May 24, 2010

Rivera Joins Volunteers to Protect Planet

Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera and Colorado Springs Utilities employee volunteers cleaned up portions of Fountain Creek, a regional waterway that runs through the heart of the city as part of the Great American Cleanup on May 1. The area is part of a pedestrian walk that is typically populated with families, cyclists, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. In recent months, creek sides were cleared of homeless camps that dotted the area. For the clean up, the group picked up junk and garbage, and replanted damaged areas with grass and wildflower seeds.

The project is one in a number designed to help protect the environment. Volunteers also maintain local hiking trails and open spaces, participate in community recycling events and restore habitats. Efforts like the mayor's were recently nationally recognized at the 2009 PR News Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. Colorado Springs Utilities was selected as a top-four finisher in the Employee Volunteer Program category.

Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis kicked off Older Americans Month in his city at a ceremony held at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center (SWFP). Ortis, who embodies the “Age Strong and Live Long” motto commemorating the month, officially started the ceremony by reading a proclamation at the Center and encouraging seniors to participate in the sporting events taking place that day, including indoor Basketball, Chair Exercise, Volleyball and Bingo. Prior to leaving the Center, Ortis hit the links so to speak…at the SWFP indoor putting green.