If you have ever traveled to the city of Athens, located in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio, home to Ohio University, you would have to agree it is nothing short of picturesque. I am proud to call this charming town home, at least until June.
Ohio University College Green.
As an ambassador to the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism I get the chance to meet with prospective students and their parents. The one thing I hear from these high school students and their parents time and time again is just how beautiful and alluring our campus is. I can’t help but beam with pride every time I hear that. I love Ohio University for many reasons, one being the pleasant, scenic campus. College green is always abuzz in the fall and spring, occupied with students, some reading on the lawns, some lying on blankets listening to their iPods, while others juggle balls, walk tight ropes, and joggle knives. It’s an eclectic campus.
Keeping Athens, and Ohio University, Beautiful
Organized and facilitated by the Off-Campus Life Commission of Ohio University Student Senate, lead by Thomas Raabe, as well as The Athens NEWS, and Power 105, Athens Beautification Day presents an opportunity for students and other volunteers to take part in maintaining our lovely city and campus.
This year, Athens Beautification Day, falls on the Sunday following the infamous Palmer Fest taking place on Saturday, and the lesser-known Palmer Place Fest, happening on Friday. That being said, I anticipate the event will need a good number of volunteers to help clean up campus. According to the EventBrite page, volunteers will be working on a number of projects, ranging from “planting flowers and mulching trees, to clearing brush and picking up trash.” A team of about 40 students will be assigned to spruce up and beautify Palmer Street, as well as Kern Street, Oak Street, Hocking Street, Elliot Street and the surrounding area. In addition to the clean up happening on campus, students will get to work on projects at places such as The Dairy Barn, The Ridges, Stroud’s Run State Park, Passion Works, Athens Historical Society, and the Wildlife Center.
Me and my learning community students, hiking at The Ridges.
My friends and I enjoying a sunny day at Stroud’s Run, a favorite hangout in the spring.
Students volunteer at the 2011 Athens Beautification Day. Photo by Katharine Egli.
Ohio University College of Arts & Sciences ambassadors at Athens Beautification Day in 2009.
Get Your Hands Dirty, Register for ABD!
Visit http://athensbday.eventbrite.com/ to register today! The last day recommended for registration is Friday, April 27. In addition to getting that warm-fuzzy feeling the comes from knowing your helping maintain Athens, volunteers will also receive a free t-shirt, coffee from Donkey, and Kiser’s BBQ!
If you’re part of an organization, or even if you just want to volunteer with your friends or roommates, you can all register together, up to 15 participants, ensuring you’ll be assigned to the same project. This is such a great opportunity to bond with team members in your organization, or experience an awesome event with friends and roommates, all while helping the Athens community. I am excited to take part in the 8th annual Athens Beautification Day, which I will be volunteering at with my friends in PRSSA! I hope you’ll join in, too, helping to keep Athens radiant as ever!
