EarthKeepers update

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> For those of you who attended last night's St. Marys EarthKeepers'
> meeting, we thank you so much. Our success in achieving curbside
> recycling for St. Marys is a strong anchor for so much more that we
> can accomplish together. We hope that as many of you as possible
> will participate in the March 15 River Clean-up (details below),
> and we will be sending you notices of upcoming meetings and events.
> Here's an update (PLEASE READ TIL THE END—LOTS GOING ON.)
>
> ST. MARYS RIVER CELEBRATION/CLEAN-UP
> March 15. The St. Marys EarthKeepers have adopted St. Marys'
> waterfront to clean that day. Up the Creek Xpeditions has donated
> the use of 2 kayaks. Please let me know who among you are adept at
> kayaking so we can assign you that duty. The St. Marys River
> Management Committee will provide bags and gloves. Please bring the
> following if you have them: rake, dip net, trash stick, work
> gloves, protective footwear (for those who will venture into
> Marsh). Up the Creek Xpeditions opens at 8:00 that day, so why
> don't we all meet at the boat ramp area at 8:30. HERE'S YOUR
> REWARD: White Oak Plantation will host a celebration lunch
> beginning at 11:30. All volunteers are invited. If you've never
> been to White Oak, this is an experience of a lifetime. (Go to
> www.wocenter.org for details.) You will also get a t-shirt for
> participating. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to join
> us. We need all the help we can get, and it will be a fun day. Over
> the past nine years, this one-day annual
> event has removed more than a half a million pounds of trash from
> the St. Marys River and its tributaries. What a great story to tell
> your children and grandchildren!
>
> FORMATION OF BOARD
> All who attended last night's meeting agreed that it is a good idea
> to move ahead and formalize our organization by creating a board of
> directors, and then possibly applying for 501C3 status. The
> following are names of people who were suggested and/or have agreed
> to serve on the board: Frank Quinby, Ed Torgersen, Anne Orr, Diane
> Pennington, LJ Williams, Connie Casto, Alex Kearns, and Diane
> Hayes. I (Barbara Ryan) will serve in an advisory capacity as my
> role as a publisher could at times be considered a conflict of
> interest when having to cast a vote on a controversial issue. We
> will coordinate a board meeting time in the next few days, after
> which bylaws will be drawn up, and all EarthKeepers will be given
> an opportunity to have input. If you are interested in serving on
> the board as well, please email barbara@stmarysmagazine.com and let
> us know.
>
> MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT
> Alex Kearns is working on. Will be sent to all members in the next
> few days for input.
>
> GLASS COLLECTION CURBSIDE
> Chad Kinzly is coordinating with the city to insert notices in an
> upcoming water bill to notify all residents that they can now
> include glass and brown bags in their recycling bins.
>
> COMMERCIAL & SCHOOL RECYCLING
> We are asking the city to consider placing recycling receptacles on
> city property for schools and commercial companies to deposit their
> recyclables.
>
> LITTER CONTROL PROGRAM
> St. Marys EarthKeepers will play a vital role in Camden County's
> Keep Georgia Beautiful program. More details to follow. The next
> meeting for anyone interested in the litter program is Wednesday,
> March 5 at 6:00 p.m. in the County Annex Building.
>
> EARTHKEEPING POSTER CONTEST
> St. Marys Magazine is sponsoring a contest for kids up to 16 to
> design a poster that portrays good Earthkeeping. First prize is
> $100, and all entries get an EarthKeepers t-shirt. If you know of
> anyone who might be interested, please email
> barbara@stmarysmagazine.com. Entries will also be featured in the
> St. Marys Magazine.
>
> WEBSITE AND BLOG
> Barbara Ryan and Jerry Lockamy will create a St. Marys EarthKeepers
> website once board is formed. There is a blogspot already and the
> address is http://stmarysearthkeepers.blogspot.com

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>
> OTHER ISSUES DISCUSSED AND TO BE PURSUED
> Favored meeting time seems to be Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (except when
> City Council meets).
> Encouraging Kingsland to participate in curbside recycling.
> Recycling at hospital and facilities such as Magnolia Manor.
> Trolley's (cigarette butt problems).
> Recycling at festivals.
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