November 2, 2006

CONTACT: Josh Spradling or Michelle Newkirk
1-800-CLEAN-TX

Answer the Mockingbird’s Call
New Keep Texas Beautiful Ornament Features State Bird

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) – Listen to the mockingbird; it’s calling out for your help to keep Texas a pristine and beautiful place! Keep Texas Beautiful, Inc. (KTB) is proud to announce the sale of its third edition ornament, highlighting the mockingbird, with proceeds funding KTB’s statewide network of more than 340 affiliates who focus on litter prevention, waste reduction, and community beautification programs. Ask any Texan, and you will no doubt learn that the mockingbird, adopted as the state bird of Texas in 1927, has the prettiest song of any bird native to North America. The mockingbird has a vast array of melodies and no other bird or animal possesses its ability to imitate sounds.

The KTB third edition ornament features a beautiful image of a mockingbird imposed over the state of Texas, is made of 24 karat plated gold, and is approximately three inches in diameter. The ornament was designed by Nelda Laney, who has designed ornaments for numerous Texas organizations and causes over the years, including KTB’s first and second edition ornaments.

“The ornaments make wonderful gifts and can be displayed anytime of year, not just during the holidays,” KTB Board President Debbie Johnston says. “When you purchase an ornament you feel the pride from knowing you are helping support programs to improve communities and educate Texans on how to make Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state.”

Orders for the first, second, and third edition ornament can be made through a downloadable order form on KTB’s website (www.ktb.org) or over the phone at 1-800-CLEAN-TX.

Keep Texas Beautiful, the statewide grassroots community improvement and environmental organization and Keep America Beautiful affiliate, strives to educate and engage Texans through education to take responsibility for improving their community environment. Through programs including the Great American Cleanup, Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off, Lake & River Cleanup Program, and Texas Recycles Day, Keep Texas Beautiful provides the opportunities and resources for Texans to care for their community environment. For more information on programs and events, call 1-800-CLEAN-TX or visit www.ktb.org.

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