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Activity Blog



​Highlighting what ​Keep Brownwood Beautiful's up to.

Texas Recycles Day Grant!

11/15/2022

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Today is Texas Recycles Day and we have BIG NEWS!

Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages and Keep Texas Beautiful announce
​Texas Recycles Day Grant winners
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Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB), a company of Arca Continental, continues to affirm its commitment to sustainability and access to recycling by launching the Texas Recycles Day Grant, in partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep Texas Recycling.
To commemorate Texas Recycles Day on November 15, CCSWB is awarding up to $15,000 in
grants for improving recycling access and recycling programs execution across the state. Keep
Texas Beautiful affiliates and Keep Texas Recycling members were invited to submit a proposal for monetary assistance to help strengthen their existing recycling programs.
CCSWB is happy to celebrate the winners of the 2022 Texas Recycles Day grants:
● Alpine
● Brownwood
● Fort Clark Springs
● Midland
● San Marcos
● White Settlement
​
When PET is recycled, it can be broken down, cleaned, and reground into small flakes used to make new PET bottles that can then be recycled over and over again. The process of making PET bottles with recycled PET material requires less energy and emits fewer GHGs than creating a new bottle using virgin, petroleum-based sources, as well as keeping these materials out of the landfill.
Over the last two years, CCSWB has proactively invested in supporting recycling access, as well as innovation to design more resource-efficient packaging. This has allowed CCSWB to step up use of recycled PET content in its bottles – increasing from 1.9% in 2019 to 25% in 2020 and 50% from 2021 onward.

“We are thankful for Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages who support our efforts to promote
recycling in communities around Texas,” says Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of Keep Texas
Beautiful. “Through our Keep Texas Recycling program, we work to support recycling in rural
communities like those represented by the Texas Recycle Day Grant winners. We’re excited to
see the impact these projects will have in expanding recycling in their communities.”
[Quote from Affiliate / Keep Texas Recycling Member]

About CCSWB
Dallas-based Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB), a company of Arca Continental, is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States. CCSWB produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola brands throughout Texas and parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The company employs more than 8,000 associates who operate seven production plants and 37 distribution facilities, serving more than 31 million consumers.
Headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, Arca Continental is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers
in the world with an outstanding history spanning more than 91 years. Within its Coca-Cola
franchise, Arca Continental serves a population of more than 118 million in the northern and
western parts of Mexico, as well as the northern region of Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and the
Southwestern United States. Arca Continental also produces and markets snacks under the
brand names Wise in the United States, Bokados in Mexico and Inalecsa in Ecuador.
For more information, visit www.cocacolaswb.com and www.arcacontal.com, and follow us on
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Keep Texas Beautiful
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Texas the best place to live, work, and play by deploying resources for community improvement projects, clean-ups, and youth engagement efforts across the state. Through our Keep Texas Recycling program, we provide assistance and education to support recycling in rural and underserved communities.
Everything we do is focused on mobilizing volunteers to take action by providing them with
tools, resources, and training. Our fieldwork includes research on best practices for litter
reduction along with the development of community programs to prevent the flow of litter to
the Gulf.
Founded in 1967, Keep Texas Beautiful’s work is driven by its network of nearly 300 affiliate
member communities, volunteers, and supporters that reach 17 million Texans annually. For
more information and to find your closest affiliate, visit www.ktb.org. Follow us on Facebook,
LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
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HIGH SCHOOL RECYCLING PROGRAM - UPDATE

11/1/2022

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We've applied for the Texas Recycles Day grant...

We've applied to the Texas Recycles Day grant, which would greatly boost our efforts to make the High School Recycling Program a success.
If we are awarded the grant, our plans include:
Purchasing recycling stations for the High School instead of loaning them and refreshing the labeling on our current recycling stations.
Creating and printing handbooks on the implemented recycling system for the student council as well as other print material such as posters.
Repair and paint our recycling trailer and using it for can/bottle drives at the school. The trailer will be parked at the school for use with the recycling program. KBB will empty it once per month. It will also be available for use at events, tournaments, etc. as we develop an available system for "green events."
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REFRESHING COMMUNITY PLAZA - UPDATE

10/29/2022

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REFRESHING COMMUNITY PLAZA - UPDATE

We've made good progress at Community Plaza. While slower than expected, we do expect this 1st stage to be completed by the end of Dec.
Stages 2 and 3 will address the driveway and garden features planned.
Progress on these types of project depend on members and volunteers, if you enjoy seeing these positive changes to our local environment consider becoming a member or volunteering. 
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We are a Volunteer Station for the RSVP Program

10/26/2022

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Keep Brownwood Beautiful is partnering with Cornerstone Community Action Agency

​We are excited to be signed up as a Volunteer Station for their RSVP Program!
Make a Difference In Your Community Today.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) was created for the dual purpose of engaging persons 55 and older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a high-quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers. We believe that by volunteering, you are helping our community while staying active and healthy.

For more information on RSVP and how to join, please call
325-625-4167
or visit the program page: www.cornerstonecaa.org/overcomers

Cornerstone has a variety of programs that you can volunteer for.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
also needs volunteers. 
Become IRS Certified through free training! No
experience Necessary! Volunteer to be a part of Greatness!
Cornerstone Community Action Agency Contact: (325)625-4167

If you're already an RSVP member and want to volunteer, call
325-641-0533
Be sure to visit our Partners, Sponsors, & Donors page.

KBB's Volunteer Opportunities Currently Include:
(but are not limited to)
Yard work through our Neighbor to Neighbor Program
Flower bed maintenance
Some office assistance (organizing, filing, updating website).


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High School Recycling Program

10/14/2022

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​HIGH SCHOOL RECYCLING PROGRAM

Keep Brownwood Beautiful is working with the BISD High School Student Council on a recycling program. We are working to encourage recycling as a habit and being mindful to prevent contamination as well as creating a sustainable system that will continue from year to year.
We'll be working with the help of our friend "Recycling Rex" (thank you Madeleine for naming him) to promote the recycling effort.
The Student Council plans to begin introducing recycling to the campus right away with the "Kick Off" being November 15 which is "Texas Recycles Day" as well as "America Recycles Day."

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR PROGRAM

10/8/2022

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Neighbor to Neighbor Program 

KBB had the honor to assist a veteran with his yard today, helping him to avoid a code violation through our Neighbor to Neighbor Program.
If you haven’t heard of our Neighbor to Neighbor Program (N2N), it is a fairly recent (this last year) program we have created to assist with code violation reduction at no cost to low-income elderly, veterans, and/or permanently disabled homeowners.
At this time we are able to schedule a N2N work day once per month, generally on the second Saturday. You can find a printable application/agreement HERE or on our about page under printables and downloads.
This program was made possible by a grant from the Woodruff Trust as well as equipment donations from Holland Hauling and various individuals: Jose Gonzales, Frank Hilton, Nathan Smith, and Ray Tipton.



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KBB IS GETTING A RECYCLING TRAILER!

9/27/2022

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KBB is getting a recycling trailer!

KBB is purchasing a previously owned recycling trailer! It needs some TLC, but once it has been "renewed," we have lots of plans in store for it.

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REFRESHING COMMUNITY PLAZA

9/24/2022

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Refreshing Community Plaza

Tomorrow is the day! In the morning Keep Brownwood Beautiful begins the groundwork and installation of a “Contemplation Labyrinth at Community Plaza.” You may be wondering, where is Community Plaza or what is a Contemplation Labyrinth, and maybe even who or what is Keep Brownwood Beautiful? Well, let me tell you.
Community Plaza is an underutilized “Green Space” or mini-park that began around ten or so years ago and just wasn’t able to reach its full expectations. It is located at 900 Brady avenue, across the street from where recycling is held on the first & third Saturdays. Thanks to the city of Brownwood and Holland Hauling we were able to clear the area and make way for a new idea, a Contemplation Labyrinth.
A labyrinth is not a maze with dead ends to confuse you, instead it provides a continuous path to the center that naturally returns to its origin. Walking the labyrinth is a time for contemplation, relaxation, and reflection as a way to reduce stress and anxiety. This Contemplation Labyrinth will be the focal point of our future garden plans and is generously sponsored by Ann Jones Real Estate.
Keep Brownwood Beautiful has been around for 35 years. We care about our community and are working to create programs and activities centered around the natural health and beautification of our local environment and community. We are always recruiting members and in need of volunteers. Stop by and see us at work tomorrow at 900 Brady Avenue, sign up to volunteer.
As we begin installation we also want to thank our project donors: Billy & Eugenia (Jae) Nelson, Linda Morris, and Holland Hauling. Support projects like this and more, donate now find us on Venmo @keepbrownwoodbeautiful. Call or text for info. 325-641-0533
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Bee Relocation Update

8/29/2022

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Bee Relocation Update!

Over the weekend the bees were safely removed and off to their new location!
Keep Brownwood Beautiful is very thankful to everyone that pulled together on GoFundMe and with other donations to help these bees on their way.
The process was interesting to watch (from a safe distance) and learn about. The beekeeper, Neal Nielson of JN Honey, has relocated the bees to an area separated/segregated from his other bees to be monitored for a full year in regards to their health and temperament. If the bees are aggressive their queen will be replaced to hopefully calm the colony. She may be replaced up to four times within that period. These bees were located deep within stacks of what appeared to be framed wall sections and years of trumpet vine overgrowth. Neil removed ten hives, heavy equipment was needed to access them.
We found Neal on a list from Texas A&M Extension, listed under Brown County.
( https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/bee-removal/ )
Neal Nielson leases bees out for crop pollination and harvests beeswax and honey for sale.
​JN Honey is local honey and can be purchased at either of Honey Bee Natural Foods locations.
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August 18th, 2022

8/18/2022

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Emergency Fundraiser to Relocate Bee Hive Near Labyrinth

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​We want to thank everyone for their generosity on GoFundMe.
We also want to thank
Honey Bee Natural Foods, Inc. for their generous check.
There will be quite a buzz on August 27th weekend with a bee relocation project early that Saturday morning. Keep Brownwood Beautiful (KBB) is partnering with Neal Nielson with JN Honey to relocate a large hive of bees currently located near the soon-to-be installed contemplation labyrinth adjacent to the Austin Avenue overpass.
Bees are essential for the world’s food crops — each day we rely on bees and other pollinators. In fact, most of the food we consume relies on pollination. Bees are responsible for nuts, coffee, and even spices. Bees also help with the creation of many medicines for humans! Bees are a cornerstone of our food system and along with other pollinators, they help support the plants that provide the air we breathe.
The bee relocation is an unexpected but necessary expense for the labyrinth project. Honey Bee Natural Foods, Inc., located at 909 N. Fisk in Brownwood, is assisting with a generous donation to help cover some of the expense. JN Honey is sold at the Honey Bee store in Brownwood and may be beneficial for people suffering from pollen-related allergies, as the honey is produced by local bees.
KBB currently has a GoFundMe account set up online to help raise the remaining money needed for this project: https://gofund.me/75dc6fa6
You can also donate via check mailed to Keep Brownwood Beautiful, PO Box 1105, Brownwood, Texas 76804, or in person and you can call or text 325-641-0533 to make arrangements.
During September, KBB will begin the installation of a decorative stone labyrinth near the overpass. The labyrinth design is sponsored by Ann Jones Real Estate and will be situated near the blue pavilion, across from the location for monthly in-town recycling. The project is an important part of KBB’s focus on beautification along with recycling and litter clean-up.
Until recently the small park area housed recycled art with glass bottle sculptures and painted dumpsters. The area was cleared, thanks to help from the City of Brownwood, and Holland Hauling, who generously donated their services for the project. While the unusual art was a quirky way to showcase repurposed items, the new labyrinth will be an attractive feature for the neighborhood as well as a fun place for students from the nearby schools to explore. KBB also plans to host educational opportunities near the labyrinth.
More donations and sponsorships will be needed in order to beautify the area around the labyrinth. If you or your organization or business would like to partner with KBB on this project, you can call or text 325-641-0533, or reach out to KBB on our Facebook
page: www.facebook.com/KeepBrownwoodBeautifulTX
KBB is also on the lookout for volunteers to spend just a few hours each month keeping Brownwood beautiful with a truly fun-loving and community-minded group. If you are interested in volunteering, visit their Facebook page or website: www.kbbtx.org to learn more.
Funding for KBB’s many programs is also needed. Individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to donate through PayPal on the KBB website. Brownwood residents can also easily support KBB with a simple one dollar donation when they come to City Hall to pay their water bill in person.

BE SURE TO VISIT OUR
Partners, Sponsors, & Donors​ PAGE AND SHOE THEM SOME LOVE... click their links and like their pages.​
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    Author

    Let's Do Something, for the community and ourselves...
    Let's Keep Brownwood Beautiful together.
    What are some ways to do that? One way is to volunteer with us! We are at the recycling station under the Austin Avenue overpass on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month. Start by coming out and meeting us, and bring some recycling. Consider volunteering and become a member. Soon we will be planning some clean up days and some weeding & gardening at miniparks.

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  • Menu
    • About
    • Calendar
    • Get Involved
    • Sponsors, Partners, & Donors
    • Programs, Projects, & Activities
    • Recycling
    • Scrapbook
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  • Holiday Home Decorating Contest Winners
    • Holiday Home Entry