The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited a number of urban redevelopment projects in Malmo, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark over the past two days after attending the World Sustainable Building Conference 2011 (SB11) in Helsinki, Finland.
On arriving in Malmo yesterday (October 20, Malmo time), Mrs Lam visited Western Harbour and Eco-city Augustenborg to learn more about the citys efforts in urban regeneration. Malmos Western Harbour waterfront is being transformed from an old industrial area into a sustainable and quality living area with premises for residential, office, commercial and education purposes.
Eco-city Augustenborg is an urban redevelopment project aimed at rejuvenating the residential area of Augustenborg in a sustainable way by substantially greening the area and improving the design and energy efficiency of buildings.
She also toured Malmo Town Hall to discover how this historic building constructed in the Middle Ages has been preserved and revitalised into a venue for official receptions and other occasions such as weddings.
In Copenhagen today (October 21, Copenhagen time), Mrs Lam received a briefing on the citys development in public space networks and took a walking tour in the city centre.
Before concluding her visit, Mrs Lam met officials from the Heritage Agency of Denmark and called on the Chinese Ambassador in Denmark, Mr Xie Hangsheng.
Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Halloween is coming! Vampires are scheduled to return to the Mongkok Blood Donor Centre of the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) next Saturday (October 29), and they cant wait any more to have fun together with the public. For the Blood Donation Night Party to be held this Halloween, the Mongkok Blood Donor Centre has specially arranged a Halloween special drink and a Halloween gift for donors to enjoy after they give blood. A spooky photographer is also well prepared to assist donors for photo-taking with the Halloween standees. Only 100 admission tickets will be distributed from 7pm on October 29 on-site at the Mongkok Blood Donor Centre on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, donors giving blood in all Blood Donor Centres during the Halloween Blood Donation Week (from October 24 to 31) will be presented with a Halloween gift and can enjoy the special Halloween ambiance. For the location and service hours of Blood Donor Centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website, www.ha.org.hk/rcbts .
Details for the Halloween Blood Donation Night Party are as follows:
Date and time:
October 29 (Saturday), 7pm to 10pm
Venue:
Mongkok Blood Donor Centre address: 11/F, Ginza Plaza, 2A Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mongkok, Kowloon (Mongkok MTR Station Exit E2)
Time for admission tickets distribution:
7pm onwards on October 29
Enquiries: 2770 5930
Lets join together to support the Halloween Blood Donation Week and the Blood Donation Night Party and bring more friends to share the Give Blood, Save Lives message this Halloween!
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 21) reminded members of the public to stay vigilant and take preventive measures against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in view of a recent rise in HFMD activity.
The CHP has noted that HFMD activity has been increasing recently. The number of institutional outbreaks of HFMD recorded by the CHP in the first three weeks of October (as of October 20) was 25, while 15 and 23 HFMD outbreaks were recorded in August and September respectively.
The sentinel surveillance system based at general practitioner clinics, child care centres and kindergartens has also detected an increase in HFMD activity.
A CHP spokesman said the recent increase is compatible with the seasonal pattern of HFMD in Hong Kong. While the peak season of HFMD infection in Hong Kong is usually between May and July, a small peak of HFMD activity also occurred from October to December in the past few years.
We will continue to closely monitor the situation, the spokesman said.
The spokesman added that the CHP today sent letters to child care centres and kindergartens to alert them to the latest HFMD infection situation and provide advice on prevention and control.
The spokesman reminded the public to strictly maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD infection. They are advised to:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and properly dispose of nasal and mouth discharge;
* Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, furniture and toilets regularly with bleach and water in 1:99 concentration (one part household bleach to 99 parts water);
* Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with household bleach and water in 1:49 concentration;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Parents should pay attention to the health of their children and seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of HFMD, especially if the following occurs:
- Fever does not subside
- Repeated vomiting
- Persistent sleepiness or drowsiness
- Myoclonic jerks
* Children suffering from HFMD should refrain from going to school and avoid contact with other children until they recover completely; and
* Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.
More information on HFMD infection can be found on the CHP website at www.chp.gov.hk.
The initial findings of an investigation by the Marine Department into an incident inside the Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter this morning (October 21) involving the high-speed catamaran First Ferry IX have revealed that the ferry strayed outside the navigational fairway into a mooring area.
Initial reports received showed that the First Ferry IX, which has a length of 28.84 metres, was carrying 140 passengers and four crew members and departed from Cheung Chau for Central at 5.10am.
The vessel struck a mooring dolphin inside Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter at 5.15am, causing significant casualties onboard.
In the incident, 76 people were injured and sent to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals and St John Hospital, comprising 49 males and 27 females, aged from 19 to 82.
The ferry sustained significant damage to its starboard bow.
The Marine Department investigation showed that a light beacon nearest to the mooring dolphin was lit and functioning properly in accordance with the nautical chart.
The investigation into the incident will pay special attention to the speed of the First Ferry IX at the time of the collision.
InnoTech Month 2011, with an exciting array of activities to promote a culture of innovation and technology in the community, was launched today (October 21).
Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation as campaign partners, InnoTech Month 2011 aims to offer members of the public, particularly the younger generation, an opportunity to see for themselves the achievements of innovation and technology in Hong Kong, and appreciate the importance of these achievements to our future development. By promoting and fostering interest in innovation and technology, it is hoped that more talent can be nurtured.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of InnoTech Month 2011 in Cityplaza at Taikoo Shing, Legislative Council member Mr Wong Ting-kwong said innovation and technology is one of the six industries in which Hong Kong enjoys a clear advantage, and it holds the key to the citys future development. Over the past decade, Hong Kong has doubled its expenditure on research and development (R&D).
Mr Wong said, In complementing the National 12th Five-Year Plan, the Government and the industry will further enhance co-operation with the Mainland in promoting the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong. This will bring tremendous IT opportunities for our younger generation.
Mr Wong added, To ensure sustainable and better development of innovation and technology, nurturing talent is an important issue. The Government should allocate sufficient resources for R&D and education, foster public interest in technology, expand the market for technological products and ensure sufficient manpower supply.
To promote a culture of innovation and technology, the Commission inaugurated the annual Innovation Festival in 2005. Starting from last year, the event was extended to last more than one month and renamed as InnoTech Month. The mega event has been well received by the public, students and industries, and attracted some 130 000 participants last year.
InnoTech Month 2011 will feature a wide range of activities, including roadshows, exhibitions, InnoTech workshops, seminars, a large-scale carnival, industry seminars and forums. The event aims to promote a culture of innovation and technology within the community and further develop a communication platform for the industry, which can drive Hong Kong forward as a regional innovation and technology hub.
InnoTech Month 2011 will feature a key event, InnoCarnival 2011, from November 5 to 13 in Hong Kong Science Park. The nine-day event will have three main themes: Health Science, Green and Quality Living, and Information and Communication Technology. For the first time, McMug, a popular cartoon icon, will be appointed as the ambassador of InnoCarnival.
Members of the public are welcome to join the activities at InnoCarnival 2011, all of which are free of charge. Some activities will require advance online registration. For details of the programmes and enrolment for the activities, please visit www.itm.gov.hk or contact the InnoCarnival partner, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (Tel: 2561 6149, email: itmonth@hkfyg.org.hk).
Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the President of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, Dr Peter Tsoi, and the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Miss Janet Wong.
Sarasota, FL – October 21, 2011 – The Education Foundation of Sarasota County has announced the resignation of Cindy Kaiser, the organization’s executive director since 2007. Carlotta Cooley was appointed Interim Executive Director this week to head the organization during its transition to new leadership. Dr. Cooley, a well-known area educator and past member of the foundation’s board of directors, starts on October 31.
Board chairman Mike Bryant, said, “Cindy has served the Education Foundation well these past four years. We are proud of her leadership and accomplishments during a particularly challenging economic period. She will be missed, and we wish her and her family well.”
Ms. Kaiser will depart at the end of October to attend to long-term family health issues. Bryant said that the search for her replacement is underway, led by current and past members of the Education Foundation board.
Dr. Cooley retired from Sarasota County Schools in 2003 after more than thirty years in public education. She worked as a professor in educational leadership at Argosy University until August 2011. An Education Foundation board member from 2003 to 2009, she has remained active with the group as a volunteer, donor and advisor.
About the Education Foundation. Dedicated to quality education for all children, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County was founded in 1988 as an independent, not-for-profit organization working in partnership with Sarasota County Schools and the community. With the support of individuals, families, businesses, civic groups and foundations, the Education Foundation awards more than a million dollars each year to initiatives that elevate our public schools to the top of Florida’s education system: teacher classroom grants, fine arts programs, scholarships and mentorships, Literacy for Life, the Texcellence Home Computer Donation Program, Teacher of the Year, Academic Olympics and the Regional Science, Engineering and Technology Fair. For more information visit EdFoundation.net or call 941-927-0965.
About Carlotta Cooley. Dr. Carlotta T. Cooley holds an EdD in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida, and a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Dr. Cooley taught elementary and middle school students for a number of years in Iowa, Arizona, and with the Department of Defense in Okinawa, Japan. She and her husband relocated to Sarasota in 1977. She taught math and science at Booker Middle School until 1981 when she became an assistant principal at Ashton Elementary School. In 1982 she became principal at Gocio Elementary School and served there until 1995 when she was appointed principal at Phillippi Shores Elementary School. After retiring from the Sarasota County Schools in 2003 with over 30 years in public education, she worked as a professor in educational leadership at Argosy University. She retired from Argosy University in August 2011.
The nine flagship performing companies of the Cultural Center of the Philippines perform their best works in a fundraising gala on 3 November 2011 at 8:00 p.m. at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). In a rare dance and musical revue, dancers, singers, musicians, and actors from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Philippine Madrigal Singers, Philippine Ballet Theater, UST Symphony Orchestra, NAMCYA and Bayanihan perform to raise funds for the Center’s arts education and audience development program.
The CCP Gala launches the Membership Program that seeks to encourage and solicit the support of individuals and corporations to fund programs that will bring the shows of the CCP to public schools and underserved communities. The fund shall also enable teachers to teach arts in the classroom and develop materials on Philippine art and culture. While the CCP receives government funding, it is continually challenged by the rising cost of production and expenses related to the expansion of programs, especially in the area of arts education and audience development.
CCP MEMBERS will have access to an array of EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGES such as discounts, invitations to special events, access to working rehearsals and more. MEMBERS become PARTNERS in making “art matter to the life of every Filipino.”
Join the CCP Membership Program for as low as P1,000.00. Call 832-1125 local 1800 and 1808 or email marketing@culturalcenter.gov.ph.
Watch superhero Greenilda of the Green Planet as she wipes out the Litterbugs in the Halloween Family Concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 4 PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).
The concert entitled “Greenilda vs. The Litterbugs” will feature the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra (MMCO) with Josefino Chino Toledo, conductor in a concert for children of all ages. Now on its 5th year, the concert introduces the symphony orchestra and its music to children in a fun way. Pre-concert activities include the musical instruments petting zoo, wherein the children get to experience playing different orchestral instruments assisted by members of the MMCO, and trick or treats at the Little Theater and Main Theater lobbies at 2:30PM. The children are highly encouraged to come in their costumes. The concert is presented by CCP and the MMCO, and sponsored by Alveo Land.
For more information, please call the CCP Music Division at 832-1125 loc. 1604/1605.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion are implementing the 29th Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP) Annual Conference with the theme “The Cultural Treasures of Asia-Pacific on the Global Stage” on November 3-5, 2011 at the Diamond Hotel. The conference aims to promote arts and culture of the Asia-Pacific region in the global context. It offers strategies for attracting and nurturing future audiences for each country’s cultural treasures, in particular, the performing arts.
The conference includes an Arts Market, for local and international performing arts organization that wish to promote their shows. The Arts Market booths are located at the corridor immediately outside the conference area. Arts organizations may rent a booth for their institutions where they can bring their clients for business matching discussion at the second floor area of the conference venue.
Arts Market Booth Space: Local (P 1,500.00), Foreign ($ 50.00).
Arts organizations may avail themselves of booth/table space; which includes a showcase opportunity. They need not register for the conference in order to avail of booth space.
Confirm on or before 5:00pm of October 28, 2011.
For more information, you can visit www.facp.org or www.culturalcenter.gov or communicate with Ms. Bernie Abella, FACP Manila Secretariat at telephone number 8321125 local 1111 or email address intldesk@culturalcenter.gov.ph or / and Ms. Josie Guillen, FACP Manila Arts Market and Business Matching Officer at telephone number 8321125 local 1602 or email address jguillenccpdance@yahoo.com
DSC Limited announces the opening of 50 Km continuous stretch of the Lucknow-Sitapur Expressway on NH24 in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
DSC Limited, one of the fastest growing infrastructure companies in India, today announced the opening of the 50 Km continuous stretch (from KM 419 to KM 469) of the Lucknow-Sitapur Expressway of NH24 in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This Rs 450 crores project awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is a 76 Km long expressway. It is a 4 lane dual carriageway from KM 413+200 to KM 489+131 and has been constructed on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis with a concession period of 20 years. As per the Concession Agreement for this BOT project, the concessionaire M/S Lucknow Sitapur Expressway Limited (a subsidiary of DSC Limited) is entitled to recoup its investment by collecting a user fee at the two toll plazas over the duration of the concession project. A reduced user fee is presently being charged for the partial stretch of 50 Kms and the full user fee would only be charged once the entire stretch of 76 Kms is opened (See enclosed Toll Fee table for details).
The NH24 was earlier predominantly a 2-lane configuration and due to the significant development of industrial towns and cities along its alignment in recent years had become congested which prevented the smooth and hassle free movement of traffic. In order to improve the existing situation, DSC Limited was awarded the contract by NHAI to upgrade the stretch on NH24 from 2-lane to 4-lane between Lucknow and Sitapur. As a result the commuting time between the two cities which was close to 3 hours earlier has been cut to half. State-of-the-art road surfacing technology has been used to build the road which has led to a much improved riding comfort for commuters and significant savings in fuel expenses and vehicle wear and tear.
The Project Corridor starts from Sitapur passes through Sidhouli, Bakshi-ka-Talab and ends at the start of ROB of Faizabad Bypass at Lucknow. The project involved construction of 92 structures including 1 major bridge and 4 minor bridges along with 5 vehicular underpasses. The expressway has 2 toll plazas located at Khairabad at KM 420+770 and at Itaunja KM 467+750. Both the toll plazas have been designed with the best of technology and support a modern look. The toll plazas are provided with green areas and have been constructed using environment friendly materials.
Anhad Narula, Director, DSC Limited, said “At DSC Limited, it is always our endeavor to build world class infrastructure facilities in India. The Lucknow-Sitapur Expressway is very important link in the road network of the country as it located on NH 24, the prime transport corridors in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It serves significant amount of road traffic and is critical to a sustainable and balance economic development of the region. As a company we are happy to be in the state of Uttar Pradesh and contribute to the state’s progress. We are confident that the expressway’s road design, state of the art technology used, world class safety standards and tolling technology will provide the commuters a safe and enhanced driving experience”.
Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Aggarwal, CEO-Highways (O&M), DSC Limited, said “The opening of the 4 lane expressway will bring the much needed relief to the commuters of Lucknow and Sitapur and significantly improve the traffic flow on NH24 which had reached its maximum capacity. It will not only decongest traffic and reduce the travel time considerably but will also bring in savings in fuel expenses and maintenance cost of the vehicles. All stipulated safety features have been incorporated to ensure a safe and convenient ride for the commuters”.
Apart from providing huge benefits to daily commuters between Lucknow and Sitapur, the expressway connects the state capital, Lucknow with the national capital Delhi and industrial towns and cities like Sitapur, Bareilly, Moradabad and Ghaziabad enroute. The expressway also connects with NH-1, NH-25, NH-58 NH-74 and NH-87. The connectivity will lead to economic growth in the region by giving impetus to the local industries in the Lucknow, and Sitapur regions and also lead to the development of surrounding villages. Along the 4 lane stretch a lot of educational institutes and colleges have opened up in the recent past and significant real estate development has happened around the expressway.
