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News & Press Releases
IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING THE JANUARY 19th 2019 TORNADO
Shortly after the April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak decimated portions of Alabama, the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund was created to assist Elmore County citizens impacted by the damage. The fund, managed by a group of volunteer, community-minded individuals, processed over $150,000 in donations and relief checks to those who had need. With the recent tornado impacting an over 18 mile tract from the City of Wetumpka to close to Lake Martin in Elmore County, the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund has been activated to assist impacted residents with their unmet needs.
In partnership with the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF), all funds donated directly to the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund or funds donated through the CACF for tornado relief will be administered by this group of volunteer individuals. Individuals impacted by the event may make application by email (firstname.lastname@example.com ) or by mailing the application to PO Box 24, Wetumpka, AL 36092.
Individuals or groups wishing to donate to the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund may do so by one of two ways:
Disaster Field Operations Center East
Release Date: Feb. 22, 2019 Contact: Michael Lampton (404) 331-0333 email@example.com
Release Number: 19-300, AL 15872/15873 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Residents of Alabama
Affected by Severe Weather in January
WASHINGTON – Alabama businesses and residents affected by severe weather and a tornado on Jan. 19, can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Administrator Linda McMahon announced today.
Administrator McMahon made the loans available in response to a letter from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Feb. 14, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Elmore County and the adjacent counties of Autauga, Chilton, Coosa, Macon, Montgomery and Tallapoosa in Alabama.
"With the approval of my request for federal assistance, the Small Business Administration is providing a much needed opportunity for recovery funding to the citizens of Wetumpka," said Governor Ivey. "Many individuals and businesses will benefit greatly from the federal disaster loans that SBA offers as they continue to recover following the devastating tornado that heavily damaged parts of the community."
SBA's Customer Service Representatives will be available at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications.
The Center is located in the following community and is open as indicated:
Elmore County
Elmore County Commission
100 E. Commerce St.
Wetumpka, AL 36092
Opening: Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday, Feb. 24
Closes: Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m.
- more -
"The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of Alabama with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans," said McMahon. "Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA."
"The approval of the Governor's request for a Small Business Administration disaster declaration demonstrates the diverse partnerships that exist to provide assistance and an opportunity to eligible individuals in the City of Wetumpka, Elmore County, and the contiguous counties to create a better tomorrow," said Alabama EMA Director Brian Hastings. "Long-term recovery is an arduous process and SBA has always played a strong role in helping our citizens in their time of need. We appreciate having them as part of the Emergency Management team."
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
"Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property," said Kem Fleming, center director of SBA's Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 3.74 percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 2 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amount and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA's secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.
Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 22, 2019. The deadline to return economic injury applications is November 21, 2019.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25th in observance of the Christmas holidays and Monday, Dec. 31st and Tuesday, Jan. 1st in observance of the New Year Holidays. We will have limited staff for the week of Dec. 24th through 28th. We hope you and your family have a great holiday! Should you have an emergency and need assistance, you can still contact us at 334-567-4811. Leave a message and your call will be returned. Merry Christmas and Have a Happy New Year!!
Beginning next week, sidewalk resurfacing will commence on South Main Street between the east entrance of Bibb Graves Bridge down to Boundary Street. The project is expected to take approximately 30 working days, pending weather conditions. Please share with other businesses and individuals you know who may be traveling through downtown Wetumpka.
If you have specific questions regarding the streetscape, feel free to email firstname.lastname@example.com. If we are unable to answer your question, we will direct you to the appropriate project representative. Thank you.
Hampton Inn Wetumpka
350 South Main Street, Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092, USA
The Hampton Inn Wetumpka is now open. Watch the Hampton Inn Wetumpka website for updates. Thank you!
Pardon Our Progress... Exciting update on the Chamber's downtown construction project start date and IMPACT Wetumpka Campaign.
January 2nd, 2014
IMPACT WETUMPKA, a strategic capital campaign for the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce designed to target, preserve and transform our aging, at-risk city block in the heart of historic downtown into a pathway for our future.
Campaign Goals and Accomplishments
This year your chamber raised $1.4 Million in pledges through an 8 month capital campaign conducted with the help of the WACC Board of Directors, staff and volunteers and Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, to protect and preserve the structural integrity of our existing Chamber building while adding much needed office space, conference and training facilities through a restoration and expansion project.
Through this initiative, not only will revitalization begin as an integral part of an active historic scenic and commercial area downtown, but new businesses will be created, more opportunities added and population growth will be enhanced in the Wetumpka, Elmore County and River Region.
Plans for the Chamber expansion of East Bridge and Hill Street include a Business Center with ADA accessibility, additional office space, sufficient restroom facilities, meeting and classrooms, distance learning capabilities and a business incubator to support and nurture our local entrepreneurs.
Economic Benefits
Construction Phase- IMPACT WETUMPKA will have a one-time effect of generating $1.7 million additional dollars flowing through our local economy.
Targeted Business- Located close to Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex, home to the AF Business and Enterprise Systems headquarters, many of these employees live in Elmore County and are interested in starting their own IT companies. The Business Development Center will focus on recruiting and nurturing these start-up companies and will offer:
Construction Phase One - Targeted start date for construction is January 7th, 2015
We feel confident that we went above and beyond, making every attempt possible to preserve two severely deteriorated buildings located at 107 & 109 Court Street. Unfortunately, due to years of water damage the cost to stabilize the buildings far outweighed their current and likely future value. In depth engineering and architectural planning indicated restoring these buildings would have cost well over $1 Million.
The decision was made after much discussion with key investors that the most fiscally responsible use of funds would be to mitigate the health and safety risks as well as blight through the demolition of these unsafe and swiftly deteriorating structures. We will be working closely with our Wetumpka Police and Fire Department throughout the process of construction to ensure all necessary precautions are taken for our neighbors downtown.
Our greatest desire and goal for this project has been to revitalize our historic downtown and create more opportunity for business and economic growth. We strongly believe this decision best supports that goal. We welcome all of our investors to stay engaged and involved with their thoughts, ideas and feedback throughout this process.
We are so proud of how far we have come and are looking forward to where we will go, together.
Vanessa Lynch
Executive Director
Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce
The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce will begin construction
on the renovation of the block of buildings at 107 & 109 Court Street
beginning the week of January 5th, 2015.
IMPACT WETUMPKA, a strategic capital campaign for the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce designed to target, preserve and transform our aging, at-risk city block in the heart of historic downtown into a pathway for our future.
Construction Phase One - Targeted start date for construction is January 7th, 2015.
Summary The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce has embarked on a plan to improve and expand its facilities built in the 1800s, a renovation that will revitalize an entire city block in downtown. Lynch said the incubator will be ideal for information technology companies looking to establish themselves in Elmore County. After Lynch made the request to the County Commission, Chairman David Bowen said the commission would consider the request, likely through its budget process.
(Photo: Matt Okarmus/Advertiser )
WETUMPKA – After years of talking about the changes coming to downtown Wetumpka, signs of action have begun to appear.
Markings — various combinations of green lines, blue arrows, and pink and yellow numbers and letters — can be seen on East Bridge, Court and Company streets downtown.
David Robison, planning and project director for Wetumpka, said the markings are the beginning steps for the Downtown and Riverfront Revitalization Plan, which the Wetumpka City Council adopted in March.
"The first step was locating utilities and conducting topography surveys," Robison said. "When that's finished, we will have an elevation plan of what downtown actually looks like."
From there, the engineering firm Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Inc. will use the surveys to make designs.
"They'll turn those designs into 3D pictures that contractors can build," Robison said.
Revitalization plans for downtown officially began to take shape in 2012, and the Nashville, Tennessee-based consulting group the Walker Collaborative was brought in last spring to provide the city with a blueprint for future development. The Downtown and Riverfront Revitalization Plan includes many suggestions, such as placing a landscaped median on Main Street, developing a roundabout at Company and Orline streets, placing "gateway" signage at the entrances to the city and the possibility of a parking deck.
Initial work includes water, sewer and storm sewer improvements. Construction is expected to begin in the fall with a "best-case scenario" of completion in spring 2015, Robinson said.
Once that's finished, the surface work — the sidewalk and streetscape rehabilitation outlined in the revitalization plan — will take place. It is estimated to begin in late spring or early summer 2015.
The work will be done in stages and affect Company, East Bridge, Court and South Main streets. Robison said planners are aware of the impact the work will have on property owners and patrons of downtown.
"We are going to do everything we can to work with them, to make sure they are aware of the schedule when we have it and to minimize the impact on them as best we can," he said.
Robison said the area "will look worse before it looks a lot better" because the work is being done in stages.
Once surveying is finished, updated design plans will be developed and shared with the public. Robison said planners hope to hold a public hearing this summer.
David Robison, planning and project director for Wetumpka, said funding for the downtown construction was provided with the assistance of recently approved grants. Including:
• A Community Development Block Grant from Gov. Robert Bentley and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The city of Wetumpka was awarded $450,000 that will go toward the subsurface work, with the city and the Wetumpka Water Works and Sewer Board providing a $200,000 match.
• A Transportation Alternatives Program grant that will provide $377,000 for streetscaping and sidewalk improvements for portions of East Bridge, South Main and Court streets. There is a $94,000 match from the city.
• About $786,000 has been provided through the Montgomery Metropolitan Planning Organization, with a $196,000 match from the city. This will be used to fund sidewalk and streetscape improvements for Company Street as well as resurfacing work throughout downtown.
For a detailed look at the Downtown and Riverfront Revitalization Plan, visit cityofwetumpka.com and click on the link for "downtown redevelopment."
A heated debate took place in the State House today as lawmakers shouted at each other, over alcohol. The debate is over the local sale of alcohol on Sundays.
Leaders in Wetumpka and Millbrook want their restaurants to be able to serve alcohol on Sundays, just like their neighbors, Prattville and Montgomery.
Wednesday a public hearing was held in the local legislation committee. Those involved obviously are very passionate about where they stand.
While at the podium arguing in support of the bill, John Teague, a lobbyist for Poarch Band of Creek Indians said, "this racially discriminatory language singles us out, to tell us that we are to be treated different."
Senator Bryan Taylor, who has been openly opposing the bill argued back.
"This isn't about gambling, this is about a business that wants to expand its privilege to profit from the sale of alcohol in my county," Taylor said. "While telling the citizens and constituents that I represent, if you are injured because of our irresponsible sale and serving of alcohol, too bad there's nothing you can do about it, we are exempt from the jurisdiction of this state."
No matter if for or against the bill, which would allow on premise Sunday alcohol sales in Wetumpka and Millbrook, the emotions were high on all sides.
"I will take you to court any day," said Representative Paul Beckman to Taylor, while arguing after the hearing.
Beckman introduced the bill. Amended from its original form, the bill now includes gambling facilities.
"Indians are on sovereign land and that's exactly what they are, they are sovereign," Beckman stated. "The federal courts have said state has no jurisdiction on them."
Taylor fired back to Beckman's statement.
"None of my other restaurants and bars in Wetumpka or Millbrook are authorized to run gambling operations, if they do they could lose their ABC license," argued Taylor.
Beyond the fight over casinos, Senator Bryan Taylor, who also introduced a similar bill which later failed in the senate, says Sunday alcohol sales should have a referendum and be voted on by residents.
Mike Ingram, a resident of Millbrook and Senior Pastor at Millbrook Baptist Church believes that Sunday alcohol sales would negatively impact the community.
"We are looking at it from a moral issue and just an effect on the community, and how an increase in alcohol sales will negatively impact our community," Ingram said. "Sunday, itself, is a special day for us as Christians and as believes and we just think it would be better not to sell alcohol."
Even though there's a major divide, all sides agree on one thing. It could have an economic boost to the two cities and place them on an equal playing field with their neighbors.
"We also want to make sure we are treating all of our businesses and restaurants equally," stated Taylor.
While talking about the casino, Taylor stated "We want to make sure we aren't giving any competitive edge over one or the other."
"We are trying to keep as far as the economic development equal between all cities where they have the same opportunity and same privilege," said Beckman.
The bill did get approved by the committee. It will now be added to the regular Senate calendar. However, Thursday is the last day of the session. If it doesn't get to the floor for a vote, it will be next year before the cities could see a change, if at all.
The bill also includes the sale of draft beer. Something else to note, Prattville passed Sunday alcohol sales more than ten years ago. It did not have a referendum.
Copyright 2014 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
Summary Wetumpka residents will not have the opportunity to vote on draft beer or Sunday alcohol sales after a state senator added amendments targeted at local casinos, as well as any strip clubs or night clubs, to bills in the state legislative session. If the local officials had come to me, they would have understood my concern. Willis said while they are disappointed with the outcome of the legislative session, the city still will attempt to seek out the right for residents to vote on the issues in the future.
Restaurants and leaders in both Wetumpka and Millbrook are fighting for Sunday alcohol sales, but they may have hit a bump in the road.
Not having Sunday alcohol sales in Millbrook is posing a problem for many restaurants. In fact, at Habaneros employees say they loose business every Sunday to restaurants in Prattville.
"As soon as we tell them we don't sell alcohol they walk away, they go across the interstate," said Carlos Badillo, Manager for Habaneros restaurant in Millbrook.
It's a similar situation in Wetumpka where Mayor Jerry Willis says it has forced businesses out of town.
Possible changes are in the works for both cities.
Bills have been advertised in local papers in Wetumpka and Millbrook to allow Sunday alcohol sales.
The problem: State Rep. Paul Beckman and State Sen. Bryan Taylor are both proposing different bills on the same issue.
Taylor's requires a referendum for residents to vote on the matter. It's an issue Millbrook Mayor Al Kelly and Mayor Willis both feel could keep the Sunday sales from coming to fruition.
Taylor argues it's the only way the bill will actually pass the senate.
"The elected officials owe it to their constituents to give them some input. Sunday sales just happens to be one of those issues where a lot of people feel very strongly their voice should be heard in a formal referendum," Taylor said.
Millbrook and Wetumpka taxpayers are paying to advertise both bills, including Taylor's, which city leaders claim they knew nothing about.
Taylor says city leaders were aware and his actions are legal.
The cities are also wanting to allow draft beer sales. Beckman's bill includes both while Taylor's separates the two.
WETUMPKA, AL (WSFA)- The main floor of the new casino in Wetumpka is starting to take shape. It's coming together piece by piece.
Brent Pinkston is confident years of research will pay off as the Creeks unveil a new gaming hall, a hall 10 times larger than the original one a few feet away.
"This floor will have 2,500 games," said Pinkston who is the Chief Operating Officer for PCI Gaming based in Atmore, Alabama.
In the center of the hall there will be a big bar anchored by a 16,000 gallon fish tank. Restaurants will be located off to the side.
"This is the largest project we've done since Atmore," said Pinkston.
Outside 800 construction workers busy themselves with scooping up the old parking lot and building the 21 floor hotel.
The casino opens December 17. The hotel opens a month later. The hotel by the way isn't far enough along to peek inside due to safety reasons.
The casino expansion is a $246 million deal. There is little doubt its presence will be felt.
"Anytime you open a facility of this magnitude you help the local economy," said Pinkston.
To what extent is still unclear.
Meantime, the parking deck to the left of the hotel continues to be widened to accommodate future traffic.
The casino takes a giant step forward next week on Wednesday, October 2 when it holds a jobs fair at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The jobs fair will begin at noon and will last until 9pm.
Pinkston says they plan to offer jobs on the spot. The average pay will be around $11 an hour.
"We need people in the food and beverage department to security," said Pinkston.
There are 500 jobs up for grabs, along with the largest expansion by any business in Wetumpka's history.
Copyright 2013 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Transportation has approved $377,200 in funding for the Commercial Business District Revitalization Area Pedestrian Connector in Wetumpka, as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
Authorized by the Federal Highway Administration's Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), TAP provides funding for projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, and environmental mitigation.
TAP replaces the funding from pre-MAP-21 programs including Transportation Enhancement Activities, Recreational Trails Program and Safe Routes to School Program.
ALDOT's mission is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sound transportation network across Alabama. For additional information, visit www.dot.state.al.us
WETUMPKA, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley continues his "Road to Economic Recovery Tour" with a series of stops in Elmore County.
The governor's tour of Elmore County will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday when he participates in a round table discussion at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce at 101 East Bridge St.
Bentley will visit the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative in Titus at 10:15 a.m. and tour Southeastern Business Printers in Wetumpka at 11:30 a.m.
The governor's visit to Elmore County will wind up at noon with a lunch stop at the Must Stop Cafe in Wetumpka.
The purpose of the Road to Economic Recovery Tour is for the governor to visit local communities and discuss state efforts to attract more jobs.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
MAX CREDIT UNION Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Location in Wetumpka
(Montgomery, Ala) – MAX, a full-service financial institution headquartered in Montgomery, Ala., celebrated the groundbreaking for its new branch location in Wetumpka today.
The new branch will be located at 94 Captain Crommelin Road and offer lobby and drive-thru service. The new branch will replace the existing location at 4352 US Highway 231.
The state-of-the art branch will feature the latest in modern design and technology. A concierge will greet customers as soon as they arrive and individual kiosks, staffed with professional and friendly MAX associates, will offer customers one-on-one personalized attention and service.
Enhancing the customer experience will be the MAX Perks refreshment center, offering free coffee and bottled water, and the MAX Business Center where clients can have a quiet area to organize paperwork, send a fax or make copies of documents.
The financial center is scheduled to open for business in Spring 2014.
Information Source: MAX
For Immediate Release
Contact Jessica Liston 205.989.4944
D!scover ITT to offer free training to Disabled Veterans
Space available training opportunites will help Veterans gain employment
BIRMINGHAM — January 13, 2013 — Discover Information Technology and Training recently announced that they will begin offering free training to disabled veterans beginning February 1, 2013. "We are very proud to be in a position to offer our disabled veterans these training opportunities on a space available basis." Said Ron Whitney, President of D!scover Information Technology and Training. "As a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer, I know the difficulties our disabled folks face when they embark on a civilian career, and the challenges their repective disablilites present. We offer a full range of techinical, design, development and application training at our Riverchase Training Facility. When we have an empty seat, I can see no better use of that opportunity than for one of our disabled vets to come train with us." Added Whitney.
IT Techs in Demand
Entry level IT technicians can earn up to $37,000.00 a year to start. "We have several local IT placement agencies in the Birmingham market who have indicated they will help these veterans find meaningful employment." Stated Mr. Whitney. "If we can help a few vets get started on a new career, then we feel other companies will jump in and make similar offers"
More Information
For information on courses offered and available dates please visit www.discoveritt.com, or call 205-989-4944.
Founded in 2011, Discover Information Technology and Training is a privately held, veteran owned Limited Liabilty Company.
For more information, press only:
Jessica Liston, 205-989-4944), (firstname.lastname@example.com)
For more information on D!scover ITT:
All six Alabama towns and cities have been chosen for The Way We Worked exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution in 2013-14 as part of the Museum on Main Street project.
Beginning Sept. 14, 2013, and running through July 6, 2014, The Way We Worked will be featured for more than a month at each stop, giving thousands of residents and students in those small or rural cities an opportunity they may not have had otherwise.
Through a partnership between Alabama Humanities Foundation and the Smithsonian begun in 1997, Museum on Main Street is able to offer small communities with average populations of 8,000 a quality education experience with community programs and activities in conjunction with the exhibit.
Dr. John F. Kvach, an assistant professor of history at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, will spend much of the next year visiting those towns as a key figure in the program.
The exhibit will focus on how Alabamians worked over time and place and highlight the work experiences of Americans as part of the nation's story. Kvach will supplement the traveling exhibit with teacher workshops and public lectures as well as an oral history project that will record the voices of state residents.
The oral history project will train public school teachers and high school students to conduct interviews with local residents. Kvach hopes that the oral history component of the exhibit and the exhibit itself will allow students to engage their community's history and encourage the public to help preserve Alabama's historical legacy.
Plans in each of the towns and cities are already under way, officially kicked off in February with an orientation and overview conference at AHF. There, host site participants were able to hear about how the program works and what is expected of each site. They also heard a first-person account from Katy Norton, president of the Arab Chamber of Commerce, who was project director for Museum on Main Street's 2011-12 tour.
And in return, they shared what this national exhibition means to their community back home.
Councilwoman Becky Boddie of Ashland, who along with husband Jerry, are spearheading plans in Clay County, said it was important to "acknowledge and celebrate our past while forming a bridge to the future. This project allows us to do just that."
"Just the word, 'Smithsonian,' was enough to make me say, 'We need to do this project,' " said Barbara Tyler, grants coordinator for Andalusia. "For a small town, rural area to have the opportunity to host museum quality information, exhibits and activities is priceless."
Stephen Sickler of the Friends of Northport couldn't agree more. "Many residents will never be exposed to cultural experiences such as the Smithsonian … Educational opportunities abound as a direct result of this program, which will inevitably trickle down throughout our entire community."
In Red Bay, it is much the same story with Rosalyn Labrinke as she talks about the impact on her community. She sees it as an opportunity for the city to rediscover its "strength and spirit."
As a selected site in a competitive process, she is grateful for Red Bay's role. "We so appreciate the consideration as we are honored to have the Smithsonian coming to our 'main street.' We look forward with great anticipation to The Way We Worked and this unique mission to engage, educate and inspire."
The Way We Worked Exhibition Tour Dates:
Red Bay Friday, September 14 – Saturday, October 25
Ashland Saturday, November 2 – Saturday, December 25
Andalusia Thursday, January 2 – Sunday, February 9
Fairhope Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, March 30
Northport Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, May 17
Wetumpka Friday, May 23 – Sunday, July 6
— Article By Tom Bryant
Local Walking Tours to start in April
Some 22 towns across Alabama will be on display during Saturday mornings in April as part of the Alabama Tourism Department's April Walking Tours. A variety of community leaders will lead the free tours through the historic districts or courthouse square areas of their hometowns. The hour-long tours will start at 10 a.m. on April 6, 13, 20, and 27.Towns and starting places for the April Walking Tours are: Athens, Athens Visitor Center; Atmore, Heritage Park; Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Butler, Jackson's On The Square; Courtland, Town Square; Cullman, Cullman County Museum; Decatur, Old State Bank; Eufaula, various locations; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Florence, various locations.Huntsville, Constitution Village (April 6 & 13 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (April 20 & 27 only); Mobile, Downtown Mobile Alliance; Monroeville, Chamber of Commerce; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Area Visitor Center; Phenix City; Amphitheater; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Sheffield, Sheffield Municipal Building; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Memorial Library; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Wetumpka, Elmore County Museum.The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. These walking tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather and find out about the history of our state. We have done more than 1,700 walking tours since the beginning of the program ten years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said.More information about the April Walking Tours is available on the Alabama Tourism Department website at www.alabama.travel.
Information Source: Alabama Travel
Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Wetumpka Craterfest Event
Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce announces its plans for a large scale music festival, Wetumpka Craterfest to be held on Saturday April 20th, 2013. This event will replace the former Riverfest with a stronger focus on attracting tourism to the area while maintaining the community aspect with a children's area and offering the event at no cost with the help of sponsorships from community businesses.
Country music recording artist, Keith Anderson who is best known for his Billboard chart topping hit song, "Picking Wildflowers" will be the headline act, sponsored by Creek Casino of Wetumpka. Announcements regarding support acts, sponsorship and vender applications will be available in the coming weeks.
"We saw this as a great opportunity to brand Wetumpka's rare treasure and story of the impact crater, that only we can tell here in the Eastern United States by changing the name to Wetumpka Craterfest" says Vanessa Lynch, Executive Director of the WACC. Future plans will involve more lectures, a possible science fair and related activities that educate and bring attention to the Wetumpka Impact Crater.
"We were thrilled to have the blessing and support from the Crater Commission and are looking forward to another great event in Wetumpka to bring the community together for fun and entertainment, while drawing attention to Wetumpka from outside the area" says Lynch.
More details and announcements will be posted soon on the chamber's website at www.wetumpkachamber.org.
Information Source: Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce
Police, Fire, and Medical need your help to quickly and efficiently locate your home when you need them the most. To accomplish this task, we ask every citizen of Elmore County to address your homes and mailboxes in 3inch relective signs and letters. The E9-1-1 office has signs available for purchase. Call today at 334-567-0911 or stop by the E9-1-1 office located inside the Elmore County Judicial Complex, 8935 US Hwy 231, Room 188.
$15.00 per sign - a small price for huge returns.
Save your life or that of a loved one. Address your home and mailbox.
Chamber & Casino Expansion WSFA & Vanessa Lynch, Executive Director Interview:
Wetumpka looks to revitalize downtown
WETUMPKA, AL (WSFA)- Prattville's done it and Montgomery is doing it! Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis says it's his city's turn.
Wetumpka took another major step last week to begin revitalizing its downtown. The plan is to begin with Court Street, which is directly in front of the old courthouse.
Currently, Court Street looks outdated. An artist's sketch has it looking better with improved landscaping, better lighting and even a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere.
Shelley Brown is relatively new to downtown. She opened her studio photography and tanning business a few months ago.
"If they help make it pretty and drive more people down here, I'm all for it," Brown said.
Still undecided is whether to keep vehicle traffic going or close it off entirely and make it only for pedestrians.
"I don't think that part is a good idea because then no one would drive by and see us," Brown explained of the idea.
To help city leaders make those kind of decisions, Wetumpka hired another firm out of Nashville, Tennessee, just last week. Mayor Willis says the design is still in the planning stages.
Willis couldn't say for now how much this will cost Wetumpka taxpayers because most of the money is coming from the federal government.
"We've saved up to $1.3 million dollars in MPO money and believe we'll get another $450,000 in grants and perhaps another $50,000, so we'll be sitting on around $2 million for this project," Willis explained.
Meantime, the mayor is beginning to see signs of private owners taking an interest. For example, one man is looking at restoring Wetumpka's first hotel to its former glory, and the Chamber is considering tearing down one of its buildings to create 'green' space.
Keep in mind revitalizing downtown Wetumpka has been talked about for more than 10 years and nothing ever became of it.
Mayor Willis admitted there are a lot of people who have doubts whether the city will go forward with its renovation plans. This time he says it's for real.
"We're further along than we've ever been," Willis stated.
In fact, Willis says if all goes well over the next few months he predicts construction will begin on Court Street by next spring.
Shelley Brown just hopes in the end it's picture-perfect for her business.
WETUMPKA, AL (WSFA)- The first construction office is on the property where a new hotel is slated to be built for the Creek Casino in Wetumpka.
Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce officials say they're getting "significant" calls from potential businesses such as eateries and retail shops interested in moving into the area.
Casino officials have not yet started hiring anyone, but they say their in the process of preparing job fairs to fill positions once they are available.
The announcement to expand the operation at Creek Casino was made by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians back in July. The expansion, estimated to cost $246 million, will include a large hotel, parking deck, and other facilities that promise nearly 600 jobs.
Construction is expected to be complete by the start of 2014.
WSFA 12 News reporter Bryan Henry is following this story and will have details on WSFA 12 News First at 4:00, and WSFA 12 News at 5:00 and 6:00.
Copyright 2012 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
Posted: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:30 am | Updated: 6:10 pm, Wed Jul 11, 2012.
Wind Creek Wetumpka to be fully operational by New Year's 2014 Peggy Blackburn - Managing Editor thewetumpkaherald.com | 0 comments
Poarch Creek Indians announced Wednesday the 20-story Wind Creek Wetumpka Hotel scheduled to open fully by New Year's 2014. It will have 285 rooms. Part of the hotel/casino will be open by Oct. 2013. It is a $246 million project.
The hotel/casino will have up to 2,500 gaming machines.
The present casino in Wetumpka has 400 full-time employees. By the time the hotel/casino is fully operational, it will have 1,000 full-time employees.
Included in the hotel/casino will be a grille and a fine dining restaurant.
All suites at the hotel will also face the nearby Coosa River.
The current parking deck on site right now accommodates 500 cars. The deck will expand to 2,500 by the time the expansion is complete.
As of Wednesday, when ground was broken, 1,200 construction workers will be on the site until the expansion is completed.
Interior Dept. smiles on Alabama Scenic River Trail
Griffin Pritchard
Kayakers test the waters at Moccasin Gap during the 27th Whitewater Festival. The U.S. Department of the Interior recognized the Alabama Scenic River Trail, along with trails in Georgia and Missouri, for it's effort to promote tourism and conservation.
Interior Dept. smiles on Alabama Scenic River Trail Griffin Pritchard Sports Editorthewetumpkaherald.com |
The Alabama Scenic River Trail got a publicity boost earlier in the week when Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recognized it, and two other trails, as a positive way to promote conservation and tourism.
"Restoring our nation's rivers and expanding outdoor recreational activities on them is one of the major goals of President Obama's America Great Outdoors Initiative," said Salazar said in a press release statement.
The U.S. Department of the interior recognized the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the Okefenokee Wilderness Canoe Trail and the Mississippi River Water Trail.
"This is a great news for the state of Alabama and for cities along the trail like Wetumpka," said Edith Parten, spokesperson for the Alabama Tourism Department. "By bringing attention to the trail, more and more visitors will be interested in coming here and kayak a portion of it, canoeing a portion of it or going down the whole thing."
Locally, there typically is a non-stop stream of paddlers using Wetumpka as a stopping-point as they trek down the 631-mile trail.
"This is the brainchild of Fred Couch and Jim Felder," said Parten. "We knew they had put together quite a gem and it was up to us to promote it. This makes that job a little easier."
The Alabama Scenic River Trail begins at the point where the Coosa River enters Alabama just northeast of Cedar Bluff at Weiss Lake, and continues down to its confluence with the Tallapoosa River near Wetumpka.
From this conjunction, the trail follows the Alabama River to its junction with the Tom Bigbee/Warrior River System just north of Mobile.
It then proceeds through the Mobile River and the Tensaw/Mobile Delta, along the Tensaw River and it's tributaries to Mobile Bay.
"This is positive news and brings attention to all the little communities along the trail that normally don't get put in the spotlight," said Parten. "More people will be attracted to the trail and hopefully stop and explore some of the towns along the way."
According to the release, the National Park Service will work with the state and local partners to provide resources and technical expertise to promote the development and recognition of the trail.
"Through a network of National Water Trails, we are not only connecting people to the outdoors and supporting conservation efforts for our scenic rivers, but also supporting tourism and the recreation economy in nearby communities," wrote Salazar.
The Okefenokee Wilderness Canoe Trail spans 120 miles located in Georgia near the towns of Folkston, Waycross and Fargo and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Mississippi River Water Trail spans 121 miles begins in Saverton (MO) and ends at the St. Louis Riverfront and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
David Goodwin
Business owner Jim Berdeaux gives Cathy Saylor and her daughter Kate a taste test of his locally prepared barbecue sauces.
Posted: Monday, May 14, 2012 4:00 am
Business Expo comes back 'in a big way' David Goodwin - Political Editor thewetumpkaherald.com | 0 comments
This year's Business Expo sponsored by the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce was so big, organizers are already thinking expansion for next year.
With more than 50 local businesses on hand to share their stories with Wetumpka residents and visitors, Chamber Executive Director Vanessa Lynch said next year's expo might have to expand into the parking lot of the Wetumpka Civic Center, because the exhibition hall was packed.
"This has been a great success and we're getting really good feedback from all the businesses," Lynch said, as she took a brief break from announcing the winners of drawings by the various vendors.
Tina Hines, manager at The Money Store, said it was "the best I've seen."
Cathy Saylor, who just stopped in when she noticed the crowd on her way home from work, said she enjoyed seeing the many businesses involved.
"There are ones I know here and ones that are different that I'd never seen," she said. "I'm glad we came in to check it out."
Lynch said the response was so strong that the chamber had to close registration two and a half weeks ago.
After the event was cancelled last year, Lynch said, "we were just trying to bring it back in a big way."
She said she was impressed by the quality and professionalism of the businesses that exhibited.
"We're excited about raising the bar for local businesses and giving them even more exposure," Lynch said.
Brooke Poague was on hand representing the law firm Bailey and Poague LLC. She said she was impressed by the turnout and, especially, the quality of the businesses' displays.
"It looks nice and everything is presented so well," she said.
Candidates address Wetumpka voters in forum
WETUMPKA, AL (WSFA)- With just fewer than four weeks until municipal elections in our area, the candidates are pulling out all the stops. In Wetumpka, voters got the chance to hear directly from the candidates for mayor and city council at a forum Thursday night.
It touched on key issues facing Wetumpka, including the casino expansion.
"We want to take advantage of that and we want to make sure that we open doors to where we benefit from what they're doing out here," said Mayor Jerry Willis, who is seeking another term.
"In a collaborative effort, between them and the city, we can be poised as they grow and the city of Wetumpka grows, we can ensure the very best for our city," said City Councilman Ken Hammock, who is challenging Willis.
Voters we spoke with appreciated the chance to get up close and personal with the candidates and hear from them all in one place, as they make their decisions before the election.
"I gotta go home and think about it," said Cheryl Tucker, who attended the forum. "And just say who I think is going to be the better candidate to better help Wetumpka."
"I really didn't hear any bad answers," said Marilee Tankersley. "I thought all of them have very good answers. Several of them honed in on issues I was very interested in."
The candidates also discussed revitalization, improving life for youth, and bringing more jobs to the city.
The forum was sponsored by the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. Election Day is August 28th.
More than 100 Alabama Restaurants Sign Up For Statewide "Restaurant Week"
Montgomery, Ala. — An initial 132 Alabama Restaurants have signed up for participation in the Alabama Tourism Department's inaugural statewide "Restaurant Week" scheduled for August 17-26. The deadline to register and post online menus on the website, www.AlabamaRestaurantWeek.com, is July 17.
A few of the restaurants already signed up include Lulu's at Homeport Marina, Cobalt's and Cosmos in Gulf Shores; Commerce Kitchen, Grille 29, Clementine's and Ruth Chris in Huntsville; Roux's, Michaels Table, and Central in Montgomery; Jesse's in Magnolia Springs, the Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia; True Midtown Kitchen and The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint in Mobile; The Overall Company in Auburn/Opelika; and Dreamland BBQ & Bob Baumhowers in multiple locations across Alabama.
Lulu's, the Overall Company, Ruth Chris, Clementine's and Michaels Table all have menus posted on the restaurant week website and provide examples of menus that restaurants should have posted by the July 17 deadline.
"We will be hosting Alabama Restaurant Week for the next three years," said Lee Sentell, tourism director. "We are thrilled to have more than 100 restaurants signed up so far during our inaugural year and we want to make sure all restaurants in Alabama know about this opportunity. We are getting the word out and coordinating a big push to get restaurants to sign up."
Sign up is quick and easy. Once on the website, a restaurant enters basic information about their establishment and what meals they want to offer at set prices of $10, $20 and $30 for dinner and $5, $10 and $15 for lunch. In all cases, the price is per person and excludes tax, tip and drink.
A restaurant may participate in all three preset prices for both lunch or dinner, or just one or any combination. They do not have to participate in both lunch and dinner.
"Alabama Restaurant Week" will highlight locally owned and operated restaurants and is part of the overall Alabama Tourism Department's Year of Alabama Food campaign.
Birmingham-area restaurants are participating in their third year of "Restaurant Week" and are working with local coordinator James Little. The Alabama Tourism Department scheduled the statewide "Restaurant Week" to coincide with Birmingham's.
Partners with the Alabama Tourism Department in Alabama Restaurant Week include participating restaurants, local and regional Alabama tourism destination organizations, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce, Birmingham Restaurant Week and the Alabama Restaurant Association.
Information Source: Alabama Tourism Department
Copyright 2012, Wetumpka Chamber | Sitemap


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E.3. Zend_Db Performance
2010-01-22 12:00:06 来源: 评论:0 点击:
Zend_Db is a database abstraction layer, and is intended to
provide a common API for SQL operations.
Zend_Db_Table is a
Table Data Gateway, intended to abstract common table-level database
operations. Due to their abstract nature and the "magic" they do under
the hood to perform their operations, they can sometimes introduce
performance overhead.
E.3.1. How can I reduce overhead introduced by Zend_Db_Table for retrieving table metadata
In order to keep usage as simple as possible, and also to support
constantly changing schemas during development,
Zend_Db_Table does some magic under the hood: on
first use, it fetches the table schema and stores it within object
members. This operation is typically expensive, regardless of the
database -- which can contribute to bottlenecks in production.
Fortunately, there are techniques for improving the situation.
E.3.1.1. Use the metadata cache
Zend_Db_Table can optionally utilize
Zend_Cache to cache table metadata. This is
typically faster to access and less expensive than fetching the
metadata from the database itself.
documentation includes information on metadata caching.
E.3.1.2. Hardcode your metadata in the table definition
As of 1.7.0,
Zend_Db_Table also provides support
for hardcoding metadata in the table definition. This is
an advanced use case, and should only be used when you know the
table schema is unlikely to change, or that you're able to keep
the definitions up-to-date.
E.3.2. SQL generated with Zend_Db_Select s not hitting my indexes; how can I make it better
Zend_Db_Select is relatively good at its job. However,
if you are performing complex queries requiring joins or
sub-selects, it can often be fairly naive.
E.3.2.1. Write your own tuned SQL
The only real answer is to write your own SQL;
Zend_Db does not require the usage of
Zend_Db_Select, so providing your own, tuned
SQL select statements is a perfectly legitimate approach,
EXPLAIN on your queries, and test a variety of
approaches until you can reliably hit your indices in the most
performant way -- and then hardcode the SQL as a class property
or constant.
If the SQL requires variable arguments, provide placeholders in
the SQL, and utilize a combination of
vsprintf() and
array_walk() to
inject the values into the SQL:
// $adapter is the DB adapter. In Zend_Db_Table, retrieve
// it using $this->getAdapter().
$sql = vsprintf(
array_walk($values, array($adapter, 'quoteInto'))
相关热词搜索:  your metadata table
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Autorun.inf Virus Removal
What is autorun.inf?
Autorun.inf is a setup information file or INF used to install or setup softwares and drivers. This is usually used and seen on the CD ROM with the Autoplay. The autorun.inf makes the CD ROM will autoplay, it means this will automatically play or setup upon clicking or play itself or what we called auto installation. If you can see an autorun.inf in your CD ROM drive, this is normal.
When do we say that Autorun.inf is a Virus?
Some people says autorun.inf is a virus but the reality is not. Autorun.inf was only used by the virus to execute or install themself by clicking. On the autorun.inf it contains a setup information or a program setup that will trigger the virus to execute when they are being clicked by the user. This autorun.inf was usually found in the windows C: or in the removable disk. And it is mostly set to invisible or hidden in the windows drive or removable drive.
Ok here we go, let start removing the autorun.inf in your system drive.
First you must enable your Folder Options, make your hidden files be visible to your eyes. You can enable by clicking-left to your My Computer > Tools > Folder Options.
You can follow this configuration when you enable the Folder Option to visible all the hidden files in to your system drive.
After this, you can now start deleting the autorun.inf into your drive C: or removable drive. And you can also remove the unknown files like Braviax.exe, Ravmon.exe, Kxvo.exe, Amvo.exe, Bar311.exe, Svchost.exe or any unknown files that are exist in to the system drive.
How to Remove Autorun.inf Virus?
Autorun.inf Virus Removal
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Labels: Autorun.inf


text:
Welcome to Mast Sanity
We are the primary national organisation opposing the insensitive siting of mobile phone and Tetra masts in the UK. Read more...
Please consider supporting our efforts.
Or Send Donations by post to:
Brantham Hill,
Manningtree, EssexCO11 1SD
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Experiments with Cress [and Wi-Fi] in 9th Grade attracts international attention [Denmark] 16th May 2013
- Details
- Parent Category: Health
Foreign researchers are extremely excited for a biology project from five 9th grade girls.
Researchers from England, Holland and Sweden have shown great interest in the five girls' biology experiments.
Take 400 Cress seeds and place them into 12 trays. Then place six trays in two rooms at the same temperature. Give them the same amount of water and sun over 12 days, and remember to expose half of them to mobile [Wi-Fi] radiation.
It is a recipe for a biology test so brilliant that it has attracted international attention among acknowledged biologists and radiation experts. Behind the experiment are five girls from 9b in Hjallerup School in North Jutland, and it all started because they found it difficult to concentrate during the school day:
- We all think we have experienced difficulty concentrating in school, if we had slept with the phone next to our head, and sometimes also experienced having difficulty sleeping, explains Lea Nielsen, who is one of the five aspiring researchers.
The school was not equipped to test the effect of mobile phone radiation on them. Therefore, the girls had to find an alternative. And the answer was Cress.
Six trays of seeds were put into a room without radiation, and six trays were put into another room next to two [Wi-Fi] routers. Such routers broadcast the same type of radiation as an ordinary mobile.
The "healthy" cress without the influence of the router. Photo: The girls from 9b
Then it was just necessary to wait 12 days, observe, measure, weigh and take pictures along the way. And the result spoke was clear: cress seeds next to the router did not grow, and some of them were even mutated or dead.
- It is truly frightening that there is so much affect, so we were very shocked by the result, says Lea Nielsen.
The "sick" cress exposed to the [Wi-Fi] router. Photo: The girls from 9b
The experiment secured the girls the finals in the competition "Young Scientists", but it was only the beginning. Renowned scientists from England, Holland and Sweden have since shown great interest in the girls' project so far.
From left: Lea Nielsen, Mathilde Nielsen, Signe Nielsen, Sisse Coltau and Rikke Holm. Photo: Kim Horsevad
The renowned professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Olle Johansson, is one of the impressed researchers. He will now repeat the experiment with a Belgian research colleague, Professor Marie-Claire Cammaert at the Université libre de Bruxelles, for the trial, according to him, is absolutely brilliant:
- The girls stayed within the scope of their knowledge, skilfully implemented and developed a very elegant experiment. The wealth of detail and accuracy is exemplary, choosing cress was very intelligent, and I could go on, he says.
He is not slow to send them an invitation to go on the road:
- I sincerely hope that they spend their future professional life in researching, because I definitely think they have a natural aptitude for it. Personally, I would love to see these people in my team!
No mobile by the bed
The five girls from northern Jutland have not yet decided their future careers. They are still very surprised by all the sudden attention.
- It has been such a rollercoaster ride. I still cannot believe it, says Lea Nielsen.
And Mathilde Nielsen added:
- It's totally overwhelming and exciting. It's just not something you experience every day.
But there have also been other consequences of the cress trial, which is quite low-tech in nature.
- None of us sleep with the mobile next to the bed anymore. Either the phone is put far away, or it is put in another room. And the computer is always off, says Lea Nielsen.
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2013/05/16/131324.htm (in Danish)
Barrie Trower on WiFi - Irreplaceable DNA Damage
- Details
Smart Meter Roll-Out - Response by Dr Andrew Goldsworthy, Lecturer in Biology (retired) Imperial College London
- Details
1. Smart Meters will not deliver value for money.
2. We should not expect any reduction in cost to the average consumer. In fact, people in the USA and Canada who already have Smart Meters have usually found that they bills have risen, partly because the meters have to be paid for out of revenue and partly because many people (particularly the poor and elderly) will not understand the complex tariffs. Past experience in the UK has shown that utility companies, when given the opportunity to use complex tariffs, use them to their own advantage. However, any potential benefits will be more than outweighed by the known and predicted health effects from being exposed 24/7 to intermittent microwave radiation.
3. There have been no truly successful implementations of Smart Meters in other countries because of their deleterious effects on health. Many users in the USA and Canada have experienced serious effects on their health, including severe headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea and poor sleep following their installation. The mechanisms of these effects are now known, which may be regarded as further evidence that they are real.
4. Effects on the inner ear
Tinnitus, dizziness and nausea are due to false activation of the sensitive "hair cells" of the inner ear. When it occurs in those of the cochlea, it can cause tinnitus (false sensations of sound). These hair cells can detect sound of as little as a billionth of a watt by first converting it to electrical signals that then trigger nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. They are also sensitive, even to weak pulsed microwaves.
When this occurs in the hair cells of the vestibular system (the part of the inner ear concerned with balance) they too send false signals to the brain, causing dizziness, loss of balance and symptoms of motion sickness, including nausea. These can be very debilitating.
5. Effects on the brain itself are also due to the pulsed microwave radiation interfering with its normal electrical activity by generating extra by false nerve impulses. This can result in brain hyperactivity, stress headaches and a reduced ability to concentrate (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)).
6. Autism can occur when ADHD occurs in the brain of the foetus and/or childrenunder about 18 months. It can interfere with normal learning during this relatively brief period when the brain is concerned primarily with recognizing body language, other peoples' emotions, basic communication skills and social interactions. At the end of this period, what the child has learnt become hard-wired into its psyche and cannot easily be added to later. This can result in one of a whole range of autistic spectrum disorders in which the child lacks one or more communications skills (often with other disorders) and is usually irreversible.
7. Microwave exposure has been linked to a fifty-fold increase in autism since the advent of mobile phones, cordless phones and their respective base stations. About one child in fifty is now likely to be at least partially autistic and the annual economic cost of autism in the UK has been estimated by workers at King's College London as being about £27 billion. Wireless Smart Meters can only make this worse. Can the Nation afford it?
8. Other reported long-term effects of pulsed microwaves are obesity and fatigue. Exposure to the radiation from mobile phones and their base stations (circa seven years for living within 100 metres of a base station) is damaging to the thyroid gland, which is in an exposed position in the front of the neck. This results in hypothyroidism, the main symptoms of which are obesity and fatigue. It may be no coincidence that the Western World is currently suffering from an outbreak of obesity and chronic fatigue syndrome that Wireless Smart Meters can only be expected to exacerbate. The economic and health costs of both are also enormous; can we afford them?
9. The disturbing effects of Wireless Smart Meters on sleep and cancer are apparently due to a reduction in melatonin production (a sleep hormone) by the pineal gland in the brain. This is also worrying since it disrupts our natural circadian rhythms. These circadian rhythms also control our immune systems, which are normally most active during what the body clock "thinks" is night (the subjective night). Similar disruption of the circadian rhythms of shift workers and people regularly exposed to light at night has been found to give rise to cardiac problems and reduced immunity to diseases. There is also a more than doubled risk of getting several forms of cancer as the immune system fails to dispose of aberrant cancer cells from various sources. Exposure to light at night is recognized by the World Health Organisation as being a Group 2A carcinogen (probably carcinogenic). We can therefore expect the current Group 2B status of wireless Smart meters to be elevated to Group 2A. Is the Government or Power Industry happy to take this risk with every household in the land? I hope not.
9. The situation is potentially worse in the UK than in the USA and Canada, where the meters are usually on the outside of houses and relatively little power is needed to transmit the signal. In the UK, most meters are either under the stairs; i.e. in the centre of the house or in the basement, so a much higher signal strength is needed to reach the base station. Therefore our own exposure will be that much greater and the symptoms likely to be worse.
10. Vulnerable customers should certainly not be allocated wireless smart meters,nor should charities be encouraged to support them. There will inevitably be litigation that charities may not be able to afford when their effects of health become fully recognized.
11. The main pitfall in the introduction of wireless smart meters is the effects of their regular radiation pattern (especially at night) on the health of consumers. If you must have wireless smart meters for billing purposes, they should be restricted to one transmission per day and even that should not occur at night.
12. However, it would be far better to use a wired of fibre optic connection using the telephone or broadband connections, which virtually every household already has.
13. DECC is not giving the public the necessary information to enable it to decide on the safety of smart meters, particularly their likely effects on cancer and other health concerns. Either it does not know about them or it has been badly misinformed.
14, There are thousands of peer-reviewed scientific papers showing biological effects from electromagnetic fields (including microwaves) that may be orders of magnitude below official safety standards (these only measure the short term heating effects). Seewww.bioinitiative.org <http://www.bioinitiative.org/> . Compliance with these standards cannot therefore be taken as an indication of safety. The public should be informed of this so that they can make a sensible and fully informed decision about the safety of wireless smart meters.
14. To carry out compulsory mass exposure to pulsed microwave radiation without the fully informed consent of the people affected is in contravention of the Nuremberg code.
15. The question of security of supply has not been adequately addressed. Any wireless connection is vulnerable to electromagnetic interference such as that from solar flares, not to mention deliberate attempts at hacking by potential enemies (remember the Stuxnet virus, which destroyed the centrifuges needed for the Iranian nuclear program). Similar attacks on our smart meter system or the intense magnetic fields from a direct hit by the radiation from a solar flare could destroy the electronics of our wireless smart meters (which are designed to fail to the off position) so that the whole nation could be in darkness and without power. If that happened, it could be months if not longer before the meters were replaced and power restored. The likelihood that the meters will be outsourced from another country (probably from China) that will be aware of any vulnerability does little to inspire confidence in our procurement policies.
In conclusion, to go ahead with this wireless smart meter program can at best be described as foolhardy and at worst a recipe for National Suicide.
Dr Andrew Goldsworthy
Lecturer in Biology (retired)
Imperial College London
Written evidence to Commons Select Committee
BioInitiative 2012 five-year update
- Details
- Parent Category: Health
A new report by the BioInitiative Working Group 2012 says that evidence for risks to health has substantially increased since 2007 from electromagnetic fields and wireless technologies (radiofrequency radiation). The Report reviews over 1600 new scientific studies. Cell phone users, parents-to-be, young children and pregnant woman are at particular risk.
There is a consistent pattern of increased risk for glioma (a malignant brain tumour) and acoustic neuroma with use of mobile and cordless phones saysLennart Hardell, MD at Orebro University, Sweden. "Epidemiological evidence shows that radiofrequency should be classified as human carcinogen. The FCC/IEEE and ICNIRP public safety limits and reference levels are not adequate to protect public health."
A dozen new studies link cell phone radiation to sperm damage. Even a cell phone in the pocket or on a belt may harm sperm DNA, result in misshapen sperm, and impair fertility in men. Laptop computers with wireless internet connections can damage DNA in sperm.
Based on strong evidence for vulnerable biology in autism, EMF/RFR can plausibly increase autism risk and symptoms.
While we aggressively investigate the links between autism disorders and wireless technologies, we should minimize wireless and EMF exposures for people with autism disorders, children of all ages, people planning a baby, and during pregnancy," says Martha Herbert, MD, PHD.
Wireless devices such as phones and laptops used by pregnant woman may alter brain development of the fetus. This has been linked in both animal and human studies to hyperactivity, learning and behaviour problems.
According to David O. Carpenter, MD, and co-editor of the 2012 Report.
There is now much more evidence to health affecting billions of people world-wide. The status quo is not acceptable in light of the evidence of harm."
This study covers EMF from powerlines, electrical wiring, appliances and hand-held devices; and from wireless technologies (cell and cordless phones, cell towers, 'smart meters', Wi-Fi, wireless laptops, wireless routers, baby monitors, and other electronic devices). Health topics include damage to DNA and genes, effects on memory, learning, behaviour, attention, sleep disruption, cancer and neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease. New safety standards are urgently needed for protection against EMF and wireless exposures that now appear everywhere in daily life.
The BioInitiative 2012 Report is available at www.bioinitiative.org on 7th January, 2013
Resonance - Beings of Frequency - How EMFs are Destroying the Earth - 2012
- Details
- Parent Category: TV Shows & Documentaries
N.B. For contractual reasons the film has been made private for now but will be available again for free later in the year
RESONANCE is a sensational eye opening documentary which reveals the harm we are doing by existing in an ocean of man made wireless frequencies.
Two billion years ago life first arrived on this planet; a planet, which was filled with a natural frequency. As life slowly evolved, it did so surrounded by this frequency. and Inevitably, it began tuning in.
By the time mankind arrived on earth an incredible relationship had been struck; a relationship that science is just beginning to comprehend.
Research is showing that being exposed to this frequency is absolutely integral to us. It controls our mental and physical health, it synchronizes our circadian rhythms, and it aids our immune system and improves our sense of wellbeing.
Not only are we surrounded by natural frequencies, our bodies are filled with them too. Our cells communicate using electro magnetic frequencies. Our brain emits a constant stream of frequencies and our DNA delivers instructions, using frequency waves. Without them we couldn't exist for more than a second.
This delicate balance has taken billions of years to perfect. But over the last 25 years the harmony has been disturbed. and disturbed dramatically.
Mankind has submerged itself in an ocean of artificial frequencies. They are all around us, filling the air and drowning out the earth's natural resonance.
To the naked eye the planet appears to be the same. But at a cellular level it is the biggest change that life on earth has endured; the affects of which we are just starting to see and feel.
The Non-Thermal Effects of Radio Frequencies on Trees by Dr. Andrew Goldsworthy
- Details
- Parent Category: Health
There is quite a lot of information on the non-thermal effects of radio frequencies on trees on the BEMRI website. See
What evidence is there for this? According to studies made in the 1990's on the effects of the VHF radar station at Skrunda in Latvia, the growth rings of trees were reduced during the period in which the station was operational and the pine needles made more resin (an indication of cellular stress). Incidentally, just for the record, a parallel study on the performance of schoolchildren in tests was significantly reduced in the main beam of the station compared with those in relative safety behind the antennas.
For my part, I was first alerted to these effects many years ago by a couple of Forestry Commission workers who thought that Die-back in Oak was correlated with the path of microwave transmission links, where they skimmed the surface of the trees. At first, I didn't believe it; that is until I saw what was happening to the trees around an old and powerful Vodafone mast near my local park. Many of the Oaks in the park within about 400 metres of the mast are suffering from severe die-back and one is now just a dead skeleton. Many of the badly damaged and dead trees have now been removed by the council, including many conifers and a whole row of dead Silver Birch extending up to about 300 metres from the Mast. The symptoms are those of drought, abnormal growth patterns, cancer-like growths beneath the bark ,and fungal disease.
Most of these effects can be attributed to the effects of the radio waves on the pigment cryptochrome. This is one of many pigments used by plants to detect the presence and wavelength of light, but most important of all, it forms a vital part of the biological clock that controls their circadian rhythms and it is also affected by radio waves. The mechanism of its radio sensitivity depends on the quantum mechanics of an electron's ability to move between two free radicals. This was first discovered by Ritz and his co-workers (Nature 249: May 13th, 177-180, 2004) in relation to magnetic navigation in robins, which use cryptochrome to sense the direction of the Earth's magnetic field. Navigation was upset by a broad range of frequencies up to about 7MHz. If this is also true of the cryptochrome that controls the biological clock in plant cells, then modulated or pulsed radiation containing any of these frequencies could upset their circadian rhythms and have potentially devastating effects.
Circadian rhythms are important in both animals and plants because they enable them to anticipate the arrival of dawn and dusk to get their enzymes and metabolic pathways ready in time (See "Introducing Biological Rhythms". Koukkari and Sothern: Springer 2006). In plants, they begin opening the stomata and synthesising photosynthetic enzymes before dawn. In both plants and animals, they control the immune system. In plants, it works best during the day when there is spare energy available from photosynthesis, but in animals it works best when we are asleep at night when the lack if physical activity make more energy available for it.
These circadian rhythms can usually go on for several cycles without external signals from the environment, but eventually they fade out under constant conditions. When this happens, at no time will the immune system function at maximum efficiency and the animal or plant becomes more susceptible to disease. Although much of the work has not yet been published, studies in the Netherlands indicate that in some plants at least, modulated microwaves cause these circadian rhythms to fade out, with a partial loss of immune function.
Photographic studies made in the Netherlands and throughout Europe has also shown a progressive increase in the occurrence of tumour-like growths beneath the bark of urban trees over the last decade or so, which corresponds in time to the increases usage of mobile phones and WiFi. There also seems to be an increase in splits in the bark, which then become infected by various organisms and could be a mode of entry for various pathogens, which, together with a loss of immune function, could be the perfect storm.
All this needs checking out with a properly funded and independent research programme, and if governments are not prepared to do this, we must surely ask why.
Dr Andrew Goldsworthy
Lecturer in Biology (retired)
Imperial College London
1,2,3,4g - Now it's Mobile Phone masts in Conservation Areas
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Not content with the current tilted planning system the Mobile Operators are hoping to slew the planning regulations in their favour still further.
Bosses at Vodafone, O₂, EE and Three met Maria Miller, the Culture Secretary, to push for a shake-up of rules in the protected areas, including many parks, town squares and village greens. The companies want the rules relaxed so they can meet government targets for the introduction of super-fast 4G coverage.
The companies want urban conservation areas put on an equal footing with ordinary parts of towns or cities, so that the public only has 56 days to raise objections to masts up to 15 metres tall. The 56 days would start from the point at which a council announced the plans, for example by putting up notices.
Reconnect - Movie - A documentary on cell phones and the potential negative health effects
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"I'm Kevin Kunze the director of Reconnect, a documentary on the potential negative health effects from cell phone radiation, the proposed policies regarding safer use, and the mainstream media's portrayal of the issue.
I've been working on this film for nearly two years interviewing doctors, politicians, cancer patients, and representatives from the cell phone industry. Although we're nearly finished with the film there is still a lot that needs to be done, including: filming additional b-roll, motion graphics, composing an original score, color correction, sound mixing, licensing footage, submitting to film festivals, and creating an interactive website. Take a minute to watch our trailer and see how far we've come."
Go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/reconnect/reconnect
EM Radiation Trust Press Release : Prof' Yury Grigoriev calls for order
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Professor Yury Grigoriev calls for order and the world needs to listen:
"Man conquered the Black Plague, but he has created new problems - EMF pollution"
The Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection has agreed to provide a detailed report for the world containing clear information on the most important Russian research results in RF/EMF radiation over the past 50 years.
RF/EMF researchers and environmental activists, Eileen O'Connor, Director for the UK Radiation Research Trust charity and Sissel Halmøy, Chairman for the International EMF Alliance and Secretary General for the Citizens´ Radiation Protection in Norway recently returned from a trip to meet with top scientists at the Russian Federation.
Halmøy said: "According to the RNCNIRP, the following health hazards are likely to be faced by children who use mobile phones in the near future: disruption of memory, decline of attention, diminishing learning and cognitive abilities, increased irritability, sleep problems, increase in sensitivity to the stress, increased epileptic readiness. Action must be taken immediately to adopt biologically based guidelines to protect children." Current standards are based more on engineering needs than biological studies.
O'Connor said "The Russian report is a gift to the world. The UK Radiation Research Trust will present the report in the Autumn to the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP and will be forwarded to the UK Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies."
She added "Russian scientists are advanced in their knowledge on RF/EMF radiation and have extended the hand of friendship and are willing to share their expertise and knowledge. I hope decision makers from the western world accept this great honour and work together."
Russian research offers crucial and important aspects of developmental relevance that conveys a sense of urgency for the global RF/EMF framework. Without it, national governments may not be able to ensure the health of future generations are protected, especially that of our children.
Russian warnings exists urging pregnant women to avoid using mobile phones entirely along with children under eighteen. Likewise, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, Finland, Belgium and Toronto, Canada, have issued health warnings for children to not use mobile phones, or for emergency use only. Unfortunately, most children, parents, doctors and teachers are not aware of this important information.
Furthermore, in May 2011 the World Health Organisation and IARC issued a classification stating that radio frequency - electromagnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B). This warning is issued not only for mobile phones and phone masts, but for Wi-Fi, smart meters, wireless computers and all applications of technology on the RF/EMF Spectrum (radio-frequency radiation to electromagnetic radiation.)
Chairman of Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, member of International Advisory Committee of WHO "EMF and Health" Professor Yury Grigoriev said: "The brain is a critical organ. Vital brain structures are under EMF exposure daily when using a mobile phone. The brain is made up of permanent complex biophysical processes and vital functions. We need to take care with mobile phones and use distance and reduce time. Children should use mobile phones for emergencies only and also use hands free."
Deputy Chairman, Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, Professor Oleg Grigoriev said: "We need correct control and assessment of electromagnetic pollution. There are currently a lot of new frequencies containing modulation and no one knows the results which could be a serious problem."
Russian scientists are also warning countries throughout the world including ministries of health and other organizations, responsible for the population safety (including children), to pay attention to the regulation of mobile phones and Wi-Fi use in kindergardens and are recommending the usage of wired networks in schools and educational institutions, rather than a network using wireless broadband systems, including Wi-Fi.
The Russians stand by their solid research which has consistently shown that prolonged exposure to RF/EMF radiation disturbs cognitive function.
For protection from RF/EMF non-ionizing radiation, many countries have adopted a set of guidelines provided by private group of industry-friendly scientists known as ICNIRP. The ICNIRP guidelines are for short-term, acute thermal RF/EMF exposure. The current ICNIRP, IEEE standards are based on the preconceived and out dated view of government authorities that the only possible established biological effect of RF/EMF exposure is tissue heating.
The Russian standards are supported by science as a result of extensive research and take into account the dangers of non-thermal exposure. The standards are also backed by the Russian Ministry of Health and are a small fraction of what is allowed by ICNIRP and the IEEE which is currently adopted in many counties.
Research clearly underlines the need for action on mobile phones and wireless technology. We need to launch global government backed hard-hitting advertising campaign especially for children, and large health warnings should be clearly visible on all RF/EMF emitting equipment. Mass media campaigns can also create awareness.
O'Connor said: "I am grateful to the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith for offering to submit the Russian report to the UK Chief Medical Officer and hope that Government and health agencies worldwide listen to concerns raised by Russian and independent scientists and urgently adopt health based RF/EMF standards to protect human health. We need to provide as swift solution to this problem as soon as possible. We simply cannot afford to wait."
Russian scientists recognise the value of non-Government groups in discussion and research. Deputy Chairman, Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, Professor Oleg Grigoriev said: "We need to include non-Government groups in discussion and research. Non-Government groups play an equal importance to Government and the scientific community. NGO's are a new power and are representing people with electrosensitivity (ES) and should be an equal player."
He added that "If the decisions are not made together with the NGOs, then decisions may have no value."
The UK Radiation Research Trust, Citizens´ Radiation Protection in Norway and International EMF Alliance are calling for the Governments to engage with NGO's and Independent (non-telecommunications funded) scientists.
It's time for action!
Professor Oleg Grigoriev, Head of Department of Non-Ionizing Radiation,
Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia
Deputy Chairman, Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
Director, Center for Electromagnetic Safety
Professor Yury Grigoriev, Chairman of Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, a member of Int. Advisory Committee of WHO "EMF and Health"
Sissel Halmøy, Secretary General for the Citizens´ Radiation Protection in Norway www.stralevern.org and founder and Chair of International EMF Alliance http://www.iemfa.org
Eileen O'Connor, Founder and Board member for the International EMF Alliance and
Director of UK EM Radiation Research Trust www.radiationresearch.org
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We were hacked but we are back.
A common event for all sites opposing powerful interests.


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Houston police: Mom left kids alone in car while shoplifting at Randalls
A Houston mom is behind bars, accused of leaving her two children inside a parked vehicle while she shoplifted from a Randalls store in southwest Houston.
Jennifer Michelle Claus, 29, faces a misdemeanor charge of theft under $1,500, and a felony charge of endangering a child, court records show.
Houston Police Department spokeswoman Jodi Silva said that Claus entered the grocery store at 9660 Westheimer on Monday and placed $60 worth of merchandise in her purse. A loss prevention officer at the store detained her until police arrived.
"She told them that she left her two kids, ages 5 and 8, inside a running car," Silva said. The children were located unharmed.
No bond has been set for Claus, who was being held Wednesday at the Harris County Jail.


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