Category: Environment

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TimberTech® Composite Decking recognized by industry and design professionals for performance, innovation and sustainability

CHICAGO — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE: AZEK) (“AZEK” or the “Company”), the industry-leading manufacturer of beautiful, low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, including TimberTech® decking and railing, Versatex® and AZEK® Trim, and StruXure® pergolas, is proud to announce that the new TimberTech Composite Terrain+ CollectionTM has been recognized for its innovative design and performance characteristics as well as its sustainability attributes, receiving Green Builder’s 2024 Sustainable Product of the Year Award and being named to HGTV Magazine’s 2024 Green List.

 

TimberTech Composite Terrain+ decking features sophisticated aesthetics with multi-color variegation and realistic emboss patterns combined with the high performance and durability found across all of TimberTech’s Composite decking collections. With its protective 4-sided capping, the Terrain+ Collection palette includes three on-trend colors, including Weathered Oak, Natural White Oak, and Dark Oak – each delivering a sophisticated, versatile and natural wood look. It is sustainably manufactured in the USA with up to 85% recycled content and protected with Product and Fade & Stain Limited Warranties for up to 30 years.


“As we celebrate the recognition of our TimberTech Composite Terrain+ Collection by Green Builder and HGTV Magazine, it’s clear that our commitment to innovation and sustainability is resonating with industry experts and consumers alike,” said Chief Marketing Officer Sam Toole. “This award-winning collection is a testament to our dedication to creating products that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. It also reinforces AZEK’s position as an industry leader, where our focus on innovation enables us to consistently launch new outdoor living solutions that meet and exceed homeowner expectations.”

 

The Terrain+ Collection was named a winner in Green Builder’s 2024 Sustainable Product of the Year Awards, which recognizes the best innovations in sustainable home and building product design. Receiving accolades for its nature-inspired design, realistic wood looks, and superior performance and durability, the collection’s environmental sustainability attributes also stood out to the judges who deemed TimberTech as one of the brand leaders defining the future of green building.

 

2024 marks the second year in a row that TimberTech Decking was featured on HGTV Magazine’s Annual Green List, which features the editors’ best picks for eco-friendly furniture, décor and outdoor spaces. The Terrain+ Collection was their standout pick for homeowners looking to make their outdoor spaces more environmentally friendly.

 

To learn more about TimberTech’s beautiful, low-maintenance and sustainable outdoor living solutions, visit timbertech.com.

 

About The AZEK® Company

The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE: AZEK) is the industry-leading designer and manufacturer of beautiful, low maintenance and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, including TimberTech® decking and railing, Versatex® and AZEK® Trim, and StruXure® pergolas. Consistently awarded and recognized as the market leader in innovation, quality, aesthetics and sustainability, our products are made from up to 85% recycled material and primarily replace wood on the outside of homes, providing a long-lasting, eco-friendly, and stylish solution to consumers. Leveraging the talents of its approximately 2,000 employees and the strength of relationships across its value chain, The AZEK Company is committed to accelerating the use of recycled material in the manufacturing of its innovative products, keeping hundreds of millions of pounds of waste and scrap out of landfills each year, and revolutionizing the industry to create a more sustainable future. The AZEK Company has recently been named one of America’s Climate Leaders by USA Today, a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune and U.S. News and World Report, and a winner of the 2024 Real Leaders® Impact Awards. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company operates manufacturing and recycling facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Georgia, Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan and Minnesota. For additional information, please visit azekco.com.

Contacts

Amanda Cimaglia

312-809-1093

media@azekco.com

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TimberTech® sets new industry standard with top-rated fire resistance for composite decking; best choice for fire zones

TimberTech Advanced PVC collections feature exceptional flame spread resistance, now with an Ignition Resistant designation from California’s State Fire Marshal

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE: AZEK) (“AZEK” or the “Company”), the industry-leading manufacturer of beautiful, low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, including TimberTech® decking and railing, Versatex® and AZEK® Trim, and StruXure® pergolas, is proud to announce that its TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection® and Landmark Collection® are the first in the composite decking industry to receive an Ignition Resistant designation from California’s State Fire Marshal.

 

Ignition Resistance, as defined by the California State Fire Marshal, and by the surrounding states that have adopted its standards, refers to building materials that resist catching fire or burning easily and that may slow the spread of flames. The new Ignition Resistant designation for these Advanced PVC Collections underscores TimberTech’s commitment to providing homeowners with not only beautiful and durable outdoor living solutions but also products that help enhance the safety of their outdoor spaces by adding an extra layer of protection against fire hazards.

“TimberTech is not just leading but revolutionizing the decking industry through innovation,” said Jonathan Skelly, President of Residential and Commercial for AZEK. “These fire designations underscore our relentless pursuit to not only meet but to exceed fire safety standards. Considering the staggering number of over 46 million homes across 70,000 U.S. communities at risk from the impacts of wildfire, our comprehensive portfolio can help consumers harden their homes to reduce risk and increase resistance to heat, flames, and embers typical of most wildfires.”

 

In addition to the new Ignition Resistant designation, TimberTech’s Vintage and Landmark Collections hold a Class A Flame Spread Rating. Class A is the best rating available and indicates a material is in the highest range of resistance to flames. This means that in a fire, flames will spread slower across the deck surface. Class A Flame Spread Rated decking will resist catching fire and will not readily contribute to the spread of flames. TimberTech’s Advanced PVC Decking also meets Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) compliance standards. Local building codes in WUI zones mandate fire-resistant materials for construction projects, including decks. WUI-Compliant materials resist flame spread and catching fire due to flying embers.

 

“The significance of these ratings cannot be overstated, especially for homeowners like me living in California and those living in other areas prone to wildfires or those simply seeking to enhance the safety of their homes,” said Sam Toole, Chief Marketing Officer for AZEK. “No other decking matches the beauty or performance of our Vintage and Landmark Collections and features top-rated fire resistance.”

 

TimberTech’s recently introduced Aluminum Framing product pairs perfectly with Advanced PVC decking. Because it is made of aluminum, it is particularly well-suited for areas prone to fires as compared to wood, enabling TimberTech to provide homeowners with a comprehensive wood alternative decking and framing solution.

 

To learn more about TimberTech’s innovative decking solutions and their flame spread ratings, visit https://www.timbertech.com/about/fire-resistant-decking/.

 

About The AZEK® Company

The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE: AZEK) is the industry-leading designer and manufacturer of beautiful, low maintenance and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, including TimberTech® decking and railing, Versatex® and AZEK® Trim, and StruXure® pergolas. Consistently awarded and recognized as the market leader in innovation, quality, aesthetics and sustainability, our products are made from up to 85% recycled material and primarily replace wood on the outside of homes, providing a long-lasting, eco-friendly, and stylish solution to consumers. Leveraging the talents of its approximately 2,000 employees and the strength of relationships across its value chain, The AZEK Company is committed to accelerating the use of recycled material in the manufacturing of its innovative products, keeping hundreds of millions of pounds of waste and scrap out of landfills each year, and revolutionizing the industry to create a more sustainable future. The AZEK Company has recently been named one of America’s Climate Leaders by USA Today, a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune and U.S. News and World Report, and a winner of the 2024 Real Leaders® Impact Awards. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company operates manufacturing and recycling facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Georgia, Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan and Minnesota. For additional information, please visit azekco.com.

Contacts

Amanda Cimaglia

312-809-1093

media@azekco.com

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D&R Greenway Land Trust announces Spring 2024 Native Plant Sale dates in April at the Johnson Education Center in Princeton

PRINCETON, N.J. — The public is invited to welcome spring by visiting the Native Plant Nursery at the Johnson Education Center during D&R Greenway’s Spring 2024 native plant sale, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 25; and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 26; also from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27.

 

Photo: Supporting the ecosystem by planting a tree
Photo: Native beebalm is a favorite treat for pollinators
Photo:  A monarch caterpillar feasts on butterfly milkweed at D&R Greenway’s Native Plant Nursery

D&R Greenway’s stewardship team and volunteers will be on hand to help visitors choose the perfect plants that will flourish in different garden soils and conditions.

 

All sales are in person this year and visitors are invited to spend some time to enjoy

 

the beauty of nature by exploring the grounds surrounding the Johnson Education Center and walking the labyrinth.

 

D&R Greenway’s comprehensive online catalog for review provides thorough plant descriptions, and pro-tips from D&R Greenway’s experienced Stewardship team and can assist you in selecting the right native plants, shrubs and trees for your garden habitat.   Consider Swamp milkweed (host to monarch butterfly), New England aster (seeds are eaten by birds), black cherry tree (host plant for 450+ species of butterflies), cardinal flower (provides natural nectar source for hummingbirds), marginal woodfern (host plant for caterpillars), foamflower (native groundcover) and many more.

 

Visit https://drgreenway.org/shop/native-plants/ for the full list of available plants.

 

“How better to show you care about the future than by planting a tree?” says Tina Notas, Director Land Stewardship.

 

Planting natives enhances home gardens in natural beauty, attracts butterflies and birds in the landscape, and contributes to protection of a healthy bioregion. The Nursery is on the grounds of D&R Greenway’s Conservation Campus at the Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, [off Rosedale Road] Princeton, N.J. 08540.  Native Plant Sale proceeds support D&R Greenway’s preservation and stewardship mission. www.drgreenway.org.

About D&R Greenway Land Trust: Celebrating 35 years of land preservation, D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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SageSure to Acquire GeoVera MGA, Including GeoVera’s Industry-Leading Underwriting Franchise in Residential Earthquake Risk

Transaction and track record of underwriting outperformance solidify SageSure as the leader in catastrophe-exposed property insurance.

 

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — SageSure, one of the largest managing general agents focused on catastrophe-exposed markets, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GeoVera Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. (“GeoVera MGA”), an existing managing general agent within the specialty property insurance provider GeoVera Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (“GeoVera”).

 

Upon the transaction’s completion, SageSure will assume the underwriting operations of GeoVera MGA’s best-in-class residential earthquake franchise.

With the addition of the GeoVera MGA’s deep earthquake expertise, the transaction will further enhance SageSure’s robust catastrophe risk underwriting capabilities and accelerate its entrance into new markets, including Oregon and Washington.

 

“We are excited to enter into an agreement that solidifies SageSure as one of the leading underwriters of catastrophe-exposed property risk in the US. This transaction is a rare opportunity to create significant value for employees and investors of both companies,” said Terrence McLean, President and CEO of SageSure. “The addition of Nesrin Basoz and the GeoVera MGA team will ensure continuity in GeoVera’s product offerings and a seamless experience for GeoVera distributors and policyholders.”

 

Both SageSure and GeoVera MGA teams will continue to drive their respective areas of expertise with the common goal of delivering underwriting outperformance.

 

The transaction will also establish SageSure’s partnership with GeoVera’s insurance carriers, which will provide residential earthquake capacity in California, Oregon, and Washington, and E&S homeowners, commercial habitational, and residential wind capacity in Florida. SageSure’s existing carrier partner SafePort Insurance Company will join GeoVera’s insurance carriers, enhancing an already strong, well-capitalized, and diversified AM Best-rated carrier group.

 

“We are proud to partner with SageSure on this innovative transaction,” said John Forney, President and CEO of GeoVera. “Our MGA team will provide SageSure with additional underwriting expertise and product diversity, while our new carrier partnership will ensure stability and continuity for GeoVera agents and policyholders. We look forward to the exciting opportunities this partnership will bring.”

 

To support the transaction, credit funds managed by Ares Management, SageSure’s long-standing capital provider, will provide an expansion to SageSure’s existing debt facility.

 

Howden Capital Markets & Advisory is serving as exclusive financial advisor to SageSure on the transaction, with Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP serving as SageSure’s legal counsel.

 

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

 

About SageSure

SageSure is the managing general agent specializing in coastal residential and commercial property insurance. SageSure offers more than 50 competitively priced insurance products in 14 coastal states on behalf of its carrier partners, serves more than 550,000 policyholders, and has more than $1.6 billion of inforce premium. Since its launch in 2009, SageSure has been pioneering property insurance through its market-leading online quoting and binding platform and its sophisticated risk modeling and scoring technology. For more information, visit sagesure.com.

 

About GeoVera Insurance Holdings, Ltd.

GeoVera Insurance Holdings, Ltd. is a provider of specialty property insurance products focused on catastrophe-exposed properties in the earthquake and wind markets, operating on both an admitted and surplus lines basis. GeoVera is headquartered in Fairfield, CA with offices in Sheboygan, WI, Jacksonville, FL and Tampa, FL. GeoVera and its subsidiaries maintain a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) from AM Best. For more information, visit GeoVera.com.

Contacts

Walker Sands

sagesure@walkersands.com

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Brightcore Energy developing 2.2MW solar project portfolio on Princeton University campus

Project to produce an estimated 2,588 MWh of electricity annually

 

ARMONK, N.Y. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Brightcore Energy, a leader in developing and implementing renewable energy solutions for the commercial and institutional markets, is developing a portfolio of solar projects for the Facilities Organization at Princeton University which will be installed on rooftop and canopy- mounted structures on the University’s campus in Princeton N.J.

 

The project consists of four arrays, two of which will be rooftop-mounted and two canopy-mounted. The aggregate size of the project will be approximately 2.2MWdc. The rooftop projects will be installed on the TIGER and CUB buildings while the canopy-mounted projects will be at the Meadows and Stadium garages. In its entirety, the solar arrays will consist of 4,039 panels and are projected to produce an estimated 2,588 MWh of electricity annually. Brightcore expects to begin constructing the projects in the summer of 2024.

 

“We are so very proud to have been selected for this project,” said Mike Richter, President of Brightcore.

 

“The University has rigorous selection standards and was extremely thoughtful and supportive throughout the process. The school has shown great leadership with its ambitious and detailed sustainability plans, and we are excited to play a role in that.”

 

Princeton University has committed to achieving Net Carbon Neutrality by 2046. A key component of Princeton’s Sustainability Action Plan is using renewables as the campus energy source.

 

Once operational, the estimated annual production will prevent approximately 1,834 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, the equivalent of burning more than 2 million pounds of coal.

 

About Brightcore

Brightcore, based in Armonk N.Y., is a leading provider of end-to-end clean energy solutions for commercial and institutional markets. Services include high-efficiency heating and cooling systems (geothermal) for both new construction and existing building retrofits, commercial-grade solar, LED lighting and controls, energy storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, smart building products and other emerging technologies. Brightcore’s turnkey, end-to-end solutions encompass preliminary modeling & feasibility, financing & incentive guidance, design & construction, system implementation, and performance monitoring.

 

Visit www.BrightcoreEnergy.com to learn more.

 

About Brightcore

Brightcore, based in Armonk NY, is a leading provider of end-to-end clean energy solutions for commercial and institutional markets. Services include high-efficiency heating and cooling systems (geothermal) for both new construction and existing building retrofits, commercial-grade solar, LED lighting and controls, energy storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, smart building products, and other emerging technologies. Brightcore’s turnkey, end-to-end solutions encompass preliminary modeling & feasibility, financing & incentive guidance, design & construction, system implementation, and performance monitoring. Visit www.BrightcoreEnergy.com to learn more.

Contacts

Brightcore Energy, LLC

Michael Tracy

914-719-6027

michael.tracy@brightcoreenergy.com

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AM Best to host webinar on the growing impact of secondary insurance perils

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — AM Best will host a complimentary webinar, titled, “From Convective Storms to Flood: The Growing Impact of Secondary Insurance Perils,” on April 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. EDT.

 

While natural catastrophes such as hurricanes and earthquakes grab all the headlines, secondary perils including flood, convective storms and wildfires lurk in the shadows, posing significant threats to businesses and individuals alike.

 

In a one-hour webinar sponsored by Munich Re U.S., an expert panel will unravel the complexities of secondary perils (also known as non-peak perils), exploring their nature, impact, and mitigation strategies. Register now.

 

Key points to be covered:

  • Defining secondary insurance perils: Discover what constitutes secondary perils and how they differ from primary risks.
  • Identifying secondary perils: Explore a range of secondary perils commonly encountered.
  • Impact on insurance coverage: Understand how secondary perils can impact insurance coverage and claims processes.
  • Mitigation strategies: Learn proactive approaches to mitigate the risks posed by secondary perils and safeguard your assets.
  • Lessons learned: Gain valuable insights from real-world examples illustrating the consequences of overlooking secondary perils.

 

Panelists:

  • Tehya Duckworth, senior vice president, /property underwriting manager, Munich Re U.S.;
  • Joe Bonanno, senior vice president/excess and surplus, property underwriting manager – Northeast and Midwest, Munich Re Specialty Insurance; and
  • Sean Kevelighan, chief executive officer, Insurance Information Institute.

 

Attendees can submit questions during registration or by emailing webinars@ambest.com. The event will be streamed in video and audio formats, and playback will be available to registered viewers shortly after the event.

 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2024 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Lee McDonald
Senior Vice President, Publication & News Services
+1 908 882 2102
lee.mcdonald@ambest.com

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NJPF presents ‘Wonderful World of Color’ exhibit in the Overlook Auxiliary Gallery at Overlook Medical Center

— The New Jersey Photography Forum (NJPF) is excited to present its new exhibit, Wonderful World of Color, as part of Art at Overlook.

 

The exhibit is running from Feb. 4, 2024 to May 5, 2024, at the Overlook Medical Center, 99 Beauvoir Ave., Summit, N.J. 07901.

 

It is open for viewing on the 5th floor during normal visiting and business hours. There will be a free opening reception on Friday, April 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Overlook Auxiliary Gallery.

 

Color can help us understand our physical environment and affect emotions and behaviors. It can bring calm and joy, comfort, and cheer, or evoke tension and feelings of mystery and hope. Photographers of NJPF have used their personal vision of color to convey its influence to affect mood and perception.

 

In this special Art at Overlook exhibit at Overlook Medical Center, the artists of the New Jersey Photography Forum explore the many properties of color. They consider its beauty and power and how it interacts with other elements in our world.

 

Artists participating in the exhibit include: Deszo Bodis, Newark; Rob Creteau, Piscataway; Ken Curtis, Lebanon; Ralph Greene, Woodland Park; Theresa Hood, Hamilton Township, Pa.; John Markanich, West Milford; Charlann Meluso, Berkeley Heights; Charles Miller, Ringoes; Jeff Newman, Flemington; Nancy Ori, Berkeley Heights; Phyllis Raffelson, Cliffside Park; Lynn Ronan, Midland Park; Skip Williams, Westfield; and Allan Wood, Maplewood.

 

Overlook Medical Center’s “Art at Overlook” program, relaunched in the fall of 2021, highlights the work of local artists within the halls of Overlook Medical Center. Program exhibits will rotate every three months. Artists from the local community are invited to participate. All of the art displayed will be available for sale, with twenty percent of the proceeds benefiting the Overlook Auxiliary.

 

Nancy Ori, director of the NJ Photography Forum said, “Our photographers look forward to exhibiting at Overlook Medical Center each year. It is a beautiful place to share our images, and we know that the staff, family members and patients of the hospital enjoy having the art available for viewing as a bit of a respite.”

 

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, The New Jersey Photography Forum is dedicated to furthering the interests of professional and serious photographers living or working in the New Jersey area. Under the direction and dedication of Nancy Ori, the NJPF has become the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the state. The monthly meetings are held in the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit or on Zoom. They encourage attendees to share expertise and advance their skills in preparation for exhibition. The meetings provide an opportunity for photographers to share their work for critique by others. Exhibition possibilities within the fine art community are constantly explored, which become an invaluable resource for photographers interested in becoming fine art exhibitors.

 

This exhibit and reception is sponsored by the Overlook Auxiliary, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports Overlook Medical Center with volunteering and fundraising efforts. Founded in 1916, the Overlook Auxiliary has more than 200 active members.

 

The Overlook Auxiliary Gallery at Overlook Hospital is located at 99 Beauvoir Ave., Summit, N.J. 07901 and may be visited during the hospital’s normal visiting and business hours.

 

For more information on the exhibit please visit https://www.oaux.org/art-at-overlook-njpf-exhibit/ or contact Nancy Ori at nancyori@comcast.net. If you are interested purchasing art, stop by or call the Overlook Auxiliary Gift Shop & Bloom at (908) 522-2117. You can also visit the New Jersey Photography Forum website at www.njphotoforum.com

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Environmental documentary ‘Wild Coast Warriors,’ about a legal battle against Shell in South Africa, picked up by Limonero

Limonero Films has picked up world rights to distribute environmental documentary, “Wild Coast Warriors,” which launches at Mipdoc.

 

The film aims to raise awareness of the plight of small coastal communities on South Africa’s Wild Coast, who are standing up to the oil and gas industry.

 

It follows a David vs. Goliath court-case against Shell, which halted oil and gas exploration, winning protection for the community, the ocean and the local culture.

 

“Wild Coast Warriors” is directed by Nick Chevallier and Leigh Wood, who also edits the film. It is produced by Chevallier for Contemporary Film Productions. The cinematographer is Warren Smart, who was part of the camera crew on Oscar winner “My Octopus Teacher.”

 

Pippa Ehrlich, director of “My Octopus Teacher,” said “Wild Coast Warriors” was “a critical story about the power of community advocacy, and a warning to big corporations that there is strength in the voices of vulnerable people who are connected to and dependent on their land.”

 

She said the film was “an empowering case-study showing how South Africa’s constitution protects its people.” She added: “It is exquisitely shot and paints a beautiful portrait of the people working to defend their communities and the land they love.”

 

The film is supported by Greenpeace Africa, Natural Justice and Oxfam Intl.

 

Chevallier’s credits include “Blood Lions.” His clients have included BBC, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Animal Planet and South African broadcasters.

 

Twenty years ago, Chevallier produced a documentary called “The Wild Coast….a Fragile Paradise” in which he explored the natural beauty and rich natural resource base of the Wild Coast.

 

Mipdoc runs April 6-7 in Cannes, ahead of the MipTV market and conference.

 

Read More

 

 

— Variety (EXCLUSIVE) 

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How Ukraine recreates Soledar Salt Mine, let players compete for prizes, plus donate to restore school hit by Russian missile

—  The Soledar Salt Mine in eastern Ukraine shut down in early 2022 amidst the Russian invasion.  The Ukrainian government recreated it in Minecraft to raise funds to restore a school hit during the war.

 

Justin Ling / Wired:

 

— On Feb. 24, 2022, Stepan Bandrivskyi woke up before dawn and got ready for a special day: his birthday.

 

It wouldn’t be a particularly happy one. Hours earlier, a couple dozen miles away, Russian tanks had rolled across the borders of his native Ukraine. The full-scale invasion had begun.

 

Like so many other Ukrainians, Bandrivskyi didn’t know what to do. So he went to work, to the Soledar Salt Mine, a cavernous state-run operation in Eastern Ukraine. Kyiv says it is the biggest such mine in Europe. His manager told him to go home: The mine was closed. It hasn’t resumed operations since.

Bandrivskyi fled the region not long after, as Russian forces advanced. After nearly a year of fighting, during which the mines were turned into bunkers, Russia seized and occupied the town of Soledar—although fierce fighting continues nearby. Over time, Bandrivskyi came to the painful realization that he may never see the salt mine, and its eerie and isolated beauty, ever again.

 

Last year, Bandrivskyi received a phone call from a colleague. “He invited me to participate in a very interesting project,” he says.

 

The Ukrainian government wanted to completely map the mine “and translate it into a game environment,” he says. Bandrivskyi seized the opportunity. “I wanted to keep it in my memory, and I wanted other people to be able to kind of immerse themselves in this world as well,” he says.

With that, Minesalt was born.

THE IDEA FOR Minesalt comes from United24, the official crowdfunding arm of the Ukrainian government. For nearly two years, United24 has raised funds to rebuild apartment blocks and purchase de-mining equipment. Last year, United24 began shipping batches of salt to donors, through its “Soledarity” campaign—raising some $3 million to purchase reconnaissance drones.

 

But as the war drags into its third year, donor fatigue has set in. That has pushed United24 to come up with new and innovative ways of attracting the world’s attention—and support.

 

Minesalt, which launches last Thursday might be their most inspired effort yet.

 

A recreation of the mine in Minecraft.

 

“It is important for us to remember and talk about every Ukrainian city that is under temporary Russian occupation,” Yaroslava Gres, chief coordinator of United24, told WIRED in a statement. Last summer, when a team suggested bringing Soledar to life as a video game, it was a very easy idea to say yes to.

 

Built for the wildly popular sandbox game Minecraft, Minesaltchallenges players to race through the mine, collecting 140 hidden salt crystals as fast as possible. At the end of the run, a quiz tests players’ recollection of details from Soledar. But, like in the rest of Minecraft, Minesalt players can also opt to wander at their own pace.

 

Read More

 

 

— Techmeme

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Mercer County Improvement Authority announces availability of free recycling buckets, again

Mercer County — On March 6, the Mercer County Improvement Authority announced that free recycling buckets are available again for Mercer County residents.

“We have ordered an additional 2,500 free recycling buckets to ensure everyone can get one if they need it,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.

“Recycling coordinators across the county are prepared to provide a county recycling bucket to any resident in need. If residents are unable to obtain a bucket, they can call the Improvement Authority …” explained Mercer County Improvement Authority Director Anthony S. Verrelli.

Due to an increase in contractor employee’s collection-related injuries, County residents are asked to please utilize county provided recycling buckets.

The Mercer County Improvement Authority will continue picking up all flattened cardboard outside of the bucket.

For replacement buckets, please contact your municipality’s Recycling Coordinator using the information below.

Please note that Hightstown and East Windsor do not participate in the county-wide recycling program.

Free recycling buckets are also available to Mercer County residents, at The Mercer County Connection Route-33 at the Acme Shopping Center in Hamilton. Residents can reach the County Connection by calling (609) 890-9800.