Advocate-Messenger Introduces Campaign

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