Beautify Garrard County

Grant Funding helps Garrard/Lincoln County

2011-07-31T08:34:00.000-04:00

http://www.centralkynews.com/theinteriorjournal/news/ij-grant-upgrades-park-playgrounds-20110729,0,2360334.story

Rinse & Return Pesticide Container Drop-Off - August 23, 2011

2011-07-27T20:56:00.004-04:00

FREE container disposal Tuesday, August 23, 2011 - Triple rinse your pesticide containers & bring them to the Garrard County Recycling Center between 9:00 am & 1 pm. (Sponsored by KY Dept of Ag & Solid Waste Dept) Additional info: Christopher Thomason, Garrard/Lincoln Solid Waste Area Coordinator, 859-339-3233

Solid Waste Coordinator Visits Paint Lick Elementary

2011-05-07T22:28:00.005-04:00

The Garrard Central Record, May 5, 2011- Chris Thomason from the Garrard County Solid Waste Department presented fun, fact-filled experiences for each grade level at Paint Lick Elementary School last week. The lessons addressed the importance of recycling and proper disposal of waste. Mr. Thomason said the goal of his agency is to “teach young people to grow up to be good environmental stewards.”

If elementary teachers would like to schedule a presentation for their class or entire grade level, please contact Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason at 859-339-3233 or e-mail Chris.Thomason@windstream.net.

Mr. Thomason with first graders.

Mr. Thomason with second graders.

Join the 2011 Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign and Win

2011-04-24T10:45:00.001-04:00

May 1 – June 17 – Fifth Annual Garrard County Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign starts May 1st & goes through Party on the Square, Friday, June 17th. Individuals/groups/organizations can participate by doing something such as picking up litter on a sidewalk, cleaning up a roadside, a parking lot, a wilderness trail; helping someone in need with a special maintenance/painting/ cleaning/ landscaping project; adopting a public area and planting flowers or trees; starting to personally recycle or helping others recycle. At the Party on the Square, individual participants six years of age or older may enter to win a one-night’s stay at a Kentucky State Park of choice or two Belle of Louisville tickets. A participating group may enter to win $200 cash. For more details, contact event coordinator Maria Turner, (859) 792-8923.

Garrard-Lincoln Solid Waste Management Area - One Year Anniversary

2011-04-13T17:45:00.010-04:00

By MANDY SIMPSONmsimpson@amnews.comhttp://www.centralkynews.com/amnews/

10:28 a.m. EDT, April 13, 2011

LANCASTER — The one year anniversary of Garrard-Lincoln Solid Waste Management Area provided cause for celebration at the Garrard County Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday.
Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason gave his first annual report of the joint venture, which received about $266,000 worth of grants in 2010.
The previous year, when the solid waste departments were separate, Lincoln and Garrard counties brought in roughly a combined $50,500 in grants, Judge-Executive John Wilson said.
The department used this year’s influx of funds to add six new recycling drop-off points and purchase a baler that significantly sped up the processing of recycled materials, among other things.
Garrard-Lincoln solid waste was also recently awarded a grant to place crumb rubber mulch, which is proven to reduce injuries, on the playgrounds in Logan Hubble Park.
“These are grants we’re in the front of the line for because we’ve taken a regional approach,” Thomason said.
Along with securing much more grant money, Garrard-Lincoln solid waste brought in about $115,500 of its own from recycling commodities, Thomason said. That more than doubles the $42,500 Garrard’s solid waste department made by itself in 2009.
On top of rising revenues, increased efficiency allowed Thomanson to request about $4,000 less from Garrard County’s 2010-11 budget than the previous year. He said he expects this number to drop in the coming years.
“We’re going to keep whittling away, and hopefully we’ll get to the day when solid waste is taking zero,” Thomason said.
In the meantime the county will continue getting more service for less money.
Garrard’s former solid waste department picked up garbage along about 940 miles of road in 2009. But the Garrard-Lincoln department covered more than 1,380 miles in 2010, Wilson said.
Workers collected about 500 large bags of trash along Ky. 954 alone, Thomason said.
The department is also strengthening its relationship with schools.
Tuesday, the fiscal court voted to appoint Garrard County High School students Lee Johnson and Will Price to the Solid Waste Commission so they can easily seek help for school policy making, starting green clubs and applying for environmental grants, among other things, Thomason said.
Members of the fiscal court thanked Thomason for four years of exemplary service and Wilson noted, with a smile, that the only thing Thomason could improve is changing his goal of requesting nothing from the county to contributing back to the county.
Thomason didn’t shoot down the challenge.
“I’m committed to staying here and doing everything I can for you,” he said.
http://www.centralkynews.com/amnews/news/local/amn-garrard-celebrates-improvements-in-solid-waste-program-266k-in-grants-20110413,0,1316559.story

Crumb Rubber Mulch Grant for Logan Hubble Park - April 2011

2011-04-11T13:29:00.000-04:00

Logan Hubble Park playgrounds are going to get a lot cleaner and a lot safer thanks to a grant from the KY Division of Waste Management for crumb rubber mulch. The materials for the project will use rubber from 5,100 recycled tires for the low-maintenance mulch that has been proven to significantly reduce playground injuries. A win all around!

The Bickford Waste Tire Act Bill signed March 16, 2011

2011-03-16T23:36:00.002-04:00

Signing of HB 433, The Bickford Waste Tire Act, March 16th, 2011. L-R: Chris Thomason, Garrard/Lincoln County Solid Waste Management Area Coordinator, Governor Steve Beshear, and Representative Lonnie Napier.( Representative Napier was one of the sponsors of the bill.)

Party on the Square June 17, 2011

2011-03-11T08:17:00.006-05:00

Garrard County invites folks from neighboring counties and beyond to come to The Party on the Square. The Party on the Square is part of Garrard's Annual Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign that starts May 1st of each year (since 2007) and ends with The Party on the Square on the third Friday in June in downtown Lancaster, thanking those who participated in the campaign; celebrating with live entertainment, dancing, food, games, prizes and give-a-ways. EVERYTHING IS FREE. All that's asked of guests is that they bring a lawn chair and invite a friend.
Location: Lancaster/Town Square
Time: 7-10 p.m.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Party-on-the-Square-Lancaster-Kentucky/348275921082
Information: Leslie Worley (859) 548-5080 or (859) 339-5761

Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign to start May 1, 2011

2011-03-11T08:11:00.002-05:00

Garrard County's Fifth Annual Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign starts May 1st and goes through Party on the Square, Friday, June 17th. To find out how you can take part or for more details on this year's campaign, contact event coordinator Maria Turner, (859) 792-8923.

Free Dump Days March 24-26, 2011

2011-03-11T08:06:00.001-05:00

FREE DUMP DAYS, Thurs-Sat, March 24-26, 9:00 a.m.-3 p.m., Convenience Center, Hanging Fork Rd (off Danville Rd). Questions? Call Chris Thomason, Garrard/Lincoln County Solid Waste Management Area Coordinator, 859-339-3233 or Convenience Center, 859-792-6353

Lincoln, Garrard counties add collection points for recyclables - November 2010

2010-12-01T21:09:00.005-05:00

By BEN KLEPPINGERbkleppinger@amnews.com11:09 a.m. EST, November 24, 2010

STANFORD — Recycling is about to get a lot more convenient for many residents in Lincoln and Garrard counties.By Tuesday, Lincoln-Garrard Solid Waste expects to have six new drop-off points for recycables throughout the two counties, creating much shorter commutes for some residents who recycle.

Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason said four of the new drop-offs will be in Lincoln and two will be in Garrard to complement two stations already located in that county.

Two of Lincoln’s drop-offs — at Crab Orchard city hall and next to Walmart in Stanford — already are available. Two more will be at Hustonville city hall and Waynesburg Area Rescue Squad.
Garrard’s new drop-offs will be at the Garrard County Convenience Center near the Boyle County line and at Camp Dick Fire Station No. 3 in the north end of the county.
Thomason hopes the drop-off at the convenience center will prove successful because for many Garrard residents, the convenience center is their only legal way to dispose of their trash.
“It’s our hope that since they’re already bringing their garbage there that they might separate out their recycling,” Thomason said. “That will save them money because it costs $1 a bag to dispose of their household trash. Somebody could save several dollars each time they come here.”
Thomason said it also could save the counties money because the more people recycle, the less trash the counties have to pay for to dispose of in the landfill.
The new drop-offs are only one new addition to recycling capabilities. The solid waste program recently has received several major upgrades, thanks to a $169,167 grant from the state Division of Solid Waste.
The program received a $68,000 baler that substantially speeds up how fast recycling materials can be processed and a $12,000 conveyor belt that speeds up sorting paper, Thomason said.
“This machine (conveyor belt) replaces a wooden table, so it’s quite an upgrade for us,” he said. “With this new baler, we can bale our plastic and aluminum and steel cans in about a fourth of the time.”
The grant also provided a steel container at the Garrard County Convenience Center to hold electronics, and recycling bins on the Lancaster Public Square and at Logan-Hubble Memorial Park.
The grant, which was awarded in June, was the third of its kind in as many years that Thomason has applied for and received. Thomason, who headed up Garrard’s Solid Waste Department before the counties merged efforts, received a $50,000 grant from the Kentucky Pride Fund in 2009 and a $10,000 one in 2008.
In July, he credited the merging of the two counties’ solid waste efforts as the main reason he was able to pull down more than three times as much as his previous grant.
For Thomason, recycling is about a lot more than shrinking the amount of waste going to landfills.
“Recycling is about energy independence, recycling is about conservation and it’s about jobs,” he said. “The recycling industry is a huge industry in this country. It provides jobs at paper mills and plastic manufacturing plants all across the country. I think a lot of people don’t realize that when they recycle, they’re not just keeping it out of the landfill, but they’re providing somebody a job.”

Pickin' On The Porch - Litter Free Event

2010-09-28T10:28:00.012-04:00

Pickin' on the Porch at Nina Ridge Country Store, Friday, September 17th, was a Litter Free event. Address: 1497 Nina Ridge Road, Lancaster, KY.

Oldies at the Ford Garage - Litter Free Event

2010-08-31T05:55:00.009-04:00

Heads turned as cars passed the corner of Crab

Orchard and Stanford Streets Friday night, August 20, 2010 - canopy, balloons, chairs, old people, young people, middle-aged people, laughing and talking; old cars lined up and Elvis waved at passers-by as his music blared from a jukebox… 215 Stanford Street, Lancaster, was the place to be – it was hopping! It was Third Friday, Oldies at the Ford Garage.

What started out to be a “50’s Night”, with jukebox music, root beer floats, penny candy and bubble gum, including a tour of Charles Brummett’s mini-museum showcasing memorabilia from autos to Roy Rogers and checking-out his restored 1952 Chevy Pickup truck, turned into a wonderful step-back into the late 20’s and early 30’s when Brummett invited members of his Central Kentucky Model A Restorers Club to join us.

Word quickly spreads in a small town and not only did we have about 22 Model A Cars, including two Model A’s and one camper that had just returned from a two-month road trip to Alaska; but we also had a spontaneous turnout of great guys and gals, bringing their customized, trophy-winning and works-in-progress cars from no set era, giving us even more memories.

No way for an accurate headcount, but attendance was great! Guests signing the guestbook included folks from Lancaster, Crab Orchard, Stanford, Louisville, Shepherdsville, Paint Lick, Nicholasville, Danville, Irvine, Newport and Richmond; and two foreign exchange students – one from Kazakhstan and one from Tajikistan. (One-hundred-sixty free root beer floats were served. Donations accepted.)

Make your next event a LITTER FREE EVENT

2010-07-19T09:31:00.016-04:00

How To Make Your Next Event A “LITTER FREE EVENT”

Solid Waste Management will help you plan. Call: Chris Thomason, Garrard/Lincoln Solid Waste Management Area Coordinator, 859-339-3233.

Commit to litter-free event.

Include in pre-event planning.

Assign one person to coordinate.

Notify vendors, exhibitors, staff and volunteers that they are participating in a litter-free event and give guidelines, i.e., encourage them to leave their spaces and adjoining public areas clean, let them know where they can dump their trash, etc.

Provide a sufficient number of well-marked trash and recycling receptacles, making sure they are conveniently located, paying special attention to areas near food venues and eating-places. (Remember cigarette butt receptacles.)

Have a place to empty both trash and recycling receptacles. Depending on size and length of event, this could require renting a dumpster. Talk with hauler about delivery, pick up, and suggested size for event. For large events, Solid Waste can provide recycle trailer.

Advertise as “Litter Free Event” both before and during event.

Place signs and banners in key locations, reminding visitors to properly dispose of trash.

Think about smokers. Can you provide portable or pocket ashtrays at the entrance or alert them that there are strategically placed cigarette butt receptacles located throughout the grounds of event?

Make announcements during event, reminding visitors to properly dispose of trash, including cigarettes.

Assign volunteers to:

· Walk through event and pick up litter.

· Empty trashcans and recycling containers as soon as they are full – making sure they do not overflow.

· After event is over, fan-out over grounds and pick up any litter.

Solid Waste Management* can provide:

3’ x 8’ Litter Free Event banner.

24” x 18” Litter Free Event signs (commonly called “yard signs”/easy to place throughout event).

Vests with wording on back: “make this a LITTER FREE EVENT” (for cleanup crew, or ?).

Extra trashcans (Solid Waste is not responsible for emptying trashcans).

Plastic bags for trashcans (for “extra” trashcans only – see above).

Grabber/reachers for trash pick up.

Recycling trailer.

* Solid Waste Management does not provide event volunteers.

July 2010

Photo Albums: Party on the Square 2010

2010-06-28T08:31:00.002-04:00

Two great photo albums from Party on the Square:

We hope you enjoy and please feel free to share, download and/or print.

http://picasaweb.google.com/garysefcak/PartyOnTheSquare2010Sefcak#

http://picasaweb.google.com/garysefcak/PartyOnTheSquare2010Hollis#

A wonderful evening in Lancaster...

2010-06-28T08:27:00.002-04:00

Friday, June 18th, was a wonderful evening in Lancaster. Hundreds and hundreds of families and friends of Garrard County, estimated at well over 1,000 and up to 2,000, gathered for the biggest Party on the Square to date.

Watching families enjoying time together, hearing kids say, “I don’t want to go home,” seeing the smiles on the faces of both the co-hosts working the booths and party guests was something to behold.

Thank you to all of our 62 co-hosts, most of which included many members, and the many separate individuals who worked together to make this event possible. (Co-hosts are listed on this blog.)

Space does not allow us to list everyone by name but we would like to mention Farmers National Bank, Solid Waste Management, T.E.A.C.H., and Melvin and Linda Price and thank them for their foundational support on which others have built. We would also like to thank Ag Credit for coming to us and wanting to be a part of Party on the Square and for bringing us WoodSongs Festival Stage.

And, we would like to thank everyone who actively participated in our Fourth Annual Garrard County Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign and to congratulate to Louise Dunham, Mark Hurte, Linda Wardlow, Mary Harris and Michelle Jones for winning the drawing-gifts at Party on the Square.

Karla Sefcak, Coordinator, Party on the Square 2010

Lancaster cleans up, celebrates with Party on Square

2010-06-28T08:17:00.001-04:00

By Ben Kleppinger
bkleppinger@amnews.com June 19, 2010

LANCASTER — More than 1,000 people showed up in downtown Lancaster Friday evening for the fourth year of the anti-litter Party on the Square.

Throughout the evening, people enjoyed live music and free food, kids played in a bouncy castle and blew bubbles, and everyone did their best to recycle and keep the square clean.

The Party on the Square is the culminating event of Garrard County’s annual six-week anti-litter beautification campaign. Party organizer Karla Sefcak said this is the second year the party has been big enough to fill all four quadrants of the Public Square.

Some of the biggest additions to the party this year included a live performance from Owenton-based bluegrass band Kentucky Wild Horse and the Party on the Square Art Show. Sefcak said in coming years, she’s hopeful the art aspect of the party can expand and fill an entire quadrant of the square on its own.

As part of the party’s growing art trend, Arts Council CO-president Kristin Long was on hand, helping people paint a large, paint-by-number drawing of what the old Lancaster Grand Theater will look like when renovations are complete.

Garrard/Lincoln Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason said he’s hopeful Garrard’s party model can be replicated in Lincoln County. A Party-on-the-Square style event in Stanford could be very successful, if the right group of dedicated people can be found to lead and organize it, he said.

“One person can’t do this,” he said. “You’ve got to have ... a group of people to get it off the ground.”

For an event as large as the Party on the Square, it takes at least six months of planning, Thomason said. Still, he said he’s hopeful an event could be held in Stanford next year.

Copyright: AMNews.com 2010

Garrard's Party on the Square attracts statewide attention

2010-06-28T08:08:00.007-04:00

By Ben Kleppinger
bkleppinger@amnews.com June 16, 2010

LANCASTER — Garrard County is starting to get a statewide reputation for its partying, and many local officials are quite proud of the fact.

That’s because Garrard County’s reputation isn’t the kind people try to hide in polite company; it’s a reputation for litter-free, environmentally-friendly, grassroots, cooperative partying.

Garrard County will celebrate its fifth “Party on the Square” on Friday as a culmination of its annual, six-week-long anti-littering campaign. The party has grown bigger every year, and other counties are beginning to take notice.

Garrard tourism spokeswoman Karla Sefcak came up with the idea for the original campaign and party in 2007 as a way to educate Garrard residents about litter issues and promote cooperation among local groups who might not otherwise run into each other. She recently sat down with solid waste coordinators from across the state and briefed them on the success of the program in Garrard.

Mary Dickey, chairwoman of Solid Waste Coordinators of Kentucky and solid waste coordinator for Boone County, said after hearing from Sefcak, she and other solid waste coordinators decided they would like to take some of Garrard’s best practices back to their own counties.

“It got a whole lot of us pretty darn excited about doing something similar,” she said. “We all do community events, but this kind of event that offers the little contests, the music, the food ... it just looks like a wonderful way for families to spend time together.”

Every year, the beautification campaign in Garrard lasts six weeks. During that time, organizers, county officials and local residents work to encourage people to clean up the environment around them in a variety of ways, such as cleaning a roadside, picking up litter in public places, beginning to recycle or planting trees.

The goal is grassroots change, where neighbors are helping neighbors and better environmental practices are spreading naturally by word of mouth, Sefcak said.

“The idea has been based on ‘give vs. get,’ and people that take part in it, they’re giving to the community and they’re wanting to give,” she said. “I think that’s what makes it a success.”

Everyone pitches in

The campaign ends with the Party on the Square, a free event without official sponsors, put on with help from local individuals, groups and businesses. Sefcak said everyone just gives what they can to help the party happen.

“Whether it’s a pecan pie or whether it’s $200 or $600 from a business that has money, they’re equal,” she said. “We need all of it.”

More than 60 different groups from inside and outside of Garrard County are participating in this year’s party. The party features live music, dancing, food and drinks and serves an educational purpose as well.

Garrard/Lincoln Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason said the ability to educate as many as 1,000 people at the party about solid waste projects helps improve Garrard’s chances of landing grant money for further improving its environmental record.

Thomason said the public education aspect of many grant applications can weigh as heavily as 20 percent on the final outcome. The beautification campaign and party help him prove Garrard’s residents are informed and involved, something grant review committees like to see, he said.

Holding parties on the square definitely has helped Garrard County land grant money, including grants that helped improve recycling in the county, Thomason said.

Sefcak thinks Garrard’s model for its campaign and party is an option for other communities around the state if local officials are willing to embrace it.

“I think it is portable to other areas,” she said. “I think that they would need leadership, with a vision of where they’re going.”

In Boone County, Dickey said one obstacle she’s facing in implementing ideas borrowed from Garrard is the sheer population size of her county — Boone is at the edge of Cincinnati and has more than 115,000 residents. But that’s not turning her off of the idea.

“We want to do it,” she said. “I’ve been doing solid waste management for over 20 years, and it’s reminded me why I do this. It’s the people in our communities that we care about.”

Copyright: AMNews.com 2010

Andrea Walker to Sing at Party on the Square June 18th

2010-05-16T20:20:00.007-04:00

Andrea Walker, Miss Kentucky 2009 Second Runner-Up & voted Miss Congeniality, is scheduled to sing at Party on the Square during the 8:35 PM set.

Always an audience favorite, this will be Andrea's third appearance at Party on the Square.

Miss Teen America 2010 to Sing at Party on the Square

2010-04-28T14:55:00.007-04:00

Katie Himes, Miss Teen America 2010, will sing at Party on the Square in Lancaster, June 18th. This will be Katie’s second appearance at Party on the Square. Last year, as reigning Miss Kentucky Teen America, she sang for us and we’re so pleased to welcome her back.

Katie will be performing one number in the 8:35 - 9:05 PM set.

Party on the Square to be Litter Free Event

2010-04-20T21:28:00.006-04:00

For the second year in a row, The Party on the Square has been designated a Litter Free Event by Bluegrass PRIDE. (Look for their booth at the party on June 18th.)

Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) provides environmental resources and information to schools, community groups, local governments and citizens in Central Kentucky.

For more information on PRIDE's campaigns which focus on water quality and solid waste, please check out their website: http://www.bgpride.org/. Bluegrass PRIDE is a 501(c)3 organization.

Earth Day Festival 2010

2010-04-19T08:06:00.013-04:00

April 17th was the Fifth Annual Garrard County Earth Day Festival. Solid Waste Management and the Solid Waste Committee enjoyed a beautiful day at The County Fair Grounds, being a part of this activity; and we're pleased to say we have actively participated each year. (sponsored by T.E.A.C.H.).

Harlan Bratton greets festival goers.

Maria Turner, Karla Sefcak and Chris Thomason, work booth.

Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason and wife Ashley get a bite to eat.

Dorothy Delong and Brenda Powers work with our Children's Crafts. (above)

Ashley Thomason gives a much-needed hand at craft table. (below)

Solid Waste to be at Earth Day Festival

2010-04-15T22:51:00.007-04:00

Come by Solid Waste Management Booth at Garrard County's Fifth Annual Earth Day Festival this Sat., April 17th, 10 AM-5 PM, commit to actively participate in Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign starting May 1st & enter drawing to win official CLEAN-UP KIT that will go to one Earth-Day visitor. Kit includes: 40” grabber, box 30 gal. bags, cotton gloves, hand sanitizer & official campaign t-shirt. (Winner still eligible to enter drawing at Party on the Square. T-shirts can be purchased at Earth Day for our cost, $7.)

Update 4 18 2010: Solid Waste Management is very pleased to announce that the CLEAN-UP KIT was won by a 9 year old girl who attends Camp Dick Robinson Elementary.

Kentucky Wild Horse to play at Party on the Square

2010-04-10T22:17:00.003-04:00

KENTUCKY WILD HORSE (Acoustic/Roots Music/Bluegrass Band from Owenton, KY), to play on AgCredit’s WoodSongs Festival Stage at “Party on the Square,” June 18th, Lancaster. They’ll be following our tradition by playing line-dance music, will add some clogging, and make the party a night of toe-tapping, foot-stomping, great dancing fun for the whole family. First set at 7:50 P.M.

Visit Kentucky Wild Horse at: http://www.myspace.com/kentuckywildhorse

AgCredit's WoodSongs Festival Stage coming to Party on the Square

2010-03-29T17:33:00.039-04:00

AgCredit's WoodSongs Festival Stage is coming to Party on the Square June 18th, featuring bluegrass & folk musicians from Central Kentucky. All have either played at WoodSongs Home-Town Radio Hour or are in line to. Forty-minute sets start at 7:50 PM & 9:05 PM.

Many of you know the great talent that will be coming as you are familiar with, or have been to tapings of, The WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, a live-audience, internationally syndicated radio show taped in Lexington & broadcast on over 493 radio stations, XM Satellite Radio, American Forces Radio Network worldwide, Internet streaming, MP3 and MP4 podcasting & shown on PBS-TV stations nationwide.

http://agcreditonline.com/

http://www.woodsongs.com/

Native Plantings to Beautify Entrances to Lancaster

2010-03-27T22:17:00.009-04:00

BLUEGRASS PRIDE NATIVE PLANTS BEAUTIFICATION GRANT ($1,000) awarded to Garrard County.

Native plants will soon beautify entrances into Lancaster, blooming June-October.

June/July= Bee Balm, Slender Mountain Mint, Little Bluestem. Sept/Oct= Narrow Leaved Sunflower, Smooth Blue Aster, Prairie Dropseed. June/July= Purple Coneflower, Orange Coneflower, Little Bluestem. June-Sept.= Hairy Wild Petunia, Rough-fruited St. John's-wort, Side-oats Grama.

Brownie Troop 133 will plant in May, assisted by Farmer’s Market & Nature’s Thyme Herb Club. If you would like to help, call Maria Turner, project coordinator, 859-792-8923.

Planting design by: http://www.dropseednursery.com/

Miss Kentucky Teen American 2010 Wesley Ware to sing at Party on the Square

2010-03-22T23:21:00.008-04:00

Miss Kentucky Teen America 2010 title holders will be our guests at the Party on the Square this year, Friday, June 18th. We'll meet them at 8 PM in front of the courthouse and reigning Queen Wesley Ware will be singing Taylor Swift’s “Hey Stephen”, accompanying herself on guitar. Please join us in giving all of these wonderful young ladies a great big Garrard County welcome!

To meet the girls now, please go to the official Miss Kentucky Teen American Website: http://www.misskentuckyteenamerica.com/id14.html

Garrard, Lincoln Counties merging solid waste efforts

2010-03-11T09:28:00.005-05:00

STANFORD — "The whirlwind romance between the solid waste programs in Garrard and Lincoln counties took another step toward matrimony Tuesday when Lincoln Fiscal Court approved first reading of an ordinance that will merge the two into the Garrard/Lincoln Solid Waste Management Area"...

For complete story, read article by Todd Kleffman: http://www.amnews.com/stories/2010/03/10/loc.237367.sto

1st Annual Garrard County Party on the Square Art Show

2010-02-26T01:56:00.006-05:00

"GARRARD RENAISSANCE, MAKING OLD THINGS NEW". The 1st Annual Garrard County Party on the Square Art Show, at The Party on the Square, Fri., June 18^th, 7-10 PM, Lancaster Higher Education Center, Lancaster Town Square. 2D Artwork, 3D Artwork & Photography/Digital Image.

Sponsored by Lancaster Higher Education Center and The Arts Council, in conjunction with The Garrard County Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign and Party on the Square.

DETAILS: http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B7kyVUfBFawMZGZlNjIyMzMtZDliMy00NzcwLWExMTEtMGMzY2JiN2FmNWNl&hl=en

ENTRY FORM http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B7kyVUfBFawMZGYyNzY0N2UtNGQ3OS00ODQ4LTk2MzItNTVlNGE5MDNiNDFh&hl=en

Grant provides money to clean two large illegal dumps/Education stops dumping

2010-02-14T12:42:00.026-05:00

LANCASTER — "Hidden in the northeastern woods of Garrard County is a giant pile of trash, known as the Old Monahan Farm Dump.

"The decades-old pile of wood, appliances, plastic, glass and metal lies against the side of a 20-foot cliff and stretches nearly to the top.

"Swaths of torn garbage bags and a bright green garden hose hang from the cliff wall at the top of the pile like forgotten party streamers. Giant tractor tires, rotting furniture, a rusted 55-gallon drum and even an old wet-dry vacuum lie scattered around the bottom."

See link for complete article by Ben Kleppinger (bkleppinger@amnews.com), published in The Advocate-Messenger, Danville.http://www.amnews.com/stories/2010/02/13/loc.104091.sto

"Garrard County Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason takes a photo of a portion of the Cone Farm Dump with his cell phone. The Cone Farm Dump, which stretches as long as a football field and contains an estimated 277 cubic yards of trash, is one of two in northeastern Garrard County getting cleaned up using grant money from the Kentucky Pride program." (Photo & quote from Ben Kleppinger, AMNews.)

Photo: Ben Kleppinger AMNews

Fiscal Court supports reform to state program handling discarded tires

2010-02-11T01:16:00.007-05:00

LANCASTER — "Garrard Fiscal Court has come out in support of an effort to reform the way the state handles funds designated for cleaning up discarded tires..."

See link for complete article by Ben Kleppinger (bkleppinger@amnews.com), published in The Advocate-Messenger, Danville.

http://www.amnews.com/stories/2010/02/09/loc.729410.sto

Garrard officials working on tire legislation

2010-01-31T07:37:00.009-05:00

FRANKFORT — "When it comes to handling the problem of waste tires in Kentucky, some solid waste coordinators say state efforts are top-heavy and irresponsible with taxpayers’ money.

Now Garrard County officials are working on legislation to clean up excessive administrative spending and get grant funding for programs like tire amnesties firing on all cylinders again..."

See link for complete article by Ben Kleppinger (bkleppinger@amnews.com), published in The Advocate-Messenger, Danville.

http://www.amnews.com/stories/2010/01/29/loc.796519.sto

Co-Hosts: Party on the Square June 18th

2010-01-29T08:57:00.058-05:00

Each co-host of The Party on the Square plays an important part in the over-all success of Garrard County’s Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign. When the campaign starts in May, the community enthusiastically looks forward to this party. A great big thanks goes out to each and everyone listed below. (List will be updated as more co-hosts are added.)

Farmers National Bank
Solid Waste Management
T.E.A.C.H.
Ag Credit
Bluegrass PRIDE
Cash Express
Christian Care Center
Council on International Educational Exchange
Cundiff Chiropractic
Daniel Boone Chapter of American Red Cross
Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center
First Presbyterian Church
Garrard County Arts Council
Garrard County Chamber of Commerce
Garrard County Farm Bureau Federation
Garrard County Humane Society
Garrard County Public Library
Garrard County Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival
Kentucky Army National Guard
Lancaster Higher Education Center
Lancaster Veterinary Center
Lil’ Tin Purse
Meadow View Farms
Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club
Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center
Poor Ridge Productions
TLC Stables
UK Cooperative Extension
Whitaker Bank
Ale-8-One
Belle of Louisville
Bluegrass Portables
Bryantsville United Methodist
Central Kentucky Federal Savings Bank
Central Record
City of Lancaster
DART Sanitation
Farmer's Market
First Southern National Bank
Garrard County Chapter AARP
Garrard County Fiscal Court
Garrard County High School Football Team
Garrard County Public Schools
Hasty's Grocery
Herrington Lake Marina
Inflatable Fun, LLC
Integrity Metals
Kentucky State Department of Parks
Lancaster City Council
Lancaster Florist & Gifts
Lancaster Masonic Lodge #104
Lancaster Volunteer Fire Dept
Lancaster Women's Club
Linda’s Custom Sports Apparel
Mariachis
McDonald's
Owsley House
Partners for Progress
Ramsey Funeral Home
Rhodus Garbage Service
Tudor Printing
And many individuals from both Garrard County and surrounding areas

Co-hosts as of 05/14/2010

Party on the Square, June 18th, 2010, 7-10 PM, Lancaster Town Square

2010-01-29T08:56:00.027-05:00

Plans are underway for our Party on the Square 2010, a night when the whole community comes together to thank those who participated in our Fourth Annual Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign, to look forward to a year of growing community spirit, and to just have a great, old fashioned block party.

EVERYTHING IS FREE. Nothing is sold.

There’s laughter and hugs, seeing friends you haven’t seen in a long time; a chance to talk about “old times” and to make new memories… there’s something for everyone: 1) Live music and line dancing in front of the courthouse, 2) An art show and crafts to make in the library quadrant, 3) Games for the young and the young at heart in front of Whitaker Bank, and 4) food (all-beef hotdogs, drinks, dessert, popcorn) served in our food court in front of First Southern National Bank.

Mix with this some great booths and you have an evening of clean, wholesome family entertainment…

We’ll have the Anti-Litter/Beautification campaign drawings at 9:45 p.m. on the courthouse steps. ($100 cash, Herrington Lake Marina one-day pontoon boat rental, one-night stay at Kentucky State Park Lodge of choice, two tickets for Belle of Louisville boat ride, gift basket from Pattie A. Clay, and one of two gift bags from Lancaster Higher Education Center. For information on how to enter drawing, see Categories Posted (in left-hand columnt): "2010 Anti-Litter/Beautification" .

Please join us on the square. Remember, EVERYTHING IS FREE. Just bring a lawn chair, come hungry and be prepared to enjoy an evening with family and friends.

Please check back often, as we’ll be posting more exciting party details.

Updated: 3 28 10

Free Dump Days March 25-27, 2010

2010-01-29T00:40:00.006-05:00

Free Dump Days, Convenience Center off of Highway 52 on Hanging Fork Rd., Thursday-Saturday, March 25, 26, 27, 9 AM to 3 PM daily. Everything dumped for free with the following exceptions: $1 per bag for household garbage and $2 for tires. Construction debris is weighed and charged normal fee. No propane tanks or hazardous waste accepted.

See Categories Posted (left-hand column), "Free Dump Days": Entry dated Sept. 1, 2009, for additional information.

2010 Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign May 1st thru June 18th

2010-01-28T23:12:00.032-05:00

Beautify Garrard County is pleased to host Garrard County's fourth annual Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign starting May 1st and ending Friday, June 18th, with The Party on the Square in downtown Lancaster, from 7-10 p.m.

The campaign promotes litter clean-up and beautification in Garrard County; encourages personal commitment and community pride, with neighbors coming together to make a difference.

Individuals/groups/organizations can participate by wearing green Campaign T-Shirts (or something green) on Mondays (or "Casual Friday's") during the campaign and by doing something such as picking up litter on a sidewalk, cleaning up a roadside, a parking lot, a wilderness trail; helping someone in need with a special maintenance/painting/ cleaning/ landscaping project; adopting a public area and planting flowers or trees; starting to personally recycle or helping neighbors start by taking their recyclables to The Recycling Center, 400. S. Campbell St., Lancaster. If you live in Lancaster or own a business, consider calling 859-792-1868 to start Curbside Recycling. (see Categories Posted, "Campaign T-Shirt": find out how to buy an official t-shirt from Linda's Custom Sports Apparel in Lancaster.)

Take part in the campaign and become eligible to win one of the great prizes to be given away at The Party on the Square. These include: $100 cash, Herrington Lake Marina one-day pontoon boat rental, a one-night stay at a Kentucky State Park Lodge of choice, two Belle of Louisville tickets, a gift basket from Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center and one of two gifts from Lancaster Higher Education Center.

How to enter contest: At The Party on the Square, write down on a piece of paper, in ten words or less, what you did during the campaign and put this, along with your name, address and phone number into the designated entry box at The Solid Waste Booth, located in the First Southern National Bank quadrant. Drawings (for the prizes listed above) will be at 9:45 p.m. in front of the Court House. (All persons entering contest must be at least six years of age and either live in or work in Garrard County.)

For suggestions on roads or specific clean-up areas, call Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason at 859-792-3821 or 859-338-3233. If you are cleaning on public property, please ask coordinator about free garbage bags and pick-up. Trash from public areas can be dumped for free at Convenience Center but this must be Ok'd by Solid Waste Coordinator before dumping. If you have questions about possibility of dumping debris from private property (where you are helping someone), check with Solid Waste Coordinator.

We’d love to see pictures and hear about your campaign activities. Please e-mail pictures and summaries to beautifygarrard@gmail.com. Pictures become the property of Beautify Garrard County and may be published for publicity purposes.

Calendar of Events: 2010

2010-01-18T07:08:00.027-05:00

Garrard County Solid Waste Committee will have a presence at the following events:

October 21st, 22nd, 23rd: Free Dump Days
See Categories Posted (left-hand column), "Free Dump Days", for detailed information

October: Paint Lick Village Fest
Details to be posted

September: Rural Heritage Festival
Details to be posted

August: Tobacco Cutting Contest
Details to be posted

July: Paint Lick Sportsman's Club Wild Game Cook-off
Details to be posted

June 21st - 26th: County Fair
Garrard County Fair Grounds
Details to be posted

June 18th (Friday): Party on the Square

Lancaster Town Square 7-10 PM

Free music, food, games, fun. Bring lawn chair

For details, see blog entries: "2010 Party on the Square"

Call: 859-792-6704

May 1st (Saturday): Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign begins

For details, see blog entries: "2010 Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign"

Call: 859-792-6704

April 17th (Saturday): Earth Day Festival

Garrard County Fair Grounds

Details to be posted

March 25th, 26th, 27th: Free Dump Days

See Categories Posted (left-hand column), "Free Dump Days".for detailed information.

March 21st - 27th: Commonwealth Clean-up Week

Solid Waste Management Annual Report 2009

2010-01-12T08:56:00.005-05:00

Garrard County Fiscal Court Meeting Monday, January 11.

The Fiscal Court heard Chris Thomason’s annual solid waste management report, which had some interesting statistics. Recycling in Garrard has been growing solidly and Chris is hopeful that growth will continue. He also mentioned that of the many things solid waste has gone out to pick up from people, one of the items was an airplane. Not many solid waste coordinators can say they’ve disposed of an airplane.

(Source: (http://kyvoice.com/garrardcounty/. Author Ben Kleppinger. Danville Advocate.)

Cash for Trash

2009-11-14T14:23:00.004-05:00

FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS for BACKPACK PROGRAM. Volunteers spent Saturday morning, November 14th, cleaning county roads as part of Solid Waste Management’s Cash for Trash program, earning $500 for the Backpack Program. The program sends home weekend food with over 300 needy children from our three elementary schools. To help our children, call: 859-792-8745. (L-R: Tom, Shari, Brenda, Jackie, Simon, Brad & Karla enjoy lunch at Smith’s Restaurant in Lancaster after road clean-up. Eighth volunteer, Leslie, not shown.)

GREEN AND GROWING

2009-11-01T10:27:00.009-05:00

"Garrard's recycling program hits its stride."

Please read the lead article on the front page of The Kentucky Advocate's Sunday, November 1st, edition, outlining the history of Garrard County's Recycling Program and highlighting its growth; written by Ben Kleppinger.

http://www.amnews.com/stories/2009/11/01/loc.031486.sto

Ben, thank you for your reporting and a story well written!

(Picture to left: Machine used to bail cardboard, located at The Garrard County Recycling Center, 400 S. Campbell St, Lancaster.)

Meet the Folks of Garrard County

2009-10-31T23:24:00.011-04:00

Please check out this great 90 second promotional video. "It's Garrard County", first published on YouTube October 30^th, 2009 and share it with your friends via E-Mail, Facebook, link to this website, etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9TIEGvz164.

Written/Directed by: Nathan Mick (nathan.mick@gmail.com)

Produced by: Park W. Young (www.parkerwyoung.com)

Thank you to all who who helped make The Party on the Square possible

2009-10-31T22:30:00.010-04:00

Wow! Another year has come and gone… that is, if you count the years by “The Party on the Square”…

I want to give a great big thank you to everyone who had a part in making the party a fantastic success. Forty-nine groups/businesses/organizations played an active role in some way, not to mention the entertainers and many individual citizens. There is no way I can describe everyone’s contribution in this letter, but I do want to acknowledge four who are the foundation on which others have built.

Melvin Price, our soundman/MC, you have been with us since the very first- even when your store burned, you were there for us. (And Linda Price, for all of your behind-the-scenes work and the scores of green campaign t-shirts we see around the county.)

Roger Miller and Farmer’s National Bank- you’ve bought our all-beef hotdogs and buns for three parties and you’ve been there with your great employees, rolling up your shirtsleeves and helping out in any way you can.

Chris Thomason, Coordinator, Solid Waste Management, you were hired just before Earth Day 2007 and on June 1st of that year, we had our first party. Thanks to you, we had a second party that year and Solid Waste Management was able to help fund it and joins Farmer’s National Bank as one of our two largest financial contributors.

Shari Bivaleque and Leslie Worley from T.E.A.C.H., two of my very best friends. Thank you for always asking, “What can we do to help?”- for your encouragement since day one, and for T.E.A.C.H.’s financial support.

We’ve grown, from an idea three years ago, to this year, having four quadrants full of fun. I so much appreciate the enthusiastic thoughts expressed by so many people involved.

Everyone who helped with setup, concessions and cleanup couldn’t have worked harder, as they pulled together to get their jobs done. (My hat goes off to them a thousand times!!) But, there was one big problem. Even though, as stated above, we had 49 groups/businesses/organizations helping in some way, we did not have enough help in this area.

So that’s why, as I look forward to the third Friday in June 2010 and our annual Party on the Square, I’m sending out this S.O.S. now. We need volunteers who will commit to donating about an hour-and-a-half of their time to help with setup, concessions or cleanup. With your help, we can share the load and everyone can have a wonderful time, perhaps making new friends while volunteering and then talking to old ones while enjoying the rest of the party.

Please consider taking an active role in your community and joining those already helping with The Party on the Square. Call me at 859-792-6704 or e-mail beautifygarrard@gmail.com and ask to be added to the Party on the Square volunteer list and I’ll contact you in 2010.

Karla Sefcak, Coordinator,Beautify Garrard County, Letter to the Editor, Garrard County Central Record, June 25th.

Party on the Square June 19, 2009 Photo Album

2009-10-25T10:08:00.019-04:00

A 20 foot banner greets motorists on 27, inviting them to The Party on the Square.

Becky Hacker, Solid Waste Committee Chairperson, explains contest to one of our guests.

We gave away 1,620 all beef hotdogs.

and over 2,000 drinks.

There was a variety of great music

and fun line dancing.

All we ask of our guests is that they come to have fun and bring a lawn chair.

Grandpa and grandsons enjoying themselves.

The bouncy house is always a hit.

All ages love Ronald McDonald. Hey Ronald, Thanks so much for coming!

Wonder if this was the first time these fellows have milked a cow?

Great photo-op for all ages.

Lancaster Mayor Don Rinthen (L) and Garrard County Judge-Executive John Wilson (R) support The Party on the Square.

Our Party theme: We (heart) Garrard County, Don't Litter.

Earth Day Festival 2009

2009-10-25T00:53:00.009-04:00

April 25^th was the Fourth Annual Garrard County Earth Day Festival. Each year it is held at The County Fairgrounds and Solid Waste Management and The Solid Waste Committee always look forward to an active role in this community event (sponsored by T.E.A.C.H.).

Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason and Solid Waste Committee Chairperson Becky Hacker standing at table beside our booth, notice the "I (heart) Garrard County Do Not Litter" banner to the right.

Dorothy DeLong, Solid Waste Committee person, helps young man with crafts. Dorothy introduced crafts to our booth this year and they were well received.

Karla Sefcak, Solid Waste Committee member, is interviewed by Charlie Perry with HomeTownRadio 1230, Danville.

Harlan Bratton, Solid Waste Committee member, talks with Festivalgoer.

Rural Heritage Festival 2009

2009-10-24T21:41:00.008-04:00

Garrard County Solid Waste Management and The Solid Waste Committee partnered with T.E.A.C.H. to host booth and sponsor a float at Garrard County’s Annual Rural Heritage Festival Oct. 11^th & 12^th.

Our brightly colored booth attracted a lot of attention. In addition to giving away free-b’s and educational materials, Solid Waste had a drawing to give away a basket of environmentally friendly kitchen and bathroom products, and T.E.A.C.H. gave away a $25 gift certificate to Wal-Mart to the person who correctly guessed how many plastic lids were in the two gallon jar. We took turns manning the booth. In picture, L-R: Deborah Messenger and Karla Sefcak, committee members, and our friend Andy Cooper.

Here comes the parade and here comes our float… pulled by committee member Harlan Bratton in his pickup, with Chris Thomason, Solid Waste Coordinator in green shirt, and T.E.A.C.H. members Shari Bivelacque, Tom Lake and Mary Gabhart riding in the back.

T.E.A.C.H. and Dorothy DeLong, committee member, decorated our new recycling trailer to look like a giant yellow litterbug. Guess what? We didn’t loose one of those cans.

The Solid Waste Committee and T.E.A.C.H. enjoy a good working relationship. T.E.A.C.H. helps host The Party on the Square each year and Solid Waste Management has a booth and helps at The Annual Earth Day Festival hosted by T.E.A.C.H. (at the Garrard County Fair Grounds).

Free Dump Days in Pictures

2009-10-23T06:07:00.016-04:00

Solid Waste Management sponsors Free Dump Days each year: three days in the spring, three in the fall. People drop of unwanted items to be disposed of properly but many do not realize how much work is involved to process properly.

Solid Waste Committee volunteer Smitty Oliver checks person in.

Large trucks bring in empty dumpsters and haul filled ones away. Heavy equipment prepares to load dumpsters.

Picture shows just a few of the item-types that are brought in. (What cannot be recycled is loaded into the dumpsters.)

Furniture is loaded into dumpster.

Solid Waste Department Recycling Truck and Trailer will be filled and recyclables taken to Danville.

At first recycling trailer can be loaded by hand with small items, but then heavy equipment must be used to finish loading. Items are crushed and packed as closely as possible, filling trailer to the max before being hauled to Danville. At the recycling center in Danville materials are weighed and county is paid for scrap metal. Prices vary depending on market.

People bring in all kinds of "stuff" on Free Dump Days as (L-R) Don Rinthen, Mayor of Lancaster, and James Davidson, Convenience Center Manager, show.

Above pictures were taken Oct. 22, 2009 at the Convenience Center on Hanging Forks Road, Phone: 859-792-6353. For more pictures, please see our Facebook page: Visit Garrard County Kentucky, Photo Album, Free Dump Days.

Please see this blog, Categories posted (to left), listing, Free Dump Days, for more information about the program.

Garrard County Central Record: http://www.garrardcentralrecord.com/news/news3.html

Permanent Recycling Center Unveiled

2009-10-15T04:54:00.012-04:00

Tuesday, Sept. 29, was a great day in Paint Lick. We had the Dedication and Unveiling of their Permanent Recycling Center, followed by a celebration (free lunch) at the Paint Lick Sportsman's Club.

L-R: John Wilson, Judge-Executive, Karla Sefcak, Solid Waste Committee Chairperson , Chris Thomason, Solid Waste Coordinator, Lonnie Napier, State Representative, Marvin Conn, Magistrate.

L-R: Marvin Conn, Magistrate, Deborah Messenger, SWC, Brenda Powers, SWC, Karla Sefcak, SWC, John Wilson, Judge-Executive, Chris Thomason, Solid Waste Coordinator, Lonnie Napier, State Representative, Smitty Oliver, SWC, Chester Satterfield, SWC, Harlan Bratton, SWC (SWC= Solid Waste Committee member).

Joe Brown and Jane West are the first to use the bins.

Smitty Oliver, Solid Waste Committee member, deciding what he wants on his beans: chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, Jalapeño peppers, salsa, and/or choice of two kinds of hot sauce.

You can tell by the smiling faces how much everyone enjoyed the event and how the community appreciates this new permanent location.

The Center is located in the Fire Station parking lot, off KY52. (Additional photos posted on Facebook: Visit Garrard County Kentucky.)

http://www.garrardcentralrecord.com/news/news9.html

http://www.amnews.com/stories/2009/09/30/gar.326330.sto

Visit Garrard County Kentucky Facebook Page

2009-10-03T22:34:00.003-04:00

Beautify Garrard County now linked to Facebook via Visit Garrard County Kentucky fan page. Become fan and have Garrard County news updates posted on your home page. For complete story, read:

http://www.garrardcentralrecord.com/archives/090309/news/news11.html

Solid Waste Coordinator discusses Waste Tire Amnesty

2009-09-29T17:12:00.009-04:00

Garrard County Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason was interviewed by Channel 36 news Sept. 28^th, discussing Waste Tire Amnesty and the fact that the state government is taking funds from this program and using them for unintended purposes.

Please view the program video to learn what is taking place and how serious it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVWsK6sWwrQ

Transcript of video: http://www.wtvq.com/news/335-state-dipping-into-old-tire-fund.html

Garrard County Central Record: http://www.garrardcentralrecord.com/news/news2.html

(Photo of one of many county residents adding to the "Mountain of Tires" collected during the July Waste Tire Amnesty Program.)

Paint Lick gets Permanent Recycling Collection Center Sept. 29th

2009-09-15T12:56:00.005-04:00

You are invited to the unveiling and dedication of the new Paint Lick Permanent Recycling Collection Center on Tuesday, Sept. 29^th, at 11 AM in the First Southern National Bank parking lot on KY52 in Paint Lick.

A free lunch of soup beans, sandwiches and beverages will be served in the Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club following the unveiling.

Event sponsored by: First Southern National Bank, G.C. Solid Waste Management & Committee, and Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club. Everyone is welcome.

Questions: Contact Chris Thomason, S.W. Coordinator, 859-792-3821/859-339-3233.

Free Dump Days October 22nd through 24th

2009-09-01T08:18:00.034-04:00

Please dispose of your unwanted items properly. Sell, give away, recycle, and then bring the "stuff" that's left over to Free Dump Days.

Free Dump Days, Convenience Center off of Highway 52 on Hanging Fork Rd., Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 22nd, 23rd, 24^th, 9 AM to 3 PM daily. Everything dumped for free with the following exceptions: $1 per bag for household garbage and $2 for tires. Construction debris is weighed and charged normal fee. No propane tanks or hazardous waste accepted.

When this program is advertised as free, why are the above charges listed?

1. Free Dump Days were never intended to take the place of the proper disposal of household garbage throughout the year. In past years, some people have literally saved up their garbage from spring to fall, and the fall to spring, and brought in truck and trailer loads of household garbage to the Convenience Center on Free Dump Days. Not only was this not the program's intention, this was a health hazard to all concerned. Also, the Convenience Center puts household garbage directly into a large trash compactor, not into the open top dumpsters, and each time the compactor is filled, the county pays about $700 to have it hauled away, and, it fills quickly. It would be just too expensive to underwrite this cost on Free Dump Days. So for these reasons, the decision was made to charge the regular fee, $1 per bag. (There are weekly garbage pick-ups available in both the County and City of Lancaster. Please refer to column on left to find names and phone numbers for these services.)

2. Tires cost the County $2 each to get rid of and there are specific government regulations as to how this is done; they do not go into the regular open top dumpsters. (Tire disposal is very expensive for the county and the cost must be charged back to the person(s) getting rid of the tires.) In June of this year, there was a Waste Tire Amnesty Program sponsored by the state where people could dump their tires for free and you can read about it and see pictures of the mountain of tires that was collected by going to our Categories Posted section (in left-hand column) and reading: 2009 Waste Tire Amnesty.

3. As with household garbage, Free Dump Days were never intended as a time for the free dumping of construction debris.

For more information about the program, please contact Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason at 859-792-3821 (office) or 859-339-3233 (cell).

Garrard County Certified Green Business Program

2009-08-24T17:13:00.018-04:00

All businesses are encouraged to become a Garrard County Certified Green Business by signing up with the Recycling Center, 859-792-1868, to recycle. They will be placed on a free daily, weekly or on-call recycling route. Not only will they be helping the environment, but participating businesses will see an immediate savings in their dumpster/trash bills.

Participating businesses can be recognized by their display of the Garrard County Certified Green Business logo. Please patronize these businesses.

Certified Green Businesses will have their names listed on the official Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) website: http://www.kentuckypride.com/GreenGarrardCounty.htm

Garrard County Certified Green Businesses list is as follows (updated 09 11 09): McDonald's, Quick Stop, Modern Therapy & Gas, Liquor Mart, Big Jim's Liquor, BP at 34, Bill's Diner, Hasty's Grocery, Garrard County Schools, Subway, Sutton's Pharmacy, Sander's Law Office, DART Sanitation, Rhodus Garbage Service, VIP Express, Adult Day Care & Senior Citizens Center, First Southern National Bank, Docubit, Allison Abrasives, Garrard Central Record, Garrard County Cooperative Extension Office, Lancaster Primary Care, Cundiff Chiropractic, Copperhead Consulting, State Farm Insurance, Ramsey Funeral Home, Ravenwood Center, Farmer's Bank, Dr. Martin's Office, Family Dollar, Triple M Shell, Post Offices--Lancaster, Bryantsville & Paint Lick, Tuggle's Trading Post, Rocky Top Produce, H2O Designs, Mariachi's, Napier Brother's Clothing & Shoes, Lancaster Florist, Smith's Restaurant, Country Diner, Garrard Hardware, Garrard Automotive, Lancaster Higher Education Center, Minit Mart, Billiard's Café, Mom Blakeman's Creamed Pull Candy, Ron’s Pawn, Lancaster Veterinary Center, Manning Law Office, Godfather’s Pizza, Lancaster Liquor, Bob’s Chair Shop, Family Crafts & Flowers.

For more information about the program, please contact Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason at 859-792-3821 (office) or 859-339-3233 (cell).

Logo designed and printed by Carter Printing & Signs, Lancaster, KY, 859-792-1288.

Waste Tire Amnesty Update

2009-08-20T22:32:00.013-04:00

As a member of the Garrard County Solid Waste Committe, I've had several people ask me what the Waste Tire Amnesty program was and I've told them that it was an opportunity for people (not in the tire business) to get rid of their old tires, free of charge. It was held at the Kentucky State Highway Garage on Industry Road June 25th, 26th and 27th. Tires were separated into piles, those with rims and those without rims. Solid Waste Committee members volunteered to help S.W. Coordinator Chris Thomason with this project, the same way they volunteer to help with Free Dump Days.

Off-loading

and Moving

a Mountain of Tires.

And how big was that mountain? Approximately 8,400 tires high, wide and ready to be recycled.

Saturday's volunteer crew, Solid Waste Committee Chair Person Becky Hacker (L) and Secretary Dorothy DeLong (R), take a minute's break to pose in front of "the mountain of tires" with State Road Department Heavy equipment operator employee.

Paint Lick Sportsman's Club cleans up Old Railroad Grade Road

2009-06-15T22:16:00.023-04:00

Thank you PLSC members, for supporting The Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign. Everyone wins...

Three faithful PLSC volunteers

At day’s end, on Saturday, June 13, 2009, friends and members of the Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club deposited 66 bags and 2 tires at the Garrard County Convenience Center from the roadside clean-up of Old Railroad Grade Road. Rising early, volunteers: Ron Adkins, Joe Brown, Ward Brown, Michael Guy, the Hatmaker Family (Boone, Jeff, Merry and Shade), Layne Hawley, Jacob Hughes, Mark Hurte, Deborah Messenger, Katie Rollins, and Linda Wardlow, walked along the fog shrouded roadside of Old Railroad Grade Road though dew-damp grass, poison ivy, and briars in search of the elusive household garbage temporarily “housed” amidst the roadside vegetation.

Upon initial collection, the group of 14 collected 43 bags of garbage along the 5.6 miles of roadway within just 3.5 labor-intensive hours. Refueling their energy levels on fresh fruit and bottles of chilled water, three volunteers (Katie Rollins, Ron Adkins, Deborah Messenger) continued the search into the early afternoon, working beyond the roadside into the ditch lines and along the pasture field fencing to collect an additional 23 bags of trash within just 1.5 miles of the Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of this group of Garrard and Madison County volunteers, travelers along Old Railroad Grade Road will see a new look to the ole way! Submitted by Deborah Messenger, President of Paint Lick Sportsman's Club.

Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center to be at Party on the Square June 19th

2009-06-03T12:34:00.006-04:00

Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center is very excited about kicking off
their commitment to Garrard Countians at the Party on the Square. In
addition to free giveaways, we will host a drawing for 100 gift cards
worth $25 each for services, lab work and office visits at our soon to
open Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center Garrard County location.

We will also have on hand the internal medicine physician who will have
her practice at the Garrard County location, so she can begin meeting
the people of Garrard County.

Finally, our Director of Rehabilitation and an Exercise Physiologist
will be on hand to do small group sessions teaching folks of all ages
things they can do to stay in shape and stay flexible.
Submitted by Jill Williams, Public Relations & Marketing, PACRMC

See additional posts under "2009 Party on the Square" for more information about party.

Band takes part in anti-litter campaign

2009-05-31T10:09:00.006-04:00

Hats off to Garrard County High School Marching Band for their community spirit...

Over 40 marchers and parents showed their support Saturday, May 23rd, by cleaning up Narrow Gap Road and Dripping Springs Road. 47 trash bags filled with cans, bottles and fast food wrappers were collected. Working with Chris Thomason, the Solid Waste Coordinator for Garrard County, the marching band was able to make $500 through the Anti Litter/Beautify Garrard County Project. The fundraiser came at a perfect time. This fall they will be competing at Bands of America in Indianapolis. Submitted by Kim Hollis.

Enforcing litter laws

2009-05-16T04:12:00.010-04:00

I was at the Convenience Center May 15th helping with Free Dump Days and many people commented about reading the following newspaper article:
http://www.garrardcentralrecord.com/archives/051409/news/news10.html

Thank you Central Record for writing this article and for all you have done in support of our Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign(s).

Litter Free Event

2009-04-28T15:48:00.009-04:00

Party on the Square and Bluegrass PRIDE join forces...

Bluegrass PRIDE has designated The Party on the Square as a Litter Free Event and will help publicize the party and some of their over 250 volunteers will help with clean-up during the party.

Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) provides environmental resources and information to schools, community groups, local governments and citizens in Central Kentucky.

For more information on PRIDE's campaigns which focus on water quality and solid waste, please check out their website: http://www.kentuckypride.com/. Bluegrass PRIDE is a 501(c)3 organization.

We would like to thank Bluegrass PRIDE for joining with us to help make The Party on the Square a litter free event.

Entertainment line-up for Party on the Square

2009-04-19T17:33:00.009-04:00

Great vocals, banjo picking, line dancing, sing-along...

Meet Miss Kentucky Teen America 2009 Katie Himes and Kentucky’s Tiny Miss Chloe Wesley and enjoy their vocals, along with those of returning Miss Kentucky Teen America 2008, Andrea Walker.

Add to this great musical numbers from Australian Banjo maker Laurie Grundy, The Russian Doll Situation, The Boondock Saints, Alicia Lane, Bailey Brown, Christa Osborne, Dan Waters, Jenna McKune, Melvin Price, Rod Johnson and Peyton Crossfield .

Like to dance? The Steppin’ Stones from Harrodsburg will be back and they have some new steps to teach us from 7:30-8 PM.

Like to sing? Andy Blyth will lead us in a rousing sing-along from 9:30-10 PM.

It’s going to be a great night of entertainment. Come join us and stay ‘til the end. You’ll be glad you did.

Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign May 1st thru June 19th

2009-04-05T00:32:00.033-04:00

It's very easy to take part in the campaign. Here's how it works...

From the very first year, the Garrard County PVA office has been a big supporter of our Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign. They are pictured above after cleaning up a Lancaster street. Thank you PVA; and thank you to everyone who has and will join us in this countywide community project. Now for some information about this year's campaign...

Beautify Garrard County is excited to host Garrard County's third annual Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign starting May 1st and ending Friday, June 19th, with The Party on the Square in downtown Lancaster, from 7-10 p.m.

The campaign promotes litter clean up and beautification in Garrard County; encourages personal commitment and community pride.

It’s easy to take part in the campaign and be eligible to win one of the great prizes to be given away at The Party on the Square: $100 cash, one nights stay at a Kentucky State Park Lodge of choice (four person occupancy), one Paint Lick Sportsman's Club membership or a gift from the Lancaster High Education Center.

Individuals/groups/organizations can participate by wearing green Campaign T-Shirts on Mondays and Casual Fridays during the campaign (see February 9th post: Campaign T-Shirts available at Linda's Custom Sports Apparel); and by doing something such as picking up litter on a sidewalk, cleaning up a roadside, a parking lot, a wilderness trail; helping someone in need with a special maintenance/painting/ cleaning/ landscaping project; adopting a public area and planting flowers or trees; starting to personally recycle or helping neighbors start by taking their recyclables to The Recycling Center, 400. S. Campbell St., Lancaster, ETC…

At The Party on the Square, write down on a piece of paper, in ten words or less, what you did and put this, along with your name, address and phone number into the designated entry box at The Solid Waste Booth in the library quadrant. Drawing will be at 9:00 p.m. (All persons entering contest must be at least six years of age and either live in or work in Garrard County.)

To make clean up easier, the county's Free Dump Days will be May 14-16 at the Convenience Center (see post April 5th post: Free Dump Days for details); if you'd like suggestions for road or specific area clean up, call Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason at 859-792-3821 or 859-338-3233. If you are cleaning on public property, please ask coordinator about free garbage bags and pick-up.

We’d love to see pictures and hear about your campaign activities. Please e-mail pictures and summaries to beautifygarrard@gmail.com. Pictures become the property of Beautify Garrard County and may be published for publicity purposes.

For additional information please send e-mail to address above; or call Campaign Coordinator Karla Sefcak at 859-792-6704, or Solid Waste Coordinator.

Party on the Square June 19th

2009-04-05T00:30:00.010-04:00

Party on the Square, Friday, June 19th, 7-10 PM, Lancaster Town Square.

Our Annual Party on the Square is a night of wholesome family fun and entertainment. We get together to thank those who participated in our Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign and to promote the campaign’s spirit all year long.

EVERYTHING IS FREE. Nothing will be sold.

We're using all four quadrants of the square this year. As in previous years, we'll be showcasing great music; have line dancing; be serving all-beef hotdogs, drinks, homemade desserts and fresh popcorn. And this year, we'll be adding a sing-along at 9:30 PM. (See post dated April 19th for entertainment details.)

Kid’s can meet Ronald McDonald, enjoy a maze, bouncy house, basketball, cow milking contest, various games, have their faces painted, do crafts, stop by the prize table to get a free gift, and probably win some prizes too.

Various organizations and businesses will be there; many having free give-aways and some, drawings for prizes.

Ephraim McDowell R.M.C., Pattie A. Clay R.M.C. and Cundiff Chiropractic will have booths, each offering something from the health field.

The drawings for the campaign prizes will be at 9:15 PM. (See post dated April 5th and find out how to become eligible to win $100 cash, a one night’s stay at a Kentucky State Lodge of choice, a gift from the Lancaster Higher Education Center, or a one year’s membership to The Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club.)

Remember, EVERYTHING IS FREE. Just bring a lawn chair, come hungry and enjoy a great evening with family and friends

Growing Garrard County

2009-03-31T00:03:00.010-04:00

Growing Garrard County, a new group on Facebook started March 2009, dedicated to helping promote Garrard County and highlighting the strengths of our community; sharing positive ideas and feedback, providing information about upcoming events, and supporting people, organizations and projects helping to move Garrard County forward. (This is an open group. Anyone can join and invite others to join.)

Co-hosts: Party on the Square June 19th

2009-03-16T23:00:00.044-04:00

Each co-host of The Party on the Square plays an important part in the over-all success of Garrard County’s Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign. Here's sending a great big thank you to each and every one of them...

When the campaign starts in May, the community enthusiastically looks forward to this party in June (held the third Friday each year, from 7-10 PM on the Lancaster Town Square). A great big thanks goes out to each and everyone listed below. (List will be updated as more co-hosts are added.)

Farmers National Bank
Solid Waste Management
T.E.A.C.H.
McDonalds
Adult Education
Arts Council
Bluegrass PRIDE
Cash Express
Chamber of Commerce
Christian Care Center
Community Education
Cundiff Chiropractic
County Fair
DART Sanitation
Edward Jones
Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center
Farmer's Market
First Presbyterian Church
Garrard County Farm Bureau Federation
Lancaster Veterinary Center
Lancaster Higher Education Center
MACED
M & B Face Painting
Paint Lick Sportsman's Club
Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center
Poor Ridge Productions
Public Library
Rural Heritage Festival
Senior Citizens
UK Cooperative Extension
Whitaker Bank
Ale-8-One Bottling Company
Band Boosters
Belle of Louisville
Central Kentucky Federal Savings Bank
Central Record
City of Lancaster
First Southern National Bank
Fiscal Court
Inflatablefun.com
Kentucky State Department of Parks
Lancaster Volunteer Fire Dept
Lil’ Tin Purse
Linda’s Custom Sports Apparel
Partners for Progress
Quick Stop
Rhodus Garbage Service
Tudor Printing
And many individual citizens from both Garrard County and surrounding areas

Offical Campaign T-Shirt

2009-02-09T13:05:00.019-05:00

Roger Miller, Manager of the Lancaster Banking Center

Please join Farmer’s National Bank, and many other enthusiastic Garrard County residents and businesses by wearing a campaign shirt (or something green) every Monday in May, during our annual Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaigns. (Some folks may prefer to wear them on "Casual Friday's".)

Everyone can add to the "Garrard County Spirit" by wearing the Kelley green T-shirt with screen-printed yellow lettering and red heart that reads: I (heart) Garrard County, Don’t Litter.

Purchase shirts at Linda’s Custom Sports Apparel, 112 N. Lexington St., Lancaster, phone: 859-792-2301. Prices: $7:50 short sleeve. Add $1 for 2X, $2 for 3X and $3 for 4X. Personalization/logos on back individually priced.

THIS IS NOT A FUND RAISER. This is a way to become a walking billboard and advertise the Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign and help make Garrard County a more beautiful and wonderful place to live.

Ephraim McDowell offering free health screenings/sign-up at Party on the Square June 19th

2009-02-06T11:22:00.007-05:00

The Community Service Department of Ephraim McDowell Health will be offering free health screenings and education for adults 18 and above in Garrard County that will include the following: BP, Glucose, Cholesterol, BMI, Lung Capacity, Stress Vulnerability, Sleep Disturbance, Educational Materials and Nurse Consultation.

You can sign up for these screenings at The Party on the Square on June 19th. Please go to the Farmer’s National Bank booth to sign-up (They will giving away free sun screen and lip balm too.).

The screenings will be held in Lancaster. Dates and location to be announced. Please check back for details.

A special thanks to Audrey Powell of Ephraim McDowell and Roger Miller of Farmer’s National Bank for bringing this to Garrard County.

Photo Albums: Memories from 2008

2008-12-07T16:01:00.007-05:00

Party on the Square 2008 Album

2008-06-25T20:37:00.048-04:00

Thank you Ronald, for coming to our party. How did you do those magic tricks?

Kristi and Melody from The Christian Care Center of Lancaster getting ready to serve up some delicious fresh popcorn.

Thank you Kentucky Army National Guard for bringing your rock climbing wall. It was a big hit!! And thank you SSG Brian Hillers, recruiting and retention NCO from Harrodsburg, for making it happen.

The Turner family waiting for the party to begin. Love those shirts!!

Garrard County Cattleman's Association cooking the hotdogs. Becky gettng ready to take them to wrapping station.

Good work gals! Wrapping 1,200 hotdogs in an hour and forty-five minutes must be a Garrard County record.

Free drink anyone? Thanks Ale-8-One for your support.

Morgan checking out Melissa and Brittany's face painting table. It was a hit with the girls...and the boys...

Susan Hinsley (and friends) at the Lancaster Veterinary Center booth. Like the rabbit ears Susan.

A special thank you to Farmers National Bank for all of your support. Roger Miller, Lancaster Branch Manager, center.

Karla welcoming guests to party. MC Melvin Price is ready to start the show...

We're ready too...

And so are we...

Us too...

The music begins...

Alexa and Stephanie Appleman sing "Blue"... beautiful voice blend!

Chris and son Tyler enjoying the evening. Thanks Tyler for helping to pass out hotdogs.

LaVena Stutton and her daughter. LaVena works at the Garrard County EMS office.

The Steppin' Stones Dance Club from Danville demonstrate some good 'ole line dancing.

Miss Kentucky Teen America 2008 Andrea Walker and Kentucky Tiny Miss 2008 Keaira Denny get ready to join The Steppin' Stones...

The dancing begins...

Andrea Walker, Miss Kentucky Teen America 2008, is from Wilmore. Andrea's talent competition in the Miss Kentucky Teen America Pageant was singing and she was voted Miss Congeniality.

Miss Kentucky Jr. Teen America 2008 Hannah Nnoromele is from Richmond. Hannah's talent competition was also singing and she brought home the Academic Achievement Award. She sang two beautiful Disney classics for us.

Popcorn is gooooood... Thanks Christian Care Center.

A Bouncy Castle? Now, that's cool...

Ready for any kind of weather...

Yvonne Zdrojowy and son Ben sing duet.

Our new friends from Indiana. They drove all they way down just for our party. Thank you!!

Elvis is back... or is that Peyton Crossfield?

And we danced...

Miss Kentucky Teen America to sing at Party on the Square

2008-04-28T12:43:00.029-04:00

Karla and Brenda met Miss Kentucky Teen America, Andrea Walker, at The Earth Day Festival and invited her to The Party on the Square June 20th.

For information about The Kentucky Teen America Organization, please visit their website at http://www.misskentuckyteenamerica.com/

edited 6/24/2008

Adopt A Creek Mile

2008-04-16T23:01:00.007-04:00

June 7, 2008
Copperhead Consulting brings community together to clean-up one mile of Paint Lick Creek.
http://www.copperheadconsulting.com/projects.html
edited 6/9/2008

Thank you to our co-hosts

2008-04-16T14:05:00.011-04:00

Thank you to all of those who are helping to host our Party on the Square June 20th. Each plays a unique role in the overall success of both the Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign and Party on the Square. And without one, it would not be the same...

Farmers National Bank
Garrard County Solid Waste Management
T.E.A.C.H.
McDonalds
Ale-8-One Bottling Company
Poor Ridge Productions
Linda’s Custom Sports Apparel
Tudor Printing
Christian Care Center
Lancaster Higher Education Center
Napier Brothers Clothing
Kentucky State Department of Parks
Cash Express
Lancaster Veterinary Center
The Fells Family
Kentucky Army National Guard
Garrard County Partners for Progress
Community Education
Senior Citizens
Garrard County Chapter of AARP
Bryantsville United Methodist Church
First Presbyterian Church
New Day Worship Center
Lynco Foods
Garrard County Cattleman’s Association
City of Lancaster
Garrard County Fiscal Court
Central Record
And many individual citizens from both Garrard County and surrounding areas

Plans begin for 2008 Campaign & Party on the Square

2008-03-02T11:45:00.014-05:00

Beautify Garrard County is a grass roots effort that started with a grandmother’s idea and is growing to include so many from a loving, caring county, and beyond. (It’s encouraging to see people respond with such personal involvement, high spirits and excitement.)

The campaign promotes beautification and litter clean up in Garrard County. It encourages personal commitment and community pride.

This post edited 4/11. Please see new 4/11/08 post for up-to-date details.

Pictures from Party on the Square August 10, 2007

2007-08-14T20:18:00.007-04:00

Community Spirit was alive as it energized Garrard County Friday night, August 10th, when we had our Party on the Square in Lancaster.

Most of the following pictures pictures were taken during set-up and at the start of the party. Though they may not show it, we had an estimated 800 people come out...

People began arriving about 6:30 p.m., even though festivities were scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Soon it was so crowded that photographer Gary Sefcak, who uses a power chair full time, could not get around to take all of the pictures he wanted to... But, he did a great job capturing the fun we had at The Party on the Square.

To this we say, "Thank you Gary, and thanks for the memories."

Just the beginning of an estimated 800 in attendance...

Arthur setting-up hotdog wrapping tent...

Band Boosters getting ready to serve lemonade...

Susan, with daughter, from Lancaster Veternary Clinic...

Roger Miller (left) and assoicates from Farmers National Bank...

Dorothy, Brenda and Karla set-up condiment table...

We welcome this new family to Lancaster...

We'll be eating soon...

Hi from Melvin (standing), Linda, Gwenette and friends...

Waiting for the show...

Won't be long now...

Come on down and join us...

This is going to be fun...

Yep, almost ready to start...

Hi guys...

M.C. Melvin with Big John and Rhonda of the Big John and Lil Rhonda Show (859-885-1653)...

Brenda wants to jump too. That would be more fun than just supervising...

Ohh...check out the crowd in the food court...hurry up and get those dogs ready...

James, and Jay with EMS crew...

Steppin' Stones Dance Club shows us how to shake a leg...

Why are you taking my picture?

Enjoying their share of the 504 hotdogs served...

Shelley sings "Summer Time"...

Ricky's always a crowd pleaser...

Keeping time to the music...

Spencer sings "Wind Beneath My Wings"...

Jessica warming up for her American Idol audition...

Face painters had fun...

Brenda did her jitter bug...

And then Elvis showed up... (Fantastic job Donnie Ray.)

Little Elvis belts out "You Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog"... (Go Peyton!)

Garrard County's Community Spirit Shines at Party on the Square August 10th

2007-08-14T20:04:00.003-04:00

On behalf of the people of Garrard County, I would like thank all of you who joined us at the very successful Party on the Square this past Friday night. Each person’s energy added to the over-all excitement of the evening, helping to rekindle and reignite the “I Love Garrard County” spirit!

Nineteen groups, organizations, businesses and many individuals joined together to bring this party to you. … many coming up with their own ideas of something they could do for, share with, or give to the community. Each contributed to the whole… one part was not more important than another… and without any of them; the night would not have been the same…

I could give example after example of enthusiastic support, but for lack of space I would like to share with you the following:

Judge Executive John Wilson and Lancaster Mayor Don Rinthen have been fantastic in their support, right from the very beginning.

A few days before the party I went to the Christian Care Center to tell them about the party and to see if some of their patients might be able to come. When I was talking with Activities Director Melody Jones her eyes lit up and she said, “We can give away popcorn. We have a popcorn cart… we just got popcorn in today… we need to order more bags… let me check with my boss.” And guess what? On Friday night Jones showed up with her popcorn cart, set it up at the entrance to the “food court” and was so popular she said she would bring even more popcorn next time.

When Big John, with the Big John & Lil Rhonda Show (859-885-1653), heard that (his friend and M.C. for the evening) Melvin (and his wife Linda) Price’s business had burned and Price’s sound equipment with it, he called Price and arrangements were made to use Big John’s sound equipment. (Price said that several other friends also contacted him; volunteering the use of their equipment.)

One call to The Steppin’ Stones Dance Club of Harrodsburg and they were there… leading us in line dancing… and “breaking the ice” for others to just get up and dance.

At our first Party on the Square on June 1st, The Garrard County High School Band Boosters cooked hotdogs and band members served drinks. Belinda Vance, wife of band director Chris Vance, was helping to wrap hotdogs and came up with an idea. The Band Boosters could buy and give away lemonade at our next party… it was something they could afford to do… and it would be a way of saying thank you to the community for supporting the band.

And give away lemonade they did… gallons and gallons and gallons of it, in addition to ice water… all much appreciated by happy partygoers, served by band members and backed up by The Boosters. Along with serving drinks, they cooked the all-beef Ball Park franks for Farmers National Bank and pitched in with all of the clean-up…staying until everything was taken down and packed up.

Gary Sefcak, my husband of 39 years, has stood behind me all the way as we have worked together for The “I Love” Garrard County Beautification and Anti-Litter Awareness Campaign. Many have seen him out and about in his power chair taking pictures but probably don’t realize how much his years of managerial experience, generosity, heart and love for Garrard County have gone into the success of this campaign.

Our apologizes to those who didn’t get to eat… Having no idea how to plan, we bought 504 hotdogs, ice creams, etc. With such a fantastic response from the community, an estimated 800 people, we’ll know to buy more the next time The “I Love” Garrard County Beautification and Anti-Litter Awareness Campaign hosts a party on the square.

If you would like to receive e-mail notices of our future community events, send request to beautifygarrardcounty@yahoo.com.

Groups, organizations, businesses or individuals wishing to contribute in some way to the community events we are planning, please e-mail the above address.

Submitted by: Karla Sefcak, coordinator, “I Love” Garrard County Beautification and Anti-Litter Awareness Campaign.

August 10th Party on the Square

2007-07-24T20:24:00.002-04:00

Mark your calendar for Friday, August 10th , and come to a great night of family fun and fellowship on the Lancaster Town Square. Everything is FREE…all you need to bring is yourself and a lawn chair. Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

We have a wonderful line-up of very talented singers and musicians who will be bringing us a wide variety of music including country, show tunes, contemporary, contemporary Christian, light rock, oldies, and easy listening. (The performers are enthusiastic about coming and there will be “something for everyone”…)

Enjoy performances by Rick Catching, Patton Crossfield, Laura Davis, Amy Domidion, Shelley Giacomini, Spencer Glacken, Jessica Johnson, Christa Osborne, Melvin Price, Donnie Ray, Byron Teater, and Dan Waters.

The Steppin’ Stones Dance Club from Harrodsburg will entertain us with some fancy steppin’ line dances, and then later lead simple line dances, inviting audience participation.

The Garrard County Band Boosters will be serving ice-cold lemonade. (With school just starting this will be a good opportunity to talk to a Booster and find out what they do to help our award winning 99-member high school marching band. Some band members will be there too. Ask them about this summer’s band camp and their exciting new fall program.)

Our new Farmers National Bank will be serving delicious all-beef hotdogs. (We really appreciate the bank coming to our party and this will give us a chance to give them a great big Garrard County welcome!)

What about dessert? Solid Waste Management will be serving ice cream and cookies.

The Band Boosters will also be doing face painting. And, we’ll have corn bag toss games and ladder golf.

If you have not signed up to win the one night’s stay at a Kentucky State Park Lodge of your choice to be given away at the G. C. Rural Heritage Festival at 7 p.m. on September 8th, you can do so when you pick up your ice cream. To qualify, all you have to do is make a commitment to help beautify Garrard County and support no littering. (There is only one entry per person. All those who signed up for the June 1st drawing are already entered.)

The Party on the Square is sponsored by the “I Love Garrard County” Beautification and Anti-Litter Awareness Campaign in conjunction with G.C. Solid Waste Management, G.C. Fiscal Court, City of Lancaster, Farmers National Bank, The G.C. Band Boosters, Lynco Foods, T.E.A.C.H., Poor Ridge Productions, Tudor Printing, McDonalds, First Southern National Bank, Foley & Norton, and many individual G.C. citizens.

For additional information call 792-6704.

We had a great "Party on the Square" June 1, 2007

2007-06-05T21:57:00.001-04:00

Thank you to those of you who came to our first “Party on the Square” Friday evening, June 1st. We had a great time, didn’t we? And to the rest of you, we’re are sorry you couldn’t make it and hope you can join us next time.

What started out as a hot and humid day ended with just the perfect weather for an outdoor party.

Melvin Prices’ Karaoke program was a hit! People loved his four guest singers: Richard Horton, Roger Donahue, Donnie Ray and Sweet William, and enjoyed the great local talent too. (We thank you!)

The atmosphere was warm and friendly and it was hard to tell who was having the most fun, those “serving” or those “just relaxing” and enjoying the evening…playing games, listening to music, having their faces painted, eating a hotdog, drinking a cool beverage, or “simply” just visiting. (We gave away 360 all beef franks and 431 cold drinks and lots of desserts…everyone got all they wanted and we are pleased that all of this could be given free of charge.)

Of the 431 drinks given away, by far the favorite was Kentucky’s own Ale-8. When guests were told that the Ale-8-One Bottling Company had donated 240 drinks to our party, spontaneous applause of appreciation immediately broke out. (Thank you Ale-8!)

We would also like to thank the Wal-Mart Super Center in Stanford for their $40 gift certificate.

When we were planning for the party several people volunteered to help and we are happy to share that in addition to these wonderful folks we had others, especially members of the Garrard County Band Boosters, come along Friday night to lend a hand.

We take our hats off and give special thanks to those who helped make this night possible: Arthur, Kim and Mitchell Hollis, Belinda Vance, Angie, Amber and Josh Billingsley, Jamie and Kim Million, Jacob Toney, Dorothy DeLong, James, Leslie, Jacob and Dillon Worley, Billie and Heather Fell, Emmlee Goins, Carmen Murphy, Shari Bivalaquec, Tom Lake, Chris Thomason, Becky Hacker, Smitty Oliver, Linda Price, James Bushnell and Gary Sefcak.

To all of you who have made the commitment to help beautify Garrard County and support no littering, we say, “Thank you.”

Pictures from Party on the Square June 1st 2007

2007-06-04T08:44:00.010-04:00

Advocate-Messenger Introduces Campaign

2007-03-07T22:46:00.003-05:00

Wednesday March 7, 2007

Garrard litter campaign introduced

By BOBBIE CURD bcurd@amnews.com

LANCASTER - A newly appointed member of the Solid Waste Committee showed her spirit with a new anti-litter campaign presentation for the city council. Karla Sefcak often is n seen wearing the same bright green T-shirt around town that she was in Monday, bearing the phrase "I love Garrard County, don't litter."

An energetic Sefcak told the council "Don't worry - I'm not asking for anything except your support for the program." She was referring to the "Beautification and Anti-litter Campaign 2007" she spearheaded after being asked to join the solid waste committee by Judge-Executive John Wilson.

"During the first meeting, I was really just more of a sponge," Sefcak said. After soaking up the three hours worth of information, Sefcak said she immediately began brainstorming ideas to encourage solidarity among the county and city.

"Promoting a more beautiful place to live should be something we all want," Sefcak told the council. "And I think we do."

Sefcak is asking community members to join the "Green Patrol," which is made up of volunteers who will participate in countywide clean-up attempts that ultimately will be rewarded by prizes. Contest rules can be found on the Web site dedicated to the anti-litter campaign.

Bill Hack, the county's solid waste coordinator, will be coordinating the details, such as road projects for groups to take on during the blitz. Trash bags, vests and free waste pick up by the county also can be arranged through Hack, Sefcak said.

"Bill can even help supply trailers for larger cleanup attempts on private or public property," Sefcak said. Hack will provide the trailer on site and will haul it away when the project is complete, she said. Free dumping at the Convenience Center for materials picked up during the project also can be arranged.

Her now signature green shirt may make her a walking billboard she says, but whatever gets the word out is fine with her. Sefcak is selling the shirts for $7, as well as asking all participants on the Green Patrol to wear them every Monday during the blitz.

"I'm really hoping that some school and church groups, as well as any other organizations or individuals interested in keeping this a beautiful area, will join the project," Sefcak said.

Sefcak also is holding a ministerial breakfast for networking purposes on March 31, where Mayor Don Rinthen will be cooking eggs and pancakes for church officials in the area.

"We really want to reach out to everyone we can with this," Sefcak said. She asked council members to come to the breakfast and represent their districts.

"Again - I'm not asking for anything but your support and help with getting the interest level out there," Sefcak pleaded.

Copyright:The Advocate-Messenger 2007