The Water Conservation Challenge

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by Jody Hymes
on Friday, August 08, 2008

Local Youth Build Rain Barrels and Water Collection Systems

June 18th - November 17th

Shopkeepers Pat Christy and Jody Hymes, owners of NEW EARTH in downtown Black Mountain, are presenting an intriguing challenge to young adults in the community this summer.

The Water Conservation Challenge is a win-win community project. Water conservation in Black Mountain is currently voluntary. NEW EARTH'S contest challenges local youth, residents and businesses to preserve precious town water reserves, keep gardens thriving during the hot summer months, and cut down on water bills.

Christy and Hymes will give away three store prizes to top contestants in The Water Conservation Challenge. Anyone 21 years of age or younger, who is a resident of Black Mountain, Montreat, Ridgecrest, or Swannanoa, can participate. Prizes will go to contestants who build the most rain barrels or water collection systems (at least a 50-gallon capacity) for residents or businesses in these Swannanoa Valley communities.

NEW EARTH owners, Pat Christy and Jody Hymes, and volunteers from Rainbow Recycling will judge the contest. Contestants will also be judged on the quality of construction, ingenuity of design, decorative expression, and a short personal essay stating why the contestant thinks water conservation is important.

First Prize: - Amethyst Cathedral, 21" high
Second Prize: - $50 Gift Certificate from NEW EARTH
Third Prize: - $25 Gift Certificate from NEW EARTH

Entry form packets with plans for building a simple garden rain barrel can be picked up in Black Mountain at NEW EARTH, 118-E Cherry Street; the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, 201 E. State St.; and the Public Library, 105 Dougherty St. In Swannanoa, entry form packets are available in the Public Library, 101 West Charleston St. Rainbow Recycling in Black Mountain (email: rainbowrecycling@main.nc.us) can provide additional assistance on rain barrel construction.

Rain barrels must be completely constructed, though not necessarily installed, by the contest deadline. Entry Forms, photos of rain barrels/water collection systems, and essays must be mailed or delivered to NEW EARTH by 5 p.m. on November 17, 2008.

Want a rain barrel? Sponsor a youth to build one for your home or business. Sponsors help cover the costs of the barrel or water collection system ($30-45 for a 50 gallon barrel) and help supervise the project. NEW EARTH encourages businesses and residents to partner with local youth and make The Water Conservation Challenge a fun and educational project for Swannanoa Valley kids this summer!

To become a sponsor, or contestants who need a sponsor, contact Jody Hymes at 828-628-0062 (home office), or email: jodyhymes@charter.net.

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About the Author - Jody Hymes

Contact Jody Hymes:
NEW EARTH
828-669-3813
jody@newearth11.com

Learn more about Jody.