Top Seven Signs Your Holiday Tree Has Been Up Too Long

From www.broward.org/parks

1. You've taken to using it as a coat rack.
2. The bird that got into your house stayed - and nested.
3. Visitors ask how you'll be decorating it for the spring holiday.
4. It's sprouted roots and started growing again.
5. Squirrels gather at your window and look in longingly at it.
6. You can no longer see the carpet through the layers of dried needles.
7. You've decided just to go ahead and leave it up for next year.

Is there anything sadder than a holiday tree that's still standing around
in someone's living room well into the new year? If the holidays are long gone but your tree isn't, it's time to chip in and donate your used evergreen to our annual Chip-a-Tree initiative.

Last year Broward County Parks recycled more than 9,000 trees, representing more than a hundred tons of material that would otherwise have gone to landfills, and this year your tree can join those recyclable thousands. The free program encourages Broward County residents to remove all decorations from their holiday trees (no decorated trees will be accepted), then bring the trees to a participating park, where they are chipped and used for landscaping throughout the county park system. There is a limit of two trees per vehicle, artificial trees are not accepted, and no commercial vehicles or garbage trucks are allowed.

This season's program runs from Thursday, December 26, 2013, through Monday, January 20, 2014 (Martin Luther King Day), giving you plenty of time to take advantage of those after-the-holidays sales before hauling your tree to a park. And remember, the regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee will NOT be in effect for recyclers, so there's no excuse not to do the right thing. Hours vary; call the park of your choice for details.

See http://www.broward.org/PARKS/THINGSTODO/Pages/Chip-a-TreeProgram.aspx for location information.

Rainbarrels at Trash to Treasure

Our repurposed rainbarrels originally contained fruit juice concentrate.  We've added a strainer made from a florist bucket and a spigot to give you an environmentally favorable way to provide irrigation to your yard and garden.

Rainbarrels reduce irrigation costs, beneficially use stormwater runoff, eliminate the need to pump water, and the reduce the use of highly processed potable water for plants.

Our rainbarrels come at a great price:  $65 for non-members and $45 for members.  They make a great Christmas gift.  Pick one up this weekend while supplies last.

Environmental Educator position available at Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital

To Whom It May Concern, 

 The Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital (SNC), a 501(c)3 organization,  is seeking a part-time Environmental Educator.

 

Please click here for the details.

 

If you are or know someone who is interested and qualified, please forward a letter of interest and resume to robin@sawgrassnaturecenter.org.

 

To learn more about our organization, please see the SNC website, www.sawgrassnaturecenter.org.

 

Sincerely,

Robin Reccasina, Education Director

Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital

3000 Sportsplex Drive

Coral Springs, FL 33065

954/752-9453

www.sawgrassnaturecenter.org

George Gadson: Meet the Artist and Art Psalms Book Signing, Saturday December 21, 2013 12-2

George Gadson, former T2T director and active supporter, will be at Trash to Treasure, Saturday, December 21 from 12-2.

George will be at the Center signing the second edition of his book Art Psalms.  This book features a compilation of poetry inspired by the book of Psalms and George's renowned art.

George is a Duke University graduate, former banker, self-taught artist, and recently received his MA in Education.  He has transitioned from a full-time corporate employee to a self-employed professional artist.  George will be available to discuss how his career evolved and provide advice on how artists can become more independent and self-sufficient.  Learn more here.

Art Psalms makes a great Christmas gift.  Stop by and get a personalized copy.  And we have wrapping paper!

Can't make it this weekend.  Find out how to buy it on line and support T2T at the same time here.

Recognizing "Art Psalms" by George Gadson

Post by George Gadson.

Art Psalms:  Inspirations of faith, hope, and love expressed through art and poetry

Long-time T2T supporter, George Gadson, has new release. 

We would like to recognize our friend, George Gadson’s book, Art Psalms: Inspirations of Faith, Hope and Love Expressed Through Art and Poetry, is a compilation of poetry and works of art by Gadson.  The book was created to take the reader to a level of intimacy with God – experiencing comfort, peace, joy and clarity of life’s purpose and destiny. The unique combination of original paintings/artwork and original poetry creates a one of a kind edition. 

George is a self-taught artist and has been commissioned to create works of art for many high pro-file events and individuals, including an ornament for the White House Christmas tree in 2008. In 1995 and 1999, respectively, Gadson created two South Florida Super Bowl bronze commemorative sculptures aptly named “The Quarterback” and “The Kicker.” Each sculpture was given to the National Football League Team owners.

You can purchase Art Psalms online at Amazon.  Use GoodShop and choose Trash to Treasure as your charity and we get a donation.

Thanks for your support.

Trash2Art 2013, Studio 18 Pembroke Pines, Friday December 6, 7-9

We have some really great works this year for Trash2Art 2013!

Please join us for the reception this Friday, December 6, 7-9 at Studio 18 in Pembroke Pines.

In addition to food and beverages provided by Whole Foods Pembroke Pines, we will have music performed by the South Florida Chamber Ensemble  and Laura Sue, the Silvernightingale. 

Myrna Meeroff of the Chamber and Laura Sue are long-time members and advocates for Trash to Treasure.  We are ecstatic about their participation in this year's event.

We look forward to seeing you this Friday.  Thanks to our sponsors for helping make the event happen.

Funding for this project is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

After you've seen the art at Studio 18 in the Pines on Friday, check out the Everyday Green Expo at Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 - Corporate Shelter #10 -- on Saturday, December 7, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The expo will feature exhibitors promoting environmentally friendly living. Events include educational demonstrations, recycling drop-off, trash to treasure demonstrations, Florida Friendly landscaping tent, and more.

For more information, contact Katie Hendrickson at 954-357-5113 or at khendrickson@broward.org.

#GIVING TUESDAY, 2013

This Tuesday has been deemed Giving Tuesday to kick off the giving season.  The day is designed to encourage charitable activities that support non-profit organizations.

This year we have a unique opportunity to double any monetary donation that you contribute.  Trash to Treasure has teamed up with Business for the Arts to provide memberships to teachers at Broward "D" and "F" Middle Schools.  Our first project for elementary school teachers was so successful we've added middle schools.  Follow this link to contribute.  Contributions eligible for the double match must be made by December 15.  Memberships are the prime source of revenue that keeps our doors open.

Can't make a donation?  How about donating time to our all-volunteer organization.  We have a wide variety of opportunities that can take advantage of your special talents.  Plus, we are really fun people. Send us a message  and we can start the conversation.

To all of you that have helped make a difference through out the years, thank you very much.  Happy Holidays!