One of my favorite parts of working with the Keep Liberty County Beautiful program is getting to know and work with so many wonderful people around our community. Let’s face it: volunteers who commit their personal time to picking up litter or helping with recycling or community gardening and improvement projects have to be pretty nice people. When you think about it, many people don’t even want to do those tasks at home — much less for places around our community. So I really appreciate them!
Recently, a local scout with Troop 461, Khameron Mitchem, and his energetic group of volunteers began working on a project for us. As his eagle scout project, Khameron is fixing up the red recycling barn on Carter Street.
If you have never been involved with scouts, you may not realize how hard these youngsters and their leaders work. To finish his project, Khameron, a senior at Liberty County High School, is developing a detailed plan that will include repairing the recycling center and landscaping the area so it will look more attractive.
“I had to seek advice from my scout leaders and other adults so that I could develop carpentry and landscaping skills,” Khameron said. “I also had to demonstrate leadership and communication skills as I recruited and directed volunteers who could help implement this project.”
The devoted scout also had to develop and work with a budget to buy the supplies and equipment needed for repairs and the plants needed for landscaping.
Khameron had several scouts, friends and family members — including his mom, Candace — help him on the project. Khameron’s dad is deployed in the Middle East. Scout leaders Jim Arnold and Jim Williams worked closely with the scout every step of the way.
Keith Welch with Legacy Lawns also pitched in to help with the landscaping. Khameron chose crepe myrtles and lantanas to beautify the recycling drop-off center’s entrance. In addition to all the hours that Khameron spent planning the project, he and his volunteers worked more than 171 volunteer hours to execute the plan.
The improvements add a nice touch to this location, which is on a busy street full of local businesses. Recently, I discussed the project with a gentleman who called last week to find out when the center would re-open. He said, “Well, that will make me look forward to bringing my recycling each week!”
Now that the center is officially re-opened, I hope it will brighten the days of everyone who stops by. We also appreciate the patience of recyclers in the area while the project was under way. Thank you, Khameron and all of your volunteers, for an excellent effort that makes our community a nicer place to live.
I would also be remiss if I did not mention two other wonderful people who I have enjoyed working with on our KLCB advisory council for the past two years. Terri Willett, city clerk for Flemington, has served faithfully as our board chairwoman for two years. Terri, in that humble way of hers, does not consider herself a “leader” but those of us who know her and have the pleasure of working with her know that she is dead wrong. She has been a hardworking volunteer and a great example for all of us. And she is now serving as our secretary for the council. Thank you, Terri, for all you do!
KLCB also will sincerely miss Ginny Bennett, who served two years on our council. Ginny is leaving because she has taken a new position this year. Wishing you the very best, Ginny!
Lucky me! I do get to work with some of the most wonderful folks in town. If you haven’t become involved with Keep Liberty County Beautiful yet, call us at 368-4888 or e-mail klcb@coastalnow.net. Together, we can make our community a healthy and beautiful place to live and work!
KLCB announcements that you can use to help save the environment:
• Oct. 24: The annual Rivers Alive Cleanups in Liberty County. Mark your calendars now.
• Aug. 19, 8:30 a.m.: Litter enforcement training. For more information or to register, call 368-4888 or e-mail klcb@coastalnow.net.
• Tell the world how you really feel about litter. Get your free litter car decal by calling 368-4888 or e-mailing klcb@coastalnow.net.
• Keep your “butts” off the streets and sidewalks! Cigarette litter needs to be disposed of properly. For a free cigarette litter pocket ashtray, call 368-4888.
For more information on Keep Liberty County Beautiful programs, contact Swida at 368-4888 or klcb@coastalnow.net.
Recently, a local scout with Troop 461, Khameron Mitchem, and his energetic group of volunteers began working on a project for us. As his eagle scout project, Khameron is fixing up the red recycling barn on Carter Street.
If you have never been involved with scouts, you may not realize how hard these youngsters and their leaders work. To finish his project, Khameron, a senior at Liberty County High School, is developing a detailed plan that will include repairing the recycling center and landscaping the area so it will look more attractive.
“I had to seek advice from my scout leaders and other adults so that I could develop carpentry and landscaping skills,” Khameron said. “I also had to demonstrate leadership and communication skills as I recruited and directed volunteers who could help implement this project.”
The devoted scout also had to develop and work with a budget to buy the supplies and equipment needed for repairs and the plants needed for landscaping.
Khameron had several scouts, friends and family members — including his mom, Candace — help him on the project. Khameron’s dad is deployed in the Middle East. Scout leaders Jim Arnold and Jim Williams worked closely with the scout every step of the way.
Keith Welch with Legacy Lawns also pitched in to help with the landscaping. Khameron chose crepe myrtles and lantanas to beautify the recycling drop-off center’s entrance. In addition to all the hours that Khameron spent planning the project, he and his volunteers worked more than 171 volunteer hours to execute the plan.
The improvements add a nice touch to this location, which is on a busy street full of local businesses. Recently, I discussed the project with a gentleman who called last week to find out when the center would re-open. He said, “Well, that will make me look forward to bringing my recycling each week!”
Now that the center is officially re-opened, I hope it will brighten the days of everyone who stops by. We also appreciate the patience of recyclers in the area while the project was under way. Thank you, Khameron and all of your volunteers, for an excellent effort that makes our community a nicer place to live.
I would also be remiss if I did not mention two other wonderful people who I have enjoyed working with on our KLCB advisory council for the past two years. Terri Willett, city clerk for Flemington, has served faithfully as our board chairwoman for two years. Terri, in that humble way of hers, does not consider herself a “leader” but those of us who know her and have the pleasure of working with her know that she is dead wrong. She has been a hardworking volunteer and a great example for all of us. And she is now serving as our secretary for the council. Thank you, Terri, for all you do!
KLCB also will sincerely miss Ginny Bennett, who served two years on our council. Ginny is leaving because she has taken a new position this year. Wishing you the very best, Ginny!
Lucky me! I do get to work with some of the most wonderful folks in town. If you haven’t become involved with Keep Liberty County Beautiful yet, call us at 368-4888 or e-mail klcb@coastalnow.net. Together, we can make our community a healthy and beautiful place to live and work!
KLCB announcements that you can use to help save the environment:
• Oct. 24: The annual Rivers Alive Cleanups in Liberty County. Mark your calendars now.
• Aug. 19, 8:30 a.m.: Litter enforcement training. For more information or to register, call 368-4888 or e-mail klcb@coastalnow.net.
• Tell the world how you really feel about litter. Get your free litter car decal by calling 368-4888 or e-mailing klcb@coastalnow.net.
• Keep your “butts” off the streets and sidewalks! Cigarette litter needs to be disposed of properly. For a free cigarette litter pocket ashtray, call 368-4888.
For more information on Keep Liberty County Beautiful programs, contact Swida at 368-4888 or klcb@coastalnow.net.