4th Annual Franklin County E-Cycling Day Results in Over 12,000 Pounds Collected

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 24, 2012

Franklin County, Goodwill Industries^® of the Valleys, Prudential Waterfront Properties, Earth Environmental and Civil, and Franklin Community Bank are excited to announce the results of the 4^th Annual Franklin County E-Cycling Day.  The event took place on Saturday, April 21^st at the Goodwill^® Store and Franklin Community Bank in Rocky Mount, as well as Prudential Waterfront Properties in Westlake.  In an effort to keep material out of area landfills, the public was encouraged to donate their old computers, computer equipment, small appliances, and electronics.  Additionally, confidential on-site document destruction was offered at Franklin Community Bank.

Thanks to great community support a total of 12,248 pounds of material was collected.  Many people also took advantage of the shredding truck at the bank location with more than 10,000 pounds of documents destroyed.  This year’s event saw an increase of 47.3% in the amount of material collected over last year.  Since the first E-Cycling Day in 2009 over 21 tons of materials were kept out of area landfills.  “We are very pleased about these outstanding results. The E-Cycling Day is not only a great way to celebrate Earth Day, but is also benefiting the environment and our community as a whole,” said Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing and Communications for Prudential Waterfront Properties. “Thanks to everyone who participated and donated to this great cause.”

The Franklin County E-Cycling Day is an extension of a Goodwill partnership with Dell Computers and an effort to increase awareness of recycling and green initiatives throughout the Franklin County area.  Through the Dell RECONNECT^TM partnership, computers and computer related hardware are responsibly recycled by Dell with proceeds benefiting Goodwill job training and employment programs. “Events like Franklin County E-Cycling Day reinforce that people are growing more conscious of recycling and protecting the environment,” states Lucie Touchton, Goodwill Marketing Manager . “For Goodwill it is important to stress that people don’t have to wait for an event like this to responsibly dispose of their old computers and electronics. They can bring these items to Goodwill every day.”

In 2011, Goodwill kept over 14.3 million pounds of material out of area landfills throughout the 31 county, 14 city territory in Virginia.  Through successful salvage efforts, the organization works diligently to see that the community’s castoffs do not come back to harm the environment. The revenues generated through the sale of donated goods, including salvage and recycling operations, support Goodwill programs, which train individuals and help place them in competitive, community employment.

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, a United Way partner organization headquartered in Roanoke, serves 31 counties and 14 cities in the New River, Roanoke, and Shenandoah Valleys.  Its mission is to help people and families in our community achieve a better life through work and independence.  In 2011 Goodwill assisted 75,734 individuals and in this difficult employment market placed 2,111 people into jobs in the community.

For over 25 years, Prudential Waterfront Properties markets real estate throughout Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding areas. As members of the Multiple Listing Service, Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTORS^® are able to assist buyers and sellers with all listed properties in a variety of price ranges and locations throughout the lake and surrounding areas. Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTORS^® are consistent leaders in sales as well as customer and client service.

Franklin Community Bank, N.A. opened its doors for business in September 2002. Part of its mission is to support through active participation the communities we serve along with providing the highest level of service to help our clients achieve financial prosperity. We invite you to visit with us at one of our 3 locations in Franklin County and you will see why “your bank is here.”

Earth Environmental and Civil, Inc. has been providing environmental and civil engineering service throughout the region for 22 years. With large company capabilities and small company accessibility, our Engineers, Geologist, Scientists, and Planners keep our clients satisfaction as their top priority. At EEC, our emphasis lies in our ability to consistently provide quality service while effectively meeting budgets and schedules. Our experience ranges from project conceptualization through initiation to implementation and finally, the satisfaction of project completion.

# # #

For more information, contact:

Lucie Touchton

Marketing Manager

Office: (540) 581-0620, Ext. 174

Cell: (540) 529-9290

ltouchton@goodwillvalleys.com

Christopher E. Finley

Director of Marketing & Communications

The Willard Companies

Office : (540) 721-5288

chris@thewillardcompanies.com

If an improved diet is part of your new year’s resolution this year, look beyond convenience health foods and resolve to pack your diet with locally grown, whole foods. Studies show that the processed foods that are staples of our everyday diets are keeping us sick, tired, and overweight. There is a quick fix, however, and all it takes is a little common sense and will-power. So this January, take stock of your pantry shelves, and resolve to make wise food choices in the New Year.

While the most important part of any diet is an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables (grown using organic or low-spray methods, and harvested locally, when possible), it is also important to consider the source of the meat we consume. Fortunately for residents of Bedford and Franklin counties, we have a virtual sustainable foods superstar in Mr. Bev Eggleston, owner of Eco-Friendly Foods of Moneta, VA. All of the meat from Eco-Friendly is raised humanely and fed a natural, hormone free diet; much unlike typical factory farm operations.

Eco-Friendly’s retail operation is still under construction, but the public is welcome to stop by in the meantime, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Check out the company’s website for more information: www.ecofriendly.com.

Virginia has long been known as an agricultural state. In recent years we have become known for our beautiful wineries and orchards. It only makes sense that Farmer’s Markets are a wonderful place to take full advantage of the area we live in. Right here in Smith Mountain Lake/ Moneta we have Moneta /Smith Mountain Lake Community Market. This market is a season market open through October 31st. Roanoke Natural Food Co-Op has locally grown food available all year round and is open to members and non-members to purchase fresh and organic produce.

Green is Good!

“Going Green” is a very popular catch phrase. Many people are doing their best to “buy organic” in an effort to be more environmentally friendly. But did you know buying at a local farmer’s market can make a larger “green” impact than just buying organic? The more shipping involved, the more damage you can have to the environment. Roanoke Natural Food Co-Op has the Gold Standard when it comes to produce; locally grown organic food. If you don’t have this available in your area, buying at the local Farmer’s Market is the next best thing!

Show Me the MONEY!

One of the top reasons for shopping at a local Farmers Market is economic. Normally, you can get fresher produce at a lower price than what you will find at a supermarket. By eliminating the costs of shipping and handling you get to keep more money in your pocket! Even better, by buying produce at the local market, you are helping keep your money in the community. This will help keep the economy healthy in your area!

Closer = Healthy

Did you know if you buy from a community market, you may be buying foods that pack a more nutritional punch than food that has been shipped across the country? Locally grown food can be picked when it is ripe, farmers do not have to allow for shipping time. Fruits and vegetables increase in nutritional value the closer they get to ripening, so the closer=the healthier!! Not to mention it tastes so GOOD!!

Other Local Farmer’s Markets

In Franklin County and Bedford County VA, we have several local markets! The Westlake Farmer’s Market (next to Lake Inn Motel) is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 10.The Bedford Farmer’s Market in Centertown Bedford is open Tuesdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.The Farmer’s Market in downtown Rocky Mount is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

So come on out this Saturday and enjoy the fall bounty of our local markets! Come for a visit and if you like it, then move here! If you are ready to live healthy and happy at Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find the pick of the crop when it comes to Lakefront properties!