2008 Year in Review

Fulton Green Expo: Going Green on the Narrows

The Fulton Association for Community Enrichment and the Fulton Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the Fulton Green Expo: “Going Green on the Narrows.” The event will be held Saturday, September 13, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the former Fulton Fire Station, corner of 10th Avenue and 4th Street, Fulton, IL. Committee members have put together a detailed event featuring vendors, speakers, youth activities, food, and free waste disposal services.

Last fall, the Fulton Chamber of Commerce set a goal at its annual planning session to educate the community about environmental awareness and energy conservation. In addition, the Fulton Association for Community Enrichment also wanted to add a community public awareness event to follow-up from last year’s local artisan show. The result was a partnership to offer a Green Expo to the entire Gateway Area.

Thus far, nearly 20 vendors will be on hand offering suggestions and ideas for making your home and business more environmentally friendly. The first 200 attendees will receive a FREE CFL (compact fluorescent light bulb) donated by Jo-Carroll Energy and a FREE reusable grocery tote donated by Jewel-Osco. Speakers and topics for the day include: “Efficiency at Home and in the Community” at 10:30 a.m.; “Wind Turbines” at Noon; “Alternative Fuels: Fulton Ethanol Plant and Jo-Carroll Bio-Energy Plant” at 1:30 p.m.; and “Energy Saving Tips” at 2:30 p.m. All of the presentations will be held inside the former Fire Station in the community room.

Several youth activities are planned for the Expo. Schmaling Memorial Public Library will offer a story hour at the library beginning at 11am. Ms. Nancy Buikema, Fulton Elementary School librarian, will have crafts and additional story hours throughout the day. Fulton Elementary School students will display “Green” posters as well as a large “Green Expo” sign made out of recycled materials. Fulton Middle School students will showcase nine decorated recycle barrels. After the event, the recycle barrels will be placed at several Fulton parks. The Fulton High School Ecology Class will assist with disposal services and judge both the poster and recycle barrel contests. Each of the schools will have additional “green” activities and educational programs leading up to the Expo.

A highlight of the event will be several FREE disposal services including household hazardous waste disposal, e-waste disposal (computers, etc.), document shredding, battery disposal, appliance removal registration, newspaper recycling (sponsored by Boy Scouts) and athletic shoes recycling. Some disposal services are available only to City Fulton/Fulton Township residents. Drop off for disposal items will be located at the north end of the former Fire Station at the corner of 9th Avenue & 4th Street. Complete details on the disposal program can be downloaded at City of Fulton. These services are provided by the Clinton County Landfill, Scott County Demanufacturing Facility, Cintas, and Nike and are sponsored by several anonymous donors, Brinkman Building Center, City of Fulton, Fulton Fire Protection District, and Fulton Township. Providers and sponsors reserve the right to restrict quantities, if necessary.

The entire event is free and everyone is encouraged to attend. For a schedule and a complete listing of disposal details, visit City of Fulton or call 815-589-4545.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
September 2, 2008