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

The full, traditionally planted borders and the grounds in front of the largely Edwardian manor house have always been a focus of attention, together with jaw-dropping views of its farmland and the South Downs beyond. This is where most of the audience, resplendent in evening finery, take their smart picnics during the prolonged interval. New gardens in a more "modern" style were created around the new theatre and associated buildings, and have succeeded miraculously in masking their newness so that they manage not to look at ill at ease. Glyndebourne's gardens are renowned, and big "names" have been involved in their creation Mary Keen and Christopher Lloyd for example. But as John Hoyland neatly puts it, there comes a point in the life of most grand gardens when a kick up the backside is needed, and five years or so ago it was decided that the time had come.

Since 2004, the festival's organisation has been overseen by Gus Christie, grandson of John, who lives at Glyndebourne with his young family (in evidence on occasions when staff forget to move the goalposts from the picnic lawn). It is, therefore, Gus who signs off John's plans for the garden, and bit by bit, border by border, a beautiful, subtly coloured and renovated garden has emerged, with work, of course, still in progress.

The garden has a highly concentrated "season": from mid-May to the end of August, from early afternoon each day, it must simply look perfect. Every edge must be trimmed, every plant groomed, every donated bench must be in its expected position. Criticism is not unknown from among the many opera-goers, and from the members and other benefactors who between them fund everything, and who feel they deserve their money's worth.

ACT I: THE GARDEN

The scene was set for me by a glimpse of the "opera factory", the cavernous area backstage complete with strains of a distant soprano doing her stuff. This put the scale of the vast, hivelike operation that employs 600 people into perspective. Then, from the covered galleries where opera-goers congregate before performances, and where they can picnic on wet evenings, we looked down on the leafy, almost subtropical gardens below (packed with echiums and drama of all sorts, some of it tender: this was clearly the destination of the banana barrow).

Designed to be viewed from above as well as below, with steps that form a grand, theatrical entrance, this area now has grass replacing the previously gravelled, terraced "pools" between the banks of dramatic foliage, which enhances the still, coolness of it all.

From here we strolled along a wide, newly paved path flanked by big borders in front of the house. Here evergreens past their sell-by date have been either removed or ruthlessly pared back; box balls have been threaded informally through immaculate perennial planting. Subtly veiling the rural views are huge, dramatic stands of foxtail lilies, just ready for blast-off. We crossed the wide lawn, separated from sheep pasture by a ha-ha, to look at the re-created crescent border planted in an Edwardian style, with massed cool-coloured perennials and roses, the whole scene backed by a yew hedge separating it from an enclosed lawn ("No opera-goers allowed: croquet for the orchestra in the interval," I was told). There are special "places to be" everywhere in a garden that reeks of romance and drama with massed lavenders, roses (including the new 'Glyndebourne' rose, bred by Harkness), big-border perennials and a modish lacing-through of annual must-haves, such as Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl' and Orlaya grandiflora.

ACT II: THE WILDERNESS

By clearing the site of an old boathouse, a favourite picnic spot has been created. It makes a stage from which John and I surveyed the first of three lakes (only one of these is clearly visible, a gentle wilderness engulfing the rest for now) and the meadows around it, studded here and there with late crimson tulips ('Kingsblood'), and the sheep and lambs on emerald pastures beyond. The whole thing was the epitome of peace and calm. John would like to pinch a bit more pasture from the sheep in order to widen the swaths of meadow-and-mown-walkways, since it is around here, he assured me, that the most secluded picnic areas are found.

BACKSTAGE

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Glyndebourne gardens: 'They must, simply, look perfect'

Cords for various lamps, phone chargers and other electronic gadgets can create tripping hazards for older adults. Organizing and tying them up can help prevent falls, and moving power strips away from head vents and unplugging cords not in use can prevent electrical fires. Tools to aid with grabbing items from the floor or shelves, like the one shown above, also can be useful in preventing accidents for older adults. (Jenni Grubbs / Fort Morgan Times)

As they get older, adults need to be aware that the homes they may have lived in comfortably and safely for many years may need some adjustments to remain safe.

The everyday clutter and objects people are used to stepping over or avoiding can become tripping hazards and lead to falls for seniors and to serious injuries and health problems.

There are many things people whether the seniors themselves, or their adult children and/or care-givers can do to prevent such accidents and falls and make homes safer for older adults.

The Colorado State University Extension Office offers a fact sheet about this issue, and businesses that deal in senior care, like Home Instead Senior Care of Northern Colorado, offer resources, as well.

"The 65-plus population will be radically transformed as the baby-boom generation ages," the CSU Extension Fact Sheet stated. "No segment of the population will change as much as mature Americans. There are currently 40 million people (13 percent of Americans) aged 65 or older. By 2050 this will increase to 88 million. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the housing needs of the elderly."

Accidents in the home can cause many injuries and even death for seniors, according to CSU Extension.

"The elderly are especially vulnerable to serious injuries from home accidents," the fact sheet stated. "Older bones are often less dense, more brittle and break more easily. A simple fall can become a serious, disabling injury that limits independence."

Home Instead recently did a survey of 100 emergency room doctors and found that nearly a third of the injuries in the homes that sent their senior patients to the ER could have been prevented, according to a press release.

Tripping hazards at homes can include throw rugs, loose railings, strewn out electric cords and pulled up metal strips in doorways between flooring types.

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Many in-home injuries preventable for seniors

by Kathy Frodahl, president, CEO

New England Home Health Care

A slip or fall can be a serious matter. Reduction in bone density and decreased muscle strength and-or tone put the elderly at a higher risk for injury. For some people a decrease in bone density can be a normal process of aging or it may be related to a medical condition such as osteoporosis. Muscles tend to lose strength and flexibility with age.

Older adults greatly value their independence. One fall can significantly limit the elderly to remain independent. An individual who has a history of falling is two to three times more likely to fall

again. A hip fracture is a common but serious and potentially life-threatening injury among the

elderly. According to the Center for Disease Control, 90 percent of hip fractures occur among people age 65 or older. Approximately 24 percent of people more than 50 years old who suffer from a broken hip die within 12 months of the injury. Slips and falls also can lead to other problems such as loss of independence, depression and fear. The individual may limit normal activities that they love out of fear of falling again.

Certain conditions can place people at a higher risk for falls:

Poor eyesight or hearing may keep people from seeing or hearing a hazard.

Balance problems resulting from head injuries, infections or other disturbances in the inner ear or dizziness from standing up too fast.

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Keeping muscles strong can help prevent falls

Tornado Hit Winston County Regains Medical Center Access

On April 29, 2014, tornados ripped through Mississippi hitting Winston County.

On Thursday, May 15th, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated (LCCI) received a call from Boxx Modular asking us to quote the delivery and installation of our precast concrete access system for tornado damaged Winston County, Mississippi so that county citizens would have reliable access to the temporary medical facility constructed to meet their medical needs until Winston Medical Center could be restored. The proposal if accepted would be contingent upon very quick delivery. Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated was asked to load up our product and drive 650 miles to deliver and install our ADA compliant access system in time for the facility to open Monday morning, May 19th. After several layout revisions were considered by the multiple agencies involved in restoring services and their contractor, we were on our way and the project was completed before end of day May 18th, 2014.

Monday morning the facility at University Medical Center (temporary facility for Winston Medical Center) was open to the public!

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, as well as architectural precast cladding panels, precast concrete stairs and Easi-Set precast concrete buildings and restrooms. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast concrete and miscellaneous metal product options. "We Take Pride in exceeding our customer's expectations" stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This American, family-owned company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.

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

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Leesburg Concrete Responds

In April 2014, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated (LCCI) completed the railing for Florida's new light rail project known as SunRail Phase I. LCCI's metal fabrication shop is DOT certified.

SunRail is a 61.5-mile commuter rail project in Central Florida. The first phase is 32-miles and will serve 12 stations, linking DeBary to Sand Lake Road; Phase II will serve 5 additional stations, north to DeLand and south to Poinciana.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Inc. has been producing ADA compliant rails for their precast concrete access system since 1989. Their on-site miscellaneous metals shop was cable of doing more and so in 2011 LCCI started to bid and build larger projects which included interior and exterior metal floor to floor stairs and other Division 5 products. Leesburg Concrete knew SunRail was the right project for them. They had everything in place to build the quality rail with custom coating which was required for this project. Once Phase 1 was completed, the contractor who was working on Phase 2 called Leesburg Concrete to request assistance in the completion and delivery of the rail for 5 stations as well.

"Leesburg Concrete is proud of the railing that will be publicly seen and used here is Central Florida. There are several stations with architectural rail which is pretty unique.' said Kirk Rouse, "it is great that as we expand we are connecting with the projects which showcase our capabilities."

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, as well as architectural precast cladding panels and precast concrete stairs. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast product options. "We Take Pride in exceeding our customer's expectations' stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This American, family-owned company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.

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

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Rail, Rail, SunRail

Emily Blunt has been quite busy she'll be tearing up the big screen this year but apparently she still had time to go house shopping. She and husband John Krasinski have spent $2.575 million for a home in Hollywood Hills West.

Built in 1965, the house sits on more than a third of an acre with a courtyard entry, stone patios, a lanai, a swimming pool and spa and a flat lawn. Within the 3,483 square feet of living space are a media/family room, an office, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Blunt, 31, will star in the upcoming films "Edge of Tomorrow" with Tom Cruise and "Into the Woods" with Johnny Depp. She starred in the 2012 films "Arthur Newman," "Looper" and "The Five-Year Engagement."

Krasinski, 34, starred in the TV series "The Office" (2005-13). He appeared in the 2012 film "Promised Land," which he co-wrote with star Matt Damon.

The couple own other property, including a getaway home on five bucolic acres in Ojai.

Barbara Palmer of Keller Williams was the listing agent of the house they just bought. Richard Ehrlich of Westside Estate Agency represented Blunt and Krasinski.

Leaving another ZIP Code?

Jason Priestley, who made a name for himself playing Brandon Walsh on "Beverly Hills, 90210" in the 1990s, has sold a home in Toluca Lake for $2 million.

The Mediterranean-style house, reached by flagstone walkways, has arched windows and garage doors. Double doors open to an airy two-story foyer with a staircase in the 3,266-square-foot home, which was built in 1990 and has since been refurbished.

The house has living, dining and family rooms, a loft and a kitchen with an island and breakfast area. There are three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The master bedroom suite includes a stone fireplace and a wooden cathedral ceiling.

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Emily Blunt and John Krasinski add to their portfolio