Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Great American Clean-up

El Paso is one of the most scenic places to live in the United States. Our desert landscapes and soaring mountains give us year-round beauty and breathtaking views. But sometimes we do have some windy days (or months), which often leave trash strewn throughout our streets and across our natural spaces.

Next month, Keep El Paso Beautiful will hold the Great American Clean-up. On Saturday April 4, we will have the opportunity to get out, enjoy our open space and take pride in our community by helping to pick up some of the trash and debris that gets blown about by the wind or careless litterbugs.

Here is the press release from KEPB. I hope you are able to take part in this effort.

CALLING ALL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS, ENVIROMENTAL STEWARDS, & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS
SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER
TIME TO CLEAN-UP NOT ONLY YOUR CLOSETS BUT YOUR COMMUNITY TOO!

JOIN THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TAKING PRIDE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES ON
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009
FOR THE
GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN-UP (GAC)
CALL THE OFFICE OF KEPB @ 546.6742 TO REGISTER YOUR CLEAN-UP SITE
ALL SUPPLIES FOR THE GAC ARE AVAILABLE AT KEPB COMMUNITY TOOL SHEDS
LOCATED AT FIRE DEPARTMENTS THROUGHOUT EL PASO

FIRESTONE HAS, ONCE AGAIN, JOINED OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP EL PASO BEAUTIFUL ALL EIGHT FIRESTONE LOCATIONS WILL BE EXCEPTING TIRES TO DISPOSE OF THEM PROPERY DURING THE GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN-UP

Keep El Paso Beautiful (KEPB) in partnership with the El Paso Fire Department, Environmental Services Department, El Paso Street Department, Neighborhood Services and Community Volunteers are working together towards a cleaner, healthier, and safer El Paso.
El Pasoans now more than ever want to do their part to improve not only their own community, but our planet. Keep El Paso Beautiful is reminding environmental stewards of all ages and walks of life that Green Starts Here, with each volunteer and group that joins in to participate in the 2009 Great American Cleanup.

The Great American Cleanup in El Paso is scheduled to take place on Saturday April 4, 2009. The 2009 Great American Cleanup reminds individuals and families that a better environment for us all starts in our own communities and the volunteer work we do close to home affects our entire planet. Thousands of volunteers in El Paso will gather during the Great American Cleanup to rid our streets, waterways and public spaces of litter and illegal dumpsites. We’re greening up parks, schoolyards and other public spaces, hosting educational events, removing graffiti and much more.

REDUCE YOUR USE - THERE IS NO EXCUSE
Katherine Gunter- Palafox
Executive Director/Keep El Paso Beautiful
915.472.2985

Calling all teenagers! You are invited to join the MAYOR'S 100 TEENS.

FACT SHEET

Purpose: The Mayor’s 100 Teens draws attention to the many ways in which teenagers make El Paso County a better place. The program focuses on heralding the achievements of youth who do not routinely receive recognition but who nonetheless make a difference in unique, personal ways. Teens who have overcome adversity, provided service to others, achieved something significant and who lead by example deserve to be honored. In recognizing them, the program intends to inspire more teens to higher levels of service and accomplishment.


Nomination Forms: Teachers, counselors, family (but not parents) and any others who recognize an individual’s spirit, drive, and accomplishments may nominate teens currently in grades 9, 10 or 11. It cannot be a teen currently in the 11th grade graduating early. We are requesting that nominators consult with the individual on their interest to pursue this opportunity before submitting the application as the selected teen will have to commit himself/herself to various events and activities. All nomination applications must be typed, handwritten applications will NOT be considered. Preferable method of nomination application submission is via email to nunezdx@elpasotexas.gov. Nomination applications are available at the Mayor’s web site (http://www.elpasotexas.gov/mayor/teens.asp), all city and county high schools at the counselors’ office, libraries, Police Regional Command Centers and a variety of other community locations. Please call Diana Nuñez at (915) 541-4015 for more information. Nomination application period opens on Monday, February 23, 2009 and closes on Friday, March 27, 2009.


Selection Process: Nominations for The Mayor’s 100 Teens are thoroughly reviewed by a committee of educators, community leaders, business people and representatives from youth organizations. Notification is made to selected teens in May.


Public Recognition: Each October, The Mayor’s 100 Teens are introduced and honored in a celebratory public event. A commemorative book that tells the story of each teen is published. Members of The Mayor’s 100 Teens accompany the Mayor to numerous public appearances, participate in community projects and groups and make public presentations throughout the year.