Columns
Through a special arrangement with the Iowa Newspaper Association (INA), Gerry Schnepf, Executive Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful provides a monthly column to the organization for distribution to its members. Please feel free to use any of these columns - the only requirement is to provide recognition and credit to the author and to Keep Iowa Beautiful.
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Get the Lead Out! — Feb 5, 2012
In today’s age of technology it takes on a new meaning and refers to the high lead content on the glass of electronic instruments, TV screens, monitors and other items. The following describes the impact of lead on our lives when it is in the wrong place.
Iowa - Our Greatest Gift — Dec 14, 2011
Iowans are blessed with two of the greatest gifts that could ever be given – the gift of bountiful and rich natural resources that provide a dynamic social and economic vitality. The second gift is a special set of citizens that respect and enjoy that bounty and the livelihood and cultural value it provides.
Change - Good or Bad? — Nov 7, 2011
Making changes in our behavior patterns is a challenge. Those behaviors that are negative to maintaining a clean and attractive landscape and place come both quickly and slowly.
Iowa's Roadsides - Places of Beauty? — Oct 5, 2011
Protection of the “beautiful roadside botanical gardens” while assuring safety and low maintenance costs should be mutually achieved to meet the objectives of the landowner and volunteer and the organization or governmental unit through careful discussion and planning.
Helping Keep Our Countryside Beautiful! — Sep 21, 2011
As we travel the roadways of rural Iowa the natural beauty of the countryside is enhanced by the many attractive farm sites and residences. All of us appreciate the extra work that rural residents put into their homes and property. That effort also results in providing an attractive pastoral and pleasant image to visitors – a sign that Iowan’s care.
Turning Our Back on Americana — Aug 17, 2011
The “front porch” has been a long standing trademark of America. For decades, Americans spent their family and neighborhood time on the front porches and in the front yards of our communities. Neighbors visited with neighbors, talked with those strolling by, watched over community activities and spent time strengthening their family relationships. That period in our history represented an extremely strong sense of prideful communities. This era was reflected by the phrase “It takes a community to raise a child”. Sharing of family with others’ and watching over the community was common – this period provided a maturing and caring society with strong concerns for others.
Village of Volunteers — Jun 15, 2011
The title focuses on an analogy to the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child”. This analogy is equally appropriate, as it takes many volunteers to keep a community clean and attractive.
A String of Pearls — May 18, 2011
The song title conjures images of a beautiful piece of jewelry – lustrous pearls that are strung together with a thread of silk. It also reminds us of the Clarinda native big band era band leader, composer and trombone player - Glenn Miller. This song made famous by Glenn Miller takes us back over 65 years. Regardless of age, the song is a beautiful haunting melody yet today, reminding us of the importance of beauty in our lives.
The song reminds me of Iowa’s communities – some of our communities have all the pearls (special community features) connected with clean and attractive neighborhoods, landscaping and streets – the silk thread that brings the pearls together.
How Iowans Feel About Waste... — Mar 15, 2011
Recent survey of Iowans regarding waste, litter & recycling.
Turning Derelict Buildings into Community Assets — Jan 18, 2011
January – 2011
Turning Derelict Buildings into Community Assets
Almost every community in the State has “derelicts” – buildings! Derelict buildings are
often in various stages of vacancy and / or disrepair from those that are falling down to
those that still can...
Communities With Commitment — Dec 1, 2010
A sense of community pride comes from “ownership”. When citizens resolve their own community problems, the sense of ownership in the community becomes very strong. They develop a sense of pride in the place that they have had a part in shaping. That particularly holds true for the student in the local school. If that student is asked to be involved in shaping the future of the community – not simply as cheap labor in a project, but for active ideas and thoughts in planning the future of the town – that youth will develop a strong sense of ownership, resulting in an equally strong sense of pride. Later in life the potential to return to that community will be increased three times as a result of the sense of ownership and pride.
Iowa - A State of Beauty — Nov 1, 2010
The origin of our State’s name was derived from a native American Sioux word, “Ayuxwa” – in French “Ayoua” and in English “Ioway”. The Iowa River is really the namesake of our State, however, the word Ioway has taken on another meaning, “a place of beauty”. Right or wrong – the meaning that we attach reflects our sense of pride in our State. Early settlement history by Europeans helped to support that idea. The heritage of those early settlers was one of cleanliness, beauty and a sense of order.
Tailgating With Respect — Oct 1, 2010
No one can argue about the fun and enjoyment of social activities before and after athletic events. It is a great way to have fun, enjoy great food and refreshments, meet people, reflect on the game and gain support for your particular school. The issue becomes one of how we conduct ourselves during those events – with respect and dignity or with disregard and rudeness. Do we leave the area clean and picked up or littered and filled with debris.
Planting the Seeds of Service — Sep 1, 2010
During World War II citizens of all ages – young and old alike, pitched in to help the war effort in many ways. One of those ways was to help collect everything from metal to milkweed pods for manufacturing products for the war effort. Rationing of gas, rubber and certain foods was the accepted way of life. That effort might be considered the ultimate concept of “service”.
Passing the Environmental Baton! — Aug 1, 2010
Our race through life begs the question - like the relay race in which the baton is passed
from one runner to the next "What condition will the environmental baton be when we
pass it on to the next generations - our children and their children?"
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