​More About Earth Day…

            As I mentioned in the last blog, I have been going through boxes of old Keep Fremont Beautiful columns. I thought they would be more interesting – but honestly, they are pretty dry. I can safely say that I am the only one who would find the information contained in the columns to be mildly enjoyable as they serve as a timeline to long ago events and programs I directed. Some were successful programs that have stood the test of time while others were not so successful and immediately burst into flames or simply fizzled away in a slow and inevitable demise. 
            The column that appeared in the Fremont Tribune on April 6, 1991 announced that Keep Fremont Beautiful was hosting a Keep America Beautiful Month Coffee and a dedication of the new public trash cans. The following is an excerpt from that column:
            Personally, I’m really excited about the development of the new trash receptacles. Last fall, WalMart generously donated $1,000.00 to repair the older trash receptacles and develop a new, less expensive public trash receptacle. The new poured concrete public trash receptacles were developed by Kyle Lantz, Tom Anderson and Ron Gaeth, employees of the Fremont City Street Department. The liners were manufactured locally by Pete’s Custom Metal.
            Throughout the summer the Street Department will be repairing the City’s streets. In the past, excess concrete was thrown away. We will now use that excess concrete to construct the new trash receptacles. This ongoing program will assure that adequate trash receptacles are available for use in public areas and thus reduce litter.

            As I recall, the public trash cans that Keep Fremont Beautiful purchased in the 1980’s cost nearly $400.00 plus tax and shipping. Unfortunately, vandals threw one of those expensive public trash cans off the second level of the downtown parking garage. The trash can, suffered fatal injuries. The KFB Committee wanted to replace the trash receptacle but desired a more durable model. Thus, the concrete, 900-pound, public trash can, was developed, dedicated and distributed throughout the town.  
            The public trash cans weren’t exactly beautiful but they were “hardy” and absolutely functional. The idea of repurposing the leftover concrete was appealing to an organization dedicated to reducing waste. A few of those weighty behemoth monsters remain on duty, gobbling up discards from the passer by – ever on the ready to reduce litter in Fremont.
            Funding continued to be a problem for replacing the trash cans as grant funds were reduced year after year. Luckily, the Fremont Mainstreet program was able to secure funding for downtown seating and more attractive public trash receptacles. I must admit that the trash receptacles available in the downtown area today, are much more attractive than our homemade concrete receptacles from 28 years in the past. 
But I also must admit that we never had one of our 900 lb. trash cans thrown off the upper level of the parking garage. I wonder if any vandals suffered hernia damage in their failed attempts at destruction of public property – I sort of hope they did…  
            I may have a point with all the public trash can reminiscing – the public trash cans (attractive or sturdy) are available in convenient locations throughout our beautiful downtown area. Keep our downtown litter-free – use the public trash cans when visiting Historic Downtown Fremont. 
            Also, in the column that appeared in the April 6, 1991 issue of the Fremont Tribune, was a section on tree planting:
            April is a great time to beautify the community by planting trees!  The Barnard Park Historical District Society will host a tree planting get together at Barnard Park on April 21st. Refreshments will be served and plans for future beautification efforts will be on display – all Fremonters are welcome to attend.         
       ​As I recall there were lots of people – children, teens and adults – who attended the event. The block long border of trees planted that day in 1991 have matured – adding beauty and color to a highly visible public space.    There is no guarantee that if you plant a tree today, you will be around to see it mature or even see it bloom in the spring. 
            I am grateful, that once again, I am here on planet earth and able to witness the miracle of Spring and the beauty of the flowering trees. I hope that the trees we planted in 1991 will continue to grace our public park for years to come. Far too many of the people with us on that day have passed, however, their presence at the event and the contributions each made to keeping Fremont beautiful will forever be held as a precious memory for me.  
           ​Celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree. What better tradition than creating family memories, helping the environment, cleaning the air and providing for a more beautiful community.