Get with a program!

   I love government programs. That’s why I take advantage of every one I can find. Not only do I benefit from the government’s hard work, but also I derive direct benefits from my tax dollars. And there are government freebies for everyone.

   A few weeks ago I attended a rain garden workshop at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center. You probably saw the flier advertising the workshop in your utility bills. Then again, if you’re like me and you throw all that stuff away just to get to the bill, you probably didn’t see it. I just happen to be on the e-mailing list for publications like the Gwinnett County Line and for press releases from Gwinnett County Clean and Beautiful. I always see what shows up in my inbox.

   Anyway, Robert Brannen, the County Extension Coordinator, spent the evening showing about 100 gardeners how to construct a lush rain garden filled with trees, shrubs and flowers to collect water that would otherwise get wasted in the nearest stream. If you get as frustrated as I do with the watering ban in the summer, it would be really helpful to know how to collect every drop of water you can get. Brannen also suggested that bargain hunters check the Web site for the County Extension Service’s plant sale coming up in May. ( county.ces.uga.edu/gwinnett ) 

   Going along with the idea of saving resources and money, Dale Higdon of the Georgia Forestry Commission asked me to remind everyone that Georgia Arbor Day is coming up on February 17. GFC has all kinds of activities planned to educate taxpayers—and non-taxpayers; they don’t discriminate—on how trees can save them money. The theme for 2006 is “Trees Make Dollars and Sense” and as a pre-Arbor Day event, on February 9, GFC will conduct a Basic Tree Care Workshop at Gwinnett Tech. On of GFC’s newest ventures is the Sustainable Community Forest Program, which helps community leaders plan with trees in mind. SCFP provides free services of certified arborists and landscape architects. (Have you ever had to pay for one of those guys?) They also provide grants to fund tree planting projects. (More info: www.gfc.state.ga.us ) 

   Even if it’s not Arbor Day, GFC provides speakers, including Smokey the Bear, for schools, scouts and civic groups, all free of charge.

   If trees and flowers aren’t your thing—and if you’re still with me—there are many other government programs you can take advantage of. The county is offering free CPR classes next Friday and Saturday (Registration: 678-518-4850.) A free art exhibit titled Shadows and Light, the photography of Jay Kuhr will run at Centerville Community Center until March 30.

   Want more? Just click on www.gwinnettcounty.org and see what your government can do for you!

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