Two programs in GFWC's Conservation Department are designed to inspire club women to establish and implement environmental awareness programs in their communities.

We have certificates to deliver to each of the schools to which we are providing Kind News, a monthly magazine prepared by the Humane Society and a preferred program of GFWC.

Elephant Sanctuary:

On Friday, October 17th, the Marble's attended the Elephant Sanctuary fundraiser in the Atrium of the Factory. A video of the elephant Tarra and her dog friend Bella was shown. Carol Buckley, one of the sanctuary's founders, gave a talk and answered questions. Mary presented BWC's donations of $100 to continue our sponsorship of Sissie and another $100 toward the sanctuary's Education Center being developed in downtown Hohenwald.

Mary Marble presents a "bouquet" of 19 carrots to Kate Elliott, the Elephant Sanctuary manager. One carrot for each of the elephants currently living at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN. The sanctuary began in 1995 by cofounders Carol Buckley and Scott Blais to provide a natural habitat home for elephants which have retired from either zoos or circuses. Many of these animals have been badly abused or mistreated and are now receiving compassionate care and medical attention to finish out their years peacefully.

A terrific opportunity exists to become involved in the Elephant Sanctuary. Sponsorships of an individual elephant can be had for as little as $30.00. One can also "feed an elephant" for at least that amount. The funds go to purchase produce and food for a specific elephant. Visit the Elephant Sanctuary web site for biographies and information on the 19 elephants available for sponsorship. What a great way to interest children in learning about these giant and gentle beasts, and to educate them about this wonderful facility right here in Middle Tennessee!

Sissy at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN

Mary Marble presented Kate with a check to finalize the Club's sponsorship of an elephant named Sissy, providing her with food and produce. The Brentwood Woman's Club chose Sissy for her spirit. In the record flood of 1981, Sissy was swept from her zoo enclosure. She was presumed dead but when the waters started to recede, she was spotted. Actually it was her trunk that was spotted, wrapped around a tree limb, sticking just above the water line. Her later mistreatment at the El Paso Zoo was so cruel that, after they saw the video, the El Paso City Council voted to find her a better home, sending her to the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN.

Clean the Mile: The "adopt-a-mile" section of Murray Lane was cleaned on November 1st. Thanks to Mary Marble, Elaine Badelt, Mary Phillips and her daughter, Betty Walton and her daughter, and Connie Campbell for their hard work.

Looking for a place to take a recyclable? Check out http://www.TennesseeGreen.com on the Internet.

Spring Beautification Project: Our beautification project for this spring will be the Liberty Garden at Crockett Park. Last year's drought killed several shrubs and trees which were to provide a screen between the amphitheater and the playground. We will be making a donation to the City of Brentwood. The city will buy and plant the replacement items.

Collection of old cell phones: We are seeking old cell phones or any unneeded cell phones you or your families may have. Please bring phones to donate to our next general meeting.

Law enforcement agencies and non-profits across the United States collect and redistribute used cell phones to any community member who needs a 911 phone in the event of an emergency. Secure the Call Foundation takes the phones, inspects them, cleans them, charges their batteries, and then reprograms them to be used as free 911 emergency phones. Any phone that can be turned on can access 911 services even without a carrier service plan. The phones are then distributed to domestic violence shelters, senior centers, neighborhood watch groups, school crossing guards and other agencies with an immediate need for "911" access.
Collection of mercury thermometers: The thermometers will be discarded in the county hazardous waste collection in May.

Note: Compact fluorescent bulbs also contain mercury and should be disposed of as hazardous waste. For information on what to do if a compact fluorescent bulb or mercury thermometer breaks visit http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#florescent .

Kind News: Elementary school principals were surveyed as to their interest in continuing to receive the Kind News subscription for next school year. We will continue to provide a subscription to 5 of the 6 Brentwood elementary schools. We will also be providing a subscription to a kindergarten classroom at Smyrna elementary who particularly requested our help. They will receive the subscription that Edmondson Elementary chose not to renew.

Tree Planting: We are planning a tree planting on Earth Day, April 22nd, details to be announced.

Owl's Hill - Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary is a 160 acre, protected green space in northwest Williamson County, south of Murray Lane and east of Hillsboro Road. It is an independent nonprofit organization (formerly under the Cheekwood administrative umbrella).

Offerings include: hands-on educational programs for public, private and home school groups; Scout badge and nature programs; seasonal public programs for adults and families; summer camps for children 5-15 years old.

Visit their web-site for great ideas for a trip with your children or grandchildren. For more information and registration visit their web-site http://www.owlshill.org/whatshappening .

Access to Owl's Hill is by reservation only (to lessen environmental impact).

Mercury Thermometers should be properly discarded. Bring any to the next meeting for discarding. We will discard at the next Williamson Toxic Waste collection.

Environmental Leader Classes offered by Keep Williamson Beautiful: Being green has become a national pastime- everyone talks about it. Now Keep Williamson Beautiful is asking that you do more than just talk - they're asking you to take action. Join the efforts to teach Williamson County residents how to do more. It's as simple as reducing, reusing and recycling.

KWB is sponsoring a six week, six class study course on how you too can be an Environmental leader. Classes start April 3 and are only $25.00. The goal of the class is "To increase awareness of the beauty of Williamson County and Tennessee and to promote keeping that beauty intact by stopping litter and encouraging recycling and to get more people involved". Classes are two hours each on every Thursday evening from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and will be held at the KWB office on 420 Century court in Franklin. Each class will consist of two topics.

The preceding information was taken from the Keep Williamson Beautiful web-site. Registration forms are online if you'd like to participate. http://www.williamson-tn.org/kwb