KALB Celebrates 40th Anniversary

 Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful is planning a special 40th anniversary celebration at Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO!

Athens-Limestone Clean Community, Inc.  became an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB) on April 15, 1977.  The organization’s name was changed to Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful (KALB) in 2002 to reflect affiliation with the KAB national organization.  The organization was born out of the Clean Community System developed by KAB, and it’s focus was litter abatement and education. 

Later in 1977, KALB took over a recycling program started by an Athens High School science club.  The program grew and the club could no longer manage it.  Since that time, the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, a dvision of KALB, has grown to process over 4 million pounds of materials each year.

Soon after, the Athens-Limestone Beautification Board was added to the KALB family.  This board has focused on green space and doing their part to add touches of beauty to the community.  They also encourage businesses and individuals to add warm and welcoming landscapes to their properties.

On Saturday, April 29th, KALB will celebrate this milestone at their Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of Friendship Church in Athens.  At 1:00 p.m., KALB will share a bit of history and then surprise their mascot, Sparky, with a birthday party.  Nestle cookies will be given out and children will be invited to frost their cookies at the Nestle Tollhouse Café booth.

Children will, again this year, be given a “Passport” to have stamped at the 17 Education Stations throughout the event.  When at least 10 stamps have been collected, the passport may be turned in for a gift.

The Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO is free to the public and offers something for everyone.  Games, hands-on activities, craft-making, and live animals will keep the children busy.  There will also be lots of organizations with information on outdoor activities and vendors with crafts and personal care items for sale.  The Master Gardeners will answer gardening questions and the Athens-Limestone Beautification Board will share plant cuttings while they last.

TIMED ACTIVITIES:

 7:30 a.m.  Guided Walking Tour – Marbut Bend Walking Trail
10:00 a.m.  Opening Ceremony
11:00 a.m.  Wings to Soar Live Raptor Program
  1:00 p.m.  Surprise 40th Birthday Party for Sparky
  1:30 p.m.  Wings to Soar Live Raptor Program

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

>> Kids Korner: Ages 12 and under.  Make and take recycled crafts and painting with the Athens Arts League.
>> Face Painting:  By Beth Haney – complimentary
>> Tennessee Valley Zoo: A variety of animals to pet and feed.
>> K.I.N. Stables:  Jim Swanner and his horse, Rosie, demonstrating Natural Horsemanship
>> Healthsource of Athens: $1/minute massages with all proceeds returned to KALB.
>> Hot Dogs and Pepsi: Complimentary

Door Prizes:  Receive complimentary door prize tickets by testing your environmental knowledge.  Must be present to win.

Exhibitors and Vendors:   Interactive activities, lots of information, and a variety of vendors with crafts and personal care items for sale.