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Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful eNewsletter |
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Greetings!
There is a lot going on in Athens and Limestone County and our phones are ringing off the hook with questions about the change to curbside recycling and the changes at the Farmer's Market.
We hope the content of this Newsletter will help answer some of your questions.
It's also time to register for our upcoming Duck and Run 5K Race and Fun Run! Information about the race is included.
Thank you for taking time to stay informed...and please pass this newsletter on to someone who may not receive it.
Thank you!
Lynne Hart
Executive Coordinator
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Asphalt Removal Leading to Market Improvements
- Edible Landscaping and Hugelkultur Gardens
You may have noticed that there's a lot of digging going on at the Farmer's Market in Athens.
 Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Keep America Beautiful and Lowe's for the purpose of creating a community garden. Here are answers to the questions we have received most frequently:
Why is the asphalt being taken up?
In order to make the Farmer's Market more inviting, asphalt is being removed to add additional landscaping. Also, sidewalks have already been added along Green Street allowing for on-street parking.
What kind of gardens will be planted?
Members of the Farmer's Market Renovation Team are in the process of learning about soil preparation, how to produce healthy, nutritious plants that require minimal insect control, and how to create self-sustaining gardens such as lasagna gardening and hugelkultur gardening. Once a decision is made regarding the method of gardening to use, the raised beds and gardens will be put in place. A variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers will be planted.
Who is building the gardens?
We are blessed to have a large committee working on this project. We are especially glad to have Doug Doerr, who is using this as his Eagle Scout Project. Doug will be leading his troop in the process of building and preparing the garden beds and adding landscaping to the area. We are pleased to have Doug and his troop working with us on the gardens.
What will be done with the food that is grown in these gardens?
The produce grown will be donated to the Limestone County Churches Involved (LCCI) for distribution to those in need within  our community.
What kind of educational opportunities will be offered?
As the team begins the process of creating the garden beds, the community will be invited to observe and/or participate in the creation of the beds while learning the reasons behind the methods used. Just because a vegetable looks good does not mean it will provide the nutrients needed by our bodies. Growing healthy fruits and vegetables begins with healthy soil containing the nutrients and organisms necessary for strong plant growth. Building the soil using the proper organic materials will attract the organisms necessary for healthy plants. Gardening experts will share information that can be taken home and implemented in backyard gardens. Educational opportunities will be varied and ongoing once the gardens are in place.
What other ideas does the team have for the market?
The team has a vision of growing edible plants as part of the general landscaping. We would like to see the maximum amount of food produced from the market grounds. This will be an ongoing project and new ideas will be implemented and tested as the growing seasons come and go. KALB will keep you informed, so be sure to like our Facebook page and read your eNewsletters!
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10th Annual
Duck and Run 5K Race and Fun Run
Registration is Open
There is still plenty of time to get ready to participate in the 10th Annual Duck and Run 5K Race and Fun Run to be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013.
This race offers a mildly challenging course which rambles through historic downtown Athens.
Awards and prizes will be given out to the top three finishers in each age category as well as a "Best of Limestone Award" male and female, "Mid-Pack" cash award, and a "Cash Drawing" for which you must be present.
Registration is open through the following links:
(may use MC, Visa, or debit card)
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Recycling in Athens Goes Single Stream
...Curbside Questions
KALB and the Recycling Center have received a large number of calls regarding the changes in curbside recycling for Athens City residents.
We hope to answer some of the most asked questions here. If we don't answer your questions, please contact us or call the Athens Sanitation Department at 256-233-8747.
Who is distributing the blue carts?
The Athens City Sanitation Department is distributing the blue recycling carts. The city will also be picking up your recycling as they always have. The difference will be that your recycling will not be taken to the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center for processing. It will be taken to the Decatur City Recycling Center.
Why didn't I get a blue recycling cart?
The City Sanitation Department only bought enough carts to distribute to people who are already recycling. If you didn't place your green recycling bin at the curb the week of July 15th or after, no blue cart would have been left at your residence. You may ask for one to be delivered by calling 256-233-8747.
Why are there things I can no longer recycle in the blue cart?
The materials collected in the blue carts are no longer going to the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center. All materials will be transported to the Decatur City Recycling Center and they do not accept glass of any kind or plastic containers #3-#7. Because our recycling center is non-profit, we are able to accept materials for recycling that are not profitable such as glass, plastic containers #3-#7, cooking oil, electronics, etc. We encourage residents to continue to recycle these items locally -- and as long as you're coming, bring ALL of your plastic containers #1-#7, aluminum cans, and cardboard! The items that are being diverted to Decatur are those that supported our center operations and have allowed us to accept the items that are not profitable.
Why is our curbside recycling going to Decatur?
The recycling trucks currently used by the Athens City Sanitation Department to collect curbside recycling are beyond repair. It would cost several hundred thousand dollars to replace them. Going to the large carts allows the city to use their standard garbage trucks to pick up recycling on Mondays when they are not in use. The Athens-Limestone Recycling Center is not equipped to accept unsorted materials, so the city made the decision to send the materials to a state-of-the-art facility in the City of Decatur. This was a sound financial decision for the city; however, will negatively affect the operating budget of our local, non-profit recycling center.
What should I do with my green recycling bin?
You may keep the green bin even if you are given a blue cart. Use the bin to transport recyclables to our local recycling. If you choose not to bring items to the recycling center, please return the bin to us so we can reuse it at schools, local events, or provide it to a resident that wishes to bring their materials to our center.
Do I have to accept the 96 gallon blue cart?
You are not required to accept the blue cart if you don't wish to participate in the new program. The Sanitation Department would prefer that you do not take one if you do not plan to use it for recycling. If one was delivered and you wish to opt out, please call 256-233-8747.
As a non-profit recycling center, what does the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center accept?
The list is LONG! Please visit What's Recyclable to learn more about the materials you can recycle at the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center.
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Please feel free to contact us at any time
if you have questions.
It is our pleasure to serve this community!
256-233-8000
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County Cardboard Recycling!
You will now see see trailers for cardboard recycling at the following county locations
East Limestone H.S.
Owens Elementary
Ardmore High School
If these trailers are properly utilized (no trash, no Styrofoam, boxes broken down), there may be more placed in additional county locations!
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Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival Jun 27 - Aug 3rd on Thursday-Saturday night of each weekend, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (CLOSED JULY 4TH)
Concessions available. Each of the rides is just one $.5o ticket. ll For more information or updates see our Facebook Page also: Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival. Summer Art Strolls Jul 26 at 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Over 20 visual artists including painters, photographers, ceramicists, potters, jewelers, mixed media artists, clothing designers, and more will be at the Limestone County Courthouse Lawn on The Square. There will be live music and children's activities. Enjoy great restaurants and old fashioned ice cream in our own downtown. Art. Experience it. Own it. For More information, contact Athens Arts League at athensartleague@gmail.com AL Championship Tractor & Truck Pull (Tanner)
Jul 26 & 27
This Tractor Truck Pull is one of the best in the nation. Make your plans today to attend at Tanner High School. Contact: 256-497-4309, 431-1292 or 256-233-7077. Fee
Ardmore Police Reserve Rodeo
Aug 2 & 3 It's time for bucking brox, calf roping, barell racing and much more at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park. Chances on Saddle tickets - $3. Annual Ardmore Rodeo T-Shirts - $10 (yth-XL) & $12 for 2XL-3XL. Advanced Rodeo tickets available at Ardmore Police Department, Adams Western Wear (Ardmore), Preston Western Wear (Athens), Roy & Rogers (Fayetteville), First National Bank (Ardmore) and Peoples State Bank of Commerce (Ardmore) - $8 for ages 6-12 & $10 for ages 13 and up. RODEO QUEEN CONTEST - ages 1-21. $25 to enter. Get your form today!! NEW this year: Kid Fun Zone with Pony Rides, Military Flight Simulators & Boys & Girls Club Face Painting. Contact ardmorepdreserves@hotmail.com or at Ardmore Police Dept. Contact: 256-423-2146. Fee Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days Aug 2 & 3 Antique Tractor ride on Aug 2nd on the Rails to Trails; Hays Mill to Elkmont. Contact: 256-431-6226, 256-431-0619, 256-431-12316 Fee Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call Aug 3 at 8:00 AM All veterans are invited to the museum for breakfast and a time of fellowship with fellow veterans. Contact 256-771-7578. Athens Cruise In on the Square Aug 3 The monthly Cruise In is held the 1st Saturday night of each month - Apr - Oct. Bring your antique vehicle and park around the square. Enjoy delicious dishes offered by our downtown restaurants. Come early and check out the great buys at the downtown businesses. Be sure and get you an ice cream cone at Limestone Drug or milk shake at Kreme Delight. Make it a family night. Contact Tom at 256-457-9179.
Red Devil Rock Show
Aug 3 at 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Join the fun at the Elkmont Baseball Fields, Vaughn St., Elkmont, AL 35620. Tickets: $15-$75. Headlining will be the Americana/Rock collective, Banditos. A band known for being famously eclectic and recalling the sounds of Creedence Clearwater Revival and tributes to Aretha Franklin, they really make your feet stomp to the beat. The band is comprised of Timothy Parsons on guitar and vocals, Steven Pierce II on vocals and banjo, Mary Richardson on vocals and tambourine, Randy Wade on the drums, Jeffery Vines on the upright bass, and Jeffery Salter on the electric guitar and lap steel. The line-up also includes local Athens band Spiral Down South, Georgia natives Poanna, Missouri musician Riley Downing and more. Along with many other side acts who will be gracing the Second Stage. Contact Chris Hagood at chagood06@gmail.com, 256.777.7027, www.reddevilrockshow.org , or www.facebook.com/reddevilrockshow.
Ardmore Quarterback Club Car Show
Aug 10 at 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
One of the biggest and best car shows in Tennessee and Alabama is in Ardmore at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park located on Ardmore Ridge Road. Awards will be presented in 10 classes with the top five by class. All judging is done by the contestants. Live music will be provided by Microwave Dave. Six grand prize drawings will be held during the day. The AQBC Grand Prize is a 1967 Chrysler Imperial. Brand Stovall's Auto Body Shop will present cash prizes of $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500.00 for third place. A Corporate Prize of a rolling tool box valued at $4,200 will be given away by Snap-On Tools. Naylor Performance Transmission will give away a 700R transmission. $50 cash drawings will be every 10 minutes. A 50/50 drawing will also be held. Pre-enter by August 4th and the fee is $20.00. Day of Show entry fee is $25.00. Spectator admission is $5.00 per person or $15.00 per family. Children 12 and under are admitted free. John Barnes Park, 30510 Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. Contact: Rodney at 205-908-2677 or Sandy at 256-656-3413.
Singing on the Square sponsored by Champion Chevrolet
Aug 16 at 6:00 PM
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the free concert featuring Athens State Community Band of Athens, AL. Contact: 256-232-5411
Free
Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation Luncheon
August 21st 11:45AM
Held at the Limestone County Event Center on 114 W. Pryor Street. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.alhfevents.org or call 256-233-9236. Mail check to 100 Sanders Street, Athens, AL. 35611. Guest speakers will be AJH Chief Nursing Officer, Jan Lenz and Lori King-Taylor, M.Ed, Principle Consultant, Trinity Performance Soulutions.
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KALB is hosting a luncheon for school administrators and Green Team Leaders in August to get our city and county schools ready to meet recycling goals for the upcoming year.
Watch for pictures of
award recipients in next month's eNewsletter!
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