TLC Community Outreach Activity

Clarissa Gibney

On May 10, 2011, a group of TLC students did a community outreach activity by cleaning the surroundings of the Gainesway Pond located along the Tates Creek area. The objective of this activity was to restore the natural status of the pond. We were accompanied by both Ms. Galla and Coach Coles, along with Ms. Pattie Stivender, an Environmental Educator who works for Bluegrass Pride. Bluegrass Pride is an organization that is dedicated to educating Kentuckians about the environment they live in.

At Gainesway Pond, we focused on cleaning up trash and recyclables out of the pond to make it a safer, cleaner, much prettier environment – and to give back to our community. We collected 17.25 pounds of garbage that may have otherwise been left to sit and continue polluting the water. The values that we caught from the activity made a great impact on us, as we became more aware of our environment. Jordan Garner said by cleaning up the pond, he was influenced to want to clean up his room! That goes to show that we wish to be the change we want to see in the world. When we were done, we even got to sit in the shade to have a picnic provided by Mrs. Galla before heading back to TLC.

We are facing a lot of environmental issues that can only be solved one small step at a time. By making an effort to clean up one park, we have made progress towards providing a healthier atmosphere in all of Lexington.

If everyone was inspired to clean up after themselves, and to give back to their neighborhood, the world we live in would be a more beautiful place. We should be the brain, not the cancer of nature. All it takes is a little bit of effort from everyone to protect our environment, which is our only home. Tiffany said this activity did not only teach her to be an environmentalist, but a nature warrior, who is ready to defend Mother Nature at anytime. Justin Talbert ended the day with a smile, saying how great it was to have helped out the community. Students at TLC were proud to have made a difference, and look forward to doing activities like this in the future. We thank the Bluegrass Pride organization, our teachers, and our principal, Mr. Chi, for allowing TLC to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and for providing us multiple opportunities outside of school to learn about ourselves, proving that the environment is the best extension of the classroom, where we can apply our learned life skills every single day.

The Lexington Humane Society

The Lexington Humane Society

April

            The Lexington Humane Society is an excellent organization that takes care of animals as long as they are financially able. To keep this awesome organization running, they are currently in need of generous donations, such as:

·         Cash donations

·         Timothy hay/Alfalfa, for small animals

·         Flat (not fitted) sheets, towels, and pillow cases

·         Pee pads for the Spay’s The Way surgery program

·         Rubbing alcohol

·         Canned cat food (all brands)

·         Dog/Cat toys

·         HE (High Efficiency) laundry detergent

·         Bleach (liquid or powder)

·         3-4 dorm size refrigerators without freezers

·         MELT AWAY Halite Rock Salt for de-icing  

Here are what some of our students have to say about their experiences at the Humane Society:

 “I enjoyed going to the humane society, it was a very enjoyable experience. We had seen a lot of cute puppies and dogs. It touched me, I literally almost cried. It reminded me of the sad commercials that you see on late night television, those commercials kill me, because animals get mistreated for no reason.” People can be so cruel.

“I really enjoyed going to the humane society and getting to see all of the puppies and playing with them. It’s sad to see them there, in the cages with no home. They just want to be loved but the place is very clean and they have a place to eat and sleep. They play with each other and you can take them out and walk them it was very emotional you get attached to the dogs, I wanted to take them all home with me, they were so nice!”

“My experience at the Humane Society was sad but yet enjoyable. It’s sad to see the dogs all cooped up in such a small place, but volunteers and people looking around take the dogs outside, you can even take them into a play room. They have these places for the dogs so that people can connect and get to know the dog before hand, and so the other dogs don't get jealous and start barking. There are so many sweet dogs. A lot of people want puppies. I have a dog from a Humane Society; she is so sweet and kind. She is a decent size dog but wouldn't hurt a fly. I love animals. I think if someone wants a dog, they should adopt at the Humane Society. People there are very helpful and the dogs are well-kept and taken care of. They also have a memorial of the dogs that have died there, which is really sad. I would hate to die in a place like that. It’s like a doggy jail.” 

Destiny, Kacey, Dorothay, Renee

Teacher Appreciation Week

http://smilingldsgirl.wordpress.com/category/random/

Our PTSA officers have done an awesome job of blessing us during Teacher Appreciation Week.  So have many business’s around town.  Below is a list of those that I sent letters of appreciation to, but anytime you can visit them – do so and express your appreciation.

Donut Days – Southland Dr.

ElCampestre Mexican Grill

Fitness 19

Friends & Co.

Fulin’s Asian Cuisine

Gigi”s Cupcakes

Jake’s Cigar Bar (?  I don’t remember getting my cigar??)

Jiffy Lube – Lane Allen

Ken Towery’s – Nicholasville Rd

Malone’s

Meineke – Pimlico

Oram’s Flowers

Pet Suites

Pierratts

Schlotzsky’s

Sutton’s

Wild Birds Unlimited

-Judy Baxter

YMCA

Your help is needed! The Y is in need of 8 more families to host of the 15 total youth coming. Please look at the attached information to host a youth or post on a website, ask a friend and spread the word. Contact Kate Patterson at kpatterson@ymcaofcentralky.org or 859-367-7341.

Thanks

 

Wendi Keene

YMCA of Central Kentucky

Executive Director of Community Services

239 East High Street

Lexington, KY 40507

859-367-7326

wkeene@ymcaofcentralky.org