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KIB Celebrates 31st Annual Trash Bash

409 Volunteers Participate at T.W. Richardson Grove

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)— T.W. Richardson Grove Park, 333 E. Interstate Highway 635, was the site of the Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) 31st Annual Trash Bash, the organization’s signature cleanup event. A total of 409 volunteers gathered at the park on Sept. 24, with a focus of stopping litter from reaching the nearby Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The volunteers totaled 1,227 hours of service and collected 860 pounds of trash and 410 pounds of recyclables. During KIB’s virtual cleanup, 77 volunteers served 59.5 hours and collected 55 pounds of trash.

 

Mayor Rick Stopfer officially proclaimed Sept. 24 as “Trash Bash Day in Irving.”  The event also was part of National Public Lands Day when thousands of volunteers engaged in similar projects across the country.

 

KIB partnered with Crisis Ministries of Irving for their annual canned food drive during the city’s Trash Bash event. Volunteers who brought a food donation received a KIB T-shirt. A total of 376 pounds of food was collected to benefit those the local community.

 

Following the cleanup, volunteers from Nueva Vida Church prepared and served a hot dog lunch and chips were donated by Frito-Lay.

 

During the day, attendees had the opportunity to visit a variety of vendors at the park. Barry Allen brought a collection of reptiles. The City of Irving Water Utilities shared fun facts about water conservation. The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas offered STEM activities and program information at their table. Randy Mecca of DiscGames, whose focus is the therapeutic and recreational value of disc golf for wounded warriors and others with physical challenges, set up an area where volunteers could test their disc golf skills.  Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages brought Coca-Cola products for the volunteers to enjoy, and the Irving Flood Control District III and Level Pathways had information tables.  The Irving Public Library gave three performances of a puppet show, while the City of Irving Urban Forestry team helped volunteers pot tree seedlings to take home.

   

Several city departments helped make Trash Bash a success, including Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste Services, Water Utilities and Communications. The Singley Academy Police Explorers directed traffic and kept the parking procedure safe and efficient. The Young Men’s Service League – Irving Hawks Chapter distributed supplies at the registration tables.

 

KIB Board President Scott Wilson provided safety instructions to the volunteers prior to the cleanup. “The Trash Bash has been an Irving tradition since 1992,” said Wilson. “It provides an opportunity for people who share a common goal of making our community cleaner and greener to gather together and make a positive, impactful difference.  On behalf of the KIB Board and staff, I want to thank everyone who came out to help make this event a success.”

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Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/284/Keep-Irving-Beautiful or call (972) 721-2175.

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(IRVING, TEXAS)— On Sept. 9, Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) staff visited the Children’s Discovery Center at First Baptist Church of Irving.  Staff spoke to the children about taking care of their environment by picking up litter, recycling and saving energy and natural resources.  KIB used a variety of props to educate the group, including a spinning prize wheel, numerous items made from recycled materials and toucan mascot Kirby.

 

Children aged three to six-years-old attended and learned that Kirby stands for ‘Keep Irving Recycling and Beautiful Year-Round,’ as well as how to make items products from recycled plastic bottles, rubber tires and newspaper.  Each student received a drawstring backpack, Eco Super-Hero activity book and a picture of Kirby to color.

 

Earlier this year, KIB provided birdhouses to the center which had been constructed by KIB volunteers from kits donated by the Parks and Recreation Department.  The children painted them at the school, then brought the birdhouses home.

 

“We always enjoy bringing the KIB message to children, because we feel it is important to reach them at an early age,” said KIB staff member Julie Schmitt. “We were quite impressed with the knowledge that these preschoolers already had about environmental stewardship.  That tells us that they are learning good practices like recycling and conservation at home, so a big acknowledgement is in order for their parents.”

 

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Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

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KIB to Celebrate 31st Annual Trash Bash

Volunteers Invited to Register Online or Participate Remotely

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)—  Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) will celebrate the 31st annual Trash Bash on Saturday, Sept 24 at T.W. Richardson Grove Park, 333 E. Interstate Highway 635, from 9 a.m. to noon.   Volunteers will focus their efforts on the Northern Campion Trails and surrounding area, with the goal of keeping litter from reaching the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.  The cleanup will be held on National Public Lands Day, traditionally the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event, and will also be part of Keep Texas Beautiful’s “Fall Sweep.”

 

KIB will provide litter pickers, gloves, trash and recycle bags.  In addition to the cleanup, volunteers will have the opportunity to visit a variety of educational and entertaining exhibits to learn about reptiles and water conservation, participate in STEM activities, play disc golf, or enjoy a puppet show.  Lunch will be provided, with a vegetarian option, after the cleanup.

 

Volunteers are encouraged to bring canned or other non-perishable food items to benefit Crisis Ministries of Irving Food Pantry in downtown Irving. Those who donate will receive a T-shirt, while supplies last.

 

As they did with last year’s event, KIB is also offering a “virtual” option.  Volunteers will conduct their own cleanups at a safe Irving location of their choice.  They will report to KIB by posting pictures and data to their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram  pages using the hashtag #IrvingTrashBash31.  Online registration is not required for the virtual option.

 

“Our tradition of holding the Trash Bash on National Public Lands Day and in conjunction with the statewide Fall Sweep makes our volunteers feel that they are part of a much bigger picture,” said KIB President Scott Wilson.  “While our primary goal is to pick up litter and keep it from reaching the waterway, the addition of educational and interactive tables will make this event much more than just a cleanup.   We encourage Irving residents to join us at T.W. Richardson Grove, or for those who are participating remotely, we look forward to seeing their photos on social media.”

 

Please register online by Sept. 16. For more information, visit cityofirving.org/KIB, or call the KIB office at (972) 721-2175.

 

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

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KEEP IRVING BEAUTIFUL PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARDS

Local Community Members Honored at Ceremony

 

 

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)— The annual Mayor and Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) Awards ceremony was held on August 1 at a new location, the Jack D. Huffman Community Building.   The event began with longtime volunteer Elouise McMillian and KIB Board Member Candace Eldridge greeting and signing in guests at the welcome table.  Guests then had the special opportunity to tour the Irving Museum prior to the ceremony.

Randy Lemerand of Spirit Grille catered the appetizer buffet, which guests enjoyed at tables featuring centerpieces created by Nancy Ard.  T.J. Friedel provided photography for the event, and a crew from Irving Community Television was present to interview guests for a future story on the event. 

KIB Treasurer Jim Scrivner began the ceremony by providing a brief overview of KIB’s accomplishments, including the President’s Circle Award from Keep America Beautiful, and the Gold Star, Sustained Excellence and Governor’s Community Achievement Awards from Keep Texas Beautiful.  He then introduced Cathy Whiteman, returning as emcee for the eleventh consecutive year, and Honorary Chair Mayor Rick Stopfer for the presentation of the following awards:

Educator Award:  Andrea Keller, Lamar Middle School

Educator Award:  Father Thomas Esposito, University of Dallas and Cistercian Preparatory

Media:  Nexstar Media Group

Business and Industry Award:  Via Reál Restaurant

Civic Organization:  VFW Post Irving 2494

Nonprofit Organization:  The Main Place

Government Award:  City of Irving Department of Community Development and Housing

KIB Hometown Award:  Pete Miller

KIB Hometown Award:  Albert Zapanta

Lifetime Achievement:  Margie Stipes 

“This is a meaningful event that everyone enjoys,” said KIB Board President Scott Wilson. “It’s a pleasure to pay tribute to people who make a positive impact in the community each year.  It is especially rewarding we have renamed the Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of our own Margie Stipes.”

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, KIB reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/284/Keep-Irving-Beautiful or call (972) 721-2175.

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KIB Partners with Lively Adult Day Therapeutic Program

 

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)— On July 7, Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) partnered with the City of Irving’s Lively Pointe Adult Day Therapeutic Program and the Irving Archives and Museum (IAM) for a craft project.  The group of eight clients and two staff members met at the museum’s Smithsonian Spark!Lab, located at 801 W. Irving Blvd., where they painted river rocks.  While the rocks dried, the group had the opportunity to explore the lab and choose from several STEM activities.  Some visited the vertical wind tunnel and used paper cups, feathers, wooden sticks and other materials to create objects that they thought might hover in the tunnel.  Others collaborated at the “Create a Vehicle” station to make a fire truck. 

 

The Adult Day Therapeutic Program is housed in the Lively Pointe Youth Center. It provides a recreation program designed to assist Irving residents aged 18 and older with mental and/or physical disabilities and improve their quality of life.  KIB has worked with the group for the past year, with activities ranging from painting birdhouses, making Valentine’s Day Cards for seniors, learning about the environment, and conducting a site cleanup.

 

The Spark!Lab at the IAM is the first of its kind in Texas. The unique space encourages the development of invention and innovation through hands-on activities.

 

“It’s always a great day when we can work together with the clients and staff of the Adult Day Therapeutic Program, and with the IAM,” said KIB Board member Karen Harmon. “This is a great facility for this type of project, and the young adults love coming here.  We are looking forward to our next project with them.”

 

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Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

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(IRVING, TEXAS)— Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) recently partnered with the Irving-based Nexstar Media Group for their annual “Founder’s Day of Caring” on June 17.  Nexstar founder and CEO Perry Sook started Founder’s Day to “enable employees to make a personal commitment to make the community a better place for everyone.”  Employees in each of Nexstar’s 116 markets across the country are given paid time off to work with a local nonprofit or service agency.  

 

A total of 79 employee volunteers, dressed in T-shirts denoting Nexstar’s 26th anniversary, gathered at T.W. Richardson Grove Park, 101 W. Interstate 635, for their morning of service. These volunteers gave 237 combined hours in in collecting litter along the tree lines close to the Elm Fork of the Trinity River along Campion Trail.  When all bags were weighed and recorded, the group collected more than 110 pounds of trash and recyclables.

 

The event also included a food drive, with employees encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to the event.  A total of 276 pounds of food were donated to Irving Cares food pantry, thanks to the generosity of the Nexstar team.

 

Media coverage of the event was provided by Nexstar owned CW-33 and Irving Community Television Network, who interviewed participants and took video footage that captured the spirit of the day.

 

“It was a pleasure for us to welcome Nexstar back to T.W. Richardson Grove for a second consecutive year,” said KIB Board member Karen Harmon.  “They are an excellent group to work with and serve as an outstanding example of corporate community stewardship.  Not only did they give of their time make the park more beautiful, but they also supported a local food pantry with their donations.”

 

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Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

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Keep Irving Beautiful Partners with Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

 

 

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)— Irving’s Trinity View Park, 2221 E. Highway 356, was buzzing with activity on June 10, as employee volunteers from Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CC-SWB) gathered for a morning of service as part of the company’s “Sustainability Week.”  This was a combination beautification project, with one group applying a fresh coat of bright yellow paint to the safety railings at the football fields, while others conducted a cleanup throughout the park. The 48 employee volunteers gave 144 hours of time, and collected 151 pounds of trash and 97 pounds recyclables.

 

The special guest of the day was the WFAA-Channel 8 “Good Morning Texas” crew.  As volunteers worked in the background, Paige McCoy Smith interviewed a representative of CC-SWB and KIB Coordinator Rick Hose.  This was followed by the presentation of an oversized check in the amount of $5,000, a donation from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages to Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB).

 

The KIB and CC-SWB partnership was initiated through the Texas Water Action Collaborative (TxWAC), a group which matches companies and funders with projects that benefit Texas water resources.  KIB’s primary goal in cleanups is to keep litter from reaching the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, which forms the eastern border of the park, and the funds will be used to purchase supplies to aid in future cleanups.

 

“It’s always exciting for us to welcome a new corporate partner,” said KIB Board member Brian Bunch. “We can’t thank Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages enough for their contribution today.  Not only did the employees give of their time towards the beautification of Trinity View Park,  but the company also made a generous financial contribution which will be so helpful toward enhancing our programs.”

 

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

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Keep Irving Beautiful Partners with Dallas Everest Lions Club

Group Donated and Planted Trees at Running Bear Park

 

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)— Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) recently partnered with the Dallas Everest Lions Club for a tree planting project at Running Bear Park, 2601 S. Story Road.  On June 3, a total of 10 volunteers, which included Lions and “Leos,” the club’s youth members, gathered at the park for a morning of service.  Under the guidance of the City of Irving’s Urban Forestry Team, the group planted six large 45-gallon trees.

 

The group volunteered 30 hours of service by planting the four bur oaks and two red oak trees, which were purchased using funds donated by the club.  Previously, the group had funded a similar project at Cimarron Park, 201 Red River Trail.

 

Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer paid a visit to the event to thank the volunteers for their service to the city.  Michael Amador, a photographer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), took videos of the volunteers in action. He also interviewed the mayor and KIB President Scott Wilson for a feature on Irving that will be presented at the Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) Ceremony at the Keep Texas Beautiful State Conference.   Irving is this year’s GCAA winner in the largest population category.

 

“The Dallas Everest Lions Club members are all about service and giving back to the community,” said Wilson.  “An event like this where they both funded and planted the trees shows that.  We were able to purchase some beautiful oak trees which will provide shade along the trail as well as many other benefits like habitat for birds and other wildlife. This is a great example of the partnerships that are vital for KIB to achieve what we do.”

 

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

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Keep Irving Beautiful Partners with Veterans Group from Amazon

 

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)— Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) recently partnered with the “Warriors” group from the Amazon DAL-3 Fulfillment Center for a beautification project.  This group consists of Amazon employees who are either veterans or military family members/supporters.  In honor of Memorial Day, the group completed a paint service project at Irving’s Southwest Park.

 

On May 26, eight employee volunteers came to Southwest Park, 2800 Shady Grove Road, to begin their morning of service. These volunteers completed 24 combined hours by prepping and painting the metal safety fencing that surrounds the soccer fields, making it more visually appealing for the many athletes and spectators who come to the facility.

 

“We are always happy to welcome new partners,” said KIB Board member Jim Scrivner.  “This is the first time we have worked with the Amazon DAL-3 center, but we hope to have more projects with them again.  KIB is proud to support our veterans and their families, and having this project coincide with Memorial Day made it especially meaningful.”

 

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

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Keep Irving Beautiful and Partners Celebrate Earth Month

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)— Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) had a productive April, partnering with several groups to conduct “Earth Month” activities.  April 22 has been known as “Earth Day” since 1970, but interest and participation have grown beyond just one day to include the entire month of April.

 

KIB started April with the annual “Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off” cleanup at Trinity View Park, 2221 E. State Highway 356. This event, part of Keep Texas Beautiful’s statewide initiative and Keep America Beautiful’s “Great American Cleanup” nationwide program, set the tone for the month.  During April, KIB worked with several new partners for cleanups, including BBB Industries who picked up litter near the Rock Island Road Bike and Pedestrian Trail on April 8.  Employee volunteers from the Irving and Dallas offices of the Claudia Salas State Farm Insurance Agency joined forces on April 22 for a cleanup at Running Bear Park, 2601 S. Story Road. 

 

On April 21, KIB staff visited the Lively Adult Day Therapeutic Program and brought our toucan mascot Kirby to teach about recycling and the importance of not littering.  The clients enjoyed discovering some of the many items that can be made from recycled materials, and followed with a cleanup of Lively Park, 909 N. O’Connor Road.

 

Abbott Laboratories employees helped to beautify a popular Irving attraction with a paint project at the Animal Connection Experience at Fritz Park, 312 E. Vilbig St., on April 15.  They put a fresh coat of paint on the metal fencing, preparing for the arrival of the summer season.  Another paint project was with a new partner, the Amazon DAL-2 Fulfillment Center at the DFW Airport.  This group of employee volunteers gathered at Southwest Park, 2800 Shady Grove Road, on April 23 to give a fresh new look to the soccer field by painting the surrounding fencing.

 

KIB partnered with the West Irving Library for an Earth Day project that included building birdhouses and a  plant exchange.  KIB supplied birdhouse kits that were donated by the Parks Department, and the library supplied the plants. 

 

Additionally, the Bird’s Fort Trail Butterfly Garden is thriving, thanks to the efforts of volunteers who tend to the many different plants that help to attract butterflies and other pollinators to the area.  KIB invites the community to visit the beauty of the garden located at 5756 Riverside Drive. The garden is along the city’s Campion Trail system.

 

“April is typically our busiest month of the year, and 2022 was no exception,” said KIB board member Margie Stipes. “We started the month with a community cleanup and ended with Arbor Day, with a great variety of projects and partners in between.  Of course, at KIB we like to say that every day is Earth Day, so all of our activities throughout the year reflect that theme.”

 

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.