News & Notes

Elgin Sweeper releases new Broom Badger

ELGIN, ILL.—The enhanced, Elgin-manufactured Broom Badger has made its debut. The compact, highly maneuverable street sweeper is the latest in the innovative lineup from Elgin Sweeper, a leading global manufacturer of street sweepers. Once again, Elgin engineers incorporated updates based on extensive customer feedback.

“The Broom Badger is ideal for municipalities and contractors who need reliable, robust cleaning from a compact street sweeper,” said Tim Letts, product manager, Elgin Sweeper. “At Elgin Sweeper, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond industry standards. The upgraded Broom Badger not only provides efficient and reliable cleaning, but also is backed by our established, extensive network of dealers for the life of the sweeper.”

A number of new features boost the Broom Badger’s productivity. The sweep path of the new Broom Badger has been increased to 120 inches, including dual, 42-inch side brooms. Productivity is also greater due to the redesigned hydraulics system.

Beyond increased productivity, operator comfort is paramount. Upgraded operator controls are easy for new operators to learn and understand. Curved edges in the sweeper’s elevator reduce noise. Plus, no CDL is required, which helps recruitment and operator schedules.

For easy servicing and upkeep, the elevator cover opens wider for clean out. Like all Elgin products, the Broom Badger is available with the LIFELINER hopper system, which greatly improves the life, durability and functionality of the hopper. Advanced hydraulics also enable easier servicing while reducing waste.

Elgin’s strong dealer network enables easier access to servicing and parts, which increases reliability and uptime. With more than 100 years in the sweeper industry, Elgin experts are able to customize sweepers to fit specific needs. Operator training then ensures maximum productivity on the job, while the extensive dealer network is available to answer questions and provide service for the life of the sweeper.

“The Broom Badger offers the quality Elgin is known for,” said Letts. “Our engineers’ attention to detail shows in the final product, which is easy to operate, maneuverable and productive.”

For more information about the Broom Badger, visit https:// www.elginsweeper.com/products/mechanical/broom-badger.

AARP invests $3.4 Million through 260 community improvement projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. — AARP announced it is investing $3.4 million through 260 Community Challenge grants for quick-action projects that will help communities become more livable in the long-term. These grants will improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital access; and civic engagement, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and over. Many of this year’s projects will help communities leverage funding under the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Helping adults thrive as they age has never been more important, and AARP is dedicated to working with communities to improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. “This year, we are proud to support the largest number of projects in the Community Challenge’s six-year history to help communities leverage opportunities with historic federal investments.”

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by November 30, 2022.

This year, AARP is bolstering its investment of affordable and adaptable housing solutions in response to the national housing crisis. With additional funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in projects that improve mobility, innovation and transportation options. Examples of this year’s granted projects include: • Moro, Ore.: Creating free, pre-approved plans that encourage the development of accessory dwelling units for older adults and their families; • Philadelphia, Pa.: Helping to reconnect a neighborhood divided and displaced by expressway construction in the 1960s through engaging older residents and creating a temporary multigenerational public space for older adults and people of all ages; • Chelmsford, Mass.: Establishing informational kiosks and mini libraries to educate older residents about Chelmsford’s

Indigenous Peoples throughout the town near historical markers, public parks and trailheads on Indigenous lands; • Silver City, N.M.: Converting a dead-end road into an engaging, interactive, pedestrian space for residents — especially adults age 50 and over — to gather that will connect the park to downtown and prevent frequent flooding; and • St. Louis, Mo.: Transforming a desolate transit stop into an interactive and engaging center with accessible seating, shade and art for older adults and their families.

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, especially those 50 and over. Including this year’s projects, AARP has awarded $12.7 million through more than 1,060 grants since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the country, many of which have led to long-term change.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

Access to the Outdoors is an Asset In Times of Stress

ASHBURN, VA. — Six in seven U.S. adults agree it is helpful that they and their families have access to the outdoors during stressful times, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association Park Pulse poll.

“It’s amazing how much the outdoors can help us navigate stress,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “As little as 20 minutes a day spent outside can help combat mental health issues, like depression, anxiety

and stress. Making sure that all people have access to parks, trails and natural areas is more important than ever before.”

Whether sitting on a park bench lunch or hiking through a forest, take an opportunity to slow down and reap the benefits of being outdoors.

Key Findings from July’s Park Pulse: • 86% of U.S. adults think it is helpful that they and their families have access to the outdoors and nature during stressful times, including more than three in five who find this very or extremely helpful. • The vast majority of Gen Zers (79%), millennials (85%),

Gen Xers (87%) and baby boomers (89%) find it helpful to have access to the outdoors during stressful times.

Both parents (88%) and non-parents (85%) feel that having access to the outdoors is a helpful way to deal with stress, including more than three in five (65% and 61%, respectively) who find it very or extremely helpful.

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