Loudoun County residents are invited to participate in the next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway in Sterling, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

HHW includes, but is not limited to: fluorescent bulbs, household batteries, oil-based paints/stains/varnishes, paint thinners, metal polishes, rust removers, wood preservatives, furniture polish, waxes, pesticides/insecticides/herbicides, pool chemicals, and old fuels including gas/oil mixes.

Latex or water-based paints can be disposed of in your regular trash after allowing it to harden by mixing in mulch or kitty litter, allowing it to air-dry, or pouring it onto newspaper to dry. Latex paint may also be disposed of at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility for a fee.

Used motor oil, antifreeze, automobile batteries, lead-acid batteries and propane tanks are not accepted at HHW collection events. These materials are accepted at the Loudoun County landfill, 21101 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, VA 20175. Electronics are also not accepted at HHW collection events. For details on electronics recycling, visit www.loudoun.gov/electronics .

For more information, or the full 2013 HHW event schedule, visit www.loudoun.gov/hhw or call the Recycling Hotline at 703-771-5318. To stay up to date on recycling in Loudoun, “like” www.facebook.com/GreenLoudoun www.facebook.com/GreenLoudoun on Facebook or follow: www.twitter.com/GreenLoudoun.

Wolf, in a letter to McDonnell, said he was concerned that plans to go forward with the project are on a “fast track” and that residents in the region need to learn more about the project.  He said thousands of new residents have moved to the area in recent years and may not know the details of the proposed road.

He also asked McDonnell to request a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed project to examine the cost versus any expected congestion relief and compare it to other proposed congestion relief projects in the area, especially those planned on I-66.

Wolf said he has heard from people on all sides of the issue, including residents near Routes 234 and 29, the business community, developers, conservationist groups and local and state elected officials.  The “Northern Virginia North-South Corridor Master Plan” will be discussed at the CTB meeting tomorrow.

Wolf’s 1988 language to preserve 600 acres near Manassas National Battlefield Park threatened by development also addressed the possible construction of a bypass around the park, which could lead to the closure of Routes 234 and 29 in the park.  He said it did not envision a connector road between counties.

Wolf highlighted his “serious reservations” about the North-South Corridor project in the letter, including:

• A lack of transparency about the project plans: “Thousands of people have moved to Prince William and Loudoun counties since the project’s master plan was approved in 2005,” Wolf said.  “More public hearings must be held and more citizen input must be received before any final decision is made about the North-South Corridor.”
• The opening of the “Rural Crescent to development: “The North-South Corridor project would most likely lead to more development and increased infrastructure costs in the western parts of Prince William County designated as rural under the country’s 1998 comprehensive plan,” Wolf said.  “[M]any people moved there because of the protections put in place in 1998.”
• Plans to potentially close Routes 234 and 29 before the bypass around the park is completed: “Again, the purpose of my bill was to protect the battlefield’s historic properties and close Routes 234 and 29 to thru-traffic only upon completion of the bypass around the park, NOT lead to a connector road between counties,” Wolf said.
• The closing of Pageland Lane: “I understand that as many as 100 properties could be affected if access on Pageland Lane is closed or limited,” Wolf said.  “It is noteworthy that many of the people who live on Pageland Lane have been some of the strongest advocates of protecting the park through the years.”
• Discussion of the North-South Corridor being a toll road: “Should a North-South Corridor ever be built and have tolled express lanes, it would mean four toll roads in northern Virginia – more than any other region in the state,” Wolf said.  “Under no circumstances should this region face more tolls.”
• Claims that the North-South Corridor project will help increase cargo at Dulles Airport: “I have spoken to officials at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and have been told proponents of the North-South Corridor should not claim the project will lead to an increase in cargo being handled at the airport,” he said.

Wolf concluded by saying that while the traffic gridlock around the region certainly calls for transportation and infrastructure improvements, the residents who sacrificed their time and money to live around the “Rural Crescent” deserve protection, consideration and an important role in the planning process.

“At this time, I do not think the case has been made for the North-South Corridor project,” he said.

Caption: These pictures from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory show the three X-class flares that the sun emitted in under 24 hours on May 12-13, 2013. The images show light with a wavelength of 131 angstroms, which is particularly good for showing solar flares and is typically colorized in teal.

The sun emitted a third significant solar flare in under 24 hours, peaking at 9:11 p.m. EDT on May 13, 2013. This flare is classified as an X3.2 flare. This is the strongest X-class flare of 2013 so far, surpassing in strength the two X-class flares that occurred earlier in the 24-hour period.

The flare was also associated with a coronal mass ejection, or CME. The CME began at 9:30 p.m. EDT and was not Earth-directed. Experimental NASA research models show that the CME left the sun at approximately 1,400 miles per second, which is particularly fast for a CME. The models suggest that it will catch up to the two CMEs associated with the earlier flares. The merged cloud of solar material will pass by the Spitzer spacecraft and may give a glancing blow to the STEREO-B and Epoxi spacecraft. Their mission operators have been notified. If warranted, operators can put spacecraft into safe mode to protect the instruments from solar material.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed May 12 – 18, 2013, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in Loudoun County. The proclamation adopted by the Board recognizes the Loudoun Allergy Network as a support group providing advocacy and support to families living with food allergies and anaphylaxis in Loudoun County. In the photo at right, Ashburn District Supervisor Ralph Buona presents the Food Allergy Awareness Week proclamation to Thanita Glancey, President of the Loudoun Allergy Network.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated four to six percent of U.S. children under the age of 18 have food allergies. The CDC reports that the prevalence of food allergies and associated anaphylaxis appears to be on the rise. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that involves various areas of the body simultaneously or causes difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat and tongue. Anaphylaxis can result in death.

More information about food allergies can be found at the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/foodallergies/.

At approximately 6:00am Tuesday May 14th, fire-rescue units from Leesburg, Ashburn and Hamilton responded to a reported townhouse fire at 749 Vanderbilt Terrace in Leesburg. Incoming calls to the Loudoun County Emergency Communication Center dispatchers advised that fire and smoke was visible from the home.

As fire-rescue units arrived on scene, they observed smoke coming from the third floor of a 3-story, end of the row townhouse. A rapid search of the home revealed no occupants were present. The engine crew deployed a hose line to the interior of the structure and crews quickly extinguished the fire. Although fire and water damage was limited to the first and second floor of the property, the home’s two occupants will be temporarily displaced and staying locally.

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the cause of the fire to be accidental and electrical in nature. The estimated dollar loss is $55,000. The incident did not result in any injuries to civilian or emergency personnel.

This fire serves as a valuable reminder that the early morning hours are a particularly dangerous time for fires and that smoke alarms are a necessary form of protection. “The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11pm and 7am while most families are sleeping, and many people lose their sense of smell during a deep sleep stage” says W. Keith Brower, Jr., Chief of Loudoun County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management. “The death rate per 100 reported fires is twice as high in homes without a working smoke alarm as it is in home fires with this protection. Missing or non-working smoke alarms rob residents of valuable seconds that could allow them to safely escape. Young children, older adults, and people with disabilities are most at risk and working smoke alarms may provide these residents the necessary time to safely evacuate,” says Chief Brower.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s “Put a finger on it” smoke alarm campaign offers free home safety inspections and smoke alarms to all Loudoun County residents. If your smoke alarms are broken or outdated the department will replace them with battery powered alarms at no cost and install additional alarms as necessary. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the department hotline 703-737-8093 or visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed May 19-25, 2013 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Loudoun County. By formally recognizing these emergency medical professionals, Loudoun County hopes to awaken public awareness and promote much needed education regarding important safety issues.

National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.” This year’s National EMS Week theme, “EMS: One Mission. One Team.” emphasizes the true team approach all Emergency Services Personnel practice.

In recognition of National EMS Week, many of our local fire and rescue companies have planned open houses and events throughout the month of May. Please visit http://bit.ly/emsweekevents2013 for a detailed listing of these events.

In celebration of National Preservation Month, the Loudoun Preservation Society (LPS) hosted an awards reception on May 9, 2013, at the Thomas Birkby House in Leesburg. In partnership with the Loudoun County Joint Architectural Review Board (JARB), awards were presented to citizens for their exceptional preservation projects in locally designated historic districts. For the third year in a row, citizen-nominated Community Blue Ribbon awards were also given for projects located across the county and not just within designated historic districts.

The 2013 JARB award winners are:

Signage:
• The French Hound – Middleburg Historic District

• Foxfire Gallery & Antiques –Middleburg Historic District

Architectural Detail:
• 19 N. King Street Dormers: Fianna Investments – Leesburg Historic District

Addition:
• Waterford Old School New Auditorium – Waterford Historic District

• Emmanuel Episcopal Church – Middleburg Historic District

• Bluemont Community Center – Bluemont Historic District

New Construction:
• Station Auto Wash – Town of Purcellville

Restoration:
• Dodona Manor – Leesburg Historic District

• St. James Episcopal Church (stained glass windows) – Leesburg Historic District

Facade Improvement:
• Tari Orthodontics – Town of Purcellville

Community Blue Ribbon
• Frederick Douglass Elementary School Memorial Wall – Loudoun County Public Schools

• Corn Crib Restoration – Chester and Laura Lea Moore

• Lucketts Community Center Restoration – Loudoun County

This year marks the 6th annual Joint Architectural Review Board Awards. The JARB is composed of representatives from architectural review boards in Leesburg, Middleburg, Purcellville and Loudoun County. The JARB was formed in 2008 to recognize those individuals, organizations and companies whose projects in locally designated historic districts have made a positive and lasting contribution to the enhancement of their communities.

The partnership between LPS and the JARB highlights the roles of both private and public preservation efforts countywide, and the importance of coordinating private and public efforts to achieve effective protection, preservation and enhancement of Loudoun County’s heritage.

More information about the awards program is available by calling Lauren Murphy in the Department of Planning, 703-777-0246, or online at www.loudoun.gov/JARB.

Loudoun County officials are steadfast in their support for Loudoun as the best location for the FBI’s new headquarters. “Loudoun clearly remains the top choice for the FBI’s new location,” said Chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Scott York. “While we understand Governor McDonnell’s position, that he needed to endorse one Virginia site for political purposes, we respectfully remain unchanged in our opinion that Loudoun offers the best options in the metropolitan Washington area.”

In January, the General Services Administration released a request for information regarding a new location for a consolidated FBI headquarters facility. At a briefing held in January, both the GSA and the FBI stated that a 2011 Senate resolution would not limit GSA considerations, and that all site proposals within the national capital region would be considered pending further specification presented in a future request for proposals. Loudoun County and its developers have responded directly to the GSA process, and will continue to respond to the GSA and its requirements.

“The potential sites in Loudoun County have important ingredients that other sites do not – flexibility and space,” said Loudoun County Supervisor Matt Letourneau, chairman of the Board’s Economic Development Committee. “The governor’s endorsement of another site does not in any way change our commitment or strategy. We remain focused on working with the development community to provide the best possible site – not on politics and endorsements that aren’t part of the GSA criteria.”

Loudoun County Economic Development Business Development Officer Jim Herbert explained, “We anticipate that a Request for Proposal will be released in the near future, and we will coordinate with developers who will propose their sites that meet and exceed the FBI’s requirements for a build-to-suit secure facility that has proximity to allied organizations, offers multiple transit options for employees, and is close to two airports that will provide expedited access to global hot spots. The GSA is not going to rule in or rule out viable options on the basis of unsolicited endorsements before it has developed site and building criteria into an RFP, and reviewed industry submittals to the RFP.”

Loudoun is the only county along the 23-mile Silver Line Metro Rail route with “greenfield” opportunities. The new FBI site will require at least 40-55 acres for a 2.1 million square-foot facility for 11,000 employees, and Loudoun has more than 1,400 acres of available land near the Metro Rail route.

“These greenfield sites offer the lowest cost per square foot, and the highest flexibility of any sites under consideration for the new FBI headquarters,” said Loudoun County Economic Development Director Tom Flynn.

In a related video, Herbert explains how Loudoun’s reputation as the world’s Data Center Alley makes Loudoun the best choice for the new FBI headquarters. The video and other details about Loudoun’s eight proposed sites are at www.biz.loudoun.gov/FBI .

Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate on Saturday, May 18, 2013, to help plant in a restored wetland area at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg. Loudoun County and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy have partnered to plant wetland species of herbaceous plants and shrubs in shallow water areas.

Most of the planting will be in shallow water so volunteers should bring boots or shoes that can get wet. Participants are also encouraged to bring a shovel and gloves. Volunteers should meet in the parking area of the medical center’s main office building at 10:00 a.m. for a brief introduction to the project and wetland ecology.

Wetlands are critical to preserving the health of local streams. This restored wetland area will greatly improve the water quality in Big Spring Creek by reducing the severity of flooding downstream and by filtering the water from two headwater tributaries. The project will also provide an improved habitat for birds, amphibians and other wildlife.

This project is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants program, which is administered through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The grant funding is managed by the Loudoun County Water Resources Team within the Department of Building and Development. For more information, contact Scott Sandberg at 571-258-3304. More information about the event on May 18 and the entire project is online at www.loudoun.gov/bigspring .

Register by January 29 for for the annual LEGO building competition hosted by the Lovettsville Community Center. The event for ages 3 & up takes place on Tuesday, February 5, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The fee is $8/person. Use RecTrac activity #202704-01 or call 540-822-5284.

LEESBURG, Virginia – December 10, 2012. William Ray Gosney, 58, appeared before Judge James H. Chamblin in Loudoun County Circuit Court for sentencing on one count of Robbery of a Business. Chamblin sentenced Gosney to an active sentence of 7 years in the Virginia Department of Corrections, with an additional 7 years suspended conditioned upon his good behavior and his successful completion of 10 years of supervised probation upon his release from prison.

On the morning of March 3, 2012, Gosney entered the Rite Aid pharmacy in Sterling and presented a hand written note to the pharmacy clerk advising that he had a gun and demanding that the clerk provide him with Oxycontin and money. The clerk complied and dispensed five bottles of Oxycontin. Gosney picked up all the bottles, but dropped one before turning and leaving the store. Gosney left the store with approximately 239 Oxycontin pills before the clerk had the opportunity to give him any money.

Gosney was previously convicted of a similar robbery offense in Fairfax County where he served approximately 6 months, and was released from jail the day before the March 3, 2012 robbery in Loudoun County. He now faces a Probation Violation hearing in Fairfax County Circuit Court where 4 years and 6 months of previously suspended time may be re-imposed as a result of his Loudoun County robbery conviction.

LEESBURG, Virginia – Two Prince William County men sentenced to serve a combined active sentence of 14 years in the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Justin Allen Easom, 25, and Brian Romberger, 29, were charged with numerous felonies after being identified by law enforcement, and later admitting to Leesburg Police Detectives, to be the individuals responsible for more than 20 thefts from unlocked vehicles and a residential garage in early 2012.

Romberger was found guilty of Breaking and Entering, Grand Larceny, and Credit Card Theft (x3). On October 22, 2012, the Hon. J. Howe Brown sentenced Romberger to serve an active sentence of 6 years in prison, and placed Romberger on supervised probation for 3 years upon his release. Brown also imposed an additional 7 years of suspended time.

Easom was also found guilty of 5 felony charges: Breaking and Entering, Grand Larceny, and Credit Card Theft (x3). On November 20, 2012, the Hon. Burke F. McCahill sentenced Easom to 8 years of active incarceration, with 9 additional years suspended conditioned upon his good behavior and successful completion of 5 years supervised probation upon his release from prison.

Both defendants have extensive adult criminal records which were taken into consideration during their sentencing hearings. Additionally, both had repeated criminal contact with the juvenile court system.

The Court further ordered both defendants to jointly make restitution in excess of $3,000 to 18 victims who were affected by Romberger and Easom’s car hopping crime spree.
“While these two individuals were accustomed to committing crime, the easiest deterrent to this type of crime continues to be basic preventive action,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman. “Simply locking your car, removing visible valuables and closing your garage door can, at times, deter a criminal of opportunity.”

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the fire that damaged the building housing the Loudoun County Department of Community Corrections in Leesburg Wednesday, November 14, 2012, was caused by arson. Authorities are asking the public for help in determining who deliberately set the fire. Anyone with information regarding the fire should call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-8477 or email vgrigsby@leesburgva.gov.

Fire and rescue units from Leesburg, Hamilton, Lansdowne, Lucketts and Ashburn responded to the fire at 107 Loudoun Street in Leesburg at about 6:15 a.m., Wednesday. The fire was quickly extinguished. No one was injured. Damage to the structure was extensive and is estimated at $200,000. The fire forced the relocation of the Community Corrections staff to a building at 106 Edwards Ferry Road, N.E. in Leesburg until further notice.

“The opening of the 495 Express Lanes means opportunity for Virginia,” said McDonnell.  “The project not only helped create jobs during construction, but will continue to make Northern Virginia a more attractive place to work and live.  The Express Lanes will open the region for business by providing better access to key employer centers and delivering the infrastructure needed to grow businesses and create additional jobs.”

The 495 Express Lanes are two new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in each direction on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road (approximately 14 miles).  Construction of the 495 Express Lanes supported more than 16,000 jobs and generated nearly $3.5 billion of economic impact state-wide.

The Express Lanes will provide drivers in Northern Virginia with a faster, more predictable trip on the Capital Beltway.  The project will also provide drivers with a seamless connection to the I-95 Express Lanes – under construction to be completed in late 2014 – creating a region-wide high occupancy vehicle (HOV) network and connecting major employment centers.

Key project benefits of the 495 Express Lanes project include:

•                     First-time introduction of HOV and reliable transit options to the Beltway and Tysons Corner
•                     Replacement of more than $260 million of aging infrastructure, including 58 bridges and overpasses
•                     Replacement of existing sound walls and construction of 80,000 linear feet of new sound walls to double existing noise reduction tools for surrounding neighborhoods
•                     Construction of carpool ramps connecting I-95 with the Beltway to create a seamless HOV network
•                     Upgrades to 12 key interchanges and new access points at Route 29/Lee Highway, Westpark Bridge and Jones Branch Drive

“The 495 Express Lanes will provide congestion relief and new travel choices to one of Virginia’s busiest roadways,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.  “The project represents a package of transportation improvements that will provide a critical connection to jobs and commerce while reducing congestion and providing Virginians with transportation options to reach their destinations faster.”

The 495 Express Lanes are being delivered through a landmark public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and Transurban-Fluor.  The partnership with private partners Transurban and Fluor enabled the Commonwealth to leverage private-sector expertise and introduce innovative new financing tools.  The success of the project was aided by the Virginia State Police, Fairfax County Police, state and local elected officials, community groups and key area employers.

“Our partnership with the private sector on this project helped to put private capital to work to make the project an affordable option for Virginia,” McDonnell said.  “The Express Lanes project is not only a model for congestion relief and new travel choices, it is a model for how to deliver innovative infrastructure projects in tough economic times.”

The unique private-public partnership:

•                     Enables Virginia to deliver greater outcomes from tax dollars, shifting long-term risk and cost to the private sector
•                     Serves as a model for other Virginia transportation projects – upgrading critical infrastructure, improving safety and creating new economic development zones to get Virginia travelers and businesses moving
•                     Serves as a beacon in establishing the Virginia Office of Public-Private Partnerships to challenge all agencies to examine opportunities to put private innovation and capital to work to help meet Virginia’s needs

“We are proud to deliver this new transportation option on-time and on-budget with our private partners Transurban-Fluor,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley.  “The Express Lanes will provide reliable travel on the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia and open up carpooling opportunities to Tysons Corner – one of the largest employment centers in the region.”

One of the country’s most innovative and complex project financings, the 495 Express Lanes is funded through a contribution from the Commonwealth, private equity, private activity bonds and a federal loan through the government’s TIFIA program.

The project was approved and funded in 2007 after a series of public meetings and environmental studies.  Construction began in the summer of 2008.  The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) owns and oversees all aspects of the Express Lanes while Transurban (USA) Operations Inc. operates the lanes through a concession agreement.

The 495 Express Lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions will manage the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving.  All drivers will need an E-ZPass® to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash.  Carpoolers traveling HOV-3+ will need an E-ZPass® FlexSM to ensure a toll-free trip on the Express Lanes.  Other drivers may pay a toll for a faster, more predictable trip.

For more information, visit www.495expresslanes.com.

LEESBURG, Virginia – October 17, 2012. Donald Richard Hausen, 35, of Sterling, was found guilty of fourteen felony charges including aggravated sexual battery, manufacturing child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Gigi Lawless and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Russet Perry presented evidence over the course of the three-day jury trial, which concluded Wednesday with the jury affixing Hausen’s sentence at 111 years and assessing a fine of $50,000.

The charges stemmed from incidents related to Hausen taking seven photographs of a seven year old girl with whom he was acquainted. Hausen was partially depicted in some of the images with the child.

Members of the victim’s family testified during the sentencing phase of the trial. During the testimony of one family member, the jury was asked to assess Hausen by asserting that “it’s the things you do when no one is watching” that tell others about your character and that it was the actions Hausen took when no one was watching that made an “irreparable” impact on their family.

Perry asked the jury to “speak for the community” and to consider a sentence that would “protect the members of the public and the community.” Perry also asked the jurors to remember that the “pictures in this case are not just images of crime scenes, but these are experiences for the victim; they are her memories. These are memories that this victim and her family can never walk away from. These memories can never be erased.”

After more than three hours of deliberation the jury recommended that Hausen serve the maximum sentence of 20 years and pay a fine of $50,000 for aggravated sexual battery, 15 years on each of the four counts of manufacturing child pornography, 5 years on each of the two counts of distribution of child pornography, and 3 years on each of the seven possession of child pornography charges for a total of 111 years in the Virginia Department of Corrections.

A final sentencing hearing will be conducted on December 17, 2012 before the Hon. Herman A. Whisenant, Jr. who presided over the trial. Under Virginia law a judge may reduce a jury’s recommendation by providing written reasons therefore, but may not increase a jury’s recommendation. Thirty years of the 111 year sentence imposed is a mandatory minimum sentence as directed under the Virginia Code, and therefore cannot be reduced in whole or in part. Pursuant to Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act, Hausen will also be required to register as a violent sex offender.

The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) will hold two separate, three-day managed hunts for antlerless deer at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Leesburg, VA. The hunts (scheduled for October 12, 15 and 19, 2012 and December 10, 14 and 17, 2012) are being held to reduce the level of the herd at the preserve.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has scheduled upcoming design public hearings on two projects in Loudoun County; one in Hillsboro and the other in Ashburn.

A public hearing on the traffic calming and pedestrian improvements planned for Charles Town Pike (Route 9) in Hillsboro will be held Tuesday, September 18, 2012, at the Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike in Hillsboro. People are invited to drop by between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to view displays and learn more about the project. VDOT staff will be available to answer questions.

The Hillsboro project features roundabouts where Charles Town Pike intersects with Hillsboro Road and Stony Point Road, as well as sidewalks, crosswalks, on-street parking, landscaping, decorative pavers, and raised intersections and other traffic-calming elements.

A public hearing on improvements planned for the intersection of Evergreen Mills Road and Ryan Road in Ashburn will be held Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at Briar Woods High School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road in Ashburn. People are invited to stop by between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to view displays and learn more about the project. VDOT staff will be available to answer questions.

The Evergreen Mills Road project calls for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection with Ryan Road and the addition of turn lanes and paved shoulders along the approaches to alleviate congestion and improve safety.

The Loudoun County Department of Construction & Waste Management will host the next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event on Saturday, September 15, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Harmony Middle School, 38174 West Colonial Highway, Hamilton.

HHW includes items such as fluorescent bulbs, household batteries, oil-based paints/stains/varnishes, paint thinners, metal polishes, rust removers, wood preservatives, furniture polish, waxes, pesticides/insecticides/herbicides, pool chemicals, old fuels including gas/oil mixes, and many others. Latex or water-based paints are not a hazardous waste and can be dried or solidified and disposed of in your household garbage.

Used motor oil, antifreeze, automobile batteries, lead-acid batteries and propane tanks will not be accepted at any HHW collection events. They can be recycled year round at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility on 21101 Evergreen Mills Road. Electronics are not accepted at any HHW collection event. For electronics recycling options, please visit www.loudoun.gov/electronics .

For more tips on proper paint disposal, items accepted or not accepted at the event, and the 2012 HHW event schedule, visit www.loudoun.gov/hhw or call the Department of Construction & Waste Management at 703-777-0187.