Sedona AZ (August 7, 2014) – The following is a letter to the SedonaEye.com editor:
Editor:
AZ SR 89A
Photo credit SedonaEye.com
Is, If, Then and Will “We the People” restore the beauty to Arizona and America?
Is one of the goals of Arizona to restore the beauty to “America the Beautiful” and to honor our military, veterans, our county, our state and America? Is it our goal to continue to be the role models for the nationally recognized Adopt-A-Highway program through increased participation by our local Arizona Adopt-A-Highway groups and residents?
Is it our goal to convince those that intentionally and accidentally litter our highways to change their behavior so Arizona can boast of having the cleanest highways in the state? Could this education and awareness to highway litter be more effectively taught in our homes, schools, churches and businesses?
If all of the Arizona citizens united regardless of race, religion or political party then the stated “restore the beauty” mission will be accomplished by residents that invest 8 to 12 hours per year helping our Adopt-A-Highway groups then we will all benefit.
If “WE the people” of Arizona would invite all politicians to embrace and promote our “We the People” mission then we will all benefit from our efforts.
Hwy 89A trash picked up by Folksville USA volunteers. ADOT is funded by taxpayers to perform litter abatement along AZ highways.
If our local business owners, churches, schools clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs, Boy & Girl Scout Troops, 4-H Groups, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legions, motorcycle clubs, ATV Clubs, civic organizations, general contractors, subcontractors, trash transfer companies, residents, realtors and other groups participate in the “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” empowering our effort” then we all benefit. The “BagReadyJobs” effort, supported by local businesses, has already benefited groups wishing to earn funding by learning how to restore the beauty to America the beautiful.
If Kentucky can have the longest (400 miles) garage sale event then why can’t Arizona have the longest Adopt-A-Highway event?
If “We the people” promote the third Saturday of February, May, August and November as the dates we choose to clean our Yavapai County Highways we will continue to be the role models and trend setters for Arizona’s Adopt-A-Highway Program and for the nation. For the past four years, we have been recognized nationally in news papers, on radio stations and television programs for our efforts and increasing effectiveness in restoring the beauty to our Arizona highways.
If the Arizona employees that manage the ADOT Adopt-A-Highway Program will properly manage this taxpayer funded program to insure that it functions as it was intended to function then we all benefit.
Arizona highway blue bags filled with litter
If the ADOT Adopt-A-Highway groups throughout Arizona would make their contact information available to the public then those wishing to help their group could do so and then we all benefit.
If ADOT continues to mow and cut the brush back from our highway shoulders and medians, then we all benefit from increased safety, visibility, reduce fire danger and as a deterrent to those who toss their trash.
If ADOT will allow the bags of trash collected in the “blue” Adopt-A-Highway bags to remain on the highway for 4-5 days for education, awareness and recognition purposes, then we all benefit.
If all Arizona communities would realize the effects that litter has on our local economy in terms of attracting new residents, businesses and jobs plus realizes the “Broken Window Theory” applies to our highways and our local economy, we will all benefit. Highway TRASH is like a cancer that slowly destroys a community as some forms of cancer kills a human body.
If Arizona residents would realize that visitors to our area may be asking them self these questions based on what they see:
“Shall we move our family or business and jobs to Arizona or do we have other options?”
“Do we want to spend our next holiday or vacation in Arizona or shall we go somewhere else?”
“Do we want to tell our friends or family that Arizona is a place they may want to move, visit or bring their business and jobs or are there other choices?”
If we do all of the “If’s”…
Folksville USA Bag Ready Jobs program offers opportunities for youth groups and others to earn money bagging litter
Then “We the people” of Arizona would only be required to answer a few possible questions posed by visitors. Those questions could be, “Is this a good place to live or bring my business and why are the Arizona highways so litter-free?”
We as a community could defend our position that “Arizona is a great places to live and bring your business and jobs plus we have the cleanest highways in Arizona which makes our communities unique!”
Will you put your “Boots-on-the-ground to offer your services and restore the beauty to “America the Beautiful?” Having skin-in-the-game to honor our military, veterans and community will only make our nation stronger.
By making our efforts to “Restore the Beauty to America the Beautiful” a priority, we will give our Armed Forces a reason to be proud of our efforts to honor them and we honor those who have lost their lives serving our county.
Gary Chamberlain FVUSAAmerica the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
Where are Arizona and Sedona residents on anti-littering efforts?
Over the years I have received thank you phone calls and emails from frustrated (KSB) Keep Sedona Beautiful “Litter Lifters” expressing the lack of public education on the negative effects of littering as reflects on the image and economy of Sedona’s tourism.
One of the KSB litter lifters continually picks up trash at the Sedona HS and when he had an opportunity to ask a teacher why the school didn’t keep their school grounds clean, the response was “We’re too busy”. What does this message really say?
In November 2011 Folksville USA and some Keep Sedona Beautiful members joined forces in a effort to set a Guinness Book of World Records, we need regular events like this where communities come together with one goal consisting of many hands.
Camp Verde Bugle
http://www.campverdebugleonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=32694&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=991&S=1
If we can’t protect our Arizona and United States borders nor can we seem to honor Arizona veterans what kind of a country are we?
Do our elected officials, candidates, ADOT and the Arizona ADOT Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator really care about the optics of our Arizona veteran’s highways? Aren’t these our Arizona veteran’s “memorial” highways?
FOX 10 Interview with Arizona veteran.
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/20628627/2013/01/18/cleaning-up-highways-is-cornville-mans-mission
Do Arizona veterans even care that their Arizona veteran’s highways are a disgrace?
Take a close look and you don’t have to look too far to see that our Pearl Harbor Highway (I-10), Arizona Veterans Highway (I-17) and Purple Heart Trail (I-40) are a disgrace! Ask the question, “where is ADOT on this issue and why is there so much abandon ADOT, ADOT contractor and public debris piling up on our veteran’s memorial highway shoulders and medians?”
Do our elected officials, candidates and ADOT agencies really care about respecting and honoring our Arizona veterans plus keeping them mowed and keep the brush cut back?
This would be a great campaign issue to debate! Veterans are a large voting block.
What if the American Legion Riders and the VFW Riders took issue with their memorial highways and defended them with words and actions in the form of photographs. Currently, the optics of our veteran’s highways indicates that no one cares how they look!
What if ADOT and veterans groups to include the National Guard organized a coordinated highway litter cleanup? Veterans and National Guard units do the shoulders and ADOT does the median strip, a win-win and as ADOT likes to say, “A partnering opportunity”.
You may email or phone your comments and photos regarding our Arizona veterans highways to Governor Brewer (AZGOV@AZ.GOV), John Halikowski, Director of ADOT (JHalikowski@azdot.gov) at (602) 712-7227 or Patricia Powers-Zermeno, ADOT Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator (PPowers-Zermeno@azdot.gov) and also send them to me and I’ll get them to those that care including Arizona media.
Gary Chamberlain FVUSA
Vietnam combat veteran 1967
“America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs”
Empowering our nation’s youth
FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com
(928) 202-1186
National Media Presents “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” Empowering our nation’s youth
FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com
(928) 202-1186
These news organizations have shared our story, imagine what would happen if every SedonaEyE.com reader would share this opportunity with other media organizations.
Will your readers help us spread the message so other youth groups may seize this opportunity?
AZ – Camp Verde Camp Verde Bugle – Western News & Info http://cvbugle.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=39415&SectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&S=1
AZ – Cottonwood Verde Independent – Western News & Info
(No link available – same story as Camp Verde Bugle)
AZ – Payson The Rim Country Informant
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=1415a59790332ba9&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D39343f1a08%26view%3Datt%26th%3D1415a59790332ba9%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbQNXwcAdw_0J40zPhuvk7UZ23hR_w (page 17)
AZ – Prescott Valley Prescott Valley Tribune
http://www.prescottvalleytribune.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=59545&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=765&S=1
AZ – Sedona Sedona.biz – Sedonaline.com – Niuzer.com
http://www.sedona.biz/verde-valley-news/america-the-beautiful-bagreadyjobs/
AZ – Sedona SedonaEye.com
https://sedonaeye.com/?s=folksville+usa
AZ – Show Low White Mountain Independent
http://www.wmicentral.com/news/latest_news/grand-opportunity-for-nation-s-youth/article_d43cc39a-0b78-11e3-80c3-001a4bcf887a.html
AZ – Sedona ExcentricWorld.com
(Page 11 of September 2013 paper)
CA – Folsom Gun Owners of California
https://www.facebook.com/GunOwnersCA
CO – Norwood WesternSlopeNews.com (The Sunshine Express)
http://westernslopenews.com/health/h3/pg8index.html
CO – Fruita KJCT News 8
http://www.kjct8.com/news/folksville-usa-pairs-youth-groups-with-adoptahighway/-/163152/21041324/-/14fab52/-/index.html
GA – St. Mary’s Tribune & Georgian
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1.1&thid=141568c60341712e&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D39343f1a08%26view%3Datt%26th%3D141568c60341712e%26attid%3D0.1.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbRi_dHK4bEAiTg6vMZwl0Gz4AiTEg
IN – Indianapolis The American Legion (National) “Dispatch” 470,000 recipients of mailing
http://www.legion.org/dispatch/217995/youth-take-highway-litter
MO – Kansas City VFW (National) “Checkpoint” 20,000 recipients of mailing
http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFWorg/News_and_Events/Checkpoint/Issues/Nov.Dec.2013Checkpoint-final.pdf
MO – Kansas City VFW (National)
https://www.facebook.com/VFWmagazine
NC – Ashville Ashville Citizen-Times
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/opinion/editorials/2014/04/09/people-cause-litter-problem-people-can-solve/7516771/
NC – Murphy Cherokee Scout
http://www.thecherokeescout.com/articles/2013/08/13/opinions/doc520a685911532736669332.txt
OR – Ontario Argus Observer
http://www.argusobserver.com/opinion/idea-to-combat-highway-litter/article_b17993a6-129e-11e3-9021-0019bb2963f4.html
OR – Troutdale Northwest Connection (Page 18)
http://www.nw-connection.com/archives/NWConn_Julywebversion.pdf
TX – El Paso Fort Bliss Fort Bliss Bugle
http://fortblissbugle.com/?s=gary+chamberlain&x=13&y=4
UT – Moab Times Moab Times
http://www.moabtimes.com/view/full_story/25242353/article–My-View-Let-s-work-together-to-keep-America-beautiful-
Newspaper Stories: SedonaEyE.com – Sedona AZ, Camp Verde Bugle – Camp Verde AZ, Verde Independent – Cottonwood AZ, Prescott Valley Tribune – Prescott Valley AZ, Prescott Daily Courier – Prescott AZ, Pop Rocket Press – Prescott AZ, Red Rock News – Sedona AZ, Cottonwood Journal Extra – Cottonwood AZ, Ravalli Republic-Hamilton MT, The Recorder Herald – Salmon ID, The Current – Riggins ID, The Fruita Times – Fruita CO, Sedona Today – Sedona AZ, SedonaBest.com – Sedona AZ, Four Corners Free Press – Montezuma County CO, The Times Independent – Moab UT, Tigard Times, Tigard OR, White Mountain Independent-Show Low AZ, El Latino Newspaper-Cottonwood AZ, Mogollon Rim News – Heber AZ, Arizona Pride – AZ, Sedona.biz – Sedona AZ, Sedona Times – Sedona AZ, The Cornville Chronicle – Cornville AZ, The Camp Verde Journal – Camp Verde AZ, Arizona Republic-Phoenix AZ, In & Out Magazine – Anthem AZ, Dragoon Newsletter – Westerville OH, The Golden Eagle, Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club Newsletter – Cottonwood AZ, Sun Advocate – Price UT, White Mountain Independent – Show Low AZ.
Radio Shows: Dr. Terry Lovell Show – KYCA 1490 – Prescott AZ, Don Smith – The Don Smith Show – Florida, Terriq Q. Sayer – Albuquerque NM, KSRA AM 960 – Salmon ID, Yavapai Broadcasting – Cottonwood AZ.
Television Stories: FOX 9 Meridian-Boise ID, KJCT Channel 8 Grand Junction CO, Rod Haberer – Fox 10 – Phoenix AZ, David Majure & Ted Simons – Horizon PBS 8, Tonya Mock-AZTV Cable 13 – Prescott AZ, KBOI2 – Boise ID, Alex Monsen & Chris Piner – Strata Networks Vtv Channel 6 – Vernal UT.
If any of the media organizations noted have stories to report resulting from the “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” opportunity please send them to FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com, Folksville USA, PO Box 1138, Cornville AZ 86325 or call (928) 202-1186 so we may share your stories.
Folksville USA “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” Supporters
Maybe the Chamber of Commerce could learn something from these “CHAMBER OF CLEANLINESS” businesses.
If every grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle and business would require our youth to “earn” their funding needs America would be better off.
Supporters Phase 1
Camp Verde, AZ
Tire Pro Automotive and Verde Solaire Services.
Cornville, AZ
Bill & Mary Harrison, Biker Mike and Highlands Resort.
Cottonwood, AZ
Reese & Son’s Tire, Tire Pro Automotive, CTS Printing, United Uniforms, Road Runner Recycling, Larry Green Chevrolet (7 veterans), Lewis Rice Accounting, Allegra Design, Randall’s Restaurant,Tri-City Computers-Sedona, AZ, Heartline Café-Sedona, AZ, Rokzoo Screen Printers, Robertson Center PC, Dr. Bill Guth DDS & Mary Guth, Pawn Palace, George Boddy Insurance and Zoomer’s Bike & Gear.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona Pines LLC, AZ, Moon Dogs Pizza, Tri-City Computers, Heartline Café, Sedona Healing Vortex and Biddle’s Nursery.
Miscellaneous Arizona
High Gear Bike-Prescott and Pawn Palace-Prescott.
National
Dave Bell-Farmington, UT, Unger Quality Tools-Bridgeport, CT, BOB Trailer Inc.-Boise, ID, Barry Chapman-Portland, Or, Phil Behrends-Carlsbad, CA and Ritchey Design-San Carlos, CA.
Supporters Phase 2
Camp Verde, AZ
Energy Roofers, The Horn Saloon, Thanks a Latte, High Desert Cycle and ATV Services LLC, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6739, Ming House, Wells Fargo Bank, La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, Tax Preparation-E-File Valley Accounting, Camp Verde Auto Parts, Inc., Old World Guns LLC, Yavapai Title Agency, Camp Verde Realty, Arizona Central Land and Home, Ron’s Signs, Camp Verde Feeds & Country Store, Lori’s Lookin’ Good, The Valley View Restaurant, Tierra Verde Builders, The UPS Store, Tire Pro Automotive, Harris Garage Door, Snap Fitness, The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co. and Camp Verde Cycle & Small Engine.
Cornville, AZ
Axel’s Auto Repair, Reiner & Yolan Kreuzer, Highlands Resort, Northern Arizona Pump, Graham Robertson, Cornville Pet Clinic, Lois Kellenbenz, Windmill Gardens, Verde Solar Power, Northern Arizona Therapeutic & Medical Massage Center, Red Rock Masonry, Verde Valley Stoneyard & Materials, Wild West Equine, Breakthrough Medicine, Harry’s Hideaway Restaurant and Mr. Rooter.
Cottonwood, AZ
My Styles Boutique, The Mattress Center, Sherwood Jewelers, Reese & Sons Tire, Wells Fargo Bank, Nature’s Pantry Café, Caldwell Banker-Mabery Real Estate, The Picture Window Inc., Shadow Mountain Property Management, Larry Amis-veteran, K.A. Cycles & Service, The UPS Store, Brandi’s Kitchen, Hooked On Books, Courtesy Auto Sales-Matt Kightlinger, Main Place Floor and Window Fashions, Solar Works LLC, Gresham Painting & Remodeling, Maria’s Dulceria, Carla’s Pet Grooming, Art Glitter, A Scoop Above, Mr. B’s Music & Electronics, Papa Murphy’s, Home Depot, Mingus Self Storage, Selina & Associates, Tire Pro Automotive, Randall’s Restaurant, Rokzoo Screen Painters & Embroidery, Smoke-N-Guns, T&T Refrigeration Inc., Rockin B Saloon, Suzy Q Designs, Allegra Printing, Tae Kwon Do Unlimited, CTS Office Supply and Verde Events & Tents.
Flagstaff, AZ
The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona Pines Resort, Sedona Pines LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, Tire Pro Automotive, The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co. and Point of Sedona Gallery.
Prescott Valley, AZ
Wells Fargo Banks (2) and Home Depot.
Prescott, AZ
Wells Fargo Banks (4) and Errol Sebastien Jr.-Prescott Honda and Home Depot.
McGuireville, AZ
Creek Side Grill, Stone Design, Inc., Candy’s Creekside Cottage, Rimrock Resales, McGuireville Tavern, Stone Design, Inc., El Patio Bar & Grille and Reliable Roadside Repair.
Rimrock, AZ
Bill Cowan and Allen Reynolds.
National
GarboGrabber-Stratford CT, Unger Enterprises, Inc.-Bridgeport,CT, Bob Crockett-Menlo Park,CA and Appraisal Services Co.-Andrews, NC.
Supporters Phase 3
Camp Verde AZ
Sweet Grace Restaurant, Sweet Grace Emporium, Camp Verde Promotions, Energy Roofers, Verde Solair, The UPS Store, Camp Verde Reality and Camp Verde Thrift Store
Cornville AZ
Grasshopper Grill.
Cottonwood AZ
Randall’s Restaurant, Graham’s Auto Sales, Reese’s Tire & Automotive, Pawn Palace, Smoke-N-Gun, Sherwood Jeweler, Allegra Design-Print-Signs, CTS Office Supply and Road Runner Recycling.
Idaho Family Magazine, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho recognizes Arizona “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” effort.
http://www.idahofamilymagazine.com/component/k2/item/206-irene-woodworthy-july-14.html
Gary Chamberlain, FVUSA
“America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs”
Empowering our nation’s youth
FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com
(928) 202-1186
You are role models Neil Dixon and Reese’s Tire & Automotive Tire Pros! May your May 16, 2015 anti-litter event include even more participants and media organization participation.
There have been many generous businesses that have supported the ADOT Adopt-A-Highway groups over the years and it our combined hope that other businesses follow your lead and do something to show their appreciation for the many Adopt-A-Highway groups in the area that enhance the image and economy of the Verde Valley.
The need for the anti-littering messages of the “Crying Indian” needs to be revived for the image and economy of the Verde Valley, Yavapai County, Arizona and the nation to prosper.
Many hands with one goal yields results, just like team sports! I challenged each and every reader to step up and volunteer during one of these (or your local) highway clean up events?
Be sure to patronize Reese’s Tire & Automotive in Cottonwood AZ and say thanks for helping clean up YOUR Arizona and America highways.
Gary Chamberlain
FolksvilleUsa@gmail.com
“America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs”
Empowering our nation’s youth
Dear Publisher
“America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” is now on Facebook and we will be trying to get our “Friends” to follow our efforts through the SedonaEyE.com.
Much of our success is due to the Sedona Times and The SedonaEyE.com.
Gary Chamberlain
Folksville USA
(928) 202-1186