The Carbondale Beautification Club (CBC) has begun to conduct a myriad of restoration, landscaping and cleanup projects at businesses, public areas and even homes in Carbondale. Its inaugural restoration project just took place at KDNK Community Access Radio, where club leader Jeff Basler and fellow volunteers cleaned and beautified the space in front of the building.
With the help of KDNK staff, volunteers twined painted rocks, created by young people at Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program’s 25th anniversary earlier this month, through cut-back foliage in the garden beds as part of their efforts to spruce up the patio space — and just in time for Typical Ghost’s album release party and the installation of a Bill Morrow sculpture, “Flight.”
Basler is retired from advertising and has since dedicated his free time, at least in part, to working twice a week at Eagle Crest and undertaking these restoration and gardening projects which compliment the natural surroundings of each space. Having posted about the initial project on the Carbondale Facebook page, the club’s efforts and mission received a lot of positive feedback.
“In the weeks ahead, we’ll identify future project opportunities, communicate our needs and solicit engagement — whether it be simple volunteerism, tools, materials or other,” the June 16 post read. “For now we are keeping things simple: build a database of volunteers, identify simple projects and solicit needs and [dates] for project[s].”
Basler, alongside 67 like-minded volunteers, hopes to build connections with local institutions and make known their beautification offerings throughout town.
“We want to integrate naturally here in Carbondale and bring the art community into the beautification process. Our work includes a lot of gardening, art and tidiness that captures the essence of Carbondale,” he said. “We want to support the Town’s efforts and ultimately support the businesses and contribute to a welcoming environment in Carbondale for people when they visit.”
The CBC has been brainstorming other ideas, including a possible restoration of the alleyway west of the Pour House and multiple weed pulling projects. Basler is ambitious and aspires to schedule three projects a week, possibly more, once things start catching on.
“When we identify a project, I’ll send out an email to the distribution list with the location and tools needed … to get started with beautification,” shared Brasler. “So we can do good by the community and do good by Carbondale.”
He continued, “If you need help and have a lawn at your business and for whatever reason it has overgrown or it isn’t to your liking, let us know. Our volunteer base is super motivated and eager to start working as soon as possible.”
In terms of volunteer outreach, Basler is hoping to eventually partner with local organizations — such as schools or churches — as the need for the group’s services grows. At this time, though, CBC is keeping its projects simple, local and low-pressure.
“We’re keeping it really simple as it’s in the infant stage, and we’ll see how it organically grows one project at a time,” concluded Basler.
For more information or to get involved, get in touch with Jeff Basler at jbasler99@gmail.com