Construction safety professionals struggle to prevent fall hazards

Construction safety professionals struggle to prevent fall hazards

Earlier this month, the Occupational Basic safety and Wellness Administration declared a new initiative to conduct shock safety inspections for drop dangers. A working day later, the company declared $32,113 in fines for a Florida development corporation exactly where a 19-calendar year-previous worker died after falling from a clubhouse roof.

The fines have been significantly from unconventional, but the juxtaposition of the two bulletins – July 11 and July 12, respectively – emphasize an difficulty protection specialists and regulators have extended called problematic: falls from heights are the No. 1 lead to of loss of life for staff and the hazard is the No. 1cited violation 12 months immediately after 12 months yet it is straightforward to spot and it is preventable.

Doug Parker, OSHA’s assistant secretary of labor, termed the issue “frustrating” for all functions included, even though he was talking at the American Culture of Security Professionals’ annual convention in Chicago on June 29.

OSHA issued 5,295 tumble protection citations in 2001 and it was the 11th consecutive yr that drop protection was the No. 1 most-typically-cited OSHA violation.

“About 50{1b90e59fe8a6c14b55fbbae1d9373c165823754d058ebf80beecafc6dee5063a} of our inspections are in construction” and “about 50 {1b90e59fe8a6c14b55fbbae1d9373c165823754d058ebf80beecafc6dee5063a} of people inspections … have recognized a slide hazard,” Mr. Parker reported. “I won’t be able to feel of a rule or hazard where (there are) so lots of fatalities and so a great deal noncompliance.”

In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Figures documented that falls from elevation led to 351 of the 1,008 deaths between design staff, or about 1-third of building-linked fatalities.

Failing to use slide-safety products is amid the most “visible” workplace safety violations, according to John Ho, a labor and employment lawyer and chair of Cozen O’Connor P.C.’s OSHA follow in New York. “If you have obtained people working on a building and an OSHA inspector drives by, or even a member of the public or an additional co-worker sees it, this is extremely obvious,” he reported.

According to gurus, the scene is prevalent: a worker, at an elevation, not safeguarded by a use of a harness or other apparatus. What gives?

It’s a concern getting dealt with by the Silver Springs, Maryland-primarily based Centre for Building Exploration and Instruction, which is surveying the construction market to comprehend why tumble defense techniques are so lax. Jessica Bunting, who potential customers the organization’s Campaign to Stop Falls in Building, claimed some initial reviews have furnished perception.

She explained that one of the most essential conclusions was that corporation society frequently established whether a worker would use drop-security machines.

“Having heard from contractors and other individuals, expressing, ‘you know, we supply every thing, but then staff aren’t making use of the tumble defense,’ (we found) that it actually comes down to the employer,” she stated.

The survey exposed that “when staff members thought that their company’s fall avoidance policy was strongly linked with the use of slide defense and they considered that drop safety was essential, they had been eight times additional probable to use drop protection in comparison to these who did not consider that it was expected,” Ms. Bunting claimed.

In the meantime, Mr. Ho explained some employers typically condition in protection of citations that personnel misconduct led to lapses in safety. “Somebody normally takes a shortcut. … They will not actually consider of (tumble security) but they have all the products furnished. For some rationale, it wasn’t staying utilised and at times persons aren’t educated adequately on how to use it. And if they do use it, they’re misusing it.”

Jessica Martinez, Los Angeles-centered co-executive director for the National Council for Occupational Security and Health and fitness, mentioned investigations will have to go outside of an personal worker’s behavior.

Lapses in slide-protection protocols commonly reflect a systemic failure, she reported.

“Let’s suppose the employee is injured or killed slipping from a height, and suppose an investigation displays the employee was not donning a safety harness at the time. If we’re going to blame the worker and aim on the worker’s conduct, then the motive he or she was injured or killed was since he or she failed to don the security products. Scenario closed, appropriate? But which is completely incorrect.”

An investigation “must inquire why dangerous circumstances happened,” she claimed.

“Why is it that the employee assigned to perform at a height was not wearing their protection harness? Did the employer deliver the security harness and give teaching on how to properly in good shape and use protection harness? Did the employer supervisors examine the office and be certain that any basic safety harnesses are obtainable?”

What is a Bail Bond?

What is a Bail Bond?

What is a Bail Bond?

If you need to bail out a friend or relative, you should know what a bail bond is. Bail bonds are pledges of money or property that a bail bondsman agrees to back if the defendant is arrested and cannot pay bail on their own. They help people escape jail, but not everyone knows how they work. This article will walk you through the procedures and costs of bail bonds. Here are some of the types of bail bonds.

Procedures for obtaining a bail bond

If you have been arrested for a crime, you may want to know the procedures for obtaining bail bonds Pittsburgh. In many cases, you can be released on your recognizance if you can promise to return to court. However, you may also be required to post a certain amount of money, usually bail, to get out of jail. Alternatively, you can hire a bail bond company to provide you with a surety bond.

After paying the bail amount, you must go to the courtroom where the case is being heard. You will need to fill out some paperwork. In some cases, speaking to the defendant’s attorney may be helpful. However, if you are not a lawyer, you can hire another. You will have to answer several questions about your finances, including whether you have the money to pay the full bail amount.

Cost of a bail bond

The cost of a bail bond depends on some factors, including the amount of collateral required, the percentage of the bail amount, and the agent’s fees. Bail agents often charge a percentage of the total bail amount, although this can be negotiable. Additionally, the bail bondsman may ask for collateral, which they may use if their client fails to appear in court. Finally, many states have special laws regarding bail bonds, and some may require a higher percentage of collateral.

The cost of bail depends on several factors, including the amount of bail set by the court, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether or not they hire a bail bond company. The latter option is the cheapest and is typically much more cost-effective. For example, if the defendant’s bail amount is between $1000 and $3000, the fees may be as little as 6{1b90e59fe8a6c14b55fbbae1d9373c165823754d058ebf80beecafc6dee5063a}. The fees for smaller bonds, though, may vary considerably.

Types of bail bonds

There are several types of bail bonds, including cash and property bonds. Cash bonds must be paid in full in cash, but some courtrooms allow credit card payments or checks. On the other hand, property bonds use the defendant’s property as collateral. The court may seize the property if the defendant fails to show up for their court appearances. This option is not suitable for all cases. Before deciding on a bail bond for yourself, make sure you know the rules and regulations in your state.

Unlike unsecured bonds, secured bonds require financial security, such as a car or home. The lender, however, will give the property back if the defendant shows up for court. In return, the lender will take ownership of the house, car, stock, or jewelry the defendant pledged to secure the bond. However, this option may be difficult to obtain for some people. For these reasons, secured bonds are a better option.

Getting a friend or relative released on bail

Posting bail can help you ensure a friend or family member will appear in court. However, it’s important to be careful when choosing a bail agent. If they aren’t available to answer questions, you should look elsewhere. Other bail agents can be found in a phonebook, through a lawyer, or online. If you’re a family member or friend, it’s a good idea to get involved as soon as possible. In some cases, bail bonds can be very expensive. Even if the bail is small, it can add up very quickly.

How Are Bottle Closures Measured?

How Are Bottle Closures Measured?

How Are Bottle Closures Measured?

To identify a bottle closure, you need to know its inside diameter in millimeters. This diameter is then identified by its manufacturer-designated number. Watch this video for a demonstration of how to measure bottlenecks and caps. For more information, contact O.Berk Company. You can also refer to the manufacturers’ website. Read on to learn more about measuring bottle closures. You need to consider several different measurements, including concavity, Thread finish, Size, and Pull-up.

Cap concavity

How are bottle closures measured for concavity? Previously, manufacturers relied on a laser to determine the level of concavity. This method wasn’t ideal because not all bad caps were detected. After each batch, the quality assurance team manually checks bad caps with a micrometer. Although this method has proven helpful in finding bad caps, it is still time-consuming and leaves a chance for the bad caps to reach the printing company. In addition, rejected orders must be melted down and reproduced, wasting both time and money.

The most common closures for bottles, such as screw-on and metal crown caps, are made of plastic. Because of the flexibility of most plastic materials, they are susceptible to blow-off. Most carbonated beverages can generate enough internal pressure to blow off plastic caps. To combat this problem, plastic caps usually incorporate an inner skirt that enters the bottle’s mouth to seal the beverage. The inner skirt is sometimes reinforced with an outer strengthening collar.

Thread finish

Bottle closures come in various styles, but one of the most common is the “L” thread profile. This profile has a 30-degree thread contact surface and is common among bottle closures. It is less expensive to produce, lines more easily, and works well with most closures, including those made for PET bottles. Listed below are some examples of the various thread finishes available. When choosing a bottle closure for your beverage container, you should consider these factors.

A thread finish is a way to distinguish between two types of closures. The thread finish on the cap refers to the outside diameter of the bottle opening. The threads are made of a spiral, and the cap must have the same finish to fit properly. When choosing a closure, be sure that it matches the thread finish of the container. For example, a 24/400 closure will not fit a bottle of a different size.

Thread size

The diameter of bottle closures is measured in millimeters. The size of a bottle closure is measured across the thread, starting at the outermost point. Closures are also sized according to their thread finishes or the thread’s height, or the number of turns. The Society of Plastics Industry sets standard heights and turns for threaded closures. Therefore, the diameter and thread size are important considerations when choosing a bottle closure.

For example, a screwed-on closure is made with a thread profile of 30 degrees. The “L” thread profile is much less expensive and easier to the line. In general, this thread profile works well with most bottle closures. The “L” thread profile is also widely used for newer molds, PET bottles, and more. It is ideal for various applications and can be found in many different sizes.

Pull-up

The pull-up bottle closure measurement is a secondary non-destructive test to determine the proper application of closures. Pull-up measures the distance between the bottle and the closure thread in selecting the proper application. Sometimes referred to as an “application angle,” this measurement determines how far the closure has been applied to the bottle. It is essential when using bottle closures manufactured in a factory or by a contract manufacturer.

To use the pull-up bottle closure measurement, start by aligning the zero mark on the gauge with the ‘zero’ mark on the bottle. The zero point is typically found at the half-moon shape in the bottle’s transfer flange. Next, turn the gauge clockwise or counterclockwise by one-eighth of an inch to the closure pull-up indicator mark. Once the dial on the pull-up gauge is positioned with the closure pull-up indicator mark, the bottle is ready for use.

Qorpak

With the vast assortment of plastic bottles, jars, and lab supplies, Qorpak can fulfill various needs. The company offers phenolic, ethylene, and polypropylene bottles and different lids and closures. Qorpak’s range of laboratory packaging solutions includes a range of lids, closures, and trigger sprayers. Moreover, the company provides clear glass and metal bottles with various closures, including screw thread and polypropylene.

The most crucial factor in measuring the size of the cap is the overflow capacity, or the bottle’s volume when it is filled to the brim. Another important factor in determining the size of a bottle closure is the headspace, the space between the cap’s neck opening and its contents. Some volatile chemicals or gases may leak from this space, making it important to determine this space. The Qorpak Cap and Bottle Measurer will help you choose the neck’s diameter.

SICK Profiler 2

The SICK Profiler 2 is a device that accurately measures the concavity of bottle caps. It does this by calculating the horizontal position of the closure based on its image data. For example, in testing the device on a batch of 1000 caps, we could automatically remove caps with a concavity greater than 76 mm. We can also use the machine for several additional applications, including detecting contamination in beverage containers.

The SICK Profiler 2 measures the oxygen content of bottle closures, which is a key factor in the preservation of wine. The closures used in still wines must meet a range of criteria. For example, they must be fault-free and offer optimal conditions for storage. Oxygen-related characteristics of bottle closures are essential for sustainable development. This is one of the reasons why consumers should seek out companies that have adopted sustaina

Paul Hastings Adds Band One Finance Team

Paul Hastings Adds Band One Finance Team

Major-ranked across a number of categories in the 2021 lawful advisor rankings issued by Refinitiv, Debtwire, and Bloomberg, the workforce focuses on the most significant-profile leveraged finance and immediate lending deals across from the world’s largest and most substantial profile private fairness sponsors. Getting led the London lender-side follow at Latham, which is ranked Band 1 by the two Chambers (United kingdom: Banking & Finance: Loan providers) and Authorized 500 (London: Acquisition Finance), the staff brings essential lending associations with almost every single important investment financial institution and non-public credit rating institution. Some of the team’s recent landmark transaction representations include:

  • The arrangers of the financing to aid Bain’s acquisition of ITP Aero (a carve out from Rolls Royce)
  • The arrangers of the TLB financing to help Blackstone’s acquisition of Huws Gray
  • The arrangers of the bank/bond funding to support BC Partners’ acquisition of Ceramtec
  • The arrangers in relation to the bank/bond financing to help Adeventa’s acquisition of the eBay Classifieds Group
  • The loan providers of the financing to support the Warburg Pincus’ acquisition of The AA Team
  • The arrangers of the TLB financing to finish the acquisition and mixture of Equiniti and AST by Siris Cash
  • The arrangers of the bank/bond funding to assistance Arrival and Cinven’s acquisition of Thyssenkrupp’s elevator company

“This is an exceptional crew outlined by remarkable talent and excellence in providing subtle lawful assistance to manual clients’ most complicated transactions,” mentioned Seth Zachary, Chairman of Paul Hastings. “They are recognized as market place-major people reliable by prime-tier world-wide economic institutions and direct lenders. The team creates speedy synergies though adding even further depth and breadth to our present current market-foremost world-wide staff.”

Mo Nurmohamed

Rated by Chambers for Banking and Finance and recognised as a Leading Individual in the UK’s Authorized 500, Mo Nurmohamed served as co-chair of Latham’s London Finance office. His working experience consists of a wide variety of difficulties in banking legislation, with unique emphasis on matters relating to leverage finance, personal fairness finance, and cross-border acquisition finance transactions. He was previously selected by Economical News as a soaring star in the European legal occupation.

Ross Anderson

Ranked by Chambers for Banking and Finance and recognised as a Foremost Particular person in the UK’s Authorized 500, Ross Anderson served as world-wide vice chair of Latham’s Banking observe. His expertise spans a broad vary of problems in banking law with specific emphasis on issues relating to leveraged finance, non-public fairness finance, and cross-border acquisition financing transactions. He was beforehand chosen by Monetary Information as a climbing star in the European lawful profession.

Karan Chopra

Karan Chopra served as co-chair of Latham’s London Finance office. He advises shoppers on a variety of cross-border leveraged, expenditure quality and fund finance transactions at all levels of the capital structure, which include senior, tremendous senior, 2nd lien and holdco financings and throughout syndicated and non-public credit rating financings.

Rob Davidson

Rob Davidson advises financial institutions and other financial institutions, as perfectly as company borrowers and issuers, on a vast selection of banking and finance transactions, with a particular aim on cross-border acquisition finance. He will help clientele navigate a broad spectrum of credit card debt money constructions, like senior/mezzanine funding, lender/bond financing, public-to-personal takeover financing, unitranche funding, bridge financing and holdco funding. He was selected for the Global Growing Star awards in the IFLR Europe Awards 2021.

Paul Hastings’ stellar international system is the great area to get our techniques to the next level,” said Mo Nurmohamed. “We are delighted to be a part of the firm’s elite World wide Finance practice, even further cementing Paul Hastings as a leading location for the most higher-profile and advanced finance transactions.”

“The firm’s momentum and robust development in London –  and about the entire world – is outstanding and our staff is eager to continue to support generate that upward trajectory,” said Ross Anderson.

The addition of this crew displays the continued development and remarkable momentum of the firm’s London office, which posted a 41{1b90e59fe8a6c14b55fbbae1d9373c165823754d058ebf80beecafc6dee5063a} revenue increase in 2021. The organization has continued to increase elite partners in London across all core tactics, together with M&A, Private Fairness, Structured Credit history, Securities and Funds Marketplaces, and Leveraged Finance.

The Paul Hastings International Finance exercise advises almost every main expenditure banks and the major and most prestigious asset managers in finance and capital-boosting transactions. The business is a recognized as just one of the world’s leading platforms in leveraged finance, personal credit score, money marketplaces and structured credit rating domestic and cross-border transactions.

Paul Hastings has recommended on a quantity of current substantial-profile transactions, which include the next representations:

  • Barclays, JPMorgan, Goldman, Jefferies, Morgan Stanley, RBC and Intesa in respect of the $1.5 billion personal loan and bond amenities provided to Nordic Funds in relationship with its community-to-private bid for Advanz Pharma.
  • A number of banking institutions and funds in relation to credit card debt services offered for US dependent aerospace and defence provider Cobham’s community-to-private bid to purchase Uk competitor, Ultra Electronics, for £2.57 billion.
  • Various banks and money in relation to personal debt facilities delivered for Advent’s bid to obtain Caldic, and the simultaneous combination with Advent portfolio enterprise Grupo Transmerquim (GTM). The transaction outcomes in the development of a truly world business chief in the chemical substances sector.
  • Blackstone Credit, Ares Company, PSP Investments Credit rating II Usa LLC and a group of other loan providers on the consummation of the unitranche credit card debt financing of Thoma Bravo’s acquisition of Stamps.com for $6.6 billion at the time of its closing, the unitranche credit card debt financing served as the largest at any time of its kind
  • JP Morgan and Barclays on the acquisition funding for MKS Instruments in its $5.1 billion hard cash and stock acquisition of Atotech
  • Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., BMO Capital Marketplaces, BofA Securities, and JP Morgan Chase Bank as guide arrangers and joint bookrunners on a $1 billion sustainability-connected asset-primarily based facility, as aspect of an integrated doing the job money funding resolution for Southwire Corporation, LLC this was just one of the initially sustainability-linked, asset-centered mortgage facilities in the U.S. current market

About Paul Hastings

Dedicated to supplying mental cash and excellent execution to the world’s leading Wall Street and global financial commitment financial institutions, asset professionals and firms realize their small business and authorized objectives, Paul Hastings is a leading world wide finance law business with elite teams in finance, mergers and acquisitions, personal fairness, and litigation. It is 1 of only a handful of law firms ranked throughout numerous core finance locations such as: structured credit, leveraged finance, private credit, cash marketplaces, and serious estate finance.

Paul Hastings is ranked as one particular of the leading companies in the planet in The American Lawyer’s “Premier League” for momentum, gain and status among corporations in the 2022 American Law firm 100.

Source Paul Hastings LLP

Wall Street rally fades as corporate profit reports ramp up | Business News

Wall Street rally fades as corporate profit reports ramp up | Business News

If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here.

PREVIOUS OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

· Jimmy’s Barbershop in Allentown has moved to 822 N. 19th Street

· Air Products and Chemicals Inc.’s chosen warehouse developer, Prologis Inc., will have to wait until July 13 for a final decision by Upper Macungie Township’s zoning hearing board on 2.61 million square feet of warehouses. 

· Chubby’s of Southside Easton has added Krispy Krunchy Chicken to its offerings and name.

· Curaleaf Holdings Inc., which operates in the U.S. and Europe, will open a medical-marijuana dispensary at 1801 Airport Road, Hanover Township.

· Habitat for Humanity, which has “ReStores” that sell new and lightly used furniture, has leased 30,000 square feet at the South Mall.

· Nat Hyman’s bid to convert an old warehouse at 938 Washington St. in Allentown into 48 apartments did not win zoning hearing board approval this week after neighbors said more housing would make an on-street parking shortage worse.

· Members 1st Federal Credit Union opened a new branch this week at 5605 Hamilton Blvd, Trexlertown. It’s one of five planned for the Lehigh Valley. 

· A Turkish restaurant has relocated from one downtown to another, taking its fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere from Nazareth to 200 Main St., Tatamy.

· The Tennessee Titans have chosen Allentown-based Shift4 Payments to handle payments at Nissan Stadium.

· Wells Fargo Bank held ribbon-cutting at its downtown Allentown branch at 740 Hamilton St.

· The Wiz Kidz outlet at the Madison Farms residential/retail development in Bethlehem Township will hold a grand reopening and ribbon-cutting at noon on July 15.

· Bad Biscuit Company, which offered breakfast with scratch-made biscuits, freshly baked pastry and local, small-batch artisan coffee, said it will cease operations at 16 Columbia Ave. in Reading after its July 1 hours.

· FastBridge Fiber has announced it will build an all-fiber cable network that will offer ultra-fast internet in the Reading area.

· Hamid Chaudhry has said he no longer plans to move forward with pursuing a food truck park he previously proposed on the site of the former Sheetz convenience store and gas station in Exeter Township at 6600 Perkiomen Ave. (Route 422 East). 

· The Maxatawny Township Planning Commission has OK’d a proposal for a Mavis Discount Tire store in the Kutztown Road shopping center that features a Giant supermarket.

· Valentino’s Italian restaurant has gotten Maxatawny Township’s approval to remain open when the state transportation department takes one-third of its parking lot to build a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Route 222 and Long Lane.

· Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson, under new ownership, will hold a “Grand Re-Opening Bash” July 9 and July 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

· Sauce West End plans to open in a former Rita’s Italian Ice, just off Route 209 across from the Tractor Supply store in Brodheadsville.

· The Surgery Center of Pottsville, which offered medical procedure services for 16 years in Cressona Mall. will close June 28.

· Wells Fargo has closed its branch office in Langhorne, near the intersection with Maple Avenue.

· The latest PrimoHoagies location in New Jersey held a grand opening at 1930 State Route 57, Hackettstown.

· A new Tractor Supply Co. store in Warren County will have its grand opening in the former Toys ‘R’ Us store in Pohatcong Plaza on July 9.

· Hunter Pocono Peterbilt plans to move Pocono Township operations to Stroudsburg.

· Coal Winery and Kitchen at 81 Broad St., Bethlehem, has closed as its owner searches for a new location for the business, according to its Facebook page. 

· Lowhill Township supervisors approved a 312,120-square-foot commercial warehouse and distribution center on a 43.4-acre tract on the west side of Route 100, south of the Kernsville Road intersection.

· The Mint Gastropub at 1223 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, announced that it has temporarily closed to undergo a merger with a “well-known restaurant group” from Bethlehem.

· The Slatington Farmers Market opened its 28,000-square-foot showroom, which includes space for 53 vendors, as well as a 4,000-square-foot event space.

· St. Luke’s University Health Network opened a new pediatric inpatient unit next to the eight-bed pediatric intensive care unit at St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem.

· 25th Asian House opened at the location of the former Tin Tin Chinese restaurant in the 25th Street Shopping Center in Palmer Township.

· The Chick-Fil-A in Broadcasting Square shopping center in Spring Township was razed to make way for a new, expanded facility for the popular chicken sandwich restaurant.

· Plans for drive-thru locations of a Chipotle and a Starbucks at the intersection of Ivy League Drive and Kutztown Road were rejected by Maxatawny Township planners.

· Cumru Township plannes reviewed preliminary plans for NorthPoint-Morgantown Commerce Center, a 738,720-square-foot warehouse to be built on 75.2 acres at Morgantown Road (State Route 10) and Freemansville Road.

· Kutztown University has plans to expand its historic Poplar House to 13,161 square feet with an addition around its side and back, but keep the 129-year-old structure intact.

· A wine store and beverage outlet could be coming to a new two-unit building along the commercial strip of Blakeslee Boulevard Drive East in Lehighton, Carbon County.

· ChristianaCare, a Delaware health care organization, has announced it will buy the former Jennersville Hospital in West Grove, Chester County.

· Garden of Health Inc. celebrated the opening of the food bank’s new warehouse at 201 Church Road, North Wales, in Montgomery County.

· Silverline Trailers Inc. opened its first location in Pennsylvania and in the Northeast at 223 Porter Road, Pottstown, where it sells utility, cargo, dump, equipment and car hauler trailers. 

· A new smoothie and bowl restaurant, Sips & Berries, opened at 285 Maple Ave., Harleysville, in Montgomery County.

· Terrain on the Parkway offers 160 new 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments at 1625 Lehigh Parkway East in Allentown. 

· Lehigh Valley native Don Wenner is moving his real estate investment and finance firm DLP Capital from Bethlehem to Allentown at 835 W. Hamilton St.

· While Wells Fargo has been the leader in closing banks lately, it will hold a ribbon-cutting for its new downtown Allentown office at 740 Hamilton St. on June 30.

· If you’re in the market for sterling silver jewelry, minerals and semi-precious gemstones, C& I Minerals is now operating at the South Mall at 3300 Lehigh St. in Allentown.

· The Allentown-based utility company PPL Corp. bought a major Rhode Island utility.

· Ownership at Martellucci’s Pizzeria in Bethlehem has changed, but Paul and Donna Hlavinka and their family are running the pizza place at 1419 Easton Ave., just as it has been operated for 49 years. 

· Dr. Jacob Kasprenski’s new Kasprenski Family Eye Care opened at 1088 Howertown Road, Catasauqua.

· Josie’s New York Deli in downtown Easton closed early in the COVID-19 pandemic, but a June 13 Historic District Commission meeting approved a request for a new sign at its building at 14 Centre Square. 

· Zekraft cafe has opened its second location in the Easton Silk Mill in Easton. The first Zekraft restaurant was opened in Bethlehem. The restaurants’ menus change frequently, with a focus on local ingredients. 

· Manta Massage at 319 Main St., Emmaus, will hold its grand opening on July 10 starting at 11 a.m. 

· The former Iron Lakes Country Club, constructed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, will operate at 3625 Shankweiler Road in North Whitehall Township under its new name, The Club at Twin Lakes. 

· Prologis, a titan in the logistics industry, will own and operate three warehouses proposed in Upper Macungie Township at the former Air Products headquarters campus at 7201 Hamilton Blvd. 

· Lehigh Valley Health Network ceremonially opened its first Carbon County hospital — a $78 million, 100,578-square-foot facility at 2128 Blakeslee Boulevard Drive East in Mahoning Township.

· Pocono Township commissioners voted to accept Swiftwater Solar’s preliminary final plan for the $111 million, 80-megawatt field on a private 644-acre site on top of Bear Mountain that would include about 200,000 solar panels.

· Firetree Ltd. wants to expand its in-patient rehab operation at the former Sands Ford auto dealership at 440 N Claude A Lord Blvd. (Route 61), Pottsville.

· A Dunkin’ in Schuylkill County located at 400 Terry Rich Blvd., St. Clair, has become just the fourth location of the donut and coffee chain to go entirely digital. 

· The Conservatory music school in Bucks County will close after 34 years, and school officials say the COVID-19 pandemic is the cause. The nonprofit, located at 4059 Skyron Drive, Doylestown, will close June 30.

· A Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Arby’s will be built on the site of the former Ahart’s Market on Route 22 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

· Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce offices and the Unity Bank Center for Business & Entrepreneurship will be located at 119 Main St., Flemington. 

· Honeygrow opens Quakertown location, next to Chipotle on Route 309, on June 3.

· Dunkin’ reopens remodeled restaurant at 1174 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township

· Muse Modern Med Spa at 325 Fifth St. in Whitehall Township  will hold a grand opening June 4.

· Around Again, a consignment store, opened at 154 S. Main St., Phillipsburg

· Steak and Steel Hibachi, a restaurant in the works at 44 W. Walnut St., Bethlehem, still plans on opening late this summer. 

· Take It Outdoors Recreation Hub has moved to a spot along the Schuylkill River Trail at Riverfront Park in Pottstown, Montgomery County

· Pedego Electric Bikes has a new outlet in Lambertville, N.J. at 13 N. Union St.

· Amanda Vachris has opened a new Keller Williams Real Estate office at 15 St. John St. in Schuylkill Haven.

· Easton’s new West Ward Market will open Wednesday and be open on Wednesday’s through the summer from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The market, created by the Greater Easton Development Partnership, will sell fresh produce on 12th Street, next to Paxinosa Elementary School.

· Ciao Sandwich Shoppe is adding a second location, this time on College Hill in Easton. Ciao plans to open at 325 Cattell St. in late summer. Ciao already operates in downtown Easton at 12 N. Third St

· Ma’s Crepes and Cakes will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting June 16 at 46 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. The celebration starts at 5 p.m., with the ribbon cutting at 5:45 p.m. 

· Bethlehem’s Back Door Bakeshop will reopen as a wholesale operation at 7 E. Church St. in the city’s historic district. The business was open for nine years as a retail outlet at Broad and Center streets, before announcing in March that it would close the storefront April 3 and “go back to its origins as a wholesale business.”

·The Beef Baron on Catasauqua Road in Bethlehem is closed indefinitely for renovations

· The Brothers That Just Do Gutters are opening a new location in Allentown at 1302 N. 18th St.

· St. John Chrysostom Academy, an Orthodox school serving grades 1-9 starting this fall, held a grand opening at its St. Francis Center, Bethlehem, campus.

· Easton Commons, a shopping center anchored by Giant Foods at 2920 Easton Ave., Bethlehem Township, has a new name: The Shops at Bethlehem.

· Carbon County is getting a taste of Brazil at Uai Brasil BBQ at 315 Lehigh Ave. in Palmerton.

· The Keystone Pub in Bethlehem Township, at 3259 Easton Avenue, has reopened after a lengthy and expensive renovation. 

· The Trading Post Depot opened at 401 Northampton St., Easton. The rustic furniture store makes custom tables for dining rooms, desktops, conference centers and more.

· The Easton area has a new gym: Homemade Fitness at 444 Cedarville Road in Williams Township.

· Il Gaetano Ristorante opened at its 665 Columbus Ave., Phillipsburg, location. 

· Ciao! Sandwich Shoppe to open second location on College Hill in Easton, replacing The Kettle Room

· Rene and Grisellies Benique have opened Ezekiel 47 Cafe at 10 S. Fifth Ave., off Fifth and Penn avenues, in West Reading. 

· Alter Ego Salon and Day Spa in Emmaus is holding a grand opening Sunday, May 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at noon. 

· Origen Latin Fusion has opened at the site of the former Tomcat Cafe in Sinking Spring, Berks County. 

· Sellersville Senior Residences will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 24. The Bucks County affordable-housing community for adults 55 and older has 50 apartments, with eight allocated for people with behavioral health needs.

· The House and Barn in Emmaus has opened its Shed outdoor dining and cigar bar area. The House and Barn is at 1449 Chestnut St. in Emmaus.

· Realtor Amanda Vachris and the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at Vachris’s new Keller Williams Real Estate office at 15 St. John St., Schuylkill Haven, at 4 p.m. on May 24.

· Il Gaetano Ristorante will hold a grand opening on Friday, May 20, at 5:30 p.m. The 665 Columbus Ave., Phillipsburg.

· First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union will hold a grand opening at its new headquarters in Trexlertown, 6126 Hamilton Blvd., on May 18.

· Vinyl Press Signs & Graphics has relocated within Emmaus. The new site is 15 S. Second St., not far from the former Sixth Street location.

· Pedro’s Cafe in Emmaus to close

· SV Sports (formerly Schuylkill Valley Sports) to close Quakertown location

· Flemington DIY will host a Grand Re-Opening on May 14 at 26 Stangl Road, Flemington. The celebration will kick off at 10 a.m. 

· Elpedio’s Ristorante at Seipsville opened at 2912 Old Nazareth Road in Easton. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday.

· Uai Brazil opened at 315 Lehigh Ave, Palmerton, offering both a seated or buffet option. 

· Colombian Mex Restaurant opened at 107 E Union Blvd in Bethlehem, offering traditional Colombian cuisine. 

· Precision Ink opened at 161 W Berwick St. in Easton. 

· King Wing opened a location in Bethlehem at 129 E. Third St., serving wings and sandwiches.  

Is Life Too Short to Delay Social Security Benefits? | Personal-finance

Is Life Too Short to Delay Social Security Benefits? | Personal-finance

Social Security is a great source of retirement income for many people. For some, it’s their only source. The amount of Social Security benefits you’ll receive largely depends on how many years you’ve worked, how much you earned during your working years, and when you decide to begin receiving your benefits. You can start taking Social Security benefits at age 62, but your baseline benefit amount is based on your full retirement age (FRA), which is determined by the year you were born:

Birth Year Full Retirement Age
1943 to 1954 66
1955 66 and 2 months
1956 66 and 4 months
1957 66 and 6 months
1958 66 and 8 months
1959 66 and 10 months
1960 or after 67

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Data source: Social Security Administration

Image source: Getty Images.

Delaying your benefits

If you’re fortunate enough to not have to take your Social Security benefits early or at your FRA, you can delay them until you reach age 70, increasing the monthly benefit. Even though the monthly benefits may be higher, delaying your Social Security benefits can be overrated. Here are the maximum monthly payouts allowed for those retiring at their FRA in 2022:

  • Age 62: $2,364
  • Full Retirement Age: $3,345
  • Age 70: $4,194

The jump in benefit amount between age 62 to 70 may seem enticing, but it’s important to keep one thing in mind: There are a lot of months — and therefore checks — between 62 and 70 that you’d be foregoing. Ninety-six months, to be exact. Even if you decide to delay benefits from your FRA, that’s 36 months of no checks if your FRA is 67.

It takes a while to play catch-up

One of the most important things to consider when deciding whether delaying benefits for fewer, larger checks is worth it is your “breakeven point.” Your breakeven point occurs when the total amount you’ve received from larger, delayed benefit checks equals and begins to surpass the total amount you would have received by taking smaller checks earlier.

Let’s imagine you were born July 1, 1970, and make $80,000 annually. Based on Social Security’s benefits calculator, here are your approximate monthly benefits and the total amount awarded by different ages:

Age Monthly Benefit Total Received by 80 Total Received by 85
62 $1,594 $344,304 $439,944
67 $2,396 $373,776 $517,536
70 $3,060 $367,200 $550,800

Data source: Social Security Administration

Even with more than a $1,400 monthly increase by taking benefits at 70 versus 62, you would have “only” received around $23,000 more total by the time you reached 80. If you had waited until FRA to claim benefits, you would still have received more in total by age 80 than if you had delayed your benefits until 70. Again, what’s important here is your breakeven point. In this example, it happens around age 78. At age 78, the total amount you would have received by delaying benefits outpaces the total amount received by taking benefits at 62. Your breakeven point will vary based on your specific benefit, so it’s important to make the calculations based on your personal total.

Life can be too short

Average life expectancy in the U.S. is 77. Delaying Social Security benefits because you assume you’ll live long enough to justify the years of missed benefits might not be the best move for everyone. Of course, nobody wants to assume they won’t make it to see their breakeven point. And many people will live to see it and years beyond, but it’s important not to rely too heavily in your decision-making on what is ultimately an unknown assumption.

Deciding whether to delay benefits is a challenging decision based on some variables you can’t know for certain. It’s also a decision that requires you to consider many personal things, like your family history, health history, and retirement goals. There is no right or wrong decision you can make, just an informed decision that best benefits you and your personal situation.

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