KEEP LAGO VISTA BEAUTIFUL
Keep Texas Beautiful Gold Star Affiliate 2021 & 2022
TEXAS GCAA AWARD WINNER 2020
KLVB'S NEXT MEETING
Thursday June 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Lago Vista City Hall
Email Denise Sellers, President at klvb1955@gmail.com for info and agenda
WORKDAYS
Workdays are a great way to exercise outside, make new friends, and give back to the community.
Request to get on the workday notification list by emailing klvb1955@gmail.com
We always welcome new members!
Anyone wishing to join KLVB or volunteer to participate in a workday, please contact
Denise Sellers, President at 512-467-4582 or klvb1955@gmail.com
KLVB NEWS
2021 Citizen of the Year
Lago Vista, February 16, 2022.
Denise Sellers, President of KLVB, is awarded “2021 Citizen of the Year” by the North Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce. President Sellers, currently in her 3rd term, has spearheaded the organization’s growth from 20 to about 70 volunteers. With typical humbleness, Denise thanked all the KLVB volunteers as the ones who really made the magic happen.
KLVB Introduces 2022 Officers!
2022 KLVB Officers from left: President Denise Sellers, VP Karen Guess, Secretary Kay Schneider, and Treasurer Ken Blake
Keep Lago Vista Beautiful (KLVB) is pleased to introduce to the community the new slate of officers for 2022. These dedicated volunteers were asked to respond to three questions: What brought you to our area originally? How did you come to join KLVB? What do you like most about being a member of KLVB? Here are their responses.
Denise Sellers, President, 3rd Term.
Our only Son and Grandson lived here. My husband, Dan was working part time and we hated missing out on our boy’s lives. So, one day after our monthly drive back and forth from Pampa, Texas, we said “Why are we losing this time with our boys?” So, we up and moved to Lago Vista! Over the years, we had seen articles in the newspaper and the KLVB Beautification signs around town. We always said that if we ever had the opportunity to move here, KLVB sounded like a group we might enjoy. A few years later I saw a posting for a KLVB meeting and I went. Soon, Dan joined me and we both became very active members of KLVB. I love the volunteers and the great work we are all doing to make Lago Vista a cleaner and more beautiful place to live.
Karen Guess, Vice President
I absolutely love Lago Vista and its small-town feel, AND that it is on the water of course! I grew up in a small community on the lake and wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. After I moved to Lago Vista and soon after retired, I mentioned to a friend that I was looking for a volunteer opportunity. Knowing I love the outdoors, and working in my yard, she suggested KLVB. I had heard of KLVB, but was not familiar with what they did. She told me KLVB stands for Keep Lago Visa Beautiful, and that it is the group of folks in green shirts you see working on the roadsides and intersections around the City. I decided to go to one of their meetings and check it out, and discovered a wonderful group of friendly, welcoming, creative, hardworking people who loved the outdoors and gardening just like me. The members put a lot of energy into caring for and improving our community landscape here in Lago Vista, and it has been a great place to meet new people and make new friends. No matter what your age or skills, we can find something for you to do, so please, come check us out!
Kay, Schneider, Secretary, 2nd Term
My husband Mike and I moved to Lago Vista from northern CA in 2011 along with our son Jeff, his wife Sana and our grandchildren Aiden and Zoe. We wanted to get away from the cold, snowy winters. Mike and I are originally from Wisconsin and liked this area of Texas with its rolling hills, woods and green grass. We joined KLVB a couple of years ago as we thought this organization was doing an excellent job of picking up trash and keeping various areas of the City beautiful. I am a gardener and thought I could share my skills. Being a member of KLVB is very rewarding. The thing I like most about being a member is the work and trash pick-up days, which are a fun way to have a little community spirit and still accomplish a much-needed task.
Ken Blake, Treasurer
I became familiar with Lago Vista through playing golf at the Highland Lakes course many years ago. I was attracted to the city because of what I perceive to be its somewhat eclectic character and outstanding lake access. When we decided about 10 years ago that we would eventually move from our longtime home about 20 miles downstream in Cypress Creek, Lago Vista was the only place we looked! In early 2020, I became aware of KLVB and attended one of the monthly meetings. There was clearly enthusiasm and dedication shown by the members in the work for our community, so I became a member. Being a member of KLVB provides opportunities to work for our community regardless of skill level, and there is a range of tasks that people with a wide variety of physical conditions can perform. The work is primarily outdoors, and there is also the benefit of exercise.
Denise Sellers, President, 3rd Term.
Our only Son and Grandson lived here. My husband, Dan was working part time and we hated missing out on our boy’s lives. So, one day after our monthly drive back and forth from Pampa, Texas, we said “Why are we losing this time with our boys?” So, we up and moved to Lago Vista! Over the years, we had seen articles in the newspaper and the KLVB Beautification signs around town. We always said that if we ever had the opportunity to move here, KLVB sounded like a group we might enjoy. A few years later I saw a posting for a KLVB meeting and I went. Soon, Dan joined me and we both became very active members of KLVB. I love the volunteers and the great work we are all doing to make Lago Vista a cleaner and more beautiful place to live.
Karen Guess, Vice President
I absolutely love Lago Vista and its small-town feel, AND that it is on the water of course! I grew up in a small community on the lake and wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. After I moved to Lago Vista and soon after retired, I mentioned to a friend that I was looking for a volunteer opportunity. Knowing I love the outdoors, and working in my yard, she suggested KLVB. I had heard of KLVB, but was not familiar with what they did. She told me KLVB stands for Keep Lago Visa Beautiful, and that it is the group of folks in green shirts you see working on the roadsides and intersections around the City. I decided to go to one of their meetings and check it out, and discovered a wonderful group of friendly, welcoming, creative, hardworking people who loved the outdoors and gardening just like me. The members put a lot of energy into caring for and improving our community landscape here in Lago Vista, and it has been a great place to meet new people and make new friends. No matter what your age or skills, we can find something for you to do, so please, come check us out!
Kay, Schneider, Secretary, 2nd Term
My husband Mike and I moved to Lago Vista from northern CA in 2011 along with our son Jeff, his wife Sana and our grandchildren Aiden and Zoe. We wanted to get away from the cold, snowy winters. Mike and I are originally from Wisconsin and liked this area of Texas with its rolling hills, woods and green grass. We joined KLVB a couple of years ago as we thought this organization was doing an excellent job of picking up trash and keeping various areas of the City beautiful. I am a gardener and thought I could share my skills. Being a member of KLVB is very rewarding. The thing I like most about being a member is the work and trash pick-up days, which are a fun way to have a little community spirit and still accomplish a much-needed task.
Ken Blake, Treasurer
I became familiar with Lago Vista through playing golf at the Highland Lakes course many years ago. I was attracted to the city because of what I perceive to be its somewhat eclectic character and outstanding lake access. When we decided about 10 years ago that we would eventually move from our longtime home about 20 miles downstream in Cypress Creek, Lago Vista was the only place we looked! In early 2020, I became aware of KLVB and attended one of the monthly meetings. There was clearly enthusiasm and dedication shown by the members in the work for our community, so I became a member. Being a member of KLVB provides opportunities to work for our community regardless of skill level, and there is a range of tasks that people with a wide variety of physical conditions can perform. The work is primarily outdoors, and there is also the benefit of exercise.
KLVB awarded Green Bag Grant,
helps LVISD Middle School Recycle
KTB awards KLVB a Community Improvement Grant from H-E-B and Central Market
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) has recognized Keep Lago Vista Beautiful (KLVB) as a recipient of a 2021 Green Bag Grant. Through funding from H-E-B and Central Market, Keep Texas Beautiful is providing 11 affiliate communities with a share of $25,000 to support educational and programmatic opportunities relating to sustainability, recycling, litter prevention, beautification and water conservation.
To assist with the implementation of their project, Lago Vista ISD has received $938 to begin and support their proposed community project. KTB will also provide additional social media and marketing support. Keep Lago Vista Beautiful will complete their project by July 2022.
For the Lago Vista ISD Middle School Special Ed class grades 4 thru 8, the grant funds will provide $641.21 for the purchase of 2 designated color coordinated labeled recycle containers on dollies and 1 designated compost container with closed vented lid for the school’s culinary class garden. The remaining funds will be applied to recycling pick up fees. Prior to receiving the grant, the class used cardboard boxes as containers for recycled materials, which were often accidentally thrown in the trash. With the awarded bin equipment, a first class recycle system is established for the class.
Per its Mission Statement, “Keep Lago Vista Beautiful is a volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing and preserving the natural hill country charm of Lago Vista through progressive community projects.” It was formed in 1992 by mayoral proclamation to promote the well-being of the community by developing programs for clean-up, recycling and beautification. Click www.klvb.org for more information.
In addition to Lago Vista, the affiliate communities of Blanco, Coppell, Cuero, Ennis, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Nolanville, Plano, San Juan, Victoria, and White Settlement also received a Green Bag Grant.
“We are thankful for sponsors like H-E-B who support our efforts to clean and beautify communities around Texas,” says Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of KTB. “We cannot wait to see the projects our affiliates are able to complete with help from our Green Bag Grants.”
About Keep Texas Beautiful
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Texas the best place to live, work, and play by deploying resources for community improvement projects, clean-ups, and youth engagement efforts across the state. Through our Keep Texas Recycling program, we provide assistance and education to support recycling in rural and underserved communities.
Everything we do is focused on mobilizing volunteers to take action by providing them with tools, resources, and training. Our fieldwork includes research on best practices for litter reduction along with the development of community programs to prevent the flow of litter to the Gulf.
Founded in 1967, Keep Texas Beautiful’s work is driven by its network of nearly 300 affiliate member communities, volunteers, and supporters that reach 17 million Texans annually. For more information and to find your closest affiliate, visit www.ktb.org. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of $28 billion, operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 115th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 120,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and heb.com/newsroom.
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) has recognized Keep Lago Vista Beautiful (KLVB) as a recipient of a 2021 Green Bag Grant. Through funding from H-E-B and Central Market, Keep Texas Beautiful is providing 11 affiliate communities with a share of $25,000 to support educational and programmatic opportunities relating to sustainability, recycling, litter prevention, beautification and water conservation.
To assist with the implementation of their project, Lago Vista ISD has received $938 to begin and support their proposed community project. KTB will also provide additional social media and marketing support. Keep Lago Vista Beautiful will complete their project by July 2022.
For the Lago Vista ISD Middle School Special Ed class grades 4 thru 8, the grant funds will provide $641.21 for the purchase of 2 designated color coordinated labeled recycle containers on dollies and 1 designated compost container with closed vented lid for the school’s culinary class garden. The remaining funds will be applied to recycling pick up fees. Prior to receiving the grant, the class used cardboard boxes as containers for recycled materials, which were often accidentally thrown in the trash. With the awarded bin equipment, a first class recycle system is established for the class.
Per its Mission Statement, “Keep Lago Vista Beautiful is a volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing and preserving the natural hill country charm of Lago Vista through progressive community projects.” It was formed in 1992 by mayoral proclamation to promote the well-being of the community by developing programs for clean-up, recycling and beautification. Click www.klvb.org for more information.
In addition to Lago Vista, the affiliate communities of Blanco, Coppell, Cuero, Ennis, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Nolanville, Plano, San Juan, Victoria, and White Settlement also received a Green Bag Grant.
“We are thankful for sponsors like H-E-B who support our efforts to clean and beautify communities around Texas,” says Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of KTB. “We cannot wait to see the projects our affiliates are able to complete with help from our Green Bag Grants.”
About Keep Texas Beautiful
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Texas the best place to live, work, and play by deploying resources for community improvement projects, clean-ups, and youth engagement efforts across the state. Through our Keep Texas Recycling program, we provide assistance and education to support recycling in rural and underserved communities.
Everything we do is focused on mobilizing volunteers to take action by providing them with tools, resources, and training. Our fieldwork includes research on best practices for litter reduction along with the development of community programs to prevent the flow of litter to the Gulf.
Founded in 1967, Keep Texas Beautiful’s work is driven by its network of nearly 300 affiliate member communities, volunteers, and supporters that reach 17 million Texans annually. For more information and to find your closest affiliate, visit www.ktb.org. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of $28 billion, operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 115th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 120,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and heb.com/newsroom.
KLVB at the Craft Beer Festival
November 2021
"Thank you to the super job that the volunteers did in promoting KLVB at the Beer Festival. We handed out about 100 litter bags and received $73.00 in unsolicited donations. Had several new folks interested in Adopt a Street or joining us. Our volunteers made me so proud. Most have only been with KLVB for a year or less. GREAT Job folks!" - President Denise Sellers
October is Fall Sweep month in Texas
Keep Lago Vista Beautiful (KLVB) is organizing a Fall Sweep community-wide litter pickup day on Saturday, October 23, 2021. We are asking Lago Vista residents to nominate messy streets and roads for us to focus our litter pick up efforts. We also invite the public to come out and join us for the event. We are meeting at 10:00 am at City Hall. We will provide the supplies. Please wear sturdy shoes and brightly colored clothing. An alternative is for you to independently pick up litter in your neighborhood. We especially encourage those who have adopted streets with KLVB to pick up litter on there designated streets this month. Call Frank Coletta, KLVB Litter Coordinator, at (210) 218-9961.with any questions. Thank you for your assistance.
A Big Thank You to the Lago Vista Women's Club
KLVB expresses their appreciation to the Lago Vista Women's Club for their generous 2021 grant furnishing new landscaping and plant replacements damaged by the February freeze at our community adopted locations.
Keep Lago Vista Beautiful Recognized as Gold Star Affiliate by Keep Texas Beautiful
70 Texas Communities Honored for their Exceptional Community Improvement Efforts
Lago Vista, TX - Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement non-profit organization, recently named Keep Lago Vista Beautiful a Gold Star Affiliate, a designation granted to 70 affiliates of KTB’s nearly 300 affiliates. Gold Star recognition is the membership recognition highest status any community affiliate can achieve.
In 2004, the organization introduced the concept of Gold Star recognition to reward those communities who sought to go above and beyond the established requirements. To remain in good standing with KTB, community affiliates must submit a report, pay dues, attend training and participate in a KTB-endorsed activity annually.
To achieve Gold Star status, affiliates must share information on their mission and goals, answer questions about their economic development and diversity and inclusion practices, or participate in the Beautify Texas Awards or Governor’s Community Achievement Awards programs, and provide a letter of support from their community. KTB formally recognized KLVB along with other Gold Star communities during its 54th Annual Conference in June.
“Our affiliates are the backbone of our organization. We are proud to honor those going above and beyond to keep their communities clean and beautiful,” says Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of Keep Texas Beautiful. “Our Gold Star Affiliates are educating and engaging community members, actively recruiting and managing volunteers, hosting cleanup and beautification events throughout their community and so much more.”
In 2020 alone, KTB affiliates engaged 20,917 volunteers who contributed 37,857 hours to collect 1 million pounds of waste and recyclables from Texas roadways, trails, and waterways. KLVB successfully implemented programs to clean up litter, reduce and recycle waste, educate local citizens, and beautify and enhance the local community.
In spite of the tragedy of the national pandemic, Keep Lago Vista Beautiful volunteers safely continued their volunteerism in the community. Although the traditional April trash-off had to be cancelled, a Fall Trash Off was well attended, filling 20 roll-off containers with residents’ discarded items. Litter removal continued apace - during the year, 200 large bags of litter were removed in total. In fact, in September 2020, the largest ever group of KLVB volunteers, over 20 participants, picked up 37 extra-large bags of trash in a single day from City streets. A new program, proper disposal of American Flags, was well received in November of 2020. KLVB members assisted the Lago Vista Independent School District in beautifying a problem area at the Middle School. Grants from the Lago Vista Women’s Club, and the Native Plant Society of Texas helped the club continue their beautification efforts in several of the Club’s 15 Adopt-a-Spot locations around the City. All these good works have resulted in increased visibility for KLVB, increased membership, and a Gold Star for the organization.
KLVB President Denise Sellers stated: “Once again I want to give a great big cheer to the Keep Lago Vista Volunteers. This is the first time in our history that we have received the Gold Star Affiliation from Keep Texas Beautiful, and it’s the highest honor an affiliate can achieve.”
70 Texas Communities Honored for their Exceptional Community Improvement Efforts
Lago Vista, TX - Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement non-profit organization, recently named Keep Lago Vista Beautiful a Gold Star Affiliate, a designation granted to 70 affiliates of KTB’s nearly 300 affiliates. Gold Star recognition is the membership recognition highest status any community affiliate can achieve.
In 2004, the organization introduced the concept of Gold Star recognition to reward those communities who sought to go above and beyond the established requirements. To remain in good standing with KTB, community affiliates must submit a report, pay dues, attend training and participate in a KTB-endorsed activity annually.
To achieve Gold Star status, affiliates must share information on their mission and goals, answer questions about their economic development and diversity and inclusion practices, or participate in the Beautify Texas Awards or Governor’s Community Achievement Awards programs, and provide a letter of support from their community. KTB formally recognized KLVB along with other Gold Star communities during its 54th Annual Conference in June.
“Our affiliates are the backbone of our organization. We are proud to honor those going above and beyond to keep their communities clean and beautiful,” says Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of Keep Texas Beautiful. “Our Gold Star Affiliates are educating and engaging community members, actively recruiting and managing volunteers, hosting cleanup and beautification events throughout their community and so much more.”
In 2020 alone, KTB affiliates engaged 20,917 volunteers who contributed 37,857 hours to collect 1 million pounds of waste and recyclables from Texas roadways, trails, and waterways. KLVB successfully implemented programs to clean up litter, reduce and recycle waste, educate local citizens, and beautify and enhance the local community.
In spite of the tragedy of the national pandemic, Keep Lago Vista Beautiful volunteers safely continued their volunteerism in the community. Although the traditional April trash-off had to be cancelled, a Fall Trash Off was well attended, filling 20 roll-off containers with residents’ discarded items. Litter removal continued apace - during the year, 200 large bags of litter were removed in total. In fact, in September 2020, the largest ever group of KLVB volunteers, over 20 participants, picked up 37 extra-large bags of trash in a single day from City streets. A new program, proper disposal of American Flags, was well received in November of 2020. KLVB members assisted the Lago Vista Independent School District in beautifying a problem area at the Middle School. Grants from the Lago Vista Women’s Club, and the Native Plant Society of Texas helped the club continue their beautification efforts in several of the Club’s 15 Adopt-a-Spot locations around the City. All these good works have resulted in increased visibility for KLVB, increased membership, and a Gold Star for the organization.
KLVB President Denise Sellers stated: “Once again I want to give a great big cheer to the Keep Lago Vista Volunteers. This is the first time in our history that we have received the Gold Star Affiliation from Keep Texas Beautiful, and it’s the highest honor an affiliate can achieve.”
KLVB Volunteers
are WINNERS!!
Cheer Group Photo
May 14, 2021
From KLVB President Denise Sellers: “Once again I want to give a great big Cheer to the Keep Lago Vista Beautiful volunteers. This is the first time in our history that our organization has received the Gold Affiliation from Keep Texas Beautiful. It is the highest honor a group can win. This great group will be honored with the other winners of the Gold at the Keep Texas Beautiful Convention in June.
Also, this is the first time in the History of KLVB that we have our very own Logo. In past years we used the City Logo. Thanks to Clay Crow, member of KLVB and graphic artist who designed our beautiful logo.”
Also, this is the first time in the History of KLVB that we have our very own Logo. In past years we used the City Logo. Thanks to Clay Crow, member of KLVB and graphic artist who designed our beautiful logo.”
