Clean and Beautiful committee cheers new conservation video

A preview of the new conservation video for the Columbia County Clean and Beautiful Committee received high praise as it played near the end of the group's monthly meeting last week.

"(The video) is something that can remind people that taking care of the environment is our responsibility," said Ernie Blackburn. "It's short so we can use it to educate kids. If we can teach kids at a young age about responsibility to the environment, we will see both short term and long term effects."

During the meeting, committee members also discussed the new landscape architect position that was created by Columbia County.

"They are currently accepting applications for the position," chairman Jim Truitt said. "I think this will enhance the future beautification of our county."

While most of the items on the committee's task sheet have been crossed off - including the creation of the video - there are some items left to tackle:

planning a community challenge and clean-up celebration to reduce litter along roadways

add more photos to complete its Web site

begin drives to recycle telephone books and old cell phones.

The group also plans to have committee members at a tent in front of the new Wal-Mart in Evans Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon giving away free information, car trash bags, candy and stickers.

"I am excited about where we are right now and I thank you all for your work and your efforts," Truitt said. "Now we can get down to carrying out more of the details."

In other business, the committee selected First National Bank and Trust on Columbia Road as the Point of Pride location for July.

The next Columbia County Clean and Beautiful meeting will be Thursday, August 15 at 6 p.m. in the Cherry Room of the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.