ShareSaveCommentBusinessSportsMoneyThe Hills Redevelopment Channels N.Z. Golf Neighbors Tara Iti, Te AraiByErik Matuszewski
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights
Erik Matuszewski's coverage spans golf businesses
news & destinationsFollow AuthorDec 23
an exclusive private golf club in Queenstown
More multimillion-dollar redevelopment project being overseen by the team behind Te Arai and Tara Iti
The developers of two of New Zealand’s most acclaimed golf properties — Te Arai Links and Tara Iti — are the impetus behind a multimillion-dollar redevelopment and reimagining of The Hills
Jim Rohrstaff and U.S. billionaire Ric Kayne partnered with Sir Michael Hill and his daughter Emma Hill to undertake the forthcoming transformation of The Hills
which is nestled in a glacial valley on New Zealand’s South Island
Among the most exclusive private clubs in New Zealand
More completely overhauled by the Australian design firm of Ogilvy
One of the partners in OCM is Australian professional golfer Geoff Ogilvy
Open champion whose playing career has informed his architectural philosophy
OCM’s course modifications are scheduled to begin in April 2026 and the renovation timeline spans multiple years
The project aims to enhance walkability through a fresh routing and will be executed over two consecutive winters
The redevelopment project at The Hills entails an investment of tens of millions of dollars to ..
A luxury real estate development is also part of the plans
enhance and add amenities at The Hills extends to a new golf training facility
and luxury real estate offerings valued at several hundred million dollars
Perhaps the most exclusive member club in New Zealand
the golf course at The Hills was built by New Zealand golf architect John Darby and debuted in 2007
It was originally a personal retreat for successful New Zealand businessman Michael Hills and his family
but evolved from nine holes to a full 18-hole championship layout that’s hosted numerous tournaments
The property also includes a 9-hole short course designed by Darius Oliver called The Farm
intended to make the course more walkable with a fresh new routing
More take place over back-to-back winters starting in April 2026
The Hills will transition to a high-end equity golf club model with limited membership
It will be similar to the successful format employed at Tara Iti
which Golf Digest ranks 7th globally among courses outside the U.S
Both Tara Iti and Te Arai Links (which is public) have courses ranked among the Top 100 in the world
One of The Hills' most distinctive features — its collection of dramatic sculptures — will remain integral to the property's character through the renovation
The Hills Sculpture Park comprises 15 unique pieces from various artists situated throughout the golf course. Five were created by Mark Hill
the son of the property owner and an accomplished sculptor who works primarily in forged and welded corten and stainless steel
His works include a large-scale interpretation of New Zealand's native Weta bug along the first fairway and a series of oversized dragonflies with six-foot wingspans adorning a lake by the sixth fairway
is a New Zealand sculpture artist and created five of the ..
More pieces scattered throughout the golf course at The Hills
Perhaps the most spectacular installation is "The Wolves are Coming" by Chinese sculptor Liu Ruowang
which features a 10-foot warrior surrounded by 110 wolves
each measuring approximately six feet in length
which Sir Michael Hill acquired after viewing it at a Beijing exhibition in 2010
creates a dramatic scene along the 18th fairway against the backdrop of Queenstown's stunning landscape
The overhaul of The Hills — and an investment of tens of millions of dollars — is an ambitious new chapter meant to preserve the legacy of the founding family and a course that might eventually rival its esteemed New Zealand neighbors
A small sampling of the 100+ wolves that surround the 10-foot tall sculpture of a warrior near the ..
New development team hires OCM for redesign of The Hills in New Zealand
The designers have developed a plan that includes a new hole and the rerouting and rebuilding of existing holes
Ric Kayne and Jim Rohrstaff alongside Emma and Sir Michael Hill
The developers intend to create “one of the most desirable clubs in the world”
American investor Ric Kayne and business partner Jim Rohrstaff, the duo behind Tara Iti and Te Arai Links
have partnered with Sir Michael Hill and his daughter Emma Hill on the redevelopment of The Hills Golf Club near Arrowtown
The Hills course, designed by John Darby, opened in 2007 and has regularly hosted the New Zealand Open. In 2019, the club added The Farm
a nine-hole par-three course by Darius Oliver
“Michael and Emma reached out in early 2022 to begin a discussion around the Hills course
and how to ensure the family could achieve a great result for themselves
the club and legacy they have created here in Arrowtown,” said Rohrstaff. “Even though Michael created the Hills
to create a sustainable club and community that maintains the aesthetics
the family said we [Rohrstaff and Kayne] were the only logical partners to help take The Hills to the next level. We bring a passion for the game of golf and have a track record of creating great clubs and communities with both development and operational expertise
“It took nearly two years for all of us to figure out how to create a partnership that worked for everyone
but we got to a place where we are really excited for the next chapter of The Hills with a shared vision of delivering excellence across all areas.”
That vision has included the appointment of Australian golf course design firm Ogilvy
The Hills represents its first foray into New Zealand golf and the designers have developed a new routing to be built over the existing layout with many new holes and a new style
“One of the other important items for us was to make the Hills course more walkable,” said Rohrstaff
“The new routing does a great job of connecting greens to tees… far better than the existing layout does
This is typically done by linking them with shortgrass
which will be a beautiful change. They are also adding a very short par three as the new second hole as well as making the fifteenth a more driveable par four. The new routing plays over a lot of the same ground
Another part of OCM’s brief is to ensure the course remains a challenge from the back tees while it is more playable from the middle and forward tees
“There were a few holes that we really wanted to address
so we started with fixing some of those,” said Rohrstaff. “On the first visit OCM made
they had a couple of really big ideas. The first idea that they wanted to get my reaction to was shifting the first tee by around 150 metres to completely change the angle of the hole
bringing it right in front of the clubhouse and opening the view from the clubhouse
They also had the idea of removing trees to create an unbelievable view of the course and mountains. It was so obvious
but nobody else ever saw it. I don’t think they finished the sentence
Construction is expected to start in April 2026
with work to be carried out over two winters
The plan for the first phase is to work on nine holes while the other nine
Rohrstaff says there will likely be a six-month period over the winter of 2027 where only the short course will be available for play
Other work at The Hills includes an interior remodel of the clubhouse
fitness centre and private dining and meeting room
“We are also building a small community within the gates of The Hills that will have a variety of member/guest accommodation
homes and custom homesites,” said Rohrstaff. “It will be a highly desirable place to call home… likely similar in size to Tara Iti
which has quickly become home to some of the most coveted properties in New Zealand
“The vision is to create one of the most desirable clubs in the world
Success will be that our members and guests love the new course and walk off the eighteenth and want to play again
The surrounding environment in Queenstown offers so many outdoor adventures
mountain biking and so on. It really has the best of what New Zealand has to offer.”
The entire project is expected to be completed in 2028
VAN HORNE – When you pay a green free at Tara Hills golf course in Van Horne
Home / Business News
VAN HORNE - When you pay a green free at Tara Hills golf course in Van Horne
a 20-minute drive from downtown Cedar Rapids
with the idea of being a family-friendly (par 36) course option
The course was leased for many years before the membership purchased the course in the late 1990s
While the course is open to the public from April 1 through the end of October
Tara Hills operates as a membership course to this day
Memberships are available at a variety of levels - student
single - and include discounts for first-time members and members under 30
Tara Hills offers a full lineup on amenities
It has cart rental - including season-long rental - a driving range
putting green and cart shed slots available for rental for members and visitors alike
Members enjoy all the privileges and amenities at Tara Hills all year long
'We never shut down to our members,” said Brett Pace
'They can play here every month of the year and we've been able to do that the last few years.”
He noted the course has league play several nights a week as well as outings and tournaments
They offer a children's golf camp in the summer that has grown to be a popular option
'It can be hard to find family time,” Pace added
'but bringing the whole family out to golf here is great
This is a reasonable course to play and people come out here to have fun
so we don't want to create a lot of frustration on the course.”
'The course itself has been very well-maintained,” Touro said
'These greens are as good as you'll find anywhere in Iowa,” added Pace
'We had one mower and one tractor when I got here and they mowed it all one length
I started mowing the fairways and the members really thought that was neat.”
Pace said the club has upgrade its fleet of equipment
built a second pond on the property to provide necessary irrigation and planted new trees
Their pride in the course is evident and has gained some recognition
Tara Hills was named the 2018 Nine-Hole Course of the Year by the Iowa Golf Association
'We think we have done some great things in a difficult time for the golf industry,” Touro said
A large reinvestment - more than $100,000 - back into the business and paying off debt not only has helped keep the course profitable for the past four years
but also has increased engagement and the satisfaction of those who visit Tara Hills for events or to play golf
it has been hard to make a profit,” he said
'We have been able to maintain or increase our membership numbers year over year
which is a success story in a struggling industry.”
Touro said they remodeled their bathrooms and kitchen
have planted numerous trees and purchased a new fairway mower
'Jaimie and Brett are the core of what makes the clubhouse and course a fun place to be
along with a great membership,” Touro said
Tara Hills has a base of volunteers who chip in where needed - from course clean-up days to helping with events
Clubhouse Manager Jaimie Kahle noted the facility also can host meetings
'We have six weddings booked this year already and many more events,” she said
The building itself is a restored barn - which was moved to its current location from a spot across the street - that includes a large banquet hall
newly remodeled catering kitchen and a bar and grill
'The environment in the clubhouse make it a good place to hang out after you are done golfing,” Kahle said
' Know a business that might make an interesting 'My Biz”
Let us know at michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com
The Gazette has been informing Iowans with in-depth local news coverage and insightful analysis for over 140 years
independent journalism with a subscription today
© 2025 The Gazette | All Rights Reserved
By: Team YIMBY 4:30 am on December 12
Development permits have been filed seeking the approval of a residential project proposed on Tara Hills Drive in San Pablo
The project proposal includes the development of six new buildings consisting of townhome condominiums
Irvine-based City Ventures Construction Inc is on the project team as a contractor
The project site is a parcel spanning an area of 2.73 acres
The project proposes to bring 33 townhome condominiums
two are two-story homes and 31 are three-story homes
The project is under review and an estimated construction timeline has not been announced yet
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates Like YIMBY on Facebook Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
ga('send', 'event', ‘Robert ‘Becker, 'Impression', 'https://sfyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/desktop-ad.jpg', { nonInteraction: true });
ADVERTISEMENT
ga('send', 'event', 'SF YIMBY', 'Impression', 'https://sfyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/sfyimbyadnews.jpg', { nonInteraction: true });
ga('send', 'event', 'SF YIMBY', 'Impression', 'https://sfyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/sf-yimby-dot-com-graphic.jpg', { nonInteraction: true });
Follow on Instagram © COPYRIGHT New York YIMBY LLC
at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City
she was the daughter of Terry and Alicia Byers Garmoe
she married Quentin "Will" Hill in Burlington
She was a 2015 Burlington High School Graduate and received her CNA at Southeastern Community College
Tara was a CNA and worked at the Burlington Care Center
Danville Care Center & Advanced Home Health Care
spending time on the river and going for drives
She was an All Star Softball player in her youth
She loved photography and was an influencer on Facebook and promoted many people and organizations
Tara especially loved her children and family.
Terry & Alicia Garmoe of Burlington; grandparents
Sierra Garmoe & Kylie Garmoe both of Burlington; two nephews
She was preceded in death by her grandfather
The family has asked that all attending the service to wear bright colors
Tara was a bright person in life and should be celebrated in her death
Her family will receive friends from noon until 4:00 PM
The funeral service for Tara will be 4:00 PM Tuesday
Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory following the service. A celebration of her life will be held at the large shelter house in Dankwardt Park following the service
A memorial has been established for her children
Metonic Real Estate Solutions is pleased to announce that Tara Hills Villas in Papillion
Nebraska has officially joined its growing portfolio of lifestyle communities
includes one and two-bedroom homes in a dynamic and opportunity-filled market
Metonic is prepared to deliver an unmatched product and experience
“Tara Hills will be a great addition to the Metonic portfolio,” said Kelly Calderone
where we will provide comfortable living combined with great views among Papillion’s increasing new developments and value-add increased rents in this area
The community resides in a well-established neighborhood in Papillion and boasts close proximity to several lifestyle amenities and a large employer base
The property was identified in an off-market transaction as a result of a long-standing relationship
Metonic plans to deploy an immediate rebrand of the property to “Tara Villas on the Green,” along with exterior renovations
updated amenities and refreshed apartment homes
The apartment homes will be updated with a transitional design and exteriors will be refinished with new paint and signage to reflect the rebrand and direction of the property
New amenities at the now pet-friendly community will include a dog park and playground
Members of the local Palestine Solidarity Group taking part in the the 2025 St Patrick's Day Parade in Gorey
It might have been cold but the fun and energy of the Coolgreany St Patrick’s Day Parade soon warmed up the bumper crowd in attendance
sporting organisations and business really did their community proud with the fantastic parade they put on
A massive thank you to the committee and the army of volunteers who allow the event to take place every year
Thank you to John Rush and our judges Richard Lister
Mary Mc Carthy and Susan Fletcher for a brilliant job
A Massive thank you to our sponsors Wexford County Council
The May Byrne Community House and Derek Webb Sprint Design for all their support
A final thank you to our Grand Marshals Colin Kennedy and Joe Gardiner who were brilliant on the day and had time for everyone
Thank you to everyone involved on the day
Kilahurler whose 17th birthday is on 2nd April; also birthday wishes to Amelia Mae Christy-Bracken
Croghan View whose 10th birthday is on 30th March
Coolgreany Drama is presenting hilarious playlets from Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite in Mogue’s Hall
Inch from Thursday to Sunday 3rd-6th April at 8pm
Laughter abounds in these two comedies about two couples who on different occasions stay at a suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York
a suburban couple stay at the hotel while their house is being painted
It turns out that the room is the same one they honeymooned in many years ago
We soon see the tensions and cracks in the couple’s marriage in this fast-talking comedy
a mother and father try their best to get their daughter down to the hotel ballroom on time for her wedding
The main problem is their daughter’s locked herself in the bathroom
Visitor from Mamaroneck stars Nicola Conroy
Visitor from Forest Hills features Fiona O’Gorman
A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed
Men’s Shed are meeting Wednesday 26th March at the Clubhouse in Castletown at 7.30pm
It’s an initiative by Castletown Liam Mellows Healthy Club team and one we really want to see succeed
A number of activities already discussed: Walking football
We would love for anyone interested to come along and share their thoughts and ideas
For more info contact Liz at 086 3879321 or Pat 087 2204809
Please forward all notes for the local papers to Dan by 6 p.m
Email danken9@gmail.com or phone 087 4605166
Looking for a fun and active way to keep the kids busy this Easter
Football & Hurling) at Ballygarrett Réalt na Mara GAA Grounds daily from 10am to 1pm
A fantastic opportunity for young players to learn and develop their skills
To register,visit https://shorturl.at/kzVV1
Service times for the Ardamine Group of Parishes are as follows
On behalf of the Craanford Heritage Society
a presentation from the Markie Doyle Vintage run will be made to the Hope Cancer Support Centre on the 29th March at 8pm in the G.A.A
The AGM of Monaseed Community Development Group takes place in Monaseed Hall on Wednesday 2nd April at 8pm all are welcome to attend
The Parent & Toddler Group will be in Craanford Community Centre on Thursday morning 13th March at 10.30am
Lotto - Club Lotto Jackpot of €10,100 was not won
Tickets are available from Cooney Communications
Lamberts in Camolin and Jack’s Tavern Camolin
You are most welcome to sign up for the year also
Dates for the Diary - Strictly Final: 29th March
GAA National club draw - Tickets are €15 each for great prizes
Purchase a ticket to support your club and you could be in with a chance of winning some incredible prizes including €50,000 cash 1st prize
exciting weekend packages to the thrilling All-Ireland Finals
a holiday voucher worth €2,500 and many more
Online info - Check Facebook for updates of matches
If you want to know about upcoming matches each week ahead
contact Elaine and she can add your name to the group
All match details are available on Craanford Fr
O’Regan’s official Facebook page and Craanford/Monaseed Ladies Gaelic Football Facebook page
Bingo is played in Craanford Community Centre every Friday night at 8pm - please come along and support
Weekend Mass Times - Craanford: Saturday 6.00pm Sunday 10.30am
Daily Mass Times - Craanford: Thursday 6.00pm
Anniversaries - Saturday 29th March: Monaseed 7.30pm Jim Breen formerly Cummer and Baltinglass
Jimmy & May O’Loughlin & Bridie O’Loughlin
Sunday 30th March: Craanford 10.30am Winnie Doyle
Church Cleaning - Thank you to all who help with the Craanford church cleaning
if you wish to help out please let us know and we can add your name to the group–087 2334776
Used stamps for The Missions - Again a big thank you to the people in Craanford and Monaseed for their ongoing support for the Missions by putting their stamps in the boxes in the porches in both churches
leaving around 1.5cms around the stamp please
from their envelopes and put them in the box in the church porch
Pilates for all levels continue on Tuesdays in Shamrock Hall
Contact Bernadette Colfer for any queries on 087 9407852
Badminton is played in KIlanerin Community centre –adults on Monday and Wednesday 8.15 p.m
Whist is played every Wednesday night at 8 p.m
Morning mass Tuesday and Friday 9.30 am Eucharistic adoration on Tuesday from 10 a.m
Months mind mass Eileen O Sullivan Pallas Sunday 11.30 a.m
Morning mass Wednesday and Thursday 9.30 a.m
The numbers drawn in the Parish Lotto draw held on 17th March were 6,11,14 & 21
There was no jackpot winner match 3 winners were Sheila Keane
Next draw was due to take place on 24th March in the Upton Court Hotel with a jackpot total of €3,600
Kilmuckridge Senior Citizens Club will meet in the KMH for another night of song
activities and a cuppa on Wednesday 2nd April from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Fixtures - Next Sunday 30th March our U16 hurlers have a home game v St
The following week we have two adult away games beginning with Thursday 3rd April when we travel to Oulart for our ACHL Div
The following night Thursday 3rd April our second team go to Craanford for their league game with a starting time of 8pm
Tony Doran Quiz - The annual Tony Doran GAA Quiz takes place tomorrow night Thursday 27th March starting at 8pm in the clubhouse
Club Monthly Draw - The March draw takes place in the clubhouse on Friday night
Underage Camps - The underage section of the club is organising their own Easter Camp which will run from Wednesday 23rd April to Friday 25th April
All details are on the club’s social media platforms
The Kellogg’s Cúl Camp is scheduled for 7th-11th July with online booking to begin in mid-April
Membership - The deadline for paying club membership is 31 st March whether you are a player
Non-playing membership is vital to running the club
Payments can be made online or by speaking to any committee member or club mentors
Rackard League - Well done to the boys from Kilmuckridge and Court national schools who have advanced to the District Hurling final with details to be confirmed
best of luck to the two schools who compete in the Rackard League Mini-Sevens hurling and camogie in the coming days
A massive thank you to all locals and visitors who supported our annual Tractor and vintage car run which took place on Sunday 16th March from the Golden Anchor
with refreshments and a raffle at the Anchor afterwards
Once again thank you to everyone for your ongoing contributions and support
This money will go towards completing our work in the cemetery and ongoing repairs to St Kevin’s Church
Adoration continues every Friday at St Kevin’s Church from 3pm to 6pm
A few of our parishioners are currently in hospital and some home and recovering at the moment
Keeping you and your families in our thoughts and prayers at this time
Men’s Shed are meeting Wednesday 26th March at the Clubhouse in Castletown at 7.30pm It’s an initiative by Castletown Liam Mellows Healthy Club team and one we really want to see succeed
Confirmation: First Holy Communion: Saturday 10th May
Annual Patron & Blessing of the Graves: Sunday 1st June
Any notes for paper please forward to 087 9434090 or ck0802@gmail.com by 7pm on Sunday for inclusion in the following week’s paper
GAAWexford manager Keith Rossiter is hopeful experienced duo will be ready for crunch clash in GalwayKeith Rossiter is hopeful that he will be able to call on the services of experienced duo Liam Ryan and Conor McDonald when Wexford travel to Salthill to take on Galway in the Leinster Senior hurling championship on Saturday (3.15 p.m.)
Trot Insider has learned that world champion Cattlewash will stand stud in Ontario for the 2022 breeding season
Tara Hills Stud is excited to announce the addition of World Champion & millionaire Cattlewash (p,2,1:50.2
1:46.4 ($1,177,787) to its stallion roster
Cattlewash took his World Record three-year-old mark of 1:46.4 winning a division of the Bluegrass Stakes at The Red Mile
He shares this outstanding record with his game-changing sire
he won a $80,950 Bluegrass division in a freshman best of p,2,1:50.3 and was a multiple PASS winner
He finished second in the Matron Final and third in the Breeders Crown and Governor’s Cup finals while competing against the best of the year
In addition to his World Record win at three
Cattlewash won the $179,600 Matron in 1:48,3
the $160,000 Monument Circle in 1:48.3s and captured his Breeders Crown elimination in 1:47.2
In the $500,000 Breeders Crown Final he finished third off only one-quarter of a length
Cattlewash also finished second in the Little Brown Jug – timed in 1:49.2h
Cattlewash captured the $250,000 Graduate Series Final in a season’s best of 1:47.1
He also captured the $265,400 William Haughton Memorial Final in 1:47.3
Cattlewash boasts an impressive standing of 13-9-8 in 39 starts thus far
with trainer Ron Burke indicating that the horse will continue to race through to the end of the season with starts possible at The Red Mile and in the Breeders Crown
Cattlewash is a handsome and smart son of super-sire Somebeachsomewhere from Road Bet p,4
making him the half-brother to 2021 $500,500 She’s A Great Lady Final winner Niki Hill p,2
His dam is a sister to the winners of more than $3.6 million including $1.5 million winning Mypanmar
the richest and fastest son of Somebeachsomewhere standing in Canada
Harnesslink.com is the only harness racing website dedicated to covering news and events in the Standardbred Industry world-wide
© 2024 Harnesslink | All Rights Reserved | NV
© 2024 Harnesslink | All Rights Reserved | NV.
Send help right to the people and causes you care about
Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee
Castletown gets the ball away under pressure from Tintern's Aine Kehoe during the Allianz Rackard League Roinn B County final at Chadwicks Wexford Park
Inch Parish are holding a Table Quiz in O’Rafferty’s Lounge on this Friday night 22nd November at 9pm sharp
Coolgreany National School are now accepting enrolments for September 2025
welcoming school community who advocate a growth mindset for all
Check out our Facebook page at Scoil Íosagáin Coolgreany to see the great work that happens in our school each day
our Admission Policy and our enrolment forms are available on our website www.coolgreanyns.ie
If you would like to enrol your child or know of any parents looking to enrol their children in our school please contact us by phoning 0402) 37246 or 085) 8570276 or email us at office@coolgreanyns.ie and we can send an enrolment form home
The enrolment form can be completed and should be returned to the school as soon as possible to guarantee your child’s place
Hard luck to Castletown Liam Mellows who travelled to Mullingar last Sunday as lost out to St Loman’s Mullingar in their Senior Football Championship
Happy birthday and good wishes to Alex William Foster
Monaglough who will celebrate his 18th Birthday on 22nd November
Golden circle social group are going to Waterford on 30th November
The All Ireland Handball brought a lot of excitement to Coolgreany last week with players coming to compete from different countries
All the teams and supporters were so happy with the hospitality that they received
big congratulations to all the home team that won for their Club at home and away in the world 4-wall Championships
The Réalt Na Mara Ballygarrett Club AGM is on Friday 22nd November at 8pm
There is a Modern Jive Dance Class every Tuesday at Ballygarrett RNM Clubhouse at 7.45pm
Parish office Information: Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9 a.m
Cathal Briscoe is one of our underage kids that previously attended our GAA club’s nursery
His dad Thomas was instrumental in setting up nursery and still to this day is heavily involved in coordinating and running the nursery on Saturday mornings
Cathal is sport mad and plays powerchair football and his club are hoping to compete in national competitions such as the Association of Ireland Powerchair Football (AIPF)
at the moment Cathal and his team cannot participate and are at a disadvantage because they lack the adapted sports powerchairs required for competitive play
Coaches from the nursery are organising a Coffee Morning and Cake Sale on Sunday 8th December in the Craanford Community Centre to raise money for the specialised sports chairs that Cathal and his team need
competitive play and will prevent damage to their regular chairs
Craanford Monaseed Community Childcare Services CLG Require an AIMS worker 15 hours per week 12pm till 3pm to work in line with the ECCE school term
The candidate will be expected to partake in the general operation of the ECCE programme and to support the needs of all the children in the ECCE room
The suitable candidate will have to hold a minimum level 5 in childcare only
The candidate should be available to take up the position as soon as possible please
Please forward your Curriculum Vitae to: Liz Furlong
Craanford Monaseed Community Childcare Services
Wexford Y25WOD1 or email to Lizcraanford@gmail.com on or before Friday 22nd November 2024
Craanford Drama is set to present ‘The Lonesome West’
a darkly comedic play by acclaimed playwright Martin McDonagh
promising an engaging and entertaining experience for audiences
This production is directed by Priscilla Mullen
Tickets will be available at the door and online through GR8 Events
Hollyfort Writers are launching their anthology ‘Write by the Fire’
a book of short stories and poems on Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm in Hollyfort Old School
Acclaimed actor Garrett Lombard will be launching book
which will be available to buy on the night
Lotto - Club Lotto Jackpot of €8,300 was not won
Tickets now also available from Siopa Beag at the Community Centre as well as Cooney Communications
Gaelic4Mothers & Others - Come along to Craanford Sports Complex every Monday night
Contact Ger 086 8228686 or Aoife 087 1492655 or craanfordmonaseed.wexford@lgfa.ie
New Mass Schedul Effective 1st December - Fr
Tomas and myself have been working on the Mass schedule across the Pastoral Area (Craanford
We’ve been guided by two basic principles: To cause the minimum disruption to the current Mass schedule and to the Mass going population
It must be possible for two of the three priests to supply all the Masses across the Pastoral Area on any given weekend
After a little work we’ve come up with a schedule that maintains the current number of Masses but it requires a tweak to the time of the Sunday morning Mass in Monaseed
We will need to move the Sunday morning Mass in Monaseed to 9.00am
the only change to the Mass schedule in Craanford/Monaseed will be in Monaseed where the 9.30am on Sunday morning will move to 9.00am effective from 1st December 2024
We are confident that with this minor adjustment
two of the three priests will be able to supply the current Mass schedule across all seven churches in the Pastoral Area
It is possible that in the depths of winter as we try to get from one church to another we’ll realize that we’ve stretched ourselves too far
but for now we think it’s manageable and the revised schedule going forward will be as follows:
Anniversaries - Saturday 23rd November: Craanford
Our November meeting is on Tuesday 26th November at 7.30 p.m
Marian Kavanagh will be doing a cooking demonstration
Its alway a great night as she has great ideas and recipes
Everyone is welcome to join us on the night
Enrolment for Junior Infants is open from Monday 11th November 2024 until 31st January 2025
Parents/Guardians interested in enrolling their child for the 2025-2026 academic school year can receive an application for enrolment by downloading a copy of the form from the school website: www.kilanerinns.ie
from the school office or by phoning 0402 37405/086 7767114
Completed applications may be returned to the school in person
Places will be awarded within 21 days of the closing date for applications
Kilanerin NS admission policy is also available on our website: www.kilanerinns.ie
Kilanerin Parish finance are hosting a coffee morning
Cake sale and raffle on Sunday 24th November in Shamrock Hall
Donations of homebaking would be appreciated and can be left into the hall from 10.30 a.m
Badminton is played in KIlanerin Community centre–adults on Wednesday and Friday from 8pm to 10 p.m.
Junior national school age 8 plus on Friday 6-7 p.m
and Secondary school Friday 7-8 p.m.–all welcome
Patrick and Tobias O Toole Bolaney and deceased members of the O’Toole and Byrne families
anniversary mass Liam Fanning Clonroe and Ballytegan
Eucharistic adoration on Tuesday from 10 a.m
Morning mass Wednesday and Thursday 9.30 a.m Saturday 7.30 p.m
anniversary mass Paddy and Bridie Kinsella Cloneroe
With the amalgamation of Parishes in our region
with effect from and including 1st December the 9 a.m
mass in Kilanerin will now be at 11.30 a.m
all other mass times remain as is for the time being
Easter and Holy Days may have separate arrangements
The AGM of the Adult GAA club will take place on Friday 22nd November at 7.30pm in the clubhouse
Good Luck to our U21 footballers who play the Co Semi Final v Blackwater next Saturday 23rd November in Blackwater at 2pm
The community walking track in Buffers Alley is lit up seven nights of the week to facilitate those wishing to use it
The winning numbers from the draw held on 11th November were 2,6,13 & 19
Next draw on 18th November in the Upton Court Hotel with a jackpot total of €7,050
Kilmuckridge Senior Citizens Club is a club that holds regular events for the senior citizens of Kilmuckridge and surrounding areas
Join them for a fun filled evening and a cuppa of course
Their activities Schedule for the coming weeks are Wednesday 20th November
Wednesday 4th December and Wednesday 19th December from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
The Christmas Party meal will be held at the Upton Court Hotel on Sunday 12th January 2025 from 2pm to 6pm
open to members €5 and for non members €10
If interested please contact Yvonne on 087 9555282 or email kilmuckridgeseniorcitizensclub.com by the 20th of December
Predeceased by her husband John and mother of Betty and Catherine
Sympathy is extended to the Daly family on the passing of their aunt Anna May Lucas (nee Daly) London and formerly Coolroe
Anna May in her 97th year was the last surviving child of the late Michael and Mary Daly Coolroe
The annual Craft Fair will take place at the KMH this Friday 22nd November from 6pm
Come along and browse the stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere
The Pat the Chap Annual Victor Tomkins memorial road run takes place on Sunday 24th November
All tractors/ cars 30 years or older welcome
Call Gavin on 087 2672271 or find us on Facebook for more details
Adoration continues each Friday from 3pm to 6pm in St Kevin’s Church
Any one interested in joining can contact Sarah Whelan for more information
Congratulations to Liam and Elizabeth Mulligan
on the birth of their beautiful grand daughter Nancy
A beautiful baby girl to Cheryl Mulligan and Eamonn Jackson
2020 at 11:08 am CTA Mokena resident spotted this in the sky over the Tara Hills subdivision last Friday night
(Provided)(Provided)(Provided)(Provided)(Provided)MOKENA
IL — An apparent unidentified flying object was spotted in the sky over the Tara Hills subdivision in Mokena last Friday night
A Mokena man who lives in the subdivision captured a number of photos and a short video
of the phenomena while in the backyard with his wife and a few family friends just before 9:30 p.m
"The light was seen traveling over our neighborhood in a west to east direction," the man
Related On Patch: UFOs in Chicagoland — Book Shows Number Of Sightings By Town
The man said he saw the light at "an undetermined altitude and [moving] at a steady
Scroll through the images from atop the article to see more from the sighting
and let us know what you think in the comments section below
"The light was quite bright and large with no indicators of it being an aircraft or drone," he said
large and bright to be a satellite or the International Space Station and would be much
The man said he reported the sighting to the national UFO reporting center in Davenport
a nonprofit volunteer organization that studies UFO sightings
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Your request appears similar to malicious requests sent by robots
Please make sure JavaScript is enabled and then try loading this page again. If you continue to be blocked, please send an email to secruxurity@sizetedistrict.cVmwom with:
The Collegedale Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to rezone land off Edgmon Road
approving a proposed development that will hold up to 500 homes despite opposition from some Collegedale residents
This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Chattanooga Times Free Press
Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2025
audio and/or video material shall not be published
rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium
Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use
The AP will not be held liable for any delays
errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing
— Maybe the emotional moment will come when Rashod Hill slips on his cleats in the locker room
or perhaps it will happen sometime during a break in the action
But at some point during Minnesota's home game against Miami
the Vikings offensive tackle will surely look down at his feet and take a moment to reflect about the people closest to him and how important they are
by sporting purple and black cleats that recognize The Starkey Hearing Foundation
which has "The Gift of Hearing" inscribed in silver letters
but at the same time [I also feel] pride and strong that I can wear them to bring awareness to hearing loss," Hill said
it's going to be a blessing to have them on my feet
"It's amazing the NFL does that because it's gives guys a chance to bring awareness to stuff they believe and they care about
You know more about a guy when he brings stuff like that out," Hill added about the "My Cause
"It gives me an opportunity to bring awareness to this
People are dealing with different things … whatever I can do to help bring awareness to this
Codie was born to Rashod and Tara in May of 2015
It didn't take doctors long to suspect something was amiss regarding Codie's hearing
as test results showed she had profound hearing loss in both of her ears
"She was diagnosed when she was a baby in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit)," Tara Hill said
"[Her hearing loss] went from mild to moderate to severe."
The Hills said their first reaction was one of denial
"The first sign was that they did some tests and found she couldn't hear anything," Rashod said
"But once we realized that was the problem
let's jump on this now.' That way in the future she can be like everybody else," he added
Codie wore hearing aids for six months as an infant
so she was given a cochlear implant for her right side
That's the setup Codie had lived with until a week in late November
when the Hills visited the campus of Starkey Hearing Technologies in Eden Prairie and had a life-changing day
Codie received VIP treatment from Starkey Owner and CEO Bill Austin and his staff
gave her a hearing test and took an impression of her left ear
Starkey then made a custom left hearing aid for Codie in less than an hour
with the hope that device will combine with the right cochlear implant and boost her overall hearing
she's not familiar with sound and doesn't respond well to testing," Austin said
"We're trying to put some energy load into her inner ear and see what her reaction is to that input she's getting."
Rashod said he was awestruck by the kindness and humility of the Starkey staff
"We didn't know we were going to meet the CEO of this place," he said with a laugh
Vikings Rashod Hill recognizes The Starkey Hearing Foundation in support of the NFL's "My Cause
My Cleats" initiative in honor of his 3-year-old daughter who has partial hearing loss
said one of the greatest joys of his job is helping young people improve their ability to hear
they have a whole lifetime ahead of them," Austin said
You need to be connected to your social environment and people … nobody should be punished [for bad hearing]; they haven't done anything wrong."
"It makes more of a difference than almost anyone realizes
The hearing aid in Codie's left ear appeared to work right away
as she looked around in wonder knowing that she was hearing something on her left side
Hill said that Codie was responding well to the device
Codie will also return to Starkey in a few weeks for a checkup
'Codie,' … and she looked at me," Hill said
She likes it in and is getting adjusted to it."
It hasn't always been easy for the Hill family to deal with Codie's hearing loss
Both Rashod and Tara mentioned how they have had to gain a sense of understanding about their daughter
such as tapping her to get her attention rather than simply saying her name
I'm not going to let that hinder her," Hill said
Codie also has a limited vocabulary and works with a speech therapist because she hasn't been able to learn and decipher verbal language
But the spunky 3-year-old with a quick smile is on the right path thanks to Austin and the Starkey staff
as well as a set of parents who now want to explore opportunities to give back to other families in similar situations
"We want to get a chance to talk to different families who are just now getting to the process and getting into the situation," Tara said
it's hard to accept something you cannot control," she added
"One of our biggest things is talking to the families who are dealing with the same issue."
Added Hill: "We definitely want to [give back] because this impacts our lives
We want to see how we can help more and learn more from it."
The Vikings offensive tackle will start by wearing his custom cleats to support his little girl
Hill saw the cleats for the first time at Starkey with his family sitting beside him
Codie reached for them and looked on with curiosity
and I'm pretty sure there's still going to be a lot more to go," Hill said
"But we love her and give her everything she needs
We know she can overcome this," Hill added with Codie nearby
But I wake up every day smiling to see her because she's my baby."
Starkey Hearing Foundation gives the gift of hearing to people in need in the U.S
Disabling hearing loss affects more than 466 million people
yet many do not have access to the hearing devices that improve lives and promote understanding
Starkey Hearing Foundation has provided more than 1.1 million hearing health care services to patients
Starkey Hearing Foundation focuses on hearing health missions
hearing loss education and hearing aid recycling
2014 at 3:11 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A child on a skateboard was hit by a car this afternoon in the Tara Hills area of Contra Costa County and suffered a head injury
according to the California Highway Patrol
The child suffered a head injury and was bleeding badly after being hit by a Toyota Camry
Contra Costa County sheriff’s deputies are also responding to the scene
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
A full course rebuild will take place at The Hills over back-to-back winters starting in April 2026
Plans have been revealed for the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of The Hills golf course near Arrowtown with current members getting the first offer to be part of the new private members structure
The Herald understands members at The Hills were earlier this month given the first opportunity at the lowest price option to join the new structure
US private equity investor Ric Kayne and business partner Jim Rohrstaff, the duo behind Tara Iti and Te Arai Links near Mangawhai
have joined in partnership with Sir Michael Hill and daughter Emma Hill as part of redevelopment plans at The Hills
The Hills is one of the most exclusive courses in the country
and will remain so under the new private members structure
A full course rebuild will take place over back-to-back winters starting in April 2026
The development plans also include a golf training facility
Financial details of the new partnership have not been revealed but Sir Michael Hill famously told media on the club’s opening in 2007 it was more than his life is worth to divulge how much he had dipped into his fortune to finance the project
which started as a 200ha deer farm in the early 90s before taking more than five years to be turned into a world-class golf course
“If I told you what it cost me I would have a divorce on my hands,’’ said Hill in 2007
don’t mention any more than that otherwise I’ll be in serious trouble
I’ll have to sleep in the clubhouse tonight all by myself,” he quipped
Part of the new partnership is to extend the legacy for the Hill family and ensure the property remains as a golf course in years to come
“The family have looked at this as a great way to make sure that legacy exists and doesn’t get sold as a real estate development and the golf course doesn’t exist anymore,” Rohrstaff told the Herald
the owners will be the members and the members will be the owners
this will perpetuate the club into the future and erase any uncertainty
A lot of the members will like the fact they know they have certainty now
The extensive redevelopment of the course will be led by Australian golf architects OCM (Geoff Ogilvy
Mike Cocking and Ashley Mead) and will involve work across both the front and back nine
The Hills is also known for its art across the grounds with massive sculptures
such as the three-metre high warrior surrounded by 110 wolves designed by Liu Ruowang and the equally impressive Paul Dibble piece dubbed ‘The Calici Scythe’
They will all remain as part of the new course with only a small number moving from their original spots
An annual walkabout day open to the public will continue
“The art there should be celebrated,” Rohrstaff said
“If you’re a golfer and you visit The Hills
a big part of what the people remember is the sculptures
We’re certainly not moving away from the sculptures
It is part of the personality of The Hills
it works really well in that environment and we want to celebrate it
they’ve never really seen anything like it.”
OCM are quickly making waves in the golf architectural world with The Hills being their first project in New Zealand
They were praised for their rebuild of the two courses at Peninsula Kingswood in the Melbourne sandbelt region
Golf fans will get a closer look at OCM’s work over the next few years having redeveloped the famed Melbourne course Kingston Heath
which will host the Presidents Cup in 2028 and just opened up a complete rebuild of Medinah no.3 in Illinois
the initial brief was to change three or four holes and make The Hills a more walkable course
But it turned into a much bigger project and with the irrigation nearing its end of life
it also meant having to trench up and replace pipes all over the golf course
Like an addition to a house the challenge is to ensure any changes tie in with the setting and general theme
The current course is set up for cart golf and has lengthy distances between the green and the next tee
often scaling upwards to give spectacular views from the start of each hole
The redevelopment will aim to keep those views but also make it a more walkable routing
A few holes like the par three 16th will be shifted 150 metres from where it currently sits
Many of the new holes will play over similar ground while some will be in the opposite direction
fixing the distance between green to tee and ensuring a more pleasurable walk for those ditching the cart
“It’s a major construction project no matter what
As they walked around they started throwing some ideas out there..
I saw straight away as huge value-adds not only to the golf experience but views from the clubhouse,” Rohrstaff said
“By the time they [OCM] flew out of town we thought
sounds like we’re building a new course here’ but I think that’s where we got to pretty quickly
And we’re really excited about what they’ve come up with
the scenery is out of this world and they’ve created a routing that is a significant step up.”
Because of the relatively tight growing seasons in Queenstown
the development will be done over back-to-back winters starting in 2026
We’re looking at adding on a little bit to that
I’ve always joked the thing about The Hills is that it’s a golf course without a golf shop
so we’ll be adding things like a concierge
a golf shop and refreshing the entire interiors.”
onsite accommodation and clubhouse addition will be built along with real estate offerings
Fox made four birdies and a bogey on the front nine
You will also start receiving the Star's free morning newsletter
Tara Hills was a mom of seven in 2015 when her youngest contracted whooping cough
The diagnosis came weeks after she decided to reverse her decision not to vaccinate them
but before they could get caught up on missed shots
was met with scorn and ridicule for her previous aversion to to vaccinating her children
“The doubts just kind of settled there and piled up,” Tara Hills
a mother of 10 said of her previous vaccine hesitancy
said she spent years in the “valley of indecision” about vaccines
Tara Hills had long been against vaccination
but a conversation with an empathetic stranger on Facebook helped change her mind
three factors came together to change her mind: a close call
a surge in measles outbreaks around the world and a conversation with an empathetic stranger
A few months before the birth of her fourth baby
then a 29-year-old mom living in suburban Ottawa
She chose to stop vaccinating her children
Hills can’t point to any one event or encounter that swayed her
A collection of uncertainties that grew from things she read on the internet or conversations on park benches with other moms
and left her with a vague but growing sense of alarm
“The doubts just kind of settled there and piled up.”
Hills spent a lot of time connecting with other parents on Facebook
she sometimes encountered blog posts that made frightening claims about childhood vaccines
The stories had headlines like “My baby was never the same again” or “If only I had known what would happen.” The anecdotes were not verified or backed with evidence
who was deep in the trenches of new motherhood
and whose primary concern was protecting her children from harm
Decades of research has demonstrated that vaccines are effective and safe for most people
but the stories shared by anti-vaccination groups can be more powerful than charts and numbers
“They use a lot of effective storytelling,” Hills said
Hills gained the false impression that both options
it would seem that either road has risks,” she wrote in a Facebook post
“So here I am in the valley of indecision.”
The younger four were unvaccinated; the older three had lapsed immunization records
Hills didn’t get around to researching vaccines
but grew firm in her belief that she had made the right move
the rhetoric that developed around a surge in measles outbreaks and a conversation with an empathetic stranger
Hills and her doctor created a catch-up vaccination schedule
her 10-month-old baby was diagnosed with pertussis
a highly contagious vaccine-preventable illness that is particularly dangerous in small children
all seven kids were sick and the family was in isolation
the “anti-vax mom,” became a public villain
The discourse around vaccination has become toxic over the past decade as the stakes of choosing not to vaccinate have grown higher. Measles outbreaks are surging in some countries because of declining immunization coverage; now, as we approach a pivotal point in an exhausting global pandemic
getting back to normal depends on most of us getting the shot
people who are vaccine-hesitant have become easy targets for those seeking to vent frustrations
especially as outbreaks in unvaccinated populations — such as nursing homes
where uptake remains a concern — threaten the health and safety of vulnerable people and the larger community
Just as science has demonstrated that vaccines are safe and effective
behavioural science principles tell us that judgment does not change minds
preventing them from asking questions or seeking information that might help them make informed choices
“Coming at it from a place of compassion is hard
but that’s what we need,” said Laura Desveaux
a behavioural scientist who sits on Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table
“That’s what it takes to get to the finish line.”
The story of how Hills came around is a cautionary tale about the risks of choosing not to vaccinate
but also a lesson on the tactics that help change minds
The day she returned home from the hospital with her first child
Hills looked at the newborn baby strapped into the car seat and felt a rush of love and terror
Her daughter was so small and floppy that nurses had tucked rolled-up towels around her body to keep her from slouching
Now Hills and her husband were on their own
with no hospital staff to help them keep the baby alive
the weight and urgency of her responsibility as a mother
She would carry it for the rest of her life
A few months after her daughter’s second birthday
attending a Christian Bible college in Minneapolis
They vaccinated their daughter and the twins without much thought
just part of the routine of having small children
It was only after they returned to Ottawa and settled in Kanata
Her decision in 2008 to stop vaccinating was born out of fear
Hills had always been skeptical of the government
the medical community and the pharmaceutical industry
and now the things she read online seemed to confirm her suspicions
“We were scared and didn’t know who to trust,” she wrote in a blog post
“Was the medical community just paid off puppets of a Big Pharma-Government-Media conspiracy
Were these vaccines even necessary in this day and age
Were we unwittingly doing greater harm than help to our beloved children?” She believed that “where there is smoke
There was also an element of complacency in her choice
Hills had never heard of anyone in her small corner of the world contracting a vaccine-preventable illness
Hills delivered the news to their family physician: “We have decided not to vaccinate.” Hills is nearly six feet tall and carries herself with confidence
just made a note in his chart and moved on
what might have happened if the doctor had taken a curious and non-judgmental approach
‘Would you like to share with me how you came to that decision
I’m just genuinely interested in hearing.’ I might have been like
Hills avoided discussing vaccination with others because she knew
she wasn’t prepared to defend her position
snide remarks or efforts to persuade her only put her on the defensive
learned that her daughter had stopped vaccinating the children
“It scared the beep out of me,” Follis said
censoring herself as she discussed that difficult time
but rarely broached the subject with her daughter because
“I didn’t get the impression that it was open for discussion.” She had to tread carefully
“How can you say to somebody that they might be doing something wrong
You don’t want to destroy a relationship.”
Hills put a swift end to any conversations about vaccination
making it clear to her mom and brother that efforts to convince her
including the links they sometimes sent over email
but nothing they said or did changed her mind
The decision to stop vaccinating was meant to be temporary
just a pause while Hills looked into it further
and it’s painful and embarrassing for me to admit: I didn’t really look into it,” she said
“And then seven years of my life went by.”
During the years Hills spent in what she calls “the valley of indecision,” a measles resurgence was taking place in countries that had previously eliminated the disease
— a rise attributed to a concerning global decline in vaccination coverage
In 2014, an outbreak at Disneyland California infected 147 people and spread to 16 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. A large outbreak in an unvaccinated community in B.C.’s Fraser Valley the same year saw more than 400 measles cases diagnosed over three and a half months
a small outbreak in Ottawa entered the orbit of the Hills family
A mom friend confessed to Hills in a whispered conversation one day that her school-aged children
Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can be particularly dangerous for babies
pregnant people and those with compromised immune systems
“The whole time she was talking I was doing the math in my head: where was I around the time when her kids got sick?” Her younger sister had recently given birth to a premature baby
Her sister had chosen not to vaccinate her older children “in large part because of me,” Hills said
“The big-sister influence.” Hills imagined what could have happened if her own children had contracted measles and passed it to her sister’s family
Hills began reading news stories about measles outbreaks
she was horrified to see the things people said about parents who didn’t vaccinate their children
“People who disapproved didn’t just disapprove; they were disgusted with people like me,” she said
“They thought I was a horrible parent and deserved to be jailed
that my children should be put into foster care immediately
I’m not talking to anybody about this ever again
but the toxic conversations made her uncomfortable asking questions
or to have her worth as a parent called into question
She shared her fears and uncertainties in a lengthy post on Facebook
The post announced that she was embarking on private study
“While well-meaning (and sometimes just plain mean) friends and family send me links … it’s the rare person
who puts their arm around you and validates your concerns
looks you in the eye and says ‘How can I help?’” she wrote
A stranger saw the post and stepped up to do just that
A friend of a friend from high school sent Hills a private message
asking if she could help address her concerns
The friend was a researcher and fellow mom who ran a popular blog
But the researcher took a different approach
It’s great that you’re willing to look into this
and you’re asking good ones,’” Hills recalled
(The researcher now works as a public servant for a government health agency; she declined an interview request.)
Hearing those words — “You’re a good parent” — was disarming
Hills was used to the opposite: “You’re a terrible parent
why haven’t you already done the obvious?” Hills felt instantly at ease
“I didn’t have my hackles up expecting to be censured and attacked and all of my integrity and intelligence and parenting value to be immediately on the line over this one thing.”
The respectful approach opened the door to a conversation
The researcher asked Hills what questions she had about vaccines — something she had never been asked before
so she started with “I don’t know if I can trust the pharmaceutical interests behind vaccines.”
Hills said she learned from the researcher that while
there were some good reasons to keep a critical eye on pharmaceutical companies
the industry wasn’t profiting off vaccines in the wild and nefarious way Hills thought
Patents on most childhood vaccines had expired long ago
and there wasn’t much money to be made in producing them anymore
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization
She explained the difference between primary and secondary sources and urged Hills to continue her own research
“Look for answers to the questions you have,” Hills remembers her saying
“But I want you to scroll down to the bottom
is this a trustworthy source of information?”
The chat had been unlike any other conversation she’d ever had
She empowered me to find the information on my own.”
Hills had started her private study believing she would prove herself right
There’s no proof for all these claims of harm.”
She found no evidence to support the position she’d taken
“I was disgusted with myself.” She had to admit that she’d been wrong
Hills was in isolation with her seven sick children
Some of the kids were coughing so violently they vomited
had already changed her mind about vaccination
but one week before the family was scheduled to begin their catch-up shots
“Right now my family is living the consequences of misinformation and fear,” Hills wrote that week in a blog post
“I can only hope this painfully honest sharing will help others.”
Hills shared her story in The Scientific Parent
the blog run by the researcher who had reached out to her on Facebook
“Learning the Hard Way: My Journey from Anti-Vaxx to Science.” Hills hoped that her experience might encourage other vaccine-hesitant parents to seek out trusted sources
She thought the post might get a few dozen clicks
Even though she had opened up about her mistakes
They said she had gotten what she deserved
They ridiculed her for life choices that had nothing to do with vaccination
It was the kind of condemnation that had kept her from opening up about her concerns for so many years
The comment sections on the news stories were difficult to read
and they ignored the message of empathy and understanding she had been trying to promote
If something happens to these unvaccinated children
their parents should be charged with negligence
This is just a case of an uneducated individual making uneducated choices
She should be charged with child endangerment and the kids removed from her
Her neglect here is almost as embarrassing as her decision to have seven children
A neighbour tried to get her family kicked out of their townhouse complex
“I understand that families in our community may be mad at us for putting their kids at risk,” Hills wrote in the blog post
“I want them to know that we tried our best to protect our kids when we were afraid of vaccination and we are doing our best now
Some hardcore anti-vaccination types peddled conspiracy theories suggesting she was a “crisis actor” performing the role of a reformed anti-vaxxer
“This woman is being brave by admitting her mistake and setting herself up for public ridicule,” one commenter wrote
“She and her children are now paying the price so she doesn’t need any more blaming.”
she got them caught up on their vaccinations
Hills couldn’t go anywhere in Kanata without being recognized
People seemed to view her as a hero or villain
She and Gavin began searching for a new home
but she doesn’t want to be seen as a poster child for vaccines
the real lesson in her story is that the way we choose to talk to people about vaccines — with ridicule and contempt
or with empathy and understanding — may influence whether they make an informed decision
“Did I really need to go through an international spanking to learn the value of pushing through your fears
But I’m happy to help others because I think it’s a very relatable human experience.”
Earlier this month, Hills buckled her youngest son into a stroller and walked four blocks from her home, in the small town of Arnprior, Ont., to a high school hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic
and her dark hair whipped around in the warm summer wind
Hills was embarrassed to learn that it was a drive-thru clinic
She was the only person there without a car
One clinic worker radioed ahead to another
She was sitting on the front porch of her home
a 135-year-old red brick Victorian near the town centre
half-listening to the conversation while playing a game on her phone
Hills and Gavin bought the rundown property soon after their 2015 brush with fame and have spent the past few years fixing it up
They now have 10 children and another on the way
a fact Hills no longer feels compelled to explain or justify
She is older now and comfortable with herself and her choices
She is writing a memoir about having a big family
Her mistake at the drive-thru vaccine clinic
and she received her COVID-19 shot without having to wait in the heat
But there was also something about the fanfare surrounding COVID-19 vaccines that struck her as a little too zealous
there was limited research on outcomes in pregnant people
(There is now growing evidence demonstrating the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.) She asked herself
“So what are you gonna do about it this time
Tara?” She remembered the lessons she learned from the stranger who reached out to help her find answers
She searched for information from reputable sources and disregarded claims that weren’t backed up with research
When Hills hadn’t been vaccinated by early July
her mother started to worry she was becoming hesitant again
but Hills said it was a matter of convenience this time
She was on a bunch of wait-lists and never got a call
She wasn’t going to be a vaccine hunter; she figured she’d get the shot when things opened up
She finally got appointments for herself and her four oldest children earlier this month
There are endless decisions in parenting: disposable or cloth diapers
Most of them are private matters between spouses or parents and children
because it’s not just a “you do you” situation
She has seen for herself how individual decisions can impact the community
“I wish it was just a private issue,” she said
“because then we could all just leave each other alone.”
Amy Dempsey is a Star reporter and feature writer based in Ottawa. Follow her on Twitter: @amydempsey
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Account processing issue - the email address may already exist
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account
Welcome
Mickeymickey@disney.comManage MyDisney AccountLog OutSuspect surrenders after hours-long standoff in Pinole
2021Police activity prompted the lockdown of a Pinole neighborhood early Monday morning.PINOLE
(KGO) -- A suspect who triggered an hours-long standoff in Pinole has surrendered peacefully
The standoff began after police said received a call for a welfare check on Sunday
Residents living on Kildare Way and Barkley near Tara Hills Drive had been told to go inside and lock all their windows and doors
Shannon and Tara Hills schools have closed for in-person instruction for the day
Pinole Middle School is operating in a shelter in place
Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story
This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks
The action you just performed triggered the security solution
There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase
You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked
Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page
Awesome new addition to the Ontario Stallion ranks
Copyright © 2022 | Standardbred Canada. All rights reserved. Use of this site signifies your agreement and compliance with the legal disclaimer and privacy policy
Tony Flores.The station reported the 25-year-old suspect is Jeffrey Thomas Flores
the grandson and nephew of the victims.KTVU reported police have been called to the Flores' home in the past.On Friday
authorities say officers were sent at 2:30 a.m
to the home in the 1100 block of Tara Hills Drive to check on an unknown disturbance.After they arrived
officers said the 25-year-old suspect answered the door and told them there were injured people inside the house.The officers found two dead people who appeared to be victims of homicide
authorities said.Pinole Police Commander Neil Gang said the two victims appeared to be over the age of 50
the other female.Gang said the two victims and the suspect all lived at the home
but investigators weren't sure of the exact relationship.Gang said the two victims were not shot
but he wouldn't say how they died.The home is less than two blocks from a shopping center that contains a Pizza Hut and a Bank of America.Property records show the residence is a three-bedoom
two-bathroom house on a quarter-acre lot.Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Pinole police at 510-724-8950
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club
Tara is a Swan’s Academy player who debuted for her first senior club game in round 5
Even with Academy commitments during the preseason
she has shown her commitment to the senior women’s program by attending every training session that her academy commitments allowed for
She is a popular new young player and is well respected amongst the senior members of the women’s playing group
What role do you play for the club(s) both on and off the field?
As a player TC is a dynamic young football player who’s fitness
skill by hand and foot is of the highest level and her ability to compete for contested football against players who are much bigger than her is to be admired
TC’s strong on-field performances highlight the pathway for all Junior Girls to play at the highest level for the senior club
TC is a season permit player from our junior club but at her request will be playing Senior Football only for season 2024
Tara hasn’t missed a training session and/or game to date
On Saturday against strong opposition she stood tall in the midfield group yet again
Tara is a leader and inspiration for all younger players to achieve their goals and her values to what we are setting up as a group is wonderful
“Tara’s ability and willingness to learn new roles within the team at her age (16) is second to none
Each week we set another milestone for her to achieve and Tara doesn’t disappoint
Congratulations Tara.” – Pennant Hills Demons
Tara Hills Farm Wagyu owners Rachael Powell and Shaddon Waldie inspect a six-year-old Wagyu cow
their favourite in their herd on the Taieri
Dunedin Wagyu breeders Rachael Powell and Shaddon Waldie were like proud parents when their first carcass arrived at a local butcher
Southern Rural Life reporter Shawn McAvinue talked to them about their obsession with the slow-growing cattle breed
Taieri farmers Rachael Powell and Shaddon Waldie admit an obsession with Wagyu cattle
The couple have been breeding the Japanese cattle since launching Tara Hills Farm Wagyu in 2014
Now they are celebrating getting their first carcass on sale in a Dunedin butchery
Powell likened the carcass arriving at Links Quality Meats to a parent farewelling their child for their first day of school
the couple had been living in Auckland - he was in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and she was working for a veterinary pharmaceutical company specialising in medicines for the dairy industry
he was deployed to Dunedin Airport as an air traffic controller for Airways Corporation
She kept working in the same sector in the South
Powell could never imagine working outside the primary industries
The couple were renovating a villa on their 2ha lifestyle block in North Taieri
we’d like to be proper farmers,” she laughs
she decided to buy a cow and a Google search on “best tasting beef” returned a result of Wagyu
Wagyu cattle were scarce in the South and it took them three years to find some to buy
They bought purebred Wagyu - two heifers and a steer - from Kaitaia in 2014
“We’ve been going pretty hard,” Waldie said
three calves arrived naturally and they began flushing embryos
transferring them to some local early-calving dairy cows
Their favourite cow in their existing herd was a result of one of their first embryo flushes
she’s a lovely type and milks beautifully and has a lovely udder on her
“She’s super-reliable and grows amazing calves,” Powell said
she bought the first straw of 100 per cent full-blood Wagyu semen
Now some of their purebred cattle had been bred to nearly 99 per cent Wagyu
she went for the most expensive of the limited amount available in New Zealand
We could not have picked better for our foundation animals and you can’t get it anymore,” she said
When her husband was on another night shift
a Google search of “best Wagyu in Australia” turned up the name of breeder David Blackmore
She emailed Blackmore saying “we are a little bit crazy but we’re safe
can we come and visit you when we are in Australia”
He agreed and they spent half a day on his farm Blackmore Wagyu Beef in Victoria
They imported full-blood embryos and semen from him in 2017
they produced their own full-blood bulls and cows for the first time
Breedplan estimated breeding values released last week show their best bull calf from this season Tara Hills Farm “Vanquish” was in the top 1 per cent for eye muscle area and the top 5 per cent for marbling across the entire breed worldwide
“A proper elite bull by international standards.”
Their herd is now run across three Taieri blocks
some by a grazier and they visit the cattle most days
The aim was to breed cattle which could reach their highest marbling potential on a grass-fed system
slowly growing them for five years to a weight between 850kg and a tonne
“We are trying to take them as far as they can go,” Waldie said
The cattle were processed at an abattoir in Gore
Their Wagyu was priced in the butchery to reflect the time and patience it required to supply a niche product
Prices for their Wagyu include eye fillet ($160kg)
boneless rib-eye ($140kg) and a 150g burger patty with no other ingredients for $6
Half of the first carcass sold in the first week showing there was a demand for the product
which they hoped would one day be profitable
“It takes a long time to become an overnight success,” she laughs
“It’s taken a while but we are getting there.”
The plan was to process four more cattle next year and the numbers would increase by two carcasses in the proceeding years until they were annually supplying a dozen carcasses
The long-term plan was to buy a bigger farm
for the cattle to make weight gains in the colder months
Wagyu cattle “inhale the baleage” in winter
but appear to lose weight and then " pack on the pounds” in spring
but land was expensive so the couple expected to one day move to somewhere in South Otago
The plan was to stabilise the herd size between 100 and 120
keeping the business small enough to continue producing a premium protein and genetics to sell semen
they aimed to breed a balanced animal including cows to be “amazing mothers” with good milk production
The business would never compete on a commercial scale or be profitable working to a meat work schedule
“If the animals get to the point where they pay for themselves and a mortgage on a cool farm and we could live there - I’d be pretty happy.”
The trial system sits 10-15 metres below the surface
Police have one man in custody and are looking for two others who allegedly forced their way into a Pocono Township home Tuesday night
bound the owner with duct tape and then ransacked the house
all with the owner's 6-year-old daughter in the house
Tuesday on Tara Hills Drive in the upscale Tara Hills Estates
not far from Monroe Career & Technical Institute in Bartonsville
was found with more than $3,000 hidden in a shoe
Bui was arraigned and placed in Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail to await a future district court appearance on a range of charges including kidnapping
conspiracy to commit robbery and terroristic threats
"He confessed to committing the crime with two other men
but he's not being cooperative in identifying them," Pocono Township Detective Jim Wagner said
The only description police have of the other assailants are two Vietnamese males in their mid to late 30s
A Pocono Township police affidavit gives the following account:
his teenage son and 6-year-old daughter arrived home
Waiting in the rear of the house were three men
"We have no indication at this time that the homeowner and suspects know each other," Officer Jack Manuels said
Police Chief Rick Staples said this home invasion does not appear to be random
but that why the suspects chose Tran is unclear
Tran and his daughter entered the house while his son
When Jimmy put the garbage by the road and turned back
forced Tran to the floor and bound his hands and feet and covered his eyes with duct tape
but apparently did not do the same to his daughter
The suspects then ransacked the master bedroom
Manuels and officers Chris Gupko and Aaron Anglemyer and Sgt
Officers checked the rear of the house and saw one of the suspects
Police searched the Tara Hills area with a dog but didn't find the other suspects
$3,264 hidden in his shoe and a white bag containing $4,403 in various denominations and a check for $782
Police are asking anyone with information to contact (570) 629-7323 and ask for Wagner or Manuels
State police at Swiftwater and Stroud Area Regional and Barrett Township police assisted
2012 at 7:50 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}There are no plans to close the Safeway store in on Tara Hills Drive in Pinole
a company official told Pinole Patch Wednesday
Pinole Patch received some comments from concerned readers that there have been rumors of the Pinole store's demise
We visited the store and were directed to Safeway's public relations office
We called there and were asked to submit questions in an email
The company responded to our questions on Wednesday
"Safeway does not plan on closing the Pinole store," wrote spokeswoman Wendy Gutshall
"We are currently in discussions with the property owner to remodel this facility."
"Safeway is working with the city to locate a new 60,000 square foot lifestyle store with fuel center on the corner of San Pablo Avenue and Sycamore (Avenue)."
"Safeway is considering closing the Rodeo store with the completion of the opening Hercules store
but a final decision has not been made at this point," Gutshall wrote
She declined to answer our questions about any estimated dates for a Hercules site opening or a potential Rodeo store closure
It was “the kind of cough that stops a parent’s heart,” says Tara Hills
who has seven children and has heard them cough many times before
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience
But her family’s journey into whooping cough treatment has forced them to re-examine what they believed about vaccination
knowledge and responsibility in a community
Now the Hills family has gone public with their story
saying it’s important to help others understand the risks of not having vaccinations
who range in age from 10 months to 10 years
Most of the symptoms were just cold symptoms
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc
The next issue of The Evening Citizen will soon be in your inbox
Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.
This is a cough you’ve never heard before.”
It took four days for the lab to confirm whooping cough
and antibiotic treatment began this Tuesday
but the kids are all confined to their home for five days
at which point Ottawa Public Health says they won’t be contagious
“I thought: Am I actually looking at whooping cough in the face
The disease was one of those historical oddities she never even thought about dealing with
had chosen not to have their children fully vaccinated — not through strong opposition
but more from uneasiness about the medical system
Tara Hills wrote in a blog post about how they gave their first three children some vaccinations then stopped: “We stopped because we were scared and didn’t know who to trust
Was the medical community just paid=off puppets of a Big Pharma-Government-Media conspiracy
Were we unwittingly doing greater harm than help to our beloved children
So much smoke must mean a fire so we defaulted to the ‘do nothing and hope nothing bad happens’ position
“For years relatives tried to persuade us to reconsider through emails and links
but this only irritated us and made us defensive.”
And she adds: “I said before that the irony isn’t lost on me that I’m writing this from quarantine
For six years we were frozen in fear from vaccines
and now we are frozen because of the disease.”
The family wondered about the wisdom of their choice not to vaccinate when measles broke out at Disneyland earlier this year
The Hills began reading widely about vaccines
There was also a smaller measles outbreak that affected some people they knew
“When I connected the dates for everyone involved it chilled me to the bone,” Tara wrote
“I looked again at the science and evidence for community immunity and found myself gripped with a very real sense of personal and social responsibility before God and man.”
slightly improving,” she said of her children Thursday
but she notes that “he’s big enough that this isn’t life-threatening for him.” Still
she worries about what might have happened if her family had infected a younger infant
Now she hopes “to encourage other parents who can relate to where we were starting from: who were confused
She and her husband “had lost faith in the system
It’s kind of irrational but it’s powerful and I think a lot of people relate to that place.”
She was never prepared for diseases that didn’t seem to be part of modern times at all
and so when something doesn’t seem imminent
I’m not taking preventive measures over here.”
She and her husband are “frazzled and sleepless” but said Thursday that Ottawa Public Health has been “awesome” and as for the children’s illness
But there has still been fallout for others
has had bronchitis and suddenly found herself under a Public Health order that wouldn’t let her go to work
in case her illness turned out to be whooping cough
“I’m a single mom and I didn’t get paid” for missing two days
Lab tests later confirmed she doesn’t have whooping cough
but she is still unhappy that many neighbours were put at risk by one family’s decision not to vaccinate
twitter.com/TomSpears1
transmission or republication strictly prohibited
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
You can manage saved articles in your account
2012 at 6:17 am PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Despite a recent deal to build a store in nearby Hercules
there are no plans to close the Safeway store in on Tara Hills Drive in Pinole
Patch received some comments from concerned readers that there have been rumors of the Pinole store's demise
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Kadabra
I loved this great Trotting stallion both on the track and for what he produced in the breeding shed
thank you for all that you did for the sport of harness racing
Your legacy is of a legend and will live on through your sons and daughters
RIP to this GREAT GREAT Stallion and may his legacy live on forever
I was so shocked to read the tragic news of Mach Three
My sincere condolences to all who knew him
and those who cared for Mach Three over the years
Barry and I are shocked and saddened at the loss of this wonderful horse
Always a tragedy when a stallion passes before his breeding career is complete
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mach Three
To say he was a great stallion and a great race horse would not be any new news to anyone associated in the industry
I had just recently said that I truly believe Mach Three will be a tremendous broodmare sire and thus his legacy should carry on with his influence in harness racing for many years to come
the staff at Tara Hills and the owners of Mach Three
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Mach Three
I was lucky enough to get my mare bred to him last year---something I had been hoping and planning to do for a few years
This will be an extra special year for all of us who had the same fortune last breeding season--a season that was a challenge to him
How unfortunate that this wonderful stallion has left this world especially under these circumstances
My condolences to all that knew and loved him
Copyright © 2022 | Standardbred Canada. All rights reserved. Use of this site signifies your agreement and compliance with the legal disclaimer and privacy policy.
Crowds gathered, as they have done for millennia, on the Hill of Tara in Co Meath to mark the summer solstice and the dawn of the longest day of the year.
At 4.52am the sun on the eastern horizon was obscured by cloud as observers looked from the twin mounds of the Mounds of the Hostages and the Lia Fáil eastwards towards the Hill of Skryne.
A steady bodhrán beat accompanied the dawn. The overcast conditions may have been something of a disappointment given the glorious weather of late, but the clouds eventually parted and the sun could be seen as a sliver of red light framed by the spire of the church at Skyrne.
The stillness was broken only by a cycling party and some joggers who were circling the perimeter of the hill during the sunrise.
This celebration of the summer solstice at the Hill of Tara has been taking ploace for 6,000 years. The seat of the ancient kings of Ireland commands views as far away as Offaly and Louth.
Each year this ancient tradition attracts locals, foreigners and the curious. Many stay overnight in a makeshift campsite beside the churchyard in Tara both to mark the exact moment of the solstice and the dawn on the longest day of the year.
Babs Leonard from Santry bought her dog Samson. It was her first sunrise. "It was so beautiful and peaceful," she said.
Her friend Susan McGovern has made it three years in a row. “It’s very special. There is an energy up here,” she said.
"An ordinary person coming here sees nothing," said local poet Kyrie Murray, "but this is a magical, sacred place."
With his staff carved from a piece of pine found locally, he traces the energy lines which he says criss-cross the hill and prove that everything on the Hill of Tara is located where it is for a reason.
Maria Burke, from Offaly but lives in Australia, brought some friends from her adopted country. For her Tara is a must-visit place in Ireland. "I feel at this point that nature represents God in my life. It is important to mark the turnings of the seasons," she said.
Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times
Facebook pageTwitter feed© 2025 The Irish Times DAC
Experience something new in a Covid-friendly way by spending a night outside in a Nordic cabin
Owners Vanessa Tierney and Ben Wainwright outside 'The Wild Rooms'
Reporter Cathy Lee takes in the view from the Wild Room
Cathy LeeGorey GuardianTue 4 Jan 2022 at 03:00IF YOU’RE looking for a retreat experience in north county Wexford to refresh and recharge during uncertain times
then look no further than the Wild Rooms nestled between the sea and trees of Tara Hill
The brainchild of long-term remote working duo Ben and Vanessa Wainwright, co-founders of smart working company Abodoo, the Wild Rooms offer a glimpse of future Covid-safe travel and staycation
the Wild Rooms offers the option to connect or disconnect and escape into nature
close to 500 guests have stayed so far and enjoyed sunrises
star gazing as well as newly launched activities like yoga
reiki and picnics on the side of Tara-Hill
Made for those who are looking for something a little different and are willing to try something
those who stay will we rewarded in an experience for the senses
Ben Wainright said that for he and his wife
it was a plan that was about four years in the making
“When originally bought this place seven years ago we had our first daughter and were figuring out what we were going to do next
At the time there was virtually no broadband but we ended up getting a satellite and later dug a trench to get fibre broadband and that was a huge change for us
“We thought long and hard about the next step with the land
as we knew we wanted to share it and have people come and experience it
We had to think about how to make a hill work
He said that inspiration came when the couple thought about what they like to see and do while they’re away from home
“What’s key for us is our own space and comfort but also being amongst beautiful places
so you can go for a hike or a swim close by
We thought that if you could approximate the idea of a lovely hotel but at the same time being able to literally step outside into nature
In recent years we haven’t found it easy to find those type of places we like to stay
Vanessa said that her motivation was to honour Tara Hill itself
It’s twinned with the Hill of Tara and that brings energy as our hill is supposed to be the queen while the one in Meath is the king
“People might drive by on the motorway and gaze at it without realising that it’s both beautiful and quiet
People are used to crowds in Ballymoney but Tara Hill is an alternative people may not be aware of”
Feeling relaxed was also key as part of the thinking of Vanessa and Ben
"There is a mental health crisis out there and people need a break as we are all finding it very hard to switch off,” said Vanessa
“We saw last month a lot of Christmas parties were cancelled and company CEOs were working out how to reward staff without an events
We’re suggesting that they give staff a day or weekend away to just be in a new space for their own innovation
"Nowadays you go to a hotel and they’re lovely but there are so many rules when it comes to Covid and having to mask up and book in for everything
you’re almost wrecked from that experience
We have personalised self-check in pack with all the information
so you can come here and go straight in without seeing anybody else if that’s what you want and it’s all explained to you
“We want to give people the opportunity to get away from home and still work
but have a premium experience and get out into nature when it suits them
We will be increasing the space to work within the Wild Room as well as our treatment spaces
so people would have to leave the estate as much
the team thought it was just going to be seasonal clamping
but we’re open all year round and the cabins are very sturdy”
the couple wanted something that was stylish and contemporary but also fit into the landscape and was resistant to the weather
the Wainrights used a UK design to combine Nordic traditions with Japanese styles in Shou Sugi Ban exterior cladding
Worked with LEADER funding and the cabins were built off site in Carlow
The eight foot window in each wild room was vital to get right and the couple spent a lot of time thinking about whether the window would be functional or even open up as a door
they decided it was all about the drama and to create a frame of a moving picture to holds your gaze and have as little distraction as possible
Ben said that it has been strange not seeing every guest due to self-check in
but that feeling safe and secure is more important
“There’s no touch point with the Wild Room so it’s Covid safe
but you’re outdoors so you don’t have to wear a mask
we’ve noticed good conversation as we tend to be similar minded
They’re here for similar reasons and that’s part of what makes things work
"Vanessa and I have a really strong virtual working background and we’ve been doing that for the best part of a decade
it didn’t seem like a huge stretch for us as we’re very used to working together with each other’s strengths
“The idea of building a space people can go to and then run that from our home
we knew our backgrounds were going to help
We understand the dynamic that’s required and although there’s a lot to be done behind the scenes
"All the technology of the wild room is hidden away
so when you rock up you choose whether you’re there to work and we hope you’ll be inspired and feel creative
just relax and hang out as it’s going to be quiet
It’s all about achieving peace and tranquillity
as we believe that being surrounded by natural elements infuses the mind
and soul and can help rejuvenate for a healthier and happier life
"Recently we decided to offer a few more things like freshly cooked breakfasts
stone baked pizzas and picnic baskets made by Myles Doyle in Gorey and we plan to expand further in the future too”
Although the Wild Rooms are the newest edition to the Tara Hill estate
a lodge the couple had run for a few years was the catalyst for this next step
"What we’ve achieved in the last six months has exceeded our expectations but we knew people wanted to stay here as we had returning visitors to the lodge
"A lot of guests from Ireland have come to try something new and go off the beaten track a bit
It’s geared towards couples or single people
but we did have a proposal here which we never expected
"We’ve also had people show up really stressed out but come to us after their stay to comment on how relaxed they’ve felt
and that’s equally important to us as they felt they could come here safely in the context of Covid"
Vanessa said that the Wild Rooms are aimed at a Dublin market
which she says automatically assumes that Wexford will have a poor Wifi connection
“We have to tell them that with our Abodoo background
we’ve been working here remotely for years and installed and our connection is as good if not better than Dublin”
Becky Archbold on the set of 'Tara Hill'
There are exciting times ahead for Swords mum Becky Archbold as the model is set to become an actress
this time last year that she would be cast as the leading lady in a vampire film called “Tara Hill”
Director/Writer Bobby Cullen of Ryker Films spotted Becky and took a chance on her
even though she did not have a lot of experience in filming
Becky has been modelling a few years now and is well used to the camera
She has also walked the catwalk on many fashion shows including; Style Warriors fashion and Entertainment Show and other charity events
She has now been granted the opportunity to see herself up on the big screen in the gothic fantasy film “Tara Hill”
award winning producer of film “Red Room” has merged with Bobby Cullen under the name of Ryker Films
they plan to enter “Tara Hill” into the Cork Film Festival and The Richard Harris Film Festival this Autumn
Bobby is also an accomplished singer and songwriter
His songs are featured in the upcoming film “Tara Hill”
Wardrobe for the entire film has been designed by Carina Cunningham who is based at Ardgillan Castle
Make-up is a very important part of a vampire film and none other than the very well-known make-up artist Gillian Stapleton is on set fixing vampire fangs at her best
According to Carina Cunningham: “This will be a super film with amazing scenery; sea
“The next scene will be shot in Style Warriors Dreamscape room 102 Ardgillan Castle
where my room will be transformed into a Smokey Vampire Local Pub
set up with candles and lady vampires will be the perfect setting
“Once again costumes will need to be co-ordinated with make-up to set the scene
This fantasy world is my style and needless to say
I will be in my element helping style this
plus at least ten other vampires dressed to taste and kill
Becky Archbold has also been cast in a new programme which will be filmed in the autumn
Watch this space for more details on that one as it’s under wraps right now
CamogieA short story from Dublin and Kilkenny – ‘We appreciate the tradition of the game but skorts are not fit for purpose’It’s the short story that has everyone talking
The exodus of stallions from New Jersey continues as Tara Hills Stud and Brittany Stallion Management announced today that 2007's "Horse of the Year" Tell All will relocate to Tara Hills Stud in Ontario beginning with the 2011 breeding season
Cicada expert Olly Hills with a cicada that he caught
The infamous Mount Mauler has been spoiling Tauranga beachgoers' visits for years and the source of the nasty bite has always remained a mystery
a schoolkid looks to have cracked the case over the holiday period
using his family as a trap to snare the dreaded beast
Budding Hamilton entomologist Olly Hills was staying at Papamoa over Christmas and was at the beach with his family when they started to get bitten
did a bit research and found out a tiny bit about the Mount Mauler but no one really knew what it was," he said
back down to the beach and everyone pulls their leggings up and I try and catch some that land on my mum's legs."
The 11-year-old and his family were only waiting on the beach for around two minutes before he captured a flying midge
The flying midge - or Mount Mauler - has been bitting unsuspecting victims on Tauranga beaches
The bites are normally unnoticeable until they become aggravated and quickly pop up in bright red spots
who has already published a book called Cicadas of New Zealand
told the Herald he thought the Mount Mauler might have been a midge
it was indeed a small biting midge called a coastal midge," he said
the Bay of Plenty Times reported one Mount Mauler victim had wounds for up to two months after being bitten
Another woman also said the maulers were not a new phenomenon
believing they had been active in the region for up to 50 years
prime suspects of the Mount Mauler had been a microscopic jellyfish called hydromedusae or the larval stage of an insect called phycosecis limbata
Hamilton District Court is closed and cases have been disrupted
members of Tara Hill Riding Club enjoyed some fun and games – both on horseback and on foot
at their Christmas Fun Night at Kells Equestrian Centre
The club had run a Charity Fund Raising Derby Show on the 5th November
and members had nominated four local charities that they wished to benefit from proceeds from this show
They are extremely grateful to their sponsors
whose generosity has enabled them to demonstrate this generosity
Representatives from the four charities attended the Club Christmas Fun Night where they were each presented with a cheque for €750
Each of these representatives explained how their very welcome donations would be used
from the Catherine McAuley Day Care Centre
explained that their donation would be used to buy outdoor furniture
so that their clients would be able to sit out in the safe outdoor area
(with some help from a previous donation from Tara Hill.)
Rachael McEneaney from SOSAD explained that their organisation's main objective is suicide prevention
She emphasised how they focus on early intervention through free counselling
Counselling that is available to anyone over the age of 16
They are trying to spread the word that anyone over this age
can contact them for support with their mental health
and that they have a 24-hour helpline for anyone needing support or who is feeling suicidal
They have a messaging service available on their website from 8pm – 12am
so they rely mainly on donations to keep their offices open and their helpline and messaging services running
Tara Hills donation is very important to them
explained that their donation would be used purely for the purpose of funding Therapeutic Riding lessons for clients aged between 0 -18 years old
and can provide immense benefits to both clients with physical disabilities and those with sensory ones
The horses gait at walk is similar to that of the human and the movement of the horses hips
pelvis and legs provides sensory input to the rider
The interaction between the two can markedly show benefits
The horse is proven to be the best tool for increasing postural and core stability and balance control
building overall weight bearing and motor planning skills
Horse riding also increases sensory awareness and sensory stimulation and leads to an enhanced quality of life
Tara Hill Riding Club has been supporting these lessons since 2016
A member of Tara Hill accepted the cheque for Navan Food Bank
who was unable to attend the presentations
Aisling had explained earlier that currently the Food Bank has 67 families
12 army service men and a number of elderly people on their books
all of whom are suffering from extreme food poverty
There are several clients who have certain food intolerances
and babies that have to have special infant formulas
Aisling keeps an extensive food profile of each client
so that their food parcels meet their particular needs
The Food Bank relies almost entirely on donations of money
vouchers for certain food stores and non perishable food items
Meath Chronicle is part of Celtic Media Group which includes: The Anglo Celt
Westmeath Examiner and Westmeath Independent| © 2021 Meath Chronicle and Celtic Media Group
This website is optimised for mobile devices and modern web browsers
In order to view the content correctly please upgrade your current web browser to IE9 or higher or switch to an alternative browser such as Chrome
Follow the Archives for more daily updates on features
The myths and legends that surround the Hill of Tara and the relationship Saint Patrick had with the area
The legend goes that on Easter morning in the year 433 Saint Patrick lit the paschal fire at Slane in County Meath in defiance of the order of the High King Lóegaire
There aren't a lot of hills in this flat county of Meath which don't have some association with Saint Patrick
It is said that Saint Patrick came to the Hill of Tara to argue with the King and his druids and to defeat them in acts of magic and piety
Cathal O'Shannon describes the legend of Saint Patrick and his association with county Meath
We've no actual historical confirmation of this..
so we must assume that the Saint came here
described as "rather shoddy" by Cathal O'Shannon
has been erected on the Hill of Tara under the assumption that the Saint actually visited the site
Next to the statue of Saint Patrick lies a relic of a more romantic Tara
the Tara of the pagan Irish and their High Kings
It's a big hill of 500 feet with a wide outlook over the central plain of Ireland
Crowning its ridge is a series of earthworks
This episode of 'Newsbeat' was broadcast on 17 March 1966. The reporter is Cathal O'Shannon
Relief for the singer and composer of the song representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest
RTÉ.ie is the website of Raidió Teilifís Éireann
RTÉ is not responsible for the content of external internet sites