The star is actually a binary pair of rare stars in the constellation of Cygnus, and their interactions produce precise periodic eruptions of dust that are expanding out in shells into the space around the pair over time. These shells of dust are glowing in infrared, which has allowed an instrument as sensitive as Webb’s MIRI to resolve them in exquisite detail. See JWST Image Library
Submitted by Terry McGuire
The Wood Shop at Collington is an underutilized resource. Woodworking is the perfect activity for residents of Collington. Woodworking can challenge our minds, strengthen our bodies, and provide opportunities to meet other residents. In addition, we can repair cherished a piece of furniture or create something for ourselves or as a gift.
Wood working does not have to be expensive. Collington throws away 100’s of wooden pallets each year. I wanted to see how long it would take to turn a pallet into a bird house. I selected the pallet shown because the slats were 5 ½ inches wide. In addition, the slats were nearly 3/4-in thick. This type of pallet is very common in the Collington dumpsters.
On Day One I moved the pallet into the shop to dry. On Day Two, I cut the pallet into boards using the circular saw. In theory, there is enough wood in a single pallet for two to three bird houses. However, a great deal of pallet wood is damaged and not usable.
The usable boards were the correct width (5 ½ inches wide) so I cut the pieces to length with the sliding compound miter saw. I needed two pieces wider than 5 ½ inches for the roof. I selected some reasonably flat pieces and straightened one edge on the jointer. I then trimmed the boards on the table saw using safety bypass mode. These pieces were then glued and clamped to make wider boards. I let the glue dry overnight. Before I left the shop, I drilled the entry hole in the front piece. The hole was sized for a Carolina wren using 1 1/8″ Fortsner bit. This hole is too small for a house sparrow.
Continue reading “Pallet to Ecofriendly Bird House“
Submitted by Terry McGuire
Composting at Collington started in November 2018. For variety of reasons, that initial attempt failed. In 2020, the Compost bins located near the greenhouse had to be shut down. All compost operations were moved to the Hilltop Gardens. In April 2021, all of the commercially available plastic bins were replaced by four custom-build wooden bins. Each of these bins holds about 160 gallons of kitchen and green waste.
I have recently given talks about composting at several District meetings. It has become apparent that many residents believe that there is no composting remaining at Collington. Nothing could be further from the truth. Behind the black fence in the 5000’s is the Hilltop Garden. In the Hilltop Garden are four active compost bins that produce 100’s of gallons of rich compost each year.
All residents may use these bins. Add kitchen waste to the bins marked with green dots. There is a metal tool which you may spread out your waste into thin layer. You dig a hole in the existing leaves or add a handful of dried to cover the waste. You are done. The compost committee will take it from there.
As of April 1, 2022 residents in the apartments may deliver their kitchen waste to the green buckets (pictured above) in the recycling rooms on the first floor of the apartments. The collected waste will be delivered to the Hilltop Gardens on Tuesday and Fridays.
This post is available as a handout: Composting
Continue reading “Composting is Alive and Well at Collington”
