Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated (LCCI) scored a home run/99.79 when they were reviewed un-announced by the NPCA auditors. NPCA plant audits are performed by independent, nationally accredited engineers and are conducted in varying months of the year, un-announced. The inspector spends a full day at the facility to closely examine management policies, production processes, raw materials, concrete mixes, QC procedures, reinforcement fabrication placement, casting, curing & stripping operations, and storage & handling. Being part of the NPCA Plant Certification program illustrates LCCIs commitment to produce high-quality precast concrete products. And the users and specifiers benefit because they can easily identify and select high-quality precast-concrete manufacturers. Plant certification is a stamp of excellence and top scorers are indeed an elite group. Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is proud of this achievement and appreciates all that is required to maintain such a reliable quality status.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated

Family owned and operated since 1983, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated started as a leading manufacturer of precast concrete steps decks, walkways, landings, and ADA compliant modular precast concrete wheelchair ramps, with steel guard rails, and handrails. They currently manufacture Easi-Set Buildings, Easi-Span ultra-large buildings and Easi-Set restrooms, which feature a patented post-tensioning system in the roof and floor, architectural precast wall panels and precast concrete stairs. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast product options. We've never had a job that we couldn't handle, stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This American, family-owned company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is an NPCA Certified Plant, focused on meeting the needs of commercial building construction and renovation projects. Their experienced staff provides turnkey service. It takes one call to find the solution to your building needs. For more information visit their website at http://www.leesburgconcrete.com, call (800) 882-4177, or email KRouse@leesburgconcrete.com.

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Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is Included in an Elite Group of Precasters

The Hillsboro City Council and staff are discussing plans to make the Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery more alive than ever with improved visitor access, new plant species and community events such as historical re-enactments.

The cemetery can really be a place for education, said Hillsboro city recorder and cemetery manager Amber Ames. The city hired Kurt Lango of Lango Hansen Landscape Architects to create a new master plan for the cemetery and present it at a recent council meeting.

We looked at a number of options, said Lango, including how people entered the cemetery with or without vehicles, areas for potential interpretive opportunities to tell the citys history, and we looked at maintenance issues such as plant upkeep.

The changes proposed in the master plan are extensive. On the structural level, they include installing new gates for vehicular and pedestrian access, repaving walkways and building plazas and memorial areas to make the cemetery more accessible to visitors.

We want people to take a look at it; make it visible, said Lango.

Meanwhile, the introduction of native plants such as shadbush and red ferns will reduce maintenance costs and evoke a timeless landscape.

We try to have a light touch, said Lango. Because with the oaks and the gravesites and the rolling hills we dont want to take away from that historical character.

According to the master plan, changes also include the installation of plinths with art work of historic interpretive elements devised with the Hillsboro arts community to create a meandering experiences punctuated by benches and planting areas set within the gravel surface.

The purpose of the new master plan is to encourage community involvement in the cemetery.

Historically, cemeteries were used actively by city dwellers as a cooler area for gatherings and picnics, added Lango. So with the Pioneer Cemetery, its interesting a lot of people dont know its there.

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City hopes to make Pioneer Cemetery come alive

Glen Rock High School athletic field contractor Turco Golf has corrected a previous error that caused water to pool on the synthetic surface of the lower soccer field over the summer, after draining down from the baseball field.

The situation, first disclosed at the Aug. 26 Board of Education meeting, was among several field-related issues discussed at that session, ranging from final "punch list" items to be completed in upcoming months, to the need for upgraded maintenance routines and security safeguards.

Business administrator Michael Rinderknecht and BOE Operations chair Rona McNabola addressed the previous contractor error at that session, noting that grading of the slope dropping to a swale between the baseball field and the lower soccer surface had not been executed according to engineer/architect specifications, contributing to the surface water issue.

In addition to correcting that mistake at no additional charge, Turco was asked to install additional drainage components to prevent further pooling. The BOE-requested add-on required approval of a $9,000 change order at the same meeting.

After noting the water formations and related mud and debris deposits after heavy summer rains, Rinderknecht said, "We ended up getting an engineer out to inspect the area, and found out that when they (Turco) built the swale, they did not build it in accord with specifications. It actually had more of a pitch and slope to it, so when we had heavy rain, water gushed down and left mud on the lower soccer field. We then asked the contractor to go back and (rebuild) it in accordance with the original bid specifications."

Officials also decided to further enhance the correction by installing two additional drains - one "swale" drain in the middle of the re-cast formation, and a conventional fixture along the path from the complex to Cornwall Avenue - "as a precaution" requiring the new work order. This Monday, McNabola confirmed that the grade correction and new drain installations have now been completed.

In her Aug. 26 Operations report, McNabola also broached the new maintenance requirements posed by the complex, given the synthetic surfaces at the all-purpose and lower soccer venues, and the new sod infield and upgraded dirt surfaces at the baseball field.

"These fields are very different in every aspect from what we had before, so we have to set up an entirely different maintenance plan," she said, noting that buildings and grounds supervisor Sandy Marinos was addressing the issue. Rinderknecht concurred, saying, "I'm very comfortable that we have an appropriate maintenance (regimen) in place."

He said steps have already been taken to monitor and address littering and other cosmetic issues that had sullied the facilities during the summer.

"We have arranged with (custodial contractor) Aramark to go out and inspect and clean the area on a daily basis," picking up debris and using blowers to clear field surfaces and sidewalks, he said.

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Glen Rock High School field fixes address drainage issue

May 16, 2014 marked the grand opening of the Dunnellon Trail Bridge. Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated (LCCI) was a part of this significant recreational project. "Our part was the design completion and manufacture of precast concrete elements and associated connections for the precast columns and ornamental structures of the pedestrian/bicycle bridge", said Shawn Thomas, V.P. at LCCI. "This trail is a new addition to the Florida Greenway Trails System. The finish is ground and polished concrete bases and caps and stained faux stone. We are thrilled to have a part in this project and to add this to our portfolio of custom products."

The 280 ft. long bridge spans the Withlacoochee River, part of a 2.4 mile paved spur which is now part of the larger 46 mile Withlacoochee State Trail, currently crossing Pasco, Citrus and Hernando counties. The new addition is a key component of the Heart of Florida Loop portion of the Cross Florida Greenway Trail. This path provides observation of the pristine oak, pine and cypress woods which run along the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers. The new trail and bridge brings the state to within two miles of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated Family owned and operated since 1983, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated was first a leading manufacturer of precast concrete steps decks, walkways, landings, and ADA compliant modular precast concrete wheelchair ramps, with steel guard rails, and handrails. They currently manufacture Easi-Set Buildings, Easi-Span ultra-large buildings and Easi-Set restrooms, which feature a patented post-tensioning system in the roof and floor, architectural precast cladding panels and precast concrete stairs. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast product options. "We've never had a job that we couldn't handle," stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This American, family-owned company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is an NPCA Certified Plant, focused on meeting the needs of commercial building construction and renovation projects. Their experienced staff provides turnkey service. It takes one call to find the solution to your building needs. For more information visit their website at http://www.leesburgconcrete.com, call (800) 882-4177, or email KRouse@leesburgconcrete.com.

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New Withlacoochee Trail Section and Expanding Custom Portfolio

BEIRUT: Ambling along the narrow streets of Beiruts Mar Mikhael and Geitawi neighborhoods on a balmy morning, masters students from Balamand Universitys Academie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts lead groups of design enthusiasts on a heritage-esque tour of the areas famous stairs.

One guide tells stories of the family who built the well-known Vendome Stairs named after a long-gone theater at their base and another recounts tales told by residents about a large stone in the middle of a flight north of Roum Hospital. The story goes that a drunken man comes every night to try to move it to the top but to no avail.

From secret steps tucked into the entrances of old buildings to short, wide flights shaded by webs of cables and serving as the only outlets for some apartments, the stairs are a defining feature of the capitals hilly eastern areas.

The guided stroll, led by students Honeine Laeticia, Kallab Cyril, Salamoun Elias and Rouhana Joyce, and their instructor Diala Lteif, was intended to raise awareness of the imminent threat to the steps created by a slew of new developments.

The main problem is a lack of preservation. None of the buildings along the tour or in that neighborhood are classified as heritage sites by the government, said Lteif, who taught a semester-long course focusing on the stairs as part of ALBAs new global design program.

Letif added that the students had conducted onsite research by interviewing residents in preparation for the tours, which were part of last weeks Beirut Design Week and were accompanied by an open workshop to brainstorm ways to protect the neighborhoods traditional character.

In the program at ALBA, we look at design as a process to solve a problem ... and the users [of the design] are the main focus, she explained. Since we are contextually embedded in the city around us, it made sense for us to look at the design problems we face in the city.

Lteifs students hit the streets to talk with residents of Mar Mikhael and Geitawi, many of whom were older and had lived in the area for decades, about the stairs and the lack of heritage protection.

She said what the students discovered as they began to explore the neighborhoods outraged them. Seemingly on every corner, towers were being built, causing real estate developers to seek new outlets for the additional vehicular traffic such apartments bring.

The draft rent law recently passed by Parliament, under which old rents would be raised incrementally and tenants could be evicted with no compensation after nine years, threatens more upheaval, as does the controversial Fouad Boutros Highway project. The proposed road would pass from Ashrafieh to the port, with at least one flight of historic stairs, several traditional buildings and a large public garden being demolished in the process.

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Stepping up efforts to save Beiruts walkways

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. -

Most accidental falls happen in the home and many times the victims turn out to be senior citizens.

That's why Home Instead Senior Care is offering free home safety checks for local seniors during the month of June, or National Senior Safety Month.

"More and more people these days are choosing to stay at home," said Rob Costello, president of Home Instead Senior Care. "With more seniors staying at home, safety becomes a bigger issue."

Care experts will walk you through changes you can make to prevent a slip or trip in your home. Changes might include lowering sprinkler heads outside on the lawn, minimizing clutter and clearing walkways throughout the house. In the bathroom, you should include a comfort-level toilet, add grab bars and avoid tubs and throw rugs, which can be a major tripping hazard.

Costello said to keep everything clear and easy to access, including telephones in case of emergency.

"I'm not as agile as I once was," said 93-year-old Kermit Greene, of Cathedral City. "I'd rather live at home, than be in a home."

Greene suffered a broken hip in a car crash 30 years ago. Living on his own, he doesn't want to risk breaking another one. He had care experts help make changes in his home.

The following safety tips from the Home Safety Council and Home Instead Senior Care can help.

For more information, contact Home Instead Senior Care at (760) 674-1905 or visit homeinstead.com

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Home Instead Senior Care offers free senior home safety checks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi having made his view on cleanliness obvious, the Union Urban Development Ministry has not only begun cleaning up its own offices, it has identified Delhi as the first stop for a beautification exercise.

On the makeover list is not only ornamental cleaning up of the city, but implementation of measures like decentralised waste collection and management, public toilets, especially for women, pedestrian-friendly walkways, removal of jhuggi-jhonpri clusters and rejuvenation of water bodies.

The Ministry has roped in all the civic agencies and utilities in the city to implement measures that have been announced over time, but only partially implemented like pothole-free roads, removal of debris, plantation drives, and rejuvenation of water bodies among others.

On Monday, Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna read out a list of steps that will be taken over the next six months to beautify Delhi.

To ensure they are implemented, the programmes will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

Agencies like the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) operating in the Capital will get involved in this drive to make Delhi a world-class city. The action plan includes improvement and beautification of roads, parks, roundabouts, pedestrian pathways, etc., Dr. Krishna said.

The drive, which begins Tuesday, will include improving the green cover, beautification of areas around heritage structures, rejuvenation and beautifying water bodies, decentralisation of solid waste disposal system, more public toilets, and incentivising segregation of waste at the household level.

All public buildings will get a fresh coat of paint, security bunkers will no longer be shielded with sandbags, the NDMC has offered to chip in money for modern porta cabins, there will be automatic laundromats at Dhobi Ghats, the DDA will hand over houses to the municipal agencies concerned for upkeep and small crematoriums will be constructed for animals, Dr. Krishna said.

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Delhi the first stop for beautification exercise

PTI Jun 16, 2014, 06.17PM IST

(Dr. Sudhir Krishna, Secretary-)

NEW DELHI: Aiming to change the face of Delhi in six months time, government today launched an action plan promising enhancement of civic services and greenery in the capital city through coordinated efforts of all agencies including NDMC, MCD, CPWD and DDA.

Construction of bio-digester public toilets, conversion of Barapullah drain into a green zone, automatic washing machines at dhobi ghats, cleaning and lighting of public buildings and increasing the capacity of parking lots are some of the measures finalised at the marathon meeting attended by the top officials of all agencies concerned, Delhi government and DMRC here.

"We have finalised a detailed action plan to beautify the city and all agencies concerned have been given responsibilities to do it in a coordinated way," said Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna after the meeting with all agencies involved in the exercise.

He said, "Delhi is beautiful and it has a lot of greenery. But we want it to be more beautiful and green."

Asked about the time frame and the cost involved in the beautification drive, Krishna said, "It is launched today and will take six months to complete the process. However, the drive will be reviewed every month."

On cost factor he said, "It does not require extra fund and the available resources will be utilised to meet the target."

According to the plan, cleaning of market places will be carried out on regular basis and all unauthorised road side kiosks will be removed.

"Steps will also be taken to construct porta cabins for security posts as part of the beautification drive," he said.

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Action plan for beautification of Delhi launched

Head to the Gateway Arch grounds for a route that will get the heart pounding alongside a great view.

Where Under the Arch, along the riverfront.

Surface Paved.

How long About a straight quarter-mile on the north end of Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, but more with the winding route.

The route Park in the far north parking garage on the top. From there, walk south to the promenade. Head down. Walk north along the street until you reach the stairs heading back to the top. Walk up. At this point, turn around and do the route in the reverse direction, or keep circling. Good for the heart, good for the knees.

Difficulty Depends on how hard you work. flat surfaces plus scaling four staircases.

Hikers journal The Mississippi River is a calming presence in this area. A lot of the foot traffic has been put off by construction, but on that far east side of the north half of the Arch grounds, theres a lot of room to move. The park has plenty of benches, fountains and restrooms in and near the Arch museum. For resting; there are still places to stop and sit in the shade. A note, the National Park Service says the east side of the upper area will be open until the end of summer, then theres more renovation.

Can be used for Walk or run on flat surfaces. Running on steps is not recommended, but running up is safer than running down.

Wheelchair accessible On flat surfaces.

Parking Use the lot at the north end of the park on Washington Avenue. On the top level the entrances to the park open to the walkways. That lot also serves Lacledes Landing businesses. Parking is also available along the river.

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Trail of the week Gateway Arch fitness route

It's not uncommon to see cyclists risking their lives in heavy Poplar Avenue traffic to access Overton Park since, currently, there is no paved pathway along the south side of the park.

But that will change by late 2015 or early 2016. Plans for a paved pathway that would encircle most of the park were on display last night at one of two Overton Park Conservancy meetings to address the need for improved walkways and park entrances.

Ritchie Smith & Associates presented plans to install a five to eight foot walkway that would begin at Tucker and Poplar, head east down Poplar, and wrap around the Old Forest along East Parkway. The pathway would veer into the Old Forest near the new bike gate, and it would connect with the paved forest loop. But near the East Parkway/North Parkway corner, pedestrians would have the option of continuing on the existing loop or taking a new path that hugs the edge of North Parkway and heads west. Currently, there are no sidewalks along North Parkway through the park, but a well-worn foot path in the dirt proves that many runners and walkers use that route anyway.

Also planned is a new paved path circling the greensward. It would connect with the path around Rainbow Lake and extend out around the greensward in a loop. At the meeting last night, architect Ritchie Smith told those attending that when the zoo parking situation is resolved, the greensward "can be one of the first improvements" they'll make.

"We think people would love a path around the greensward, because we know more and more people are using the park for walking and jogging," said Overton Park Conservancy director Tina Sullivan. "A loop around the greensward would provide more space and more greenery for people to see as they walk around."

Improved access points are also planned for several park entrances. Currently, pedestrians and cyclists entering the park from Cooper and Poplar are greeted with a standard MATA bus stop and green space. But a new stone balustrade and some benches will mark that entrance, and a small paved "gathering area" will be added. It will connect with the new paved perimeter path.

"Maybe we can add a new bus shelter to replace that standard MATA shelter with its unsightly advertisements," Smith said.

A pedestrian path is planned the Tucker and Poplar entrance as well since, right now, park users must compete with cars and enter the park through the roadway. Better crosswalks will be added at Poplar and East Parkway, and steps or a ramp will lead park users up the hill into the park. At East Parkway and North Parkway, a 10-foot shared use path will connect with the existing Old Forest loop. And a better crossing is planned for pedestrians entering the park from Rhodes College across North Parkway.

"We already have funding for the Poplar/Cooper connection, so we'll see movement on that early next year," Sullivan said. "The perimeter trail will be done in late 2015 or early 2016, and we have funding for that as well."

The Overton Park Conservancy is hosting another public meeting on Saturday, May 31st at 10 a.m. in the Playhouse on the Square Cafe.

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New Pedestrian Pathways Planned for Overton Park