan for what life after a lockdown would look like. Though restrictions remain in place, a makeshift consortium of Italian design and furniture brands have come together to ask for the chance to get back to work, warning of dire consequences for the industry should a shutdown continue much longer.
Last week, representatives from nine Italian firms—B&B Italia, Bisazza, Boffi, Cappellini, Cassina, Flexform, Giorgetti, Molteni Group, and Poltrona Frau—issued a manifesto asking to reopen production efforts April 14. On April 10, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte extended Italy's full lockdown to at least May 3. While some governmental concessions are set to allow timber companies and book shops to get back to work, factories are still closed for the time being.
The Italian firms are worried that a mounting backlog of orders and competition from other countries with fewer current restrictions on production could end up causing long-term devastation to Italy's famed furniture industry. If the chance to get back to work is delayed much longer, the manifesto warns, "We could lose 20–30% of our industrial heritage and witness serious damage to the industry. All of this would inevitably result in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs." In conclusion, the group asserts that "it could take 20–30 years to recover what we would lose in a few weeks."
Become an AD PRO Member
Buy now for unlimited access and all of the benefits that only members get to experience.
Arrow
Though the idea of large-scale furniture and design production may seem odd at a time when the country's death toll is reportedly still rising, the petitioning firms point to several structural characteristics of furniture production and sales that could make it possible to get back to work while maintaining social distancing. Beyond more typical measures, like the use of certified personal protective equipment, temperature scanning, and regular deep cleanings, the companies note that "our plants are safe spaces, thanks to the layout of the production areas that respects social distancing." Additionally, the location of their factories allow employees to reach work without relying on public transportation.
Furthermore, the firms believe it's possible to safely operate furniture showrooms with some restrictions still in place. "We usually have very large shop floors with a small and distributed influx of people, not at all concentrated at the same time. The risk of overcrowding is practically nonexistent," the manifesto reads, adding that they're willing to adopt a temporary appointment-only model if need be. The manifesto's signatories note that they've already banded together to request a 50% rent moratorium for the rest of 2020 on all of their rented properties across the world. But convincing the Italian government of their need to prevent COVID-19 from becoming an "industrial and economic catastrophe that would destroy thousands of businesses" may prove more difficult.
AD PRO is currently offering free access to all news stories about the coronavirus outbreak.
A Shropshire couple have decided to downsize from their spacious, Grade-II listed farmhouse - but instead of putting the property on the market, the pair are to hold a prize draw and intend to give tens of thousands of pounds to charity.
Nigel and Jane Chalenor have lived in their six-bedroom farmhouse for 18 years and now it is time to move on. Set in three acres of land, the house is located in the village of Loppington, 10 miles from Shrewsbury.
The house is set on three acres of land (Photo: winmydreamhome.co.uk)
Hot tub and lawn mower thrown in
Three independent valuations have put the farmhouse at £630,000 to £650,000, the couple said. They want to raise an additional £100,000 on top of the property's value and donate 10 per cent of all ticket sales to the Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury, which has cared for several of their family members and friends.
The new owners will enjoy scenic views and plenty of space. What's more, the Chalenors are throwing in all the furniture too. Top features include a four-oven Aga, an oak garden room and a solid wood kitchen. A hot tub and ride-on mower are also included in the prize.
Fancy winning a 6-bedroom farmhouse set in three acres of 🌳land and 💐gardens? Well, why not try your luck🤞Two of our supporters, Nigel and Jane are not only supporting us from their sofa, they are throwing one into their raffle for their Grade II listed, furnished farmhouse in north Shropshire too.They have decided to raffle off Grafton Farmhouse, which has been their home for the past 18 years.And they are giving us 10 per cent of the total from the raffle ticket sales. They both have both been hit by the coronavirus and their son and daughter are key workers. Jane said: "In recent years Severn Hospice has been there for our friends and family at the worst moments in their lives. We know how much Severn Hospice takes the pressure off the NHS. In this dire time, we felt we all need some hope and being able to make a difference on this scale makes all the sense in the world." The stunning farmhouse is the perfect country retreat – scenic views, space for 🐓chickens and 🐕dogs and a beautiful, furnished home complete with a four-oven Aga, an oak garden room and a solid wood kitchen. A hot tub and ride-on mower are also included in the prize. The raffle opened today and tickets cost just £2 each. The raffle is set to close on May 31 with a live draw on June 3.Go to winmydreamhome.co.uk or facebook.com/winmydreamhome.co.uk to enter and for more information.
Posted by Severn Hospice on Friday, April 10, 2020Valued hospice
The Chalenors, who have two adult children, were previously foster carers - they have looked after 22 youngsters - and want to downsize and work with deprived communities.
Ms Chalenor said: "In recent years Severn Hospice has been there for our friends and family at the worst moments in their lives.
"We know how much Severn Hospice takes the pressure off the NHS. In this dire time, we felt we all need some hope and being able to make a difference on this scale makes all the sense in the world."
The raffle opened this weekend, with tickets costing £2 each. It will close on 31 May and a live draw will take place on 3 June. Participants can enter by visiting the website.
Shropshire couple to raffle off £650,000 home, complete with furniture and hot tub, for charity
FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2006, file photo a person drive through the gates of a federal prison in Oakdale, La. The federal Bureau of Prisons is locking all its 146,000 inmates in their cells for the next two weeks in an unparalleled effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, as the focus shifts to the Louisiana compound, where two inmates have died and nearly 20 others remain hospitalized. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File) (Photo: Rogelio V. Solis, AP)
This investigation was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletters, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
As the coronavirus spread across the country, Patrick Jones kept reporting to his job in the textile factory at the federal prison in Oakdale, Louisiana.
He'd worked there for years, sewing tidy buttonholes on government uniforms. Though the highly contagious virus was creeping into prisons by mid-March, Jones and his fellow inmates were working without masks, according to interviews with family and prisoners who knew him.
He collapsed on March 19 and was taken to a hospital. About a week later, he died from COVID-19.
Shortly after his death, the pandemic's first in a federal Bureau of Prisons facility, the agency announced a nationwide 14-day "lockdown," saying inmates would be mostly kept in their cells to decrease the spread of the virus.
But prisoners in several locations were still reporting to work at Unicor, a federal program that runs prison factories, as the number of infections grew and those stricter rules were announced, The Marshall Project learned through interviews with dozens of prisoners, their families and correctional officers. Some factories were still running this week.
They said factories operating deep into March as the pandemic spread were making office furniture in Florida and stamping and shipping license plates in Maryland, which some prisoners and relatives criticized as non-essential functions.
Some textile factories remain open still, though they have turned to making face masks, according to workers and their relatives. But some of the prisoners at those jobs said they did not get their first paper face masks until this week, as did the correctional officers who supervise them.
A inmate works at the Edgefield Federal Correctional Institution Monday, July 8, 2019, in Edgefiled, S.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (Photo: AP)
Running the factories left many prisoners unable to keep social distance, and risked spreading the virus around a prison or infecting people from outside the prison who do business with the factories. The practice also appears to go against special guidelines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued March 23 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 behind bars.
Bureau of Prison officials did not respond to detailed questions about the assertions the prisoners and their families made, which Unicor facilities were still running and what kind of safety precautions were being taken for workers.
Jeff Ormsby, a union leader for state prison employees in Texas who spent 25 years working for the Bureau of Prisons, including as a Unicor supervisor, said letting some factories run as long as they did seemed irresponsible.
"I'm real big on Unicor, but they need to shut it down during this," he said, calling for a complete lockdown of the factories, except those making masks.
To provide our community with important public safety information, our newsroom is making stories related to the coronavirus free to read. To support important local journalism like this, please consider becoming a digital subscriber.
"It's a factory, social distancing is almost impossible in there as well—it's no different (than) inmates working on the rec yard or the dining hall," he said.
To be sure, a number of Unicor prison factories have been shut down. Plants stopped running last week in federal facilities in Michigan, Texas and New Jersey, according to family members of the prisoners who work there. And producing masks to help protect others from COVID-19 is an admirable use of the textile factory workers' skills, their families said. But they worry that their relatives are not being properly protected while making them.
Unicor, historically called Federal Prison Industries, is a nearly 90-year-old program to employ the incarcerated in more than 50 factories that made $531 million in sales last year, according to its annual report. The program's goal is "to reduce undesirable inmate idleness" and provide prisoners jobs skills. Unicor pays for its operations from sales of its products and services, not using taxpayer dollars.
Federal Corrections Institute in Three Rivers. (Photo: Alexandria Rodriguez/Caller-Times)
It's a big business, employing more than 17,000 prisoners who earn between 23 cents and $1.15 per hour for their work, making it one of the better paying gigs behind bars.
When bureau officials announced the two-week lockdown, starting April 1, they said group gatherings would be limited "to the extent practical to facilitate commissary, laundry, showers, telephone" and access to some computers.
Several factories across the country were operating in late March, and some even past the lockdown announcement, said the prisoners, families and guards.
At the Cumberland federal prison in western Maryland, dozens of men who make license plates in a Unicor factory worked until last week, according to a prisoner who asked to remain anonymous, and Naomi Mekeel, whose fiance, Nicholas Gaworski, works at the factory. They said workers were told April 6 that someone at the factory had tested positive for COVID-19, so many of the workers are now in quarantine. But they said other workers were still going to the factory this week, apparently to ship orders.
"What is the urgency in shipping license plates and putting the entire camp at risk? Who's even worrying about their license plates right now?" asked one of the prisoners in an email to The Marshall Project.
Several relatives of prisoners who work at Unicor's factory in the Coleman women's facility in central Florida, said their family members were still working earlier this week. The factory normally makes furniture, according to Unicor's promotional materials, though it was unclear if that remained the case or if the factory was still running Thursday.
Some relatives said prisoners feared that if they did not report for work they risked losing sought-after work assignments. Families said they are concerned that the work made quarantine or social distancing impossible. On Thursday, officials reported the first COVID-19 case there: a staff member at the low-security unit.
Several prisoners and relatives said work is still going this week at textile factories in Terre Haute, Indiana; Jesup, Georgia; and Waseca, Minnesota. They said the factory in Waseca, which normally makes Navy and Air Force uniforms, and the plant at Jesup are now making face masks and protective gowns. At Terre Haute and Jesup, officials have also reduced the number of prisoners working at any given time—from about 200 to about 35 at Terre Haute, the prisoners and families said.
It was not clear if Terre Haute has also switched to making masks, or whether the Unicor-made masks will be used for prisoners and officers across the nation, or shipped to shield workers at other federal agencies.
At Oakdale, the Louisiana prison where Jones and four other men have died from the virus, several prisoners and their families said the Unicor workers are now housed in a separate facility that is under quarantine. There are so many cases inside the prison that officials have stopped testing. Those interviewed there did not know if the Unicor factory was still running.
Prison labor expert Heather Ann Thompson said prison factories are unsafe in the best of times, with incarcerated people getting no workman's compensation if they are injured. Thompson, who wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the 1971 Attica prison riots, said prisoners typically can't miss work for illness without facing discipline, and they cannot elect to skip work for fear of exposure to the virus.
"Working conditions (in prisons) are always terrible and super-oppressive," she said. "You add onto that the possibility of disease and you realize that those things that are already bad become worse."
Not all prisoners feel that way. Paula Pates said her 31-year-old son, Jonathan Pates, works at the Unicor furniture factory on the men's side of the Coleman federal prison and is upset that his unit went on lockdown last week, preventing him from continuing to work building office cubicles. He's worked his way up to $1.02 per hour, a good wage in prison, and is worried about losing his position and salary if he can't show up.
She said he told her on the phone: "We have to spend the day together inside anyway. Why can't we spend the day working?"
Prisoners and their families told The Marshall Project that most people at federal prisons did not start to receive masks until about April 2, and some were not getting them until earlier this week, even as COVID-19 cases in federal prisons have spread so far that the government started using a nationwide map to document them.
Mekeel, the fiance of the Unicor worker at the Maryland prison, said that as the threat of the virus grew, workers at her fiance's license plate factory got so desperate they tried to forge face shields made out of materials in the plant.
They didn't get paper face masks until this Monday, she and several others said.
Read or Share this story: https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2020/04/11/louisiana-coronavirus-update-federal-prison-factories-running-covid-19/2975931001/
Watch Full Coronavirus Coverage - April 6 | NBC News Now (Live Stream)
© Provided by The i 
© Provided by The i 
