Getting things done: Vacant Lots

Pictured above are the sisters of the Zeta Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha next to a tree planted March 3rd

The sisters of the Zeta Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha from the University of Tennessee recently chose to serve with CAC AmeriCorps’ Vacant Lots program. With generous donations from Stanley’s Greenhouse, Wal-Mart and the City of Knoxville the sixteen ladies planted two willows oaks and a spring bulb garden in the Western Heights on a March 3^rd. CAC's Vacant Lots program is an initiative to beautify vacant properties in the City of Knoxville.

AmeriCorps member Conner Westby leads the effort to coordinate clean-ups of 11 vacant properties in the Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, and Beaumont community of Knoxville. He has removed mounds of invasive species, reintroduced native species and pollinators with the help of the fantastic volunteers of Knoxville such as the ladies of AKA.

If you'd like to be involved in the project contact CAC AmeriCorps at cacamericorps@knoxcac.org.

MLK Day of Service

CAC AmeriCorps was host of two service sites for the 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. At Ijams Nature Center members cleared invasive species, repaired trails, and prepared heirloom seed packets for low-income individuals. We were joined by AmeriCorps members and VISTAs from Appalachia CARES, Appalachian Habitat for Humanity, Emerald Youth Foundation, and AIM (Achievement. Independence. Motivation.) Center.

Some highlights from Ijams:

At Morningside Community Center, AmeriCorps members were engaged in painting the inside of the building as one of the first steps in restoring what was once a community staple. CAC AmeriCorps's partner, S.E.E.E.D. (Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development), will be moving their offices and programming to this building in the near future.

Highlights from Morningside Community Center:

More about the Morningside restoration:

http://www.wate.com/story/16528605/knoxville-non-profit-honors-mlk-with-day-of-service-at-community-center

http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/SEEED_inspires_kids_in_new_building_137424253.html

SAVING GREEN BOTH WAYS!

We couldn't emphasize enough HOW important it is to conserve energy and resources; and we'd definitely feel like telling you how important it is to save money simply goes unsaid til we note not enough of us are doing much of either these days.

Well, here we are again campaigning to further educate the public with super tips on how to continue to run your house hold and businesses more efficiently while saving you and yours a bundle on the bills-end of things!